Chapter 1

It was midnight, the prime time for the bar scene.

On the neon-lit dance floor, Janice Ludwig moved with the pulse of the deafening music. Her hips swayed, and her heels tapped intricate steps that mesmerized onlookers. Her moves accentuated her curves, drawing every pair of eyes in the room.

Amid the deafening cheers and whistles, she ran a hand through her damp hair and peeled off her cropped jacket with the other, tossing it into the crowd. The energy in the bar exploded, sending the place into a frenzy.

Janice ended her performance with a jaw-dropping move on the pole, arching her back before sliding down gracefully. She barely had time to catch her breath before someone eagerly approached her.

"Hey, miss, here alone? Do you want some company?"

Janice gave a sly smile and was about to reply when her gaze locked onto a familiar figure in the distance.

"Sorry, not tonight. I've got plans," she said breezily, brushing past the young man in her towering heels.

"Mr. Gomez, fancy seeing you here."

In a shadowy corner of the bar, the man stood out in a tailored black suit. The dim light softened his chiseled features, highlighting only the sharp angles of his face. His cold, aloof demeanor made him seem completely out of place in the chaotic bar scene.

Janice had always been drawn to that face.

Malcolm Gomez was a man whose every detail aligned perfectly with her tastes. The first time she saw him, the attraction had been instant. Fueled by a few too many drinks, she had marched right up to him and asked if he was interested in "getting to know each other better".

At the time, her boyfriend had just fallen head over heels for her scheming stepsister, and the two of them had the nerve to send her a video of their escapades.

Janice, disgusted to her core, dumped her scumbag boyfriend with a slap, then stormed off to the nearest bar. After chugging a pitcher of beer, she found Malcolm.

What she thought would be a one-night stand turned into something that lasted over two years—much to her own surprise.

Even though she barely knew anything about Malcolm beyond his name, she didn't care. She wasn't interested in his background. For Janice, as long as they clicked, that was all that mattered.

Without hesitation, she leaned in, looping her slender arm around his neck.

Malcolm had just returned from a business trip abroad, his scent carrying a hint of travel and fatigue. With a tug on her waist, he pulled her closer.

"If I hadn't shown up, were you planning on finding someone else tonight?" he asked, his voice low and raspy.

Janice chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Now, Mr. Gomez, don't sell yourself short. Nobody can beat you in bed."

She kissed him again, a playful challenge. After two years together, Malcolm knew her body like the back of his hand.

The second half of their night shifted to a nearby hotel.

By the time they were done, Janice was utterly spent. It took all her energy to drag herself into the shower.

Malcolm was already dressed when she emerged, his polished demeanor back in place. He stood by the window, a cigarette between his fingers. Hearing her footsteps, he turned, his expression cool and detached.

Janice raised an eyebrow and teased, "All dressed already? Don't you want to go another round?"

Instead of answering, Malcolm tossed a check onto the table.

She glanced at it and whistled. "Wow. One million?"

"I'm getting engaged," he said flatly.

Janice froze for a moment, then twirled the check between her fingers. "So, this is my breakup fee?"

Malcolm neither confirmed nor denied it. His voice remained calm. "Don't contact me again."

Janice snorted. "Relax. I'm not the clingy type."

With a wry smile, she added, "Congrats on the engagement, Mr. Gomez. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness."

Malcolm's eyes flicked to her face.

Janice's pale skin contrasted sharply with her dark eyes, the corners tinted with a natural flush. In bed, her eyes would glisten with unshed tears, an utterly irresistible sight.

But now, those same eyes betrayed no emotion.

Malcolm had always known that Janice was the kind of woman who guarded her heart. No matter how passionate or affectionate she seemed in the moment, she could shut it off as easily as flipping a switch.

It suited him just fine. No strings meant no complications.

He stubbed out his cigarette and left without another word.

Janice lay back on the bed, holding the check in her hands. She counted the zeroes again and again, a grin spreading across her face.

Satisfied, she slept like a baby, only to be jolted awake the next morning by her phone ringing.

The call was from the cemetery.

"Hello," she muttered groggily, still half-asleep. However, the panicked voice on the other end snapped her awake.

"Ms. Ludwig? We've got a problem! A group of people showed up this morning saying they're here to move the grave you asked us to take care of!"

"What?" Janice shot up, her tone icy.

"I told them that moving a grave requires approval from the cemetery manager, so I managed to stall them for now. But you'd better come down here fast!"

Janice's expression turned cold. That grave belonged to her mother.

Years ago, when her mother, Serena Weston, passed away from a terminal illness, Janice had drained every penny she had trying to cover the medical bills and funeral costs. She'd even racked up massive debts just to afford a burial plot. She had nearly sold her blood to make ends meet.

Those days were some of the darkest in her life. Now that her finances had stabilized and her alternative medicine clinic was thriving, she'd saved enough to replace her mother's headstone and pay someone to maintain the grave regularly.

Her voice was sharp as she asked, "Did they say who sent them?"

"Yes! The guy in charge said they were acting on orders from the Ludwig family!"

Chapter 2

Janice didn't need to ask—she had a pretty good idea of what was going on. She lowered her gaze, hiding the icy chill flickering in her eyes.

After all these years, the Ludwig family still wouldn't leave her or her mother in peace.

"I get it," she said, her tone flat. "I'll head back right away."

She hung up and wasted no time driving back to Oakridge, the town she thought she'd left behind forever.

…

Standing in front of the Ludwig residence, Janice's expression was cold and unreadable. Before that phone call, she had never imagined herself setting foot near this place again.

Her so-called father, Garrett Ludwig, had cheated on her mother while she was still pregnant. After Janice was born, he had gone so far as to bring his mistress and their illegitimate daughter into their home. That daughter, Reina Ludwig, was only a year younger than Janice.

Serena, devastated by the betrayal, had fallen gravely ill, both from the emotional toll and complications from childbirth. And Garrett? He'd kicked Serena out of the house, leaving her to fend for herself in her weakest moments.

When Janice had returned to confront him, desperate to fight for Serena's dignity, Reina had drugged her and tried to frame her by bringing in a group of thugs to take compromising photos.

Fortunately, Janice's background in alternative medicine had made her body resistant to most drugs. She had woken up just in time to stop their twisted plan from succeeding.

Even so, the Ludwigs spread rumors, claiming she had run off with some gang member, dragging their own name through the mud in the process.

Janice clenched her fists, the memory flooding her with rage.

On her deathbed, Serena had begged her to leave the toxic family behind, to live her life far away and never look back. For years, Janice had honored that wish.

But now, she had no choice but to return.

Taking a deep breath, she pounded on the heavy front door.

Janice didn't bother ringing the doorbell, as pressing it felt too polite. She wanted to make noise—lots of it.

After a few loud knocks, the door swung open, and a woman appeared.

"What's with the racket?" she shouted.

It was none other than Lizzy Summers, the mistress who had clawed her way into the Ludwig family.

Lizzy had once been a well-known party girl, hanging around nightclubs until she managed to sink her claws into Garrett. She had used every trick in the book to secure her spot in the family, bringing Reina along and parading her success like a badge of honor.

When she saw Janice standing at the door, her face shifted from irritation to alarm. She instinctively moved to block the doorway.

"You! What are you doing here?" Lizzy stammered.

Janice smirked coldly. "You tell me."

She shoved Lizzy aside without waiting for an answer, striding into the house with confidence. When she stepped into the living room, she felt the tension in the air.

With his back to her, seated on the couch, was a man whose broad shoulders and poised demeanor struck her as oddly familiar.

Beside him sat Reina, her half-sister. Reina looked like she'd stepped straight out of a designer catalog, dressed in the latest couture and wearing flawless makeup. She was going for an innocent look, though Janice could see right through it.

Garrett was seated nearby, his expression unusually subdued. When he noticed Janice, his face turned stormy in an instant.

Janice scanned the room and quickly put the pieces together. She raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a sardonic smile. "Well, well. It seems you have company. It looks like I picked the wrong time to drop by."

Her eyes landed on the man in the center of the room. Judging by everyone's behavior, he was clearly the guest. But when he turned to face her, Janice's smug smirk froze on her face.

It was Malcolm.

Her mind went blank.

Why the hell was Malcolm here?

The man she had spent the previous night tangled up with was now sitting in her family's living room, looking as distant and composed as ever.

Janice opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.

"Malcolm!" It was Reina who broke the silence, jumping up and clinging to Malcolm's arm like a lifeline.

Her voice dripped with sweetness as she smiled nervously at him. "Please don't mind her. That's my sister. She's a bit... rough around the edges. She rarely comes home, so we weren't expecting her to show up today..."

Lizzy quickly jumped in, eager to smooth things over. "Malcolm, don't let her bother you. Why don't you and Reina head upstairs? There's still so much to plan for tomorrow's engagement party. We'll handle things down here."

Engagement party?

Janice's eyes darkened as realization dawned on her.

How ironic. Just last night, Malcolm had been in her bed. Now, he was here as Reina's fiancé.

Her gaze flicked to Malcolm. His face was unreadable, and he made no move to pull his arm away from Reina's hold.

Reina must have felt Janice's stare because she shifted uncomfortably.

Janice raised an eyebrow and smirked. "So, Reina, you're getting engaged? Why didn't you say anything? I could've prepared a gift for you and my brother-in-law."

She deliberately emphasized the last words, her eyes briefly locking with Malcolm's.

He didn't even flinch.

The man who had been so possessive and demanding last night now acted like she didn't exist.

Reina relaxed slightly when Malcolm remained unresponsive, then gave Janice a pitying smile. "No need for that, Janice. We're family, after all. Plus, I know things haven't been easy for you lately, so let's not worry about formalities."

She paused, glancing at Malcolm for effect. "Honestly, I've been worried about you. And that boyfriend of yours? I told you he was trouble, but you wouldn't listen. You deserve better."

She sighed dramatically, then added, "Malcolm, I'm sorry you had to hear all this. My sister... Well, she's had a tough time.

"Back in high school, she used to hang out with some bad people, which caused many issues for our family. She even had a huge fight with Dad and nearly gave him a heart attack. After that, she ran off and only returned to ask for money."

Janice's laugh was sharp, tinged with fury. Reina had always been a master manipulator, twisting every situation to make herself look innocent.

But Janice saw through her. Reina was trying to tarnish her reputation in front of Malcolm, which meant she cared about his opinion. That gave Janice an idea—Malcolm could be her weapon to cut Reina down.

"Enough!" Garrett's voice boomed as he slammed his hand on the table, glaring at Janice.

"You ungrateful brat!" he shouted. "I told you years ago, the moment you walked out of this house, you were no longer my daughter! Here's 50 grand. Take it, and never show your face here again!"

He threw a slim bank card at her. The sharp edge nicked her cheek, leaving a sting.

Janice didn't flinch. She let the card drop to the floor and crushed it under her heel.

Chapter 3

Lizzy rushed forward, putting on her best fake smile. "Janice, your dad just lost his temper. Take the money for now, and I'll try to calm him down later, okay?"

Janice watched her coldly, fully aware of the act.

This family always had a routine—good cop, bad cop. All they wanted was to shove her out the door before she caused any trouble for Reina's engagement.

Well, if that was what they wanted, Janice had no intention of making it easy for them.

Without warning, she grabbed Lizzy by the wrist, spun her around, and slapped her hard across the face. The sharp crack echoed through the room, leaving a vivid red mark on Lizzy's cheek.

"Janice, are you out of your mind?" Reina screamed, rushing forward to grab her.

But before Reina could touch her, Janice raised her foot and delivered a swift kick to her stomach, sending her sprawling to the floor.

"Reina," Janice said, her smile sweet but her eyes icy. "Didn't I say I had a wedding gift for you?"

Reina froze, her face pale with terror. Janice crouched beside her, patting her cheek in mock affection.

"I don't have much to give, so how about a couple of slaps to even out the score from back then, huh?"

She raised her hand again, but before it could land, a strong grip caught her wrist.

Janice turned her head and met Malcolm's steely gaze.

Reina scrambled to her feet, clinging to Malcolm's arm as though he were her lifeline. "Malcolm, help me! She's lost her mind!"

Janice raised an eyebrow, her tone playful. "Oh, I'm perfectly sane."

She curled her finger and lightly traced Malcolm's palm where no one could see, her touch suggestive. "Tell me, Malcolm, do I seem crazy to you?"

Malcolm's expression darkened as he suddenly flung her backward.

Janice staggered, catching herself against the wall.

Malcolm's face was a mask of cold fury, his voice icy. "Leave now, or I'll have someone throw you out."

Janice exhaled slowly, her smile unshaken. She shrugged, spreading her hands in mock surrender. "What a shame. I guess I'll save my wedding gift for the big day."

With that, she turned and walked out of the Ludwig residence without looking back.

Her palm still stung from the force of the slap she'd delivered to Lizzy. But compared to everything Serena had endured, this was nothing.

It was just the opening move in a much bigger game.

Outside, Janice pulled out her phone and opened a chat with an unnamed contact. The thread was nearly empty, containing only a few curt exchanges of time and location.

Lucky for her, she hadn't yet deleted Malcolm's number.

With a few taps, she sent him several photos from her gallery, adding an address and room number at the end. Then, she powered off her phone.

…

Back at her hotel, Janice took a long shower. When she came out, she found Malcolm standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, his silhouette sharp against the city lights.

"You're punctual, Mr. Gomez."

Her lips curled into a teasing smile as she approached him, trailing her fingers lightly across his palm just as she had earlier. "Did you miss me already?"

Before she could say more, Malcolm grabbed her wrist and slammed it against the cold glass.

Janice barely flinched, even as her back pressed against the chilled surface. Her loosely tied robe slipped slightly, exposing more skin to the cool air.

"When did you take the photos?" Malcolm's voice was dangerously low, his hand tightening around her throat.

Janice's breath hitched, and her face reddened as his grip on her throat pressed slightly. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes, but she managed a breathless laugh.

"When you were asleep… obviously," she rasped between shallow gasps. "A man as… perfect as you deserves to be… remembered, don't you think?"

Malcolm's glare could've frozen fire. He recognized that smile—flirtation mixed with calculated manipulation.

"Delete them," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Janice tilted her head, still smiling. "I'd love to, but there's a small problem."

She gave him a coy look. "I got a little too excited about seeing you tonight and accidentally set those pictures to auto-send to a few places. If I don't stop it in time, the press will get them first thing in the morning. Imagine how many people will admire your… talents."

Malcolm's expression hardened, his fury barely contained. No one had ever dared threaten him like this.

Janice's voice softened, though her words carried their usual bite. "Don't worry. I'm reasonable. Here's a deal—for every night you spend with me, I'll delete one picture. How about that?"

Malcolm laughed coldly. "How many pictures are we talking?"

"Not many. 300, maybe 500 tops." Janice tilted her head playfully. "Of course, if you perform well, I might offer you a discount."

Her teasing was cut short as Malcolm grabbed her chin and kissed her fiercely, silencing her with a bruising intensity.

When they finally broke apart, Janice was trembling, her legs too weak to support her. She leaned against him, barely managing to stay upright.

Even then, her tongue remained sharp. "Tell me, Malcolm," she whispered hoarsely. "If Reina knew all your skills came from practicing with me, what would her face look like?"

Malcolm's expression turned icy. He had planned to end things with her last night, to sever all ties cleanly. Instead, here they were.

Janice wanted to push him further, but her voice was nearly gone. Exhausted, she stumbled toward the minibar for water.

Before she could take a sip, a check slid into her line of sight.

"One million dollars," Malcolm said coldly. "In exchange for every single one of those photos."

Chapter 4

Janice glanced at the check Malcolm had tossed her way but made no move to take it.

After a moment, she let out a soft laugh. "Well, aren't you generous? Certainly more than Garrett."

Earlier at the Ludwig residence, Garrett had only offered her a measly 50 thousand dollars to get lost.

Malcolm's expression hardened, his patience clearly wearing thin. "Don't push your luck."

Too drained to argue further, Janice slumped against the table. Her fingers trailed up Malcolm's forearm, her touch slow and suggestive. "What do you mean by that, Mr. Gomez? I'm afraid I don't understand."

Malcolm grabbed her wandering hand and flung it aside with a firm grip.

Janice let out a dramatic, half-joking yelp, pouting as she rubbed her wrist. "Oh, Mr. Gomez, you're so rough. Don't tell me you're into that kind of thing now."

The room filled with an icy tension. Malcolm's face was unreadable, but the anger simmering beneath his calm exterior was impossible to miss.

Then, his phone buzzed.

Janice's sharp eyes caught the name flashing on the screen—Reina Ludwig.

Malcolm turned, clearly intending to step outside to take the call, but Janice was faster. She threw herself against his back, one arm snaking around his neck while her other hand hit the "answer" button.

"Hello?" Reina's hesitant voice came through the line. "Malcolm, where are you? You left dinner so suddenly... Was something wrong with the food?"

Malcolm pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly annoyed, and opened his mouth to respond.

Before he could get a word out, Janice pressed closer to him, her lips brushing his ear as she let out a soft, suggestive hum.

On the other end, silence fell.

Janice's lazy smile widened as she reveled in her small victory. She was about to take it further when Malcolm's hand shot out, gripping her neck just tightly enough to make her gasp.

The pressure cut off her breath, and her face reddened as her chest heaved. Despite the discomfort, her fingers teasingly tapped his phone screen, daring him to lose his composure.

Janice had a talent for walking the razor's edge of his patience.

Grinding his teeth, Malcolm ended the call with a clipped goodbye. Shoving his phone into his pocket, he stormed out without another glance at her.

Janice collapsed onto the bed, coughing as she rubbed her neck. Tears pricked her eyes from the strain, but her laughter bubbled up anyway—unrestrained and unapologetic.

She couldn't wait to see Reina's face the next time they met.

…

The following morning, Janice rose early and headed to the most exclusive salon in Oakridge.

"Make it bold," she instructed the stylist as she studied her reflection in the mirror. Her exposed shoulders and neck bore faint, visible hickeys.

When the stylist reached for the concealer, Janice shook her head with a sly smile. "Leave them. They're part of the look."

…

Reina's engagement party took place at a swanky five-star hotel owned by Ludwig Corporation. Garrett had spared no expense, inviting industry elites, arranging aerial drones for live coverage, and hiring media crews to capture every moment.

Janice found the venue easily, thanks to the publicity. As she stepped out of the cab, all eyes turned to her.

Her natural beauty was undeniable, but today, she was radiant. Her makeup accentuated her striking features, her every glance and movement dripping with a sultry confidence.

The deep red gown she wore hugged her figure, its high slit revealing legs that seemed to go on forever. Against the sunlight, her pale skin seemed almost luminous.

Even the oversized photo of Reina in her bridal gown couldn't compete with Janice's entrance.

What truly captured everyone's attention, however, were the hickeys she displayed so brazenly.

Ignoring the whispers around her, Janice strode straight up to Garrett and Lizzy, both of whom looked like they'd swallowed lemons.

"Since I didn't get an invite," she said with a picture-perfect smile, "I thought I'd drop by to wish my dear sister all the best."

Garrett's face darkened, but with so many guests and reporters watching, he forced a tight smile. Leaning toward her, he hissed, "What do you think you're doing?"

"I told you," Janice said lightly, unfazed. "I'm here to celebrate Reina's big day."

With a shrug, she sauntered into the venue, leaving him seething in her wake.

Janice picked up a glass of champagne, swirling it lazily before raising it—not toward Reina, but toward Malcolm.

"Congratulations, Malcolm," she said softly, her voice like silk.

Malcolm's gaze lingered on her hand, his expression unreadable.

Reina, meanwhile, clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. She couldn't hide the venom in her eyes.

The previous night's phone call had haunted her. She'd spent hours convincing herself she'd imagined the woman's voice. When she'd tentatively asked Malcolm about it, he'd brushed her off, claiming she must have been mistaken.

But now, seeing Janice in that dress, with those hickeys… it all clicked.

Reina's fury boiled over as she grabbed a glass of wine and approached. "Thank you, Janice. I truly appreciate the gesture…"

Before Janice could react, Reina "accidentally" tipped her glass, spilling wine down the front of Janice's dress.

"Oh no! I'm so sorry, Janice!" Reina gasped, feigning concern.

Janice stepped back, avoiding Reina's attempts to dab at her dress, brushing her off.

"What a shame," Janice said, sighing theatrically as she examined the stain. "I actually liked this dress."

She paused for effect, then added, "I suppose I'll have to head upstairs to clean up. Don't let me interrupt your party."

Reina forced a smile, relieved to see her leave.

…

Janice barely rounded the corner upstairs before a cold voice stopped her.

"Hold it."

She turned to see Garrett glowering at her.

"Mr. Ludwig," she said mockingly. "What can I do for you?"

"What's your endgame here?" he demanded, his voice low and threatening. "If you ruin Reina's engagement, I'll—"

Janice cut him off with a laugh, her gaze sharp.

"You should know by now," she said coldly, stepping closer, "that I don't respond well to threats."

Her voice dropped to a whisper. "And you should also know that since Mom's death, I've had nothing to lose. No ties. No fears. No weaknesses."

Chapter 5

Janice's icy glare pierced through Garrett like a scalpel, leaving him visibly shaken. He tried to keep his composure but faltered under the weight of her intensity.

"Janice, you're my daughter too," Garret said. "I don't want things to get ugly. If there's something you want, just name it. As long as it's reasonable, I'll give it to you."

"Not too ugly, huh?" Janice's lips curled into a mocking smile. "I should thank you for your generosity, then."

Tired of the pretense, she cut straight to the point. "Let me make this clear. Leave my mother's grave alone. She suffered enough when she was alive. You don't get to disturb her in death."

Garrett's face darkened further. "You've misunderstood. I only wanted to move her to a better cemetery—"

"Shut up!" Janice raised a hand to silence him, her smile turning cold. "Do one decent thing in your miserable life and stay away from her. Otherwise…"

She stepped forward and grabbed his tie, yanking him closer. Her voice dropped to a venomous whisper. "Otherwise, I'll make sure you all join her down there."

Garrett struggled against her grip, his face reddening as he choked out, "Fine! I'll make sure no one touches her grave. But you'd better stay out of my sight from now on!"

It was almost amusing how he echoed Malcolm's words. Both men seemed desperate to rid themselves of her, as if she wanted to stick around in their toxic circles.

Releasing his tie, Janice turned on her heel and walked away without looking back.

…

The next two days were grueling. Exhausted but determined, Janice visited The Sanctuary to ensure her mother's grave remained undisturbed. After confirming everything was intact, she returned to her apartment, collapsing into bed and falling asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.

When she finally woke, it was to the insistent ringing of her phone. She groggily reached for it and realized she'd slept for an entire day and night.

The caller was Kody Gomez.

"Janice! Finally, you pick up!" Kody's voice was buzzing with excitement. "Get dressed and meet me. I just got back to town, and I've got something amazing for you!"

Janice was tempted to decline, but his final words hooked her. "What kind of amazing?"

"An antique set of gold needles! Got them dirt cheap at an auction overseas. The fools didn't know their worth. They say they're from some master craftsman. If you don't come get them, I might just donate them to a retirement home for sewing projects."

Janice bolted upright. For anyone in her line of work, such a treasure was irresistible. "Don't you dare! I'm on my way!"

…

15 minutes later, she arrived at a familiar bar where she and Kody often met with mutual friends. Sliding into the private room, she zeroed in on her target. "Hand it over."

"You're unbelievable," Kody teased, though he promptly placed the elegant needle case in her hands. "Check it out. See if it's legit."

Having known each other for years, the two had long since dispensed with pleasantries.

Janice examined the needles with reverence, her fingers brushing over their intricate craftsmanship. Satisfied, she slapped Kody's shoulder. "This is incredible. Drinks are on me tonight."

"Drinks on you? Please," Kody rolled his eyes with a laugh. "You're only, what, six months older than me? Don't start acting like you're that much older now!

"Besides, you're off the hook. My cousin's footing the bill. He's throwing me a welcome-back party, so go ahead—order the most expensive stuff they've got."

Janice raised an eyebrow. "Cousin? This is the first I've heard about a cousin."

She and Kody had met years ago after she had saved him from a car crash.

Back then, he was a rookie racer who'd taken a corner too hard and smashed into a mountainside. Janice, out gathering herbs nearby, had patched him up before the ambulance even arrived. They'd been close ever since, though Kody rarely talked about his family.

"Yeah, my cousin's a big deal," Kody said with a smirk. "Loaded, too. Trust me, tonight's on him."

Before Janice could reply, a deep voice cut through the air behind them.

"Who's the sucker footing the bill?"

Kody turned toward the voice, all smiles. "Did I say that? No way! Must've been your imagination."

Janice froze. She didn't need to turn around to know who the owner of that voice was.

It was Malcolm.

Of all the people in the world, she thought bitterly.

And, of course, Malcolm wasn't alone. Standing beside him was Reina.

"Malcolm, this is Janice," Kody said, oblivious to the tension. "She's my best friend."

He emphasized the word "best" with a grin, clearly proud of their bond.

Janice lifted her gaze and met Malcolm's cold, unreadable eyes.

Reina, meanwhile, looked like she'd seen a ghost. "Malcolm?" she gasped, covering her mouth with a delicate hand.

Janice's lips twitched. She'd initially wanted nothing more to do with the Ludwig family, but seeing Reina squirm was too tempting to resist.

Kody glanced between them, puzzled. "Wait, you two know each other?"

"No," Malcolm replied with no hesitation. His denial was immediate, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of suppressed anger as they locked onto Janice.

She raised an eyebrow but kept her expression neutral. Under the table, however, her foot slipped out of her shoe and traced a slow, teasing line up Malcolm's leg.

Reina, completely oblivious, gave a wistful sigh. "Janice is my sister. We haven't seen much of each other since she left home. I've always missed her and hoped she'd come back…"

Janice smirked. "You miss me already? Didn't we just see each other at your engagement party?"

Reina's smile faltered for a split second before she recovered. "I wasn't expecting you to come."

"Well, I couldn't miss such an important day," Janice replied, her tone dripping with false sweetness.

Reina forced a laugh. "Dad has forgiven you, you know. He understands you were young and impulsive back then. All you have to do is apologize, and he'll welcome you back."

Janice's smile widened, but her eyes turned sharp.

Forgiveness? Apologize? Reina's words dripped with condescension, painting herself and her family as benevolent saints. It was almost impressive how shameless they were.

It came as no surprise to Janice. After all, they were family.