"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
"I planned to return to my job after maternity leave. Your father couldn't have stopped me either. But I saw your face red from struggling with formula one night, and I couldn't leave you. "I told myself my career could wait until you were older. Your father was delighted. He said he felt secure with me at home. Later, I discovered that the company had been deciding between your father and me for an overseas position. "I resigned, and your father's career got better subsequently." Lettie's hand clenched. "I was foolish for leaving myself with no safety net. After having you, I grew soft and kept lowering my standards. I thought I could even tolerate a mistress." Tears streamed down Lettie's face. "I've become someone I can't even respect. But I can't take it anymore." She wiped her tears. Holding her stomach protectively, she looked at Daisy and said, "You think I'm shameful and don't want me as your mother, right? Fine. Just stay with the Hendricks family after the divorce. I
Without warning, Lettie slammed her head against the floor with a loud thud. Her forehead split open. Even with Aria's quick reaction, she could only prevent a second strike. "This isn't necessary." Aria smiled softly. "Though I do need something to justify my involvement." Lettie looked up. Aria's fingertips pressed against her wrist. "Would you offer me your devotion?" "Devotion?" Lettie did not understand, but she would agree to anything. "Yes." Aria said, "Good." In the furthest bedroom, the energy flow shifted noticeably. As vengefulness retreated, wind swept in. Nyx watched happily for Aria. For arcane seekers, devotion could forge arcane power and cleanse bad karma at crucial moments. Devotion as pure and intense as this was rare to find. Lettie seemed to see Aria as the only hope in her life. In a way, wasn't Aria a source of hope for them all? Just like its sisters, Nyx, too, was unwanted. Even their birth parents rejected them. After everything they did, th
Someone standing at the side reminded Amara, "Amara, she's made many people suffer. Why are you trying to provoke her? She's the true Carver heiress!" "That's exactly why we must handle her this way." Amara sneered once she was alone. "We might not match her in business, but she's naïve about how to deal with people. "Sure, I do want to please the Carvers. But she's treating me like an enemy. The Hendricks family may not be as wealthy as the Carvers, but we have connections. With Don's position, does she think she can just push us around?" "Money doesn't justify bullying." Amara smiled darkly. "She'll learn at the courthouse. She's just encouraging divorce over some texts. The judge won't grant it, especially with the mandatory reconciliation period." Indeed, it was not simple to get a divorce these days. With her legal studies, Aria knew this as well as Amara did. Her first move after leaving with Lettie was to find a comfortable café and call her brother Percy. "Yes, I hav
"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
The box included a protective membrane. Carrying bones around would raise questions in modern days. Even Aria worried about inspections. Sometimes, Tobias acted just like those arcane seekers from Mount Dracotigris. When her fingertips touched it, heat surged through her bloodline. The blade felt like it belonged in her hands; even its tassel was exquisitely crafted. But she remembered something when she entered the manifestation and got the Soul-Summoning Plaque. She had been an arcane seeker in her past life, hadn't she? Could an arcane seeker use a blade? She had mostly seen them wielding swords, just like those TV shows with flying swordsmen. Perhaps she had to use a blade because she came from a smaller guild. As Aria traced the bone blade, her initial attraction grew into fascination. Tobias wouldn't leave her just any blade. Since she'd encountered it in the manifestation, it must be connected to her. "Do you like it?" Suddenly, Landon's voice came close. It was low,
Breaking the Eight Trigrams Manifestation required precision instead of force. The path led from the East Gate of Life through the Southwest Gate of Rest, finally striking through the North Gate of Opening. But this was not just about breaking a manifestation. The lock had eight marks—Life, Rest, Harm, Block, Vision, Death, Awakening, and Opening. These were the eight gates within the manifestation. As Aria studied the corresponding numbers, she was suddenly struck with inspiration. Following the sequence, she pressed them. The lock then opened with a click. She raised an eyebrow, recognizing the familiar combination. "0715, my birthday." Aria casually opened the box. "Typical of Mr. Revelare to choose that date." She knew she was born on Twilight Hallows, a day when parents would urge children home early. Owen had always believed Aria's birth signs were not the best, and he thought this was likely because of this day. People considered it the Day of Spirits. On this day, a