Celestial Queen: Revenge Is Sweet When You’re A Zillionaire Heiress

Chapter 1284:

Dario’s presence sparked Noel’s curiosity. “Dario, tell us about your connection with Harlee.”

This question drew Rhys’ and Goodwin’s attention sharply toward Dario. A good story could be revitalizing.

Goodwin chimed in, his interest piqued despite his exhaustion. “How did your paths cross with Mrs. Green? And I hear you’re acquainted with Miss Santos as well. Would you mind sharing that story?”

Tania, overhearing the conversation, adjusted herself in her seat. She had only recently learned by chance that Tonya and Harlee shared a connection with Dario, but the specifics of their relationships were still vague to her. She was eager to learn more.

Dario always enjoyed sharing how he first crossed paths with Harlee and Tonya. At Noel’s question, his energy soared. “I’m an orphan. Ever since I can recall, the Ivory Skeletons in Claelia ruled over me. They mistreated and enslaved women and children. Those days were even darker than today.”

Noel’s brow creased. “Darker than today?”

Dario responded with a smile that was both cheerful and somber. “Indeed. Today is hard, but I have people who care for me and whom I care about. However, back then, I was utterly alone. To get by, I endured extreme degradation. In those days, the Ivory Skeletons often made family members harm each other just for food. There were times when a son would kill his own father with a stone, or a mother would fatally stab her daughter…”

As Dario recounted these horrors, a look of emptiness overtook his eyes. That place resembled a waking nightmare, where those deemed worthless endured a beast-like existence, stripped of emotion and purpose.

“Did Mrs. Green rescue you from that nightmare?” Goodwin asked, intrigued.

“Absolutely!” Dario replied, his eyes shining with profound respect. “Harlee and Tonya did wonders. They not only eliminated the Ivory Skeletons but also relocated us and taught us survival skills. Anyone struggling to abandon their barbaric ways received firm correction from Harlee and Tonya. Often, a mere glance from Harlee was enough to maintain order.”

Rhys looked on, his expression growing intense. “Was Harlee injured?” His concern lingered, despite the events being in the past.

Dario, feeling the weight of Rhys’ intense look, moved behind Noel and murmured, “I’m not sure.” He was not in a position to ask about Tonya’s and Harlee’s personal matters.

Noticing Rhys’ annoyed look, Noel interjected, “How could they have noticed much? They had only just won back their freedom. Plus, knowing Harlee, even if she were injured, she wouldn’t let it show.”

As Rhys’ friend, Noel understood his worry stemmed from concern for Harlee.

“Yes. Harlee is incredible and strong,” Dario said, echoing Noel’s words. Sitting at the back, Tania clenched her fists in silence, dreading that Harlee might question her about this episode. The information provided to her didn’t include this incident.noveldrama

Rhys sensed he might have pushed things too far. He pulled back his intense gaze and turned his attention to the fire, staring at it in silence. The mood turned solemn, punctuated only by the whispering wind and the crackling fire. The heavy silence spread among them.

Goodwin, who had been eager to chat more, held back his words and sat contemplatively on the grass.

Noel continued his task undisturbed, quietly feeding more logs to the fire. Dario, feeling uneasy, cautiously surveyed the expressions around him as he withdrew from the scene.

“Tania.” A calm voice cut through the silence, making Dario stop and whirl around. Harlee had returned.

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