Warren's words sent shivers down the managers' spines, especially those who had been disloyal. They kept their heads bowed, fearing Warren's gaze."Mr. Carver Senior, please don't worry. We'll cooperate fully with Ms. Rainbow!"Warren corrected the manager directly. "Call her Ms. Aria. My granddaughter's name is Aria Carver.""Grandpa." Aria only wanted Warren to know what happened, not to take over the company as its CEO. Warren's tone was doting. "You don't need to feel uneasy there. It's our hotel. You can do whatever you want. Rainbow, remember that we're the ones who owe you. Now that you're back, feel free to do whatever you want. I'll support you as long as I live."Warren's declaration had the managers rethinking their allegiances. They began to see Owen in a new light.Owen, filled with regret as he looked at his wife and daughter, realized the gravity of the situation. He wondered what he could do to mend things.Suddenly, the idea of seeking help from his sons crosse
Mindy stiffened, panic etched on her face. "Aria, you've misunderstood. I would never prevent you from coming back. You're my sister—""Sister?" Aria grinned. "You can call Mr. Carver your father as long as he agrees. However, didn't you say we had a conflict before? Why are you calling me your sister now?"The Carver family hadn't officially adopted you if I remember correctly, so you're not my sister. Let's talk about something else."Aria grabbed Dorothy with one hand. "How many of your dirty errands has this old hag done for you?""I didn't!" Mindy cried, tears staining her face. "I don't know what you're talking about."Owen also spoke up. "Rainbow, don't be so harsh on Mindy. Let me explain—""One claims to be my father, while the other declares herself my sister." Aria tossed Dorothy unceremoniously at Mindy's feet. "Let me remind you both, I have little tolerance. Don't try to flatter me."Aria's air of authority was so strong that even Owen hesitated before speaking, es
There was no denying Dorothy's eloquence. In a flash, she managed to brand Aria as unreasonable and undeserving of her status.Fiona, once a prominent socialite, understood the future implications of such labels on her daughter. Public speaking had become a distant memory for Fiona, who feared uttering the wrong word.Today, however, Fiona decided to take a stand. "How can you expect Aria to be polite to someone who labels her unreasonable and rude? I haven't been involved in family matters for a long time."Apparently, being polite to a household staff is now a requirement to earn a title in this household? The Carver family is your employer, Dorothy. If you're unhappy, you are free to leave."Dorothy stiffened. "Mrs. Carver, I—"Fiona didn't even bother looking at her. Instead, she looked toward Mindy. "Dorothy has been serving you all this time. I'm sure she's only acting like this because you permitted it. Look at her. Do you think we're blind to your intentions?""Mom, I don
Aria flung the pillow at Dorothy. "You're responsible for my mother's basic needs. The Carvers trusted you completely."You said you know nothing about the effects, so why is there lemon and mint inside my mom's pillow? It's clear you knew exactly what you were doing."The evidence was irrefutable, presented swiftly. Aria's words stung like a slap.Panic seized Dorothy when Aria yanked away the scented sachet. She hadn't anticipated anyone discovering the pillow.Dorothy's legs felt weak, and her eyes darted around nervously."Will you confess your accomplice now, or at the police station?" Aria pressed.Dorothy bit her lip, refusing to say the truth. "I'm loyal to the Carver family!""You've chosen to go to jail, then." Aria looked away, then suddenly smiled. "Honestly, it doesn't matter if you speak up or not. Your precious Ms. Carver will still be held responsible."Mindy felt suffocated under the weight of scrutiny. All Mindy could do was grab the hem of Owen's clothes and
Meanwhile, the crowd was still gathered in the hotel lobby.Not everyone was oblivious. Those who witnessed the scene understood what transpired. Some men even felt a pang of shame watching Owen leave so abruptly. How could he abandon his daughter and wife to defend a mere sponsee?In the past, Owen could still be described as kind-hearted, easygoing, and someone who wouldn't judge others based on their social standing. He had, after all, treated his sponsee just like his own.However, after Aria's return, Owen's priorities became muddled, leading to this unfortunate situation.The more capable managers swiftly made their decisions, choosing to stay. They wanted to observe Aria's handling of the aftermath, to see if Warren's chosen successor truly possessed the necessary qualities.After all, being decisive wasn't the only crucial aspect of running a business; astuteness was equally important.Could Aria, a young woman from a small town, truly rise to the challenge?It wasn't th
"Give me a list of people who got into the company through nepotism," Aria said coolly. "If I'm satisfied with it, you can avoid jail time." Conrad's mind went blank. "Jail?""Your aunt committed a crime for personal gain, and you secured this job through her influence," Aria explained, twirling her amethyst pendant gracefully. "You can't be entirely innocent of her actions." Conrad shrank back, his face draining of color. He wasn't stupid. If the Carver family really were to investigate what Dorothy did, there was no way he could escape unscathed. "Ms. Carver, I'll tell you everything!" he blurted out. "I know all of them, and I can identify them right now!"Aria averted her gaze from him and scanned the crowd impassively. "There's no urgency. Today's my first day managing this hotel, so I'm granting everyone a chance to redeem themselves."If you fail to do so, you'll face the same consequences as Conrad here. The Carver Group has a history of generosity toward long-term emp
A tense atmosphere gripped the senior staff of the hotel. They felt like they were dangling by a thread, unsure of their fate.Aria's arrival worried them. They knew they could always band together and complain to Warren or even expose some of the hotel's negative aspects if she decided to fire them immediately.However, Aria's decision to give them a chance to redeem themselves threw them into a conundrum. They were unsure whether to stay and try to make amends or leave and find new employment, and this uncertainty gnawed at them.Aria had anticipated this reaction. Upon entering the hotel, she recognized the depth of the problems and knew a one-day fix was impossible. Her immediate priority was Fiona's safety.Aria sought information, but Dorothy remained tight-lipped. Even as the police escorted Dorothy away, she glared at Aria and spat, "Your won't last long in Janovin. Mr. and Mrs. Carver will see through your charade, and Janovin's socialites will never accept you.""Is that
"We'll be leaving now!" It would be disrespectful to Aria if Ignatius hesitated even for a minute.However, Philip couldn't shake a feeling of worry. "Aria, is there anything we can do to help?"Aria regarded them both with a thoughtful expression. "Having you here puts you at risk. If trouble arises, I'll be responsible for your safety as well. Weren't you told by your family that people born under your horoscope need more rest?"Ignatius stammered, "N-No.""I'm letting you know now," Aria said, holding their gaze. "Keep in mind what I said. Once you're home, eat and go to sleep immediately. Don't visit any other place, particularly the Layne residence.""Even if your best friend calls you there, refuse. Otherwise, I won't be able to protect you if something happens again."Ignatius nodded fervently. "The Laynes are just trying to pin the blame on us! We wouldn't dream of going there!""Exactly," Philip chimed in, though his mind was clearly elsewhere.Aria noticed the change
The aged voice was filled with indifference. "It seems like she reached a dead end."Amos sneered. "I don't understand why these peasants like staying in the city. Still, it's fortunate for us. Otherwise, it'd be hard to get our hands on them.""Amos," the person cut in sharply, as if reminding him of his place.Amos only dared to speak so harshly when no one was around. If word got out, his image as the perfect secretary would be ruined.He quickly calmed down and fell silent. The caller didn't press the matter, simply saying, "You need to change the way you speak and act from now on."Since she's already agreed, give her the money. Don't treat her requests as a nuisance. The more requests they make, the less likely they are to cause trouble later."After picking her up tomorrow, send a few men to check if her grandparents need any help. Make sure everything is done properly."Amos nodded. "I understand. You always see the bigger picture. We'll continue looking after them."Poo
"I promise it won't happen again!" To an outsider, it might've sounded like Amos was talking about the cafeteria mishap. But the truth was much darker. What Amos really meant was that incidents like this could continue, just never publicly. Once the media's attention died down, they could go back to doing whatever they pleased. But for now, the performance had to be flawless.The man on the other end of the call seemed satisfied. Though his voice was flat and monotonous, there was a noticeable shift; it was now less stern."She's been manipulating the stock market," he said. "It's caused major damage to several of Luwditen's corporations. We can't let her walk free."Amos removed his glasses, a grim look on his face. "That's exactly what I told the Securities Regulatory Department. It doesn't matter who comes to plead on her behalf. Even if she's the late Mr. Barron's heir, she has to face the law."She's confessed. No one's going to let her off the hook now. You know what jail'
At first, Eden didn't understand what Aria meant. But as night fell, Aria lowered her head and started fumbling with something. When she looked up again, Eden was stunned—Aria looked exactly like her.Eden's eyes widened in disbelief. She'd only seen something like this in movies. But now, it was unfolding right in front of her. So there really was such a flawless disguise technique in the world."Aria, you…""Since I'm using your identity, I have to be you," Aria said with a soft tug of her mask, smiling. She had always been bold, yet precise. Working in the Special Missions Unit meant secrecy was second nature to her—this part was routine."Stay home and rest tonight. I'll leave first thing in the morning. Once I'm gone and the coast is clear, take your grandparents and leave."Eden opened her mouth, unsure of how to respond. She didn't even know when the people watching them would leave."My team will come get you," Aria reassured her. "What's important is that your grandparent
Eden nodded. "Okay. I'll do as you say, Aria."She sent the text just like Aria instructed. Moments later, her teacher replied—everything had been arranged. A car would pick her up from home. There was no need to return to school.A cold shiver ran down Eden's spine. They knew where she lived. They'd been watching all along. Not just the school—they were everywhere.Eden didn't linger at school. Outside the entrance, the main topic of conversation was the officials' arrival for an investigation and the school's public exposure.Everyone knew the cafeteria was a mess. Students had complained countless times, but each time inspectors came, the food improved just long enough to pass the checks. Then it would all revert. It had become the norm—something they were forced to accept.Eden was no different. She just wanted to get home. She needed to see her grandparents. She feared something might happen to them next.Every step on the way home, she stayed alert, scanning her surroundings
Eden listened closely, her brow furrowing. Her teacher wasn't speaking Farshyan. School was no longer a safe place, and Eden didn't know who she could trust. Her classmates were too caught up in mocking Aria to notice anything was wrong, all assuming Eden was lucky to have been chosen.She considered calling the police, picking up her phone, but then paused. What could she even say? That there was a mole at school? Her face turned pale as she remembered how close the principal was to influential people. The authorities might not believe her, or worse, they might be involved.Despite the headlines claiming Aria had been arrested, Eden felt a spark of hope. Aria had promised she'd show up if Eden ever needed her. Taking a deep breath, Eden dialed the number Aria had given her.She didn't expect anyone to answer. But then came a cool, familiar voice. "Eden? What's wrong? Did someone give you trouble again?"Eden's heart soared. "You're not arrested! The news is fake, isn't it? I knew
Lucas gave Amos a sidelong glance. "In that case, let's do as Mr. Lune suggested—punish everyone involved."Announce to the public that Oakvale Academy will be used as a test case. We'll be conducting surprise inspections in all middle and high schools."As for why Mr. Kelsey encountered two completely different scenes during his visits—well, that's easy to explain." Lucas' gaze swept across the room. "Someone tipped off the school before your visit. If any other school received advance notice, every one of you will be under scrutiny."Though Lucas spoke with a smile, none of the seven present—including the three officials—could return it. The smile, in this context, was more chilling than rage. This was a warning. Amos, in particular, felt deeply unsettled. He had come intending to redirect Lucas' attention away from Oakvale Academy. Instead, the incident had blown up. With public attention turning toward the school, transferring Eden would soon become impossible.Still, Amo
Now that Miguel, who was an expert in covering up, was gone, the long-standing issues in the school were exposed.The group stood frozen as they watched a cafeteria worker pour something into a large pot. A closer look revealed it was leftover mushroom soup. But that wasn't the worst of it. The soup reeked, clearly spoiled, yet it was still being reheated for the students.Things only got worse when they entered the kitchen. Hygiene standards were appalling. Not a single chef wore a mask, and some were even smoking while cooking.Amos' expression darkened immediately, even before Lucas could react.One of the chefs noticed them and slammed his ladle onto the counter. "What are you doing in here? Outsiders aren't allowed in the school—don't you know that?"Unlike other schools, Oakvale Academy had somehow always slipped through the cracks during routine inspections. When required to present something, they staged it well enough to fool a camera.So, the staff never expected a surp
Aria understood that this was all the person could offer. The real mastermind would never reveal himself so easily—not even to his most trusted subordinates.Those in power never needed to explain themselves. Those who understood them would earn their favor; those who didn't were destined to remain at the bottom.Her thoughts raced. She needed hard evidence to capture whoever was behind Amos. Baseless accusations would only alert the enemy and push them deeper into hiding.Allowing herself to be arrested had been part of Aria's plan. She needed the mastermind to lower his guard. After all, she had been too visible in Ludwiten lately. With eyes constantly watching her, she couldn't make any real moves. But she couldn't let the incident at Oakvale Academy go unresolved. Her instincts told her it was the key to everything.Before Philip found his family, she had to act—and that meant changing her identity to save Even.Just then, the person's phone buzzed. He turned the screen towa
"Boss!" Weston rushed over the moment he finished dealing with the other officers. Aria arched an eyebrow, flexing her wrists. "He's the mole?""Yes." Weston nodded. The Securities Regulatory Bureau, dispatched by the Securities Regulatory Commission, was tasked with auditing listed companies—particularly sniffing out insider trading and market manipulation.While not everyone in the bureau could be corrupt, it was common for a few to be compromised.The officer who had been interrogating Aria was of a minor rank, but the one Weston had just exposed held real power.Aria looked over at the trembling man. His legs had given out, sending him to the floor. His phone lay discarded beside him as he shook uncontrollably.They had met before—at a Chamber of Commerce meeting. To him, Aria had just been a clever heiress with some market luck, thanks to Landon's influence. No one would have expected her to single-handedly bring down the Draycott family.No one would logically believe