Chapter 26

Serena Blake curled her lips in a mocking smile after hearing Aria Bennett's suggestion. This woman must be afraid no one will choose her, she thought.

"Drawing lots is so boring," Serena said, tossing her hair. "Mutual selection is much more exciting."

She turned to the others with expectant eyes. "What do you think, everyone?"

Damian Cross tapped the table lightly with his long fingers, his voice cool. "I support Aria. All forty trainees are outstanding. Forcing us to pick just five would be unfair."

His gaze swept over Serena, carrying a silent warning.

Serena's heart tightened. Damian is actually defending Aria?

Unwilling to back down, she turned to Nolan Reed. "Nolan, what's your opinion?"

A sudden thought flashed through Nolan's mind: I should side with Serena. But when his eyes landed on Aria's indifferent profile, an inexplicable pang shot through his chest.

"Let's draw lots," he heard himself say. "It's the fairest way."

Serena's eyes widened. Even Nolan is taking Aria's side?

She didn't notice the wisp of white mist dissipating from her body.

"If both of you insist..." She forced a smile. "Then we'll do it your way."

Caleb Monroe and the others exchanged displeased glances. This woman didn't even ask for our input?

Aria spoke up at just the right moment. "Do any of you have suggestions? My idea might not be the best."

Jonah Pierce immediately chimed in. "Drawing lots sounds great—let fate decide!"

Caleb and the rest nodded in agreement, their eyes warming toward Aria.

Only then did Serena realize—Aria just outmaneuvered me!

The live comments exploded:

[Serena's so self-centered]

[The favoritism is obvious]

[Aria has way better emotional intelligence]

Seeing the tension, the director quickly mediated. "Then it's settled. First, we'll draw numbers for order, then mentors."

As the drawing began, Aria subtly flicked her fingers. The most troublesome trainee inexplicably pulled Serena's name.

His face stiffened, then relaxed. At least it's not Aria.

Aria didn't interfere with the rest of the draws.

Some connections were better left to fate.