Sam was still craving food. The moment he heard the words "snake meat," he even stopped working and nodded earnestly.Aria paused briefly, then opened her phone and searched on Google for what the Four Perils liked to eat most. The search results were incomplete, so she turned to her knowledgeable fiancé for advice.His reply came quickly, just one straightforward word. "Dragons."She expected this.She felt a sense of relief and patted Sam's little head. "Good thing I didn't bring you upstairs. Alright, we're switching cars. You're coming with me to find something."Switch cars? Sam's face was full of confusion.Just then, a brand-new Lamborghini, nicknamed the Bull, pulled up at the hotel.Its exterior was strikingly sleek. Everything about it, from the headlights to the rear wings, screamed cool.When Sam saw it, he got excited. His babyish face lit up with pure mischief, as if the words "Let's cause some chaos!" were written all over it.He knew Aria's style better than an
Inside the medispa, the murmurs of conversation started up again.However, Priscilla couldn't pretend that nothing had happened. The words from her old friend earlier were like a thorn in her side.Fiona was always so good at seducing people! Didn't she realize how many kids she already had? Yet, she was still throwing herself at others.The more Priscilla thought about it, the darker her expression became. She couldn't wait for the Grisham family to collapse!Did Fiona really think that returning to Ludwiten would let her act like before?It seemed that unless she taught Fiona a proper lesson, she would never learn to behave.Leon's refusal to endorse their medispa was already infuriating enough. It was such an ungrateful move!She was determined to see how Fiona would beg her for help once Clyde had no one left to treat him.Priscilla was scheming, but she didn't realize that the Grisham family had already formally rejected the Draycott family's offer of "cooperation".This
Sam sat in the passenger seat, his legs propped up, balancing a small laptop on them. The data on the screen kept scrolling, and the brighter it glowed, the brighter his eyes became. He turned to Aria and gave her an "OK" hand gesture."All done!"Aria's lips curled into a faint smile. "As expected, being in the same area makes things much faster."No one knew that this high-speed drive had achieved more than it seemed.Every device in the Draycott family that could connect to the internet had been synced to Sam's laptop.If the Draycott family loved spying on others so much, then it was time for them to taste their own medicine."Next, we're heading to the old Carver residence."Aria hadn't forgotten the final wishes of her great-great-grandfather. Her trip to Ludwiten was all for that newspaper hidden in the manifestation.What was so significant about it that her great-great-grandfather would go to such lengths to send her the message?She hoped to uncover something in the
"I've got a way to handle the Chamber of Commerce," Aria said.There was no way she would let someone this elderly worry about her affairs. Besides, joining the Chamber of Commerce would be easy for her. After all, she was one of the few angel investors around.Only Harry and a select few knew this about her. The rest of the world was oblivious.Even Warren had never imagined that his young granddaughter could be an angel investor.If this information were to spread, it would sound downright unbelievable.But that was just the kind of person Aria was. Her ability to rake in money was top-notch, and her business acumen was unmatched.What started as a whim to try her hand at investing ended up making her an angel investor almost by accident.If the elite families in the Chamber of Commerce ever learned about this, they would stop ridiculing Aria for not understanding venture capital. After all, some of their companies might very well have Aria as a stakeholder.While they relied
"In the dream, Great-great-Grandpa used a youth paper to send me a message, telling me I must return home to take a look," Aria said. "He left something for me. Did he tell you anything before he passed away?"This question made Rory pause momentarily.When he looked back at Aria, his gaze carried an entirely different emotion. His hands trembled slightly."I've finally waited long enough," Rory said, his eyes reddening. "When Mr. Barron was lying on his bed, he told me that someday, someone would come to retrieve the things he left behind. When that time came, no matter who was in charge of the Carver family, I was to serve that person."In the beginning, I tried to sound Mr. Warren out, but he seemed completely unaware of this matter. Later, I realized Mr. Barron's instructions were designed for an unknown person. He didn't know who this person would be or when they would arrive. It all became a mystery."Rory's voice shook as he continued, "I've waited long enough. I once thoug
Rory's final sentence carried a note of doubt.How could he not know whether Aria had been to Ludwiten?Based on her age, Aria hadn't even been born when Barron passed away. Why would Barron say their connection began with the youth paper?Only then did Rory realize there was a logical inconsistency in all of this. He was genuinely worried something had gone wrong.However, Aria gently held his arm and smiled. "I've been here before, and I've been to the old residence as well."Rory looked completely stunned. What did she mean by that?"I'll slowly uncover the things Great-great-Grandpa left for me," she said as she picked up the youth paper hanging nearby. This time, though, she carefully folded it and placed it in her black bag."I won't just hand over the Chamber of Commerce that Great-great-Grandpa built to someone else. So, Rory, are you ready to take on a new role?"Rory felt the rush of youthful energy stirring in his veins. "Of course. It's not just me. Everyone else in
"You know about that?" Rory's understanding of his new employer deepened further.Aria nodded slightly. "I've heard some things, but there's one question I'd like to ask, Rory. What role does the Sloane family play in all this? And why would their new patriarch send an invitation to the Carver family?"This question had been puzzling her. No matter how she analyzed it, it didn't make sense. Why would they want the Carver family to participate in the Chamber of Commerce?Rory frowned as well. "The Chamber of Commerce invitation came from the Sloane family?""Yeah." Aria's lips curled in a faint, incredulous smile. "They even delivered it to the hotel. It's ridiculous."He pondered for a moment. "Let me ask Hayden. He might know."Before long, another elderly man entered, his steps light.Rory asked the question in sign language.Hayden nodded, then motioned for Rory to look at his phone.Rory's gaze fell on the screen, and after a brief silence, he handed it to Aria.Aria had
It was Alaric who had phoned Fiona. He got straight to the point. "Your daughter coming to Ludwiten to attend the Chamber of Commerce means she's stepping on someone else's toes. Tomorrow, the Grisham family won't be helping her. I have a way to handle it."Fiona was no longer the naïve girl she once was. Her fingers tightened slightly as she replied, "So, what's your proposal?""Proposal?" The low laugh on the other end of the line sounded like smoke being exhaled. In fact, Alaric was standing on the top floor of the central tower in Ludwiten, glancing around at the business associates attending his private gathering. People were drinking, and there was no shortage of beautiful women nearby.He extinguished the cigarette between his fingers, turned toward a group of people attempting to approach him with glasses raised, and lightly swirled his glass.With a subtle lift of his eyebrows, his bodyguard stepped in, blocking both men and women trying to start a conversation.Everyon
Landon cast a glance at Aria, curious about how much she actually knew about the stock market. She had always been modest about her knowledge, but he suspected there was more to her than she let on. The only one oblivious to Aria's true capabilities was Jett. Yet, he dared not refuse any request she made. Without hesitation, he tapped into his social circles, pulling strings where needed.Less than an hour later, Orion received word. A slow, chilling smile spread across his face. "So, the Grisham family wants to dip their hands into real estate too?"Arlo handed him a report. "Just as you predicted. It's not just real estate—Ms. Carver's making moves in the stock market as well. Fortunately, you already set a trap for Mr. Jett in advance."For the first time in days, Orion’s tension seemed to ease. A dark glint flickered in his eyes. "Fine. Let them struggle their way in. I don't care how they do it, but make sure the Carver family is crushed in the stock market.""Understood." A
Jett asked, "What exactly are you after? There's no need to bring down the Draycott family so quickly. It's not like you can win. Didn't you join the Chamber of Commerce to take things slow? You just arrived in Ludwiten. Why the rush?""Am I in a rush?" Aria asked. She wasn't after the mastermind behind the Draycott family. If she were, she would've tied Orion to the financial building and let people take pictures all day—no need for mind games.The situation was too tangled, too many people involved. The Draycott family had managed to cover up something as blatant as that incident at the bar. Someone had to be cleaning up after them.Finding a few scapegoats would have been easy, but Aria wanted more. She wanted to uncover everyone who had spread rumors about Fiona in the past.And for some reason, despite their focus on the Grisham family, it felt like they were up against the Carvers. Whoever was behind this didn't want the Carvers to regain control of the Chamber of Commerce.
Jett grew more agitated as he spoke, waving his hands as if he wanted to tear Owen apart. Aria promptly stopped him. Otherwise, passersby might think he was an escaped patient from Ludwiten's mental asylum.Owen had done many foolish things, which Aria only discovered after arriving in Ludwiten and conducting her own investigation. Warren carried guilt toward Clyde because of Owen. And while Jett was normally timid, his words weren't wrong.When Owen first came to Ludwiten, he thought he could make it big, recklessly using the Grisham family's funds and resources. But he had been deceived by several people and lost everything.Not only was he foolish, but he was also malicious—leaving behind a disaster for the Grisham family to clean up. "Jett, calm down," Aria said. "I know Owen dragged the Grisham family down. He's already been punished and won't be coming out anytime soon."You and I both despise him, but let's stop dwelling on the past. He's not worth it."Jett had never
With Landon monitoring the stock market, Aria could walk right into Orion's trap. This way, Orion would let his guard down. When people felt confident, they invested more. Aria, well-versed in the stock market, understood this all too well. She had never intended to get rid of Lily. However, things were different this time. There was a limit to how much one could withstand another's viciousness. Aria doubted Lily could predict the market flawlessly—it was impossible, just as it was impossible for her to know everything.The logic was simple. If something fell outside one's area of expertise, even the most attentive observer would only grasp the outcome, not the details. Thinking it over, Aria realized Lily only knew about major events. The smaller ones seemed to escape her notice.If she put herself in Lily's shoes, it was like remembering which lottery would have a winner but not the exact numbers drawn.After all, no one knew when they would be reborn. The only way to acce
Malcolm did not know why Aria was asking, but he remembered the details clearly. "It was after that day." Aria tapped on the desk. "No wonder the Draycotts suddenly changed their market strategy. I get it now." What was she talking about? Before Malcolm could ask, Aria continued, "Some people are trying to cheat the system. Keep an eye on things, but stay safe. If anything happens, come to me first. "Like you said, they've got deep connections. Don't bother with the police—just keep the evidence." "Got it." Before hanging up, Malcolm asked, "Should we still watch the stock market?" Aria smirked. "Yes. They're not the only ones who can play dirty." Lily had probably been reborn too. But whatever Lily knew, Aria knew as well. She had never thought to use that knowledge this way before since it hadn't seemed necessary, but things were not the same now. If her dreams were real, then in her past life, Lily had only made it to Janovin. She had played the star medical student at
After being together all this time, Aria suddenly had a thought. Were she and Landon too distant from each other? No, "distant" was not quite the right word. It was more like they did not know each other well enough. Landon always felt just out of reach, like there was a fog between them. Simply put, he was not being straight with her. The thought left her feeling uneasy. Before she could say anything, her phone rang. It must be news about the Draycotts. It had to be something big for them to call so urgently. Aria glanced at the pair. Landon smiled. "If you have questions, Jett, feel free to talk with my manager, Ms. Virelle." Manager? Seraphina caught on quickly. "Mr. Grisham, shall we step outside?" Jett was still trying to process everything. "Wait." Balancing business and personal matters as usual, Aria held her phone up and said, "I heard Ms. Virelle used to work at the Draycotts' club. Let's have a chat later." Seraphina froze, glancing at Landon. Seeing his bl
Seraphina could not let her mind go there. Maybe she should've stayed in Netherrealm for a few more years. It was not so bad down there anyway. Landon barely spared her a glance, keeping his eyes on Jett with polite interest. "Won't you sit, Jett?"Sit? Jett could barely remember why he had come in the first place. Landon's voice snapped him back. "I... Mr. York, excuse me for asking, but what's your relationship with Ms. Virelle?""She works for me." Landon glanced at Seraphina. "Ms. Virelle? That's a new title."Jett stumbled over his words. "She works for you?""Yes," Landon said casually, like it was the most obvious thing. "Isn't it obvious?"Jett could not imagine the Yorks being in that kind of business. From Jett's expression alone, Landon could guess what kind of mess his people had made in Ludwiten. Since he had been dragged into it now, he figured he owed the Grishams an explanation. "I planted her in the Draycott family. The Yorks need a foothold in Ludwiten."So
Getting out of there wasn't going to be easy. Aria did not waste any time. She moved fast behind the suite divider, her laugh carrying a different note than usual. "What a shame."Landon's hand paused as he fixed her hair, his voice as smooth as ever. "I could have them leave.""Bad timing. My cousin's out there." Aria glanced at him, taking in that perfect collarbone of his. No wonder they used to call him the untouchable one, with all those socialites dying for just a smile.She had never given much thought to that kind of thing before. All those times working with patients, she had kept things strictly professional. But things felt different now, and she couldn't quite put her finger on why. Her gorgeous fiancé had a way of making her lose her head.Landon pulled his hand back while looking down. "We should meet with your cousin. I hear the Grishams like to evaluate their in-laws.""Huh?" That had not crossed her mind. He did not seem like someone who would care about app
Aria felt something wild coming off him. It was not hatred, but something close. She was too caught up to figure out what it was. She had never felt anything like this before; it was like she was floating. Her eyes were open, but she could not focus. Even his breathing felt like an invasion, starting at her ear and spreading through her whole body. When his fingers pressed into her waist, instinct made her try to push him away. That was a bad move—it only made things more intense. He lit her up like a match, heat spreading from her neck downward till she had to tilt her head back just to breathe. It reminded her of that hazy dream, the one in which she had been caught between sleep and waking, her pulse racing and her skin on fire. But it did not feel exactly the same because what she was feeling now was real. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught glimpses of the river through the massive windows. The view was blurry, but it was enough to remind her where she was. Unable t