Amara only had one thought in mind, so she spoke without holding back. "Besides, what do you have to compare to others? You can't even give birth to a son. It's not like our family didn't give you time."You look like an old hag. Why don't you ask if Daisy likes you? She's the one who wants to go. Why are you causing a scene?"Lettie couldn't believe it. "She wanted to go? How could it be…"With a click, the door suddenly burst open. Daisy stood there with a look of frustration. "I was the one who wanted to go. Celestia is really nice and plays with me. "Mom, you're overthinking it. Why are you fighting with Grandma over this? Celestia and Dad are only friends.""Celestia is really nice and often plays with you?" Repeating her daughter's words, Lettie felt like someone had stabbed her in the back.Daisy took a sip of water. "That's right. Celestia isn't as old-fashioned as you either. She would accompany me shopping, bring me to Tisneyland, and even give me a plushie."Dad alre
This caused Daisy to furrow her eyebrows. "Mom, what are you talking about? I didn't mean it!"Lettie didn't even look at her. She couldn't understand what kind of child would turn against her mother like this. Daisy wasn't a baby anymore. She was old enough to understand Paxton's mistress was just buttering her up.Lettie could accept her failed marriage. However, she was devastated that her own child, who she had given birth to, would look down on her like this. Lettie regretted giving birth to her.Lettie stared at Amara. "When I got married into the Hendricks family, I was the author of a famous book. I've been earning royalties for years, but where is that contract? Return it to me, and I'll get a divorce with Paxton now."Upon hearing that, Amara sneered. "Are you being delusional? Your book? My son wrote that book! What does it have to do with you? What a psycho!""He said he wrote the book?" A mocking sneer appeared on Lettie's face. "He sure knows how to bluff."When A
"Get her to apologize to the Hendricks family now! Nobody in our family has dared to get a divorce before. If she does, I'll never acknowledge her as my daughter anymore. How dare she!"Lettie could hear her father's furious tone through the phone.Her father had always been like this for as long as Lettie could remember. When she didn't act as he wanted, she was considered disrespectful. Lettie used to think she should respect her parents. However, she understood now that this only applied to her and her sister, while her brother could do whatever he wanted."Haha! How ironic." Her head was bleeding, but she couldn't stop laughing. Her eyes seemed to be covered in a later of thick black mist."The world is vast, yet I have nowhere to call home. I have a question to ask. Am I not your daughter? Why did you give birth to me if you don't love me? Is it solely to pave a future for your son?'The voice in her last sentence didn't sound like Lettie's. It seemed to come from the room
Aria tilted her head in confusion. "Graduate? I can graduate anytime."Amara sneered. "Hah! Sure. Let's see if you'll still be so laid back once my husband returns."Aria raised an eyebrow. She revealed a hint of mockery in her expression when she understood Amara's intention. From Amara's tone, it was clear this wasn't the first time she had done something like this.Although Aria had never attended college or been a postgraduate student, she knew some lecturers would threaten students by postponing their graduation. However, Aria didn't expect the Hendricks family to do such a thing.Aria narrowed her eyes. "Go ahead. I won't go anywhere. I'll sit here and wait for Mr. Hendricks Senior to come back."After saying that, Aria helped Lettie to a chair and sat down. Then, Aria checked her pulse and expression.Amara was furious. "Who are you? Did I invite you inside? How could you make yourself comfortable like this?"Lettie was also shocked by the person who suddenly appeared to
Aria gripped Lettie's shoulder. "You can't fight them, but I can. I'm a Carver. Nobody will be able to fight against me when it comes to family status. And we can compete in other ways too." Aria seemed to be speaking to Lettie's soul, "Together, we'll take back what's yours." Lettie froze as she looked up with her vacant eyes. "Carver? Isn't that one of the most prominent merchants from Farshya?" Lettie was not the only one who reacted to Aria's words. Amara stumbled backward too. Her face was filled with shock as she grabbed for support and gasped. "Yes." Aria slowly drew the darkness from Lettie's body into her fingertips. Others could not see this, but Nyx could. It stepped forward and tried to stop Aria. Aria already carried too much bad karma and was now trying to take on even more. Nyx worried that something might happen to Aria if this went on. After all, karma always demanded payment. Lettie started to feel hopeful. "I want everyone to know that fraud's true face.
But Aria had seemed not to understand Amara's hints. Weren't people who managed businesses supposed to be clever? Why couldn't Aria understand what Amara was asking for? Now, Amara's feelings about the Carvers were complicated. But she still wanted that connection, so she stepped forward. "I've met the Carvers' adopted daughter. May I know who you are?" Before Aria could respond, one of the others burst out, "Amara!" She turned, puzzled. The person pulled her close and whispered, "I remember now! That's why she looked familiar. She's the one!" "The one?" Amara did not follow. "She's the real heiress of the Carver family. I heard she runs the whole Carver Group now. Didn't she just film something with Don?" Amara did not follow entertainment news, and Don did not mention anything about filming. "Just don't say anything else. Whatever you do, don't offend her." Amara's heart sank. She was now regretting her harsh words earlier. "Ms. Carver, please forgive my foolishne
"I..." Daisy was just about to say something, but Aria cut her off, "Your mother was young and beautiful too before having you. Everyone knows that childbirth takes the greatest toll on a woman." Aria's gaze bore into Daisy, her presence terrifying. "Yet your mother endured that pain to bring you into this world just because of how much she loves you. Despite knowing the pain, she risked everything for your existence. "She asks about your meals because she cares about your feelings." Aria's eyes darkened. "Looking at how poorly raised you are, it just proves how you don't deserve her love and sacrifice at all. "It's common for society to blame women when men cheat. They would blame her for not improving herself, maintaining her looks, or keeping her figure. "But when it's clear that the man has cheated, the wife shouldn't be the one getting blamed. I'm here today to right these wrongs for your mother. Since your father thinks he's so powerful with his family background, I'll ex
"I planned to return to my job after maternity leave. Your father couldn't have stopped me either. But I saw your face red from struggling with formula one night, and I couldn't leave you. "I told myself my career could wait until you were older. Your father was delighted. He said he felt secure with me at home. Later, I discovered that the company had been deciding between your father and me for an overseas position. "I resigned, and your father's career got better subsequently." Lettie's hand clenched. "I was foolish for leaving myself with no safety net. After having you, I grew soft and kept lowering my standards. I thought I could even tolerate a mistress." Tears streamed down Lettie's face. "I've become someone I can't even respect. But I can't take it anymore." She wiped her tears. Holding her stomach protectively, she looked at Daisy and said, "You think I'm shameful and don't want me as your mother, right? Fine. Just stay with the Hendricks family after the divorce. I
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