"They want to flaunt their wealth?" Aria couldn't understand the logic behind using wine to show off their riches. Seeing her disgusted expression, Landon leaned on her shoulder with a smile.Aria didn't understand why he was so amused. She tilted his chin to meet her gaze, her eyes filled with confusion. "Could you explain how sending a bottle of wine shows off their wealth?"Oliver wished he could disappear. Even though Aria was a Carver, Oliver doubted anyone would dare to treat Landon like this. In fact, it felt like Landon was a handsome gigolo Aria kept around.Oliver shook his head to dismiss his absurd thoughts.As a man, Landon understood Christian's intentions. That's why he'd reacted so strongly."They sent the wine to taunt us for not opening a bottle. Hence, as your brother-in-law, he gave one to us as a gesture." Although Landon's tone carried a touch of amusement, his gaze was cold. Aria raised an eyebrow. "That's all?""That's all." Landon chuckled, twirling h
Oliver's choice of wine was intentional. "Ms. Carver, this bottle of red wine symbolizes luck. It has a smooth finish and isn't too astringent.""I selected this specific bottle since this is Mr. York's first time bringing you here. I didn't want it to seem like a gift from someone else, nor did I wish to accept your money. I simply want to share in your joy as you embark on this new chapter."Aria knew he was merely trying to ingratiate himself with Landon. Oliver was undeniably skilled at business.Landon rose and admired the bottle. "You're too kind, Mr. Richton. I will accept the wine. Please attend Aria's and my engagement party.""Of course!" Oliver replied excitedly.Landon smiled and continued, "However, my fiancée would also like to receive a bottle from the other party. Could you select another one?""The quality isn't crucial, and it's acceptable if you double or triple the price. After all, you are in business, and we are your customers. We won't be drinking the wine,
As soon as Oliver finished speaking, Timmy said, "How expensive can a bottle of wine be? It's nothing much to Christian."Timmy said that to protect Christian's image. After all, it wouldn't look good for Christian to openly flaunt his wealth.Everyone turned their attention to Christian, eager to see if the rumors of his affluence were true. The wine delivered personally by the restaurant owner was expected to be worth at least tens of thousands.None of them had ever tasted such an extravagant wine, considering they were still students dependent on their families. Yet, high qualifications did not preclude a desire to compete.Two people out of the group wanted to discourage Christian from opening the bottle. As students dependent on their families, it felt inappropriate to spend lavishly without having earned any money themselves."Maybe we should forget about it," Mary whispered.Lily shot her a glance. The others, however, laughed mockingly. "You're such a scaredy-cat. What's
Oliver, clad in white gloves, handed Christian the wine for inspection. "It's unopened. Here are the details on temperature, origin, and vintage."With that, Oliver expertly uncorked the bottle, ensuring no wood shavings fell into the wine.The wine glasses had been slightly chilled to preserve the wine's delicate texture, and the gold-trimmed decanter had been prepped in advance.As the wine was poured out, its subtle fragrance filled the air. Most had never tasted such a refined red wine, and their experience was limited to nightclubs and overpriced, diluted cocktails.Being served by the restaurant owner and manager, who carefully poured the wine and presented it on a cart, made them feel superior."It's all thanks to Christian that we're able to enjoy such fine wine today. Cheers, everyone!" Timmy exclaimed.The restaurant's manager resisted the urge to laugh.Christian swirled his wine glass with an air of sophistication. "A toast is fine, but red wine should be savored s
Lily stood there with her fists clenched. Heavy taxes on alcohol and tobacco products were commonplace, yet the students couldn't help but be shocked by the sheer magnitude of those levies.Christian, in particular, was deeply distressed. 1.7 million dollars for a bottle of wine? That sum could have bought him a luxurious new car!Christian couldn't bear the thought of paying that amount. Pain shot through his cheeks as he bit down hard. Desperate for a solution, he turned to Timmy, hoping for a lifeline. Unfortunately, Timmy was too overwhelmed to register Christian's silent plea.A surge of contempt washed over Christian. Timmy had been silent despite all the encouragement earlier, making Christian feel like a fool.The room was deathly silent.Oliver prompted, "Sir?"Determined to salvage his dignity, Christian tugged on Oliver's sleeve. "Why is this wine so expensive?""Expensive?" Oliver flashed him a big smile. "Sir, didn't you say it was just a bottle of wine and wouldn
The disdain on Oliver's face dealt a blow to Lily's dignity. Not wanting to be brought down even more just because of a bottle of wine, she said, "That's enough! It's just a misunderstanding. Christian, pay for everything with your credit card."Her gaze, fixated on Christian, was emotional. She and Christian were similar, so he would definitely know that this incident would only harm his family's reputation if he let it snowball further.If word of this were to spread on campus, if everyone else heard about how Christian, the scion of the Short family, couldn't even afford a bottle of wine, he'd never get to join the elite social circles in Janovin. Christian understood what Lily meant. Gritting his teeth, he said, "Hand me the reader."The restaurant manager walked over. Christian gripped his card tightly, which made his reluctance to pay obvious. However, he decided it was fine. He would just have his father give him more money later."I'm sorry, sir, but this card isn't worki
Even when the York family’s bodyguards weren't publicly assigned to their employers, they would still discreetly send experienced men for protection.Before Christian's friends could unleash a torrent of insults, Timmy was already on the floor. Confused, the group of students hesitated before erupting into chaos.Oliver was annoyed and was about to tell them to leave when a cold, deep voice said slowly, "Tell them to come in."The bodyguards stood to the side, and the students finally saw Landon's face in its entirety. He had extremely exquisite features, and he stood lean and tall. His eyes were as dark as the night as he sat on a mahogany chair. He was only wearing a shirt and slacks, but he fit right in with the opulence of this restaurant.He looked as majestic as a king in ancient times, and his gaze alone was full of meaning. His bright red rosary bracelet was especially eye-catching—it seemed to distance him from modern times. He remained striking even in comparison with the
"That was in the past, and I'm not proud of it, so don't mention it." Aria tapped on Landon's wrist. "He's talking to you, so show some respect."What Aria wanted was simple—for Christian to be dismissed as soon as possible. Christian was so ugly that it ruined her mood.Landon complied. He looked up lazily. "I don't know what will happen to me if I antagonize your family, but I know what's going to happen to your family.""Now that's funny! You're just a pretty boy Aria is providing for, and yet you dare boast so arrogantly in front of us!" a young man shouted.Lily no longer thought much about Landon. So what if he was pretty? Could looks be exchanged for money?Her opinion toward him had soured also because he'd embarrassed her in that manner. Aria laughed when she heard those words. "Pretty boy, huh? You're not wrong. You'll probably have to pay 100,000 dollars for him if he were to work in a nightclub. Or maybe double that—it'd still be worth it."Landon wouldn't just let
Ordinary people understood the harshness of reality. Brent, having lived in poverty for most of his life, had been looked down on more times than he could count.Poor people like them could die unnoticed at home, and no one would care, let alone offer help without expecting something in return.If something really happened to Eden, Brent doubted he and his wife could do anything to save her. Judy was a prime example. Her father, Alec Lanez, had even given up selling bread just to look for her.Every time Alec went to the school, he was met with the same cold response."It has nothing to do with us. Your daughter ran away and refuses to acknowledge you. So why are you coming here? Peasants like you should know your place. Without us, people like you could only dream of going overseas. How filthy!"Brent had heard the school's representative say those exact words when he accompanied Alec. Both of them could only stand there, humiliated and speechless.Alec's back was sore from how m
Eden immediately opened the windows after hearing that. "Did Ms. Carver send you here? Is she in any danger? I'm really worried about her. Should I call the police? I'd feel horrible if anything happened to her."Weston remained calm and indifferent. "Calling the police will only make them suspicious. My boss is amazing, and there's nothing she can't handle. She has a plan. Right now, my priority is to bring all of you to Heartbound Hall in Janovin so your grandfather can receive treatment."The respect in Weston's voice when he spoke of Aria was unmistakable."Pack up your things and come with me," Weston ordered.Their team had already checked the surroundings and ensured nothing would go wrong. Anyone watching would think Eden's grandparents were simply collecting bottles and preparing lunch as usual, not leaving the house until the afternoon.Without wasting time, Weston picked up the elderly couple's luggage. His most important task now was to get Eden and her grandparents to
"We followed the address, so this must be the place. Sir, isn't that the girl?" It was the same group of people as before. After failing their last mission because of Aria, they were being extra cautious this time."We can't afford any more mistakes. Treat her kindly so that she won't suspect anything.""Yes, sir."When they saw a young woman in a school uniform appear right on time, they were convinced she was the right person. After all, Aria looked exactly like Eden.They rolled down the car window and waved. "Ms. Bohmer, over here."Aria looked up and recognized several familiar faces. She grabbed her bag and walked toward the car."Ms. Bohmer, we meet again," The driver greeted Aria warmly. "Let's go."The team had prepared for a difficult encounter. They'd even been authorized to use force if necessary, as long as they avoided surveillance cameras. But to their surprise, Aria simply opened the car door and got in without resistance.Aria glanced at their puzzled expression
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