Joy and Ewan were completely taken aback to see Eden actually show up.Both of them were stunned.Joy's tears immediately stopped. She didn't want Eden to see her distress.Ewan's expression remained frozen for a while before he finally asked, "Why... are you here, chief?"Seeing Morris behind Eden, he snapped angrily, "Damn it! Didn’t I tell you not to tell her?"Morris replied, "I swear, I wasn’t going to. She forced me to."Eden shot Morris a look and said, "If I hadn’t come, would you have just suffered in silence?" She then walked over to check Ewan’s leg, and her eyes narrowed.Even his tendons had been severed.It was unimaginable that someone would do this to those she cared about.She would remember this."Jennifer’s from a powerful family, chief. I know you’re strong, but we don’t want to drag you into more trouble," Ewan said. "You should go back. If Jennifer finds out and targets you next, it’ll be my fault."Eden sighed. "Worry about yourself first."With a ser
"It's them, alright!""How is that possible? Weren't they..." Some students glanced around and whispered, "Weren't they crippled by Jennifer? How are they perfectly fine?""I know, right? I saw it with my own eyes. They were carried out of school.""Maybe they found a miracle doctor?""Could be."As Ewan and Joy made their way back to the classroom, they were anxious. They were worried that Jennifer might hear about their return and come after them.Just then, they spotted Jennifer approaching.Both Ewan and Joy instinctively shrank back, unable to look Jennifer directly in the eye due to the fear she inflicted.Eden observed the young woman walking toward her. Jennifer was dressed provocatively in a cream-colored topcoat over a form-fitting spaghetti strap dress and long boots. Her long, dark hair was smooth and glossy.Eden had a sharp memory. During her investigation of Riverside Senior High, she had memorized all the students’ information.She was certain this was Jennife
Jennifer stabilized herself and kept her eyes on Eden, making sure not to act impulsively.Eden remained motionless, her hands lazily tucked in her pockets. After a long pause, Jennifer finally asked, "Who are you?""Eden Griffith," came the cool, detached response.A crack appeared in Jennifer's composed expression. "So... you're Eden Griffith?"Eden's lips curled into a faint smile, her interest piqued. "Are you here for me?"Jennifer remained silent as thoughts raced through her mind.After a moment of contemplation, Eden continued, "The Diaz family? I've never heard of you, and I don't believe we've ever crossed paths. Which family sent you to find me?" Eden mused, her brow furrowed slightly. She'd never had any dealings with the Diaz family before.The Diaz family seemed isolated from the other powerful families.Liam had once shared some information about the Diazs. They weren’t directly connected to any of the old-money families but were quite formidable. They controlled
The man stood behind Jennifer and said, "Ms. Jennifer."He was Jennifer's bodyguard, Rowan Diaz, who had been responsible for her safety from the day she was born and had served her for eighteen years.Jennifer looked in the direction Eden had disappeared and asked, "What do you think of her?""Incomprehensible," Rowan replied.Jennifer smiled when she heard this. "I rarely hear you use that word to describe someone."She knew Rowan very well. There were only a few people in the world who could possibly defeat him. Even she wasn’t a match for Rowan.Whenever she encountered someone she couldn’t handle, Rowan would step in.Over the years, Rowan had evaluated many people, but she had never heard him praise an opponent. He usually dismissed them as rubbish.But now, facing Eden, he used the word "incomprehensible." It was quite surprising.Rowan then added in a serious tone, "She noticed me, Ms. Jennifer.""What?" Jennifer's expression turned to shock as she looked at Rowan in
Eden didn't return to the classroom with Joy and Ewan. Instead, she headed straight to the principal's office.Samuel was leaning back in his chair, massaging his head with a serious expression on his face.The knock on the door pulled him back to reality.Samuel sat up straight and relaxed his expression. "Come in."Eden walked into the room. When Samuel saw her, he was momentarily surprised before frowning. "Why are you back at school? Why not rest for a few days?"He stood up, poured a glass of water for Eden, and looked at her. She seemed better, though the exhaustion was still apparent.Eden must be tired, having had to go to Rielton for the auction and then handle her grandmother's funeral.Eden took a sip of the warm water and said, "The National Assessment is coming up. I need to study."When Samuel heard this, he raised an eyebrow. Study? It sounded strange coming from her."Then why are you here to see me?" Samuel knew Eden's personality well. She wouldn’t come to hi
Samuel responded quickly. Eden narrowed her eyes and put away her phone. A week ago, she was still in Rielton.Quin had already decided to come to Estburg by then.Interesting.Grant looked around and pointed to the seat where Laudes used to sit. He said to Quin, "You can take that seat."Quin smiled sweetly and said, "Sure. Thanks, Mr. Grant."Grant offered a few more words before leaving.Quin glanced at Eden with a victorious smile.After Quin took her seat, the students in the class occasionally glanced at her, their curiosity piqued.Quin was stunningly beautiful, with features so perfect they seemed sculpted by a master. Her flawless brows, large eyes, and fair, smooth skin made her stand out, along with her graceful demeanor and expensive accessories. While the students of Class 3-18 still considered Eden the most beautiful, Quin was undeniably the next most att
Eden turned to her in surprise. "You play too?"Joy nodded. "I do, but I'm not that good."Joy had started playing the game back in her sophomore year, but with her heavy study load, she didn't spend much time on it and wasn't very skilled.Still, she kept up with the news about the game.She was also a fan of TF Squad, particularly Tyrant.Her liking for Tyrant was different from how she felt about Leo.Leo was handsome; his dancing skills made her heart flutter, and he was very professional.But Tyrant was on another level—not just handsome, but captivating, especially when he was fully focused on a match. He looked particularly striking when he was concentrating.Joy wished she could attend a live match someday, but she knew it would only be possible once she started working and earning her own money.She wondered if Tyrant would have retired by then."You like Tyrant?" Eden asked, no longer in the mood to study. She closed her book and leaned back in her chair."Yeah, I
Eden had been struggling with insomnia. It hadn’t been too severe before, but ever since Sofia passed away, she hadn’t slept at all during the night.At first, she thought it was because she couldn’t accept Sofia's death and was still dwelling on it.But now, it was clear her insomnia had gotten worse."It's fine, though. It's always been like this," Eden said, closing her eyes, clearly drained.Quin looked at the two of them, only caring about each other and not her. Her face flushed with anger, but she said nothing.They were halfway there when Eden suddenly opened her eyes. "They're almost here."Alain knew exactly who "they" were.He nodded and then told Quin, "I'll get you a cab at the junction. You'll have to head back on your own.""Go back on my own?" Quin was almost too shocked to process what she’d just heard."What?" Alain shot her an annoyed look. "You're a grown up; you can find your way, can't you?""But..." Quin bit her lip and said, "I haven't eaten anything y
Eden had never seen this scarlet rock before. It looked like it had been scorched red by fire, but it felt cold to the touch.She was immediately drawn to it, even though she didn’t think much of it as she picked it up.At first, she thought it might be something unpleasant. But as soon as she touched the rock, a surge of limitless energy flowed into her body, making her realize that her power had reached a new level.Alain finally snapped back to reality, pulling Eden into his arms and patting her head. His voice was rough as he said, “Can you please avoid doing things that make me worry like this?”Eden was taken aback. She had only picked up a rock. What was he so worried about?Then she realized that Alain and Horace had probably seen the mist enter her body.“Alright. I’ll let you know what I’m doing next time.”Only then did Alain seem to relax.He looked at the rock in Eden’s hand and said, “This is called a Styx Rock. An old man gave it to me a few years ago after I sav
The last time Horace was kidnapped, Eden did everything she could to save him.Caelus had been with her for a long time and followed her every command. She wouldn’t just let him die.The two of them had just left the entrance when Horace came rushing over.“I heard Eden is awake. Let me see her!”Horace had been outside organizing the search for the murderer. When he heard Eden was awake, he left everything and came straight over.He treated Eden like a younger sister, so of course, he wanted to visit her now that she was awake.“Yes, I’m awake,” Eden said with a gentle glance at Horace. Then, she gave a slow, meaningful smile as she curled her lips. “I’m going to save Caelus. Come with me.”Horace suddenly shuddered.She turned to Alain. “What’s with her? Why did she smile so frighteningly?”Alain didn’t respond and got into the car.Horace followed them without delay.Caelus had been in the ice coffin for three days, and his body was already starting to deteriorate.Eden
Eden had just walked out of the room when Sinead arrived.“You’re finally awake. I’ve been so worried about you,” Sinead said, taking Eden’s hand. She then checked Eden’s forehead and pinched her face. Once she was sure Eden didn’t have a fever, she finally relaxed.“I’m really sorry for making you worry,” Eden said, her usual shyness showing.“No need to apologize,” Sinead replied. “If it weren’t for you trying to save us, you wouldn’t have gotten hurt so badly. I’ve been feeling guilty about it, so don’t say anything that’ll make me feel worse, okay?”Sinead glanced around at the nurses in the villa, knowing Alain had recruited them recently. “I know these nurses have been carefully selected, but they can’t compare to me taking care of you myself. Why don’t you come back with me? I’ll look after you personally and make sure you get all the nourishment you need.”“Alright,” Eden agreed immediately.Alain, who was behind Eden, could only watch silently.It seemed he had definite
“I… I wouldn’t dare,” the young nurse said, taking a few steps back, visibly trembling.Eden looked up at her. It was clear that the nurse was frightened, though she was trying to hide it.“What’s your name?” Eden asked as she ate the oats, which tasted fresh and just right.“My… My name is Gem. Gem Scarlet,” the nurse replied, her eyes fixed on the floor, avoiding Eden’s gaze.“How old are you?” Eden inquired. Though she was only slightly older than Gem, she exuded a calm, dependable demeanor.“Eighteen,” Gem answered quietly.Eden stroked her chin, observing Gem. “Do you stutter?”“Huh?” Gem looked up in surprise. “No.”Eden continued eating. “Are you afraid of me?”Gem seemed too stunned to stutter anymore and nodded instinctively. “Yes.”But she quickly corrected herself. “No… I… I’m not afraid of you…”Gem’s eyes filled with tears, and she struggled to hold them back.She bit her lip and, with her head lowered, explained, “It’s… It’s Mr. Brooks. He said you have a bad
Even though Hades was known as the king of all Banevermins, it wasn’t always active. Once the person implanted with Hades had consumed enough blood, Hades would fall into a deep slumber.He had just committed several murders, which meant that Hades had been fully fed and wouldn’t be triggered again anytime soon.Eden figured the reason for his sudden activity was that he was searching for a safer place to hide.“The Johnsons?” Liam repeated thoughtfully. “Since Alain is investigating them, and so are you, did they really do something they’re trying to keep hidden from outsiders?”Eden considered this and then decided to share the truth with Liam. “Have you ever heard of the Shamblers?”“Shamblers? One of the kids at the Agency was reading a horror novel a few days ago, and I overheard them mention it…” Liam said, pausing as he stood up suddenly. “Wait, are you saying the things in those novels are real?”Eden thought about it and nodded slightly. “Not entirely, but it’s not too f
Liam was genuinely impressed with Eden’s progress.If his own children had achieved as much, he’d be able to die happy.Eden, however, had a headache.She already knew about it.When Alain told Horace, she was in the same room and overheard it. She was unsure whether to tell Alain or not, wondering if he could accept the world she was part of.The world where the war would take place.After thinking it over, she finally said, “I’ll take it.”“Alright, I’ll send the reply.”Just before hanging up, Liam remembered something. “You’re in Estburg finishing your senior year, right? Almost ready to graduate?”“Yeah.”“With how smart you are, I’m sure you’ll have no trouble getting into a good university. Have you thought about studying in Rielton? We could grab coffee when we’re both free.”Eden replied indifferently, “The Agency must have a lot of free time these days, huh?”“Well, not exactly. I’m working on something pretty complicated and staying busy, but I’m making time to c
Eden massaged her head, glancing at all the nurses surrounding her.They watched her anxiously, afraid they might upset her.“All of you can leave. I don’t need everyone here,” she said, irritated by the crowd.As soon as the nurses heard her, they began to cry. “Did we do something wrong? Tell us and we’ll fix it. Please don’t fire us!”"That's right. Mr. Ward warned us that if we make you unhappy, he’ll kill us.”“We don’t want to die; please let us stay.”Eden froze, then muttered under her breath, “Darn it.”Was Alain out of his mind?Since when did he become so ruthless?Eden lowered her gaze, feeling the tension rise in the room. She glanced at the nurses, who were now kneeling in front of her, sobbing.Frustrated by the crowd, she said, “Just go. Alain won’t kill you.”Turning to Sulien, she instructed, “Pay them five times their salary and send them away.”Sulien, once obedient only to Alain, now followed Eden’s lead. Without hesitation, he paid the nurses as she as
Alain rarely mobilized his organization, and it was even more unusual for him to take a personal interest in anything. But Sinead knew it was serious if he had to step in himself.She remembered the call she had received from the Gardner family earlier, and a sense of unease settled over her.Could the person Alain and Horace were talking about be connected to that?If so, Rielton would become a living hell.The moment Sinead realized this, she quickly pulled out her phone and dialed a number as she walked outside. "I need your help."Three days later, at Pear Garden.Eden woke up shortly after Alain had left.As she opened her eyes, a young woman stood in front of her, staring at her.After a moment, the young woman excitedly exclaimed, "Ms. Griffith is awake, Dr. Sulien. Look!"She had barely finished speaking when dozens of people rushed into the room. Eden instantly frowned.She had only been unconscious for a little while. What... happened?Where did all these people co
Alain arrived just after the rest of the Ward family had left."Why are you here? Is Eden awake?" Sinead asked. She wanted to stay in Pear Garden to take care of Alain and Eden, but with the Ward family pressuring her for answers, she returned to the family residence to handle them first.They had just left when Alain arrived, and she thought Eden might have already woken up."She's still unconscious," Alain replied, unbuttoning the top button of his blazer as he sat down. "I’m here to see grandpa, and then I’ll head to the company."Sinead nodded. "He just woke up. Your uncles were here, arguing with me. He thinks it’s too noisy and doesn’t want anyone disturbing him, so don’t go in for now.""Got it," Alain said, lighting a cigarette. "Can you go stay with Ed in Pear Garden?""Alright."Sinead didn’t say much, grabbed her purse, and left.She had just reached the entrance when Horace rushed in. Without even greeting her, he hurried to Alain."Alain, he’s shown up again."Ho