A scene like this naturally drew a crowd. A middle-aged man sat on the ground, wailing loudly. "Come, everyone, see for yourselves! I can't even bring my daughter home. They even shoved me!"Dealing with people like him was never easy. In an age when anyone could record videos and spin narratives, law enforcers had to tread carefully. They couldn't afford to be too aggressive, especially when the other party had valid grievances.The commotion had already attracted onlookers snapping pictures and whispering among themselves."It's not that you can't take her back. The investigation is still ongoing," a law enforcer explained patiently.Nico Hanson's anger flared. "Ongoing? You brought us here to tell us she jumped off a building after partying at a bar. Everyone knows what happened, yet you're saying the case isn't closed? How could you treat us like this?"Poor people's lives mean nothing to you, huh? But do you have to torment us this way?"His fury stemmed from the suggestion
Nova shrank timidly but murmured, "I don't want Luna to suffer."The scene was heart-wrenching.If Luna's family took her body away, the police might lose crucial evidence. Despite the officer's clear explanations, the couple seemed unable—or unwilling—to comprehend. Some younger officers began to grow restless.But did they truly not understand?Aria's gaze shifted to the phone tightly clutched in Nova's hand. The screen flickered repeatedly with incoming messages.Raising an eyebrow, Aria stepped forward. "Mr. and Mrs. Hanson, is it?"Nova frowned. "And you are?"Aria lied, "I'm Luna's classmate."At this, Nova and Nico exchanged wary glances. They'd heard that Luna's classmates had taken her to the bar, and hostility flickered in their expressions."Classmate? Students like you are nothing but bad influences!" Nova snapped. "All you care about is plastic surgery and partying."Aria remained silent as Nico interjected, his tone bitter. "Everyone knows Luna went to the bar l
The Hansons' theatrics were clearly an attempt to garner pity from the crowd. However, Aria's question quickly brought everyone's thoughts back into focus. "I noticed Mrs. Hanson's phone ringing repeatedly. The calls were from the insurance company," Aria stated plainly. Her extensive experience with similar cases had taught her that when financial interests were involved, people's actions often revealed their true motives."Did Luna take out an accidental death insurance policy?" Aria stepped closer, her voice steady. "Now that she's gone, the insurance company is likely calling to inform you about the compensation. Is that why you're in such a rush to claim her body?"Her words struck a nerve. The Hansons' expressions shifted dramatically, their unease palpable. Nico and Nova exchanged a nervous glance, and their anxiety deepened when they recalled that Aria had been Luna's classmate.Had Luna confided in her? How else would she know about the insurance?The murmurs among the o
The room fell silent as Nova's unrestrained yelling echoed, leaving everyone stunned. Her vicious words about Luna were far more venomous than anyone had expected from a mother.Meanwhile, Aria remained calm the entire time. She even responded to Nova, "She wouldn't have died if she had no dignity. You asked what she was after. Of course, she thought she could give you all the money."You claim to treat all your children equally, yet you gave your son a thousand dollars a month while Luna only got a hundred. Isn't that the difference?"Nova gritted her teeth. "My son eats more. Why can't I give him more pocket money? And yes, Luna did give us money, but we never forced her.""You didn't force her?" Aria's calm tone didn't waver. "Yet you constantly complained about regretting sending her to school. You even said women were better off marrying as soon as possible."Nova was completely baffled by her words.The truth was now painfully clear to everyone. The couple had always favore
Orion slammed his phone onto the table, his fury so intense that it was giving him a headache. "Didn't you say that everything was going smoothly? How did the couple end up getting arrested?"The meeting earlier had already put him on edge. Investors who had previously committed to increasing their funding suddenly claimed they needed more time to decide.Orion couldn't understand it. What other family could possibly compete with the Draycotts? Their discussions had been progressing well—why the sudden hesitation?The reason for his anger was obvious, but what puzzled him more was one investor's cryptic question. "Did you offend someone recently?"Offend someone? If anything, people should be afraid of offending the Draycott family, not the other way around.Of course, there was still the Carver family to consider. Orion had already looked into them.Fergus Carver, the eldest son, was a rising star in Parker Street's investment scene. He was renowned for his unbroken streak of su
In the meantime, Aria had arranged for someone to interrogate the couple. Her identity made it unsuitable for her to appear in the interrogation room. It didn't take long for the Hanson couple to confess. They revealed they had received a call that morning from someone claiming to represent their insurance company. The caller mentioned a policy worth one million dollars and urged them not to miss the claim period.While the policy and the insurance company were legitimate, the person orchestrating the claim was not.The Draycott family's meticulous operations made it challenging for the police to uncover significant leads in a single day.Following Sam's instructions, the technical department restored the call data. Its content was shocking. However, apart from Sky's voice, all the other people used voice changers. Therefore, they had to use soundwave analysis to identify them.The first breakthrough came from a person captured in a video—Craig Jameson, a prominent member of th
The investigator hesitated. "You want to meet them? They're not easy to meet, though. Shouldn't we apply for an official request first?"After all, these were not ordinary people.Aria held her phone casually, her fingers flying over the screen as if she were texting. "No need. I just happen to have a meeting with them."The investigator was stunned. What kind of meeting would grant her access to people like that?Y and the rest of the team seemed unfazed, used to Aria's uncanny connections. Taking the opportunity, Y adjusted her glasses and asked, "Boss, can you get hair samples from the suspects? That will save me the trouble of tracking them down."Aria slipped her phone into her pocket. "Sure. I'll leave things here in your capable hands. You all know the drill."Y's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Got it. Lock up anyone who tries to bail the suspect."The investigator watched in stunned silence as the Special Missions Unit went about their business. Their methods were brazen
"Mr. Grisham, what are you saying? Fiona and I are practically sisters. I've been visiting the Grisham residence since I was a child, and I've long thought of you as family."Priscilla's voice carried a practiced warmth. "I used to worry people might think I was trying to curry favor. But now that my family has risen in status, I don't have to worry about that anymore."Her words were as smooth as ever, perfectly calculated to tug at heartstrings.Clyde, like many ageing men, had grown to value familial bonds more than ever. Once, his grand home had been filled with the presence of his wife and children. But after the tragedy, it had grown much quieter. Priscilla's remarks stirred a sense of comfort he didn't realize he craved.Just then, Waymond returned home. He looked as though he had something to say but stopped short upon seeing Priscilla.In contrast, Priscilla seemed happy to see him. "Waymond, you're back!"Waymond gave her a brief glance and a faint smile. "Yes.""Way
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