Cecilia's pupils constricted, her gaze locked on the dark red stain spreading across Ronald's calf.
Blood trailed down his pale skin, pooling on the floor in a glaring, vivid mark.
"ARE YOU INSANE?" Her voice caught in her throat, trembling as she forced out the words.
Ronald didn't even flinch, as if he truly felt nothing.
He just kept staring at her, his hand already reaching for another glass on the side table.
Just as his fingertips brushed the cool surface, Cecilia lunged forward and grabbed his wrist.
"ENOUGH!" she nearly shouted, hurling the glass away.
It shattered against the wall, fracturing into countless pieces—like their relationship.
Ronald twisted his grip, capturing her hand. "I need you to know… I would never lie to you."
Then—
He yanked her into his arms, holding her tightly despite her struggles and punches.
"CICI, I LOVE YOU. It's always been you…"&nbs
Sinclair ManorA black helicopter cut a sharp arc across the blue sky, circling over the mountaintop villa before its heavy rotor blades shattered the peaceful silence. It descended slowly onto a private helipad.The cabin door opened. Murphy stepped out.His posture was straight, his movements efficient and panther-like as he crossed the meticulously manicured gardens toward the manor's heavy, carved doors."Master Murphy, Master Liam is waiting for you in the third-floor study," the steward greeted him respectfully, taking his coat with familiar deference.Murphy gave an almost imperceptible nod and silently ascended the thickly carpeted stairs.In the third-floor study, a tall figure stood quietly before the floor-to-ceiling window.The afternoon sun cast a long shadow behind him.One hand rested lightly on the window frame, his deep eyes gazing outward.In under a minute, the closed door opened from the outside.
Cecilia's pupils constricted, her gaze locked on the dark red stain spreading across Ronald's calf.Blood trailed down his pale skin, pooling on the floor in a glaring, vivid mark."ARE YOU INSANE?"Her voice caught in her throat, trembling as she forced out the words.Ronald didn't even flinch, as if he truly felt nothing.He just kept staring at her, his hand already reaching for another glass on the side table.Just as his fingertips brushed the cool surface, Cecilia lunged forward and grabbed his wrist."ENOUGH!"she nearly shouted, hurling the glass away.It shattered against the wall, fracturing into countless pieces—like their relationship.Ronald twisted his grip, capturing her hand. "I need you to know… I would never lie to you."Then—He yanked her into his arms, holding her tightly despite her struggles and punches."CICI, I LOVE YOU. It's always been you…"&nbs
The next morning, Cecilia slowly opened her eyes.The familiar scent still lingered in the air, but the enormous bed was empty except for her.Rubbing her sore wrist, she sat up drowsily and looked around. No one.Her phone, silenced the night before, lit up and dimmed repeatedly on the nightstand.She picked it up indifferently—over fifty missed calls, all from the same number.She frowned almost imperceptibly.That number… her father?The first call came around midnight. Why was he calling so late?After a moment's hesitation, she called back.The line connected almost instantly. A weak, nearly broken voice answered: "Cecilia.""What is it?" she asked warily.Walking into the living room, she saw breakfast laid out, still faintly steaming. A note on the table read: Eat your breakfast.She sat down, waiting silently for a response.Margaret's voice trembled, thick with unshed tears. "Your father… he's been in an accident. Can you come see him?"Clink.The spoon slipped from Cecilia's
In front of the apartment complex in the northern district, silence blanketed the entire neighborhood.Under the glow of the streetlights, Cecilia's shadow stretched long. She had been pacing the same path over and over.Finally, the familiar silver Ferrari rolled slowly into the complex."Dammit!"Cecilia's breath hitched. Instinctively, she ducked behind the hedges lining the sidewalk.What am I even doing? she cursed herself.Why was she waiting for him here? And now, hiding in the bushes like some fool…Lost in her thoughts, a low voice sounded unexpectedly from behind her."What are you doing there?"Cecilia froze, her blood running cold. She slowly stood and turned, forcing a smile. "Just… taking a walk."Liam raised a brow, his gaze lingering on her face. "Oh?"She avoided his eyes, looking down and kicking a small pebble. "Walking helps with digestion and sleep."He watched her silently for a moment, a trace of unmistakable concern in his eyes.Then—He reached out, his finger
VIP Lounge, ManhattanThe heavy door sealed off the noise from outside, leaving the private lounge in a stifling silence.Liam and Caesar sat opposite each other, an invisible tension stretching taut between them.Liam picked up his glass, fingertips tracing the cool surface. He took a sip and spoke first. "I'm listening."Caesar didn't answer immediately. Instead, he pulled a folder from his briefcase but made no move to hand it over. His eyes fixed on Liam, his tone cautious."Before we begin, I'm curious—how did you learn about the will?"A faint, ambiguous smile touched Liam's lips."As you know, Cecilia can be impulsive. When she's upset, she says things." He paused, his gaze sharpening as his voice turned cold and emphatic. "But I know her grandfather was no fool. The terms of the will are nothing like what she described.""What did she say?" Caesar leaned forward almost imperceptibly.Liam's tone laced with unmasked scorn. "She claimed that once married, she would gain full con
On the other side of the city.The night was deep. The lights from skyscrapers wove a tapestry of shimmering reflections on the glass facades.Before a floor-to-ceiling window, Margaret stood with graceful poise, her figure blending into the darkness as if part of it.On the leather sofa, Dave looked stern, his fingers casually picking up a photograph from the table.The young woman in the picture looked so much like her late mother it made his chest tighten.“You went through all that trouble to call me back. For what?” he asked coldly. “Isn’t the life of a wealthy socialite good enough for you?”Margaret turned slowly, placing her wine glass on the windowsill.A bewitching smile bloomed on her lips, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I also thought everything would be perfect after that woman died.”She took a step forward, her voice dropping. “But I underestimated Hardy&helli