Chapter 115 Departure
After Aria and Summer came downstairs with their luggage, Elizabeth was still in the living room. Seeing that Aria only had one suitcase, she didn't think much of it and just reminded her to stay safe.
At this moment, Elizabeth had no idea that once Aria left this time, they wouldn't see each other again for many years.
Over the next few days, Aria focused on handling the handover of the studio.
She told Lucy that she needed to go abroad for a while to clear her head. Lucy knew what had happened to Aria recently, so when she heard this, she readily agreed and promised to manage the studio well.
Aria knew Lucy's capabilities. She had already handed over many things to Lucy some time ago, and Lucy was familiar with most matters, so the handover wasn't too difficult.
By the time Aria had mostly finished the studio handover, Lance had also finished investigating the hotel incident.
The crystal chandelier mount had indeed been deliberately loosened. The surveillance in the lobby had been under maintenance for a period of time the day before the wedding. Lance's people followed this lead and tracked down the person who did it.
The person seemed to have been bribed. At first, he said Aria had instructed him to do it, but after Lance dug deeper, he got scared and admitted he didn't actually know—the person who paid him had told him to say that.
After that, Lance didn't continue the investigation. He handed the person directly over to Officer Young, completely clearing Aria of suspicion and restoring her freedom to leave the country.
"Who do you think did this?"
Someone who went to such lengths to frame Aria must be someone they both knew well.
Hearing Lance's question, Aria smiled gently. "You should already have someone in mind."
"Yes, that's why I didn't investigate further. But I've sent Arthur a big gift. After you leave, this gift will reach him."
Lance looked at Aria and saw complete understanding in her eyes. They both saw through each other's thoughts.
"When's your flight?"
"Tomorrow night."
Aria had been waiting for Lance to handle this matter. Now that it was settled, she could leave with peace of mind.
Hearing this, Lance felt a bit melancholy. He hadn't expected the parting to come so quickly.
Seeing Lance's silent expression, Aria smiled gently. "It's not like I'm leaving and never coming back. Why that look?"
Lance shook his head lightly. "Nothing. Dinner together tonight?"
"Sure."
Aria also wanted to properly thank Lance. She really did owe him a meal.
After agreeing on a time and place, Lance left first, while Aria stayed at the studio until near closing time before going to the appointment.
Perhaps because their parting was near, the two didn't hold back much during this meal. They talked about things from the past and laughed heartily.
Little did they know, this scene of their laughter and joy was being recorded by someone with ulterior motives...
The next day.
Aria got up early to pack. Since she didn't know when she'd be back from this trip, she brought all the essentials.
"You've really decided on Iceland?"
Summer had only learned last night that Aria had chosen Iceland.
"Yes, I've wanted to go there for a long time but never had the chance. This is a good opportunity to go there and take care of myself during the pregnancy."
For the past three years, she had been living a life that didn't feel like her own. Now that she had this chance, she naturally wanted to choose a country she'd always wanted to visit.
Iceland was her first choice.
Summer continued asking, "Are you planning to have the baby there?"
Aria paused. "I'll see. I'll check it out when I get there and let you know."
"Okay, contact me once you're settled, and I'll fly over to see you when I have time."
"Okay."
The two chatted for a while longer. After lunch together, Aria went to the studio to say goodbye to the staff, then had Summer accompany her for a tour around the city.
Looking at the places where she had spent so much time, she seemed to see memories everywhere.
Now she was about to say goodbye to these memories, leaving them behind in this city along with her past love...
By evening, Lance contacted her and accompanied them to the airport.
"Aria, now that you're leaving, I don't know when we'll see each other again. Take care of yourself. If you run into any trouble abroad, you can tell me—I might be able to help. You know that, right?"
Aria smiled gently and nodded. "Sure, no problem. Mr. Gray, I'll still need you to look after my studio here!"
"How can only Mr. Gray look after it? I'll help Ms. Hall keep an eye on things too."
Just as Aria finished speaking, a magnetic voice came over. Everyone was startled and looked over—it was Mr. Monroe.
"Mr. Monroe, what are you doing here?"
"I just went to your studio and heard from your staff that you're going abroad and don't know when you'll be back. So I rushed over, and luckily I made it in time."
Mr. Monroe explained with a light laugh, then added teasingly, "Look at you, we're friends, and you're leaving without even telling me. That's really not cool."
Hearing this, Aria felt warmth in her heart. Mr. Monroe was a good person. Whether in business or friendship, he always struck the right balance, never making people uncomfortable.
"Yes, my fault. I didn't notify many people this time. I'm really happy you came to see me off."
Mr. Monroe's lips curved up as he nodded. "I know, it's fine. I'm just joking. But seriously, how long are you planning to stay abroad?"
"Not sure yet. Too many things have happened recently. I want to take this chance to clear my head first. I'll come back when I'm feeling better."
Mr. Monroe knew about the hotel incident. That's why he wasn't too surprised by Aria's departure. After all, who could stay calm after something like that?
Aria was already being very gracious.
"Alright, remember to contact me when you get back."
"Got it, got it. Why are you talking so much? I haven't even said two words to her yet, and you've said everything since you got here. If you can't reach her, contact me in the future, okay?"
Lance, watching Mr. Monroe go on and on, interrupted impatiently.
Aria was used to the two of them going back and forth like this recently, so hearing this, she wasn't surprised. Instead, she found it endearing. It probably wouldn't be easy to see such endearing scenes again.
After more pleasantries at the airport, the announcement soon came for Aria's flight. She smiled and said goodbye to everyone, then turned and walked toward the boarding gate.
Her back showed no hesitation...