When Lindsay and Elric arrived at the airport, Edgar and Howard were already there. Beside Howard stood a woman dressed with exquisite elegance and poise.Lindsay glanced at the two of them, quickly assessing their expressions and realizing this must be Howard's wife. From her face, Lindsay could also tell the woman had recently encountered trouble caused by malicious people.Seeing Lindsay, the three greeted her with a smile.Howard introduced, "This is Miss Summer, the mystic I told you about." Then he turned to Lindsay, adding, "And this is my wife, Jolie Walker."Jolie greeted Lindsay warmly, her tone filled with gratitude, "Miss Summer, it's such a pleasure to meet you!"If it hadnโt been for this young mystic, her husbandโs brother might have met with disaster. Such an incident would have left her husband filled with guilt and likely created a rift between them. After all, it had been her who got swayed by Sarina and dragged him to the auction that day. She had a good relationsh
At that moment, something happened that left everyone stunned. Jolie suddenly lunged forward, grabbing Sarina by the hair and landing several hard slaps across her face."You wretched woman! I've always treated you well, and this is how you repay me?" Jolie shouted angrily. "Convincing my husband to buy that cursed object, knowing it came from a dead person!"She continued, โWhat grudge do you have against me that you'd try to kill my husband?"Jolieโs sudden outburst took everyone by surprise, and it wasnโt until Sarina was already being slapped that people around began to react.Steven quickly moved to pull Jolie away. โJo, let's talk this out. There's no need to resort to violence!โHe knew his cousin well; despite her gentle appearance, Jolie had the fiercest temper. She had been practicing martial arts since she was youngโhe couldn't match her strength.Sarina tried to fight back but couldnโt break free from Jolie's grip, and all she could do was scream, โAh! Ah!โ"Jolie, what ar
Steven hadn't expected Howard to take such a stance."Surely this is a misunderstanding," Steven said, trying to defuse the situation. "Sarina would never try to harm you."Howard looked at Steven's bewildered expression, suspecting he truly didn't know the details. The two companies were fiercely competing lately, and the Fox family had made rapid gains, swallowing up several jewelry firms in recent years. In their social circle, Steven was often praised as a young talent, but in truth, it was Sarina pulling the strings behind the scenes. Steven was just a decorative figurehead. His ignorance wasnโt surprising.Howard sneered. "My brother nearly died, and you think I'd misunderstand?"He turned to Steven and continued, "Ask Sarina yourselfโwasnโt she the one who kept urging me to buy that problematic crystal ring? She claimed it was ancient crystal, great for health, and insisted I should wear it all the time.""My brother liked it, so I gave it to him. Who wouldโve thought it wou
After such a public confrontation, there was no way things could ever go back to how they were before. The couple would be on guard against her from now on, maybe even looking for opportunities to retaliate.Sarina calmly adjusted her hair and clothes. She looked at Jolie and said, "Whether you believe me or not, I didnโt do anything like that. If I told you I was tricked, you probably wouldnโt believe me either. So, thereโs no point in explaining further if youโre not going to listen."She gave a cold smile. "I'm innocent. I didnโt do it, but I wonโt forget how you treated me today."Jolie smirked back. "Oh, remember it all you want. Whatโs the worst you can do? Use more of your dirty tricks against us? You think weโre afraid of you?"Sarina's expression hardened. "Fine. Letโs not have anything to do with each other from now on. At the upcoming auction, itโs every company for themselves.""I originally thought Iโd help you find a few top-quality gemstones out of respect for old time
Sarina didnโt bother to say anything more to Jolie. Instead, she walked over to a nearby seat, with Steven following closely behind. He instructed his assistant to buy some ointment for the swelling and continued to murmur comforting words to Sarina.Across the room, Selena glanced at Jolie with a deep, thoughtful look. Watching Jolie hit Sarina had been strangely satisfying for her. She quietly moved to sit near Sarina, maintaining her facade as the invisible, obedient sidekick. To those unaware of the true heiress mix-up, she looked like just another assistant.Lindsay had been observing them the entire time. Jolieโs fiery temperament, just as her appearance suggested, was straightforward and bold. She was the type to settle scores right then and there, which wasnโt a bad trait. After this outburst, Jolie no longer had the air of someone who would be easily manipulated, and it was clear she wouldnโt fall for Sarinaโs tricks again.What surprised Lindsay was Sarinaโs reaction.
She had only heard that the dark curse surrounding Ryan had been broken, so she was curious about the mystic Howard had hired. She decided to come early this time to find out more, but she hadn't expected that the mystic would turn out to be Lindsay, the actress currently in the spotlight. Since Lindsay had ruined her plans, Sarina had no intention of letting it go. Once they reached the border, one or two people going missing wouldn't raise too many questions. After all, what difference would it make, even if she were a famous actress?Sitting just behind Sarina, Selena glanced at Lindsay with a mix of emotions, a conflicted expression crossing her face. However, when Lindsay's gaze met hers, she quickly masked her feelings and looked down, which only piqued Lindsay's interest further.The time passed in relative silence while they waited in the lounge. After boarding, Lindsay sat next to Elric. At one point, she stood up to use the restroom. Seeing that the one at the front w
Selena knew who Lindsay was. Ever since that livestream reality show where Lindsayโs true identity as the real Harper heiress was revealed, Selena had been following her closely. Their situations were similar in many ways.Watching Lindsay decisively sever ties with the Harper family and make those brothers of hers fall apart one by one, tarnishing their reputations, Selena felt both envy and satisfaction. She also knew that Lindsay was a formidable mystic. So, seeing Lindsay today, she felt surprised but also worried that Lindsay might interfere in the Fox family affairs. She had no idea that Sarina had sent the crystal ring to harm Howard. If she had known, she might have secretly sent a warning to him. However, she could easily have guessed it was something Sarina would do.Lindsay could see the conflict on Selena's face. "I just want to know why youโre giving Sarina your fortune," Lindsay said calmly. "It's important to me, so I need to understand."Sarina was like Olivia;
"If Sarina goes to the Fox family, her birth chart shows she will become Steven's guiding star," Selena continued, her voice bitter. "She would supposedly elevate the familyโs business to new heights and help Steven climb higher and higher. Thatโs why they decided to switch us.""The so-called mystic also claimed that since I'm a 'calamity star,' my well-being would harm the Fox familyโs fortunes. Only if I suffered would the familyโs luck be lifted by Sarina's presence. So, they swapped us. My foster parents were in on it too; it was a deal between both families."She took a deep breath. "My foster family got a yearly payment from the Foxes to ensure they kept me under their thumb, constantly grinding me down."Selenaโs eyes were filled with pain. "I've cried so much in the past; there are no more tears left," she admitted, her expression hollow. "I never imagined my own parents would treat me this way over something as vague as 'fate.' After I returned to the Fox family, they puni
In the vibrant district of the historic town, the streets were lined with vintage boutiques and various artisan stalls. Lindsay's group visited the townโs administration office and rented a temporary booth.Alex and Justin eagerly borrowed a table and chairs, setting up the booth. Following Lindsay's instructions, they also bought a piece of white fabric and worked together to create a simple sign. The production team provided markers and other supplies.Lindsay glanced over at Benedict and said, "Benedict, Iโll let you handle writing the banner."She was eager to observe his writing and the energy he gave off while doing it.Benedict sighed inwardlyโthis girl was constantly trying to test him. After a momentโs thought, he nodded. "Alright, Iโll write it."He grabbed a marker, uncapped it, and wrote in bold letters across the white fabric: โFortune Telling, Divination, and Tarot Readings.โLindsay watched him closely, noticing the fluidity of his movements as he wrote, his posture exud
Justin added, "My momโs been trying to get me to help Olivia and distance myself from Lindsay. Sheโs also said plenty of nasty things about Lindsay. This time, not only did I ignore her, but I even pushed back. It probably pissed her off, and now sheโs taking it out on Lindsay."Alex, clearly upset, said, "You should talk to her and tell her to stop fixating on Lindsay. Lindsay hasnโt done anything to provoke her. Itโs ridiculous."He was frustrated that Justinโs mom had been stirring up trouble, making Grace even more difficult to deal with.Justin nodded. "Alright, after the show is over, Iโll have a talk with her."He also felt his mom was acting out of line. Back when he liked Lindsay, her disapproval at least made sense. But now that Lindsay had kicked him to the curb, his momโs continued obsession was baffling.Although they were speaking softly, Lindsay and Benedict, walking ahead, heard every word.Lindsay found the situation with Abby baffling as well. A woman who fawned over
After Lindsay left, the other guests quickly followed, leaving only Alex standing there awkwardly. He spoke briefly to the production staff, and they soon shifted the cameras away from that area. Alex then walked over to Grace, saying, "Mom, since Lindsay wonโt lend it, letโs just drop it."Grace shot him a cold glare, her expression dark. "How can you be so heartless? The one lying in bed is your fourth brother. Are you hanging around Lindsay all the time just to learn how to be cold and ruthless?"Unable to contain her frustration toward Lindsay, Grace directed it at Alex instead.Alex sighed in exasperation. "Even if we need help, it has to be something sheโs willing to do! Weโve wronged Lindsay enough as it is, so why do you keep trying to guilt-trip her? Brandonโs situation isnโt Lindsayโs fault. Why donโt you go find Olivia? Sheโs the one who caused all this, maybe she can fix it. After all, whoeverโs behind her is no easy target."Right now, all Alex felt toward Lindsay was gui
Grace held back her anger and said, "It'll only take a few minutes. I have something important to discuss with you."Lindsay sat back down in her seat. "Fine, go ahead."The livestream was on, and Lindsay was fully aware of itโshe was doing this on purpose.Grace was about to speak when her assistant whispered something in her ear. Her expression changed, and she subtly shifted her body to turn away from the camera.Then she looked at Lindsay. "Can we talk outside?"In her rush to find Lindsay, she had almost forgotten that this was a live-streamed variety show. She didnโt want to be on camera, much less discuss such personal matters in front of an audience.Lindsay, however, refused. "If it's important, say it here. If not, then donโt say anything."Graceโs expression darkened. "Itโs because itโs important that we need to talk privately."She emphasized, "Itโs not appropriate in front of the camera."Lindsay just smiled. "Unless it's something shady, whatโs wrong with saying it on cam
Lindsay thought about it for a while and figured that if Grace was coming to find her, it was probably for Brandon. The only thing she could want would be the artifact in her possession.Alex saw her reply and couldnโt help but smile wryly. His sister was indeed sharp and saw right through it.He sent a voice message, repeating what the head of the Divination Association had told them. "Mom just wants to borrow the artifact from you to suppress Brandonโs condition."Lindsay replied, "Tell her not to waste her energy."Seeing that message, Alex knew right away that she wouldnโt lend it out. It didnโt surprise himโhis sister could be ruthless when she wanted to be."We canโt convince her otherwise, not even Dad can stop her... sigh," Alex added. When their momโs temper flared, she wouldnโt listen to anyone.Lindsay didnโt seem to care. "Then let her come. Iโm not going to do her any favors."Alex recalled the conversation between their parents at the hospital and decided to warn her, "M
Recently, Grace had been spending more time with Abby, often meeting up for outings. Over time, Richard noticed that Grace's anger towards their biological daughter had deepened. Abby had always disliked Lindsay and showed more favoritism towards Olivia. She must have been stirring up trouble and egging Grace on whenever they met. With time, Grace was bound to be influenced.Grace, clearly annoyed, said, "You even want to control who I make friends with? Aren't you going too far? What's wrong with me getting along with Mrs. Ford and spending more time with her?"Richard felt cornered. "I just think there's something off about her. Her intentions in getting close to you don't seem good. That's why I'm trying to give you a heads-up."Grace didn't believe him at all. "I think you're overthinking it. Weโve always had a decent relationship. Weโre just closer now, thatโs all.""What do you men know about womenโs matters? Don't interfere." She now had plenty to talk about with Abby. Jenny wa
Richard glanced at Grace with clear disapproval. โThis whole mess was caused by Olivia and Brandon. What does any of it have to do with Lindsay?โHe could tell that recent events, and the embarrassment caused by their sons, had left his wife feeling bitter. It seemed she had begun to project that frustration onto Lindsay, despite the situation having little to do with her.Grace crossed her arms defensively. โIf it wasnโt for her ongoing fight with Olivia, Brandon wouldnโt have gotten involved. Heโs her brother. Doesnโt she owe him some consideration now that heโs in this condition?โRichard frowned. โWhat exactly are you trying to say?โValarie, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up, her displeasure clear. โI see it differently. Itโs Olivia and your son who started the trouble, and all Lindsay did was defend herself. Are you really looking to embarrass yourselves even more?โGrace shifted uncomfortably, feeling the sting of her mother-in-lawโs words. โIโm just thinking abou
Given the Harper family's persistence, there was no way the Divination Association could avoid a thorough investigation. Seeing that Randolph wouldnโt back down, the official left, courteously escorted out by Randolph, who, for the moment, had ceased his protests.Valarie carefully placed the multicolored stone inside a small protective pouch before securing it around Brandon's neck. Though he felt a slight relief after putting it on, the bad luck continued. As the official had warned, his misfortune was too severe for one artifact to fully contain.Randolph tried every connection he had, attempting to borrow a second artifact, but came up empty-handed. Time slipped by, and evening approached before they could find any further solutions.By the time Richard and Grace arrived at the hospital, they were met with the weary faces of their parents. Feeling guilty for everything his father had gone through, Richard bowed his head. "Dad, Mom, I'm so sorry you had to go through this today."
Hearing their words, the hope that had briefly flickered in Brandonโs eyes quickly faded, leaving him more devastated than before. "Grandfather, I know I was wrong," he muttered, finally realizing the truth. His foster sister had been nothing but troubleโfar from trustworthy, she had been a constant source of harm. Meanwhile, his real sister, though harsh and distant, had proven to be far more reliable. Regret gnawed at him deeply.Randolph sighed, his voice heavy with disappointment. โKnowing youโre wrong doesnโt change anything. Itโs too late now.โTurning back to the two mystics, Randolph asked, โIf you canโt break the curse directly, could you at least help suppress his misfortune? Maybe with a protective charm or some kind of mystical object?โDespite his frustration with his grandsonโs foolishness, he couldnโt just leave him to suffer.Both mystics exchanged uneasy glances. โWe donโt have the ability to suppress his bad luck with charms.โโFor something like that, youโd need t