Chapter 1

In the third year of her relationship with her younger boyfriend, Grace Harper was ready to propose to him. She prepared a candlelit dinner, wore an elegant dress, and applied bold makeup.

Just as she was pouring the red wine, Zane Jensen wrapped his arms around her from behind. His passionate kiss lingered on her ear. "So, you've finally made up your mind, huh? Tonight…"

His strong arms circled her slender waist, and his long fingers wandered across the smooth satin of her dress.

Grace turned around and gently pushed at his chest. "Stop it. Dinner first."

Zane was three years younger than her and about to graduate from university. He was tall and lean.

His physique was noticeable even in a simple white T-shirt, showcasing broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and defined abs. With sharp, well-proportioned features, he radiated youthful vitality.

He chuckled softly, a mischievous smile on his lips. Moving closer, he stepped between her legs, held her wrist, and kissed her against the wine cabinet. The candlelight flickered as his breath grew hotter and more intense.

Grace felt overwhelmed by his intense passion. But recalling her plans for the night, she gently pushed him away before things got out of hand.

His eyes were filled with desire. Biting her lip, he murmured in a husky voice, "Forget dinner, Grace. How about a taste of me instead?"

Grace chuckled, her beautiful face glowing. Her sharp yet radiant features were elegant and striking.

Despite being only three years older, her demanding job made her appear stern and unreadable. Zane's friends always teased her by calling her an "ice queen".

But when she smiled, her icy demeanor melted away, revealing a warm and breathtaking beauty that made Zane's heart race. The thought that she might finally be his tonight filled him with excitement.

"Sit," she said.

Grace poured the red wine while glancing at Zane, who promptly took his seat. This was what she appreciated most about a young man. He always listened.

Setting her glass aside, she took the seat opposite him. In the warm, dim light, a subtle, electric tension hung in the air.

Grace was unusually soft and alluring tonight. "Zane, do you love me?"

The teasing disappeared from Zane's face as he took her hand. "You've been testing me for three years. Don't you already know how I feel? Of course, I love you, Grace."

Grace curved her lips into a faint smile and pulled out a small velvet box. "This is for you."

Inside was a simple men's ring. The platinum band shimmered under the candlelight, radiant and refined.

Zane's hopeful expression faded. A frosty chill enveloped his features, replacing the joy Grace had hoped to see.

Yet, she could understand. Perhaps he wasn't ready mentally. Maybe she had startled him.

"What does this mean, Grace?"

"My family's been pressuring me. I want to take you home to meet them, and hopefully, we can set a date for the wedding."

She explained gently, then looked him straight in the eyes. "What's wrong? You don't want to?"

Zane and she had been together for three years, and it was clear how much he loved her. If he didn't, he wouldn't have stayed with her without crossing any boundaries. It took her three years to open her heart to a boyfriend who was three years younger.

When she agreed to his pursuit, it wasn't only because she was impressed by his sincerity. She had already done her research on his background.

He was the youngest son of the Jensen family in Jadewood. He had hidden his identity to apply to a southern university and lived like an ordinary student for four years.

In contrast, she was the eldest daughter of the Harper family, feeling unloved and neglected. After her mother's death, her father brought home his mistress and her child, sending Grace abroad for years.

After returning from studying abroad, in order to secure a place within the Harper family, she accepted Callum Harper, her grandfather's proposal. She took over a small, failing, near-bankrupt company without the Harper family's assistance.

If she could achieve results in three years, Callum would consider entrusting the Harper family to her.

The Harper family and the Jensen family were evenly matched, making them an ideal pair for a marriage alliance. Whether it was in terms of family background or pure romance, the two of them were a perfect match.

Having successfully met her performance goals, she received news from Jadewood. The Jensen family sought to establish a marriage alliance with the Harper family.

To prevent her younger sister from swooping in and seizing the opportunity, Grace realized the moment had arrived. She was prepared to reveal everything.

She had thought Zane would be overjoyed to hear their relationship was about to move forward. What she didn't expect was the look of panic on his face.

She had thoughtfully selected this ring and had it engraved with their initials. However, he treated it as if it were a dangerous object. He wouldn't even dare touch it.

"Grace, this is all too sudden… I'm not mentally prepared yet."

He stood up, his handsome face clouded with a cold expression. "Oh, right, Dylan was just looking for me about something. I'll head over to him first."

With that, Zane rushed toward the door. He didn't even bother to change his shoes.

With a loud bang, the front door slammed shut behind him. Moments later, the sound of a car engine echoed from the driveway.

Grace gazed at the untouched ring blankly. So, he had never intended to marry her.

The simple bracelet on her wrist sparkled with a cold, mocking gleam under the light, as though it were ridiculing her naive assumptions. During their first year together, he dedicated a month to part-time work, earning six hundred dollars to purchase this very piece for her.

It might have been the challenge presented by the Jensen family. Over the years, his living conditions were even worse than those of an average university student.

He wore a mascot costume every day, handing out flyers. Despite suffering from heatstroke and fainting on several occasions, he refused to give up. Therefore, when she discovered his true identity, she truly fell in love with him.

In his eyes, she was the owner of a small company on the verge of bankruptcy, living in a rented house. If her company failed, she would be homeless.

Yet, her determination was unmatched. She often attended networking events, seeking investments.

He often promised that one day, when he had money, he would ensure she wouldn't have to struggle again.

He played the role of a poor university student, while she portrayed the image of a strong woman on the brink of bankruptcy.

They had made it through such difficult times, but just before revealing everything, he pulled back.

It was already midnight, and he still hadn't come back. He had once said that a good man always came home before midnight.

Grace dialed his number, but it was off. She wondered if her actions had scared him away.

She went to the bar they often visited, ready to have a serious conversation with him. The door was ajar, and before she even stepped inside, she saw him in the private room, surrounded by a cloud of smoke.

She knew he smoked, but after she had told him smoking was bad for his health, he never smoked in front of her again. She chose to overlook the situation, refraining from bringing it up any further.

He had always behaved well around her, allowing her to overlook his minor flaws.

However, at that moment, Zane was just like any other man. He was holding a beautiful woman in his arms, his legs crossed, lazily leaning back on the couch. He casually had the woman light a cigarette for him, the tip glowing brightly and then dimly.

One of his friends teased. "Mr. Jensen, I told you to break up a long time ago. Now look, you've messed it up. That old woman really has feelings for you and even wants to marry you. Does she even know who you are?"

Grace froze in place. They were those friends who she believed always treated her kindly and with respect when in her presence. Yet, that was how they spoke about her when she wasn't around.

Zane exhaled a puff of smoke, lowered his head, and bit the grapes the escort handed him. He replied coldly, "A foolish dream. Does she really think she can marry into the Jensen family? It's impossible. Based on her appearance, she's more suited to being a kept woman in Norelia."

"True. You're about to have a marriage alliance with the Harper family. North and South, completely unrelated. As long as she doesn't cause trouble for Ms. Harper, it's fine."

Another friend reminded him, "Zane, our bet's deadline is coming up. If you lose…"

The white smoke surrounded Zane's face, making his features unclear. He declared icily, "Don't worry, I'll sleep with her before returning to Jadewood. It's time to end after playing this innocent game with her for so long."

Chapter 2

Outside the door, Grace took a step back. Her high heels sank silently into the carpet, muffling every sound of her retreat.

It was clearly summer, yet a chill crept over her whole body.

She convinced herself it was just the air conditioning, not the pain of betrayal. But if that were the case, why did her heart hurt so much?

At age ten, her mother, Serena Langford, used her own death to teach her that love and marriage were unreliable. She warned her to never trust a man easily or place her hopes in one.

During her years living abroad, Grace transformed from a pampered girl into a strong, independent woman. She vowed to reclaim her rightful shares and Serena's wedding gift. She armored herself with cold indifference and fought to grow stronger.

Even knowing that the task Callum had given her was nearly impossible, she still steeled herself. She would deliver results, win Callum's vote, and secure her place in the Harper Group.

Zane's arrival felt like a warm ray of sunlight, opening her heart after years of being closed off. She knew she had to enter a marriage eventually, so she preferred to choose Zane, who genuinely loved her.

What she thought was a perfect match was actually a well-planned lie. His actions were just a youthful bet, a game.

Her cold, elegant beauty sparked an irresistible desire to conquer in men. She should have recognized that.

He was born into privilege and surrounded by beauty. With someone like him, there was no way he would fall in love at first sight.

Grace's heart throbbed with an agonizing ache. Her own foolishness in ignoring Serena's warning had led her to this miserable situation.

She gazed at the simple ring in the velvet box. At that moment, she had truly imagined marrying him and spending her life with him.

She sat in a dark corner, downing one glass of liquor after another. Then, she saw Zane wrapping his arm around that escort as they stepped into the elevator. There were rooms upstairs.

That explained where he disappeared to on those nights he claimed to be watching the game with friends. He was actually indulging in the thrilling pleasures found in places like this.

Indeed, he was a scion and could have any woman he wanted. Since she refused to do certain things, there was always someone else ready to take her place. A man like him would never settle for less.

She usually handled her alcohol well due to years of social drinking, but tonight she was really drunk. As she stumbled unsteadily, each step became increasingly wobbly until she toppled forward. Surprisingly, the pain she anticipated never arrived.

A powerful hand gripped her delicate waist just in the nick of time. Her head collided against a solid chest, the force intensifying her dizziness.

"Are you okay?" a deep, captivating man's voice whispered in her ear.

Grace lifted her gaze, her eyesight blurred, and encountered a pair of striking eyes. The man before her wore a perfectly tailored suit, his features strikingly sharp. A menacing glimmer in his stare sent an unsettling chill racing down her spine.

Perhaps it was merely her imagination, but he bore a slight resemblance to Zane. Yet, their temperaments were very different. One was calm and composed, while the other was charming, full of confidence and energy.

The image of Zane striding away with that escort surged back into her mind, igniting a spark of revenge within her. She smiled. "Sir, do you have a girlfriend?"

She had no idea how much she'd drunk tonight, nor how much sense she had left. All she remembered was the man's eyes examining her before he replied in a low voice, "No."

She leaned in, wrapped her arms around his neck, and gave him a dazzling smile. "Well, now you do."

Her beauty was captivating in itself, but when she smiled, she radiated pure temptation. This irresistible charm kept Zane pursuing her for three years without letting go. She had the power to make a man lose control.

"Are you referring to yourself?" The man's gaze dropped, deep and unreadable.

If she were sober, she would've instinctively kept her distance from someone this dangerous. Yet, under the influence of alcohol, she found the courage to challenge him. "I'm making an offer. Do you want me or not?"

She was done with love. Zane had always pushed her to sleep with him willingly. Undoubtedly, he was about to lose this bet.

The night was a blur of neon lights and intoxicating indulgence, filled with every kind of vice and temptation. In a world like this, intimacy between a man and a woman often needed no more than a glance.

The man standing before her, both in appearance and physique, greatly outshone Zane. She certainly wasn't missing out.

She pulled on his hand, eager to go upstairs. If Zane could venture to places like this, she could too.

But the man stopped in his tracks. "Let's go somewhere else."

Afterward, she was led into a car and taken to a hotel.

She could barely stand by the time they were in the elevator. Seeing this, the man wrapped an arm around her slender waist and pulled her into his embrace. The crisp scent of pine filled her nose, soothing her somewhat.

He brought her to a luxurious suite. Meeting her unfocused gaze, he pointed to the slightly ajar door. "If you regret this, it's still not too late to leave."

Grace tiptoed, whispering against his ear. "Sir, don't tell me you can't perform?"

He slammed the door shut and quickly picked her up, his breath warm against her ear. "You've lost your chance to back out."

He laid her down on the bed, fingers deftly loosening his tie. The usually composed, elegant man seemed suddenly wild as he unbuttoned his collar, a roguish edge creeping in. He looked at her with a possessive, intense, and predatory gaze.

Suddenly, Grace became nervous. "I… I'll take a shower first."

But the man climbed onto the bed, one knee pressing into the mattress as he loomed over her, caging her in. He lowered himself slowly, voice deep and commanding. "After we're done."

Her delicate feet pushed against the soft covers, a flicker of reason urging her to back out. She instinctively tried to retreat, her fingers pressing against his chest.

However, he hooked a finger under her chin, raising her face to meet his intense, smoldering gaze.

"Why don't you find out just how capable I am?" he murmured, his voice thick with temptation.

She was the one who sparked the desire. Naturally, she had to be the one to put it out.

Grace felt like she had completely lost her mind. What she had guarded for three years with Zane, she had given away so easily to a complete stranger.

The velvet box slipped from her palm onto the bed. The man picked it up and opened it to reveal the men's ring she had held tightly all along.

Without hesitation, he took it out and slid it onto his middle finger. It fit perfectly, as if it had been made just for him.

"Not bad," he said, glancing down at the ring. It was identical to the one on Grace's finger.

Grace grew flustered and quickly reached out to snatch it back. "Give it back..."

But his kiss cut her off without warning. The hand wearing the matching ring clasped hers, fingers threading between hers as he pinned her arms above her head.

His kiss was rough and dominating, stealing every breath from her lips. Clothes fell one by one onto the carpet, his shirt draping over her lace lingerie.

The room was soon filled with nothing but the heat of their entanglement…

Chapter 3

When Grace woke up again, all she felt was pain radiating through her entire body. With her memory still blank, she couldn't quite piece together what had happened the night before.

She sat up, and the silk blanket slid off her, revealing hickeys and marks scattered across her bare skin. Even a fool would understand what had taken place.

Suddenly, forgotten memories surged to the surface. She had been drunk and slept with a charming stranger. Her face went pale with shock.

The sound of running water echoed from the bathroom. Grace felt like she was losing her mind. A one-night stand had been thrilling in the moment, but now—this was the aftermath!

In the heat of the moment, all she'd been thinking about was revenge, forgetting that she'd never done anything like this before. She had no idea how to face the awkwardness of meeting the man again the next morning.

Grace bent down, frantically searching through the scattered clothes for something to wear. Kicking aside his suit pants, she found her dress and bra. Yet, she couldn't find her underwear.

As the sound of the running water began to fade, Grace didn't hesitate any longer. Grabbing her heels, she bolted out of the room as if her life depended on it.

The bathroom door opened, and the man stepped out. He was still damp from the shower.

Upon noticing the overturned blanket, he understood that Grace was no longer in bed. The dark red stain on the sheets was an unmistakable, glaring mark.

He smirked. Did she really think she could escape?

There was a knock at the door, followed by Zane's voice. "Uncle Cole, are you awake?"

The door opened, and Cole Jensen, Zane's uncle, appeared in the doorway. A towel was wrapped around his waist.

Zane was surprised. There was a suspicious love bite on Cole's neck and a clear tooth mark on his shoulder. It added a touch of sultriness to the otherwise cold and noble man.

"Uncle Cole, you... Last night…"

Cole's expression remained indifferent. "I heard you got yourself a girlfriend? When are you bringing her home to meet Dad?"

"What girlfriend? Just someone to pass the time…" Before Zane could finish, his gaze landed on the broad expanse of Cole's back, marked with scratches from a woman's nails.

The room was in a state of utter chaos. The bed remained unkempt, while the floor was strewn with Cole's belt and clothing. The trash can and bedside tables were cluttered with used condoms, adding to the disorder.

Zane froze in shock.

Cole was known for his impeccable self-discipline. Yet, he found himself a woman on his first night in Norelia, and she was undeniably wild.

"Uncle Cole, you..."

Cole casually picked up his trousers, and to his surprise, a woman's underwear fell out of the pocket.

Before Zane could even register it, Cole quickly shoved it back in and shot him a glance. "Is it really that surprising for an adult to have some company at night?"

Zane quickly forced a smile. "It's fine for others, but for you, Uncle Cole... It's a bit unexpected. Sorry about last night, I had something on and had to turn off my phone."

"No problem. I have a meeting today. Let's meet up for a meal later."

"Sure."

"Are you bringing your girlfriend along?"

A flicker of discomfort crossed Zane's face. "I told you, she's not my girlfriend. Once I'm back in Jadewood, I'll be having a marriage alliance with the Harper family. Those women outside are just for fun."

His gaze dropped to the ring on Cole's finger. For a moment, he felt a strange jolt. He found it looked exactly like the one Grace had prepared last night.

He had been too flustered to take a good look back then, and simple rings like that often looked similar. He was probably overthinking it.

"Uncle Cole, is there good news coming soon?"

Cole traced the cool metal of the ring ambiguously, a teasing smile on his lips. "Hmm. You'll have a new aunt very soon."

...

Grace stumbled home in a daze. Last night's events felt more like a dream than reality.

She turned on the shower, letting the water pour over her as she scrubbed her skin again and again. But no matter how raw her skin turned, the marks he left refused to fade.

Her mind was flooded with the sound of his voice, low and ragged in her ear. "Be good. If it hurts, just bite me."

There had been a tenderness in his touch, as if she were something precious.

Overnight, all her carefully laid plans had fallen apart. After learning Zane's true nature, there was no way she could force herself to go through with the marriage alliance.

Even if she was ambitious, there was no way she could pretend nothing had happened after hearing Zane mock her with such disdain. Besides, she once believed that he was different from the other pampered scions, possessing a remarkable sense of self-restraint.

But watching him take an escort upstairs, Grace knew it was nothing more than a release of desire. It had nothing to do with love. In their world, there were countless ways to play with women, and he was just like the rest.

If their relationship had always been a straightforward marriage alliance, she wouldn't have cared what he did behind her back. But after investing three years of her feelings, she could no longer look at Zane the same way.

The image of him kissing her flashed in her mind, and the realization that those lips had likely tasted countless other women filled her with a wave of nausea.

If she didn't fight for her future, odds were he'd end up engaged to Nydia Harper, her younger sister. If she had to marry for alliance, then she needed someone with a higher status than Zane.

In Jadewood, the Jensen family reigned supreme. There were also eligible men in other families, but none quite measured up.

That was the main reason she'd agreed to get into a relationship with Zane in the first place. Without that kind of background, there was no way she would've been so blindly in love.

Grace sat with a furrowed brow. She had lost both love and a promising marriage. Three years of careful planning, and one wrong move had sent everything spiraling.

She drew the curtains shut and collapsed onto the bed in a daze. Sleep was clearly creeping in, but no matter how tightly she shut her eyes, it just wouldn't come.

The feelings she had over the years weren't fake. No one could walk away from something like that in a single day. Last night's impulsive act of revenge gave her a temporary thrill, but now she felt empty and despairing.

The sound of the front door opening echoed through the hallway, and soon after, someone stepped into her room.

The curtains were drawn tightly, casting the room in darkness. Zane could only make out the small figure curled up on the bed.

The arrogance he displayed before his friends had vanished. His feelings for Grace were genuine. However, that feeling didn't mean he was ready to marry the owner of a small company.

Even though her business had improved over the past two years, it still couldn't compete with the Jensen family's success. Fun and flirting were fine, but Zane would never risk his future for them.

"Grace, I'm sorry." He apologized pitifully.

In the past, hearing him sound so aggrieved would've softened Grace's heart. But now, cloaked in the darkness, she simply watched his performance in silence.

Grace asked hoarsely, "Why are you apologizing?"

Hearing that raw rasp in her tone, Zane was taken aback. He hadn't expected someone as strong as her to cry. He must've really hurt her last night.

"It's not that I don't like you, Grace. It's not that I don't want this. I'm just 22. I've never seriously thought about marriage. I panicked, that's all."

"Then what about now? What's your thought after thinking about it for one night?"

"Grace, your company is just starting out, and I don't have a stable job either. It's too soon to talk about marriage. How about we wait a few more years? I promise I'll marry you before you're 30."

Grace sneered. "30? I'll be an old woman by then."

Zane's heart skipped a beat. "No way! Grace, you're beautiful and noble. Even at 30, you'll still be a cool beauty. Age has nothing to do with it. It's my fault, I made you upset last night. I should have been punished."

He grabbed Grace's hand and tried to slap his own face, but she quickly recoiled, feeling disgusted.

Her voice came coldly through the dim light. "You didn't come back last night. Where were you?"

Chapter 4

In the past three years, Grace had never once questioned his whereabouts. It was always Zane who voluntarily reported to her.

This was the first time she questioned him, and it made Zane feel an inexplicable sense of panic.

"Last night, Dylan had a fight with his girlfriend. We drank a lot together, and after we got drunk, I just crashed at his place. If you don't believe me, Dylan and the others can vouch for me."

His seemingly heartfelt words only made Grace feel sick to her stomach. The "pure, devoted boyfriend" she thought she had was nothing more than a guy tangled up with a group of sleazy party friends.

As he spoke, he handed his phone to her. "I'll call them right now."

"No need. I didn't sleep all night. I'm exhausted. You can go if you want."

"Then don't be mad, okay?"

"Sure."

"Oh, I'm having dinner with some friends tonight. Want to come with me?"

He knew Grace was always busy and rarely attended his social dinners. She usually turned him down.

Now, the very thought of seeing his rowdy friends made her nauseous. She replied coldly, "I'm tired. I'll skip it."

"Then get some good rest. Oh, Grace, I'll have a gift for you in a few days."

"Okay."

Not long after, he left the house. Grace lifted the covers and got out of bed.

It was her first time stepping into the guest bedroom. Even after three years of dating, she had always respected boundaries.

She had never once checked his phone, never snooped through his belongings. Maybe it was because he knew how she valued that sense of distance that he hadn't even bothered to hide everything.

Grace found a property certificate in a drawer for the townhouse she rented. The owner's name was changed to Zane's.

So, this must be the "gift" he had planned for her. She figured this house was his way of making up for sleeping with her.

Next to it was another phone. What surprised her was that the lock screen was a photo of her. The passcode was even simpler. It was her birthday.

Zane didn't love her, yet even his hidden phone was filled with traces of her. For a brief moment, it almost felt like she might be his whole world. But then, a single glance at his second WhatsApp shattered that illusion entirely.

Inside were chats with the usual scions from Jadewood and a fair number of women as well.

"Darling, that night on the cruise really stays with me."

"Mr. Jensen, when will you come find me again?"

He hadn't replied to any of those messages. The one with the most messages came from a woman saved under the contact name "Elena Marlowe".

Grace clicked on her profile picture. She bore a slight resemblance to herself.

"Zane, I miss you."

"I've been in your city for a while now. Don't you miss me?"

"Zane, whatever your girlfriend can't give you, I can."

Attached were several photos, each one more provocative than the last.

The final message was Zane's reply. "10:00 pm. Wait for me at the hotel."

Looking at the pile of evidence of his cheating, Grace felt cold and lost. The young man she thought was easy to handle was actually a total player behind her back. Thank goodness she'd never slept with him.

Suddenly, her thoughts raced back to the chaos of last night, sending a chill down her spine. Could that man be the same?

She regretted being so impulsive. She needed to get herself checked, just in case.

Grace pulled herself together and saved every bit of evidence. No wonder Zane would go home every now and then under the excuse of visiting family. Now she finally knew just how wild things got whenever he was back.

Yachts, nightclubs, cars, private jets... He was young and had a high sex drive.

Yet, pretending to be innocent while behaving so poorly was disgusting. Breaking up with that dirty, lowlife bastard seemed too lenient.

Grace decided she was going to take revenge on him hard. He had picked the wrong woman to mess with. Afterward, she put the phone and the property certificate back where they were and walked away.

She tapped on the contact saved as "Grandpa". She deleted the message she had drafted earlier about bringing her boyfriend home.

Then, she typed, "Grandpa, mission accomplished early. I'll come home next week."

She had originally planned to wait another two weeks. She wanted to give Zane time to finish up with graduation, and then they'd go back to Jadewood together. Yet, it seemed unnecessary now.

Before leaving, she had one last gift to prepare for Zane. She called her assistant, Alex Quinn. "Get me a fake medical report for late-stage cancer."

"Ms. Harper, what are you planning?"

"Don't ask questions. Just do what I said."

A slap and a breakup would only hurt Zane for a moment. She wanted him to suffer for a lifetime.

Ever since the day Serena passed, Grace had learned one thing. A woman's tears were useless unless they could be turned into a weapon.

There was no point wallowing in heartbreak. It was time to start looking for a better marriage partner.

Soon enough, she pulled herself together. Then, she tidied up the mess from the night before and prepared a lavish dinner for herself.

As nightfall settled, her thoughts drifted back to last night's wild encounter. After some contemplation, she realized she feared encountering another jerk like Zane. Hence, she drove to the hospital.

Meanwhile, Cole was dining with Zane. They chatted briefly about recent events, but Cole's assistant, Jordan Blake, hurried over and whispered something in his ear.

Cole glanced at Zane. "I have something urgent to take care of."

"Alright."

Cole rushed to the hospital. He wondered if he had gone too far last night or if he had hurt her.

By the time Grace arrived, only the doctor on duty was left. The female doctor told her indifferently, "Take off your pants. Lie down and bend your knee."

Grace fought back her embarrassment. After all, she had never had sex previously. So, even during physical checkups, she had never undergone such a thorough examination.

Nevertheless, she feared she might have contracted something. Therefore, there was no better alternative available.

Noticing her discomfort, the female doctor casually pulled the curtain, put on gloves, and approached with a swab in hand.

Grace squeezed her eyes shut in anxiety, not daring to look.

Before even touching her, the doctor said, "Young lady, take it easy during intercourse. This is a tear. I'll apply some medication while I'm at it. Be more careful next time."

Grace's face flushed with embarrassment. "Yes, thank you, doctor."

Before the doctor could continue, her phone rang. She answered it and rushed off in a hurry. "Wait here, I need to see another patient. I'll be right back."

And just like that, she left Grace lying on the examination table.

Not long after, Grace heard the sound of the door opening. She quickly shut her eyes.

Feeling someone pull the curtain aside, she whispered, "Doctor, it really hurts right now. Could you please apply the medicine?"

The cool ointment felt cold and painful on the wound. Grace shuddered from the sharp sensation, her delicate brows knitted as she let out a soft gasp. "Ahh…"

The person quickly gentled their movements.

Grace bit back another sound and asked, "Doctor, is the tear serious? And… is there anything unusual? I'm worried about an infection."

Suddenly, a familiar male voice replied, "Don't worry. I'm perfectly healthy. No STDs."

Grace's eyes flew open. Cole, holding a swab in one hand and dressed in a sharp suit, looked vaguely familiar.

Her voice trembled. "It's… It's you…"

He looked down at her with a knowing smile. "Great to see you again, my girlfriend."

Chapter 5

Grace jolted upright in bed immediately. Yet, the sudden movement tugged at her wound, making her wince in pain.

Before her stood the leading man, radiating irresistible charm. At that moment, he appeared even more handsome than the hazy image she remembered when she was drunk last night.

If she didn't know Zane didn't have an older brother, she'd think this tall, refined man was his older brother.

"What are you doing here?" Grace felt awkward.

Previously, it was after drinking, but this time she was almost half-naked on an examination table.

She scrambled to pull her pants back on, eyes wary as she stared at Cole. As Cole stepped forward, she stood up briefly but then sat back down on the examination table.

He leaned in, bracing his hands on either side of her, completely enclosing her in his space. At this close distance, she could clearly catch the faint, cool scent of pine on him.

Cole's thin lips curled into a teasing smile. "If I hadn't come, my girlfriend might've run off without a word."

Grace had three years of experience in the business industry and had dealt with tough situations, so she wasn't naive. But she never imagined she'd find herself in something this mortifying.

"Sir, about last night, I…"

Cole cut her off. "You were very enthusiastic last night."

Grace was stunned. Her dazed expression only made her look more adorable.

"So, I have no intention of ending this relationship."

Grace replied coldly, "Sir, there was never a relationship to begin with. So what's there to end? Last night was mutual. We're both adults. Surely you understand what a one-night stand is."

"To me, a first time means something."

She sneered. "Don't worry. I'll not ask you to take responsibility."

He gently lifted her chin, the rough pad of his thumb brushing against her soft lips. "I mean, you need to be responsible for me."

Grace had never encountered a man so utterly shameless. The feeling was mutual. She hadn't even requested that he take responsibility. What did a grown man need to be accountable for?

The next second, he added, "Because it was my first time."

Grace's eyes widened in shock. She looked him up and down.

Even Zane, who wasn't yet 23 years old, had already been with countless women. The man standing in front of her, graceful and handsome, claimed he had never been with a woman. Who could believe that?

"Excuse me, may I ask how old you are?"

"32."

Grace rolled her eyes, then shoved him aside as she walked out. "You're this old and still pretending to be innocent? Shameless."

She wondered what kind of jerk she was dealing with. It was a free night, and he was still not satisfied with it.

Cole lowered his gaze. He was only seven years older than her. Did she really mind that much?

The female doctor rushed back, only to find the patient gone. Yet, a handsome man inexplicably stood there.

Cole casually touched his face and asked, "Do I look that old?"

The doctor was puzzled, thinking to herself, "Looks decent. Shame he's a lunatic."

Grace hurried along in her high heels, afraid he might catch up to her. Once she got back to Jadewood, she'd just get a full check-up again.

When she got home, sure enough, Zane wasn't back yet. Hence, she gave him a call.

It rang almost to the end before he finally picked up, his voice low and breathless. "Grace..."

Thinking of how that man had sounded last night while moving on top of her, Grace immediately got the picture. Zane was truly tireless, not even resting for a night.

"What are you doing? Why are you so out of breath?"

"I'm playing basketball with some friends. Grace, go to sleep first. I'll be back soon."

"Alright. Come home early."

Grace ended the call. If he chose to be heartless, she wouldn't feel guilty for matching his coldness.

She didn't go to bed. Instead, she carefully did her makeup, giving herself a deliberately pale, sickly look.

It was midnight by the time Zane finally came home. She wasn't working in the study, nor was she asleep. That was unlike her. Her routine was always strict and consistent.

Zane was confused.

Grace sat on the couch in her pajamas, hair loose and messy. Even when he walked right up to her, she didn't seem to notice.

"Grace, why aren't you asleep yet?" Zane crouched beside her, reaching for the back of her hand.

Grace snapped back to herself and abruptly pulled her hand away. She lifted her head, revealing a pale face, red-rimmed eyes, and a few teardrops on her lashes.

He was used to seeing Grace strong and composed, but never in tears like this. Panic surged within him as he contemplated whether she had discovered something.

"Grace, why are you crying? You look awful. Did something happen?"

Grace opened her mouth to speak but hesitated. After a long pause, she finally asked, "Is it really impossible for you to marry me? I just… I don't want to have regrets."

"Grace, haven't you always prioritized your career? Why bring up marriage all of a sudden?"

Grace looked flustered. "It's just my family's been pressuring me, that's all. Nothing serious. You must be tired from playing. I made you some soup."

Wiping her tears as she spoke, she turned to get the soup for Zane. When she glanced back, she caught a look of obvious guilt and regret on his face.

Grace walked over with the soup and gently brought it to his lips to feed him.

"Grace, you're being so nice to me all of a sudden. I'm not even used to it."

After all, it had always been him taking the initiative in their relationship. Grace was a workaholic who didn't seem to know how to slow down.

"You've always been the one treating me well. I might not have much time left…"

"Grace, what did you just say?"

"It's nothing. I've just been so busy with work that I've neglected you. I want to treat you better from now on. Drink up. You've worked out hard. I'll go rest now."

Zane watched her lonely figure disappear into the hallway, a faint sense of unease creeping in. She shouldn't have found out.

With her proud and headstrong personality, she wouldn't be gentle with him if she knew the truth. So, what was it? Did she really just want him to marry her?

Grace sneered, enjoying the mystery.

The next morning, Zane woke up to find a table full of breakfast she had prepared.

She stood by the table, and maybe it was just his imagination, but her face looked unusually pale. It was almost sickly. "Grace, you don't look too well."

"Maybe I just didn't sleep last night."

It was impossible for her to sleep. At three in the morning, a string of bedroom photos had been sent to her from an unfamiliar number. She knew exactly that Elena was the one who'd sent them.

Grace remained silent. "I'm heading to the office now."

The new CEO was coming in today, and she needed to handle the handover. Once the work was done, she could finally head back to Jadewood.

"Grace, come home early tonight."

"Alright."

Grace left without looking back, her high heels clicking as she walked out. Once in the car, she quickly touched up her lipstick.

Just as she was about to start the car, she received a call from the Harper residence. It was the old butler, Oscar Conner. His voice was lowered. "Ms. Grace, when will you be back? Ms. Nydia's marriage partner has been decided."

"Who is it?"

"Zane Jensen. He's the same age as Ms. Nydia and is studying down south."

Grace tightened her grip on the steering wheel, remembering the man who had been affectionate to her earlier.

She murmured, "He agreed?"

"Apparently, the Jensen family is very pleased with the match. The two will meet in three days. If everything goes well, the engagement should follow."

"Hmm."

Oscar said anxiously, "Ms. Grace, if Ms. Nydia has the support of the Jensen family, I'm afraid your position in the Harper family…"

...Will be even weaker.

Grace knew exactly what he meant. She could easily expose her true identity now and switch the marriage partner to herself. Yet, the thought of what Zane had done behind her back made her sick.

Even being under the same roof with him repulsed her. The idea of being tied to him for life would drive her mad.

"Oscar, keep an eye out for suitable marriage partners in Jadewood. Preferably someone with a higher status than Zane."

"Ms. Grace, who in all of Jadewood could be more powerful than the Jensen family? Actually, I did think of one person."

"Who?" Grace's eyes lit up.

"Zane's uncle, Cole Jensen."

Chapter 6

"Zane's uncle?" Grace tapped lightly on the leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Oscar replied, "Yes. He's been working abroad all these years, and he's still single. But he's returning soon.

"If you could marry him, you'd have a real say within the Jensen family. Mr. Zane is still young, and he hasn't taken over anything yet. Who knows what the future holds?"

His words carried a deeper implication. If Cole were to assume control of the Jensen family, then even if Nydia married Zane, they might not ultimately hold the power.

If Zane hadn't lied to her, Grace wouldn't have been so aggressive. But now, she had decided to go for Cole. Even if he turned out to be completely useless, she would make sure he rose to power.

She had tried to chase love once. But if effort still couldn't earn her what she wanted, then she'd cling to authority. In this world, only money was reliable, and only money and power earned true respect.

Zane was still devising plans to keep her hidden away in the South. Now, she eagerly anticipated the look of shock on his face when he learned that she had married his uncle. What a satisfying twist that would be.

If Grace hadn't been able to vent her anger, the past three years would have been a waste.

"Oscar, get me everything you can on Cole. As soon as possible."

"Yes, Ms. Grace."

Just as she hung up with Oscar, Grace received a message from Nydia.

Bitch: "Grace, I'll be meeting Zane from the Jensen family in three days. Originally, it was supposed to be you, but I just mentioned it once, and Dad let me go instead. I snatched your fiancé. Hope you're not mad?"

Grace: "Not at all. I hope you two are soul-bound, grow old together, and have lots of kids."

Bitch: "Grace, you're so generous. You'll definitely come back for the meeting, right? I saw a photo of him. He's really handsome. But I'm not sure about his character. Grace, help me size him up, okay?"

Grace: "Sure. I'll be there right on time."

Grace sneered. A bitch and a playboy. What a perfect match. Since Nydia was determined to take everything from her, she was eager to see if Nydia could handle what she'd stolen this time.

Grace set her phone aside and returned to the office to finish the handover. By the time she left, night had already fallen.

She glanced back at the office building. There were hundreds of companies inside.

Over the past three years, she had worked her way up from a few small rooms to an entire floor. She had poured so much of her energy into it.

Much like her feelings for Zane, there lingered a sense of heartache, even as she walked away.

She had strong self-control. Her withdrawal wasn't nearly as intense as most women's, but that didn't mean she felt no pain.

She brushed away the sadness. He was merely a young man. The next one would surely be more compliant.

There were many men in the world. Zane was never her only option.

Afterward, Grace drove home. The moment she opened the door, she noticed the lights were off. Rose petals were scattered across the floor, and a path of candles led her straight into the living room.

Zane was there in a suit, kneeling on one knee with a bouquet of roses. "Grace, I'm the man. It's only right that I be the one to propose."

If she hadn't overheard what he said to his friends, she might've actually been a little moved. But after learning his true colors, all she felt was ridicule.

He must have used the same tactic on other women before. She suppressed her disdain and maintained a straight face, acting as if everything was fine. "What are you doing?"

Zane's gaze was gentle, his expression solemn. "Grace Harper, will you marry me?"

It should've been a romantic moment. But somehow, the image of him in bed with Elena suddenly flashed through her mind.

Grace put on a show of being moved and replied, "I do."

Zane slipped a seven-carat diamond ring from a high-end luxury brand onto her finger. It seemed like he was finally ready to reveal his identity.

Zane knew long ago that she harbored real feelings for him beneath her composed facade. As long as the gestures were grand enough, he believed no woman could resist.

Undoubtedly, he truly liked her all these years. It wasn't just an act. He even felt that if her family had a similar social status to his, he would marry her right away.

"Grace..."

He leaned in close, but Grace gently pushed him away, redirecting his attention to the ring. "Zane, this ring must've cost a fortune, huh?"

"I'm sorry, Grace. I've been lying to you..." He began recounting the backstory Grace had already figured out long ago.

She had to feign surprise the entire time, despite knowing every word before it was even spoken.

"So, you're from the Jensen family at Jadewood. Does that mean you'll take me back to meet them?"

"Grace, I love you. Of course, I want to take you home, but I'm still young. Right now, I need to focus on building my career. Just give me a few more years. Once I've secured my place in the Jensen family, I promise I'll marry you in the grandest way possible."

Grace put on a hesitant expression. "You're not lying to me, are you?"

"Could I lie to you for three years? Grace, you're the kind of woman I wanted to marry the moment I first saw you."

The sweet talk kept coming, one line after another. Then, he pulled out a property certificate he had prepared in advance.

"Haven't you always wanted a home? I've already bought this townhouse. In a couple of days, I'll transfer it under your name. Sound good?"

"No, I can't accept that. It's too expensive!"

"What's mine is yours, and here's a card with a million-dollar monthly limit."

Zane's fingertip brushed gently across her soft cheek. "Grace, I told you. I'll take care of you. You don't need to work so hard anymore. Connections, resources, whatever you need, I can give you. All you have to do is marry me."

What a beautiful dream. He had managed to paint the life of a kept woman into something so enchanting. If she had never seen through his true colors, she might've been charmed by this illusion.

Grace played along perfectly, letting a single "tear of emotion" fall. "Zane..."

It would be difficult for any woman to think clearly under such a tempting proposal. Yet, just as his kiss was about to land, Grace noticed the hidden camera inside the little teddy bear made of roses across from her.

He planned to capture the evidence to prove it to his friends.

Grace shoved him away. "Not today..."

The coldness in his eyes was evident, and he forced patience as he asked, "Why?"

"I've been staying up late lately, and with my irregular diet, my period came early this month."

Grace looked at him with a pitiful expression. "I'm sorry. You wouldn't mind, would you?"

"Of course not. We have plenty of time," he replied with a reluctant smile.

But Grace whispered, "We have no time left..."

"What did you say?"

She panicked. "Nothing... I..."

Just then, his phone rang. His gaze shifted uncomfortably, and he walked a few steps before answering. After hanging up, he mentioned he needed to leave.

Grace grabbed his hand. "Could you stay with me tonight?"

Zane patted her head. "Dylan's been in a bad mood since the breakup. I need to go check on him. You stay here and be good."

Grace knew exactly that Elena was calling him again. Since she had rejected him, he'd naturally go off looking for fun.

She compromised. "Fine. Come back early."

"Hmm."

Zane rushed away, and as he glanced back, he saw Grace wiping her tears. A woman as strong as her must have been moved by his words.

What he didn't know was that Grace was already preparing for her departure. She poured a bit of blood plasma onto a napkin, deliberately tossed it into the public trash can, and covered it with a tissue. However, she made sure a corner of the bloodstained napkin was "accidentally" exposed.

After finishing, Grace moved to the teddy bear with the hidden camera, holding the property certificate and crying softly.

Her shoulders trembled as she passionately performed. "Zane, how I wish I could be with you forever, to truly give you a home..."

Chapter 7

Over the next couple of days, Grace would casually drop a few emotional hints near the teddy bear.

At times, she would run off, covering her mouth. Then, she would return with a faint trace of blood at the corner of her lips.

Meanwhile, she received daily updates from Elena. No wonder Zane had been nowhere to be seen lately. It turned out that he'd been with Elena the whole time.

They had been enjoying escape rooms, skydiving, and clubbing. These were the exhilarating pursuits of their youth.

She was only three years older than Zane. By all rights, she should have been a carefree socialite. Yet, she couldn't match Zane, the favored son of the Jensen family.

Grayson Harper, her own scumbag father, revealed his true selfish nature once Serena was gone. He wasted no time bringing his mistress, Kate Barrett, and her children into their home.

If not for the influence of the Langford family, he wouldn't have just sent her abroad. He would've kicked her out of the Harper family altogether.

Callum valued sons over daughters. To survive in her cold, unloving family, she had to hide her soft side.

With no one to love her, she learned to love herself. She rose through challenges with grit and skill. She worked hard to show Callum that she was as capable as Austin Harper, Kate's useless son.

Even when her boyfriend of three years cheated on her, she didn't have the luxury of falling apart. She didn't have time to waste on him.

In the end, Elena finally couldn't sit still any longer and called her directly. The moment Grace saw the number, she already knew what this was about.

She deliberately cradled a potted plant in her arms, positioned herself right in front of the teddy bear, and turned on the speakerphone. She answered the call while trimming the flowers.

Elena exclaimed arrogantly, "Old woman, you've got some nerve. Do you honestly believe that feigning ignorance will maintain peace? You haven't even slept with him, have you?"

Grace held the flower stems in her hands, a single tear sliding down her cheek. She replied with quiet sorrow, "Do you really love him?"

There was a pause on the other end. It was clearly not the reaction she'd expected.

Then her voice returned, a little less confident. "Of course I do. We've known each other for a year. I flew all the way from Jadewood to see him.

"You've seen the photos and videos, haven't you? You're just not right for each other. He and I are the same kind of people."

"I know. I've been diagnosed with a terminal illness. I don't have much time left. If you truly love him, please take good care of him for me, will you?"

There was silence. The once arrogant woman, who had been chewing gum, now appeared completely taken aback. "What… What illness?"

"Late-stage stomach cancer. I won't make it past this month."

"I'm sorry. I… I didn't know."

"It's alright. He doesn't know either. Can I trust you to keep this between us?"

The two of them chatted for a while. With just a few lies, Grace had Elena adding her on WhatsApp like they were long-lost friends. Elena believed every single word she said.

A few minutes later, Grace saw a new post from the contact she had saved as "Little Idiot".

Little Idiot: "I'm such a terrible person!"

Grace was pleased that she had fooled another person. She could already picture Elena lying awake at night, regretting her actions and slapping herself in frustration.

She set down her phone and finished trimming the last stem, gazing at the petals with a sorrowful expression. "It's a shame I'll never see such a beautiful flower again."

That same day, Zane came back early. It seemed Elena's conscience had kicked in. She must've realized she didn't stand a chance and wanted Zane to spend more time with Grace.

Grace wiped away the tear at the corner of her eye. "You're back."

No matter how slow Zane was, he finally felt something was wrong. "Grace, why are you crying again?"

Grace wiped her tears. "I just suddenly thought of my mom."

He knew Serena had passed away when she was young, and his heart ached for her. He pulled her into an embrace. "Don't cry, you still have me."

He didn't change his clothes and still wore the same outfit, which had a lingering perfume smell that made Grace feel nauseous. She pushed him away.

With a tender gaze, she looked up at him. "Zane, didn't you always want to travel with me? How about we go to Pimore tomorrow? I've always wanted to see it. It's the place closest to the sky."

He frowned. "Tomorrow? I need to go back to Jadewood for something."

"Do you have something important? I've taken time off just for this. Can't you come with me?" Her voice was so soft, almost pleading.

Zane ruffled her hair. "Hmm, there's a family matter I need to attend to. But don't worry, I'll be back in two days at the latest. Stay home and wait for me. I promise, when I get back, I'll take you anywhere. Pimore, or wherever you dream of."

"Okay."

The man who claimed to love her was secretly seeing others for excitement and even went to Jadewood for a blind date. She wondered what the past three years meant to him.

Thankfully, she was never a naive woman. Rather than wallowing in sorrow, she would turn her pain into power and make him pay for what he'd done.

She had been unusually well-behaved these past couple of days, so much so that it unsettled Zane. While washing up in the bathroom, he suddenly noticed blood-stained tissues in the trash.

Panic surged in his chest. Yet, he recalled her mentioning her period a few days ago and dismissed his irrational thoughts.

That night, he couldn't sleep. He kept tossing and turning, haunted by dreams of Grace silently crying. It wasn't until the next morning, just before he left, that he finally felt a sense of relief upon seeing her still fast asleep.

Standing by the bed, Zane gently murmured, "Grace, I'll be back soon."

No one answered. He turned and walked away.

What he didn't know was that the moment he left, Grace got up. After washing up, she quietly pulled her suitcase to the door. She paused for a final glance at the home that had held three years of memories with him.

Setting aside the mess and betrayal, he had still given her three years of stability and happiness. Even if it was all a lie, she had laughed because of him. She had even once dreamed of a future together.

Standing by the doorway, she whispered, "Goodbye, Zane."

She quietly closed the door of the townhouse behind her. Alex was already waiting outside, and together, they headed for the airport.

Grace put on her sunglasses, painted her lips a bold crimson, and walked tall in her heels. She looked fierce and fearless.

"Everything arranged?" she asked coolly.

"Don't worry, Ms. Harper. By the time Zane comes looking, it'll be like you never existed."

"Good. I'll give you a raise once we're back in Jadewood."

"Thank you, Ms. Harper."

Just as Zane was about to board his flight at the airport, a call came through from an unknown number. "Hello, are you Grace Harper's family?"

Zane couldn't shake a sense of unease all morning. His heart skipped a beat as he quickly answered, "Yes, I am."

"It's like this. Ms. Harper is in the late stages of cancer. The doctor strongly recommends that she not give up on treatment…"

Zane nearly dropped his phone. He roared, "What did you say? What happened to her?"

Heads turned as everyone around him stared. He didn't care. As soon as the caller finished speaking, Zane's face went deathly pale.

After the call, Zane's fingers felt icy as he held Cole's wrist, trembling and stammering, "Uncle Cole, I have an emergency. I need to go."

Cole stood tall, his chiseled features darkening with a flicker of displeasure. He reminded him firmly, "You're supposed to meet the third daughter of the Harper family today. This is very important. We're discussing a marriage alliance."

"I know. But right now, something more important has come up. Uncle Cole, please. Help me explain to the Harper family."

After speaking, he ran out without looking back, stumbling in his panic.

As soon as Grace arrived at the airport, she saw Zane bolting outside in terror, his face pale with fear. In his frantic rush, he even tripped and fell.

Alex couldn't help but say, "Mr. Jensen actually cares about you. Ms. Harper, do you really have to be this heartless?"

Grace shot him a glare. "Why didn't you say he cared about me when he was sleeping with other women every night?"

Alex quickly shut his mouth.

"This is wrong. I'm not some kind of garbage disposal. Let's go."

She had left him enough of a surprise to chew on. With that, she yanked out her SIM card and tossed it into the trash without a second thought. She was going to rid herself of everything from Norelia.

Zane couldn't get through to her on the phone. Hence, he rushed to the company, only to find out she had resigned from her position as CEO.

Surely, she must be at home. Then, he sped all the way back.

The moment he burst through the door, he called out her name. "Grace!"

The living room was empty. It was even cleaner and tidier than usual.

Zane sprinted to the master bedroom. The bed was perfectly made, not a wrinkle in sight. On the nightstand sat the ring he had once given her and the property certificate.

With trembling hands, he pulled out the MRI scans and the biopsy report buried underneath. Upon seeing the diagnosis of a stage four malignant tumor, tears streamed down his face, splattering onto the images.

He dropped to his knees, like a wounded beast, fists pounding against his own head in anguish. "How could this happen? What have I done? Grace, I'm so sorry… Grace, where are you? Grace… Grace, please pick up. Please! I was wrong. Please… come back, okay?"

Chapter 8

Suddenly, Zane remembered how Grace had become increasingly hesitant to express herself over the last few days.

She was often in tears, which was unusual for someone as independent and devoted to her work as she had always been. Moreover, she had become unusually gentle with him.

It all clicked. She had suddenly decided to get married because she knew her time was running out, wanting to fulfill her final wish.

But what had he done? While she was coughing up blood, fragile and in need of comfort, he had been with other women.

Suddenly, Zane remembered the cameras. He quickly pulled up the footage, only to realize she hadn't gone to work for several days.

Grace had been packing away her belongings, occasionally coughing up blood. Every time he saw her clutching her stomach, bending over in pain, and then helplessly swallowing painkillers, his heart shattered. The worst part was watching her curl up on the couch alone, wiping away tears.

She endured a piercing stomach ache, yet for him, the true agony lay in his heart. He knew she'd had stomach issues, but he never imagined it could be stomach cancer.

He had always been in control in Jadewood and never cried before. But today, he couldn't stop his tears, especially when he heard the phone call Elena made to Grace. His face went pale with shock.

It turned out that she had known about his betrayal all along, yet she never confronted him about it. Even in the end, she never had it out with him.

After hanging up, she only let out a bitter smile. "Zane, it's time for someone else to walk beside you in the future."

The last footage captured her moving away, pulling her suitcase along with her.

As Zane recalled the moment yesterday when she had asked him to accompany her to Pimore, he wiped his tears. He quickly requested his friend, Dylan Voss, to look into it.

Soon, Dylan sent him a message. "Zane, I found Elena's name on a flight to Pimore. The flight takes off in an hour."

"It's too late to make it now. Book me the next available flight."

"Zane, you're supposed to meet Ms. Nydia today to discuss the marriage alliance. You can catch up with Elena in a few days…"

"Shut up! Do you want me to leave her behind again? Get me the earliest flight. If not, arrange for a private jet!"

"Okay, don't worry. I'll handle it right away."

While Zane was crying helplessly in the room, he failed to notice a hidden camera in the corner of the room.

Meanwhile, Grace sat in the VIP lounge, her chin resting on one hand. She grinned as she watched him in his pathetic state.

She thought, "Zane, go ahead and cry all you want. I've got another little surprise waiting for you."

"Ms. Harper, it's time to board."

Zane would never know that if he hadn't left so suddenly, he would have been on the same flight as Grace, crossing paths with her in first class.

Grace had planned everything down to the finest detail. However, just as she walked into the first-class cabin, she was met with an unexpected guest.

Cole sported a sharp suit with silver-rimmed glasses. He was rapidly typing on a laptop. His handsome features were tight with focus, and he carried a cold, sharp presence.

When he felt the gaze, he suddenly looked up. His eyes locked onto Grace with a menacing intensity. As soon as he realized it was her, the ice-cold look softened just slightly, replaced by a flicker of surprise.

The next second, his lips curled into a faint smile. "Ms. Harper, it seems we're quite fated to keep running into each other."

The moment Grace saw that impossibly handsome face, all she could think about was that reckless night. And now, under his unwavering gaze, her body inexplicably began to feel warm.

Her seat just so happened to be right next to his. She ignored him completely.

Then, she informed the flight attendant that she intended to catch up on some sleep and didn't want to be disturbed.

She set her things down and reclined the seat. But even then, she could feel his eyes still fixed on her. She muttered, "What terrible luck."

Then she pulled the divider closed, cutting off his line of sight.

Norelia was the southernmost city, and the flight there would take a full five hours.

Grace put on her eye mask and closed the window shade. Afterward, she put on her noise-canceling headphones to get some rest.

The plane cut through layers of cloud, occasionally shuddering with light turbulence. Her sleep was far from peaceful.

Once again, she dreamed of Serena. She jumped down from the rooftop, her body covered in blood, crashing down right at Grace's feet.

"Mom!" Grace jolted awake, drenched in sweat. A sharp pain twisted through her stomach.

It had been a long time since her condition had flared up like this. Ever since she discovered Zane's true colors, she hadn't been eating properly or resting.

Someone tapped gently on the divider. She assumed it was the flight attendant and slid it open halfway.

In the dim light, a tall, slender figure stood before her. "What's wrong?"

"N-Nothing."

Cole lifted the window shade slightly, allowing a beam of light to expose the woman's disheveled appearance.

Her forehead was drenched in sweat, messy strands of hair clinging to her face. Her complexion was ghostly pale, the corners of her eyes faintly red.

She pressed tightly against her stomach, frowning. She looked fragile and pitiful.

"Stomach pain?"

"Hmm." She barely managed a soft sound from her throat.

Before she could call for the flight attendant, Cole had already turned and left. Then, he returned moments later with a glass of water and a pill.

"I have painkillers. They work really well."

Grace was curled up in pain. She was too weak to move.

The next moment, a shadow loomed over. Cole crouched between her legs, leaning in to support her back and gently lifting her up.

"Open your mouth." His voice was firm, and his movements left no room for refusal.

Grace slowly parted her lips, allowing him to feed her the pill and help her drink the water.

He then laid her back down with care.

"Thank you," she said weakly.

Without a word, Cole lowered the shade and quietly closed the divider behind him.

With the painkillers taking effect, she did feel much better.

After resting for a while, she got up to order a meal. Then, she touched up her makeup before the plane landed.

She purposely waited 20 minutes before leaving to avoid running into him. That reckless night had been nothing more than a drunken impulse. And now, with her returning home to fulfill a marriage alliance, she couldn't afford to get entangled with someone as dangerous as him.

But despite all her careful planning, the moment she stepped off the plane and turned a corner, she ran straight into his chest.

He removed his glasses, and without the lenses to soften his gaze, his sharp eyes fixed intensely on her face. It made her feel a twinge of guilt. After all, he had just helped her not long ago.

With an awkward smile, she offered a greeting. "What a coincidence."

"Not a coincidence. I waited here for you, Ms. Harper. We need to talk."

Grace immediately became wary. Her gaze sharpened with caution. "You know who I am?"

Cole's voice was low and smooth, with a magnetic edge. "The eldest daughter of the Harper family. It's hard not to know. You left in a rush last time. I owe you a proper introduction."

"That won't be necessary. I'm not interested in who you are. Since you know my identity, let me be clear. I'll soon be in a marriage alliance. What happened in Norelia isn't my responsibility, and I don't need you clinging to me. I hope that's clear."

He stepped forward, closing the distance between them. He leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her ear. "Since you're set on a marriage alliance. Why don't you consider me?"