LOGINTwo weeks passed in a state of relatively fragile calm. Today, Elena’s hospitalization at the international hospital officially came to an end. The medical team overseeing her recovery had given the head of Aethel Corp the green light to return home. Although her long-term memory remained blank, her physical condition and neurological stability had shown significant improvement.Elena let out a relieved breath as she stepped out of the hospital lobby. An overwhelming sense of happiness flooded her chest at the thought of finally being able to hold Leo in her arms again at home.As for her suspicion regarding Charlie’s identity, which she had accidentally overheard two weeks ago, Elena chose to keep it to herself for the time being. She intended to investigate the truth on her own without arousing anyone’s suspicion.Aria drove the black sedan carrying Elena through the city streets. Not long afterward, the magnificent rows of pillars at the Victoria mansion came into view, welcoming t
Their eyes remained locked in a suffocating silence that seemed to grow heavier by the second. The distance between them had been completely erased. Charlie’s breath even managed to penetrate the thin fabric of Elena’s hospital gown, sending a faint, unfamiliar tremor along the woman’s nerves. Meanwhile, Charlie’s heartbeat thundered violently in his chest, racing in a rhythm he could no longer conceal.Charlie was the first to break free from the spell that had nearly stripped him of control. With what little self-control he still possessed, he slowly loosened his embrace before supporting Elena by both arms to keep her from losing her balance.“Madam Elena... are you all right?” Charlie asked. His voice sounded hoarse and heavy.Elena jolted. The sudden warmth burning across both her cheeks made her hurriedly straighten herself. She removed her hands from Charlie’s broad shoulders, then turned her face firmly toward the plain white-painted wall.“No,” Elena replied curtly, shaking h
Charlie let out a soft sigh, trying to calm the turmoil of emotions burning in his chest. He pulled a chair beside the hospital bed and sat down after taking a deep breath. His eyes remained fixed on Elena’s pale face, filled with both sympathy and a deep longing.“William Vanguard is your business partner, Madam,” Charlie explained calmly, keeping his tone professional. “He is the CEO of Vanguard Group.”Elena nodded slowly. However, the faint crease between her brows showed her dissatisfaction with what she considered an overly general answer.“Then... what is the personal relationship between us?” Elena pressed, staring straight at Charlie. “I mean... our more specific relationship, Charlie.”“There is none,” Charlie answered without hesitation.It was a lie he was forced to weave for the sake of protecting the woman’s peace of mind.“Your relationship with him is purely professional, limited to a partnership between business associates.”Elena let out a long breath. Her slender fi
The door to William's VIP hospital room was tightly shut, isolating the secret conversation between the two descendants of the Vanguard Clan from the outside world.Stevani crossed her legs elegantly on the leather sofa, her sharp gaze fixed on William, who was still sitting rigidly in his wheelchair."You'll be shocked when you hear this news, William," Stevani said. Her voice sounded calm, but there was a hint of surprise that she deliberately concealed."What news?" William pressed impatiently. His brow furrowed deeply, revealing curiosity that was beginning to mingle with uneasiness."Charlie Vane... the man who has been occupying your thoughts lately is Elena's ex-husband. The woman whose love you've been desperately pursuing."Silence instantly descended over the luxurious room.William's eyes widened. It took him several seconds to process the fact his younger cousin had just revealed—a fact that felt like a blazing ember, burning away the last remnants of his patience.Then, a
The soft, unmistakable scent of a baby clinging to Leo's body wafted faintly through the air. Even though half of the memories in her brain had been completely erased by the severe head injury, a mother's pure instinct could never be deceived.Elena smiled, her expression filled with genuine emotion. She kissed the crown of Leo's head repeatedly before pulling his tiny body even closer into the warmth of her embrace."I feel as though I've been reborn," Elena whispered softly. Her gaze lifted toward the ceiling of the VIP room, while her eyes shimmered with overwhelming emotion. "I don't know how dark or beautiful my life was in the past. But one thing is certain... I am incredibly grateful to have a son like you, Leo."Leo, sitting on her lap, looked up. His clear eyes gazed at his mother with innocent, carefree curiosity."I remember!" the little boy exclaimed spontaneously."Remember what, sweetheart?" Elena asked. Her smooth brows drew together in curiosity."Mommy used to daydrea
Charlie pulled out the chair opposite Stevani and sat down with an upright posture behind the small round mahogany table. The man did not even touch the drink placed in front of him. He immediately fixed a sharp gaze on Stevani without the slightest trace of pleasantries."Tell me what you want," Charlie snapped. His voice was cold, laced with a restrained threat.Stevani curved her lips into a faint smile. She took a sip of the coffee in her hand with an elegant motion that seemed deliberately intended to test the man's patience. Satisfaction radiated from her beautiful face, as though she were now the one holding complete control over this game."Relax first, Mr. Vane. Don't be in such a hurry," Stevani replied, her voice carrying a veiled hint of mockery."I have many other matters that are far more crucial, Miss Stevani," Charlie cut in flatly. He had absolutely no intention of entertaining small talk.Stevani leaned back against her chair. Her gaze slowly swept over the imposing







