Karen had plenty of ways to ruin Aria's reputation online.Landon's gaze shifted deliberately toward Solo, signaling his intent.As an elite bodyguard, Solo grasped Landon's unspoken directive. He began to move in Karen's direction. However, Aria intercepted him with a smile. "Grandma said to let them go."Solo hesitated, his head tilting in question. "Follow what she said, then." Landon's voice was calm. It was as if he was talking about something normal.Barry watched in astonishment, perplexed by Landon's unexpected compliance. He couldn't help but wonder about Aria's true identity.Aria, nonchalantly chewing gum, spoke with casual confidence. "Everyone deserves a chance to start anew. I happen to be quite forgiving.""Really?" Landon raised his eyebrows, fiddling with his rosary bracelet. It was obvious he didn't believe her words.Of course, Aria wasn't being entirely truthful. If Solo were to tail Karen, her plans would be thwarted. She knew that for someone like Karen,
"Yes, I've agreed." Aria was calm, not thinking too much of his question.Landon's brow furrowed. She'd shut him down flat when he offered his own investment. Yet, Harry's proposal garnered immediate acceptance.Landon smiled and leaned closer to her. The crisp scent mingled with the smell of medicine wafted into her nostrils. Perhaps it was because the weather was starting to turn chilly; his body temperature seemed cold. "Why didn't you choose me?"Aria looked up at him. Although her gaze seemed confused, she gave a reasonable explanation. "Grand Construction Corp. happens to want to invest in the pharmaceutical industry for their next project. After discussing, everything aligns well. Besides, most of the Carver family's businesses are located overseas, so traditional medicine isn't their forte."Though her explanation sounded plausible, Landon's smile deepened. However, it was devoid of any warmth. He fiddled with his rosary bracelet, seemingly lost in thought. "You're right.
If Landon seemed indifferent before, he now had a hint of a smile on his face."Nope." The usual aloof-looking Landon didn't seem to look that intimidating now. "Barry, pay up."Barry nodded and quickly took out his credit card."Remember to pay more." Although Landon's voice was calm, it didn't mask the fact that he seemed to be the one in control.Aria glanced at him and back to the obedient Barry. "Are you two even friends?"Landon didn't hide it from her. "He's a colleague from another branch.""Yes. We're colleagues." Barry straightened his posture.Aria didn't think much of it. "I don't take credit cards, but you can pay to my account here."Barry glanced slightly to his right. "How much should I pay?""You're going to ask for your friend's opinion on how much you should pay?" Aria grinned teasingly.Barry immediately transferred 100,000 over. To him, this shouldn't be too much or too little.He had considered this amount carefully, ensuring it fell within the range of
The voice in Aria's ear was like fine wine sliding down Aria's throat, leaving her slightly intoxicated.Landon's touch was unlike anyone else, emanating a scorching heat.Aria couldn't see his face from her position. However, she could feel his breath on the nape of her neck, sending shivers down her spine.He didn't smoke, so there was no scent of tobacco on him. Perhaps it was due to his long-term medication use; the smell of sandalwood on him was oddly captivating.Though she was accustomed to the smell of medicine, she still considered his scent enticing.His hand was still clasped with hers. When he leaned down slightly, it was impossible to ignore his presence. After all, he was practically right in front of her. Aria's heart felt like it had been stung. She suddenly felt a pang of sensation that was both unfamiliar and familiar to her. It was difficult for her to put her finger on it.Aria raised her eyebrows and was about to push him away.However, he let go of her ha
Barry quickly caught on to the fact that he was being led. Thus, he puffed up his cheeks and answered, "Boss treats me and the others quite well.""Really?" Aria raised her eyebrows. It was quite a shame, for she thought she could get some useful information. However, Barry was quick to react despite being a talkative person.Barry nodded firmly. "My boss has no shortcomings!""You didn't say that just now. You said that you would be the one taking the fall," Aria spoke indifferently.Barry froze. "I was talking nonsense. I see that my boss is treating you very seriously. I'm sure he won't let you down even if there's a difference between your family backgrounds. Don't worry!""Oh? That's a shame because your boss and I are only acting. How can you tell that he's being serious to me?" Aria fiddled with her calculator and smiled absentmindedly.Barry was stunned. "You guys were acting?""Lower down your voice." Aria furrowed her eyebrows. After seeing that everything seemed norma
Perhaps the coffee had been brewed for too long. A bitter aftertaste lingered on Landon's tongue, mirroring the unease that settled in his gut. It was difficult for Landon to believe Aria would be so infatuated with someone.Landon smiled as if nothing was wrong. His deep black eyes exuded courtesy and grace. "Ms. Harris, my family isn't as complicated as you think. Nobody can make decisions on my behalf. I wouldn't make the woman I choose unhappy.""I feel relieved hearing that," Georgina sighed. Though she suspected they weren't being entirely truthful, as long as it wasn't anything serious, she wouldn't pry.Landon didn't hurry to end the conversation. He refilled Georgina's cup, his gaze drifting out the window where Aria bustled around the house.Aria was wearing black jeans and a T-shirt—the simple outfit did nothing to hide her well-proportioned figure. A wooden hairpin was tucked behind her head, accentuating her long and fair neck. Undoubtedly, she was strikingly beautiful
Landon's heartbeat was slow and steady, unlike his health condition. Nobody could guess, from his handsome façade, that he was a patient who was about to die soon. Aria paused and looked up.Landon withdrew his hand and gazed into the distance with a smile. Suddenly, he turned and coughed violently. Some traces of blood stained his lips, leaving a sickly pallor that somehow managed to be both dangerous and strangely alluring. Then, he said, "Ms. Harris agreed."Just when Aria was about to ask what he meant, he walked away. His silhouette was as striking as a painting.Aria followed him, thinking he was about to leave. However, he suddenly stopped in his tracks, causing her to bump into his back—a hard, cold surface that reeked faintly of medicine."I have to say, you had bad taste when you were younger," Landon spoke indifferently, masking his true emotions.Aria was confused."What do you mean by that?" She raised her eyebrows, puzzled by his sudden comment. Landon looked at
Barry was stunned, observing their inexplicable compatibility. Having been with Landon for years, Barry had never witnessed the latter showing interest in anyone.Aria was devoid of softness and gentleness, possessing only a captivating smile. She showed no fear toward Landon, even teasing him about his nickname. Aria likely hadn't seen Landon's ruthless side—when his hands were covered with blood. When Landon dealt with people, his subordinates would always feel afraid. Yet, he was also known for his fairness and rationality, dispensing punishment or reward with justification. Despite this, nobody dared to approach him closely.Considering Landon's apparent fatigue, Aria didn't insist they stay for dinner. Instead, she prepared bagels and medicine for him to take home."These bagels have a special herb blend I use for added flavor," she explained, her voice adopting a professional lilt that mirrored a doctor's bedside manner. "I also wrote down some dietary restrictions you sho