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
Whenever Kenny brought up his grandfather, Philip would comply without question. Having lost his mother at a young age, Philip dreaded disappointing Yonah the most.This time, however, Philip disagreed. "Kenny, I'm a disappointment anyway. I'm sure Grandpa wouldn't mind since you're there. That's all for now. I'm hanging up.""Philip, are you crazy? Get to the Layne residence now! I—" Before Kenny could finish, Philip had already hung up.Kenny was caught off guard. He never expected Philip to defy him, especially under these circumstances, even after mentioning Yonah. Fury contorted Kenny's features as he gripped his phone.Led by Samuel, the Layne family approached. Samuel eyed Kenny and inquired quietly, "Is Philip not coming?""Mr. Layne Senior, I believe Philip is exhausted from the past two days. He even sounded out of sorts," Kenny promptly replied. "How about I go and keep Moses company?"Samuel refused, his grip tightening on his walking cane as a hacking cough wracked h
Philip immediately did a U-turn after switching off his phone.Ignatius asked, "Philip, aren't we heading back?""No. The safest place for me is to be by Aria's side." Philip had it all figured out.Ignatius raised his eyebrows. "What about me?""You should go home," Philip instructed, gazing at the darkening sky. "My brother will definitely come looking for me at your place. Just tell him you don't know where I am."Ignatius hesitated. "But Mr. Carver saw you today.""He's too preoccupied dealing with Mindy to bother contacting Kenny," Philip assured him, his mind racing. "Park my car at my apartment and take a cab home. Don't waste any time."Recognizing the urgency, Ignatius nodded. "Alright. Leave it to me."Philip knew Kenny well. When Kenny's calls to Philip went unanswered, Kenny started tagging people in their group chat.However, after the incident, there was an unsettling silence from all the socialites.Despite questioning numerous acquaintances, none of them had s
Moses ignored Blake. He stood up and crushed the silver cross under his foot. "People like you just enable evil! Mark my words, you can't save him. I'll drag him down with me!"Jeeves trembled in fear. "M-Mr. Windsor, he…""Time isn't up yet, so it shouldn't harm anyone," Blake said. Everything happened for a reason. Even revenge had its timing.Blake glanced at Jeeves. "Change of plans. Tell Mr. Layne Senior to find Mr. Wagner immediately!"Without Philip, Blake wasn't sure he could save Moses.Blake had meticulously planned for everything. Now, he was thrown off balance, wondering who had forced the entity from Ignatius.He clenched his fists, his gaze intense. The vengeful spirit wasn't at its peak yet, so Blake could suppress it with his current cultivation.If no scapegoat arrived by 9:15 pm, Blake would be powerless against the intense resentment and chaotic energy.Blake kept this crucial information from Samuel, pressuring them to find Philip instead.Kenny also noti
Aria needed to be in the basement. It was the only way to understand what was truly happening.Surprisingly, the hotel's intricate geographical location safeguarded Fiona.This was unlike any situation Aria had faced before. Despite the apparent danger lurking within the hotel, she sensed something unsettling in the chaotic atmosphere. An unsettling energy that, while threatening, seemed to be keeping Fiona's sanity tethered to this place.Aria tapped away at the keyboard, utilizing specialized tools to calculate the optimal path she needed to take. Within Five Elements, there was a technique known as Acupuncture Strike. It seemed the hotel wasn't inherently problematic—just poorly designed elements contributing to a pervasive gloom.The first step to rectifying this disrupted atmosphere was thoroughly examining the basement. There had to be something hidden there that wasn't readily apparent. This was where the topaz stones became crucial.After meticulously planning her course
Aria clutched the amethyst pendant in her hand, trying to gather her thoughts.What was Mindy's role in all this? Dorothy's confident demeanor didn't seem to fit a maid's. And Owen's behavior was suspicious too.Aria never considered the possibility that Mindy might be Owen's illegitimate daughter. After all, if Mindy were Owen's biological child, the Carvers wouldn't have simply sponsored her. They would have taken her in as their daughter, replacing Aria in the family.Everything felt off.Aria recalled Warren mentioning their past support for Mindy because she was different from the other sponsored children—Mindy bore an uncanny resemblance to Aria when she was young. Aria narrowed her eyes in contemplation. Just as she was about to ask questions, wind chime-like sounds filled the room despite having none. Turning to the window, Aria noticed a shift in the hotel's atmosphere. It was an earthbound spirit. Aria tried to open the window, but it wouldn't budge. Meanwhile, Sam se
Landon coughed several times, a dry rasp that betrayed his sickly appearance. Despite his illness, he still carried himself with an air of aloof composure. The colorful bracelet on his wrist accentuated his demeanor. Despite his tall stature, his legs seemed longer in the hotel corridor, and his entire physique appeared almost out of place. "How did you even know where I was? My phone doesn't even have a signal!" Aria exclaimed, grabbing his wrist and pulling him inside. Their closeness startled Landon. The tip of his nose brushed against her hair, and a faint scent filled his nostrils if he leaned closer. Aria was surely like no other. Ever sharp, she moved with practiced precision, effectively stopping whatever was trying to enter the room.Soon, the lights flickered ominously, revealing an endless black mist behind Landon, invisible to him but clear as day to Aria. It defied logic. As far as Aria knew, Earthbound Manifestation should be an impenetrable barrier. With his u
Cold sweat broke out on Paxton's back as realization hit. Percy was here. Judging from Aria's attitude now, could Percy be handling the divorce case? Panicking, his earlier confidence crumbled. Paxton hurried toward the parking garage. Daisy yelled at him from behind. She was crying so hard she lost a shoe. "Dad! Dad!" Paxton suddenly exploded and said, "Stop following me, you useless waste! You can't even repeat simple instructions! All that money on your education, and this is what I get? Where's your brain?" Daisy froze, her face draining of color. She had never seen her father like this. Though rarely home, he always brought her dolls and chocolates from abroad. Her classmates envied her, and Amara called her Daddy's princess. As she uncertainly reached for his shirt, he shoved her away. "Go find your grandmother! Idiot!" Daisy stood stunned. Paxton had not even noticed her scraped foot bleeding. Her eyes widened in recognition. This was just like how things were with Ama
"I... I..." Daisy faltered as she was unprepared for Aria's words. Paxton and Daisy had come hoping to manipulate Lettie as they always had. In marriages, visible violence might draw outside sympathy. But such psychological torture of exploiting Lettie's maternal love, pushing her boundaries, and destroying her self-worth was far more terrifying. As a doctor, Aria's expertise went beyond healing bodies. She specialized in psychology. Lettie's condition wasn't just trauma; it was long-term emotional abuse. Aria had seen Lettie's sleeping pills. With her pregnancy affecting hormones, they needed to address her emotional pain. If not, Aria worried Lettie might break. Aria touched her amethyst pendant. Sometimes, abandoning all illusions was the only way to start over. For mothers, children were their deepest attachment. It was better to see clearly now than suffer endless emotional manipulation. "I'm not going back with you two. I want a divorce, and I will get one." Lettie's ha
Indeed, Lettie hesitated. She looked at her daughter instinctively. After all, blood ties could not be easily broken. Paxton seized this moment to step forward and hug her. "Lettie, I knew you couldn't give up on our family. I've really learned my lesson. We'll move out and keep Mom from interfering. Please?" His movements were too quick for Lettie to react. Aria sat there with a smirk, her gaze drifting to the window. It was a great photo spot indeed. It would be a perfect picture of an adorable daughter, a caring husband, and a forgiving wife. This would become a narrative of quick reconciliation that would betray the public's support. Aria had even thought of headlines for Celestia's post. Too bad she hadn't come inside. If she had, seeing Aria's face might have shaken her confidence. Lettie didn't let Paxton's embrace last. Once she recovered, she shoved him away. Then, came the slap. "You're absolutely shameless!" Lettie could not believe his act, even now. Glancing a
As Amara stood there trembling, it drew stares from onlookers. She could not believe her son would speak to her this way. It was Paxton who had begged her to help, saying Celestia wanted to meet Daisy. He even asked her to arrange it so the girl would accept them when the divorce happened. That way, Don would not interfere too much. As a mother, how could she ignore her son's troubles? He had gone on about Celestia's background—how cultured she was and how her parents were prestigious lawyers in Ludwiten. Amara had been impressed. A simple housewife like Lettie could not possibly compare to a Ludwiten socialite. Through Amara's investigation, she found out that the Norwoods were renowned in legal circles. Daisy's grandfather was even a senior judge. That was the kind of woman worthy of her son. She had done everything to help him seize this opportunity, but how had she become the villain? Amara clenched her fists. She understood what Paxton meant now. He was making her the sc
"Now more people would hate mothers-in-laws like us." "My daughter says this isn't over. Just wait; she'll get what's coming to her." Amara had planned to go to the supermarket but ended up hiding at home, afraid to go downstairs. Don was still at the university studying his latest archaeological finds, unaware of everything. She trembled thinking about what he would do to her when he found out. Panicking, she grabbed her coat and followed them. "Paxton, let me come with you. I'll make sure you don't get taken advantage of." "Mom!" Paxton's tone became impatient. "Look how many people are outside waiting to mock us! If you come, our whole family will end up all over social media. I could take Daisy to the café unnoticed, but not you. People can't stand the sight of you right now." Amara gritted her teeth. "They can't stand me? These people have nothing better to do than meddle in our family affairs! What's wrong with our family not wanting Lettie anymore?" "Mom! How can you
Celestia still had no idea what awaited her. She had been a bully since middle school, and her family would always clean up her messes. To her, Lettie was just some washed-up housewife who couldn't possibly understand how to harness social media's power, unlike herself, since this was her bread and butter. She knew the online community craved plot twists upon plot twists. Before leaving the car, Celestia gripped her phone, nervous about all her hidden misdeeds. But if she could destroy Lettie's image, she could profit from this viral outrage. Paxton picked up Daisy, who couldn't stop crying. "Dad, is Mom really divorcing you? Everyone online is attacking me. They're saying I'm a terrible daughter and not worth keeping. Even my classmates are laughing at me. Dad, please make up with Mom!" Paxton massaged his throbbing temples. "Daisy, that's why I'm here to pick you up. You have to make up with your mother. To stop the online hate, you need to act in a way that makes your mother
Then, Celestia could immediately post a video claiming she never knew he was married when they met. That would be the best way to shift the narrative. Paxton thought about it and said, "Fine, I'll go sweet-talk her." They needed to reconcile, or the book "Voices" would no longer be his. He could lose his job, but not that book.Nobody in Farshya knew how much money it was making overseas. It had earned 50 million in annual royalties, and film studios were already showing interest. He would never give up this book! Paxton lowered his gaze. "I'll bring Daisy along. Lettie can't stand seeing our daughter suffer, so she'll back down for her sake." But this time, Paxton's calculations would surely prove wrong. Celestia stood up. "I'm coming too. I'll wait outside." She could not stay here anyway. Paxton frowned. "Don't let her see you." "I'm not stupid. I'll take photos of you two making up and post them online. That will make it credible." Celestia knew her game. "Remember, d
In that moment, Paxton felt real fear. His throat became too tight to speak. Kaiden's voice hardened, "I don't care how you do it, but contain this matter. Your personal drama is causing too much negative publicity. You can forget about that promotion. As for Mr. Hendricks Senior, you can explain this to him yourself." Kaiden did not want to get involved, but Don was once his mentor, guiding him when he needed it most. It was through family connection that Paxton's career had advanced so smoothly. His mind was in chaos now. The higher he climbed, the harder he would fall. "I'll explain everything. Don't worry! I'll apologize to my wife right away!" Hearing this, Celestia exploded. "Apologize? What about me?" Her shout drew stares across the hotel lobby. Terrified of attracting more attention, Paxton covered her mouth. "Please, keep your voice down!" Kaiden heard the commotion too. "Who's with you? Where are you now?" "I..." Paxton tried to lie. But Kaiden did not want t
Celestia's face turned white with panic. Terrified that her photos would be screenshotted, her fingers moved faster than ever, but she couldn't keep up. She posted nearly three times a day, and now, the floodgates had opened."What do I do? What can I do?" Celestia was so anxious that she pulled at her hair. "Private account! I'll set it to private right now!" But it was too late. People were already taking screenshots and screen recordings, and within a minute, comments flooded Paxton's page. "I knew I recognized this homewrecker—I've seen her content!" "You've seen her content? What do you mean?" "She's a fashion influencer! She does street style and promotes clothes, bags, and beauty products! Her handle is @CelestiaNorwood." "No way! Didn't she just preach about women's independence and not relying on men? How the tables have turned!" "Wow! Her private account shows quite a different life!" "This can't be true. No influencer would date such an old guy." "Honey, tha