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
Aria tilted her head in confusion. "Graduate? I can graduate anytime."Amara sneered. "Hah! Sure. Let's see if you'll still be so laid back once my husband returns."Aria raised an eyebrow. She revealed a hint of mockery in her expression when she understood Amara's intention. From Amara's tone, it was clear this wasn't the first time she had done something like this.Although Aria had never attended college or been a postgraduate student, she knew some lecturers would threaten students by postponing their graduation. However, Aria didn't expect the Hendricks family to do such a thing.Aria narrowed her eyes. "Go ahead. I won't go anywhere. I'll sit here and wait for Mr. Hendricks Senior to come back."After saying that, Aria helped Lettie to a chair and sat down. Then, Aria checked her pulse and expression.Amara was furious. "Who are you? Did I invite you inside? How could you make yourself comfortable like this?"Lettie was also shocked by the person who suddenly appeared to
Aria gripped Lettie's shoulder. "You can't fight them, but I can. I'm a Carver. Nobody will be able to fight against me when it comes to family status. And we can compete in other ways too." Aria seemed to be speaking to Lettie's soul, "Together, we'll take back what's yours." Lettie froze as she looked up with her vacant eyes. "Carver? Isn't that one of the most prominent merchants from Farshya?" Lettie was not the only one who reacted to Aria's words. Amara stumbled backward too. Her face was filled with shock as she grabbed for support and gasped. "Yes." Aria slowly drew the darkness from Lettie's body into her fingertips. Others could not see this, but Nyx could. It stepped forward and tried to stop Aria. Aria already carried too much bad karma and was now trying to take on even more. Nyx worried that something might happen to Aria if this went on. After all, karma always demanded payment. Lettie started to feel hopeful. "I want everyone to know that fraud's true face.
But Aria had seemed not to understand Amara's hints. Weren't people who managed businesses supposed to be clever? Why couldn't Aria understand what Amara was asking for? Now, Amara's feelings about the Carvers were complicated. But she still wanted that connection, so she stepped forward. "I've met the Carvers' adopted daughter. May I know who you are?" Before Aria could respond, one of the others burst out, "Amara!" She turned, puzzled. The person pulled her close and whispered, "I remember now! That's why she looked familiar. She's the one!" "The one?" Amara did not follow. "She's the real heiress of the Carver family. I heard she runs the whole Carver Group now. Didn't she just film something with Don?" Amara did not follow entertainment news, and Don did not mention anything about filming. "Just don't say anything else. Whatever you do, don't offend her." Amara's heart sank. She was now regretting her harsh words earlier. "Ms. Carver, please forgive my foolishne
"I..." Daisy was just about to say something, but Aria cut her off, "Your mother was young and beautiful too before having you. Everyone knows that childbirth takes the greatest toll on a woman." Aria's gaze bore into Daisy, her presence terrifying. "Yet your mother endured that pain to bring you into this world just because of how much she loves you. Despite knowing the pain, she risked everything for your existence. "She asks about your meals because she cares about your feelings." Aria's eyes darkened. "Looking at how poorly raised you are, it just proves how you don't deserve her love and sacrifice at all. "It's common for society to blame women when men cheat. They would blame her for not improving herself, maintaining her looks, or keeping her figure. "But when it's clear that the man has cheated, the wife shouldn't be the one getting blamed. I'm here today to right these wrongs for your mother. Since your father thinks he's so powerful with his family background, I'll ex
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