How could it be such a coincidence? Just two days after Homer left, something strange happened to Landon.Various thoughts raced through Titus' mind, making him feel uneasy. At that moment, the phone in the living room rang. It was rare to see landlines in homes these days, but vintage items like that were common in York Residence, a symbol of their quiet luxury.Not in the mood to take the call, Titus motioned for his secretary to answer it.Unexpectedly, the caller's first words were, "I know where Mr. Landon is. I can give you some clues."The secretary's expression shifted. "Please hold for a moment," he said, covering the receiver and turning to Titus. "Mr. York Senior, it's a female college student. She claims to know where Mr. Landon is."Titus walked over, his expression tense, though his voice remained steady, revealing none of his rising anxiety. "Hello."The caller was momentarily thrown off by Titus' voice. She had seen the news about Landon's disappearance, which m
Titus instinctively wanted to frown upon hearing that Lily was from the Kent family, but when she mentioned her grandmother, he hesitated. He hadn't met Georgina, but he knew of her reputation. More importantly, she was the grandmother of his future daughter-in-law, Aria, with whom he was very pleased.Who would have thought that the doctor Landon had praised as a genius would turn out to be Aria? Even more astonishing was that she was later revealed to be the long-lost daughter of the Carver family.Titus could confidently say it was thanks to Aria that Landon was still alive.Knowing Lily was somehow connected to Aria, Titus held back any harsh words and remained silent.Sensing that Titus was holding back, Lily seized the opportunity to continue. "Mr. York Senior, I know you're worried about your grandson. "When I went out to restock medicine, I saw Mr. York in a car on the northwest side of the state. The car wasn't from Janovin; I could tell from the license plate. "I wa
Titus indeed viewed Lily with suspicion. He wouldn't have been so cautious if she had asked for something in exchange for her information. However, since Lily offered clues without seeking anything in return, it made him wary. His impression of her was far from that of a kind, selfless woman.Titus believed that some people could indeed tell a person's fate by merely observing their face—Homer was proof of that.However, such abilities were either innate or honed over years of cultivation. Could Lily possess such gifts? If she did, why hadn't she revealed them earlier?Titus was not someone who could be easily deceived, being both knowledgeable and cautious.Lily, knowing this, had prepared her script. "I understand my words may seem unbelievable. If you doubt me, you can ask the Furler family—I once helped them by predicting an event."But Mr. York Senior, what matters most right now is finding Mr. York. Once you do, make sure he doesn't ride in a white car and have him take a di
The rain splattered against the rocks, its sound echoing through the cave. The crow, ever alert to its master's mood, knew trouble was brewing. Its owner, Landon, was growing impatient, his protective cover tossed aside as he sipped coffee with a bored expression.If the majestic lizard didn't act soon, the crow feared everything in the cave would be destroyed. It knew Landon's temper all too well. As expected, Landon grew bored of his coffee. He stood up and gazed at the glass lights the majestic lizard had carefully collected. Without a second thought, he touched one, and it shattered.Landon turned his attention to the deepest part of the cave. His handsome face remained indifferent while the black mist swirling around him kept others at bay. He looked almost god-like. "Release the souls," he commanded."Yes, my lord." Feeling relieved to have something to do, the crow was about to take off when three figures appeared through the rain. Recognizing one of them as Sam, the crow
The majestic lizard narrowed its eyes, growing more curious about who Aria was in her past life. But before it could ponder further, a wooden stick prodded against its back—Chaos was warning that it would be dead meat if it didn't open the cell quickly.The majestic lizard obeyed without hesitation and opened the cell despite knowing it was unnecessary—Landon could have bypassed it easily. Everything that was unfolding now was far from what the majestic lizard had imagined."What happened to your hand?" Aria asked, noticing blood on Landon's finger. She immediately grabbed his hand to examine it, then shot the lizard a sharp look.The majestic lizard instinctively backed away. It had nothing to do with Landon's injury, and it silently wondered how Aria could dare touch Landon's hand. Didn't she know Landon hated practitioners like her the most? Aria was doomed!Yet, to the lizard's astonishment, Landon, who could control people's fates and regarded humans as insignificant, actually
The majestic lizard grew nervous at Aria's remark and felt compelled to convince her. "I've already eaten most of the young demons in the northwest district. I needed their power to ascend into a dragon, so I ate them."Aria listened without much emotion before coldly responding, "If that's the case, I should kill you to protect our environment."The majestic lizard froze, stunned by her words. He wanted to appeal to Landon for help, but Landon didn't even spare him a glance.Aria, cool and composed, took Landon's hand and strode forward, her demeanor natural.Landon, still as graceful as ever, couldn't help but smile. His presence remained strong, and the lamps lit up in his wake as they passed. However, Aria's attention was focused on the trapped souls nearby. It was no wonder they couldn't leave—Draco was watching them, and a Soul Suppression Plaque was in place.Aria recognized that the plaque was the work of someone from her field. Her expression darkened as she yanked the
Cameron had initially treated Aria with disdain, believing in Lily's manipulative tales. It wasn't just Lily's deceit; Cameron's poor judgment played a role. However, after spending time with his grandfather and learning more, Cameron began to admire Aria. He realized how capable and admirable she was, especially after seeing her on the variety show where she saved the heroic spirits. Now, Cameron aspired to be as skilled as Aria.Lily wasn't frightening in and of herself, but Malcolm was wary of the trouble she might cause, fearing that she could damage Aria's fortunes. Lily had a knack for charming people and making them believe in her, which left Malcolm feeling unsettled. There was definitely something strange about her.No matter how often Malcolm thought Lily was gone for good, she somehow always reappeared. He couldn't understand how she managed to gain the respect of the Furler family to such a degree.This was also the first thing Aria noticed when she received Malcolm's
Draco was not just consumed by resentment—he also possessed two rare Protection Shields. One came from himself, a defense born out of his past experiences, and the other was granted by a spirit who had sacrificed all their remaining fortune to create it for him.Aria hadn't noticed the shield before due to the presence of the Soul Suppression Plaque, but now she paused, observing the faint golden glow that emanated from his resentment. "Were you a soldier before?" she asked.Draco's eyes burned with fury. "So what if I was? They never treated us like humans. They deserve to die! All of them who bullied my daughter should die!" His anger boiled over as the Soul Suppression Plaque gleamed, feeding off his intense resentment.When Aria saw that, she released Draco. Some Protection Shields wouldn't just appear because one was a soldier. The presence of the Protection Shield meant that Draco was not an ordinary soldier but one with great merit.Aria didn't want to get rid of Draco. Ho
There was no way Aria didn't know that the conviction was unfair. Furthermore, Percy specialized in handling economic cases. He knew there was no way Aria would be locked up so quickly. Yet, her crime had been publicly declared without prior warning. Percy was absolutely furious. He tugged his tie and declared the system was corrupted. While Fergus was also helping to find connections, Warren had just landed from Janovin.Clyde had sought out all sorts of connections, even his ex-colleagues in the education field.Fiona clenched his hands. "They promised to help Dad look into it." "They're just trying to fool Mr. Grisham Senior. Their higher-ups have already warned them about it." Nisa suddenly lowered her voice. "They're trying to make his health relapse again. If that happens, the Grisham family is done for."At this moment, a low voice sounded from the door. "So that's what happened. I was wondering why there was no progress with Aria's side after a whole day."It was Eamon.
Because Amos' arrest was part of a covert operation, the news didn't reach anyone outside the circle. That meant Durand remained completely unaware. He was still riding high on the thrill of his plan, blinded by the pleasure of watching the Grisham family fall.That night, he raised a glass of wine in early celebration, his mistress seated beside him. He didn't know that the move he'd made would become the greatest regret of his life.Elsewhere, Nisa couldn't bring herself to be as heartless. That was why, under the quiet cover of night, she made her way to the Grisham residence—not to see Clyde, but to speak with Fiona. She knew Clyde would shut her out immediately, but Fiona… Fiona might just listen.They weren't close. Not the way Fiona was with Priscilla. But they had once shared a few polite meals, floated in the same social circles. Enough to warrant a conversation—barely.When they sat down, Fiona's expression was cool, even distant. She hadn't forgotten the things Nisa had
Lucas could hear the pride in his mentor's voice for Aria. After all, his mentor had taken Aria in Southbury and even owed her his life. Lucas didn't dare to inform his mentor that Aria was being suppressed in the political world. He understood his mentor well. He was devoted to the country and couldn't stand such injustice.Therefore, Lucas didn't tell the truth to prevent his mentor from worrying. If someone with his position made a move, it would become a huge issue. That was why Lucas hid the truth from him. The former had to play along with the other politicians and endure them spouting empty promises. Before Lucas set out, his mentor stood on top of Old City and looked at the vast mountains. "Do whatever you need to, just like what you had done in Southbury. I'll be waiting for you and Aria's return at Janovin."These people didn't deserve his mercy at all!"You used your authority to disregard people's lives." It was the first time Lucas had shown his emotions so open
Amos was too stunned to react. One side of his face throbbed with pain, and fish oil clung to his hair, glistening from the dish he had been slammed into.He had always eaten fish a particular way—only one side. No matter how expensive the fish, he refused to flip it over, believing that leaving it untouched brought good fortune.But today, that superstition had been smashed—along with his pride. Pinned to the table, Amos hadn't even found the time to get angry. Confusion flickered in his eyes as he struggled to rise.Then Lucas spoke, his words crashing down like a stone wall."Amos Lune, you conspired with the Draycott and Fitzroy families to crush honest entrepreneurs. You've abused your position shamelessly."Lucas didn't stop. His tone cut sharper with each sentence."We also have evidence linking you to a human organ trafficking ring in Bellebrook. You've disgraced the people who supported your rise—and the country that invested in you."Lucas had been suppressing his ange
Lucas shook his head steadily. "Not yet."Amos, still basking in the glow of his "victory", had no idea what was coming. He answered Durand's call with a smug smile. On the other end, Durand's laughter rang out loud and triumphant."Mr. Lune, you should've seen the Grisham brothers' faces! I bet they never expected to be abandoned like that!"You played it brilliantly. One quiet move, and boom—the Grisham family's out of the Chamber of Commerce. From here, it's just a slow bleed. They'll lose everything."Amos kept his tone cool. "This isn't enough. Keep pushing the online chatter. The narrative needs to focus on how their precious granddaughter cost so many investors their savings. And don't forget her carefully crafted persona—it's about to unravel."He paused, voice crisp. "Reach out to the other businessmen. Now that the Grishams can't offer any benefits, it's time for everyone to take a bite. You understand, don't you, Durand?"Durand took a moment, then replied, "Right. Got
Cormac even thought of leaving some of his influence behind after retiring. This way, he could still have some power over decisions. He thought he could remind Lucas that not just anyone could do his job well. Therefore, Cormac remained calm after receiving the note. He was already so used to handling his daughter's troubles.Cormac strode into his lounge and asked Pedro, "Is it drunk driving again? Don't you know how to handle it?""It's not drunk driving." Pedro still seemed out of it.Cormac's expression darkened. "It's not drunk driving? Was she on drugs again? I already reminded you numerous times to get someone to keep an eye on her. Which stage of the process is she at right now? Call the people from the drug-testing institution.""No. That's not it." Pedro took off his glasses and his badge.Cormac finally realized that Pedro seemed off. "What happened? Just tell me. I doubt she'll kill someone. Although my daughter is troublesome, she won't do something like that. I kno
Aliya had never heard of the Special Missions Unit until today. But after seeing Pedro's panicked reaction, it didn't take long for her to realize that this was a group with more authority than even her father.Still, some people lived so long in privilege that they convinced themselves they were untouchable. Logic no longer applied to them.Aria was done entertaining Aliya's ignorance. With a flick of her wrist, she signaled someone to silence her. Then, she turned to Aliya with icy disdain."Don't worry," Aria said. "I'll take you with me when I pay your father a visit. Then we can ask him together what his name truly means in this state."Her voice was calm but sharp."You seem to have forgotten that his power—any power—comes from the people. And now, you're using that power to treat their lives like currency. To buy yourself a life of superiority."She stepped closer. "Organ trafficking is illegal here. That's the crime we've confirmed so far. But don't worry. We'll find the
When Pedro heard that it was the Special Missions Unit, his forehead was covered in sweat immediately. Even his mind had gone blank. At that moment, all he could think about was how doomed they were!Others might not have heard of the unit before. However, as a state official, there was no way Pedro wouldn't know them. In fact, the Special Missions Unit was something they had no control over.Technically, the Special Missions Unit had way more clearance than they did. After all, they were in charge of big cases. Sometimes, they would even work with the special troops.The Special Missions Unit belonged to the country, and they were extremely mysterious. Even people with high clearance wouldn't know who they were in real life.Pedro only managed to find his voice after a long time. As he wiped the sweat off his forehead, he chuckled awkwardly."Oh, this is all a misunderstanding. May I know who I am speaking to? I never expected the Special Missions Unit to be carrying out a missio
Aliya had never met Aria before, but this was the first time she'd seen a young woman more poised—and far more arrogant—than herself. That only fueled her rage. And the fact that Aria was stunningly beautiful didn't help either.Scoffing, she snapped, "Do you dare let us make our calls? Let's see if you still look so smug after that."The other wealthy attendees stiffened. None of them moved. With Aria in the room, they had the sinking feeling that calling in favors wouldn't end well.Aria merely tilted her head and smiled. "Of course," she said, then turned to her team. "Please hand this lady her phone. Let her make her call."The members of the Special Missions Unit didn't question her. They knew Aria well enough to understand what she was doing—she wanted the bigger fish. The call would be recorded, and with any luck, it would lead them straight to someone higher up the chain.Aliya was momentarily thrown off by Aria's easy agreement. But she quickly chalked it up to ignorance.