Just as Draco was about to explode with anger, Aria gestured for him to stay calm. She then moved Charles' hand aside. Charles felt his stomach drop. He still remembered how this master had appeared in his dream. Aria bent down with a curious look. "Could you tell me why you call Shirley poor?" Seeing this pretty woman who wore designer shoes, Molly let her guard down. "It's obvious. Everyone at school knows they're from out of town with no money or connections. What else would you call that? "Our school isn't for just anybody. I don't even know how someone of her status could get in. Of course she did not fit in." Molly spoke casually while flexing her numb arm. Aria smiled. "So you're saying anyone who doesn't fit in is poor?" "Obviously." Molly nodded. "We have very clear divisions. Everyone knows who's who. Some people know their place, but Shirley had zero social intelligence!" Middle schoolers today really spoke with more confidence than adults. Aria noticed the poo
Molly's words shocked Draco. "What do you mean she offended someone she shouldn't mess with? Aren't there teachers watching you at school?" "Sir, are you really this naïve or just playing dumb?" Molly muttered under her breath, "So what if we're at school? Nobody really cares." Draco's head snapped up. He had been to the school countless times. After what happened to his daughter, he went there almost daily. The teachers told him that since it happened during class hours, they immediately called both the police and ambulance. A few students had broken down crying as they had no idea why Shirley jumped. They cordoned off the scene and even canceled classes for a day. The teachers looked devastated too. They mentioned how they had even arranged a scholarship for Shirley. Draco pounded his head. "I asked if anyone was bullying Shirley. They said no!" "Draco." Libbie cried, hugging him. "Please don't." "She lied to me!" Draco gritted his teeth. "She was lying! Someone was bully
"Wait." As Aria turned to leave, Libbie pressed a bank card into her hand. "I'm not sure what you do exactly. Everyone calls you Ms. Carver, and you seem like a lawyer. Everything about my daughter's case needs money. "The school tried to give us money as compensation, but I never touched it." Tears rolled down Libbie's face. "I couldn't just accept that Shirley was gone. They kept coming to me, thinking I'd be the easier parent to deal with. But neither of us signed anything. "There isn't much in this account, but please take it. My daughter can't just die without anyone knowing why. I need to know what happened to her in those final days. They claimed she had depression, and said she'd been seeing the school counselor. "But I knew my daughter. She was our little ray of sunshine. Even if something was bothering her, she wouldn't just vanish like this. Right before she left for school that last time, she was talking about the birthday cake I promised to make her the following w
Molly's face suddenly drained of color. She forced a smile while trying to cover her panic with a weak excuse. "That's just a classmate. It was my birthday party, so I invited everyone." "Strange that it's your birthday, yet she's in the center spot." Aria gave a meaningful smile. "Interesting, isn't it?" Molly looked anxious. "That's... That's just how we take photos." "Molly, I'm giving you one chance. Point out who's responsible." Aria's voice was eerily calm. "Do that, and I'll let you off. Otherwise, remember what I said. I can destroy your family's life and send you to juvenile detention easily." Molly bit her lip. She was clearly struggling to make a decision. Aria did not urge her either. "This game should be familiar to you. Just like how you guys choose the scapegoat each week, it's all about reading the room and being smart about it, right?" At the mention of the scapegoats, Molly cracked like a whip. She instantly said, "It's Tiffany Karken! Her family invested in
Molly froze. She stared blankly at Aria's retreating figure. Charles pulled at his daughter's arm. "Why didn't you tell me about what was happening at school?" "We can't afford to offend the Karkens. What's the point of talking about it?" Molly bit her lip. She hesitated, then suddenly ran downstairs after Aria, who was putting on her helmet. "I'm sorry! I'll apologize to Shirley's parents! I defended her online with a burner account because I was too scared to use my main. You saw my Instagram posts, right? "When people said she had an abortion, I stood up for her! I even tried to investigate what happened to her, but my burner account got attacked." Aria held her helmet, glancing sideways. "Got it." "You can't take on the Karkens." Molly struggled to explain. "They have powerful connections!" A slight smile crossed Aria's lips. "What a coincidence. So do I." "I hate poor people, and you've probably figured that out. I didn't particularly like Shirley, but her mom's cr
The motorcycle's engine roared to life. Standing there, Molly was lost in thought. Meanwhile, the apologizers had dispersed from Draco's home. No one in the building dared whisper about Libbie's character anymore. The truth had finally come to light, but it came too late. Draco lay bound to the bed by the invisible threads of the Emperor Coins. Those threads were invisible to Libbie's eyes. But as his wife, she had noticed the changes in him lately. It was more than just the fever. He used to be so cheerful. No matter how much overtime he worked or how much office politics he endured, his eyes would light up when he got home. He would always protect her and Shirley in public. He believed that as long as they were happy together, they could endure any hardship. After Shirley died, his eyes went hollow. He kept insisting something was wrong. He tried to investigate, only to face troubles and get thrown out. Looking at her husband crying even in his sleep, Libbie noticed his sho
Ian could not believe it. Landon had actually returned! And that made Ian the most vulnerable target. He had planned to clean up all loose ends, but now the Yorks were investigating everyone he had dined with. Landon moved too damn fast. He had not shown his face yet, but he had managed to throw the entire business world into panic. Everyone was watching their backs, wondering if they would be the next target. "Grandpa, someone's calling you." His favorite grandson's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. Ian grabbed the boy's arm. "You went to that address the master gave, right? Are you absolutely sure it was empty?" "It was just a damp cave. Nobody could survive in there. I checked everywhere inside and there was nothing." Ian lost his composure. Standing up, he lowered his voice. "Tell our people to cut all contact. If the Yorks come asking, just say we only heard rumors about Mr. York's disappearance." "Got it." Once his grandson left, Ian called William into his stu
"For years, I've only heard your messages. I don't even know what the master looks like. It's either you don't trust me, or the master's identity needs to stay hidden." Ian spoke slowly, "Either way, now that things have gone sideways, I need to meet him face to face!" "I'll relay your request to the master," William said. "Once things cool down, a meeting shouldn't be a problem." Ian dropped his thoughts of destroying everything, including William. "Make sure your cleanup is thorough. Don't let the Yorks trace this back to me." "Of course, sir." William bowed. But his face twisted into a sneer the moment he turned away. This fool was getting too big for his boots. Just because he called him "Mr. Carver", Ian really thought he was somebody. Without their help, Ian would still be the Carver family's servant. He was just an adopted son, after all. They had only invested in him because the Carver name made their work easier. If he became useless, they would have no problem disca
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
Now that Miguel, who was an expert in covering up, was gone, the long-standing issues in the school were exposed.The group stood frozen as they watched a cafeteria worker pour something into a large pot. A closer look revealed it was leftover mushroom soup. But that wasn't the worst of it. The soup reeked, clearly spoiled, yet it was still being reheated for the students.Things only got worse when they entered the kitchen. Hygiene standards were appalling. Not a single chef wore a mask, and some were even smoking while cooking.Amos' expression darkened immediately, even before Lucas could react.One of the chefs noticed them and slammed his ladle onto the counter. "What are you doing in here? Outsiders aren't allowed in the school—don't you know that?"Unlike other schools, Oakvale Academy had somehow always slipped through the cracks during routine inspections. When required to present something, they staged it well enough to fool a camera.So, the staff never expected a surp
Aria understood that this was all the person could offer. The real mastermind would never reveal himself so easily—not even to his most trusted subordinates.Those in power never needed to explain themselves. Those who understood them would earn their favor; those who didn't were destined to remain at the bottom.Her thoughts raced. She needed hard evidence to capture whoever was behind Amos. Baseless accusations would only alert the enemy and push them deeper into hiding.Allowing herself to be arrested had been part of Aria's plan. She needed the mastermind to lower his guard. After all, she had been too visible in Ludwiten lately. With eyes constantly watching her, she couldn't make any real moves. But she couldn't let the incident at Oakvale Academy go unresolved. Her instincts told her it was the key to everything.Before Philip found his family, she had to act—and that meant changing her identity to save Even.Just then, the person's phone buzzed. He turned the screen towa
"Boss!" Weston rushed over the moment he finished dealing with the other officers. Aria arched an eyebrow, flexing her wrists. "He's the mole?""Yes." Weston nodded. The Securities Regulatory Bureau, dispatched by the Securities Regulatory Commission, was tasked with auditing listed companies—particularly sniffing out insider trading and market manipulation.While not everyone in the bureau could be corrupt, it was common for a few to be compromised.The officer who had been interrogating Aria was of a minor rank, but the one Weston had just exposed held real power.Aria looked over at the trembling man. His legs had given out, sending him to the floor. His phone lay discarded beside him as he shook uncontrollably.They had met before—at a Chamber of Commerce meeting. To him, Aria had just been a clever heiress with some market luck, thanks to Landon's influence. No one would have expected her to single-handedly bring down the Draycott family.No one would logically believe