Chapter 135

Malcolm Rhodes's assistant worked with remarkable efficiency, calling back in less than ten minutes.

"Mr. Rhodes, we've found something," the assistant said, his tone grave. "The situation with the Blackwell family is... unnatural."

Malcolm's grip on the phone tightened. "Explain."

As the assistant relayed the details, Malcolm's expression darkened. By the time he hung up, his face was stormy.

Aria Bennett idly spun an ancient divination coin on the table before looking up. "Well?"

"You were right about everything." Malcolm exhaled sharply, his voice laced with suppressed fury. "Every daughter married off from the Blackwell family—their husbands' families met with disaster."

Some lost their patriarchs to sudden accidents. Others saw their businesses collapse one after another. The few who didn't go bankrupt still fell from elite status into obscurity.

One or two cases could be coincidence. But every single marital alliance ending this way? That was no accident.

A sudden realization made Malcolm go pale. "Master Aria, my grandparents' health—"

"It's from having their life force drained," Aria confirmed. "When fortune is siphoned away, the consequences range from financial ruin to death."

She calculated silently. "Your grandfather only suffered a concussion this time. Next, it could be a stroke. Your grandmother's heart condition will soon escalate to cardiac arrest."

"And after that..." Aria paused. "Your parents will be next."

Malcolm clenched his fist so hard the teacup in his hand creaked under the pressure.

"Six months ago," Aria said abruptly, "the curse on you intensified."

Malcolm's pupils contracted. Six months ago—he'd had a vicious fight with Celeste after his infidelity came to light. She'd sworn through gritted teeth that he'd pay for it...

"Master Aria, can this curse be broken?" His voice trembled slightly.

"Yes, but it won't be easy." Aria tapped the table with a fingertip. "The Blackwells have a formidable expert backing them. Directly dismantling the array is too risky."

She met Malcolm's gaze. "You must undo the knot tied by the one who made it."

"You mean—"

"First, let the other victimized families learn the truth." A sharp glint flashed in Aria's eyes. "Sever the marital ties binding the Blackwell daughters. Cut the connections, and the array weakens."

Malcolm understood immediately. "I'll contact them at once."

"Once the array is broken, will our stolen fortune return?"

"Some of it will," Aria said. "Not enough to restore your families to their former glory, but sufficient for the next generation to rebuild."

Her voice turned icy. "Leave it unchecked, and your descendants will remain nothing but fuel for the Blackwells' greed."

A chill ran down Malcolm's spine. The thought that he'd nearly doomed his family deepened his hatred for the Blackwells.

"They'll pay for this," he growled. "Guide me, Master Aria."

Aria's lips curved slightly. "First, rally all the victims to confront the Blackwells. Ruin their reputation and connections."

"When their fortune wanes, I'll dismantle the array." The coin on the table suddenly stood upright, spinning in a slow circle. "Then, it'll be the Blackwells' turn to taste the backlash."

Malcolm nodded solemnly. "I'll follow your instructions."

"One more thing." Aria gave him a pointed look. "Cut ties with those... distractions."

Malcolm coughed awkwardly. "Understood."

Since seduction tactics hadn't worked on Celeste, there was no point continuing the charade. Preserving the Rhodes family's fortune was now his priority.

Outside the window, a dark cloud drifted across the sun.