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
This was Troy Jepson, whom Aria had met outside Caesar Hotel. Wasn't he Landon's assistant from before?Aria looked confused as she swayed her glass of beer. Had she saved a member of the York family?Troy didn't expect to meet the fake daughter of the Kent family here in Janovin, either. He didn't want to see her again, regardless of the circumstances. She'd saved Miles once, and Troy had reported her bad reputation to Landon. After that, Landon had reassigned him to Janovin. Someone else had said that he was fortunate, but that wasn't the case. He'd only be fortunate if he'd gotten to stay by Landon's side.After returning to Janovin, he found himself further and further removed from the York family's core influence. It got so bad that he was forced to jump ship to work for the Carvers instead, taking some information about the York family business with him. Only now could he finally stand with his head held high once again.However, his job now was different from before. H
The roads were soaked. It had been raining for a whole day in Southbury. Aria Carver's backpack was thrown out of the door by the butler in disdain."Mr. Kent doesn't want to see you, Ms. Carver. So, I have to say some words in his stead. Your birth parents are in the countryside. Your father's last name is Carver."The Kent family mistook you for their daughter in the past. But now that Ms. Lily has been found, I hope that you can do what's best for everyone and stop contacting the Kent family."The butler, Alfred Dun, took out a card. "Here's 10,000 dollars. Mr. Kent instructed me to give it to you as compensation.""No need."Aria didn't even look at the card as she picked up her backpack.Alfred looked at her in disdain. She didn't want the money? Was she acting tough?She should really think about her circumstances. The Kents had found their real daughter. They wouldn't want a country bumpkin like her anymore. She was an embarrassment. "As you wish, Ms. Carver." Alfred
"I'll offer treatment for everyone at the community square tomorrow." Then, Aria reminded them, "Remember to take the medicine. Don't stay up late to watch soap operas. They won't end so soon.""The Tiara" was all the rage in the Elmer district at that time. All the older men and women were hooked on it.A lot of them looked guilty after Aria said that. "We…We will sleep at 10:00 pm from now on."In the past, no one could have imagined that this group of people would be so obedient to one person. A lot of them had made great contributions to the country. Even their identities were kept a secret.Elmer district's community manager, Joel Hayes, had been hoping that Aria would come back sooner. He could finally breathe a sigh of relief. "Dr. Carver, I have been keeping an eye on your house. I've not allowed anyone to approach your property.""Thanks for the hard work." Aria bowed slightly and handed him an apple. Joel accepted the apple with a smile. "It's no trouble at all. I tr