"In the end, it all depends on which side we're closer to." Orion's eyes lit up when he heard that. It seemed like Lily was trustworthy. She had to have been reborn—there was no other explanation for how she possessed such crucial knowledge. Even Orion, with all his connections, had only learned about it much later.Orion masked his excitement with difficulty and signaled his assistant, who placed a plain cardboard box on the table.The trio's eyes flickered toward the box. They already knew what was inside—this wasn't their first encounter with it."As usual, I'll be relying on you three," Orion said.One of them replied discreetly, "A businessman like Mr. Draycott is exactly what our district needs. Don't worry."After finishing their drinks, the three left the club separately. Yet none of them went home—they each headed to another destination, accompanied by women Orion had arranged.He understood their desires well, but his gestures carried a deeper message—a reminder of
Orion furrowed his brows. He had orchestrated the entire scheme—blocking their ambassador searches, using fake accounts to slander them, and editing videos to sway public opinion.His goal was simple—push the Katz family into bankruptcy and then acquire their assets at a bargain price.He expected them to cry foul online but never imagined they'd succeed. The Katz family was too old-fashioned, too disconnected from the digital world. Besides, no one ever managed to clear their name after being smeared online.So why had everything shifted when a celebrity got involved?"Who did you say the ambassador was?" Orion asked sharply."Leon. He's a top idol! And now people are slandering our partner companies, accusing us of sabotaging homegrown brands.""Leon?" Orion shot to his feet, the name sparking recognition—Leon Carver.Pain throbbed in Orion's clenched jaw. "How could I have forgotten? He's from the Carver family. I underestimated Aria. I didn't think she could pull off a mov
Orion looked out the window, his jaw clenched. "Aria, I've let you have your way twice already. You've ruined my plans over and over again. This third time, I'll extend to you the highest courtesy Ludwiten has to offer—I'll make sure you regret ever stepping foot here, and you'll witness firsthand how the Grisham family falls from grace."He hadn't planned on triggering the traps he had laid with Jett. His original intent was to make the Grisham family grovel in the future, but Aria was pushing him too far. Wasting a plan years in the making was unthinkable, yet Orion understood he had no other choice. "If we can't clear our name from the incident, leak their address online," he instructed in a low voice over the phone. "And start preparing for the customs."The online discussions were spiraling out of control, and he needed a scapegoat.If he could shift public outrage onto the Grisham family, then the Draycott family wouldn't suffer a true loss.Orion hadn't expected anything
Leon's reaction clearly caught Isaiah off guard, leaving him somewhat at a loss. During the past five years, the Katz family's influence had steadily declined. No one truly respected them anymore. To secure any promotional resources, Isaiah had to approach others with humility. Leon knew Isaiah's granddaughter was a fan who once pleaded with him, "Grandpa, if you could get this celebrity to visit our factory, people would buy our canned goods!" She was too young to understand that the adult world was far more complicated. In their current state, the Katz family couldn't even attract minor celebrities, let alone the A-listers young people talked about. Isaiah opened his mouth, then quickly grasped Leon's hand. This gesture reminded Leon of the past. He remembered that the old man before him was not always like this. Back then, Isaiah had been full of energy. He would occasionally visit Clyde to play chess and share news about acquiring new land where their old colleagues could
Taking action meant more than just making purchases. The products on the live stream links had already sold out. The fans' goal was to spread awareness about this exceptional domestic brand that was facing unjust accusations from mysterious competitors. The claims about poor quality were baseless. The allegations about unsanitary conditions and rude employees were equally absurd. Leon's fans were determined to reveal the whole truth. Young people's ability to spread information online was unmatched. Many content creators and private media accounts voluntarily produced videos, and the story spread like wildfire. What started with a few shares turned into thousands, then millions.The local government account that had conducted the undercover investigation had already disabled comments in fear. Yet countless people still tagged them. "As Westgate officials, shouldn't you review your reports more carefully?" "Who conducted the investigation? Who benefited from it?" "Is this how
Orion said, "Our relationship? Mr. Lambert, you're confused again. What relationship could we possibly have? We've only met at business conferences." Orion gripped his phone tightly. "Mr. Lambert, I should warn you. How you speak to me is irrelevant, but if that person hears about this, things will get serious. Don't you think?" At the mention of that person, Clifford cowered a little but also felt reassured. Yes, with that person's backing, what was there to fear? Any problem could be suppressed. But one thing puzzled Clifford. "How did the Katz family bounce back when they were so down? Was it just luck, or does Aria Carver actually have some real talent?" This would have been impossible before. He had worked with the Draycotts multiple times. Yet this time, these internet users had gone completely wild just because of some celebrity daring to cause trouble even with the Westgate government. That was because people who had stayed in power too long would never understand. Pe
"Don't make any moves yet. Something doesn't feel right. Get everyone to pull back," Orion said.The assistant waved everyone off without questioning why. He trusted Orion's judgment and ordered their retreat.After the call, Orion searched his phone for Luka's post. He had his tech team trace the IP address. To his shock, Luka's IP address had changed from the fashion boutique to Draycott Group, and it could not be altered.Orion's anger flared. He assumed Luka had been bought off to plant the IP trace at their house, then disappeared. As he blamed everything on Aria, he ground his teeth in fury.With that IP address, anyone could trace it back to their house. Nothing could stay hidden from the internet these days. He ordered his tech team to hack Luka's account and delete the video, but they were too late.When the video first went up, no one had checked its IP address. They had focused on the content, joining the wave of criticism against the canned peaches factory. That was th
Then, Leon bowed sincerely to the camera. Instantly, domestic brands reached unprecedented popularity. Fans and non-fans alike could see the genuine sincerity of this live stream. Beyond Leon, the factory director and every employee caught on camera teared up, as if they had waited forever for someone to finally notice them. People finally uncovered all of Isaiah's past deeds. Only then did they realize the profound meaning behind these brands that had accompanied their childhood. These legacy enterprises just wanted everyone to be able to eat healthy and live a happy life. When children were sad, they hoped something sweet could make them happy. Though their packaging was not fancy, they put those savings into the food quality itself and their workers' wages. Such businessmen were rare these days. "How many CEOs actually work on the factory floor? I thought it was staged at first, but clearly no one knew Leon would come. This stream showed me what it means to respect ordinar
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
Durand's expression darkened; Eamon was right. Amos and the official from the state had originally wanted to work with the Grishams, especially Eamon. That was why they used the Fitzroys as a bridge to approach him. Unfortunately, Magdalene had failed to establish any rapport with the Grishams.Instead, she kept criticizing Eamon, claiming he followed Laura's every word, and insisted they had plenty of ways to manipulate the Grishams. In the end, the divorce erupted into a scandal, and the entire Fitzroy family was imprisoned.Ironically, Eamon's actions only impressed the state official more. Durand had even heard Amos say that their leader hoped Eamon would continue working with them as his involvement would ensure their plans progressed smoothly.That knowledge burned Durand with frustration. No matter what he did, he could never measure up to Eamon."It looks like you still haven't grasped the situation, Mr. Grishman. Mr. Grisham Senior has begged everyone, but where did it le
"I'm happy to take over the Grishams' responsibilities," Durand said.Waymond scoffed coldly. "You're not worthy of it.""Mr. Lincoln, it seems someone's not too happy with you."Durand, dressed like a gentleman as always, adjusted his glasses and replied calmly, "Waymond, you've been in this business long enough to know how things work. The Grishams have gained a lot over the years. It's not up to you to decide whether to hold on to it."Leonardo stood, trying to ease the tension. "There's no point in arguing. Let's settle this the traditional way—with an anonymous vote. Everyone, write down whether you think the Grishams should step down. Let the vote speak for itself. That way, it'll be fair."He instructed someone to bring in a box, paper, and pens. Each member was handed a set. It was more for show than anything else; everyone already knew how the vote would go.Eamon saw right through their performance, his gaze turning cold as he sat silently. The votes were quickly cast an
"Mr. Grisham, how long your niece stays locked up isn't up to us—it depends on the severity of her crime," Durand said. "As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, you should understand how serious the situation she's stirred up really is. Haven't you read any of the online news?"People are now hoping the Grisham family goes bankrupt. They're even demanding that we, the Chamber, investigate this matter ourselves!"His words made those who had previously wanted to side with the Grishams start to hesitate. With the Draycotts and Fitzroys already doomed, the Grishams had seemed like the next best option. But no one had expected Aria to make such a critical mistake.Public sentiment had turned sharply. The Chamber of Commerce was now being blamed for enabling an economic disaster. What angered the public most was Aria's carefully crafted image. If she'd shown her true colors from the start, they might have ignored her. But pretending to be righteous, only to betray the common people—that w