LOGINAria could tell that Dashiell losing money just as he started gambling could be a setup all along. It was just so that Wesson could get Dashiell to do his bidding. Dashiell's gaze wavered. "Now that it's come to this, there's no hope of escaping for me. Still, I know you can't touch Wesson.""Let me worry about that." Aria lowered her voice. "I know you met Hogan downstairs. He wanted to get you out of here, but you had other plans. If you could clear your name, you could have kept your post as Deputy Secretary of Defense.""Hogan?" Dashiell's mind spun. He had been on an emotional roller coaster and had almost forgotten Hogan. If Hogan knew he'd been exposed, he'd send someone to rescue him. The thought steadied Dashiell slightly.Aria didn't look at him. She leaned over her laptop, logged into an encrypter, and began verifying and compiling the recording of their conversation along with the information he had given.…Meanwhile, Hogan arrived alone at an abandoned factory. He
The person secretly tailing Hogan was none other than Wynric. Earlier that day, when he handed Aria the party invitations, she had given him a mission.He was to skip the party and keep watch on the Brighton Hotel's entrance. If Hogan left, Wynric was to follow him and find out what he was up to.Wynric was about to move when a voice called out from behind. "Wait for me. I'm tagging along."He stopped and turned. It was Sam."You're coming with me? Are you trying to make my job harder?"Wynric had never actually seen Sam's combat skills. Back in Solandria, Sam had already dealt with the henchmen by the time Wynric arrived."Huh? Boss told me to follow you. I wouldn't be here otherwise." Sam tilted his head. "Did you just call me a burden?"Wynric sighed and rubbed his forehead. "No, I didn't. Fine, tag along if you want, but we'd better hurry before we lose him."He then sprinted in Hogan's direction. Though Hogan was already some distance away, Wynric could still keep him in
Yona froze where she stood, covering her eyes in a futile attempt to stop the tears streaming down her cheeks. "Aria, I'm so glad I ran into you.""We're both Farshyans. I'll help you however I can. Fate must've brought us together for a reason." Aria took some tissues and gently tapped Yona's shoulder. "Pull yourself together. We're about to hit the road.""Okay."Yona took the tissues, turned around, and wiped her tears.Moments later, the four of them left the hotel suite, fully dressed. Brighton Hotel stood right across the street—just a short walk away. This time, however, staff were stationed at both entrances, welcoming guests and inspecting their invitations.After all, this was a welcome party hosted by the Meciran leaders, meaning every guest was a big shot. Naturally, security was tight, and no one could enter without an invitation.Instead of heading straight there, Aria and her team went to the restaurant in their hotel. "Let's grab a bite before we go." Ar
The medicine pouch floating in the bathtub was packed full with rare and invaluable herbs. They promoted blood circulation, reduced stasis, and calmed the mind.After preparing the bath, Aria stepped out of the bathroom and sat next to Landon."You and Sam should get some rest. It's going to take me a while to treat Yona."Landon raised an eyebrow, his expression calm and unhurried. "It's okay. I'll wait for you."Aria gave a small nod and stood up. "I'll make her a glass of warm milk."About 15 minutes later, she checked the time. "Go get freshened up. I'll head in and finish up."She picked up the warm milk and an outfit she had asked Wynric to buy for Yona, then walked toward the room.When she entered, Yona was lying in the tub, looking much better—stronger, though still faintly exhausted.Aria set the milk down on the table. "Feeling better?""I am. I can feel my strength coming back." Yona nodded firmly. "This medicine pouch works wonders. I recovered in no time."Aria
The young woman trembled, her eyes brimming with fear. Even so, she spoke softly. "My name is Yona Seaton. I'm…"Yona trailed off. Lifting her gaze, she looked at Aria, Landon, and Wynric, unsure if she should tell them everything. What if they were working with Otto, and this so-called rescue was just a test?Aria saw through Yona's hesitation and offered a gentle smile. "Don't worry. We're not the bad guys. The choice is yours—you can tell us if you want to. If you'd rather not, you can keep it to yourself."Yona swallowed hard. "You're all Farshyans, right? You probably know Dashiell Wycliffe, the Deputy Secretary of Defense?""Dashiell?" Aria's eyes glinted. "I've heard of him. What's your connection to him?""I-I used to be his assistant," Yona said, lowering her head.Seeing that, Aria immediately draped her jacket over Yona. "So, you're Dashiell's assistant? How did you end up in Otto's hands?""We were on a work trip to Mecira. Mr. Wycliffe was making a call in his offic
"Okay. Sit tight. We're hitting the road."Wynric sat up, pressed the accelerator, and the car surged forward. Eventually, they stopped in front of a luxurious villa, ablaze with light, music, and laughter. Security guards stood sentinel at the entrance, inspecting invitations."We're here."Wynric parked and stepped out. "This is the place I told you about. I hope it helps with what you're doing."Looking up, Aria said, "You mentioned the NIO's local chief. Is he here?"Wynric threw his hand up in the air. "I'm not sure. We'll know once we get inside. But I think he will be—he's close to Otto, sort of a mentor."Wynric led the way to the entrance. When he stopped before the guards, he handed over his invitation. After a quick glance at the trio, the guard returned the invitation. "Enjoy."The trio entered the villa, finding it packed with people in their finery. Men wore sharp suits; women wore luxurious jewelry and gowns. Guests stood in groups, wine glasses in hand, their







