Aria was trying to destroy the influence Ian built for himself in Janovin for 70 years. Aria locked eyes with Ian. "Saving Grandpa's life once earned you a lifetime of comfort. If the Carver family didn't genuinely care for you, they would have sent you away with a couple of dollars."After all, there were plenty of beggars who couldn't afford to eat at the time. Great-great-Grandpa couldn't bear to see a child begging in that era. That's why he decided to adopt you."Grandpa has never revealed your identity to anyone all these years. He has always treated you as if you were his elder brother."Aria's gaze darkened. "The Carver family owes you nothing, yet they have always been protecting you. Despite this, we're still the bad guys in your eyes."Aria stared at him with an icy gaze. "You know, you really remind me of a saying—some people will always be ungrateful, no matter what's done for them.""How dare you!" No one had dared to talk to Ian like this since he was a child. I
After Aria finished speaking, everyone was in an uproar."Ashes? What ashes?""What is Ms. Carver talking about?"The relatives weren't the only ones who were puzzled. Even Warren and Fergus looked over. Aria had never mentioned anything about ashes to them.Ian never expected her to know about the ashes. An unprecedented panic crossed his face, but he quickly regained his composure.Ian had been to Mount Dracotigris and had studied fortune-telling. He would have known if someone had tampered with the layout. Thus, the only explanation he could fathom was Aria bluffing.Ian sneered. "This is getting more and more ridiculous. Everyone knows how skillful Mr. Veyrith is. If there were something unusual here, he would have sensed it by now."Malric lifted his chin when his name was mentioned. Moving his fingers thoughtfully, he stated firmly, "There's nothing supernatural or evil here. Ms. Carver, please watch what you're saying."Aria smiled. "There's a crow, isn't there? I don't
Ian's unease had reached its peak. He couldn't let the situation spiral out of control. He thought of his so-called family member who always claimed to value family ties.Ian looked toward the side. "Warren, how could I possibly be in charge of the company's matters? I don't even have the right to attend shareholders' meetings, let alone lead anyone on."Do you perhaps have some misunderstandings about me? I only helped Owen because he came to me. I don't wish to see you two falling apart."Owen, oblivious as always, blurted out, "Dad, don't blame Uncle Ian—it's my fault! You've always handled the company alone. Besides, I've always been useless to you."Since you never give me a chance to prove myself, I had no choice but to ask Uncle Ian for help. The shareholders were just following my instructions."Warren didn't even bother to look at him. Owen seemed to have inherited none of his genes."Mr. Owen, you're overestimating yourself," Aria interjected, stepping in as Warren rema
Malric had his fair share of experience in expelling evil beings. Logically, he should fear nothing. Yet, he couldn't suppress the unease that gnawed at him as he faced the crow before him.His mentor had once advised him to always remain polite when encountering such creatures. Clasping his hands together, Malric bowed to the crow. "My apologies.""Mr. Veyrith, what are you doing?" someone asked, their confusion mirrored by others in the group. Malric couldn't fully grasp the peculiar sensation he felt, so he could only explain, "This crow is no ordinary crow.""Not an ordinary crow?" The group trusted Malric's judgment and followed his lead, bowing to the crow.To their astonishment, the crow accepted their gesture. Puffing out its chest, it strutted a few steps forward with a distinct air of importance.Fergus was baffled. "Aria, this…"Aria stroked her chin thoughtfully. "The crow is indeed special. It's proving to be quite effective," she said cryptically as if referring t
A strong gust of wind howled, scattering leaves to the ground as the crow cawed ominously. The sky was eerily clear, not a single cloud in sight. The crowd was absolutely stunned, their eyes wide with disbelief."It's really a cremation urn!"Why is there a cremation urn here?""Isn't this layout supposed to bring fortune?"As questions were hurled one after another, Ian's expression darkened.Warren reacted swiftly, staggering forward with his walking cane to take a closer look. "T-This cremation urn...""It was taken from the Carver family's memorial hall," Aria said, stepping forward to support Warren. Although she had warned him not to get too upset or angry, she was still concerned. She tapped on Warren's life-saving pressure point and raised her voice so everyone could hear. "These are Great-great-Grandpa's ashes."Warren froze for a moment before lifting his reddened eyes. "How could this be? You're lying to me, aren't you? Your great-great-grandfather's ashes should
"When a soul lingers in the present world or harbors unresolved regrets, it may develop resentments. Over time, the soul could become an earthbound spirit, endlessly repeating its final moments or the actions it regrets," Malric explained."You're right, Mr. Veyrith. When I dreamt of Great-great-Grandpa, he looked troubled. He must have something he regrets about." The crow, perched on a nearby tree, almost cawed aloud in disbelief. Aria was laying it on too thick, and the bird could hardly bear to watch.Noticing the crow's reaction, Aria glanced in its direction and continued, "Based on what Mr. Veyrith said, this cremation urn must belong to my great-great-grandpa. He even told me he felt cold. No one had offered him blessings, and it seems he's lost something important."Aria paused for dramatic effect before turning to Malric. "Mr. Veyrith, do you know why my great-great-grandpa would say such a thing?"Malric drew a deep breath, hesitant to feign ignorance. He feared Aria m
"It's funny, Mr. Owen. You've been superstitious for most of your life, yet now you're saying that ghosts can't appear in dreams." Aria turned her gaze toward Owen. "Still, I can't blame you. You've always been nothing more than a pawn. I doubt you're smart enough to figure this out, so I had someone prepare the evidence for you."With a smile, Aria laid out the photos, one by one. "Ian has been collaborating with the Krowonian businessmen for years, and his butler is one of the major shareholders you were hoping to partner with. Quite the schemer, isn't he?"Aria continued, her tone unhurried, "It only took a few compliments to make you see him as a father figure. You fell right into his trap. I'm sure your dear uncle has been stoking the flames of your conflicts with Grandpa from the start.""Shut up!" Owen clutched his chest, feeling faint.Aria tapped her temple, exuding a dignified air. "It seems there's nothing in here," she said, pointing at her head. "And you certainly lack
"Mr. Carver Senior, please don't get angry. I will not serve Mr. Owen in the future," Malric quickly said.Upon hearing that, Aria clenched her amethyst pendant. Malric had backed off sooner than she had anticipated.However, Owen couldn't take another blow. He gripped Malric's arm and begged, "Mr. Veyrith, we've known each other for many years. You…""Mr. Owen, I already performed a divination on your daughter. Well, I can only say that your bias influences certain results," Malric said ambiguously. "It may be a blessing or a curse. Besides, your daughter's fortune has also been altered since your family's fortune was stolen."Owen widened his eyes. "What do you mean? Does Rainbow not bring me bad luck? What about the past divination?""What past divination?" Malric seemed puzzled.Owen explained anxiously, "Mount Dracotigris gave me the divination."Malric reminded him, "Mr. Owen, only my mentor is skilled in fortune-telling in the entire Mount Dracotigris. Even if someone agr
The aged voice was filled with indifference. "It seems like she reached a dead end."Amos sneered. "I don't understand why these peasants like staying in the city. Still, it's fortunate for us. Otherwise, it'd be hard to get our hands on them.""Amos," the person cut in sharply, as if reminding him of his place.Amos only dared to speak so harshly when no one was around. If word got out, his image as the perfect secretary would be ruined.He quickly calmed down and fell silent. The caller didn't press the matter, simply saying, "You need to change the way you speak and act from now on."Since she's already agreed, give her the money. Don't treat her requests as a nuisance. The more requests they make, the less likely they are to cause trouble later."After picking her up tomorrow, send a few men to check if her grandparents need any help. Make sure everything is done properly."Amos nodded. "I understand. You always see the bigger picture. We'll continue looking after them."Poo
"I promise it won't happen again!" To an outsider, it might've sounded like Amos was talking about the cafeteria mishap. But the truth was much darker. What Amos really meant was that incidents like this could continue, just never publicly. Once the media's attention died down, they could go back to doing whatever they pleased. But for now, the performance had to be flawless.The man on the other end of the call seemed satisfied. Though his voice was flat and monotonous, there was a noticeable shift; it was now less stern."She's been manipulating the stock market," he said. "It's caused major damage to several of Luwditen's corporations. We can't let her walk free."Amos removed his glasses, a grim look on his face. "That's exactly what I told the Securities Regulatory Department. It doesn't matter who comes to plead on her behalf. Even if she's the late Mr. Barron's heir, she has to face the law."She's confessed. No one's going to let her off the hook now. You know what jail'
At first, Eden didn't understand what Aria meant. But as night fell, Aria lowered her head and started fumbling with something. When she looked up again, Eden was stunned—Aria looked exactly like her.Eden's eyes widened in disbelief. She'd only seen something like this in movies. But now, it was unfolding right in front of her. So there really was such a flawless disguise technique in the world."Aria, you…""Since I'm using your identity, I have to be you," Aria said with a soft tug of her mask, smiling. She had always been bold, yet precise. Working in the Special Missions Unit meant secrecy was second nature to her—this part was routine."Stay home and rest tonight. I'll leave first thing in the morning. Once I'm gone and the coast is clear, take your grandparents and leave."Eden opened her mouth, unsure of how to respond. She didn't even know when the people watching them would leave."My team will come get you," Aria reassured her. "What's important is that your grandparent
Eden nodded. "Okay. I'll do as you say, Aria."She sent the text just like Aria instructed. Moments later, her teacher replied—everything had been arranged. A car would pick her up from home. There was no need to return to school.A cold shiver ran down Eden's spine. They knew where she lived. They'd been watching all along. Not just the school—they were everywhere.Eden didn't linger at school. Outside the entrance, the main topic of conversation was the officials' arrival for an investigation and the school's public exposure.Everyone knew the cafeteria was a mess. Students had complained countless times, but each time inspectors came, the food improved just long enough to pass the checks. Then it would all revert. It had become the norm—something they were forced to accept.Eden was no different. She just wanted to get home. She needed to see her grandparents. She feared something might happen to them next.Every step on the way home, she stayed alert, scanning her surroundings
Eden listened closely, her brow furrowing. Her teacher wasn't speaking Farshyan. School was no longer a safe place, and Eden didn't know who she could trust. Her classmates were too caught up in mocking Aria to notice anything was wrong, all assuming Eden was lucky to have been chosen.She considered calling the police, picking up her phone, but then paused. What could she even say? That there was a mole at school? Her face turned pale as she remembered how close the principal was to influential people. The authorities might not believe her, or worse, they might be involved.Despite the headlines claiming Aria had been arrested, Eden felt a spark of hope. Aria had promised she'd show up if Eden ever needed her. Taking a deep breath, Eden dialed the number Aria had given her.She didn't expect anyone to answer. But then came a cool, familiar voice. "Eden? What's wrong? Did someone give you trouble again?"Eden's heart soared. "You're not arrested! The news is fake, isn't it? I knew
Lucas gave Amos a sidelong glance. "In that case, let's do as Mr. Lune suggested—punish everyone involved."Announce to the public that Oakvale Academy will be used as a test case. We'll be conducting surprise inspections in all middle and high schools."As for why Mr. Kelsey encountered two completely different scenes during his visits—well, that's easy to explain." Lucas' gaze swept across the room. "Someone tipped off the school before your visit. If any other school received advance notice, every one of you will be under scrutiny."Though Lucas spoke with a smile, none of the seven present—including the three officials—could return it. The smile, in this context, was more chilling than rage. This was a warning. Amos, in particular, felt deeply unsettled. He had come intending to redirect Lucas' attention away from Oakvale Academy. Instead, the incident had blown up. With public attention turning toward the school, transferring Eden would soon become impossible.Still, Amo
Now that Miguel, who was an expert in covering up, was gone, the long-standing issues in the school were exposed.The group stood frozen as they watched a cafeteria worker pour something into a large pot. A closer look revealed it was leftover mushroom soup. But that wasn't the worst of it. The soup reeked, clearly spoiled, yet it was still being reheated for the students.Things only got worse when they entered the kitchen. Hygiene standards were appalling. Not a single chef wore a mask, and some were even smoking while cooking.Amos' expression darkened immediately, even before Lucas could react.One of the chefs noticed them and slammed his ladle onto the counter. "What are you doing in here? Outsiders aren't allowed in the school—don't you know that?"Unlike other schools, Oakvale Academy had somehow always slipped through the cracks during routine inspections. When required to present something, they staged it well enough to fool a camera.So, the staff never expected a surp
Aria understood that this was all the person could offer. The real mastermind would never reveal himself so easily—not even to his most trusted subordinates.Those in power never needed to explain themselves. Those who understood them would earn their favor; those who didn't were destined to remain at the bottom.Her thoughts raced. She needed hard evidence to capture whoever was behind Amos. Baseless accusations would only alert the enemy and push them deeper into hiding.Allowing herself to be arrested had been part of Aria's plan. She needed the mastermind to lower his guard. After all, she had been too visible in Ludwiten lately. With eyes constantly watching her, she couldn't make any real moves. But she couldn't let the incident at Oakvale Academy go unresolved. Her instincts told her it was the key to everything.Before Philip found his family, she had to act—and that meant changing her identity to save Even.Just then, the person's phone buzzed. He turned the screen towa
"Boss!" Weston rushed over the moment he finished dealing with the other officers. Aria arched an eyebrow, flexing her wrists. "He's the mole?""Yes." Weston nodded. The Securities Regulatory Bureau, dispatched by the Securities Regulatory Commission, was tasked with auditing listed companies—particularly sniffing out insider trading and market manipulation.While not everyone in the bureau could be corrupt, it was common for a few to be compromised.The officer who had been interrogating Aria was of a minor rank, but the one Weston had just exposed held real power.Aria looked over at the trembling man. His legs had given out, sending him to the floor. His phone lay discarded beside him as he shook uncontrollably.They had met before—at a Chamber of Commerce meeting. To him, Aria had just been a clever heiress with some market luck, thanks to Landon's influence. No one would have expected her to single-handedly bring down the Draycott family.No one would logically believe