Watching this scene, even Aria found herself clenching her fists. She had not felt this way even when reuniting with the Carvers. Now that she was at the Grisham residence, how should she break the ice facing her uncle? She had to think of something. Though she only resemblanced her mother slightly, Aria knew both her uncles were sharp. They would not dismiss this as mere coincidence. Just then, Waymond paused his phone conversation, his eyes flickering as he began to turn. Suddenly, Orion's deep sigh from the other end recaptured his attention. "Waymond, what's making you hesitate? We're like brothers who grew up together. Which doctor out there can treat your father's condition? "Let's just minimize his suffering. When I met Lennox recently, he also brought up your father's illness. His advice was immediate surgery; it can't be delayed any longer. "The longer we wait, the worse it gets. You know your father's condition better than anyone. "I know you can't decide about
Meanwhile, Orion was in high spirits after his call with Waymond. There had been too many issues recently—the medispa, the club, and, for some reason, the Sloanes' insistence on inviting the Carvers to the Chamber of Commerce—which had put him in a difficult position. But now things were looking up. That old fool from the Grisham family was getting weaker, desperately needing Lennox's treatment. If Waymond wanted to keep his father alive, he would have to obey Orion at the Chamber meeting! Another point of pride for Orion was Lily, the expert introduced by the Wagners. He had never won so dramatically in the stock market before. Everything he bought doubled in value. Most importantly, he had been nervous when the so-called "New God of Parker Street" from the Carver family arrived. He had feared Warren might give him trouble in this unfamiliar territory. But looking at the banquet now, there was clearly no room for the Carvers and Grishams. Orion, wearing a bespoke suit, strod
It was sunset at the Grisham residence. The Nobeetan wooden door opened. Aria's first impression was one of waning vitality. The interior was cozy with embroidered tablecloths, ornaments, and strategically placed wall sconces in every corner. Still, Aria sensed the room's declining energy. It was an unsettling feeling. Poor air circulation mixed with faint traces of rose fragrance. Then she heard coughing—deep, heavy coughs with labored and raspy breathing. It sounded like an infection in the trachea, bronchi, and lungs. Unlike her usual ease in examining patients, Aria felt tense. This patient was her grandfather, whom she had never met. Once a titan of industry, Clyde now required care in his illness. His condition was severe. Before checking his pulse, she could not be certain if there was still hope. She had kept Sam outside. Chaos' dark energy would harm someone chronically ill. Besides, Aria could tell Clyde's condition had not developed overnight. It would be fine
Today, Clyde felt that his illness must be affecting his mind. This young doctor was far too young to be his daughter, Fiona. How could he actually think that Fiona had returned to life for a moment? Clyde shook his head gently. Their looks were also different. Fiona possessed a delicate beauty reminiscent of ancient paintings, while this young lady had an ethereal coolness about her, though not off-putting. She seemed composed and professional. Clyde found himself unusually calm, which was probably because of the acupressure points she had massaged. "This treatment approach is different from the usual." Though Clyde's breathing remained labored, his eyes showed no trace of illness-induced cloudiness. They still reflected the refined gentleman of his youth. No wonder Warren had said, "Your grandfather was the most scholarly gentleman I'd ever met." Indeed he was. Aria smiled softly. "Dr. Woody practices modern medicine, while I practice traditional medicine. Our approaches
Later, Clyde learned from a friend that without that medicine, he might have been infected. As Clyde reminisced about those days, Aria withdrew her hand instead of answering his question. Her eyes crinkled as she smiled. "When I first came in, seeing you surprised me. I wondered if we'd met before. "You donated supplies in Southbury, didn't you?" Aria had remembered during her examination. Many of her memories were missing. As Tobias had once said, certain memories would return when she met the people she was meant to meet. She had always thought he meant returning to the Carvers, not the Grishams. Clyde's eyes brightened at her words. "You're that little girl!" Now he understood why she seemed familiar. She was the child who had given him the medicine! "Yes, that's me." Aria was amazed at the coincidence too. She had not realized she had crossed paths with Clyde even then. Clyde sat up straighter, wanting to invite her to sit. But he remembered his condition and withdrew
"In medical science, mental health can impact physical well-being. Even our cells have to be activated by happiness." Aria spoke while massaging Clyde's pressure points to improve circulation. Clyde had never heard such an explanation about cells needing activation. What a fresh perspective from the young doctor. "Your observations have probably gone beyond typical medical practice." If anyone else had pried into the Grisham family's private matters, Clyde would have been guarded. But this young woman was different. He had witnessed her quietly saving many lives back then without hesitation. When they tried to find her later, she had vanished. Clyde completely trusted her as a person. He rose shakily from the bed. Sunlight streamed through the window and shone on him. He looked like an elderly man in his twilight years who still kept his back straight and carried a dignified bearing. "Yes, I carry burdens, but it's been so long. Some things are better left in the past. Stil
"That won't be necessary." Aria had noticed Wendy's surveillance outside the room. Having tested whether the room was soundproof, she knew Wendy hadn't overheard anything. This explained her timing here, as she was clearly trying to catch some information now. Aria smiled faintly. "I noticed during my examination that Grandpa Clyde hasn't been able to digest food well. Eating before properly digesting previous meals only burdens the body." After years at the Grisham residence, every doctor had followed Wendy's schedule. Yet this young doctor seemed deaf to hints. And what was this "Grandpa Clyde" business? How presumptuous! Such obvious social climbing! Wendy couldn't help rolling her eyes, about to say, "You don't understand Mr. Grisham Senior's routine..." But Clyde cut in, his voice carrying clear displeasure. "Wendy, follow the doctor's orders. Dinner can wait." What had gotten into Wendy? She used to understand hospitality better. Or had his recent detachment from hous
Wendy stood frozen, never imagining she would lose her position over something so trivial. Her years of "experience" had led her to believe she deserved higher status in this household. To her, this young doctor was merely an assistant who knew nothing and was covering until Cecil arrived. How could Clyde fire her over this doctor? Wendy could not accept it. As security escorted her out, she kept shouting and glaring at Aria with venomous eyes. Aria paid no attention. She carefully sterilized her needles before inserting them into Clyde's acupuncture points. "These points help relieve coughing. Have Robert prepare sweet snow pears for you twice daily. It'll significantly help soothe your throat and suppress coughs." Aria gave instructions while working, and the needles took effect quickly. Though they would not cure him immediately, Clyde felt unprecedented relief, as if a weight had lifted from his shoulders—a comforting warmth spread through his abdomen. Beyond acupunct
The HR employee glanced over at Aria and spoke with a hint of cockiness. "Eden, I called your name twice. You should pay more attention next time. You can't act like this during the interview. Otherwise, you might not even complete the application."The cockier she sounded, the more convinced the students became that the scholarship program was legitimate. Their wariness gradually faded.Noticing the students' reactions, Aria walked over to the HR employee.The woman said nothing more. She looked Aria up and down, glanced at the red mark on the paper, then turned and led Aria to the innermost room—her heels clicking sharply on the floor.Aria knew she was their real target. Others had arrived before her, but they were ignored until she showed up.Inside, the interviewer was a middle-aged man. He gestured for Aria to sit. Without much expression, he asked, "Eden, will you be able to adjust to foreign cuisines? What are your expectations for your future school? What are your plans af
After entering the building, Aria discovered there were at least ten other students around her age. Some had been picked up from rural areas. All of them believed they were there for a language test in Angladian, and many were busy practicing their speaking skills.The leader gestured for his subordinates to push Aria forward. "Off you go. Try your best to nail it on the first shot."Aria walked inside without resistance. She noted that surveillance cameras had been installed in every corner, even at every hallway turn. It was clear all the students were under strict observation.She had to admit—the company was much more professional-looking than expected. If she hadn't disguised herself as Eden or known in advance that the company was suspicious, she might have believed this was a legitimate organization."Alright. Next student, come with me," called one of the HR staff.Everyone seemed busy. Employees sat at desks buried under piles of documents, each preoccupied with their ow
Those who dedicated their lives to protecting others didn't care about how people viewed them, because a greater purpose drove them.Just as Brent had said, no one would help people like them without expecting compensation. And if anyone did, it could only be the Farshyan soldiers.At that moment, the train to Janovin began to move.…Meanwhile, Aria, disguised as Eden, sat quietly in the car with her eyes closed, appearing to be asleep. She didn't react when the man sitting next to her gently tapped her arm. He leaned closer and whispered, "Sir, doesn't she seem different from usual? Do you think she's car sick or something?"The driver frowned, holding up an ID photo and glancing back at her."Maybe she's just used to us now. Probably has everything figured out by this point. Anyway, our job's just to drop her off. What happens after that isn't our concern. Once they pick her up, we'll get our money."Unbeknownst to them, Aria was wide awake, listening to every word and memor
Ordinary people understood the harshness of reality. Brent, having lived in poverty for most of his life, had been looked down on more times than he could count.Poor people like them could die unnoticed at home, and no one would care, let alone offer help without expecting something in return.If something really happened to Eden, Brent doubted he and his wife could do anything to save her. Judy was a prime example. Her father, Alec Lanez, had even given up selling bread just to look for her.Every time Alec went to the school, he was met with the same cold response."It has nothing to do with us. Your daughter ran away and refuses to acknowledge you. So why are you coming here? Peasants like you should know your place. Without us, people like you could only dream of going overseas. How filthy!"Brent had heard the school's representative say those exact words when he accompanied Alec. Both of them could only stand there, humiliated and speechless.Alec's back was sore from how m
Eden immediately opened the windows after hearing that. "Did Ms. Carver send you here? Is she in any danger? I'm really worried about her. Should I call the police? I'd feel horrible if anything happened to her."Weston remained calm and indifferent. "Calling the police will only make them suspicious. My boss is amazing, and there's nothing she can't handle. She has a plan. Right now, my priority is to bring all of you to Heartbound Hall in Janovin so your grandfather can receive treatment."The respect in Weston's voice when he spoke of Aria was unmistakable."Pack up your things and come with me," Weston ordered.Their team had already checked the surroundings and ensured nothing would go wrong. Anyone watching would think Eden's grandparents were simply collecting bottles and preparing lunch as usual, not leaving the house until the afternoon.Without wasting time, Weston picked up the elderly couple's luggage. His most important task now was to get Eden and her grandparents to
"We followed the address, so this must be the place. Sir, isn't that the girl?" It was the same group of people as before. After failing their last mission because of Aria, they were being extra cautious this time."We can't afford any more mistakes. Treat her kindly so that she won't suspect anything.""Yes, sir."When they saw a young woman in a school uniform appear right on time, they were convinced she was the right person. After all, Aria looked exactly like Eden.They rolled down the car window and waved. "Ms. Bohmer, over here."Aria looked up and recognized several familiar faces. She grabbed her bag and walked toward the car."Ms. Bohmer, we meet again," The driver greeted Aria warmly. "Let's go."The team had prepared for a difficult encounter. They'd even been authorized to use force if necessary, as long as they avoided surveillance cameras. But to their surprise, Aria simply opened the car door and got in without resistance.Aria glanced at their puzzled expression
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