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
They'd assumed that no one would dare approach Landon, yet Aria was standing on equal footing with him—perhaps even more domineering.Oh, how they loved it!Aria noticed their excitement but had no idea what had them thrilled. She didn't usually root for couples. Landon found the situation amusing. He had felt bound to someone in a similar way once before, but back then, it hadn't been as enjoyable.As Aria and Landon entered the elevator under the watchful, excited eyes of others, Landon received a call. It was for an online meeting, so he borrowed a conference room from Keith without a second thought. He didn't see himself as an outsider here.Meanwhile, Aria headed straight to Warren's office. Wasting no time, she took advantage of his good mood to explain everything that had happened at the church, including how Ian's family was involved."Fergus and I have been thinking about who arranged Poeta's 'coincidental' appearance. I have a suspect," Aria said, her gaze distant. "Th
The information Aria had read about Ian revealed that he had been a prodigy from a young age, earning numerous accolades. However, this was a more impressive achievement in the past than in the present.Ian had also graduated with a degree in financial management, which seemed odd. Why wasn't Carver Group passed down to him? Wasn't it a tradition for the family business to go to the eldest son or grandson?Something must have happened. Aria tapped her fingers on her phone, a habit she had when she was in deep thought. At that moment, her phone rang. It was Leon. "Are you back, Aria?" he asked.There was a lot of noise in the background as if Leon was outside. "I saw what went on online. You were so cool."Aria relaxed marginally. "It was nothing. Anyway, I have something to ask you." "Come over then. I'm filming that variety show tomorrow, and I'll feel confident with you by my side."Leon had become quite fond of Aria. Whenever someone brought up a new topic, he would mention
Poeta was looking for a chance to rekindle her relationship with Fergus. From what she'd heard while overseas, Fergus had changed drastically from who he was during his teenage years.Back then, Fiona had been gravely ill and unable to care for Fergus. His family had also frequently neglected him, and Warren had placed many responsibilities on his young shoulders.As a result, Fergus experienced profound loneliness, which only intensified after the upheaval his family faced following Aria's kidnapping.Furthermore, Warren's constant meddling in Fergus and Poeta's relationship only exacerbated the situation, highlighting Fergus's urgent need for emotional healing—at least, that was what Poeta concluded.But when she returned to Farshya and met Fergus again, she realized things were far from what she had expected. In fact, she sensed a distance between them.When Warren heard she wanted to reconnect with Fergus after returning to the country, he showed no reaction. He even stated, q
"He, uh—" Poeta quickly came up with a response. After spending so many years overseas, she had mastered the art of conversation. "He's not happy about it, of course, but he didn't immediately argue with Mr. Carver Senior. "You know as well as I do, Mr. Carver, your family raised him well. He's always been an obedient and responsible son. Mr. Carver Senior isn't doing well, so he told me to tolerate it for a while. I'm staying somewhere else for now, but he'll bring it up again when Mr. Carver Senior softens a little."Poeta had made most of it up, but Owen didn't suspect that of her because it fit the script he'd written in his mind—his eldest son wouldn't get into a fight with Warren because of his first love; that wouldn't make sense."That's good enough. These negative feelings he has will build up slowly." Owen's gaze darkened. Fergus' dissatisfaction would eventually explode once it reached a breaking point. Owen knew Warren well. Warren would never see himself as the probl
However, that wasn't how Owen had expected things to turn out. From his perspective, everything had finally returned to the way it should be.Mindy had also returned bearing good news. The filming for her new variety show, "Exploring Farshya", would start soon. Unlike last time, when everyone shared recordings among themselves, this show would be broadcast live on TV.Anyone would jump at the opportunity to be featured in a mainstream variety show promoting national relics. Unlike the other guests, Mindy wasn't expendable; she was there as a restorer of cultural relics. Her impact would obviously be huge.Elated, Owen opened a bottle of wine and poured Mindy a glass. "Alas, it's still you who finally manages to make me happy, Mindy."With the show's airing, patriotic sentiment in Farshya was bound to surge. If Aria could benefit from this, so could Owen.Regardless of Warren's stance, Owen could always inform the media of his formal decision to adopt Mindy."I thought you didn'
"Kenny!" Mindy snapped, "How many times have I told you not to speak about Aria like that?"Kenny let out a long sigh. "Mindy, you're too nice. You see her as your sister, but does she see you that way? She's plotting to take over Carver Group for herself and doesn't even respect her own father. Just think about what she's been doing lately!"All she does is promote herself and win over Mr. Carver Senior. The industry praises her, but it's only because she used you as a stepping stone!" Mindy fidgeted with the hem of her dress. "Even so, if it makes her happy, I'm okay with it.""You shouldn't feel that way, Mindy." Owen had put his relationship with Aria entirely aside. His hatred for her grew tenfold upon hearing Kenny's words. He had greatly underestimated Aria. He'd been blaming his situation on Warren's disdain, but now it was clear—everything Aria had done since her return was part of her scheme to seize power!Owen turned to Mindy and said, "Present yourself as a patriot