Lady Virelia Nightbane

(including Tang Wenyu, now renamed to Emily Carter):

The Riverdale Group was buzzing with energy.

The entire front entrance was overwhelmed by eager jobseekers, each holding tightly to their resumes and clinging to hope.

"Me! Me! I'm the most capable! I work hard, I never complain, and I only want one thing—a place at Riverdale Group!"

"Same here! It's not about the salary—I just admire the company so much!"

"I swear, I didn't even come because of the four-day work week… I just love this place!"

The enthusiasm was palpable, practically spilling over the entrance steps.

Ava Carter stood in the front hall, her expression caught between astonishment and disbelief. She kept stealing glances at Leo, who stood beside her with an easy smile, watching the organized chaos unfold with casual confidence.

Did Leo really bring all these people in?

It seemed impossible. Every department, every position that had been left vacant by the internal purge, now had new applicants—experienced, skilled, and ready to work.

The sheer precision of the recruitment stunned her.

How could he do all this in a day?

Weren't these people hesitant even for generous benefits?

But here they are...

Ava's heart warmed. Leo had not only uncovered evidence that toppled Greg Mason and his corrupt network—but also filled the group with promising new talent. Each move had been timely, strategic, and seamless.

To think someone so young could be this capable...

A subordinate like this is a blessing.

As for the expenses? She couldn't care less.

Money well spent.

"Miss," Leo said gently, "would you like me to help maintain order outside?"

Of course, Leo hadn't broadcast the job postings randomly. He'd used targeted recruitment based on precision—matching the right candidates to the right jobs.

Many of those who arrived had just been laid off elsewhere. Some were veterans of the industry. A few were even ex-Riverdale employees who had left due to internal corruption.

Now, they would return—not only to work, but to train the fresh hires, ensuring that within a week, the group would be running at full capacity.

Ava shook her head lightly. "No, you've done enough. You've earned a rest, Leo."

"Leave the rest to me. That's my job as the leader."

Leo gave a short nod and smiled. "Understood, Miss."

Though he thought to himself: Huh? That's new. In the original timeline, didn't she just throw everything at her subordinates until the group collapsed?

Guess I've really changed the story now.

---

Evening fell.

By now, Riverdale Group's recruitment was complete. Some of the new employees had already begun onboarding—handling HR procedures and signing their contracts.

The vacant positions were filled.

As the newcomers walked the halls, they whispered amongst themselves.

"This whole place was cleared out, huh?"

"Yeah. Every old employee—gone. We're the new blood."

A flicker of fear passed between them.

Would we be next? Is this some kind of trap?

But just then, a major headline hit the newsfeeds.

> Breaking News: Former Riverdale Executives Greg Mason and Team Arrested on Charges of Corruption and Embezzlement

Suddenly, everything made sense.

The previous administration had been rotten to the core, and Ava had cleaned house in one day.

Their fear gave way to admiration.

"Miss Ava is... terrifyingly efficient."

---

As the sun dipped below the skyline, click-clack—click-clack— echoed across the entrance steps.

A woman in a sharp black business outfit sprinted up to the Riverdale Group's gate, her high heels tapping frantically.

She panted, hands on knees, looking around.

But the crowds had thinned. The recruitment was over.

"Ma'am, can I help you?" asked a security guard, stepping out of his booth politely.

The woman caught her breath, straightened her blazer, and asked hopefully, "Did the job fair… already end?"

The guard smiled regretfully. "You just missed it. It ended three hours ago. I only started today myself."

The woman's face fell.

She had arrived too late.

Her name was Emily Carter. She was married—at least on paper—and had a ten-year-old daughter.

Her husband had vanished during her pregnancy, leaving her to raise their child alone.

Ten years had passed.

Today, she was laid off. Her company didn't offer her severance. No backup plan. No warning.

While walking home in a daze, she glanced at her phone and saw the Riverdale Group recruitment post.

She'd rushed over without hesitation, despite being exhausted and emotionally drained.

But fate hadn't waited.

She was too late.

Emily bit her lip and bowed slightly to the guard. "Thank you anyway…"

And then she turned to leave—her shadow lengthening behind her in the twilight.

She had been renting an 8-square-meter shop in the old city for years.

She had saved money for a down payment on a small house.

Now, with her job gone, even that dream felt out of reach.

---

The security guard went back inside, not thinking much of it.

But then—

Two voices drifted by.

"Leo, you've really done well today. So… what reward do you want?" Ava asked teasingly.

Leo grinned. "If Miss Ava continues letting me follow her, I'm satisfied."

"Wha—seriously? Can't you be a little more honest?" Ava huffed, cheeks slightly red.

This Leo always knew exactly how to make her heartbeat quicken.

Nearby, the security guard stiffened.

"Miss Ava! Mr. Leo!"

He quickly saluted, full of admiration.

Leo nodded back with a relaxed smile as he and Ava strolled toward the exit.

The guard was practically glowing.

A man like Leo… still treats me with kindness?

No! I swear from this moment on—I'll protect Riverdale Group with my life!

Outside, a black motorcade awaited them.

Zhulan opened the door of the leading vehicle and gave Ava a respectful nod. "Miss, Greg Mason and the others have been taken into custody. They're facing life sentences."

"But Sophia… hasn't been mentioned."

Ava sighed softly. "That's fine."

She never intended to press charges against Sophia, despite everything.

Even though her "sister" had betrayed her countless times in her past life.

She didn't have the heart to seek revenge.

"Kindness can be exhausting…" she muttered to herself as she entered the car.

She glanced over at Leo, who stood outside the car, looking strangely thoughtful.

She patted the seat next to her. "Leo, come on. Sit. You haven't told me what you want yet—I insist on rewarding you!"

Leo hesitated for a second before smiling and sliding in beside her.

Zhulan blinked in surprise.

Reward? What kind of reward? Do I get one too?!

Leo turned to her with a smirk. "Still standing there? Drive, would you?"

Zhulan gritted her teeth. "...Right away."

I'll let it slide. For now.

---

As the car rolled through the glowing city streets, Ava turned to Leo with a warm smile.

"Well? Now that we have peace for a moment, tell me. What do you want?"

Leo leaned back, his tone steady and serious.

"Miss, I want to purchase all the small shopfronts in the old district. I've calculated something about their future value. It will benefit you greatly."

Zhulan laughed from the front seat. "Oh please. He's talking about fortune-telling again. Don't fall for it."

But Ava raised a hand, silencing her.

"No. I believe him."

"I've seen what Leo's predictions can do. We'll go tomorrow."

Zhulan: "..."

Leo gave a meaningful smile. "Thank you, Miss."

At that moment—

Ding!

> [System Notification: Host has detected heroine Emily Carter from "Ace War God: Blood City"!]

> [Mission: Interact with her and earn an S-rank evaluation by playing the loyal follower.]

> [Reward: War God's Order!]

Leo's expression remained calm, but his gaze drifted toward the car window—at the figure of a woman walking away slowly in the evening light.

Emily Carter.

Interesting.

So she was the War God's wife?

And the reward was... the War God's Order?

That was something worth fighting for.

He smiled to himself.

This wasn't over yet.

---