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
Sam's nose twitched, and he leaned closer. "She feels abnormal, unlike an ordinary person."Aria knew that Sam hadn't fully recovered yet. However, he had sharp senses due to his nature. Anyone he determined abnormal might have an incomplete soul or be latched onto by some impure entity. Aria's gaze darkened. No matter what it might be, she couldn't just ignore that woman. It wasn't safe to let someone like her loiter around outside."I'll go there to take a look." Aria took off her helmet in a fluid action. It wasn't that late, so there were people around looking at the woman, but no one dared to step forward and offer help. After all, the woman behaved quite peculiarly, as if she was intellectually impaired. She'd grab at anyone who passed by and ask if they'd seen her daughter. Everyone else was terrified, and the hospital gown she was wearing only added to the eeriness of the sight. "Is she a patient who ran away from the mental hospital?""Doesn't seem like it. Her face
Fiona tilted her head. She had a head of waist-length hair, and her wrists peeked out under her wide sleeves. Aside from a watch, she was also wearing a silver bracelet with precious stones embedded in it. She looked every inch like the wealthy woman she was, and she said, "You're more skilled at this than you say, young lady.""I'm decent at it." Aria withdrew the needles before reminding Fiona, "The doctor should already have told you to let go of some matters. It'll make you feel better."Fiona was stunned. She suddenly smiled. "Do you and your younger brother here have anything to attend to later?"Aria had wanted to tell Fiona she'd be heading home, but Fiona's gaze told her she wanted the opposite answer.Aria shook her head. Fiona said immediately, "I'll buy you guys a drink. Children can't drink alcohol, so your brother will be having a can of Coke instead. Let's have some fried chicken, shall we?"Aria couldn't stomach fried chicken, but Sam's eyes lit up upon hearing
Aria always respected teachers. She clinked her glass against Fiona's.Fiona's grin widened. "Has anyone told you this? You're more mature than your peers, and you're likable. I feel better when I spend time with you.""We're compatible, probably." Aria grabbed a fry. She didn't let down her guard so easily in front of anyone that often. Fiona had a calming disposition, and she was open-minded and accommodating. Even Sam was docile when in front of Fiona. Aria had thought Georgina to be the only person who held themselves with such gentleness, but now she'd come across another. A stranger, no less.Aria found that miraculous as well. Fiona chuckled lowly. "No one else would like it when I'm in the middle of an episode."Aria paused in her actions. Fiona continued, "I feel sorry that you had to see me in that state, but I'm glad too, for I would've never met you if I hadn't had that episode."Aria chuckled. "Our meeting was really coincidental, that's true. Your family must h