Chapter 895

Aaron waited patiently, his hand still outstretched. In the darkness, the two men stood at an impasse. Finally, Nate relented and handed over the bag, but not without saying, “You can’t give her a future.”

The truth of their relationship loomed large. Even though Aaron wasn’t biologically related to the Ace family, and therefore had no blood ties to Lena, in everyone else’s eyes, they were family—close family. For them to transition from uncle and niece to lovers would invite condemnation, gossip, and endless scrutiny. The weight of public opinion was crushing. Aaron could choose to ignore it, but what about Lena?

“Mr. Ace, true love means protecting her from harm,” Nate added as Aaron turned to leave. Nate knew his words were tinged with selfishness—after all, he still had feelings for Lena—but his concern for her was genuine.

Aaron didn’t falter. With Lena’s bag in hand, his steps were firm and confident. His voice was calm but carried an undeniable edge. “Dr. Neumann, take care of your own affairs. As for everything else… you needn’t worry.”

He returned to the car and handed the bag to Lena.

“What did Nate say to you?” Lena asked. She had seen them talking but was too far away to hear.

Aaron glanced at her, his eyes bright and steady. After a moment, he raised a hand to smooth her wind-tousled hair, patting the top of her head lightly. “Nothing important.”

The car started, gliding smoothly through the city streets. Outside, the scenery flickered past like frames from an old, rusty film.

Earlier, being in Aaron’s arms had brought her a sense of peace. But now, as the adrenaline faded, residual emotions began to take hold. The fear from the motorcycle’s sudden appearance, combined with the strange, lingering sensation of Aaron’s embrace, felt like tiny ants crawling over her body and heart, exploring every hidden corner.

Aaron didn’t say a word. He knew she was processing her emotions—and he wanted her to.

When the car stopped, neither of them moved to get out, and the silence between them stretched. Lena’s fingers twisted the strap of her bag nervously, a telltale sign of her unease. Aaron noticed this through the window reflection, and a faint smile played on his lips.

It seems I might’ve pushed too hard. At this rate, she’s likely to find some excuse to run away, he thought to himself.

“Did the motorcycle scare you? Don’t worry—it’s nothing. These days, young people love to show off and provoke others,” Aaron said casually, giving her an easy way to redirect her thoughts. As he spoke, he unbuckled both his seatbelt and hers. “Come on, let’s go. There’s a feast inside waiting for its rightful owner.”

He opened the door and stepped out of the car.

Lena took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment. She even gave herself a discreet pinch on the arm, muttering internally: Lena, what on earth are you thinking? This is your uncle. He was just protecting you in an emergency. Stop having improper thoughts—it’s disgusting.

Outside, Aaron saw her little self-chastising gesture and couldn’t help but chuckle quietly.

Knock, knock.

The sound startled Lena. Aaron had tapped on the car window, urging her to get out. She opened her eyes, exhaled deeply, and finally stepped out of the car.

Aaron, sensing she needed space to sort out her emotions, didn’t wait for her. Instead, he walked ahead toward the house.

Lena followed slowly, her bag in hand, her steps dragging as if weighed down by her thoughts. The unsettling emotions from earlier still clung to her. She wasn’t inexperienced in love—she understood how these feelings arose. Recently, she and Aaron had been spending too much time together. That was why she had started feeling something… different. Maybe it was time for her to move out.