Abraham did not sleep well that night. He called Malcolm over for a chat. "Do you think Aria will pass the exams?"Malcolm was tortured for so long his eyes had glazed over. "This is the tenth time you've asked me this, Grandpa. Yes, she will!"Abraham was still worried. "Did I set the threshold too high? 590 points is impossible even for Cameron."Malcolm yawned. "You can't compare that useless lump who's my brother to Aria, Grandpa."Cameron was speechless after being insulted out of nowhere. He was still indignant as he said coldly, "I don't understand why you insist on helping her, Grandpa. She and Lily come from the same family, but look at Lily, then at Aria! "Not only did she get horrible grades, but she'd also cheated! The questions were so difficult, and yet she'd copied the right answers down on the answer sheets as if she wasn't afraid of being exposed for cheating at all!""Quiet, Cameron!" Abraham said crossly, "The next time I hear you say those insulting words, I'
Lily felt much more relieved after hearing about Aria's situation from Cameron. She'd seen Marshall's calls, but she'd blocked him—she didn't want to return any of his calls.Heartbound Hall's stream was performing so well that she couldn't just ignore it. However, it so happened that her family in the countryside had called to ask for more money. They were even more adept at exploiting her for their own gain than Marshall. It didn't hurt that they were privy to a secret concerning her, either. This meant that Lily couldn't just ignore them all the time. Olivia was audibly anxious as she asked, "So when can you meet us, Lily? Someone came here to ask about Aria again, and your dad and I really don't want to live in constant anxiety like this all the time. Maybe you can come over to the countryside and take us with you to the city."Lily had an idea. "Mom, I recall that the town chief's son has yet to get married."Olivia felt awkward bringing this up. "It's because you didn't wa
"Why haven't they announced her grades yet?""Did she do so badly that they couldn't grade her papers properly?""She wanted you to apologize to her on your knees, didn't she? That was hilarious.""She's from the countryside. That's why she's boasting all the time. Look! She came with her grandma and the old lady stinks."Georgina heard that, obviously, seeing from how she looked crestfallen. Aria turned her gaze at the clique of students laughing and jeering at her, and the air around her seemed to have become frigid. Meanwhile, someone shouted, "Ms. Warsaw is here!"Deanie was in charge of sticking the results on the bulletin board. In order to quell dissent, she didn't dally, and she also pasted the answer sheets on the board along with the results.Everyone suddenly went quiet as they read the results, their eyes wide in disbelief. Aria scored 150 in Math and 150 in Angladian. Everything was the same as the previous time—she had scored full marks in everything aside from
Aria didn't gaze at that clique who'd just run away. Many of her classmates flocked toward her, some envious, some just here to offer their congratulations. Some students also came to offer their apologies for having misconceptions about Aria. Aria didn't care much about that, so she smiled in return. The other students were more willing to talk to Aria after that. They asked her about her studying methods and how she managed to memorize the Angladian vocabulary for the exam. Besides that, they also praised her for being able to solve such difficult questions. Aria didn't withhold any information. She wrote the process behind solving these questions on the bulletin board. The classmates, who finally understood the questions, started greeting Aria with respect. Less than half an hour had passed, but Aria had already garnered herself a legion of fans. Cameron was present throughout, and he was completely dumbfounded. He took his phone out, wanting to send Lily a message, but
Aria looked up, only to see a humble-looking couple outside the door, shouldering heavy bags and looking worn from a long trip.Aria retracted her arm. "Yes, it is."Olivia was pleasantly surprised. "Do you know Dr. Carver, then?""It'll be me. Who are you—"Before Aria could finish her sentence, Olivia covered her mouth and broke out in sobs. "Oh, Aria! My poor child! We've finally found you!"She sobbed with so much grief that she'd almost cried herself hoarse. Aria's neighbors gathered around her. "What's happening?" they asked. "Are they Aria's biological parents?"Aria stopped in the middle of her actions once again and turned her gaze to the couple. Grant Renner had dark skin from being exposed to sunlight for too long. He looked humble with the airs of an impoverished man. "Olivia missed you badly. We were afraid that she wouldn't get to see you, so we took an overnight bus here.""You shouldn't have told Aria that!" Olivia said. She pulled on Grant's sleeve, her ey
Grant pushed Olivia, stopping her from going on. However, Olivia's eyes reddened even more, which made it clear that things were difficult in her family.Georgina was sad upon hearing that. She turned to the side and looked at Aria, whose knuckles rapped on the table repeatedly, following a rhythm as she mulled over something in silence.Georgina wanted Olivia and Grant to stay after dinner, but they shook their heads and said they'd booked a hotel nearby. They left the bag to Aria before they departed for their hotel. Georgina considered the matter for a long time. She was so focused on it that she couldn't concentrate on the drama she was watching. "Your younger brother is suffering from a serious illness.""Apparently." Aria spun a teacup with her fingers. This was what she'd do when she had something on her mind. Georgina sat up straight. "Let's go to Uludon, Aria. You should meet your brother.""Sure." Aria smiled. "You're right. I should meet him."Olivia and Grant had
Grant was playing card games on his phone, a cigarette between his lips, as he said nonchalantly, "Okay, okay. Lily didn't lie to us at least—she really does have a pretty face.""The trip back tomorrow must go smoothly no matter what." Olivia frowned. "Lily didn't tell us how smart the girl is. Remember the questions she asked me yesterday? They were all subtle traps!"Olivia and Grant had worked as human traffickers for many years. Olivia was especially skilled in acting. The average person would find it very difficult to see through her disguise—only seasoned criminal investigation professionals would be able to.Grant was much less skilled, and that was why he was often reticent. He was usually in charge of transportation and other tasks. "Don't worry. We'll be taking a path we know well tomorrow. Our reunion with our long-lost daughter is a legitimate reason, so no one will look deeper into it."Olivia felt conflicted. "That one family is to blame. They've been watching us lik
As it rained outside, the raindrops pitter-pattered on the window. Georgina didn't know why exactly, but she felt unsettled. Maybe it was because Aria wasn't here with her. No matter how many patients came to the clinic for consultations, the clinic still felt empty. …While it rained heavily in Southbury, it was only cloudy in the mountains. Olivia woke Aria up. "Aria, do you want to go into the rest area and have a bowl of soup?""Sure." Aria seemed agreeable. However, she carried her bag everywhere she went, which made Grant, who was smoking not far away, pay attention. The driver they'd hired was a man called Shane Jasser. He tilted his chin at Grant, who lowered his voice as he said, "Don't get too hasty."Aria hadn't drunk any of the spiked water they'd prepared. What if she got up again when they were halfway to their destination?It would be dangerous if they tried to subdue her on the highway; they should start only after they were on the roads leading to Uludon.
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 décor 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 practical—unless 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 evidence—nothing 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 services—handling 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 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