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
"As a top international school, our students are very united. Some just face more academic pressure than others." Jenny changed her tone as she was trying to avoid conflict. "Kids nowadays overthink everything. When parents aren't attentive to their mental health, there's only so much the school can do. "Shirley's death devastates me too, but we should examine why this happened. Maybe her parents put too much pressure on her." Jenny pointed to the surveillance camera outside. "Two weeks before she jumped, she had a fight with her mother. As teachers, we can't say much about this. Sometimes parents are too harsh and may embarrass their children in public. Kids can break under that pressure." Her words were clearly manipulative. Aria tapped her phone screen and smirked. "So you played a part in this too then." "What part?" Jenny protested. "I'm just analyzing—" Aria cut her off, flashing a police badge. "Save the analysis. Given your leading testimony, we'll take you in directl
Just as Tiffany was about to laugh, the door flew open with a bang. Jenny's anxious voice called out, "The principal isn't here right now. Any questions will have to wait until she returns— "Ms. Wagar, why are you making such a fuss?" Tiffany stood up irritably. Looking up, she saw someone else besides Jenny at the door. Seeing it was a young woman, she did not bother hiding her arrogance. "Are you looking for my mom? She's not here. People these days have no manners when asking for favors." Tiffany examined her nails with disdain. She assumed this was just another person seeking her mother's influence. Aria studied the middle schooler before her. There was not a clean spot on her soul. She reeked of corruption and darkness that oozed from within. This kind of person was rare. Though the sacrifice did not know it, Pahana had the ability to amplify one's true nature. Someone as fundamentally evil as Tiffany was worse than the undead spirits in some ways. "I'm not here for
"Got it, boss. And so did Ms. Wharton behind me." The call had been connected the whole time. At the other end was Julia Wharton, the principal of Summers International School whom Aria had already arranged to be brought into a police car. She had been called in for questioning unexpectedly. But instead of an interrogation, they had simply placed a phone on speaker. At first, Julia did not understand what they were doing and stayed silent. She knew how to deal with such situations, so she waited for her lawyer as usual. But when she heard them mention her daughter's name, she started to panic. She tried to leave, but they locked the car doors. "A reminder, Ms. Wharton—our Highest Operations Unit answers to no local authority. Your connections mean nothing to us. If you hurt yourself struggling, that's on you." Julia regretted not getting out earlier. "This is entrapment!" Julia screamed toward the phone. "Tiffany, don't talk to her! Tiffany!" She screamed herself hoarse,
Hearing that, Tiffany felt her whole body go cold. "You have no right to take my phone, you—" Tiffany's protest was cut short as Aria pulled out her badge. "Undercover operation. I have every right to do so." That was when Tiffany realized she had been played. The officer was so young and carried herself more like someone from the streets than law enforcement. It was why Tiffany had not been on guard. Aria had provoked her on purpose to show her true colors. Knowing she was in trouble, Tiffany mimicked what she had seen in movies. "I need to contact my parents. I want our family lawyer present." "Go ahead." Aria was unfazed. "But first, you are a primary instigator of school bullying who systematically harassed and tormented Shirley Pollard. As a result, she suffered severe psychological trauma and took her own life. I have the legal authority to question you." When Shirley's name came up, Tiffany felt a moment of fear. But she quickly regained her composure. Everyone at scho