Everyone turned to stare at Aria, their faces filled with disapproval. Eden caught some of the heat too; she wasn't looking so great in their eyes either. "She's so dumb to throw away such a golden opportunity." "She just doesn't get it. Her family's dirt poor, and everyone knows that." Aria heard the whispers around her. She stood her ground, eyes cool at the edges, but her expression never changed. She even let out a soft laugh. "Nice move, Mr. Sonder. A few words and everyone forgets your wrongdoings. Don't worry, though. I've brought you a special gift." As she spoke, she glanced at her watch. "It should be here any minute. Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. You may call me Ms. Carver." Miguel snorted. "I couldn't care less what your name is." In his anger, he'd completely forgotten about the scandal that had been the talk of Ludwiten lately. Aria made a small sound as she hung her helmet on the bike. "I figured since you and Mr. Draycott were so tight, you'd be keep
Parents exchanged glances, and many of them were already frowning. Miguel couldn't figure out how his young mistress had shown up here. This would destroy his career! He lowered his voice so that only she could hear. "Who told you to come? Go home now!" Then he straightened up and called out loudly, "Ma'am, you've got the wrong person. Please take your child away." The artsy-looking woman started to realize there might be some misunderstanding. Normally, she wouldn't appear publicly in front of so many parents. Miguel had warned her that if she wanted a good life, she couldn't interfere with his career. But from the message she'd received today, she was clearly told that he wanted her to bring their son over. Being quick-witted, she tried to leave once she sensed something was wrong. She pulled the boy's hand.But a spoiled sixth-grader as he was, he wouldn't budge without getting what he wanted. "Dad, why are you pretending not to know me and Mom? Is it because of that old wo
Winnie's arrival was the final nail in Miguel's coffin. His image as a learned, child-nurturing principal was gone forever. Nothing could be more convincing than testimony from the legitimate wife, so Winnie's appearance really escalated the situation to a whole new level. Parents were snapping photos and recording videos. At first, these would only circulate in social circles, but they quickly spread across the internet. The mistress tried to cover her face while Miguel strained his neck shouting, "Stop filming! Parents, please stop filming! This is a private family matter with misunderstandings!" But it was useless. Spreading gossip was just human nature. At this point, no one would believe this was all a misunderstanding. Winnie hadn't appeared here by accident. The message had not been sent only to the mistress; Winnie received one too. Aria understood the situation, and she knew Winnie was a good teacher who didn't deserve such mistreatment. Winnie also realized someon
Miguel never imagined a divorce would come under such circumstances. He stepped forward, reaching out to grab Winnie's hand, hoping to explain himself.But before he could speak, his son, Russell Sonder, suddenly cut in, his voice filled with emotion. "You should've divorced my dad a long time ago. Daddy and Mommy love each other. The only reason a dried-up old hag like you is clinging to him is because he's the principal!"His words sent shockwaves through the crowd. Murmurs spread instantly."Kids don't say stuff like that unless they hear it from adults. Clearly, this is how they've raised him.""No surprise. What else would you expect from a mistress raising a kid?"Russell didn't understand why everyone was criticizing his parents. His voice rose, indignant and defensive. "People who aren't loved in a relationship are the real outsiders! She's not even as pretty or young as my mom. She looks older than my dad! Why won't she just let go?"The onlookers were stunned by the boy
Lisa stood frozen in disbelief as the situation turned against her. For years, she had always held the advantage. In her mind, the old, unattractive wife didn't stand a chance—Winnie would be out of Miguel's life soon enough.She had carefully calculated her moves, knowing Winnie's temper was infamous. All she had to do was provoke her. Once Winnie lost control, people would brand her as bitter and unfit to teach, blaming her for her failed marriage.Winnie had long been suffering from psychological distress caused by Miguel's affair. Aria knew this—and it was precisely why she chose to intervene.It was never easy for women. A wife breaking down over her husband's betrayal was often seen as unstable. If she fought back against the mistress, she'd be mocked—labeled hysterical, her efforts seen as pathetic.Sure, the mistress was in the wrong. But public opinion? That rarely sided with the wife. Most people just wanted her to move on. If she didn't, they saw her as the pitiful one w
Miguel was visibly shaken. Until now, he hadn't connected the dots that Aria was from the Carver family. The realization hit him like a thunderclap—his face went ghostly pale, and his lips trembled.He fumbled for an explanation, but deep down, he knew there was nothing he could say that would fix this. Meanwhile, Lina stiffened at the mention of marital property, anxiety flickering across her face.Lina looked at Miguel and asked, "Miguel, she's lying, right?"But Miguel was drowning in panic. Cold sweat soaked his shirt. He couldn't even begin to imagine what kind of storm was coming his way.Lina, no fool, knew exactly whom to plead with. She clung to Winnie's hand in a panic. "Ms. Siegler, I didn't mean for this to happen. Do you really think I seduced him?"Her voice trembled. "What should I do? I've only managed to survive in Ludwiten because of your help… That's why I didn't tell you how he hurt me.""You bitch! You're the one who came onto me!" Miguel exploded, his voice
Amos was visibly agitated—far more than usual—especially after hearing that the young woman he'd carefully selected had been taken away by Aria. He didn't hesitate this time. Without even waiting for more details, he ordered his subordinates to take Aria down.Still, Amos had more pressing matters on his plate. He was on a call, and from the other end, he could tell the person speaking wasn't pleased.A low sigh echoed through the receiver. "If you're not making progress, perhaps it's time to rethink your method. Understand the reality first. Teenagers' education isn't something people at the grassroots level should just poke their noses into.""You're right. I'll take what you said seriously," Amos replied, the deference in his tone hinting that the caller was someone with real power."I've got more meetings lined up, so I won't be back this week. The incident at Oakvale Academy has turned into a real mess. I want to see some results by Monday."Amos understood the implications
Aria remained motionless as Clyde slowly rose to his feet, leaning heavily on his cane. His brow furrowed.He had always shielded his grandchildren, especially Aria. She was obedient, thoughtful—never the kind to stir up trouble. For something like this to happen, it had to be more than it seemed.Years in the business world had sharpened Clyde's instincts. Even before the officers explained, he sensed this was personal. Someone was targeting Aria. Someone she'd likely crossed without realizing it."Officers," he said in a calm, gravelly voice. "I'm not stopping you from taking my granddaughter in. But may I ask—what exactly are the charges?"Though tension clung to the room like fog, Clyde kept his composure. He didn't raise his voice or act out. Instead, he questioned with clear, deliberate logic. "If you're here to make an arrest, shouldn't your body cameras be on? I don't see any recording."The officers had expected this. The Grishams weren't people one could deal with casual
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
Now that Miguel, who was an expert in covering up, was gone, the long-standing issues in the school were exposed.The group stood frozen as they watched a cafeteria worker pour something into a large pot. A closer look revealed it was leftover mushroom soup. But that wasn't the worst of it. The soup reeked, clearly spoiled, yet it was still being reheated for the students.Things only got worse when they entered the kitchen. Hygiene standards were appalling. Not a single chef wore a mask, and some were even smoking while cooking.Amos' expression darkened immediately, even before Lucas could react.One of the chefs noticed them and slammed his ladle onto the counter. "What are you doing in here? Outsiders aren't allowed in the school—don't you know that?"Unlike other schools, Oakvale Academy had somehow always slipped through the cracks during routine inspections. When required to present something, they staged it well enough to fool a camera.So, the staff never expected a surp
Aria understood that this was all the person could offer. The real mastermind would never reveal himself so easily—not even to his most trusted subordinates.Those in power never needed to explain themselves. Those who understood them would earn their favor; those who didn't were destined to remain at the bottom.Her thoughts raced. She needed hard evidence to capture whoever was behind Amos. Baseless accusations would only alert the enemy and push them deeper into hiding.Allowing herself to be arrested had been part of Aria's plan. She needed the mastermind to lower his guard. After all, she had been too visible in Ludwiten lately. With eyes constantly watching her, she couldn't make any real moves. But she couldn't let the incident at Oakvale Academy go unresolved. Her instincts told her it was the key to everything.Before Philip found his family, she had to act—and that meant changing her identity to save Even.Just then, the person's phone buzzed. He turned the screen towa
"Boss!" Weston rushed over the moment he finished dealing with the other officers. Aria arched an eyebrow, flexing her wrists. "He's the mole?""Yes." Weston nodded. The Securities Regulatory Bureau, dispatched by the Securities Regulatory Commission, was tasked with auditing listed companies—particularly sniffing out insider trading and market manipulation.While not everyone in the bureau could be corrupt, it was common for a few to be compromised.The officer who had been interrogating Aria was of a minor rank, but the one Weston had just exposed held real power.Aria looked over at the trembling man. His legs had given out, sending him to the floor. His phone lay discarded beside him as he shook uncontrollably.They had met before—at a Chamber of Commerce meeting. To him, Aria had just been a clever heiress with some market luck, thanks to Landon's influence. No one would have expected her to single-handedly bring down the Draycott family.No one would logically believe