Elaine Valentine and her sister Stacy Valentine had fallen in love with the same man.

Cordell Decker.

Now, he was her brother-in-law.

When she first heard that her sister, Stacy, was going to marry Cordell, she made a firm decision to leave the country.

Her eyes reflected a sense of defeat and despair. "I'm never coming back, and I won't bless you both."

After leaving for abroad, she cut off all contact with everyone, even avoiding logging into WhatsApp for a long time.

That was, until one day when she suddenly called Marcelo Valentine, asking for a large sum of money. That was the first time she'd reached out to her family.

As she stepped out of the airport, Rubin Krueger, who had come to pick her up, immediately spotted her. He hurried over and took the suitcase from her hands. "Ms. Valentine."

She glanced around. Aside from Rubin, there was no one else to greet her. A bitter smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

At home, Stacy came forward to greet her. "Elaine, you've finally come back."

Three years had passed, and Stacy, now married, was even more beautiful than before.

She wore a light blue dress, with delicate butterfly embroidery at the collar. The high slit revealed her long, flawless legs.

Her hair, once long, had been cut short. The ends curled slightly, dyed a soft chestnut brown, accentuating her fair skin. She looked effortlessly chic and stunning.

She descended the stairs slowly, exuding the calm elegance of a wealthy young woman.

"Stacy," Elaine called softly, her voice lacking the usual softness and coquettish tone.

Stacy reached the bottom of the stairs and took in Elaine's appearance, noting how much thinner she had become. She looked almost skeletal.

Stacy's heart ached. "Was life in Drego that tough?"

"It wasn't tough. Everything's fine," Elaine replied, always sticking to her default answer when asked about Drego-"Fine."

Stacy knew Elaine's stubbornness. If Elaine didn't want to share, asking was pointless.

Noticing the fatigue in Elaine's eyes, she suggested, "Why don't you rest upstairs for a while? After you wake up, I'll have the servants make your favorite dishes."

"Okay," Elaine murmured, too tired to argue. She nodded and went upstairs, familiar with the house and making her way to the guest room with ease.

After a hot shower, she dried her hair and lay down on the bed, closing her eyes.

But her sleep wasn't peaceful. As usual, her dreams were strange and unsettling.

When she woke up, the evening had already settled in. She reached for her phone on the nightstand-it was already 9:30 PM.

She hadn't eaten much on the plane, and now she was starting to feel hungry.

She changed clothes and decided to head downstairs. As she stepped out of the guest room, she glanced down the hallway.

Stacy was on the sofa, watching a variety show, while the maid had placed a fruit platter on the coffee table.

Just as Elaine took a few steps down, she saw Cordell walking back inside. A servant quickly went to take his shoes and place them at his feet.

Her footsteps froze. She gripped the golden handrail tightly, her fingers curling into a fist.

Compared to three years ago, he was even more mature and charismatic, wearing a well-tailored dark suit and a white shirt, exuding a cold, clean aura.

He was bent over at the entrance, changing his shoes, and hadn't noticed her on the stairs.

She hesitated, wondering if she should continue down. She thought it would be awkward for all three of them, and just as she was about to turn back to her room, she heard Stacy's voice calling her name. "Elaine."

Her body stiffened. She instinctively bit her lip, her nails digging into her palm, the sharp pain spreading through her hand.

After a long pause, she turned around, her expression returning to its usual calm, with no hint of emotion.

Stacy was sitting on the sofa, looking at her, while Cordell, still at the entrance, had also turned his attention toward her.

She glanced at him briefly before subtly shifting her gaze, walking down the stairs. "Stacy, I'm hungry."

Stacy smiled warmly and called out, "Janine."

Janine Zavala emerged from the kitchen, and upon seeing Elaine walking down the stairs, she cheerfully greeted her, "Ms. Valentine."

Before Stacy married Cordell, Elaine used to visit the Decker family frequently, so the household staff all knew her.

Elaine had never been haughty, despite being from a wealthy family. She used to call Janine sweetly, and the maid had a good impression of her.

Cordell entered the living room, and Stacy effortlessly took his coat, hanging it up in the cloakroom. The way they interacted felt like an old married couple.

Elaine couldn't help but feel a sharp pang in her chest, as if a blade was cutting through her heart, leaving a painful, aching tightness.

Janine brought out the food prepared for her, and Elaine walked to the dining room. She casually asked, "Where's Annie?"

Annie Ortiz was an old servant of the Decker family who had always been very fond of Elaine. Whenever she visited, Annie would prepare her favorite dishes and fruits.

Stacy, noticing the faint smell of alcohol on Cordell, asked the servant to prepare some coffee. Hearing Elaine's question, she replied, "Annie's grandson is sick, so she took the day off."

Cordell, looking tired, leaned back on the sofa. He glanced over at the dining table, where Elaine sat. Her face had lost its youthful roundness. The white dress she wore made her skin look porcelain-smooth, and her features were sharp and delicate.

She had lost a lot of weight, the baby fat completely gone. Her sharp chin made her eyes appear even larger and more striking. They were still as dark and bright as before.

Elaine wasn't eating much. She took only a few bites before setting her fork down.

Noticing the uneaten food, Janine asked, "Ms. Valentine, isn't the food to your liking?"

It shouldn't be the case, as everything was prepared just as she liked it.

Before Elaine could respond, Cordell spoke up, "You shouldn't eat too much at night."

As soon as he said that, Elaine looked up and met his gaze.

This was the first time in three years that Elaine looked directly at him, but after just a moment, she quickly averted her gaze.

Her eyes, as clear and dark as ever, no longer held the love they once did. Instead, they were calm and indifferent.

In that instant, his heart felt empty, and his gaze dimmed.

"Elaine, Mom and Dad went to Orevine to pick up Grandpa, so the house is empty. You should stay here for the next few days," Stacy said, adopting the tone of a considerate older sister. "I can take care of you here at the Decker family home. You've been through so much on your own these past years."

Even though Stacy knew about the past between Elaine and Cordell, she still invited her to stay at the Decker family house. If it weren't for Stacy's constant love and care, Elaine might have thought she was trying to make things awkward on purpose.

Though Stacy had an excellent reputation in high society-beautiful, graceful, and kind-inviting her husband's ex-girlfriend to stay in their home seemed a little too generous, even for her.

Despite being her sister, wouldn't any woman, in the name of protecting her marriage, be more cautious and guarded?

A faint, cold smile tugged at the corner of Elaine's lips. "I've been alone in Drego all these years too."

She had learned to survive in that strange, foreign place. Independence was something she had mastered. Besides, the Valentine family house was still home, and there were servants here.

Stacy looked at Elaine's thin face with concern. "It's been three years since we've seen each other. Don't you want to catch up?"

"We'll have plenty of time for that," Elaine replied. Given the awkwardness between her and Cordell, there was really no reason to stay under the same roof. "Stacy, please arrange for a driver to take me back to the Valentine family home."

Cordell put down his coffee, grabbed his coat, and started to head upstairs. After taking a few steps, he paused. "It's getting late. If you're leaving, maybe it's better to wait until tomorrow."

Elaine glanced at the clock in the living room-it wasn't even 10:30 PM yet, hardly late. But seeing the look of expectation in Stacy's eyes, she hesitated for a moment before replying, "Alright, I'll stay. Sorry for the trouble."

As she spoke, Cordell, who had been halfway up the stairs, froze. Her polite, distant tone felt like a sharp knife, suddenly and painfully stabbing into his heart.

*****

Having just returned to the country, Elaine was still adjusting to the time difference. She spent the whole night tossing and turning, unable to sleep. When dawn finally broke, she managed to doze off for a short while.

She decided to head back to the Valentine family home that day. After waking up, she packed the clothes she'd worn the previous night, tidied up, and then headed downstairs.

In the living room, Cordell sat at the dining table in casual loungewear, reading the newspaper. A cup of milk and an untouched sandwich sat in front of him.

He looked up briefly, his expression serious as he read. When he heard her footsteps coming downstairs, he glanced over and called out, "Janine." The maid immediately set out her breakfast on the table.

Elaine walked over and sat down across from him, greeting him casually, "Good morning."

Cordell paused for a moment, then replied, "Good morning."

She found it strange. It was almost 8 AM-why was he still sitting here reading the newspaper? Wasn't he supposed to be going to work?

Her breakfast was the same as his: a sandwich, a cup of milk, and toast. She took a few bites of the sandwich, finished her milk, and then set down her napkin.

"Breakfast is important. You're eating too little," Cordell said, closing the newspaper. Her small appetite was honestly surprising.

"Mr. Decker." Elaine dismissed his attempt to be considerate with a sharp, sarcastic smile, the corners of her mouth curling up. "Focus on your own business and stop meddling in matters that have nothing to do with you."

Her simple "Mr. Decker" landed like a heavy blow, a hammer crashing into his chest.

His face went pale. "You're calling me Mr. Decker?"

She smirked, her tone turning cold and biting. "What should I call you then?"

Cordell's face drained of color. He pressed his lips together, looking momentarily lost in thought. After a long silence, he finally muttered, "Call me whatever you like."

The atmosphere in the living room grew thick with tension. The servants, sensing the awkwardness between them, stayed far away.

"Cordell, Shauna seems to-" Stacy's anxious voice broke the silence.

Stacy entered the room and noticed the strange tension between the two. She looked confused and asked, "Elaine, you're up?"

Elaine turned to glance at the entrance. It was hard to ignore how well Stacy looked in her dress-her graceful features and tall, slender figure gave her the air of a woman from the early 20th century. She stood there effortlessly, exuding a refined, aristocratic charm.

But then, Elaine's gaze locked on something and her face went pale.

In Stacy's arms was a baby, dressed in pink, with tiny, chubby hands clutching her dress.

Stacy noticed where Elaine was looking and softly said, "Elaine, this is Shauna Decker. She's just over a year old."

If three years ago, when Cordell and Stacy married, her world had crumbled, then at this moment, it felt as though it had turned barren.

She clutched the edge of the table, doing everything she could to hide her shock and force herself to stay calm.

She should have seen it coming. They had been married for three years. Of course, they would have a child by now.

She remembered the days when they used to lie together, dreaming about the future. On the lawn behind the Decker family garden, she would lie in his arms, playing with his long, fair fingers.

"Cordell, what do you want to do after you graduate from college?"

He thought for a moment, then answered seriously, "Work hard to make money, and then marry you."

When he said that, her eyes, sparkling like stars, lit up with excitement. "Then what?"

"Then you'll do your duty as my wife and give me a child. A daughter, ideally-one just like you, sweet and adorable. I'll spoil both of you."

His tone was casual, but his gaze was intense and sincere.

Her heart soared with happiness, though she pretended to be coy, blushing as she playfully pinched his arm. "You're impossible."

Back then, she could think of nothing else but marrying Cordell after graduation.

"Then you'll need to think of a name for our daughter."

"Let's call her Shauna."

She wrinkled her nose in distaste. "That's too ordinary. You're a top student at Hillcrest Academy, and you give your daughter such a lazy name? She'll probably disown you when she grows up."

"But you and she will be my only ones." He wasn't good with sweet talk, and after saying that, his ears turned red.

She hugged him tightly in excitement and kissed his cheek. "Alright, but we agreed-the name Shauna will only be her nickname. You'll have to come up with a real name later, or else I'm worried she'll resent us when she grows up."

Elaine smiled softly, her eyes clouded with a thin layer of mist. She forced herself to hold back the emotions, almost as if she were mocking herself, murmuring softly, "I'm an aunt now. That's fine."

Elaine walked over to Stacy, her gaze falling on the child in her arms.

Shauna's skin was as smooth and white as porcelain, like a little doll. Her chubby cheeks were a soft pink, and her big, round eyes were as dark and shiny as marbles, making her irresistibly cute.

A mist seemed to form in Elaine's eyes as she reached out and gently touched the baby's soft cheek. It felt as smooth as a freshly peeled egg, soft and tender under her fingertips.

This was his daughter, Shauna.

She paused for a moment, then gave a bitter smile.

He had a wife. He had a child. His daughter was named Shauna-the name that matched the daughter they had once imagined having together.

Stacy noticed Elaine's discomfort, but with everything happening, she couldn't focus on it. Her voice became urgent. "Cordell, Shauna has diarrhea."

Cordell immediately stood up, walking quickly toward them. He glanced at the baby in Stacy's arms before grabbing the car keys from the coffee table. "We're going to the hospital."

Elaine instinctively took a step forward to follow, but then stopped after just a couple of steps.

In his arms was his wife. His wife was holding their child. What was she supposed to do?

Watching them leave, Elaine bit her lip, clenching her hands by her sides. A faint, metallic taste lingered in her mouth.

*****

The Silver Oak Grand Hotel was the largest in Aleshire, grand and opulent. The corridors were lined with deep purple, embroidered carpets, and the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling looked like a blooming white flowers, beautiful and sparkling.

With a soft chime, the elevator doors opened, and Elaine stepped out.

She wore a white dress with beige high heels. Her face was calm and pale, with a quiet elegance, and her tall, slender figure stood out as she walked.

She made her way straight to the presidential suite. Before arriving, she had learned that Jackson Mason had a long-term suite here at the Silver Oak Grand Hotel, one he used for his affairs.

To put it simply, "affairs" meant a lot more than casual meetings.

As she raised her hand to knock on the door, it suddenly swung open from the inside. A woman, crying and hiding her face, rushed past her, disheveled, clutching her purse tightly as she left in a hurry.

Jackson changed lovers every three months. He had just broken up with his last one a few days ago, so this woman... had her attempts to seduce him failed?

Elaine pushed the half-open door the rest of the way open and stepped inside. Her heart skipped a beat with nervousness as she scanned the room. It was empty, except for the sound of water running from the bathroom.

She tossed her handbag onto the couch and waited. After a moment, the bathroom door opened.

She turned her head at the sound, and her gaze fell on the man's strong, sculpted body. His handsome face was slightly flushed from the steam, and his wet, black hair clung to his forehead, with droplets of water glistening on his skin.

His chest, a smooth honey-tan, was flat and toned, and as the water from his hair dripped onto his chest, it followed a path down his body, slipping under the towel wrapped loosely around his waist.

This man-he was even more strikingly handsome than any celebrity.

When Jackson saw someone unexpectedly standing in the room, his brows furrowed in irritation. "Get out."

Elaine's cheeks flushed slightly. She cleared her throat to hide her embarrassment.

He was simply too good-looking.

It felt as if God had been extra kind to him when creating him.

Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself and then stated, "Mr. Mason, I'm here to apply for the position of your next lover."

Elaine was naturally shy, and saying something like that was difficult for her.

Once she spoke, her delicate face turned a soft pink, glowing under the light, her skin vibrant and radiant.

Her skin was flawless-smooth and pale like jewel. Her cheeks were soft and rosy, almost baby-like, so tender that they seemed to invite a gentle touch. Her beauty was pure but also had a subtle charm.

Jackson narrowed his eyes, looking her over slowly. His thin lips curled into a sarcastic smile. "Not every woman who comes knocking gets what she wants."

Elaine blushed with both embarrassment and frustration. The flush on her fair skin made her look even more captivating and radiant, while her clear eyes shone brightly.

She bit her lip and, gathering courage, moved closer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist-but not pressing her body against his.

She lifted her chin, meeting his gaze. "So, what do you think of me?"

"Need money?" His eyes twinkled with amusement as he glanced at her arms wrapped around him, as delicate as lotus stems.

"You're handsome. Being with you wouldn't be a loss," she said, flashing a smile. The chandelier overhead sparkled in her dark eyes.

Jackson scoffed. "Is that all?"

She paused, thinking for a moment, then shook her head. "That's it."

He'd met plenty of women like her before, but none had been this blunt.

He couldn't help but look at her a little longer.

After a long silence, as he still hadn't spoken, Elaine raised her gaze to meet his deep, unreadable eyes. Slowly, her eyes traveled down his face until they landed on his thin, sculpted lips.

Standing on tiptoe, she leaned in. Just as her lips were about to brush against his, Jackson pulled away.

His voice was cold and detached. "Go take a shower first."

"Okay." She responded quietly, heading to the bathroom, turning on the water, and standing under the shower, her heart pounding loudly.

For a brief moment, she regretted acting so impulsively. She stayed in the bathroom, hesitating for a while, before putting on a bathrobe. Taking a deep breath, she finally opened the bathroom door.

Jackson was leaning against the headboard, watching as she stepped out. The steam from the shower left a soft pink glow on her face, and the bathrobe was loosely tied, exposing her delicate collarbone, her skin flawless and smooth.

Elaine tugged at the bathrobe, which was clearly too big for her. It was Jackson's, and it hung loosely, almost to her ankles, looking slightly comical.

Seeing her awkwardly clutching the robe, Jackson frowned slightly. "If you regret it, you can leave now."

Elaine hesitated, then bit her lower lip, moving closer and slowly untying the bathrobe.

Though she was slender, her figure was well-proportioned, and her skin glowed like fine porcelain, smooth and radiant under the light.

She bent down to kiss him, but her inexperience showed in her tentative, unsure movements. Jackson turned his head slightly, avoiding her. "No experience?"

Her face instantly flushed, and she wished she could bury her head in the pillow. She barely whispered, "No."

Jackson's gaze flickered to her flushed cheeks, and he noticed her long, dark lashes trembling slightly, revealing her nervousness and uncertainty.

He wasn't someone who believed in being morally perfect, so he didn't expect others to be either. But seeing her so shy and flustered made him pause for a moment.

Elaine lowered her eyes, waiting for him to react. After a long silence, feeling embarrassed, she almost wanted to pull back entirely.

She tried to move away from him, but in the next moment, he grabbed the back of her head, pulling her face down, flipping them over in one smooth motion.

Everything seemed to spin, and Elaine, panicked, clung to his neck, her eyes wide with a momentary sense of confusion.

As they switched positions, she found herself staring up at his handsome face, her breath catching in her throat.

The light from above cast a shadow across Jackson's handsome face as he fixed his gaze on her. "What's your name?" he asked.

Elaine's face turned slightly pale, and she answered slowly, each word measured. "Elaine."

"Have you thought this through? It's not too late to change your mind." Jackson gave her one final chance.

Uncomfortable, Elaine shifted slightly. Jackson's expression darkened as he growled, "Don't move!"

Startled, Elaine froze, her eyes locked on him. Her body became stiff and tense.

She was so nervous that her breath came in short, uneven bursts, causing her to speak a little more quickly than usual. "I've thought about it carefully. I wouldn't be here if I hadn't."

She had been mulling it over for days before making the decision.

On her way here, she had almost reconsidered for a moment, but...

At that thought, a self-deprecating smile tugged at the corner of her mouth, and her eyes dimmed with a touch of sadness.

Jackson noticed the shift in her expression, sensing the faint sorrow on her face. His heart stirred slightly. "How much do you need?"

Elaine blinked in confusion. "What?"

Jackson furrowed his brow, his tone cool. "How much money do you need?"

She stared at him, slightly stunned. His jawline was sharp and perfectly defined, and for a moment, she lost herself in the details of his face before quickly snapping out of it. With a soft smile, she responded, "You can decide."

Jackson raised an eyebrow, a hint of irritation in his expression.

She smiled again, her voice soft. "Mr. Mason isn't the type to be stingy, so I'm not worried you'll give me too little."

She had once thought that when she turned twenty, she would give the most precious thing she had to Cordell, the man she had loved for so long.

Jackson studied her for a moment, then leaned down to kiss her.

*****

Afterward, Jackson pulled away and got up to head into the bathroom.

Elaine grabbed the blanket and pulled it around her, her gaze vacant as she stared at the ceiling. The crystal chandelier above cast a bright light, making her face look as pale as paper.

The sound of running water from the bathroom was loud in the quiet room.

A short while later, Jackson emerged from the bathroom and entered the walk-in closet. When he came back out, he was dressed, sharp and impeccably put together.

The deep blue shirt fit him perfectly, and his trousers highlighted his long, lean legs. His features were sharp, almost sculpted, and his dark eyes were especially striking under the light.

Elaine had gathered herself by then. Apart from her slightly red eyes, she seemed composed.

Jackson pulled out a pen and paper, writing a check and placing it on the nightstand. His eyes were void of emotion.

"Leave your contact information when you leave. I'll call you if I need anything."

He picked up his custom-made watch from the table and strapped it on, then walked toward the door. After taking a few steps, he stopped, not turning around. His voice was flat and distant.

"You should have done your homework before coming. Do you know what the rules are?"

She answered softly, "I know."

Jackson's women were only meant to last for three months. During that time, if he needed anything, they had to be available whenever he called. They couldn't visit him at his company or cause any trouble. After three months, they were to part ways without further contact.

Jackson's women had a shelf life of three months. During that time, if he needed anything, they had to be at his beck and call. They weren't allowed to visit him at his company or cause trouble. Once the three months were up, they were expected to leave and not look back.

Rumor had it that Jackson was cold and indifferent by nature, yet women still flocked to him, eager to get into his bed.

Not only was he rich and powerful, but he also treated women generously. After the three months were over, they were sent off with a generous severance package.

Jackson didn't linger. He opened the door and left.

Elaine picked up the check from the bedside table, staring at the figure written on it. A self-mocking smile tugged at her lips. 170 thousand dollars...

Because Cordell didn't need her, she had given the most precious thing she had to a stranger.

This man, in both looks and background, was no less impressive than Cordell, so she wasn't losing out, right?

Then why did it hurt so much? The kind of pain that came from being discarded but still unwilling to let go.

A cold tear slid down her cheek, and she bit her wrist, trying to stop herself from crying.

*****

The Valentine family estate had been passed down through generations. It was a grand, old house that resembled a castle, with ivy crawling up the red brick walls, the green vines bright and striking in the sunlight.

Tall, sturdy sycamore trees lined the yard, the flowerbeds were neat and beautiful, and the fountain sparkled like a goddess scattering flowers. In the summer, walking along the shady paths beneath the trees was cool and refreshing.

Elaine had a lounge chair set up by the flowerbed on the lawn. She sat quietly, reading a book, with a cup of coffee resting on the small glass table beside her. It was a scene of perfect peace, like stealing a few moments of blissful calm.

Olivia hurried over, her voice filled with excitement. "Ms. Valentine, your father and grandfather are back."

"I know," Elaine replied, closing her book. She composed herself and walked back to the living room.

In the living room, an elderly man in his sixties sat on the sofa, dressed in a traditional suit. He held a finely carved cane and wore a ring on his thumb, his graying hair perfectly groomed.

Beside him sat a couple who looked weary from travel. The man wore a suit, and the woman wore a deep purple dress, draped with a beige shawl. They exuded an air of wealth and elegance.

Elaine changed her shoes at the entrance and walked into the living room. "Grandfather, Dad, Mom."

Marcelo gave a brief nod. In contrast to his indifference, Constance Valentine eagerly stepped forward, gently touching Elaine's thin face, her eyes glistening with tears. "Elaine, you've lost weight."

Elaine opened her mouth, about to respond, but just then, a cold snort echoed through the quiet room.

She turned her gaze toward the sound, meeting the stern eyes of her grandfather Abraham Valentine, who glared at her. "So, you finally decided to come back?"

She pressed her lips together and remained silent.

Abraham had never liked her.

After Constance lost a lot of blood during her birth and couldn't have more children, the male line of the Valentine family was cut off with Marcelo.

The Valentine family had vast wealth, and someone had to inherit it. Abraham had suggested that Marcelo take a mistress, have a son, and bring him into the family, paying the woman off and sending her away from Aleshire.

Marcelo and Constance had been high school classmates, and their relationship had been solid ever since. They started dating in college and had been happily married for many years.

Marcelo had firmly rejected Abraham's proposal, and the two often argued about it, to the point that Abraham once became so angry he had to be hospitalized.

Because of this, Marcelo had always been more affectionate toward Stacy than Elaine, treating her with indifference.

Moreover, since Abraham never liked her, Elaine was sent to live with her grandmother of the maternal line in Prarc Town when she was young. She stayed there until her grandmother passed away when she was thirteen, at which point she was brought back to the Valentine family.

Elaine stood stiffly, and Constance quickly stepped in to help. "Dad, Elaine came back specifically for your 80th birthday, which is in two weeks. She wanted to wish you well." She then shot Elaine a pointed look.

Elaine pretended not to notice and stayed silent. If it hadn't been for Constance's repeated insistence, she wouldn't have returned for such an insignificant birthday celebration.

In the Valentine family, only Constance and Stacy treated her with any kindness. However, ever since Stacy married Cordell, there had been a distance between them.

To be fair, it was a distance that only she felt.

Stacy still treated her with the same care-checking on her when she was sick, asking about her daily well-being.

Elaine had struggled with this for a long time, which led her to deliberately distance herself from Stacy, and as a result, their relationship was no longer as close as it once had been.

Marcelo didn't want her return to disrupt the family's peace, so he joined in with Constance, saying, "Dad, Elaine called me a few days ago to ask what kind of gift you'd like. She's really put a lot of thought into choosing something special for you."

If it hadn't been for Marcelo's reminder, Elaine would have completely forgotten about preparing a gift. Thankfully, she still had two weeks, plenty of time to find something fitting for Abraham.

When Marcelo said this, Abraham held back his anger, though his face remained stern.

Elaine didn't mind, though. In her memories, Abraham had always been like this-stern and unapproachable.

The only time he had been genuinely warm was when she was sixteen. She had scored first in the entire school and was accepted into a prestigious high school. That same year, Stacy had used the family's connections to get into the same school.

Just then, the phone in the living room rang. Constance, who was standing next to it, picked up the receiver.

After a brief conversation, she smiled brightly. "Okay, got it."

She hung up the phone and turned to Abraham. "Dad, Stacy and Cordell know you're back today. They've made a reservation at a restaurant to welcome you."

Abraham's expression softened slightly. "Stacy is such a thoughtful child."

Before long, Stacy and Cordell arrived at the Valentine family home to pick everyone up for dinner.

As soon as Stacy entered the living room, she walked over and hugged Abraham's arm before sitting beside him. Her delicate makeup only made her appear even more graceful and lovely.

"Grandpa, I've missed you so much these days. How was your time in Orevine?"

Abraham clearly appreciated her affection. A rare smile appeared on his usually stern face. "I'm well. Everything is fine. But why didn't you bring Shauna?"

Stacy smiled brightly. "We're going out later, so it's not convenient to bring her along."

In the evening, the group went to the restaurant, where the waiter led them to a private dining room.

Stacy sat to Abraham's right, and throughout the meal, she kept the conversation lively with amusing stories that made him laugh heartily.

Abraham shared stories about Orevine's customs and scenery, and everyone listened attentively.

The conversation flowed smoothly, but Elaine sat quietly, feeling out of place at the family gathering.

She felt suffocated, like an outsider, and eventually excused herself, saying she needed to use the bathroom, before quietly slipping away from the table.

As Elaine opened the door to the private room, she found herself face to face with someone exiting the opposite room. Their eyes met, and they both paused for a moment.

Out of politeness, she was about to greet him with a "Mr. Mason," but the words got stuck in her throat.

Jackson gave her a brief glance, walking past her as if she were a stranger, his eyes not lingering for even a second.

Watching his tall, straight figure retreat, she awkwardly rubbed her nose. Noticing he was headed toward the restroom, she decided against going herself.

She walked down the hallway to the end, lingering in a quiet corner near the stairs, where she distracted herself with her phone. When she saw it was nearly time, she tucked her phone away and made her way back to the private room.

As she neared the room, she saw Cordell standing in the hallway just outside.

He wore a V-neck shirt and brown casual trousers.

Just like years ago, his style was simple and relaxed, but it made him look effortlessly handsome.

A cigarette hung between his fingers, and the smoke curled lazily around him. The light from the crystal chandelier above made his striking features look even more defined.

When he saw her return, he took a long drag from his cigarette, extinguished it, and tossed it into the nearby trash can. He shot her a quiet glance before pushing open the door and stepping inside.

Given the sensitive nature of their current relationship, it would have been too obvious if they had entered together, so she waited outside for a moment before finally entering.

At the dinner table, Constance noticed Elaine's slight frame and was overly attentive, constantly serving her more food. Elaine's appetite was small, but not wanting to disappoint Constance, she forced herself to finish what was on her plate, feeling stuffed and uncomfortable.

After dinner, they all left the private room.

At the same time, a group of sharply dressed men emerged from the opposite room.

At the head of the group was a man who exuded charm, with an exceptional presence.

Marcelo stepped forward and extended his hand to greet him. "Mr. Mason, long time no see."

Jackson took his hand with a polite but somewhat distant smile.

His gaze briefly swept over the people standing behind Marcelo. "Mr. Valentine, is this a family gathering?"

Jackson's heart skipped a beat. 'So, this woman is the daughter of the Valentine family?'

Marcelo, ever the gracious host, responded, "Yes, we're welcoming my father home."

Jackson's eyes flicked over Elaine and landed on Abraham, who was standing beside Stacy.

Though they hadn't met before, Jackson, raised with good manners, offered a polite greeting. "Good evening, Mr. Valentine."

It was just a brief glance, but for a fleeting moment, Elaine felt a sharp chill in his gaze.

'What did I do to upset him?' she wondered.

Abraham, hearing Marcelo call Jackson "Mr. Mason," quickly deduced that the man before them was the renowned head of the Mason family.

Having been involved in business in his younger days, Abraham had some old connections with Jackson's grandfather. He smiled, though his face remained deeply lined with age.

"The last time I saw you, you were just six years old. You've grown up so much since then."

The attempt at small talk was awkward and forced.

Jackson raised an eyebrow, offering a polite smile but saying nothing. The crystal lighting in the hallway highlighted his sharp, handsome features, making him look even more striking.

Cordell stepped forward to greet him, extending his hand. He briefly scanned the people behind Jackson, recognizing some of them as executives from various companies. "Mr. Mason, are you here to discuss a project?"

Jackson gave a slight nod, his dark eyes reflecting the lights, adding a touch of mystery.

The men with Jackson exchanged pleasantries and handshakes with Cordell, the entire interaction formal and courteous.

Once the greetings were done, the two groups filed out of the restaurant, one after the other.