Chapter 54

The spoon clinked against the porcelain bowl with a crisp sound.

Aria Bennett stepped out of the kitchen carrying a bowl of freshly cooked sweet dumplings, followed closely by Nolan Reed. In the living room, Arthur Reed was enthusiastically massaging Rebecca Reed’s shoulders.

"Aria’s here!" Arthur’s eyes lit up as he hurried over.

"Hello, Mr. Reed," Aria greeted politely with a nod.

Arthur leaned closer to Rebecca, dramatically sniffing the air. "My wife’s cooking is on another level. Just the smell of these dumplings is making me drool."

Rebecca rolled her eyes. "Even a dog wouldn’t sniff as eagerly as you."

"I’m just complimenting you," Arthur said with a pout, rubbing his nose before glaring at his son, who was standing stiffly nearby. "What are you waiting for? Pull out a chair for your girl!"

Aria: "..."

She noted that this so-called business tycoon’s personality was crumbling by the day.

Nolan immediately stepped forward, gently pulling out a chair for her. With the elders present, Aria couldn’t refuse outright, but once seated, she spoke up. "Mr. Reed, Nolan and I have already broken up."

"What?" Arthur’s spoon clattered onto the table. "Since when? Is this some kind of joke?"

"We broke up not long ago, and it’s final," Aria replied calmly.

Nolan clenched his fists. "I don’t agree."

"A breakup isn’t a divorce. Your signature isn’t required," Aria said without looking up.

Nolan’s chest tightened. She was always like this—warm enough to melt ice, yet ruthless as a blade when she made up her mind.

Arthur looked stunned. "Aria, are you really sure about this?"

"Yes." Aria scooped up a dumpling and blew on it lightly.

Arthur turned to his son, eyes sharp. "Did you do something to hurt Aria?"

Normally, Nolan would’ve snapped back. But now, he just lowered his head. "It’s my fault. I upset her."

"Then apologize properly!" Arthur said, exasperated.

"I already did. She won’t forgive me." Nolan’s voice was muffled.

Just as Arthur was about to argue further, a sharp pain shot through his side. Rebecca had pinched him hard, her eyes flashing a warning.

"Ahem," Arthur wisely changed the subject. "By the way, why did you suddenly ask about the Price family?"

Nolan recounted the evening’s events in detail.

Bang! Rebecca slammed her hand on the table. "Logan Price has some nerve! Does he think Aria is easy to bully?"

She turned to her husband. "Go teach the Prices a lesson."

"Aunt Rebecca," Aria set down her chopsticks, "I’d like to handle this myself."

Rebecca frowned. "How can you deal with them alone?"

"I have a plan." A glint of determination flashed in Aria’s eyes. "But I wanted to ask, Mr. Reed—does the Price family have any sworn enemies?"

Arthur thought for a moment. "The Lowe family has been their biggest rival. But lately, the Lowes are barely holding on. They probably can’t help."

"Oh?" Aria’s interest was piqued. "What happened?"

"Strange incidents, one after another." Arthur lowered his voice. "The Lowe heirs keep meeting with accidents—all seemingly coincidental. They’ve consulted metaphysics experts, but nothing’s worked."

Aria’s eyes gleamed. "Could you introduce me? I’d like to take a look."

"You?" Arthur’s eyes widened. "Are you sure?"

Aria smiled faintly. "My skills aren’t any worse than my father’s."

Outside, a dark cloud drifted across the moon, shrouding its light.