Robert was no longer the butler of the Grisham residence. Instead, he was one of Aria's staff members brought from Janovin. He only asked because Laura had never visited alone before.Despite her urgency, Laura maintained a composed façade, though she seemed unimpressed with the new butler. "Can't I come here by myself?""Of course you can. I misspoke. However, Mr. Grisham Senior just left. I'm afraid you might have come in vain."Although Laura had sabotaged Jett's investment, she wasn't foolish enough to cause trouble for a butler. She was only here to speak with Fiona, and Clyde's absence made things easier.She cast Benson Pennyworth a cool glance. "This is my house. There's no such thing as coming in vain. Where's Fiona?"Benson hesitated for a brief moment as if suppressing something, but his tone remained respectful. "Ms. Grisham is in the kitchen, preparing medicine. Shall I take you to her?"Laura waved him off. "No need. Get back to work—I'll go myself."Without anothe
Fiona remained calm as she listened, though a faint dimness clouded her eyes. Without a word, she poured herself another cup of coffee, ignoring Laura entirely.Laura had expected her to react, to ask questions, to follow her lead. Instead, Fiona's indifference caught her off guard. Who would have thought she'd be so unmoved?"Fiona, I know how incredible Aria is. She's achieved so much in Ludwiten. But Jett also put in a great deal of effort to help her. He followed her everywhere without a single complaint."Laura wiped her tears away. "It broke my heart to see Aria being looked down on when she first arrived. I thought, if I couldn't mend your relationship with Dad, then at least I could be a good aunt."So, I made sure Jett supported Aria as much as possible. You know Jett's personality—he's sincere. He genuinely wanted to help her secure the land, and he never took credit for it. That's why I'm here on his behalf."Jett is the eldest grandson of the Grisham family. Clyde will
Laura paused for a moment before continuing, "Fiona, what's done is done, and we can't just ignore it. Eamon… It may be hard to imagine, but Jett wouldn't have ended up like this without Owen's influence."Eamon was always busy, so he never had the time to guide Jett. That's why Jett has no real accomplishments as the Grisham family's eldest son. Some of our family's elders even cut ties with us after what Owen did."If they had been around to guide Jett, things might have turned out differently."Fiona looked down at the hand holding hers. "Laura, don't worry. I won't ignore what happened. No one hates Owen more than I do.""I understand. And Owen has already been punished. It's unrealistic to keep holding on to resentment. We should focus on moving forward. You and Eamon should clear up any misunderstandings," Laura said sincerely.But Fiona caught the deeper meaning behind her words. "If you were in my place, how would you let go of the grudge?"Laura pointed to a red-marked a
"I only realized today that you're not worthy of marrying into the Grisham family!" Fiona stood up, her patience completely spent. "See her out!"Laura was stunned. She hadn't expected Fiona to actually say that. Fury made her hands tremble as she pointed at Fiona. "You're saying I'm not worthy? And whose fault is it that the Grisham family is in such a miserable state?"Their decline is all thanks to your husband! And now, after divorcing him, you dare to come back? I only wanted harmony in this family, yet you accuse me like this? Fine! I'll go ask Eamon myself if he thinks the same way—that I don't deserve to be here."Fiona, if I end up divorcing Eamon, it's because of you! How dare a divorced woman like you meddle in your family's affairs!"Snatching up her bag, Laura stormed toward the door, her high heels clicking sharply against the floor.Since both Aria and Fiona refused to listen, Laura would let everyone in Ludwiten decide who was right. Fiona had no right to stay
"You want to teach the Fitzroy family a lesson?" The only one who sensed the danger around Aria stood beside her, exuding his usual refined demeanor. "Do you need my men to go with you?"Aria glanced at Landon before replying, "No need. I can handle it myself."She hadn't intended to go that far, but Magdalene was practically digging her own grave.Landon studied her thoughtfully. "You're still the same as ever. You only care about your family."It had been the same back when Aria was part of the sect—anyone who harmed her seniors would suffer tenfold, even if that person was Landon himself.Landon's tone felt oddly sulky, and Aria frowned. "Who else would I care about apart from my family?"Landon said nothing, offering only a half-smile.Something clicked in Aria's mind. Without hesitation, she reached out and took his hand. "You're my family too. Don't be so stingy. You're about to be the Carver family's live-in son-in-law soon, after all."Landon stilled, his gaze shifting
"I've devoted my entire life to the Grisham family since marrying into it, yet Fiona still treats me like an outsider. I never expected her to say such a thing." Laura felt indignant.Eamon sat on the couch, his expression impassive. "So?""So?" Laura could hardly believe his reaction. She had expected anger, or at the very least, some sign of support. After all, he was her husband."Are you going to let me suffer because of your sister? Didn't you hear what I just told you?"Eamon lit a cigarette and glanced at her. "I heard you. You wanted Aria's land, but she refused. So you went to Fiona, thinking she'd take your side. You didn't expect her to shut you down."Laura faltered. It was the truth, but the way he said it carried an undertone she didn't like.Before she could respond, Eamon continued, "I won't get involved. That land belongs to Aria. She can do whatever she wants with it. It has nothing to do with Jett."Laura's anger flared. "Nothing to do with Jett? Didn't he pul
Laura had always been a devoted wife, tending to her husband's every need. To outsiders, she was the epitome of a responsible wife and mother.When she brought up divorce, she had expected Eamon to reassure her and refuse. But he agreed.Tears streamed down Laura's face as unease settled deep in her chest. She couldn't understand—why?Meanwhile, Magdalene bolted out the door the moment she heard the news, leaving her bag behind. When she arrived and saw her daughter in tears, she demanded, "What happened? Why did Eamon agree to the divorce?"To Magdalene, Eamon had always followed along with whatever Laura wanted. The Grisham family hadn't pursued their family over what happened with Robert, which only reinforced her belief that Eamon valued Laura's side of the family enough to protect them from Clyde's wrath.So, why would he agree?Magdalene was baffled.Laura wiped at her tears, her distress evident. "Maybe he found out what we did… or maybe he's just grown tired of all the t
Juno explained, "Mrs. Grisham, I'm from the company's legal department. Mr. Grisham has appointed me to handle your divorce proceedings on his behalf. Let me know if you have any questions."Laura's eyes reddened. "We're the ones getting divorced. Why should I ask you? Get him on the phone. I'm telling you—" Before she could finish, Magdalene snatched her phone and ended the call. Pressing a firm hand on Laura's shoulder, she said, "You're from the Fitzroy family. Stop acting like this!"Laura's hands trembled. "Mom, didn't you hear that? He got a legal representative to handle this. He really wants a divorce!"Magdalene's gaze darkened. "I heard it all. He had everything prepared the moment you brought up divorce. He must have been planning this all along."No wonder he didn't ask about the Grisham family's incident. He played the part so well just to deceive me! If this is how he wants to treat you, then fine—divorce him!"I'd like to see if the Grisham family dares to go ag
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