Aria met Faith's gaze. "I suggest that you take Hope to the bathroom first. Don't let her take a shower. We'll talk after that."Faith's eyes widened in shock. Her hands were shaking as she held Hope in her arms. One minute later, she reemerged in front of the camera, her eyes red. She didn't cry, though. Faith was trying her utmost to rein in her emotions."Hope, go do your jigsaw puzzle there, okay? Mommy needs to talk to her." As Faith coaxed Hope, she tried to smile, but the smile didn't reach her eyes. Aria offered her opinion. "I think it's better if Hope stays here with us. She's more sensitive than the average child. You'll have to do a lot of things next, and she'll feel more anxious if you shy away from her while dealing with the procedures."Faith looked at Hope. Hope raised her hand to wipe at her mother's face. She said, "I wanna stay, Mommy."Faith held Hope tightly as tears flowed down her face. "I'm sorry, Hope."Hope looked lost. Aria said, "I shouldn't need
"Heartbound Hall? Got it!" Faith ended the call hurriedly. She then muttered to herself, "Report this to the police first, and then extract proof…"As time passed, some viewers in the stream became antsy."Can someone tell us what's going on here?""Is the streamer not here? What's going on?""This streamer's so cool. So many people are in this stream despite her absence, and the stream is third on the Super Hot Trending List now!"As the stream continued to gain popularity, the moderator grew increasingly anxious. The platform had strict regulations in place, including a warning system that would disable a streamer's account after 20 minutes of inactivity.With the streamer absent for an extended period, anxiety spread among the viewers; they wondered why she was not back yet.Only after dealing with everything did Aria notice that she had received two system notifications. "The system has determined that this is a fraudulent account. A warning is issued.""Please return to
The young boy on the screen paused briefly before sniffing in disdain. Behind him was a massive study that made the wealth of TheHandsomeMrLowe clear to everyone watching.GrandeinSouthbury: "Oh… He's so cute, and his skin is so pale!"WannaDate: "Look at me! Please, young master!"Aria recognized the face on the screen. She said blandly, "Aren't you Cameron Lowe, the third son of the Lowe family?"HappyLife: "She doesn't seem that enthused. Has he misunderstood her?"Cameron sneered. "Yes, it's me. Let me tell you something here, Aria. You should stop wasting your energy. You're inferior compared to Lily. Not only would you fail to marry into the Short family, but you'd also never marry into my family. You're not worthy of that!""Oh, okay." Aria's reply sounded way too perfunctory. Cameron opened his mouth, his face reddening. "You better heed your promise, or else…"Aria didn't bother talking to him. "Where's your brother?"Cameron yelled loudly at someone behind him. As i
Before Aria could reply, the comments erupted into laughter. NewbieMochi: "Yes, Grandpa Lowe, all of us can see you!"Immersed: "This stream is amazing! LMAO. This is absolutely hilarious!"LikeYouLots: "I just saw the principal on the screen. What the heck?"GettingAJob: "He's not just a principal, is he? He's a very famous doctor too!"ForgetaboutLove: "A famous doctor?"GettingAJob: "He's the head of the neurology department in the First Affiliated Hospital. He's a really famous professional. You guys can look his name up."GonnaGetRich: "I just looked him up, and wow, he's amazing! So many people have registered for an appointment with him that you can only book one in the next year!"LikeYouLots: "You guys know what I'm feeling now, right?"Handsome: "Didn't you say that the streamer was a quack doctor? Even your principal said that she's a prodigy!"LikeYouLots: "That's why I'm completely convinced now." The viewers who had tuned into the stream initially perceived h
NewbieMochi: "OMG! It's really a Holy Emperor!"…In St. Peter Castle in Angladus, Landon's meeting had just ended. He sat on the couch and pulled on his tie while scrolling his phone with his right hand. In contrast to his demeanor back in his home country, he seemed more uninhibited yet relaxed. This, coupled with his regal bearing, was why Barry Smith, who arrived after him, dared not utter a word.Solo noticed that Landon's phone screen had gone dark. He said helpfully, "Dr. Genius probably didn't notice you, Mr. Landon."Landon looked up at him, his gaze dark. Solo recoiled from him. "If you want to give her gifts, you can wait till tomorrow."Only then did Landon tuck his phone back into his pocket and turn his gaze toward Barry. "Go on."Barry exhaled deeply in relief before he commenced his report to Landon, his voice quivering with apprehension at the thought of facing consequences.…Aria had noticed those two comments as well. Nonetheless, they didn't stop her fr
"This alley is so decrepit and narrow! As expected of someone who lives in poverty!"The woman who had spoken was Dorothy, whom Aria had encountered at the hotel. Holding Mindy close, she spoke with a slight frown. "You didn't have to come all the way here yourself, Ms. Carver. It's not like someone who lives here would be that skilled of a doctor!""Stop, Dorothy," Mindy intervened, her long skirt trailing behind her and her high heels making walking on the cobblestone roads quite difficult. "I'm doing this for Mr. Levin's sake."Dorothy sighed. "You're the adopted daughter of the Carver family, and the company's stock will all be yours in the future. Do you really need to do this for his sake when he's just a manager?""Dorothy." Mindy stopped her from continuing with a frown. "Don't forget about my brothers. The company will be theirs."Dorothy realized that she'd said too much. She gave the bodyguards following after them a look before saying, "You're right, Ms. Carver. What I
As Dorothy's feet left the ground, she was so scared that her face went pale. Sam was about to put force behind his grip when Aria said, "Toss the stuff, not her."Dorothy was so shocked that her mind went blank. She slumped onto the ground, her limbs as cold as ice.Sarah knew that Sam was quite strong, but she'd never seen him lose his temper. "Aria, uh…""Don't worry, Ms. Johnson," Aria said blandly. "Sam knows what he should and shouldn't do."Sam did nothing else, proving Aria right. He stood in front of the entrance, his gaze sharp. When Mindy approached him, he fanned the air in front of his nose, as if he had nothing but disdain for her. Mindy finally couldn't stand it anymore. She felt as if something were lodged in her chest. If not for Frank, she wouldn't have come here. "I have no idea why you're so stubborn. We gave you all those gifts, but you refuse to take them."Aria smiled. "It doesn't look like you're giving me gifts; it feels more like an unwarranted dona
Sam was a boy of many secrets. For example, his sense of smell was abnormally sharp, and he could pick up scents that the average person could not.For him to say that Mindy smelled bad, she must've smelled like poison. Aria tapped her fingers on the tripod intermittently. She was wondering if she should tell young Mr. York that the fumes coming out of the aromatherapy diffuser in his study smelled exactly the same as Mindy Carver. She'd only thought about this question for two seconds when Georgina called for her. "Is what Ms. Johnson said true, Aria? Did Heartbound Hall blow up on the Internet?"Aria didn't need to answer that question. Their neighbors visited in throngs during the afternoon, clamoring around Georgina and asking her questions. What had happened during the livestream was still a hot topic of discussion. Joel shared Aria's post on Facebook, and someone asked, "Who is she, Mr. Hayes?"Joel answered, "She's a young friend who treats her patients with compassion an
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