Everyone froze at the sound of the familiar voice. No one had expected Fiona to make an appearance at such a grand event. Memories of the last banquet were still fresh in their minds.Most of the women, especially Agnes, assumed Owen had already admitted Fiona to a hospital. They had wholly dismissed her, not even considering the possibility of her presence.But now, she stood there, wearing a burgundy fishtail evening gown that drew every eye in the hall.Fiona had fair skin and a pair of deep, clear eyes. There were practically no traces of age on her face. She was still as elegant and indifferent as ever. People used to call her Ludwiten's Red Rose, as she was delicate yet fiery.By comparison, Aria seemed worlds apart. At first glance, no one would suspect they were mother and daughter.As Fiona approached, however, the striking resemblance in their gestures and expressions was obvious. It was then that everyone realized they were truly mother-daughter.Before Fiona arrived,
"The Carver family has always been shrouded in mystery. Something feels off, especially since Mr. Carver failed to mention that Mrs. Carver has recovered."It was a strange phenomenon indeed. Owen had always portrayed himself as a doting and loving husband to Fiona. Yet, he appeared clueless about his wife's recovery.Everyone present at the banquet was sharp-minded. Plus, all the ladies shared a common hatred—absent husbands who appeared loving in public."Why do I sense something fishy about Owen's obsession with adopting Mindy?"Sensing the shift in the atmosphere, Owen moved to intervene, eager to control the narrative as he had before. But his sons didn't give him the chance."I'm your father!" Owen roared, losing his usual composure.Percy chuckled. "You don't have to be. If Mom is unhappy, I can be her lawyer."With that statement, they revealed their hand. The three brothers had held back, fearful of upsetting Fiona. But now, with her on their side, restraint was no long
"Our sister is, and will always be, Rainbow. I've told you that more than once. We held back before because you were a girl, and we didn't want to publicly humiliate you. We worried about your pride."But you've gone too far, slandering my sister just to boost your ego and meddle in things that don't concern you. Dad may be lenient, but we are not him."If I can't protect my sister, then I don't deserve to be part of the Carver family!" Leon declared.The entire banquet erupted in chaos.The three Carver brothers had always fiercely protected their younger sister.Fiona quickly took Aria's hand. She remained as poised and formidable as ever, silently sending a message—anyone who dared to bully Aria would have to face the Grisham family first.After all, Fiona wasn't just Mrs. Carver; she was also the beloved daughter of the Grishams.With that unspoken warning, the room fell into a hush. Meanwhile, Verona's convictions were shattered. For years, she believed she was helping Fion
Unexpectedly, Fiona held her hand affectionately. "You're right, Mrs. Furler. As mothers, we shouldn't condone our children harming others. However, when others try to harm our children, we won't stand by. They better not test us!"Elizabeth was a bit nervous being held by such a beautiful lady. "Oh, yes. You're right."Fiona's eyes rested on Owen for the first time with sharp clarity. "Everyone believed my condition was stable because of the child my husband brought home."She continued, addressing the room, "Like everyone else, I trusted him. All of you have witnessed the love I've shared with my husband, especially Mrs. Wagner."Fiona wasn't one to let things slide when they concerned her daughter. She would have overlooked it if someone had been against her. But they hadn't hesitated to target her daughter, using her illness as an excuse. They were no different from the faceless critics online who had gone after Leon.Her illness had given them the chance to attack her child.
Divorce?The room fell silent, even Owen frozen in shock."Divorce?" Owen stared at Fiona, disbelief etched on his face. "You want to divorce me?"Owen knew the Grisham family well. They were known for their adherence to traditional values, so hearing Fiona suggest divorce so casually was shocking. Why hadn't she discussed this with him privately? Why humiliate him in front of everyone?It was as if Owen no longer recognized Fiona, his gaze filled with evident fury."You're having an episode again!" Owen reached for Fiona. "Come with me to the hospital!"An episode? How could Fiona's mention of divorce considered an episode?As most looked on in confusion, Aria tightly gripped Owen's wrist. "Mom kept the documents private to avoid affecting the Carver Group's stock. Be sensible and leave now."Owen gritted his teeth, glaring angrily at Aria. The fortune-teller was right. Aria was indeed a threat to the Carver family! He needed to find a way to handle this situation. Though he
Fiona was very respectful to Ian. "You're right."Standing nearby and leaning on his cane, Warren gazed intently at Fiona. With a meaningful tone, he asked, "Fiona, I couldn't quite catch what you said from upstairs. Are you really considering divorcing my son?"Ian frowned. "This is a matter for the younger generation. You shouldn't interfere.""Ian, I'm not interfering. I'm just asking," Warren replied with a smile. "It has already come to this point, after all."Fiona felt a deep sense of guilt toward Warren. Since she had married into the Carver family, her in-laws had treated her as their own daughter, understanding that she was far from her own family and offering her unwavering support.This had been the case for many years. Even when Aria was kidnapped, Warren's worry for her had taken a toll on his health.Fiona knew that bringing up divorce on such a joyous occasion could humiliate Warren. Yet, she decided to take a chance. "Yes, Dad. I want to divorce Owen."Gasps rip
Owen's hatred simmered, but he couldn't confront them. His dignity was at stake.Mindy grew anxious. "Dad, you should make amends with Mom. I doubt she'd really go through with a divorce.""She can do whatever she wants!" Owen snapped, loosening his tie as sweat beaded on his forehead and his fists clenched.Mindy couldn't comprehend why her usually shrewd father didn't grasp the severity of the situation. If the divorce became final, Mindy dreaded what her future might hold.The information had reached Fiona at just the right moment. Without it, she might not have resolved to divorce Owen today. This move also cut off any chance for Mindy to use Owen and Fiona to forge ties with the Carver and Grisham families.Even Leon was puzzled. "Mom, what made you suddenly decide?"He and his brothers expected Fiona to take time before settling on divorcing Owen. After all, they had loved each other since their youth. They hadn't anticipated this decision would come so swiftly.Percy ca
Owen's trust in Ian had Aria thinking of him. However, Nyx and the twins quickly dispelled those musings.Aria was lost in contemplation. She had only heard Agnes' voice at the banquet in her dream, but the other voice still eluded her.Was the commotion not significant enough? Aria pressed on her Charm Coin, subtly scanning the room. Owen was still struggling, Mindy looking pitiful as she pleaded, "Dad, don't be like this.""Can you tell what's wrong with her?" Aria asked, casually picking up a wine glass.Nyx leaped onto her shoulder, bouncing twice with a flicker of impatience. "I don't sense anything out of the ordinary. But you humans are quick to fall in line with her whims. My lord, there's a secret spell whispered in the depths of Netherrealm, one that can bend thoughts to its will.""A spell?" Aria replied nonchalantly. "Are you referring to what's recorded in the Durin scriptures?"Nyx blinked, her expression thoughtful. "I haven't read them firsthand. I only know of
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