It all began with Jett's so-called friends and connections—many of whom were tied to his mother's side of the family. Aria quickly realized their true intention wasn't to destroy the Grisham family but to pull Jett closer to their circle. As the future heir of the Grisham family, Jett was a valuable asset. To win his favor, they indulged his every whim and even orchestrated friendships for him. Some of those connections were with the Draycott family's men.Aria had taken great care to filter out anyone with links to the Grishams. Even so, she was stunned to find she had overlooked two people in Jett's circle. If she hadn't checked the IP address behind the video Isaiah just sent, those two would have remained hidden.The bigger the family, the more tangled the web of relationships. Aria had never felt that way about her own family—her brothers weren't married, and the Carver family had few extended relatives. But the Grishams were another story entirely. Missing even the smallest d
"Let's meet your so-called friend. Talk normally and don't reveal anything. We start with courtesy, but we'll escalate if needed." Aria's tone was firm as she dragged Jett into the boutique.Customer service was crucial in boutiques selling and maintaining second-hand luxury items. Some high-end shops prided themselves on their impressive collections of classic edition pieces. Although many wealthy clients didn't typically shop there, the demand was driven by budget-conscious consumers who wanted high-end goods.Second-hand bags that once cost tens of thousands could be purchased for half the price. Fresh graduates with limited budgets but a desire to flaunt status often sought such deals. TV dramas showed how luxury bags could help people mingle in high-end social circles, sometimes leading to surprising bargains. For shop owners, a boutique like this could be pretty profitable—if the goods were legitimate and the staff's attitude didn't drive customers away.Jett had trusted
The customer's frustration was simmering, but Aria's cool and self-assured demeanor caught her off guard. She had never met a woman quite like Aria before, and her irritation wavered.When Aria offered an apology, the customer waved it off, flustered. "N-No need. Maybe the shop doesn't have my size anyway.""Nonsense. You have a balanced figure and a slim waist—you'll look good in anything. Why not try it on and see for yourself?" Aria's tone was disarming yet firm.Then, with a sudden shift, she added, "As for the salesperson, she doesn't seem to need this job. She's probably wealthy enough to buy these clothes outright. Maybe she's from a well-off family."Aurelia Dubois' expression darkened. "Miss, even if you're friends with Mr. Grisham, it's inappropriate to meddle in shop matters. Yes, I was in a bad mood because of a break-up today. I'm sure Mr. Grisham will understand. I'm very sorry."Though her words were loud, her tone carried more self-pity than remorse. She was clearl
Aurelia shot a glance at Jett as she spoke, convinced he wouldn't heed Aria's demand to fire her. After all, Jett had always been considerate to his employees.But Jett's response was sharper than anything he had said since entering the shop. "Pack your things and leave."Aurelia froze. "You can't! Mr. Grisham, I need this job—I have rent due next month. You can't just fire me!"She turned to Aria, her eyes burning with resentment. "This is all because of you. You rich people think you can look down on us. You have no idea what it's like to be an ordinary person!""Your words are an insult to ordinary people," Aria replied coolly, staying put to watch how Jett would handle it. She also wanted to see if he would understand how someone like Aurelia had ended up working in his store in the first place.Jett's mind flashed to the scene at the Grisham residence, and realization dawned. Aurelia and his Uncle Robert were cut from the same cloth.Until now, Jett had wondered if there had
Aria glanced at Jett. "A girl selling flowers on the street could outsell your sales attendant. Being the top seller in your store isn't exactly a badge of honor."Jett felt the sting of her words but remained silent. He couldn't shake the feeling that Aria didn't like him much.However, more pressing matters weighed on him today. His shop was riddled with issues, and now his best friend—also the shop's supervisor—had been missing for over ten minutes. Jett's face darkened.One of the sales attendants leaned in and whispered, "Mr. Draycott is in the meeting room on the fourth floor."After hearing that, Jett turned and strode upstairs. Even before they reached the door, they heard loud, crude laughter. Inside, two men sat sprawled out—one with his legs crossed, the other holding a cigarette. Both tapped away on their phones."This chick's got a body on her," one snickered. "Check out her chest!""Haha! We should ask her out."Jett felt a wave of nervousness. He shot a glance a
"Luka explained, "It's nothing much. One of my overseas contacts managed to bring in a new batch of goods—trendy, high-demand items. Very profitable. We'll be swimming in cash once it arrives in a couple of days."He flashed a grin at Jett. "It's all thanks to Jett that we could import such precious goods."Jett's brows furrowed. Luka's words sounded off. He couldn't put his finger on it, but something felt wrong.Luka only dared to speak so freely because Jett had spent most of his life overseas, ignorant of Farshya's local affairs. And Aria? He dismissed her entirely, assuming a young woman wouldn't know anything.His confidence wavered, though, when he caught Aria's gaze. The seemingly harmless woman's expression had shifted into something sharp and unsettling."So, which port are the goods arriving at?" she asked, her tone deceptively light.Luka faltered, scrambling for a response. But before he could stammer out an answer, Aria toyed with her car keys and added nonchalantly
Luka and Axel were secretly taken away. Jett barely registered the plainclothes officers who had appeared out of nowhere—his focus had shifted to the phone Aria now held out. It belonged to his so-called best friend.A sinking feeling consumed Jett. This latest betrayal was a brutal lesson, one that forced him to rethink everything.His phone wouldn't stop ringing—calls from his maternal grandmother's relatives. Before Aria came into the picture, he would have answered every call, perhaps even begged his grandfather for leniency. But now? He had half a mind to blacklist them all.Jett had always thought foreign corporations offered more freedom. He hadn't fully appreciated how rare and resilient the Grisham family was to have survived the upheavals of each passing era without falling apart.Frustration overwhelmed him. He gripped his hair and clutched his head.Aria, meanwhile, felt satisfied. Her plan had worked better than expected. Jett's entanglement was the perfect bait to tr
Clary immediately gave Aria a thumbs-up. Aria leaned casually with one hand draped over the car door, exuding the effortless air of a cool CEO. "Clary, could you ask the crew to assign us a cameraman?"Given the request came from Aria, the cameramen were quick to respond. It wasn't just about lending a hand—it was an opportunity. Everyone in the industry knew that Aria's content always went viral. They didn't know what she had planned, but they knew it would be headline-worthy.Clary picked two of the most experienced cameramen and added a video production manager to Aria's team for support.As she started the car, Aria nodded at the production crew standing by. "Thank you, everyone. Good luck with the shoot. Clary, please help hand out the gifts."The crew all knew Aria planned to take Leon somewhere. Since she had already informed them, they didn't interfere. Luckily, Aria had turned down Elijah's offer to tag along.Aria was known for her thoughtful gestures. She would brin
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