"When a soul lingers in the present world or harbors unresolved regrets, it may develop resentments. Over time, the soul could become an earthbound spirit, endlessly repeating its final moments or the actions it regrets," Malric explained."You're right, Mr. Veyrith. When I dreamt of Great-great-Grandpa, he looked troubled. He must have something he regrets about." The crow, perched on a nearby tree, almost cawed aloud in disbelief. Aria was laying it on too thick, and the bird could hardly bear to watch.Noticing the crow's reaction, Aria glanced in its direction and continued, "Based on what Mr. Veyrith said, this cremation urn must belong to my great-great-grandpa. He even told me he felt cold. No one had offered him blessings, and it seems he's lost something important."Aria paused for dramatic effect before turning to Malric. "Mr. Veyrith, do you know why my great-great-grandpa would say such a thing?"Malric drew a deep breath, hesitant to feign ignorance. He feared Aria m
"It's funny, Mr. Owen. You've been superstitious for most of your life, yet now you're saying that ghosts can't appear in dreams." Aria turned her gaze toward Owen. "Still, I can't blame you. You've always been nothing more than a pawn. I doubt you're smart enough to figure this out, so I had someone prepare the evidence for you."With a smile, Aria laid out the photos, one by one. "Ian has been collaborating with the Krowonian businessmen for years, and his butler is one of the major shareholders you were hoping to partner with. Quite the schemer, isn't he?"Aria continued, her tone unhurried, "It only took a few compliments to make you see him as a father figure. You fell right into his trap. I'm sure your dear uncle has been stoking the flames of your conflicts with Grandpa from the start.""Shut up!" Owen clutched his chest, feeling faint.Aria tapped her temple, exuding a dignified air. "It seems there's nothing in here," she said, pointing at her head. "And you certainly lack
"Mr. Carver Senior, please don't get angry. I will not serve Mr. Owen in the future," Malric quickly said.Upon hearing that, Aria clenched her amethyst pendant. Malric had backed off sooner than she had anticipated.However, Owen couldn't take another blow. He gripped Malric's arm and begged, "Mr. Veyrith, we've known each other for many years. You…""Mr. Owen, I already performed a divination on your daughter. Well, I can only say that your bias influences certain results," Malric said ambiguously. "It may be a blessing or a curse. Besides, your daughter's fortune has also been altered since your family's fortune was stolen."Owen widened his eyes. "What do you mean? Does Rainbow not bring me bad luck? What about the past divination?""What past divination?" Malric seemed puzzled.Owen explained anxiously, "Mount Dracotigris gave me the divination."Malric reminded him, "Mr. Owen, only my mentor is skilled in fortune-telling in the entire Mount Dracotigris. Even if someone agr
Owen should never have treated Aria this way.Would things have been different if Owen had doted on Aria the way Warren did? At the very least, Owen's sons might not have drifted away from him, and Fiona might not have divorced him.Determined to make amends, Owen looked at Fergus with a pitiful expression. "Fergus, you understand me best. I was misled, but I never intended to hurt Aria!"Fergus' gaze remained cold. "Are you sure? What about Mom's illness? How did the abductor who took Rainbow know that Leon was the only one looking after her that day? You gave Ian all that information."I do know you very well. You're a man who would do anything for your own gain. And, of course, you wouldn't act directly—you'd want to maintain your image as a good father."We were young back then and didn't understand what was going on. Leon kept blaming himself for Aria's disappearance, and Mom has lived in the pain of losing Aria for so many years. What about you? You stood by and watched as t
Warren could only reflect on how people change over time. Perhaps Ian had been blinded by greed, or maybe Warren had never truly understood him.After a moment of silence, Warren spoke calmly. "Did you really think I'd come to you without being prepared? Go ahead, check your shares."At those words, the confidence drained from Ian's face. When he looked toward the crowd, their confusion mirrored his own. Panicked, Ian grabbed his phone to make a call, but no one answered.Warren's gaze darkened. "I always treated you as an elder brother, but you've never treated the Carver family as your own."He stepped closer, his voice steely. "To you, we were nothing but stepping stones. But I'm afraid this is as far as you'll go."Ian wasn't afraid of death, but he feared losing everything—his power, his influence in Janovin. The memories of his impoverished youth—the days of hunger still haunted him.For years, Ian had meticulously planned to seize the Carver family's wealth and assets. Yet
Poeta grew anxious. She wanted to deny it, but what Fergus said was undeniable. Initially, Poeta had planned to exploit Warren's disdain for her to manipulate Fergus into abandoning his family and staying by her side. This way, she could establish a foothold in Janovin. However, events had spiraled beyond her control.Fergus clenched his fists. "I know what you've been doing in my name all these years. I was young and foolish back then, even fighting with Grandpa over a gold digger like you. I might have forgiven you, but I can't tolerate your schemes."You dared to plan for me to go against Grandpa and oust him from the Carver family. I can't believe you would do this, Poeta. Since you enjoy being abroad so much, you can return to where you came from."Fergus' tone grew colder as he added, "Your husband overseas has been looking for you. I've already contacted him."Poeta felt as if she had been struck by lightning. She never imagined Fergus would turn her own tactics against he
Malric widened his eyes. "You're asking her to teach you? Are you out of your mind?"The young apprentice turned sideways. "Malric, I'm not fooling around. Didn't I tell you before that Mr. Bond met a genius at dismantling manifestations? "Mr. Bond tried every possible way to take her in as an apprentice and have her join Mount Dracotigris. But she refused, saying she wasn't interested in the Decatorian way."That genius we were talking about was none other than Ms. Carver here. Malric, you have no idea how talented she is. I might be considered gifted, but Ms. Carver's abilities are truly heaven-sent!"If she puts in just a little more effort, she could easily unravel divination patterns. Mr. Bond said her gift was innate, something she was born with. Honestly, we're all envious of her!"The more Malric listened, the more his head hurt. He vividly recalled Aria asking him what a manifestation was, clearly treating him like a fool.Grinding his teeth, Malric was about to retort
Everyone present that day believed in fortune-telling. They obeyed Owen not out of genuine respect but because of the benefits he wielded and his close association with a renowned fortune-teller. While they couldn't directly approach the fortune-teller, Ian could. This fortune-teller was renowned for his accurate divinations and even the ability to alter fate.For those in business, this was undoubtedly a golden opportunity.Those present weren't extraordinarily wealthy, and they were merely participants with no decision-making power in their companies.All of them believed that siding with Ian would bring them fortune. Unexpectedly, news broke that the Carver family's missing daughter was a genius fortune-teller—someone even Homer sought to mentor.The revelation left everyone exchanging shocked glances, finding it hard to believe. Even Fergus, Aria's brother, was stunned.Meanwhile, Malric was dumbfounded. His title as Mount Dracotigris' genius apprentice suddenly felt meaningle
Landon's sudden appearance wasn't just a coincidence. With Aria's intelligence, she would figure something out soon—he knew that. He hadn't planned on revealing himself like this. But something that belonged to him was here, and the demonic energy in this place… Aria couldn't face it alone.She studied him from head to toe, her hand still in his. His grip was firm, protective."There's a lot of mist ahead," he said quietly. "We'll need to tread carefully."Aria tilted her head. "You speak like you know this place well.""I do," Landon replied with a calm honesty. "I was deathly ill once. My soul wandered into a place just like this. Homer pulled me back."His voice made it sound like a distant memory, and Aria gave a soft laugh, tightening her hold on his hand. "You really are full of surprises. I guess it's true—handsome men are the most dangerous."But Aria's thoughts were racing. Why had he come after her like this, knowing it would reveal parts of himself he'd tried to keep h
Landon was still handling the stragglers behind Aria when he paused, his gaze flicking upward. Cameras were mounted in every corner—too many eyes. Vanishing without a trace wasn't an option.He glanced in Aria's direction, then lowered his head. His lips moved in a whisper, but the sounds were incomprehensible—something rhythmic, otherworldly. It was less like a speech and more like a chant—an exorcism.Meanwhile, Dave descended into the underground, calm and unrushed. That place reeked of foul energy, dense and suffocating. His master had cast a spell over it—one designed to kill anyone who dared to enter, no matter their strength. Dave wasn't afraid. He had more pressing priorities—destroying documents, erasing traces, minimizing damage.His bodyguard stayed close, watching for anyone who might try to stop them.Aria, moving swiftly, reached the lower floor—only to halt. Mist curled along the ground, thickening with every step. The air turned icy. And the corridor behind her…
"Why would there be people outside?" asked Dave. He had been disguising himself as a doctor for years, and that was the first time he looked so anxious. After all, if someone did approach their building, the villagers would have informed them about it. However, they received no news this time.Dave wondered what was going on."Dr. Dave, what should we do now? I think we're surrounded!"He was still in his coat as he slightly clenched his fists. "Let's move out. Bring the girls in the basement with us.""T-They're not in the basement."When Dave heard that, he looked furious. "What do you mean they're not in the basement?""Someone took them away, and I'm guessing it was her fault!" The bodyguard pointed at Aria, who was standing on the highest point, showing off her skills. With swift, lethal kicks and a taser turned weapon, no one dared get close.Whoever touched Aria would die, and no one dared to approach her at all.As for Landon, he still had his mask on as he stood behind
Chaos erupted at the auction. For all their pride and arrogance, the wealthy clients' expressions had twisted into pure panic the moment something went wrong.So, their first reaction was to seek a staff member."The power's unstable!" Dave spoke into the microphone, trying to project calm. "Everyone, stay calm. There's scheduled maintenance in town—it's just affecting the electricity. Nothing's wrong."He genuinely believed that. It was what he'd been told.But Aria knew better. The blackout wasn't random. It was a signal. Sam had tracked down the source of the call. With the exits sealed off, Aria had everything she needed to act.A faint smirk curled on her lips. Without hesitation, she grabbed Landon and swiftly took Aliya hostage. Her movements were sharp, practiced, so fast that no one around her even had time to react.Then came the needles.Aria flicked her wrist, sending a series of acupuncture needles flying. The rich guests closest to her froze in place, locked in stu
Tony's accusation stirred a ripple through the room, and it didn't escape Dave's attention. With a subtle flick of his wrist, he signaled to someone nearby.Aria caught the movement. Her fingers tensed, ready to slip free of the rope she had already loosened. But before she could act, she heard a smooth, composed voice glide through the air."I need her to boost my luck," the man said coolly. "I've done my research. She's the ideal bride for someone like me."Dave stopped in his tracks, and it seemed like he was telling someone else to verify what Landon had said."Sir, it checks out," one of the staff murmured after a brief consultation. "Mr. Crow's fate is complicated. The master said only a spiritual match could extend his life. Otherwise, he won't make it past his next birthday."Dave let out a low chuckle, visibly relaxing. "Well then, Mr. Crow, it seems you've come to the right place. Please—carry on, everyone."Aria listened in stunned silence. Landon hadn't lied. His life
Aria couldn't tear her eyes away from Dave.He was still quietly speaking to the man on the screen, their exchange shrouded in secrecy. No one nearby could hear what they were saying—but Aria could guess. It had to be a deal of some sort, something about her. Everything about Dave's posture, the glint in his eyes, told her this wasn't just business. It was personal.She glanced up at the clock again, nerves coiling in her chest. Something was wrong. Sam was taking longer than usual. That wasn't like him.The auction was nearing its close. They couldn't miss the chance to strike. Sasha, glowing with excitement, clapped her hands and declared, "Six million! It looks like no one else is bidding—congratulations to our newest member, Mr. Tiger—""Ten million dollars."The voice sliced clean through the noise, calm, clear, and cold.Everyone turned toward it.A man stood at the edge of the crowd, dressed in a sleek tuxedo dusted with black feathers, his mask intricate and dark.T
Aria had once told Sam to avoid chaos if he could—but she'd also said that when desperation knocked, rules could bend.Now was one of those moments.Sam hesitated only briefly before diving in.He had to know who was behind this. Who kept targeting Aria? Who was pulling the strings in the dark? And once Sam decided on something, there was no turning back.Without Aria by his side, he breached the system, knowing full well the other side had already alerted the police.The firewall he faced wasn't just tough—it was nearly impenetrable. It filtered everything, controlling access with surgical precision. But Sam wasn't interested in the broader network. He narrowed his focus and cut straight to the source, filtering out all the noise to lock onto the actual IP.The auction raged on aboveground. The man behind the screen, confident in his usual routine, remained calm and unaware that the mask he'd worn for years was finally slipping. He'd always stayed out of sight, appearing only
While Aria discreetly signaled to move, the auction hall was buzzing with excitement. Laughter echoed, wine glasses clinked, and the room pulsed with greed.Sasha's voice came through the mic, smooth and cheerful. "While everyone's enjoying themselves, let's welcome our latest arrival of the evening."She glanced at the man beside her—her bodyguard—who immediately stiffened under her gaze.To the crowd, it looked like he was escorting Aria to the stage under control. In truth, Aria's hand was already pressed lightly against his chest, right over a poisoned pressure point. He knew better than to resist—he'd seen what she was capable of.And she'd made her warning crystal clear—if she was exposed or captured, he wouldn't live to see morning.The guests didn't notice a thing. All eyes were on Aria, their expressions hungry. They saw value in her—fresh, young, healthy. To them, she wasn't a person. She was premium merchandise.She was brought to stand beside a young woman who had alr
Eamon and Waymond had just been thrown out of the Chamber of Commerce. Waymond's face was flushed with fury, his eyes red. "Eamon, why didn't you let me speak earlier? Mr. Lincoln was being unreasonable!"Eamon, ever perceptive, shook his head. "Mr. Lincoln's been bribed. He was never going to take our side."Wise and strategic, Eamon had always been top of his class—but now, he was even sharper when it came to reading a room."I'm guessing Aria found something during her investigation that made them nervous," he continued. "Durand couldn't have controlled Lincoln on his own. There's more to it."Waymond frowned, still struggling to piece things together. "But who could bribe Mr. Lincoln? Not even the mayor has that kind of sway. He's—""What if it's someone from the state?" Eamon cut in, eyes flicking back toward the building. "We need to tell Dad. There's no point in staying here, but there is someone we can talk to.""Who?" Waymond asked quickly. "Lucas Murray—the new secr