"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
When a teacher saw Lettie coming out, she immediately gestured for Amara to stop talking. However, Amara didn't care if Lettie heard her or not. In fact, she would have preferred it if Lettie had. Amara felt annoyed just seeing her around the house. Plus, Amara wanted to remind Lettie that marrying into the Hendricks family was a blessing she didn't deserve. Thus, Lettie should be grateful and keep quiet.Amara was completely different from her husband, Don Hendricks. Her husband rarely cared about things at home. After all, Don's years of engagement in archaeology had made him more indifferent to worldly affairs.Lettie had overheard Amara's words. Despite her clenched hands, Lettie tried to remain calm. "Mom, I have something to discuss with you."Amara had never tried to hide her disgust for her. Glancing at her, Amara replied, "Didn't you see that I'm busy? What do you want to talk about?""It's about Daisy." Despite things getting out of hand, Lettie didn't want the situat
Amara only had one thought in mind, so she spoke without holding back. "Besides, what do you have to compare to others? You can't even give birth to a son. It's not like our family didn't give you time."You look like an old hag. Why don't you ask if Daisy likes you? She's the one who wants to go. Why are you causing a scene?"Lettie couldn't believe it. "She wanted to go? How could it be…"With a click, the door suddenly burst open. Daisy stood there with a look of frustration. "I was the one who wanted to go. Celestia is really nice and plays with me. "Mom, you're overthinking it. Why are you fighting with Grandma over this? Celestia and Dad are only friends.""Celestia is really nice and often plays with you?" Repeating her daughter's words, Lettie felt like someone had stabbed her in the back.Daisy took a sip of water. "That's right. Celestia isn't as old-fashioned as you either. She would accompany me shopping, bring me to Tisneyland, and even give me a plushie."Dad alre
This caused Daisy to furrow her eyebrows. "Mom, what are you talking about? I didn't mean it!"Lettie didn't even look at her. She couldn't understand what kind of child would turn against her mother like this. Daisy wasn't a baby anymore. She was old enough to understand Paxton's mistress was just buttering her up.Lettie could accept her failed marriage. However, she was devastated that her own child, who she had given birth to, would look down on her like this. Lettie regretted giving birth to her.Lettie stared at Amara. "When I got married into the Hendricks family, I was the author of a famous book. I've been earning royalties for years, but where is that contract? Return it to me, and I'll get a divorce with Paxton now."Upon hearing that, Amara sneered. "Are you being delusional? Your book? My son wrote that book! What does it have to do with you? What a psycho!""He said he wrote the book?" A mocking sneer appeared on Lettie's face. "He sure knows how to bluff."When A
"Get her to apologize to the Hendricks family now! Nobody in our family has dared to get a divorce before. If she does, I'll never acknowledge her as my daughter anymore. How dare she!"Lettie could hear her father's furious tone through the phone.Her father had always been like this for as long as Lettie could remember. When she didn't act as he wanted, she was considered disrespectful. Lettie used to think she should respect her parents. However, she understood now that this only applied to her and her sister, while her brother could do whatever he wanted."Haha! How ironic." Her head was bleeding, but she couldn't stop laughing. Her eyes seemed to be covered in a later of thick black mist."The world is vast, yet I have nowhere to call home. I have a question to ask. Am I not your daughter? Why did you give birth to me if you don't love me? Is it solely to pave a future for your son?'The voice in her last sentence didn't sound like Lettie's. It seemed to come from the room
No matter the cost, Soreta was willing to grant any authority to someone who accepted it. At first, Soreta hadn't thought this way. She had always considered the Farshyans to be naïve and foolish, much like the portrayal on TV. It wasn't until she met them that she realized they were among the world's most astute investors. Farshya was definitely not to be underestimated. Soreta could no longer look down on them as she once did. This was why she treated Lily with such politeness and respect.However, Lily thought it was her own achievements that had impressed Soreta, which only inflated her pride. She began speaking loudly, reveling in the attention of the crowd. In truth, Lily wasn't entirely confident when Soreta discussed her investment plans. She barely understood the book Georgina had given her. While Lily could foresee major events, it was only because of her memories from a past life. She had no grasp of the details or any business strategies.Still, Lily was confident t
At this moment, Lily's vanity was gratified like never before. She raised her glass, clinking it with the lady's. "There are many incredible things in Farshya, such as our Five Elements and Eight Trigrams. If you're interested, I'd be happy to explain them to you anytime.""You're so knowledgeable, Lily. I've heard of your talents—saving critically ill patients, fortune telling… Am I right? I'm fascinated by how you can predict what will happen to someone. Even in the grand scheme of things, it's incredible. Do you perhaps have a witch in your family?"Foreigners were often more inclined to believe in witches and spells. The King of Nobeeta was a firm believer, and so was the woman before her.The key was, who wouldn't believe in the power that theology brought? It was something that could make people a fortune."Now that we have you, our project is bound to succeed. Mr. Wagner has truly found a gem this time."The lady, Soreta Barclay, was referring to Kenny. Unlike Lily, he kept
"I'll ask Boss if she needs a bellboy!"Harry hadn't changed a bit. With his flashy gold chains and oversized watch, he was always quick to jump at any opportunity to make money. If Aria invited him to meet other businessmen, he'd be on board without hesitation.Everyone who did business with Aria shared a common trait—they would get addicted. Every entrepreneur dreamed of growth. The longer they toil in the market, the stronger their desire to expand. It was a universal truth among business leaders.For these dreamers, an investor like Aria was a godsend. She thrived on improvement, making her an ideal partner.Harry, as enthusiastic as ever, bombarded Aria with messages. Aria had planned to visit Ludwiten before, but things kept happening, delaying her trip. Her frequent nightmares and the unresolved tension between her mother and uncles weighed on her mind. Now, with Barron leaving some important items for her in Ludwiten, she had no choice but to go. Sneaking there was neve
"Honestly, you shouldn't let Boss go to Ludwiten. If she insists on going, at least send me along! It's not as if you're unaware of how messy their business circle can be. This isn't Janovin we're talking about!"Harry's voice rang loud and clear as he slammed his palm on the CEO's desk, a bold move no one else at Grand Construction Corp would dare attempt. The employees outside exchanged curious glances, whispering among themselves. What could have dragged Harry back from his vacation in such a state?Harry was worried. "We have plenty of employees. How could you let a lady like her go over there by herself? What if she gets harassed? At least here, our influence can protect her. People would think twice once they know who she is. Stop sipping that coffee and answer me already!"Tavian Montague, the vice-CEO, sighed and powered off his computer. He removed his glasses, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Harry, calm down. Do you really think Aria got this far on luck? Don't let her lo
The eight figures sat together, ostensibly discussing Aria's arrival. In truth, their agenda was far less noble—they were determined to keep the items they had long appropriated, refusing to return what rightfully belonged to others. After holding onto these possessions for so long, they had convinced themselves they were entitled to them.Their plan was to maintain a façade of respect toward the Carver family to avoid public scrutiny. However, they were equally resolute in protecting their own interests. They intended to demonstrate the influence of Ludwiten's business elite on Aria. It would be much better if she could be persuaded to invest billions in their ventures.It was a strategy they'd employed before, notably with Owen, and found it amusing.Yet Percy, despite his youth, was not so easily deceived. His calm demeanor and precise legal arguments left little room for manipulation. The Carver family's resilience, after all, stemmed largely from their grandchildren.Sti
Tobias once said that Aria was the most gifted person in the Decatorian way. Yet, for all her supposed talent, she couldn't use the Emperor Coins just by casually throwing them on her first attempt. She had to study them before she could wield them effectively.Thankfully, Leon chose the entertainment industry. If he had chosen to be inducted in the Decatorian way, the disciples of Mount Dracotigris would have been disheartened. "Leon, have you ever considered going into another industry?" Aria asked. Leon shook his head, a rebellious smirk on his face. "Aria, look at me. This face was born to be a celebrity. It'd be a crime to waste it."Aria sighed, accustomed to his narcissism. It was hard to argue—Leon's rebellious charm and striking looks had won over both women and men. Yet, his popularity brought challenges of its own."I still have Emperor Coins with me," Aria said, pulling out a beaded bracelet adorned with the coins and securing it around Leon's wrist. "Take it. For yo
Warren's eyes reddened as he gazed at Fergus, the grandson he had once hoped to raise personally. In that moment, he felt his life had been worthwhile. As one grew older, they came to understand a fundamental truth—if their descendants could grasp their thoughts, rather than dismissing the ways of the past as irrelevant, it was something to celebrate. Warren could now pass on everything to his grandchildren, finally feeling worthy within the Carver family.…Meanwhile, Leon furrowed his brows in the second-floor bedroom. "What are they talking about?""It's probably about Ludwiten. They have some business to settle. Why?" Aria had intentionally given Fergus and Warren some time to talk. As for her, she stayed with Leon in his room, playing games and snacking.When she heard his question, she smiled. "Are you interested as well, Leon?""I'm not cut out for business." Leon couldn't sit still and kept pacing back and forth. His silver hair, falling perfectly, made him look like a
That night, Warren stood before the memorial hall and spoke to his ancestors."Aria will be returning to Ludwiten tonight. Things will be different this time. There will be many obstacles ahead of her, but we must return eventually. Aria will finish what I couldn't. Please protect her."The Carver family was forced to shift their business from Ludwiten to Janovin at the time. And back then, they believed they could return at any moment. Yet, over 70 years had passed since then.Both Warren and Stephen were sentimental individuals, always hoping to return to Ludwiten. However, circumstances had shifted over the years. Moreover, the business landscape in Ludwiten had grown increasingly complex, with rising foreign investments. Their commitments in Janovin, especially after Owen married Fiona, kept them from returning.Warren had expected Owen to stay in Ludwiten, as he had promised the Grisham family. But Owen broke that promise.Warren's greatest wish had always been to return to
Although the crow was unsure of its owner's thoughts, it was indeed afraid of the dagger made out of Oracle bones.In fact, it wasn't made of ordinary animal bones. It was from the Oracle, one of the Four Perils. Most importantly, it carried spiritual energy from heaven and earth.Back then, the crow didn't expect the insignificant sect, which was consistently at the bottom of each tournament, to have the purest spiritual energy. Plus, all of their members were not to be underestimated. The crow would have never believed it if it hadn't come to live in the mountains with Landon. After all, Landon was bewitched to become the woman's boy toy. He stayed behind only because he liked the sect's spiritual energy. At that, the crow shifted its body and didn't continue to disturb Landon. Since Landon mentioned he needed the knife sheath, the crow would go and get it. Apart from the curved dagger in the wooden box, there was also a somewhat inconspicuous emerald and a turtle shell-lik