It wasn't just because they worked for Carver Group, but also because of Aria's heroic deeds. Although the video wasn't complete, it was clear who had saved the children and allowed the heroic spirits to return to their rightful places.Aria paused and glanced at Keith, who pushed his glasses up and explained, "They admire you. The videos of you online have gone viral, and quite a few people are asking if we'll be making merchandise featuring you."Merchandise? What?Before Aria could ask more, Keith continued, "They didn't manage to capture your face, but they did take pictures of Mr. York standing next to you. You two looked good together, and now people say you are quite the couple.""Really? Where's the video? I want to see it," said Landon. He appeared very interested in this, judging from the smile on his face. Warmth pooled in his eyes, gradually melting away his aloof exterior. The employees rarely saw Landon in the office. His physical condition wasn't exactly a secret—e
They'd assumed that no one would dare approach Landon, yet Aria was standing on equal footing with him—perhaps even more domineering.Oh, how they loved it!Aria noticed their excitement but had no idea what had them thrilled. She didn't usually root for couples. Landon found the situation amusing. He had felt bound to someone in a similar way once before, but back then, it hadn't been as enjoyable.As Aria and Landon entered the elevator under the watchful, excited eyes of others, Landon received a call. It was for an online meeting, so he borrowed a conference room from Keith without a second thought. He didn't see himself as an outsider here.Meanwhile, Aria headed straight to Warren's office. Wasting no time, she took advantage of his good mood to explain everything that had happened at the church, including how Ian's family was involved."Fergus and I have been thinking about who arranged Poeta's 'coincidental' appearance. I have a suspect," Aria said, her gaze distant. "Th
The information Aria had read about Ian revealed that he had been a prodigy from a young age, earning numerous accolades. However, this was a more impressive achievement in the past than in the present.Ian had also graduated with a degree in financial management, which seemed odd. Why wasn't Carver Group passed down to him? Wasn't it a tradition for the family business to go to the eldest son or grandson?Something must have happened. Aria tapped her fingers on her phone, a habit she had when she was in deep thought. At that moment, her phone rang. It was Leon. "Are you back, Aria?" he asked.There was a lot of noise in the background as if Leon was outside. "I saw what went on online. You were so cool."Aria relaxed marginally. "It was nothing. Anyway, I have something to ask you." "Come over then. I'm filming that variety show tomorrow, and I'll feel confident with you by my side."Leon had become quite fond of Aria. Whenever someone brought up a new topic, he would mention
Poeta was looking for a chance to rekindle her relationship with Fergus. From what she'd heard while overseas, Fergus had changed drastically from who he was during his teenage years.Back then, Fiona had been gravely ill and unable to care for Fergus. His family had also frequently neglected him, and Warren had placed many responsibilities on his young shoulders.As a result, Fergus experienced profound loneliness, which only intensified after the upheaval his family faced following Aria's kidnapping.Furthermore, Warren's constant meddling in Fergus and Poeta's relationship only exacerbated the situation, highlighting Fergus's urgent need for emotional healing—at least, that was what Poeta concluded.But when she returned to Farshya and met Fergus again, she realized things were far from what she had expected. In fact, she sensed a distance between them.When Warren heard she wanted to reconnect with Fergus after returning to the country, he showed no reaction. He even stated, q
"He, uh—" Poeta quickly came up with a response. After spending so many years overseas, she had mastered the art of conversation. "He's not happy about it, of course, but he didn't immediately argue with Mr. Carver Senior. "You know as well as I do, Mr. Carver, your family raised him well. He's always been an obedient and responsible son. Mr. Carver Senior isn't doing well, so he told me to tolerate it for a while. I'm staying somewhere else for now, but he'll bring it up again when Mr. Carver Senior softens a little."Poeta had made most of it up, but Owen didn't suspect that of her because it fit the script he'd written in his mind—his eldest son wouldn't get into a fight with Warren because of his first love; that wouldn't make sense."That's good enough. These negative feelings he has will build up slowly." Owen's gaze darkened. Fergus' dissatisfaction would eventually explode once it reached a breaking point. Owen knew Warren well. Warren would never see himself as the probl
However, that wasn't how Owen had expected things to turn out. From his perspective, everything had finally returned to the way it should be.Mindy had also returned bearing good news. The filming for her new variety show, "Exploring Farshya", would start soon. Unlike last time, when everyone shared recordings among themselves, this show would be broadcast live on TV.Anyone would jump at the opportunity to be featured in a mainstream variety show promoting national relics. Unlike the other guests, Mindy wasn't expendable; she was there as a restorer of cultural relics. Her impact would obviously be huge.Elated, Owen opened a bottle of wine and poured Mindy a glass. "Alas, it's still you who finally manages to make me happy, Mindy."With the show's airing, patriotic sentiment in Farshya was bound to surge. If Aria could benefit from this, so could Owen.Regardless of Warren's stance, Owen could always inform the media of his formal decision to adopt Mindy."I thought you didn'
"Kenny!" Mindy snapped, "How many times have I told you not to speak about Aria like that?"Kenny let out a long sigh. "Mindy, you're too nice. You see her as your sister, but does she see you that way? She's plotting to take over Carver Group for herself and doesn't even respect her own father. Just think about what she's been doing lately!"All she does is promote herself and win over Mr. Carver Senior. The industry praises her, but it's only because she used you as a stepping stone!" Mindy fidgeted with the hem of her dress. "Even so, if it makes her happy, I'm okay with it.""You shouldn't feel that way, Mindy." Owen had put his relationship with Aria entirely aside. His hatred for her grew tenfold upon hearing Kenny's words. He had greatly underestimated Aria. He'd been blaming his situation on Warren's disdain, but now it was clear—everything Aria had done since her return was part of her scheme to seize power!Owen turned to Mindy and said, "Present yourself as a patriot
"I heard that Dr. Whiz is quite elusive. If you need me to, I can ask around on your behalf." Mindy's voice became sweeter now that she was in a good mood. "I know many people in the cultural restoration industry, and they often have connections with mysterious figures like this doctor." Kenny responded, pleasantly surprised, "Really? That's wonderful! If we can get this doctor on board, Grandpa might recover!""Mindy, you sure are well-connected," Owen chimed in happily. The bigwigs usually aided only those they knew well; it wasn't about money but rather personal rapport.Mindy wouldn't make such a statement unless she already had her own strategies in place. Owen regretted not familiarizing himself with those bigwigs who could be helpful.It was fortunate that Mindy was knowledgeable about cultural relics. She was pleased by Owen's compliment, knowing it was true that she had her own network. Her mentor once mentioned an exceptionally skilled elderly traditional doctor in t
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