Georgina resolved to never let Marshall know about Aria's wealthy family. She didn't know what Marshall would do otherwise. He'd probably latch onto Aria and insist that the Carvers repaid them for their efforts in bringing Aria up for the past decades. Georgina knew very well that Marshall wasn't a good man and didn't want him to negatively impact Aria's life again. However, someone else had planned to make that happen. The first thing Mindy did after leaving the art gallery was to contact the Kents. Thanks to Dorothy's past connections, it wasn't difficult for her to reach Marshall. She couldn't expose who she was, so she went through a few hoops just to inform Marshall about the banquet the next day. Marshall hadn't paid the messages he'd received any heed until they came the second time. "I heard you've been looking for your ex-foster daughter, Mr. Kent. What if I tell you now, Mr. Kent, that she's doing well for herself now that she's in Janovin and planned on kicking yo
"The number of infants involved is unusually high, yet the higher-ups remain oblivious to this operation. Strangely, no directives have been issued regarding it too."Aria raised a brow. "Should we dig deeper, boss?" the agent asked.Aria thought about Nyx's words, and her gaze darkened. "No, don't. Send me the information, and I'll do it. Remember, don't involve yourself in anything related to the hospital."The conjuror who'd injured Nyx was undoubtedly skilled in the arts, and Aria was never one to let people close to her take serious risks.She constantly felt that a massive web was being spread out, and the Carvers weren't the only prey caught in it.Aside from the Carver family's fortune, the people behind the scenes also wanted something else. However, Aria still hadn't figured out what to be exact, seeing as the other party concealed themselves well. The Special Missions Unit was independent from the system. Even the HOU didn't have the right to command them because th
Fiona's brothers were conspicuously absent, leaving her feeling somewhat dejected. Whether they were deliberately avoiding her or simply unsure how to face her, Fiona couldn't shake the sadness. She recognized her own faults, but that didn't lessen the sting.Now that she was home, she was determined to resolve the misunderstandings between them. Aria had given her the courage to do so.Fiona's experience with Leon had shown her the importance of rectifying mistakes, particularly those affecting loved ones, before it was too late. Otherwise, she would forever be haunted by regret. Her sisters-in-law were all watching her. They didn't know the extent of her recovery. Would Fiona have them call a random girl their niece as she'd done previously?This was why no one dared speak at first. A barrier still existed between them and Fiona—their husbands had gone to great lengths for Fiona, but her past indiscretions had humiliated the Grishams, fostering deep-seated resentment.Fiona kne
The following day, Prosper Hotel hosted the grand banquet. Media giants and successors of prominent Janovin families arrived in waves, all eager to attend.The invitations had come from Warren, not Owen. While these prominent families were on the rise, they still fell short of the Carvers in their heyday. Even now, they still hadn't figured out the Carver family's connections.They all knew that Warren was not one they could risk offending, so they were polite as they expressed their congratulations. Some media outlets were there solely to catch a glimpse of Warren's granddaughter, while others had been personally invited.The socialites, eager to witness Aria's humiliation, were in for a surprise. Leon, having learned of their intentions, had mobilized his resources. Luxury items, usually unattainable for the average person, were readily available to him.No designer could resist his patronage when he sought a limited-edition couture gown. All the brands he represented were high
Despite being Aria's brother, Leon hadn't been of any help. However, he felt warm whenever he thought about how those clothes were all made by Aria.The designers were still raving. "Your family's entrance is going to make a huge splash. Lamar has never designed anything like this before—it's stunning!"Keith had already arranged for two MPVs, and he'd also contacted Jeffrey. By 4:00 pm, most of the attendees had arrived. Mindy arrived with Owen, their arms linked. She wore a fluffy white haute couture dress and a white pearl hair clip. With flawless skin and exquisite makeup, she looked like a princess.In front of the media, Owen maintained his usual image as the gentle company president. It was as if the hotel incident was merely a misunderstanding."The public is speculating over the recent discovery of your daughter. Do you want to tell us anything about that, Mr. Carver?" a bold reporter asked.Owen chuckled. "I'm happy, of course. My daughter has returned, all thanks to t
The socialites clinked glasses with one another, as if they'd already formulated plans to embarrass Aria. Bullying was ubiquitous, and the perpetrators never found anything wrong with what they were doing. The CEOs of other companies present would never use those underhanded methods those socialites came up with. Instead, they asked Owen, "Where are your sons? Why haven't we seen any of them here?""Yes. I heard that Percy is quite the famous lawyer in Shelwigton. He's been working on those famous non-litigation cases, and he's known even in the overseas circles."Owen said lightly, "His absence is no big deal. Dad made this banquet seem like a large-scale thing, but they're busy, and there's no need for them to come back today."This attitude was worth pondering. The CEOs of the Carvers' suppliers were here to get information because the internal affairs of the Carver family would decide whose side they should take. From Owen's words, the brothers didn't care much about Aria.
Explosive screams echoed through the main hall. Glasses were set down as heads turned, curiosity rippling among the Carvers' business partners."It's Leon!" "Leon as in Leon Carver? He's become so much more handsome since we last saw each other last year!""Jeffrey's here too! Is he really back?""Jeffrey? Who's that?""Jeffrey Carver, the fifth son! His identity is a secret, and no one knows what he does!""Why did he come back here too?""This is a big surprise! The Carvers didn't release any information about this at all!""Mr. Carver Senior really kept this secret well. I think even Mr. Carver doesn't know about this."Some guests turned to look at Owen, who had earlier dismissed the banquet's importance and the need for his sons' attendance. Yet, both Leon and Jeffrey, the King of Special Troops, had appeared, defying his words.Owen's complete lack of knowledge about the situation was undoubtedly embarrassing. Being publicly proven wrong must have been mortifying.
The reporters were all shocked. They didn't need to guess who Aria was; her identity was unmistakable. If the way Mindy had made her appearance emphasized Owen's high regard for her, Aria's appearance was the family's way of telling everyone that Aria was the real daughter of the family.None of the CEOs present expected to be greeted with this sight—they didn't expect the so-called country bumpkin to be such a beautiful woman. Leon and Jeffrey stood beside her, each taking one of her hands like gentlemen, making their affection for her clear."This isn't quite like what you told us, Mr. Carver. You told us that they were all busy, yet—" someone said, their voice dripping with sarcasm as they set down a wine glass, signaling whose side they were on.Owen's face turned pale at that remark. Warren got out of his car, and Jeffrey passed Aria to him. He was wearing a suit paired with a leather hat, and it was clear that his suit was made with the same fabric as Aria's gown.Warre