Fergus sighed deeply. "Enough about her. Let's discuss our matter." He was playing his part perfectly for Aria's plan by doing things he would normally avoid. "Granduncle Ian, Grandpa has always disapproved of Poeta. Only you can persuade his stubborn mind." After some thinking, Fergus still decided not to hold Poeta's hand when he told Ian, "I want to marry Poeta." Poeta's heart raced with excitement. She could barely conceal the greedy gleam in her eyes! "Ferg, you finally—" Catching Ian's warning glance, Poeta quickly changed course, "Bringing up marriage now will only strain things with your grandpa. I can wait, so don't fight with him because of me." Fergus gazed at her deeply. "It's not for you. It's for myself." He left those words hanging. He had to thank Aria for letting him witness everything firsthand. Ian had always protected them from Warren whenever Warren was being strict, even saving Fergus from drowning once. This planted a good impression of Ian in Fergu
Ian set down his teacup as if making a grave decision. "I'll talk to Warren. But stay calm and don't argue with him. Mind his health—he's had difficult years. "Aria has only just returned, so there's much to handle inside and out." Ian added casually, "Some shareholders think she's too young to manage things. As you know, they are all seasoned businessmen. Will they really accept Aria? I doubt it." Ian sighed. "Warren must worry about this too. I need to ask him why he'd give such a huge enterprise to Aria instead of you." Ian patted Fergus's shoulder. "I know your struggles overseas. You're best suited for business in the Carver family. Regardless of whether you want to lead Carver Group, Aria would be overwhelmed by having control over so many employees. She's still just a child." He sounded concerned with the bigger picture, but he actually aimed to stir conflict between the siblings, just as he had done with Owen before. But he overlooked one thing—Fergus was not the same a
Anywhere with water needed energy-gathering features such as water wheels, rock gardens, or circulation systems. Aria inspected the pond where three fish swam beneath an ornate fountain. It all seemed normal enough. But she realized something was off as she looked higher. The water's path carried strange protective energy. She glanced beyond the wall. Bracing her leg against a tree trunk, she threw her chain over the top. The chain had a function of disrupting the electricity. With professional agility, she perched on the wall and looked down at Simon. "Follow me." Follow? The supposedly mighty beast of fortune was not exactly graceful at wall-climbing. When Simon finally landed, the sight stunned him. What a vicious formation. Not only was it blocking the entire district's fortune, but it was channeling negative energy toward another location. This meant someone else was bearing the consequences of Ian's evil deeds—Warren. Aria's eyes darkened as she looked in that directi
"Why are there two more over there?" A voice could faintly be heard amidst the sound of gunfire."Stay hidden, you guys. I'll go over to take a look!" When Aria turned around, she saw a male soldier with his face covered in ashes. He quickly dragged her and Simon away."Come with me! The enemy might ambush us anytime. Follow me to stay hidden."The soldier pulled them away forcefully. He was afraid the two children might not make it out alive if he didn't.Aria didn't resist, even picking up a sniper when he was dragging her along. It was clear a battle had just ended there. There were sounds of gunfire not far away, signaling there might be a second wave of attack soon. Aria needed to find the conjurer or the object forming the Earthbound Manifestation in a short amount of time. The soil around the battlefield was crumbling as the fighter jets roared above them. Just as it was about to fall on their heads, the male soldier pushed them away at the right time. Aria’s e
However, Xander had a gun now, and it was the most advanced one.Xander said excitedly, "This is the enemy's sniper rifle. It has excellent accuracy and is said to be equipped with night-time silencing and infrared vision.Suddenly, Xander became a bit depressed. "I don't really understand the specifics, but this is the gun that injured Mr. Gagnier. Thankfully, he dodged in time. He only hurt his arm. Miss, where did you get this gun from?""I picked it up just now, thinking you guys might need it." Aria was from the Special Missions Unit and carried out missions at the border. Thus, she knew guns from the back of her hand. Naturally, her photographic memory was to thank as well. Upon hearing that, Xander asked again, "Are you really giving it to me?"Aria looked into his eyes and smiled. "Based on the calluses on your hands, you've trained a lot. A good sniper is important to have in a team. However, not everyone can become one."While your outgoing personality may not suit the
The female student glared at him. "What are you saying? Evander, it's fine if you've forgotten. Stop running your mouth."Evander Fenwick also realized how insensible his words were. "Of course, we won! Plus, we had a perfect victory!""Yes! The Krowonians even admitted defeated by themselves. I remember this well," the female student chimed in.Upon hearing that, the female soldier's eyes lit up. She immediately asked, "Will the Krowonians really admit defeat? It's currently 1940. Will they surrender this year?""I think so." They realized how little knowledge they knew when they really needed it. They seriously couldn't remember.The female student wearing a Krowonian traditional outfit, Astrid Storme, remembered a little. "I'm pretty sure it's not this year. Let me recall back."The hope in the female soldier's eyes dimmed. Xander couldn't stand it and stepped in. He questioned harshly, "How could you not remember? It's such an important incident for us. I…I…" His eyes reddene
His companions begged, "Miss, please let him go. He just has a foul mouth. He doesn't mean anything bad."Aria raised her eyebrows. "Oh? The words one says without thinking are the truest reflection of one's inner thoughts. I don't care if he means harm or not. If he continues taking bullshit before you guys return, I'll make him stay here forever."It was at that moment the students realized Aria's attire clearly meant she wasn't from this era."Look at her shoes! It's a limited edition!" Astrid exclaimed.Even at this moment, the only thing she cared about was whether Aria's shoes were limited edition.Aria always thought people have different values in life. Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many twisted criminals or people proud to be homewreckers in this world.However, Aria hated these people the most. She glanced over at the female student. "The Krowonians would love someone with your make-up and attire. Why don't I send you over to buy us some time?"Astrid turned pale. "W
Paggie could barely conceal the excitement on her face. "Miss, is everything you said true?" she couldn't help but confirm.Aria nodded. "That's right. They came here first. I'm sure they had already filled you in about future events."Paggie smiled. "That's right. They told us Farshya would have airplanes and cannons that are more advanced than those outside our country in the future."When our unit saw these students, we were quite stunned. We couldn't understand some of the things they said, like mouse, laptops, and the internet. They said they got here while surfing the internet, and honestly, I don't know what they're talking about."Their clothes do seem quite fashionable. I thought they returned from overseas when I first saw them. When they said they came from the future, we all thought they weren't in their right minds from the bomb blastings."I already talked with them before you came here. I still think it's quite unbelievable they're from the future."Paggie handed a
After returning to the hotel, the first thing Aria did was tell her mother about what had happened at the Grisham residence today.When Fiona heard this, she couldn’t even sit still. "How could your grandfather’s health suddenly deteriorate like this? Was it a medication error? Or something else?"Aria could tell her mother was anxious. She comforted her, saying, "Mom, don't worry. Grandpa will be fine. The medicine is already on its way. I want to talk to you about the misunderstanding between you and him from before."Also, after you recovered, you clearly wanted to return to the Grisham family several times, but it seems like neither Grandpa nor my uncles knew anything about it. This isn't just the Draycott family's doing. There must be others meddling behind the scenes, too."Lowering her gaze, she continued, "Come with me tomorrow afternoon to the Chamber of Commerce. We'll enter separately. You can use the invitation, and I'll find another way to get in."Fiona, who had alre
Waymond immediately asked, "What about that doctor who came today by mistake? Can she really cure your illness?"He worried that his father might be putting on a show just to get rid of Cecil."Of course she can." Clyde smiled. "She did impersonate Dr. Woody's assistant, though I'm not sure why she felt the need to do so. But that child must have her reasons."Eamon sensed something unusual. "Dad, you seem to trust this doctor a little too much. Earlier, you wanted to say something but didn't want to in front of others. What is it?""That's right. What I wanted to say is that I've known this young lady for a very long time."Waymond was puzzled. "You've known her for a long time?""Didn't I tell you before? Back when the infectious disease outbreak happened, I went to donate supplies. There was a little girl who gave me a few pills. It was because of those pills that I didn't get affected."Clyde chuckled. "If you think about it, she's already saved my life once before."Eamon
"The entire team of doctors at our hospital diagnosed Clyde's condition. It's not something that can be cured so easily. Even if it's traditional medicine and acupuncture, the practitioner should at least have a recognized reputation. Mr. Grisham Senior, may I ask, did this person say who they were?""No," Clyde replied, fixing his gaze on Cecil with a sharp look that carried the imposing air of someone in authority. "However, from this conversation, I've come to realize something."Your Saint Mary's Hospital is living up to its name a little too well. Hospitals are meant to save lives, yet from the way you're talking, it seems like you'd prefer I didn't recover."Cecil's face turned pale as he scrambled to explain, "Clyde, that's not what I meant. It's just that the CT scans show…""CT scans? All you do now is rely on machines to decide whether a patient lives or dies. I remember the hospital's original mission statement. 'We do not determine life or death. We strive to save every
Eamon found it strange. His father's attitude was unusually calm, as if there was something else he wanted to say. Regardless of the situation, it was best to let Cecil do a follow-up examination first.However, half an hour later, Cecil's expression visibly turned strange. He double-checked with his stethoscope, listening again.The noise in the lungs had noticeably decreased, and Clyde's breathing wasn't as labored. On top of that, the infection seemed to have subsided.What was going on?Eamon noticed Cecil's expression and assumed the worst. "Dr. Woody? Has my father's condition worsened?""Worsened?" Before Cecil could respond, Clyde, relaxed as ever, chimed in, "It should be the opposite. My symptoms have improved, isn't that right, Dr. Woody?"Cecil instinctively nodded but then realized both of the Grisham brothers were staring at him.Opening his mouth, he couldn't bring himself to lie and instead opted for a safer response. "Mr. Grisham Senior's condition is indeed bet
Waymond paused for a moment, his eyes blank with confusion. If it weren't for the fact that the sky wasn't fully dark yet, he might have thought he was dreaming.What was going on here?Clyde was meditating but stopped when he heard hurried footsteps outside the door. Looking up and seeing his son, he wiped the sweat from his brow and asked, "What's got you in such a rush?"By this time, Eamon had also arrived. He didn't understand why his younger brother was in such a panic and turned his gaze to the side to observe.Waymond, having calmed his breathing, didn't immediately bring up the matter of the doctor. Instead, he asked, "Dad, wasn't your body weak, with no strength in your limbs? How are you suddenly able to meditate now?""I've recovered, of course," Clyde said cheerfully, clearly in a good mood. "I'm feeling pretty strong today."Waymond frowned. "Recovered? Dad, let me tell you something. The doctor who treated you just now wasn't Dr. Woody's assistant. She deliberately
"And what about my job?" Wendy immediately declared, "I can head to the Draycott residence right now!"Priscilla frowned, wishing she could hold the phone farther away from herself. What was wrong with this woman?She wasn't even with the Grisham family anymore. What use could she possibly have? She was as dumb as a rock."Oh, I'm not at the Draycott residence right now. How about this? You go back and rest for now. There will be work for you in a little while."Priscilla finished her sentence and hung up directly, not even bothering to feign politeness. She wouldn't have said even this much if she weren't worried about the maid running her mouth outside.However, Wendy acted as if she had gained some huge advantage, a smug expression plastered all over her face. "Just you wait. Let's see when the Grisham family finally bites the dust!"As she made these declarations, little did she know someone nearby was recording everything on their phone.The person taking the video was none
Aria's smile held a touch of mischief. "Your concern is unnecessary—my practice has always been reliable. See you the day after tomorrow." Robert was speechless; Aria had managed to offend all the right people in one visit. His face darkened considerably. After all, Wendy had been his recommendation. Now, with Wendy gone, he had lost a collaborator. As Aria predicted, Wendy wouldn't quietly accept her dismissal. Wendy had taken her grievance to Waymond. "Mr. Grisham, I don't understand what kind of doctor she is. She started using needles on Mr. Grisham Senior. And when I simply asked about responsibility, she told me to get out. "Then Mr. Grisham Senior dismissed me. I just..." Wendy lowered her head, crying with apparent distress. "All these years serving the Grishams, I never complained about the work. I was always there when he needed care at night. "Mr. Grisham, I just wanted to wait for your approval before trying new treatments. How could Mr. Grisham Senior be so fooli
But never mind. There would be other chances of meeting Aria. Clyde felt much lighter after seeing his old friend. Perhaps it helped to have someone talk through his troubles, or maybe the acupuncture worked. He just felt better than he had in ages. "Since that's settled, I won't keep you. But how should I handle your fee?" Clyde hadn't missed her attitude, suspecting she had tension with Cecil. He assumed she was new to Ludwiten and facing workplace bullying at the hospital, so he wanted to support her. Aria paused at the mention of payment. Noticing her reaction, Clyde smiled and said, "Whatever it is, you can tell me freely. The Grishams have connections at the hospital. I know the director quite well." The hint couldn't be clearer. Aria finally understood, caught between amusement and awkwardness. Sam had been keeping his distance by following orders to protect Clyde from his energy. Seeing Aria's conflict, he bounded over and pulled out a new phone, showing Clyde his b
Wendy stood frozen, never imagining she would lose her position over something so trivial. Her years of "experience" had led her to believe she deserved higher status in this household. To her, this young doctor was merely an assistant who knew nothing and was covering until Cecil arrived. How could Clyde fire her over this doctor? Wendy could not accept it. As security escorted her out, she kept shouting and glaring at Aria with venomous eyes. Aria paid no attention. She carefully sterilized her needles before inserting them into Clyde's acupuncture points. "These points help relieve coughing. Have Robert prepare sweet snow pears for you twice daily. It'll significantly help soothe your throat and suppress coughs." Aria gave instructions while working, and the needles took effect quickly. Though they would not cure him immediately, Clyde felt unprecedented relief, as if a weight had lifted from his shoulders—a comforting warmth spread through his abdomen. Beyond acupunct