Chapter 1

The atmosphere in the living room of the Vance residence was tense.

"I can cure Mr. Vance Senior's illness. All I ask is that Mr. Vance cancel his engagement to Iris and marry me!"

Kylie Clark stood confidently under the scrutiny of the crowd. Her delicate facial features held an extraordinary boldness and confidence.

As soon as she spoke, the room filled with gasps of shock. Kylie was dressed in plain and rustic attire, which suggested she came from the mountains. She didn't strike the image of someone who'd know anything about medicine.

Yet she was bold enough to publicly force a marriage with Samuel Vance, the head of the Vance family!

Samuel Vance, the top billionaire on the rankings of the wealthiest and the youngest head of the Vance family, was a business tycoon who instilled both fear and admiration in all.

They wondered if Kylie did not fear death.

"You?" A cold, mocking voice broke the silence.

Kylie looked up to meet Samuel's sharp eyes. Her heart clenched tightly.

His flawless facial features were sculpted to perfection, and every move he made exuded a noble, elegant air. A man like him was born to be worshipped.

If Kylie hadn't been left with no other choice, she would never have resorted to such an extreme measure and used Vincent Vance's illness to force this marriage.

"Shut up, Kylie! Have you lost your mind? Do you know what place this is? How dare you play doctor and steal your sister's man!" her biological mother, Euphemia Jennings, snapped.

With that, she turned to Samuel with a fawning smile. "Don't listen to her nonsense, Mr. Vance. I just brought her back from the mountains. She grew up in a sanctuary and didn't attend elementary school; what could she possibly know about medicine?

"It's our fault for not disciplining her well enough. I never expected her not to know her place and harbor such improper thoughts."

Kylie remained unfazed by Euphemia's attitude. Instead, she gave Samuel a firm look and calmly said, "If I'm not mistaken, Mr. Vance Senior is currently experiencing limb convulsions and an accelerated heart rate.

"An ambulance will never make it. And even if he makes it to the hospital in time, his body can't withstand surgery either."

"How would you know about Grandpa's condition?" Samuel's gaze darkened as his suspicion toward Kylie grew deeper.

Calmly meeting his gaze, Kylie explained, "Traditional medicine relies on visual, auditory, olfactory, and questioning diagnostic methods. I could tell just by looking."

Samuel seemed briefly surprised. He pondered for seconds and curled his lips into a cold, mocking smile. "Fine. I'll marry you if you can cure Grandpa."

Kylie wasn't surprised by his response. She knew very well that Vincent was over a hundred years old and had zero chance of surviving surgery.

Samuel respected Vincent greatly. He'd agree to any condition as long as there was even a sliver of hope.

On the contrary, the rest of the Vance family erupted in outrage, especially Iris Dale, Kylie's so-called sister and Samuel's original fiancée.

She urgently called out, "Samuel! Countless medical experts have failed to cure Grandpa; isn't it too risky to leave his fate in her hands? What if…"

Iris had come today to finalize her marriage with Samuel. She was supposed to be the future lady of the Vances. But now, with Vincent critically ill, how dare Kylie take advantage of the situation to force a marriage!

The Vance family adored Iris and immediately voiced their agreement by mocking Kylie.

"Exactly! Iris is right! She's just some country bumpkin; she might end up killing Mr. Vance Senior instead!"

"She's taking advantage of the situation and clearly harboring evil intentions! Samuel, don't let her deceive you!"

The protests went on.

Samuel's cold, piercing gaze swept across the room, and his voice carried undeniable authority. "I know what I'm doing."

With that, he turned his gaze back to Kylie and warned in a dangerous voice, "If anything happens to Grandpa, you'll pay the price!"

Meeting his gaze, Kylie remained calm and unshaken. "Don't worry, Mr. Vance. I know what I'm doing, and I never said you had to marry me now. Once I cure Mr. Vance Senior, then we'll get married."

"Kylie, do you even know what you're doing? I can forgive you for stealing my fiancé, but how dare you gamble with Mr. Vance Senior's life?"

Iris wiped her tears as she portrayed herself as tolerant and magnanimous. If she weren't so concerned about her identity as a socialite, she would've ripped Kylie apart. How ridiculous it was for Kylie to dream of marrying Samuel!

As expected, Samuel's expression darkened after hearing Iris' words. He stared at Kylia for seconds, his gaze filled with ridicule and disgust. What a greedy and shameless woman!

Money could always be used up, but marrying into the Vance family was a lifelong privilege.

The others in the room sneered at the despicable Kylie. How could she have used such tactics to steal her sister's fiancé? And top medical professionals had failed to cure Vincent; who did she think she was?

Yet, Kylie remained calm. She knew that even if Samuel turned down her condition, she'd still do everything in her power to save Vincent. As a doctor, she couldn't ignore a life in danger.

She ignored the sneers and turned to Samuel. "I'll cure Mr. Vance Senior while all you have to do is get ready to marry me."

Without waiting for a reply, she stepped forward and calmly took Vincent's pulse.

Then, she retrieved a set of silver needles from her pocket and inserted one into his left hand with practiced precision. She then proceeded to pick up a second needle.

But instead of inserting the next needle, she turned to look at Samuel.

As she bit her lip, her face flushed with a faint pink hue. Her clear, unblinking eyes locked onto his as she said, "My name's Kylie Clark; Kylie as in the whisper of wind through poetic lines and Clark as the keeper of the never-forgotten time."

Even after she spoke, Samuel's expression remained as indifferent and cold as ever.

A hint of disappointment flashed in Kylie's eyes. It seemed he'd forgotten her.

With the next needle she inserted, Vincent's convulsions visibly eased. A flicker of surprise flashed in Samuel's eyes as he finally took a serious look at Kylie.

She was dressed in faded jeans and a slightly pilled sweater. The fact that she was thinner than most ladies her age revealed a life of hardship and upbringing in the mountains.

But her facial features were strikingly delicate, and her skin was smooth and flawless. Her eyes were as dark as ink and shimmered with a soft glow.

Though she might seem quite talented, that didn't change her greedy and opportunistic nature.

Meanwhile, Iris panicked. Seeing that Kylie might actually save Vincent, she quickly turned to Euphemia for help. "Mom…"

Euphemia grew equally anxious and immediately turned to Alissa Farmer, Vincent's wife. "Mrs. Vance Senior, don't forget it was Iris who saved Mr. Vance. Shouldn't this marriage…"

Standing by Vincent's side, Alissa let out a quiet sigh of relief at his improved condition. Instead of responding to Euphemia, she turned to look at Samuel.

"Your grandfather is old, Samuel. He doesn't have much time left, even if we could save him.

"Marriage is not a game, and you don't have to sacrifice your happiness for him. Your happiness is what matters most."

Her words were kind, and there was no force in her tone.

"I will marry her as long as she cures Grandpa," Samuel coldly announced. His mocking gaze locked onto Kylie, and his expression was icy.

"Since she dares force me into marriage, she'd better be ready to spend the rest of her life as a widow. Anyone who threatens me must pay the price!"

Chapter 2

Samuel's words stabbed mercilessly into Kylie's heart as each word throbbed painfully.

She clenched the silver needle in her hand tightly and said, "You'd better not speak too soon, Mr. Vance."

With that, she continued administering acupuncture to Vincent.

Behind her, countless eyes filled with mockery and disdain fell on her. Yet she remained unfazed as her hands moved with skill and precision.

After the acupuncture, she wore a prescription and handed it to a nearby housekeeper. "Follow this prescription. Get the medicine ready and give it to Mr. Vance Senior three times a day."

The housekeeper did not move and shot Kylie a look of open disdain.

Kylie sighed inwardly. The fact that even the housekeepers didn't take her seriously could show how tough her life in the Vance family would be. She had no choice but to turn to Samuel.

Noticing her look, Samuel ordered in a deep voice, "Do as she says."

…

Night had fallen by the time everything was settled.

Though Samuel had agreed to marry Kylie, it was conditional on curing Vincent's illness. The treatment would take time, and since she had no official status yet, she couldn't stay at the Vance residence.

The butler, Jim Wise, approached. "It's getting late, Ms. Clark. It's difficult to grab a cab here. Let me take you home."

"Thank you so much." Kylie's heart warmed. She wondered if that was Samuel's instructions.

Exhausted from the day's events, she fell asleep as soon as she got into the car.

With a bang, the black Bentley jerked violently and came to an abrupt stop. Then, it stalled.

Kylie was startled awake, and a sense of unease crept into her heart. Could it be…

Jim's words confirmed her fears. "My apologies, Ms. Clark. The car seems to have broken down."

Kylie sighed helplessly, feeling both resigned and guilty. She'd always been unlucky and plagued by misfortune since childhood.

Now, even the Vance family's Bentley had fallen victim. A loose manhole cover on the road had caused the left front wheel to get stuck.

Jim tried stepping on the gas pedal multiple times, but the car wouldn't budge.

"The Dale residence isn't far from here, Jim. I'll just walk back," Kylie said as she stepped out of the car. It wasn't long before she arrived at the Dale residence, a brightly lit three-story white villa.

She reached out and entered the passcode for the door.

"Incorrect password."

Hearing the automated voice, Kylie frowned and tried again. Again, she was informed that she'd inputted the incorrect password.

She quickly understood what was going on, so instead of entering the passcode, she rang the doorbell.

The housekeeper, Sara Holmes, saw her and opened the door. "Why are you only back now, Kylie? Mr. and Mrs. Dale look grim. The first thing they did after coming home was to change the door passcode and have your belongings packed up."

Sara was the only one in the Dale residence who treated her well.

Kylie didn't hide the truth. "Mr. Vance Senior is seriously ill. I used his treatment as leverage to force Samuel to marry me."

Sara's eyes widened in shock. Her eyes were full of anger and distress as she said, "What! You know full well that he and Ms. Dale are in love; why would you do that?"

Kylie didn't explain further. She simply said, "I have my reasons."

"What reason could that be? How is it worth gambling on your future happiness? Listen to me, Kylie, forced marriages never end well. Marrying a man who doesn't love you will only bring misery, and Mr. Vance is known to be a powerful man.

"A divorce might not affect him much, but it does to you. If you end up getting divorced, what will you do then?"

Just then, Adrian Dale and Euphemia descended the stairs.

Adrian's expression was gloomy as he said, "You ingrate! You had the nerve to force Mr. Vance into marriage, but not the ability to have him send you home?"

Euphemia sneered and went along with his words. "Mr. Vance would never take a fancy to her. She's just a shameless country bumpkin dreaming of marrying a prince. Just how shameless she is to steal Iris' fiancé!"

Her delicate makeup could not hide the malice on her face.

"A country bumpkin? You're my parents; if I am one, what does that make you?" A bitter smile appeared on Kylie's lips. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides as she laughed coldly.

They were her biological parents, while Iris had no blood relation to them.

On the day she was born, Haven Clark secretly took her away. The hospital tried to cover up the incident by finding another baby born on the same day to replace her—that baby was Iris.

Meanwhile, Haven took Kylie back to Starlight Village.

Haven had given birth prematurely to a baby who died soon after. Then, she was diagnosed with a mental illness that left her unable to care for herself.

If it hadn't been for the kind-hearted Allan Musk, who'd taken her in at the sanctuary, she might've died of starvation or illness.

When Kylie was three, Haven fell off a cliff and died. And from then on, Allan raised her in the sanctuary.

…

"You sharp-tongued brat! You need to be taught a lesson!" Euphemia's expression darkened. She raised her hand and was ready to slap Kylie.

But Kylie swiftly caught her wrist and flung it away. "I forced Samuel to break off his engagement and marry me, while you, out of all people, should know the reason why. If Iris hadn't stolen my emerald bracelet, would Samuel have agreed to marry her?"

The sanctuary that had taken her in was situated at the peak of Starlight Summit. It was a famous site of worship that attracted many devotees. Euphemia was one of them.

Two years ago, when Iris was admitted to Tenby University, Euphemia took her to the sanctuary to offer thanks.

That summer, Iris noticed the emerald bracelet on Kylie's wrist, and they soon became friends. When Iris asked about the bracelet, Kylie truthfully told her its origins.

Coincidentally, Iris and Samuel's younger sister, Yvonne Vance, were friends. She later learned from Yvonne that Samuel had a crush—a childhood savior whom he'd given an emerald bracelet.

When Iris realized Kylie's bracelet was identical to the one Alissa owned, she stole it from Kylie and used it to climb her way into the Vance family.

"So what if I took your emerald bracelet? Do you think a mere bracelet would get Samuel to marry a country bumpkin like you?

"He loves me, and he'll never believe you even if you tell him the bracelet is yours. Mr. Vance Senior is old and dying, and one day, I'll be the lady of the Vances!"

Euphemia sighed in disappointment and chimed in, "Iris is right! You grew up in the mountains with no education. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so let her have it. She's a top student at Tenby University and a perfect match for Mr. Vance.

"If the Dale family could thrive from her marriage, it'll be a good thing for you too. But I can't believe you don't know what's good for you and offended the Vance family."

The Dale family used to be an insignificant household. It was only after hooking up with the Vance family through the emerald bracelet that they'd been thriving.

But now, offending the Vance family would bring disastrous consequences.

After weighing the pros and cons, Adrian's expression darkened and turned ice-cold. He roared, "You're nothing but a jinx! If I'd known this would happen, I should never have taken you back! Get out! Leave the Dale residence at once!"

A deafening bang followed.

A housekeeper ruthlessly threw Kylie's belongings outside and scattered her clothes all over the ground.

Before Kylie could gather them, a black Bentley suddenly pulled up beside her.

Chapter 3

Upon seeing the Vance family car, Adrian and Euphemia, who'd been standing on the porch looking down on Kylie, immediately rushed forward.

Euphemia put on a look of surprise and flattery, and a shrewd glint flashed in her eyes. "Why are you here, Jim? Did Mr. Vance send you to pick up Iris?"

Jim didn't bother to spare her a glance. Instead, he picked up Kylie's luggage and walked toward the trunk.

Kylie was briefly stunned and quickly followed up. "Why are you here, Jim? Did anything happen to Mr. Vance Senior?"

"No, he's doing well." Jim placed the suitcase into the trunk and respectfully continued, "Mr. Vance has sent me here to take you to Hythe Villa, Mrs. Vance."

Iris was furious to hear that. "You must be mistaken! She's no Mrs. Vance, and there's no way Samuel would let her enter Hythe Villa!"

Hythe Villa was Samuel's private villa, and Iris had just been there a handful of times.

Samuel owned countless properties. Even if he wanted to arrange for Kylie's accommodation, there was no need for it to be in Hythe Villa. A country bumpkin like her wasn't worthy of stepping foot inside.

But Jim completely ignored Iris and opened the back seat door. Then, he gestured to Kylie. "Mrs. Vance, please."

Kylie got into the car feeling slightly uneasy but trusting that Jim wouldn't harm her.

Standing outside, Iris furiously stomped her feet. "Jim, Hythe Villa isn't a place just anyone can enter. I'm warning you; you're just a housekeeper of the Vance family, and you have no right to make decisions for Samuel.

"If I find out later that this isn't Samuel's decision, the first thing I'll do is fire you once I become Mrs. Vance!"

Jim smiled. "Perhaps you should wait until you actually become Mrs. Vance before making such statements, Ms. Dale."

"How dare you!" Iris' face was flushed with fury.

The Bentley drove off and left the Dales in a cloud of exhaust.

"Pah! He's just a damn watchdog of the Vances. Who does he think he is to act all high and mighty?" Euphemia spat angrily.

Then, she turned to Iris and said, "Remember this, Iris. Once you become Mrs. Vance, the first thing you must do is fire him."

"Of course!" Iris gritted her teeth.

Kylie was a huge obstacle on her way. If not for Kylie, she'd already be the lady of the Vances by now. Samuel was every woman's dream, and a country bumpkin like Kylie would never deserve him.

Though Samuel had never shown physical intimacy with Iris, the latter shuddered at the thought that he and Kylie were now living under the same roof. What if Kylie seduced him?

No way! Iris vowed to figure something out and get rid of Kylie, the nuisance, as soon as possible.

…

The Bentley veered through the city as neon lights flashed past, and the shifting glow in the car stirred Kylie's increasing anxiety.

She maintained her composure and asked, "Thank you for helping me out, Jim. Is this the way to Hythe Villa?"

"That's right, Ms. Clark." After leaving the Dale residence, he'd reverted to addressing her by "Ms. Clark" instead of "Mrs. Vance."

Sensing her nervousness, he chuckled. "Don't be afraid. Mr. Vance isn't a bad person."

Kylia responded with a hum and a smile that barely reached her eyes. Samuel didn't love her, and he must likely hate her for their forced marriage. He sure wasn't a bad guy, but he certainly wouldn't show her any warmth.

Even so, she decided to move into Hythe Villa. Living under the same roof would give her more chances to understand the current Samuel and uncover the truth about the past.

What exactly had happened? Why didn't he recognize her? How could he believe Iris was the girl from back then, just because of an emerald bracelet?

Soon, the car entered a villa complex.

Samuel was sitting in the living room and frowned when he saw Kylie enter behind Jim. His expression instantly turned cold.

A heavy tension filled the villa.

Following behind Jim, Kylie cowered away and tried to minimize her presence as much as possible.

"Why is she here?" Samuel asked. His gaze swept over the suitcase behind her, and a mocking sneer appeared on his lips.

Was she that desperate to climb onto his bed?

Kylie met his gaze and quickly explained, "Jim isn't to blame. I was kicked out of the Dale residence and had nowhere to go. He brought me here because he was worried about me. I'll leave now."

She spoke cautiously and tried to make her words as concise as possible.

Samuel's face filled with impatience as he coldly ordered, "Get out!"

"Mr. Vance…" Jim wanted to speak up on her behalf, but before he could, Samuel cut him off.

"I respect that you're an elder, Jim, but you're prohibited from Hythe Villa if this happens again. Do you take Hythe Villa for a shelter, and think everyone is allowed to enter?

"Have someone replace the carpet at once. It's filthy."

Dragging her suitcase out the door, Kylie stiffened slightly at his words.

Just then, Samuel's phone rang. He immediately answered after seeing the number.

"Iris." His voice was filled with the gentleness that loving couples would have. His well-defined facial features lit up with a smile.

"Get the car ready."

Whatever Iris had said, it made him hang up quickly. He grabbed the coat tossed over the armrest and hurriedly walked out.

…

Winter in Seaville was harsh and icy, with temperatures especially low during the night.

Kylie shivered as she dragged her suitcase into the yard. The next second, everything went dark, and she passed out.

Chapter 4

"Ms. Clark!" Jim exclaimed in shock as he quickly caught Kylie. "Mr. Vance, Ms. Clark has passed out!"

Samuel sneered. "Call an ambulance if she has fainted. I can't do anything; I'm not a doctor."

Jim was stunned. Then, he thought about it and said, "Mr. Vance Senior's sudden illness yesterday was quite strange, considering he hasn't had an episode in the past two years. Plus, his condition requires long-term care. Anything happening to Ms. Clark might delay his treatment.

"If you suspect her involvement, why don't you get her to stay at Hythe Villa? Keeping her under your watch will expose any ulterior motives she may have. And if she's innocent, living under the same roof might help nurture feelings between you two."

Samuel's expression darkened. "Do you have too much free time on your hands, Jim?"

Jim immediately fell silent.

Vincent had remained healthy for two years but conveniently fell ill on the very day the two families were discussing marriage. On top of that, Kylie just happened to bring silver needles and seized the chance to force a marriage. It was all too coincidental.

As the thought crossed Samuel's mind, he said, "Call Sebastian over."

Still wearing his white coat, Sebastian Miller barely had time to change his clothes as he rushed to Hythe Villa, speeding through two red lights on the way.

When he saw a woman lying on the couch, his eyes widened in shock. "Wow, getting engaged really changes a man. But with her frail body, I'd suggest you take it slow."

Unaware of Samuel's forced marriage, Sebastian teased him while walking toward the coffee table with his medical kit. "But applying medicine should be your job."

"Shut up. It's not what you think." Samuel cut him off, and his dark eyes filled with rage.

"Huh?" Sebastian raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Samuel impatiently snapped, "Just check on her. She suddenly fainted."

Sebastian looked skeptical. "Are you sure she just fainted and it wasn't because…"

Over the years, Iris was the only woman who'd ever set foot in Hythe Villa. As Samuel's childhood friend, Sebastian knew about his feelings for her.

Yesterday was Iris' 20th birthday and their engagement day. It'd be a lie to say there wouldn't be anything sexual after the engagement party.

Samuel's phone rang again. He glanced at the number, and a hint of impatience flashed across his eyes. "Stop talking nonsense and hurry up."

As Sebastian stepped closer and finally saw the woman on the couch, he was stunned. It wasn't Iris!

Though the lady was slim, she had exquisite facial features and flawless skin. She was a natural beauty who completely outshone Iris.

He shot Samuel a meaningful look, but seeing the cold expression on Samuel's face, he dared not ask questions. Instead, he quickly examined her and said, "Relax, it's just hypoglycemia from malnutrition. Give her some sugar, and she'll wake up soon."

After setting up an IV drip, Sebastian couldn't resist asking curiously, "Aren't you going to introduce her to me?"

"She's no one important. You don't need to know."

Even if Kylie saved Vincent, she'd remain a hidden wife who'd forever hide in the shadows.

Sebastian smirked. "If she's not important, why bring her to Hythe Villa and hide her here? Now, you're acting more like a man. It's the modern age, and just because Iris saved your life doesn't mean you have to marry her. You could just give her a fortune instead of promising a marriage."

Samuel's eyes turned icy as he shot Sebastian a sharp look. "Iris is the only woman I've ever wanted to marry. Are you leaving or not?"

A chill ran down Sebastian's spine. He sheepishly brushed his nose, grabbed his medical kit, and left.

As soon as he exited Hythe Villa, he whipped out his phone and excitedly exclaimed, "You guys will never believe what I just saw at Hythe Villa! Gather at Zouk Lounge now!"

Meanwhile, Samuel left after instructing Jim, "Watch over her."

…

Kylie slowly regained consciousness as the IV drip was coming to an end. She blinked in a daze and took in her surroundings.

The bedside lamp cast a warm yellow glow over the black-and-white-toned room and dark blue down comforter. It was an unfamiliar scene.

Where was she? Could this be Hythe Villa?

Kylie wasn't sure if she considered herself lucky or not. She'd ended up staying here after all. Her unlucky constitution had her passing out due to hypoglycemia.

Samuel probably thought she was scheming and used all sorts of tricks to get close to him.

Just then, her phone rang. She picked it up and noticed it was a call from Celia Llyod, so she hurriedly answered, "Celia, why are you calling me this late at night? Is something wrong?"

"Kyls, I just saw Iris with Scott!" Celia's voice came from the noisy background.

Kylie immediately sat up and removed the IV. "Where are you?"

"I'm at work. At Zouk Lounge."

Celia was Kylie's childhood friend from the same village. She'd struggled academically and started working after middle school.

She sold liquor at Zouk Lounge. Though there was no base salary, she earned over a thousand dollars a month in tips and commissions.

Kylie hailed a cab straight to Zouk Lounge.

…

Zouk Lounge was a top-tier private club in Seaville and an exclusive VIP-only establishment known for its strict confidentiality. It was a lavish playground for the rich.

Kylie followed Celia through the staff entrance and entered the club. She was determined to catch Iris red-handed and expose her true colors.

Instead of rushing in recklessly, she disguised herself by putting on a club uniform and wearing a curly brown wig. Then, she applied heavy makeup and headed to Room 806.

As she pushed through the door, she heard unmistakable intimate sounds.

"I told you not to contact me for now. If we get caught, our plan will be ruined." Iris cooed playfully.

"Don't be scared, babe. Samuel is cold and indifferent. Let me take care of you instead," a man replied.

Samuel had never touched Iris, but he was extremely generous with his money.

Scott Dalton sneered and continued, "So what if Samuel is rich and powerful? He looks good but is completely useless in bed."

He was spending Samuel's money and sleeping with his woman—nothing felt better!

Kylie had suspected their affair, but actually witnessing it left her shaken. She'd never expected them to have gone this far. That was just shameless!

This was another reason she'd forced Samuel to break the engagement and marry her instead.

She quickly switched her phone to night mode and snapped a few pictures.

Just as she prepared to record a video, a deep male voice sounded behind him. "What are you doing?"

Shocked, Iris quickly pushed Scott away. "Someone's here!"

"We're at Zouk Lounge. No one would dare ruin our fun," Scott irritatedly muttered, still immersed in their moments of intimacy.

"Idiot!" Iris snapped. She kicked him away, picked up her clothes, and hastily dressed. Then, she rushed out.

Despite Kylie's disguise, Iris recognized her instantly. Her eyes flickered to the phone clutched in Kylie's hand, and her flushed face paled. "Stop right there, Kylie! Why are you here?"

Before Kylie could answer, she turned to Scott. "Quick! Grab her phone!"

As they struggled, their commotion attracted many onlookers. That was when the door to Room 808 opened, and a familiar, tall figure stepped out.

Samuel? What was he doing here?

Iris spotted him too. She was momentarily stunned but quickly curved her lips into a smirk. Then, she muttered, "You brought this upon yourself, Kylie."

Before Kylie could react, Iris threw herself into Samuel's arms and cried, "Samuel, save me!"

Chapter 5

"Iris, what happened?" Samuel immediately caught Iris, who swayed and seemed she might fall at any moment. He took off his coat and draped it over her.

Then, he held her protectively in his arms and asked, "Why are you still at Zouk Lounge?"

He'd arranged to meet Iris there. But after sending her away, he'd gone to Sebastian's room and had a couple of drinks. He'd never expected to run into such a scene.

Samuel coldly ordered, "Logan, clear the scene! Make sure nothing about tonight gets out!"

"Got it!" His assistant, Logan Lowe, obeyed.

Nestling in Samuel's arms, Iris shot Kylie a smug, provocative smile before putting on a pitiful expression.

"Kylie asked to meet. She said she regretted everything as marrying a man who doesn't love her will never bring her happiness. She wanted to step aside for us, but I never thought… She'd try to ruin me. She even took pictures to blackmail me…"

As Samuel listened, his eyes grew darker.

Kylie was stunned by Iris' words. It was Iris who'd been fooling around with another man, yet now she twisted the truth.

Sensing Samuel's growing anger, Kylie suppressed her shock and nervousness. Then, she calmly said, "It's not like what you think, Mr. Vance. You can investigate. I was just…"

"Shut up!" Samuel's sharp voice cut her off.

"I trusted you so much, Kylie. I begged Mom and Dad to take you to the Vance residence and came here to see you full of hope. How could you do this to me?" Iris continued sobbing pitifully.

Then, she looked up at Samuel with teary eyes. "Samuel, I just drank the cocktail she ordered. You can have it tested, and everything will clear up."

"M-Mr. Vance, i-it was her! She paid me to do this!" Scott suddenly pointed at Kylie as his voice trembled with nervousness.

The two worked together to play their parts seamlessly.

"Fuck! How dare you touch my woman!" Samuel's eyes swept over the disheveled Scott. Fury surged through him, and he kicked Scott so hard in the stomach to send him flying.

Then, his cold gaze landed on Kylie. "Logan, do as she said."

"Got it." Logan immediately took the two glasses of cocktails away for testing.

Kylie's heart pounded, and she felt a chill all over. Samuel was convinced Iris was the girl from years ago. Now, he treasured and adored her greatly.

It seemed he wasn't as cold and heartless as the rumors claimed. All his gentleness was probably meant for Iris, who enjoyed everything that should have belonged to Kylie—her parents and Samuel.

Yet, Iris wasn't cherishing any of it.

As the thought crossed Kylie's mind, she felt a mix of emotions, and her heart ached with every beat.

Logan soon returned with the test results, and his expression was grim. "The results are out, Mr. Vance."

Samuel took the report and read it, frowning. His thin lips pressed into a tight line as he radiated a dangerous air.

Iris had drunk a glass of Hanky Panky, a cocktail known for heightening sensation and stirring deep intoxications.

Kylie noticed the change in his expression and immediately understood everything. In his eyes, she was now nothing but a scheming woman who used underhanded tactics to force a marriage.

She understood that no amount of explanation mattered if Samuel didn't trust her, so she didn't bother defending herself and waited for Samuel to make his next move.

His eyes were cold as he ordered, "Logan, take her to Hythe Villa and keep a close watch on her!"

"Got it!" Logan replied. Then, he turned to Kylie with a look of disdain and said, "This way please, Ms. Clark."

Kylie turned to leave as Iris' voice came from behind her. "You're letting her stay at Hythe Villa? Isn't that too dangerous? What if she tries these despicable tricks on you?"

"Don't worry. I'll handle this and give you an answer. Let me take you to the hospital now," he reassured her in a domineering yet gentle tone.

With that, he lifted Iris into his arms and strode out of Zouk Lounge.

…

In the car, Iris leaned against Samuel's chest and sobbed softly. "You promised to marry her if she cures Grandpa. Why would she still do something that despicable? Could it be…"

Samuel raised an eyebrow and looked down at her in his arms.

She nervously continued, "Could it be that she isn't confident in curing Grandpa, so she's resorting to these tactics? If her medical skills are lacking, wouldn't Grandpa be in danger?"

"Don't worry, I won't let her act recklessly." Samuel comforted Iris and tightened his hold around her. "This incident was my fault, and I didn't take good care of you. I'll have Logan arrange for someone to protect you. If…"

He paused mid-sentence.

"If she does cure Grandpa, you'll still marry her, won't you?" Iris finished his unspoken words.

"Yes." Samuel confirmed. It was an agreement they'd made, and he always kept his word.

Iris hurriedly said, "I don't care who Mrs. Vance is, and you're all I care about. The fact that I'm important to you is enough for me."

Samuel's eyes darkened slightly as he felt he was letting Iris down. He pulled a black-platinum card from his wallet and handed it to her. "Grandpa is ill, so I might not have much time for you. If you need anything, buy it yourself."

Iris' eyes lit up at the sight of the black-platinum card, but she feigned reluctance. "I don't need it. I have…"

"Take it. What's yours is yours. This is from me," Samuel said firmly. His tone was both domineering and gentle.

Iris was elated. She took the black-platinum card and leaned into his chest. "You treat me so well, Samuel."

Then, she gritted her teeth in hatred and muttered to herself, "I won't let you have your way, Kylie. Samuel loves me, and I'm the only one who can marry him!"

…

Logan drove Kylie to Hythe Villa, and Jim greeted them at the door.

Logan instructed, "Keep a close watch on her, Jim. She must not leave Hythe Villa before Mr. Vance returns."

"Understood." Jim nodded.

Kylie changed into house slippers and apologized to Jim. "I left in a hurry and hadn't had time to inform you, Jim. I'm sorry for causing trouble again."

Jim smiled warmly. "It's no trouble, but I advise you not to go against Mr. Vance. The doctor said you have low blood sugar, so I had the kitchen warm a glass of honey. Drink it before you sleep."

"Thank you, Jim." Kylie's heart warmed as she followed Jim to the kitchen.

…

Late at night, Kylie lay in bed with her mind a mess. She could barely sleep.

It was past 2:00 am. Samuel was with Iris, and he probably wouldn't return tonight. She figured she could avoid him for one night, but wondered what would await her tomorrow.

Just as she was lost in thought, footsteps sounded outside her door.

Kylie's heart missed a beat. Speak of the devil, huh?

There was a furious knock. A man's low, dangerous voice like that of a devil's commanded, "Open the door!"