Chapter 1

"I've agreed to marry Austin."

In the dimly lit room, Suzanne Yates held her phone tightly. Her voice was soft as she shared the news with her best friend.

Her best friend froze, clearly stunned, but then she let out a breath of relief. "So, you're finally breaking up with Jenson? After all these years, that big star never once made your relationship public. He even let his fans tear you apart. I've been waiting for this day."

Suzanne's tone stayed calm. "You're right."

"But…" Her friend hesitated. "Why now? Does Jenson know about the engagement? Have you set a date to get your marriage certificate?"

"It's already decided," Suzanne said quietly. "We're getting the marriage certificate tomorrow."

"Suzanne!"

At that moment, the door flew open, and Jenson Lambert barged in. His figure was tall and imposing. His face was strikingly handsome, one of the reasons he was worshiped by countless fans.

"Marriage certificate? Suzanne, when did I ever agree to marry you tomorrow?"

Suzanne ended the call, muttering a quick, "I'll call you back," before turning to face him.

She didn't explain and only asked, "Why are you here?"

"You sent me that text. You obviously wanted me to come." Jenson held up his phone, his voice sharp and condescending. "Three months, Suzanne. Isn't this enough drama?"

On his screen was the message she sent him yesterday. "Jenson, if you're not at the city clerk's office by 10:00 am tomorrow, we're done."

Suzanne stared at her own words with a dull and distant gaze.

Before she could respond, Jenson's cold voice sliced through the air. "I'm at the peak of my career. I have projects lined up. Do you even realize what getting married now would do?"

"I do," Suzanne replied, her lips curving into a faint smile. "I was wrong. I won't bring it up again."

"You…" Jenson was caught off guard. He had been ready to argue, but her sudden compliance left him speechless.

Noticing her pale complexion, his tone softened slightly. For once, he said gently, "Good. I'm glad you understand. We'll get married someday, just not now. And stop being paranoid. There's nothing going on between Seline and me."

Suzanne let out a soft laugh.

If she hadn't seen it for herself, she wouldn't have believed that her ambitious boyfriend who was always dodging the paparazzi would risk getting cozy with Seline Yates.

She had loved Jenson for ten years, always standing quietly in his shadow, willing to be at his beck and call.

Her father cheated on her mother when she was young. Her already frail mother died from the trauma of the betrayal. Her father quickly remarried, bringing home a new wife and a new stepsister for Suzanne.

Seline became the Yates family's cherished princess, taking everything that should have been Suzanne's. Suzanne, on the other hand, was left to endure their cold treatment.

Then, Jenson appeared. He had been her warmth, her light. She clung to him, believing he was her salvation. She thought they would be together forever until Seline decided she wanted Jenson too.

At first, Jenson had rejected Seline outright, saying, "I know exactly how the Yates family has treated Suzanne. I'll always take her side. Stay away from me."

Suzanne had been deeply touched and reassured by his words.

But Seline, being spoiled and confident, wasn't easily deterred. "I don't care what you think of me. You're my idol, and I have every right to admire you. I don't have what it takes to like you if I give up just because of a few harsh words."

Despite her delicate appearance, Seline's words were bold and self-assured. She carried herself like a proud kitten—fragile yet fiercely independent.

Jenson was taken aback by her. He stared at her seriously. "How could you simply throw yourself at me?"

Seline tilted her chin up, letting out a soft, haughty hum. "I'm just a fan supporting her idol. I'm not here to ruin your relationship with my sister. Millions of people say they like you, so why can't I? I like you!"

Suzanne's heart clenched painfully.

It wasn't because of Seline's words; it was because of Jenson's reaction toward Seline's actions that crossed the line and flirtatious behavior. Instead of feeling uncomfortable, his tense expression softened and he even smiled.

The two of them looked like characters in a TV show. And what followed next only proved that point.

Seline started standing between her and Jenson more and more.

The two exchanged contact information. Dates that were supposed to be just Suzanne and Jenson turned into awkward outings with Seline tagging along.

Suzanne had never liked Seline, so she made her displeasure clear. At first, Jenson would try to comfort her, saying, "She's just a fan. I'm giving her a little time and attention, fulfilling a simple wish. I'll ask her to leave soon."

But that never happened. Instead, Seline stayed, and the distance between Suzanne and Jenson grew.

"You can't blame her for what your parents did," Jenson told Suzanne. "Seline is innocent. She's sweet and soft. She has never done anything wrong. Seline has never said a bad word about you. Why do you keep targeting her? If you're upset, take it out on your father. Picking on a little girl is beneath you."

Suzanne felt a deep chill setting inside her.

After that, arguments became frequent, and Jenson grew increasingly busy. At first, he made an effort to see her when he could, but soon, even his texts became rare.

Suzanne thought he was genuinely busy until she heard through someone on the inside that he had found time to take Seline to an amusement park. He brought her to his company and his sets. He even bought her Hermes bags.

Suzanne had also received a Hermes gift box, but when she opened it, she found it was just some accessories.

When she confronted Jenson, he responded impatiently, insisting that he was just indulging in a fan and that Suzanne should stop making a big deal out of it.

Suzanne tried to compromise until she received photos of them kissing at different places.

They had come from Seline herself, attached with a scornful text. She was totally unlike the shy and soft young lady Jenson had claimed she was.

"You see it now, don't you? Jenson likes me now! You'll never be as loved as me!"

At that moment, Suzanne's world crumbled. Naturally, she confronted Jenson. Her outburst led to him ignoring her completely for three months.

She told herself it was all a misunderstanding, that he was upset because she had overreacted. Maybe there was a way to fix things, so she mustered the courage to send that message last night.

But shortly after hitting send, she saw them together with her own eyes. Thinking back on everything, Suzanne's laugh grew louder.

Jenson frowned, sensing something off. "What are you laughing about? Are you still mad? I told you, Seline and I—"

"I believe you," Suzanne interrupted him, her tone calm as she looked him straight in the eye. "But I meant what I said in my text. Since you weren't at the city clerk's office by 10:00 am, we're done. From now on, let's go our separate ways."

Chapter 2

Jenson responded with a cold and mocking laugh.

"I thought you had finally come to your senses and reflected on your behavior. Turns out you're just playing games, trying to force me into marriage!"

No one knew better than Jenson how much Suzanne needed him, how much she fawned over him.

Every argument they'd ever had ended with Suzanne backing down. She would always apologize and beg to make up. He didn't believe for a second that Suzanne truly wanted to leave him.

Looking down at her, Jenson said with disdain, "Suzanne, my patience has limits. I won't tolerate your unreasonable behavior any longer. This time, unless you fully reflect on your mistakes and admit you're wrong, don't bother showing up in front of me again."

With that, Jenson turned and walked away without hesitation.

Suzanne watched as his figure disappeared into the darkness. Her expression remained calm, but deep inside, a dull ache settled in. After all, this was the man she had loved for ten years. Thinking about all the memories they had shared and the reality of finally, truly parting from him left her feeling hollow.

She barely slept that night.

When dawn finally approached, she dozed off for a brief moment before her alarm jolted her awake. She checked the time groggily and hurried to get ready. Then, she grabbed her documents and headed to the city clerk's office.

When she arrived, there were still ten minutes left before the time she and Austin Hall had agreed on.

Austin hadn't arrived yet, so she waited by the entrance.

Maybe it was the lack of sleep or the stress catching up with her, but suddenly, a wave of dizziness swept over her, and she felt herself collapsing. Before she hit the ground, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, steadying her.

Her eyes widened. "Austin?"

The man standing before her was sharp in his tailored suit, his features chiseled and flawless. His dark eyes watched her intently, and he said flatly, "This is the second time I've caught you fainting. People might think you're trying to scam me for my money."

Suzanne flushed with embarrassment.

Yesterday, she had also met Austin at the city clerk's office.

She had just witnessed Jenson and Seline being affectionate together, and the heartbreak nearly caused her to faint. Austin had been the one to catch her then too.

She hadn't thanked him. Instead, as if possessed by some reckless impulse, she had blurted out, "Mr. Hall, are you free? How about we get married?"

She knew Austin's family had been pressuring him to settle down.

Austin had stared at her, stunned. He didn't say anything for some time and just looked at her with an unreadable expression.

Even now, Suzanne couldn't believe she'd been so bold.

This was Austin Hall, the fourth son of the Hall family. He was the most powerful figure in the Hall family. He alone controlled the Hall empire and single-handedly cemented their dominance in the business world.

He was feared by competitors and admired by women everywhere. With just a flick of his fingers, he could cause chaos in the market.

He was also his parents' favorite son. His mother, Felicia Pickett, made no secret of her wish for Austin to give her a grandchild. She'd been pushing him harder than ever lately to the point of publicly announcing to the media that she expected him to marry within six months.

Thinking about the sheer weight of the Hall family name, Suzanne immediately regretted her impulsive words. She had been about to tell him she was joking when, to her shock, Austin nodded.

"Sure," he'd said.

"But I don't have my documents with me. Let's meet again tomorrow at 10:00 am."

And just like that, they made the arrangement.

Even now, Suzanne still found it hard to believe she was really about to marry Austin Hall. Austin's punctual arrival left her stunned too.

When he noticed her staring at him blankly, a rare flicker of amusement softened his usually cold eyes. He leaned in closer without warning, his strong arm slipping around her waist. His thin lips curled into a teasing smirk as he murmured, "You're the one who said you wanted to get married. What's the matter? Having second thoughts?"

Surrounded by his intoxicating scent and with his handsome face suddenly so close, Suzanne felt her cheeks flush uncontrollably. "N-No!" she stammered.

…

An hour later, Suzanne and Austin walked out of the city clerk's office, holding a marriage certificate. Even with the tangible proof of their marriage in her hand, Suzanne was still in a daze. She had actually married Austin Hall.

The Yates family was nothing compared to the Hall family. Even if they met at any events, they would merely greet each other politely. She doubted he even remembered her from those encounters.

She thought about how both Jenson and her father had frequently mentioned Austin, always talking about the unimaginable benefits of forging a connection with the Hall family.

Taking a deep breath, Suzanne forced herself to regain composure. She turned to face Austin, her tone serious. "Austin—"

"Get in the car," he interrupted.

Austin led her to the parking lot and opened the door. Once inside, they were alone in the car. But instead of starting the engine, Austin turned to her.

"What did you want to say?"

Suzanne hesitated, feeling uneasy. "I... I had a boyfriend before this. I loved him for ten years. We broke up yesterday..."

Austin's gaze remained steady, but his voice was icy. "And your point is?"

Suzanne's heart raced. "I won't betray you. We're married now, and I'll do my part. But I thought it was important to be honest with you about my past."

Austin's expression softened slightly. Without another word, he started the car, and Suzanne quickly buckled her seatbelt.

"Where are we going now?" she asked cautiously.

"To your house."

Suzanne blinked in surprise. "My house?"

"You need to pack. We're moving in together."

"Moving in together?" Her voice rose in disbelief.

Austin gave her a calm but pointed look. "My mother has been pushing for this. Everything has already been arranged."

As the car began to pull out of the lot, Suzanne grabbed his arm. "Wait!"

She swallowed hard, then said hesitantly, "This... This all happened so suddenly. Could we not make the marriage public just yet? I need a little time to sort out my mess so that I can do you right."

Her nerves spiked as Austin didn't respond immediately. Flustered, she continued, "I know you agreed to marry me to fulfill your family's wish. If at any point you want out, just say the word, and we can…"

Before she could finish, Austin's eyes turned cold again. His sharp gaze bore into her as he said in a low, firm voice, "In my world, the only way out of marriage is through death, not divorce."

Suzanne froze, stunned. They had no emotional connection, yet he was so firm. She wondered if he did not care who his wife was as long as she fulfilled her obligations.

As she thought about it, Suzanne realized she didn't hold any hope for love anymore. A stable marriage, even without romance, didn't sound so bad.

Nodding earnestly, she replied, "Okay, but please give me some time to handle things before I move in."

Austin's brows furrowed. "You're already my wife. You should stay with me."

"Can't I go back by myself for now? Just give me the address, and I'll come by tonight," she said, summoning her courage to meet his gaze.

Austin's frown deepened, but after a moment, he relented. "I'll take you home. When you're ready later, I'll send someone to pick you up."

Suzanne exhaled in relief, nodding gratefully. "Okay."

Chapter 3

Seline and her parents were sitting on the couch at home, creating a picturesque family scene.

Seline admired her freshly done nails, her mood cheerful as she spoke up, "Mom, Dad, look at my nails! Aren't they gorgeous?"

Henry Yates and Mandy Larson both glanced at her delicate hands, their eyes filled with affection as they nodded.

"Beautiful. My daughter always looks perfect," Henry said with pride.

Seline pouted playfully. "Dad, you're not even really looking! You're just humoring me!"

Henry burst into laughter. "What do you mean I'm not looking?"

But as he spoke, his expression darkened slightly. "If that ungrateful girl were half as good as you, I wouldn't be so worried."

Seline exchanged a glance with Mandy before Mandy responded gently, "Why bring this up now? Suzanne is a good kid."

"Good?" Henry let out a cold snort. "If she were truly good, she'd agree to the marriage alliance with the Lloyd family."

The Lloyd family was a powerful force, and a partnership with them would be beneficial for the Yates family. Seline and Mandy had known about the proposed alliance for months now.

However, the proposed groom was nearly 40 years old and had a terrible reputation. He was far from an ideal husband. Seline had been terrified the responsibility would fall on her.

She looked nervously at Henry. "But Dad, isn't Suzanne still with Jenson?"

"They haven't spoken in three months. That's as good as a breakup," Henry replied, patting Seline's hand reassuringly. "Besides, I'd much rather see you marry Jenson."

Seline's cheeks turned pink as she exhaled in relief.

"You two need to figure out a way to convince that girl," Henry said, his tone firm.

Mandy hesitated, concern evident in her voice. "But Henry, wouldn't that be unfair to her?"

"Unfair?" Henry's voice turned icy. "She'll be helping the entire Yates family by marrying into the Lloyd family. What's so unfair about that? Or would you prefer we send Seline instead?"

Mandy's and Seline's faces paled at the suggestion. Before either could respond, Henry's voice hardened further. "Someone has to marry into the Lloyd family. Figure out how to make her do it."

As soon as he finished speaking, the sound of the front door opening echoed through the room. Suzanne walked in, and their expressions quickly turned tense.

Suzanne acted as though she hadn't noticed them. Without saying a word, she kicked off her shoes and headed inside.

Henry's expression darkened further as he shot Mandy a glare. "See? This is what happens when you spoil her. I told you not to spoil her so much."

Suzanne chuckled softly. When had she ever been spoiled?

When she and Seline were younger, she was always blamed for Seline's mistakes. They would hit or scold her or even send her to bed hungry.

They never gave her anything she wanted. Meanwhile, Seline was treated like a princess who had everything. The only reason Suzanne had been allowed to stay in the Yates household was because her father needed the support of her maternal grandparents. Otherwise, she would've been sent away long ago.

Ignoring them, Suzanne continued toward the stairs.

Henry's voice snapped out sharply. "Stop right there!"

Mandy quickly stepped in with her usual loving act. "Henry, calm down."

Suzanne paused at the foot of the stairs, turning back to look at Henry with an indifferent expression. "If this is about the marriage with the Lloyd family, save your breath. It's not happening. I won't agree to it."

Henry and the others froze in shock.

How did she know about this? This was supposed to be a secret between the three of them. She must've overheard their conversation.

"You've already broken up with Jenson, so what's the problem with marrying into the Lloyd family?" Henry sputtered, his anger flaring.

Suzanne's expression turned even colder. She had just broken up, and they had already learned about it. She was certain they knew the reason behind the breakup.

They couldn't bear the thought of Seline marrying into the Lloyd family, so they schemed to have Seline charm Jenson, ensuring her breakup with him. That way, Suzanne would have no choice but to take Seline's place in the arranged marriage.

Suzanne had only discovered the Lloyd family's marriage proposal by accident, overhearing it during a visit home. Until then, they had kept her completely in the dark.

She knew one of them had to marry into the Lloyd family. She also knew Seline was the favored child, which made Suzanne the obvious choice for the sacrifice.

When she sent Jenson that message about marriage yesterday, it had been an impulsive attempt to escape this fate. But Jenson hadn't shown up; he had chosen Seline.

Jenson would never understand how the sweet, innocent Seline he adored had systematically made Suzanne's life unbearable.

Her impulsive decision to propose marriage to Austin had stemmed from this too. She refused to be forced into an arranged marriage with the Lloyd family. If she was going to marry someone, it would be someone of her choice.

Seline, noticing Suzanne's reluctance, hid a smirk behind her sweet expression and said gently, "Suzanne, you should listen to Dad. Don't disappoint him."

Henry's expression softened, his gaze full of approval as he looked at Seline. "That's my girl. You're always so sensible."

Suzanne let out a scoff. "If she's so sensible, why don't she marry into the Lloyd family?"

Seline's smile faltered.

"Watch your mouth!" Henry roared, slamming his hand down on the table. "Suzanne, why should Seline marry into the Lloyd family? Look at yourself! Nobody likes you. You should consider it a blessing to marry into the Lloyd family!"

Suzanne's laugh grew colder. "I don't need anyone to like me. And if marrying into the Lloyd family is such a blessing, why don't you do it?"

Henry's hand struck Suzanne across the face, hard enough to make her head turn. The force of the blow made it clear he hadn't held back.

"Henry, stop! Don't hit her!" Mandy cried out.

Suzanne curled her lips in a bitter smile. Mandy was always quick to play the doting mother when it suited her, but her father was too blind—or maybe he just didn't care—to see through it.

Henry scoffed. "If you do as you're told, you won't have to suffer. In a few days, you'll meet with the Lloyd family, and we'll settle this engagement."

Suzanne raised a hand to touch her swollen cheek, her eyes clouding over with bitterness. She should have known better. Her father would never care for her.

She calmed down and said coldly, "I won't marry into the Lloyd family. You can think about how to refuse them."

With that, she turned and headed for the stairs.

Both Mandy and Seline exchanged startled glances, taken aback by her defiance.

Henry's face turned red with rage. "If you refuse to marry into the Lloyd family, then get out of this house! You're no longer my daughter!"

Suzanne paused, then slowly turned to face him.

Seline's lips curled into a triumphant smirk. She was sure Suzanne would cave any second now.

Henry thought the same. His tone softened slightly as he thought he had won. "If you behave and listen, you'll always be my daugh—"

Before he could finish, Suzanne snapped, "Fine. I'm no longer your daughter. From now on, we're done."

The room fell into silence.

Before anyone could respond, Suzanne turned and marched up the stairs.

"Suzanne!"

Mandy and Seline scrambled to follow her, but Suzanne slammed the door in their faces, locking them out.

"Suzanne, calm down! Your father and I will discuss this again. Please, don't let your anger get the better of you," Mandy begged, acting as if she treated Suzanne as her real daughter.

Suzanne let out a cold laugh, ignoring her completely as she quickly packed her belongings. She stuffed her suitcase and yanked open the door.

Seline and Mandy were caught off guard by the suitcases and stumbled backward. They couldn't believe she was really leaving.

Seline bit her lip, panic flashing in her eyes. She couldn't allow Suzanne to leave. That would mean she'd be forced to marry into the Lloyd family.

Just as Seline opened her mouth to speak, Suzanne shoved past her, striding toward the stairs without so much as a glance.

They chased after her, but when Suzanne reached the living room, Henry roared, "Let her go! If she walks out that door, she's no longer part of this family!"

Just as Suzanne reached the gates, she froze. Parked just beyond the entrance was a sleek black Rolls-Royce.

She was surprised as the car belonged to Austin.

Then, the driver's window rolled down slowly, revealing the man behind the wheel.

Chapter 4

Austin's strikingly handsome face came into full view as the car window rolled down.

Suzanne stepped closer, surprise flickering in her eyes. "You didn't leave?"

He got out of the car without a word, opened the trunk, and carefully placed her suitcase inside.

For a moment, she froze. She couldn't remember the last time someone had done something for her without being asked. Her eyes stung as she lowered her gaze and murmured softly, "Thank you."

Austin's sharp eyes fell on her swollen cheek, and his expression darkened instantly. "Who hit you?"

Suzanne's lashes fluttered as she hesitated. She didn't want to talk about it. "It's nothing. I'm fine."

But Austin's demeanor grew colder, the sharp pressure he gave off cutting through the air as he turned and started walking toward the Yates residence.

Startled, Suzanne grabbed his arm. "Austin, no…"

"I'll kill anyone who hurts you!" His voice was icy, his words chilling enough to send a shiver down her spine.

Suzanne clung to his arm, her face full of exhaustion and quiet desperation. "I'm so tired. Let's… Let's just go, okay?"

One side of her face was swollen while the other side was pale.

Austin's gaze softened briefly. After a moment, he relented, saying nothing as he turned back toward the car.

The ride was silent.

An hour later, they arrived at Starview Villa.

As they stepped inside, Suzanne was met with the sight of several people standing in the grand living room. The moment they entered, the staff stepped forward and greeted them respectfully, "Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Hall!"

Suzanne froze, her eyes widening as she instinctively glanced at Austin. He had already made all the arrangements.

Austin looked at her briefly. "You can inform them if you need anything. They won't speak a word outside these walls."

Her lashes fluttered as a wave of emotion washed over her. Quietly, she said, "Thank you."

Austin dismissed the staff with a single nod before taking Suzanne's hand and leading her upstairs.

Once they reached the bedroom, Austin went to a cabinet, pulled out a first aid kit, and walked over to her.

Suzanne blinked, caught off guard. "You…"

"Let's deal with the swelling first."

For a moment, she was stunned. She never would have imagined someone as aloof and untouchable as Austin would personally tend to her injuries.

Austin began to ask, "What happened back there?"

As he spoke, his cool fingers pressed the soothing balm against her cheek. The cold touch brought her back to reality.

Panicked, Suzanne tried to take the medication from his hands. "I can do it myself!"

"Don't move."

His tone left no room for argument, and Suzanne instinctively froze, letting him continue.

The two of them were so close she could feel his breath. Her heart raced uncontrollably. She felt so nervous because of their close distance.

Austin noticed her flushed cheeks, and his gaze sharpened slightly. "Henry did this?"

Suzanne pressed her lips together and forced a faint smile, saying nothing. The look in her eyes was enough for Austin to know he was right.

"Why did he hit you?" His voice was cold.

After a brief hesitation, Suzanne replied softly, "The reason doesn't matter. They've already kicked me out."

"Kicked you out?"

Austin let out a disdainful scoff. He lifted her chin and locked his cool gaze with hers. "From now on, no one will ever be able to kick you out of anywhere."

Suzanne was stunned. She stared at him, her lips parting slightly as if to respond, but no words came. She was at a complete loss.

Before Suzanne could process what had just happened, Austin stepped back, calmly closed the first aid kit, and said in a cool tone, "As my woman, never let anyone bully you again. If they do, it's my reputation on the line."

Suzanne's heart skipped a beat.

His cold gaze locked onto hers. "You need to remember this—I'm your husband. And not just in name."

Her chest tightened. What did he mean by that?

"Suzanne, I'll give you time. But don't make me wait too long." Without waiting for her response, Austin stood and walked out, not sparing her another glance.

Suzanne sat on the couch, stunned. After some time, a knock at the door jolted her back to reality. She quickly got up and opened the bedroom door.

Standing there was a woman in her late 40s, dressed in a simple gray housecoat. Her face was warm and kind as she smiled at Suzanne.

"Hello, Mrs. Hall. I'm Rita, the housekeeper."

Suzanne had heard of her. She was a trusted member of the Hall family staff for decades. The fact that she was here meant Austin had arranged everything, even down to the details of the household.

Suzanne stepped aside, and greeted, "Hello, Rita."

Rita Sandoval chuckled warmly, stepping inside and looking Suzanne over with a pleased expression. "Mr. Hall certainly has good taste!"

Suzanne's face flushed slightly, and she coughed awkwardly.

Rita laughed again. "No need to be shy. Mr. Hall has already explained everything to me. If you need anything, just let me know directly."

Suzanne nodded, still feeling overwhelmed. "Thank you, Rita."

"Mr. Hall isn't one for words and tends to keep to himself. I've never seen him get close to any woman before, but this time, he specifically asked me to keep you company and make sure you're comfortable. That means he really cares for you."

Suzanne's cheeks turned pink at the memory of Austin calling her his. "Did he leave already?"

Rita noticed her reaction and quickly reassured her, "Don't overthink it, Mrs. Hall. He had to leave on urgent business. He'll be away for a week. It's not that he doesn't want to stay with you."

"I understand," Suzanne replied quickly, worried Rita might misunderstand. "I'm not upset. Work is important."

In truth, with everything that had happened lately, she felt more at ease with Austin away. It gave her space to sort through her thoughts and emotions.

…

Suzanne found herself unexpectedly at peace at Austin's place.

Every detail of her stay was carefully managed, from her meals to the smallest comforts. Rita often kept her company, offering gentle advice and conversation.

By the end of the week, Suzanne felt more like herself. She had found clarity–determination, even—and knew it was time to focus on moving forward.

That morning, she tidied up, had a quick breakfast, and headed out. Suzanne was overwhelmed with emotions since the car she was driving belonged to Austin as well. He had truly taken care of everything.

Pressing her lips together, she made a mental note to repay this kindness someday. As she drove through the streets, traffic was light as it wasn't peak hours yet. But then, there was a loud bang.

Her eyes widened as her car collided with the car in front. She couldn't believe her luck. She unbuckled her seatbelt, stepping out to assess the damage.

The driver of the other car, a burly man, got out quickly, his face twisting in irritation. The moment he saw Suzanne, his frustration boiled over.

"Another woman driver? Are you kidding me? Stay off the road if you don't know how to drive!"

Suzanne's expression hardened. "Bad driving isn't exclusive to women. And you slammed on your brakes."

"There was a pothole! What was I supposed to do? Drive into it? Ever heard of keeping a safe distance?" the man barked, his voice rough and impatient.

Suzanne's jaw tightened, but before she could respond, the rear window of the man's car rolled down just enough to reveal a glimpse inside. A low, familiar voice came from within.

"Bret, we're in a hurry. Handle it quickly."

Suzanne froze and glanced at the car window, but she couldn't see the man's face. However, she was certain that it was Jenson.

Chapter 5

Bret Preston immediately shifted his attitude, responding respectfully before turning to Suzanne with a cold expression. "Mr. Lambert won't stoop to your level. Pay for the damages, or I'll call the cops."

"You want me to pay?" Suzanne scoffed, letting out a bitter laugh. "Fine, go ahead. Call the cops."

"You!" Bret faltered, his confidence wavering as he instinctively glanced toward Jenson in the car.

It wasn't that Bret feared taking responsibility. It was the fact that Jenson was a top-tier actor with an urgent schedule. Dealing with a misdemeanor would waste precious time they didn't have.

With the car window still slightly open, Jenson had already heard Suzanne's voice. His expression darkened, and he glared at her coldly through the narrow gap.

"Suzanne, you just can't let it go, can you?"

Suzanne let out a dry laugh, her patience fraying. Did he seriously think this car accident was her doing? That she had somehow planned for him to drive by and deliberately crash into him? How had she never noticed how self-absorbed Jenson was?

"Suzanne, I don't want to see you pulling stunts like this again," Jenson snapped.

Suzanne grimaced in annoyance, but before she could respond, Jenson ordered, "Bret, get in the car."

Bret was newly hired and unaware of their history. He looked utterly confused but nodded obediently. He turned to get back into the driver's seat.

Suzanne scoffed quietly. "If you leave now, it'll be a hit-and-run. Don't blame me for sharing your details publicly. This will ruin your reputation."

Bret froze, glaring at Suzanne.

Jenson's gaze grew sharper. "Suzanne, I don't have time for this right now."

Suzanne chuckled bitterly. She didn't want to waste time either, but repairing her car wouldn't come cheap. There was no way she was letting Jenson walk away from this.

"Do you think I want to waste my time with you? I'll give you a minute to make a decision."

Pulling out her phone, Suzanne began to dial, and Bret glanced nervously at Jenson.

Jenson's demeanor turned icy. In the past, Suzanne would've crumbled and begged for his forgiveness. But now, she stood her ground firmly. Jenson frowned, momentarily caught off guard.

He was sure this had to be some kind of reverse psychology. His sharp, handsome features darkened further as he glared at her. "Suzanne, my patience is limited. You know me. If you keep—"

Before he could finish, Suzanne cut him off with an icy laugh. "You've got 50 seconds left."

Their eyes locked through the narrow window, and Jenson's eyes flashed with surprise.

For the first time in a long while, he saw Suzanne's face clearly. In just a few days, she had become even more beautiful. The warmth and tenderness that used to fill her gaze were gone, replaced by a cold, calm detachment.

Jenson's eyes flickered. It seemed she had changed.

Suzanne's voice broke the silence, cold and cutting. "Jenson, stop assuming the world revolves around you. I couldn't care less for a jerk like you."

"You!" Jenson's jaw tightened, his anger barely contained. But Suzanne didn't care. She couldn't bother with him.

"You slammed on your brakes, causing this collision! A hundred thousand dollars and we'll consider this settled."

Jenson laughed, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Are you mad? Asking for a hundred thousand dollars just like that?"

Standing outside, Bret glanced at Suzanne's car, and his face suddenly paled. "Sir, she's driving a Ferrari. A limited-edition custom model."

A hundred thousand dollars wasn't asking for too much.

Suzanne's expression flickered with surprise. She didn't know Austin had let her drive a limited-edition car. She hadn't even noticed earlier. Maybe asking for a hundred thousand dollars was too low.

Jenson's brows furrowed. Bret was well-known for his expertise in cars. His expression darkened as he glared at Suzanne. "Where did you get a car like this?"

The Yates family would never buy her such an expensive car.

Suzanne's lips curved into a faint, mocking smile. "I left you and found a rich man, alright?"

"Suzanne!"

Jenson clenched his fists. No wonder she had broken up with him and started talking so tough. She must have gotten involved with some other man.

But he quickly shook off that idea. Suzanne had always been obsessed with him. This had to be a ploy to get his attention. Maybe she had rented the car to put on a show.

But before he could say another word, Suzanne sighed impatiently and pulled out her phone. "Enough talk. Five seconds, or I'm calling the cops."

"Bret, send her the money." Bret looked at Jenson in disbelief but quickly turned his anger toward Suzanne. "Mr. Lambert has an urgent matter to attend to. If not, you wouldn't have gotten away so easily."

Grumbling under his breath, Bret asked for Suzanne's bank details and begrudgingly transferred the money.

Throughout the entire exchange, Suzanne didn't spare Jenson a single glance. But Jenson's eyes never left her, trying to read her like he always had. Yet this time, her calm, cold demeanor left him utterly baffled.

After Suzanne received the money, she left without sparing him a glance.

Behind her, Jenson's voice rang out, seething with frustration. "Suzanne, it seems I've spoiled you too much. Once I'm done here, I'll have a long talk with your father."

Suzanne smirked. "Suit yourself."

With that, she got into her car and drove off.

…

Suzanne pulled up in front of an office building and parked. Taking a deep breath, she walked through the lobby and headed straight for the top floor. At the door of an office, she knocked lightly.

"Come in." A crisp, steady voice called out. Suzanne pushed open the door and stepped inside.

Behind the desk sat a man in a light blue suit, his fingers flying across a keyboard. His brows were furrowed in concentration, every bit of his focus on the screen in front of him.

This man was Shane Doyle. He was 27 years old and three years older than Suzanne. With his baby-faced looks and pale, flawless skin, he looked younger than her.

Suzanne smirked. "It's been three years, and you still look like a teenager."

The familiar voice made Shane's head snap up in surprise.

When he saw her, his face lit up with excitement, and he jumped to his feet. "Jane Smith! You're actually here!"

If anyone else heard that name, they'd stop in their tracks.

Jane Smith was a legend in the medical world, a mythical figure with an unmatched reputation. Known for bringing the dead back to life, she could reverse even the direst of situations. Death itself couldn't claim her patients.

However, two years ago, she disappeared without a trace.

Shane was her agent, and he had been handling all her professional matters for years. Their bond went beyond partnership; they had survived life-and-death situations together.

He crossed the room in a few long strides, his youthful face glowing with enthusiasm. Paired with his wide grin, it was almost too much for Suzanne to handle.

She smiled. "Didn't you say it was urgent? Why do you look so shocked that I'm here?"

"Damn it! Do you know how many times I've called you? A hundred, maybe more, and you show up only once!" Shane laughed as he rubbed his eyes dramatically, seemingly making sure she wasn't a hallucination.

"The last time I saw you was two years ago! I thought you had vanished for good!" Shane clapped a heavy hand on her shoulder, his grip firm as though he was afraid she'd disappear again.

Suzanne's eyes were overwhelmed with emotions. "Sorry. I was blinded by love. But I'm clear-headed now. Give me a call and I'll show up."

Chapter 6

Shane poured her a glass of juice, looking at her in disbelief. "You're clear-headed now? You've finally given up on Jenson?"

"Yeah," Suzanne responded lightly, taking a sip.

She had spent ten years with Jenson—ten long years of her life. Much of Jenson's current success was owed to her.

She had an unmatched eye for scripts, her instincts sharper than anyone else's in the industry. Every film Jenson starred in had been carefully vetted by her, each one turning into a blockbuster. But Jenson had never once acknowledged her contributions. Even when his fans attacked her relentlessly, Jenson never stood up for her.

Shane slapped the table in approval. "Good riddance! A guy who can't publicly acknowledge or stand up for you? He's not worth it."

Suzanne paused, caught off guard, before breaking into a laugh.

He was right. Everyone else had seen it clearly from the start while she had blinded herself for far too long.

Not wanting to dwell on the topic, Suzanne sat up straighter and changed the subject. "So, what's this emergency about?"

Hearing her tone shift, Shane immediately got serious. "You've heard of the Alvarez family's heir, right?"

Suzanne raised an eyebrow. "The Alvarez family? The one just second to the Hall family?"

Shane nodded quickly. "Yep, that Alvarez family. And I'm talking about Alan Alvarez."

Suzanne's interest piqued. "Go on."

The Alvarez family wasn't an enemy of the Hall family. In fact, the two families had a solid business relationship. Helping them out could earn her a valuable favor.

Shane hesitated for a moment, his expression turning a little strange. He cleared his throat. "You might not believe this, but Alan Alvarez has developed some sort of bizarre condition. During severe episodes, he has an uncontrollable urge to drink blood. His temper becomes volatile, almost explosive."

Suzanne frowned. "Drinking blood?"

"Exactly," Shane confirmed with a nod. "It's been going on for a while now, and no one's been able to figure out the cause. The situation is getting worse."

He leaned forward, his voice earnest. "Your reputation precedes you. The Alvarez family has reached out to me dozens of times, begging for your help. They asked you to name any price."

Suzanne tapped her fingers lightly on her knee, thinking it over. After a moment, she said, "I'll visit the hospital and take a look."

Shane's face lit up with relief and excitement. As long as she agreed, the rest would fall into place.

He was confident in her abilities. She was Jane Smith, after all.

He rushed over to his desk. "I'll set it up right away!"

He moved with such urgency as though afraid she might change her mind. Suzanne couldn't help but chuckle softly, shaking her head.

He could never stay serious for more than a few seconds.

…

Meanwhile, a sleek black Maybach waited at a red light at a nearby intersection.

Jenson sat in the driver's seat, one hand resting casually on the wheel. In the passenger seat, Seline glanced at Jenson's handsome profile, her eyes filled with concealed adoration.

She had been in love with Jenson for years, but he had always been Suzanne's boyfriend. Finally, through her persistence and taking advantage of one drunken night, she got her chance.

Seline's lips curled slightly as she lowered her gaze. Whatever methods she had used didn't matter. What mattered was that Jenson now saw her as sweet and harmless, just as she wanted.

Today, Jenson was supposed to be handling business, but after her repeated pleading, he agreed to pick her up and bring her along. She felt like she had finally made her way into his heart.

As for Suzanne, she was old news.

Seline hid the smug glint in her eyes and looked up at Jenson with admiration. "Jenson, how much longer until we get there?"

"About an hour. Getting impatient already?" Jenson turned to her with a fond smile.

Seline quickly shook her head. "Of course not! I'm just worried about you driving for so long. You work day and night on set, and I… I feel bad for you…"

As she spoke, she lowered her head shyly, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. The sight was so tempting that he wanted to kiss her.

Jenson's lips curved into a slow, confident smile. "Don't worry about me. I'm not that fragile."

Seline's eyes sparkled with admiration as she gazed at him. "Jenson, Alan's condition is so bad that most people avoid the Alvarez family altogether, but you're still willing to visit a friend in need. You're so loyal!"

Jenson basked in her praise and said proudly, "Of course. Alan's my friend. I even found a famous doctor to help him. We're picking them up on the way."

Jenson's hand tightened slightly on the steering wheel. Only he knew the truth. Helping the Alvarez family was necessary if he wanted to forge a partnership with them, even if the thought of Alan's blood-drinking condition made his skin crawl.

Seline's gaze deepened with admiration, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. Jenson was such a good man, and now, he was hers.

She let her fingers brush against Jenson's, her voice soft and sweet. "Jenson, you're amazing!"

Jenson caught her hand, his eyes darkening with a hint of mischief as he murmured, "Dear Seline, you're so charming."

Seline's cheeks flushed crimson, and she playfully nudged him, her voice tinged with shyness. "Oh, Jenson, you're so annoying."

Jenson's grip on her hand tightened slightly, his thin lips curling into a teasing smile. "What? You don't like it?"

Seline ducked her head, her voice barely audible as she murmured, "I… I like it…"

The car was filled with Jenson's rich, carefree laughter.

…

An hour later, Jenson and Seline arrived at the hospital, accompanied by another guest, Jeremy Hanks.

Jeremy wasn't just a renowned doctor in the country. His reputation was known internationally, making him one of the top names in his field.

The three of them made their way to the hospital ward, where two men stood waiting outside—Alan's father, Richard Alvarez, and Alan's assistant, Joe Stevens.

Seline trailed obediently behind Jenson.

She had begged to come along, partly to ingratiate herself with the Alvarez family. Building connections with powerful families could open doors for her future.

Inside, Alan looked visibly distressed, glancing repeatedly at his watch before turning to Joe. "Are they here yet? How much longer? Did you call to check?"

Joe adjusted his glasses nervously. "Mr. Alvarez, I've already called. They said they'll be here in about ten minutes."

Richard exhaled in relief. "Good."

At that moment, Jenson, Seline, and Jeremy approached them.

Richard and Joe turned their attention to the three.

Jenson greeted them respectfully, "Mr. Alvarez, good afternoon. I'm Jenson."

Richard's eyes swept over him casually. "Oh? That lad from the Lambert family?"

Jenson nodded quickly, his tone slightly eager. "That's me. I'm honored you remember me."

Seline stood quietly beside Jenson, resisting the urge to jump in. She hoped Jenson would take the initiative to introduce her to Richard.

But Jenson, focused on the task at hand, ignored her completely. He gestured toward Jeremy. "Mr. Alvarez, this is Dr. Hanks. He's exceptionally skilled, specializing in complex and rare cases. I'm confident he can help Alan."

Richard's gaze barely lingered on Jeremy, his expression faintly dismissive.

Jeremy's reputation preceded him, but Richard had already consulted reclusive medical experts far more esteemed than Jeremy. None of them had been able to help, so what could Jeremy possibly achieve?

Richard smiled faintly and said, "I appreciate your effort, but I've already arranged for another doctor to see him today."

Chapter 7

Jenson froze for a moment, a flicker of irritation crossing his face.

If Jeremy wasn't allowed to see Alan, then Jenson wouldn't gain the favor he needed from the Alvarez family, and the partnership he had been angling for might slip away.

His gaze flicked toward Richard's composed face, and he forced a smile. "Mr. Alvarez, since Dr. Hanks is already here, why not let him take a look? Another perspective can only help Alan's case, right? It might even speed up the diagnosis."

He couldn't leave empty-handed. Getting Jeremy here had been no easy feat. Jenson had practically begged him to come.

Richard felt slightly annoyed. He had gone to great lengths to secure the help of an elusive doctor. Allowing another doctor to interfere, especially one of lesser reputation, could upset the delicate arrangement.

His disdain for Jenson deepened, though he maintained a polite tone. "There's no need. The doctor I've invited is more than sufficient."

Jeremy was one of the most sought-after doctors. His expression darkened when he heard the exchange.

He smirked and said scornfully, "Mr. Lambert, it seems you invited me before getting a hold of the situation. Did you think I was someone to be summoned and dismissed at your whim?"

Jenson's expression darkened, and he quickly opened his mouth to explain. But Jeremy didn't give him the chance. With a sharp wave of his hand, he snapped, "Don't contact me again!"

Turning on his heel, he strode away without looking back.

Richard's cold gaze lingered on Jeremy's retreating figure. He couldn't believe a renowned doctor had such a fragile ego.

Jenson's expression grew even darker.

As the heir to the Lambert family, he was used to being welcomed and fawned over wherever he went. Richard's attitude was one thing. He could chalk that up to the power dynamics between their families. But Jeremy was a mere doctor without a powerful background. How dare he act so high and mighty?

This felt like a slap to his face.

Seline, sensing an opportunity, stepped forward. She hurried after Jeremy, attempting to smooth things over. "Dr. Hanks, please, you misunderstood. That's not what we meant—"

Jeremy didn't even let her finish. He cut her off saying, "I'm sorry. Let's keep things cordial. I'll remember what happened today."

Seline didn't expect things to end up this way. She protested, "How can he do that? Even if he doesn't want to see Alan, we've already paid him!"

She was trying to stand up for Jenson.

Jenson, though inwardly fuming, forced himself to remain calm in Richard's presence. "It's fine, Seline. This is a minor issue."

Seline looked at Jenson with a pained expression and sighed.

Richard, paying no attention to their exchange, turned to Joe. "Joe, go bring them up."

Then, he strode toward the elevator without sparing them another glance.

Jenson's brows furrowed together as he stood rooted in place, his dissatisfaction with the Alvarez family growing by the second. He had brought the doctor and gone out of his way to help, yet Richard refused to even let Jeremy examine Alan. And now, Richard was leaving him behind to greet someone else?

Seline gently tugged on Jenson's sleeve and muttered softly, "Jenson…"

Jenson took her hand in his, intending to reassure her, but his words died in his throat as the elevator doors opened.

Both Jenson and Seline froze in shock when they saw it was Suzanne.

Jenson's gaze hardened immediately. So much for giving up. She was clearly finding new ways to cling to him. He hated it most when she showed up while he was handling serious business. She used to be good at reading the room, but now, she was becoming more and more insufferable.

However, Jenson's eyes lit up with surprise. Earlier, he hadn't noticed what she was wearing from inside the car. But now, he could clearly see Suzanne standing there with light makeup that accentuated her delicate features and her strapless bodycon dress that hugged her curves perfectly. Her figure was incredible.

Seline, who had been keeping a close eye on Jenson, clenched her fists. The way Jenson was looking at Suzanne was the same look he had given Seline once, back when she had worn lingerie in an attempt to seduce him.

Suzanne was undeniably more beautiful than before.

Seline thought she must be here to seduce Jenson. This bitch just wouldn't give up. She had already broken up with Jenson, yet she was still clinging to him. And dressed like that, no less.

However, she couldn't help but wonder who the man beside her was.

Seline's initial anger shifted into a spark of excitement. Was Suzanne deliberately parading another man around to provoke Jenson? She had to know that Jenson hated it when a woman flirted with multiple men.

Seline leaned closer to Jenson, her voice hesitant and concerned. "Jenson, do you think Sue might be dating that man?"

Jenson had already noticed the man standing confidently at Suzanne's side. The air of authority about him only deepened the scowl on Jenson's face.

But before he could react, Richard stepped forward, his expression lighting up as he extended a hand. "Mr. Doyle, we've been eagerly awaiting you."

Shane smiled politely and shook Richard's hand, noting the slight tremor in the older man's grip.

Suzanne remained silent, her expression calm and composed.

Richard's deferential attitude toward Shane only deepened the confusion on Jenson's and Seline's faces.

Who was this man to command such respect from Richard? And why was Suzanne associated with someone like him?

Seline's nails dug into her palms. Why was it that every man Suzanne met seemed more impressive than the last?

Richard, still holding Shane's hand, glanced over his shoulder expectantly, as though waiting for someone else. But aside from the woman accompanying Shane, there was no one else. Richard's unease grew.

Carefully, he asked, "Mr. Doyle, is the doctor here?"

Shane glanced briefly at Suzanne, then back at Richard with a knowing smile. "Of course."

He gestured toward Suzanne. "This is her."

Both Richard and Joe turned to look at Suzanne. The woman before them was undeniably beautiful with an air of elegance. Was she the renowned doctor?

Richard and Joe were shocked.

This had to be some kind of joke. Jane couldn't possibly be a young woman.

Alan was in critical condition. They couldn't afford to mess things up.

Richard's gaze darted toward Joe as if to question if this man was truly Shane. Joe nodded without hesitation.

Shane's distinctive baby-faced features were well-known in their circle. There was no mistaking him.

Richard's eyes flickered with doubt, but he quickly steadied himself as he took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain composed. If Shane was who he claimed to be, then whoever he brought had to be capable.

Gathering himself, Richard offered a warm smile. "I must've underestimated you. I didn't expect such a renowned expert to be so young. Please, come in!"

He stepped aside, lowering his head slightly as he added, "Thank you so much for coming. You've given my son hope!"

Suzanne gave a small nod. "Mr. Alvarez, you're too kind. Let me examine the situation first."

She wouldn't make promises before seeing the patient, but Richard seemed unbothered. His voice brimmed with confidence. "If you're handling it, I have no doubt everything will be fine!"

The entire exchange unfolded in full view of Jenson and Seline, who could barely contain their shock. They couldn't believe what they were seeing.

Suzanne, whom they had believed to be utterly useless, was being treated like royalty by the head of the Alvarez family.

Seline couldn't hold back any longer. She turned to Jenson, her face etched with worry. "Jenson, the doctor Mr. Alvarez mentioned… He didn't mean Sue, did he?"

Jenson's brows furrowed, his thin lips pressing into a tight line. He, too, was filled with doubt.

"She's being so reckless!" Seline began pacing anxiously. "This is about someone's life! If something goes wrong, it won't just implicate my dad—it'll drag you down with her too!"

Jenson's expression darkened immediately. Suzanne was becoming more and more thoughtless.

The only reason he hadn't cut ties with her before was because she used to behave. He couldn't let Suzanne ruin this and jeopardize his partnership with the Alvarez family.

Stepping forward, he blocked Richard and the others. He lowered his head slightly, his expression full of apology. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Alvarez. She doesn't know anything about medicine, let alone how to treat Alan."

Richard paused, clearly taken aback. Joe cast a suspicious glance at Suzanne and Shane.

Suzanne's eyes turned icy. This had to be her "lucky" day for her to run into Jenson twice. Or had she simply used up all her good luck to stumble upon this disaster?

Jenson and Seline weren't even trying to hide their relationship anymore. They were standing together hand-in-hand publicly.

Jenson had the audacity to insist just days ago that there was nothing between him and Seline.

"Let's go inside," Suzanne said. She couldn't be bothered with this nonsense.

But Seline stepped forward, her eyes wide with an exaggerated look of disappointment. "Sue, this is a matter of life and death. I can't stand watching my sister act so reckless!"

Richard blinked in confusion. No one had mentioned Jane having a sister.

Seline glanced pitifully at Jenson, her voice soft and trembling with grievance. "I know you're upset because of Jenson, and you want to embarrass him. But…"

Her voice broke as she lifted her tear-filled eyes to look at Suzanne. "No matter how unhappy you are, you can't use Alan's life as a joke! If something really happens, what's going to happen to Dad? What about us?"

Suzanne's gaze settled on Seline, her expression filled with irritation. Was this woman ever going to stop?

Seline always played the victim and acted generous, spinning tales that made Suzanne look like the villain. But that was in the past.

Back then, Suzanne thought of Seline as her sister. Now, she didn't see the point anymore.

Richard's confusion deepened as his gaze flicked to Suzanne. "You're…"

Suzanne's icy demeanor shifted as she replied to Richard gently, "She's my half-sister." Her tone was polite but firm, emphasizing the word "half".

Richard's sharp gaze flickered with understanding.

Suzanne added calmly, "Apologies. My sister is still young and doesn't always think before she speaks. I hope you can forgive her for being a bit unruly, Mr. Alvarez."

Her words were measured, and she carried the grace and maturity of an elder sibling.

Seline clenched her fists tightly as Suzanne made her out to be young and unruly. She couldn't believe Suzanne would insult her so shamelessly. Who was she to tell her off?

Even though rage boiled within her, Seline had no choice but to keep her composure.

"Sue, stop this nonsense. We grew up together. How could I not know that you know nothing about medicine? How could you lie to Mr. Alvarez like this?"

Richard's gaze turned uncertain as he looked at Suzanne. He began to doubt if she truly was a doctor.

Suzanne let out a soft sigh, tugging at the corner of her lips into a faint smile. "There are some things that might not be easy to explain right now. What matters most is Alan's condition. Let's go check on him first."

Jenson's brows furrowed as his eyes stayed fixed on Suzanne. Something was off. She suddenly seemed so poised and confident. She was different.

Seline was trembling with anger, her nails digging deeper into her palms as she caught the way Jenson was staring at Suzanne with something close to admiration. Jealousy and fury roared inside her like wildfire.

That vile woman! This had to be part of her plan to seduce Jenson all over again.

Seline stepped forward, her voice soft and pleading as she said to Suzanne, "Sue, for Dad's sake and for Jenson's, can we just go home?"

She reached out, trying to take Suzanne's hand, but Suzanne stepped back two paces, leaving Seline grasping at empty air.

Jenson let out a heavy sigh, his gaze locked on Suzanne. His voice softened as he said, "Suzanne, don't make a scene."

There was a trace of indulgence in his tone.

Suzanne's eyes darkened.

She couldn't believe that Jenson still thought she was playing hard to get and that this was all an elaborate scheme to win him back. The confidence he gained from ten years of her being at his beck and call was staggering.

Shane, who had been holding back as long as possible, finally lost his patience. His expression darkened as he snapped, "Are we done here?"

He'd been staying quiet out of respect for Jane, but these two—Jenson and Seline—were testing his limits.

Richard had been caught in uncertainty until now, but seeing Shane's growing frustration, he clenched his teeth and made a decision. Desperate times called for desperate measures. He had to trust Shane and Jane.

Suzanne ignored Jenson and Seline entirely, turning to Richard. "Mr. Alvarez, may I go in now?"

Richard's eyes flickered with relief as he smiled and stepped aside. "Of course. This way."

But just as Suzanne was about to step into the hospital ward, Jenson moved to block her path.

Seline rushed forward with worry. "Sue, are you crazy?"

Their actions made Richard's expression turn ice-cold. He said sternly, "Jenson, I appreciate you and your family trying to help, but the Alvarez family doesn't need your help."

He had worked hard to get Jane to come, and he wasn't about to let anyone scare her off.

Richard gave Joe a sharp glance. Joe quickly stepped between Jenson, Seline, and the doorway. His tone was polite but firm. "The two of you should leave."

Jenson's eyes stayed locked on Suzanne, as though willing her to make the right decision.

But Suzanne didn't even spare him a glance. She walked into the hospital ward without hesitation.

Seline started to follow, but Joe blocked her again. She could only watch helplessly as Suzanne walked inside.

Furious, Seline stomped her foot and turned to Jenson. "Jenson, what if she messes up? What will happen to you and my dad then?"

The Alvarez family weren't people to be messed with. If something happened to their heir, it wouldn't just be the Yates family as even the Lambert family would be destroyed.

Suzanne was nothing but a troublemaker.

Jenson's gaze stayed fixed on the closed door, his mood growing darker. "Let's wait and see."

Seline could do nothing but pace angrily outside the ward.

…

Inside the VIP suite, the ward was equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment. A young man sat on the bed, his arm hooked to an IV. His sharp jawline, defined features, and piercing eyes hinted at his striking looks, even as illness dulled his vitality. His lips were pressed into a hard line.

Despite his evident suffering, he couldn't hide his extraordinary appearance. But when he saw the people entering, his gaze turned ice-cold.

Suzanne raised an eyebrow. He was quite menacing.

The man was good-looking, but he didn't come close to her husband.

Richard stepped forward eagerly, gesturing to the man. "Dr. Smith, this is my son. Please have a look."

Before Suzanne could respond, Alan spoke in a raspy voice laced with irritation, "Dad, how many times do I have to tell you? Stop bringing random people in here!"

Shane's expression immediately darkened.

He had come all this way to help the Alvarez family—a favor they should have been grateful for—and this brat had the nerve to be so ungrateful?

Suzanne, however, remained calm with an unreadable expression.

Richard panicked. His hard-won chance to bring Jane here was slipping away. If she left now, Alan's condition might never improve. Alan truly made him worried.

"Enough!" Richard barked, furious. "You little brat, do you know who this is? This is the famous Dr. Smith! If you keep running your mouth, I'll skin you alive!"

Alan frowned and stared at Shane and Suzanne weirdly.

Richard quickly softened his tone, turning to Suzanne with an ingratiating smile. "Dr. Smith, please take a look."

Suzanne nodded lightly, her composure unshaken. "I'll need to talk with him privately. Both of you, out."

Richard and Shane both looked taken aback.