---- Chapter 24 No.24 Ava woke up early for class. When she opened her door, she ran into Julian. As usual, they greeted each other and walked to the elevator together. As they were walking downstairs, Julian suddenly asked, "! saw the man who came to see you last time." Ava frowned and looked at him. | don't mean anything by it, Julian explained. "| just wanted to ask if you need any help." Ava shook her head and explained naturally, "He's my former guardian." Julian chuckled. "| thought he was a suitor. The way he looked at me, it was like | had stolen his treasure. He saw me as a rival." Ava looked away and didn't answer. Did | say something wrong? Julian asked, suddenly realizing his mistake. No, | was just thinking about something, Ava replied, changing the subject. "Why weren't you in class yesterday?" Yesterday was a major economics lecture. Julian was the ---- lecturer. She was a little surprised. Julian glanced at her and smiled. "| went to visit your father yesterday." Ava's mouth fell open slightly. She hadn't expected that answer. She felt a little embarrassed. After starting school, she had been so focused on her studies that she had contacted her father less. Is something wrong? she asked, then felt it was inappropriate to be asking about her father's affairs from someone else. Just some company matters, Julian said. "You can ask your father about it later. It will be helpful when you take over the company." Ava nodded, a little surprised that her father had told Julian about her taking over the company. They chatted about company matters for a while and soon reached the university. On the way, she didn't see Ethan. He had probably left. She hoped that after he left this time, he wouldn't disturb her life again. As they parted ways, Julian reminded her, "Your father was afraid you'd forget. He wants you to attend a dinner party this weekend." ---- Ava's hands clenched slightly. She had attended many parties at the Hayes mansion, but this was her first in New York. Julian saw her nervousness and smiled. "Your father and | will be there. There's nothing to worry about." Ava smiled back at him and said goodbye. Julian seemed to have a calming effect on her. She felt reassured The day before the weekend dinner party, her door was knocked. It was a smiling Julian. He said her father had asked him to help her choose a dress and get her makeup done, and asked if she had time. She was an early riser and had nothing prepared. She put on her shoes and followed him to a high-end custom design studio. As they entered, a stylish, capable woman named Celine greeted them. Julian introduced Ava as Mr. Miller's daughter, a student. Celine touched Ava's cheek and exclaimed, "What a beautiful young woman! Is she your girlfriend?"