Chapter 152

Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains as Aria Bennett stretched lazily.

"Mom, let's go scout locations for the greenhouse today," she said, adjusting her mother's collar.

Evelyn Bennett's eyes lit up. "Perfect timing. I've been researching some new plant varieties."

The mother-daughter pair drove to the suburbs and quickly found an ideal open plot.

"Plenty of sunlight here, and close to a water source." Aria crouched to examine the soil between her fingers. "Good quality too."

She mentally calculated her plans—after building the greenhouse, she'd lease a mountain for a farmstay. Then she'd set up an energy-gathering array and move the whole family there.

"Aria, what about this spot?" Evelyn pointed to the southeast corner.

Aria took out her compass and smiled. "Excellent choice, Mom. The energy flow is optimal here."

After finalizing the location, she immediately called Walter Lowe.

"Mr. Lowe, I need a favor."

A hearty laugh came through the phone. "No need for formalities, Master Aria. Just say the word."

Ever since Aria resolved the Lowe family's crisis, Walter had been eager to repay her.

"I need a professional team to build a greenhouse." She briefly explained her requirements.

"Consider it done!" Walter thumped his chest audibly. "I'll make sure it's built to perfection!"

Before hanging up, Aria casually asked, "How are the Prices these days?"

Walter chuckled darkly. "Oh, they're quite the spectacle now. Word got out about them stealing their in-laws' fortunes using metaphysical tricks. Every prominent family is demanding answers."

Aria's lips curved slightly. "They brought this upon themselves."

"By the way, Mr. Lowe," she changed subjects smoothly, "I'd like to lease a mountain for a farmstay. Any connections?"

Walter caught her meaning immediately. "Leave it to me. I'll have an answer by tomorrow."

As night fell, Aria worked alone in her study.

Her computer screen displayed drone footage—Logan Price and Serena Blake meeting secretly.

She picked up a brush and meticulously sketched Logan's face, down to the exact mole between his brows.

"Time to close the net," she murmured, tucking the portrait into a pre-made straw doll.

Dipping her fingers in a mixture of Malcolm Rhodes and Celeste Rhodes's blood, she traced intricate sigils onto the doll.

Meanwhile, in a luxury hotel suite...

Serena nestled against Logan's chest. "You've been distracted lately, darling."

Logan forced a smile. "Just tired from work."

As he leaned in for a kiss, a splitting headache struck.

"Ah!" He shoved Serena away, clutching his skull as he writhed on the bed.

Serena turned pale. "Logan! What's wrong?"

"My...head..." His eyes turned bloodshot as he smashed his forehead against the wall.

Miles away, Aria slowly inserted a silver needle into the doll's temple.

"Break!"

With her quiet command, Logan suddenly spewed blood across Serena's face.

The terrified woman fumbled for her phone as Logan collapsed unconscious. Then she felt something vital draining from her body.

When Logan's eyes fluttered open, they held only cold disgust.

"I have business." He dressed hastily and stormed out.

Rain pelted the windshield as Logan stomped the accelerator. That ominous feeling demanded he return to the Price estate immediately.

He blew through a red light.

SCREECH—

The black sedan collided head-on with a dump truck.

Aria stood by her window, watching a meteor streak across the night sky.

"First," she whispered.