"I'm just curious," Aria said with a smile, "Seems like the rumors aren't nice.""Uh, you know," Will said, "The conversations within this social circle are always about the same stuff.""What kind of stuff?" Aria smiled.Noticing that she didn't mind, Will wanted to warn her about the rumors about her. "In the version I heard, you were found in a village and taken back here. Everyone thinks that you wouldn't be that respectable after growing up in that place and that you don't deserve Mr. Landon. "He's rejected you, and the engagement wasn't canceled only because you insisted on hovering around him.""That's about the same as what I envisioned," Aria said sardonically. Her gaze darkened under the sunlight.All the scenes in her dreams were coming true one after another. Aria remembered clearly how those rumors had been the first step to dream-Aria's downfall."What do you mean that was about the same as you'd envisioned?" Will was dumbfounded. "Why would you even think about t
It wasn't that Will was oblivious to what the Wagner family had implicitly demanded of him. It was that he had no choice but to take a side, not when Landon was telling him so politely about how he held a mean grudge.The contrast between Landon's amiable tone and the threat in his words made Will break out in a cold sweat. He wasn't sure if marrying Landon would be good for Aria. Landon sounded gentler than before, saying, "Mr. Carver Senior must have his own reasons for picking you to show Aria around. I'll have to trouble you with taking care of her in the future as well."Will promptly said, "Even if you haven't called, Mr. Landon, I'll still be willing to take care of Ms. Aria. It's my honor to have met her."The antique coin felt heavy in his pocket. He'd shown many people around Panne Street, and many people had treated him with casual disrespect. Few people still cared about the rules passed down by the older generations. To many people, Will was nothing but an employee.
The wealthy would usually live in strategic locations, including the Wagners. Kenny and Philip came from a family of politicians, but they had no plans to follow suit and instead had chosen to start a business.Typically, in such cases, those younger members of noble families would live somewhere else away from the family home. Yonah had always not liked Philip that much, so Philip didn't want to return to the family residence and risk souring Yonah's mood. However, Yonah had praise for him this time around. "How did you meet the scion of the York family?"The York family? Who might it be?Philip was looking at his nails when he heard Yonah's question. Confused, he looked up. "Huh?"Yonah was a busy man. He was furious upon seeing how distracted Philip was. He tried to be patient as he repeated his question. "Are you close to Landon York?""No," Philip said, confused. "He isn't even that close with Kenny, who's actually good in his studies, so why'd he be close to me, the guy
Philip had never hosted guests at a formal banquet before. He was accustomed to hanging out with friends who others might consider disreputable company. During his family's formal events, his only responsibility was to avoid embarrassing himself.His presence hadn't been necessary with someone as capable as Kenny in the family. Not this time, though. Philip felt somewhat anxious. "I should entrust this to you, Kenny. You know that I'm not that adept in doing things such as this."Kenny took his phone out, looking nonchalant. "You're the person the Yorks want to establish a connection with. It will be inappropriate if I host them instead of you.""We can do this together, and you can remind me what I need to take note of during the banquet," Philip said.Kenny tucked his phone away. "Let's talk about this later. You know I'm working hard to be by Mindy's side now.""Didn't that young woman we met tell us that Mindy is interested in someone else?" Philip advised, "Landon will be h
Philip decided to attend the gathering simply because of the invitation. However, traffic ahead came to a standstill.He would've taken a shortcut to the venue any other day, but today, that group chat became increasingly annoying as time passed. As he waited for the roads to clear, he suddenly thought of Aria's words. Philip unlocked his phone and typed a reply, "You guys have fun. I'm having a headache, so let's meet some other day."He then turned back and headed home. The day's events felt bizarre, and Philip chuckled at his impulsive decision. But back home, a realization struck him. Leon wasn't part of the group chat. If he had gone, he likely would've been dragged into a discussion about how to impress Rainbow Carver.Philip didn't have any opinion on Ms. Rainbow in particular. That was just what their circle was like—if someone could stay behind, they could by all means, but they shouldn't force themselves to stay if it proved impossible.Philip wasn't an overly benevol
Exhausted after his call, Philip trudged home, his body heavy with dread. He didn't know who he should talk to about this. He'd thought of calling his father, but Jack would only call him useless and tell him to learn from Kenny. Philip was having a hard time keeping everything in, so he sent a message to Leon, "Do you have time for a chat?"Leon's reply was immediate. "No. I'm looking for my sister."Philip found that weird. "Hasn't your family already taken her in?"Leon skulked in the corner, wearing a pair of shades. "Yeah, but I'm not brave enough to step foot in the residence. You know how my grandfather is too, don't you? He frowns at the sight of me."Philip said immediately, "You can come over to my place. You shouldn't be out there all the time. Aren't you a celebrity? You'd become fodder for gossip again."Leon said determinedly, "No. I want to figure out who my sister is through the clues I've gathered."Philip's heart felt lighter as he chatted with Leon, so he tol
It would be ideal if the tree was an oak tree, which symbolized strength and endurance, but unfortunately, the person who'd planted it had chosen a willow tree with leaves drooping from its branches. As time passed, the tree canopy would slowly spread wider, and its leaves would droop lower to the ground, contributing to a gloomy sight that would also hamper those living in the house.Around trees such as this, wild animals gathered, bringing a discordant atmosphere. Here was where Sam came in. Even without the copper coin, his presence served as a deterrent. No animal, regardless of species, dared to approach the house while he circled it.That was proven to be true. The maids found that strange and asked themselves, "Why do I no longer hear those meowing noises?""The stray cats from before aren't here."Usually, the stray cats would start meowing at this point in the day. The kitchen staff would feed them too. However, a black cat had once glared at them hostilely and scra
"Grandpa," Aria's gaze was dark as she said, "You've been an honest man all your life. During your many years as a businessman, you've never forgotten your original intentions, and you've helped countless people. You will live a long life."Warren's eyes reddened at Aria's words. He said to Keith, "Tell me. Why shouldn't I take her side?""You should, Mr. Carver Senior!" Keith said with a smile, "Don't worry. Your grandsons understand that too.""Hasn't Leon saved up a sum of money for Aria?" Keith looked at Aria. "He plans to give you the money when you get married."Aria paused. "You can tell him that there's no need to be so hasty."Warren laughed. "He worries that you won't like him. There are way too many rumors revolving around him, and he's always throwing temper tantrums. You'll know when you meet him."…Outside the Carver residence, Leon sneezed loudly when hiding inside his van. He opened his eyes and said to his assistant, Janie Rielson, "I'm sure that my rivals are