Landon, who had almost recovered, could see souls that ordinary people couldn't. This included the souls that were trapped.Landon, standing by the door in a sharp suit, seemed out of place. He carried a calm and scholarly air, unaffected by anything. This was the scene Aria saw when she got out of the room. She raised her eyebrows and walked over to him.Before she got closer, he turned around as if waiting for her. His eyes were striking, and his voice was low as he spoke. "Is everything settled?"At that moment, Aria thought the scene felt familiar. It was as if she had seen something similar. However, it didn't happen here; it happened at a palace in the skies. Landon stood bathed in light and wore a deep red robe. When he turned to look at her, he had a smile on his face.Aria shook her head, trying to get rid of the scene. It was easy for her to get reality and imagination jumbled up.However, Landon gently held her shaking head. He looked down at her with an arched eyeb
"There's no need for all that trouble. Those scumbags won't get off easily," said Aria. She was holding a notebook and some documents. She scanned through everyone's faces before settling in the living room. "Mr. and Mrs. Pollard, I'm here to fulfill my promise."Libbie couldn't believe what was happening. She was already in a stupor from her neighbor's discussion. However, her mind cleared up after seeing Aria. With a trembling hand outstretched, as if to confirm the reality before her, she said in a shaky voice, "Please… come in."The rest of what Aria had to share was far too sensitive to be aired publicly, and she could already sense Draco's simmering resentment from the hallway. He must have woken up.All of Draco's neighbors wanted to follow her inside. It was not because they wanted to gossip but because they truly wanted to help. Aria didn't stop them—this was a truth that needed to be revealed for the Pollard family's suffering to be understood.Spotting Draco awake, Lib
Draco sat motionlessly, entangled in strings invisible to ordinary eyes. The Emperor Coins he wore clinked softly, their sound resonating strangely. His eyes, veiled in a dark mist, betrayed no emotion. Aria watched him in silence, choosing not to interrupt his thoughts. Instead, she calmly returned Shirley's diary to him."Shirley is a very smart girl. She must have excelled in biology and chemistry." Aria chuckled before continuing, "She mentioned a game you used to play with her when she was younger. She wrote words in a certain way only you can see."When she said that, Draco suddenly looked up.Draco thought of Aria's other identity and realized something. "Ms. Carver, can you see Shirley?"The neighbors had begun to doubt Draco's sanity, attributing his behavior to a feverish delirium. But Libbie, his wife, stood by him. She knew how capable Aria was.When Libbie turned toward Aria in anticipation, the latter faced the neighbors and nodded slightly to the couple.Aria l
Aria's fingers glided over the diary. "She loves to help the weak. She wrote in her diary that girls should help other cute girls."Aria mimicked Shirley's tone in the final sentence.A crowd was listening outside the door, but they could hear nothing, only Libbie's choked sobs. Draco opened the diary and took a water bottle from the coffee table. Then, he sprinkled some water on the coarse white paper.Soon, some writings in light purple ink appeared on the paper."Dad, I saw an online interview today. Those children you saved at the border are all grown up, but they still remember you. Dad, you're amazing! They even learned how to ride a horse and archery!""To me, Dad, you've always been a hero.""With you here, Dad, I'll never be scared. Once I'm done with my finals, can you visit? I want to see the rocket launch and go horseback riding.""Dad, I encountered something and almost gave up.""In an interview, a woman said that they used to prohibit girls from studying, but a
Right after Aria did that, a bolt of lightning streaked across the sky. The people gathered outside were too absorbed in Shirley's heartfelt words to notice anything unusual. Only when a deafening clap of thunder echoed did they glance toward the window in shock.How could there be thunder if there wasn't even a hint of rain?A few murmured that the constant rumbling felt like someone was undergoing a divine trial. Unbeknownst to them, they were right. Pahana was thrashing within the coils of a dragon, desperately evading the strikes.Landon, meanwhile, was bending the rules, using his immense heavenly fortune to breach the agreement. Not a soul would dare question him for it.Because of this, the fury of the heavens was redirected entirely toward Pahana.Suddenly, Pahana recalled the cunning fortune teller.Pahana had been content in his underwater prison. It was the fortune teller who had shattered the seal, releasing him. True, confinement was stifling, but at least Chaos
Aria immediately released Landon's hand when the thunder stopped. Landon glanced at her, his gaze unreadable, as if lost in thought. Smilingly, he absentmindedly rubbed his fingertips. The rosary beads on his wrist seemed to shimmer with a mysterious luster. With his demure, restrained demeanor, the gentle flutter of his thick, dark eyelashes added an air of indifference to him.Aria was just the same as before. She was proactive when she needed him; when she didn't, she quickly discarded him. Landon reached out and grabbed Aria's hand again. Although she couldn't quite grasp his intentions, Aria was in high spirits. Once the trial concluded, the Pollard family's life would be smooth sailing. The ominous creatures lurking beneath the riverbank would no longer surface.Pahana was merely the beginning. Nurtured by the resentment of the sacrifices, the suppressed malevolent beings would only grow stronger. Aria had never seen the seal Tobias had mentioned, but she understood its
The seven soldiers stood in formation, saluting Draco. Draco blinked in disbelief. "I-It's you guys."The leader's eyes turned red. "Mr. Pollard, it's been a long time. Do you remember Dennis at the back? You carried him for 12 miles so that he could live."Dennis Nichell had a scar at the corner of his eye. He stepped forward and hugged Draco. "Mr. Pollard, it's me. I-I always thought you were doing well. You've never contacted us all these years…"His voice wavered. They had assumed Draco had cut ties, but it was only now they understood someone had deliberately isolated him from them.A soldier with rank insignia approached. "Captain Pollard, we're all aware of your situation now. Mr. Sterling has assured us that the organization will not forsake its heroes. The Daley, Meyer, and Karken families will face due consequences."Shirley's wish will be honored by Recruit Camp 071. From today, she is officially recognized as our youngest soldier."Although this wouldn't be formally
Aria was the one who proposed the school's restructuring. Prolonging immoral practices would inevitably warp the students' values. Without proper education, they would grow into a blight on society. Even if Radley, Tiffany, and Krissa were dealt with, others like them would inevitably emerge. To truly address the issue, they had to strike at the roots.Summers International School had ceased its operations. All of the higher-ups were held accountable by the police, causing a massive uproar in the education community. Suddenly, everyone feared for their jobs. Many people had long awaited such action. The internet erupted with joy when the authorities announced a thorough crackdown.The Daley family faced severe punishments for their crimes. Just as Aria predicted, those who didn't receive death sentences would wish for it. Meanwhile, Draco appeared in an interview, this time with newfound confidence. Libbie sat beside him, proudly holding a photo from their daughter's recent birth
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