"The system says you're unmarried, but your husband is married."

The staff at City Hall stared at Kaneeta Drayton with odd looks.

Kaneeta was stunned, her world spinning.

Yesterday, Edmund Kuntz abruptly agreed to register their marriage, bringing their five-year relationship to a new journey.

At night, she got up to use the bathroom, only to hear him hiding in there, talking to someone on the phone.

"I already married you two years ago. What now?"

He was speaking a rare foreign language, but she effortlessly understood it.

All his friends knew this language. To fit in, she had signed up for a language course to learn it without telling him.

"Stop being so willful, OK? That car accident wasn't enough for you? Kaneeta's leg is destroyed, and she'll never be able to dance again. No one's left to challenge you for 'Dancing Queen'."

"What about ... the child?" the woman on the other end of the line asked.

"After she gets pregnant and gives birth, I'll think of something to register the child under our names." Edmund sounded so firm.

Kaneeta was shocked when she heard Edmund's words. Gradually, the last shred of sanity pulled her back to reality.

The car accident two years ago was intentional.

That day, a truck had suddenly swerved violently and lurched straight at her, nearly costing her both legs.

After being hospitalized for almost a month, she barely kept one leg, but she could never dance again.

Inheriting her mother's talent for dancing, she could have become a world-class dancer.

Edmund had told her later that it was just an accident.

He had taken care of her meticulously, not showing any disdain at all. She had been so grateful to him, determined to love him wholeheartedly forever.

But everything turned out to be a scheme. Edmund had lied to her and married the mastermind behind it. Now, he even wanted her to bear their child!

After a sleepless night, she came to the City Hall to verify the truth.

The harsh reality was like a loud slap in her face.

She could only force a smile and say she was just joking. Luckily, the staff didn't give her a hard time. He let her go after reprimanding her for a bit.

Her phone kept ringing nonstop. Finally, she snapped out of it and answered.

"You've left for work already?" Edmund's deep voice came through the phone, the early-morning huskiness making it even more charming.

She had to try her best to sound as usual. "No. I've got to run some errands."

"Where are you? I'll go pick you up."

Her eyes reddened at once.

Edmund had once told her, "Neeta, wherever you are, no matter how late it is, I'll always come and take you home."

But ... did they still have a home?

He had become someone else's husband two years ago, betraying her both physically and mentally.

"Neeta?"

"That won't be necessary." Tears streamed down her face, but she sounded perfectly normal. "I'm not done yet. I'll go to the office later myself."

Since she was so firm, Edmund relented.

After hanging up, Kaneeta tried to sort out her scattered thoughts.

She had been dating Edmund for five years, and he had always been loyal to her.

Back at college, he had been the handsome student council president. After graduation, he became the CEO with both wealth and charisma. Women were lining up, wanting to be with him, but he was indifferent to them all. His loyalty had never been something she questioned.

So, who was the woman who married him two years ago?

And that car accident...

Kaneeta came to the office at nearly noon.

"Hello, Ms. Drayton," her colleagues from the CEO's office greeted her.

She nodded silently in response.

Her desk was piled high with documents. After reviewing each one, she selected a few and took them to Edmund for his signature.

He seemed as handsome and refined as ever. Though he was just sitting at the desk, his commanding presence made him intimidating enough.

As he saw her, his aura softened a lot at once.

He signed all the documents she had brought and then looked up at her, seeming worried.

"You look terrible."

"I'm just a bit tired. It's nothing serious."

"You've indeed put so much effort into this project these days." He pinched her cheek gently. Then, like a magician, he pulled a long box out of nowhere.

"Surprise," he said with a smile.

She took the box and opened it, not saying a word.

It was a stunning diamond necklace.

She recognized at once—it was Solara's latest limited edition.

Edmund stood up to hold her in his embrace, then lowered his head to peck her forehead. But she tilted her head, not wanting him to kiss her.

Even his touch made her skin crawl.

"Neeta?" Edmund's gaze darkened slightly.

Over the years, he had sent her a lot of gifts, and she'd always beam even when receiving just a bouquet. But now...

"Thank you. I love it." She lowered her gaze and closed the box. "But this is your office, and we should probably tone it down a bit."

He smiled, ruffling her hair.

"Neeta, you're as considerate as always."

Kaneeta went back to her desk and tossed the jewelry box aside.

She had to admit—Edmund knew her preferences inside out.

Had she not known the truth, she would have been delighted with the necklace—just like every other time.

During lunch break, she scoured all of Edmund's social media, but didn't find any clues.

Everything he had posted was related to either work or her.

He had frequently posted their lovey-dovey moments online, which his friends found eye-roll worthy.

Yet now, as she scrolled through those posts, she felt nothing but numbness.

Just then, in one of his posts, a profile picture among the likes caught her eye.

It was a photo of a fair hand with slender fingers. Almost immediately, she recognized the bracelet on its wrist—it was just like one of the bracelets Edmund had given her.

Her heart raced as she clicked on the profile picture.

The latest post was sent a day ago. The caption was, "A gift from afar. I love it!"

In the attached photo, the necklace was identical to the one Edmund had just given her.

It was Solara's latest limited edition, and only two pieces were ever made.

She couldn't help but burst out laughing.

One for her, and one for that woman? Edmund surely was "fair".

She then closed the social media app and booked a flight for a month later.

She had an ongoing project that wouldn't wrap up for another month. Both she and her team had been working hard on it, and she couldn't walk away yet.

A month later, she'd leave here for good, leaving it all in the past, even Edmund.

After booking the ticket, she texted someone.

"Dad, I've thought it through. You want me to go home and accept the arranged marriage? Fine. I agree. On one condition, though—I want Edmund bankrupt."

At the end of the workday, Edmund walked out of his office with his suit jacket draped over his arm.

Just as Kaneeta stood up, he said, "I've got a business dinner tonight. You may go home first."

A business dinner? That was a first.

She looked up at him, only to meet his affectionate eyes, which were deceiving enough.

In the past, she had never doubted a word he said.

"Alright," she said with a smile. "Don't drink too much, OK?"

Ruffling her hair, he smiled, too, "Whatever you say."

Then she hailed a cab to follow his car.

Soon, the car came to a stop outside the airport.

Though the airport was packed with passengers, she spotted Edmund at once.

The tailored black suit accentuated his refinement and nobility, and his striking looks made him effortlessly stand out.

In the next second, a woman with long hair threw herself into his arms, and he hugged her tightly.

They seemed like a perfect match.

After a few seconds, the woman stood on tiptoe, wanting to kiss him. He dodged slightly and said something, but she wouldn't give up and kissed his lips eventually.

The scene of them kissing each other sickened Kaneeta.

More than that, she was shocked.

Because the woman was Edmund's adopted sister, Nyasia Kuntz.

Nyasia's parents passed away when she was three. Since the Kuntz family and her family were old friends, they took her in.

She had grown up with Edmund as his sister. When Kaneeta first started dating him, he had introduced them to each other. She had acted all friendly, treating Kaneeta as her future sister-in-law.

Three years ago, Nyasia went abroad.

Who would have thought that the so-called siblings would do something this shameful? To think they were married!

So, was Nyasia the mastermind behind the car wreck?

***

What was even more surprising to Kaneeta was that Edmund actually took Nyasia home.

He said to Kaneeta calmly, "Neeta, Nyasia's back. She'll stay with us for a bit."

Kaneeta clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug deep into her flesh.

To this day, she still remembered vividly the day Edmund had first taken her here. With her in his embrace, he cooed, "Neeta, this is our home now, a place for only you and me."

Taking his word for it, she had poured her heart into the place, personally overseeing the decoration and picking every piece of furniture.

Yet now, Edmund took another woman back to their "home".

"Hello, Ms. Drayton," Nyasia smiled, a trace of imperceptible mockery and provocation flickering in her eyes.

She acted as if it had been someone else who linked arms with Kaneeta, acting so affectionately years ago.

Edmund looked at Nyasia warningly, but the indulgence and helplessness in his eyes were hard to ignore.

Kaneeta thought, "Edmund surely knows how to trample on my pride.

"If I were still in the dark, I would have hosted Nyasia warmly. What a joke they must think I am!"

"Ed, does Ms. Drayton not want me here?" Nyasia looked at Edmund, her doe-like eyes brimming with tears. "I know I'm intruding. Maybe I should just go to a hotel. I'll be fine being alone..."

Edmund immediately frowned while looking at Kaneeta. Just as he was about to say something, Kaneeta beat him to it, saying, "It's fine."

He swallowed his words back right away.

Meanwhile, Kaneeta continued calmly, "Ms. Kuntz, stay as long as you want."

With that, she turned back to the guest room.

Nyasia still thought of her as an enemy.

But in fact, she no longer cared about Edmund or this sham of a home.

The only thing she couldn't let go of was that car accident. However, she hid her emotions well.

Seeing Kaneeta so calm annoyed Nyasia so much. She had thought Kaneeta would make a big scene.

On second thought, she cooled down and let out a cold laugh. One day, Kaneeta would learn everything, and that composure would shatter.

Edmund was quite uneasy. He followed Kaneeta into the room and asked, "Neeta, you're really not upset at all?"

He knew Kaneeta wouldn't lash out at him, but he had thought she'd be a bit upset at least. After all, he had promised her that he'd never bring anyone home without her permission.

"No," she answered indifferently with her back facing him.

"I knew it. You're always so understanding." He held her from behind, his warm breath made her body stiff, but he didn't realize it at all. "Neeta, Nyasia is my sister, and that makes her yours, too. Besides, I've been trying to work with the Drayton family in Roseburn these days. She's close with them..."

"What did you say?" Kaneeta cut him off. "Nyasia? And the Drayton family in Roseburn?"

"Yes. She made friends with them when she was abroad. And Madam Drayton is very fond of her."

Kaneeta burst out laughing.

Edmund was puzzled. But he still explained patiently, "You've heard about the Drayton family, right? They're one of the four major families in Roseburn. With Nyasia, I'm more likely to collaborate with them."

Kaneeta pulled out a meaningful smile. "Good luck."

After going to bed, Kaneeta tossed and turned, not sleepy at all.

Her throat was dry, so she walked out of the room to fetch some water. When she passed the master bedroom, a sliver of yellow light caught her attention. The door had been left slightly ajar.

After overhearing him on the phone last night, she had moved to the guest room to sleep, claiming she felt unwell.

Right now, she heard faint sounds from the master bedroom.

They were so suggestive.

Soon, Edmund said, slightly panting, "Nya, cut it out. This is my home."

"So? Are you worried she might find out about us?" Nyasia's voice was affectingly sweet. "What are you afraid of, Ed? We're a married couple."

"Nya!" His voice suddenly turned serious. "What happened between you and me is already the past."

"Ed..."

"I only married you to help you get rid of your abusive ex. Neeta and I have been together for five years. She's my girlfriend, and I will marry her in the future.

"Once all your matters are settled, we'll..."

His words cut off mid-sentence as those suggestive sounds resumed.

Snapping out of it, Kaneeta found her hands trembling violently.

A trace of mockery flashed in her eyes.

Edmund was a powerfully built man, standing nearly 1.9 meters tall. Had he truly resisted, Nyasia could never have had her way with him.

Was marrying Nyasia the only way to get rid of her abusive ex?

They were not only shameless but also hypocritical, pretending their affair was somehow justified!

"Ed, don't you miss the time we were together? Kaneeta could never make you happy the way I did."

"Nya..." Edmund's voice grew utterly hoarse, thick with lust.

Soon, the room echoed with the lewd sounds of their entanglement.

Kaneeta had already recorded their conversation on her phone. A wave of nausea hit her, and she finally couldn't hold back anymore and rushed into the bathroom, retching over the sink.

How disgusting! How ridiculous!

After she walked out of the bathroom, she received a message from the client. There was an issue with the project, and she needed to revise it overnight.

Though she was beat, she could only pull herself together to work.

As she turned on the computer, memories suddenly came flooding back to her. Back in college, Edmund had wanted to run for student council president. She had gone all out to campaign for him, cozying up to pretty much everyone.

After he won the election, she handled all his affairs, big or small.

Later, they graduated, and she worked at his company, pouring her heart into his career.

A dull ache in her stomach pulled her back to reality.

This project would be the last thing she did for him.

It wasn't really for him, in fact. She just hated to see her and her team's hard work over all those months go to waste.

Everything flashed across her mind, from her dedication over the five years, the great agony from that car wreck two years ago, her lost leg, her ruined dream, to the disgusting moans they made.

After getting to the bottom of the truth, she'd make them pay.

Early in the morning.

As Kaneeta walked out of the guest room, she smelled food aroma.

Turning around, she saw Edmund frying eggs in the kitchen, a pot of soup steaming next to him.

Nyasia stood at the kitchen door, looking at him with a smile.

"Ed, after all these years, nobody makes breakfast quite like you do."

"Go sit at the table and wait for me," Edmund said.

When saying this, he turned around to look at her, accidentally meeting Kaneeta's gaze.

"Neeta," he said, as gentle as ever, "morning."

Kaneeta smiled self-mockingly.

Over the past three years, he had never cooked for her.

Once, she had drunk so much just to secure a deal for him and ended up with terrible stomach pain. Even so, he couldn't be bothered to make soup for her. He had just asked someone to bring some soup over.

She had assumed he hated cooking or knew nothing about it. But now, she realized that she just wasn't worth the effort.

"Morning, Ms. Drayton." Nyasia turned around.

Nyasia wore a V-neck blouse today. As she spoke, she pulled the collar a bit lower naturally, revealing the hickeys covering her skin.

A wave of nausea hit Kaneeta again as she turned around to leave.

Just then, Edmund walked out of the kitchen with the fried eggs. Seeing this, he immediately said, "Neeta, wait for me. Let's go to the office together."

"I'm not going to the office," she said without turning back. "I'm off to the hospital."

"What? Are you feeling unwell?" He put the plates on the dining table. "I'll go with you."

As he was about to walk over to her, Nyasia clutched his arm.

"Ed, have you forgotten? You promised me you'd stay with me today..."

She sounded so pitiful and aggrieved.

Sure enough, he stopped in his tracks, looking torn.

Not surprised at all, Kaneeta left, not even bothering to respond.

As he stared at her retreating figure, an explicable uneasiness gripped his heart.

But on second thought, he convinced himself there was nothing to worry about. After all, Kaneeta loved him so much. Maybe she was just a bit upset that he didn't accompany her to the hospital, but that was totally fine. She'd get over it soon.

Kaneeta came to the hospital and had some check-ups.

"Your gastritis has worsened. I'll prescribe some pills for you. Remember to take them on time," the doctor said while looking at the test results.

Kaneeta breathed a sigh of relief.

She was so glad she wasn't pregnant.

"Ms. Drayton, have you been exhausting yourself again these days? Tell me you didn't stay up late or skip meals." The doctor grew even more serious. "You may be young now, but that doesn't mean you can overlook your stomach condition. It might grow serious before you realize it."

Kaneeta smiled bitterly.

She had indeed devoted herself wholeheartedly to that project, to the point of overlooking her health.

But she wouldn't have to do this much longer, as the project would soon be wrapped up.

"Thank you. I'll see to it," she said to the doctor.

"This isn't only for now. You should never damage your health again."

"Alright," she said softly. "I promise—never again."

After getting the pills, she went back to the office.

Just as she stepped out of the elevator, she heard a delicate, friendly voice. "I'm so glad to be part of the team. This is a small token of mine. I hope you all enjoy."

"Wow! Pastries from Sugar Whiskers Bakery! They're super expensive, right?"

"Ms. Kuntz, that's so generous of you."

"I'm just glad you like them."

The CEO's office staff surrounded Nyasia as she distributed pastries to everyone.

"Hey, Ms. Drayton," one of them saw Kaneeta and greeted her. "Come over and meet Ms. Kuntz. From today on, she's part of us."

Nyasia turned around and looked at Kaneeta with a smile.

Detecting provocation and gloat in Nyasia's smile, Kaneeta frowned slightly. Without saying anything, she walked to her desk.

Her assistant approached her, looking indignant.

"This is so unfair, Ms. Drayton!"

"What happened?" Kaneeta turned on her computer, ready to refine a project plan.

"You've thrown yourself completely into the project these days. What right does she have to just waltz in and take it away?"

Kaneeta's fingers paused.

"What are you talking about?"

"Before you arrived, Mr. Kuntz had announced that the project you handled would be taken over by Ms. Kuntz!" Her assistant seemed even more furious.

Kaneeta's mind went blank.

No wonder Nyasia had been so complacent earlier.

Nyasia was about to effortlessly snatch away six months of her hard work!

She immediately sprang to her feet and walked into Edmund's office.

"You're letting Nyasia handle the project?" she questioned.

Edmund seemed as calm as ever. He had probably anticipated this.

"You've been wearing yourself out these days," he explained gently. "And you even went to the hospital today. I gave her the project for your own good."

Kaneeta sneered, "The project will soon be wrapped up. The hardest part is already over. Once it finishes, whose name goes as the lead? Who gets the credit?"

She sacrificed her health for this project, yet Edmund tried to take it away from her so that Nyasia could reap the rewards just like that?

"Neeta," Edmund's expression darkened, "I told you already. I want Nya to participate in my collaboration with the Drayton family. Having her credited as the project lead serves the larger interests. Stop being so willful, OK?"

Edmund seemed so righteous. As Kaneeta stared at him, the anger in her heart was suddenly replaced by calmness.

She had already seen through him. So, what was there left to be disappointed about?

If he wanted Nyasia to have the project, fine.

But Nyasia might not have what it took to lead it.

Noticing her sudden calmness, Edmund fell silent for a second. His expression softened as he walked over to her and held her cold hands.

"Neeta, she's my sister. We gotta help her, right?"

Kaneeta pulled her hands away and said flatly, "If you say so."

He frowned, displeased with her attitude.

But since she'd stopped pressing him about the project lead position, he held back any reproach and said softly instead, "Nya has just taken over the project and needs a lot of guidance. You'll help her, right?"

A few minutes ago, he had claimed he didn't want her to wear herself out.

And now, he expected her to help Nyasia.

Probably seeing the undisguised mockery in her eyes, he cleared his throat awkwardly and changed the subject. "You went to the hospital today. Well? Is everything OK?"

His belated concern didn't move Kaneeta at all. Instead, she even wanted to let out a cold laugh.

"Yeah," she said perfunctorily, "I'm heading out."

Watching her retreating figure, Edmund was once again overwhelmed by uneasiness.

But the feeling was gone as Nyasia pushed the door open and entered.

"Ed, Ms. Drayton wasn't upset, was she?" she walked toward him and asked tentatively.

"No," he smiled at her reassuringly. "Don't worry. Neeta's always been understanding."

"Alright. I'm so glad to hear that."

Despite her claim, Nyasia was deeply annoyed.

How could Kaneeta still be so calm? She had snatched Kaneeta's project away!

What she wanted was for Kaneeta to have a big fallout with Edmund. In this way, he'd be upset with Kaneeta, and things between them would worsen.

Apparently, Kaneeta was better at containing emotions than she'd anticipated.

Her eyes flickered as an idea hit her.

"Ed, it's my first day. How about we invite everyone in the CEO's office to a dinner party tonight? I'll get to know them better."

"Sure," Edmund agreed without hesitation. "I'll have someone book a place right now."

Soon, the news reached everyone's ears.

"A dinner party? Why?"

"Why do you think? To welcome Ms. Kuntz, of course."

"Who exactly is she anyway? She shares the same surname as Mr. Kuntz. Are they related?"

"I don't think so. Haven't you noticed the way they look at each other? The chemistry between them is electric. The same surname is probably just a coincidence."

"So, she's Mr. Kuntz's girlfriend? I used to think he and Ms. Drayton were together..."

"No way! If they were, they would've announced it by now."

Kaneeta's phone kept buzzing with messages from the chat group.

She glanced at her phone screen expressionlessly.

It had been less than a day since Nyasia came here, yet someone had already noticed the spark between her and Edmund.

Their love for each other was so touching.

She remembered that when she wanted to make her relationship with Edmund public, he had said, "Neeta, we should always separate work from personal matters. Don't you think?"

She had agreed, figuring he simply didn't want to expose his privacy to the others.

Now she realized how wrong she had been. After all, Nyasia had been his wife all along.

She didn't want to attend the dinner party at first, but her colleagues insisted and wouldn't let her leave the office. She could only surrender and went to the restaurant with them.

Everyone knew the party was for Nyasia, so someone proposed a toast to her right after the party began.

To their surprise, Edmund blocked the glass. "Nya isn't in good health. I'll drink for her."

With that, he picked up the glass and gulped down the wine.

Then he thoughtfully ordered a glass of juice for Nyasia.

The entire room immediately buzzed with teasing cheers. Probably because they weren't in the office, those who were terrified of him became less restrained.

"Mr. Kuntz is so nice to Ms. Kuntz!"

"I wish my boyfriend could be half as considerate as Mr. Kuntz."

Nyasia blushed. "Guys, stop it... Mr. Kuntz just feels sorry for me because of my poor health."

"Come on, Ms. Kuntz. Clearly, Mr. Kuntz cares about you a lot."

"Mr. Kuntz, are you gonna drink every toast we propose to Ms. Kuntz tonight?"

Smiling, Edmund glanced at Nyasia, who sat next to him and said, "Yes."

"Wow..."

The crowd buzzed, surprised at this romantic side of Edmund. After all, he had always been cold and aloof before Nyasia showed up.

Kaneeta, sitting in the corner, gazed at the glass of wine in front of her.

In the past, when she accompanied Edmund to business dinners, he had never drunk on her behalf. Instead, he had simply watched her gulp down those strong drinks one glass after another.

And she had been such a fool back then, deeply touched when he merely said a few caring words and had someone send over soup for her hangover.

Today, she finally saw how he acted when he truly cared about someone.

He couldn't bring himself to see Nyasia take a sip of alcohol, even though it was just low-proof beer.

"Ms. Drayton." Suddenly, Nyasia's hypocritical voice rang out.

Looking up, she saw Nyasia standing in front of her with a glass of wine.

"I heard that you've been leading the team over the years, and everyone looks up to you. Since I'm new here, it's only right that I propose a toast to you."

Saying this, she handed Kaneeta the glass.

Kaneeta said calmly, "Sorry. My stomach's been acting up these days, so I'm afraid I can't drink."

"Ms. Drayton..." Nyasia immediately looked aggrieved. "Did I upset you somehow? I just wanted to toast to you. Please don't get me wrong."

Kaneeta almost wanted to roll her eyes. She was telling the truth—Nyasia was reading too much into it.

Noticing her silence, Nyasia turned to look at Edmund with a pout.

He frowned immediately.

"Ms. Drayton," he said, his voice glacial, "Nya is your new colleague. Don't be rude."

Kaneeta turned to look at Edmund.

Seeing the undisguised displeasure in his eyes, she knew he was blaming her for embarrassing Nyasia in front of everyone.

Of all people, he knew how weak her stomach was.

He had even had someone bring her pills a while ago when she had stomach pain.

But now, he demanded that she drink the wine Nyasia offered.

He didn't give a damn about her health at all. To him, it was nothing compared to Nyasia's pride.

Realizing he wouldn't let her off unless she drank, she smiled self-mockingly, took the glass in Nyasia's hand, and gulped down the wine.

"Happy now, Mr. Kuntz?"

She tilted her glass toward him so that he could see clearly that it was empty.

Meeting her eyes, he parted his lips. Yet, for a time, he actually didn't know what to say.

Nyasia smiled provocatively and triumphantly, "Thanks, Ms. Drayton. We'll be working together from now on, and I'm sure I have a lot to learn from you."

Kaneeta didn't respond, but it didn't bother her. She walked back to Edmund and sat down beside him like a victor.

Gloating, she thought, "Kaneeta, see? I'm the only one he cares about."

Little did she know that it didn't matter to Kaneeta at all.

After she downed the wine, her stomach started acting up.

Knowing how weak her stomach was, she hadn't planned on drinking tonight at all. Therefore, she left the glass her colleague had poured for her untouched. But then, Nyasia proposed a toast to her.

It wasn't an exactly strong drink, but given her stomach condition, it was no different from poison to her.

Enduring the pain, she reached into her bag but couldn't feel the pill box whatsoever. Only then did she remember she had left it in the office.

Her stomachache grew more intense. Seeing that everyone else's attention was on Edmund and Nyasia, she pursed her lips and left the private room, wanting to fetch some pills from a nearby pharmacy.

Noticing that, Edmund instinctively got up as well to follow her, but Nyasia pulled him.

"Ed, where are you going?" she said coquettishly, making sure no one else could hear her. "You're the only one I know here. Stay with me, will you?"

Her delicate voice softened Edmund's heart, and he sat down after hesitating for a few seconds.

He thought, "Kaneeta must have been upset about what happened earlier. But it's fine. I just need to sweet-talk her a bit tonight."

***

Kaneeta stumbled down the hallway, her stomachache killing her.

Even her vision became a bit blurred. As she turned a corner, she collided with someone.

"I'm so sorry. I..."

Before she could finish, another wave of sharp pain hit her. Clutching her stomach, she nearly doubled over in pain.

"Are you OK?"

The cold, magnetic male voice was pleasant to the ear, but she wasn't in the mood to enjoy.

She raised her head with all the strength she had left and apologized again, "I'm sorry."

Due to the great discomfort, she overlooked the odd glint in the man's eyes as he saw her face.

"Hey, are you alright?"

She could barely stand. Sensing her condition, he gentlemanly supported her arm.

"I..."

Noticing her hands pressed against her stomach, he asked, "Is it your stomach?"

She nodded, her forehead drenched in cold sweat.

"Do you take anything for it normally?"

She instinctively told him the name of the pills she usually took, and he helped her to a nearby vacant private room to sit down.

"Wait for me here."

His footsteps trailed off.

Kaneeta was still in a daze. Who was he? Where was he going?

But her gut told her he meant no harm.

What was more, he struck her as familiar.

Soon, he came back with a glass of water and two pills.

"Take them. You'll feel better soon."

Though his voice was still cold, the concern it carried was easily detected.

As Kaneeta's gaze fell upon the pills, she recognized them as her regular stomach medication. So, she swallowed them with the water.

The water was warm.

As it slid down her throat, she felt warm.

The pills soon kicked in. Not long after, she felt better.

She looked up and said gratefully, "Thank you so much. And sorry for the trouble."

The man standing in front of her was tall and imposing. His features were striking, and his air of natural authority was not to be ignored.

"Don't mention it," he said lightly, "Ms. Drayton."

"You know me?" Kaneeta was very surprised.

In that fleeting moment, she remembered him.

He was Woodrow Hartwell, the second son of the Hartwell family in Roseburn.

Word had it that he was a once-in-a-generation business whiz. He had started handling company affairs before sixteen. By the time he turned twenty, his father had named him successor.

And now, he had fully taken over the Hartwell Group, becoming a formidable figure in the business world.

They had met at a banquet six years ago.

She had always been low-profile, and it was the only banquet she had ever attended.

Besides, she had only caught a glimpse of him from afar. That was why she failed to recognize him at once.

She was surprised to see him here.

"Mr. Hartwell," she greeted him. Though feeling slightly awkward, she managed to appear calm. "What brings you to Calchester?"

He replied, apparently unbothered that she'd only just recognized him, "I'm here for business."

After a pause, he asked, "You're not feeling well—why are you here alone?"

As Kaneeta heard the word "alone", she suddenly felt a lump in her throat.

After graduation, she had stayed in Calchester with Edmund, against her family's objection.

She had been trying so hard to prove that she had made the right choice, to show them she'd be happy. Yet, here she was—alone.

After a while, she snapped back to reality and answered, "I'm having dinner with my colleagues here. My stomach ached, so I went out to buy some pills. I didn't expect it'd get this bad... Anyway, thank you, Mr. Hartwell."

Woodrow handed her the pill box and said, his voice flat, "These pills work fast, but they don't solve the root problem. Since you have a weak stomach, you ought to take better care of it."

For a fleeting moment, she almost thought he cared.

But she quickly dismissed the thought. They barely knew each other, and his tone dripped with indifference.

He was probably just being polite.

"I know." She took the box and then pulled out her phone. "Mr. Hartwell, how much are these pills? I'll transfer the money to you."

"That won't be necessary."

"I insist. The pills are for me anyway."

Though the money meant nothing to Woodrow, she hated owing anyone anything.

After falling silent for a second, Woodrow took out his phone, too, and tapped the screen.

Just then, she noticed she had received a WhatsApp message.

A contact she had never messaged before had sent her a single space.

She immediately realized something and was utterly surprised. "This is you?"

"Yes." He was still expressionless.

Baffled, she couldn't even remember how long he had been in her contact.

No matter what, now wasn't the time to dwell on it. She quickly transferred him the money.

Then she smiled at him politely, "Mr. Hartwell, I'm going back to my colleagues then."

"Ms. Drayton," he said, his voice suddenly becoming icy, "is dining with them more important than your health?"

Kaneeta was stunned. She was completely thrown off by Woodrow's question.

He seemed genuinely upset.

But ... why?

Just because she said she'd go back to the dinner party, even though she felt unwell?

They barely knew each other.

"Well, not exactly..."

In fact, she just wanted to go back to tell her colleagues that she'd be going.

But on second thought, maybe that wasn't necessary.

Tonight was about Nyasia, who had all their attention. Who would care if she had left or not?

Just then, someone knocked on the door to the private room.

A man, who seemed to be Woodrow's assistant, stood by the door.

"Mr. Hartwell, everyone's expecting you."

Woodrow was always the kingpin on every occasion. With his absence, the business dinner wouldn't get started.

"Mr. Hartwell, sorry for holding you up," Kaneeta quickly said.

"It's fine." Woodrow remained expressionless again, as if his earlier sullenness was merely her illusion.

Then he turned to leave, signaling his assistant with his eyes before walking out of the door.

Catching his drift, his assistant immediately nodded.

After Woodrow left, Kaneeta sat in place for another while. Feeling better, she left the restaurant. As she stood by the road, ready to hail a cab, a black sedan stopped in front of her.

The car door on the driver's side opened, and Woodrow's assistant stepped out.

"Ms. Drayton," he smiled while walking over to her, "Mr. Hartwell wanted me to give you a lift."

"I'm good," she quickly said and waved her hand. "I've troubled him a lot today."

"Don't mention it," he said. "Actually, the Hartwell Group and the Drayton Group have been collaborating closely these past two years, and we're about to deepen our partnership."

After a pause, he continued, "So, it's only right for Mr. Hartwell to show you consideration."

Hearing this, Kaneeta figured she'd probably see Woodrow a lot after she went back home.

Maybe she shouldn't insist on turning down his offer.

"Thank you, then," she said.

"My pleasure."

He eagerly opened the car door for her.

Meanwhile, Woodrow sat by the window in the upscale VIP room on the top floor of the restaurant.

He looked down, watching as Kaneeta got into the car and left.

Someone bold joked, "What's so attractive out there that fascinates you so much, Mr. Hartwell?"

He withdrew his gaze and replied coldly, "Nothing."

Hearing this, no one dared to say anything anymore.

He pulled out his phone and opened WhatsApp. His gaze swept over his chat box with Kaneeta before falling upon the messages his mother, Elara Voss, had sent the night before.

"The Drayton family has agreed to the marriage alliance."

"You're in Calchester now, right? They say Kaneeta's there, too. Why don't you go see her? Take this more seriously, will you?"

He replied with only an "OK".

Pondering, he texted her, "Mom, where's Dr. Locke now?"

Elara replied soon, "Seraphina? She went abroad again last month and hasn't come back. She left in a hurry and didn't tell me where she was going, and I can't reach her now. What do you want?"

His gaze darkened slightly.

"Nothing. Tell me when you get through to her."

***

Woodrow's assistant drove Kaneeta back to her place.

She took a few deep breaths while standing at the door.

This place used to be her home, but now, it was just a temporary residence, and a disgusting one, no less.

She had to get to the bottom of the car accident and couldn't afford to spook Edmund and Nyasia. Otherwise, she wouldn't have come back at all.

Before the two came back, she scoured every corner, especially Edmund's study.

But nothing useful came up.

She wasn't exactly surprised. After all, why would he leave any traces back home now that he was covering for Nyasia?

She wasn't just trying out her luck.

As she walked out of his study, she heard the sound of the door opening.

In the next second, Edmund and Nyasia walked in.

They were even holding hands.