Owen was scary in that he remained polite no matter what he thought about the subject matter. Even if he'd lost his composure, he could adjust accordingly. Ian was right. He wasn't in a hurry to vie against Aria for power. He should wait patiently for Aria to make a mistake.He'd also brought some documents with him, which were about Aria's academic status. Aria was indeed a talented designer, but her academic credentials were nothing to shout about. Owen chuckled. He wasn't in a position to bring the matter up himself, so he had given some of them to Hugo. After being suppressed, Hugo noticed that Owen was looking in his direction. He'd waited for so long to be vindicated, and so he quickly said, while fishing some documents out of his briefcase, "Before the meeting starts, I want to ask our new CEO some questions."He continued, looking at Aria, "These documents are about your life in Southbury. You've never learned business management, and you're still a student in a vocatio
"You should be familiar with these accounts, Mr. West." Aria's smile widened. "The other shareholders should take a look too."None of the shareholders dared say anything.Hugo wanted to explain. "The accountants are in charge of these accounts. Also, some of the investments here were made after we all agreed on them. I'll call over those involved now.""You don't need to go to all that trouble," Aria added blandly. "You seem to forget that Mr. Watson has already told the police to investigate this matter."Hugo shot up from his seat. He was too anxious to remain seated. He'd thought that Aria was humiliated after his joke, but now he was at risk of losing his position as a shareholder. He might also be sent to jail if the police investigation uncovered anything incriminating. "Mr. Carver, say something! Mr. Carver!" Hugo called out to Owen, whom he'd been helping the past few years, even if it meant that he couldn't support some of Warren's decisions.Owen wouldn't leave him al
Owen had never been looked down like this before. The shareholders were just short of saying outright that Owen was incapable, as he'd let this happen under his supervision and was unfit to lead this company. Owen's rage and embarrassment could be seen on his face. He wanted to lose his temper, but he knew he'd be adding fuel to the fire no matter what he said. He'd rather acknowledge his incapability than admit that he was involved in whatever Hugo had done, especially because Hugo had broken the law. Those outside the conference room had no idea what they were fighting about, but they knew something—things would be completely different in the company starting today. Keith stood behind Aria, pushing his glasses up. His gaze held excitement as he realized why Aria had told him not to do anything. It was because Aria had this card up her sleeve. Warren was worried that Aria, with her young age and ruthless methods, might risk angering some shareholders. They might also be wa
Before they could speculate further, Aria made her stance clear. "Carver Group will never work with Krowonian companies. This rule has been in place since a century ago, and it's effective even now. I want everyone to remember that Carver Group is different from other companies. Even in times of peace, we'll always have the history of our country in mind."Aria turned to Hugo again. "I'll provide information to the police that will aid their investigation. I have reason to suspect that you're a corporate spy working for Krowonian companies."Carver Group was known to be patriotic, so things would go out of control if Aria reported the existence of a Krowonian corporate spy. Hugo paled. "I'm not a spy! Really! I just wanted to make some money. I'm really not a corporate spy!"If he was accused of such a crime, his family would be done for! The other shareholders hadn't thought of this too, evidently. Sweat beaded on their foreheads upon hearing Aria's words. They'd forgotten that
Owen couldn't even deny it if he wanted to, because Hugo had helped him with too much. The more Hugo had helped him with, the more secrets he knew. Owen's gaze sharpened. "I know that you don't respect me now that you have Dad's support.""Yes, I had Mr. West reach out to some Krowonian companies," Owen admitted readily. At this point, further denial would tarnish his reputation. "I've never had him commit all those wrongdoings, though.""The Krowonian companies gave us huge discounts, and I've discussed this during a meeting before." Owen looked at the shareholders. "Everyone agreed to my suggestion except for Dad."Aria propped her chin on her hand lazily. "He's the CEO of the company. He has the right to veto your proposal in the first place regardless of how many people agree with you. What are you trying to say here, Mr. Carver? Are you trying to say that Mr. West was the only one behind everything? I'd like to ask Mr. West if he agrees.""No, certainly not!" Hugo hugged the
Hugo said immediately, "There's a fortune teller living in a church in Goldtown. I haven't met him before, but Mr. Carver reached out to the Krowonians because he told him—""What are you trying to achieve here, Aria Carver?" Owen was so perturbed that he called Aria by her full name. Aria was trying to sever every retreat route he had; she wanted to force him into a dead end. Aria looked at him evenly as he said, "Mr. West, we're still in the conference room. All businesses take into account the layout of their office spaces." He pitched his voice lower. "I want my company to do well. Am I in the wrong for that?"He could put it that way because he wasn't involved when Hugo had done all those things and signed all those contracts. He had already planned to admit to his relying on fortune telling; that would be his retreat route.Hugo had already lost in this argument, and he had no choice but to yell angrily, "That wasn't what he said, Ms. Carver!""What did I say, then? Do yo
No shareholder in their right mind would take his side if he tried to usurp Aria's position. Owen slumped in his seat. The image he had so painstakingly maintained for years was now ruined. Warren hadn't had the heart to be merciless to Owen because he hadn't expected Owen, who seemed to not have any ideas of his own, to give those Krowonian companies the right to earn money while using Carver Group as a stepping stone.When Warren heard the news, his grip on his walking stick tightened, and he immediately took his medicine. Aria had told him to remain calm no matter what happened and to prioritize his health. If he hadn't appointed Aria as his successor, Carver Group would be in shambles the next few months, and he wouldn't be able to unabashedly meet his ancestors in the afterlife. Not only would the family's reputation be destroyed, but Carver Group would eventually be usurped by the Krowonians. Whenever Warren thought about that, he'd wish that he'd never given birth to Ow
Owen tried to guilt-trip Aria by invoking their relationship as father and daughter, and she cut him off with a sharp look, saying, "Since you're bringing up our relationship, let me ask you something. You insisted on adopting Mindy, even if it meant giving me up. That was because a fortune teller told you to, wasn't it?"Owen paused, his fists clenching tightly.Keith was still standing beside them. Owen, prone to overthinking, immediately assumed that Warren had already uncovered the truth. His mind raced—Warren must have given Aria all those documents because he knew everything.This shareholder meeting was a trap directed at him, set by Warren. Owen didn't even consider the possibility that Aria could be the mastermind. Smirking, Aria ordered the CEO's office to divest Owen of all his positions within the company. Carver Group's suppliers also learned that Owen would no longer represent the Carver family. Aria was conveying a clear message—the deals with Krowonian companie
The entertainment industry was a place where people could rise quickly. It was a world where words could be tailored to suit different audiences, where alliances were formed with the popular, and enemies were kept in check before they could make a name for themselves.On the surface, everyone seemed friendly, but beneath the smiles, subtle rivalries festered.Back then, Fiona wouldn't have noticed such dynamics. She had never been interested in competing with other women, even in school. The term "female competition" hadn't existed in her vocabulary. Fiona simply wasn't concerned with who stood out in the crowd, so she remained unaware of the unspoken tensions around her.But now, things were different. After years of observing the entertainment industry, Fiona had become attuned to the subtle games people played. Every word Priscilla had spoken earlier had an underlying agenda.It was then that Fiona realized how much time had changed everyone. She could barely recognize the wom
Priscilla, it seemed, embodied the capitalist archetype that online critics often despised—one who saw people as mere tools for profit. Her approach to problems was straightforward, ruthless, and without compassion.She had used unapproved injections to boost her earnings, and now, when things went wrong, she wanted to shift the blame onto unsuspecting individuals.The girl's parents, though devastated, were not asking for much. They simply wanted their daughter's suffering to end and for Priscilla to cover the basic medical costs. But Priscilla wasn't concerned with such matters. The success of her medispa in Ludwiten wasn't due to any sense of ethics—it was built on ambition and exploitation.If Priscilla agreed to treat one person's botched surgery, it would open the door to countless others. She couldn't afford to make exceptions; these "victims" would only try to take advantage of her.At that moment, Priscilla reclined in the lounge, a face mask on, preparing for a full-bod
Back then, a rumor circulated that everyone desired the Grisham family's daughter. Audriana had thought it was an exaggeration. After all, no matter how beautiful a woman was, she would inevitably age. Fiona, no matter how stunning, would eventually face the same fate.However, Audriana had come to realize that some people could indeed look like fairies. Yet, she couldn't show her envy, as Priscilla was still watching her."Why do I think she looks so average? She's not nearly as ladylike as you, Priscilla," Audriana flattered her.Priscilla merely gave her a passing glance. "You don't have to try to flatter me. I don't care about that. With plastic surgery so common these days, I can have any appearance I want."What's important is for a woman to have her own career. But I have to admit, her face is quite stunning."Otherwise, Fiona wouldn't have remained relevant for so many years. But it didn't matter now. Fiona was already married, with so many children. Once a woman became a
"Who doesn't have a career in this day and age? She's the only one with no achievements to speak of, and she even went crazy. How does she have the nerve to reconcile with the Grisham family? I don't know whether to call her naïve or just plain dumb," Priscilla remarked, her voice dripping with disdain as she spoke to the person behind her. As she spoke, the woman slowly rose, revealing her identity—none other than Audriana."Perhaps she doesn't realize that the Draycott family is almost as influential as the Grisham family in Ludwiten. Especially you, Priscilla. Everyone knows the medispa you operate. "Fiona hasn't kept up with the times. I once thought she was capable, with her title as Ludwiten's Red Rose. But now, it seems she's all show, no substance." Audriana chuckled, clearly taking pleasure in belittling Fiona while subtly praising Priscilla. Priscilla, clearly pleased, took a sip of her coffee. "It's a shame she didn't listen to me and meet Ms. Kent."Audriana raised
Priscilla twirled her long hair and took a sip of her coffee. "I didn't have much confidence back then. I always followed you, never daring to try things on my own. It's only now, after trying for myself, that I've realized some things."She added, "Opening a medispa has always been my dream, and that's how it all started. Now, all the wealthy women in Ludwiten come to me for fillers and anti-aging treatments. If you're interested, you should come by. I can even fix your nose a little."Priscilla smiled. However, her smile was a little off, perhaps from a recent treatment. She pressed her fingers to her eyes. "I can't smile too much, or I'll get wrinkles. I envy your flawless, youthful face, Fiona. What's your secret?""Probably just staying indoors and avoiding the sun," Fiona replied, carefully omitting the fact that her soul had entered a manifestation.Priscilla's expression darkened, her voice tinged with frustration. "It's all Owen's fault! How could he be so cruel? You're no
Leon typed so quickly that Aria suspected it was a result of his experience arguing with his online haters. Aria couldn't get a word in as Leon flooded the entire group chat. She was speechless—his typing was even faster than a hacker like her. Celebrity Carver: "I'm worried about Aria. I should have gone on the train too!"Aria freed one hand to reply, "No need to worry. Fergus is with me."Celebrity Carver: "Fergus has never been in a relationship himself. What does he know?"Boss Carver: "Leon, aren't you getting too full of yourself lately?"Leon kept his head down, continuing to type. He was filled with worry for Aria.Unbeknownst to anyone, a mysterious person watched Leon with intense focus. The gaze was unsettling as if the person were ready to explode with hatred at any moment.The person only looked away when Leon entered the VIP lounge. Then, they went to the washroom, and standing before the mirror, revealed an eerie smile. There was no rush. After all, there wo
Their positions were reversed in an instant.Landon was pinned down, a few stray strands of hair falling over his face. His long, dark eyelashes gave him a somewhat coy expression. Aria, on the other hand, appeared dominant, with one hand pressing down on his wrist and the other on his shoulder. This was the scene the attendant walked in on. She cleared her throat slightly before speaking, "Sir, here are your fruits."The attendant's voice caught the attention of Fergus, who was seated in the last row. He put down his tablet and glanced over. What he saw was Aria playfully pressing down on Landon's wrist. Fergus couldn't help but rub his temples, unsure how to express his current feelings.When Leon mentioned that Aria was pursuing Landon, Fergus hadn't thought much of it. However, seeing for himself, he could only think of ways to keep Landon around for Aria.But Aria couldn't be too forward as they weren't married yet. At the thought of that, Fergus deliberately coughed.
It was the first time Aria had ever felt this way. The sensation made her dizzy, yet she couldn't get enough of it. Every inch of her mouth was filled with Landon's scent, and his fingers felt astonishingly hot. The sounds around them faded, leaving only the rumble of the train as it passed through the tunnel. There was an undeniable closeness between them. His soft kisses and teasing bites on her lips made her feel a little lightheaded. With her eyes covered, Aria instinctively sought something to steady herself. The rhythmic thump of his heartbeat echoed in her ears, its force making escape seem impossible. His kiss, commanding and intense, contrasted sharply with his calm demeanor. It seemed as though he was determined to pull her deeper into his embrace. Yet, despite the overwhelming sensation, Aria couldn't bring herself to resent it. Instead, she found herself surrendering to it. The sounds around them slowly returned as they emerged from the long tunnel, light creepi
Landon raised his hand and spoke calmly before ending the call. "Go and tell your boss that only Farshyans can manage the Chamber of Commerce."When Westin tried calling back, no one answered. For years, foreigners had enjoyed preferential treatment in Farshya. As Westin mentioned, some universities favored foreign students, offering them special care. Foreigners received priority access to events, complimentary ice cream, and exclusive show tickets at car exhibitions. Many Farshyans were thrilled just to exchange a few words with them.Westin's best friend even had a Farshyan girlfriend who was utterly devoted to him. She tolerated their insults with a smile as long as he promised to take her abroad and secure her permanent residency.This sense of entitlement made foreigners like Westin feel superior to the locals. Westin, in particular, had been flattered by Farshyan businessmen for so long that he'd never experienced such outright rejection.Other suppliers and port officia