"The thousand dollars is just a deposit," Aria said, her eyes piercing and dark as a demon's. "You'll get the rest once you spread the word. You didn't think I'd believe everything you said, right? Rhabdomancy isn't widely understood.""I…I…" the beggar stammered, beads of sweat erupting on his forehead.This wasn't going according to plan. He'd figured even a sharp woman like her wouldn't see through his entire scheme. But here she was, right on the money.Aria raised an eyebrow, the mole beneath her eye a striking counterpoint to her composed expression. "I'll give you one last chance. Who put you up to this with the wooden box?""I don't know. The person wore a black coat and looked scary. Although the person used a voice changer, I could tell she was a woman. That's right. Just a… I'm guilty." There was something off with the beggar.Aria immediately reached out to check his arm.The beggar's expression. "God will definitely punish me. I've committed an unforgivable sin." H
The employees turned their gazes away from the mysterious box to focus on the stunning woman in their midst. Aria had a captivating figure, slender legs, and a radiant smile."It's indeed ominous." Aria handed the rhabdomancy sticks to Keith.Keith was fuming when he saw what was written on the sticks. "This is a hoax!"There was no way Aria was a jinx. Since her return, she had saved the company hotel and even improved the layout of the Carver residence. Plus, Warren would likely be in the ICU if it weren't for Aria. She had saved him multiple times.She had also rescued Jeffrey from the cellar. So, Keith was baffled by the message on the rhabdomancy sticks.Keith turned to his men. "Investigate where these rhabdomancy sticks came from!"Aria tucked the wooden box away. "I can handle the investigation. Mr. Watson, you just need to protect Grandpa.""Don't worry about the prediction. In the past decade, the best thing that happened to Mr. Carver Senior was having you back." Keit
In the past, Warren would never utter such heartwarming words. However, Aria's return had prompted a change in his approach. He'd become rather soft-hearted, openly expressing his concerns—the fear of his grandsons being harmed gnawed at him.Despite being over the phone, all the grandsons could feel Warren's deep affection for them.Celebrity Carver: "Grandpa, I'm currently filming a variety show in the suburbs. I'll head back once I'm done with the filming."Right after Leon finished texting, the director ordered them to keep their phones away.Thus, he missed out on the message Percy sent. "If you have too many haters, I can sue them for you."Leon was stubborn and disliked relying on family. Being a top celebrity meant having many fans as well as haters. Anything he did would be magnified.Just as Leon stood up, Clary introduced a new face. "This is your new assistant, Evelyn Charters.""My new assistant?" Leon's warmth was only reserved for family. On set, his demeanor and
High-definition drones buzzed discreetly overhead in the suburban filming location.What was supposed to be a simple costume fitting and walk-through turned out to be the start of the actual filming.The country's hottest variety show, "Survival of the Fittest", had captivated audiences since its debut season. Its blend of grounded, bizarre content had sparked endless online discussions. Naturally, news of its second season went viral.This season, the show broke from tradition by beginning filming immediately after notifying the celebrities, aiming to capture pure, unscripted moments.Leon, having just finished his shot, was about to head out when a voice called, "Mr. Carver, hold on a minute. Here's your mission card."Leon's eyebrows shot up. His striking blue hair accentuated his already captivating features on camera. The on-set director simply nodded.As Leon reached for the card, a line of real-time subtitles materialized on the screen. "Congratulations, you've been chosen
"I'd like to see if Leon will be as arrogant as he is now during the mission," a viewer commented.One of the biggest draws of "Survival of the Fittest" was its missions. Participants had to choose a non-celebrity partner to complete challenges in locations like ancient castles or schools. Each area had a backstory that participants had to unravel.The first location remained a mystery, and the participants would find out simultaneously with the audience, which made it extra exciting."I can't wait to see how the participants react!" someone commented."Who will be this season's MVP?" another asked.As online buzz grew, concerns surfaced. Lulu, a highly popular star for the past two years, was anxious. Recently hospitalized due to poor health, the "Survival of the Fittest" crew advised her to recover and return for the next season. However, Lulu was determined to participate and eager to dispel rumors. She could not let the world know she had been pregnant. Lulu clenched her f
Aria removed her helmet and noticed a camera overhead. Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. Sam hadn't mentioned this was a filming set.While Sam remained excited, Aria considered approaching the crew members. The directors and audience watched as Aria perched atop her motorcycle. Her one foot casually braced the ground, the other resting easy on the bike's belly. Her grip on the handlebar was a casual command while her free hand danced effortlessly across the phone screen, seemingly texting someone. Not receiving a reply, her fingers drummed impatiently on the handlebar. Her profile appeared flawless under the lights. She was stunning, with an indifferent allure. Her dark, depthless eyes and a small mole beneath one eye added to her mystique.She was a masterpiece of casual seduction, a femme fatale on two wheels. The camera refused to pan away from her. When she looked up, the comments section buzzed."I want to know everything about her, now!""Is she a new celebrity fro
The season's celebrities were scattered across different areas of the set, blindfolded until they arrived. The non-celebrity guest participants, however, were guided in without any blindfolds by the production assistants.Evelyn's eyes widened at the filming location. Lily had been right—the first challenge this season was set in an abandoned children's hospital! Although Evelyn was from Janovin, she had never known such a hospital existed in the suburbs.The dilapidated building and overgrown grass suggested it had been abandoned for years.While the show used real locations, the hospital's interior had been refurbished. However, the exterior remained untouched, giving the building a haunting, time-frozen appearance.Lavender Erikson, an award-winning actress, was the first celebrity to arrive. Removing her blindfold, she surveyed the building with a teasing remark, "Are they trying to scare off the newbies before we even start?"Chandler Lucson, standing beside her with a confid
"One of the audience members commented, "It's finally time for them to choose their partners!"While the production claimed the non-celebrity partners were chosen randomly, the director had actually hand picked them. The background stories for each episode were complex, often tweaked from actual incidents, making it challenging for the celebrities to piece together the original stories. Some even required professional knowledge, so the crew included non-celeb participants with medical backgrounds.Viewers were already speculating about the chosen candidates for this season."Ladies and gentlemen, there are five people in front of you," announced the director. "Only those who successfully match will form a pair for the upcoming challenge. The candidates' information is displayed on the screen. Two have medical backgrounds, while the others bring diverse skill sets. Please carefully consider your needs and choose a partner who can complement your abilities."Everyone's expressions
A young woman in a gown fanned herself, momentarily stunned by her boss' reaction. She raised an eyebrow. "Boss, what happened? Did you get killed again? Or did someone steal your treasure?"She had worked with him for years, yet this was the first time she had ever seen him so unsettled. He was always indifferent—unbothered by the Chamber of Commerce holding a meeting in their hotel. To him, the game he was playing was far more exciting than watching political maneuvering. No one would expect the owner of the Royal Hotel to have such a childish hobby, but she had long figured that he was simply too lazy to engage with people. Any prestigious family in Ludwiten would seize the chance to establish a connection with him, yet none dared to approach. His presence alone was enough to intimidate. He exuded an effortless allure, dressed in an immaculate suit with a sleek watch on his wrist. His dark hair framed a gaze that seemed to pull people in. And yet, she couldn't shake the
The deeper one ventured into the Royal Hotel, the more they realized its vastness.The hotel had three floors, its decor untouched by time, preserving the elegance of the war period. Rather than modern designs, it retained a vintage charm—even the waitresses dressed in traditional gowns, adding to its old-world allure. Beyond the grand banquet hall lay the renowned Moonlight Tower—the very heart of the establishment. At its center stood a 16-foot-high stage, where only the finest operas were performed. Even the waiters pouring wine might double as performers. This was what set the Royal Hotel apart. Items auctioned onstage were introduced by experts, and transactions at the bidding tables often exceeded billions. Once upon a time, the Royal Hotel was the secret ground where foreign dignitaries and royal attendants conducted discreet dealings. Strict formal attire was required for all who stepped inside. To the common folk, the Royal Hotel remained an enigma. They only knew
Lily wasn't naïve. She had climbed to her current status through sheer agility and sharp instincts. At Orion's words, she immediately pressed a hand to her temple, her expression shifting. "I've revealed far too many secrets today. My head won't stop aching… Perhaps it's due to my condition." Her explanation was enough to settle those around her. "Oh, Ms. Kent is having a headache.""You should rest, Ms. Kent. Predicting the future must be exhausting.""You've been working tirelessly, especially in the stock market lately."Their respectful words soothed her irritation. Why had she let a mere waitress get under her skin? It wasn't worth her time. Lily refocused on the reason she was here. She turned to Orion and spoke smoothly. "I only befriended all of you because I'm fated to meet Mr. Draycott. He's someone I deeply respect. Under his leadership, I'm certain the Chamber of Commerce will thrive." Orion clasped his hands together humbly. "Ms. Kent, you flatter me. I'm si
Orion had nearly destroyed Aria's reputation. After all, no elder should be kept waiting for their juniors.With the Grisham family also present, the situation became even more delicate. If word spread, their family's prestige would take a hit. Orion's goal was clear—he wanted to stir conflict between the Carver and Grisham families. With this growing misunderstanding, he was certain the Grishams wouldn't tolerate the Carvers' tardiness. But what happened next was beyond his expectations. Clyde, walking with his cane, halted upon hearing Orion's words. He spoke calmly, his tone indifferent. "According to the invitation, the Chamber of Commerce meeting starts in half an hour. Alex, you're being too hasty. Orion, you too. The Draycott family plays a key role in this gathering. Act with more maturity."Clyde's carefully chosen words completely dismantled Orion's previous manipulations. The atmosphere shifted. Everyone reconsidered—Clyde was right. There was still half an hour l
Clyde seemed to have noticed their gazes and walked toward them. Orion quickly masked his thoughts and forced a smile. "Waymond, why didn't you inform us that your father is feeling better? I could have prepared a more comfortable chair for him."Clyde glanced at him, clearly drawing boundaries as his elder. "There's no need to worry. You've been concerned about my health for a long time, Orion. However, you don't need to be anymore. Just proceed with the Chamber of Commerce as usual."Orion's gaze darkened. It seemed Clyde was still used to issuing orders as if the Draycott family remained under his thumb.Turning away, Orion shot a meaningful glance at the person beside him.Rex immediately understood. He said loudly, "Mr. Grisham Senior, we can't start just yet. There are still invitees who haven't arrived."Clyde turned to look at him, and Rex smiled. "You might not be aware, Mr. Grisham Senior, but the Carver family of Janovin has returned. Since the late Mr. Carver was one
Aria didn't wake up until around 11:00 am. She felt a lingering grogginess as she glanced to the side. The line between dream and reality blurred, leaving her uncertain of what she had experienced. It had been her first sensual dream, and to her surprise, the person involved was none other than her striking fiancé. The emotions she felt were hard to place, but the dream had been startlingly vivid.Fortune tellers could never see their past life or predict their current life. Aria had never thought about what her past life was about. Even if Tobias had told her a bit about it, she never really wondered about it. Aria figured that reincarnations existed for their own reasons. Besides, she didn't like to dwell on the past and preferred to look ahead. Therefore, she had never been interested in her past life.However, after receiving the Soul-Summoning Plaque, strange memories surfaced, leaving her eager to meet Tobias. But now, she wondered why he hadn't sought her out. Before she
Back then, Orion had no means of contacting the Royal Hotel. Yet, his achievements in Ludwiten over the years had earned him a rightful place in the Chamber of Commerce. With its storied past, the Royal Hotel was the most enigmatic establishment in Ludwiten. Not even the powerful York family or the Chamber of Commerce could influence its operations. The force behind the Royal Hotel was undeniably formidable.It was whispered that only Barron could enter the hotel's inner circle. However, he kept all matters to himself, never revealing a word to the outside world.This secrecy weighed heavily on Orion. Despite his prominence in Ludwiten, many in the Chamber of Commerce looked down upon him.He had overheard people say it would be better if Barron were around. It struck him as odd that a man who had been dead for years could still hold such influence.Orion would never forget the Carver family's near fall from grace, nor how they had manipulated Owen upon his arrival in Ludwiten. H
Orion originally intended to use Clyde's health to pressure Waymond and secure his influence in the Chamber of Commerce. However, Waymond unexpectedly claimed that Orion's connections were unnecessary.This meant the Grisham family could not be swayed and would reject his terms, completely derailing his plans.Logically, no doctor in Ludwiten should be able to treat Clyde—Orion had already confirmed this with Lennox. Lennox had assured him that he was the foremost expert in the field, with no one in Farshyan's medical community able to compete with him, thus making him the authority in the matter.So Orion wondered who had replaced the doctor assigned to the Grisham residence and convinced them to change their minds. He racked his brain but couldn't come up with a solution. There were always those in Ludwiten who thought they could challenge him, like the Hawke family, who had previously opposed him but were now begging for mercy. Beyond that, no one dared cross him. Only the Ca
The frosted shadows stretched across the bed, their movement rippling across the vast lake. Yet, aside from Landon, only Aria remained in the room. A faint ringing echoed from Aria's ankle, the soft chime of the bell attached to a gold chain that bound her. Every movement she made caused the bell to tremble.Despite her frantic efforts to escape, the chains held tight, offering no freedom. Her breath came in shallow gasps, dragging her deeper into helplessness.The man's voice, low and seductive, whispered in her ear. "Relax a little, master." His tone was smooth, but his grip on her waist remained firm, unyielding.His warm breath traced a path up her spine, sending a shiver through her. Aria's brow furrowed almost instinctively in response.Their reflections danced on the lake's surface, distorted by the ripples. Aria's eyes, tinged with a faint red haze, gazed back. Her fair skin contrasted sharply with the disarray of her clothing—a robe slipping loosely at her waist, giving