The three businessmen exchanged uneasy glances. Although they hadn't been directly involved in Ian's schemes, they had come here hoping to witness Aria embarrass herself. However, after what transpired today, their hearts were racing."Did you hear what Mr. Veyrith said? The Carver family will never be the same again.""I already knew that," Melvin Wagner replied. "It was you two who thought the daughter they brought back was worthless.""You can't say that, Melvin," one of them retorted. "The Wagner family has always been driven by self-interest. Besides, it's their eldest son who has always been after Ms. Carver. Am I wrong?""That's right, Melvin," the other chimed in. "You're not being fair. How could you not tell us that Ms. Carver saved Philip?""Calm down, both of you," Melvin said with a dismissive wave. "I only found out about it today. If I'd known she was a fortune teller, do you think I'd have come here expecting to see her humiliate herself? I'm not that foolish."Th
The trio understood Aria's underlying meaning and nodded. "Don't worry. We won't say a word about your matter.""That's right! It was all thanks to Mr. Veyrith's formidable skills. Upon reaching the villa, He found something off with the layout and brought Ian down.""He's right. That's exactly it. Ian deserved it. The heavens couldn't bear to see it, so Mr. Veyrith made a move."Upon hearing that, Aria smiled. "The three of you truly live up to your years of experience in the business world. So, according to what you're saying, my grandfather and I simply had a petty argument because of my impulsiveness, and now we've made up."Melvin was quick to react. "That's great to hear! A happy home will bring good luck! Aria, how about that? Can you delete the photos now? I'm afraid my wife will misunderstand."Aria grinned. "Don't worry, Mr. Melvin. I'll delete whatever is necessary."Melvin grimaced, wondering how she still remembered him. After all, the trio had only appeared once—at
Homer had advised Malric to stop looking for them. Evil beings would have their own fate.This left Malric confused. Since when was there a saying that evil beings had their own fate?The junior arcane seeker had deduced that the evil beings in the Earthbound Manifestation were rather pitiful—a pair of twins and quite young.Seeing his two apprentices puzzled, Homer couldn't help but elaborate, "She did it on purpose."The junior arcane seeker tilted his head. "On purpose? For what?"Instead of replying, Homer burst into laughter.…Meanwhile, Aria was performing fortune-telling for one of the businessmen. Seeing this, Melvin immediately spoke up. "Ms. Carver, do mine too. If I cut off contact with my mistress, do I need to let my wife handle my finances?""Well, that depends on you. Sincerity is the answer to many matters." Aria purposefully tried to sound profound. The trio immediately replied, "We'll be sincere and not make the same mistake!"They swore to cut off contact
Homer turned around and looked at Aria. "Something wrong?"Seeing Aria nodding, Homer inched closer to her. "Young lady, why do you suddenly ask that? You can tell me. I won't tell anyone else."Although Homer seemed like a nice person, Aria believed in Tobias only after what happened in that manifestation.Before Tobias came to her, Aria wouldn't give away too much.Thus, she said with a smile, "Naturally, it's because I would like to treat him. The Wagner family must be paying handsomely to hire a good doctor. How much did they offer you this time?"Before Homer could answer, Malric spoke. "Dr. Whiz, my mentor is a devoted arcane seeker. He doesn't care about money.""Malric Veyrith!" Homer frowned, baffled by his apprentice's sharp tone.Malric couldn't accept the idea that the Whiz Doctor might be materialistic. Initially stunned by Aria's identity, he now felt disappointed.A true Whiz Doctor, he believed, should be indifferent to fame and fortune, focused solely on saving
"Philip Wagner? Did you meet him?" Aria asked.Homer stroked his beard thoughtfully. "It was just a brief passing. He seems to be troubled, but this isn't the important part. What concerns me is that he has a look of death on his face."Upon hearing that, Aria's gaze shifted. Nobody knew what she was thinking. …The Carver family's incident had spread throughout Janovin by now.Ian was under investigation while Owen was taken away. Rumor had it that strife within the Carver family had escalated, and Owen was apprehended while trying to protect Ian.While some sensed something unusual was happening, nobody could pinpoint the incident to Aria. Meanwhile, there had been changes in the Wagner and Furler families.Ignatius was looking at his aunt, Alicia Balm, who seemed overjoyed about something.Without needing him to ask, she spilled everything upon coming to his house. "Your Uncle Kyran believed in some fortune-teller's divination that I could bring good fortune to him. Now,
Aria wouldn't need to use the path they prepared at all, not only in Janovin but also overseas.Fergus shook his head, feeling relieved he didn't need to put on an act before his enemies. At the same time, he had more thoughts about his family's future plans. They would help Barron with his unfulfilled wishes.Fergus' gaze landed on the memorial plaque before him. As Aria knew Fergus had been through a lot today, she didn't disturb him. What she read in the newspaper was still bothering her. Not wanting to conceal this from her family, she asked directly, "Grandpa, did Great-great-Grandpa leave anything important behind?""Something important?" Warren shook his head. "I don't think so. Before his death, he had been busy transmitting intel, raising money, supplying food, and sometimes giving protection to others. He didn't leave anything important behind."Aria lowered her gaze at his reply. Perhaps Ian had taken the item away without Warren's knowledge.However, if Ian had the
However, Fergus would take whatever Aria said seriously."I'll take note. Do you want me to send someone to look for him?" Fergus always wanted to help his younger sister out. However, Aria was capable enough on her own.Aria chuckled. "No need. Nobody can find him unless he wants to be found."Fergus understood her words. "He's that mysterious? It seems like he's quite important to you.""He's the mentor who taught me the Decatorian way." Aria glanced at Homer, who was standing outside. "Once he's here, I'll introduce him to you."Fergus was smart and understood what she was saying. "I'll make sure he stays. Go ahead."Aria couldn't recall when Nyx had felt this uneasy before. As Nyx made a contract with her, she could sense his feelings. She wondered what had happened at Hendricks Residence that made Nyx so restless. Aria didn't go alone. Naturally, she wouldn't leave Simon behind. If people from Mount Dracotrigris knew she had a beast of fortune by her side, it would cause a
Lettie thought of filing for divorce, but her family forbade her from doing so. There was a saying online that married women were no longer a part of their family. Lettie didn't believe it before, but now she did.After all, she had told her family about Paxton Hendricks' affair. Lettie's father replied, "Men work hard outside, so you need to give him a chance."Her mother added, "Well, you can't blame this entirely on Paxton. You should put more effort into dressing yourself up. You should learn to endure this. Did you think your father didn't have an affair before? Just maintain your position in the family."Lettie couldn't believe it. She had once been a high-up in a company and had a bright future ahead of her.Before she got married, she was doted on by her parents. Yet, everything was different now.Lettie didn't understand it at first. However, everything made sense after she returned to her parents' home earlier this morning. It was because her sister-in-law didn't lik
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