Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 143

The Five Powerhouses Who Match the Unwilling Bride 

Chapter 143 A Polite Introduction 

Ava frowned and glanced at the visibly excited Jane. “Jane, maybe I won’t go over.” 

Finished 

Jane took hold of Ava’s arm and smiled. “It’s fine–we’re just going to take a look. Isa’s introducing her fiance herself. We should at least show some courtesy, right?” 

Isa smiled and blinked playfully. “Well, thank you for doing me the honor, Jane.” 

“Of course. When you get married, I’ll still be wrapping you a big present.” 

Like a butterfly flitting past, Isa hurried over and looped her arm through Daniel’s. He lowered his gaze to her, a mix of indulgence and resignation in his eyes, and let her tug him along. 

Isa brought Daniel over and introduced him. “Here–Jane, Ava, this is my fiance, Daniel. He just returned from Alayna Planet not long ago.” 

Daniel’s gaze paused on Ava for a brief moment before he turned to Jane with a smile. “Hello. I’m Daniel Crowe.” 

Jane shook his hand and smiled. “Mr. Crowe, you look like a real scholar–very refined. No wonder Isa likes you. I hear you’re a university lecturer. Where were you teaching on Alayna Planet?” 

“I taught at Larkwell Academy for a year, but after the New Year, I won’t be returning to Larkwell,” Daniel replied, deliberately keeping his eyes off Ava. 

Jane quirked a brow and turned to Ava. “Ava, Mr. Crowe was actually from your school? Did you two know each other before?” 

Only then did Daniel look at Ava. The moment felt uncomfortable, and Ava forced herself to respond. “We ran into each other on campus a few times, but Mr. Crowe wasn’t a lecturer in my department.” 

“Well, what a coincidence,” Jane said with a laugh, not reading too much into it. “The world sure is small.” 

Ava pressed her lips together and didn’t even look at Daniel. Seeing her reaction, the smile at the corner of Daniel’s mouth stiffened. 

Ava had no desire to stay in the same space as him. She glanced around, spotted Lianne, and said to Jane, “You guys chat. I’m going to find Lianne.” 

Jane nodded. “Alright, go on.” 

Ava walked off in long, hurried strides, as if she wanted to fly straight to Lianne’s side. 

Daniel lowered his gaze to the floor, his eyes turning noticeably colder. 

Lianne was chatting animatedly with a young man, laughing nonstop. When she saw Ava approach, she immediately stopped laughing. “Ava, were you looking for me?” 

Before Ava could answer, Lianne stepped forward and hooked her arm through Ava’s. “Ava, you look gorgeous tonight! I really wanted to come find you earlier, but you seemed busy, so I didn’t.” 

“Sorry,” Ava said gently. “There were too many people–I neglected you.” 

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14 

Chapter 143 A Polite Introduction 

Finished 

Lianne shook her head with a grin. “Don’t say that. This is your coming–of–age party. I’m not that clueless. Besides, I’m perfectly capable of entertaining myself. Sec, that one–the youngest son of the Yardell family…” 

As she spoke, Lianne leaned close to Ava’s ear and whispered, “Strutting around like a peacock in full display, thinking he’s irresistible. Ugh–so tacky.” 

Ava nearly broke into laughter at that. The girl might be young, but she saw things clearly. Men like that thought they were the hunters, never realizing they were the ones being toyed with. 

The young man who had been laughing with Lianne earlier now stared at Ava with eyes wide open, not blinking once. He looked tense, yet tried to pretend he was unfazed. 

“See? Showing his true colors. Disgusting.” 

Lianne flashed him a perfectly polite smile. “Sorry, Gael. Ms. Ava and I need to talk for a moment. Excuse 

us.” 

With that, she quickly pulled Ava away, whispering as they walked, “Ava, you really need to keep your eyes open tonight. Other than the guys, every man here is pretty much trash. Don’t let their looks fool you. These spoiled heirs don’t have any real ability–they’re living off their families‘ past glory. They look impressive on the surface, but there’s nothing underneath.” 

Ava smiled. “I’ll have to thank you for keeping watch for me then. But don’t worry–this coming–of–age party is for appearances. The Morren family is just formally introducing me to the circle. I don’t have any 

other intentions.” 

Lianne chuckled, her eyes glinting mischievously. “I know. You don’t need to explain—I’m not a little kid. If Laurent knew, he’d be delighted.” 

She even winked as she said it. Ava was reminded that Lianne wasn’t just the Mercer family’s daughter–she was also Laurent’s stepsister. 

She reached out and tapped Lianne lightly on the forehead. “You little troublemaker.” 

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