Don sighed deeply. "I'm not well-versed in business management, but I've noticed many corporations are shifting toward a new direction. The voices of change are becoming louder. "Mr. Carver Senior faced significant challenges recently, and people of our generation often struggle to keep pace with these changes. We're all still learning along with everyone else. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have realized that my subordinates were mistreating those students. In our industry, it's rare to find individuals committed to their work. Many traditional crafts are fading away because no one is willing to inherit the knowledge and skills."Often, we find ourselves filled with regret when we reflect on past events."Don waved a dismissive hand, attempting to lighten the mood. "I've been rambling. But truly, your words today were impactful! The Carver family will undoubtedly reach new heights in the future!"Aria met his gaze seriously. "If you hold the Carver family in such high regar
As Aria was deep in thought, a flash of lightning illuminated the sky, hinting at something ominous in the distance, as if some creature was undergoing a trial. She was just about to focus on it when her phone rang. Leon's voice came through, hurried and anxious. "Aria, are you with Landon?"…Leon still had makeup on as Clary stood beside him. His popularity had skyrocketed lately, and Clary couldn't contain her excitement. Her admiration for Aria was growing by the day. Clary had been planning to get Leon on a live broadcast, but Leon's casual mention of Landon had caught her off guard. She froze. Even if Leon had Aria's support, he shouldn't have addressed his boss so casually.Upon seeing Clary, Leon immediately shifted his gaze and turned in another direction.…Unaware of what was happening on Leon’s side, Aria shut the window. "No, I'm at Mr. Hendricks' place. I believe Landon is with Mr. Tarson right now."Leon's voice dropped to a whisper. "He's not. The York famil
Don didn't notice Aria's subtle placement of the Charm Coin. He was too concerned about his granddaughter, Daisy Hendricks' reaction to anyone messing with her room. Nyx, nestled inside the Charm Coin, understood his role. Aria had left him behind to investigate the room's strange atmosphere, which would likely intensify after dark.Before closing the door, Aria asked again, "Other than the earrings that keep returning, nothing else strange has been happening, right?"Don nodded, sounding certain as he said, "Just the earrings. I haven't mentioned it to my family because I don't want to scare them."Then, with a sudden realization, Don added, "Wait, has something happened to Daisy?"Aria responded honestly. "Something feels off in her room. When I next visit you, I'd like to meet her if possible.""Of course!" Don agreed immediately, his concern evident. He worried that his work might have adverse effects on his family.Aria acknowledged his concerns. "It's something that can b
Ian, the cunning old fox, refused to meet with any of the shareholders, which took them by surprise. A man working for Ian emerged, apologetically delivering the news. "I'm sorry, sirs, but Mr. Carver isn't feeling well. He caught a cold due to the persistent rain and is worried about getting you sick."The shareholders were skeptical. Ian had recently invited them to dinner, and it seemed implausible that he could fall ill in such a short time. They knew he was deliberately avoiding them. "Of course. We'll leave these gifts here and meet Mr. Carver whenever he's free."Naturally, Ian would gladly accept the gifts, especially when they came from his allies. Meanwhile, he sat in his tearoom, sipping tea and lamenting the shareholders' naivety. Their visit, coinciding with Landon's disappearance, handed the Yorks significant leverage against them."I told all of them to leave, Mr. Carver." William Fallon walked over with a smile, his words sounding stiff.Ian set his cup down. "Now t
Ian remained silent, his heart filled with resentment toward Mindy. Her arrogance had ignited multiple controversies, tarnishing her public image and causing irreparable damage. Their hard work now seemed to benefit their rivals, and several shareholders had even managed to break free from Ian's control.Ian couldn't fathom why William held Mindy in such high regard. Was it simply because of her background? Or was there another, more hidden reason he had yet to discover?Reluctantly, Ian replied, "We'll discuss this further once the York family has been brought to its knees."William chuckled confidently. "The master has never miscalculated a single step," he boasted. Besides, they had borrowed fortune from a dragon this time—nothing would go wrong.…The dragon William referred to was now reduced to a servile, humbled creature. He kicked some discarded jewelry aside, offering in a meek voice, "Would you like some tea, my lord?"Landon glanced around the majestic lizard's abode.
Aria quickly noticed something off about Sam's condition. She set her helmet down smoothly and moved toward the alley. The bodyguards tried to follow her but were stopped by Sam, who walked behind Aria with a bag slung over his shoulder, his eyes gleaming with excitement.As Aria made her way there, she tried to recall any evil spirits that would compel someone to make a choice. Yet, as she entered the alley, she sensed something different—it wasn't the work of an evil spirit. The dense, swirling fog and the unnatural shift in the weather, along with the bit of gossip Leon had shared, reminded her of an old myth she had once heard.According to legend, a snake could become a majestic lizard after a hundred years, and with a thousand more years and an ordeal in the three realms, it could finally transform into a dragon.These lizards, she recalled, would often take human form and seek out someone they were fated to meet. They'd ask that person a single question—"Do I look like a dr
Sam was uninterested in exchanging pleasantries with the majestic lizard. He longed to catch it, grill or deep fry it and enjoy it seasoned with cumin and chili flakes. It would surely taste delicious.Aria pinched Sam's cheeks and lifted his chin, saying sardonically, "Now, now, we can't be too hostile to this man who's just trying to help."She shot a sideways glance at the majestic lizard, a hint of mischief in her smile. "We'll have to trouble you to lead the way.""It's no trouble at all. This alley hasn't been safe lately," the majestic lizard replied, oblivious to the intent behind her smile. Whenever it was out to take a soul, it'd mimicked the first person he had consumed. "Everything will be fine as long as you walk out of it."Aria casually remarked, "Judging by your uniform, you seem to be an electrical technician at the network.""Oh, yes. We work overtime every day, but our salary remains low. It's a tiring profession." The closer they were to the mist, the harder
The majestic lizard seemed to recall something important, quickly darting behind Aria. After all those years, it had grown weary of battling fortune tellers. Landon was waiting; if he sensed the lizard had fought with this young woman, it would be doomed.Determined to act quickly, the majestic lizard resolved to eat Sam first before turning to Aria.Cunning by nature, it thought holding Sam hostage and threatening Aria with him was a solid plan. But just as it reached for Sam, Aria interrupted, saying, "I forgot to remind you of something. For your own safety, it's best not to target my younger brother here."The majestic lizard, of course, ignored her warning. It relished the taste of children, especially those with tender flesh and petite forms. But the moment it extended its claws, it was thrown to the ground with an unexpected force.The impact left the lizard dizzy, and tears welled in its eyes from the pain. It was stunned. Since when had human children become so strong? It
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
Despite the shifting tides, some stubborn members of the Chamber of Commerce clung to their cunning ways, refusing to yield.Previously, Westin had assumed that his target, known for being money-obsessed, would agree without much resistance. But upon arriving, he found himself drinking far more than discussing business.Two days and a relentless hangover later, Westin realized he'd been played. That wily old man! Refocusing his attention on the task at hand, Westin addressed the screen with renewed determination. "Mr. York, it's not just Ludwiten's companies interested in partnering with us. Even the Wagner family from Janovin is eager to collaborate. "If there's something holding you back, let me know. But remember, opportunities don't wait. I urge you to reconsider—going solo carries significant risks."As Westin spoke, Landon listened calmly, his expression unchanging. He even shifted slightly to make Aria more comfortable in her seat. Nearby, an attendant whispered with a
Aria lay on her side, with Landon seated on her right. She wondered if the York family would grow uneasy about his prolonged absence from home. Landon was clearly in the middle of a meeting. His deep, pleasant voice carried a hypnotic quality, occasionally interspersed with authentic Nobeetan phrases. He spoke so softly that those further away would struggle to hear him, yet his tone was laced with an understated menace that no one could ignore.The person on the other end of the meeting dared not contradict him. Landon's calm demeanor masked a chilling authority. He wasn't the kind of superior who exploded with anger—those were predictable. The truly terrifying ones were those whose moods were inscrutable and whose actions were ruthlessly decisive."We won't pursue a joint venture then. The York Group will proceed independently." Landon chuckled before continuing politely, "Let me remind you, this is Farshya—not the early days when we were inexperienced and desperate for capital.