Chapter 146

The families who had arranged marriages with the Northstar family were now seething with rage upon learning the truth about their stolen fortunes. How could mere reputation compare to the future of their lineage and the fate of their descendants?

After ending his call with Aria Bennett, Malcolm Rhodes immediately began making arrangements for the next steps. Aria then dialed Damian Cross to update him on the latest developments.

"The Northstar family plays dirty," Damian said, his voice laced with disgust. "I've already reported it. The Arcane Society and the Special Response Division are working together on this."

He paused before continuing, "But we've discovered the Northstar family has been keeping several feng shui masters on their payroll. They’ve even bought villas specifically for setting up arrays. These people have some real skill if they can manipulate fortune-shifting arrays."

His tone turned grave. "It’s only a matter of time before the Northstar family finds out about your frequent contact with Malcolm. Be extra careful."

Aria gently stroked Onyx’s tiny head, a faint smile on her lips. "Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing."

Though her cultivation was still at the Mortal Realm, her arsenal of techniques made her unafraid of the Northstar family’s feng shui masters.

"Roman Vale invited us to his company tomorrow to check out some antiques. Interested?" Damian changed the subject.

"Perfect timing," Aria said, her eyes lighting up.

"I’ll pick you up at noon. We can grab lunch first, then head over?"

"Deal."

After hanging up, Aria teased Onyx in her palm. "Once we find those rare treasures, I’ll make sure you get a boost too."

"Chirp!" The little creature nuzzled her hand affectionately, its dark eyes sparkling with joy.

The next afternoon, Damian arrived on time to take her to lunch. This time, he chose a century-old imperial congee house, hidden deep in a hutong courtyard and reserved only for regular patrons.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, they encountered several distinguished elderly gentlemen.

"Well, if it isn’t the Cross boy!" A silver-haired elder greeted with a chuckle. "Where’s your grandfather?"

A robust-looking man beside him teased, "Can’t you see he’s brought a young lady, Old Mr. Soren? Wouldn’t want the old man cramping his style."

"First time seeing Damian bring a girl around. Is there good news on the horizon?"

The elders, clearly close to the Cross family, bantered back and forth.

Damian greeted them with ease and introduced, "This is my friend, Aria Bennett."

Aria nodded gracefully. "A pleasure to meet you all, gentlemen."

She immediately recognized their high status, yet remained completely unfazed. Her poise earned quiet approval from the elders.

Just as they were about to take their leave, Elder Brant suddenly gasped, staring at Aria’s bag. "Is—is that an ink monkey?"

Onyx had poked its tiny head out, its curious black eyes peering around.

"Miss Aria, would you mind letting us take a closer look?" Elder Brant’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

Aria smiled and called softly, "Onyx, come say hello."

The little creature nimbly hopped onto the table but dodged Elder Brant’s outstretched hand, drawing laughter from the group.

"Such intelligence!" Elder Soren marveled. "Miss Aria, would you consider selling it?"

"Not for sale," Aria replied firmly.

Elder Brant chuckled in mediation. "Spiritual creatures choose their masters. No use forcing it."

As the group continued chatting, Aria’s gaze landed on Elder Hawthorne—and her heart lurched at the sudden shift in his aura.

"Elder Hawthorne," she spoke up abruptly, "are you Roman Vale’s grandfather?"