Chapter 846

In this world, only one person had ever called her “Twinkle”—Aaron. And that had been a relic of their shared childhood.

Nate’s gaze shifted to Aaron, and his hand fell back to his side. “Uncle Aaron.”

“Professor Neumann,” Aaron replied coolly. “Given your current situation, you can just call me Mr. Ace.” His words were a subtle reminder that Nate’s connection to Lena was no longer valid.

Aaron then turned to Lena. “If it’s convenient, I’d like to talk to you about something.”

“Sure,” Lena agreed, glancing at Nate briefly before walking off with Aaron.

Standing beside Aaron, who loomed over her like a shadow, Lena looked smaller than usual. “Is this about my parents?”

Since returning, Carol and Gabriel had been pushing her to move back home, claiming it was the only way they’d feel at ease. Even her grandparents had joined in.

“They want to know if you’ve thought it through,” Aaron said, confirming her suspicion.

Lena put on a tone of consideration. “I don’t want to move back,” Lena replied. “I’ve been living alone for years. With my job, I’m called out at all hours. If I move home, I’ll disrupt their rest.”

Aaron didn’t respond immediately, his expression unreadable. Yet Lena had a sinking feeling—this excuse wasn’t going to fly with him.

The truth was, Lena’s parents—especially Carol—listened to Aaron more than anyone. If Lena wanted to avoid moving back home, convincing Aaron was her best shot.

Lena tugged lightly at the edge of his jacket. “Uncle Aaron, you know how it is. I’m an adult. Living with my parents at this point just doesn’t feel right. I need my space.”

“They’re doing this for your own good,” Aaron said, his tone authoritative.

He might’ve been her uncle in title, but they were about the same age. To Lena, Aaron had always felt more like an equal, and her respect for him came from their history, not family hierarchy.

“I know they mean well,” Lena said with a sigh. “But I’m an adult. I need my own space.” She paused, then added with a playful smirk, “Besides, you didn’t move in with Grandma and Grandpa when you came back.”

Aaron raised a brow. “Are you making this about me?”

“I’m saying you should empathize,” Lena replied, a hint of playfulness in her tone—so different from her usual professional composure.

Chapter 846

“You want me to empathize?” Aaron’s sharp gaze fixed on her. “Then tell me the truth—why are you so insistent on living alone?”

Lena pressed her lips together, hesitating briefly before answering. “I’ve gotten used to it. I don’t want to go back to being monitored and told what to do.”

Her mind flashed back to their school days, when she and Aaron had both endured lectures from their families. She had complained to him countless times back then, and moving in with her grandparents had been her only escape.

“Is that really the reason?” Aaron asked.

“Of course. Why else would I—”

“It’s not because of Nate?” Aaron interrupted, his words hitting like a thunderclap. Lena froze for a beat before letting out a dry laugh. “We’re not together anymore.”

“But he’s clearly trying to win you back,” Aaron said.

It was impossible to miss—Nate’s decision to bring his groundbreaking research to her hospital wasn’t just a professional move. He could’ve partnered with any prestigious institution, but he’d chosen Lena. His motives weren’t exactly subtle.

“Plenty of people are trying to win me over,” Lena quipped lightly.

Aaron caught the faint glimmer in her eyes. “If you don’t want to live with your parents, that’s fine—but on one condition.”

“What condition?” Lena asked, narrowing her eyes in suspicion.

“They don’t want you living alone because they’re scared. After everything that’s happened, they’re worried someone might try to hurt you again. That’s why they’re pushing so hard.”

Aaron didn’t need to spell it out for her—Lena already knew.

“They’re overreacting. Those people are gone. I was just a pawn—a hostage. Nobody’s coming after me now.” She brushed the concern aside.

“I’ve been back for a short time, and you’ve already been targeted twice. It’s not just your parents—I don’t think it’s safe for you to live alone.”

His words earned him a sharp, lingering stare from Lena.

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