Aria enjoyed talking to smart people. Her eyes lit up. "It's a package deal. The land comes as a gift, along with the urban village. They need to dangle some hope in front of me to lure me into the trap."Landon chuckled. "Seems like the Draycott family believes in Lily's predictions. They think she's completely accurate."Aria took a sip of water. "Well, she's been spot on with the stock market. And she's not wrong about the big picture, either. Didn't they bring up developing the land at today's meeting?"He nodded. "They left out the details, though."Aria mused that no matter how many times Lily was reborn, Landon would still win.Leaning in closer, she whispered, "Yes, and it's a lot. I know you're smart, but keep it down. We're still in the village—someone might overhear."Landon pushed her forehead back with his left hand. "I smell like cigarettes."Aria raised an eyebrow. "It smells good."Unlike with others, Landon’s presence put her at ease.His gaze flickered toward
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief that Landon, the so-called demon lord, was gone.But work still had to be done. One pressing matter was the bidding war against the Draycott family—something Landon had personally instructed them to handle.To put up some resistance against Orion, they discreetly pulled a few strings. More importantly, they feared that if Landon actually won the bid, things could turn messy.…In the past, Orion would have been furious if someone dared to snatch something he had set his sights on. He wasn't entirely pleased about it now, either—but his arrogance kept his temper in check."For some reason, the York family also conducted a site investigation," Arlo reported.Orion's expression darkened as he considered the implications. After a moment, he said, "It's not necessarily a bad thing."Arlo frowned, gripping the report in his hand. "But if the York family joins the bidding, the price will skyrocket.""So what if it doubles?" Orion remained indifferent
The market had closed, leaving behind an unusual stillness. During trading hours, the space was packed with people fixated on screens—professional traders managing portfolios while financial experts explained the intricacies of the stock market to the public.However, the real power players in the stock market weren't here. They were elsewhere, trading from private offices, analyzing charts on high-end monitors.The ones who remained were either newcomers testing the waters or retirees—elderly folks whose children were unmarried, with no grandchildren to care for. They often took a stroll through the exchange after finishing their grocery shopping.Yet, these retirees were not to be underestimated. Many of them carried Louis Vuitton handbags, a testament to the fact that Ludwiten's retirement pensions were far more generous than in other places.Aria had chosen this exact time to make her entrance.When her sleek sports car pulled up outside the stock market, it naturally drew att
"But they are buying gold, and its value keeps rising.""I heard someone is about to step in to stop it from increasing."An elderly woman scoffed. "Oh, come on. When has gold ever really dropped? Emeralds might have outperformed it at times, but gold? Never.""Enough guessing. Let's go see for ourselves!"A cash transaction of this scale took time. The bills had to be counted by machine, manually verified, then checked again for accuracy before the funds were credited. Three rounds, no exceptions.The trader was practically beaming. It wasn't every day they met a client this wealthy—let alone one so generous. The transaction fees alone were enough to cover their expenses for a year!"Please sign here." The trader took the chance to probe. "You seem experienced. Are you locals?""Please sign here." The trader then continued to probe their background, "You don't seem like it's your first time trading. Are you locals?"Aria shook her head and chuckled. "We just returned from over
Aria had done so much already—naturally, she would create opportunities for the elderly to approach her.After opening the trading account, she excused herself to the washroom, claiming she needed to touch up her makeup. In truth, she was waiting for them.Cassy was a refined woman who usually kept a polite distance from strangers. But today's events were too surreal for her to ignore. She followed Aria inside and, seeing the young woman adjusting her reflection in the mirror, took the chance to strike up a conversation."Miss, I heard this is your first time in Ludwiten?""Yes, it is." Aria set down the foundation cushion she hadn't even used and smiled. "Ludwiten is a beautiful, international city. No wonder so many foreigners like visiting."Encouraged by the smooth exchange, Cassy deepened the conversation. "Have you been to The Bay yet? It's lovely, and the local delicacies are a must-try. The spaghetti and grilled salmon are some of the oldest specialties here.""We haven't
Aria immediately stepped in before the retirees could chat the day away. "Madam Grimmy, this is my boss. Remember I said I'd bring in a gold valuation expert? Since he was available, I invited him over."Landon chuckled and immediately got into his role. "My secretary already briefed me on the details, so let's get started."The retirees took their seats, giving him their full attention. When it came to making money, they weren't about to slack off."You've probably heard the phrase 'a diamond is forever,' but why isn't its value as stable as gold? People buy gold for all kinds of occasions—weddings, festivals, family celebrations."That's because gold’s value is well-established. Its price is influenced by currency fluctuations, supply and demand, and global markets."In the end, gold is universally accepted as a form of wealth. Diamonds, on the other hand, are just gemstones like emeralds. That's why gold's value remains stable and tends to appreciate over time."Despite his ex
Landon greeted Waymond and Eamon with a polite smile. Waymond glanced at Aria and teased, "Bringing him over so suddenly—are you getting him ready to meet the rest of the family in advance? Haha!"Both brothers were genuinely happy for Aria. After all, she and Landon were a striking pair, perfectly matched in both looks and stature.Just as Aria was about to respond, Landon interjected, "Apologies for the abrupt visit. I intended to come properly prepared, but it was so sudden that I didn't bring any gifts."Before he could finish, Waymond waved him off. "Forget the gifts. It's enough that you're here. I'll have the chef prepare a few specialty dishes. Let's have a drink later."Aria stepped in just in time. "Uncle Waymond, he's not in the best health. Let's skip the strong liquor."She continued, "Besides, you two still have matters to settle later. How about keeping it simple this time? I mainly came to update you on the land acquisition."Eamon, seated on the opposite side,
Waymond and Eamon had to return to the office to handle pressing matters. The current situation was dangerous, with traps hidden everywhere. Though they suspected Aria was acquiring the land to divert Orion's attention, they didn't stop her—just gave a warning.Having caught wind of some rumors, the two brothers decided it was time to urge Aria to marry.As the dishes were served, they chuckled and began, "Landon, you and Aria have been engaged for a while now. What are your plans? Hasn't Mr. York Senior been urging you to move forward with the wedding?"Due to past misunderstandings between the Grisham and Carver families, Waymond and Eamon hadn't been able to look after Aria as much as they wanted. Now, they were eager to support her in formal matters.Landon understood their intentions and grinned. "I—"Before he could finish, Aria interrupted, "Uncle Waymond, Uncle Eamon, I know you're both anxious, but please don't be. I'm still young and want to focus on my business and ma
Aliya squinted at the unmasked man beside Aria. Now that his face was fully visible, something about him sparked a flicker of recognition. She lowered her gaze, trying to recall where she'd seen him before.Then a sharp gasp cut through the air."He's from the York family… Janovin's York family! Wait—was he Mr. Crow? Were they working together the whole time?"Even though they were all wealthy people, they weren't in the same ranks. No one dared to mess with the York family at all.If the circumstances were different, the arrogant, wealthy people from earlier would've tried to exchange contacts with Landon. That way, they could've partnered up in the future. However, with what had happened that day, those people were in a daze.Meanwhile, Aria knew those people still had no idea what was going on. So, she just removed her disguise and showed them who she really was.Aliya was stunned by what Aria had done. When she saw who the latter truly was, her gaze was filled with jealousy.
The wealthy clients that were left behind at the auction had connections to powerful people, and Dave didn't think Aria was capable enough to deal with every one of them. Although Farshya was well-developed, it had always been a country that focused on connections.Power meant everything, and Dave wanted to see how Aria and her team would deal with his guests. If he remembered correctly, Aliya was the daughter of a great leader in the state. She wanted a womb from a young lady because she wanted to have children.Before the clients got what they wanted, Aria had offended a lot of big shots. Dave thought about it for a second and hoped Aria would suffer as much as he did.Dave was right about one thing. Aliya wasn't anxious at all when someone infiltrated the auction and took control of the event. She was only stunned for a moment at first. Once everything had settled down, she calmed down and even looked a little proud."I suggest you talk to your leader first before deciding to cu
Dave had escaped, but just barely.He'd saved his life, nothing more. The documents he needed to destroy were still intact. Everything had gone completely off script.Every exit had been sealed. If he hadn't killed a villager and disguised himself with a spell, he would've died at the auction. He didn't receive any news about the ambush and was caught entirely off guard.He wasn't in Janovin, and security was that tight there. With his connections, he could've found out what was going to happen in advance. However, that wasn't the case at all.Slipping into a grimy back alley, Dave cursed his luck. Most of his men had been rounded up in the village. He could only hope a few had managed to slip through. But with sirens wailing in the distance, he knew hope was thin."Who the hell was that?" he muttered, wiping dirt off his face with a shaking hand. Normally a stickler for cleanliness, Dave was too rattled to care. "And where's the real Eden?"His mind snapped into action. The scho
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