"Oh, my goodness! It looks like they're on Aria's side. Georgina, look at this headline!" Sarah exclaimed as she clicked on the webpage emotionally.Georgina immediately set her pen down and put on her reading glasses.It was an announcement from Shark. Concise yet impactful, it addressed the recent controversy surrounding Heartbound Hall."We have issued legal notices to all accounts involved in the defamatory statements regarding Heartbound Hall. Our company reserves the right to take legal action against any slander or defamation targeting Heartbound Hall. We operate within legal and regulatory frameworks, and we assure the public that our streamer did not violate any laws."These accusations stem solely from malicious reports propagated by comment-farming companies. We will pursue this matter to the fullest extent. Furthermore, on behalf of our CEO, we express our hope for a positive online environment that fosters healing for patients under the care of medical professionals."
"Regarding the unlawful detention by public officials, we will conduct a thorough investigation to give the public an explanation and clear Heartbound Hall's name."If the police had simply made a statement on their official website as they usually did, nobody would have noticed. However, Shark had issued a statement before the police did, sparking a significant commotion.Regardless of the nature of the comments, positive or negative, everyone awaited the official statement from the police. Consequently, there was a frenzy when the statement was finally released."Unlawful detention?""I mentioned earlier that the streamer had been wrongfully accused. I was watching the livestream at that time. What the police did was against protocol.""I apologize for criticizing the streamer earlier.""I don't understand why the auxiliary police officers would apprehend the streamer when it was against protocol.""It appears someone paid to falsely accuse the streamer and ensure she never re
Kent Corporation fell from grace overnight, and Marshall's carefully cultivated faรงade was shattered. Reporters swarmed Kent Corporation's entrance.Marshall escaped from the basement while hiding his face. He'd never felt such humiliation. He scurried into his car like a frightened mouse. As he scrolled through the damning online comments, the severity of the situation finally dawned on him.Reaching out to his connections proved futile. No one responded.Eventually, one of his cousins secretly told him, "What happened to your wife was Mr. Yaeger's idea."The mention of Frances' name sent Marshall reeling, his legs shaking uncontrollably. His phone clattered to the floor. Meanwhile, Karen sat in the interrogation room, her face drained of color. Blinded by their power and status, Marshall and Karen bullied ordinary people like Aria. They believed a simple push would force Aria, a mere "peasant" in their eyes, to abandon her livestream and flee Southbury.They never expected
The Layne family was unnerved by the loss of Ninemyth Entertainment as a promotional tool. Even the rarely-seen former patriarch, Samuel Layne, intervened. "Sever ties with some distant relatives from now on."Without the Layne family's support, Karen's fate was sealed.Lucas' involvement in the Southbury case thrust him into the spotlight, altering the course of events in Janovin.Samuel sat in the study, his gaze hazy as he addressed those below him. "What did I say before? Don't let Lucas achieve anything in Southbury. Did you pretend not to hear it?" "Dad, Iโ"Samuel raised his hand to cut him off. "We can't lose our opportunities in Southbury. Losing Ninemyth Entertainment is nothing much, but Lucas can't have any more achievements. This is what Mr. Hammond wants.""Dad, don't worry. It was just an accident this time."Samuel squinted at the livestream on his phone. "Investigate the girl beside Georgina. It's a bit unusual how lucky she got. If she's trouble, get rid of he
Karen, who was in the detention centre, waited for her family to rescue her. She stared longingly at the prison gate. It was only after her case was adjudicated that Marshall was allowed a supervised visit. It was impossible to save Karen; even Marshall found it difficult to ensure he wouldn't get jailed.However, Karen refused to see the gravity of the situation. She grabbed the iron bars and shouted desperately, "Marshall, you must find me the best lawyer. I refuse to accept this!"Exhaustion etched lines on Marshall's face as he urged her to calm down.Karen remained stubborn. "How can I calm down? I'm the one facing imprisonment!"Marshall lowered his voice. "What do you want, then? The newly-appointed secretary-general is among those arrested!"The news devastated Karen. "Report that your mother caused someone's death. It's the truth, after all!"Marshall desperately wanted to silence her. "Stop talking."Karen sneered. "Why should I stop talking? Even if I've lost, tha
Aria stood underneath the streetlamp, wearing a black jacket that accentuated her long legs and lean waist. "He can still consider it. We won't force them."Harry burst out into laughter. "He can only choose between going to jail and getting bankrupt. You're the best!"Aria grinned slowly. "He deserves it. I gave him a chance."Marshall couldn't blame anyone but himself for not taking the opportunity when it was offered. He had caused trouble multiple times and even got Georgina involved. Aria was never the type to forgive and forget.Marshall was lucky to be part of the Kent family; otherwise, he would have been among those jailed.Marshall turned to Georgina for help. Just like before, he knelt down and cried, thinking she would save him. However, Heartbound Hall didn't even open its doors this time.Georgina sat in the backyard, gently stroking the bracelet left behind by her husband, Kingsley Kent. "Kingsley, our son has been incompetent since he was young. You told me to g
Thus, Agnes had to respect Lily. "Dorothy, it's all thanks to you."Dorothy patted Lily's hand fondly. "I'm pretty fated with her. On the way here, she was incredibly humble, insisting she shouldn't treat anyone until she graduates. But it's obvious she's very outstanding!"Lily couldn't bring herself to admit that it was pure luck. When Yonah suffered a sudden attack, Dorothy declared Lily could save him. Put on the spot, Lily couldn't say no. Thankfully, she had the medical book she had stolen from the Kent family. Lily recalled Karen mentioning that Georgina was talented in healing people. Thus, Lily believed that the medical book contained valuable knowledge. Plus, considering the book's evident age, she decided to follow its instructions. Although the book's messy handwriting was hard to decipher, she roughly followed the acupuncture instructions. Unexpectedly, Yonah woke up after she administered the two needles.The Wagner family was one of the Big Four Families with co
Karen's stupidity not only led to her own downfall, but she also affected Lily! Knowing the Kent family was teetering on collapse, Lily steeled herself not to let Karen's troubles become her own.After getting out of the car, she gave Marshall a call. Her voice was devoid of warmth. "Did Grandma or Aria set up the livestream?"Unfamiliar with his daughter's distant tone, a chill ran down Marshall's spine. Yet, Lily was his only hope. "Probably your grandmother. I'm not sure. When I found out about this livestream, it was already popular."Lily tried to suppress her anger. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?""What they're doing is no different than begging for money. It's just that they're doing it online. Your mother and I didn't think too much about it." Lily was furious. "Social media is the trend right now! Don't you know that?"Marshall had never been scolded by someone younger than him, so he felt slightly unhappy. "Lily, watch your attitude!"Lily suddenly recalled her fi
With a loud bang, the woman's warning was abruptly cut off.The HR employee, Natalie Ferguson, entered the lounge with a well-groomed man in a white coat and gold-rimmed glasses."Ms. Ferguson," Dave Lloyd said, "this employee's mental health condition makes her unfit to continue working. You may want to consider terminating her employment. I'm concerned she could harm someone."Natalie hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright, Dr. Lloyd. I'll take your professional advice. But go easy on her. She's still one of our own. I don't want our company's reputation to suffer.""Yes, of course," he replied.On cue, two bodyguards rushed in and forcibly escorted the distressed woman out of the lounge.Natalie turned to the group of students with an apologetic smile. "I'm terribly sorry about that. We didn't expect her to come running in like that. She used to work in HR. Ever since something happened in her family, she hasn't been the same."She often says strange things to student
No young woman would be able to resist such a lovely lounge. Soft cushions adorned every chair, and the entire space had the feel of a place where princesses might gather for afternoon tea.The dรฉcor was predominantly pink, and fresh flowers were placed throughout the room, making the food on the table look even more tempting.Anyone with corporate experience would know that most companies didn't offer such a beautiful lounge. At most, it would be plain and practicalโunless it was an entertainment company or something similar.But the students had no such experience. And now, the dream they'd long imagined was unfolding before their eyes. Of course they were enchanted.One student jogged around with an excited look on her face before turning to the others. "This place is just like what I see on TV! When I grow up, I want to work for a company like this.""Me too!" another chimed in.The girls were visibly thrilled, though a bit anxious as well."Can we really eat the food here?"
Bellebrook provided the perfect cover for the company. Even if the Special Missions Unit made a move, the company would be alerted the moment they reached the outskirts.By the time they arrived, there would be no trace of evidenceโnothing suspicious, nothing out of place.Everything about the company appeared legitimate. Besides the students there to complete their applications, it operated like a proper agency offering overseas servicesโhandling travel visas, work permits, and even providing guidance on choosing study-abroad institutions.They even had access to boarding arrangements at some prestigious schools. It was clear someone with real influence backed the company.Aria worked quickly, gathering as much information as she could before her phone was taken. As expected, the HR employee appeared the moment she headed left after finishing her first-round interview."Eden," the HR employee said, "you'll be interviewed in two different languages later. Due to our confidentiality
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 roomโher 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 admitโthe 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.โฆMeanwhile, 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