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
While Will was thinking of a way to get Philip to back off, Aria had already spoken. "You might be disappointed. Compared to my fiancé, you're quite ordinary."Philip, stunned, instinctively blurted, "How good-looking can your fiancé possibly be?""He's indeed handsome." Aria was about to leave after putting it out there. However, Kenny, who was about to have his fortune told, looked over with narrowed eyes, "Miss, please be more polite when you speak. This is Janovin."Aria chuckled. "Are you telling me what to do?"Kenny eyed her. Although she was beautiful, he couldn't tolerate her ignorant attitude. Did Will not teach her about Janovin's rules?"Mr. Weller, please handle it." Kenny refused to say anything more. To him, Aria was a foreigner who didn't know better. She was acting all arrogant after his brother just paid her some attention. Kenny's disdain for her was written on his face.Philip, however, knew he had crossed the line. "I'm sorry, miss. I was just joking around
Kenny's expression turned grim. "You've misunderstood, then. Not all citizens of Janovin know each other.""Kenny!" Philip elbowed him. "Go and get your fortune read by Mr. Windsor. Stop meddling here!"Kenny sneered. "Should I let you befriend this nobody too?"Though apprehensive about escalating the situation, Will knew whose side to be on. "According to Mr. Wagner, I shouldn't be here either. After all, the Wagner family considers themselves superior."Kenny also realized that his grandfather, Yonah Wagner, was in a tricky position. Thus, he would rather keep a low profile and avoid any trouble.Regardless, Will's words caused him to clench his fists in frustration. He conceded grudgingly, "Mr. Weller, there's been a misunderstanding. Everyone is different. I never saw you as an outsider."This was his way of backing down. Will accepted the apology. "Then let's consider the earlier comment a misunderstanding. Go ahead. I'll take my niece elsewhere.""Hold on a moment." Ari
Blake turned to Will. "Mr. Weller, with your experience in the antiques trade, you know fortune-telling thrives on belief. If you're unconvinced, please leave."Will had already seen through Blake's tricks. He smirked. "Don't try to manipulate me with fortune-telling rules. After all, Panne Street operates on mutual agreement."Mr. Philip didn't complain about the price, so why the fuss? How about this? If my niece's deal goes through, I'll give you 10% of the profit. We did use your space, after all."Will was right. Panne Street did have such a rule.Eager for a reading, Philip drew a tarot card.Blake's assistant fumed silently. However, upon seeing the card Philip chose, Blake surprisingly agreed to Aria's reading. "Miss, please proceed. What does this card signify?"The card confused Will. He glanced at Philip, unsure if he truly desired a reading.Philip said, "I simply picked a card."Aria spoke slowly. "This card warns of potential health and safety concerns. It suggest