Landon's body tensed as he stared at her with dark, inscrutable eyes. Their noses almost touched when he leaned closer. His touch made his Adam's apple bob slightly.Janovin was usually windy after fall began. Yet, the room was eerily quiet as the wind howled outside.Aria furrowed her eyebrows slightly, perhaps disliking the coolness of his rosary beads. When Landon looked at her, his side profile seemed to give off a sense of danger.His handsome face appeared different, unreadable.Landon leaned down and caressed her face. Then, he muttered, "You have no idea the things I could do to you."He wasn't even sure what he was capable of. Yet, Aria seemed blissfully unaware.His gaze flickered between her eyes and lips. His hand beside her tightened, betraying the struggle for control within him. The strain reddened his eyes.Landon coughed and inadvertently dispersed dust from his rosary beads, revealing a faint glow as his gaze deepened further.Finally, he lifted her from the b
Aria couldn't care less about the marriage, and Landon seemed equally disinterested. So, Aria told his grandfather to call it off. When people later compared her to Mindy, Landon replied, "The Carver family values blood relations, and the person I was engaged to is Ms. Carver. It's not that I don't want her or anything. She's the one who didn't like me. Stop spreading nonsense."By then, Landon was already suffering from severe coughing fits, yet he stood up for Aria in a circle where everyone seemed to despise her. This happened after Warren had passed away.Everything after that was a blur for Aria. When she finally intended to visit and check on him, news came of his car accident. Aria couldn't understand why he had suddenly ended up in such a situation.Aria abruptly woke up, instinctively shielding her eyes from the sunlight. For a moment, she couldn't discern whether she was dreaming or awake. It was only when she turned her head and touched Landon's pajamas that she breathe
"I picked it up from watching TV shows," Aria lied calmly. "Go and open the door for Sam. He'll have a million questions for me otherwise."Landon ran his hands through her hair and stood up. He didn't believe her for a second, though. When Landon opened the door, he saw the caution etched on Sam's face. Sam worried Aria would do something reckless because she was smitten with Landon's face. He noticed the deepening darkness in Landon's eyes. Sam glanced down at his wrist, wondering if the rosary beads were losing their effect.Landon raised an eyebrow. "Is it just you?"Sam pointed downstairs. As smart as Landon was, he caught on quickly, "Your grandmother is eating breakfast downstairs, so she asked you to come look for us?"Sam nodded in confirmation. Landon smiled slightly. "You came at a bad time today, so I won't give you any money." Sam was bemused by his statement. Landon ushered him inside. "I'll pay you if you don't visit mornings and nights."Sam made a gestur
Aria needed to gather her thoughts before explaining to Landon. However, Landon was sensitive and caught on to the key points quickly. "Do you think I'm in danger on the highway?""Yes," Aria said, meeting his gaze.Landon smiled at her. "I believe in everything you say."His words made Aria blink slightly. "Be careful of the people around you.""Okay." Landon tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "If you need anything from me about the Carvers, let me know. I've been in Janovin longer than you and might be more helpful."Aria decided to be direct. "I need you to schedule an appointment with an interior designer for me.""Who?" he asked.Aria handed him a name card. "It's a foreign interior designer named Augustus Babel."Landon's gaze darkened. "The Babel family again?""You know them? That would be helpful. He designed the Carver residence, and I think he did a fantastic job. I'd like to understand his inspiration," Aria replied absentmindedly. Landon took the card,
The man's thick Janovin accent was unmistakable as he introduced himself. "Ms. Carver, this must be your first time here. You can just call me Will."As soon as he finished speaking, a shout came from the side. "Mr. Weller, you're here! I got some good stuff today!"Will gave a firm nod, his voice exuding authority. "I'll check it out later.""Alright, I'll hold it for you then!"Aria asked with a smile, "Mr. Weller?"Will fanned himself with his hand. "Just a local courtesy. My full name is Will Weller. By the way, Mr. Carver Senior mentioned you were looking for topaz for your house. Any specific requirements?""No." Aria glanced at Sam, who was scanning the street with pursed lips. It was clear Sam was familiar with Panne Street. Aria had brought him to use his skills; he excelled at finding things quickly."Honestly, Ms. Carver, you came a little early," Will said as they walked. "But it's understandable. You probably don't know Panne Street's history."Aria offered a playf
Will initially thought Aria, coming from the countryside, would be naïve. However, her composed demeanor made him doubt himself.Will reminded himself that Warren had the ultimate authority on who was recognized. It was pointless to heed anyone else's opinion.Meanwhile, Aria maintained a distinguished smile, not bothering to discuss Owen further with Will."We're here," Will said, glancing around. "We need to line up."Indeed, a large crowd filled the shop. Those with appointments formed a line that snaked from inside to outside. The shop displayed various antiques.A man excitedly exited the shop clutching a piece of paper. "Mr. Windsor said this prescription guarantees a son if I consume it!""He even knew you wanted to have a son?" The crowd was stunned."That's right! I'm so impressed by him!"The people in line got more anxious when they heard him. Just then, two young men emerged and announced, "The fortune-telling slots are full today. The unfortunate ones, please ret
Will gasped when he heard Blake say it was better for Aria to leave Janovin. He wondered if Blake had figured out that Aria was the missing daughter of the Carver family.Just as Will was about to speak, Aria beat him to it. "If that's the case, may I know if there's a way around it?""It'll be difficult for you to break the curse," Blake said. "Some hardships aren't your fault. You lacked love as a child, and people often misunderstand you. This builds resentment."Aria swirled her coffee cup, a playful smile on her lips. "Resentment?"Blake narrowed his eyes. "Yes, resentment fuels your pain. You unconsciously struggle against it. It makes you wonder why others have what you don't."Sam shifted in his seat, his eyes hardening dangerously.Unfazed, Aria let out a long sigh. "A fortune teller once told me I'd live a blessed life and that any swindlers who crossed my path would be unlucky.""I didn't believe it before." Aria let out a smile. "However, I believe it now after meeti
Will was stunned. Aria had cleverly steered the conversation toward her education, exposing Blake as a phony fortune teller!Will had shelled out over a million dollars to Blake over the past few years. He grappled with disbelief, forcing himself to stay calm.Blake's gaze remained fixed on Will. "Mr. Weller?"Will bellowed, "I won't buy it!"Blake's composure faltered. Will's defiance was clearly unexpected. Just then, a burst of laughter erupted from behind Will."Mr. Weller, you've really changed. You're even disrespecting Mr. Windsor now." The people who sauntered in wore the newest designs from top designer-brands.Each of them had a unique style. Some had dyed their hair, while others were well-groomed. However, they shared the same affluent background.Sam was very interested in them, given his keen sense for money. He glanced at Aria as if trying to ask if they should dupe their money.Usually, Aria wouldn't be interested in them. However, she recognized one of them. It