"Never mind, I'll see what the Draycotts are plotting when I meet them the day after tomorrow." Just as Aria put away the invitation, her phone buzzed with a message from the dark web forum. It was her Ludwiten network, Rafe Lane. Without hesitation, she tapped on Rafe's voice message to listen. "Boss, Harry told me you're in Ludwiten! Do you need anything from me?" Rafe's voice was clearly excited. "How did you find time to come to Ludwiten? Didn't you say you'd focus on exams this year, spend time with family, and stay away from venture capital? "Or did you also spot this year's bull market? Everything's green, and the exchange is packed!" Those who had risen with Aria shared an unspoken agreement—they would never reveal her real-world identity. Even if they met in person, they kept this secret. Because Aria clearly was not just any ordinary person; she was an enigmatic genius. If Harry hadn't gone to Southbury back then, only the chairman of Grand Construction Corporation
Rafe continued ignoring the messages. Then his bank sent a notification. Five million dollars had been deposited into his account. Another message quickly followed. "For my investment, you'll get standard market trader rates after profits. Take extra commission if you want, but you must follow my instructions exactly. Open an account." Looking at the money, Rafe decided to take one last chance. He did not act rashly and chose to observe for a few days first. The stocks they mentioned were indeed rising, so he made his move. Even now, Rafe had not forgotten that feeling. He had been sitting at his computer as he watched exchange indexes climb daily, everything turning green. He watched the five million dollars become 10 million, then 20 million, and so on until it passed 100 million. Rafe truly admired this mysterious person. Not a single stock purchase lost money; they showed stunning growth instead. Anyone would get caught up in such success. Just when he was losing restrain
"Don't call me 'bro.' I'm a woman." It was a relaxed voice with a distinctly youthful ring to it. Rafe was stunned. Was she even an adult? Aria was indeed young then. She had even told him she was doing homework, so he should handle future investments himself since they had already won back their capital. Rafe found it surreal. His mentor was doing homework and studying. The mature, reliable, experienced brother figure in his head suddenly became a young woman, leaving him dazed. Aria's choice of Rafe wasn't random. "Harry recommended you. I checked your background. It's quite impressive." Rafe finally understood. She had meant to help him all along, hence choosing stocks. As a trader for many years, he had never met such a financial genius. Harry had said she did not just help one person. She selectively invested in those who had left state enterprises due to market transitions. "Dude, look at me. I'm just a country boy who knows coal mining, yet Boss never looks down on m
That was unlike Harry. He usually told everyone everything, so Rafe was genuinely surprised. "But Boss, weren't you just starting college?" "I'm repeating a year, starting this year," Aria said casually, "Age doesn't matter for engagement. It was arranged back when we were younger." Rafe was incredibly curious about what kind of man could catch Aria's eye. The voice on the phone had a northern accent, with a slight cough. He sounded quite considerate but with health issues. Would he be alright? Aria noticed Rafe probably did not know she was the youngest Carver. She knew Harry and others were keeping their old agreement too. "Actually, Rafe, I do need your help with something." Aria looked at the invitation card again. "I remember you have considerable influence in the Chamber of Commerce. How well do you know the Draycotts?" Rafe was eager to help. "Very well. Boss, are you looking to join the Chamber?" "That's the idea." Aria smiled mischievously. "I'm particularly intere
Warren felt deep remorse about his foolish son Owen's actions, and Stephen understood how he felt. He did not say anything more about that and only mentioned Felix's endorsement matter. "Mr. Carver Senior, Mrs. Carver made a smart decision. The Draycotts won't find it easy to cause trouble. Family will always stick together; surely the Grishams will accept Mrs. Carver and Ms. Carver. Mrs. Carver's brothers used to adore Ms. Carver the most. They'll find ways to reach out." Hearing this, Warren gazed out the window while leaning on his elaborate walking stick. "The Draycotts have devoured many companies over the years. Our old friends can barely survive now. The Chamber... I hope Aria understands my intentions." "Mr. Carver Senior, Ms. Carver is brilliant. She'll grasp your vision. The fact that Mr. Fergus volunteered to go to Ludwiten proves your approach was right. "I believe none of our ancestors wants to see the Chamber become what it is today. The Carvers haven't changed."
Orion looked up. "Some traditionalists in the Chamber won't listen to reason. They keep preaching about morality. Everyone knows that despite our foreign status, our patriotic hearts never wavered." "Right! I donated plenty during the last flood." "The Kincaid family's influence at the port is quite big. These stubborn old-timers are foolish to oppose them, and they shouldn't drag the Chamber into it." Orion smiled politely. "My thoughts exactly. We can't make mistakes with the voting." "Beyond voting, Mr. Draycott must have other plans." Someone winked from the side. "The Hawke family is a perfect example, isn't it?" Orion smiled silently, and everyone understood the unspoken message. They all knew what happened to the Hawkes. That was because they had refused to listen to the Draycotts. They insisted the Chamber was founded by Barron and should include the Carvers.Such blind loyalty. They really couldn't read the situation, could they? The group burst into laughter agai
The man sat beside Luna Hanson casually. "Is this your first time here?" Caught off guard by his approach, Luna fidgeted nervously. "Yeah, I came with my friends." Were her friends here as well? A flicker of hesitation crossed his eyes, but the command in his earpiece left him no choice. "Where are they?" Right on cue, a few young women walked over. "Luna, look at you! We were just in the washroom, and you've already caught someone's attention." Luna's cheeks flushed. "No, he just thought I was alone and bored." As she spoke, she didn't notice how the man relaxed when they appeared. He exchanged a knowing glance with them. It was clear what he wanted. "Don't turn him down, Luna!" "Come on, have a drink! We're here with you, so nothing bad will happen!" Her friends kept encouraging her while the man smiled politely. "I just want to share a drink with you, nothing more. If you're worried, I'll take the first sip." Luna glanced between the man and her friends. Everyone l
"Yes, warn those old foxes. They're always scheming behind my back." Orion snuffed out his cigar in the ashtray. "It's time to remind them who runs the Chamber." In their circles, having dirt on someone was just as valuable as financial leverage. He was just about to head back to the Draycott residence after resting his eyes. But right then, a loud bang echoed through the building. The thud came from somewhere above, as if something heavy had hit the ground. Some people jumped at the sound. Others missed it entirely as the club music drowned everything else out. Orion barely registered it as he drowsily got into his car. The next morning, Nocturne was swarming with police. The club was not just locally famous. Its reputation for exclusivity attracted not only regular patrons but also major social media influencers. It had become an online sensation. People said that advance reservations were required just to get in. Even with a reservation, the bouncers might turn you away si
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