Chapter 1 You Dropped Something

The cemetery was eerily silent, so quiet that one could hear the snow falling onto their shoulders.

Cynthia Sutton slightly turned her head, gazing at the snow on her shoulder. The black and white contrast was striking, much like how some rejoiced while others mourned at the passing of Loid Jenkins, silently maintaining some delicate balance.

From the corner of her eye, she saw a tall figure, whose presence commanded attention, walk into the still scene of mourners with heads bowed.

The sound of his footsteps crushed the snow that had accumulated through the night.

Everyone raised their heads in unison and looked toward the sound.

"You came," said Brian Shears, the eldest grandson of the Jenkins family. Taking his mother's surname, he had been officially recognized by the Jenkins family at the age of eight and was now the executor of today's grand funeral.

Brian was standing a slight distance away from the grave. Regardless of the occasion, he always made sure to leave room for one person. Yet, each time, his thoughtful gesture went unnoticed by this person.

Outsiders saw it and whispered unkind words behind the person's back. While Loid was alive, a semblance of peace had been maintained. But now, with the Jenkins family on the brink of a power shift, what awaited them was sure to be a storm of conflict.

"Colin, you finally came," Brian said, a hint of relief crossing his face as he stepped aside. In the intricately tangled Jenkins family, he was always tactful. He was never intrusive and even made concessions when necessary.

However, without exception, Colin Jenkins never acknowledged it.

Colin walked straight to the gravestone, lit some candles, and paid his respects, fulfilling Loid's last wishes.

"Grandpa loved you the most. I'm sure he can rest peacefully now," Brian said.

Both were members of the Jenkins family, but Colin and Brian were worlds apart.

Brian had devoted years of hard work to the Jenkins family, while Colin, even when given the chance to see Loid one last time before his death, had refused. When Brian went to invite Colin, he was turned away. And by the time he returned, he had missed Loid's final words.

Perhaps Loid would have given Brian a legitimate position in the family before he died.

In contrast, the day after the funeral, rumors spread about Colin's scandal with a celebrity.

Cynthia thought it was unfair, but at best, she was just an adoptive daughter of the Jenkins family. Without Brian's protection over the years, outsiders would have seen her as insignificant, barely different from a maid. She had neither the right nor the power to change anything.

Cynthia gritted her teeth, the anger she had long suppressed now rising to the surface. She turned her gaze toward Colin, who remained silent, his disdain obvious.

Colin stood tall before the gravestone, his back to her. She didn't know whether he felt sorrow, but seeing Brian being publicly ignored yet again made her furious.

Once the funeral ended, people began leaving, with friends and acquaintances departing first.

Cynthia stood not far from Brian, waiting for him to finish with the final guests before they left together.

After seeing off the last elder, Brian turned around and immediately spotted her. A smile appeared on his face as he started to walk toward her, but then he noticed that Colin was still standing there.

His smile faltered, and his steps came to a halt.

Cynthia had already approached him. For the first time, she wanted to draw his attention. She reached out and tugged at his arm. "Brian, let's go back."

She didn't realize there was a hint of urgency in her tone.

Brian didn't notice it, either. He patted her on the back as usual and gently said, "Go wait in the car. It's cold outside."

With that, he walked toward Colin.

Cynthia hurriedly turned around, intending to stop him once more, but she saw that Colin was already looking their way. Their eyes met unexpectedly, and she quickly turned and walked briskly toward the exit.

Just then, Zoey Yale's call came through, perfectly timed as the funeral was wrapping up. "Cyn, is it over? Don't hurry back just yet.

"Stay a little longer with Brian. He needs someone by his side right now. Be more perceptive."

Cynthia was all too familiar with Zoey's intentions, and she sighed helplessly. "Mom, can you stop saying the same thing every time…"

Zoey, already used to Cynthia's resistance, interrupted with a serious tone, "I heard Brian is planning an arranged marriage. Now that Loid is gone, no one is going to rush him.

"Given the situation with the Jenkins family, it's normal for Brian to want to fight for power. He'll need help, but you'll have to suffer some grievances. He's always been so kind to you.

"Listen to me—be proactive. Find a chance to solidify your position. Even if he marries a noble young lady, you still came first.

"Otherwise, we could be cast aside with just a word. I think… you should stay the night and not come back. Get on with it."

Cynthia's footsteps faltered. She had been walking quickly, and now both her breathing and thoughts were in disarray. She couldn't pinpoint which part of Zoey's long speech had affected her so deeply.

Suddenly, a voice spoke from behind, startling her. She quickly hung up the phone.

"You've dropped something." The man's voice was deep, smooth like snow settling softly on branches.

Colin didn't address her directly, as he was never one for unnecessary pleasantries.

Cynthia instinctively turned around, searching the ground behind her. It was empty.

She lifted her gaze, and there he was, smiling subtly. He said pointedly, "Last night. On my bed."

Cynthia's face flushed instantly, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. What burned even more was the memory of waking up this morning, disheveled, in his bed.

She hadn't expected him to speak so openly about it. Her first instinct was to look around and check if Brian had heard her or not before she began to question his motives.

Was Colin trying to embarrass her on purpose? Or was he aiming to use that incident for some other reason? Either way, she was growing increasingly suspicious that his presence today was not the result of the "consideration" he had mentioned last night.

She had been foolish, allowing herself to get drunk and seeking out Colin, thinking the alcohol might give her the courage to snap him out of his arrogance.

She had succeeded in yelling at him, but somehow, she ended up in his bed. The details were still a blur, her memory clouded by the alcohol.

It seemed Colin noticed her discomfort, as he stepped forward with long strides and bent down to look at her. He said in a low voice, "Still want more?"

The suggestive tone was identical to the one he had used last night.

Cynthia's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively took a step back. Her face flushed with such awkwardness that it felt painful. She shook her head and her hands at the same time, saying, "No, no. I don't want anything."

She repeated herself twice.

Cynthia had intended to emphasize it once more, but when she saw Colin's mischievous smile, she immediately closed her mouth.

Colin raised an eyebrow and nodded, as if taking her words seriously, but his words were dripping with sarcasm. "Looks like Brian has deep pockets. He treats everything like it's disposable. He even sent his precious little sister right to my bed."

Chapter 2 An Accident

"Is this what Brian taught you?" Colin asked coldly, unbuttoning the top two buttons of his shirt. Beneath it, his skin was marked with fresh, glaring bite marks.

It had obviously been left by a woman. To be more precise, it was Cynthia's doing.

Cynthia's heart leaped into her throat. Was Colin here to settle scores with her?

"I..." she began.

"Cyn." Brian approached, his gaze shifting from Cynthia to Colin.

Colin lost interest and looked away, not even bothering to meet Brian's eyes.

Cynthia quickly went to Brian. "Brian."

Seeing her flushed face, Brian half-joked, "Collie, did you bully Cyn?"

Colin scoffed, then turned to look directly at Cynthia.

His gaze was so overpowering that Cynthia felt a wave of unease. Instinctively, she stepped behind Brian.

Colin chuckled, then raised his chin, arrogantly asking, "What did I do to you?"

Cynthia, worried he might blab, quickly shook her head behind Brian.

Brian, who had always been protective of her, said, "Cyn is timid, and you don't come home often. She's not used to it."

Colin's expression turned cold as he straightened up and put his hands in his pockets. Without warning, he said, "Come here."

Clearly, he wasn't talking to Brian.

Cynthia, genuinely frightened that Colin might tell Brian what happened, eyed him cautiously.

Brian was confused as to why Colin was suddenly making things difficult for Cynthia. Just as he was about to speak, Colin shot Cynthia an impatient glance.

Cynthia sprang forward immediately and forced herself to say sweetly, "Hi, Colin."

Colin raised an eyebrow and gave her a once-over, his words almost slipping out, but then he seemed to remember the presence of others. Instead, he said, "Come outside."

With that, Colin turned and walked away.

Cynthia felt both embarrassed and nervous.

Brian sensed something was off. "Cyn, what's going on between you and Colin?"

Cynthia quickly waved her hand. "Nothing."

Brian paused for a moment.

Cynthia knew she couldn't lie to him for long. If he asked further questions, she might cave under the pressure. Thinking of Colin calling her, she seized the opportunity to escape. "I'll go see what Colin wants."

Outside the cemetery, Colin leaned casually against his McLaren, smoking a cigarette. His relaxed posture suggested he had simply stepped outside for some fresh air.

Cynthia ran up to him, slowing down only when she neared him. She bent over with her hands on her knees, gasping for air.

Colin glanced over. The warm sunlight above bathed the surroundings in a radiant glow, reflecting off the white landscape.

Cynthia exhaled misty plumes with each puff she took.

Colin, unfazed, breathed out a thin ring of smoke. He took another drag and asked, as if he hadn't demanded her to come out, "Obedient, aren't we?"

Cynthia had caught her breath and straightened her back, though her throat was dry as she spoke, "What happened last night... was by accident."

Colin raised an eyebrow and flicked the ash off his cigarette, as if pondering the "accident".

Cynthia didn't want this incident to be something he could hold over her. So, she decided to take the initiative and be blunt instead of letting it bother her.

She explained, "I got drunk because I was angry. Mr. Jenkins Senior had always been so kind to you, yet you... were so heartless. You wouldn't even come back for his last moments. Brian..."

Knowing Colin had a bias against Brian, she quickly corrected herself, "Mr. Jenkins Senior had been waiting for you at the hospital."

She remembered calling Colin repeatedly at that time, but since they barely knew each other, he probably ignored her, seeing her calls as nothing more than a random number. Cynthia didn't bring this up.

Colin stubbed out his cigarette and suddenly loomed closer, giving off a dangerous air.

Cynthia took a step back. As she retreated, she tripped over a divider by the road and fell backward.

Colin grabbed her waist with one arm and asked coldly, "Do you really think you're one of the Jenkinses just because you're living with them?"

Chapter 3 Have You Got a Woman?

Cynthia quickly regained her balance, pushed Colin away, and took two steps back. She tucked her messy hair behind her ear, trying her best to appear calm. "I... didn't mean it like that. I just wanted to clarify what happened last night."

Colin saw right through her, fully aware of the turmoil beneath her composed exterior. He wasn't interested in hearing her excuses. In truth, he hadn't thought there was anything worth explaining in the first place.

Still, her timing for this little speech was almost perfect—almost.

Colin couldn't be bothered to engage further. In his mind, she had always been somewhat clumsy. It was normal for her to play the role of the fragile and rely on others' sympathy, considering that she was an adoptive daughter.

As he was about to get into the car, he noticed Brian walking out. Colin paused, his hand resting on the door. He changed his mind right then and said, "Get in."

Cynthia stood frozen for a moment, confused. Colin had already gotten in and slammed the door shut. The next second, she heard the horn honk sharply, urging her to hurry.

She thought that would be the end of the matter, but she was wrong.

The car left the cemetery.

Cynthia lowered her gaze and stared at her fidgeting hands.

Colin rolled down the window and turned on the car's radio, subtly trying to drown out the unease emanating from her.

If he wasn't going to speak, she couldn't simply remain silent. Taking a deep breath of the cold air, Cynthia prepared herself and spoke again, "Colin."

In response, Colin honked impatiently. There were no other cars on the road. It was purely for venting his frustration.

"We're not that close," Colin said flatly.

Cynthia swallowed.

Colin, growing more annoyed, was interrupted by the ringing of his phone. He answered it and put it on speaker.

"Colin, as you instructed, the company's shares are finalized. The 56% has been secured."

Colin only replied with a disinterested "okay".

There was a brief pause on the other end. "Are you going to send Mr. Jenkins Senior off today?"

"Yes."

"Will you be drinking tonight?"

Suddenly, someone sneezed.

The person on the other end of the line fell silent.

Colin turned his head to the side.

Cynthia quickly raised her hand to her nose and gave him an apologetic look. She hadn't been able to hold back a sneeze.

The person on the other end of the line, Kyle Underwood, noticed that something was off and playfully asked, "Colin, something's going on, huh?"

Colin responded with finality, "I'm hanging up."

Cynthia wiped her nose with a tissue and apologized, "Sorry."

Colin was slightly irritated and rolled up the window.

Kyle continued, "Colin, so you've got a woman now? Don't hide her away. It's no fun. I've organized a small get-together and invited those shareholders to come by and sign some papers. Grace us with your presence?"

Colin was pondering the list of shareholders in his mind.

Beside him, Cynthia's phone rang. It was Brian, asking where she had gone.

Cynthia wasn't good at lying. Her mind raced, and after a brief moment, she replied, "Oh, Colin said he would give me a ride back to the university since it was on the way."

Cynthia quickly came up with an excuse. "My classmate said she couldn't find the test data, so I'm going back to help her. I'll return as soon as I'm done."

Brian responded, "I see."

Cynthia nodded, as if Brian could see her through the phone.

Brian then added, "Call me when you're done, and I'll send the driver to pick you up."

She replied, "Okay."

After hanging up, Cynthia finally noticed the intense gaze coming from Colin.

Colin squinted, as though deep in thought, and suddenly asked, "You haven't graduated yet?"

He had moved out a few years ago, and he returned home no more than a handful of times each year. Their interactions were mostly limited to brief, impersonal encounters. He knew of her existence, but that was all.

Most of the time, Colin didn't pay any attention to her. It was entirely normal for him not to know anything about her.

Cynthia nodded. "I'll graduate this year with a master's degree."

Colin glanced at her. "Skipped a grade?"

Cynthia looked to be in her early 20s and seemed meek. Though it had been Brian who had brought her into the Jenkins family, it was ultimately the Jenkins family that had raised her.

For a moment, Colin almost wanted to tell her that she shouldn't be grateful to the wrong person, but he decided against it.

There was no need. He didn't care.

After her father's death, Loid had given her a substantial sum as compensation to ensure that she and Zoey would be provided for, considering how her father, Harry Sutton, had worked for the Jenkins family for so many years.

It was also a form of severance pay. However, the very next day they received the money, Zoey had used it all to pay off gambling debts.

Later, Zoey continued to stay in the Jenkins residence with Cynthia until the butler chased her away. Cynthia was only five years old at the time.

Zoey had forced Cynthia to sit on the doorstep of the residence in the pouring rain, putting on an act.

Cynthia knew that if they left, the debt collectors would not spare them. Staying with the Jenkins family was the only way to keep them safe.

Later, it was Brian who stepped in. He persuaded Loid to take Cynthia in as a goddaughter, granting her special treatment within the family.

Zoey had pushed Cynthia away and shouted with a voice so loud that it frightened Cynthia, "Cyn! Hurry! Thank Brian. You must repay him someday. Do you hear me?"

Cynthia had nearly collapsed at Brian's feet, her body shivering from the cold rain. She looked up at his handsome face and obediently said, "Thank you, Brian."

It was Brian who, over the years, had given her the most care and attention. Naturally, she could not slack off in her studies and became obsessively driven.

Colin didn't press further. He recalled how she had caused a scene the previous night. Her two-faced behavior—acting one way in front of others and another behind their backs—was somewhat intriguing.

His curiosity was piqued, and he decided he wanted to see more.

He texted Kyle back. "Okay."

Then, he turned to Cynthia and said, "Come with me. I want to take you somewhere."

Chapter 4 Mrs. Jenkins

When Colin didn't get a response, he asked, "Don't want to come?"

Cynthia was cautious around him. Though they hadn't interacted much, she'd heard the rumors—most of them painted him as a bad person.

"Speak," Colin said impatiently. He wasn't going to sit around while she stayed silent.

To be honest, Cynthia was a little afraid of him. "Okay."

Colin frowned.

Okay? It was almost as if she was forced to speak. Where was that wild, reckless energy from last night when she had pounced on him, biting and clawing?

Cynthia had assumed Colin would take her to some flashy entertainment venue, thinking he needed a companion and she just happened to be the unlucky one nearby.

The entire way there, Cynthia cursed him in her mind. He was ungrateful and heartless—Loid's funeral had barely ended, and he was already throwing a party.

But instead of the extravagant venue she expected, they arrived at a restaurant full of ancient charm. In the courtyard, towering trees reached toward the sky, and the ground was spotless with not a trace of snow. A gentle stream flowed nearby, and the faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air.

The owner of the restaurant, who was a friend of Colin's, came out to greet them. He was also eager to see the woman Colin had brought. When he saw Cynthia, his gleaming eyes that were filled with curiosity and gossip instantly dimmed.

The owner's failed attempt at hiding his surprise didn't go unnoticed. He still hadn't recovered from his shock after a few seconds, while Cynthia kept staring at him. Her lips stiffened slightly as she wondered if she should say hello first.

Colin, however, was indifferent to her discomfort. He yanked the owner forward and led him into the private room.

Cynthia overheard the owner's weak voice. "Isn't your taste... a bit... unconventional?"

Cynthia was rendered speechless. Once inside the private room, she noticed that everyone was paired up.

All the women were dressed up—not in a provocative way, but they exuded a subtle charm. Most wore simple styles, while some wore dresses with slits up to their thighs, revealing their snow-white skin. Their beauty was distinct and captivating.

In comparison, Cynthia looked plain. She was wearing a long-sleeved black turtleneck dress, keeping even the winter draft at bay.

She glanced at Colin, who naturally sat at the head of the table. He pulled out the chair next to him and gave her a look, signaling her to sit there.

She took the hint and sat down.

Colin, also dressed in black, made her feel less out of place. She didn't feel awkward anymore and decided to treat the dinner like just another meal.

The dishes looked impressive. In fact, it was top-notch, almost on par with dishes at a state dinner in both taste and presentation.

As conversation flowed around the table, Cynthia kept silent. She listened to the laughter around her but remained detached, focused only on eating.

"Are you very hungry?" Colin finally spoke, a cigarette between his fingers. He hadn't touched his food yet and mostly drank.

Cynthia nodded. She couldn't just sit there and do nothing.

As she reached for the black truffle lobster spaghetti that had just been served, a graceful hand reached across the table and took it away.

The man smiled, revealing a set of white teeth. "Ah, this is Mr. Jenkins' favorite. Do you like it, too, Mrs. Jenkins?"

Cynthia was caught off guard and let out a soft burp.

Mrs. Jenkins? What was that about?

She turned to look at Colin, who was calmly smoking and didn't seem bothered by the misunderstanding.

The silence stretched on for a few seconds before Colin casually broke it. "Kyle Underwood."

Kyle, being addressed by his full name, rolled his eyes and shifted his gaze back to Cynthia.

Cynthia, unsure how to explain, quickly took a sip of water.

Feeling ignored, Kyle asked in a slightly offended tone, "Aren't you going to introduce me, Mr. Jenkins?"

Colin leaned forward and extinguished his cigarette. He gestured at the dish in front of him. "Put it down."

Kyle sighed but placed the dish back down.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. A soft voice from outside said, "Mr. Underwood, Mr. Shears said he'd like to join you for a drink."

Kyle glanced at Colin first, muttering, "He caught up so quickly?"

Colin picked up his fork and began eating.

Kyle raised his voice, saying, "I'm sorry…"

Before he could finish, the door to the private room was flung open. Brian, standing tall and imposing, swept his gaze across the room.

Every face was familiar except for the ladies accompanying the men. These men were the ones plotting to sideline him.

Cynthia, used to seeing Brian's gentle side, was taken aback by the cold expression on his face. His presence carried an air of aggression and bloodthirst.

Before she could hide, Brian had already recognized her among the crowd.

Chapter 5 I Don't Have a Sister

"Here. Wipe your mouth." A hand reached over and gently pressed on the corner of Cynthia's mouth with a napkin.

Cynthia flinched and pulled away, as if shocked by electricity.

Colin chuckled, unfazed by her reaction. To others, the air was thick with intimacy.

Colin leaned back lazily, not glancing toward the door but instead turning his head to look at Cynthia. "Are you full?"

Cynthia wished the ground would open up and swallow her. Though she didn't look, she could feel Brian's gaze from the doorway.

One second… Two seconds… She was on pins and needles.

"Cyn," Brian's voice, tinged with anger, rang out from the door.

Cynthia stood up immediately.

With a soft click of his lighter, Colin lit a cigarette, then flicked the lighter back onto the table. His tone was calm, but there was an undeniable air of intimidation. "Sit down."

Cynthia halted her steps, glaring at Colin.

There was no mistaking it—he had deliberately brought her here to provoke Brian. How shameless!

Colin raised his eyebrow and exhaled a puff of smoke arrogantly. He didn't repeat himself as he had made himself clear.

She sat back down and bit her lip, her body tensing. She was so angry that her shoulders trembled.

Colin smiled with satisfaction, then placed the spaghetti in front of her. "Eat more."

"Collie, let's talk," Brian spoke again from the door.

"Is that you, Mr. Shears? What a coincidence!" Kyle chuckled, exaggerated and dismissive. "Sorry, but we're having a private gathering today, Mr. Shears."

Brian's tone turned cold. "This is a family matter."

Cynthia lowered her head even further.

Colin asked, "Not to your taste?"

Cynthia shook her head, then speared her fork into the spaghetti. She quickly shoveled a large bite into her mouth. A shadow fell over her as Brian stepped closer and took her hand, pulling her toward the door.

Cynthia sniffled but allowed him to drag her along.

Kyle called after them, "Hey, Mr. Shears, this is..."

Brian glanced back, his gaze sharp as he addressed Colin at the head of the table. "I'm taking my sister with me."

Kyle was about to stop Brian, but upon hearing the word "sister", he stopped himself and asked, "Colin, that's your sister?"

Everyone knew and acknowledged that Colin was the only legitimate heir to the Jenkins family. They also knew about Brian, the illegitimate heir, who occupied the position of the eldest son of the Jenkins family. And then, there was an adopted child.

Cynthia was the most insignificant of them all—the adopted sister.

As they stepped out of the private room, Cynthia heard Colin's cold words from behind. "I don't have a sister."

…

Inside the car, Cynthia anxiously waited for Brian to finish his phone call. She wondered how to explain herself.

She knew that Brian was in a difficult position in the Jenkins family, and she didn't want him to worry about her on top of everything else.

Brian sat in the driver's seat, his voice softer than before. "Didn't you say you were going back to the university?"

Cynthia lowered her head. "I'm sorry."

Brian seemed a little weary. After a moment of silence, he said, "Cyn, are you going to lie to me, too?"

Cynthia wanted to shake her head, but her tears fell before she could respond. They felt like lead as they dripped onto her hand, and she froze, unable to move.

Brian noticed her crying and didn't have the heart to berate her further. He took a tissue and handed it to her.

"I'll take you back to the university."

Cynthia took the tissue, feeling wronged and guilty at the same time. She kept her head lowered and stayed quiet the whole way.

This time, Brian drove directly into the university and stopped in front of the research building. In the past, he would only take her as far as the bridge near the university entrance.

Brian always stood out—he was the most striking presence among the board members at every opening ceremony of the university. He was also the benchmark she had spent years striving to reach.

Cynthia clutched the tissue in her palm, composed herself, and said after taking a deep breath, "Today…"

The sound of his phone ringing interrupted her. Brian frowned slightly. When he saw the caller ID, he answered.

"Brian, why aren't you here yet? My parents are almost here." The woman's voice was gentle and refined.

Cynthia didn't recognize her voice, but it wasn't hard to guess who it was. She had heard that Brian had been seeing the Walker family's daughter, Quinn Walker, for a while now. Had they already reached the stage of meeting each other's parents?

Brian replied, "I'm on my way. Give me 20 minutes."

"Okay. I'll be waiting."

After hanging up the phone, Brian's gaze fell on her again.

Cynthia forgot what she was going to say, but when she noticed a luxurious ring box in the bag at his feet, a bitter feeling rose in her chest. "You have something to do, right? Go ahead."

Brian raised an eyebrow. "What were you going to say?"

Cynthia pushed open the car door and stepped out, pretending she hadn't heard his question. She said, "Thanks for sending me back, Brian."