Chapter 114

Knock, knock, knock—

The withered fingers of the blood mage tapped rhythmically against the table.

She narrowed her murky eyes, her voice dripping with implication. "This technique... it must be Moira Blackwell and her son. They’ve hired an expert. They’re trying to kill Dorian."

"Those wretched snakes!" Old Mrs. Blackwell slammed her palm on the table, her face twisted with fury.

She conveniently forgot that they had struck first against Victor.

In her eyes, Moira was nothing but an outsider. Victor had always been too close to the Blackwell family, which made him unworthy of her affection.

The most infuriating part? The company rightfully belonged to her son, yet Moira only gave them a measly million or two a year as compensation.

That was her son’s fortune! Now, that woman had stolen it all.

Taking it back was only fair. As for what happened to Victor? He deserved it.

She conveniently ignored the fact that Blackwell Biotech had been the Blackwell family’s ancestral business for generations.

"Grandmother!" Dorian clutched her hand, his face deathly pale. "They’re trying to kill me!"

Now, his only hope was his grandparents.

Old Mrs. Blackwell patted his hand soothingly. "Don’t worry, my dear. I won’t let anything happen to you."

Dorian turned back to the blood mage. "Master, if they can alter the engagement, then we—"

The blood mage cut him off with a cold glare.

"Search Victor’s belongings for any talismans or charms," she ordered, rising to retrieve several blood-red stones from a cabinet. "Place these in the Blackwell residence—preferably in Moira and Victor’s rooms."

A sinister smile curled her lips. "Even if the engagement is broken, they won’t live long."

Dorian’s heart skipped a beat. The blood mage’s hatred for the Blackwell family seemed to run deeper than just money...

But he knew better than to pry. He took the stones and nodded eagerly.

The blood mage waved him off impatiently. "Get out. Don’t mess this up."

"Yes, yes!" The grandmother and grandson bowed respectfully before leaving.

Back at the Blackwell estate, the family immediately began scheming.

Old Mrs. Blackwell ranted about storming the Blackwell mansion.

Dorian stopped her. The Blackwells held too much power. A direct confrontation would only humiliate them.

Instead, he quickly devised a new plan, and the others eagerly agreed.

Now, the entire family followed his lead—even his stepmother didn’t dare object.

After all, if they wanted a piece of the Blackwell fortune, they needed his cunning.

Meanwhile, Aria Bennett had just finished rehearsal when she received a call from Cole Turner.

He and Tobias Kane had come from the neighboring city just to take her to dinner.

Aria agreed without hesitation and drove to the upscale, private restaurant they’d chosen.

The hostess led her to a private dining room where three men were already seated.

Aside from Cole and Tobias, there was a strikingly handsome man in gold-rimmed glasses.

Aria’s sharp instincts picked up on something—beneath his refined demeanor, the man exuded an unshakable aura of righteousness.

She already had a guess.

"Aria!" Cole stood up enthusiastically. "This is my cousin, Agent Brooks. He’s with the Special Response Division."

He turned to the man. "And this is Aria Bennett, the one I told you about."

Agent Brooks extended his hand with a polite smile. "I’ve heard a lot about you."

Aria shook his hand gracefully. "Likewise."

"Enough with the formalities!" Cole waved his hands dramatically. "Just use names!"

Agent Brooks chuckled. "He’s right. No need to stand on ceremony."

Aria nodded. Since she’d already decided to join the Special Response Division, there was no point in being overly reserved.

Cole poured her tea eagerly. "Aria, let my cousin explain how things work in the Division."

He shot Agent Brooks a meaningful look.

Agent Brooks straightened. "We need someone with your metaphysical expertise. If time is a concern, you can work as a consultant."

"The Division won’t interfere with your career. You can continue acting," he added, adjusting his glasses. "We operate on a merit-based point system—more assignments mean higher rewards."

His tone darkened. "But this job is dangerous."

Aria listened intently. She’d already researched the Special Response Division and wasn’t unfamiliar with its workings.

Agent Brooks’ honesty earned her respect.

"I’ve made my decision," she said, meeting his gaze squarely. "I’ll join."