Yannick began, "The hacker is cunning, constantly shifting locations and masking their IP address. It has been three grueling days, and the Technical Department only managed to narrow the location down to Southbury."Yannick furrowed his brow. "As for the other person, we can't find them no matter what we tried."It was rare that someone could render the HOU completely helpless. The last time this had happened was three years ago.Landon retracted his gaze. He drawled, "Perhaps you can approach it from another direction and start by investigating the Gunther family's enemies.""The Gunther family's enemies?" Yannick understood what he meant immediately. "Are you suggesting this is because of a personal feud, Mr. York?"Landon looked down. "No organization has publicly claimed responsibility for this debacle. Besides, the person behind this chose to take up the role as a whistleblower; they don't seem like a righteous hero who's doing this for no reason.""That's true." After some
Titus observed Landon's face. "You seem like you're in a good mood."Landon paused in the middle of his actions. "Huh?"Titus picked up his teacup. "Someone hacked into your house, and you're still smiling despite that. What else could be the reason for that aside from a good mood? Brat."Landon knew that Titus was still cross at him for not seeking proper treatment for his illness. He poured another cup of tea. "Solo must've told you about the state of my body recently and also… someone I've met."Titus looked up in defiance. He refused to acknowledge Landon's statement. "Solo's your bodyguard. Why would he tell me details about such things?""You're right, Grandpa," Landon said with mirth in his voice. Titus couldn't be bothered to engage in this verbal back-and-forth with Landon. The Yorks tended to prefer going straight to the point, except for Landon, who always had something brewing in secret."Fine, just tell me. Which one out of the doctors who came today is the Dr. Gen
Master Revelare had said, "Landon possesses extremely great fortune, so great that it will bring upon him an early death."Feeling a surge of helplessness, Titus had let Landon have his way. The Carver family hadn't found their missing granddaughter, anyway. Titus decided they could make the call about the marriage when, or if, they ever found her.Landon was an exceptional young man, yet he'd never had anyone by his side since childhood.Titus sighed, a rare flicker of guilt crossing his features. "It's my fault. I shouldn't have—""Grandpa," Landon interrupted him, smiling, "You know that I've never blamed you. If someone from the York family must shoulder this, I'd rather it be me."Titus' hands were shaking as he supported himself on his walking stick. He said nothing for a long time, watching as Landon heaved a sigh.Everyone envied the York family for their wealth, oblivious to the heavy price that came with it. Landon had carried this burden for years, a silent guardian.
Karen shot to her feet, her voice laced with panic. "What happened to you, Lily? Why are you out here alone? Where's Dr. Gunther?"Lily grabbed her arm and said in a low voice, "We'll discuss this after we get back home, Mom."Karen wasn't that dumb; she realized that something serious had happened. She said to the wealthy ladies, "She's anemic again, so I must take her home quickly."The wealthy ladies exchanged skeptical glances. Anemia? Or was Lily perhaps one of the unfortunate ones who hadn't made the cut?Sensing their doubt, Lily crumpled dramatically into Karen's arms. "Mom, I can't breathe!" she gasped. "But don't worry, I didn't embarrass you. The consultation is over anyway."There was no way the consultation could continue after such a scene. Lily, ever the quick thinker, had effectively shut the crowd down.Less than five minutes later, the doors to the inner hall swung open, and a procession of doctors emerged. Only then did the wealthy ladies lose interest in Karen
"How many times did I tell you Aria's not your elder sister?" Karen's voice boomed, her denial more vehement than ever. "Lily, you're young and naïve. Poor people will use all sorts of tricks to get ahead. You said Aria changed? That's just her way of surviving."Lily furrowed her brow. "But she's undeniably skilled. Even Mr. York Senior showed her respect."Karen was stunned. "The Yorkschose her?"Lily bit her lip. "Well, no. She was on a team with the Lowe family. Malcolm was the one who stood out."A sneer contorted Karen's face. "So she curried favor with the Lowes. What a clever old bat. Using her connections on her deathbed, no less!"Lily fell deep in thought. "So Grandma is a skilled doctor, right?"Karen scoffed, "She caused someone's death. Even if she's skilled, her reputation is ruined. Only the Lowes would still give her the time of day."Lily lowered her head in consideration.Karen squeezed Lily's hand. "Don't worry, Lily. Even with the Lowes' help, that old woma
Shiloh's eyes widened in astonishment. "Mr. York? Why would he be seeking her out?"His question prompted several onlookers to glance back, incredulous at the notion. They found it difficult to believe that Landon would be searching for the imposter posing as a Kent.The black-clad bodyguard spoke succinctly, "We need to return something belonging to the Kent family."Upon hearing that, the bystanders quickly grasped the situation. After all, it was inconceivable that Landon would know a "knock-off" like her. Malcolm stepped forward, blocking Aria. "I'll accompany her."Malcolm had promised his grandfather to safeguard Aria and intended to uphold it. However, the bodyguard remained resolute. "I'm sorry. Mr. York specifically requested Ms. Kent's presence.""My last name isn't Kent, but I'll follow along." Aria tapped on her phone before speaking, her eyes holding a captivating allure.Aria pondered whether Landon's interest stemmed from discovering Sam's existence. Perhaps sh
Having written the message, Aria clutched the wooden box as she exited the room. Her handwriting was atrocious, seemingly indifferent to whether the recipient could comprehend it. Yet, politeness was all that mattered to her.A sudden gift from Landon sent shivers down her spine. It felt like he was onto her. Aria was determined to distance herself from him. Consequently, she couldn't help but admire the diamond-studded pen—a testament to intellectuals' wealth.Meanwhile, Landon remained oblivious to the unintended consequence of his gesture. Exhausted from hours of surveillance footage review, he entered the room just after Aria's departure. His black-clad security guard approached him."Mr. York," the bodyguard reported, "Ms. Carver only took the Whisperwind Herb."Landon's eyebrows arched upon hearing her name, finally learning it, finding it remarkably beautiful.Entering the study, Landon removed his rosary bracelet, scanning the remnants left behind. He inquired casually, "S
It was rush hour at six in the evening, with cars clogging the streets everywhere except for Clearwater Alley. However, the quiet tranquility there was broken by a group of people huddled together, their voices buzzing with gossip."Did you guys hear?""What?""A doctor from the hospital across the street got arrested!"Sarah, just returning from grocery shopping, stopped in her tracks. "Isn't that one of the Gunther family members who caused a scene here a while back? I believe that they came that time to harass Ms. Harris!""I think so too!" chimed in another neighbor. "The news said that their entire family is corrupt! They've been deceiving patients for years!""That doctor even suppressed her colleagues. Ms. Harris must've been one of them!"Sarah turned her head toward the gossiping crowd, a knowing smile spreading across her face. "Now you all see the truth, don't you? Remember how some of you used to badmouth Aria?"One of the neighbors mumbled sheepishly, "Well, Ms. Ha
Ordinary people understood the harshness of reality. Brent, having lived in poverty for most of his life, had been looked down on more times than he could count.Poor people like them could die unnoticed at home, and no one would care, let alone offer help without expecting something in return.If something really happened to Eden, Brent doubted he and his wife could do anything to save her. Judy was a prime example. Her father, Alec Lanez, had even given up selling bread just to look for her.Every time Alec went to the school, he was met with the same cold response."It has nothing to do with us. Your daughter ran away and refuses to acknowledge you. So why are you coming here? Peasants like you should know your place. Without us, people like you could only dream of going overseas. How filthy!"Brent had heard the school's representative say those exact words when he accompanied Alec. Both of them could only stand there, humiliated and speechless.Alec's back was sore from how m
Eden immediately opened the windows after hearing that. "Did Ms. Carver send you here? Is she in any danger? I'm really worried about her. Should I call the police? I'd feel horrible if anything happened to her."Weston remained calm and indifferent. "Calling the police will only make them suspicious. My boss is amazing, and there's nothing she can't handle. She has a plan. Right now, my priority is to bring all of you to Heartbound Hall in Janovin so your grandfather can receive treatment."The respect in Weston's voice when he spoke of Aria was unmistakable."Pack up your things and come with me," Weston ordered.Their team had already checked the surroundings and ensured nothing would go wrong. Anyone watching would think Eden's grandparents were simply collecting bottles and preparing lunch as usual, not leaving the house until the afternoon.Without wasting time, Weston picked up the elderly couple's luggage. His most important task now was to get Eden and her grandparents to
"We followed the address, so this must be the place. Sir, isn't that the girl?" It was the same group of people as before. After failing their last mission because of Aria, they were being extra cautious this time."We can't afford any more mistakes. Treat her kindly so that she won't suspect anything.""Yes, sir."When they saw a young woman in a school uniform appear right on time, they were convinced she was the right person. After all, Aria looked exactly like Eden.They rolled down the car window and waved. "Ms. Bohmer, over here."Aria looked up and recognized several familiar faces. She grabbed her bag and walked toward the car."Ms. Bohmer, we meet again," The driver greeted Aria warmly. "Let's go."The team had prepared for a difficult encounter. They'd even been authorized to use force if necessary, as long as they avoided surveillance cameras. But to their surprise, Aria simply opened the car door and got in without resistance.Aria glanced at their puzzled expression
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