Jenna attempted to defuse the tension. "Look at the new fund I invested in. It hasn't been performing well at all. Didn't Grand Construction Corp. mention investing in pharmaceuticals? Why haven't they yet? Is Mr. Ingerton going back on his words?""You met Mr. Ingerton? Did he disclose anything to you?" Karen perked up, getting back to the main topic at hand.Sophia laughed. "Do you think everyone has access to him? Even your husband might not get an opportunity."Karen scoffed. "We are supposed to collaborate with Grand Construction Corp. Besides, Mr. Ingerton's secretary, Reagan, is good friends with my husband. Meeting him wouldn't be difficult!"Sophia brushed off Karen's bragging, knowing she was merely trying to impress the others.Karen was about to retort when she noticed Sophia's disbelief.Suddenly, Jenna shouted after scrolling on her phone. "Heartbound Hall! Oh my! Mrs. Kent, look. Isn't this Heartbound Hall? It's located at Clearwater Alley, so it should be."Karen

"Of course, I didn't say a word! Didn't you instruct me not to divulge anything about you two when you left?" The middle-aged woman scanned the hillside cautiously.Lily narrowed her eyes. "What if they gave you money to tell them?""I'll take the money, but I'll feed them false information. There are folks who paid me to keep her from being found, after all." A sly grin spread across the woman's face.Lily breathed a sigh of relief. "That's right, Mom."The middle-aged woman was Olivia Phildez, who had mistakenly taken the wrong child years ago.Tears welled up in Olivia's eyes. It had been a while since she heard Lily call her "Mom.""Lily, your father and I have followed your instructions to the letter. You said admitting the truth would land us in jail. It's your quick thinking that's kept us safe."Having secured the information she needed, Lily felt a pang of impatience. "Good. Mom, we still need to be cautious. Once everything settles, I'll bring you and Dad to the city."

Aria didn't hold back on Marshall. He crumpled to the ground, convulsing and spitting blood. Karen, her face drained of color, watched in mute terror.Rage contorted Aria's features as she yanked Marshall up. "I never wanted to resort to this in front of Grandma," she growled, her voice laced with venom. "But you truly had it coming."Marshall whimpered, his gaze darting to Georgina. "Mom, do something!""So now she's your mother? You didn't seem to care when you kicked her out!" Aria's voice crackled with rage as she forced Marshall to meet her gaze.With a swift kick, she sent him sprawling once more, the force of it leaving bystanders trembling in fear.Aria had long suppressed her true nature, playing the role of the obedient granddaughter beside Georgina. But now, her wrath was unleashed, revealing a darker side that sent shivers down spines.Meanwhile, Sam, who was following Harry downstairs in the commercial building, suddenly stopped. Before Harry could question him, Sam'

"Yes, I've agreed." Aria was calm, not thinking too much of his question.Landon's brow furrowed. She'd shut him down flat when he offered his own investment. Yet, Harry's proposal garnered immediate acceptance.Landon smiled and leaned closer to her. The crisp scent mingled with the smell of medicine wafted into her nostrils. Perhaps it was because the weather was starting to turn chilly; his body temperature seemed cold. "Why didn't you choose me?"Aria looked up at him. Although her gaze seemed confused, she gave a reasonable explanation. "Grand Construction Corp. happens to want to invest in the pharmaceutical industry for their next project. After discussing, everything aligns well. Besides, most of the Carver family's businesses are located overseas, so traditional medicine isn't their forte."Though her explanation sounded plausible, Landon's smile deepened. However, it was devoid of any warmth. He fiddled with his rosary bracelet, seemingly lost in thought. "You're right.

The voice in Aria's ear was like fine wine sliding down Aria's throat, leaving her slightly intoxicated.Landon's touch was unlike anyone else, emanating a scorching heat.Aria couldn't see his face from her position. However, she could feel his breath on the nape of her neck, sending shivers down her spine.He didn't smoke, so there was no scent of tobacco on him. Perhaps it was due to his long-term medication use; the smell of sandalwood on him was oddly captivating.Though she was accustomed to the smell of medicine, she still considered his scent enticing.His hand was still clasped with hers. When he leaned down slightly, it was impossible to ignore his presence. After all, he was practically right in front of her. Aria's heart felt like it had been stung. She suddenly felt a pang of sensation that was both unfamiliar and familiar to her. It was difficult for her to put her finger on it.Aria raised her eyebrows and was about to push him away.However, he let go of her ha