Chapter 8

If the Niall Group ranked among the top ten corporations in Amersol, the Pearces wielded a power so immense that even all ten combined could not compare.

Neil frowned, puzzled. "The Pearces never touch the pharmaceutical industry. Why would they suddenly acquire Washi Pharmaceuticals?"

Seamus shrugged. "Who knows? Maybe the profits were just too tempting to ignore. Who ever complains about making too much money?"

He glanced at the time and stood up. At the door, he turned back to remind Neil, "Don't forget that Asher's flying back tonight. It's his birthday. We're meeting at T-Club at 7:00 p.m. to welcome him."

Asher Lightbown had been one of their university roommates and a close friend for years—there was no skipping out.

After a moment's thought, Neil picked up his phone and dialed the villa.

"Mr. Hammond," Patricia answered.

"Where's Arya?"

"She's in her room."

"Put her on."

The landline in the living room connected to the bedroom, so Patricia transferred the call. Neil waited nearly 30 seconds—long enough to test his patience—before the call finally connected.

Arya had always answered his calls immediately.

"Neil? What's wrong?" Her voice held a trace of concern.

He sounded irritated. "What were you doing? Why did it take so long to answer?"

Arya looked down at the rows of acupuncture needles in her legs and didn't bother hiding it. "I was doing acupuncture to speed up my recovery so that I can walk normally again."

She still had to pretend to be blind, but she needed to get back on her feet soon. Her plans could not wait.

Coming from a family of doctors, Arya had learned to use needles before she mastered cutlery. Even without sight, locating acupuncture points was second nature.

Neil said nothing.

"I…" He paused, then lied casually, "I might have to work late tonight. Don't wait up. Get some rest."

He had no intention of telling Arya about Asher's birthday dinner.

Why? It was too much trouble.

Over the years, Arya had tried hard to fit into his social circle. She had made every effort to get along with his friends, memorized all their birthdays, and prepared thoughtful gifts weeks in advance.

But her gifts were always her own herbal blends. They may promote health, but they were not the kind of presents their wealthy, influential circle cared about.

Neil still remembered the looks of amusement and disdain on their faces when Arya handed over her neatly wrapped herbal packages. He knew exactly what they thought of her and her gifts.

If she found out he was going to Asher's birthday, she would insist on tagging along. In her current state, she would only become more of a joke.

Arya did not care whether Neil worked late or not. What mattered to her were the kids.

"What about Chris and Lottie? I'll go pick them up."

Neil glanced at the photo of the twins on his desk and replied calmly, "Oh right, I forgot. They have two extra piano lessons today with that international maestro. I've already arranged for the driver to handle pickup and drop-off. You just focus on resting."

Arya forced a smile. "Alright. Don't overwork yourself, okay? Once my legs are better, I'll be back at the office."

She was head of the Niall Group's R&D division and the company's Chief Medical Officer. It was time to reclaim her place.

To Neil, her words sounded like she couldn't wait to return and help him. He smirked. Arya was still the same, forever orbiting around him. All it took was a smile from him, and she would feel like she had the whole world.

His voice softened. "Ary, as long as I'm still in the company, you'll always be welcome to come back anytime."

Arya nearly gagged. She had earned her position through skill and three patented medical breakthroughs. When it came to Neil, it was all thanks to him.

She stared at her reflection in the mirror—cool, indifferent, radiating a jaded clarity. Still, her voice sounded grateful. "Neil… you're always so good to me."

So good, huh?

No one knew that despite being head of R&D, her official salary was just 1 dollar a year.

Why? Years ago, Neil had said, "Ary, I just became GM. I need to show a strong financial report. Help me cut costs, okay?"

To support him, she had started by cutting her own six-figure salary.

He had been so touched, promising, "Ary, what's mine is yours. I'll never let you suffer financially."

He had even given her a supplementary credit card.

Following a hunch, Arya rummaged through the closet and found that old card. She called the bank to check its status.

"Sorry, ma'am," the bank rep said. "Mr. Hammond canceled this card five years ago."

Staring at the worthless plastic, Arya let out a bitter laugh. "Neil… so this is what you meant by never letting me down?"

She had once loved him with her whole heart and trusted him blindly. In the end, he left her broken and empty-handed.

Her phone vibrated twice. The only person who would text her at this hour was Diane.

Diane: [Ary, babe, I found some juicy stuff on Lindsay! When do you want the details?]

Since Neil wouldn't be home tonight, this was the perfect chance to meet Diane.

Arya: [Let's meet at T-Club tonight. Usual spot.]