Chapter 524:Unpleasant.

Chapter 524: 524:Unpleasant.

Shirley managed a small smile but beneath that expression, her thoughts were considerably less pleasant.

She remembered the warehouse, Silver catching her wrist, he coldness in his eyes, Ravenna arriving at precisely the wrong moment and the humiliating way both of them had rejected her.

The memory made her stomach twist.

She had spent years being the daughter everyone preferred; the one praised at family gatherings. The one whose achievements were celebrated. The one who could make Ravenna feel unwelcome with nothing more than a few carefully chosen words.

Yet since arriving at Alpha Three, everything had begun changing. Ravenna was stronger, more respected and, most infuriatingly, happier.

Silver treated her with a tenderness Shirley had never managed to inspire in anyone. And when She had attempted to interfere, he’d rejected her without hesitation.

She hated remembering that.

Marissa continued speaking.

"Once Ravenna understands what’s at stake, she’ll cooperate. She has always been desperate for your father’s approval."

Gideon nodded.

"Exactly."

He looked toward the academy buildings visible in the distance.

"She may have forgotten her place, but she hasn’t forgotten who raised her. She’ll probably be thankful we let her leave home earlier to look for the Ruddington boy. She should have passed through home to introduce us before coming here."

Shirley turned toward the window. For the first time, she wasn’t entirely certain that was true.

The meeting took place inside a private reception room attached to the academy’s administrative guest center.

Ravenna arrived first.

She wore her ordinary academy uniform, her white hair tied loosely behind her head, and her expression was carefully controlled.

Silver accompanied her.

His presence had required special permission because of their disciplinary restrictions, but Peter had approved the meeting after Ravenna explained that her family intended to discuss matters affecting her enrollment.

Silver had also insisted that the meeting be formally registered with the academy’s student welfare office.

Ravenna hadn’t understood why at first until he’d explained.

"If they’re going to threaten your enrollment, I’d rather have an official record of what they say."

She had smiled.

Now, standing outside the reception room, Ravenna looked toward him.

"Are you ready?" She asked him.

Silver raised an eyebrow.

"Shouldn’t I be asking you that?"

She exhaled.

"Probably."

He took her hand.

"Remember what we discussed."

She nodded.

"No agreeing to anything immediately."

"Good."

"No signing documents."

"Excellent."

"And if they start threatening me, we leave."

He smiled.

"Perfect."

She looked toward the door.

Then whispered, "I hate that I’m nervous."

He squeezed her hand.

"Then be nervous. You don’t have to pretend otherwise."

She looked toward him.

He smiled faintly.

"Just don’t let them decide what you do because of it."

She nodded and opened the door.

Gideon Arkland stood near the window, Marissa sat on one of the couches and Shirley occupied the seat beside her.

The moment Ravenna entered, Gideon’s expression hardened.

"You’re late."

She glanced toward the clock.

"We’re three minutes early," she nonchalantly said.

Gideon frowned.

"That’s not the point."

Silver smiled politely.

"Good afternoon."

Gideon turned towards him and his expression immediately changed.

"Ah. Silver." He approached with an enthusiastic smile. "It’s a pleasure to finally meet you properly."

Silver shook his hand.

"Likewise."

Gideon gestured toward the couches.

"Please, sit. We have quite a lot to discuss."

Silver nodded.

"Of course."

Ravenna sat beside him.

Shirley’s gaze moved toward their joined hands, her expression tightening.

Marissa smiled.

"Ravenna, dear."

Ravenna looked toward her.

"Marissa."

The woman’s smile faltered.

"Still refusing to call me Mother?"

She remained composed.

"My mother was Selena."

The room became quiet.

Marissa’s expression hardened.

"There’s no need to be unpleasant."

Silver glanced toward Ravenna.

She didn’t look away.

Gideon cleared his throat.

"Enough. We’re here to reconcile, not argue." He sat opposite them. "Ravenna, your mother and I have been concerned about you."

Ravenna remained silent.

Gideon continued, "You’ve barely contacted us since leaving home and we only knew of you arriving at Alpha Three through Shirley, and whenever we attempt to discuss family matters, you respond with hostility."

Ravenna raised an eyebrow.

"Family matters?"

"Yes."

"Such as?"

Gideon frowned.

"Your sister’s difficulties."

She nodded slowly.

"Of course."

Marissa leaned forward.

"Shirley has been having a terrible time here. Certain students have been spreading rumors, and her academic performance has suffered because of the stress."

Silver remained silent.

Ravenna looked toward Shirley.

"Is that so?"

Shirley lowered her gaze.

"I didn’t want to trouble anyone," she said woth a pitiful voice.

Ravenna almost laughed.

Marissa continued, "And frankly, Ravenna, I think you should’ve done more to support her. You’re her older sister."

She folded her hands.

"What exactly would you like me to do?"

Gideon smiled.

"That’s what we came to discuss."

He turned toward Silver.

"Young man, I’m sure you’re aware that the Arkland family has maintained several successful commercial operations for many years."

He nodded politely.

"I’ve heard."

Gideon continued, "Unfortunately, the recent beast incidents have caused some temporary difficulties. Nothing particularly serious, of course, but enough that we’re considering new partnerships."

Silver smiled.

"I see."

"Naturally, the Ruddington family came to mind."

He nodded.

"Naturally."

Gideon leaned forward.

"I understand your grandfather is an influential figure in Delta Three."

"He is."

"And I believe a partnership between our families could be mutually beneficial especially with the promise between the older generation."

Silver considered.

"Perhaps."

Gideon’s smile widened.

"Excellent."

Silver continued, "What exactly would the partnership involve?"

He hesitated.

"Well, transportation, security logistics, perhaps some financial support while the affected trade routes recover."

Silver nodded.

"Do you have audited financial statements?"

The room became quiet.

Gideon looked at him, confused.

"Excuse me?" He asked.

Silver smiled politely.

"Audited financial statements. Outstanding liabilities, current revenue, debt obligations, contract performance, that sort of thing."

His expression changed.

"Those are internal business matters."

Silver nodded.

"Of course." He leaned back. "Then I’m afraid I can’t recommend anything to my grandfather."

Marissa frowned.

"Surely you don’t need to involve yourself in such unpleasant details."

Silver looked toward her.

"Mrs. Arkland, if someone asks me to introduce a business to my family, I need to know whether that business is financially sound."

Gideon forced a smile.

"Young man, I think you’re misunderstanding the nature of our request."

Silver smiled.

"Then please explain it."

Gideon hesitated.