"When will my grandfather treat me like this?" Malcolm felt jealous looking at the order form.Aria scanned the form and replied flatly, "You're charging him too much.""Boss, think about it. How can we convince the rich that we offer high-quality clothing if we don't charge them like this?" He couldn't understand Aria's sudden shift in perspective. During their initial market analysis, she'd been fiercely business-oriented.Aria tied back her long hair. "The Carvers aren't your typical rich people.""How about we give them a 10% discount?" Malcolm suggested.Aria splashed water on her face, droplets cascading down her flawless skin. "Make it 90% off. Tell them the clothes are on the house if they purchase jewelry from us.""Huh?" Malcolm wondered if Aria had been possessed. However, he didn't dare question her. Even with a 90% discount, they would still make a few million dollars from the Carvers.After finalizing the quotation, Malcolm couldn't help but voice his curiosity. "I
Malcolm, ever the information ferret, was always eager for gossip. "That's not the whole story! The Carver family is indeed wealthy. However, it's a blessing that you're their long-lost daughter. Anyone else would have a tough time fitting in. It's like walking into a lion's den."Aria, unfazed, countered with indifference, "It's just a label, Malcolm. Doesn't change anything. Did you find anything on Mr. Weller?"Malcolm's fingers flew over the keyboard. "Mr. Thomas Weller of Southbury hails from three generations of antique dealers. Officially, that's his public persona. His grandfather was a grave robber. They shifted to dealing with antiques when Thomas was born."By handling artifacts others avoided, they expanded their business internationally. Most of their current exhibitions are held in Janovin."Aria remained neutral. "What do you mean by handling artifacts others avoided?""Artifacts most likely dug up from somewhere they shouldn't have been. Boss, do you think there ar
Warren's grip tightened on his walking cane as Owen continued speaking, unaware of the growing anger. "Dad, Fiona and I discussed it—it's not fair to keep Mindy in such a precarious situation. We were thinking of officially adopting her during the family meeting. What do you think?"Warren's eyes narrowed into slits, his walking stick threatening to splinter under the pressure. "Absolutely not! Have you forgotten you have a biological daughter?"Owen stiffened at that. Then, he replied hoarsely, "Dad, it has been so many years. Can we really find her? Perhaps she's already—""Shut your mouth! How did I raise such a callous son?" Warren roared before abruptly hanging up.Owen sat on the couch for a long time, staring at his phone. He didn't want anyone to replace Rainbow, but she had been missing for so long. They needed to move on.He scrolled through his phone's gallery, his finger lingering on a picture of his daughter. "My little Rainbow," he murmured, his voice thick with emot
Warren didn't mind at all. He laughed heartily. "Come over here, Rainbow. Look at what I've prepared for you. This burger was your favorite when you were little. "All your brothers are established in their careers. They were ecstatic when they heard that you'd been found. They wouldn't dream of competing with their little sister for the company. That's what weaklings do."Keith chimed in, "Mr. Carver Senior speaks the truth, Ms. Carver. Mr. Jeffrey insisted on seeing you as soon as he woke up this morning. He would have pulled out his IV needle if the doctor hadn't stopped him."Warren nodded. "Jeffrey wants nothing more than for me to pass the company down to you. When he was a kid, he used to carry you around on his back all the time. Leon is also acting in movies to save up for your wedding.""Grandpa," Aria said, handing Warren a mug of warm water. "Let's talk about this later. Your health should be your priority right now. It's time for you to take your medicine."Warren was
Jeffrey inhaled deeply in the county hospital's ICU ward. Everyone else had seen Aria except for him!He turned to Frank. "Mr. Levin, why didn't Grandpa visit me here with Aria?""Mr. Carver Senior came, but you were sleeping." Frank peeled an apple for him. "I heard Mr. Watson say that Mr. Carver Senior's chronic illness is flaring up again, so Ms. Aria is treating him."Jeffrey's shoulders were still wrapped in bandages. "I need someone to treat me too," he mumbled, a hint of petulance in his voice."Mr. Jeffrey," Frank said with a smile. "Mr. Carver Senior is finally reunited with Ms. Rainbow after such a long time. Perhaps you can wait a few more days? He'll remember you eventually."Jeffrey chuckled sarcastically. "He's the same as always."Frank smiled and said nothing."This is a good way to go about it, though. Only with that will certain people come to know who's the real daughter of the Carver family," Jeffrey said, seemingly insinuating something.Frank caught on to
Boss Carver: "I'm in a meeting. Deal with it yourself." Racer Carver: "Elijah is in the same industry too. Go to him."Actor Carver: "I'm not free. Go to Percy instead."Lawyer Carver: "You'll have to pay an exorbitant fee for my services."Celebrity Carver: "I'm speechless."Lawyer Carver: "Go to your company. The family won't just watch as your reputation is destroyed."Actor Carver: "His company won't be any help. His acting is too horrible for that."Racer Carver: "Got it. If things don't work out, Leon, you can always inherit the family business."Boss Carver: "That, I agree with." Celebrity Carver: "Hah, I don't! Don't try to foist it on me! Tell Jeffrey to do it instead—his job is too dangerous!"Lawyer Carver: "He's never on his phone. He's probably in the middle of a mission somewhere."Racer Carver: "I'll fund Leon's rivals with a million bucks so that he can inherit the family business."Boss Carver: "Make it two million."Invisible Carver: "@Everyone I come b
"Did you just say that Landon is with Rainbow?" Percy seized the key detail. "Everyone in Janovin knows he broke off the engagement. What's he doing there?"Jeffrey pursed his lips. "I'm not sure, but he said that she's his girlfriend.""What?" The other five brothers exploded."That's inappropriate of him!""Tell us, Leon, what the hell is your boss thinking?""How did Rainbow become his girlfriend?"The brothers turned to Leon all at once. Leon had been silent for a while because he was searching for air tickets. With Rainbow found, he thought he should fulfil his responsibility as her brother and pick her up as soon as possible. The stylist was still admiring the condition of Leon's skin. "Stage makeup looks good on you, Mr. Carver. Please don't look at the gossip online. They're claiming that you're promiscuous, but they're just trying to bring you down."Leon suddenly said, "What do you think girls now like, Clary? I have to give Rainbow a surprise."He had such a dopey
Landon paused. Aria leaned closer toward him and said, "I've known you for a long time, but because of what I heard at the hospital, I've always assumed that you were a member of the Carver family."Now that I think of it, something isn't right with that. Frank listens to you, and Mr. Lowe accompanies you to the hospital himself. "It's not just members of the Carver family who can command such deference, but also members of the York family—the latter more so."Aria's gaze fell on his wrist. "You always wear that rosary bracelet that helps to relieve the uneasiness of the body and mind. I should've figured out who you are a long time ago."Landon coughed lightly as he supported Aria. His lips were pale as he said, "I thought I could keep that under wraps. I'm sorry."His handsome features looked even more harmless when he wasn't wearing his glasses. He looked especially elegant and pious as the winds blew. "But you ended up figuring it out anyway.""I'm Landon York." He smiled. "
Back then, a rumor circulated that everyone desired the Grisham family's daughter. Audriana had thought it was an exaggeration. After all, no matter how beautiful a woman was, she would inevitably age. Fiona, no matter how stunning, would eventually face the same fate.However, Audriana had come to realize that some people could indeed look like fairies. Yet, she couldn't show her envy, as Priscilla was still watching her."Why do I think she looks so average? She's not nearly as ladylike as you, Priscilla," Audriana flattered her.Priscilla merely gave her a passing glance. "You don't have to try to flatter me. I don't care about that. With plastic surgery so common these days, I can have any appearance I want."What's important is for a woman to have her own career. But I have to admit, her face is quite stunning."Otherwise, Fiona wouldn't have remained relevant for so many years. But it didn't matter now. Fiona was already married, with so many children. Once a woman became a
"Who doesn't have a career in this day and age? She's the only one with no achievements to speak of, and she even went crazy. How does she have the nerve to reconcile with the Grisham family? I don't know whether to call her naïve or just plain dumb," Priscilla remarked, her voice dripping with disdain as she spoke to the person behind her. As she spoke, the woman slowly rose, revealing her identity—none other than Audriana."Perhaps she doesn't realize that the Draycott family is almost as influential as the Grisham family in Ludwiten. Especially you, Priscilla. Everyone knows the medispa you operate. "Fiona hasn't kept up with the times. I once thought she was capable, with her title as Ludwiten's Red Rose. But now, it seems she's all show, no substance." Audriana chuckled, clearly taking pleasure in belittling Fiona while subtly praising Priscilla. Priscilla, clearly pleased, took a sip of her coffee. "It's a shame she didn't listen to me and meet Ms. Kent."Audriana raised
Priscilla twirled her long hair and took a sip of her coffee. "I didn't have much confidence back then. I always followed you, never daring to try things on my own. It's only now, after trying for myself, that I've realized some things."She added, "Opening a medispa has always been my dream, and that's how it all started. Now, all the wealthy women in Ludwiten come to me for fillers and anti-aging treatments. If you're interested, you should come by. I can even fix your nose a little."Priscilla smiled. However, her smile was a little off, perhaps from a recent treatment. She pressed her fingers to her eyes. "I can't smile too much, or I'll get wrinkles. I envy your flawless, youthful face, Fiona. What's your secret?""Probably just staying indoors and avoiding the sun," Fiona replied, carefully omitting the fact that her soul had entered a manifestation.Priscilla's expression darkened, her voice tinged with frustration. "It's all Owen's fault! How could he be so cruel? You're no
Leon typed so quickly that Aria suspected it was a result of his experience arguing with his online haters. Aria couldn't get a word in as Leon flooded the entire group chat. She was speechless—his typing was even faster than a hacker like her. Celebrity Carver: "I'm worried about Aria. I should have gone on the train too!"Aria freed one hand to reply, "No need to worry. Fergus is with me."Celebrity Carver: "Fergus has never been in a relationship himself. What does he know?"Boss Carver: "Leon, aren't you getting too full of yourself lately?"Leon kept his head down, continuing to type. He was filled with worry for Aria.Unbeknownst to anyone, a mysterious person watched Leon with intense focus. The gaze was unsettling as if the person were ready to explode with hatred at any moment.The person only looked away when Leon entered the VIP lounge. Then, they went to the washroom, and standing before the mirror, revealed an eerie smile. There was no rush. After all, there wo
Their positions were reversed in an instant.Landon was pinned down, a few stray strands of hair falling over his face. His long, dark eyelashes gave him a somewhat coy expression. Aria, on the other hand, appeared dominant, with one hand pressing down on his wrist and the other on his shoulder. This was the scene the attendant walked in on. She cleared her throat slightly before speaking, "Sir, here are your fruits."The attendant's voice caught the attention of Fergus, who was seated in the last row. He put down his tablet and glanced over. What he saw was Aria playfully pressing down on Landon's wrist. Fergus couldn't help but rub his temples, unsure how to express his current feelings.When Leon mentioned that Aria was pursuing Landon, Fergus hadn't thought much of it. However, seeing for himself, he could only think of ways to keep Landon around for Aria.But Aria couldn't be too forward as they weren't married yet. At the thought of that, Fergus deliberately coughed.
It was the first time Aria had ever felt this way. The sensation made her dizzy, yet she couldn't get enough of it. Every inch of her mouth was filled with Landon's scent, and his fingers felt astonishingly hot. The sounds around them faded, leaving only the rumble of the train as it passed through the tunnel. There was an undeniable closeness between them. His soft kisses and teasing bites on her lips made her feel a little lightheaded. With her eyes covered, Aria instinctively sought something to steady herself. The rhythmic thump of his heartbeat echoed in her ears, its force making escape seem impossible. His kiss, commanding and intense, contrasted sharply with his calm demeanor. It seemed as though he was determined to pull her deeper into his embrace. Yet, despite the overwhelming sensation, Aria couldn't bring herself to resent it. Instead, she found herself surrendering to it. The sounds around them slowly returned as they emerged from the long tunnel, light creepi
Landon raised his hand and spoke calmly before ending the call. "Go and tell your boss that only Farshyans can manage the Chamber of Commerce."When Westin tried calling back, no one answered. For years, foreigners had enjoyed preferential treatment in Farshya. As Westin mentioned, some universities favored foreign students, offering them special care. Foreigners received priority access to events, complimentary ice cream, and exclusive show tickets at car exhibitions. Many Farshyans were thrilled just to exchange a few words with them.Westin's best friend even had a Farshyan girlfriend who was utterly devoted to him. She tolerated their insults with a smile as long as he promised to take her abroad and secure her permanent residency.This sense of entitlement made foreigners like Westin feel superior to the locals. Westin, in particular, had been flattered by Farshyan businessmen for so long that he'd never experienced such outright rejection.Other suppliers and port officia
Despite the shifting tides, some stubborn members of the Chamber of Commerce clung to their cunning ways, refusing to yield.Previously, Westin had assumed that his target, known for being money-obsessed, would agree without much resistance. But upon arriving, he found himself drinking far more than discussing business.Two days and a relentless hangover later, Westin realized he'd been played. That wily old man! Refocusing his attention on the task at hand, Westin addressed the screen with renewed determination. "Mr. York, it's not just Ludwiten's companies interested in partnering with us. Even the Wagner family from Janovin is eager to collaborate. "If there's something holding you back, let me know. But remember, opportunities don't wait. I urge you to reconsider—going solo carries significant risks."As Westin spoke, Landon listened calmly, his expression unchanging. He even shifted slightly to make Aria more comfortable in her seat. Nearby, an attendant whispered with a
Aria lay on her side, with Landon seated on her right. She wondered if the York family would grow uneasy about his prolonged absence from home. Landon was clearly in the middle of a meeting. His deep, pleasant voice carried a hypnotic quality, occasionally interspersed with authentic Nobeetan phrases. He spoke so softly that those further away would struggle to hear him, yet his tone was laced with an understated menace that no one could ignore.The person on the other end of the meeting dared not contradict him. Landon's calm demeanor masked a chilling authority. He wasn't the kind of superior who exploded with anger—those were predictable. The truly terrifying ones were those whose moods were inscrutable and whose actions were ruthlessly decisive."We won't pursue a joint venture then. The York Group will proceed independently." Landon chuckled before continuing politely, "Let me remind you, this is Farshya—not the early days when we were inexperienced and desperate for capital.