It had been a while since Ethan heard any response from the person next to him. He shifted his gaze away from Clara and glanced at Wren. He froze when he caught Wren's expression and the look in his eyes. Did Wren already know Clara?

Ethan's mind started piecing things together. Wren's sudden decision to donate to Moonbay Elementary School seemed unusual. Then a thought crept in, one that he couldn't shake-was Wren making the donation because of Clara?

Once that idea surfaced, it was impossible to suppress. Ethan remembered overhearing Frank's mention just a few days ago that Clara's brother had stopped by the school to visit her. Wren certainly fit the description, though their last names didn't match. Ethan chose not to dwell on it further. Just as he was about to remind Wren that Aaron was waiting in the office, Wren suddenly turned on his heel, walking swiftly out of the place.

Ethan blinked in surprise, his instincts making him glance up. That was when his eyes unintentionally locked with Clara's. He gave her a polite smile.

Clara, taken aback for a moment, quickly smiled back and nodded at him. Just as she was about to resume her lesson, her gaze shifted slightly and landed on the figure walking away from Ethan's side.

Her grip tightened slightly on the book in her hand. That back looked so familiar. She was about to take a closer look when the person picked up their pace and disappeared down the hallway.

Maybe she was imagining things. Wren should've already been in the city by now. There was no way he'd be there at the school.

Clara shook the thought out of her mind and went back to teaching, her clear voice filling the room once more.

Meanwhile, Ethan's earlier hunch had only solidified after Wren's abrupt behavior. They definitely knew each other.

He wasn't the type to pry into other people's business, so instead, he quickly followed after Wren, who was already waiting for him ahead.

When the two reached the office, Aaron was already there, patiently waiting.

Wren wasted no time. He handed over the donation paperwork and a detailed list of items to Aaron.

After reviewing the documents, Aaron stood up and thanked Wren.

Wren immediately stopped him. "No need for that, Mr. Johnson. Actually, I have a small favor to ask of you, if that's alright."

"Mr. Zachman, please, just say the word. I'll do my best to help with whatever you need," Aaron replied.

The amount Wren was donating was

enough to completely revamp the

school. Every facility could be upgraded classrooms could be rebuilt, and he'd even included, funding to install heating and air conditioning in every classroom and teacher's office.

Ethan had a pretty good idea of what Wren was aiming for, and he couldn't help but glance at him.

Wren didn't seem to notice Ethan's look. He spoke softly, "To be honest, this donation is a bit personal. My sister recently came here for voluntary teaching, and this is her first time living so far away on her own. I just want to make sure she's okay."

Aaron, who'd been working in education for decades, immediately understood what Wren meant. The cheerful expression on his face froze for a moment.

The school only had four volunteer teachers. Of them, two were men-Ethan and Ryan. That left just two women, Nina and Clara.

Nina was a local from Larkston, and Aaron was well-acquainted with her family situation. That left only Clara, who had just arrived at the school not long ago.

Clara, who they had waited so long to hire as their new Zhanese teacher. If she left, what would happen to the students?noveldrama