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 companyâto 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
Fergus said, "We need to figure out why Dad is acting so irrationally."Percy raised an eyebrow. "It sounds like Dad confided in you, Fergus?"Fergus replied, "I need to talk to him since he reached out to me. If not, I'll ask him to meet with you all next time."Jeffrey immediately replied, "I'm not available."Percy grinned. "Dad gets sick whenever he talks to me. For his health's sake, I'll leave this to you, Fergus."Owen was a thorny issue to the brothers that only Fergus could handle.Fergus got straight to the point. "I've been looking into some past incidents and will have results soon. If Dad's involved, we need to keep Mom away from him."It's odd that Dad is asking Aria to be sensible with an outsider unless Mindy is truly special to him."Percy raised his eyebrows. "Fergus, are you saying Mindy might be Dad's illegitimate daughter?""Not exactly. It has to do with Aria's horoscope and detailed birth date," Fergus clarified.Jeffrey narrowed his eyes. "You think Da
As Aria's hunger grew from her intensive thinking, the food finally arrived.Despite Landon's claims of it being a modest meal, he had actually brought them to a renowned seafood restaurant in Janovin that had been serving exquisite dishes for over a century.Every dish, from the appetizers to the decadent desserts, was a culinary masterpiece. The freshly sliced meat burst with flavor in every bite.Clearly, Landon knew Sam's appetite well, as he'd ordered a perfectly seasoned tomahawk steak. Its tenderness and flavor were evident in every mouthful. Sam's eyes lit up, and he graciously shared with Fiona.Aria had no cause for concern; Landon was attentive, assisting her with food and napkins. His usual obsession with germs seemed to be forgotten as his coat lay loosely nearby.As Landon brushed Aria's hair back, he asked with a smile, "Are you that hungry?""Yup," Aria replied, her physically demanding job requiring ample energy for her plans. Landon tied her hair back, his eyes
The seafood restaurant was a reservation-only establishment with traditional dÃĐcor, offering little soundproofing.Soon, a manager approached Christian and his group, who were a bit too loud. "Sir, please lower your voice to avoid disturbing the other patrons."Timmy turned beet red from embarrassment. "They have many rules here, don't they?""Of course. It's a public place, after all. If it weren't for Christian, we wouldn't even be here. Let's show some respect," someone retorted.Humiliated, Timmy was about to retaliate, but Christian intervened to calm things down. "Let's drop it, guys. We can continue this over drinks. Don't worry about the bill. It's my treat."He added, "Lily will be here soon. Take the opportunity to find yourselves a girlfriend. Her roommates are coming too. Don't say I didn't give you a heads-up."His male classmates glanced around. "What chance do we have with you around? Half the school has a crush on you."They weren't exaggerating. Christian was ha
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 stunnedâAria 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, youâĶ""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 herâthis 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 repliedâeverything 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 schoolâthey 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 normâsomething 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 suggestedâpunish 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 visitsâwell, 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 presentâincluding the three officialsâcould 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 schoolâdon'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 easilyânot 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 actâand 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 companiesâparticularly 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 beforeâat 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