Just then, a cheerful voice echoed from the entrance, "Grandpa, I'm back!"The concierge was confused, but Aria paid him no heed. With open arms, she approached Barron confidently, acting with the ease and enthusiasm of a student returning home from abroad.Every member of the family present was baffled. They only had sons in the family, so where did this young lady come from? Under normal circumstances, Aria would be dismissed as a fraud. But today was different. No con artist would dare impersonate a Carver family member during such a critical time, especially with nothing more than a flimsy, easily debunked lie.This was why everyone was confused and astonished except for Barron, who remained composed as he watched Aria walk toward him. Barron felt compelled to let her continue for reasons he couldn't quite explain. He knew what Aria was after; her eyes made it clear she wasn't that dense.Aria embraced Barron naturally, speaking with a playful tone, "The food in Angladia is
Gaining full control over the local business circles was crucial to their occupation of Farshya, so they couldn't afford to antagonize Barron.The Krowonians were also keen on staying out of international headlines, as their reputation would suffer if this incident became public.Viktor quickly apologized. "Sorry. It was all a misunderstanding." He spoke in stilted, accented Farshyan, "Please believe us when we say we sincerely want to work with you, Mr. Carver Senior. My subordinates were unaware that this young woman was your granddaughter."None of the intelligence they gathered had mentioned an eldest daughter in the family. She probably left the country early in her childhood, leading to her being missed in the investigation process.Viktor bowed. "I apologize for the terrifying experience, Ms. Carver."Aria replied directly, "I refuse to accept your apology. You were killing people without restraint—it was horrifying."She presented herself as a naïve, innocent young woma
Barron mulled over his thoughts before finally saying, "Tell me about this idea of yours.""Dad!" The Carvers standing nearby were shocked. They couldn't believe Barron would place his trust in this unfamiliar young woman, especially considering how obviously most of her claims seemed dubious.Barron raised his hand, halting the heated discussion around them. He met Aria's gaze. "But you must tell me where you come from and why the Krowonians were tailing you.""Sure." Aria looked at everyone. Barron, who instantly understood her intentions, gestured for everyone to leave save for a bodyguard. Aria bent down and patted Annie on the shoulder, telling her to leave as well. "Put your trust in the Carvers. They won't give you a hard time."Aria then looked up. "I'll have to trouble you to feed her."The Carvers had married good women. They had felt sympathy for Annie from the moment she walked in, so they waved her over.With the door firmly closed and the room soundproofed, no one
"Yes. Everyone is working and going to school. We travel occasionally to relax," Aria said.Barron's eyes reddened. "That's great, truly great!"It was hard for anyone not from this era to understand their commitment to studying and earning money. They just wanted their people to be able to afford food and no longer suffer bullying. It was that simple.Aria trusted herself but also believed in the existence of altruistic people—those who acted heroically to save others.She was grateful to have been born a Carver because Barron was one of those rare individuals. Despite being a businessman, he remained altruistic. "Tell me, young lady, what do you need me to do?" Barron asked, returning the new device he had been holding back to Aria once he had calmed down. He had wanted to inspect it further, but he had more pressing matters to attend to. He needed to stay focused. "I have one condition—I will never work with the Krowonians.""Don't worry. You won't have to," Aria assured hi
Barron would never let the Krowonians succeed, even if it meant sacrificing his life.However, seeing Aria willing to put herself in danger touched him deeply. He began to bow in gratitude, but Aria stopped him. "I'm really a Carver, so we're practically family. If I let you bow, my grandpa will have my head when I get back."Aria was clearly joking—Warren adored her more than any of his grandchildren, and he'd never raise a hand against her.Barron chuckled at her words. "You truly are a Carver!"As the door opened, everyone inside heard laughter. "Really. I have six brothers, and none of them want to inherit the family business. They probably find the massive family fortune intimidating."Aria's words made Barron laugh. It had been a while since the Carvers last saw Barron with a smile on his face. Despite having their suspicions about Aria, they were still thankful to her. Barron looked up. "Tell the embassy we'll attend the banquet. I'll bring Warren home with me too."The
No, this man was probably Landon's previous incarnation. He raised a brow, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. "Are you Mr. Carver Senior's granddaughter who has been studying overseas?"Aria didn't give anything away. "Yes. I've heard of you."The man's smile widened, his voice as smooth as the rustling forest winds. "This is our first meeting. When did you hear of me?""You're famous out there." Aria scanned the face of his partner. She adjusted her posture and added quietly, "I prefer the reincarnated version of you."He'd tarnished himself now, something that Aria minded. She wasn't sure if he heard the latter half of her sentence, but he chuckled softly and coughed a little. "The way you look at me is interesting.""Is it?" Aria was waiting for whoever was in the study to come out. Barron hadn't invited those people here before heading to the embassy just so she could meet them. He probably had something he wanted to pass out to these men in advance.Aria had guessed ri
As fog blanketed the windows, Viktor stood outside the embassy, awaiting Barron's arrival. He had been waiting for quite some time, intending to extend a courteous welcome. However, seeing Aria with Barron caught him off guard."Care to explain this, Mr. Carver Senior?" Viktor asked, his curiosity piqued."My granddaughter is fluent in Krowonian, so she'll interpret for me. Why? Do you have a problem with that?" Barron replied. Viktor couldn't refuse to show Aria in. "Of course not. After you."Aria, her arm looped around Barron's, remarked imperiously, "This place is tiny, Grandpa.""It is not that big compared to Carver Residence, for sure." Viktor liked Aria in terms of her appearance and family background. If only she wasn't problematic. "Please follow after me."They made a turn, which took them to a vast building connected to a soccer field."This is where the school will be. The students can play soccer after school. The classrooms are over there. We plan on hiring teach
Viktor was completely focused on Barron. Beyond the conditions he had previously outlined, his goal was clear—consume the Carver family and seize control of the Farshyan Chamber of Commerce.Viktor took his seat and commanded, "Bring young Mr. Carver here so that Mr. Carver Senior can see him."Warren was the family's weakness, and Viktor intended to exploit it to the fullest.Some semblance of emotion could be seen on Barron's face, as expected. Viktor was satisfied and had the staff prepare dinner. …The agents in black followed after Aria. She had entered and left the restroom without anything happening, and she seemed quite innocent. She smoked, too. With a hooded gaze, she asked, "Do you have a lighter?"The moment an agent handed one over, Aria disarmed him by prodding on his acupoints.The agents hidden in the shadows were oblivious to what had transpired. Aria glanced up. Under her gown, a row of silver needles was strapped to her thigh.The agent died instantly, sil