Chapter 105

Aria Bennett and Nolan Reed had just stepped into the Reed family villa when they spotted Evelyn Bennett and the others waiting in the living room.

"Aria, you're here." Evelyn beckoned her daughter warmly. "Come sit with us."

"Mom!" Aria hurried over, settling beside her mother affectionately before greeting Rebecca Reed and Arthur Reed.

Nolan stood straight and addressed Evelyn respectfully, "Aunt Evelyn."

Evelyn gave him a complicated look but quickly composed herself, nodding faintly in response.

"Sis!" Theo Bennett's eyes lit up eagerly. "Did you bring Onyx?"

Aria smiled and unzipped her backpack, carefully lifting out the tiny creature fast asleep inside. She had lined the bag with a soft blanket to create a cozy nest for the ink monkey, especially since she was wearing a dress today.

"You can hold him for a bit." She passed the little one to her brother.

"Thanks, sis!" Theo cradled Onyx gently. The monkey nuzzled into his palm before dozing off again.

Arthur leaned in curiously, trying to play with the legendary ink monkey, only for the nimble creature to dodge his touch.

"..." Arthur retracted his hand awkwardly and shot his son a glare. "This is your fault. Onyx won’t even let me pet him."

Nolan: "???" How was this his fault?

During dinner, Evelyn and Rebecca asked Aria about her experiences on the deserted island. Arthur chimed in occasionally, making the atmosphere warm and lively.

After the meal, Arthur suddenly asked, "Aria, are you free these next couple of days?"

"I am. Did you need something, Uncle Arthur?" Aria set down her teacup.

"A friend of mine is dealing with something strange at home. They asked for your help after hearing about what happened with the Lowe family." Arthur explained.

Aria agreed without hesitation. "No problem. Just let me know when."

Arthur made a call immediately and confirmed, "Tomorrow at 10 a.m. Does that work?"

"Sure. Send me the address—I’ll drive there myself." Aria said.

Arthur glanced at his silent son and sighed inwardly. This kid can’t even offer to drive her?

The next morning, Aria arrived at a luxurious villa right on time. Arthur and a weary middle-aged woman were already waiting at the entrance.

"This is Moira Blackwell. You can call her Aunt Moira." Arthur introduced.

"Aunt Moira." Aria greeted politely.

Moira forced a strained smile. "Master Aria, hello!"

The three entered the living room, where a gaunt young man struggled to his feet weakly. "Uncle Arthur. Master Aria."

Arthur was stunned. The vibrant young man he’d seen two months ago was now barely recognizable, his health deteriorated drastically.

Aria studied Victor Blackwell for a moment before asking abruptly, "Are you married?"

"Huh?" Victor looked bewildered. "I don’t even have a girlfriend."

"Strange." Aria frowned slightly. "Your marriage line clearly shows you’re already wed."

Moira and her son exchanged confused glances.

Aria pressed further, "The nightmares you’ve been having—does a woman in red appear in them?"

Victor’s eyes widened in shock. "How did you know?"

Moira paled. "Master Aria, what—what does this mean?"

Aria’s voice turned grave. "Your son has been bound in a ghost marriage. That woman in red is his 'spectral bride.'"

"That’s impossible!" Moira cried out. "Our family would never do something like this!"

Victor panicked. "I don’t even know the woman in my dreams!"

Aria’s gaze sharpened. "Have you received any strange betrothal gifts recently?"