Chapter 223

Aria's fingers moved deftly as she finished crafting a vitality talisman. She handed it to Miles Mercer with brief instructions before taking her leave.

Miles insisted on escorting her to the elevator, where his brother had already arranged a chauffeur. The sleek black sedan, fitted with one-way tinted windows, pulled away from the hospital with quiet discretion.

When Aria arrived home, Evelyn was just stepping through the door.

"Mom, how’s the land prep coming along?" Aria took her mother’s bag.

Evelyn brightened. "The fields at the base are ready—perfect for seasonal vegetables."

"The mid-slope will be good for corn and peanuts," she counted on her fingers, "and the sunny patch at the top is ideal for medicinal herbs. Sophie promised to help source the seeds. We’ll start next week."

Aria handed her a glass of water. "Don’t overdo it."

"Overdo it?" Evelyn chuckled. "I’d live out there if I could."

Lowering her voice, she added, "I found a flat spot—perfect for a cottage."

Aria’s eyes curved into crescents. "Funny, I was just thinking the same thing."

"Let’s build something spacious—a garden, a koi pond, maybe a couple of guard dogs." She smirked. "Just in case certain people get ideas."

Evelyn nodded knowingly, but her smile faltered. "Your father always talked about building a place like this when we retired..."

Aria squeezed her mother’s cool hand. "He’ll come back." Her voice was firm. "I checked with the compass. He’s alive."

Evelyn’s eyes reddened as she whispered, "I know."

"Where’s Theo?" Aria changed the subject.

"Out sketching with classmates." Evelyn wiped her eyes. "He’s been so much livelier lately."

That evening, Lewis Grant’s call came abruptly.

"You’re trending," he said grimly.

Aria arched a brow. "Leaked set photos?"

"Worse." His words tumbled out. "Someone’s claiming you’re talentless, demanding, and that you slept your way into the role. The bots are already swarming."

Aria scoffed. "Who else would it be but those two?" Her fingers tapped the table. "Owen Archer must be spending a fortune on Serena Blake."

Lewis asked, "Should we counter?"

"Not yet." A smirk played on her lips. "Let them dance a little longer."

Her eyes glinted. "The higher they jump, the harder they’ll fall."