This meant Jeffrey and Leon had died before she returned, all because of these accidents.When Aria woke up, her breathing was erratic, and she had a splitting headache. Despite having endured countless dreams before, this one left her feeling as though a crushing weight bore down on her chest, suffocating her.With missing memories and underlying psychological issues, she'd been indifferent to family relationships.The notion of seeking out her birth parents had always seemed a distant thought, a task for those who cared enough to find her. But now, as the remnants of her dream clung to her mind, a sharp pang struck her heart.Leon looked so lonely, standing alone under the moonless sky. He wanted her to return, but he didn't want her to suffer and get acknowledged alongside a Carver family's sponsee.Leon's online reputation was poor. Yet, he instinctively saved others in danger during the show.Leon questioned Fiona, as he wanted her to support him. However, the outcome left h
Aria's eyes held a simmering resentment. Whenever she felt this way, it led her thoughts to darker places, like Landon's neck, for instance.It wasn't the first time she'd been tempted to bite it. The black mist surrounding him, coupled with his alluring fortune, was an irresistible combination.She had to admit, though, that the most captivating aspect was his scent, which was intoxicating, and his strikingly handsome face.Landon possessed a noble destiny and many merits yet was weighed down by his karma. This duality made him irresistibly attractive to Aria.She knew her behavior was odd but couldn't resist sinking her teeth into his neck. His scent calmed the effects of the nightmare and cleared her mind.Seeing the change in Landon's usually pale face, Aria smiled. She thought he would look even more striking in a crimson robe instead of his usual black suit and white shirt. That would truly make him stand out.Aria suddenly felt a strange sense of familiarity with his image
If the roles had been reversed, Leon would have asserted his brother's rights and pulled Landon out of the car. They weren't even married yet—how could such a thing happen in the car?But it was Aria who now had Landon pinned, her fingers clutching his collar, her gaze sending a clear message to Leon.Leon's mind was a tangled mess of confusion. He needed time to process what he was witnessing.What was Aria doing? Was she forcing herself onto Landon?Landon had a knack for glaring at anyone who encroached upon him. If he didn't consent, Aria couldn't overpower him. So, was it possible that Landon had subtly seduced Aria?Yet, the way Aria looked at him seemed too natural, too unforced. If word got out, people would accuse her of tainting Landon's purity.Leon paced restlessly next to the vehicle. Standing at the steakhouse entrance, Fiona cast a curious glance back at the scene. Why was Leon sighing and wringing his hands over something as simple as asking a couple to exit a v
Leon felt relieved that Landon treated Aria differently. He couldn't bear the thought of Aria being hurt by Landon or the tangled web of aristocratic intrigue.After a moment's contemplation, Leon spoke up. "Why not get engaged sooner?"His sudden proposal made Aria wonder if Leon was concerned about the jealousy and potential mistreatment she might face once the Carver family formally recognized her. He likely believed that Landon could protect her. After all, the York family had a prominent position in Janovin for decades.Aria tried to read Leon's intentions, but the closer she was to someone, the harder it was to predict. Typically, fortune tellers like her could foresee a person's future by their appearance. But with those she loved or herself, it was like a blank canvas.Despite being on the show with Leon, she hadn't detected the faintest shadow of doom around him. Leon wasn't someone destined for a short lifespan, nor was his end meant to be buried in some children's hospit
Leon was mischievous but was always fiercely protective of his family. Fiona understood the depth of his pain when Aria was kidnapped.Now that her children were reunited, tears welled up in Fiona's eyes. She'd never expected Leon to forgive her so quickly, especially after her harsh words during her illness.Fiona was never a weak person. Awakening from her prolonged "slumber" at the hotel, she realized she was a stranger to herself. She'd abandoned her career and even left Leon to bear the guilt alone.Fiona had two reasons for joining Leon's entertainment company—to make amends and to counter the online attacks against him. The public's cruelty toward Leon was unbearable, and as his mother, she wouldn't tolerate it.She wondered why Owen hadn't defended Leon, allowing his reputation to be damaged.Fiona knew Leon had left home because of Mindy, wanting nothing to do with the Carvers. Yet, he was Owen's son. How could Owen ignore it?Fiona clenched her fists, her gaze darkening
Aria hadn't investigated Fiona's family background. However, based on what Fiona said, her uncles doted on Fiona as Leon did on her. This led Aria to believe that the Grisham family was likely less dubious than the Carvers.Recently, Aria had been investigating the Carver family, particularly the Wrathborn Manifestation and Warren's death, which she had glimpsed in her dreams.She found several people of interest, including her great-uncle Ian. It was rumored he was affluent yet laid-back. He didn't get involved with the company's affairs and was content by receiving a small portion of dividends each year.Aria focused primarily on those she dreamed about. In her dreams, Ian had shown no malice toward her; in fact, he had defended her.Yet Aria was one to anticipate potential threats. She was concerned not about the overt antagonists but those whose motives were unclear.Aria found it odd that Owen was closer to Ian than his own father.However, Warren had explained this matter t
"Landon is undeniably handsome.""We all know how cunning Landon is. As long as Aria likes him, it doesn't matter.""Isn't Percy the same age as Landon? They must have interacted a lot when they were children.""Me? I'm not as close to him as Leon is. Leon cried for an entire afternoon the first time he saw him. That's why I'm surprised Leon lets Aria have her way with him."Suddenly, Percy asked, "Are you sure Aria is the one going after him?"Leon replied, "It should be."Percy felt he needed more concrete evidence, though.Leon wasn't in the group chat merely to say all that. He intended to share everything Aria had told him about Fiona, especially with his eldest brother, Fergus, engaged in the conversation.The mood shifted when Leon shared Aria's theories with all his brothers, excluding Jeffrey, who was absent. The expressions of the four elder brothers quickly became impassive after reading Leon's message."So Aria is suggesting someone is behind her abduction and Mom'
Percy declared, "Aria doesn't need to worry about this. No one in this group chat cares about Dad except Fergus."Seeing the conversation take this turn, Fergus responded, "Percy, he's still our father. Let's not jump to conclusions without solid evidence. Mom will be upset if she finds out we suspect Dad."Percy took off his glasses, a glint of malice in his eyes. "If Dad really did something to hurt Mom and Aria for his own benefit, he doesn't deserve to be our father."Fergus replied, "It's all just our assumption. Aria didn't actually say that."Percy, never one to mince words, retorted, "She knows we'll take sides if she does. No wonder she hasn't looked for her brothers despite being home for so long."We always say we'll protect Aria, but have we really? That's probably what Grandpa was worried about, which is why he didn't tell us everything."Mindy has treated us like brothers ever since Dad insisted on bringing her back. If I were Aria, I wouldn't bother looking for my