After Alice sent out that reply, she privately messaged Josh. "Josh, can I ask if you're the one who wants it or Mr. York?""I'm the one who wants it. Why do you ask?" Josh replied. As Landon's assistant, it was his duty to stay informed about Landon's interests.Alice replied, "Oh. It's nothing much. It's just that Mr. York suddenly sent gifts to a female streamer with our internal account. I thought… It's nothing! Don't worry. Only the three of us in the senior management know about Mr. York's account."When the female streamer was mentioned, Josh sucked in a deep breath. "Please also send me the streamer's account."Alice immediately went on with the task.Josh had a smile on his face. It seemed that Landon was interested in supporting the streamer. As the moderator had made a good choice in signing the streamer, Josh decided to reward the moderator with a bonus.After leaving the meeting room, Josh immediately clicked into Heartbound Hall's livestream.Josh relaxed a bit aft
Landon's gaze fell on something outside. After a while, he chuckled meaningfully. "Yes, we've met before, Ms. Carver."Aria narrowed her eyes, looking dangerous all of a sudden. How much had Landon managed to find out about her, and would she need to discuss that with him in person?After a while, she heard the sounds of fabric rustling—Landon had apparently risen from his seat. Next, she heard him light something up. Probably a cigarette, which he smoked as he calmly said, "I was in the car when you saved Miles that one time. "He kept pestering me because he wanted to meet you, so I sent him back to Janovin. I wasn't in good shape back then, but I've always wanted to visit you and thank you in person."Sent? It sounded like he'd dumped Miles back in Janovin instead. This was fine. As Aria fiddled with the amethyst pendant in her hands, the hostility in her gaze gradually subsided. This young heir of a noble family had a unique way of expressing his thanks for sure. "There's
Landon had obviously noticed Josh's entrance. He stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, one hand in his pocket, his gaze so intimidating that it made Josh take a step back. Landon didn't mind that, though. He lowered his gaze to the rosary bracelet on his wrist as he fiddled with it. As the lights in the conference room dimmed, his face came to be shrouded in a mass of light and shadows, which also obscured his true emotions. The silence persisted for a while until Josh finally regained control of his breathing. Only then did Landon say in a low voice, "You want to see me, Ms. Carver?""You could say that." Aria didn't deny it.There was a smile in Landon's voice as he said, "Sure."His agreeing to Aria's proposition surprised her. Not just her, actually, but also Josh, who'd accidentally been privy to Landon's secret. Right now, he wished that he'd never entered the room. Landon said calmly, "I can send you a picture, but I won't accept a refusal to treat me."Aria
As per the platform's rules and regulations, Aria's account wouldn't have been locked without prior notification if she had received only one or two complaints. Moreover, she wasn't livestreaming at the moment. Therefore, it was evident that she wouldn't have uttered any of the words prohibited by the platform which would lead to a suspension. Such a decisive action would only be taken after she'd received many complaints. Aria found this modus operandi familiar. It seemed like someone had hired a team of professional ghostwriters to send all those complaints.She smiled sardonically. Sitting in front of the medicine cabinets in the clinic, she looked unruffled as always. It felt strange that someone was trying to get at her online. Should she praise the other party for being brave or laugh at them for their sheer stupidity? Aria took action efficiently while chewing on a piece of candy. She did some research and took a screenshot of the results, which she uploaded to the Da
Ethan was currently in his office, looking gleefully at the notice on his screen saying that he'd successfully lodged a complaint. He took a screenshot of it and sent it to Karen."All done. You can take a look at her stream. Her account's still there, but she can no longer start a livestream."Karen had just ended a call with her family in Janovin when she received this good news. Her family had called her to inform her that Warren Carver from the Carver family in Janovin was currently in Southbury and in need of a skilled doctor to treat him. They then asked her to recommend someone. Karen was ecstatic. Her family rarely contacted her because they looked down on her, so this would be her chance to prove herself.They wanted her to recommend a skilled doctor, and Lily and Christian would fit the bill nicely. As members of the younger generation in the medical industry, their skill was acknowledged even by the Short family, and they were very famous in Southbury. They were more th
The call was from Aria's counselor at school. She spoke imperiously, and it was evident she wasn't calling out of kindness. "Aria Carver, you are to come to school now. Immediately!" Aimee Lindbridge shouted, as if she had reached her limit. "Your parents said that you're no longer their responsibility, so your performance at school is none of their business, and they're not obligated to mind you. Is that true?"Aria said casually, "Yes.""Yes, you say? Why didn't you tell me?" Aimee sneered. "You were accepted into our school only because of your father. You wouldn't have gotten in otherwise, not with your mediocre knowledge of medicine."Aria laughed. "Mediocre?""Is there anything wrong with that? Don't forget about your embarrassing grades!" Aimee went on impatiently, "Stop trying to put on a fight. Your grandmother's here, so I'll talk to her before you come. How we will deal with you later depends on what your grandmother will say!"Aimee ended the call aggressively. The
Aria's gaze suddenly cooled and turned threatening, as if she'd regressed to her previous state. Her brows were furrowed in rage and clear hostility.However, she knew she mustn't do anything in front of Georgina again, as that would worry her. She must rein her emotions in. Aria clenched her right fist tightly and bit so hard on the piece of candy in her mouth that it shattered. No one would want to lose their dignity and to be treated this way, but Georgina was dragging her injured leg behind her as she bowed in apology to Aria's teacher just to ensure that she could still go to school and have a better future.Was this still not enough? Did she really deserve to be humiliated again and again?Aria had no words for what she was feeling at this moment. She walked over and helped Georgina stand straight. Georgina looked back instinctually, but she averted her gaze when she noticed Aria. She didn't want Aria to show up here, as her intermittent explosive disorder was different
An old man ran in, huffing and puffing. The glasses on his face were crooked, and his protruding belly jiggled up and down as he ran. The sight was quite funny.Abraham hadn't come to school in a long time, and his arrival on campus today was thanks to an impulsive decision on his part. His school would always be one of the worst in terms of grades among all schools in Southbury, but he still felt obligated to keep a lookout on his students here. He had been in quite a good mood until he'd passed by the canteen and heard his students talk about Aria's arrival on campus.It was rare that they would see each other, so Abraham thought of inviting her to speak in the school assembly that would be held later. He didn't expect the students' next sentence to be about how Aimee had called Aria's guardian and that she was sure to be expelled from the school.Abraham was alarmed. The school's director was with him, but he stopped caring about that as he quickly ran to the Administrative D
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