Perfect Match

When Ariana entered the room, she nervously glanced around.

Just moments ago, Mrs. Sterling had grabbed her arm downstairs and excitedly told her that rumors were already spreading throughout the hospital that she had saved Julian Vanderbilt's life.

Ariana strongly suspected the actual rescuer had been Rue.

Still, she couldn't be certain.

And regardless of the truth, the surveillance footage was missing, and the nurses all believed the Sterling family's daughter had treated Julian.

A lifesaving favor had fallen into her lap.

There was no way she would let it go.

“Mr. Vanderbilt, how are you feeling? Are you doing better?” Ariana approached with a sweet smile.

"Were you the one who stabilized my condition?" Julian Vanderbilt narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing her from head to toe.

“I believe anyone capable enough to help would have done the same if they saw your condition, Mr. Vanderbilt.” She scratched her head and laughed nervously.

“The examination results for the Vital Essence Pill are back,” Julian said. “I'd like an explanation from Miss Sterling.”

Though he was reclining in a hospital bed and still recovering, the pressure he radiated remained overwhelming.

A gentle breeze stirred the partially open collar of his shirt, revealing glimpses of his sharply defined collarbone.

Julian Vanderbilt was simply too perfect.

His family background.

His appearance.

Everything about him surpassed Hans Galloway.

If she could use this opportunity to climb higher, the Sterlings could transform overnight into true financial aristocracy.

“I... I'm not sure what you mean, Mr. Vanderbilt.”

“The Vital Essence Pill you gave me was incomplete.” His cool voice drifted through the room.

Those deep eyes locked onto her like a predator watching prey.

Ariana's heart skipped a beat. “That can't be possible. There must be some mistake.”

“Again and again, you've tested my patience.” Julian tugged impatiently at his shirt and casually removed the IV needle from his arm.

“Does the Sterling Family think Vanderbilt Group's investment came too easily?”

“I...” Ariana clenched her hands tightly. A sheen of sweat appeared on her forehead.

“The medicine definitely isn't fake. It's just... the pill is missing the final refinement step,” Kieran interrupted as he walked over and handed her the crushed sample.

Looking at the powder, Ariana's heart nearly stopped.

Yet somehow, she found the courage to continue.

“I've admired you for a long time, Mr. Vanderbilt.” She took a deep breath. “The reason I did this was to get your attention. If possible... I'd like to marry you.”

The words spilled out rapidly.

“I can make Vital Essence Pills for you every day. I can help improve your health.”

“Marry me?”

A faintly amused smile appeared on Julian's face.

He reached out and gripped her chin firmly.

His tone was full of contempt.

“What makes you think a little trick like this qualifies you to become my wife?”

"I have medical training too," Ariana quickly added. "Mr. Vanderbilt, your condition requires ongoing treatment. You've already seen the effectiveness of the Vital Essence Pill, and everyone knows how skilled I am. Once you see the results for yourself, I'm sure you'll understand that my expertise goes far beyond conventional medicine."

Seeing that he remained silent, her voice softened almost to a whisper.

“Of course, if you don't want to, I won't force you. Saving you today was only a small act of kindness anyway...”

“Marrying you isn't impossible.” Julian slowly released her chin. “What I want to see is the finished product.”

The moment those words left his mouth, Ariana's face lit up with joy. She nodded enthusiastically.

“I'll go finish the final step right away. I'll bring you the completed pills as soon as possible!”

As she left, Julian watched her retreating figure.

A dangerous, unreadable look flashed through his hawk-like eyes.

Kieran couldn't hide his confusion. “Sir, are you seriously considering marrying Miss Sterling?”

“Her?” Julian scoffed.

Did he really look that easy to fool?

“Keep a close watch on the Sterling Family.” His eyes darkened. “If we follow the medicine, we'll eventually find its true source.”

...

Meanwhile, in the neighboring hospital room—

Zach Sterling had finally regained consciousness.

Though still weak, he looked at Rue with guilt-filled eyes.

His voice was hoarse.

“Sis... I've caused trouble for you again.”

“What trouble?” Rue smiled. “I already signed an agreement with the Sterling Family. From now on, you have nothing to do with them.”

She waved the contract in front of him.

The moment Zach read it, he felt even worse.

His sister must have sacrificed a great deal to take him away.

All his life, he'd been nothing but a burden.

Not only had he failed to help her, he'd constantly dragged her down.

“Alright, stop worrying and focus on recovering. If anything happens, call me immediately.”

Rue slipped a cell phone she'd secretly purchased beneath his pillow.

The Sterling Family had always cut him off from the outside world. Now that she finally had a chance, she intended to prepare everything properly.

Zach nodded.

“Sis, the most important thing right now is taking care of yourself. My life... isn't worth all this sacrifice.”

“What nonsense.” Rue lightly flicked his forehead. “Life is the most precious thing there is.”

With that, she picked up her bag and waved goodbye.

AJ had informed her that Vanderbilt Group had invested in the Sterling Family once again.

The situation was becoming troublesome.

If things went wrong, their own funds could end up swallowed by both the Sterling Family and Vanderbilt Group.

Situations this difficult were rare, even for her.

Yet instead of worrying, she felt excited.

For the first time in a long while, her competitive spirit had been ignited.

She wanted to see for herself just how capable the legendary Mr. Vanderbilt really was—the man said to control the financial world with a wave of his hand.

Just as she reached the door, her phone chimed.

The message was from her friend, Jill.

[Has the Vanderbilts lost their minds? I just got word that Julian Vanderbilt plans to marry Ariana Sterling!]

Rue couldn't help laughing.

One woman already had a fiancé yet still wanted to marry into greater wealth.

One man knowingly pursued an engaged woman anyway.

A perfect match.

A scumbag and a gold digger.

Meanwhile, in his hospital room, Julian was preparing to get out of bed when he caught sight of a familiar figure passing outside the window.

His eyes widened.

It was her.

The woman who had saved his life.

She was still in the hospital.

Julian immediately issued an order.

“Lock down the hospital.” His voice was cold and absolute. “Not even a fly leaves this building.”

His eyes narrowed.

“She is definitely not Ariana Sterling.”

Without another word, he rose to his feet and headed in the direction Rue had gone.

This time, he intended to find her.

Kieran hurriedly relayed the order. “Mr. Vanderbilt is out. Keep a close eye on him!”

As he spoke, he quickly followed after Julian.

Who exactly was that woman?

Julian had even left without his wheelchair.

When Julian reached the elevator lobby, he wasn't expecting much.

Then he saw her.

The familiar figure stood beneath the sunlight streaming through the windows.

A slight frown creased her delicate brows, and concern lingered on her calm face.

Rue wore a simple white linen dress and carried a canvas backpack.

The sunlight cast a soft glow around her, making her fair skin appear almost luminous.

Her outfit was plain, yet somehow she wore it with the effortless elegance of custom couture.

As if sensing something, Rue glanced back.

Her eyes met a pair of cool amber ones.

For a brief moment, neither looked away.

Lowering her phone, she asked curiously, “Can I help you with something?”