Initially, Georgina hesitated about going to Janovin with Aria, but now it seemed that she must. Even if she wouldn't be of any help, she could still watch over Aria. Warren and Georgina talked for a long time. Georgina showed Warren photos of Aria when she was a child. "Look at how out of it she was; her gaze was so blank. I was worried about her grades, but now she's the smartest student in the state."Warren's eyes shone. "She's the smartest student in the state?" He knew Aria took after him, unlike Elijah and Leon, who were only interested in acting and singing."Yeah, she's incredibly smart. The Kent family owe her, to be honest." Georgina said guiltily, "My good-for-nothing son and daughter-in-law treated her really badly."Georgina told Warren everything. Warren was understanding. "You didn't have a hand in all that. You watched over and provided for Aria until adulthood, and this is indisputable. Aria is constantly thinking of how she should care for you.""Aria keeps eve
Landon was patient. "Where's your bank account number again?"Sam pointed at the straps of his suspenders.Landon transferred 100,000 dollars to his bank account and said, "I heard that you're partial to yarrow and staghorn."Sam nodded.Landon ruffled his hair with a smile. "I'll bring some for you next time."Sam decided he would tolerate Landon since he'd paid and would bring those herbs for him the next time they met. Tolerating Landon's existence was the farthest Sam could go. He'd never grow to like Landon because Landon's presence felt dangerous, and he always found himself having the urge to escape whenever he was in Landon's vicinity.Sam had no idea if Aria had listened to what he'd said to her. He heaved a long sigh when he thought about it, completely oblivious to the fact that his words had achieved an effect completely opposite of what he was envisioning.Aria still had some loose ends to tie up in Southbury, so she planned to get some investigations done when Wa
This was the scene that greeted Landon when he arrived. Aria didn't look like someone here for groceries but like a doctor offering her services for free in the market.Among all the people he'd met, she was most adored by the elderly. He'd wanted to lend her a hand through his connections, but only after he'd returned to Southbury did he realize that she knew people as important as Kenneth Kane and didn't need his help at all.Landon fiddled with the beads he wore around his wrist, deep in contemplation. Aria still hadn't noticed him yet. She was inspecting someone when her grocery bag was suddenly gone. She turned back only to see Landon's handsome face. He wasn't wearing glasses this time, so he looked less aloof and intimidating. Aria could see that Landon was trying his utmost best to blend in. However, he'd ended up being surrounded nevertheless."He's your boyfriend your grandma's been talking about, isn't he? He's handsome!""You're a good match! Both of you look good."
Samuel's grip on his phone tightened. The person reporting to him pitched his voice lower. "Dad, the project in Uludon is a bust. The HOU was in charge of apprehending those involved, and the York family had a hand in it too. "I have no other alternative but to stop the project. I'm worried that we'll be exposed if we maintain an overly high profile for any longer.""The York family, you say?" Samuel narrowed his eyes. "Since when does the York family get themselves involved in such matters?""Has the Murray family started working with the York family, Dad?"Samuel seemed to contemplate it. "No. The York family never forms any alliances.""Lucas Murray's career is going way too swimmingly so far. That young lady adopted by the Kents has meddled in way too much!" The man on the phone with Samuel seemed to hate Aria to the bone, gritting his teeth in resentment as he spoke.Samuel's gaze cooled. "Is she involved in this again?""If not for her livestream, word about the issues
Warren took a look at the tickets. Aria had booked them for a train leaving two hours later, meaning he could still stay here and have tea for an hour longer. That cheered him up, and he started chatting with Georgina again. Aria went into her room, grabbed some herbs, and wrapped them properly. Before Frank and Warren left, she reminded Frank, "I asked Mr. Watson about this. He said that no one had tampered with his prescription, but I noticed the presence of abnormal sounds in Grandpa's lungs. "After you return, please monitor Grandpa's diet. He should be having meals following the recipes while controlling intake of other foods. I'll resume treating him after I arrive in Janovin."Warren was visibly healthier recently. He'd been coughing when he'd first arrived, but now his face was ruddy. Aria had also given Warren a bag filled with herbs. Warren had wanted to start on some work on the train, but the herb bag had a calming effect. Coupled with how comfortable the first-cla
"I didn't know she was the one the Carvers had been searching for," Landon said.Titus stopped teasing Landon because he was extremely pleased with Aria. "You should do your best. If you have no idea how to gain her affections, you can read more novels for inspiration!"Novels? Landon had no plans to do something so dumb.However, when he unlocked his phone and saw that Aria had not replied to any of his messages, he clicked on a novel greatly adored by its readers—the comments were all praising the male lead, saying that he was their dream husband. Landon could finalize deals worth billions without breaking a sweat, but he couldn't help frowning as he read this novel.…Aria had no idea that Landon had gone astray. The next day, a hundred boxes of chocolate of various flavors and from multiple brands appeared in Aria's house, along with a sea of roses.The elderly residents walking around the neighborhood were stunned by the sight of Heartbound Hall's entrance.Aria doled a
Joel didn't care about what the other people present thought. He was happy after completing the mission Kenneth had assigned him. "Everyone misses you, Dr. Carver. They watch your stream often but haven't mustered up the nerve to log in to their main accounts.""I'll visit them at Elmer before I leave the city," Aria said as she walked.Joel was shocked. "Before you leave? You're leaving, Dr. Carver?"What should he do, then? As if he could rein the higher-ups in! He wasn't brave enough for that, no thank you!"I found my family, and they're in Janovin." Aria smiled. "Don't worry, Joel. I'll tell them about it."Joel was still in disbelief. He muttered, "Mr. Kane was posted to Janovin as well. He's going to leave soon. I can't believe that you're leaving too."Kenneth was posted to Janovin even though he was already retired. He was a more important figure than she had thought. However, Aria didn't dig too deeply into it because it was a private matter for Kenneth. She merely sa
Christian had been there when Lucas was formally appointed Secretary-General, so he knew who Lucas was. "Good afternoon, sir," he said, surprised. Lucas pushed down his anger and looked at Christian. "And you are?""I'm Christian Short from the Short family in Southbury. We specialize in medicine." Christian tried to ingratiate himself with Lucas. "My father and I met you once."Jude Reilly, who was with Lucas, tried to ease the tension. "Mr. Murray, the Short family was instrumental in helping us find the kids–""Do you know them?" Lucas cut him off. Jude paused for a moment before saying, "Yes. The Short family business is one of the most conscientious enterprises in Southbury. You might not know this yet, but they have access to some of the most advanced medical technology in the country.""Oh?" Lucas' face didn't belie any expression. "Is this the same Short family that enjoyed a close relationship with the Gunthers?"Jude's face paled instantly, and everyone else looked q
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.