Philip had never hosted guests at a formal banquet before. He was accustomed to hanging out with friends who others might consider disreputable company. During his family's formal events, his only responsibility was to avoid embarrassing himself.His presence hadn't been necessary with someone as capable as Kenny in the family. Not this time, though. Philip felt somewhat anxious. "I should entrust this to you, Kenny. You know that I'm not that adept in doing things such as this."Kenny took his phone out, looking nonchalant. "You're the person the Yorks want to establish a connection with. It will be inappropriate if I host them instead of you.""We can do this together, and you can remind me what I need to take note of during the banquet," Philip said.Kenny tucked his phone away. "Let's talk about this later. You know I'm working hard to be by Mindy's side now.""Didn't that young woman we met tell us that Mindy is interested in someone else?" Philip advised, "Landon will be h
Philip decided to attend the gathering simply because of the invitation. However, traffic ahead came to a standstill.He would've taken a shortcut to the venue any other day, but today, that group chat became increasingly annoying as time passed. As he waited for the roads to clear, he suddenly thought of Aria's words. Philip unlocked his phone and typed a reply, "You guys have fun. I'm having a headache, so let's meet some other day."He then turned back and headed home. The day's events felt bizarre, and Philip chuckled at his impulsive decision. But back home, a realization struck him. Leon wasn't part of the group chat. If he had gone, he likely would've been dragged into a discussion about how to impress Rainbow Carver.Philip didn't have any opinion on Ms. Rainbow in particular. That was just what their circle was like—if someone could stay behind, they could by all means, but they shouldn't force themselves to stay if it proved impossible.Philip wasn't an overly benevol
Exhausted after his call, Philip trudged home, his body heavy with dread. He didn't know who he should talk to about this. He'd thought of calling his father, but Jack would only call him useless and tell him to learn from Kenny. Philip was having a hard time keeping everything in, so he sent a message to Leon, "Do you have time for a chat?"Leon's reply was immediate. "No. I'm looking for my sister."Philip found that weird. "Hasn't your family already taken her in?"Leon skulked in the corner, wearing a pair of shades. "Yeah, but I'm not brave enough to step foot in the residence. You know how my grandfather is too, don't you? He frowns at the sight of me."Philip said immediately, "You can come over to my place. You shouldn't be out there all the time. Aren't you a celebrity? You'd become fodder for gossip again."Leon said determinedly, "No. I want to figure out who my sister is through the clues I've gathered."Philip's heart felt lighter as he chatted with Leon, so he tol
It would be ideal if the tree was an oak tree, which symbolized strength and endurance, but unfortunately, the person who'd planted it had chosen a willow tree with leaves drooping from its branches. As time passed, the tree canopy would slowly spread wider, and its leaves would droop lower to the ground, contributing to a gloomy sight that would also hamper those living in the house.Around trees such as this, wild animals gathered, bringing a discordant atmosphere. Here was where Sam came in. Even without the copper coin, his presence served as a deterrent. No animal, regardless of species, dared to approach the house while he circled it.That was proven to be true. The maids found that strange and asked themselves, "Why do I no longer hear those meowing noises?""The stray cats from before aren't here."Usually, the stray cats would start meowing at this point in the day. The kitchen staff would feed them too. However, a black cat had once glared at them hostilely and scra
"Grandpa," Aria's gaze was dark as she said, "You've been an honest man all your life. During your many years as a businessman, you've never forgotten your original intentions, and you've helped countless people. You will live a long life."Warren's eyes reddened at Aria's words. He said to Keith, "Tell me. Why shouldn't I take her side?""You should, Mr. Carver Senior!" Keith said with a smile, "Don't worry. Your grandsons understand that too.""Hasn't Leon saved up a sum of money for Aria?" Keith looked at Aria. "He plans to give you the money when you get married."Aria paused. "You can tell him that there's no need to be so hasty."Warren laughed. "He worries that you won't like him. There are way too many rumors revolving around him, and he's always throwing temper tantrums. You'll know when you meet him."…Outside the Carver residence, Leon sneezed loudly when hiding inside his van. He opened his eyes and said to his assistant, Janie Rielson, "I'm sure that my rivals are
Sam's nose twitched, and he leaned closer. "She feels abnormal, unlike an ordinary person."Aria knew that Sam hadn't fully recovered yet. However, he had sharp senses due to his nature. Anyone he determined abnormal might have an incomplete soul or be latched onto by some impure entity. Aria's gaze darkened. No matter what it might be, she couldn't just ignore that woman. It wasn't safe to let someone like her loiter around outside."I'll go there to take a look." Aria took off her helmet in a fluid action. It wasn't that late, so there were people around looking at the woman, but no one dared to step forward and offer help. After all, the woman behaved quite peculiarly, as if she was intellectually impaired. She'd grab at anyone who passed by and ask if they'd seen her daughter. Everyone else was terrified, and the hospital gown she was wearing only added to the eeriness of the sight. "Is she a patient who ran away from the mental hospital?""Doesn't seem like it. Her face
Fiona tilted her head. She had a head of waist-length hair, and her wrists peeked out under her wide sleeves. Aside from a watch, she was also wearing a silver bracelet with precious stones embedded in it. She looked every inch like the wealthy woman she was, and she said, "You're more skilled at this than you say, young lady.""I'm decent at it." Aria withdrew the needles before reminding Fiona, "The doctor should already have told you to let go of some matters. It'll make you feel better."Fiona was stunned. She suddenly smiled. "Do you and your younger brother here have anything to attend to later?"Aria had wanted to tell Fiona she'd be heading home, but Fiona's gaze told her she wanted the opposite answer.Aria shook her head. Fiona said immediately, "I'll buy you guys a drink. Children can't drink alcohol, so your brother will be having a can of Coke instead. Let's have some fried chicken, shall we?"Aria couldn't stomach fried chicken, but Sam's eyes lit up upon hearing
Aria always respected teachers. She clinked her glass against Fiona's.Fiona's grin widened. "Has anyone told you this? You're more mature than your peers, and you're likable. I feel better when I spend time with you.""We're compatible, probably." Aria grabbed a fry. She didn't let down her guard so easily in front of anyone that often. Fiona had a calming disposition, and she was open-minded and accommodating. Even Sam was docile when in front of Fiona. Aria had thought Georgina to be the only person who held themselves with such gentleness, but now she'd come across another. A stranger, no less.Aria found that miraculous as well. Fiona chuckled lowly. "No one else would like it when I'm in the middle of an episode."Aria paused in her actions. Fiona continued, "I feel sorry that you had to see me in that state, but I'm glad too, for I would've never met you if I hadn't had that episode."Aria chuckled. "Our meeting was really coincidental, that's true. Your family must h
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