Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 150

Chapter 150 The Mentor Who Changed Everything 

“Jane Morren!” Ryan ground out the name through clenched teeth. 

སོ ལྟ 13 

Finished 

“Mason,” Laurent asked calmly, turning his head, “isn’t your cousin’s wife a little too bored?” 

Mason glanced at the Holoband on his wrist. “Don’t ask me. If you’re mad, go find Cassius.” 

As he spoke, Mason tapped open the Holoband, swiped a few times, found Cassius‘ profile, and fired off a message without hesitation. ‘Control your woman. What’s her deal, wedging herself into other people’s marriages every day and playing the third wheel?‘ 

Keith frowned as well. Ethan glanced at him. “You’re not going to talk to Louis about it?” 

Keith shot him a sideways look. “Louis? That couple is thick as thieves. If I say a word, do you believe he’d make an even bigger fuss than Jane? He’s always loved stirring the pot.” 

Jonathan looked at Ava and asked, “Ava, what did Ms. Severn say to you just now?” 

“She said Mr. Jones plans to take me on as his apprentice,” Ava replied. “Great–uncle Jonathan, did you contact Ms. Severn?” 

A flicker of surprise crossed Jonathan’s face before it vanished. “So that’s why she showed up today. But no, I didn’t reach out to Theodore. It must have been one of your matches working behind the scenes.” 

He had considered making arrangements, but Ava’s coming–of–age ceremony was close, and they hadn’t acted yet. Besides, Theodore hadn’t been their original choice–the Jones family had never been particularly close to theirs. 

“If it’s Theodore, that’s actually excellent,” Jonathan continued. “He’s an even better choice than the candidates I had in mind. Come with me, and we’ll speak to Ms. Severn. Or would you rather stay here?” 

Ava immediately stepped forward and took Jonathan’s arm. “I’ll go with you. The purpose of today’s ceremony has already been served. If I stay, I’m just decoration.” 

Jonathan laughed, rare amusement in his eyes. “You clever little thing. Very well, come along. But first, let your matches know–no need to leave them waiting.” 

Ava glanced at the group, then walked over. The hall buzzed with voices. A few people tried to strike up conversations as she passed, but she declined without slowing, leaving the whispers behind her. 

She stopped in front of them. “Ms. Severn told me her husband, Theodore Jones, plans to take me as his apprentice. Great–uncle Jonathan said this wasn’t his doing…” 

She paused, her gaze sweeping across their faces. “I’m surprised, but very grateful for what you’ve done for me. Great–uncle Jonathan is taking me to speak with Ms. Severn, so I’ll need to excuse myself.” 

Laurent studied her quietly for a moment. “Go ahead. Theodore is a force beyond measure. His mental power is Rank Double–S. Having him as your mentor will help your growth tremendously.” 

He glanced at the others. “I didn’t expect one of you to have the pull to persuade someone like Theodore.” 

16:50 Thu, Jan 15 

Chapter 150 The Mentor Who Changed Everything 

Finished 

Ethan smiled, warmth soft in his eyes. “My father has some history with Theodore, and my mother knows Ms. Severn as well. After we learned you awakened wood elemental power, they went to speak on your behalf. I hope you don’t mind that they acted on their own. There was never a definite answer, so we didn’t tell you. We just didn’t expect Ms. Severn to come personally today. Of course, it was ultimately because you’re exceptional enough that she agreed.” 

Ava hadn’t expected Dylan and Elena to be the ones behind it. Ethan made it sound simple, but given Theodore’s standing, ordinary connections could never have opened that door. 

She straightened and bowed deeply to Ethan. “Please convey my thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Brock. After the ceremony, I’ll visit them in person.” 

Ryan watched her with shining eyes, pride written all over his face. 

Mason chuckled and teased, “So that’s how it is. I thought Ava chose Ms. Severn over the rest of us.” 

Keith narrowed his eyes playfully. “Ava, your ballroom dancing was incredible. I really wish I’d been the one dancing with you. Since I missed my chance this time, you won’t turn me down next time, right?” 

She didn’t answer directly. “I’ll head over now. I don’t know how long the talk will take. If you get bored, you can leave first.” 

“No way,” Ryan said at once. “No matter how late it gets, I’m waiting. You promised you’d accept my flowers. I’m not leaving.” 

He lowered his head and touched the lily pinned near his chest, then looked back up at her. “You said it yourself. You can’t take it back.” 

Watching him try to act cool after saying all that, Ava nearly laughed. Ryan was younger than the others- rash, spoiled, with the temper of a rich kid–like an overexcited husky, foolish and earnest all at once. 

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