In the Carver residence's living room, Leon watched as his boss made himself at home. He seemed more accustomed than Leon was.Not only did Landon order the butler to cook pasta, but he also took out some coffee beans to grind.At first, Leon was puzzled by Landon's actions. It wasn't until Aria returned and took a sip of coffee, casting a loving glance at Landon that Leon's confusion was finally cleared. Leon's expression became complicated.Percy was also holding a cup of coffee. He adjusted his glasses and squinted. "I don't remember your boss usually acting like this."Landon, resembling a househusband, presented an unusual sight. Could anyone from the York family picture their patriarch wearing an apron and grinding coffee beans?Aria seemed pleased, particularly by Landon's ever-changing expressions since his return from the Earthbound Manifestation. As she warmed herself, she asked, "Where's Grandpa?""The shareholders had many questions for him after the banquet ended."
Even Percy couldn't help but frown. Was the legendary Landon truly as shameless as the rumors suggested?Meanwhile, Warren had already pieced everything together.Just from the banquet, it was clear that the Carver family had been steadily declining over the years. The York family, on the other hand, was a different story. With Landon's backing, Aria's future would undoubtedly be much smoother.After entering the study, Warren turned around and motioned for Keith to close the door. Then, he strolled over to the bookshelf and moved one of the books. With a click, the bookshelf shifted.It was the first time Leon had ever known that there was something hidden behind Warren's bookshelf.Inside, there was a high-quality leather chest. On the wall were some newspapers from the special period, along with some documents and photos. Among these lay a well-preserved Charm Coin.Aria's eyes flickered when she saw the Charm Coin.Warren walked over and picked up the family portrait from th
Aria recalled Barron's wise demeanor during the manifestation. In those days, someone had to step up and make sacrifices, even if they went unnoticed.Barron had traded his life to safeguard the knowledge and influence behind him, ensuring that everyone believed he was merely a regular businessman.If Barron had anything of true value, he could have handed it over to save his own life. But the Carver family couldn't be sacrificed, and their businesses were far too important.Money was necessary for everything, and although Barron was known for his love of wealth, that same wealth had saved countless youths.Aria stepped closer, her fingertip grazing Barron's portrait. A soft breeze drifted through the room. In the faded newspaper clipping, Barron stood tall and proud."I've been waiting for you. I finally get to see you. Good girl. You didn't deceive me. Farshya is truly strong now. I can rest easy with you here."His words were inaudible to others. Aria knew all too well that th
But Landon had already destroyed the doll at the manifestation. Logically, if the coin could survive to the present times, the doll should have been destroyed. Aria wondered if she had missed something. She couldn't get the full picture from the newspaper clippings alone. Recalling Warren's capture by Viktor, Aria contemplated briefly before showing him a photo. "Grandpa, have you seen this before?"Warren's expression changed when he saw the photo. "Rainbow, where did you get this?"Aria knew she'd hit the mark when she saw how Warren had reacted. "I didn't take the picture. It's being sold online, and even Ms. Ander has one at home.""That doll is pure evil. Stay away from it." It was the first time Warren had shown such strong opposition. He furrowed his brows, continuing, "Why is this doll back on the market? Wasn't it banned for a time?"As a top idol, Leon knew what it was by a glance. "Grandpa, plenty of girls like this doll. Isn't it quite common? Why are you saying it'
Aria studied Landon's face. "Explain," she said simply.Landon’s voice was smooth as he wove the tale effortlessly, "Our tradition of crafting dolls reached Krowo ages ago. These dolls held special significance for a time, especially among Krowonian soldiers' families and royalty."They believed that the dolls had souls, and they could ward off misfortune and boost morale."Though Landon spoke casually, Aria picked up on the critical details. "Why did they come to believe the dolls had souls?""It's difficult to be certain, but there's an old tale," Landon spoke slowly, his voice weighted with the eerie lore. "In the story, an elder brother, fearing his sister's loneliness in his absence, gifted her a wooden doll. The girl cherished the doll so much that she would cradle it every night, set a place for it at the dining table at every meal, and even give it a name."Her devotion bordered on obsession. But soon after, the girl fell gravely ill. Despite efforts to save her, she passe
Leon furrowed his brow, confused. "Why would it be harder for us to deal with the doll just because it's been worshipped?""Guardian spirits are relics of the past," Aria said, her tone indifferent. "A doll steeped in offerings and prayers is bound to become difficult."She continued, her tone steady. "Spirits draw life from belief. The more worshippers they gather, the stronger they become. That same bond holds, even in something as lifeless as a doll."As Aria explained, Percy couldn't help but see her in a different light. "Aria, do you know how to tell fortunes?"Aria didn't hesitate. "A little. I know the basics, but there are some theories I haven't mastered yet. Still, I can handle day-to-day problems."Percy, a lawyer with Hemingway Legal Elites, never imagined his own sister had a knack for fortune-telling. It was both intriguing and unsettling for a non-believer like him. "Well then, I'll just send all my strange clients your way."Over the years, Percy had dealt with p
Perhaps Warren's aversion to Aria interacting with the doll stemmed from his own trauma.After Aria stored the clues, she followed Warren downstairs. Exhausted and hungry, she eagerly dug into the food Landon had prepared.Soon after, she requested some privacy with Landon, leaving her three brothers to pace restlessly upstairs. Warren shot them an irritated look. "Be quiet."He was trying to think of other ways to assist Aria, but his grandsons were making it difficult.Leon wore a mischievous grin. "Grandpa, Rainbow is still too young to be alone with Landon. Aren't you worried at all?""I'm worried, but who among you would be bold enough to call Rainbow back here?" Warren's expression hardened. "None of you would dare, would you? Besides, it was Rainbow who invited him. I'm warning all of you. None of you should ever upset Rainbow."Percy adjusted his glasses. "Aria knows what she's doing."Leon figured Percy's comment stemmed from not witnessing Aria's encounter with Landon
As Aria pondered, the door clicked open, and in trotted Sam. He shot Landon a wary look, his eyes narrowing slightly. Landon remained composed, his gaze steady as he looked up.Sam, seeming puzzled, circled around Landon, sniffing him cautiously. Finally, he puffed up his cheeks and directed a concerned look at Aria, clearly signaling that something was wrong with Landon.Aria raised her eyebrows. "You seem particularly hostile today."Just as Sam was about to gesture to Aria, Landon slipped a credit card into his hand. "Go buy some meat to eat."Sam glared at him as if to say he wasn't someone to be swayed by money. Before he could protest, Landon tossed another item in his direction.The object glittered so brightly that Aria couldn't ignore it. However, Sam's eyes lit up as he bit into the gold bar.Confirming it was real, Sam rolled on the floor with delight as if he had just discovered his favorite toy.Meanwhile, Landon sat gracefully before him. Anyone not privy to thei