After Aria's final words, all color drained from Preston's smiling face. He had been looking down at Aria while trying to curry favor with Landon. But now, he looked flustered as he lowered his gaze and took a sip of tea to cover his discomfort. "These... These are just rumors. Surely you don't believe them, Aria." "Rumors?" Aria's elegant fingers rotated her teacup with casual indifference, but her words sent chills down their spines. "The construction workers worked so hard for a year just so that they could take their wages home for New Year's. Are those who jumped to their deaths because of your debt collection also just rumors? Mr. Lawrence, if you don't want others to know what you did, perhaps you shouldn't have done it. "I know exactly what kind of projects you consider worthwhile." This was not just a warning. She was practically declaring that she would destroy the Lawrence family. Lucy, however, missed the implications. She only wondered how a young woman like Aria d
Landon smiled and rose to follow Aria, adjusting his cuffs as his eyes met Preston's. Coughing softly, his voice remained deep. "Your daughter is already a lost cause, so there's nothing for me to guide her. Such behavior truly needs the cover of artistic education. "But here's one tip for you, Mr. Lawrence. Your family is becoming an eyesore. Perhaps it's time for you guys to disappear." Unlike Aria's bold and direct declaration, his words came so softly and casually as if he was just making small talk. But he was practically saying he would destroy them all. Preston collapsed heavily and nearly had a heart attack. He gasped for air. After years in business, he'd thought his money-making schemes were foolproof. He believed such things would go unnoticed since he operated within technical legality. After all, he was not the only one withholding construction payments. Besides, everyone was in the predatory loan business. He just had the bad luck of a suicide being traced to him.
These comments came from those who usually sided with Owen. This time, they truly feared Aria. She could have skipped the visits and just told them directly to behave. Aria did manage to fire a shot across the bows. Everyone understood these visits were meant to remind the elite families that the Carvers weren't what they used to be. They had better stay in line. Aria did not deny she had such intention. She was heading to Ludwiten soon, leaving Warren in Janovin. She needed to show some muscle to those always hoping for the Carvers' downfall. She worried about Warren's safety while she was gone. Of course, it gave her a perfect cover to observe any unusual behavior among the families. "I actually wanted to be friendly with them," Aria mused in the car. After welcoming Barron's spirit, she had deliberately let two people spread the word about her fortune-telling abilities, hoping others would seek her services. "I could have earned some nice side income." She played with her
The first issue was the overgrown plant. Since it would absorb too much sunlight and oxygen in the bedroom, it could affect their health over time. That was why Aria had recommended switching to a peace lily, which was both auspicious and harmless. As for the second case, the jewelry had dubious origins. One piece came from a black market, and another had dangerous mercury levels. Wearing them long-term could cause illness, let alone affect one's complexion. Aria had already handled these issues and explained everything. But the Furler ladies remained convinced of her extraordinary fortune-telling abilities. After all, how else could she have brought their wandering husbands back home? To them, her title as a master was irreplaceable. "We know you want to keep a low profile, Ms. Aria. We won't spread the word." "Yes, we'll just treat you like a family member." Aria did not want those behind the Earthbound Manifestation to know she had entered it. But this was excessive. Surro
Ashton's voice was unnaturally aged and raspy like rusted iron. He was speaking in such a stilted and mechanical way that he sounded like a poorly assembled puppet. Aria raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Furler Senior, you should always get a doctor to check on you if you have any discomfort. You can't act childish and refuse treatment. I happen to know some medicine, so I hope you don't mind me taking a look." Ashton froze at her casual tone. Without giving him a chance to refuse, Aria's eyes fell to the bedside. With a flick of her fingers, she tossed the Emperor Coins to the four cardinal directions. Ashton struggled to rise. "You—" Pretending not to notice his resistance, Aria cut him off, "Mr. Furler Senior, let me check your pulse." But instead of checking his pulse, she went straight for his throat. Maxwell and the others could not see what was happening inside. Ashton's face darkened as he struggled against her grip, shouting, "Is this how you treat patients? Maxwell, why are y
Ignatius stared wide-eyed as he wondered what Aria meant by possession. Aria had no time to explain. With one hand lowered, she began her incantation steadily, "By ancient powers, spirits hear, evil's bane, begone from here!" With each word, Ashton's expression grew more grotesque. He looked like he was searching for another victim. But all four directions were sealed, and he had no escape. As Aria finished her chant, Ashton threw his head back with a roar before releasing a dense black mist. Aria's eyes flashed as she dodged, but the mist rushed shamelessly toward Landon, which was the only gap in the barrier. Besides targeting family members, evil spirits were most attracted to those rich in fortune. Ashton's eyes lit up at seeing Landon. With such powerful fortune, just one taste of it would heal Ashton's injuries. He could taste, but not possess. Ashton wasn't foolish; he knew such a person carried heaven's fortune. But no matter who it was, anyone would fall ill if an evil
"Mr. Furler Senior had been using forbidden methods to extend his life." Aria glanced at Landon, brushing off imaginary dust from his clothes. "Now he's facing the consequences and wants a new body. He even dared to absorb your fortune. Hmph, as if he's worthy of it." Her voice was low as she whispered to him, which seemed quite intimate. He was noble and aloof, while she was bewitchingly beautiful. They were indeed a striking pair. Landon chuckled softly after hearing her words. His voice was husky and pleasant. "Don't worry, I'm saving all my fortune for you." Aria had tried not to be enchanted by his beauty. But her fiancé wasn't just gorgeous. He was gentle, considerate, and perfectly behaved, which made him the ideal partner. She understood her brothers' concerns. Even her young protégés seemed worried. Perhaps they feared she was blinded by love. With looks like his, it would be easy to lose one's head. If he ever did something wrong and lowered his head as an apology
Ashton seemed to speak both to Ignatius and to himself, "I should have died long ago. Instead, I was foolish and wanted to stay longer to see you marry and have children. In the end, it's just a futile dream." Hearing his words, Ignatius broke down. He turned to Aria. "You can save Grandpa, right? You must be able to save him!" "I cannot," Aria's eyes lowered. "He should have died. But he's been staying where he doesn't belong by draining the life force from the surroundings. He'll harm not just his descendants but others too." Ignatius hugged Ashton and shook his head desperately. "That's not what Grandpa would do, Aria! Please, I'm begging you! He loves me most! Just this once!" Ashton watched Aria too, with one hand still hidden behind his back. Aria had meant to spare this grandfather and grandson some final good memories. But since Ashton had dabbled in the forbidden, he had to face the consequences. "Did you only want to see Ignatius marry and have children? Or did you
Landon's warm lips brushed against Aria's. The touch was light as a feather yet utterly captivating. His kiss was so delicate it seemed to awaken every memory stored in her body. In that moment, Aria could swear she caught that same sandalwood scent from her dreams. Black mist and countless indiscernible inscriptions appeared, but he paid them no mind, gripping her waist as he whispered low in her ear. When he kissed her wrist without looking away from her face, his presence was impossible to ignore. His black leather gloves lay discarded to the side. To Aria, every place his hands touched felt like it was on fire. The sensation intensified when his fingertips traced the black mark on her neck. Something inside her screamed to take control, which made her grab his hand. He seemed to smile with his lips by her ear. "So, are you ready to pay the renewal fee?" Aria had never thought anyone could enchant her like this. But this was different. It felt just like seeing a fallen g
Landon asked, "You're getting water?" As his gaze drifted down to where Aria's hair fell, his voice turned rich and low. "Then why are your ears turning red?" Aria's hand froze mid-air. "It's hot in here." "What?" He raised an eyebrow. "It's only 70°F here." Aria wanted to tell him to stop talking so much. It was all because of what he had done in her dreams, making her imagination run wild now. Did he think having a handsome face meant he could do whatever he wanted? He even used all that binding stuff on her too. But she couldn't be sure it was even him. And even if it was, it must have been from a past life. As an arcane seeker, Aria knew what recurring dreams usually meant. But she had pushed those thoughts aside. A past life should not dictate their relationship in this one. At the very least, he wouldn't try anything like putting her in chains and locking her up now. That would be illegal. She would have him arrested and be done with it. Besides, her handsome fi
The atmosphere inside the room was totally different from the outside.Aria did sense the strange aura around Seraphina just now. Her beauty was otherworldly, almost supernatural. And there was something familiar about her presence—Aria felt she had encountered it before but couldn't remember where. Given how quickly Seraphina had withdrawn her hostility and turned gentle, Aria saw no point in making an issue of it. Besides, the way Landon was massaging her neck felt too good, making her mind feel hazy. As her blood flow slowed, she started to feel drowsy. The trio hiding in the copper coin did not dare show themselves; they were probably not even there. They had been especially quiet since arriving in Ludwiten, as if something here affected them. This was one of the things Aria wanted to investigate. The Wagners had used some unknown method to hide themselves after reaching Ludwiten. Even the Special Missions Unit failed to track them. All they had was that initial contact
The woman in the evening gown kept glancing back as she left, words caught in her throat. Though she wanted to say something, she eventually lost her nerve. She had never dared disobey Landon's orders in the slightest. But besides Landon, other men did tend to fall under her spell.Jett had already stood up, clearly recognizing her. He was surprised and excited. "Ms. Virelle, what brings you here?"She was known to be hard to book. Despite working in nightlife, she carried herself with an elegant air. Even when major incidents happened at clubs, no one blamed her. After all, she was above the wealthy heirs' advances, caring nothing for expensive bottles or money thrown her way. She only went out with those who caught her interest.No one had figured out her criteria for choosing men. She seemed to act on whims, operating independently even from the Draycotts' influence. Eventually, everyone came to call her Ms. Virelle.Seraphina Virelle had planned to just walk past. She did n
Landon told Aria, "Rest on the couch while I wrap this up." He really had a way of making his suggestions hard to refuse. Aria hadn't wanted to know too much about the York family's business dealings. After all, it might get awkward if they ever became competitors."Is this appropriate?" Aria was reminding him to keep business and feelings separate. If she heard any good business strategies, she wouldn't let sentiment stop her from using them.Landon caught her meaning, his smile deepening as his voice took on a rich tone, his eyes soft. "There's nothing inappropriate. We're not discussing anything important."He removed his leather gloves and gently touched the dark circles under her eyes as he spoke. His gentlemanly gesture made it hard to believe he had just been in intimidation mode."Then I'll use your computer to work on some files. You two talk; don't mind me." Aria needed to review the Draycotts' recent moves to prepare for her next steps. Landon hummed in agreement,
At those words, the guard did not dare stop Aria anymore, fearing a misunderstanding. This was all Landon's doing; it had nothing to do with him. He could not understand why Landon had brought a woman back today. Their attire made them look rather intimate, and by sheer coincidence, Aria had arrived. The guard, who rarely showed emotion, now had his features twisted in concern. Seeing this, Aria fiddled with the amethyst pendant at her waist, raising an eyebrow coolly. "So, should I go in?" "Please, Ms. Carver, go right ahead!" The guard weighed his options. If Aria left without entering today, he might find himself fired before nightfall. It was better to let Landon handle his own mess. The guard stepped aside with swift decisiveness. Aria found this amusing—so her handsome fiancé could stir up trouble after all. Well, she wouldn't mind finding a new one. Though she would miss that face of his, she had no use for someone who had been tainted. But from what she knew of his
After the incident with the Katz family, the Fitzroys would certainly be restless. After all, not once during the entire event did Aria allow Jett to take any credit. Aria wanted to observe the Fitzroys' intentions and Laura's reaction. Human nature seemed the most unpredictable element, so taking preventive measures seemed wise. As for Jett, it was time for him to grow up. Otherwise, the Grisham family's situation would remain unsolvable. Jett hadn't failed to reflect. Today's events involving the Katz family had shaken him deeply. Before this, he had never truly understood what kind of enterprise his grandfather Clyde wanted to build. The concept of "national brands" had remained unclear to him. Many of the family's decisions had left him puzzled. But today, everything had finally clicked into place. He had even begun doubting himself, wondering if all those years abroad had been worthless. When he voiced this concern aloud, Aria responded, "Having a global perspective is
That was how certain things worked. They would initially seem insignificant until their loved ones brought them up repeatedly, causing doubt to creep in. Laura lifted her gaze. "Mom, I still think you're overthinking it. Clyde wouldn't ignore Jett and hand everything to Aria." "That's debatable." Magdalene glanced away. "After all these years, you must have forgotten. From the moment Aria was born, she stole all of Jett's attention. Even her first birthday celebration outshone the Grishams' eldest grandson. "Your late mother-in-law made poor decisions in her confusion. You can't allow the same here. Look at what happened with the Katz family. More people will support Aria, and where will that leave Jett? "As the Grishams' eldest grandson, how awkward will his position become?" With each of Magdalene's questions, Laura fell deeper into silence. She had never considered these things before. She had been happy that the Grishams and the Carvers were on good terms again. Moreo
Magdalene asked, "So Jett was just taken away without any explanation? They're practically treating him like a Carver family lackey by making him follow someone even younger than him!" She looked displeased when talking about this matter. "You're his mother, so you should be the one having control over his actions. This situation might be causing a stir, but what does it have to do with Jett? "No one even remembers he's the Grisham heir anymore!" The older generation valued reputation above all else. Magdalene selfishly hoped the Ludwiten business circle would remember Jett's success rather than the Carver family. There was nothing wrong with that desire, but the problem lay elsewhere. "Mother, you know the Katz family situation was handled entirely by Aria. Jett doesn't understand these matters, does he?" Jett's mother, Laura Fitzroy, was quite frustrated as she tried to explain things to Magdalene. "The Grishams were facing a huge crisis, yet Clyde never approached me becau