Warren was holding a shareholders' meeting in Janovin. The Carver family was nothing like it had been before. No one entertained the idea of collaborating with Krowonian companies anymore—those who remained were fully committed to rebuilding the business. More importantly, everyone had heard of Aria's success in Ludwiten. Their excitement was barely contained."Mr. Carver Senior, my friends in Ludwiten told me that Ms. Carver secured the most sought-after government development land. Perhaps we should also shift our focus there..."Warren didn't deny their assumptions. He merely laughed. "You're right. Our company will officially establish a branch in Ludwiten next month. We started there all those years ago—it's time to go back."Such a move had been unthinkable before. No matter how much some had wished for it, returning was no easy feat.Rebuilding connections, especially after what Owen had done, was a challenge. The Carver Group had lost its foothold in Ludwiten, and break
Breaking into the international market was no easy feat, but the Carver Group had absolute confidence in their technology.During the shareholders' meeting, the proposal passed unanimously. Aria had not only ventured into Ludwiten but also carved out a new path, fulfilling the long-held dreams of many. The air buzzed with excitement, the joy unmistakable.For Warren, this was a moment of true fulfillment. With such talented and capable grandchildren, he had no regrets in life."Aria accomplished what we could only dream of back then." He spoke not as a chairman but as someone who had endured hardships and understood what returning to Ludwiten meant for the Carver Group.The shareholders were elated, and the entire company felt like celebrating. In a cutthroat industry, finding a company that valued its employees was rare. Yet, under Aria's leadership, while she focused on expansion and revenue, the employees worked reasonable hours and left on time. Even during peak seasons, over
"With the current market trend and international demand rising, gold prices will only continue to increase this week."50 billion? Each share gaining twenty dollars in value?Everyone in the office gasped in shock.An average person might struggle to grasp such astronomical growth, but everyone seated in the conference room was a seasoned businessman. They understood the implications instantly—Aria was on the verge of making a staggering fortune.Fergus could see that Warren was just as stunned as he was. Keeping his voice low, he explained, "Take a moment to let it sink in, Grandpa. Also, ten billion of that fifty billion came from the profits we made off the Draycott family."Some foreign investors tried to siphon money from us through the stock market. Aria ensured they lost every last cent."As for gold, they wanted to suppress its price, but we won't allow it. Our country's economy shouldn't be dictated by outsiders, and that includes the business world, where interests are
Robert was no longer the butler of the Grisham residence. Instead, he was one of Aria's staff members brought from Janovin. He only asked because Laura had never visited alone before.Despite her urgency, Laura maintained a composed façade, though she seemed unimpressed with the new butler. "Can't I come here by myself?""Of course you can. I misspoke. However, Mr. Grisham Senior just left. I'm afraid you might have come in vain."Although Laura had sabotaged Jett's investment, she wasn't foolish enough to cause trouble for a butler. She was only here to speak with Fiona, and Clyde's absence made things easier.She cast Benson Pennyworth a cool glance. "This is my house. There's no such thing as coming in vain. Where's Fiona?"Benson hesitated for a brief moment as if suppressing something, but his tone remained respectful. "Ms. Grisham is in the kitchen, preparing medicine. Shall I take you to her?"Laura waved him off. "No need. Get back to work—I'll go myself."Without anothe
Fiona remained calm as she listened, though a faint dimness clouded her eyes. Without a word, she poured herself another cup of coffee, ignoring Laura entirely.Laura had expected her to react, to ask questions, to follow her lead. Instead, Fiona's indifference caught her off guard. Who would have thought she'd be so unmoved?"Fiona, I know how incredible Aria is. She's achieved so much in Ludwiten. But Jett also put in a great deal of effort to help her. He followed her everywhere without a single complaint."Laura wiped her tears away. "It broke my heart to see Aria being looked down on when she first arrived. I thought, if I couldn't mend your relationship with Dad, then at least I could be a good aunt."So, I made sure Jett supported Aria as much as possible. You know Jett's personality—he's sincere. He genuinely wanted to help her secure the land, and he never took credit for it. That's why I'm here on his behalf."Jett is the eldest grandson of the Grisham family. Clyde will
Laura paused for a moment before continuing, "Fiona, what's done is done, and we can't just ignore it. Eamon… It may be hard to imagine, but Jett wouldn't have ended up like this without Owen's influence."Eamon was always busy, so he never had the time to guide Jett. That's why Jett has no real accomplishments as the Grisham family's eldest son. Some of our family's elders even cut ties with us after what Owen did."If they had been around to guide Jett, things might have turned out differently."Fiona looked down at the hand holding hers. "Laura, don't worry. I won't ignore what happened. No one hates Owen more than I do.""I understand. And Owen has already been punished. It's unrealistic to keep holding on to resentment. We should focus on moving forward. You and Eamon should clear up any misunderstandings," Laura said sincerely.But Fiona caught the deeper meaning behind her words. "If you were in my place, how would you let go of the grudge?"Laura pointed to a red-marked a
"I only realized today that you're not worthy of marrying into the Grisham family!" Fiona stood up, her patience completely spent. "See her out!"Laura was stunned. She hadn't expected Fiona to actually say that. Fury made her hands tremble as she pointed at Fiona. "You're saying I'm not worthy? And whose fault is it that the Grisham family is in such a miserable state?"Their decline is all thanks to your husband! And now, after divorcing him, you dare to come back? I only wanted harmony in this family, yet you accuse me like this? Fine! I'll go ask Eamon myself if he thinks the same way—that I don't deserve to be here."Fiona, if I end up divorcing Eamon, it's because of you! How dare a divorced woman like you meddle in your family's affairs!"Snatching up her bag, Laura stormed toward the door, her high heels clicking sharply against the floor.Since both Aria and Fiona refused to listen, Laura would let everyone in Ludwiten decide who was right. Fiona had no right to stay
"You want to teach the Fitzroy family a lesson?" The only one who sensed the danger around Aria stood beside her, exuding his usual refined demeanor. "Do you need my men to go with you?"Aria glanced at Landon before replying, "No need. I can handle it myself."She hadn't intended to go that far, but Magdalene was practically digging her own grave.Landon studied her thoughtfully. "You're still the same as ever. You only care about your family."It had been the same back when Aria was part of the sect—anyone who harmed her seniors would suffer tenfold, even if that person was Landon himself.Landon's tone felt oddly sulky, and Aria frowned. "Who else would I care about apart from my family?"Landon said nothing, offering only a half-smile.Something clicked in Aria's mind. Without hesitation, she reached out and took his hand. "You're my family too. Don't be so stingy. You're about to be the Carver family's live-in son-in-law soon, after all."Landon stilled, his gaze shifting
Ordinary people understood the harshness of reality. Brent, having lived in poverty for most of his life, had been looked down on more times than he could count.Poor people like them could die unnoticed at home, and no one would care, let alone offer help without expecting something in return.If something really happened to Eden, Brent doubted he and his wife could do anything to save her. Judy was a prime example. Her father, Alec Lanez, had even given up selling bread just to look for her.Every time Alec went to the school, he was met with the same cold response."It has nothing to do with us. Your daughter ran away and refuses to acknowledge you. So why are you coming here? Peasants like you should know your place. Without us, people like you could only dream of going overseas. How filthy!"Brent had heard the school's representative say those exact words when he accompanied Alec. Both of them could only stand there, humiliated and speechless.Alec's back was sore from how m
Eden immediately opened the windows after hearing that. "Did Ms. Carver send you here? Is she in any danger? I'm really worried about her. Should I call the police? I'd feel horrible if anything happened to her."Weston remained calm and indifferent. "Calling the police will only make them suspicious. My boss is amazing, and there's nothing she can't handle. She has a plan. Right now, my priority is to bring all of you to Heartbound Hall in Janovin so your grandfather can receive treatment."The respect in Weston's voice when he spoke of Aria was unmistakable."Pack up your things and come with me," Weston ordered.Their team had already checked the surroundings and ensured nothing would go wrong. Anyone watching would think Eden's grandparents were simply collecting bottles and preparing lunch as usual, not leaving the house until the afternoon.Without wasting time, Weston picked up the elderly couple's luggage. His most important task now was to get Eden and her grandparents to
"We followed the address, so this must be the place. Sir, isn't that the girl?" It was the same group of people as before. After failing their last mission because of Aria, they were being extra cautious this time."We can't afford any more mistakes. Treat her kindly so that she won't suspect anything.""Yes, sir."When they saw a young woman in a school uniform appear right on time, they were convinced she was the right person. After all, Aria looked exactly like Eden.They rolled down the car window and waved. "Ms. Bohmer, over here."Aria looked up and recognized several familiar faces. She grabbed her bag and walked toward the car."Ms. Bohmer, we meet again," The driver greeted Aria warmly. "Let's go."The team had prepared for a difficult encounter. They'd even been authorized to use force if necessary, as long as they avoided surveillance cameras. But to their surprise, Aria simply opened the car door and got in without resistance.Aria glanced at their puzzled expression
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