Chapter 227

Miles Sutton and the others exchanged glances, their eyes alight with excitement.

Their previous teammates had been top-tier, but Aria Bennett's performance surpassed even that.

After training, the group showered and changed before heading out for dinner.

Tristan Cole dismissed his friends and shamelessly tagged along with Aria's team.

In the private dining room, Ronan Caldwell, as team captain, stood first and extended his hand to Aria.

"Welcome aboard," he said with admiration. "From today onward, we're partners in this."

Aria shook his hand, a faint smile on her lips. "I'll give it my all."

"What's your schedule like?" Ronan asked. "We'll need time to build synergy."

She thought for a moment. "I can spare a day in three days. After that, I have filming out of town, but I'll wrap up my scenes and return as soon as possible."

She understood the importance of teamwork.

Ronan nodded in understanding. Finding someone like Aria was already a stroke of luck—they didn’t want to pressure her.

The atmosphere grew lively as the meal progressed.

Tristan asked curiously, "Is the actual competition like what we did today?"

"Much more complex," Ezra Vaughn chuckled. "We'll be given a virtual world scenario with objectives to complete."

Miles added, "Rumor has it this year's is a hell-mode challenge using cutting-edge holographic tech."

"Global livestream—guaranteed to be spectacular." He winked at Tristan. "Make sure to cheer for us."

Tristan grinned. "I'll be watching every second." He glanced subtly at Aria, already resolved to follow the entire event.

When exchanging contacts after dinner, Tristan insisted on driving Aria home.

In the car, he asked casually, "Need help with that online mess?"

Aria shook her head. "It's nothing I can't handle."

"We're just acquaintances. No need to trouble yourself, Mr. Cole."

Tristan smirked. "I thought we were at least friends." He sighed dramatically. "So cold. It hurts."

Aria arched a brow. His shamelessness was truly something else.

Then she abruptly changed the subject. "Do you know Bianca Cole?"

Tristan's expression didn’t falter. "My sister."

"She dislikes me," Aria stated bluntly. "We have history."

"I know," he admitted. "She resents you because of Damian Cross."

"But she's her, and I'm me." He turned to Aria. "I won’t deny I had ulterior motives at first, but now I genuinely want to be your friend."

He paused. "Bianca’s been sent to Africa. The Cole family won’t interfere in your affairs."

Aria studied his face, gauging his sincerity.

"Acquaintances, then," she finally said.

Tristan's eyes gleamed. "Friends."

Just then, Aria's phone rang. The caller ID—"Nolan Reed"—made her frown slightly.

"What is it?" she answered.

Nolan's urgent voice came through. "Aria! Evelyn and Theo are in trouble!"