Everyone in the interrogation room fell silent upon seeing the name list. None of them would have expected those important figures, who should be servicing the people, to be guilty of harming them instead, motivated by their superstitious ideals.They would drink medicine for their bad livers and attempt to compensate for their ailing lungs by looking for a child with abundant positive energy. Certain politicians were among those mentioned, too. Even the members of the HOU were shocked to see those names, much less those police officers in charge of the interrogation. Had the enemy's influence really been spread so far and wide using those superstitious ideals? How long had it been since the beginning? Could Nymeria still be salvaged?Aria didn't waste any more time. She ordered the information about this to be locked down and the culprits arrested.Some of the people on the list valued their lives greatly. Upon noticing that something was amiss, they had already gone up to the
"Something went wrong with the batch of goods you wanted," the butler said tentatively, afraid of angering the other man. "The topic is also trending online. They're saying that a church was honoring invaders of our country."The hunchbacked old man clenched his fists tightly upon hearing that. His breathing became louder, audible even from a distance. "Leave, close the door, and allow no one to enter. I have some matters to attend to."The butler bowed slightly, saying, "Yes, sir." He ventured carefully, "What if the young master came? When he came to your study last time, he seemed to have—""My study? Why would he be there?" The old man stood up straight, looking at his butler with his sunken eyes. "Did he notice?"The butler shook his head. "No, no! I distracted him before he could enter the room."The old man was silent for a while. "Keep an eye on him and see if he's acting out of the ordinary recently.""Yes, sir." The butler took his leave. The old man didn't get back
At the same time, at the studio, the interviewer asked Leon, "To be honest, Kina, we're all curious about the reason you agreed to be featured in this variety show."The host, Jamie Morvan, sat across him, legs crossed. He chuckled as he continued, "As far as I know, you'll only experience the feeling of wonder if you have some degree of knowledge about ancient relics."The impressive cultural history of Farshya, spanning 5,000 years, will be exhibited in this show. As an idol, would participating in a show such as this be too difficult for you?"This question was surely meant to be a trap hidden behind a veneer of goodwill. Leon had been asked questions in this manner before, as his public image was still that of an uncultured idol with no background.He didn't mind it, but his fans didn't like it when he was asked these strongly biased questions. Clary, who was beside him, didn't want him to answer because his answer might be interpreted negatively.However, Leon seemed to have
Clary, an experienced manager, knew how to solve problems more efficiently. She quickly made a call to her boss.…On a train heading to Janovin, Clary's boss—Landon—was massaging Aria's waist. The first-class carriage was empty; no one dared sit in it.The head of York Group's Nymeria branch had practically booked a first-class carriage. They'd only known of Landon's arrival due to the incident happening at the church. Many people had requested them for their help in bailing their friends out. As if they'd dare do so!Who would dare bail someone out when their CEO was sitting right there? They didn't want to lose their jobs.They'd planned to treat Landon to dinner after the case concluded, but he wanted to return to Janovin immediately so they could only board the train with them.The three important men wiped their sweat. "Mr. York, uh—"Landon held his phone up, gesturing for them to wait so they shut up. "Yes, it's me. Please, go on." Landon poked a straw on the lid of
They finally knew why Landon valued her so highly. The man said a few more names before he seemed to remember something else. "Your cousin Marty was there too!""Yes, and he seemed to know Mr. Blooms really well.""We were surprised because one of them lives in Janovin while the other lives in the South. How did they grow to know each other that well? It's weird, right, Phil?"His colleague, Phil Chevron, thought, "Don't ask me that! Did you not realize that Mr. York is looking at us now? You sold yourself out!"As expected, Landon said, "Which means that all of you were there during that dinner too."Dan paused. He wanted to give himself a slap on the face. Landon said expressionlessly, "Tell me about that dinner. How did you become his pilgrims?"The men's backs were drenched with their sweat."His predictions are very accurate. He even managed to recount what happened to us during that time.""After we gave him some offerings, everything in our lives went smoothly.""We r
The three men nodded and hurriedly took their leave, clutching their briefcases. The train usually made short stops at stations on the way when a traveler or two would get in. For a moment, Aria couldn't distinguish between what was real and what was in her dreams. The desire for revenge consumed her, burning her throat and eyes.This went on until she heard Landon's voice through the din. "Don't overthink it. Take a nap."He spoke softly, and his hands were perfect for cooling Aria down. "If you really do feel bad, I'm here, aren't I? Your blood bag."Aria had realized last time that Landon could absorb some of the energy she released and that his blood was fatally tantalizing to her. Aria's eyes remained closed as she lay on Landon's shoulder, pushing her emotions down. She seemed to have done so once—many images flashed in her mind. Why was Landon in period clothes? In those images, Aria sat in a high chair, ordering Landon to wait as she bathed. She'd also said that Land
The journey from Nymeria to Janovin wasn't that long; it was almost dusk when Aria woke up. At dusk, the city was bustling with activity, but it was peaceful nevertheless. Perhaps it was because Aria had taken a nap, but she felt more relaxed now. It was as if the discomfort she felt due to the karma had been digested without her knowing. She hadn't known how to bring the subject of Ian's side of the family up to Warren, but she stopped feeling the need to hesitate.After what Fergus had gone through, she understood something—the sadness one felt after being betrayed was transitory; it was more important to evade risks. Also, Warren deserved to know the truth more than anyone else. Both the incident at the church and the stuff the Carver Group shareholders got up to in secret were heinous. Warren would feel sad upon hearing them, but letting him know was better than keeping it from him. Aria went to the Carver Group headquarters with Landon. The influencer who insulted Ari
It wasn't just because they worked for Carver Group, but also because of Aria's heroic deeds. Although the video wasn't complete, it was clear who had saved the children and allowed the heroic spirits to return to their rightful places.Aria paused and glanced at Keith, who pushed his glasses up and explained, "They admire you. The videos of you online have gone viral, and quite a few people are asking if we'll be making merchandise featuring you."Merchandise? What?Before Aria could ask more, Keith continued, "They didn't manage to capture your face, but they did take pictures of Mr. York standing next to you. You two looked good together, and now people say you are quite the couple.""Really? Where's the video? I want to see it," said Landon. He appeared very interested in this, judging from the smile on his face. Warmth pooled in his eyes, gradually melting away his aloof exterior. The employees rarely saw Landon in the office. His physical condition wasn't exactly a secret—e
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