Se connecter"You think you are someone important? Who are you to tell me what to do?"Humiliated and enraged, the man swung his fist at the young man—but the latter dodged effortlessly.The young man was clearly skilled. In one smooth motion, he seized both of the man's wrists, then delivered a sharp kick. The man dropped to his knees instantly.The commotion was loud enough that Ariana let out a startled cry. Bar staff quickly rushed over and separated them.The manager came forward to comfort Ariana, apologizing repeatedly before guiding her to a safer area and informing her they would call the police to handle the matter.Ariana froze for a moment, then immediately asked about the young man.Although it had been a fight between two parties, he had only gotten involved because he was helping her.She opened her wallet, intending to compensate him for the trouble.But the manager quickly waved her off. "Ah, you don't need to worry about him. He's basically a half-owner of this bar."With
"Baby, something urgent came up at the company. I have to deal with it immediately. I didn't have time to tell you just now—go home first and wait for me," Trey said."Trey, how could you just leave without saying anything to me…" Ariana complained."Sorry, it's my fault this time. I'll explain everything when I get home later," Trey replied.Ariana's chest tightened. Before she could respond, the call was abruptly cut off.He had never treated her like this before.All this time, she had been understanding and considerate—did Trey really think she was someone easy to push aside?Ariana gripped her phone tightly, her emotions churning and refusing to settle. She had always been emotionally stable, yet at this moment, her feelings surged out of control like a tide.Instead of letting the driver take her home, Ariana went alone to the most bustling bar street in Goldmont City.Back in Yustonia, when she was under pressure, she would sometimes go out for drinks with friends.But
Trey irritably glanced toward the private room. "Such a sudden move isn't appropriate. I've already sent someone to handle it—give it two more days.""And what about the list of Lacuna members?" Khloe asked again."I can't afford to provoke Lacuna. I can't give it to you for now.""So you're breaking your promise?""I said, for now!" Trey gritted his teeth.His fists tightened. He knew very well the woman on the other end of the line wanted nothing more than to see him dead, yet he still had to force himself to negotiate with her. Even he felt stifled by how humiliated he was."But I don't have patience. If I don't see the list tonight… then perhaps I should come find you instead?"Khloe spoke softly.Before Trey could respond, she had already reported the location of the restaurant where he was."Khloe!"Trey flew into a rage, but just as he was about to explode, the call had already been cut off.In the private room, Ariana had been waiting for a long time, glancing repeat
Trey had already made it clear in advance: in front of Ariana, no one was to mention his past.People were realistic. Once upon a time, they had been friends. Now that Trey had made a comeback, everyone naturally wanted a share of the benefits and were doing everything they could to flatter him.That man's words had truly ruined the mood.Someone quickly pulled the man aside, trying to smooth things over. "What past are we talking about? Trey's just developed his career overseas!""Exactly, exactly. Going abroad is a good thing. What does Goldmont City even count for? It's just a tiny place—how could it compare to the wide world outside?"Others immediately followed, helping to ease the tension.But the drunk man failed to read the room and continued loudly, "Yeah! What is Khloe anyway? She just inherited some assets and started acting all high and mighty—she's got no real ability. Trey is the real deal, now that's true self-made success!"Despite everyone trying to shut him up,
Ariana shook her head, and Trey immediately pulled her back into his arms, soothing her in a soft, gentle voice.Yet, being comforted like this only made her feel more uneasy.Every word he spoke came so naturally. Every expression was perfectly composed. As if he were already familiar with this—already knew exactly how to respond to her doubts."Dinner tonight?" he asked before they left. He held her hand as she adjusted his tie and spoke softly. "I'll introduce you to my friends. Let them properly meet you."Looking at the tenderness on his face, the unease in Ariana's heart finally seemed to settle.She nodded. "Alright."Perhaps she was overthinking it. Trey cared about her so much—how could he… not love her?That evening, at a luxurious private restaurant in central Goldmont City.By the time Ariana arrived, Trey's friends were already there.A group of his old classmates—men and women alike—were gathered around him, chatting animatedly about something. The moment Ariana
Ariana's arm was suddenly seized by Trey, and she was forcibly pulled to his side.After a long moment, Ariana finally spoke. "Trey… it's me… I'm Ariana…"But Trey only stayed awake for a brief moment before sinking back into a hazy sleep. Even so, his grip on her wrist remained tight—refusing to let go.A wave of coldness crashed through Ariana's heart like ice water. It took her a long time to finally process what had just happened.Khloe…That was the woman who had once hurt him so deeply.Ariana couldn't sleep that night.This wasn't the Trey she knew.Since the beginning of their relationship, he had always been restrained—never once had he looked so disheveled, so out of control.They had originally planned to go on a date that night, but he had cancelled halfway through, saying he needed to meet a friend.Although Trey had always told her that nothing and no one would ever be more important than her, Ariana had always been understanding. Love, in her view, required fre
"Mark? What mark?"Khloe tilted her head, feeling a playful itch at his teasing, completely unaware that there was a mark on the back of her neck."A red birthmark," Nick's voice dropped low, almost pressing against that spot as he spoke. "It's hidden… but…"His breath grew heavier, and he traile
Watching Trey drop to his knees, Khloe frowned, undisguised disgust spilling across her face.She had once thought he was simply scum—calculating, manipulative, using women without remorse, a thoroughly hypocritical and sinister man.But seeing him now, exposed and stripped bare, without even a sh
Stella felt a pang of unease at the words.She had been serving Lauren diligently every day, yet the older woman found herself thinking fondly of Khloe instead.But the truth was undeniable—Khloe really was thoughtful and meticulous when it came to taking care of others. The servants reported that
"I don't remember anything from last night…"Charlotte bit down hard on her lip. Blood quickly seeped from the corner of her mouth. Ethan's brow creased as he reached out and touched it."It doesn't matter if you don't remember. I remember."He lowered his gaze indifferently, staring at the bri







