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
Fiona could feel his warm touch on her wrist. The sensation felt like it could start a fire within her. The feeling was similar to when she wanted to give him an umbrella. Back then, he'd pressed down her wrist with a flicker in his gaze. "Do you like me?"With how handsome Alaric was, Fiona believed that any woman would have feelings for him. However, at the same time, they knew he was dangerous and could not be controlled.After all, Alaric had way too many ex-girlfriends. He would frequently move on to new relationships once he got bored. Therefore, Fiona had long disregarded him as a potential love interest. Plus, she preferred to focus on her studies rather than finding a boyfriend at the time. Although Fiona's heart skipped a beat, she soon realized he was just fooling around."Here's an umbrella. You shouldn't be in the rain when you're already sick." Fiona had just wanted to give him an umbrella. After all, she would have done the same for everyone as the class preside
Alaric's gaze felt distant, as though a thin mist separated them. "I promise. Anyway, marriage is the last thing on my mind right now."After all, the person he wanted to marry the most didn't want to marry him. "How about you? When are you going to process your divorce?"Alaric was certain Fiona didn't understand that remaining by Owen's side would eventually destroy her.Fiona furrowed her brows. "I wanted to ask about this before. Don't you know that I'm already divorced?"Alaric froze, and the look in his eyes changed noticeably. Despite his calm demeanor, he stumbled over his words. "Y-You're already divorced?""Yes. Otherwise, I wouldn't have agreed to your ridiculous collaboration." Fiona looked at him meaningfully. "So, was it really your intention to use Waymond to threaten me?"Only now did Alaric truly understand his grandfather's warning about being a cat on a hot tin roof. His fingers twitched. "Yes…""You've always been fond of making unreasonable demands." Fiona's
Alaric's Adam apple bobbed. "Okay. The Sloane family will step back willingly."Alaric had lost. His grandfather had always told him to never reveal his trump card in business, to remain an enigma. Despite his grandfather's disdain for his bloodline, he had taught Alaric what he could, for Alaric was his only grandson.Over the years, Alaric had adhered to that advice and kept his trump card a secret.His father, on the other hand, had hoped for his downfall. But Alaric didn't care. He had no interest in his father's approval as long as he got what he wanted.Alaric also held his maternal grandfather in high regard. The man had brought him to Ludwiten, taught him to write in Farshyan, and had never cared about the color of Alaric's green eyes. As long as Alaric lived honorably, he would remain his grandson.Alaric didn't care how others viewed him, especially now that his grandfather was dead. Still, there were things Alaric would do. He glanced at Fiona. "The Sloane family isn't
Sam looked up and gestured, silently asking why it seemed so difficult."The business world is complicated," Aria explained. "When a company collapses, countless people lose their jobs."Aria could fight the Draycott family with cash flow, but it was a one-time move. Prolonged use would harm the market, and it was uncertain whether small and medium-sized businesses could endure it.Her challenge was to find a way to avoid such an outcome. The ideal solution would be to have support from a decision-maker in the Chamber of Commerce when she needed to fill the funding gap.Bringing down the Draycott family was the easy part. But Barron hadn't built the Chamber of Commerce to tear other enterprises down.Aria rested her face in her hand, deep in thought. She could enter the market as an angel investor and battle the cash flow issue, then convince the Grisham family and the head of the Sloane family to exclude the Draycotts from the Chamber.This would stabilize the situation and help
Fiona opened her mouth, hesitating. "I…"Aria patted her shoulder. "You have the freedom to choose your own path. Look. You brought such a gifted daughter into the world and surrounded her with brothers who adore her. Without you, none of us wouldn't even be here."Fiona laughed softly, dismissing her words. "That's nonsense."Aria leaned in closer. "I'm serious. I was lucky to be born into this family. My stars might not be the brightest, and I can't read my own fate, but I realized something recently. If you weren't my mother, I would've already cut ties with the Carver family."Aria met her gaze. "You've been lost in a fog long enough. If you're willing to act, then do it. I'll take care of those who oppose you."Fiona's eyes glistened with emotion. "I know my daughter is the best in the world.""Mom, did you meet Mr. Sloane on your own accord?" This was the only thing Aria cared to ask.Fiona nodded. "I did."Aria chuckled. "That's all that matters. I believe in your judgme
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