Aria wondered why the conversation had suddenly shifted to her backing out. She looked up, meeting Landon's gaze. He was already handsome, but up close, he was even more striking.He gently tucked a strand of her long long hair behind her ear and said seductively, "You need to take responsibility."Seeing Aria at a loss for words, Landon raised his eyebrows with a small smile.Their closeness was obvious to anyone observing. Titus beamed, while Silas and the other housekeepers exchanged knowing smiles as they went off to prepare dinner. Despite working in York Residence for years, they had never seen Landon so tender toward anyone before."Ms. York and Ms. Carver seem to have such a good relationship.""Of course. Didn't you hear Mr. York Senior say Ms. Carver is the one who cured Mr. York?""I heard rumors about how capable Ms. Carver is. She's the one who brought the heroic spirits back home.""Not only that but even the Carver family…"Aria had only given Landon a ride, yet
The employees in the broadcasting headquarters slowly opened their eyes one after another. When their family members asked if they were feeling well, they gave no response, remaining lost in their thoughts.One of the employees, Charles Grub, who often bullied others at work, had been feverish and incoherent for the past two days. His wife suggested, "Why don't you take a few more days off? Let the intern cover for you."She made the suggestion lightly, knowing how often he did the same for others. In his feverish state, Charles nodded instinctively. However, he thought of something the moment he lay down. "Did you go and visit Draco?"His wife looked at him, perplexed. "Draco? Didn't you say he was stingy and useless, someone who couldn't read the room? You even told me to stay away from him."Charles seemed slightly guilty. "I mean, he went through a serious accident. You share the same hometown as his wife, so it would be natural to visit him."His wife's confusion only grew. "
When Charles heard Molly's words, he tensed up. Before he could speak, a snake slithered into the living room.Molly went pale and almost fainted, while her mother's face lost all colors. With no other choice, Charles clasped his hands together and prayed to the snake. "Don't worry. I'll definitely fulfill my promise from the dream. I'll go and apologize to Draco later. My daughter is still young. Please don't get mad at her. I'll make sure she learns her lesson."Molly thought her father had gone insane, unaware that other families were also finding snakes appearing in their homes.These snakes were offerings from the Pahana, enabling him to locate souls through their resentment.…Meanwhile, in an old apartment building, no one dared to approach Draco's house. His neighbors avoided it, pitying his family but fearing their bad luck might be contagious.An old lady knocked on Draco's door. "Libbie, please eat something. I made extra roasted ribs today. Have some. Don't take what
Aria said meaningfully, "It's nothing much, but I found a witness."Witness? Landon looked at Sabrina.Without hesitation, Aria pulled Sabrina along, handing a child over to Martha. "Ma'am, please come with us. We need to confirm some things with your daughter-in-law."The "we" included both Draco and Libbie.When Sabrina realized she was being dragged into Draco's house, her face turned pale. "I don't want to go to their house! Stop!"Libbie had kept the door slightly ajar; she wasn't expecting anyone to enter their house. Just as she was about to shut it, someone grabbed her wrist.It was Draco, who had been bedridden with a fever for days. Libbie's eyes widened as tears streamed down her face. "You're finally awake! They are—"Aria met Draco's gaze through the small gap, still holding onto Sabrina. "I'm here to fulfill my promise, Mr. Pollard." Draco was taken aback, wondering if he was still dreaming. He hesitated to rise, unsure of how he would explain himself to the Carv
Sabrina snorted. "Just drop the act. What's with the slow walking? Why are you carrying all that stuff and pretending to be so weak? You're just like that daughter of yours!" "I'm not pretending!" Libbie's eyes flashed with anger. "And don't you dare insult my daughter! Everyone knows your husband is the problem. I've told you how he always ogles women in their dresses during summer!" Sabrina knew exactly what kind of man she had married, but there was no way she would admit to her poor choice. To her, it was always other women's fault. They were the ones being immodest and trying to seduce her husband. Why couldn't they just wear pants like decent people? Sabrina scoffed. "Whatever, I'm done with your excuses. You're married to a military man, so I know to watch my step. If Martha wasn't bringing you stuff, I wouldn't even bother talking to you." As Sabrina turned to leave with her child, Aria sent a silver needle whizzing through the air. Aria said calmly, "We usually bring
Martha panicked. She clutched her grandson as she pleaded, "Libbie, please say something. You know how Sabrina is—she's just tactless, not malicious. After all I've done for you, couldn't we just—" Draco spoke up, "No. Madam Berkin, no one can forgive these actions on Shirley's behalf. Not even me." Draco's fists were clenched tight. "You talk about being good to us, and you know exactly what kind of person my wife is. Yet you turned a blind eye to your son's behavior. Don't pretend you weren't part of spreading those rumors around the neighborhood." Initially, Martha had believed Libbie was the one flirting with her son. But after witnessing something herself, she realized her son was the real problem. She had tried being nice to the Pollards to keep things from escalating. She worried about her son's reputation and career if Libbie ever spoke up about what happened. That day, she had let her judgment slip when she mentioned to others how those from out of town loved dressin
Aria showed no mercy. Some people would never change. They would apologize not because they were sorry, but because they were scared. They were scared of losing face or all the privileges they had. The son was the real monster here, yet they had let his victim suffer the consequences of their gossip. They did that all to protect his precious career and reputation, huh? Well then, she would make sure everyone knew exactly what kind of trash the son and his family were. The police came to arrest them right in the neighborhood while another team raided his workplace. It caused quite a scene at the school where he worked. Pablo Clarkson was in the middle of self-righteously criticizing "today's unmotivated youth" when the police pinned him to his desk. He was arrested for sexual harassment. At first, his colleagues could not believe it. How could this well-mannered man in glasses be guilty of such a thing? His colleagues tried to stop the police. "Officers, this has to be a mista
"Yes, I heard." Aria met his gaze steadily. Draco smiled, but it looked more like he was crying. "Shirley was stronger than anyone. When she was little, she told me she wanted to be a soldier like me. "In elementary school, she'd always stand up for classmates who were being bullied. But these people dare say she was weak! That a few words drove her to suicide!" Draco's fists clenched. "I didn't even know what was happening. My daughter was gone before I could do anything. Don't I have the right to avenge her? These people, I..." In his youth, he had poured all his energy into protecting the border. He had wanted to keep drugs out, knowing they destroyed families. He had taken pride in protecting people. After retiring, the government treated him well by offering him another job. He was grateful and happy to have a simple family life. But he soon learned how hard things were without connections. New management meant constant overtime. Without connections or knowing how to p
Indeed, Lettie hesitated. She looked at her daughter instinctively. After all, blood ties could not be easily broken. Paxton seized this moment to step forward and hug her. "Lettie, I knew you couldn't give up on our family. I've really learned my lesson. We'll move out and keep Mom from interfering. Please?" His movements were too quick for Lettie to react. Aria sat there with a smirk, her gaze drifting to the window. It was a great photo spot indeed. It would be a perfect picture of an adorable daughter, a caring husband, and a forgiving wife. This would become a narrative of quick reconciliation that would betray the public's support. Aria had even thought of headlines for Celestia's post. Too bad she hadn't come inside. If she had, seeing Aria's face might have shaken her confidence. Lettie didn't let Paxton's embrace last. Once she recovered, she shoved him away. Then, came the slap. "You're absolutely shameless!" Lettie could not believe his act, even now. Glancing a
As Amara stood there trembling, it drew stares from onlookers. She could not believe her son would speak to her this way. It was Paxton who had begged her to help, saying Celestia wanted to meet Daisy. He even asked her to arrange it so the girl would accept them when the divorce happened. That way, Don would not interfere too much. As a mother, how could she ignore her son's troubles? He had gone on about Celestia's background—how cultured she was and how her parents were prestigious lawyers in Ludwiten. Amara had been impressed. A simple housewife like Lettie could not possibly compare to a Ludwiten socialite. Through Amara's investigation, she found out that the Norwoods were renowned in legal circles. Daisy's grandfather was even a senior judge. That was the kind of woman worthy of her son. She had done everything to help him seize this opportunity, but how had she become the villain? Amara clenched her fists. She understood what Paxton meant now. He was making her the sc
"Now more people would hate mothers-in-laws like us." "My daughter says this isn't over. Just wait; she'll get what's coming to her." Amara had planned to go to the supermarket but ended up hiding at home, afraid to go downstairs. Don was still at the university studying his latest archaeological finds, unaware of everything. She trembled thinking about what he would do to her when he found out. Panicking, she grabbed her coat and followed them. "Paxton, let me come with you. I'll make sure you don't get taken advantage of." "Mom!" Paxton's tone became impatient. "Look how many people are outside waiting to mock us! If you come, our whole family will end up all over social media. I could take Daisy to the café unnoticed, but not you. People can't stand the sight of you right now." Amara gritted her teeth. "They can't stand me? These people have nothing better to do than meddle in our family affairs! What's wrong with our family not wanting Lettie anymore?" "Mom! How can you
Celestia still had no idea what awaited her. She had been a bully since middle school, and her family would always clean up her messes. To her, Lettie was just some washed-up housewife who couldn't possibly understand how to harness social media's power, unlike herself, since this was her bread and butter. She knew the online community craved plot twists upon plot twists. Before leaving the car, Celestia gripped her phone, nervous about all her hidden misdeeds. But if she could destroy Lettie's image, she could profit from this viral outrage. Paxton picked up Daisy, who couldn't stop crying. "Dad, is Mom really divorcing you? Everyone online is attacking me. They're saying I'm a terrible daughter and not worth keeping. Even my classmates are laughing at me. Dad, please make up with Mom!" Paxton massaged his throbbing temples. "Daisy, that's why I'm here to pick you up. You have to make up with your mother. To stop the online hate, you need to act in a way that makes your mother
Then, Celestia could immediately post a video claiming she never knew he was married when they met. That would be the best way to shift the narrative. Paxton thought about it and said, "Fine, I'll go sweet-talk her." They needed to reconcile, or the book "Voices" would no longer be his. He could lose his job, but not that book.Nobody in Farshya knew how much money it was making overseas. It had earned 50 million in annual royalties, and film studios were already showing interest. He would never give up this book! Paxton lowered his gaze. "I'll bring Daisy along. Lettie can't stand seeing our daughter suffer, so she'll back down for her sake." But this time, Paxton's calculations would surely prove wrong. Celestia stood up. "I'm coming too. I'll wait outside." She could not stay here anyway. Paxton frowned. "Don't let her see you." "I'm not stupid. I'll take photos of you two making up and post them online. That will make it credible." Celestia knew her game. "Remember, d
In that moment, Paxton felt real fear. His throat became too tight to speak. Kaiden's voice hardened, "I don't care how you do it, but contain this matter. Your personal drama is causing too much negative publicity. You can forget about that promotion. As for Mr. Hendricks Senior, you can explain this to him yourself." Kaiden did not want to get involved, but Don was once his mentor, guiding him when he needed it most. It was through family connection that Paxton's career had advanced so smoothly. His mind was in chaos now. The higher he climbed, the harder he would fall. "I'll explain everything. Don't worry! I'll apologize to my wife right away!" Hearing this, Celestia exploded. "Apologize? What about me?" Her shout drew stares across the hotel lobby. Terrified of attracting more attention, Paxton covered her mouth. "Please, keep your voice down!" Kaiden heard the commotion too. "Who's with you? Where are you now?" "I..." Paxton tried to lie. But Kaiden did not want t
Celestia's face turned white with panic. Terrified that her photos would be screenshotted, her fingers moved faster than ever, but she couldn't keep up. She posted nearly three times a day, and now, the floodgates had opened."What do I do? What can I do?" Celestia was so anxious that she pulled at her hair. "Private account! I'll set it to private right now!" But it was too late. People were already taking screenshots and screen recordings, and within a minute, comments flooded Paxton's page. "I knew I recognized this homewrecker—I've seen her content!" "You've seen her content? What do you mean?" "She's a fashion influencer! She does street style and promotes clothes, bags, and beauty products! Her handle is @CelestiaNorwood." "No way! Didn't she just preach about women's independence and not relying on men? How the tables have turned!" "Wow! Her private account shows quite a different life!" "This can't be true. No influencer would date such an old guy." "Honey, tha
Lettie had always put Paxton's needs above her own, easily melting at his sweet words. But now, she dared to play him for a fool!In a fit of rage, Paxton slammed his phone, cracking the screen. He paced back and forth, his agitation palpable. "After all these years of supporting her, she's forgotten who she really is! If it weren't for me, she'd still be stuck working at her parents' grocery store. How else would she have become a rich man's wife?"Now she's even trying to trap me with her words. Hah! If she won't accept my kindness, fine! I'll divorce her right now!"Paxton angrily grabbed his things. Celestia beamed at his words. "Why waste time arguing with someone like her? She's just after the book royalties now that they're rolling in. That speech was probably the best she could come up with after racking her brain. The judge won't base a ruling on just one statement."Don't let this affect your health—you need to quit smoking and stay calm. Remember, we're planning for a
"Everything proved that I was just deluding myself. All these years without a career, I've been treated as less than everyone else. "On the surface, I should accept my fate. After all, only those who create economic value have a voice. Everyone around me says I married well and that I should be grateful for my life."I don't understand what's so good about it. I've tried to convince myself to compromise. Yes, I don't have a job, I'm ageing, and I've lost touch with society. These days, HR departments have an unspoken rule—34 years old is the cutoff age. "So where can I go? What kind of work can I do? Must I stay this way and keep being treated as inferior? Does being a stay-at-home mom really create no value? "Even hiring a live-in nanny in the city costs at least 15 thousand dollars a month. Stay-at-home moms don't just do a nanny's job. We're teachers, social coordinators and managers of everything inside and out. "Yet, we can't say a word, because if we do, it sounds like w