"Mrs. Fitzroy Senior, don't get so worked up. Slow down and mind the stairs!" Benson called out, announcing Magdalene's arrival. Clyde cast a glance at Jett upon hearing the commotion. Jett, in turn, furrowed his brows and clenched his fists.Magdalene stopped at the foot of the stairs, her voice sharp with displeasure. "So, you've decided to sever ties with the Fitzroy family? I've arrived, yet not a single person comes to greet me. How wonderful! Is this how you welcome your guests?"Clyde stepped forward, Jett following closely behind. "What kind of welcome were you expecting?"Magdalene's eyes immediately reddened at the sight of Jett. "Jett! Why are you here? Do you have any idea how anxious your mother and I were while searching for you?"Jett remained unmoved. He knew full well whether they had truly been looking for him.Laura hesitated upon seeing Jett at the Grisham residence, standing so close to Clyde. To her, it felt like a betrayal. Did he even realize she was his
Jett continued, "You follow Grandma's every word and let her control your marriage. Why?"Laura was caught off guard. "Jett, did your grandfather say something to you? Don't listen to him. He just doesn't want you getting close to the Fitzroy family!"Jett laughed. "They don't want me getting close to the Fitzroys? That's the best joke I've heard all day, Mom."He gestured to himself. "Look at me. I have no accomplishments, and my grades are awful. Do you really think I could graduate if I weren't from a wealthy family? You, more than anyone, know how unremarkable I am.""I'm so ordinary I don't even seem like a Grisham. I don't have Dad's vision or Uncle Waymond's business acumen. Compared to Aria and my Carver cousins, I'm a complete failure! Who would want to get close to me?" Jett's eyes turned red. The sting of how the Draycott family had nearly used him against the Grishams still hadn't faded.Clyde watched him, his mouth slightly open. He hated hearing Jett tear himself d
"Jett…" Laura's eyes widened, and her body swayed a little. In contrast, Magdalene remained indifferent. Some people grew softer with age, doting on their younger generations. Others cared only for themselves.Since Jett no longer listened to her, Magdalene decided to get straight to the point. "Well done. You've even managed to turn my grandson against me. It seems the Grisham family no longer values our partnership."She shifted her gaze to Clyde. "Let's see how long the Grisham family can survive without us. My daughter will sign the divorce papers, but she must receive half of the marital assets. I trust the Grisham family won't be shameless enough to leave her with nothing."Jett's head snapped up at her words. It was clear Magdalene was after the Grisham Group's shares. After all, Eamon's company was part of the marital property."Grandpa!" Jett instinctively turned to Clyde, who looked grim. Company shares were crucial. If Laura and Eamon divorced, the Fitzroy family cou
Aria was standing downstairs in a suit. She exuded an air that was both masculine and feminine—cool yet mischievous. Her dark eyes held no warmth. When she looked at people, it felt less like she was seeing them as living beings and more like she was peering through them.Magdalene had never seen Aria up close before. Now that she had, an inexplicable dread crept over her. She instinctively took a step back as if Aria carried misfortune itself.Aria approached with polite composure. If not for the dagger in her grip, she might have passed for an ordinary young woman greeting her elders."I remember what you told my mother, Aunt Laura." Her lips curled in a nonchalant smirk before her gaze shifted to Magdalene. "It seems you're unaware of what's been happening in Ludwiten, Mrs. Fitzroy Senior."She gave a small shrug. "It doesn't matter. You'll find out soon enough. Since you're here, it saves me a trip to the Fitzroy residence."From the moment Aria appeared, Magdalene hadn't lo
Laura's marriage to Eamon had never been honorable. Naturally, she pinned her hopes on her son to redeem herself. But right now, all she wanted were the Grisham Group shares.If a mother truly loved her child, she would fight for custody in a divorce. Yet Laura had left without hesitation, her hatred for Aria outweighing any affection for Jett. She had never even considered taking him with her.Jett wasn't a fool. Although he might not have understood everything before, it was crystal clear now. His mother and grandmother were cut from the same cloth.He had always assumed Magdalene manipulated Laura, seeing how hesitant she often seemed. But now, he realized they had always been on the same side. No amount of coercion would have worked if Laura hadn't already shared Magdalene's nature.She listened to Magdalene because, at her core, she was no different.Laura's words to Aria were venomous, a curse filled with malice. Jett glanced at Aria, wanting to apologize, but he knew an apo
The sharp caw of a crow outside the car grated on Magdalene's nerves. She twirled her bracelet even faster, her expression darkening. "The Grisham family is doomed! Such ominous creatures appearing at their house in broad daylight—what a bad sign!"Laura glanced out the car window. The crow's presence unsettled her, and without hesitation, she instructed the driver to drive.Magdalene didn't waste any time. "Laura, handle this however you want. Our family has a legal team just like the Grishams. Let the lawyers take care of everything—don't say anything unnecessary."Lowering her gaze, she pondered for a moment. "You mentioned that Eamon has been staying out late for social events. We should focus on that.""He didn't betray me, though." Laura hesitated. Magdalene gave her a pointed look. "People will only take your side if he did. Use it to your advantage."Laura slowly nodded under her gaze. "I'll find some evidence.""Good. Our family is involved with the Draycotts now. Once
Aria put her phone away and glanced at Jett. "Okay. I got it."If she had not needed to consider Jett's feelings, she could have handled the Fitzroy family even faster. "Did Grandpa agree?"Jett looked up. "Don't tell him. Grandpa's always protected me. That's why he hasn't been ruthless enough. You too. I know what's going on."Clyde held too many of the Fitzroy family's secrets. If he hadn't been concerned about Jett, Magdalene wouldn't have had a chance to slander them.Aria idly twirled a pen drive between her fingers. "It's not just for you. Sometimes, the way I do things doesn't align with the Grisham family's values.""I was born from a scheme, but I'm glad I was born into the Grisham family." Jett had matured. If this had happened before, he wouldn't have been able to handle it—his head would have been filled with endless doubts and dark thoughts.But now, he seemed more resolute. "Do what you have to. Just don't tell Grandpa. He'll worry about you.""How similar." Aria
If Orion wanted to conceal his cash flow crisis, he first had to ensure Aria would keep quiet. But just as Aria issued her orders, news about the Draycott Group spread like wildfire.Headlines like "Unpaid Wages", "Mass Layoffs", and "Subsidiaries in Crisis" tore through the Draycott family like a raging storm.Despite the mounting scrutiny, the company could still weather the storm—so long as it remained profitable and continued paying taxes.However, a quick search revealed a troubling reality. Several Draycott Group subsidiaries had already shuttered. It was obvious that the company's problems ran deeper than mere rumors.The banks were the first to react. Normally, it was Orion who entertained bank officers, but now, the tables had turned. "Mr. Wrenwood, how can you believe such baseless rumors?"Naturally, Orion wouldn't admit the truth. "You know the Draycott family's assets well. It's just land holdings. Sure, I made a bad investment, but it's hardly a fatal blow."Alde
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