LOGINThe alleyways were cramped and maze-like.Jessica was drenched in sweat as she ran through them. Damp strands of hair clung to her cheeks, but she didn't dare slow down.She had no idea whether anyone was still chasing her.All she knew was that she had to keep running.At last, sunlight appeared ahead.The narrow passage opened onto a larger street, and relief flashed across her face.Then her steps stopped.A figure had appeared directly in her path.Jessica froze."W-What..."Her voice trembled."When did you get here?"Instinctively, she spun around.A second figure stepped out from the alley behind her.The last escape route was gone.Vessara leaned casually against the wall."Well, that's disappointing."She blinked innocently."It looks like you prefer him over me."Meanwhile, Roy folded his arms."Miss Hart, why exactly are you running?"He pointed toward the street."You scratched my car. If you'd simply compensated for the damage, none of this would've happened."Jessica's e
Outside the car window, the afternoon sun bathed the city in golden light.A gentle breeze drifted through the slightly opened window, stirring Vessara's hair.She sat in the passenger seat, casually studying Roy's profile.A teasing smile appeared on her lips."It's only been a few days, and you've already become much more mature."Roy nearly choked."Boss, you're exaggerating."He scratched the back of his neck."Everything I know came from you."Vessara laughed softly before her expression turned serious."Put the Cedar Hollow investigation on hold for now."She looked out the window."How much do you know about the Quinn family?"Roy froze.Then realization dawned.Immediately, his expression darkened."Boss, the Quinn family is probably far more complicated than we originally thought."He hesitated."If possible, you should stay away from them."The concern in his voice stopped Vessara from pressing further.She closed her eyes.Unfortunately, the peace lasted only a few moments.
Vessara rubbed her sore eyes and walked to the door.The moment she opened it, she found Isabella hurriedly wiping away tears.Something softened inside her."Mrs. Barclay?"She stepped aside. "Did you need something?""You've suffered enough."Despite her efforts to remain composed, Isabella's voice trembled."I've decided to send Emilia away. As for Lucas, he'll be staying at the research center for the next few days. He won't bother you anymore."She forced a smile."I just want you to be happy in this house."After a brief pause, she continued,"I've already spoken with the Dalton family. The boy involved will be punished."Then she looked at Vessara seriously."You don't need to worry about anyone hurting you again. If it makes you feel safer, I'll hire personal security for you.""You can choose them yourself.""Thank you, Mrs. Barclay." Vessara was genuinely touched. "You don't need to go this far for me."She lowered her gaze."To be honest, I only came here because I needed a
Lucas sat with his head lowered, staring at his polished shoes.The leather was spotless. He, on the other hand, felt like a complete mess."I don't understand why Emilia turned out this way," he said hoarsely. "She used to be such a sweet kid. She never would've done something like this."He swallowed."Maybe... maybe this is all some kind of misunderstanding."Vessara stared at him for several seconds before letting out a short laugh."So even now, you still think this is a misunderstanding?"Her voice was calm, but exhaustion lingered beneath it.She took a slow breath and looked at him steadily."I have nothing else to say. If that's what you believe, then you should leave.""No, that's not what I meant."Lucas immediately shook his head.He saw the disappointment in her eyes and knew he deserved it.The problem was that every time he tried to explain himself, he only seemed to make things worse.After a long moment, he forced himself to stand."I'm sorry. I know I don't deserve t
The moment the call connected, a familiar voice answered."Doctor, to what do I owe the honor?"Razen chuckled softly."I wasn't expecting a call from you. Is there something important?""Listen carefully." Vessara got straight to the point. "Everything I'm about to say matters."She began pacing the room."Find a few people you trust completely and search the entire estate. Pay special attention to anything unfamiliar. Check every room, but focus on places your father spends time in—especially his bedroom."After a brief pause, she continued,"You mentioned returning to the company. Investigate the senior management team as well. You may find something there."Her expression darkened."And most importantly, keep an eye on your family physician and the nurses assigned to your father."Silence lingered for a moment.Then Razen said,"So you're saying someone inside my own circle is working against us?"His tone remained calm.Vessara frowned slightly.Before she could think further, he
Vessara stood calmly before Jason, watching him beg for mercy.The man before her was nothing like the spirited boy she had once loved.Sixteen-year-old Vessara would never have believed that one day she would look at him and feel nothing at all."Mr. Jason Valdis," she said lightly, settling onto a nearby sofa, "the world isn't always going to indulge your recklessness."A faint smile touched her lips."And neither will I.""Exactly."Razen picked up where she left off, amusement flickering in his eyes.Jason endured thirty minutes of relentless torment before the effects finally began to fade. The moment feeling returned to his body, he tried to move and promptly collapsed onto the floor."Razen Valdis!"Struggling back to his feet, he pointed an accusing finger."What gives you the right to let someone treat me like this?"Razen barely looked up."Have I spoiled you too much?"The question was delivered with such casual indifference that Jason felt a chill crawl down his spine."Yo







