The coldness in Orion's eyes revealed his true nature when he stared someone down. Lily trembled as they held her in front of Orion, whose face was twisted with rage. "Mr. Draycott, please listen. This stock market change was just bad luck. "What I told you was absolutely true, but somehow things changed. Give me another chance to make it up to you." With a loud smack, Orion slapped her across the face when she was done speaking. "Another chance? Who's going to give me another chance then?" Red finger marks appeared on Lily's cheek, making her cry out in pain. But Orion showed zero mercy as he grabbed her by the throat. "Remember what I said? If your predictions were wrong, I'd make you wish you were dead! "I put all my money in because of what you told me! And you tried to run? I dare you to try that again!" Lily felt like she was drowning, unable to breathe. After struggling for what felt like forever, Orion finally let go. Once she caught her breath, she calmed down. "
People were demanding, "What's with the rumors going around outside?" "We're the Draycotts! How could our family possibly be out of money?" "Say something! Are you mute?" Matt had always greeted everyone with a smile before. No matter how outrageous their words or how arrogant their attitude, he would just chuckle pleasantly. After all, he earned his pay by putting up with this stuff. But today, he really could not take it anymore. "What's happening? Go ask Orion! This isn't my company; it's your family's!" Such massive changes in the company had taken everyone by surprise overnight. How could ordinary employees possibly have predicted this? Orion was really reckless for using company funds to speculate on stocks! What would happen to all the working people now? The pressure had initially come from outside, and now it was coming from within. For Orion, those 60 or 70 million in funds didn't matter whether they were recovered or not. He might as well make a big play—what i
Ralph Gambon was the most famous investment professional in Ludwiten. People said he had the Midas touch. Whatever he backed, whether stocks or companies, would flourish. The prominent families in Ludwiten had tried to recruit him many times, but he never appeared. Even Orion wanted to bring him into his company. After all, everyone wanted to recruit someone with such amazing skills like him. Ralph had gone nowhere, even declining invitations from the Chamber of Commerce. But this legendary figure was now on the phone, calling the person on the other end his boss! Could they be an overseas investor? Harlan could no longer maintain his usual composure. He knew Orion was ruthless, but he never imagined he would be so lawless as to target Elena. If those people hadn't shown up, Elena would have been kidnapped. Those men had even tried to assault her! Initially, Harlan just wanted to leave quietly, not wanting to take the fall for anyone. But now, he felt both afraid and furious.
Aria laughed freely when she was done unwrapping her candy. "I get your concerns, Mr. Wexford, but I think you're missing something. You probably know the person standing next to you." "Of course I know him. Anyone in finance knows Ralph Gambon, the investment guru." Aria spoke casually, "Then why do you think Ralph calls me 'Boss'?" That hit Harlan like a brick. That was exactly what he wanted to know—why would someone like Ralph call her that? "You're only seeing the surface, Mr. Wexford." Aria's voice remained calm. "The official documents mention not just the matter of the land development but also upcoming personnel changes. With all the corruption in the Land Planning Department, someone needs to step in and clean things up." Harlan's eyes widened. "Ms. Carver, are you saying there will be changes in government positions?" In the past, Harlan would have asked how she knew this. But not anymore. Maybe everyone in the business world had it wrong, including the Grish
Hearing Aria's words, Pippa's eyes widened. Everyone knew their company had fallen apart because Orion had lost money in the stocks, but nobody knew there was a specific reason behind it all. But Aria was claiming that it had something to do with her. Was that even possible? Pippa hesitated. "But you don't have an appointment..." "Here's my business card." Aria pressed something between her fingertips and handed it over. After seeing the name on the card, Pippa looked up in disbelief, then nervously dialed the CEO's office. At that moment, Orion was raging at Lily. He had smashed everything in his office to pieces. "Didn't you say it was a timing issue? Isn't it long enough now?" Orion looked like he wanted to devour Lily whole. Arlo already looked exhausted. He had too many problems to handle, and several managers had already quit. Every phone call was from someone demanding payment. The last thing Arlo wanted to hear now was another phone ringing. Yet, people from downsta
Looking back, Lily realized Aria really had changed overnight, just like that. Lily hadn't paid attention before, but in her previous life, the Carver family had already fallen by this point. The news had even reported Warren's death. Aria had gone back home but couldn't measure up to Mindy in any way. In the end, she had vanished without a trace, hadn't she? Why was everything so different now? Lily stared at her hands blankly. Orion's words had suddenly clicked something into place in her mind. She mumbled to herself, "Why is it different from before? Why?" Orion had lost all patience for her rambling. "Just tell me about Aria's future. Nothing else matters to me. Based on what you know, what will happen to her in the end?" "She... She..." Lily's mind went blank. "Something must have happened to her! Mr. Draycott, have someone find my grandmother. She was closest to Aria, so she'd know what her weak spots are now!" Aria had changed so suddenly, but why had Georgina never
Orion's fingers froze as he glanced at the bodyguards on either side of Aria. The men in black withdrew their hands and moved back a bit, though they remained in the office. Aria seemed totally unfazed, with a smile on her face still. Orion burst into laughter. "I don't get what you're trying to say anymore. You're the one who shows up without warning while I'm handling some business." As he spoke, he gave Lily a meaningful look. "Some people from small towns think they can pull the wool over everyone's eyes with their little tricks. I should really teach them a lesson so they learn to follow the rules wherever they are!" Though he appeared to be talking about Lily, he was really taking a shot at Aria. "Hmm? I don't understand any of that." Aria's voice was cool. "But I do know one simple truth—when you lose, you lose. Making excuses just shows poor character. Wouldn't you agree, Mr. Draycott?" Orion's face suddenly darkened. "I didn't expect the Yorks would help you this m
Aria looked up casually. "Don't underestimate what a small player can do, Mr. Draycott. I have high hopes for Harlan." Hearing her speak this way, Orion's agitation actually subsided. This young woman still could not see the whole picture. So what if she beat him in the stock market? She understood nothing about connections, relationships, or how the system worked. Whatever evidence Harlan held, he would need to be able to deliver it to the right people! "Aria, you should spend more time learning from your uncles. Some things don't automatically get results just because you do them." Orion's face was dark, but he cackled loudly. "If you hadn't pushed Harlan to do certain things, he might have spent a few peaceful years in prison. And you wouldn't be forced out of Ludwiten so quickly. "But you just had to stir up trouble with people you shouldn't have messed with." When Orion said this, he lowered his voice. His eyes held nothing but malice as he looked at Aria. She smiled.
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