Days passed so quickly, and the announcement party was already knocking on the door. The event was scheduled to hold at the Acostas’ villa. As earlier discussed with Marvin, the arrangement would take note of everything, and all guests invited would have their fingerprints listed in the system so their identities could be confirmed.Just as it was planned, so it was happening. The entire mansion had been decorated with lots of flowers and beautiful designs that reflected the luxurious lifestyle of the Acosta family. Top people were invited to this announcement party, and even the wealthy individuals living overseas received invitations—and they honored them by attending.Aria’s plan remained intact. She intended to use the announcement party to detect anyone who was not invited but still found a way into the venue. After the event concluded, she would review the fingerprints and match each one with the list of invited guests already stored in the system. That way, anyone who wasn’t in

Hearing everything her daughter had just said, Olga slowly shook her head. She didn’t even know what to respond with; she only stared at Chloe and Henry as they practically cheered about how she would soon become rich.Of course, Chloe wasn’t wrong. In fact, every single thing her daughter mentioned was true. But what Olga couldn’t wrap her mind around was why Brantley had gone ahead to discuss their plans with Chloe.He even told her that he was very sure Aria would accept his proposal because her mother—Olga—had already assured him that she would convince her.So what kept Olga truly baffled was whether Brantley had also discussed the part where they mentioned payments and how much she would receive for helping to persuade Aria to marry him.That particular detail was something she never wanted anyone to know—not her daughter, not anyone at all.For that reason, she needed to quickly head out and call Brantley to ask if he had told Aria those things.But first, she needed to leave t

The party began on a bright note. Everyone was already prepared, and the energy around the lounge felt lively. Even Aria was the one welcoming the guests herself. She stood at the entrance, side by side with Marvin’s men, making sure they took each guest’s thumbprint before allowing them inside.Aria remained at the entrance with Marvin, greeting and hugging every guest who made their way in. At the same time, she kept hoping to spot Aisha. At least, she wanted to see the person Aisha would arrive with.In Aria’s own words, anybody who comes with Aisha to this party automatically becomes a suspect, especially since Aisha had boldly said she would be coming with the unknown CEO of ABC Companies.That was exactly what Aria was thinking to herself when she suddenly spotted an old business partner—Mrs. Genevieve.With a warm smile, she welcomed the old lady.“Wow, Mrs. Genevieve! This is you. It’s been quite a while. I never knew you would honour the invitation!” Aria said, her voice fil

Becca felt shame wash over her the moment Aria started to lose her patience. She couldn’t believe she was being sent out of the party regardless of her status and how she chose to present herself. Her pride was the same thing that kept her from kneeling before Aria earlier. In her mind, she was too important to place her thumbprint there, too important to let an “ordinary person” like Aria dictate anything to her.That was why she first considered leaving. But she never expected Aria to boldly tell her to get lost if she refused to put her thumbprint down.People were already staring, whispering sharply as her shame rose like heat on her skin. She didn’t know what to do. All she could manage was to look at Aria with a stiff expression that showed just how agitated she was.“Are you telling me to leave?” Becca asked, her voice slightly trembling. She took a step forward, searching Aria’s face. “You mean you’re asking me to walk out of this party? And if I turn around to leave, you woul

Perry still glared at Becca, his anger rising with every breath. He didn’t understand why she insisted he should do all of this. But because she asked him, and because she promised to explain her reasons after the thumbprint, he swallowed his pride and forced himself to do what was necessary.He turned to Aria, the anger still burning in his eyes. Pride tightened his chest, making the simple act of apologizing impossible. So, instead of giving a proper response, he twisted the whole situation into something that looked like a comedy.“Let’s say your black magic worked out perfectly,” he said, forcing a laugh. “I’ve been influenced by it, and because the Winters are known for maintaining peaceful relationships and obeying rules and regulations, we will do as you said. Just so peace can reign.”Aria smiled, shaking her head slightly. “Nobody asked for your opinion on your reason for doing this. Nobody really asked. Why not put your thumbprint and pass? You’re delaying other people from