Chandler erupted in anger. "What did you say?""The camera’s rolling, Mr. Lucson. You might want to consider your image," Aria said calmly.Chandler's anger twisted his face into a repulsive scowl.Anthony stepped forward. "Have you no manners? Is this how dumbasses like you usually speak?"Aria's expression darkened. "As a public figure, you should set a proper example for your fans. What are you doing? Are you trying to incite cyberbullying?"You should spend more time improving your acting skills. You sidelined Leon impressively just now, but why can't I see the same talent on your shows? Do you believe you're a good actor just because your fans say so?"Aria's tone was deliberate, as if revealing a harsh truth. "With your ordinary looks, your family must have invested heavily to land you the lead role when you debuted."Anthony seethed, "You little—"Nobody expected someone as gorgeous as Aria to deliver such cutting remarks. The comments section exploded in reaction.One
Chandler went upstairs after saying that, with the others following. Lulu, her face ashen, dared not glance at the delivery room.Aria and Leon lingered downstairs. Aria's eyes fixed on Lulu's shoulder, and her brow tightened in concern. The dark spirit clinging there was deeply entrenched, its removal demanding more than the usual effort. She couldn't help but wonder if the production team was aware of the shift in the storyline's dark currents.Kian hadn't noticed any issues as the changes were subtle. Besides, surprises would keep the audience engaged. Aria inspected the camera equipment to ensure it was in proper working order. She needed to keep the supernatural entities hidden from view, as their presence would quickly become a focal point.She turned toward the dark corridor. The fallen signboard of the delivery room, bright and colorful, seemed to beckon them inside. Why would such malevolent, vengeful energy align with the production's designs? If this was the will
The scream came from the second floor. The cameras positioned there showed nothing but darkness. Despite Kian's orders to activate night mode, the equipment malfunctioned at this crucial moment.While Leon and Aria continued to rack up points on the first floor, the participants on the second floor struggled to see anything. Only Alistair had picked up the flashlight provided by the crew; the others had neglected it.Kian's brow furrowed. "Where's the production assistant? Why is the light off so early?"Nothing was going according to plan, but the participants remained oblivious.Chandler, who had been brashly confident earlier, now appeared almost laughable in his fear. He grabbed Alistair's flashlight and tried to project calm. "Mr. Franco loves to cut the power on this show. There's no need to panic.""Chandler, we only have one flashlight now," Anthony said, his regret evident. He would have chosen a male partner if he'd known Helen would be so inept.Sensing Anthony's conde
With a sharp click, the door was locked from the outside, followed by eerie laughter that echoed through the room.Panic erupted instantly. "Who locked the door?" Lavender yanked at the handle desperately, her eyes darting to the cameras for answers.Evelyn, unconcerned about breaking the rules, fumbled for her phone's flashlight, only to realize with growing dread that it was dead.Helen was frightened. She clutched Anthony's shirt, hoping he would protect her. Yet, Anthony was equally shaken. He desperately fought the urge to quit the show.Chandler shouted, "Leon, is it you? Stop fooling around!"The voice outside responded with a roar, "Leon? Who's Leon? You trespassers are being punished for coming to the hospital's second floor without permission!"Relief washed over the group as the voice sounded normal, but doubts soon crept in. "Isn't this hospital abandoned? Why is this person calling us trespassers?" Anthony wondered aloud.Chandler reassured him, "It's just an NP
When everyone heard that one of them had to go to the nursery alone, they exchanged silent glances. It was clear no one wanted to go.Chandler was scheming something. "We finally have a lead, so one of you should go while I search for other clues. After all, I'm more familiar with the production crew's gimmicks."Everyone knew he was putting on an act.As an award-winning actress, Lavender could put on a good show too. "Chandler, as the one who got the clue, you should be the one to go."Lana got angry and punched the door when she realized they were taking their time deciding. "So who's coming with me?"Even the audience could feel something amiss by how frustrated Lana was. However, they couldn't pinpoint what exactly."This NPC is an excellent actress," someone commented."She makes it sound like whoever goes out will die," another said.Lana giggled. "Since you can't decide, I'll choose. Whoever I pick must go with me obediently. Let's see. One, two, three, four... I'll pic
The robotic voice sounded again after Aria read the card. "Congratulations, Player No. 5, for finding the clue and saving all the players."Player No. 5, you can choose to hide the clue or reveal the clue. Here's a tip. You'll have a better chance of winning if you keep the clue a secret. After all, there's no need to split the score among all the players."Just then, the lights on the second floor came back on, revealing the participants' expressions on camera.Chandler and Anthony looked panicked. They hadn't found a single clue since arriving and had been saved by the very person they looked down on. Nothing could be more humiliating than this.The fans who had been staunchly defending Chandler and Anthony at the start of the challenge fell silent in the comments section.Almost all the viewers could now see Leon in a new light, though Aria remained the standout. The fact that a non-celebrity participant was shining in a show full of celebrities caused the viewership to skyrock
"I'm a student from Janovin Medical University," Helen said, glancing at Aria as if to imply her own superior education. Amused, Aria turned to Lana. "Are you happy?""Absolutely. I love meeting people in my field," Lana replied, her eyes sparkling. "Doctors and nurses are my favorite."Suddenly, she clapped her hands as if remembering something important. "How could I forget? Didn't you say you could help our hospital find the missing child?""Yes, but we need your help," Chandler immediately replied. "All you need to do is answer a few of our questions."Lana nodded with a smile. "Okay."Chandler continued with his first question, "Were you the one who took the baby away from the delivery room after the woman gave birth?"Lana answered, "Yes."Anthony butted in, "Did someone take the wrong baby home? Was that why the woman in the story couldn't find her baby?"Lana shot him a mocking look. "Nope."Helen didn't believe it and continued asking, "How could it not be? Are you
That made Anthony shut up. Everyone else was stunned as well. Lulu, who'd been silent prior, paled even more. "You aren't an NPC? What are you, then?"Lana said animatedly with a grin, "Didn't I tell you? This is our hospital, and I'm a nurse here, and that's Ms. Wenn to you."As she spoke, the lights flickered. With a hint of concern, Lana warned, "Players, you have two minutes left. If you keep asking the wrong questions, you'll be eliminated."Anthony's voice shook with fear. "W-What's going on here, Chandler?""Don't ask me that. I don't know either." Chandler couldn't even protect himself, much less care about anyone else. He repeatedly hit the SOS button, but nothing happened.Everyone else, except for Leon and Aria, began to panic. Lavender clutched Leon's hand in fear. "Have your partner show everyone the clue she found, Leon. We can work it out together."Lavender hadn't spoken up when Leon had been sidelined earlier. However, she had helped him land his first movie role
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