Chapter 24 Oriana Leaves "Alright, be careful. Don't let Grant drag you back again," Zara said. Oriana lowered her gaze to the scratches on the back of her hand and murmured, "He won't come looking for me today." She returned to her apartment. After disinfecting the wounds with hydrogen peroxide and applying simple bandages, Oriana headed toward her room. She paused, then unplugged the living room's surveillance system before quickly finishing packing the remaining luggage. **** At the hospital, the doctor wiped away the blood. Luna's wound was nearly healed, just faintly stitched. Luna no longer cried, standing there hesitantly, eyes on Grant. She lowered her head like a neglected pet. "I'm sorry, Grant. It was my fault. I caused a misunderstanding between you and Oriana." Grant pinched the bridge of his nose. "It's not your fault. She acted maliciously." Luna's eyes flickered with a dangerous glint at the thought that Oriana had dared to actually strike her. Biting her lip, she said, "Don't worry, Grant. I won't tell Dad, Mom, or Owen about today. They've always had a tense relationship with Oriana; I won't make them dislike her more." Grant lowered his hand, observing the now placid Luna. She looked serene and beautiful, as if overlapping with the gentle, resilient shadow she once was. He felt a twinge of disorientation. Luna continued, "Grant, there's not much time. I'll apologize to Oriana so she'll accompany you to the signing." 'No need." Grant glanced at the notification blinking on his phone from the surveillance system. He knew Oriana had already returned to her apartment. After what she did, she'd calmly gone home. "I'll have Alaric bring you a new dress. Just stay with me," Grant murmured. "Today, you should have been the leading lady. I was foolish to act as I did." He shouldn't have brought Oriana out because he wanted her to see the world. She only needed to live quietly under his protection. 1/3 Luna looked up, eyes full of delight and affection, tender and lingering. "Alright, I'll do as you say, Grant," Luna said. At the airport, Oriana and Zara embraced tightly upon seeing each other. In that moment, Oriana finally felt real. She could finally be free. 'I feel at case now that I see you," Zara said. Oriana smiled, "Me too." No more chatting, let's get your check-in done and through security quickly," Zara said. Okay," Oriana nodded. Zara pulled her along at a brisk pace. With her high efficiency, Oriana completed all procedures in less han twenty minutes. The two paused at the security checkpoint, reluctant to part. Oriana, take good care of yourself at Jindiwood. I told my family I'll intern at the Jindiwood branch with you this semester. Wait for me," Zara said. Oriana was touched. "I'll wait for you." They waved goodbye, Oriana glancing back several times before finally walking through the security gate. An hour later, Oriana boarded the plane to Jindiwood. he had originally booked economy, but Micah's assistant, Kieran Duke, contacted her, asking for her light details and upgrading her to first class. Oriana was taken aback but accepted the gesture. She settled into the window seat, Not long after, a passenger took the empty seat beside her. Oriana instinctively turned and froze. She admitted to herself she was shallow. She had fallen for Grant at first sight years ago because he was handsome. Aurora's rapid rise wasn't just due to its strength; it was also thanks to Grant's striking looks. Now, the man sitting beside her, wearing dark sunglasses that covered a third of his face, seemed even more attractive than Grant. He radiated an air of refinement, more like a tranquil, clear lake, giving a strange sense of peace. He was 2/3 even more outstanding than Grant. Yet Oriana instinctively felt that getting close to him would be far more difficult than ordinary people. Perhaps her gaze was too intense, he tilted his head slightly toward her. From this angle, she noticed that Micah's eyes were fixed straight ahead. Oriana guessed at once. A flight attendant approached, warmly offering a towel and bottled water. "Sir, please raise your hand if you need anything." After a brief pause, she turned to Oriana with an apologetic and hopeful smile. "Ma'am, this gentleman is visually impaired. Please assist him if needed." She was right. "Thank you, ma'am," the attendant said sweetly, then continued serving other passengers. Oriana saw that the man had not moved the towel or water in his hands, so she asked proactively, "Would you like me to help position your blanket?" Probably due to the ongoing boarding noise, Micah unconsciously tilted his face toward her. "Please place the blanket behind my waist. Thank you," he said, his voice deep and rich like a cello, smooth and pleasant. 20 ጠ 3/3 Finished