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
"What is it?" Landon asked her, his noble and aloof demeanor highlighted by the bracelet on his wrist. Yet, it contrasted with his well-tailored suit.Aria reached out and touched his diamond cufflinks. Then, she smiled seductively. "Can I take a bite?"She had never made such requests before.Whenever she experienced symptoms of her intermittent explosive disorder, she would endure it and rinse her head with cold water. But for some reason, she wanted to use her teeth to check if his neck was actually as cold as it seemed.Normally, Landon would reject such a request. This time, he chuckled and asked, "Where do you want to bite?""Your neck," she breathed, her tongue nervously darting across her lips. Landon circled her waist and lifted her. "It'll be easier for you to bite from this height.""You're right." Aria didn't concern herself with how intimate their posture appeared, especially in such a confined space, with him pinning her against the wall and whispering to her.Ho
Aria glanced at the marks on his neck and smiled. "I told you that it would cover your medical bills. What responsibility do I need to assume?""I can pay," Landon's voice sounded a bit hoarse, perhaps due to the wind. His breath brushed against the side of her ear as he chuckled. "If you assume responsibility, you can bite whenever you want."Aria felt slightly moved. Her long, glossy hair cascaded down her back, and her eyes held a hint of detachment. "I'll consider it.""Please do. Not only do you need a boyfriend, but my family is also pressuring me to get a partner." Landon smiled.Aria raised her eyebrows. "Then why are you calling off the engagement?"She didn't forget what she heard in the hospital.Landon's voice was clear, his tone gentle. "I have the right to choose my bride. Besides, with this body of mine, do you want to make the woman I marry a widow?""That's a valid point." Aria gave a solemn nod. Landon smiled helplessly. "Anyway, I didn't expect you to answer
The HR employee glanced over at Aria and spoke with a hint of cockiness. "Eden, I called your name twice. You should pay more attention next time. You can't act like this during the interview. Otherwise, you might not even complete the application."The cockier she sounded, the more convinced the students became that the scholarship program was legitimate. Their wariness gradually faded.Noticing the students' reactions, Aria walked over to the HR employee.The woman said nothing more. She looked Aria up and down, glanced at the red mark on the paper, then turned and led Aria to the innermost room—her heels clicking sharply on the floor.Aria knew she was their real target. Others had arrived before her, but they were ignored until she showed up.Inside, the interviewer was a middle-aged man. He gestured for Aria to sit. Without much expression, he asked, "Eden, will you be able to adjust to foreign cuisines? What are your expectations for your future school? What are your plans af
After entering the building, Aria discovered there were at least ten other students around her age. Some had been picked up from rural areas. All of them believed they were there for a language test in Angladian, and many were busy practicing their speaking skills.The leader gestured for his subordinates to push Aria forward. "Off you go. Try your best to nail it on the first shot."Aria walked inside without resistance. She noted that surveillance cameras had been installed in every corner, even at every hallway turn. It was clear all the students were under strict observation.She had to admit—the company was much more professional-looking than expected. If she hadn't disguised herself as Eden or known in advance that the company was suspicious, she might have believed this was a legitimate organization."Alright. Next student, come with me," called one of the HR staff.Everyone seemed busy. Employees sat at desks buried under piles of documents, each preoccupied with their ow
Those who dedicated their lives to protecting others didn't care about how people viewed them, because a greater purpose drove them.Just as Brent had said, no one would help people like them without expecting compensation. And if anyone did, it could only be the Farshyan soldiers.At that moment, the train to Janovin began to move.…Meanwhile, Aria, disguised as Eden, sat quietly in the car with her eyes closed, appearing to be asleep. She didn't react when the man sitting next to her gently tapped her arm. He leaned closer and whispered, "Sir, doesn't she seem different from usual? Do you think she's car sick or something?"The driver frowned, holding up an ID photo and glancing back at her."Maybe she's just used to us now. Probably has everything figured out by this point. Anyway, our job's just to drop her off. What happens after that isn't our concern. Once they pick her up, we'll get our money."Unbeknownst to them, Aria was wide awake, listening to every word and memor
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