Chapter 129

As Agent Brooks and his two colleagues escorted the old woman away, the eerie centipede was sealed in a specialized container for further study.

Before leaving, Damian Cross whispered to Aria Bennett, "I need to report tonight's incident to the department. Let's have dinner another time."

Aria nodded, watching them depart.

Victor Blackwell helped his trembling mother Moira Blackwell to her feet, his voice choked with emotion. "Master Aria, you saved our entire family."

The supernatural confrontation had left them shaken, and they now fully grasped Aria's extraordinary abilities.

Aria waved dismissively. "Handle the rest of your family affairs yourselves."

A ruthless glint flashed in Moira's eyes. "Those ungrateful traitors won't escape justice!"

When Moira insisted on compensation, Aria handed her a list. "Just gather these medicinal herbs for me."

"Consider it done!" Moira clutched the list like a treasure—this was her chance to forge ties with a true master.

After leaving two protective talismans, Aria took her leave.

The next day, retribution befell the Blackwell family.

Moira not only cut off their dividends but also ensured every Blackwell employed in the corporation lost their jobs.

Victor immediately contacted the police. Surveillance footage revealed the secretary's assistant had entered his office.

In the interrogation room, the terrified assistant confessed everything, implicating Dorian Blackwell as the mastermind.

Following the trail, authorities uncovered multiple crimes—embezzlement, corporate fraud—committed by Dorian.

When the Blackwell matriarch led her family to protest at the company, security promptly ejected them.

Worse awaited them outside—police arrested the entire group for disturbing public order.

Upon their release from detention, Moira unleashed even fiercer retaliation.

Plagued by the unresolved ghost marriage curse, Dorian suffered nightly nightmares in prison.

A month later, he collapsed in the cafeteria and never regained consciousness.

The Blackwell family crumbled completely, forced to liquidate their assets and relocate to a small town.

But Moira wasn't finished. She systematically severed all their financial lifelines.

These backstabbers valued money above all—so she condemned them to lifelong poverty!

Victor smirked at the news before legally changing his surname.

If that wicked crone wanted the Blackwell line extinguished, he'd proudly bear his mother's name instead!

Three days later, Aria received an audition notice.

Accompanied by her agent and assistant Tessa Morgan, she arrived at the studio to find the waiting area packed.

This xianxia drama boasted an impressive cast—the male lead was an award-winning A-lister, and every actress auditioning had notable credentials.

Aria's entrance drew countless assessing glances.

Her recent reality show success had skyrocketed her popularity to near-celebrity status, marking her as prime competition.

"Ms. Bennett is auditioning too?"

A saccharine voice rang out.

Aria looked up to see Serena Blake clinging to Curtis Ellis's arm.

Her lips curved. "Is this your production?"

Serena's smile stiffened. "I just didn't expect to see you here."

"Spare me the act." Aria cut through the pretense. "You knew I'd be here."

Soft laughter rippled through the room.

Digging her nails into her palms, Serena stormed off, barely containing her rage.

She'd come specifically for Aria!

Owen Archer had promised her the female lead role—then let's see how high-and-mighty Aria could act!

Imagining upstaging Aria on set, Serena couldn't suppress a triumphant smirk.

Little did she know, she was walking straight into Aria's carefully laid trap...