Chapter 1

"Professor Reed."

Aurora Reed was just leaving her class when Timothy Campbell approached her.

She nodded in acknowledgment. "Let's discuss things over a meal."

Although it sounded very business-like, they would simply be discussing matters over a meal taken at Astrait University's cafeteria.

Timothy knew this was how Aurora operated and played along. So, he ate a few bites and waited for her to be done with her meal before taking out the document from his briefcase.

"Professor Reed, Mr. Jenson has already signed the papers and agreed to all your conditions. This is the agreement in question. Please review it and sign it if you have no other objections."

Timothy had handed her a marriage agreement and a form.

Aurora glanced at the documents and saw that it was a standard marriage application form. It bore Owen Jenson's rather striking signature. As for the agreement, it consisted of merely a few main points.

Firstly, the marriage would be kept secret. Secondly, both parties were not allowed to interfere with the other's private lives. However, both parties should take care not to negatively impair the other's reputation. Thirdly, each should play their respective roles when needed… On and on it went.

The general idea was essentially a non-interference pact between them after their union. They would each be able to live their lives as they see fit without asking for anything else.

Aurora skimmed through the document, fished a pen from her bag, and signed her name without a sliver of hesitation.

"So, Mrs. Jenson—"

Aurora was quick to put a stop to that, interjecting bluntly, "Please continue to address me as Professor Reed."

Her tone was bland and detached as she returned the agreement. It was as though she was merely signing off on a delivery package.

Yet she had become Owen's wife after signing those papers. She was now the wife of a mysterious magnate who owned a business empire and whom people would die just to curry favor with. In fact, she was now also the esteemed madam of the Jenson family.

Although this marriage was orchestrated by Owen's grandmother without his consent, the marriage was still legally binding. Therefore, Aurora was now indeed Mrs. Owen.

Aurora was a professor at the prestigious Astrait University despite her young age. She was known as a prodigy, fast-tracking through her education with the speed of a comet by quickly attaining a PhD from a renowned foreign university.

She was stunningly gorgeous, cultured, and brilliant. She was the ultimate poster child for the phrase "beauty and brains". Thus, she inadvertently became the ideal daughter-in-law in the eyes of many wealthy families.

Owen's grandmother probably set her sights on Aurora precisely because of such qualities. That was probably why she went to great lengths, such as faking an illness, just to pressure Owen into a marriage that he didn't want.

Unfortunately, Owen likely harbored some form of resentment toward Aurora due to his plight. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so indifferent as to not appear for the registration of their marriage. He even went ahead and created a marriage agreement for crying out loud!

Regardless, Aurora didn't seem as though she cared. There wasn't a hint of joy on her face despite successfully attaining the position many women had vied for.

"Mr. Jenson has said that you can move to Cordia. Here's the key card. He'll be depositing 100 thousand per month into your bank account as your allowance. Mr. Jenson has also mentioned that you shouldn't feel pressured as this is part of the agreement."

The implication was clear. They were merely bound by a long-term agreement. Aurora understood it loud and clear. It was obvious that Owen wanted her to know her place.

Frankly, she wouldn't have chosen someone like him if it weren't for the pressure she was facing.

Still, Owen was the most outstanding specimen, in terms of looks and wealth, among the long line of men trying to wed her.

She had always been rather pragmatic. She had gone through several blind dates prior to making a decision. Even though her suitors were decently impressive, she found that she wasn't as concerned about their backgrounds after meeting them face-to-face.

In the end, she figured she might as well pick the best one out of the lot. Owen was certainly far better than those men who were only after her wealth!

Truthfully, she felt nothing for Owen and knew he likely didn't view her in a favorable light. After all, she was aware that he had a beloved girlfriend. She had also heard a few whispers about his love life. Nonetheless, she wasn't the least bit interested in knowing why he chose to marry her.

Besides, a purely transactional marriage suited her just fine.

"Thanks. I'll move in over the weekend." Aurora took the key card without hesitation.

Qorix Corporation's CEO's office was situated on the 88th floor. Owen had just wrapped up his meeting when Timothy returned.

"Mr. Jenson," Timothy greeted respectfully.

"Did she sign it?" Owen asked nonchalantly, his gaze remaining on the document in his hand. There wasn't a hint of any expression on his handsome face.

"Yes."

"Did she have any requests?"

"Professor Reed made nothing of the sort. In fact, she signed it almost immediately. She also said that she'll move to Cordia over the weekend. Here's the marriage certificate between you and Professor Reed."

Owen took it and flipped through it. Then, he gave the spare copy back to Timothy. "This is hers. You'll be in charge of the subsequent arrangements."

"Yes, Mr. Jenson."

As Timothy left the office, Owen opened a drawer and placed the marriage certificate in it before continuing with his work.

Most people might find joy in being newlyweds. Alas, this wasn't the case for this odd couple. They continued to go about their business as Aurora puttered about with her packed schedule while Owen got ready to meet a client for a business deal.

They didn't even bother meeting each other after getting hitched.

Chapter 2

Timothy was scarily efficient. Thus, Aurora received her copy of the marriage certificate at 3:00 pm.

Aurora looked at the marriage certificate in her hand. There was also a photo of her and Owen, but it had been hastily photoshopped. It wouldn't be an understatement to call it dismally half-hearted.

Truthfully, she wasn't a stranger to Owen as he frequently donated to Astrait University over the years. As a matter of fact, he donated about 70 million dollars just last month.

Her research department received a share of funding because of it. She had just submitted a funding application, and her department head was eager to allocate some of Owen's donation to her project.

Owen also sponsored various prestigious awards. For instance, he had presented her with the prize when her team won the National Megistus Award earlier this month. He had even congratulated her, saying, "Congratulations on winning the top award once again, Professor Reed."

There were numerous occasions where he presented awards, both domestically and internationally. Hence, even though they weren't strangers, they weren't exactly all that close either.

Suddenly, her phone vibrated. She took it out and was surprised to receive a text from the bank.

"Oh, my! A hundred thousand dollars has been transferred to my bank account!" she thought in pleasant surprise.

Her eyes fell upon the sender's name and saw that it was none other than Owen. She didn't expect him to be so efficient.

She couldn't believe that he transferred her allowance over almost immediately after they got their marriage certificate.

Aurora hesitated momentarily, intending to text him about this. Alas, she quickly realized she didn't have his number saved. Forget Instagram, she didn't even have his number.

Well, it seemed that she had indeed been rather hasty when it came to her marriage.

She glanced at her Instagram and noticed that Owen's grandmother, Rhea Thompson, had dropped her a message. "Aurora, how did it go? Owen promised me you two will get your marriage registered today. Has everything been finalized?"

Aurora tilted her head in thought and ended up giving Rhea a call.

Rhea was quick to answer, blurting, "How's everything, Aurora?"

"Rhea, we've gotten our marriage certificate."

"That's fantastic news! Losing a total of five pounds was totally worth it!"

Lord knew she had dedicated far too much effort in order to matchmake Aurora and her silly grandson. Owen had no choice but to agree after she doubled down on her efforts and then some.

Although Owen was reluctant to go through with this marriage, Rhea was confident that it was only a matter of time before Owen fell for Aurora's charms.

Besides, Rhea had vetted Aurora thoroughly. Aurora was far superior to the other fishes available in their social circle. Moreover, the Jenson family needed someone like Aurora to become their future matriarch.

"Gosh, I can finally meet my late husband in the afterlife with no regrets. The Jenson family has always placed a great deal of emphasis on business. So, my late husband had always wanted a refined and cultured individual as his granddaughter-in-law. I've finally fulfilled his last wish."

Aurora was rendered speechless.

How did being cultured come into play here?

If she wasn't mistaken, Owen was also a genius in his own right. He was an honor student at Astrait University back then and even pursued his doctorate.

"Did Owen tell you to move in with him?"

"He gave me the keys to Cordia. I'm planning to move there in a couple of days."

"Cordia, you say? Well, I suppose… Don't worry, Aurora. You're part of the Jenson family now. I'll ensure that no one ever bullies you. I believe you and Owen will have a blissful marriage." Rhea's voice was filled with sincere joy.

"Thank you, Rhea."

She was genuinely grateful to this genial elder regardless of how her future with Owen would unfold.

"Since you're married now, I won't disturb you two lovebirds. Do enjoy your time together and try to bless me with a great-grandchild as soon as possible! I've booked a flight to Thassa. I have to catch my flight now. I'll see you soon."

Rhea had gone all the way to Thassa previously and prayed for Owen to have a blissful marriage. Sure enough, the heavens blessed her with a wonderful granddaughter-in-law. So, she had to return to Thassa to express her gratitude.

Aurora was once again hard-pressed to reply.

Rhea was so bold and flighty that it was very difficult for Aurora to associate Rhea with the ruthless and formidable businesswoman she was years ago.

Aurora had just returned to Astrait University recently. As a result, her work had piled up, especially since she was involved in a major research project. It wouldn't be out of place for others to find her stuck in her office and laboratory for days on end.

The days flashed by in the blink of an eye, and Aurora seemingly forgot that she had gotten married. Of course, that was until she received a call from her best friend, Helena Turner.

"Hello? Dear Lord, you've finally answered your phone! You have no idea how close I was to reporting you missing!"

"What's up?"

Aurora had just changed out of her lab coat and was returning to her office with a stack of data.

Helena sighed wearily. "Please don't tell me you forgot what today is."

Aurora was about to hang up when she heard Helena screech urgently, "Wait! Don't hang up on me! Remember the party? When will you be here? Do I need to send a car to pick you up?"

Today was the 60th birthday of their high school principal, Mr. Mitchell Billingsworth. He also happened to be a world-renowned pianist who was deeply respected and loved by his students.

Aurora finally remembered the event after hearing Helena's reminder.

"It's fine. I'll get a cab."

"Oh, alright. Still, you'd better clean up nicely. Everyone will be dressed to the nines. They're all eager to brag about their achievements. You just returned to the country, so there's no need for you to lay low. Especially since…"

Helena trailed off before continuing hesitantly, "I heard Sidney and Whitney are back in Zanzimar. They'll most likely attend the party. After all, this party will…"

"I understand," Aurora responded blandly before promptly hanging up.

This so-called gathering was merely an opportunity for her classmates to compete with one another. There wasn't much of a point in attending it. Honestly, Aurora rarely attended such events.

Unfortunately, Mitchell had rung her up several times. As a result, she felt obligated to attend the party this time.

The birthday party would be held at Aurum Hotel, which was incidentally the most luxurious hotel available in Zanzimar.

Aurora rushed to attend the party right after her class. Hence, she didn't bother dressing up elegantly. Instead, she wore a simple suit that was neither overly formal nor too casual. Even so, her light makeup failed to hide her stunning beauty.

The venue was bursting at the seams, and no one paid any mind to Aurora. So, she decided to find a comfortable place to sit while waiting for the party's star to arrive.

She had just made her way to the terrace when she overheard a conversation.

A few dolled-up women were surrounding someone, mocking her cruelly.

Meanwhile, Whitney, who was dressed in an opulent champagne gown, was evidently the ring leader of those harpies. She was a popular supermodel who had transitioned into an acting career, starring in several web dramas.

Those socialites were eager to ingratiate with Whitney. After all, not only was Whitney a supermodel, but she was also the true heiress of the Klein family. She was considered the apple of the Klein family's eyes.

"Who cares about Aurora? She and Whitney were swapped at birth! She stole Whitney's rightful place as a rich heiress!"

"What she said! She should be ashamed for enjoying such wealth after all these years. She's nothing without the Klein family's support!"

Chapter 3

Aurora's best friend, Stella Quigley, was also in attendance.

She gritted her teeth at the snide remarks before finally exploding, hissing, "You're twisting the facts! Aurora doesn't need the Klein family at all! She has always ranked first in all her exams. She's so brilliant that even the mayor awarded her personally!"

She inhaled deeply as she continued her rant, "You guys have never ceased spreading malicious rumors about her all because you're jealous of her achievements and beauty! The talent scout and Mr. Billingsworth originally had their eyes set on her, but Whitney stole her spot!"

A prominent socialite didn't hesitate to slap Stella silly while another shoved her.

"What are you even on about? Do you think someone like Whitney would bother with the likes of Aurora? What a joke! Whitney is Mr. Sander's fiancé. She's the future lady boss of Starline Entertainment! What resources could she possibly lack?"

Whitney curled her lips into a disdainful smile as she glanced at the pitiful woman on the ground. Suddenly, she bent down with a look of disappointment on her face.

"I know you and Aurora are close. So, why don't we make a bet? If Aurora shows up at this party, I'll pour this drink over my head. If you lose, you'll pour it over yours. What do you think? You can insult me all you want. But you've got another thing coming if you insult the Klein family!"

Her posse started tittering upon hearing Whitney's words. Whitney knew full well that Aurora wouldn't be able to enter the venue at all.

After all, Sidney sponsored most of this event, and this shindig was by invitation only. She had also deliberately ensured that Aurora wouldn't receive an invitation.

Plus, this banquet would be broadcast online, allowing her and Sidney to be in the limelight. She would use this opportunity to promote her latest work. So, there was no way Aurora wouldn't know about this.

"So, are you going to do it yourself, or shall I?" Whitney smiled slightly as she offered the glass of red wine to Stella, her eyes flickering with malice.

Just then, a cold, slender hand grasped her wrist, yanked her away roughly, and shoved her aside.

Before Whitney could react, the red wine came splashing right onto her face. The liquid splattered everywhere, making a mess.

Whitney staggered as the pungent scent of wine wafted in the air. Her carefully done makeup and exquisite evening gown were a complete wreck.

She was about to scream due to sheer fury when an indifferent voice pierced the air, saying, "You've lost, Whitney."

The familiar voice startled Whitney. Her eyes widened in shock as she gaped at Aurora.

Aurora was dressed in a simple suit, exuding a dignified air. Coupled with her delicate features and flawless figure, she looked stunningly beautiful with her hair cascading down her back.

It had been a while since they last met. Yet Aurora seemed even more breathtaking than she was in the past. It made everyone around her look like mere peasants.

This was a reality Whitney couldn't and refused to accept. Her resentment only grew stronger when she saw the awed looks everyone was giving Aurora.

"Aurora? Who on Earth let you in? Do you think you're still the Klein family's heiress? Apologize to Whitney immediately!"

Aurora ignored that voice and tugged Stella to her side.

"A-Aurora…" Stella stammered as she looked at Aurora with red-rimmed eyes. She couldn't believe that Aurora had arrived.

Aurora merely nodded and said gently, "You should clean up."

"You want to leave? Dream on! Apologize to Whitney, Aurora!"

Alas, someone just had to be a pest, barring Aurora's way.

Aurora turned to the source of the noise and noticed that it was none other than Linna Quinn. She was Sidney's cousin, Whitney's best friend, and also Whitney's most loyal fan.

"Look at you barking at me when Whitney hasn't even said a word. What are you? Whitney's personal guard dog? My, that little pea brain of yours must be working double time."

"Aurora, what did you just say?" Linna's face turned white with utter rage. How dare this bitch insult her intelligence?

"It's nothing, really. Still, you really should get your ears checked if you didn't hear what I just said. If you'd just exit to your right, I'm fairly certain there's a hospital nearby just waiting for you," Aurora replied blithely.

"Aurora, you're as unruly as ever. How could you say something like that?" one of the socialites hissed in offense.

"What's going on? What happened?" Just then, a dispassionate voice could be heard.

Chapter 4

Everyone instinctively turned to look and saw Sidney approaching them through a throng of people.

He exuded an air of confidence, standing tall and handsome. It was an undeniable fact that he stood out among his classmates, living up to his reputation as the most popular guy in their high school back then.

"Sidney, Aurora splashed red wine on Whitney! She's gone too far!" Linna shrieked a complaint as she rushed to Sidney's side, dragging Whitney along for the ride.

Whitney bit her lip, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she looked at Sidney, silently conveying her grievance. She even started trembling slightly, looking like the piteous victim she was trying to project.

Sidney froze slightly upon seeing Aurora. His eyes flickered with a complex mix of emotions.

Nevertheless, he shrugged out of his jacket and draped it over Whitney's shoulders, gently patting her as he comforted her softly, "There now. I'll have Tobias get a spare gown ready for you. Why don't you change out of this gown?"

Whitney looked up at him through her lashes. Her eyes shimmered with tears as she nodded. "Okay. It's not Aurora's fault. This happened because I was clumsy. There's no need to pin the blame on anyone. You should all continue to enjoy yourselves."

Aurora couldn't help but chuckle at her audacity. "You're one pathetic and conniving little bitch, aren't you? You say it's not my fault, but your words are rife with insinuations. Piece of advice? Don't dish it out if you can't take it!

"Whitney, you were the one who challenged Stella to a bet. Why is it okay for someone else to serve themselves on a silver platter while you can't do the same?"

Whitney's face stiffened as she shot a helpless glance at Sidney. Then, she bit her lip and lowered her head in dejected silence.

Meanwhile, Linna couldn't bear to be on the losing team. So, she snapped hotly, "What are you on about? Everyone knows you've been unhappy ever since Whitney's return as it exposed you for being nothing but a fake! That's why you've returned from abroad! You intend to stir up trouble!"

Linna was practically acting as Whitney's mouthpiece. Thus, Whitney raised her head slightly and gazed at Linna with tearful eyes.

Linna immediately felt bolstered as she pressed on righteously, "You're resentful that Whitney is engaged to Sidney. But you've forgotten that Whitney is the Klein family's true heiress! You've been enjoying her rightful position for so many years. Yet instead of being grateful, you've turned against her! How could you do such a thing? How could you bite the hands that feed you?"

Sidney's expression turned dark upon hearing Linna's words, and he glared at Aurora with increasing irritation and revulsion. "That's enough! I don't care what feud you have against the other, but you should be mindful of the occasion."

With that said, he spun on his heel and left with Whitney, completely dismissing Aurora.

"The Sander family only agreed to have a marriage alliance with the Klein family because I helped Sander Corporation out of a sticky situation. After that, the Sander family decided to discuss a marriage alliance with the Klein family," a cold voice interjected.

Sidney promptly halted in his tracks, rooted by that statement.

"Who exactly does the Sander family want? Sidney, I'm sure you know the answer to that better than anyone else here."

Sidney grimaced as he retorted, "It still doesn't justify you bullying Whitney!"

Aurora replied, "Whitney bullied my friend. I was simply protecting her from harm. As for biting the hands that feed me? That has yet to be determined. I suggest you watch your tongue before you ruin the Klein family's painstaking efforts. Also, Whitney? I don't remember you being so ignorant."

Aurora's comments sliced through the tense atmosphere as though it was nothing. By the time she was done with her piece, she had already passed the other two by.

Everyone was still playing catch-up when they noticed Mitchell, the man of the moment, approaching Aurora enthusiastically.

"My dear Aurora, you've finally arrived! I've practically blown up your phone with the number of times I called you. I was worried that you wouldn't show up at all."

"Happy birthday, Mr. Billingsworth," Aurora said politely as she presented her gift.

"You're as thoughtful as ever. Come with me. I want to introduce you to my friends. I can't wait to brag about the most outstanding student in my entire career! I can't wait to see them turn green with envy!" Mitchell exclaimed gleefully.

Then, he patted Aurora on the back and led her toward the lounge.

Judging by how Mitchell was acting, it seemed that Aurora wasn't a nobody at all.

Everyone was stunned by this discovery, and they quickly turned to stare at Linna. Linna did say that Aurora only managed to attend this party because she was riding on the Klein family's coattails.

But it certainly looked nothing like it! If anything, it was far more likely that Mitchell had invited her personally.

Linna felt utterly humiliated by the turn of events. Her frustration boiled over as she lost all decorum and stomped her feet in annoyance. She had no idea when Aurora became so familiar with Mitchell.

On the other hand, a calm gaze had taken in the entire fiasco from the balcony above the banquet hall.

"What are you looking at?" A crisp voice broke the silence.

Before Owen could respond, Damian had already sauntered over with two glasses of wine. Then, he followed Owen's line of sight and found that a party seemed to be taking place below.

"It's nothing," Owen replied indifferently as he withdrew his gaze.

He hadn't expected to encounter Aurora here, the very same woman he had just tied the knot with a few days ago. She had pretty much disappeared without a trace after that.

Although she was in a rather awkward situation, she remained composed throughout the ordeal. There wasn't even a sliver of panic in her demeanor. It seemed that she was quite the formidable one.

He couldn't help but recall that she had been on several blind dates after returning to the country. Did she perhaps remain single all this while because of the fellow called Sidney?

Owen sneered inwardly and didn't bother intervening. Since Rhea thought so highly of her, he should give her the opportunity to shine. Then, he would be able to pay her to go on her merry way once she exhausted all her resources.

Women were simple creatures. If a man wasn't able to handle them, it only meant that the number of zeros on the check wasn't enough.

Aurora was probably no different.

"Are you hiding from your gaggle of admirers and brown nosers?" Damian took a sip from his glass as he drawled, "You've caused quite the commotion by donating 70 million to Astrait University. Are you truly planning to invest in Astrait University?"

"Astrait University's talents are not inferior to those abroad. They just need better funding for their research," Owen answered dispassionately.

Damian nodded before saying tentatively, "I'm just worried that this endeavor will take longer than expected."

Chapter 5

Aurora left after chatting with Mitchell.

Fortunately, the subway entrance wasn't all that far from the hotel, making it convenient for her. Aurora was just about to make her way there when a black sports car abruptly screeched to a stop before her.

She instinctively took a hasty step back but was surprised to see the passenger side window slowly rolling down. Then, a low voice came through, saying, "Get in the car."

The man in the driver's seat was none other than Owen. What was this big shot doing here?

"Can't recognize your husband, Professor Reed?" Owen sneered in contempt, thinking that she was merely trying to get his attention by playing hard to get.

Aurora hesitated momentarily before getting into the car, not bothering to delve too deep into it.

"Good evening, Mr. Jenson," she greeted politely as she fastened the safety belt.

Owen glanced at her and said nothing as he started the car.

"Where to?"

"Astrait University," Aurora replied succinctly.

And so, the car proceeded onward to its destination. The long journey only made the silence even more awkward as time passed.

It was difficult to imagine that these two were newlyweds.

After a long while, Owen's indifferent voice shattered the silence as he drawled, "Professor Reed, I'm not interested in your past. But please keep in mind that we're in a contract marriage. So, I hope you'll avoid any unsavory scandals while we're married."

"And does this hope also apply to you, Mr. Jenson?" Aurora questioned as she lowered her lashes in thought.

Owen shot her a glance and smirked coldly. "Naturally."

Aurora snorted derisively, utterly unconvinced. Why would she ever believe him?

Owen had just barely gotten out of a scandal with an international superstar. Then, it was quickly followed by a wealthy heiress. She had also heard rumors about him getting involved with an infamous gambler's daughter.

"Have you taken any classes in psychology, Professor Reed? You have a rather deft touch when it comes to your… relationships."

Aurora wasn't so deaf that she couldn't hear the blatant sarcasm in his words. Nevertheless, she responded calmly, "I'm afraid I can never hope to measure up to your eloquence, Mr. Jenson."

Owen's eyes darkened slightly at her retort as he inquired, "It seems you're rather close with my grandmother. How did you two meet?"

Aurora turned her head to look at the view outside the window. After a beat, she answered, "Didn't you have me investigated, Mr. Jenson?"

He furrowed his brows in displeasure. Alas, her steady voice continued before he could get a word edgewise, "I understand you're not exactly happy with our nuptials. In fact, you were probably forced into this arrangement.

"Don't worry. I fully intend to abide by the agreement we've signed. I'll sweeten the deal by making this clear now. I'm more than happy to step aside if you want to marry the love of your life in the future."

She sighed softly as she murmured, "Frankly, I only married you because I had no other choice. Neither of us is here for something so silly like love. Instead, we're only in this for marriage. So, why can't we work together? Think of it as a mutually beneficial deal. You can just treat me like your business partner."

Aurora had no interest in dragging this thing out any further than she had to. If anything, she wanted to make her stance clear to her… spouse. That way, they would be able to cooperate smoothly.

"You have plenty of suitors, Professor Reed. Why did you insist on picking me?" Owen asked coldly. It was evident that he didn't trust Aurora's explanation.

"There was nothing insistent about me choosing you as my husband. It was just that you were the most suitable candidate at that very moment. You're an outstanding individual, Mr. Jenson. Moreover, if I want to resolve my current predicament, I can't just choose someone at random and be done with it."

Aurora elaborated pragmatically. Those words had just fallen from her lips when the phone in her pocket started ringing.

She took her phone out and quickly answered it, saying, "Hello, Dr. Kennedy?"

Toby Kennedy's voice came through as he said, "Ms. Reed, I'm afraid Mr. Klein Senior's condition is deteriorating rapidly. We've exhausted all our options. The Klein family has decided to cease any further treatment, allowing him a brief reprieve before he passes."

Aurora pressed her slender fingers against her forehead as she fell silent. Eventually, she replied, "I understand. Thank you for your hard work."

Mr. Klein Senior, Bryce Klein, had always been kind to her. Unfortunately, it was also an avenue that the Klein family was viciously exploiting. They wanted to use the kindness he treated her with as a means to bind her to them, squeezing her dry.

Even before Whitney was found, she had long wanted to sever her ties with the Klein family as she was but a mere stand-in. Yet they refused to acknowledge this fact. Instead, they continued to view her as their possession, insisting on controlling her.

Greed, jealousy, malice, and misery were the life lessons they had etched into her skin.

"Mr. Jenson, it's just as you said. All of this is purely transactional. I sincerely hope we'll be able to cooperate with one another," she said calmly as she tucked her phone away.

Before Owen could respond, she parted her lips and said once more, "You can just drop me off by the roundabout ahead."

Owen couldn't help but look at her in confusion.

"Did we not agree to keep our marriage under wraps, Mr. Jenson? Your car is rather flamboyant."

He couldn't help but come up with a snarky reply internally, "How considerate of her."

Still, Owen pulled the car over.

"Thanks for the ride, Mr. Jenson. Cheers to the marriage," she said lightly before closing the door.

Owen lit a cigarette and took a distracted drag. His gaze landed on her figure as she crossed the street and disappeared from his line of sight.

Cheers to the marriage?

Did he look like he was in a cheery mood over this marriage?