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
Fiona knew he wouldn't use this kind of trick to deceive her.In her memory, Alaric had always been this way—reckless, untamed, and never one to stoop to lying. If he wanted something, he would take it outright. However, she still needed to confirm it for herself.She didn't end the call. After hearing what he said, the first thing she did was check the company records. Sure enough, there was a small company under her second brother's name.It matched what Alaric had described perfectly.Fiona's face turned pale."Who else knows about this?" Fiona's voice trembled slightly.Alaric was the opposite, sitting casually, his tone nonchalant. "No one else. I stopped it here.""I'll come find you," she said, biting her lips. She had only one thought. It was to take the files from Alaric and find a way to correct the mistake.Alaric's sharp eyes flickered. He picked up the suit jacket draped over the couch. "I'm right next door to your hotel. You don't need to come far. Just head downs
The driver got out of the car after reaching the destination, leaving Fiona and Alaric in the back seat.Even with her damp hair, Fiona looked far from disheveled. In fact, the look in her eyes seemed clearer than before.People had described Fiona's beauty as beyond this world and as going against her age.She was delicate and graceful like the beautiful women described in novels. It was as if she was destined to be liked. Not only was her waist slim, but her wrist was also delicate and fragile. With her black hair cascading down and her gaze misty, she exuded an irresistible charm."I don't understand." Fiona wasn't intimidated by Alaric and didn't shy away. Instead, she looked straight at him. "With your position, you can get together with any woman you want. Why would you come up with such a condition? Just like you said, this collaboration isn't worth the effort for you.""Didn't I tell you the answer before?" Alaric leaned back and didn't look at Fiona. As his face was hidde
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
Eden nodded. "Okay. I'll do as you say, Aria."She sent the text just like Aria instructed. Moments later, her teacher replied—everything had been arranged. A car would pick her up from home. There was no need to return to school.A cold shiver ran down Eden's spine. They knew where she lived. They'd been watching all along. Not just the school—they were everywhere.Eden didn't linger at school. Outside the entrance, the main topic of conversation was the officials' arrival for an investigation and the school's public exposure.Everyone knew the cafeteria was a mess. Students had complained countless times, but each time inspectors came, the food improved just long enough to pass the checks. Then it would all revert. It had become the norm—something they were forced to accept.Eden was no different. She just wanted to get home. She needed to see her grandparents. She feared something might happen to them next.Every step on the way home, she stayed alert, scanning her surroundings
Eden listened closely, her brow furrowing. Her teacher wasn't speaking Farshyan. School was no longer a safe place, and Eden didn't know who she could trust. Her classmates were too caught up in mocking Aria to notice anything was wrong, all assuming Eden was lucky to have been chosen.She considered calling the police, picking up her phone, but then paused. What could she even say? That there was a mole at school? Her face turned pale as she remembered how close the principal was to influential people. The authorities might not believe her, or worse, they might be involved.Despite the headlines claiming Aria had been arrested, Eden felt a spark of hope. Aria had promised she'd show up if Eden ever needed her. Taking a deep breath, Eden dialed the number Aria had given her.She didn't expect anyone to answer. But then came a cool, familiar voice. "Eden? What's wrong? Did someone give you trouble again?"Eden's heart soared. "You're not arrested! The news is fake, isn't it? I knew
Lucas gave Amos a sidelong glance. "In that case, let's do as Mr. Lune suggested—punish everyone involved."Announce to the public that Oakvale Academy will be used as a test case. We'll be conducting surprise inspections in all middle and high schools."As for why Mr. Kelsey encountered two completely different scenes during his visits—well, that's easy to explain." Lucas' gaze swept across the room. "Someone tipped off the school before your visit. If any other school received advance notice, every one of you will be under scrutiny."Though Lucas spoke with a smile, none of the seven present—including the three officials—could return it. The smile, in this context, was more chilling than rage. This was a warning. Amos, in particular, felt deeply unsettled. He had come intending to redirect Lucas' attention away from Oakvale Academy. Instead, the incident had blown up. With public attention turning toward the school, transferring Eden would soon become impossible.Still, Amo
Now that Miguel, who was an expert in covering up, was gone, the long-standing issues in the school were exposed.The group stood frozen as they watched a cafeteria worker pour something into a large pot. A closer look revealed it was leftover mushroom soup. But that wasn't the worst of it. The soup reeked, clearly spoiled, yet it was still being reheated for the students.Things only got worse when they entered the kitchen. Hygiene standards were appalling. Not a single chef wore a mask, and some were even smoking while cooking.Amos' expression darkened immediately, even before Lucas could react.One of the chefs noticed them and slammed his ladle onto the counter. "What are you doing in here? Outsiders aren't allowed in the school—don't you know that?"Unlike other schools, Oakvale Academy had somehow always slipped through the cracks during routine inspections. When required to present something, they staged it well enough to fool a camera.So, the staff never expected a surp
Aria understood that this was all the person could offer. The real mastermind would never reveal himself so easily—not even to his most trusted subordinates.Those in power never needed to explain themselves. Those who understood them would earn their favor; those who didn't were destined to remain at the bottom.Her thoughts raced. She needed hard evidence to capture whoever was behind Amos. Baseless accusations would only alert the enemy and push them deeper into hiding.Allowing herself to be arrested had been part of Aria's plan. She needed the mastermind to lower his guard. After all, she had been too visible in Ludwiten lately. With eyes constantly watching her, she couldn't make any real moves. But she couldn't let the incident at Oakvale Academy go unresolved. Her instincts told her it was the key to everything.Before Philip found his family, she had to act—and that meant changing her identity to save Even.Just then, the person's phone buzzed. He turned the screen towa
"Boss!" Weston rushed over the moment he finished dealing with the other officers. Aria arched an eyebrow, flexing her wrists. "He's the mole?""Yes." Weston nodded. The Securities Regulatory Bureau, dispatched by the Securities Regulatory Commission, was tasked with auditing listed companies—particularly sniffing out insider trading and market manipulation.While not everyone in the bureau could be corrupt, it was common for a few to be compromised.The officer who had been interrogating Aria was of a minor rank, but the one Weston had just exposed held real power.Aria looked over at the trembling man. His legs had given out, sending him to the floor. His phone lay discarded beside him as he shook uncontrollably.They had met before—at a Chamber of Commerce meeting. To him, Aria had just been a clever heiress with some market luck, thanks to Landon's influence. No one would have expected her to single-handedly bring down the Draycott family.No one would logically believe