Graham instinctively glanced at Landon's face. Sitting in the back seat, Landon's posture was as perfect as if he were modeling for a business magazine. He set down his drink, speaking with casual indifference, "Just answer whatever she asks." Graham felt surprised. He never expected Landon would allow Aria to know about company matters. Clearly, the rumors were false. People were claiming Landon was only getting close to the youngest Carver due to their prior engagement; otherwise, he wouldn't have tried to break it off before. Now it seemed completely baseless. Landon hadn't just accompanied her to Ludwiten; even his decision to sever ties with the Kincaid family during the meeting might have been for Aria. He was becoming the legendary devoted husband everyone talked about—almost to the point of handing over the company to her. An engagement gift perhaps? No way, Landon would never marry into her family. Graham shook off these strange thoughts and stopped holding back. H
At the end of the day, those socialites probably just did it for fun. But at this moment, Graham felt an intimidating pressure radiating from Aria. Her face remained beautiful, but her eyes had turned ice-cold. When she looked up, her eyes seemed to glint with frost, as if she could expose anyone's thoughts in an instant. Graham actually felt afraid. He had never experienced anything like this before. Even the famous Lily Kent, who was currently making waves in Ludwiten for her fortune-telling ability, hadn't made Graham tremble like this. For some reason, he recalled the rumors he had heard from Janovin. A recent nationwide case of returning the heroic spirit home had exposed suspicious activities at the church. But people said that the case wasn't solved by any special task force, but by Aria. They said she had worked in secret and struck so suddenly that those involved with the church had no time to react before they were all imprisoned. Otherwise, the suppression of the her
"Mr. Barron raised money everywhere. He used his influence in international business circles to gather both funds and supplies. "Many Farshyan expats abroad gave everything they could to the country. Our medications, weapons, and communication equipment all came through their efforts. Back then, Chamber members had only one thought—Farshya must not fall." "That's how the Chamber of Commerce became a contact point. It was discreet, hard to suppress, and had an extensive logistics system. We didn't have courier services then, just security transport companies. These companies helped deliver crucial supplies to aid the country. "The Chamber succeeded largely thanks to Farshyan expats' help. That's why two of the four decision-makers were Farshyan expats, two were Ludwiten merchants, and Mr. Barron held the tie-breaking vote. "Now years later, the business world has changed drastically. The descendants of those two Ludwiten merchants have gone overseas. Besides Farshyan expats, man
Aria had used this strategy on Marshall back when she took back Kent Corporation under Georgina's name. The Draycotts' method mirrored hers perfectly. The difference was that Aria had only reclaimed what rightfully belonged to Georgina, while the Draycotts did this to destroy people. Not just one company, but many local businesses had vanished this way. Aria suddenly thought of something. "Did the Draycotts have something to do with the fall of the Hawke family as well?" Others in their circle had suspected this but never dared voice it. And Graham's expression confirmed Aria's guess. "The Draycotts did many things just so they could become the decision-makers. Ms. Carver, please be careful in Ludwiten. They'll do everything to prevent your return to the Chamber. It's not that they're particularly strong, but they have too much capital backing them. "The relationship between the Grishams and the Carvers is their leverage." As Graham finished speaking, their car arrived at t
But thinking about it now, would other companies fare any better if the Draycotts became the biggest decision-makers in the Chamber of Commerce? The answer was definitely no. Graham's face changed as he said urgently, "Mr. York, I'll head back to the company right away!" Back in the car, Graham hoped Aria would win this tug-of-war, despite her seemingly impractical words. The Chamber had fallen far from its founding principles. If the Carvers still held their former absolute influence in Ludwiten, they could surely turn things around. It seemed the Carvers had returned for exactly this reason. But was Aria really this uninformed about the Draycotts? How could someone so out of touch compete with them? Wait a minute. Aria had not shown any surprise at his words. She had acted as if she already knew everything, even pointing out the reason for the Hawke family's downfall. Come to think of it, Landon would not normally explain these things to Graham. It was Aria who had told him
To prove her capabilities, Lily had not been just sitting around these past few days. She knew Ludwiten's elite were watching and evaluating whether she was trustworthy. She had racked her brain over this. Fortune-telling alone would not give her free rein anymore. Businessmen cared about profits the most. Lily recalled from her previous life how real estate prices had soared and the stock market had seen extended bull runs. This instantly gave her direction. She pretended to look mysterious. "Everyone needs housing. People's conditions will improve, and more will move from rural areas to cities. West Ludwiten is a blessed piece of land, with fortune favoring its residents. "Gold and pharmaceutical stocks will also see upward trends. Mr. Draycott, I suggest you focus development in these directions." Currently, real estate prices were indeed promising. Lily did not expect to maintain her influence seven or eight years later anyway. She urgently needed to prove herself, and sh
Priscilla agreed. The Draycotts now had the power to control the Chamber of Commerce and get whatever they wanted in Ludwiten. No company dared cross them, so just one poor person's death wouldn't make waves. Besides, it was not her fault. "Poor people are just so greedy for wanting everything. Miracles don't just fall from the sky. How could she possibly get the whole procedure done so cheaply? "Ignore her parents. She signed the waiver before surgery. Since she went to school, surely she could read a waiver. Have our lawyers focus on that angle. She can't deny her own signature. "If those old folks make trouble again, remind them of this. Our prestigious medispa suffered reputation damage just because their daughter was too poorly educated to understand a simple waiver, which led to this tragedy. "The clinic did everything it should. If they're still not satisfied, we'll handle it through legal channels. "If they can't figure out the internet, show them how the online commu
"Never mind, I'll see what the Draycotts are plotting when I meet them the day after tomorrow." Just as Aria put away the invitation, her phone buzzed with a message from the dark web forum. It was her Ludwiten network, Rafe Lane. Without hesitation, she tapped on Rafe's voice message to listen. "Boss, Harry told me you're in Ludwiten! Do you need anything from me?" Rafe's voice was clearly excited. "How did you find time to come to Ludwiten? Didn't you say you'd focus on exams this year, spend time with family, and stay away from venture capital? "Or did you also spot this year's bull market? Everything's green, and the exchange is packed!" Those who had risen with Aria shared an unspoken agreement—they would never reveal her real-world identity. Even if they met in person, they kept this secret. Because Aria clearly was not just any ordinary person; she was an enigmatic genius. If Harry hadn't gone to Southbury back then, only the chairman of Grand Construction Corporation
In that moment, Cormac couldn't afford to care about pride or appearances. His survival depended on severing all ties, especially with a traitor."I don't have a daughter like you!" he snapped, slapping Aliya again. "Do you even realize what you've done? Trafficking human organs—do you think that's something you can walk away from?"Aliya collapsed to the floor, stunned. A chill unlike any she'd ever felt seeped into her bones. She stared up at her father in disbelief, watching as he bowed his head respectfully toward Aria, the very woman she had just mocked.In Aliya's world, her father was the state government. She had grown up believing that their family controlled everything, that Cormac Windham's influence extended far beyond his office, even as retirement loomed.But all of it was crumbling before her eyes.Outside his office, word had already begun to spread. Though muffled, the sharp sound of a slap echoed faintly through the corridor.Everyone understood what that meant—
The group dared to be reckless as Amos was Ludwiten's lieutenant governor. They were peas in a pod and did corruption together.However, they didn't know that their support had already collapsed. Aria was not in a rush to capture Amos' lackeys as her target was in the state government. She didn't go alone either, for Aliya also went with her.Shortly after, Aria issued a new command. "Seal the premises. No one is to leave. Tell everyone to remain in their seats."A request like that, especially directed at the state level, would typically require an exhaustive process—dozens of forms, layers of red tape. Even in cases involving fatalities, senior officials were rarely detained on the spot.But Aria followed with a second message, one that sent chills down spines. "This case involves foreign infiltration. Someone has betrayed the country."Those words landed like a thunderclap. No one dared raise an objection. No one wanted to be associated with treason—not ordinary citizens, and
"Grandpa, it's not convenient for me to get in touch with all of you right now. Remember to take your medicine on time. I have to pretend that I'm locked up. Uncle Eamon and Uncle Waymond have to seem fretful so that the enemy wouldn't be alerted. I'm sorry, Grandpa."Aria didn't reveal what she had encountered in the message. This was because the Special Missions Unit was bound to a confidentiality contract when making decisions. What Aria said was almost pushing the limits.Aria only agreed to get locked up just to see how people would react when the Grisham family was in trouble.When the opponent placed their attention on this incident, they would let their guard down and give Aria a chance to secure evidence of their crimes.If the Grisham family retained its usual influence, the mastermind wouldn't show himself so easily. As Aria felt sorry for her family and worried about Clyde's health, she immediately sent a message to apologize after the auction. However, she couldn't s
There was no way Aria didn't know that the conviction was unfair. Furthermore, Percy specialized in handling economic cases. He knew there was no way Aria would be locked up so quickly. Yet, her crime had been publicly declared without prior warning. Percy was absolutely furious. He tugged his tie and declared the system was corrupted. While Fergus was also helping to find connections, Warren had just landed from Janovin.Clyde had sought out all sorts of connections, even his ex-colleagues in the education field.Fiona clenched his hands. "They promised to help Dad look into it." "They're just trying to fool Mr. Grisham Senior. Their higher-ups have already warned them about it." Nisa suddenly lowered her voice. "They're trying to make his health relapse again. If that happens, the Grisham family is done for."At this moment, a low voice sounded from the door. "So that's what happened. I was wondering why there was no progress with Aria's side after a whole day."It was Eamon.
Because Amos' arrest was part of a covert operation, the news didn't reach anyone outside the circle. That meant Durand remained completely unaware. He was still riding high on the thrill of his plan, blinded by the pleasure of watching the Grisham family fall.That night, he raised a glass of wine in early celebration, his mistress seated beside him. He didn't know that the move he'd made would become the greatest regret of his life.Elsewhere, Nisa couldn't bring herself to be as heartless. That was why, under the quiet cover of night, she made her way to the Grisham residence—not to see Clyde, but to speak with Fiona. She knew Clyde would shut her out immediately, but Fiona… Fiona might just listen.They weren't close. Not the way Fiona was with Priscilla. But they had once shared a few polite meals, floated in the same social circles. Enough to warrant a conversation—barely.When they sat down, Fiona's expression was cool, even distant. She hadn't forgotten the things Nisa had
Lucas could hear the pride in his mentor's voice for Aria. After all, his mentor had taken Aria in Southbury and even owed her his life. Lucas didn't dare to inform his mentor that Aria was being suppressed in the political world. He understood his mentor well. He was devoted to the country and couldn't stand such injustice.Therefore, Lucas didn't tell the truth to prevent his mentor from worrying. If someone with his position made a move, it would become a huge issue. That was why Lucas hid the truth from him. The former had to play along with the other politicians and endure them spouting empty promises. Before Lucas set out, his mentor stood on top of Old City and looked at the vast mountains. "Do whatever you need to, just like what you had done in Southbury. I'll be waiting for you and Aria's return at Janovin."These people didn't deserve his mercy at all!"You used your authority to disregard people's lives." It was the first time Lucas had shown his emotions so open
Amos was too stunned to react. One side of his face throbbed with pain, and fish oil clung to his hair, glistening from the dish he had been slammed into.He had always eaten fish a particular way—only one side. No matter how expensive the fish, he refused to flip it over, believing that leaving it untouched brought good fortune.But today, that superstition had been smashed—along with his pride. Pinned to the table, Amos hadn't even found the time to get angry. Confusion flickered in his eyes as he struggled to rise.Then Lucas spoke, his words crashing down like a stone wall."Amos Lune, you conspired with the Draycott and Fitzroy families to crush honest entrepreneurs. You've abused your position shamelessly."Lucas didn't stop. His tone cut sharper with each sentence."We also have evidence linking you to a human organ trafficking ring in Bellebrook. You've disgraced the people who supported your rise—and the country that invested in you."Lucas had been suppressing his ange
Lucas shook his head steadily. "Not yet."Amos, still basking in the glow of his "victory", had no idea what was coming. He answered Durand's call with a smug smile. On the other end, Durand's laughter rang out loud and triumphant."Mr. Lune, you should've seen the Grisham brothers' faces! I bet they never expected to be abandoned like that!"You played it brilliantly. One quiet move, and boom—the Grisham family's out of the Chamber of Commerce. From here, it's just a slow bleed. They'll lose everything."Amos kept his tone cool. "This isn't enough. Keep pushing the online chatter. The narrative needs to focus on how their precious granddaughter cost so many investors their savings. And don't forget her carefully crafted persona—it's about to unravel."He paused, voice crisp. "Reach out to the other businessmen. Now that the Grishams can't offer any benefits, it's time for everyone to take a bite. You understand, don't you, Durand?"Durand took a moment, then replied, "Right. Got
Cormac even thought of leaving some of his influence behind after retiring. This way, he could still have some power over decisions. He thought he could remind Lucas that not just anyone could do his job well. Therefore, Cormac remained calm after receiving the note. He was already so used to handling his daughter's troubles.Cormac strode into his lounge and asked Pedro, "Is it drunk driving again? Don't you know how to handle it?""It's not drunk driving." Pedro still seemed out of it.Cormac's expression darkened. "It's not drunk driving? Was she on drugs again? I already reminded you numerous times to get someone to keep an eye on her. Which stage of the process is she at right now? Call the people from the drug-testing institution.""No. That's not it." Pedro took off his glasses and his badge.Cormac finally realized that Pedro seemed off. "What happened? Just tell me. I doubt she'll kill someone. Although my daughter is troublesome, she won't do something like that. I kno