"I'm here to see someone," When said, his voice betraying a tension he didn't usually feel-not even during million-dollar negotiations. "Could you call Clara Salford for me?"

Frank froze for a moment and gave Wren a once-over before he asked, "And what are your relations with Ms. Salford?"

Wren's voice caught, rough and hesitant. For some reason, saying the word brother felt impossible at that moment.

After a pause, under Frank's increasingly suspicious paze, Wren finally forced the words out. "I'm her brother. Could you please let her know I'd like to see her? Frank didn't look surprised. Clara and Wien didn't look like they were from a small town like this. Their appearances and demeanors stood out too much. While they didn't share an obvious physical resemblance, they were both strikingly attractive in a way that didn't fit the local mold.

And really, someone traveling all the way out here just to see her couldn't possibly have no connection to her.

Thinking of Clara, a delicate-looking young woman who had suddenly left the city to teach in a remote school, Frank couldn't help but wonder. Everyone had speculated about what had brought her here, and seeing Wren, he guessed it might have been a family argument that pushed her to leave.

"She's probably in class right now," Frank said after a moment. "I'll pass along the message when she's done, but you'll have to wait outside.

"We don't allow strangers to walk around the campus freely. It's aately thing for the lids."

When wanted nothing more than to see Clara immediately, but he understood. He didn't want to disrupt her work or give her another reason to push him away. "Thank you," Wren said quietly, stepping aside to wait near the gate.

Seeing how cooperative Wren was, Frank didn't question his identity further. He returned to the students, planning to deliver the message after class. Soon, the children finished their warm-up exercises and games and began their free activity period. Many of them noticed Wren standing by the gate, peering curiously at him through the bars.

From his spot, Wren surveyed the school grounds. The conditions were f

far worse than he had imagined, and his brows furrowed deeply,

grown up in comfort, never wanting for anything. He had made sure of that. Could she really adjust to a place like this?

But inside the classroom, Clara had adapted remarkably well. After the initial nerves, she found her rhythm. The kids' genuine and innocent nature made her feel at

Several students crowded around her desk when class ended, peppering her with questions. Their enthusiasm was evident, and it warmed Clara's heart to see how quickly they had taken a liking to ber

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, the students packed up their things and headed home, cheerfully saying goodbye to their new teacher as

Watching their playful and carefree goodbyes filled Clara with a sense of contentment she hadn't expected. When she returned to the teacher's office, she found Ninu and Ryan there as well. They had both just finished their classes.

Niru was clinging to Ryan's and, trying to convince him to have lunch with her. The school had a small kitchen to provide meals for the teachers, making it poprelmedd for everyour.

As soon as Nitsa spotted Clara, Inoveldrama

berexpression souted.

setightened her grip on Ryan's am possessively.

Ryan immediately pulled his free as soon as Clara walked in. He moved so quicly it was as if he were afraid of being seen with Nina and was worried that Clara mëght misunderstand However, Clara didn't even spare the two of them a glan

Ryan stepped forward, blocking her path. "Ms Salford, are you leading home to cook? The school kitchen has lunch prepared for the teachers. If you're not

She walked straight to her desk, set her things down, grabbed her electric bike keys, and turned to leave. familiar with where it is, why don't you join us? We can show you the way."