LOGINThe man reacted instantly.
His voice was low and slightly husky—cool and restrained, yet inexplicably seductive.“Alright.”
One hand reached around her slender waist, and the other slipped beneath her knees.
He bent slightly, lifting her cleanly off the chair.A perfect and secure princess carry.
Bright crystal chandeliers illuminated the long table as Abel meticulously arranged the dishes and cutlery.
An hour ago, the Minister had suddenly called him directly to revise the lunch setup.
Just who was the esteemed guest that made him so attentive?“Minister.”
The voice pulled Abel back from his thoughts. He turned his head—and froze.
His pupils dilated in disbelief.
The usually stoic and distant Minister… was carrying a girl in his arms.
She nestled against him lazily, her soft profile p
Briella was stunned for a moment but quickly calmed herself, listening quietly.Mr. Hall looked dazed, but his voice was firm. “I wasn’t always surnamed Hall. I used to be from the Patterson family—one of the most powerful families in Avenlith. I met someone when I was ten years old. He looked so pitiful, and I really liked him. I often brought him home to play. My whole family loved music. I did too. And so did he.”“He was incredibly talented—brilliant, really. My family adored him. My father even considered making him his adopted son… Everything was going so well. It was perfect. But all of it—everything—was destroyed by him. My family. My loved ones! I treated him so well. Why? Why did he do that to me?!”Mr. Hall’s emotions surged. His face twisted with rage.Briella frowned slightly and said softly, “And then?”“Then?” Mr. Hall slowly
Diego gave a cold laugh. “Stand-in? Do you think you're even qualified? I’ve never once confused the two of you. You are Leticia. She is Briella.”Leticia's face went deathly pale. She understood every word.He had always been clear-headed.He loved Briella, and she—she wasn't even a substitute.There was never a “stand-in.”It was all in her head.She thought that as long as Briella was gone, she’d have a chance.But she never did.Five years had passed, and she still refused to accept the truth—Until now.“Ha… hahaha… hahahahahaha!” Leticia threw her head back and laughed hysterically.She was a joke. A total joke.“Kill me!” she screamed.Briella looked at her coldly for a long while. Then, she stepped forward and grabbed Leticia by the chin.“Die? And let you off that easy? Don’t dream. Never.
Briella's eyes widened. "You—"So they were never divorced!Diego smiled and patted her head. “That’s right, silly girl.”After speaking, he leaned down and kissed her.Briella’s eyes were bright as she looked at him, almost making Diego lose control.He bit her lip gently. “Be good, focus on healing yourself. I’ll take care of everything else.”…Dutton stood with Harvey and looked at Diego. “Mr. Elsher, thank you for your help.”“No need.” Diego nodded, casting an extra glance at Harvey, but ultimately said nothing.Harvey lowered his head first. “Mr. Elsher, I apologize. I had my reasons back then. I also realize I misunderstood Miss McKenna. May I see her?”Diego raised an eyebrow. “Sorry.”Harvey pressed on, unwilling to give up. “I know Miss McKenna’s backgroun
"Where did you get that information?" Diego frowned, a bit confused.Nash and Mason took a deep breath. "It’s true, sir! We heard it with our own ears—Miss Ashley and Miss Riley said it themselves!"Diego adjusted the frame of his glasses on the bridge of his nose, saying nothing, as if lost in thought.The two of them exchanged glances. "Sir?"Whoosh—Diego abruptly stood up, his expression dark, and walked out.The two quickly followed behind him—Please don’t let anything go wrong!In the hospital room—Dr. Lane was adjusting the IV drip. "That was terrifying. Thankfully, you're okay.""I'm fine. I know my limits," Briella said, half sitting up.Suddenly, bang!—the door slammed open.Dr. Lane turned around unhappily. "What’s going on—?"He paused. "Mr. Elsher?"
That night.The heads of the Kurt and Reid families were making their final preparations."Everyone's in position?" Mr. Kurt asked."All accounted for. We can move out now."Patriarch Reid let out a cold laugh. "Good. Do one last sweep. We can't afford a single mistake!""Yes, sir!"Mr. Kurt crossed his arms, eyes gleaming with ambition."This time, let’s see how we crush those two old families. That arrogant Mortensen cartel and the smug Ledger family… we’ll make them regret ever looking down on us!”"Exactly. Avenlith’s aristocracy isn’t just theirs to rule anymore!"The two men laughed, already dreaming of the glorious future ahead.Fifteen minutes later.Mr. Kurt checked the time, frowning. "What’s taking so long? The check should’ve been done by now. No one’s answering calls either… Don&rsq
Briella lowered her eyes. The simple sentence hit Diego like a bolt of lightning.His grip on her hand tightened fiercely.He had always known she was somehow involved in the 911 explosion—but he never expected she’d been that close to dying herself.“Briella…”He’d been investigating 911 for so long. And now… he wasn’t even sure he wanted to know the truth anymore.He moved, sitting on the edge of the bed and pulling her into his arms.“Tell me,” he said softly.“My teacher was one of the most brilliant researchers I’ve ever known. My senior was just as talented—she would’ve been just like her. But that day… the lab exploded. I knew something felt off. I noticed it, I swear! But I still left the lab…‘Why? Why did I leave?’“If I had just been more careful… if I stayed even a little longer&he







