As they stood together, united in purpose, Aric felt a newfound determination to secure his place and protect his family. He turned to Mia, his expression serious. "Mia, there's something I need to tell you. A few days ago, Jarod tried to kill me. He planned it with Sylvia, and most likely, he will try to get himself engaged with Sylvia in today's meeting."
Mia's eyes widened in shock, her face paling. "Jarod did that? And with Sylvia? This is serious, Aric. What do you want to do about it?"
"Jarod is my enemy," Aric stated firmly, his gaze unwavering. "I need your support. Firstly, I want you to spread rumors about Jarod, defaming him and making him an enemy of the masses. Do it secretly. I don't want anyone to know that we are behind this."
Mia nodded, her mind already calculating the best course of action. "I can start spreading whispers through our servants and contacts. It will take some time, but we'll make sure Jarod's reputation is tarnished. We could spread stories that he betrayed his own brother, that he's going after his brother's woman, or even that he has a history of deceit and underhanded tactics.
For example, we could say that he was caught attempting to steal from his own family or that he frequently loses control during critical moments, leading to disastrous outcomes."
Aric's face remained resolute. "That sounds perfect. I want Jarod to be a laughing stock, seen as untrustworthy and dishonorable. We need to make it so that even the thought of him being engaged to Sylvia becomes a scandal."
"Understood," Mia said, her eyes gleaming with determination. "I will ensure that these rumors are spread carefully and strategically. Jarod will be left in a position where even the slightest association with Sylvia will reflect poorly on him."
Aric continued, his voice carrying a cold edge. "Secondly, there's Jarod's master, Ryan Chen. He's a Divine Transformation seventh stage master who exists in a soul state. We need to sever their bond. Do you have anything that can help a soul master get better?"
Mia's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "I do. I have a Soul Rejuvenating Elixir—a rare and potent remedy that can stabilize and nourish a soul. If we present it to Ryan Chen, it might make him dependent on us rather than Jarod. It's a delicate balance, but it could turn the tide."
"Good," Aric said, handing her a small vial filled with his blood. "And one more thing. I want everyone in the mansion to consume this. Don't ask questions. Just trust that whatever I'm doing is for the good of our family."
Mia took the vial without hesitation, her expression unwavering. "I trust you, Aric. I'll make sure it's done."
Aric's mind was consumed by the gravity of their situation. He moved closer to Mia, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Mia, I need to tell you more about the assassination attempt. Jarod broke into my chambers under the cover of night. I was deep in sleep when I sensed a chill—a dangerous presence. I woke just in time to see him standing over me with a dagger.
He was cold and ruthless, and his intent was clear. He wanted to end me while I was vulnerable."
Mia's eyes widened in horror. "He broke into your chambers? That's incredibly dangerous. How did you manage to fend him off?"
Aric grimaced at the memory. "I had to use my cultivation to defend myself. The struggle was brief but intense. Jarod's attack was desperate, driven by his hatred and ambition. He fled when he realized he couldn't overpower me. But the danger he poses is very real.
We must be prepared for anything."
Mia's face hardened with resolve. "I'll make sure that word of Jarod's treachery spreads far and wide. His actions will be exposed, and the whispers will make him a laughing stock. We'll make sure everyone knows he's not to be trusted."