Orion flipped the coffee table, sending the fruit platter and wine glasses crashing to the floor. His glare pinned Lily in place, his voice sharp as a blade. "Are the stocks you predicted truly accurate, or is this just a scam?""I-It's accurate." Lily was not stupid. She understood what her value was. If she said she wasn't 100 percent sure, he would kill her.However, Orion didn't seem to believe her. He narrowed his eyes and questioned, "Don't tell me you figured it all out on your own. If you're so talented, why didn't you predict the fourth item at today's meeting would be a phone?"He wasn't a fool. Orion was as sharp as they came, and few could outmaneuver him. For the first time, Lily's usual web of lies had failed.Years of watching the couple's schemes—kidnappings, deceptions—had taught her to act convincingly. Yet now, she hadn't anticipated how far Orion would go.Lily shuddered. "I-I'm not that talented—""I'll give you two options." His smile turned cold, predatory.
Despite her fear, Lily held tightly to Orion's hand as she stood.Orion paused, considering his words before speaking. "Your experience is certainly shocking but not entirely hard to believe. As it happens, Aria will be tied up with other matters for the next few days. Why not use this time to prove yourself? Tell me what's about to happen."Lily, showing more composure this time, promptly responded. "A famous novel is about to announce its TV adaptation."Orion's brows knit together. The news didn't interest him, but it could be the perfect way to confirm Lily's claim of being reborn. "Who's the director, and how are they promoting it?"Lily rattled off the details with ease, then added, "The authorities will announce development plans for land east of the bridge in a few days. But I'm not sure of the exact location.""The slums on the east side?" Orion asked, skeptical. Everyone in Ludwiten knew developing that area was a long shot.Still, he saw an opportunity. If her informat
"I need to inform you that Jeff needs to be with me at all times." Aria looked at Clyde without saying the reason. After all, there might be outsiders listening in. Plus, she couldn't achieve the desired effect without if she explained further. Jett, who was midway through adding food to his plate, froze. For the first time in a while, a trace of emotion surfaced on his otherwise blank face. He couldn't fathom why Aria, someone he had only just met, insisted on him following her.His thoughts were already in disarray from earlier events. Aria's sudden involvement felt tangled with his Uncle Robert's departure, and Jett couldn't sort out how he felt about her.Though Robert was a distant relative from his maternal grandmother's side, he had always been a familiar presence in the Grisham residence and treated Jett with kindness.But if not for Eamon pulling him aside to explain Robert's actions, Jett would never have guessed that his uncle had betrayed the Grisham family.Why would
Waymond patted Jett's shoulder and laughed heartily. "You're indeed like me. We're both gullible and headstrong. We easily pity others and get deceived too."The financial records Aria handed him were indeed a disaster he'd sown himself back in his early days, trusting the wrong people. Waymond said straightforwardly, "It's good for you to follow Aria."Jett only reckoned that Aria was a good fighter. As for the other aspects, he thought he was still more knowledgeable despite his lack of talent. After all, he was older than her and had graduated from a business school.Despite thinking that, Jett could only nod under such circumstances. While Aria understood what he was thinking, she kept quiet.Just then, Aria's phone buzzed with a call from Sam. He didn't say anything but tapped his fingers lightly against the microphone. Aria smiled and said dotingly, "Okay. I'll go and take a look later. Are you hungry? Make sure you eat something."Sam had an aloof expression as he sent
However, Jett had no choice but to listen to Clyde."Okay." Jett stood up and glanced at Eamon. He worried his parents might argue over what had happened earlier. Eamon met Jett's gaze with an unreadable expression. "Listen to what Aria says when you're outside."Jett mumbled, "Okay."Aria reminded Clyde as she packed up. "Grandpa, I've arranged for someone to send you medicine. Since you don't have a butler right now, I found a suitable candidate. He'll bring the medicine tonight and prepare it according to the prescription."You need to follow my advice. You should exercise more, don't get stressed, and make sure your room stays well-ventilated."Clyde's heart warmed. Aria had barely eaten a few bites before preparing to head out again, and yet she hadn't given up on Jett. She'd even taken him along with her.He understood her intentions. While it appeared she was helping Jett, she was actually introducing him to the family's business world."Mom, take care of Grandpa. I fee
It all began with Jett's so-called friends and connections—many of whom were tied to his mother's side of the family. Aria quickly realized their true intention wasn't to destroy the Grisham family but to pull Jett closer to their circle. As the future heir of the Grisham family, Jett was a valuable asset. To win his favor, they indulged his every whim and even orchestrated friendships for him. Some of those connections were with the Draycott family's men.Aria had taken great care to filter out anyone with links to the Grishams. Even so, she was stunned to find she had overlooked two people in Jett's circle. If she hadn't checked the IP address behind the video Isaiah just sent, those two would have remained hidden.The bigger the family, the more tangled the web of relationships. Aria had never felt that way about her own family—her brothers weren't married, and the Carver family had few extended relatives. But the Grishams were another story entirely. Missing even the smallest d
"Let's meet your so-called friend. Talk normally and don't reveal anything. We start with courtesy, but we'll escalate if needed." Aria's tone was firm as she dragged Jett into the boutique.Customer service was crucial in boutiques selling and maintaining second-hand luxury items. Some high-end shops prided themselves on their impressive collections of classic edition pieces. Although many wealthy clients didn't typically shop there, the demand was driven by budget-conscious consumers who wanted high-end goods.Second-hand bags that once cost tens of thousands could be purchased for half the price. Fresh graduates with limited budgets but a desire to flaunt status often sought such deals. TV dramas showed how luxury bags could help people mingle in high-end social circles, sometimes leading to surprising bargains. For shop owners, a boutique like this could be pretty profitable—if the goods were legitimate and the staff's attitude didn't drive customers away.Jett had trusted
The customer's frustration was simmering, but Aria's cool and self-assured demeanor caught her off guard. She had never met a woman quite like Aria before, and her irritation wavered.When Aria offered an apology, the customer waved it off, flustered. "N-No need. Maybe the shop doesn't have my size anyway.""Nonsense. You have a balanced figure and a slim waist—you'll look good in anything. Why not try it on and see for yourself?" Aria's tone was disarming yet firm.Then, with a sudden shift, she added, "As for the salesperson, she doesn't seem to need this job. She's probably wealthy enough to buy these clothes outright. Maybe she's from a well-off family."Aurelia Dubois' expression darkened. "Miss, even if you're friends with Mr. Grisham, it's inappropriate to meddle in shop matters. Yes, I was in a bad mood because of a break-up today. I'm sure Mr. Grisham will understand. I'm very sorry."Though her words were loud, her tone carried more self-pity than remorse. She was clearl
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