Having just experienced such an Earthbound Manifestation, the realm within became connected to the present world. And everything tied back to Barron. Aria needed to think clearly. That master in the manifestation was too mysterious. Though she had never met him, he clearly still received offerings in the present world. Who could he be? She had discussed this with the fortune teller in the manifestation. Logically speaking, he could not have lived this long. Even if alive, he should be bedridden with age. No one around them fit that description, yet her experiences suggested this person was close by. Aria suspected he used some secret technique, perhaps... soul transfer! At this thought, her expression changed. She looked at her phone, remembering he was also in that manifestation in Ludwiten as his past life self. She sensed a connection but was missing a crucial piece of the puzzle. "What are you thinking about?" The deep, mesmerizing voice from her phone brought her back.
Amongst everyone else, Owen hated Aria the most. His life had become unbearable. He was met with suspicious glances wherever he went, all thanks to that wretched girl! The fortune teller had warned she would bring disaster to the family, but Warren would not listen. Now that he'd finally seen her for the catastrophe she was, he surely would not miss this spectacle. He had even used his remaining connections to invite a master from Mount Dracotigris. Tomorrow, he would make her pay for everything he had suffered.That night, no one in Janovin slept peacefully. Every household buzzed with talk of Aria's departure. Deep in the mansion, Daemon coughed blood onto the wall with his back trembling. He seemed to be talking to his reflection in the mirror. "Find her... You're right, I must find her. Her image was blurred in the manifestation, but someone must have seen her clearly among those we chose." Though the remnant spirit in the Earthbound Manifestation had vanished willingly, s
Celestia's voice was sickeningly sweet as if she did not care who might hear. "Boyfriend? How could I have a boyfriend, Derek? Who's spreading these rumors? "He's just pursuing me, I never accepted. I only want you, Derek." Her voice faded with the closing door. Lost in thought, Ingrid lay in bed with her eyes open. Dawn broke. Edwin had prepared a lavish breakfast to win over Fergus at the Carver family villa on the mountainside. Ian had even arranged for Poeta to sit beside him. He wanted to observe them quietly, to see if there was still affection or if something had gone wrong. Ian had not slept well as this was what he had been pondering all night. This morning, he found out about the social media drama through Edwin. Fergus was not the only one sitting at the breakfast table now. A few shareholders had arrived together, supposedly to play chess with Ian. Ian could not leave them standing, so all were seated. Only Fergus seemed unaware of what was happening. "Granduncl
"Mr. Fergus, please tell Mr. Carver Senior to take care of his health. Young people have their own ideas, so he shouldn't force things on them." "Yes, Mr. Fergus, you really should help calm Mr. Carver Senior down." Everyone knew not to meddle in other people's family affairs. This commotion was clearly meant to upset Warren. Fergus had not understood before, but seeing it now made him wish he could call Percy immediately. He would sue them all and send them to prison. Aria had tipped him off, saying that they were just waiting for these people to walk into their trap. These seemingly insignificant figures had been quietly corroding Carver Group for years. Fergus wouldn't have noticed them at social events before. It just showed how cunningly Ian had played this. Ian was familiar with such scenes. After all, he was the one who had encouraged Owen to partner with Krowonian businessmen back then. It was all to make his brother Warren face reality. He had invested so much effo
"Mr. Veyrith!" Everyone rose from their seats. They had thought things were over for Owen, given the recent investigations. But he had kept an ace up his sleeve. Malric Veyrith was a real disciple of Mount Dracotigris. Hailed as the most likely to achieve transcendence, his gift for divination and fortune-telling was unparalleled. They said he had recently solved Janovin's flooding problems. It was extraordinary. Could someone really control the weather? But that was not even his most impressive feat. They had witnessed him restore a lost soul, and just recently, he had solved that crisis with the Furler boy. Also, the shopping center they had invested in had been struggling until he suggested adding a fountain plaza. Business immediately boomed after that. That was why their faces shifted into obsequious smiles. "What brings you here? Weren't you debating with overseas scholars?" Ian smilingly welcomed him too. Malric Veyrith seemed familiar with Ian but remained aloof. "
But Owen felt he should steer Fergus in the right direction. So he approached Fergus and spoke quietly, "Fergus, stay out of today's matters. There's something wrong with Aria. You'll understand when your grandfather arrives." If Fergus could show emotion, he would have scowled. Warren was right. Their ancestors must have done something terrible to be cursed with a father like Owen. He regretted defending this man in the family chat. Owen stood there confidently. He had always been so self-centered that he had never even checked on Fergus when he was abroad. He had only asked about Fergus' relationships since his return. Fergus would never accept Owen's claim that he hadn't attempted to sow discord between him and Warren. Connecting the dots now, Fergus felt an increasing disgust for Owen and Ian across the room. They were clearly trying to break Warren. When one attempt failed, they would try again. They kept trying to humiliate Warren. And there were even proposals for partne
Malric's words sparked a commotion. "Concerning birth signs? What does that mean?" "It's obviously nothing good." "I'd heard Ms. Carver had a harsh fate. It must be true..." "It's so disrespectful of her to make her elders wait. What kind of young lady behaves this way? Poor upbringing, clearly." Fergus could not stand it anymore. His worthless father had brought this priest to declare Aria's birth signs inauspicious. They clearly just wanted to brand her as a bad daughter who brought misfortune to her father. As Fergus' eyes narrowed, he was about to explode. A soft laugh echoed from upstairs. Aria appeared in her black T-shirt and pants. Her gleaming hair and eyes were dark as usual. "It seems I went too easy on fixing the Carver Group last time." These minor shareholders did not even qualify for board meetings. Aria studied their unfamiliar faces. "If I remember correctly, all of you rely on the Carvers for your livelihood. As the current CEO, I have a question, Fergus
Malric was unsure of the Carver family's inner workings, so he glanced at Owen. "What nonsense are you saying, Aria?" Owen's face reddened with anger. "When did I ever abandon you?" Aria spoke slowly, "I have proof, so just wait. Can you honestly claim your kindness to Mindy wasn't motivated by the benefits of her birth signs?""I..." Owen started. Aria cut him off, "Don't lie, Mr. Veyrith is watching. Lying before a priest might just bring karma knocking on your door."As a superstitious man, Owen grew fearful. He fell silent with his fists clenched. Malric could not bear hearing her words anymore. "Ms. Carver, you shouldn't treat your father this way as a daughter. The gods are watching." "Let them watch then." Aria was brazen and unconcerned. "You may not know this, but I never fall for any guilt-tripping tactics. "I repay kindness with kindness, and I return cruelty with vengeance—even if that person is my own father. As for others..." Aria surveyed the room. "Even more
In that moment, Cormac couldn't afford to care about pride or appearances. His survival depended on severing all ties, especially with a traitor."I don't have a daughter like you!" he snapped, slapping Aliya again. "Do you even realize what you've done? Trafficking human organs—do you think that's something you can walk away from?"Aliya collapsed to the floor, stunned. A chill unlike any she'd ever felt seeped into her bones. She stared up at her father in disbelief, watching as he bowed his head respectfully toward Aria, the very woman she had just mocked.In Aliya's world, her father was the state government. She had grown up believing that their family controlled everything, that Cormac Windham's influence extended far beyond his office, even as retirement loomed.But all of it was crumbling before her eyes.Outside his office, word had already begun to spread. Though muffled, the sharp sound of a slap echoed faintly through the corridor.Everyone understood what that meant—
The group dared to be reckless as Amos was Ludwiten's lieutenant governor. They were peas in a pod and did corruption together.However, they didn't know that their support had already collapsed. Aria was not in a rush to capture Amos' lackeys as her target was in the state government. She didn't go alone either, for Aliya also went with her.Shortly after, Aria issued a new command. "Seal the premises. No one is to leave. Tell everyone to remain in their seats."A request like that, especially directed at the state level, would typically require an exhaustive process—dozens of forms, layers of red tape. Even in cases involving fatalities, senior officials were rarely detained on the spot.But Aria followed with a second message, one that sent chills down spines. "This case involves foreign infiltration. Someone has betrayed the country."Those words landed like a thunderclap. No one dared raise an objection. No one wanted to be associated with treason—not ordinary citizens, and
"Grandpa, it's not convenient for me to get in touch with all of you right now. Remember to take your medicine on time. I have to pretend that I'm locked up. Uncle Eamon and Uncle Waymond have to seem fretful so that the enemy wouldn't be alerted. I'm sorry, Grandpa."Aria didn't reveal what she had encountered in the message. This was because the Special Missions Unit was bound to a confidentiality contract when making decisions. What Aria said was almost pushing the limits.Aria only agreed to get locked up just to see how people would react when the Grisham family was in trouble.When the opponent placed their attention on this incident, they would let their guard down and give Aria a chance to secure evidence of their crimes.If the Grisham family retained its usual influence, the mastermind wouldn't show himself so easily. As Aria felt sorry for her family and worried about Clyde's health, she immediately sent a message to apologize after the auction. However, she couldn't s
There was no way Aria didn't know that the conviction was unfair. Furthermore, Percy specialized in handling economic cases. He knew there was no way Aria would be locked up so quickly. Yet, her crime had been publicly declared without prior warning. Percy was absolutely furious. He tugged his tie and declared the system was corrupted. While Fergus was also helping to find connections, Warren had just landed from Janovin.Clyde had sought out all sorts of connections, even his ex-colleagues in the education field.Fiona clenched his hands. "They promised to help Dad look into it." "They're just trying to fool Mr. Grisham Senior. Their higher-ups have already warned them about it." Nisa suddenly lowered her voice. "They're trying to make his health relapse again. If that happens, the Grisham family is done for."At this moment, a low voice sounded from the door. "So that's what happened. I was wondering why there was no progress with Aria's side after a whole day."It was Eamon.
Because Amos' arrest was part of a covert operation, the news didn't reach anyone outside the circle. That meant Durand remained completely unaware. He was still riding high on the thrill of his plan, blinded by the pleasure of watching the Grisham family fall.That night, he raised a glass of wine in early celebration, his mistress seated beside him. He didn't know that the move he'd made would become the greatest regret of his life.Elsewhere, Nisa couldn't bring herself to be as heartless. That was why, under the quiet cover of night, she made her way to the Grisham residence—not to see Clyde, but to speak with Fiona. She knew Clyde would shut her out immediately, but Fiona… Fiona might just listen.They weren't close. Not the way Fiona was with Priscilla. But they had once shared a few polite meals, floated in the same social circles. Enough to warrant a conversation—barely.When they sat down, Fiona's expression was cool, even distant. She hadn't forgotten the things Nisa had
Lucas could hear the pride in his mentor's voice for Aria. After all, his mentor had taken Aria in Southbury and even owed her his life. Lucas didn't dare to inform his mentor that Aria was being suppressed in the political world. He understood his mentor well. He was devoted to the country and couldn't stand such injustice.Therefore, Lucas didn't tell the truth to prevent his mentor from worrying. If someone with his position made a move, it would become a huge issue. That was why Lucas hid the truth from him. The former had to play along with the other politicians and endure them spouting empty promises. Before Lucas set out, his mentor stood on top of Old City and looked at the vast mountains. "Do whatever you need to, just like what you had done in Southbury. I'll be waiting for you and Aria's return at Janovin."These people didn't deserve his mercy at all!"You used your authority to disregard people's lives." It was the first time Lucas had shown his emotions so open
Amos was too stunned to react. One side of his face throbbed with pain, and fish oil clung to his hair, glistening from the dish he had been slammed into.He had always eaten fish a particular way—only one side. No matter how expensive the fish, he refused to flip it over, believing that leaving it untouched brought good fortune.But today, that superstition had been smashed—along with his pride. Pinned to the table, Amos hadn't even found the time to get angry. Confusion flickered in his eyes as he struggled to rise.Then Lucas spoke, his words crashing down like a stone wall."Amos Lune, you conspired with the Draycott and Fitzroy families to crush honest entrepreneurs. You've abused your position shamelessly."Lucas didn't stop. His tone cut sharper with each sentence."We also have evidence linking you to a human organ trafficking ring in Bellebrook. You've disgraced the people who supported your rise—and the country that invested in you."Lucas had been suppressing his ange
Lucas shook his head steadily. "Not yet."Amos, still basking in the glow of his "victory", had no idea what was coming. He answered Durand's call with a smug smile. On the other end, Durand's laughter rang out loud and triumphant."Mr. Lune, you should've seen the Grisham brothers' faces! I bet they never expected to be abandoned like that!"You played it brilliantly. One quiet move, and boom—the Grisham family's out of the Chamber of Commerce. From here, it's just a slow bleed. They'll lose everything."Amos kept his tone cool. "This isn't enough. Keep pushing the online chatter. The narrative needs to focus on how their precious granddaughter cost so many investors their savings. And don't forget her carefully crafted persona—it's about to unravel."He paused, voice crisp. "Reach out to the other businessmen. Now that the Grishams can't offer any benefits, it's time for everyone to take a bite. You understand, don't you, Durand?"Durand took a moment, then replied, "Right. Got
Cormac even thought of leaving some of his influence behind after retiring. This way, he could still have some power over decisions. He thought he could remind Lucas that not just anyone could do his job well. Therefore, Cormac remained calm after receiving the note. He was already so used to handling his daughter's troubles.Cormac strode into his lounge and asked Pedro, "Is it drunk driving again? Don't you know how to handle it?""It's not drunk driving." Pedro still seemed out of it.Cormac's expression darkened. "It's not drunk driving? Was she on drugs again? I already reminded you numerous times to get someone to keep an eye on her. Which stage of the process is she at right now? Call the people from the drug-testing institution.""No. That's not it." Pedro took off his glasses and his badge.Cormac finally realized that Pedro seemed off. "What happened? Just tell me. I doubt she'll kill someone. Although my daughter is troublesome, she won't do something like that. I kno