《His Destructive, Toxic Love》


 Chapter 1

    "Let me hear you," Casper demanded, gripping Eliza''s waist with a force that was almost brutal.


    She struggled, trying to push him away, but he pinned her down without mercy. Her delicate hands clutched at the finely made silk sheets in silent protest. Under the moonlight, his profile was sharply defined, his gaze a cold mix of desire and indifference.


    "Not enjoying this?" he whispered, biting the soft flesh behind her ear, his breath heavy. "If this doesn''t do it for you, let me tell you something. Your brother''s already at Mercy Hospital."


    Eliza''s face went pale. Mercy Hospital in Falconridge was notorious, masquerading as a psychiatric facility while engaging in horrific acts like organ harvesting.


    Ignoring her humiliation, Eliza''s fingers trembled as she grabbed his arm. "Why would you do this?"


    "It''s to make you remember this day forever," he said, stepping back and pulling on his shirt with long, clean fingers.


    Last year, her father had been imprisoned, and her mother suffered a brain hemorrhage from a car ident, remaining in aa ever since. Not long after, her fathermitted suicide in prison. That day, it had rained heavily.


    Eliza called Casper so many times, but he never answered. She went alone to the crematorium to take her father''s ashes back to the cemetery. Despite all evidence pointing to Casper''s involvement in her father''s death, Eliza chose not to believe it.


    He picked this particr day to return from abroad, to do this to her, to humiliate her, and she endured it. But why would he send her disabled brother to such a ce?


    "Casper, you''re a bastard. Do you have to destroy my whole family?" Her eyes trembled, her fingertips growing cold. Her heart slowed to the point where she could barely feel it anymore.


    Casper paused as he buttoned his shirt, then continued, "Robin''s condition isn''t good; he needs proper treatment."


    "His legs are the issue, not his mind," Eliza''s voice cracked with sorrow.


    Casper chuckled and turned back, lifting his hand to her neck. "I''m doing this for his own good." His mocking lips touched her forehead, but she turned her face away.


    For two years of marriage, she had endured, appeased, and supported him, hoping to win a favorable nce from Casper and to have him protect her family, but it was all in vain.


    Casper hated her for not giving up her marriage after relinquishing her identity as the Henderson family daughter. In his eyes, she was just a parasite clinging to him, desperate to stay in high society. She was vain and greedy for fame and fortune.


    Eliza had stolen a glorious life of eighteen years from his crush, Nova, taking her ce in this marriage. She even stole Nova''s legs. Eliza deserved to die, as did her entire family.


    Feeling a wave of despair, Eliza pushed him away, bent down to open the bedside table drawer, and took out a bottle of emergency contraception, twisting it open.


    Casper''s brow furrowed. He saw Eliza about to take the pill, and he knocked it away. "You''ve learned to take the pill by yourself now?"


    For two years of marriage, Eliza had wanted a child countless times, even resorting to naive acts like poking holes in condoms. But all she got in return was Casper''s fury and the discontinuation of treatment for her mother. Afterward, she learned her lesson. When he gave her the pill, she obediently took it.


    Casper didn''t want children, not because he disliked them, but because he never saw Eliza as a wife with whom he could have a family.


    Eliza forced a bitter smile. "Isn''t this what you want me to do, Casper?"All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

 Chapter 2

    The muscles in Casper''s jaw clenched as he yanked the bottle of pills from her hand and gripped her chin tightly. "You like your meds, huh? Fine, then down the whole lot."


    He poured the white pills from the bottle into her mouth while she struggled to break free.


    "You want ''em? Then take ''em all at once." He grabbed a ss of water from the shelf and forced it down Eliza''s throat.


    She started choking and coughing violently as she tried to expel the pills. Half of the hundred pills in the bottle went down her throat.


    Eliza started gagging...


    "Eliza, you better pray you never have my kid."


    Casper let go of her roughly, picked up his jacket, and mmed the bedroom door shut behind him.


    Stumbling, Eliza rushed to the bathroom to force herself to vomit. In the end, she had to be rushed to the hospital to get her stomach pumped.


    Even though she got there in time, some of the medication had already entered her bloodstream, causing varying degrees of damage to her heart, liver, and kidneys. The high dose of hormones had triggered premature ovarian failure.


    The doctor told her she might never be able to conceive again.


    After crying her eyes out, Eliza felt a strange sense of relief.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    In her drowsy state, she heard Marian, the housekeeper, calling Casper. "Her''s condition isn''t good. Perhaps you coulde to the hospital?"


    "Is she dead?" His voice was loud and cold, cutting through the phone.


    "Not yet, but..."


    "I''m busy..." A woman''s voice in the background chimed in, "Casper, can you help me with my zipper?"


    Annoyed, Casper''s voice came through again, "Don''t bother me with stuff like this."


    The call ended with a click, and in the silence that followed, Marian cast a pitying nce at the pale Eliza lying on the bed. Marian knew the couple had a rocky rtionship but didn''t think it was this bad. With a heavy sigh from Marian, Eliza opened her bloodshot eyes.


    That woman''s voice-it was Nova.


    On the rare nights Casper came home, Nova''s sweet voice over the phone always called him away. All of Eliza''s nightmares were filled with that same voice.


    In Casper''s heart, Nova was a thousand times more important than Eliza could ever be.


    She closed her eyes, feeling exhausted. She needed a good sleep.


    When Eliza woke again, she got a call from a nurse at the hospital where her mother was staying. The message was straightforward, asking her toe to the hospital to settle a bill. "Can''t my mom''s bills be deferred for now?"


    The nurse on the other end sounded apologetic. "Ms. Eliza, the hospital is settling ounts, and your mother''s treatment has been unpaid for a year now. We kindly ask you to settle the bill, or it might affect her ongoing treatment."


    Previously, deferred payments were allowed because Welton International, Casper''spany, owned the hospital. It seemed like he was no longer willing to handle her treatment.


    Eliza''sshes fluttered with disappointment. "Alright, I''ll be there shortly."


    Her mother, Rose, had been in aa since the car ident. Doctors said Rose had a stroke, and she was no different from the living dead.


    If Eliza chose to stop the treatment, it was unlikely anyone would me her. However, she didn''t want to, nor was she willing to do so.


    Eliza stared at the total figure at the end of the long bill and furrowed her brows. "Is it over two hundred thousand?"


    "Yes, Ms. Eliza, after insurance, it''s two hundred and thirty-five thousand eight hundred and sixteen dors."


    Two hundred thirty-five thousand didn''t sound like an unattainable amount. Yet, she couldn''t afford it.

 Chapter 3

    For the past two years, while being married to Casper, Eliza wasn''t allowed to work, yet he refused to give her any money for household expenses.


    She had to eat whatever the servants made, and if they took a day off, she''d be stuck with leftovers or go hungry. It was absurd.-


    "Hang on for a sec; I need to make a call," Eliza said.


    Stepping into a corner, Eliza scrolled through her contacts to Casper''s name, hesitated for a moment, then kept scrolling on.


    "Chelsea, it''s me."


    "Elle?" The woman on the other end sounded surprised, her voice rising. "You finally decided to reach out."


    "Sorry." Elizaposed herself. "Can you do me a favor?"


    Chelsea''s voice tightened. "What''s going on?"


    "My mom''s hospital bills are due, and I don''t have the money. I was hoping you could..." Eliza rarely showed her vulnerable side, but she was desperate. Chelsea responded quickly, "How much do you need? I''ll send it to you."


    "No, no." Eliza studied the bracelet adorning her wrist, captivated by its exceptional rity and exquisite craftsmanship. "I was hoping you could help me sell my bracelet. I know you have the connections to get a good price for it."


    There was a moment of silence on the other end.


    Chelsea was Eliza''s best friend. She knew more than anyone else that Eliza and Casper weren''t happily married. But she never imagined Eliza to be so financially strapped that she needed to sell her jewelry to pay her bills.


    Despite feelings of injustice, Chelsea swallowed anger. "Okay, I''ll help you."


    The bracelet was a wedding gift from Casper''s mother to Eliza. It was the only valuable thing Eliza had.


    Chelsea managed to sell it for $250,000, just enough to cover the hospital bills. After settling the bills, Eliza transferred her mom to a local hospital. The medical facilities weren''t the best, but they were sufficient enough to keep her stable.


    After handling everything, Eliza felt exhausted and returned home.


    Sitting on the bed in her beautiful, spacious, and sunny bedroom, Eliza felt no reluctance to leave. Two years in this house were enough.


    After packing her bags, she headed downstairs.


    Marian noticed and, sensing trouble, asked, "Ma''am, where are you going? Does Mr. Casper know?"


    Before Eliza could respond, the re of headlights shed through the ss of the floor-to-ceiling windows, followed by the sound of a car engine shutting off.


    Casper''s polished dress shoes were the first thing Eliza saw. Marian, sensing the mood, quietly withdrew.


    Casper was dressed in a meticulous ck suit, and his handsome facial features were shadowed yet steady and reserved under themplight. His gaze fell on the two suitcases in Eliza''s hands, his brows furrowing.


    Watching Eliza before him, he said, "Throwing a tantrum?"


    "No." She didn''t look up, her voice cold.


    "What''s this about then?" Casper took out the bracelet Eliza had just sold and mmed it onto the table.


    Eliza didn''t know how the bracelet ended up back with Casper. She simply replied, "I sold it."


    "Sold it?" He was furious, his hand gripping Eliza''s neck. "Who gave you the right to sell this bracelet?"


    "It''s mine. Why can''t I sell it?"


    For the first time, Eliza spoke up to him with such firmness.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

 Chapter 4

    Casper chuckled derisively, easily shrugging her off. "Do you think it became yours just because you wear it? The Welton family owns it, and at best, you only have the right to use them... that''s all." The right to use?-


    They were married for two years, but she never touched or used anything from the Welton family.


    The only one with the right to use anything was Casper.


    "Are you talking about yourself, Mr. Casper?"


    Casper''s eyes turned cold, suppressing his anger. "Then I''d like to hear, what did you sell that bracelet for? What did you need the money for?"


    Eliza felt that, at this moment, Casper was ying dumb with her. Clearly, he had ordered the hospital to demand she pay the money.


    "To pay back the hospital bills."


    "And the rest?" Casper asked.


    "The rest is a little over ten thousand dors. If you want it, I can transfer it to you."


    "Transfer it." He opened his payment app, tossing his phone onto the table in front of her.


    Eliza transferred the remaining money, not a cent less, into his wallet.


    Then, she took out a divorce agreement, handing it over to him. "Casper, let''s get a divorce."


    Casper was visibly taken aback. Eliza had always been submissive in his eyes, and was unlikely to bring this up on her own.


    Was it because he had the hospital collect her mother''s hospitalization fees?


    Or because he had forced her to consume a half bottle of birth control pills?


    His gaze towards her was scrutinizing, mixed with mockery. "What, tired of being a parasite in high society and ready to be a corporate ve?" "You think I''ve stolen this life anyway, isn''t it?" she said, her voice filled with resentment.


    "You do like stealing other people''s lives, don''t you?"Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza scoffed. Yeah, in Casper''s eyes, she was nothing but a thief, and what she stole happened to be Nova''s life. He hated Eliza, always did. She was now returning the ''stolen'' life to him.


    "Me getting swapped at birth was the hospital''s mistake. How could I, a baby in swaddling clothes, have decided for myself? Casper, I know you care for Nova. I''m stepping aside for her now so you two may have years of happiness together."


    She wanted nothing more.


    If she had a choice, she might not have chosen to grow up in the Henderson family. Twenty years in the Henderson family weren''t as blissful as the two years spent in the Pinotti family.


    Eliza didn''t know which remark angered Casper. He grabbed her wrist, dragged her upstairs, and threw her onto therge bed with force.


    Eliza got up from the bed, angrily taking off the wedding ring on her ring finger.


    "Don''t you dare throw it away," his voice was ice-cold.


    Eliza paused for a moment, then forcefully threw the ring onto the ground. "Here''s your ring back and your marriage too, Casper. I don''t want you anymore. I want a divorce." She was so definitive.


    Casper was furious. The next second, he pushed her down and pinned her beneath him.


    "Back then, you insisted on marrying me. This Mrs. Welton title isn''t something you can just not want."


    "What? What kind of Mrs. Welton am I?" She red at Casper full of hate, scoffing derisively, "A Mrs. Welton who doesn''t even have the right to sell a bracelet I''ve worn for two years? I don''t care for such a title."


    "So defiant." His eyes zed, wanting to devour her. "Do you think you have a say?"


    "Am I not allowed to have regrets?"


    Tears welled up in Eliza''s eyes. If she had known her stubbornness at the time would bring disaster to her and her family...She wouldn''t have sought her own demise.


    Not even for love.


    The word ''regret'' once again provoked Casper. He bit down on Eliza''s smooth neck.

 Chapter 5

    Her subtle fragrance quickly drew him in, and he turned his bites into kisses. She passively endured his overpowering presence. As usual, he sought his own pleasure,pletely indifferent to whether she was enjoying it or not. Afterward, he tossed her a pill, which she promptly threw in the trash.


    He was taken aback. "Why aren''t you taking it?"


    "Do you think after you made me take half a bottle of birth control, I can still get pregnant?" she replied, her voice devoid of emotion.


    He was stunned. More than shock, aplex, unreadable emotion flickered in his eyes. "What did the doctor say?"


    "Nothing much, just that I can''t have kids anymore." She nonchntly wrapped her clothes around herself, adding, "When you have a moment, we should get our marriage certificate."


    Casper didn''t say anything more. Silence hung heavily between them.


    Marian rushed upstairs, her voice urgent, "Sir, there''s a call from the Welton family mansion. Jeffrey is seriously ill. You need to go there immediately."


    Casper grabbed his coat and turned to Eliza. "Before we get divorced, you''re still my wife. Come to the Welton mansion with me."


    The Weltons weren''t particrly kind to her but weren''t overly harsh either. Eliza had no reason to refuse.


    When they arrived at the mansion, the hall was filled with close friends, family, and other guests visiting Jeffrey. Casper was called into the inner chamber. Eliza stood alone in the outer hall, feeling somewhat lost.


    Casper''s grandfather Jeffrey was over ny years old and had been in poor health for years. The Weltons had tried everything to extend his life. It seemed he couldn''t hold on much longer.


    Casper was the only grandchild allowed to visit him. He came out of the inner chamber, and Tristan pulled him aside. "Will your grandfather... make it?"


    "Aaron said, at most, half a year."All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    "What are you waiting for then? You need to get Eliza pregnant. Once she gets pregnant, her blood can save your grandfather."


    Jeffrey''s illness required aplete blood transfusion, and Eliza, with her rare gic makeup, was the best candidate. If Eliza got pregnant, the antibodies in her blood would increase exponentially. With her blood, Jeffrey could live at least another decade.


    Casper remained silent. Tristan was dissatisfied by Casper''s reaction and continued, "It''s been two years of marriage without any sign of pregnancy from her. Is it your problem or hers? Casper, you need to understand that without your grandfather, the Welton family''s fortune will suffer for over a decade. You need to act fast."


    Back in the outer hall, Casper looked at Eliza. She behaved properly, merely lowering her gaze, looking more like an indifferent outsider.


    On the way back, he kept ncing at Eliza while gripping the steering wheel. After several nces, she turned her face away, staring out the car window.


    "You sent your mother to a rural hospital. Do you think she''ll get better treatment there? Maybe you should bring her back. I''ll talk to the hospital. We can defer the medical bills."


    Eliza remained silent. This afterthought felt meaningless.


    ¡°There''s no need to sell your bracelet over a medical bill of a few thousand dors. If you need money, just tell me."


    Eliza''s expression flickered slightly. For the first time in their two years of marriage, she heard him say, "If you need money, just tell me."


    Then, he handed her a credit card. "For your everyday expenses, you can use this card."


    Eliza looked down at the card but didn''t take it. With a cold and slightly mocking tone, she replied, "No thank you."

 Chapter 6

    "Come on, stop messing around and behave for once."


    Casper thought Eliza''s request for a divorce was just her throwing yet another tantrum.


    Eliza was someone who rarely made decisions, but when she did, she stuck to them. As for their marriage? Well, a marriage involving three people was just too crowded.


    Casper didn''t love her, and she couldn''t keep loving a man who''d left her with nothing but emotional scars.


    "Casper, I''m not throwing a tantrum," she said, her voice steady. "I''ve thought this through. I don''t want to be your wife anymore. Let''s get a divorce."


    "Do you really have to divorce me?" He asked, his tone turning icy. "Eliza, you think you get to decide?"


    "I''m willing to step aside."


    A heart doesn''t turn cold overnight. For two long years, she poured her soul into being the perfect wife and future mother, working harder to please him than any servant ever would. Time and again, she convinced herself to wait just a little longer. She thought he''de around, and he''d see her worth.


    Howughable it turned out to be. It was nothing but a pipe dream.


    Half a bottle of birth control pills had stolen her chance to be a mother and also made her see her marriage for what it truly was.


    Casper had taken up her entire youth - she was finally ready to let him go.


    A sudden jolt made Eliza almost hit the windshield.


    "Get out," he said impatiently.


    She unbuckled her seatbelt and pushed the door open. The moment her foot hit the ground, the car sped off.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Her phone buzzed. It was the Welton family doctor.


    Aaron was Casper''s childhood friend and went to the same university with her.


    "Hi Aaron."


    "Eliza, I need to talk to you about some things to keep in mind to get ready to conceive. Write this down."


    Conceive?


    "Why are we talking about this all of a sudden?" she asked, bewildered.


    "Casper didn''t tell you?"


    "No."


    "Jeffrey''s condition can only be treated with a blood transfusion, and your blood carries a rare gic marker that produces the highest antibody levels during pregnancy..." Eliza heard nothing after that. Her heart grew colder with each word.


    Even under the zing sun, any remnants of warmth drained away, leaving her feeling like she was standing in an ice cave.


    So, Casper''s recent kindness, the card, the sudden reluctance for a divorce - it was all because she still had some use to him. Draining herst drop of blood was her final mission.


    "Eliza, are you listening?"


    Eliza nodded. "Thanks, Aaron. I get it."


    "I''ll talk to youter then."


    Eliza returned to the house she shared with Casper and grabbed her suitcase, ready to leave.


    Marian approached her. "Ma''am, are you really leaving?"


    "Yes, I''ve left the divorce papers on the bedside table. Remind Casper to sign them and set a time for us to finalize everything." Marian bit her lip. "Does he know?"


    "He knows."


    "Ma''am..."


    Eliza walked out of the ce she''d called home for the past two years.


    Well, in truth, it was never really a home. There was no loving husband, no sweet memories to cling to.


    In those two years, she had seen Casper less often than the employees at Welton International.


    It was just a cage, and escaping it was the best thing she could do.


    Eliza returned to her family''s apartment. It was built in the early ''90s, and their ce was on the third floor. It wasn''t big, but it was enough for the four of them. After her father was arrested and everything they owned was confiscated, they''d had to make do.


    After settling her suitcase, she took a taxi to Mercy Hospital.

 Chapter 7

    The hospital was tucked away behind tall birch trees, keeping it in the shadows year-round. The iron gate was locked tight, and every now and then, a chilling scream would break the silence. Eliza pressed the worn-out doorbell at the entrance. A small hatch in the door slid open, revealing an unfriendly voice, "Who are you here for?"


    "Hi, I''m here to see Robin."


    "It''s not visiting hours." The hatch mmed shut.


    Eliza knocked again, more urgently this time, "Please, I just need to see him for a moment."


    The hatch opened slightly, and the voice was now clearly impatient. "I already told you, it''s not visiting hours."


    "Then, when can I see him?"


    "Friday."


    The hatch closed again, and Eliza''s heart sank. As she turned to leave, a gut-wrenching scream echoed from inside, making her grip her coat tighter.


    No. She couldn''t let her brother stay in there any longer.


    When she got home, she cleaned out a room and stocked it with some essentials. She hadn''t earned a dime in the two years since she married. Robin would asionally send her some money, a few thousand here and there. She hadn''t touched any of it.


    After doing some quick calctions, she realized she had saved up tens of thousands, enough to cover part of her mother''s medical bills at the local hospital. She couldn''t afford better treatment, but she could at least keep her mother alive. As long as her mother was alive, Eliza felt like she still had a sense of purpose.


    Grabbing her purse, Eliza hailed a cab to her mother''s hospital.


    "Doctor, I''m Rose''s daughter. I''m here to¡ª"


    The doctor looked up from the medical records, eyes narrowing slightly. "Eliza?"


    Eliza froze, more surprised than anything. "Aaron? What are you doing here?"


    "I came over because... well, why are you here?"


    "My mom''s hospitalized here. I''m here to pay her bills."


    Aaron adjusted his sses, puzzled. "Wasn''t your mom at Casper''s hospital? Why''d she move here?"


    "The costs were too high. I couldn''t afford it, so..." Eliza forced a sad smile, "...Aaron, I need to go pay the bills."


    Aaron stood up, taking the bill from her hand. "I know this ce well. I''ll take you to the payment office."


    "Thanks."


    Everyone in the Welton family, including Aaron, the family doctor, knew Casper and Eliza''s rtionship was strained. But moving Eliza''s mother out of a top-notch hospital didn''t sit right with Aaron. On the way to the payment office, he asked, "Did you and Casper have a fight?"


    "No."


    "At Welton International''s hospital, your mom might have had a chance to recover. This ce doesn''t have the same facilities; she might not..."


    "I know."This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Of course, Eliza knew. But did she have a choice? Casper could even stop the treatment here at any moment.


    After paying the bills, they walked out of the payment office. From a distance, they saw the most prestigious car in Falconridge, unmistakably Casper''s. Casper got out of the car first, then went around to the back seat to lift Nova out, handing her the crutches. Throughout, he was incredibly patient and gentle. In a moment, Eliza understood why Aaron was there. "Did Casper send you?"


    "I''m here because Casper wanted the medical records for Nova''s knee surgery before sending her abroad for treatment. Don''t overthink it."


    Eliza scoffed lightly. Casper really was going all out for Nova. Nova''s knee injury was an ident. Back then, she was still the daughter of the Pinotti family.

 Chapter 8

    The Pinotti family wasn''t rolling in dough, but somehow, they scraped together enough to get Nova a joint recement surgery.


    But luck wasn''t on their side. The hospital back then just didn''t have the chops, and the surgery bombed. Nova was left with a limp, and the meds they pumped her with messed up her heart and kidneys, making it impossible for her to ever have kids.


    Casper knew deep down that another surgery on Nova''s leg would be a lost cause, but that didn''t stop him from scouring the globe to find a solution for her.


    When you loved someone, it was crystal clear.


    When you didn''t, it was even clearer.


    "I''ll leave you to your work," Eliza said, turning to Aaron. "I''m heading out."


    "Okay."All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Eliza was just about to step away when Nova''s voice, sweet and lilting like a nightingale''s song, called out to her, "Eliza."


    Eliza took a deep breath, trying to keep her cool as she turned back around.


    "I told Casper it was you, but he thought I was mistaken." Nova leaned into Casper, her face a picture of pure innocence. "Eliza, don''t get the wrong idea. Casper''s just here to help me pick up my medical records. You know my leg''s not great."


    Eliza felt a stab of bitterness in her chest. "Yeah, Casper is always so helpful, not just to you," she said.


    Nova''s smile faltered. "Yes, Casper is a good man."


    A good man? How ironic.


    As Casper helped Nova inside, he turned to Aaron. "Did you find the medical records?"


    "Still looking," Aaron replied, clearly flustered.


    "Why are we wasting time here then?"


    Nova didn''t forget to say goodbye to Eliza as they went in. "We''ll be heading inside."


    Eliza caught a glimpse of Casper''s tender care for Nova, and her eyes filled with tears.


    The man she had poured her heart and soul into was giving all his gentleness to someone else.


    Friday rolled around.


    Eliza made her way to Mercy Hospital. The ce was locked down tight, with high walls and electric fences that screamed "no way out."


    She recognized a lot of faces there-once-famous celebrities, trust fund kids who were always in the news, and some officials she''d seen on TV.


    It was even moreplicated than she had thought. Getting Robin out of this hospital on her own would be a Herculean task.


    She took a number and was led to a cold, empty room. There weren''t many visitors and those who were there looked like they had the weight of the world on their shoulders. "Number 04, has Robin''s family arrived?"


    "I... I am here," Eliza said, raising her number excitedly. "I''m number 04."


    The staff member barely nced at her. "Follow me."


    Eliza trailed behind the staff, navigating abyrinth of hallways and stairs, until they finally reached a room with just a table in it.


    "Wait here."


    "Oh, okay."


    She sat down, nerves jangling, clinging to her bag like a lifeline.


    Ten minutester, Robin was wheeled in.


    "You''ve got half an hour, so make it quick," the staff member said before leaving.


    Robin was in the wheelchair looking like a shadow of himself-vacant eyes, hunched shoulders, bent back, hollow cheeks, and patchy stubble. Eliza''s heart broke, and her eyes filled with tears. "Robin," she said, kneeling in front of him, her voice gentle.


    "Robin, can you hear me?" She took hisrge hand into hers, rubbing it gently, her eyes brimming with tears. "Have they been mistreating you? Tell me."


    "Robin, what did they do to you? Why are you like this? Please, say something."


    "I''m your sister. Look at me. Did they hurt you? Are they not feeding you? Did they do something to you?"

 Chapter 9

    Eliza lifted Robin''s shirt, her eyes scanning his body for any signs of harm. Rumors swirled about this hospital being a front for an underground organ trafficking ring, and she was terrified of what could happen to her brother.


    "Thank goodness, they haven''t touched you yet. Don''t worry. I''ll find a way to get you out of here. Just take care of yourself, okay?" she reassured him.


    Robin remained silent, his eyes vacant, like a puppet devoid of strings. He neither spoke nor caused any trouble, neither cried norughed. Only as they were being separated did he whisper, "Don''t worry about me."


    Robin was led away, and Eliza was forced out of the hospital.


    That evening, Eliza returned to the home she shared with Casper. He lounged in the living room, his pajama topzily unbuttoned, exuding a casual yet maic allure. His fingers yed with a ss of red wine, swirling it slowly, lost in his own thoughts.


    Eliza approached him cautiously, her posture humble, her voice soft. "Casper, please, let my brother go. I''m begging you."


    Casper suddenlyughed, a cold, disinterested sound. "Doesn''t he like where he lives?"


    "That ce isn''t fit for anyone," she pleaded, sinking to her knees. "It could drive anyone insane. He''s already lost the function of his legs. Can''t you show a little mercy?"


    "It''s just treatment, Eliza. I''m not killing him," Casper replied, one hand toying with the wine ss, the other gripping her chin. "What''s got you so worked up?"


    "He''s not sick in the head. He''s a normal kid. Why are you trying to break him? If this is about Nova, then take it out on me."


    Casper was obsessed with ming the Pinotti family for Nova''s condition, and Eliza was ready to bear the brunt of it.


    "You? Ha." He pushed her away roughly, finishing his wine in one gulp.


    Eliza wiped her tears, her voice steady but desperate. "Set your terms. Just let my brother go."


    "What right do you have to negotiate with me?" His eyes gleamed with disdain. "Eliza, do you really think you''re all that?"


    She knew she was nothing to him. She had no illusions about her worth in his eyes.


    "Whatever you want, I''ll do it," she said, swallowing her pride and gently holding his arm. "If you want my life, take it. Just spare Robin."


    Casper swung his hand, sending the wine bottle crashing to the marble floor. ss shards scattered like a macabre rose in the pool of red wine.


    She looked up, meeting his gaze, and she got it. He wanted her to feel Nova''s pain.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Without hesitation, she knelt on the shattered ss. The shards pierced her knees, and the stabbing pain made her clench her eyes shut. Her fingers curled into trembling fists, blood seeping through her beige pants.


    "Sir," Marian interrupted, rushing in with the cordless phone. "Ms. Nova is on the line."


    Casper took the phone, exchanged a few words, grabbed his coat, and headed out. Before leaving, he turned to Eliza. "You figure out the divorce first. Then we''ll talk about Robin."


    As Casper''s car drove away, Marian hurried to help Eliza up. "Ma''am, why do this to yourself?¡±


    As she watched the blood on the floor, Marian''s heart ached. ''How could any couple live like this?''


    Eliza, barely able to stand, requested, "Marian, please, get me the first aid kit."

 Chapter 10

    "Ma''am, you really should go to the hospital. Your knee is full of ss shards. How are you going to take them out on your own?"


    "Don''t worry, I can do it."


    Eliza did her best to patch up her wound and left the house limping.


    She sat in the taxi and stared nkly at the huge disy screen in the square. On it, a man was carrying a fragile woman up the stairs, one hand around her, the other clutching a distinctive cane. Yep. It was Casper and Nova.


    They were on the second floor of the Falconridge Grand Theatre, where an art exhibition took ce.


    They didn''t shy away from the paparazzi''s shing cameras, their eyes locked in a tender gaze.


    Once upon a time, Eliza had dreamed that Casper would look at her like that, but her joyous pursuit only ended in cold stares and mockery.


    His love was stingy, reserved only for Nova.


    Eliza''s phone buzzed in her hand. She tore her eyes away. "Hello?"


    "Elle, I just saw Casper on the news," Chelsea''s voice was cautious. "Are you okay?"


    "I''m fine." Eliza''s voice was cool, with a hint of suppressed endurance.


    Over the past two years, Chelsea had never pried into Eliza''s feelings, much less her marriage.


    Chelsea knew that once Eliza set her mind on something, nothing could change it. But today, she couldn''t help but add, "Aren''t youpletely fed up yet?"


    "I do look like a joke," she said with a bitterugh.


    "You don''t have to be a joke. If you want, I can get the bestwyer in Falconridge to handle your divorce."


    Chelsea just feared Eliza wouldn''t want to leave.


    "Chelsea, I''ve already decided," she said, looking back at therge screen in the square. The video of the couple on the screen felt like a knife to her heart. "I will get a divorce." "Really?" Chelsea almost screamed, her voice tinged with excitement. "Has he agreed?"


    "Not yet."


    "It''s okay, take your time. He won''t drag it out for long. He probably wants to make things official with Nova."


    Even the Falconridge paparazzi could guess Casper wanted to make Nova his official wife. But Jeffrey needed Eliza''s blood, making Casper hesitate.


    Unfortunately, Eliza probably couldn''t have children, dashing the Welton family''s hopes.


    "Chelsea, there''s something else I need your help with."


    "Anything."


    "Mercy Hospital."Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Chelsea knew as much about Mercy Hospital as Eliza did. Unsure why it came up, Chelsea asked, "What about it?"


    "Casper had Robin admitted to Mercy Hospital. I went to see him today, and he''s in a bad mental state..."


    "Is it because of Nova again?"


    Everything Casper did against the Pinotti family was for Nova. That was a given.


    A sharp pain shot through Eliza''s knee, reminding her that she was being treated this way because of Nova, too.


    "Who else but her."


    "Your family did everything they could for Nova''s knee back then. What more does she want? It''s ridiculous. If Casper has a problem with the surgery or anyplications, he should take it up with the hospital, not me your family."


    Casper''s love was too intense; every bit of Nova''s pain pierced his heart.


    Moreover, once Nova returned to the Henderson family, one misfortune after another struck them.


    First, Mr. Henderson died of a sudden heart attack, and Mrs. Henderson, unable to cope, attempted suicide in the middle of the night.

 Chapter 11

    The sudden deaths meant Eliza was left with the wealth of the entire Henderson family, and overnight, Nova found herself a penniless orphan. Casper was heartbroken, ming both the Pinotti family and Eliza for the tragedy.


    Eliza, rubbing her aching forehead, felt her knees throb with numbing pain, and she felt nauseous and dizzy. "Chelsea, I can''t talk right now. Something urgent hase up," she said, hanging up the phone. Weakly, she turned to the driver. "Take me to the hospital, please."


    Under the harsh operating lights, the doctor painstakingly removed thirty-seven shards of ss from Eliza''s body, each piece soaked in blood. She developed a high fever, and her knees swelled up painfully. She spent three lonely days in the hospital, hooked up to an IV drip before she started to feel better.


    "Doctor, am I staying in this room?" It was Nova''s voice.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Eliza, looking haggard, turned towards the door. Nova entered, leaning on crutches, and did a double-take upon seeing Eliza. "Eliza, why are you also in the hospital? Are you alright?"


    Eliza didn''t answer, her gaze shifting to the man who followed Nova into the room.


    Nova quickly exined, "Casper was worried I''d have trouble getting around, so he came with me. You''re not upset, are you?"


    Eliza let out a bitter chuckle and closed her eyes. Herwful husband was always by another girl''s side, but she didn''t even have the right to be angry. Where was the justice in that?


    "Casper, Eliza is sick. Why didn''t you tell me?" Nova''s voice had a yful whine, like a wife nagging her lover.


    The sunlight streaming into the room highlighted Casper''s chiseled face, making his features even more striking. He nced indifferently at Eliza before turning to Nova. "Do you want me to find another room for you?"


    "The hospital is already short on beds. Let''s not bother. Staying in the same room with Elle means we can look after each other, saving you some worry."


    Nova was always known for being considerate and generous. She never sweated the small stuff, but her pretensions irritated Eliza to no end. "Casper, I''m thirsty," Nova rsaid.


    Casper handed her a ss of water. Nova took the water and then handed a fruit to Casper. "Casper, peel this fruit for Eliza."


    "She won''t eat it," he replied.


    "If you peel it, she will," Nova insisted, smiling as she handed him a fruit knife. "Please."


    Unable to bear it any longer, Eliza threw off her covers and got out of bed. Her bandaged knees offered little support, and she stumbled forward. Her hands hit the slippery floor, twisting her wrist painfully. The dual pain from her knee and wrist made her cry out involuntarily, "Ah, ssst..."


    The wound on her knee started bleeding again from the fall. The pain was so intense she could barely stand. She thought Casper would at leaste to help her up, but he didn''t. In despair, Eliza gripped the bed, struggling to stand upright.


    "Eliza, are you okay? Casper,e on, go help her. Is she alright?," Nova''s sharp voice, seemingly taking pleasure in Eliza''s misfortune, pierced her ears.


    Casper remained still, his brow slightly furrowed, his gaze on Eliza intense and thoughtful. Feeling utterly defeated, Eliza limped slowly out of the room, leaning against the wall for support. A nurse saw her and hurried over to help.


    Nova sighed, "How did she hurt her knee? I know knee injuries are really painful." She looked down at her own legs, tears dripping down.

 Chapter 12

    Casper pulled his gaze away, his voice gentle and reassuring. "Don''t worry, I''ve already arranged everything with a hospital abroad. Your leg is going to get better." "Will youe with me, Casper?" Nova asked, her eyes hopeful.


    "Of course," he replied.


    Nova''s tears turned into a smile. "Thank you, Casper."


    Eliza made her way to the nurse''s station. "Nurse, can I switch rooms?"


    "Ms. Eliza, all our rooms are full right now. We can''t make a switch for you," the nurse said apologetically.


    "Then... I''ll check out," Eliza said. She just couldn''t stay another minute here.


    The nurse was taken aback. "Ms. Eliza, your knee isn''t fully healed yet. Why do you want to check out? If you really need a different room, let me see what I can do." "Thank you for your help."


    "Please go back for now. Walking around isn''t good for your knee. It could causeplications."


    The nurse escorted Eliza back to her room. Casper was chatting with Nova, making herugh uncontrobly.


    When Eliza entered, Nova grinned. "Elle, Casper is such a jokester! I''m so jealous you have such a funny husband."


    "My husband?" Eliza scoffed. "I thought he was yours."


    Nova''s face turned red. "Eliza, are... are you upset?"


    She nced nervously at Casper. "Casper, please talk to Eliza. I don''t want any misunderstandings because of me." Eliza held back her anger. She didn''t want Casper to hold this against her. She and her family couldn''t afford that.


    Soon, the nurse found a new room for Eliza, cing her at the end of the hallway. Her new roommate was an elderlydy.


    "Come on, this medicine isn''t bitter. Take it, and then you can have some candy," an old man coaxed thedy, his voice full of patience, tenderness, and love.


    Eliza watched them with a pang of envy. The elderlydy must have been spoiled her whole life.


    After thedy took her medicine, the man handed her a rainbow lollipop. "Here''s your reward."


    Then he turned to Eliza, offering her a lollipop too. "Here, youngdy, this will make the medicine less bitter."


    Eliza tried to refuse. "No, sir, I..."


    "It''s okay. Take it," the old man insisted, cing the unwrapped lollipop in her hand. "It''s very sweet."


    Eliza was touched, epting the lollipop and putting it in her mouth. The sweetness spread through her mouth instantly.


    ''So this is what sweetness feels like,'' she thought. After years of bitterness, she had almost forgotten the taste of sweetness.


    With the lollipop in her mouth, she opened her tablet to work on her resume. She had a degree from the Art Academy of Falconridge. Though she had little work experience, finding a job teaching art to children shouldn''t be too hard.


    Her focus was entirely on the resume. She didn''t notice a man walking in until his eyes fell on her tablet, making her realize he was there.


    Panicking, she closed the tablet.


    "Looking for a job?" Casper''s face darkened.


    Eliza didn''t hide it. "Yes."


    "Who gave you permission to look for a job?" He was clearly displeased.


    Eliza didn''t see what she had done wrong. She was divorced and needed to support herself. "Why can''t I look for a job?"


    "Eliza, you need to know your ce."


    Elizaughed coldly, meeting his angry gaze. "And what about you, Mr. Casper? What''s your ce? Are you my husband or Nova''s?"This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    "Are youparing yourself to her?" His face twisted with disdain. "You think you''re even in her league?"

 Chapter 13

    She knew she wasn''t worthy of being his wife. He was infatuated with someone else. What was shepared to Nova?


    "Yeah, I know I don''t deserve it," she said, her gaze icy as she pulled the nket over herself andy down.


    Feeling ignored, Caspershed out, swiping the tablet off the nightstand, sending it crashing to the floor. The sound made Eliza''s heart skip a beat.


    After Casper stormed out, she picked up the broken tablet. The shattered screen mirrored her own broken heart.


    A nurse walked in, "Ms. Eliza?"


    Eliza tucked the tablet away. "Is it time for my shot?"


    "No, it''s not that." The nurse looked troubled, her eyes filled with pity. "The hospital just called... you''re being discharged." Discharged? They''d just agreed to move her to another room, so why did they ept her discharge request now?


    "Is it because my deposit wasn''t enough?"


    "No, that''s not it. It''s just... an order from above."


    Eliza got it immediately. Someone wanted her out of the hospital. No one but Casper would have the power or reason to do this. It looked like she really did offend his precious sweetheart. Casper''s influence was far-reaching. Eliza had no way to fight back. "Alright, I''ll go."


    "Ms. Eliza, I''m really sorry. But you can get treatment at another hospital."


    Eliza gave a weak smile. "Thanks."


    The nurse felt sorry for Eliza, handled the discharge paperwork, and even wheeled her out to a taxi.


    "Ms. Eliza, I hope you recover soon."


    "Goodbye."


    Back at home, Eliza''s knees were swollen and throbbing. She didn''t bother going to another hospital, knowing she''d just get kicked out again.


    In Falconridge, Casper''s power left her no options.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Her legs hurt so much that she called a doctor online to attend to her at home.


    When the doorbell rang, Eliza struggled to her feet and opened the door.


    "Eliza?"


    "Aaron?" she said, surprised. "What are you doing here?"


    "A friend had an emergency and asked me to fill in. I didn''t expect..." He immediately reached out to steady her. "...how did you hurt your knee?" Eliza didn''t go into details. She just said it was an ident. Once she was settled, Aaron opened his medical kit to treat her wounds.


    The infection was bad. It was clearly festering. "This is serious. Why didn''t you go to the hospital?"


    Eliza gave a bitter smile. "I did."


    "You''re not still having issues with Casper, are you?" Aaron asked, sensing something was off. "Surely you''re not still fighting?" Eliza wondered what Aaron, an outsider, thought of her marriage. Did he think this was just typical married life drama?


    If only it were that simple.


    "Do you think I have the right to be fighting with Casper?" The little warmth left in her heart was slowly fading.


    "Why did you move out?" He applied alcohol to disinfect the wound, focusing on his task. "It''ll sting a bit. Just hang in there."


    Eliza gripped the sofa fabric tightly, not making a sound. Over the past two years, she''d grown numb to the pain.


    "His heart does not belong with me."


    Aaron paused. In Falconridge, gossip about Casper and Nova was a daily affair. Their rtionship was sshed all over the news. As Casper''s closest friend, Aaron could see how he treated Nova differently. However, the media never mentioned Eliza, the legitimate wife.


    To them, Eliza was invisible.

 Chapter 14

    "Thinking about divorcing him?"All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Eliza didn''t deny it. Every time Casper endangered her and her family''s lives for Nova, her urge to leave him only grew stronger. "Yes."


    Aaron was initially stunned but didn''t say much. Being Casper''s wife was a position of prestige that many only dreamt of.


    Was Eliza really prepared to throw it all away?


    "Are you sure about this?"


    "Absolutely."


    Aaron didn''t press further and focused on treating her wounds. His hands were skillful and gentle as he applied the medicine and bandaged her injuries.


    "If you get a fever tomorrow, make sure to go to the hospital," he reminded her.


    Eliza nodded slightly. "Thank you."


    "Get some rest. If you feel unwell, give me a call, and I''lle by to change your dressing again tomorrow," he said, picking up his medical kit.


    Her eyes fell sadly. "Don''t bother. I can''t afford to pay for more house calls."


    She was unemployed and low on funds. She had to save every penny counted.


    Aaron felt a pang of sympathy, "I won''t charge you."


    "Really, Aaron, thank you, but I don''t want to trouble you."


    "Stay seated. I''ll lock the door on my way out." Aaron gave Eliza a meaningful look before leaving.


    Reaching the bottom of the stairs, his breathing became heavy. He couldn''t resist calling Casper. "Do you know about Eliza''s leg injury?"


    Casper''s voice was cold on the other end. "And how do you know about that?"


    "I saw her. Her knee is badly injured and getting infected. Without proper treatment, it could be critical..."


    "This isn''t your concern." Casper''s voice was chilling, filled with an unprecedented coldness and ruthlessness.


    Aaron, puzzled, asked, "What has she done to you to treat her this way? She said she had already gone to the hospital. With such a serious injury, she should be treated there. Don''t tell me you had her discharged."


    "Are you feeling sorry for her?" A mockingugh came through the phone, "Aaron, Eliza is my wife. It''s not your ce to care whether she lives or dies."


    "Consider me nosy, then."


    "It''s none of your business." With that, Casper hung up.


    Back at the hospital, the nurse arrived, and Casper prepared to leave.


    "Casper, are you leaving?" Nova wanted him to stay, but when she saw Casper''s grim expression, she spoke cautiously, "If there''s work at thepany, you should go."


    "Call me if you need anything."


    Casper''s car took a detour to Eliza''s apartment. The lights were still on in her window.


    After he finished a cigarette, he dialed her number. "Come downstairs."


    Eliza''s hand trembled slightly as she held the phone. He knew full well how badly her knee was injured, yet he still made such a request. Her heart grew colder. "If it''s something important, we can talk over the phone."


    "If you don''te down, don''t bother talking to me about Robin''s issue ever again."


    With that, he hung up. If Casper were willing to discuss Robin''s matter, she would meet him, even at the risk of her knee.


    Eliza tried to stand, failing several times before grabbing a cane.


    Half an hourter, Eliza, leaning on her cane, made her way downstairs with difficulty. Her forehead was covered in sweat, and her breathing was uneven and rapid.

 Chapter 15

    Casper leaned casually against his car. The streetlight above cast a soft glow on his hair and shoulders, highlighting his chiseled profile against the clear night sky. He had striking looks that even made other men do a double-take.


    As he looked up and saw her approaching, his eyes narrowed, and a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips when he noticed her using a crutch. Perhaps in his mind, she was just clumsily mimicking Nova. "Aaron must be heartbroken seeing you like this," he scoffed.


    Aaron? So, they talked. That exined why he was here.


    "Weren''t we supposed to discuss Robin?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.


    He strode towards her, his cold eyes reflecting the chill of the night as he thrust the divorce papers at her. "Take these back, and then we can talk."


    "Still can''t let me go?" Eliza looked up at him. His tall frame blocked most of the light, making it hard for her to see his face clearly. "I''m not asking for a penny. Isn''t leaving with nothing enough? Or do you not want to give Nova a proper status?"


    He grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Seems like I haven''t given Nova a status yet, but you''ve already given Aaron one."


    His words cut deep. Despite their two years of marriage, she had always been loyal, but usations still flew her way.


    Anger red in her eyes. "When have you ever seen anything happen between me and Aaron? Do you think everyone''s like you, chasing after every desire?"


    "Are you saying nothing is going on?" His grip on her face tightened, distorting her features slightly. He leaned in closer, grabbing her waist. "Would he defend you without getting any benefits?"


    Aaron had probably said some kind words about her, which must have pissed Casper off. Now, Casper was taking it out on her.


    Eliza''s face turned pale with fury. She shoved him away. "You''re aplete bastard."


    She backed away, step by step, leaning heavily on her crutch. Her eyes were filled with disdain and a sense of betrayal.


    He reached out and gripped the back of her neck, his lips brushing against her earlobe as he whispered hotly, "But you love bastards like me."


    She raised her hand to p him, but he caught it mid-air. The tension was palpable.


    Eliza struggled, but his grip was too firm. "Feeling brave, huh?" he sneered, releasing her hand with a rough shove.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    The force caused her to stumble back. Her heel caught on a protruding brick, and she lost her bnce, falling hard to the ground. Her palms scraped against the rough surface, dirt and grit embedding in the wounds. The pain in her knee was almost unbearable.


    But she had learned to endure pain. Even as blood soaked through her pants, she didn''t make a sound.


    He crouched beside her, gently brushing aside her disheveled hair. "Silent in bed and still silent in pain?"


    Despair washed over her. She felt utterly defeated, as she got to her feet with effort, using her crutch for support. She tidied her hair and forced her voice to remain calm. "Mr. Casper, it seems you''re not here to discuss Robin."


    "Whether we talk about him or not depends on your attitude," he said, his long fingers trailing down her cheek. "And clearly, you''re not showing the right attitude tonight."


    Eliza turned her face away, suppressing the urge to scream. It waste, and she didn''t want to disturb the neighbors.


    It was clear now that Casper had no intention of discussing Robin.

 Chapter 16

    Casper was just here to blow off some steam.


    With a cane in hand, she struggled her way upstairs. Each step felt like it took every bit of strength she had left.


    He nced down, lit a cigarette, and a cold, thin smile crept across his lips. The smoke swirled around him, his dark eyes taking on a mysterious, unreadable look.


    ...


    Eliza''s legs werepletely numb. All night, it felt like they''d been amputated.


    In the morning, she groggily got out of bed and checked her temperature-102 degrees Fahrenheit. She called Chelsea, "Chelsea, could you get me some fever medicine? I''ve got a fever." "What happened? Hold tight, I''ming."


    Without asking more, Chelsea rushed to the pharmacy, grabbed the meds, and drove over to Eliza''s apartmentplex.


    "Elle?"


    "Elle!"


    Chelsea knocked for ages, but no one answered. She felt a knot tighten in her stomach. She remembered the spare key under the flowerpot and quickly fetched it.


    She burst through the door and rushed to the bedroom. Eliza was in a feverish haze.


    "Elle, are you okay? Forget the medicine. I''m taking you to the hospital."


    Chelsea wasted no time getting Eliza to the nearest hospital. She watched Eliza''s pale face, swollen knees, and injured palms, feeling a pang of heartbreak. How had this once-vibrant girl ended up like this? Eliza woke up the next morning. She saw Chelsea and struggled to sit up. "Chelsea."


    Chelsea touched her forehead. "Thank God, the fever''s gone."


    "It''s been ages since I had a fever this bad," Eliza said, managing a weak, self-deprecating smile.


    Chelsea couldn''t bring herself to smile back. Eliza''s injuries had to be Casper''s doing.


    "What happened to your legs?"


    Eliza didn''t want to say, but Chelsea insisted. So, she gave a brief exnation.


    Chelsea was furious. She had seen cruel people, but none as bad as this. The worst part? Even after all this, Casper still hadn''t released Robin.


    "What did you do to deserve Casper? He cheats and tortures you. Elle, you need to leave him, or he''ll ruin you."This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Eliza lowered her eyes. Of course, she would leave. She couldn''t die-what would happen to her mom? What would happen to her brother, who was still stuck in Mercy Hospital?


    "Chelsea, I don''t think Casper will release Robin anytime soon. You have connections. Can you make sure Robin stays safe in there? I can pay."


    Chelsea understood Eliza''s worries but wondered if she even had the money to pay for her brother''s stay. In the two years Eliza spent with Casper, all she had gotten was a free housekeeper and someone to vent on. Aside from injuries and family misfortunes, what else did she have?


    "Where would you get the money? Has Casper given you a dime in thest two years?"


    Though it stung, Eliza shook her head. "No."


    "He''s such a bastard."


    Eliza stayed in the hospital for two weeks. Chelsea handled everything. Eliza''s leg got the best treatment and healed quickly. As her health improved, so did her spirits.


    Holding her cracked tablet, Eliza continued sending out resumes. An art training institute in the city center extended an offer for an interview. She decided to go after getting discharged the next day.

 Chapter 17

    The institute was close to her home, offering a convenientmute. The opportunity seemed perfect.


    The manager watched Eliza''s impromptu sketches, nodding frequently. "Ms. Eliza, your artwork is truly exceptional. You''re a distinguished graduate from a top art school. We urgently need someone with your solid fundamentals, prestigious background, and exceptional talent."


    "Thank you," Eliza replied, a bit embarrassed by the praise.


    "How about this: you can start on Monday, with a sry of $4,000 per month plus performance bonuses. Typically, our teachers earn over $10,000."


    Eliza''s face lit up with delight. "Okay, I''lle by on Monday."


    The manager excitedly grasped Eliza''s hand. "It''s rare to find such a talented teacher. You wouldn''t believe it, but we recently had a teacher get pushed to us through connections. It was... difficult. Now that we have you, we''ll find an excuse to let her go."


    Eliza was taken aback. She felt uneasy if her arrival meant another teacher would lose their job. "Is that... okay?"


    "Ms. Eliza, don''t worry. We would have found a reason to dismiss her regardless," the manager sighed, shaking his head. "That teacher didn''t even attend college, just had some drawing sses in high school. How could we let someone like that teach our children? If it weren''t for her disability, we would''ve..."


    The manager''s discontent was evident.


    "Ms. Eliza, we''re looking forward to Monday. We''ll have the contract ready for you, including health insurance and a pension n. Rest assured."


    The sry wasn''t high, but Eliza felt content. After reaching a verbal agreement, she politely excused herself. "Then, I''ll get going now."


    "Let me walk you out."


    As Eliza and the manager reached the institute''s entrance, they spotted Nova.


    She emerged from Casper''s car, her white dress fluttering in the breeze, her face beaming with happiness.


    The manager whispered, "That''s the teacher I mentioned. Looks like a wealthy guy backs her. She does not really do much here." So, it was her.


    Upon spotting Eliza, Nova, leaning on her cane, approached. "What a coincidence, Eliza. You''re here..."This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    The manager calmly interjected, "Ms. Eliza is here for the art teacher position."


    "That''s wonderful. You''ll do great," Nova offered a kind smile to the manager. "Eliza is my friend. She''s really wonderful. Please give her a chance." Eliza gave her a cool nce. "I''ll be off then."


    "Goodbye, Ms. Eliza," the manager waved cheerfully.


    As Eliza passed Casper''s car, the vehicle revved up, brushing against her pants as it drove past.


    Just after Eliza got home, the manager called. "I''m sorry, Ms. Eliza, but you can''t start on Monday. We hope you find a position that suits you." "It''s okay." She had anticipated this.


    How could Casper allow her topete with Nova for a job? Even without Nova, just a word from Casper and nobody in Falconridge would hire her. However, Eliza didn''t expect it to happen so quickly.


    Finding a job was never easy. It was time to look for the next one.


    After half a month of unsessful job searching, Eliza suspected Casper had interfered. By now, she hade to ept her situation.


    With the little money she had left, Eliza bought an electric scooter and nned to deliver food to make ends meet.

 Chapter 18

    Aside from her eight hours of sleep, Eliza spent sixteen hours a day delivering food.


    "Hey Eliza, you''ve got an order from Grandview Vis today. They''re having a birthday party tonight and ordered over twenty thousand dors'' worth of food. Your delivery fee is two thousand bucks. Remember to pick up the meals at 5 PM."


    The caller was the owner of a small catering business.


    In Eliza''s month of delivering food, the owner had always looked out for her, giving her big, lucrative orders.


    "Got it, Lana. I''ll be there on time."


    This was the biggest order Eliza had received since she started delivering food. A two thousand dor delivery fee was a lifesaver for Eliza, who was struggling financially.


    At five o''clock, Eliza picked up the meals that Lana had packed.


    "Lana, could you give me the contact''s number?"


    Lana sent Eliza the phone number and handed her a raincoat. "Eliza, the weather looks bad. It might pourter. Ride carefully and head straight home after the delivery."


    "Got it."


    Eliza put on her helmet and took the raincoat from Lana. "Bye."


    "Be careful on the road."


    "Will do."


    Grandview Vis were located in the suburbs, about thirty miles away. It would take over an hour on her electric bike.


    Halfway there, it started to drizzle.


    This was nothing new for Eliza; in her month of food delivery, she had faced all sorts of weather. Her attitude changed from difort to adaptability. As long as she could make money, she feared nothing. When she arrived at the gate of Grandview Vis, the rain had intensified.


    She called the contact. "Hello, your order has arrived. Could someone pleasee and collect it?"This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    "You''re the delivery person, right? Bring it in to Vi No. 78."


    "Oh, okay."


    Eliza navigated her way and found Vi No. 78. Worried about the meals getting wet, she took off her raincoat to cover the packed food.


    She called the contact again. "Hello, I''m here. Could you pleasee out and collect it?"


    "Just a moment."


    Inside the vi, one could see the girl in the yellow vest standing outside.


    "Casper, doesn''t that delivery girl look like Eliza?" Nova asked, standing on the second-floor balcony.


    Casper was standing beside her and immediately told his staff to wait. "Have her wait outside."


    "Yes, Mr. Casper."


    Nova gently nudged Casper''s arm, worriedly watching Eliza standing in the rain. "Casper, it''s raining outside. She''ll get soaked." "That''s the job she chose," Casper replied.


    He turned and walked inside, sat down, and lit a cigarette, cing it to his lips. From his seat, he could clearly see Eliza''s plight. Nova shrugged and said no more. "I''ll go check on the fruit preparation."


    The rain grew heavier.


    Eliza couldn''t wait any longer, and called the contact again. "Hello, when will someonee to collect the food?"


    "Sorry for the inconvenience. Please wait a bit longer. Everyone''s busy, but someone wille out soon."


    "Please hurry. I''m worried the meals will get ruined."


    She tucked in the corners of her raincoat again and sought shelter under the eaves to avoid the rain.

 Chapter 19

    The wind was downright fierce, whipping the rain every which way. Once she was soaked through, she couldn''t stop shivering from the cold. Casper watched everything and stubbed out his cigarette with a scowl.


    One of the staff in charge of coordination jogged up to Casper and reported, "Mr. Casper, the kitchen''s almost ready. Should I bring in the takeout?"


    "Open the door, let her in, and have her wait in the courtyard."


    "Yes, sir."


    The coordinator didn''t dare ask more questions and quickly opened the vi''s door.


    When the door opened, Eliza hurriedly picked up the food container and dashed inside, braving the rain. This dy had taken too long. She wasn''t worried about missing out on more deliveries; she was worried that the food would get cold, leading to a bad review.


    Her phone rang. She set down the food container and answered, "Hello? Wait in the courtyard? But there''s no shelter here. I don''t mind getting wet, but what about the food... Oh, alright, please hurry." Eliza was left to wait under the steps in front of the vi''s door. The rain was pouring, and her raincoat was pping wildly in the wind.


    Suddenly, the door swung open. She was just about toplete her delivery when she saw Nova''s face.


    "Well, if it isn''t Eliza."


    Eliza''s steps halted abruptly. "Nova?"


    "Yep, it''s my birthday today." Nova looked every bit like a fairy-tale princess dressed in a white gown. Her hair was styled in luscious waves, and a tiny crown was perched on her head. Her usual crutches were reced with ones covered in rhinestones to match her elegant attire. "But don''t get it twisted. It wasn''t me who didn''t let the staff pick up the food; it was Casper''s orders."


    Was Casper here, too?


    Eliza scoffed. How could Nova''s grand birthday bash be without her husband''s presence?This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Eliza hadn''t seen Casper in over a month, but gossip about him and Nova kept popping up in ads on her phone.


    "Eliza, Casper specifically chose this vi for my birthday. Isn''t it beautiful? I absolutely love it."


    Nova''s eyes sparkled with excitement.


    Eliza clenched her teeth. "Nova, I''ve worn those old shoes, and you seem to fit them just fine." Nova was taken aback, her face souring. She was about to retort when Casper approached.


    He looked even angrier than Nova, having probably heard Eliza''s remark.


    She met his furious gaze. "Would you please have someone take the meals? If they get cold, they won''t taste good."


    Just as Eliza was about to step up, Casper''s cold voice stopped her. "Stay there."


    She froze, looking up to meet his eyes. The rain mercilessly pelted her face, blurring her vision.


    "We don''t want the meal anymore."


    He had made her wait in the pouring rain for nearly an hour, and now he was just dismissing it?


    "Why?" Eliza was stunned, her voice tightening.


    "Casper, don''t be mean. Look how hard Eliza worked to deliver in the rain. Delivery fees are hard to earn," Nova interjected, ying the peacemaker gloatingly.


    "The food''s cold."


    "It was your failure to receive it on time, and besides, the food is insted. Even if it''s cold, it can be reheated."


    Casper mocked, "I spent over twenty grand on this meal, and you want me to reheat it?"


    Eliza stood in the rain and stared at the face that had be so foreign to her. This was the man she had loved for six whole years.


    He was mercilessly pushing her to her limits.

 Chapter 20

    ''Marriage? What a joke!'' Eliza thought.


    "Casper, stop it. Maybe I should get the food," Nova said, leaning on her cane. She tried to move before Casper pulled her back. "Leave her be."


    His cold gaze returned to Eliza. "I might ept the food, but only if you stand there for two hours."


    A pang of bitterness crept into Eliza''s heart. She lifted her defiant little face. "I hope you keep your word, Mr. Casper."


    Turning his head, Casper walked inside with Nova, the heavy door shutting behind them with a thud. Eliza held the food and stood alone in the pouring rain. The wind lifted her raincoat, allowing the rain to soak through. She was chilled to the bone.


    Chelsea called, "Elle, why aren''t you at home?"


    "I''m making a delivery."


    "It''s pouring. What if you slip? Stop making deliveries and juste back home," Chelsea''s voice was full of concern.


    Eliza smiled faintly. "Chelsea, this delivery pays two thousand dors."


    "Just for..." Chelsea''s disbelief was mixed with concern. "...then be safe. Come back after this one and call it a day."


    "Yeah, I''m alright."


    On the second-floor balcony, Casper''s cigarette burned at his fingertips. He hadn''t taken a single puff and just let it burn out. He flicked it into the elegant ashtray.


    "Casper, my birthday party is about to start. Aren''t youing down?" Nova asked cautiously.


    Casper didn''t respond, his gaze fixed on the slender figure in the rain. Nova also looked down. Eliza was still standing there. Nearly two hours had gone by, and she hadn''t moved an inch. "Casper, I''ll have someone retrieve the food."This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    "I''ll go."


    The vi''s wooden door opened again, and Casper, with a ck umbre, elegantly descended the steps. Eliza stared at him with desperation, trembling from the cold.


    "Can you take the food now?"


    "You''re bending over backward for two thousand dors?"


    He was only a step away, his tone mocking, with the air of a superior. The rain between them separated their worlds.


    "Well, thank you for that..." she said.


    If he hadn''t sabotaged her at every turn, she''d probably be in a spacious ssroom now, teaching kids how to draw early autumn rain. He chuckled, his shoulders rxing as if he''d heard a ridiculous joke. "If you can''t stand the hardship,e back and be Mrs. Welton. All will be forgiven."


    She shook her head, quietly staring at him. The color drained from her face.


    "Please, take the food." She extended the meal box toward him.


    Casper didn''t take it but turned and walked back inside. "It seems you still haven''te to your senses."


    "Casper, you don''t keep your word." Her voice was hoarse, her fingertips trembling.


    She would throw the food in Casper''s face if she had the courage. But she couldn''t afford it. She couldn''t afford to lose the two thousand dors for the delivery, let alone pay for the twenty thousand dors worth of meals.


    He didn''t respond. The door quickly shut once more. Eliza turned around in despair, her head drooping.


    "Hey, delivery girl, bring the food inside," someone called out.


    Eliza turned, surprised, to see a man in a chef''s outfit waving at her. "I''m talking to you. Come on in."

 Chapter 21

    Eliza hurried along, jogging to hand over the food to the chef. "It might be a bit cold and needs reheating," she said.


    The chef didn''t say much.


    Her phone pinged, confirming the delivery. Her fee was deposited into her ount.


    With a deep breath, Eliza felt the hassle was worth it after all. At least she got the money.


    Back at the vi, the birthday party was still in full swing.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Guests continued to arrive, including Aaron.


    He hadn''t really wanted toe. He couldn''t wrap his head around why a married man would throw such a big party for another girl''s birthday. Even if Eliza and Casper were getting a divorce, they were still married, right?


    "You and Nova..."


    "It''s her birthday today." Casper raised his ss, cutting Aaron off.


    Aaron wasn''t usually chatty, but today, he couldn''t help himself. "Doing this could make Eliza misunderstand, especially since you two..."


    "What? She already told you about the divorce?" Casper appeared indifferent but a bit jealous, ncing sideways. "Seems like your rtionship with her isn''t as simple as it looks."


    Aaron frowned. Given his history with Casper, he shouldn''t be questioned like this. His voice turned icy. "Eliza is only my friend."


    "Is that so?" Casper chuckled lightly.


    Aaron always knew Casper wasn''t a generous man. He was possessive, a bit tyrannical, and domineering. Honestly, a guy like that wasn''t suited for a peaceful life.


    "I just want to remind you that Jeffrey''s illness still needs the antibodies in Eliza''s blood. It''s best not to do anything that might make her misunderstand. That''s not good for a marriage, especially if you n on having kids."


    Casper''s gaze darkened. "Isn''t there any other way?"


    "Well, there is. But it''s not really feasible," Aaron said.


    Casper frowned, "Let''s hear it."


    "It would involve draining all of Eliza''s blood and recing all of Jeffrey''s. The cost would be... Eliza wouldn''t survive."


    Fearing Casper might not fully understand, he added, "If she gets pregnant, just drawing a tube of blood could purify the antibodies."


    As Casper''s wife, Eliza had the duty to continue the family lineage.


    Pregnancy was the simplest, safest, and most efficient solution. Aaron hoped Casper would understand.


    Casper remained silent.


    Nova came over with her cane, smiling, "Casper,e blow out the candles with me."


    He set down his ss, supporting Nova. "Alright."


    Aaron shook his head.


    ...


    After parking her electric scooter in themunity shed, Eliza finally headed home.


    Chelsea was standing at her door, checking her watch. "Where did you go to deliver food? I''ve been waiting for two hours."


    Eliza smiled faintly, "It was a bit far. Why didn''t you go in?"


    "I can''t keep using the spare key to open the door."


    "It''s okay." Eliza took out her keys, unlocking the door. "Did you wait to tell me something important?"


    Chelsea helped Eliza off with her raincoat. "I think constantly delivering food isn''t really your thing. I found you a job." "Really?"


    If there were a stable job avable, Eliza would be thrilled. Though she wondered who in Falconridge would dare to hire her.


    "I have a friend who just opened an art studio in Falconridge. He needs talented and skilled artists. I rmended you, and he seemed quite pleased."

 Chapter 22

    It sounded promising.


    But... Eliza didn''t want to be a burden to anyone.


    "Does your friend know about my rtionship with Casper? I''m worried..."


    "My friend just got back from abroad, so he doesn''t y by these local rules." Chelsea handed the contract to Eliza. "Look, I brought the contract. Have a read, and if it feels right, you should sign it."


    The opportunity hade out of nowhere. After the initial excitement, Eliza couldn''t help feeling a bit mncholic. "The terms are good, it''s just..."


    "What''s there to worry about?" Chelsea pulled out a cigarette, ced it between her lips, and lit it. Her slender fingers held the cigarette in a captivating and cool way.


    She took a drag and slowly exhaled a plume of gray smoke. "Does Casper still have that much control?"


    "He''s your friend, after all," Eliza said calmly.


    Chelsea handed the contract to Eliza. "He doesn''t have much leverage over Casper, so don''t worry."


    "So, should I... sign it?"


    "Yeah."


    Once the contract was signed, Chelsea put it away. She picked up her phone and sent Eliza a location. "Go to this ce tomorrow. Someone will meet you." "Thank you, Chelsea."


    "Stop thanking me, or I''ll get mad." Chelsea stubbed out her cigarette, packed up the contract, and stood. "I''m heading out. You get some rest, drink some ginger tea, sweat it out, and don''t catch a cold." "Okay."


    Chelsea, holding the contract, quickly returned to her car. She fiddled with her phone for a bit before dialing a number. "Elle signed it."


    "Good," a man''s voice came from the other end.


    "Zach, I''m not doing this for you. I just can''t stand to see Elle suffer."


    Chelsea wasn''t sure if what she was doing was right. Maybe, once Eliza knew the truth, she would me her. Chelsea epted that.


    Zach, on the other end, was silent for a moment. "Understood."


    Chelsea hung up the phone. She lifted her gaze towards the third-floor window...


    The next day, Eliza went to the art studio Chelsea had rmended. She was greeted by a very young girl.


    "Our studio mainly helps students about to enter college improve their drawing skills so they can get good results in their uing exams," the young girl said, smiling and revealing two cute little bunny teeth. "Ms. Eliza, you graduated from the Art Academy of Falconridge and are the most popr among the students."


    "Really?" Eliza never knew she was popr.


    "Ms. Eliza, you can start working today. Later, some students will sign up. You can choose one-on-one sessions or groups of three or five, with differentmissions." Eliza nodded, looking around.


    "Is your boss not here?"


    Eliza didn''t see any sign of the boss and felt uncertain. She also wanted to thank him personally for the opportunity.


    "Our boss doesn''te often. You''d be lucky to ever bump into him."


    ''I see.'' Eliza silently acknowledged.


    The young girl then exined some work-rted matters to Eliza. With that, the job application process wasplete.


    In three days, Eliza got the hang of the workflow.


    Compared to training institutions, this ce was rtively high-end and staffed with teachers who were graduates from renowned colleges. Everyone got along well. After work, Eliza would stay a bitte to clean up the studio.


    "Ms. Eliza, I''m heading out."


    "Goodbye."


    After tidying up, Eliza turned off the lights, locked the studio door, and turned around to find a low-profile dark sedan parked in front of her.


    She paused, slightly taken aback.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

 Chapter 23

    The car''s back door swung open, and a pair of polished leather shoes hit the pavement.


    Eliza felt a knot forming in her stomach. Something was wrong. She turned on her heel, ready to get away.


    Casper emerged from the car but didn''t hurry after her. Instead, he lit a cigarette, taking a slow drag. "Looks like you''re pretty happy with Zach''s setup."


    Zach?


    The name that had vanished from her life for two years now echoed back, leaving Eliza stunned.


    With a cigarette dangling between his fingers, Casper sauntered over and grabbed her waist. "Did the delivery experience make your sweetheart worried?" "Casper, I have no idea what you''re talking about."


    He let out a mockingugh, his eyes scanning her face. "Eliza, you sure have some guts. We''re not even divorced yet, and you''ve already lined up two new guys."


    "I haven''t." She knew Casper was here to cause trouble, but she wasn''t about to ept these baseless usations.


    He flicked away the cigarette, grabbed her wrist, and started dragging her towards the car. "Come home with me."Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    "I''m not going with you."


    "Eliza, push me any further, and you won''t see Robin tomorrow."


    Eliza''s family was her Achilles'' heel and Casper knew exactly how to hit her where it hurt.


    She fell silent.


    The car pulled into the vi''s driveway. Eliza obediently followed Casper inside.


    He headed upstairs while she stood there like a statue.


    "What are you standing there for?"


    He had brought her back for the usual reasons.


    In bed, Casper was always in control. Nova''s fragile health couldn''t handle his roughness, so he took out his arousal on Eliza.


    Eliza looked up, her eyes cold. "I don''t want to." It was the first time she had refused him like this.


    Enraged, he stormed back down, grabbed her arm, and threw her onto the sofa.


    "This will do." He pinned her down, yanking off his tie, and started unbuttoning her blouse. She clutched his hand. "Casper, stop it."


    Heughed bitterly. His eyes turned icy, like a predator''s. "What, saving yourself for another guy now?"


    "I''m not."


    He pinned her wrists above her head, his grip unrelenting. "Here or upstairs, your choice."


    Eliza was conservative. Unlike Casper, who could do it anytime, anywhere, she cared about her dignity.


    "Upstairs," she said, her voice trembling with despair.


    Once in the bedroom, he was on her. She struggled, her eyes filled with resentment.


    He grabbed her chin, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Aaron wasn''t enough, and now you''ve got Zach? Eliza, did I underestimate you? Tell me, who do you love?"


    "I love no one, Casper. Just get it over with." She closed her eyes and turned her face away, unwilling to see his mocking expression.


    He forced her to look at him. "Since you took the job Zach arranged, you must love him, right?"


    "I don''t love him." Eliza was baffled by his obsession with Zach. "He didn''t arrange my job."


    "Eliza, don''t y dumb with me. Do you really think you deserve a sry of twenty thousand a month with those skills? Who do you think you are? A university professor?" True, her sry at the studio was high, but the other instructors earned even more.


    "That just shows I''m worth it."

 Chapter 24

    "Let''s see what you''re really worth." He gripped her waist, his thrusts increasingly forceful and possessive.


    He knew every inch of her. In the two years they''d been married, their intimate moments were rare, but each time left him utterly bewitched, sometimes so much that he couldn''t help bute back for more.


    He couldn''t deny his insatiable desire for her. He saw the flush of red on her face, and his grip turned even more domineering.


    Afterward, he pulled away. Suddenly, he noticed the bed sheets beneath her stained red with blood.


    Shey there with her eyes tightly shut, clearly in excruciating pain. The pain was so intense that she curled up into a tight ball.


    The blood spread beneath her like a blooming poppy.


    A sudden grip tightened around Casper''s heart. This wasn''t her period...


    "Are you mute? Couldn''t you tell me it hurt?"


    Casper grabbed a nket, wrapped up Eliza, and carried her downstairs. Her body was burning hot, herplexion pale and bloodless.


    "Driver, get the car."


    On the way to the hospital, Casper called Aaron, asking him to meet them there.


    The moment he arrived at the hospital, he rushed Eliza straight to the emergency room.


    "What''s the situation?"


    Aaron reached out to take her, but Casper dodged him. He carried her directly into the emergency treatment room.


    Aaron didn''t take offense, and after exining the situation to the doctors, he waited outside with Casper.


    Casper pulled out a cigarette, attempting to light it several times unsessfully.


    "Smoking is prohibited in the hospital. Just bear with it," Aaron said.


    Casper angrily threw the cigarette and lighter into the trash, rubbing his hands through his thick hair.


    The light in the emergency room stayed on, stark and unsettling.


    A nurse came out midway to speak with Aaron, handed him a form, then went back inside.


    Aaron handed the form to Casper. "Sign here."


    "What is it?" He looked over with bloodshot eyes.


    It was a surgical consent form.


    Aaron sighed. "Eliza has a ruptured corpus luteum and needs surgery."


    He wasn''t sure if Casper did it on purpose or if Eliza was just too fragile to withstand a grown man''s strength. These private matters were not his to pry too much into.


    "You got here in time, so there shouldn''t be any danger to her life."


    Casper''s Adam''s apple bobbed as he took Aaron''s pen, his hand trembling as he signed his name.


    Aaron took the consent form Casper signed and stood up to give it to the nurse.


    When Eliza woke up, the room was stark white. Her vacant gaze fixed on the ceiling for a long, long time.


    She wanted to cry, but she had no tears left. Even if she had tears, for whom would she cry?


    She could only swallow all her grievances, with nowhere else to turn.


    Aaron pushed the door open and entered. "You''re awake."Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    "Shame I didn''t die." Her dry lips curved in a self-mocking smile.


    Aaron felt a pang in his heart. "Don''t say that."


    "Aaron, sorry you have to see this."


    Aaron gently shook his head, his heart aching more for her. "Casper has a bad temper, he... I''ve already give him a piece of my mine."


    "Aaron, please talk to Casper. If he loves Nova so much, cherishes her, adores her, then let him marry her. After all, I can''t have children anymore. I''m of no value to the Welton family..." She hopelessly sighed, her eyes filled with a lonely confusion about the future.

 Chapter 25

    Aaron had gone over Eliza''s medical report. She had premature ovarian failure. A condition she shouldn''t be experiencing at her age. "What''s going on with your body?" he asked.


    He wasn''t sure if Casper knew, but the Welton family was desperate for Eliza to get pregnant, and this condition would seriously affect her chances of having a baby.


    Eliza couldn''t give an answer. Aaron didn''t push further, only saying, "You''re still young. With the right treatment, things can get better."


    A bitter smile crept onto Eliza''s face. She wasn''t a doctor, but she had enoughmon sense to know that this condition was incurable. "Thank you," she said.


    Just as Aaron was about to reply, Casper walked in. "You two should talk," Aaron said. He did not n to stick around.


    Casper was carrying a pot of homemade chicken soup that Marian had made. He walked over to Eliza''s hospital bed. "Have some soup. It''s still warm," he said. His tone had softened, but it felt insincere. Eliza closed her eyes, not in the mood to talk. He poured the soup into a bowl and brought it to her lips. "Come on, drink a little."


    She turned her face away, not even opening her eyes. Casper wasn''t known for his patience. The fact that he was being this tolerant was already a big deal, but Eliza didn''t care.


    "Open your mouth," he said, trying to keep his anger in check.


    Eliza slowly opened her eyes. "I''m not going to die. I don''t need this miracle cure."


    His fingers tightened around the bowl, his knuckles turning white.


    With a swift motion, the bowl and soup were tossed into the trash can, making a sharp sound. Eliza watched him calmly, her heart unmoved. His fake patience wouldn''tst long; his true nature always showed through. People could pretend, but they couldn''t change.


    "Eliza, I''m really giving you a chance here. It''s better if you don''t drink it; it saves me the trouble," he said, almost letting slip that it would be better if she were dead. He held back, but Eliza could read between the lines.


    Their eyes met, saying more than words ever could. "I''m warning you, stay away from Zach. You can''t win against him."


    The name Zach hade up too often, making her frown. "I''ve never even met Zach."


    "Zach is the owner of the studio you joined, and you''re telling me you''ve never met him?" He hated being treated like a fool. "Eliza, you''d better stay away from him, or it won''t end well for anyone."


    Zach was the studio owner? Chelsea had said he was her friend. Was it really Zach? No way. Chelsea knew what Zach had done to her. "I''ve never met the studio''s owner." If it really was Zach, she''d quit. Clearly, Casper didn''t believe her. Whether he did or not, Eliza didn''t care anymore. After a long silence, Casper left.


    A few dayster, Eliza was discharged from the hospital. Casper''s driver came to pick her up. "Ma''am, please get in the car," the driver said, respectfully opening the rear door. She instinctively stepped back, not wanting to return to that house. "I can''t go with you, John."All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Notpleting Casper''s task would likely cost him his job. "Ma''am, Mr. Casper said he''s waiting at home to talk to you. Please just let me take you to him. Look, I''m just an employee..." John was close to tears. Eliza couldn''t bring herself to make things harder for him. Casper was used to getting his way, never thinking about how others felt.

 Chapter 26

    Much like herself, the driver was just another insignificant person in Casper''s eyes, not worthy of any respect.


    "Fine, I''ll go with you."


    "Ma''am, please get in the car." The driver''s eyes lit up.


    Casper was at home, and so was Nova. Eliza felt like an unwee intruder. Standing at the doorway, her gaze was ice-cold as she watched the third wheel make herself at home. "Casper, if your goal was to unt your affection for each other, you really didn''t need to call me over."


    Eliza''s face twisted with displeasure. Nova''s smug look made her feel physically ill.


    Casper stayed silent.


    Nova spoke softly, "Eliza, you''ve misunderstood. I''m going abroad in a few days for leg treatment. Casper said I could stay here for a while. If it bothers you, I can leave."


    She looked so pitiful, leaning on her cane, a perfect picture of self-pity.


    Casper called out coldly, "Who would dare to ask you to leave?"


    "Casper, please. I don''t want to cause trouble for Eliza. I''ll just go home." Tears filled Nova''s eyes as if she were the one hurt.


    Eliza was disgusted by the act. "Nova, stop the theatrics. Have some decency. You shouldn''t be in a married man''s home, trying to take his wife''s ce. If you really want to rece me, then have Casper divorce me sooner."


    Feeling utterly repulsed, Eliza turned to leave. Casper quickly followed, grabbing her wrist and dragging her upstairs. "I need to talk to you."


    Casper was rough. Eliza knew this was reserved only for her.


    "Let go of me."


    As the bedroom door mmed shut, he finally released her. Eliza was displeased. "What do you want to say?"


    "Quit your job at the art studio."


    It wasn''t a suggestion. It was an order. Eliza remained silent, hating his need to control her.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    "I need to work."


    "Then find something else."


    "Do I have other job options? Didn''t you tell everypany not to hire me? Or do you prefer I don''t have a decent job and instead sell my body?"


    Eliza''s lightughter was filled with mockery. Her eyshes drooped, eyes misty.


    Casper stood high and mighty, posing as someone superior,pletely oblivious to Eliza''s desperation. She was at her wit''s end, willing to do anything to survive.


    "You..." Eliza now had a sharp tongue, leaving Casper speechless.


    There was a knock on the door.


    "Casper, I''m a bit hungry." It was Nova''s voice. She always had perfect timing.


    Eliza moved toward the door, and just as she was about to touch the doorknob, he pressed her shoulder, pinning her against the door.


    He held her hands above her head. His lips, carrying the scent of tobo, slowly grazed over her plump, rosy lips, whispering in her ear, "Who do you want to sell your body to? Aaron or Zach? It''s probably Zach. That way you could be the wife of a bastard of the Welton family, continuing to y around in high society."


    "No need for you to worry, Mr. Casper." She tried to kick free, but he pressed her down firmly. His solid chest was against her soft body. She couldn''t move an inch.


    Knock, knock.


    "Casper, are you there? Shall we go out to eat together?"

 Chapter 27

    Nova stood outside, ears straining to catch the sounds from within, her patience wearing thin. She couldn''t wait for them to part ways.


    The knock on the door was loud and insistent.


    Eliza curled her lips in a mocking smile. "Mr. Casper, stop pestering me. Your little darling is getting jealous. Go and keep herpany."


    She pushed him, but he only pressed tighter against her. His eyes shed with a fierce light. "I want it. Now."


    The doctor had said Eliza couldn''t have sex for at least a month. It was stated right in front of Casper. She thought he had taken it to heart, but clearly, he hadn''t.


    He was domineering, his stance and actions utterly indecent. She had to endure it passively.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    The door creaked under Casper''s force. Outside, Nova blushed furiously, biting her lip, consumed with jealousy.


    Eventually, he let Eliza go. She was a mess while he looked thoroughlyposed.


    "I''m giving you three days to quit your job at the studio."


    "I signed a contract. I can''t just quit," she said quietly, trying to pull herself together, her voice steady.


    He tossed a gold card at her. "There''s a million in here. If Zach thinks it''s not enough, he cane to me."


    Eliza didn''t pick up the card from the floor. She merely raised an eyebrow. "I need to work. Without a job, what am I supposed to eat or drink? Casper, don''t be so ruthless."


    "You are my wife. Do you still need to work? In the past two years we''ve been married, have you ever had a day without food or clothes?"


    "No," she replied, her tone icy and slightly mocking. "But you see, other housewives get a sry from their husbands. I don''t."


    "So, it''s all about the money."


    Exactly. After ending her romantic fantasies, Eliza understood the importance of money.


    "There''s nothing shameful in needing money."


    "Just remember your current status. Don''t sell your body over some small change." His voice was cold as he nced at the gold card on the floor. "Take the card. I''ll deposit a hundred thousand every month on the condition that youe home willingly."


    A hundred thousand. Tempting, indeed. She had been married to him for two years and hadn''t seen a dime. Clearly, this was him buying peace of mind, fearful she would cheat on him.


    Eliza didn''t pick up the gold card, even though that hundred thousand could buy her dignity.


    Too bad...


    "It''s toote, Casper. Everything is toote now."


    His heart was with Nova. What was the point of staying with a loveless man? Endless arguments only made her feel more belittled.


    She shook her head and turned around.


    He picked up the card and grabbed her wrist. "Even a hundred thousand isn''t enough for you now?"


    "You know, Casper, I didn''t marry you for your money."


    He looked at her intently. "What do you want then?"


    No, she wanted nothing anymore.


    "We need to let each other go, please. I''m begging you." She was exhausted, tired of it all. Two years of marriage had drained her.


    She shook off his hand and opened the bedroom door. Nova was still standing outside. The breeze touched her face, the remnants of sex driving her mad. She clenched her fists tightly, yet her face remained gentle and kind, heartbreakingly beautiful. "Eliza, are you leaving? Why don''t you stay for dinner..."


    Eliza really admired Nova''s acting skills. With a disdainful smirk, Eliza walked away. The bedroom door mmed shut behind her. Nova''s heart skipped a beat.


    Back at her own ce, Elizay in bed, not in the mood to move. In her mind''s eye, she saw a vibrant young man. His name was Zach. He had a dubious background. His mother, Sonya, was a third-rate actress who had been with Casper''s father Tristan for eight years when she was younger.

 Chapter 28

    With her youth and beauty, Sonya figured she could leverage her status as a mom to secure a better life and maybe even be Tristan''s wife.


    Too bad men can be scarily calm when ites to love. Even if Tristan adored young, pretty faces, he would never ditch his wife and kid to marry a mistress. However, he never neglected Sonya and his child.


    As Zach grew older, Tristan''s fondness for him grew, and he even thought about adding him to the Welton family tree. Jeffrey wasn''t on board, so the idea was shelved.


    Zach transferred to Eliza''s high school in their senior year.


    Before their final exams, he sent her love letters and asked her out for coffee, but she always turned him down.


    His feelings didn''t fade in college; he chased her for four long years.


    She thought her marriage would make him give up, but things got crazier.


    On the day she and Casper got their marriage certificate, Zach confronted them, and he ended up in a brawl with Casper. He''d recite love poems outside their house and send Casper taunting messages. Because of this, Eliza often bore the brunt of Casper''s anger.


    Once, Casper starved her for a week, leaving her to survive on water, which messed up her stomach.


    Zach''s obsession scared her. Eventually, Tristan shipped him off overseas for an MBA, finally calming things down.


    Chelsea knew about all this. Why would she...


    After a lot of thinking, Eliza picked up her phone and texted Chelsea. [Is Zach the owner of the art studio?]


    A long silence followed.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Half an hourter, the doorbell rang, and Chelsea stood there, guilt and apology written all over her face. "I''m sorry, Elle."


    "Chelsea, you know how Zach is... why would you put me through that trouble?"


    Eliza was in the middle of negotiating a divorce with Casper. Zach showing up and Eliza working at his studio only stoked Casper''s twisted possessiveness.


    What was already a tough divorce now became even moreplicated.


    Chelsea hung her head.


    Eliza couldn''t me her and squeezed her hand. "I''m not mad at you."


    "You have every right to be. I just couldn''t stand watching you worn out from delivering food and always getting hassled by customers..." Chelsea''s eyes filled with tears. Eliza felt a lump in her throat. "I know you care."


    "Has Casper been bothering you again?"


    "It''s nothing new with him."


    Just days ago, he''d hurt her badly enough to almost kill her, but Eliza hadn''t told Chelsea, afraid she''d worry.


    "So, he''s making you quit work at the studio?"


    Eliza nodded. "He offered me a million to break the contract, but I said no."


    "Does he think he''s all that just because he''s got money?" Chelsea was livid.


    "Even if Casper didn''t force me to quit, I wouldn''t have stayed."


    Zach was trouble she couldn''t handle, and Casper was a loose cannon.


    Eliza sighed, "I''ll just go back to delivering food if I have to."


    For someone who''d been pampered her whole life, delivering food was a huge change.


    Chelsea had long wanted Eliza to quit but knew her too well. Thest thing Eliza needed was pity.


    "Hey, there''s always another way. Things will work out."


    Eliza chuckled, "No matter what I do, I can''t promise Casper won''t mess it up."

 Chapter 29

    Eliza had been with Casper for two years and knew him like the back of her hand. With him, you thrived. Against him, you perished. He wanted her to go back to being Mrs. Welton, to be nothing more than a lifeline for Jeffery. Had he ever considered that sending her brother to Mercy Hospital was a point of no return for her?


    "Can you set up a meeting with Zach for me?" Eliza asked. After a moment of surprise, Chelsea nodded. "Sure."


    They chose a quiet corner caf¨¦ for the weekend. Eliza arrived early and ordered a cup of coffee. Zach walked in with a white T-shirt and casual pants, making his legs look long and straight. His hair was tousled, and his face, framed by azy smile, exuded charm.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    His appearance hadn''t changed much in two years. He was looking more and more like Casper.


    "Do I call you ''boss'' now?" Eliza asked, stirring her coffee without standing up. Zach sat down, leaning back in his chair, his lips curling into a slight smile. "It seems my presence bothers you."


    "What''s your game?" she asked, her gaze cool and direct. Even after all these years, Zach still had a boyish face, looking like a college student. But his eyes had lost their innocence.


    "I just want to help you," he said lightly, his deep gazending on her bare ring finger. "I know you''re not happy with Casper."


    Eliza scoffed, "To get under Casper''s skin, right? Zach, I don''t need to be the coteral damage in your vendetta against the Weltons."


    Since Eliza married Casper, Zach showed up every time under the guise of chasing love, but really, it was to spite the Weltons. He was wild and reckless enough to give them a headache. And it had cost Eliza dearly.


    Zach smiled faintly, not bothering to argue.


    "Let''s terminate my work contract," she said, her tone cooling. He didn''t look up and was ying with his ring. He chuckled, "Am I really that bad?"


    "Guys like you are nothing but trouble," she said, standing up, ready to walk past him.


    Zach suddenly looked the other way. "I know Robin isn''t in a good situation. I have connections at Mercy Hospital."


    Eliza froze mid-step. Her face went pale and tense at his words. Casper used Robin to threaten her. Now, Zach was doing the same. No wonder they were brothers.


    Just as she was about to walk away, Zach''s voice followed her, "I can get Robin out of there."


    Eliza said nothing and walked towards the exit. Zach tossed the spoon from his mug aside and followed her. He grabbed her wrist and pushed her into his car.


    "Zach, what are you doing in broad daylight?" Eliza was startled, and was about to open the door when the car locked. "I think you should seriously consider my proposal," he said in a tone so calm it was clear he had control over the situation.


    This was bad news for her. She didn''t believe he''d offer such a huge favor for nothing. "So, what do you want in return for this generous help?"


    Zach''s gaze was intense and meaningful as he looked at Eliza. Over the two years, she had lost weight, her delicate face now free of baby fat, revealing the maturity and allure of a grown woman. He liked her slightly curly long hair and, even more, the soul-catching mole at the corner of her eye.

 Chapter 30

    Her figure was slender yet curvy in all the right ces, a perfect blend of elegance and allure.


    His gaze was bold and unrestrained, making no effort to hide his desire to possess her. She could clearly see the longing in his eyes.


    Eliza dodged away as he reached out with his clean, slender fingers to caress her cheek gently.


    "So, you''re just as vile."


    Bang!


    Their bodies jolted and rocked back and forth. The front of the car was heavily struck by an oing vehicle, caving in.


    Through the windshield, Eliza saw Casper in the other car. His gaze was like a hawk eyeing its prey, full of danger.


    Her heart skipped a beat.


    Soon, the man from the other car opened his door and walked straight towards them.


    He stood by the passenger side, staring emotionlessly at them, then suddenly raised his leg and kicked the car window. "Ah!" Eliza screamed, covering her head.


    Casper''s kick was powerful. The ss didn''t break, but it cracked. As he was about to strike again, Zach unlocked the door.


    Casper pulled the door open, grabbed Eliza by the wrist, and yanked her out. Without a word, he easily tossed her into his car as if she were a small kitten. Zach, gripping the steering wheel, frowned deeply.


    Casper pinched Eliza''s cheek harshly. "Did you let him touch you?"


    "No." She tried to turn her face away from him but was firmly restrained, so she softened her tone. "Casper, calm down. Let me go first."


    "Then tell me, why did you meet him? Did you ignore my words?" His fingertips pressed harder, distorting her delicate face.


    Eliza didn''t want to exin. No matter what she said, Casper wouldn''t believe her.


    "Speak up." He suddenly pressed her against the back of the seat, "You could talk to Zach just fine, but you''re mute in front of me?" "What do you want me to say?" Her gaze was deste, her beautiful face tinged with a hint of sorrow. "Even if I did, would you believe me?" Their eyes locked. It was a silent confrontation, a cold despair.


    Casper let go of her, stomped on the elerator, and drove back home.


    "Get out." He opened the passenger door.


    Eliza didn''t want to leave.


    "Do you want me to carry you?"Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    "Why did you bring me back here?"


    Leaning on the car frame, he countered, "What, this isn''t your home? Eliza, you''re still my wife, not Zach''s woman."


    "Your wife?" Sheughed mockingly, "Then who is the woman in the house now?"


    Casper''s expression darkened. He didn''t like Eliza''s defiance.


    "Are youpeting with Nova for my affection?"


    "Could I evenpete?" Her beautiful eyes looked towards Casper standing by the car door. "In your heart, I probably weigh less than a penny."


    "You know your ce, so you should know you only have the option to obey." His words were cold and ruthless.


    Eliza scoffed lightly.


    Obey? She wasn''t a puppet on strings. Even if she once was, those strings had now been cut.


    Casper lost his patience and yanked her out of the car by her arm. He was utterly ungentle. Her arm scraped against the edge of the car door, leaving a bloody trace. Eliza winced and shook off his hand. "Casper, let me go."

 Chapter 31

    Bloodstains quickly blossomed, forming numerous spots that were quite a shocking sight. He didn''t seem to care at all, yanking her inside.


    "If you don''t behave, you will have more than these minor injuries," he growled.


    After dragging Eliza into the house, he handed her over to Marian. "Take care of her arm," he ordered.


    Marian hurried to grab the first-aid kit. She opened a bottle of antiseptic and started disinfecting the wound. Eliza''s delicate skin turned a darkened red as the antiseptic touched the bloodstains. "Ma''am, I''ll be gentle," Marian said softly.


    Eliza was used to enduring pain, but she wasn''t used to others being kind to her. "I can handle it myself, Marian," she murmured.


    "Please stay still. It''ll be over soon," Marian insisted.


    After applying the medicine, Marian found some gauze and gently wrapped it around Eliza''s arm.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    "Why are you here again?" Nova''s sharp voice cut through the air.


    When Casper wasn''t around, Nova didn''t bother pretending to be nice. Eliza nced at her nonchntly. "I believe this is my house."


    Nova, leaning on her cane, limped over to Eliza. In a voice only they could hear, she hissed through gritted teeth, "Eliza, you''re just a bitch who hooks up with men."


    Eliza wasn''t surprised by Nova''s ugly facade; she''d seen it before. She guessed Nova was mad because Casper had pinned her against the door that day, their movements too provocative for Nova to handle. Unable to resist taunting, Eliza said, "Must be hard for you when Casper doesn''t touch you, huh?"


    "You..." Nova''s emotions spiraled out of control, and she was about to explode when footsteps echoed on the stairs. She immediately switched tactics, retreating with a limp and shouting, "Eliza, stop! I haven''t done anything with Casper. Please, I''m scared..."


    As expected, she tripped and fell, hitting her head on the corner of a table, blood streaming down her face.


    Hearing themotion, Casper rushed down the stairs and caught Nova as she fell. Weakly clutching his arm, Nova said, "Casper, Eliza didn''t mean to do this. Please don''t me her." "Marian, call an ambnce!" Casper yelled.


    Marian, trembling, fumbled with the phone. When the ambnce arrived, Nova was lifted inside. She clung to Casper''s hand tightly. "Casper, I''m scared. Can youe with me?"


    "It''s okay. Marian will go with you," Casper reassured her. With just a look, Marian nervously grabbed her bag and followed Nova into the ambnce.


    After the drama subsided, Eliza prepared to leave.


    Casper, fuming, grabbed her arm and threw her to the ground. "Eliza, how dare you hurt Nova right under my nose? You''re asking for it."


    This kind of unwarranted disaster was all too familiar to her. In their two-year marriage, she''d endured it many times. No matter how poorly Nova performed, Casper always took it out on Eliza. Elizaughed bitterly. "Casper, if you hate me so much, why don''t you divorce me?"


    He was sessfully provoked. He picked her up from the floor and threw her onto the sofa. "Divorce you so you can go marry that bastard?"


    "I''ve told you, there''s nothing between Zach and me," she struggled to push him away. "Casper, if you''re just trying to find some moral justification for your cheating, I''m telling you, it''s unnecessary."


    "Feeling bold now that you''ve got a backer, aren''t you?" He raised his hand and grabbed her blouse. With a gentle tug, the buttons scattered all over the floor. Feeling exposed and embarrassed, Eliza quickly covered herself. "You... bastard."


    Just then, Casper''s phone rang. He let go of Eliza, picked up the phone, and answered, "Hello?"

 Chapter 32

    "Casper, I''m in so much pain. Can you pleasee and stay with me?" Nova''s fragile voice trembled on the other end of the phone.


    Nova always knew how to y her cards right because Casper never could resist that tone.


    He cast a cold nce at Eliza. "You''reing with me to the hospital."


    "I''m not going." Her response was even icier.


    His face darkened, eyes zing with an anger he rarely showed. "Eliza, are you seriously refusing me?"


    Casper was used to getting his way and always seemed blind to the obvious. Whenever Nova was involved, he''d always be on her side.


    "Go upstairs, change your clothes, ande to the hospital with me."


    Eliza gently straightened her torn blouse. Upstairs she went.


    Her wardrobe held only a few high-end dresses she hadn''t taken when she moved out. There were gifts from her mother-inw.


    She''d never worn them, always dreaming that someday Casper would take her to some grand event.


    Eliza chuckled at her own naivety.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    After changing, she descended the stairs. "I''m leaving."


    He raised a hand to stop her and was about to speak, but his phone rang again. This time, it was a call from the Welton family mansion.


    "What? I''ll be right there." He grabbed her wrist, pulling her outside. "You''reing with me to the hospital."


    "I said I''m not going. You-"


    "Grandfather is in emergency care."


    Jeffrey had been sick for over a decade, and at ny, his passing would normally be seen as a natural part of life. However, the Welton family wouldn''t ept it.


    A fortune teller once said that if Jeffrey died, the Welton family''s luck would take a nosedive for a decade.


    The Welton family was wealthy, and Jeffrey was kept alive on cutting-edge medications.


    When those stopped working, they turned their sights on Eliza.


    Initially, Casper had t-out refused to marry Eliza. But when Jeffrey gave his approval, she managed to wed him.


    By then, the Welton family must have known her blood was special. Otherwise, an engagement alone wouldn''t have been enough to make Casper marry her.


    The entire Welton family crowded outside the hospital''s emergency care ward.


    Tristan saw Casper and pulled him aside. "Your grandfather''s condition has worsened. Is there any change with Eliza?"


    "Nothing," Casper replied tly.


    Tristan couldn''t hold back. "What are you doing? Your grandfather needs her antibodies; if she''s not pregnant, her antibody levels won''t increase. What''s the n?" Casper didn''t really have one.


    Aaron had mentioned that only aplete blood transfusion could help Jeffrey. That was trading one life for another, and Casper didn''t want to go that far.


    Facing his son''s silence, Tristan nced at Eliza, standing quietly nearby. He knew some decisions were brutal, but the Welton family had no choice but to be ruthless to save Jeffrey.


    "Let''s do the blood transfusion," Tristan said.


    Casper''s pupils contracted. "Dad, doesn''t her life also matter?"


    "Whose life is more important between hers and your grandfather''s?" Tristan struggled to keep his voice down. "Our family is falling apart because your grandfather is ill. With the transfusion, he''ll recover, and so will Welton International."


    Casper hadn''t believed the fortune teller''s words at first, but over the years, a few predictions hade true, and he''d started to believe it.


    "There must be another way."


    Tristan was stunned. After all these years, they''d explored every possible option. What other option could there be?


    In the end, when it mattered most, Casper had gone soft.

 Chapter 33

    "You can get another wife, but you only get one grandfather. Can''t you wrap your head around that? If you can''t see this clearly, how can I ever trust you with Welton International?"


    Casper stayed silent. Finally, he mumbled, "I''ll go ask Aaron."


    Eliza was so quiet. It was like she wasn''t even there.


    A nosy rtive drifted over to her, trying to make conversation. "Eliza, I heard your blood has some kind of special antibody. It looks like saving Grandpa is up to you. Once he''s cured, make sure Casper gives you a big reward."


    "Those antibodies only show up if you''re pregnant. Look at Eliza. She''s so skinny. Does she look pregnant to you?" Another rtive chimed in.


    "Maybe it''s just too early, and she''s not showing yet. Right, Eliza?"


    Eliza didn''t say a word.


    The voices moved away but were still close enough to hear. "What''s the point of talking to her? She''s like a piece of wood. The family matters aren''t her call. Casper decides whether she donates blood or antibodies."


    "Don''t talk nonsense."


    "How is this nonsense? Everyone knows she threw herself at Casper, and he didn''t even want her. If she weren''t somewhat useful, we wouldn''t have let her marry into the family. If she actually saves Jeffrey, Casper might even give her a smile."


    Eliza''s head throbbed from all the gossip. In the eyes of the Welton family, she was just a lowly woman.


    Not long ago, some media outlet leaked that her blood could save Jeffrey Welton. All sorts of theories popped up, all very convincing, specting on how long she might live.


    The distant Welton rtives were even worse. Several had alreadye to propose new matches for Casper.


    Many women were waiting to rece her, and countless more were hoping she''d kick the bucket sooner rather thanter.


    Casper came running out. He saw Eliza still standing at the hospital entrance and caught his breath before walking over.


    "It''s raining, Casper." She lifted her hand to catch the scattered raindrops, her voice soft. "On the day we got our marriage certificate, it was raining just like this-it wasn''t too heavy or too light. People say getting married in the rain means the marriage is doomed to be unhappy."


    "Superstition."


    She smiled faintly and blinked. "When are you nning to use my blood?"


    "Who said we need your blood? Are you pregnant?" he asked irritably, loosening his tie, revealing a hint of his tanned skin.


    The rain grew heavier, and the wind blew everything into disarray, including her hair.


    "Let''s go home." He took her hand.


    Eliza looked up at Casper''s somewhat gloomy profile.


    He was really attractive. Some say you shouldn''t meet someone too good-looking when you''re young. It could ruin you. She didn''t believe it at first, but now she did. "Casper, when are we getting a divorce?"


    "When I''m dead."


    He had no intention of dragging this out with her.


    Holding her hand, they walked into the rain. The rain soaked his hair, and he took off his jacket, holding it over their heads, mostly sheltering her.


    Inside the car, there was a faint smell of tobo.


    For a long time, he didn''t let her sit in the passenger seat. As a woman, she naturally understood what this implied.


    On the rare asions she could ride in his car, she would obediently go to the back seat, not daring to make too much noise. Even her sitting posture was verydylike. "Casper, can I ask you for a favor?"Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "If it''s about Robin, forget it." His tone was as cold as usual.


    She knew he wouldn''t easily relent. How could he y her like a fiddle if he didn''t have something to hold over her?


    "It''s not." Her voice was chillingly indifferent.

 Chapter 34

    Casper shot her a sidelong nce, a slight frown creasing his brow. "Is there anything else? If you''re thinking about working in Zach''s studio again, forget it."


    He blocked every possible path she could take, leaving her with no options.


    "I just want a stable job. Can you at least give me a chance?"


    "Are you turning down a hundred grand a month to scrape by with a few thousand? What, now you''re suddenly all brave and independent, Eliza?" His dark eyes narrowed, sarcasm dripping from every word. Eliza turned away, refusing to meet his gaze.


    He grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him. "Eliza, what did you and Zach do today?"


    "Didn''t you already see?" What could they possibly do in broad daylight?


    "Nothing?"


    "Do you think everyone''s like you and enjoys getting frisky in cars in the middle of the day?"


    "Let me tell you this: if you see Zach even once more, I''ll make sure Robin stays in the hospital for another year. Don''t believe me? Try me."


    His lips hovered near hers, knowing she''d toe the line for Robin''s sake. She stayed silent, her usual form of protest.


    On the way, Nova called again, crying like her world hadpletely shattered.


    Casper left Eliza standing in the cold rain and drove to the hospital. She hugged herself tightly, seeking refuge at a nearby bus stop.


    That''s when a white Porsche pulled up in front of her. The window rolled down. "Eliza."


    She looked up. "Aaron."


    "Why are you all soaked? Get in." Aaron grabbed a thick towel from the backseat and handed it to her. "No umbre?"


    "Thanks, Aaron." She took the towel and started drying her drenched hair.


    "I saw you leave with Casper. Thought he''d take you home..." He paused, giving her a questioning look.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    She lifted her face slightly, a faint smile on her lips. "He had someone more important to be with."


    "Nova..."


    "Aaron, I can''t deal with that right now."


    Aaron didn''t push further. "Oh, I ran into Chelsea yesterday. She mentioned you''re looking for a job. Weren''t you the president of the folk music club in college?"


    Eliza had been raised in luxury by the Henderson family. Music, chess, literature, painting-she was trained in it all. In college, she rekindled her passion for traditional music, picking up the harp she had learned as a child. She loved donning traditional gowns and sitting gracefully as she plucked the strings. After getting married, she tried to y her harp at home, but Casper smashed it to pieces. She hadn''t yed since.


    Aaron''s mention brought back all the memories.


    "Aaron, you still remember that."


    "You were the campus queen, quite the star." He didn''t go deeper, not wanting her to overthink. "Anyway, a friend of mine just opened a high-end themed lounge and needs a harp yer. If you''re interested, I could rmend you."


    Eliza stayed silent, torn. She wanted to go but feared causing trouble for Aaron and the lounge owner.


    Sensing her hesitation, Aaron added, "It''s not a tough gig. You just have one performance in the afternoon and one in the evening,sting two hours each. A thousand a day."


    "It''s not that. I''m just worried about what Casper might do..."


    "You think Casper will cause trouble?"

 Chapter 35

    Eliza murmured in agreement.


    "We''re all friends, he shouldn''t mind." Aaron handed Eliza a business card. "I''ve already spoken to the boss. If you decide to go for it, you can head straight there. He is a really nice guy." "Thank you, Aaron."


    After getting out of the car, Aaron handed her an umbre. "Take this."


    "I''m good. It''s just a short walk."


    "The rain in early autumn is chilling, and you''re already soaked. Just take it, please."


    Eliza obediently took the umbre, thanked him, and watched as Aaron left. As she turned around, she almost bumped into a wall of muscle.


    Lifting her eyes, she found herself staring into a pair of brooding eyes. Wasn''t Casper supposed to be at the hospital with Nova? Why was he here, at the bottom of her apartment building? "What are you doing here?"


    "If I hadn''te here, I wouldn''t have known you''d asked Aaron to bring you home."


    He would never allow his woman to be coveted by another man. Whether he loved her or not, he wouldn''t permit it.


    Eliza scoffed lightly. "Would you believe me if I said it was a coincidence?"


    "You really think I''m that gullible?"


    If he hadn''t seen Aaron''s car stop in front of Eliza or see her get in the car without any hesitation, perhaps he would have believed it.


    "I leave for a few minutes, and you''re already flirting with Aaron. Really, Eliza? You''re being naughty," he said, roughly pulling her closer. "Do you just enjoy not listening to whatever I say? Since you won''t listen, maybe you don''t need this ear."


    He used immense strength to twist her ear. Eliza was in pain and reached out to block him, which only angered Casper further. He twisted her ear, turning it. Blood trickled down the side of her face, drop by drop.


    Eliza clutched her ear, her eyes tightly shut from the pain. Blood stained her fingers; her ear was brutally torn. The umbre she held was blown away by the wind, tumbling across the ground and into the bushes.


    He watched her almost indifferently. Yet, his fingertips slowly tightened.


    Eliza went to the hospital alone to get treated. The doctor stitched her up with cosmetic surgery, ensuring there would be no scars. Eliza sat outside the emergency room and closed her eyes while receiving an IV to reduce inmmation.


    Chelsea hurried over. "What happened? How did you get hurt?"


    "It was an ident." Eliza didn''t want to borate.


    "Let me see your medical record." Chelsea hadn''t been upset until she looked at it, almost cursing out loud. "An earlobe tear? How could you have damaged your own ear? Who did this? Was it Casper?" Eliza didn''t answer. Her phone chimed. A message from an unknown number requesting to add her as a friend. She ignored it. Then the unknown number sent several messages in a row. Chelsea, annoyed, said, "Who is it?"


    She epted the request. The stranger immediately transferred $100,000.


    "Who is this person sending $100,000 just like that? Could it be..." Chelsea could only think of someone with deep pockets, that bastard named Casper. "...is he trying to make amends with money? Or buy his way out of trouble?"


    Eliza nced at her phone, tapped the screen, and returned the money. She then promptly deleted the unknown number. She wouldn''t take his money.


    "Chelsea, can you help me hire awyer?"


    "Casper still refuses to break up amicably?"This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    "I don''t want to drag this on any longer."


    Even if the process was difficult, she had to end it bravely. Once her injuries had healed a bit, Eliza went to the themed lounge. The boss had saved a spot for her. It must have been because of Aaron''s influence. Every time Eliza yed the harp, she would dress in a gown, transforming into a vision of beauty with just a touch of makeup.

 Chapter 36

    The manager had set up a special, private stage just for her. If a customer wanted a solo performance, she''d head to their private dining room and y for two hours-for a cool $2,000.


    Eliza had only been working at the lounge for a week, but plenty of patrons had already requested a private solo. Sure, some customers got a bit too friendly, but they never crossed the line-maybe a casual brush of the hand at most. She''d just ignore it and keep going. Nothing was worth making a fuss over in the service industry unless it was getting out of hand.


    After her evening shift, Eliza was ready to change and head home when the manager approached her.


    "Eliza, a group of customers came inte and asked for a few more songs. I''ve managed to negotiate $3,000 for you. Are you up for it?"


    The manager was always fair with her, and Eliza never wanted to let him down. Besides, $3,000 would cover her living expenses for the month.


    "Sure thing, boss."


    "Thanks a lot."This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    "No problem, I''ll just touch up my makeup."


    After freshening up, Eliza, carrying her harp, walked into the customers'' room. They''d almost finished their meal, chatting andughing together. The room was spacious, and their demeanor was rxed. They were clearly just enjoying themselves.


    Eliza kept her eyes down. After setting up her harp, she began to y. The strings'' melodious sound quickly captured the men''s attention.


    "That chick''s pretty cute, I..." A drunken man started to approach her but was pulled back by another man. "Open your eyes and see who that woman is." Nate squinted. "She looks familiar."


    Jonah pointed at a man intently watching Eliza from across the room. "That''s Casper''s wife."


    "Casper''s wife, working here? No way."


    "Word is, they''re getting a divorce."


    Nate understood the situation. "Divorces are always a mess. Look at Casper. He looks like he wants to tear her apart."


    True enough, but Jonah still cautioned, "I''d stay away if I were you."


    "What''s there to be afraid of? If Casper cared, would he let her perform for money?"


    Casper''s feelings, orck thereof, were written in his eyes. Clearly, he didn''t have any love left for his wife.


    Nate poured himself a drink and staggered over to Eliza. "Hold up a sec."


    Eliza stopped and looked up at him. "Sir, do you have a request? Just let me know."


    "I don''t care for music. I like to drink," Nate handed his ss to Eliza. "Do me a favor and drink this."


    He turned to check Casper''s reaction. Getting no response, he got bolder, cing his hand on her shoulder. "IDon''t embarrass me here in front of my buddies."


    Eliza never drank with customers. Gently standing up and pulling her shoulder away, she politely declined. "I don''t drink, sorry."


    "You''re really not gonna drink for me?" Nate grabbed Eliza by the neck, pushing the ss towards her mouth. "If you don''t respect me, I won''t give you any either."


    When she didn''t drink, he forced her head back, pouring the drink down her throat. Eliza choked, tears welling up in her eyes.


    "I''m not bullying you." He pped a stack of cash in front of her. "I''ve seen plenty like you, acting all high and mighty. One drink for ten grand-if you''re willing to drink, the money''s yours."

 Chapter 37

    Eliza was out to make a living, sure, but not at the expense of her pride. "Sir, you might want to find someone else," she said, her voiceced with disdain.


    As she turned to leave, Nate stepped right in her way, looking her up and down withplete disrespect. "What''s with the act? Everyone here is loaded. Do you really want to risk offending us and lose your standing in Falconridge?" he threatened.


    Eliza finally nced at the other men in the room. When her eyes met Casper''s, she hesitated for a moment. He sat there with a mocking smile, casually flicking a golden lighter, looking like he was just there for the show. Something inside Eliza hurt.


    Turning back to Nate, she stared him down. "Are you saying you can pay me to drink?"


    "Absolutely, I''m a man of my word," Nate boasted, thumping his chest. "I mightck many things, but money isn''t one of them."


    "Show me the money."


    The challenge was clear: She had to drink ten rows of ten cups each. She would get paid stacks of cash. It was ten grand per stack and a hundred stacks in total. All of it was cash that Nate had someone withdraw on the spot.


    Worried Nate might push things too far, Jonah whispered, "She''s Casper''s wife. Take it easy."


    "She''s about to be his ex-wife," Nate shot back.


    Since Casper hadn''t said a word, Nate felt certain about the state of their rtionship. "Chick, this is a million dors. Drink as much as you can, and it''s yours. Don''t say I didn''t treat you fairly."


    There was no turning back now. Despite the alcohol''s bitterness and burn, Eliza couldn''t afford to offend Falconridge''s trust fund babies. She was never a drinker but downed five cups in one go, driven by sheer will.


    "Impressive," Nate said, surprised. "This stuff is 53%."


    Eliza steadied herself on the table, her body swaying. "I can drink more," she dered, reaching for another cup.


    But Nate was quicker. "Call me ''hubby'' and I''ll drink for you. The money''s still yours." He wrapped an arm around her shoulder, his hand sliding down her back to her waist. The soft touch sent a thrill through him.


    Just as he was about to tighten his grip, Jonah stepped in, pulling Nate''s hand away. "If you don''t want to die, keep your hands to yourself," he warned in a low voice.


    "Casper isn''t saying anything, so stay out of it," Nate retorted.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "Don''t say I didn''t warn you."


    Even if there were issues between the couple, Casper was still a man-a high-status man at that. How could he tolerate seeing his woman harassed in public? Jonah nced back at Casper. The mockery had faded from his face, reced by a cold, steely gaze.


    Pushing Nate away, Eliza grabbed another cup and downed it in one gulp. She struggled to keep her eyes open. Her eyelids were heavy, her stomach burning ufortably hot. The room seemed to spin around her.


    As Nate saw his chance to approach Eliza, Casper suddenly kicked him, sending him flying. "You thought I would let you carry on, did you?" Casper spat, picking up a chair and smashing it down on Nate''s head.


    Nate raised his arms in defense, but the chair struck his arm before crashing down on his head with brutal force. Casper, known for never holding back, had inflicted serious damage. Blood streamed down Nate''s head.


    Worried about a potential fatality, Jonah quickly wrapped his arms around Casper, trying to calm him. "Casper, cool it. Your wife''s drunk. Why don''t you take her home? I''ll handle this guy for you."

 Chapter 38

    Jonah''s words jolted him back to reality. He turned his head to see Eliza sprawled across the table, fast asleep. With a sharp flick of his fingers, he signaled Nate furiously.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Eliza was hammered,pletely out of it. Even after Casper got her into the car, she kept muttering nonsense. "I can drink more, just one more ss," she slurred, smacking her lips.


    Casper''s expression was icy. There she was, nestled in his arms, all soft and delicate, making it nearly impossible for him to stay mad. Hisrge handnded on her tousled hair, revealing a shocking scar he''d caused.


    A mix of emotions swirled within him as he gazed at Eliza, his eyes dark andplicated. Two years of marriage, and she''d always been sopliant. Even with the rumors about him and Nova flying around, her gaze towards him remained filled with love and tolerance.


    A wave of frustration washed over him. He pinned her down, pressing his lips to hers. Suddenly, she stirred, struggling to open her eyes, and pushed him away weakly.


    "Stop," hemanded, holding her in ce.


    "Casper, don''t... don''t touch me." Her stomach churned, and with that, she vomited all over him. The stench of alcohol filled the car.


    Disgusted, he dragged her out of the car, stripping off his vomit-stained jacket. "If you can''t handle your liquor, don''t drink so much. Didn''t you notice that creep groping you?"


    "Making money is tough, and life is harder for someone like me. As long as I can make some cash, I don''t mind being taken advantage of." She hugged her knees, her tone a mix of self-mockery and resignation.


    She retched again, her stomach turning inside out. Casper, seething, grabbed a bottle of water and forced her to drink. Halfway through, he poured the rest over her head.


    "Get a grip."


    Her hair was drenched, and the autumn breeze sent chills, raising goosebumps on her skin. "How are you any different from them?" she muttered, staggering to her feet to g down a taxi.


    A car stopped, but the driver sped off when he saw Casper''s menacing re.


    "Hey, don''t go!" Eliza called out, giving up after a few steps and trying for another taxi. But none would stop.


    Casper grabbed her cor and dragged her back to the car. "Stay put."


    "Don''t touch me," she recoiled, distancing herself as if he were something filthy. "I want to go home," she murmured, slumping onto the steps.


    Just then, Casper''s phone rang. It was Nova. "Casper, I have a fever, and I feel awful."


    "Isn''t Marian taking care of you?" he snapped, loosening his cor. "If it''s bad, call 911."


    "You''re tired of me, aren''t you? I''m sorry, I won''t bother you anymore. I''ll just go back to my lonely home with no family. I''ll leave..."


    Her soft sobs on the other end grated on his nerves. ncing at Eliza on the steps, he tried to curb his irritation. "Get Marian to give you some medicine. I''ll be back soon." "Okay," came the meek reply.


    Casper hung up, nudged Eliza with his foot, and sighed, "Come on, let''s go."

 Chapter 39

    "I''m not going. I''d rather die than go with you." She shook her head, her furrowed brow screaming defiance.


    "Suit yourself."Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    He didn''t bother with her anymore. Bending down, he got into the car, nced at her in the rearview mirror, and, with a press of the elerator, sped off.


    Eliza sat by the roadside. She was so drunk she kept nodding off.


    Some guys spilled out of the bar across the street and noticed her. They exchanged nces, a silent agreement passing between them, and quickened their steps towards Eliza.


    She was cute, with a lovely figure that seemed too good to be true. They couldn''t help but salivate at the sight of her.


    "This one''s mine. Haven''t seen a girl this gorgeous in ages," the skinny man said, rubbing his hands together, eyes glinting with sleaze.


    The short guy, unwilling to give up, retorted, "I spotted her first. She''s mine. Next time, I won''t argue."


    "Why fight? There are three of us, and we can take turns. No one hogs her," the third man chimed in.


    They pushed and shoved each other until the tall, burly guy muscled his way to the front.


    "Hey there, sitting here all drenched isn''t good. You''ll catch a cold, and that''d make me really sad." The burly man crouched in front of Eliza, reaching out to touch her shoulder. "Let me take you somewhere nice."


    After being in the cold for a while, Eliza started to sober up. She saw the bar across the street and realized these men likely prowled the area looking for vulnerable women.


    "No, thanks." She staggered to her feet, intending to leave this dangerous spot.


    The men blocked her way, not willing to let their prey escape. "It''s okay. We''re good guys here," they coaxed.


    Eliza didn''t want to talk. She walked to the roadside, trying to hail a cab.


    The men grabbed her arm, pulling her back. "Come on. We''re not bad guys. Let''s find a ce to have another drink, on me."


    "Let me go."


    Eliza didn''t have much strength left but struggled with all her might. Her resistance was like a kitten''s scratch to these sleazy men, barely noticeable.


    "Getting impatient, are we?" The menughed.


    They had seen too many girls like her. Whether they resisted or not, the oue was the same.


    These three were pros at preying on women and would sometimes even steal their phones and wallets. The girls would wake up with no memory of what happened the night before. They dragged Eliza towards a nearby alley. If she wouldn''t walk, they''d pull her.


    "Stop! Let her go!" A woman''s voice rang out.


    Chelsea quickly ran up to them, pushing the men aside and wrapping her arms around Eliza.


    The men, rubbing their chins,ughed. "Another chicks, boys. Looks like we''re in for a treat tonight."


    Eliza was drunk, but Chelsea wasn''t. She pulled out her phone and dialed 911. "I''ve called the cops. If you don''t want to get arrested, scram."


    The men initially wanted to advance but reconsidered and scurried off, cursing under their breath.


    Chelsea helped Eliza into the car. Shewatched Eliza''s drunkenly blurred face, and her heart ached. "Didn''t Aaron say that lounge was music-only and no drinks?"


    Eliza weakly waved her hand. "Casper came to the lounge today. It was his friend... One drink was ten thousand bucks, and I just drank it."


    Chelsea was livid. So Casper let his friend get Eliza drunk.


    How could he do that? Even if there was no love between the couple, Eliza still bore the title of Mrs. Welton. Was the Welton family''s reputation worth nothing to them?

 Chapter 40

    "Did he leave you here?"


    Eliza pursed her lips and nodded slightly, lifting her eyes to look at Chelsea. "How did you get here?"


    Chelsea didn''t have any work today, so she decided to pick up Eliza for somete-night snacks.


    If she hadn''te today, would those thugs have...


    "What was Casper thinking, leaving you here? The Dive Bar is across the street, and this ce is crawling with creeps. Is he out of his mind?"


    Chelsea was so angry she felt knots forming in her chest. She handed Eliza a bottle of water. "Elle, don''t worry. I''ll find you the bestwyer for your divorce case. He''s the one who cheated; he''s the one who had an affair. Why should you walk away with nothing? You''ll get back what''s yours."


    Eliza didn''t care about any of that. All she wanted was to leave Casper and that house. That would be her freedom. Once she was free, her family would be too. Without the marriage bond, he couldn''t keep Robin locked up in Mercy Hospital forever, even if he had all the power in the world.


    "Chelsea, I''ll transfer money to you. Can you arrange it for me?" Eliza transferred all the money she had saved up recently to Chelsea. "At least make sure Robin has it a bit easier in there."


    Chelsea knew all too well how Eliza had earned that money. How could she bear to ept it?


    "Don''t worry. I''m always on the lookout for connections. Once I find the right person, I''ll take care of everything. Keep your money for now."This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    Chelsea turned around, lit a cigarette, and ced it between her lips. The slender cigarette, with its rising smoke and flickering red light, deepened the intensity of her gaze.


    Many times, Chelsea felt powerless. In Falconridge, the Welton family was not to be messed with, and Casper even less so. For this divorce case, she had contacted the most famouswyers in Falconridge, but as soon as they heard it involved Casper, they all found various excuses to refuse.


    So, she had to look for renownedwyers from abroad. But that required a lot of money. Eliza didn''t have it, and neither did she.


    Nova sat quietly on the living room sofa. Hearing the sound of Casper''s car, she instructed Marian, "Marian, put the fever patch on me."


    Novapletely assumed the role of thedy of the house. Even if Marian were just a second slow, she would receive a disdainful look.


    "Marian, when Casperes, you know what to say." Under her calm gaze hid an extreme madness. Marian couldn''t afford to provoke her, merely nodding without saying anything else.


    The moment Casper stepped in, he saw Nova, looking frail, propped up on her arm on the sofa, wilting.


    He turned to ask Marian, "How is she?"


    "Ms. Nova is... the fever has receded." She didn''t want to lie, but she was just a servant.


    Hearing Casper''s voice, Nova weakly sat up straight. "You''re back."


    "If you''re not feeling well, go to the hospital next time. You don''t have to wait for me." His voice was even as he reached out to touch Nova''s forehead. "Why don''t you rest upstairs?" "I wanted to wait for you." She looked eagerly at Caser. "Casper, when are we going abroad for my leg treatment?"


    "Dr. Stephens is out of town. Once everything is ready over there, I''ll apany you."


    Nova was very pleased with Casper''s attentiveness to this matter. "Can you sit with me for a while?"


    She sat beside him, gently leaning her head on his arm. Casper suddenly stood up. "I''ll go take a shower."

 Chapter 41

    The next morning, before Eliza headed to work, Aaron found her. There was no need to guess why-she knew it was aboutst night''s incident in the private room. "Aaron, I''m really sorry about what happened...¡±


    She had heard Casper had broken the furniture in the private room the previous night. Today, she was nning to discuss thepensation for the damage with her boss. "No, it''s me who should apologize. I didn''t expect Casper to bring such men and cause you trouble. That was my oversight."


    Aaron looked genuinely remorseful. He adjusted his sses, pushing them up on the bridge of his nose. "Do you need me to find you another job?"


    "No, it''s okay." She knew it would be the same anywhere.


    "I''ll talk to Casper about this."


    Eliza had no faith in Casper; she just gave a faint smile.


    "Oh, and by the way, I''m visiting Hope Hospital today. If there''s anything you need me to do, just let me know," Aaron said.


    Hope Hospital was the local clinic. Since her mother had been admitted, she had only managed to call a few times and had never found the time to visit.


    "My mom''s illness...honestly, there''s nothing much to say."


    The medical care avable there wasn''t top-notch, and her mother staying alive was all Eliza asked for.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Aaron nodded. "I''ll check on your mom and ask the doctors about her condition."


    "Thank you."


    After parting ways with Aaron, Eliza went to work at the lounge. The boss was kind and didn''t mention thepensation, only saying that Aaron had taken care of it. What exactly Aaron had taken care of, he didn''t specify.


    Work went on as usual.


    At noon, Eliza left the lounge to head home. Just as she stepped outside, she saw Marian rushing over.


    "Ma''am."


    Eliza was surprised. "Marian, are you here to see me?"


    Marian looked ufortable, pressing her lips together before finally speaking. "Mr. Casper sent me to find you..."


    "For what?"


    Why would Casper send a servant to find her? Wasn''t he good at showing up out of nowhere?


    "Ma''am, Ms. Nova is sick and craving meatballs you used to make at the Pinotti family''s ce. Mr. Casper wants you toe home and make them for her."


    Marian knew this was just another way to humiliate Eliza. But she was just a servant, and no matter how much it pained her, she had no choice but to convey the message. After speaking, Marian lowered her head.


    "You can buy meatballs anywhere in the city. Just get some from a store," Eliza replied coolly.


    "Mr. Casper said he wants you to make them..." Marian hesitated, "...and if you don''t, he will..." "He will what?"


    "He will transfer Robin to another hospital."


    Transfer? Wasn''t sending him to Mercy Hospital enough? Where else could he possibly want to send Robin?


    Eliza clenched her fists tightly. She closed her eyes for a moment, took a deep breath, and then relented. "Fine, I''ll go."


    Every time Eliza stepped into the house where she had lived for two years, she felt an indescribable suffocation. Standing outside, she adjusted her breathing, then followed Marian inside.


    From afar, she saw Nova lounging by the sofa. When Nova noticed her, she looked up and sneered. Her nails were painted in a deep oxblood red.


    "Look at you, Mrs. Welton. One word from me, and youe running back, following mymands. It''s true, Casper really spoils me rotten."

 Chapter 42

    Her voice rang out sharp and triumphant, as if she had just imed some grand victory.


    Eliza let out a barely audible chuckle. "All this pampering, yet he still hasn''t made you his wife."


    "Casper marrying me is just a matter of time." Nova straightened up leisurely, picked up a te of cherries, and popped a red one into her mouth. "Once my leg heals, I''ll be his most beautiful bride."


    "What good will healing your leg do? Can you bear children for the Welton family or give Casper a son and a daughter?" Women who can''t bear children will be cast aside sooner orter. The Welton family wouldn''t allow it any other way.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    A mocking smirk yed on Eliza''s lips.


    Nova''s face twisted in fury, her eyes turning fierce. She mmed the te of cherries onto the floor and red at Eliza. "Even if I can''t bear children for Casper, he still loves me the most."


    "Fine, you keep loving each other."


    Eliza couldn''t be bothered by Nova''s hysterics. She followed Marian into the kitchen.


    Eliza quietly sliced the meat while Marian eyed her. Words formed in Marian''s mouth only to be swallowed back down.


    "Marian, if you have something to say, just say it. Casper isn''t home anyway."


    Marian sighed softly. "Madam, I think Mr. Casper... still has feelings for you."


    Eliza smiled, pausing with the kitchen knife in hand, then shook her head. "Marian, you''ve been with us for years. Since Casper and I got married, you''ve seen how we are together. How could he possibly have feelings for me?"


    "But I don''t think he... really likes Ms. Nova either."


    Eliza had no idea what Casper looked like when he liked someone. But the truth was, he had shown Nova the same warmth and patience he showed everyone. Love was something you could see in someone''s eyes.


    "Marian, even if he falls out of love with Nova one day, he wouldn''t like me."


    "Madam, I still think you and him are the best match."


    In Marian''s eyes, Eliza was gentle and kind, caring for Casper in every possible way. Whether it was managing the old Welton estate or anything else, Eliza did it impably. Such a woman, especially among the wives of wealthy families, was truly hard to find. Nova was two-faced and wore out the servants.


    Eliza smiled again. The word ''match'' was best not used for her and Casper. It sounded like a joke. After preparing the meatballs, she had Marian take them out to Nova.


    "Ms. Nova, your meatballs are ready. Please enjoy them while they''re hot," Marian said respectfully.


    Nova raised an eyebrow, looking at Marian with displeasure. "Marian, Casper asked for Eliza to attend to me, not just make some meatballs and leave. Where is she? Tell her toe out."


    "Ms. Nova, Mr. Casper didn''t say "


    "Hmm?..." She mmed her hand down on the table. "...Marian, are you talking back to me?"


    Marian swallowed her resentment. "I wouldn''t dare."


    "Call Eliza out."


    Eliza, having already heard Nova''s summons, wiped her hands and came out. "Why are you shouting at Marian? It''s your leg that''s injured, not your hands. Do you need someone to serve you even for a meal?"


    "Eliza, what right do you have to speak to me like that? I am thedy in this house, and you are nothing but a lowly servant."

 Chapter 43

    Headlights swept across the floor-to-ceiling windows. Casper entered the room with determined strides.


    Moments ago, Nova had been full of herself, but now she was holding a hot bowl, her voice quivering. "Eliza, this soup is too hot. Can I let it cool down first? It''s really too hot; I can''t swallow it. Please don''t do this to me."


    As she spoke, the bowl slipped from her hands and shattered on the floor under Casper''s watchful eyes. Nova''s hands, now red from the burn, immediately caught his attention.


    Eliza dryly remarked that the Oscar Academy should create a special award for Nova''s acting skills, or else it would be an injustice for them to go unused.


    Casper''s eyes darkened as he swiftly stepped forward, taking Nova''s hands, "Are you alright?"


    Nova, tears streaming, shook her head. "I''m fine, Casper. Don''t me Eliza. She just wanted me to have something warm. It''s not her fault. Please don''t be mad at her." Casper''s expression tightened, his gaze shifting from the broken bowl on the floor to Marian''s face.


    "Is there more?" he demanded.


    "Yes, sir," Marian responded, too scared to lift her head.


    "Serve me a bowl of the freshly made meatballs."


    Marian, sensing the tension, quickly scurried into the kitchen. She returned with a steaming, slightly bubbling bowl of meatballs and ced it in front of Casper. "Sir, here you go." His icy gaze fell on Eliza. "Drink it now. Let''s see if you can handle the heat."


    Eliza looked up at him, bewildered. "Why should I?"


    "Aren''t you the best when ites to bullying Nova?" He ced the hot bowl into Eliza''s hands. "Feeling satisfied about your actions now, huh?"


    The bowl was scalding. Unable to withstand the heat, Eliza tried to put it down.


    Casper''s voice turned menacing, "Drop that bowl, and you''ll regret it." It was clear he was seeking justice for Nova.


    But Nova was pleading desperately for Eliza, "Casper, don''t do this. Eliza has delicate skin. A little burn is nothing to me. Let her put it down, please?"Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    No matter how tough Eliza was, she was still human.


    Crash! The bowl shattered, and the meatballs fell to the floor.


    Eliza''s palms turned red from the burns. She winced in pain, her brows knitting together.


    She ran to the bathroom, hoping the cool water would alleviate the pain.


    Marian quickly turned to find some ice.


    Casper, still unsatisfied, strode into the bathroom, grabbed Eliza''s wrist, and dragged her upstairs.


    The heavy m of the bedroom door signaled that no one inside woulde out and no one outside should disturb them.


    "How dare you throw the bowl? Eliza, you don''t want to know the consequences of that."


    Eliza was disappointed and tugged at her lip. "What if I can''t? You vent your anger on me without knowing the full story. You think yourself a knight in shining armor?"


    "You still have the nerve to talk back."


    He dragged her, throwing her onto therge bed.


    His mostmon method of punishing her was to make her beg for mercy in bed. Yet, no matter how cruel Casper''s methods were, Eliza kept her lips sealed, not making a sound.


    He bit her neck in frustration. "Eliza, what kind of woman are you? Don''t you know how to moan?"


    "If you want to hear a woman moan, you can find a prostitute, or if that fails, sleep with Nova. She''ll surely moan to your heart''s content."


    Her words enraged him further, resulting in even more brute force from him. Hepletely disregarded her body, doing whatever pleased him.


    Eliza, in pain, wanted to push him away but instead found her hands pinned above her head. Casper''s mockingughter was cold. "Can''t take it? If you can''t stand it, then moan for me."

 Chapter 44

    She closed her eyes, tears slipping down her cheeks andnding on the pillow, where they seemed to burst into the shape of petals.


    Casper didn''t feel a shred of pity for her tears. Once he came, he withdrew and headed to the bathroom to clean himself up.


    Eliza clutched her stomach, cold sweat beading on her forehead from the pain. Ignoring everything else, she hastily dressed and stumbled out. Nova''s eyes red with jealousy, especially when she saw the marks on Eliza''s neck, varying in intensity. They drove her mad.


    Marian noticed Eliza''s pale face and rushed over to support her. "Madam, are you alright?"


    "Marian, please help me..." Eliza could barely stand the pain and sank to the ground. "Call me a cab."


    "But Mr. Casper..."


    Marian was terrified of angering Casper. If he got mad, the entire staff at Welton Manor would be in trouble.


    "Marian, if this tramp wants to leave, let her. Keeping her here will only cause more problems," Nova sneered. Marian said. "I''ll call a cab for you."


    Eliza, still on the ground, pulled a painkiller from her bag and swallowed it dry. Once the pain lessened, she stood and started to walk out.


    Nova''s voice cut through the air, dripping with sarcasm. "All that effort just to get Casper to sleep with you. How pathetic."


    Eliza was in no mood for a fight with Nova. She was about to step forward when Casper came downstairs. "Where are you going?"


    He looked refreshed as if nothing sordid had happened in the bedroom.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "Home," she replied.


    He came down the stairs, took her hand, and noticed it was red and blistered in ces. "I''ll take you," he said.


    "No need," Eliza snapped, pulling her hand away. "I''ve already asked Marian to call a taxi."


    "I''m not asking for your opinion."


    Nova, leaning on a crutch, grabbed his arm. "Casper, you should take Eliza. Her hand looks pretty bad; maybe take her to the hospital. Don''t worry about me, I''m fine."


    She yed the part of an understanding and selfless woman perfectly.


    Casper watched her with admiration and gently patted her arm. "Get some rest."


    "Mhm. Okay."


    By the time Marian had called a taxi to the front of Welton Manor, Casper was already leading Eliza out by the hand.


    "Sir, Madam."


    "Marian, tell the taxi to go. I''ll take her," Casper ordered.


    Marian quicklyplied. "Yes, Sir."


    Once in Casper''s car, Eliza didn''t ask where they were going. Sometimes, she wished for a car ident. If he died, and so did she, all their debts would be cleared, and they would never meet again in any future life.


    "We''re visiting my grandfather at the hospital first," he said.


    She stared nkly out the window, showing no emotion.


    He nced at her. "Grandfather is being discharged tomorrow. As his granddaughter-inw, it''s your duty to visit."


    "Will I not be donating blood?" she retorted, thinking they would drain herpletely.


    Casper replied coldly, "Not now."


    "When then?" she pressed.


    His impatience red. "Do you really want to be drained of your blood?"


    "If I don''t want to, will you stop it from happening? At least let me know when you n to take my blood so I can sort out my affairs."


    She needed to make arrangements for her mother. She also needed to visit her brother again. After herst visit, she would wait outside Mercy Hospital every Friday, hoping to see him, but she was never allowed in again.


    "Casper, after you drain my blood, could you please let Robin go?"

 Chapter 45

    He didn''t reply to her, likely too dismissive to bother. As soon as their car rolled into the hospital parking lot and came to a stop, another car pulled up opposite them. Casper could see Zach sitting inside the car through the clear windows, and their eyes locked.


    Casper''s gaze sharpened with caution. "Stay in the car; don''t get out," he threw the words over his shoulder to Eliza before stepping out.


    As Casper approached Zach''s car, Zach was already getting out. Casper''s fist connected with Zach''s face before he could even shut his car door. Zach staggered back a few steps, then hit the ground. Wiping the blood from his lip, Zach smirked provocatively at Casper. "Do you know why I came? Jeffrey had your dad call me over."


    "Trying to snatch the inheritance? Grandpa isn''t dead yet." Casper lifted his leg and kicked Zach in the head. "You think you''re worthy of an inheritance?"


    Zach, holding his head, didn''t fight back and kept smiling. "It''s up to him to decide whether I''m worthy or not, Casper. Our war has just begun."


    Casper kicked him again, sending him sprawling on the ground. Pointing menacingly at Zach, Casper snarled, "Who do you think you are? A bastard with no right or honor gets topete with me?"


    "I''m not just after the Welton family''s inheritance. I''m also going to take your woman, Casper. The Welton family will be mine, and so will Eliza. Don''t believe me? Just wait and see."Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Zachughed maniacally, blood staining his lips. His features twisted with malice. Eliza, still in the car, couldn''t hear their exchange but could clearly see Casper''s fury. His fists rained down on Zach like a storm. Zach didn''t resist, letting Casper pummel him until members of the Welton family pulled them apart.


    Tristan brought Casper and Zach inside. Eliza, getting out of the car, was preparing to head to the ward when she heard her name.


    "Eliza."


    She turned to see Aaron. "Aaron."


    "Here to see Jeffrey?" He closed his car door and walked over.


    Eliza nodded slightly. "Yeah."


    He nced at her hand and frowned. "What happened to your hand? Is it hurt?"


    "Just a minor burn," she said, not wanting to borate.


    "Have you treated it?"


    "Not yet."


    Without missing a beat, Aaron said, "Thene with me, and I''ll help you get it taken care of."


    Eliza didn''t refuse. Although the burn wasn''t severe, it was painful, and she didn''t want it to get infected. Her hands were essential for ying the harp and for work. Aaron led her to the burn clinic and personally treated her blisters. His eyes were focused as he quickly and urately pricked the blister on her hand, squeezed out the fluid, and disinfected it.


    His movements were methodical and efficient. Eliza had known him for four years. They were at the same university but attended different faculties. Aaron was often the subject of conversation among the girls because of his striking appearance. They really got to know each other through Casper. The Martin family and the Welton family were old friends. Aaron and Casper grew up together, and despite their different personalities, they became good friends. Aaron could have gone home to inherit his family''s medical group, but because of something Casper said, he became Jeffrey''s personal doctor.


    "Aaron, I wanted to ask you something..."


    "What''s on your mind?"


    Eliza hesitated for a moment. "Grandpa''s health..."

 Chapter 46

    Aaron knew exactly what Eliza was getting at. He gently wrapped her hand in the bandage. "Jeffrey''s body is really giving out."


    "So, when do you need to take my blood?"


    Aaron was caught off guard and looked up. "Who told you we needed your blood?"


    "Do you even need to ask?" she replied. She couldn''t have children, and the Welton family didn''t want to lose Jeffrey. Using her blood seemed like the only option. "I just want to know when." "You and Casper need to hurry up and have a child. There''s still time."


    "It''s impossible for him and me to have children." Aaron knew her condition. "Aaron, if you really need my blood, does that mean I won''t survive?"


    In medicine, nothing was certain. Butpletely recing someone''s blood could very likely mean...


    "If it''s a life for a life, would you be willing to go through with it?" he asked, staring into her eyes.


    Eliza sighed. "Do I really have a choice?"


    "What if you did have a choice?"


    "I wouldn''t want to."


    Wasn''t every life valuable? But how could her insignificant life escape the clutches of those in power?


    Aaron didn''t know how tofort her. In the end, he just said, "You need to trust Casper. He won''t let something so absurd happen."


    In the hospital room, Tristan was fuming, taking in Zach''s battered up face after he''d been beaten to a mess. He yelled at Casper in front of Jeffrey and his wife Audrey.


    "What are you trying to do, kill him?" Tristan''s fingers shook with anger. "I invited him here. If you want to hit someone, hit me. Take your anger out on me. Come on."


    Jeffrey had initially wanted Zach to be acknowledged before he passed away. Tristan''s attitude squashed that idea. In the Welton family, a bastard child could never overshadow the legitimate heir. Tristan had forgotten this.


    "Is it appropriate for you to talk to his son like that?" Jeffrey coughed twice from his bed.


    With hands on his hips, Tristan still didn''t think he was wrong. "Dad, you spoiled Casper. Zach did nothing wrong, but..."


    "Zach''s biggest mistake was showing up," Casper said, ring at Tristan. "Did you bring him here to give him a share of the Welton estate or all of it? My mother isn''t dead yet, and herees the child of a mistress? If that third-rate celebrity hadn''t died, would my mother have to step aside for her?"


    "You, you..." Tristan was choking with anger. "Dad, this is your precious grandson. Does he look like the heir of the Welton family?"T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Just then, Aaron and Eliza walked in.


    Eliza saw Audrey wiping away tears and walked over to gently support her.


    With Aaron, an outsider, present, Tristan dropped the argument and left with Zach.


    Finally, the room quieted down. Audrey grabbed Eliza''s hand, shocked. "How did you hurt your hand?"


    "Just a little burn, it''s nothing, Mom."


    Audrey had spent her life dealing with her husband''s infidelities, mistresses, and illegitimate children. Arguments, injuries, hospital stays-she hadn''t missed any of the pains of womanhood. As a woman, Audrey knew these lies all too well, having told them her whole life.


    "You are holding it all in, child."


    Casper''s gaze darkened as he looked at Eliza''s bandaged hand, then turned to Aaron. "Did you take care of the burns for her?"

 Chapter 47

    Aaron didn''t deny it. He just nodded and said, "Yeah."


    "Get out here."


    Casper grabbed Aaron by the cor and dragged him out of the hospital room. They ended up on the rooftop. When Casper swung his fist, Aaron caught it mid-air. "You gonna give me a reason before throwing punches?"


    His eyes were dark and intense. Casper''s rage was almost unrecognizable now. "Do you like her?"


    "So patching up her wounds means I like her?" Aaron couldn''t wrap his head around Casper''s twisted thinking. "Casper, it''s called being decent. Her hand was messed up, and as her husband, wasn''t it your job to look after her first?"


    "Are you saying you took over my dutie as her husband?" Casper''s jaw was clenched, veins popping on his forehead.


    "I was just doing what any doctor would." Aaron realized talking to Casper was pointless. He turned to leave but paused. "If you love her, treat her right. If you don''t, let her go."


    Aaron didn''t go back to the room. The Welton family had already picked up Jeffrey.


    Audrey and Eliza walked out of the hospital, chatting at the entrance.


    "Casper''s not treating you well, is he?" Audrey asked.


    Eliza couldn''t find the words to answer.


    Audrey sighed, "I''ve been in this family for thirty years. Tristan''s had mistresses everywhere, with kids all over the ce. I''d have left him ages ago if it weren''t for Casper."


    She held Eliza''s hand, giving it a gentle pat. "You''re still young and without kids tying you down. If you ever want to leave, I won''t stop you."


    Eliza felt a wave of emotion. Tears welled up. "Thank you for understanding."


    "I know it''s hard to find happiness in a family like this unless you have a man who truly loves you." Audrey shook her head, resigned but hopeful for Eliza.


    Eliza''s young, beautiful face reminded Audrey of herself when she was younger and full of love for Tristan. But he never loved her back or stayed faithful. She endured, hoping for change that never came. Her hair turned grey over the years, and Tristan never changed his ways. Audrey had no more hope for herself, but Eliza still had a chance.


    Casper walked over, his face dark. Seeing his mother, he softened a bit. "Mom, I''ll have someone drive you home."


    "No need, my driver''s waiting." Audrey let go of Eliza''s hand. "I''ll head home now. Don''t forget to change your dressings regrly."


    "I know."


    After Audrey left, Eliza turned to go, but Casper grabbed her shoulder. "Enjoying Aaron''s care, were you?"Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "What care?" She was puzzled.


    "Your hand, didn''t he treat it?"


    "So what? He''s a doctor, isn''t that his job? You call that care?"


    Eliza''s lips curled in disdain. She pushed Casper away. "I''ve got work to do."


    He stood there, feeling like something was being pulled from his chest. He quickly caught up to her. "Eliza, is this how you treat me?"


    She looked at him calmly. "What kind of treatment are you expecting, Mr. Casper?"


    "Did something happen between you and Aaron?"


    She chuckled lightly, not even bothering to deny it, as if it didn''t matter.

 Chapter 48

    Whatever he thought happened might as well have been the truth.


    ...


    Aftering back from the hospital, Eliza was at the lounge hard at work. Casper hadn''t been around for ages. Word was, he''d taken Nova abroad for some leg treatment.


    A few dayster, Chelsea invited her out for lunch. Inevitably, the conversation turned to Nova.


    "I have a friend who''s a doctor at that hospital. Heard her surgery failed again," Chelsea mentioned casually.


    Eliza, on the other hand, was taken aback. "Failed again?"


    "Yeah, it seems there''s hardly any chance for recovery. Her primary doctor said that apart from her knee surgery, she would need a heart or kidney transnt to make her function like a normal person." Finding a kidney donor might be doable, but a heart? That was a whole other level. Still, with Casper''s wealth, it would probably not be an issue if he was willing to spend the bucks.


    Eliza lowered her head, absentmindedly nibbling on her straw. Chelsea added, "He''s spending your joint assets on Nova''s treatment. That has to be part of the divorce settlement." Eliza''s fingers tightened around her cup. "His money will never be split with me, and I don''t want it."


    "Whether he wants to or not is his business, but thew''s thew." Chelsea handed Eliza a business card. "I''ve contacted awyer from abroad who specializes in divorce cases. He''ll be here in a few days; you should reach out."


    Eliza blinked in surprise and nced at the card. Thewyer was from a well-knownw firm. "I bet this wasn''t cheap, right?"


    "Don''t worry about it. Pay me back once you get Casper''s money."


    "Thanks, Chelsea."


    Eliza pocketed the card and took another sip of her juice. "I''ve got to get back to work this afternoon."Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "Remember, call me if you need anything."


    "I will."


    Eliza returned to the lounge. She''d swapped out her traditional attire for a sleek cocktail dress. Her figure always drew some eyes, but after a run-in with one of Casper''s friends, the manager had decided she shouldn''t perform in private rooms anymore.


    She set up her harp and got to work, staying professional. Customers woulde up to tip her, and the manager had even added a tipping feature to the website. On a good day, the tips were pretty substantial.


    After her performance, the manager approached her. "A customer tipped you a hundred thousand."


    "That much?" Eliza was stunned and hesitant to ept it. "Sir, I can''t take this money."


    "Alright, I''ll look into returning it tomorrow."


    "Thank you."


    She headed to the changing room. Her cocktail dress was easy to put on but a nightmare to take off. For the sake of looking good, her dresses were tailored to fit perfectly, which meant changing took over half an hour.


    Just as she got it off, the changing room door swung open. Startled, she used the dress to cover herself. "Who is it?"


    Around the corner came a familiar face. She stepped back. "This is thedies'' changing room, Mr. Casper. If you don''t leave, I''ll call the police."


    "You''re gonna call the police and use me of being a creep?" He sat on the changing bench, eyes roaming over her nearly naked body. "Do you really think your body is that enticing to me?"


    No, she didn''t. She wasn''t delusional. It was his sudden intrusion that was so disrespectful. Eliza pulled the curtain around herself and began changing into her clothes.


    "Why didn''t you ept the tip I gave you? Was it too little?" he asked coldly, clearly annoyed.

 Chapter 49

    Eliza paused, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. So, it was Casper who had tipped so generously.


    "What''s the deal with such a big tip out of nowhere? I can''t ept this."


    "Is it the money you can''t ept or the fact that it''s me tipping?" He yanked the curtain aside, his voice sharp. "Would you have taken it if it was from another guy?" Eliza had already changed her clothes. She stared at him, her expression nk, offering no exnation. She felt there was no need to borate.


    Thewyer''s business card slipped out as she rummaged through her purse for her phone. It drifted down to Casper''s feet.


    She quickly bent to grab it, but he stopped her with a raised hand. He picked up the card from the floor, his face darkening as he read the text.


    "This is mine, give it back."Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "Wow, going international with yourwyer now?" Casper pinched the card between his fingers and pped it against Eliza''s cheek. "Trying to y games with me?" She bent down to retrieve the card, tucking it away calmly. "We were bound to part ways eventually."


    "Looks like I''ve been too lenient with you." His voice was eerily calm.


    Eliza grabbed her purse and tried to run, only for him to yank her back, "Do you only feel the pain when I inflict it onto you?"


    "Casper, let go of me." She red at him, a defiant glint in her eyes that he found unsettling.


    "I know you haven''t seen Robin in a while." He lifted his chin arrogantly, looking down at her. "I bet you''re dying to know how he''s doing."


    Eliza''s heart clenched. Her eyes flickered, and she looked up at him, her voice shaky, "What have you done to him?"


    "If you want to know, you''ll have to behave."


    He leaned against the locker, his lips curling in disdain. "Kiss me."


    Eliza shook her head and stepped back. He hooked his arm around her neck, pulling her close. "Are you not willing to kiss me?"


    She was utterly repulsed by the idea of doing anything with Casper, but did she have a choice?


    In the end, she tiptoed, closed her eyes, and offered her lips. Just as they were about to touch, he shoved her away.


    Did she actually think he wanted to kiss her? He was just venting his frustration.


    They got into Casper''s car and headed towards Mercy Hospital.


    Eliza''s heart pounded with anxiety. She held her chest, feeling uneasy and scared.


    The car stopped in front of Mercy Hospital, and the imposing ck gates slowly opened. The gatekeeper bowed slightly to Casper, full of respect. Eliza was a bundle of nerves. She didn''t care about Casper''s connections with the people here. She was desperate to know about Robin''s condition. The hospital had arge open area, but no patients were strolling around, and no doctors or nurses were in sight. It was much quieter than herst visit. The car moved forward, stopping in front of the building where she hadst seen Robin. A well-dressed man came out, eagerly opening the car door for Casper. "Mr. Casper."


    Casper didn''t respond. He got out of the car and walked inside, hands in his pockets. Eliza hurried to follow.


    They got into a solitary room. It looked like an office and much different from the one she was inst time.


    After about fifteen minutes, Eliza heard the sound of wheels against the floor. Just as she was about to rush over, Casper called out, "Stay put."


    Eliza didn''t dare to anger him. She anxiously rubbed her palms together.


    Soon, someone was wheeled in.

 Chapter 50

    Bald, wearing a patient gown and barefoot, Robin had vacant eyes that were haunting. His face, neck, and even scalp were marred with unhealed scars. Drool had soaked the front of his gown, leaving a damp patch.


    Eliza couldn''t fathom how a young man in his early twenties could be so broken.


    "Robin."


    She could barely recognize him. Her heart felt like it was bleeding, making it hard for her to breathe.


    Just as she moved forward, the person pushing the wheelchair stopped her with a firm hand. "Keep your distance."


    Eliza, ovee with emotion, pushed past the person. "Why are you doing this to him? How did he get these injuries? Did you hit him? Tell me!"


    She clung to the man''s clothes, her grip frantic and desperate. She was spiraling, losing her grip on reality.


    The noise attracted several people from outside, who pried Eliza away and wheeled Robin out. She was pushed to the ground. Scrambling to her feet, she chased after them, but the door mmed shut in her face.


    She banged on the door, twisting the doorknob, but it wouldn''t budge. "Open the door! Where are you taking him? Open the door, please!"


    No one answered her pleas.


    She slumped against the wooden door, her body going limp, tears streaming down her face in utter despair.


    Through her tear-filled eyes, she noticed Casper sitting across from her, legs crossed.


    Ignoring her own disheveled state, she crawled to him, pleading desperately. "Casper, please, let him go. I''ll do anything. Robin is innocent. It''s all my fault. I deserve to die, not him. Just let him go, please." Eliza sped her hands together, bowing repeatedly like she was praying to a god of life and death.


    Casper furrowed his brows, his eyes cold and imprable like a fog-coveredke.


    She gently tugged at the hem of his pants, her eyes red, her lips trembling. "Please, Casper, if you let my brother go, I''ll do anything. You can go to Nova. I can serve her. I can do it. Doesn''t Nova need a kidney or heart transnt? Take mine. Take my heart, my kidney. Just please let Robin go. He''s innocent."


    Eliza''s body shook violently, like a lost and helpless fawn. Casper''s gaze lingered on her. "Do you know why Robin was targeted?"


    She shook her head, then nodded, tears streaming. "I know. It''s because of me. I stole you from her. Because the Pinotti family didn''t cure her leg, ruining her health. It''s all our fault. It''s all my fault. I deserve to die."


    Casper''s gaze darkened further. He interlocked his fingers and pushed Eliza away with his leg. "It''s because Robin raped Nova."


    Eliza''s eyes widened in shock, her body frozen. No, it couldn''t be. Robin and Nova grew up together; she was like a sister to him.


    He couldn''t have done such a thing. No way.


    "No, it must be a misunderstanding. Robin isn''t like that. It has to be a mistake." Eliza shook her head frantically, unsure where Casper had gotten his information.


    This couldn''t be the whole truth.


    "A misunderstanding?" He smirked coldly, his eyes turning sinister as he looked down at her. "Would Nova joke about something like this? Not only did your family ruin her health, but Robinmitted such a monstrous act. How could he?"Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Did Nova say that?


    Did she really im Robin raped her?


    Why would she do that?


    "No, she lied. She must have lied!"

 Chapter 51

    "Robin admitted it himself." Casper roughly pinched her chin. "Eliza, you don''t know your own brother at all."


    Nova had handed Casper a pair of underwear stained with semen. After a DNAparison, it was undeniably Robin''s. Casper''s loathing for the Pinotti family had reached its peak.


    "Bring someone in," Casper called out. A man in ab coat approached, handing Casper a brown paper bag.


    Casper tossed the bag in front of Eliza. "This is the evidence."


    With trembling fingers, Eliza picked up the brown paper bag, untied the string, and pulled out several test reports. Despite the conclusions staring back at her, she couldn''t believe them. "How... Robin would never do something like this. They''re siblings. Before Robin''s leg injury, he would take Nova home from school every day on his bike. They were so close. How could he..." After Nova and Eliza switched identities, Robin and Nova barely saw each other. How could a rape have urred?


    "When did this happen?" Eliza asked, her eyes reddening.


    "Before we sent him to Mercy Hospital."


    No. This couldn''t be true. Robin was a disabled man working in a factory, screwing bolts every day. How could hemit such an act?


    "There must be some misunderstanding. Robin works every day and never takes a single day off. He wouldn''t do this. Nova must be lying." Eliza clutched at Casper''s pant leg, pleading for him to re- investigate.


    "We have both eyewitness and existing physical evidence. I''m already showing him mercy by not sending him to the police." Casper''s cold gaze was filled with disgust as he looked at her. "The Pinotti family really sickens me."


    Was all this really the truth?


    Eliza was lost in thought. Robin had


    already lost his ability to


    be a living invalid. Whether innocent or not, she could no longer learn the truth from Robin.


    "Even if it''s true, he''s already paid the price. Can you let him go?"


    If Robin stayed here any longer, it would only lead to his death. The man holding Robin''s life in his hands was right in front of her. Aside from begging him, she had no other option.


    Casper lifted his eyes, his dark gaze


    contemting Eliza kneeling before him, weighing what alternative option he should offer her next. After a moment, he lightly lifted his eyes and asked, "Have you thought about the divorce?"


    Eliza stared at him with a vacant gaze. She didn''t know what else he wanted. For now, returning to that home was her only option. She had no choice.


    "I''lle home." She unsteadily rose from the ground. "Can you let my brother go, Mr. Casper?"


    Ha. Mr. Casper. Those words gave him a headache.


    "His treatment isn''t finished yet. He will naturally be released when it''spleted; it won''t be long."Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    She didn''t insist on an immediate


    release, knowing Casper had already made a concession. Her fingertips were drained of color as she tightly clutched the reports. All the way back home, she stared out the car window in a daze. She wouldn''t believe the story, even if the whole world believed Robin had forced


    himself on Nova. It made no sense


    at all.


    Closing her eyes, she suddenly asked, "You haven''t performed a physical castration on Robin, have you?"


    "I''ve considered it." Casper didn''t deny it.


    Sheughed in despair. "Then I beg you, don''t do it."


    "In your eyes, is Nova''s innocence not important at all?" Casper''s voice was icy as he turned to look at Eliza. "Or are you saying Robin doing such a thing was at your behest?"

 Chapter 52

    Did she make Robinmit the heinous act?


    Eliza''s smile grew even wider. She was like a flower blooming in the desert-radiant, defiant, yet seemingly on the verge of copse. She didn''t say a word, but her smile seemed to say it all.


    He mmed on the brakes, turned the steering wheel sharply, and pulled the car over to the side of the road. The quiet space inside the car was thick with tension.


    "What are you smiling at?" he demanded.


    Eliza slowly let her smile fade, staring indifferently at his strikingly handsome face. He was incredibly good-looking and a standout among the wealthy heirs of Falconridge, always turning heads no matter where he went.


    But, this man didn''t have a kind heart.


    No, It would be more urate to say he loved Nova so much that he was willing to be a cruel person for her. He loved Nova enough toe after Eliza and the Pinotti family.


    "Mr. Casper, if you don''t like my smile, I won''t smile anymore," she said.


    She used Mr. Casper again. He hated that title.


    "Eliza, you''ve got a talent for getting under my skin," he snapped.


    Casper floored the gas pedal, causing Eliza to jolt in her seat. As they drove into the city, she spoke softly, "Please drop me off at my ce first. I''ll pack up my things and move back to Welton Estate in the next few days."


    Her tone was t, emotionless. He listened, feeling irritated and restless.


    The car pulled up to Eliza''s rundown neighborhood. Before she could even stand firmly, he sped away. With her head lowered, she walked into the building and was about to unlock her door when a figure suddenly appeared behind her. Then, her mouth was covered.


    "Don''t scream. It''s me."


    Hearing the familiar voice, Eliza forcefully elbowed the man behind her, pushing him away. "Zach, are you out of your mind? Ambushing me in broad daylight-what are you doing?"


    "Waiting for you, what else?" he said with a teasing smile.


    Eliza didn''t dare to open the door, ring at him instead. "Why are you waiting for me?"


    Leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, Zach looked at her. "Have you been to Mercy Hospital?"


    "You''ve been following me?"


    "That''s not important." He continued with a smirk, "Did Casper agree to release your brother?"


    "That''s none of your business."


    He chuckled lightly, his face filled with mockery. "He''s not going to release your brother that easily."


    "That has nothing to do with you either," she shot back icily.


    Zach smiled patiently. "It may not have anything to do with me, but if it matters to you, I thought I might help."


    Eliza watched him warily. She had always been hostile towards him. In high school, Zach was the pure, innocent boy everyone praised for the good kid he was. After high


    school Zach became wild and


    unpredictable, causing her endless trouble. The Zach now was cunning and ruthless-she couldn''t see through him. So, she tried her best to stay away from such a dangerous person.


    "No thank you," she refused coldly.


    "I''m sincerely offering help." He stepped in front of Eliza. "I can tell you, the biggest shareholder of Mercy Hospital is Welton


    International. Just one word from me and Robin can be released. You don''t have to be at the mercy of


    Casper."


    She raised an eyebrow with a mocking smile. "Are you one of the Welton family? What does Welton International have to do with you?"Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    She thought such mockery would


    change his expression. It didn''t.


    Zach touched his nose, chuckli


    lightly. "Sooner orter, I will be. You should trust my abilities."


    "I''m not interested in your abilities," she said disdainfully, pushing him aside. "Move."

 Chapter 53

    "Do you really think that if you go back to Casper, he will let Robin go?"


    Eliza''s hand froze mid-unlock. She didn''t know if Casper would keep his promise, but she had no other options.


    Facing Eliza''s silence, Zach pressed hisrge hand against the door and continued, "If you were really that important to him, he wouldn''t have sent Robin to Mercy Hospital in the first ce. Don''t you want to know what Robin went through while he was there?"


    Eliza''s heart tightened. Of course, she wanted to know. But could she handle it?


    "What are you trying to say?" she asked.


    "Eliza, leave Casper. Whatever he can give you, I can give you too. You''ll still be Mrs. Welton. Your status won''t change."


    Eliza sneered. "Do you think I care so much about being Mrs. Welton? Zach, save your breath. I''m not going to be of much use to you in your quest to take over the Welton family inheritance."


    Zachughed suddenly, crossing his arms and looking at her with a knowing smirk. "You''d rather go back to someone who doesn''t love you than let me help you? It seems your brother isn''t that important to you after all."


    Her gaze turned icy. "Say whatever you want."


    Right now, Zach was even more dangerous than Casper-an illegitimate son striving for power with methods that were no less ruthless. At least with Casper, she had a legitimate identity.


    She wasn''t foolish; she knew what was at stake.


    ...


    The next morning, Eliza asked her boss for a day off. She nned to tidy up her home when Chelsea arrived for a chat.


    "Are you really going back? To wait on those two disgusting people?" Chelsea fumed, crushing her slim cigarette in a disposable cup. "What are you thinking?"


    Eliza looked down, her eyshes


    casting shadows of mncholy and helplessness. "I have no choice. He promised me he would release Robin. As long as Robin can be free, it''s worth it."


    Chelsea felt disheartened. She lit another cigarette, bowing her head to light it. "Did Robin really assault Nova?"


    Although Eliza and Robin didn''t grow up together, they''d lived together for five years since she returned to the Pinotti family. She didn''t believe Robin was that kind of person.


    "I don''t think so, do you?" Eliza asked.


    Chelsea spat out a curse. "How


    could it be true? Robin and Nova grew up together. To him, Nova is like his own sister. Could he suddenly develop feelings for her just because Nova was not his real sister anymore? That''s absurd."


    Only someone as foolish as Casper would believe Nova''s baseless usations.


    "He has evidence, and it points to Robin," Eliza said, sorrow flickering in her eyes. Chelsea chuckled lightly. "What evidence? The one Nova gave him?"


    "Yeah."


    "Nova, that conniving bitch. She must have been plotting this for a long time, right?"Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Nova was no saint. Drugging Robin and collecting some DNA wasn''t difficult. She probably staged a scenario to make it seem she was vited. Casper was a gullible fool, so it all made sense.


    "Elle, Casper wants you back home, not to divorce him. What do you wanna do?"


    Eliza wanted a divorce.

 Chapter 54

    Her ns had always stayed the same, but right now, she was at the mercy of the situation.


    "Chelsea, I think I need to wait until Robin gets out, then make ns."


    Chelsea understood that dealing with someone like Casper required patience. It was better to bide your time than rush into things.


    Still, she was genuinely scared that Eliza would end up back in her old life.


    "What about your job? Are you quitting?"T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza sighed. "I want to work."


    Just ''cause she wanna work didn''t mean she could - they were two totally different things.


    Worried she''d repeat past mistakes, Chelsea handed her a card. "Take this for emergencies."


    "No, Chelsea, I don''t need it. I have money," Eliza protested.


    Chelsea''s expression grew stern as she pushed the bank card into Eliza''s hand. "Just take it. When you go back to the Welton family, you''re bound to face situations beyond your control, and without money, you''ll be stuck. You know this."


    "Thank you, Chelsea." Eliza epted the card, tears welling up. "I''ll pay you back."


    "Talking about paying me back? Do you even consider me your best friend?"


    "Of course I do. But you work hard for your money and have a whole family to care for. Times are tough for you as well."


    Eliza knew all about Chelsea''s family''s struggles. Eliza''s pain came from her marriage; Chelsea''s from her family.


    On the day she returned to the Welton family, Eliza was lost in thought during the car ride.


    The central square was as bustling as ever. The big screen on the building in the center was still showing thetest news.


    Casper and Nova were swarmed by reporters. Casper shielded Nova from the camera shes and seemed to be scolding someone.


    The headline was huge: "Casper And His True Love: Airport Reunion Reveals Couple''s Deep Connection"


    The media didn''t mention Casper''s married status, nor did they acknowledge that the girl in his arms was a homewrecker.


    To Eliza, their so-called love was just a ridiculous joke.


    The taxi driver nced at the screen''s spectacle. "I remember the wife of his isn''t a cripple, right?"


    Hearing the mutteredment,


    Eliza redirected her gaze to the big screen Casper was already carrying Nova towards the exit, reporters trailing them.


    "Casper, is your wedding with Novaing soon?"


    "Casper, it''s clear you really love Ms. Nova. When will you give her a proper status?"


    "Casper, we''ve heard you''re


    searching the world for a suitable kidney and heart for her. Such true love truly moves everyone.


    inquire


    really good to her."


    "Casper, Casper..."


    Eliza calmly looked away and rolled up the car window. The chaos outside no longer mattered.


    The car pulled up to the entrance of Welton Estate.


    The driver helped with her luggage before driving off. She had only brought a few clothes and toiletries.


    Marian heard themotion and hurried out to take her luggage. "Madam, let me help you with that." "It''s okay, Marian, it''s not much."


    "Please, let me." Marian insisted, dragging Eliza''s luggage inside.


    Eliza hesitated for a moment but followed.


    "Madam, the house has been so


    quiet


    Put you. The flowers and


    dwindled. It doesn''t feel


    like home anymore."

 Chapter 55

    Eliza used to be someone who embraced life to the fullest, finding joy in gardening and caring for animals. But Casper wasn''t a fan of flowers, dogs, or cats. There was a time she brought home a stray cat, and when he found out, he flung it from the second floor. She was terrified, but luckily, the catnded on soft grass and survived. From then on, she never had the courage to let any pets into the house again. As they chatted, Marian had already led Eliza to the living room.


    "Ma''am, should I take your luggage to the master bedroom?"


    "Just leave it here for now, Marian," she replied softly.


    Marian quickly caught on; Eliza wasn''t the only woman in the house anymore-there was Nova, too. This was something they''d have to bring up when Casper got back.


    "Please have a seat then. I''ll go slice some fruit for you."


    "That''s not necessary, Marian."


    "It''s no trouble at all. Please wait."


    Marian headed to the kitchen to busy herself. Eliza nced around the familiar yet alien house, feeling deeply fatigued.


    The sound of a car approaching reached her ears. She looked up. Casper was back.


    After the driver parked, Casper lifted Nova out of the car. Nova gazed at Casper with adoring and dewy eyes.


    "Thank you, Casper, for taking such good care of me on the way here."


    Casper didn''t say much, but he obviously enjoyed the attention.


    "Marian," Nova called out.


    Marian, who had just brought out the fruit, set down the tray and hurried out, "Coming, Ms. Nova."


    "Please take these suitcases upstairs. The clothes need to be hung, and the shoes arranged neatly. Also, I''m tired. Prepare a bath for me."


    Marian quickly agreed, struggling with two suitcases in each hand as she went inside. Nova, chatting andughing, followed Casper into the house.


    When Nova noticed Eliza, she was momentarily stunned. After her shock passed, she quickly offered a warm smile. "Casper said you''d be here to take care of me. I didn''t believe him, and I was wondering how you could possibly stoop to servant''s work... Thanks for your hard work, Eliza."


    "Casper, thank you. But really, I can take care of myself. There''s no need to trouble Eliza," she said, her eyes shining with feigned sincerity as she looked at Casper.


    "It''s fine. She can handle it," he responded coldly, barely ncing at Eliza.


    Eliza smiled, as tears of sorrow and resentment seemed to spread in her eyes,


    After Casper helped Nova sit down, she rubbed her feet and said, "I''m really tired, Casper. I''d like to soak my feet. Is that okay?" Casper nced at Eliza. "Prepare the foot bath."


    She looked up, meeting his eyes squarely. Shock, disbelief, unwillingness, andpliance all swirledplexly in her gaze.


    Just then, Marian came down from upstairs. She had just finished preparing the bath, and now a foot soak was requested, "Sir, let me do it."


    "Eliza can do it," he said, as cold as ice.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza remained silent and walked to the bathroom. Marian followed, saying with mixed emotions, "Mrs. Welton, let me do it. You shouldn''t have to do such work." "Marian, I''m no more noble than you."


    In Casper''s eyes, she might''ve been worth less than a servant.


    Marian felt a pang of sadness. She had been with Eliza for two years and Eliza had never made things difficult for the Welton family staff. In terms of character, Eliza was leagues ahead of Nova.

 Chapter 56

    "Don''t say that. You''re still thedy of this house, and Mr. Welton, well, he''s just... lost his mind for a moment."


    Eliza had long stopped caring. She didn''te back to this house for a life of luxury.


    "Marian, could you bring me the footbath?"


    Marian handed the prepared footbath to Eliza. "Be careful, ma''am."


    Eliza carried the footbath over to Nova. She knelt down. "Here, your feet bath."


    Nova looked awkwardly at Casper. "Casper, this isn''t right. How can we let Eliza serve me like this? Let Marian do it."


    "It''s alright."


    "Casper, this is inappropriate." Nova''s face showed difort, but there was a sneer on her lips that only Eliza could see.


    "I''ll go handle some work." Casper went upstairs.


    As soon as he left, Nova''s demeanor changed instantly. She put her feet into the basin, and the moment she touched the water, she screamed and kicked the basin over.


    "Eliza, what are you trying to do? You wanna burn my feet?"


    Water sshed all over Eliza. She clenched the basin, her grip tightening.


    Nova smirked triumphantly. "If you want to serve me, then do it properly. Go get more water."


    Eliza said nothing. She changed the water and brought it back again.


    Nova put her feet into the water once more, and without even a second''s dy, she kicked it over again. "This water is freezing! Is this for soaking feet? Eliza, you did this on purpose." Eliza lifted her cool gaze to Nova. "Are you going to soak your feet or not?"


    "What right do you have to tell me what to do? If I want to soak my feet, you have to keep bringing me water." She toyed with her crimson nails. "If you dare to displease me, I''ll ensure Casper gives you what you deserve."


    Eliza suppressed the anger building inside her.


    Again, she went to change the water. The result was the same; it all ended up on her.


    "Eliza, I never thought you''d see the day, huh? The Pinottis are practically gone; if you can''t stand this humiliation, you might as well join them."


    Nova was thoroughly enjoying herself. Every word wasced with malice.


    Marian couldn''t stand it anymore and quietly went upstairs, knocking on the study door. "Sir."


    "What is it?"


    "Mrs. Welton is really not good at


    adjusting the water temperature et


    and she''s upset Ms. Nova. She''s not used to serving people; maybe I


    should do it."


    "Not used to? Can''t she learn?" Casper opened the door, looking down at Marian. "Stop poking your nose into stuff that isn''t your business." "Yes." Marian bowed slightly, preparing to leave.


    Casper called her back. "Move her luggage to the master bedroom."Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "Yes, sir."


    After Marian left, Casper came to the railing on the second floor, watching everything happening below.


    Eliza was soaked through, not a dry spot on her, not even her hair.


    She was very patient. This was evident


    bed. No matter how terribly he treated her, she wouldn''t make a sound, even when he bit her lip.


    om their interactions in et


    For some reason, he felt a surge of irritation in his chest.


    After Eliza got sshed with water five times, Casper walked down the stairs.


    Hearing Caspering down, Nova


    started to wipe her tears. "It''s just


    that after my injury, my feet has be very sensitive to


    temperature... Casper, I''m sorry for putting Eliza through this."

 Chapter 57

    Casper nced at Eliza, drenched in water, and said coldly, "Go take a shower." Eliza didn''t look up; she just picked up the basin and headed into the bathroom.


    Nova pped herself twice, saying, "I didn''t mean to make things difficult for her. I just couldn''t take the temperature anymore. I''m such an asshole. I shouldn''t have done that. I''m so sorry..." "It''s alright," Casper said, grabbing her wrist just in time. "No one mes you."


    "Casper," she took a chance and hugged him around the waist, leaning against his chest, crying even harder. "Maybe I should leave. My being here only makes things worse for you and Eliza. I''m really useless. Please, let me go home. Let me fend for myself."


    Casper, with his usual chilly gaze, patted her back tofort her.


    "Casper, really, I feel like everything I do is wrong. The media is one thing, but if Eliza misunderstands me and you..." Nova cunningly rolled her eyes, then continued sobbing.


    "Don''t overthink it. Go take a bath and get some rest."


    Casper had the house staff push Nova in the elevator up to the second floor. He sat in the living room, lighting a cigarette.


    Marian walked over and said, "Sir, I''ve organized all of Mrs. Welton''s belongings."


    "Buy an automatic temperature-controlled foot spa tomorrow."


    "Of course, sir."


    Eliza took the chance to cry her heart out while she was in the shower. Only then did she find the strength to keep going. After crying, she grabbed a bathrobe and stepped out of the bathroom.


    Her suitcase was gone.


    After looking around and not finding it, she asked, "Marian, where''s my suitcase?"


    Marian hurried over. "Mr. Welton instructed us to move your suitcase to the master bedroom."


    To the master bedroom? Wasn''t that where he and Nova were staying now?


    "Okay."


    Eliza went upstairs.


    Standing in front of the master bedroom, where she had lived for two years, she hesitated,


    whether to move her g


    the guest bedroom next door.


    To be honest, she didn''t want to share a room with Casper.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Just as she was about to push the door, it suddenly opened from inside.


    Their eyes met.


    She hurriedly towered her thick eyshes. Having just taken a shower, she looked as beautiful as a freshly bloomed rose, her hair half-dried, her face still flushed and her evasive gaze reminded him of a small animal.


    "I... came to get my suitcase," she said.


    "Marian has already organized it for you." He opened the door wider, and she stepped in hesitantly.


    Everything in the room remained unchanged. Even the vase with the wilted gardenias hadn''t been reced.


    "Casper," she turned to look at him. "I have a favor to ask of you."


    "The matter with Robin has already been agreed upon."


    He was impatient; whenever she mentioned asking him for a favor, it seemed to involve the Pinotti family.


    Eliza shook her head. "It''s not about Robin. It''s about me."


    Hearing this, he seemed somewhat interested. "It''s your issue? What is it?"


    "I want to continue working. I''ll only work four hours a day and stay at home for the rest of the time. It


    Nova needs my help, I have


    objections."


    At the mention of work, a barely noticeable frown appeared on Casper''s brow.


    "And if I disagree?"


    "I hope you will agree." Her defiant gaze met his upromising eyes. "Is that okay?"


    For some reason, he felt irritated seeing her look at him like that. He could easily refuse, but deep down, he seemed to be wavering.

 Chapter 58

    "Do you really have to work?"


    "I need to," she replied softly, her eyes downcast. "My mom still needs money for her treatments, and I don''t have anything valuable left to sell."


    He stayed silent for a long time, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. She just waited quietly.


    "Take this card. I''ve said before, a hundred grand a month, and that offer still stands." He handed over the card.


    Eliza took a step back. "I don''t want it."


    "Youin I don''t give you money. Now I offer, and you refuse? You''d rather y that harp?" he said, barely containing his anger as he tossed the card onto the side cab. "If that''s what you want, fine." "Thank you, Mr. Casper."


    Always so formal-Mr. Casper.


    He stormed out, and Eliza finally breathed a sigh of relief. Keeping her job meant she had a way to support herself, and when Robin got out of the hospital, she''d have the money for his treatment. That night, Casper didn''te back to the master bedroom. She knew he hadn''t left the house; he must''ve been with Nova.


    In the past, whenever Casper came home, Nova would find all sorts of excuses to call him away. Now, she was openly living in his house, and even if she and Casper weren''t truly husband and wife, she monopolized him.


    Eliza had stopped caring. Not being in love made everything so much easier.


    Early the next morning, Eliza got a call from the hospital. They mentioned a trial medication program and asked if she was willing to let her mother participate. For a small hospital like theirs, such a chance was rare. The chances of awakening were reportedly high, and best of all, it was free.


    Eliza decided to go to the hospital to talk to the doctor in person. She grabbed her bag and headed downstairs, spotting Casper and Nova having breakfast together.


    He tenderly spread strawberry jam on whole wheat bread for her, adding sausage and a fried egg before gently handing it to her. Nova smiled as brightly as a sunflower. "Thank you."


    Marian saw Eliza and approached. "Madam, please have some breakfast."


    "Thank you, Marian, I''m stepping out."


    "Eliza, have some breakfast before you go. It''s bad for your stomach to be empty," Nova said, offering Eliza the bread Casper had just made for her Casper just made this for me, but you can have it."


    Facing such a two-faced bitch, Eliza simply gave her a cold nce and then left.


    Nova yed the victim. "Casper, do you think Eliza is holding a grudge against me because of yesterday?"


    "I''m off to the office," he said, wiping his mouth with a napkin.


    "Drive safe," she called after him.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Once Casper had left, Nova swept all the dishes from the table onto the floor. "Eliza, you bitch... Ah!"


    Marian and the other servants, facing her rage, hid away. They only came out to clean up after she had left.


    When Eliza arrived at the hospital, she unexpectedly ran into Aaron. "Aaron, what a coincidence."


    "Not really was waiting for you," he said, his eyes smiling behind I


    sses. "I asked the hospital te nee notify you." Content bepit his he


    Eliza was taken aback. "You did?"


    "I helped secure the project. It''s an international team, and I''ve reviewed the medication; it''s very promising It''s a rare opportunity, and if your mother participates, there''s a high chance she could wake up within one cycle of treatment."


    This was indeed good news. Eliza''s spirits lifted. "That''s wonderful, Aaron. Thank you so much."


    "Let''s go to the office, and I''ll exin everything in detail."

 Chapter 59

    Once Aaron hadid out the details of the project, he added, "I''ll be overseeing this personally. If you''refortable with it, you can trust me with your mom''s care."


    Putting aside his rtionship with Casper, Aaron was a genuinely conscientious doctor. He was professional.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    After Eliza thought it over, she agreed, "Alright, Aaron. Thank you. I''ll leave it in your hands."


    "It''s no trouble at all. Let''s hope for a good oue."


    After paying a portion of the fees, Eliza walked out with Aaron. "Honestly, this is a well-established program. You really don''t need to worry."


    "Aaron, I''m not worried," she said, her face glowing with gratitude. "If you need anything, just call me."


    "Of course."


    They walked side by side, nearing the parking lot, when Aaron suddenly asked, "I heard you moved back in?"


    "Yes."


    "Casper can be impulsive, but he''s not a bad guy. You can make things work, and when you get a chance,e to the hospital for aprehensive check-up. Miracles can still happen, you know."


    By miracles, he meant having a child. She once longed to have a baby with Casper. Now, that desire was gone.


    "I''ve just epted things for how they are." Casper''s friends must''ve all known about Nova. "He''s living with Nova now and not sharing a bed with me."


    Aaron was taken aback. Casper had been making some questionable choicestely, but this was next level.


    "Nova''s living with you now?"


    Eliza chuckled, "Yep."


    "Casper''s lost his mind. How could he make such a stupid decision?" Aaron said, frustrated.


    Casper''s outrageous actions were no surprise. He always did whatever he wanted without considering if it was reasonable.


    "I don''t care," she said, looking down.


    A flicker of sorrow shed in Aaron''s eyes before he quickly hid it. "I''ll talk to him when I get the chance."


    "It''s okay," she nced at her watch. "Aaron, I have to get to my shift at the lounge. Let''s catch up some other time."


    "Alright, drive safely on your way."


    He watched until Eliza disappeared from sight before turning around and spotting a familiar tall figure.


    Aaron paused, then walked over. "Why didn''t you tell me you''reing here?"


    "If I had, would I have caught you on a date with my wife?" Casper flicked his cigarette, the ash falling to the ground. "Aaron, are you denying it?"


    Faced with Casper''s ridiculous usation, Aaron couldn''t be bothered to exin.


    "If you insist on spinning some dishonorable story about me and Eliza, what can I do?"


    "So you admit it''s dishonorable?" Casper''s lips curled in disdain as he grabbed Aaron''s cor. "Did you sleep with her?"


    "Do you not trust me, Eliza, or yourself?" He stared calmly at his friend of over two decades. "Casper, you''ve really be unreasonabletely."


    Aaron wished they could talk things


    out calmly, but Casper never gave


    him that, chance. Their long friendship always ended in discord. Aaron''s suffering was no less than Casper''s.


    "Casper, if you truly want to make


    things work with Eliza, send Nove


    away. How can things between you and Eliza ever improve if you keep Nova around?"


    Casperughed coldly, "She told you this?"


    "Do I need anyone to tell me anything? It''s all over the big screens in the square-your saga with Nova. Seriously, I''m not trying to meddle in your affairs, but don''t you think it''s unfair to Eliza?"

 Chapter 60

    Aaron was trying to get through to him, but Casper wasn''t having any of it, scoffing, "Looks like you really care about her."


    Aaron took a deep breath. No matter what he said, it seemed Casper wasn''t going to listen. "Think whatever you want." He left, feeling defeated. Casper lit another cigarette, standing in a shadowy corner, puffing away. It was as if the weight of the world wouldn''t lift the worry etched onto his face. Eliza got home around ten that night. Casper was lounging on the couch in the living room. She paused when she saw him.


    "You''re back sote." He straightened up, "Were you out on a date?"


    "These are just my usual work hours."


    "Met with Aaron?" His tone was icy.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza saw no point in hiding it, "Yes, I did run into him."


    "It seems like you two have been up to no good." He snorted coldly.


    Eliza was already used to his sarcasm, and didn''t bother to exin. She stood by the door for a moment longer. Casper said nothing more, making her ufortable as she changed her shoes. "I''m going upstairs."


    Nova was wheeled out of the elevator by a maid. She greeted Casper''s cold demeanor with a smile, "Casper, take me out for a bit, will you?"


    "Have Marian take you. I''m tired."


    A warm smile met a cold shoulder. Nova was displeased inside but kept herposure, "Then you should rest early. A ss of milk before bed can calm your nerves."


    Marian took over the wheelchair. "Ms. Nova, I''ll take you out."


    "Forget it." Nova''s expression turned dark, as she muttered under her breath, "Take me back to my room."


    The maid and Marian exchanged a look, shaking their heads silently.


    When Casper returned to his room, Eliza was still in the shower. He stood outside the bathroom, hesitating to knock several times, but each time, he lowered his hand, feeling defeated. ''Click.'' The door opened from the inside.


    Eliza tensed up, seeing Casper standing there. "What are you doing here?"


    "I... have something to tell you." He looked slightly embarrassed.


    She hummed softly, "Go ahead."


    "There''s a business banquet tomorrow. I need you toe with me."


    Eliza was taken aback. Casper had never taken her to public events in their two years of marriage. He never saw her as presentable enough nor considered her a true Mrs Welton. For important events like this, he always took Nova or his secretary. Why the sudden change?


    "I''ve never been to such an important event. I don''t know the etiquette or the lingo. You should take Nova. She''s prestigious and versatile, and everyone knows her. She won''t embarrass you." He sneered, "You really can''t be helped."


    She epted his criticism without a word. Let him think what he wanted. She didn''t want to be known as the ex-Mrs. Welton struggling to make her way in Falconridge after the divorce. She lowered her gaze, determined to go through with the divorce. She just had to endure a bit longer.


    Feeling his icy stare, Eliza turned her face away, refusing to look at him. After drying her hair, she had barelyin down when Casper pressed down on her. She didn''t resist,


    eline


    knowing it was pointless. She closed her eyes, letting him do as he Wished.


    "Is being with me that unbearable?" He pinched her chin, biting it lightly. "Eliza, look at me."

 Chapter 61

    Casper was a tyrant in bed, never giving a damn about Eliza''s feelings. She loathed the loveless sex they shared.


    "Isn''t it awkward doing this with our eyes wide open?" she asked icily, ring at him.


    Her words instantly ticked him off. Pinning her down, he flipped her over, pressing his full weight against her back. Eliza hated this position and struggled a bit.


    "Hold still," he snarled, his hot breath against her ear. "Mrs. Welton, haven''t you figured out how to please your husband yet? Maybe you need a little lesson, hmm?"


    In this setting, his words dripped with a twisted kind of intimacy. She felt a mix of difort and fear.


    "Casper, please... don''t," she pleaded.


    Grabbing her chin, he forced her to face him, kissing her hard while his hand gripped her waist. "Isn''t this part of normal married life?"


    His lips slid down her neck, biting into her delicate shoulder. Eliza winced in pain. He intertwined his fingers with hers, their bodies close, whispers of false affection filling the quiet night.


    Yet, this supposed intimacy did nothing to change their rtionship. He didn''t love her; it was all about physical need. His emotional needs were never about her. If Nova hadn''t been unwell, Eliza wouldn''t have had to endure these ''sexual favors.''


    He slept soundly, but Elizay awake, staring at the light outside the window On their wedding night, the moon had been just as bright. She had bought the most beautiful nightgown for herself and one for him. She had dreamed of a beautiful future together, even picturing


    having two kids-a boy and a girl-toplete their family.


    But there was nothing. No wedding night, no tender moments. Her carefully chosen nightgown ended up in the trash. The moonlight shone through, and she sighed silently.


    Morning came, and Casper was gone. Nova was downstairs, throwing a fit. Marian and the house staff didn''t dare breathe loudly, letting her vent. Once Nova was tired of yelling, she started breaking things. Standing on the stairs, Eliza frowned, "Nova, every ornament in the house is priceless. Many are gifts from the Welton estate. Think before you break anything. Don''t me someone else in the future."


    Nova paused, the porcin vase still


    in her grip. She sneered, "Really, you''re such a country bumpkin. The Welton family is loaded; what do a few vases matter? Do you think Casper would me me for them?"


    Eliza raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Go ahead then, break whatever you like."


    "You..." Nova scoffed, "By the way, tonight Casper is taking me to an important g. I heard everyone is bringing their wives."


    Eliza smirked, "Your presence will surely leave an impression."


    Furious, Nova grabbed a decorative screen and hurled it. Eliza stepped aside lightly, and the screen shattered on the marble floor. Marian watched, her heart sinking. That screen wasn''t cheap; it was a cherished gift Aubdrey gave Casper and Eliza at their wedding. Now, ity in pieces, thanks to Nova. The servants couldn''t bear the responsibility for this.


    Marian followed closely behind Eliza, leaving the living room with a heavy sigh.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

 Chapter 62

    "Everything okay, Marian?" Eliza asked.


    Marian looked worried as she nced inside. "Ms. Nova has really stirred things up. That screen ornament was a gift from Mrs. Welton."


    Indeed.


    It was a wedding gift Audrey had given her and Casper. It had three-dimensional, double-sided embroidery, all stitched with pure gold thread, crafted by a renowned artist. It was worth a seven-figure sum. "Marian, just report this to Mr. Casper as it is so Nova can''t pin it on you."


    "That''s exactly what I was thinking."


    Eliza nodded. "Alright, I''ll head to work then."


    "Okay, ma''am."


    After Eliza left, Marian called Casper and told him about what happened at home. He didn''t say much, so she felt relieved and got back to her chores.


    Eliza arrived at the lounge where she worked, stopping at the entrance in shock. How had the lounge, which was perfectly fine just yesterday, suddenly closed down? Was it for some emergency?


    Aaron had found her this job, so she felt she should inform him. When Aaron heard the news, he was just as surprised. "Closed? When did this happen?"


    "Today."


    "Really?" He was taken aback since the lounge''s owner hadn''t mentioned anything to him. "Why don''t you head back home, and I''ll find out what''s going on." "Alright, fine."


    Aaron inquired about the situation from the lounge''s owner and learned that the closure was rted to Casper. However, the owner didn''t go into detail about why Casper had bought the lounge. After thinking it over, Aaron called Casper. "Hello?"


    "What''s up?" Casper''s voice was cool and detached.


    Aaron took a deep breath. "You bought the lounge?"


    "Are you trying to meddle in my affairs again?"


    "Casper, I''m not meddling. Do you really have to push Eliza into a corner? She was not doing anything wrong and was just working to earn a living." Aaron was quite emotional. T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Casper scoffed. "What, you think Eliza would starve with me?"


    "That''s not what I meant."


    "Then what do you mean? Are you defending her? Or did she send you to question me?"


    "She doesn''t even know about this call." Aaron rubbed his temples. "Casper, I just wish you two could get along better."


    "Our affairs are none of your concern." Casper hung up.


    Aaron, frowning deeply, stared at the dark screen of his phone, feeling gloomy.


    Carrying her harp, Eliza returned to the Welton family home. Casper sat on the sofa, his expression stern, while Nova cried bitterly.


    When Eliza entered, Nova''s crying intensified. "Casper, don''t me Eliza, it''s my fault. I''llpensate, really. It has nothing to do with Eliza Nova''s eyes were swollen from crying.


    Casper''s gaze at Eliza was icy and piercing. She nced at the floor and instantly got it. Nova hadn''t med the servants for breaking the screen ornament but had shifted the me onto her.


    Before Casper could speak, she said coldly, "I didn''t break that screen."


    "Eliza, it''s okay. I''ve already spoken to Casper. Just admit your mistake, and he won''t be angry."


    Nova looked anxious. It seemed quite convincing.


    Eliza''s brows knitted together. "Nova, stop acting. Everyone in the house saw you break it."

 Chapter 63

    "It wasn''t me. I know how valuable that screen is; why would I ever do such a thing?" Nova''s eyes darted between Marian and the servants. "Tell him, was it me who broke it? Marian, you''re in charge here. What do you say?"


    Marian didn''t dare lift her head, let alone speak. She hunched her shoulders and stepped back.


    Nova''s voice grew more hysterical and upset. "Marian, was it Eliza who said she didn''t want to see the wedding stuff and broke it in a fit of rage? I even tried to talk her out of it, you know. I told her, this is a testament to your marriage, a symbol of your love. You can''t just break something so important over a couple of arguments. You all saw it, right?"


    The servants were silent as the grave.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Casper''s cold gaze fixed on Marian. "So, who broke it, Nova or Eliza? You only said it was broken over the phone, but who did it?"


    "It was, it was..." Marian stammered, trembling.


    "Who is it?" Casper''s voice was like a death knell.


    Marian, with trembling eyes, looked at Nova, who sent a malicious re.


    Marian closed her eyes, then reluctantly pointed at Eliza. "It was, it was her."


    Eliza''s eyes widened in shock. She understood why Marian and the servants, all afraid of Nova''s retaliation, wouldn''t speak the truth. But why did they me her?


    "What do you have to say?" Casper strode up to Eliza, gripping her wrist. "Did you have to break it just because it was a wedding gift from my mother? Do you know what it represents?" Eliza shook her head. She didn''t know what it represented. All she knew was that she hadn''t done it.


    "This wasn''t my doing. Are you all trying to frame me?"


    "Is everyone blind?" Casper shook his head, disappointment shing across his face. "Since it''s broken, you''ll have to pay for it."


    Eliza couldn''t afford to pay for something with a seven-figure price tag. She would have willingly taken the me if it had been her doing. But it wasn''t.


    "I told you, this wasn''t my doing." Her lips pressed tightly together, her eyes wide.


    Nova, afraid Casper might soften,


    chimed in, "Casper, where would Eliza get the money to pay? Maybe she csn apologize to your mother tomorrow. She was just momentarily annoyed with you; your mother won''t hold it against her."


    "She has the nerve to face my mother?" Casper dragged Eliza to the broken screen. "Since you can''t afford to pay, you''ll have to fix it. You''ll bear the consequences if I don''t see it whole by tomorrow."


    Eliza was thrown to the ground. The palm of her hand was cut by the shards of the thinly framed ss that held the embroidery.


    "Ouch..."


    Blood dripped from her palm onto the delicate embroidery, staining the intertwined magnolia flowers with crimson. Pain spread through her limbs. Her heart grew colder by the second. "Oh dear, Eliza, you''re bleeding..." Nova limped over, leaning on her cane, and picked up the ruined embroidery with mock sadness. "...this embroidery is ruined now."


    Casper''s expression darkened. He gave Eliza a cold look and then went upstairs.


    Nova threw the stained embroidery


    back at Eliza''s feet. "Eliza, you still think you canpete with me? I can destroy you in minutes," sheughed arrogantly. "None of the servant''s here dare to speak the truth. They only say whatever I tell them to say. Even Marian has to follow my lead."


    Nova bent down, continuing to provoke Eliza. "If I''m unhappy here, you''ll be the first to suffer. Isn''t that fun?"

 Chapter 64

    Eliza kept quiet, her fingers slowly curling into fists.


    Nova let out a breath, feeling a surge of satisfaction. "I need to change into a stunning dress. I''ll be joining Casper at the banquetter."


    A servant brought in a wheelchair. Nova tossed aside her crutch and settled into the wheelchair, heading upstairs.


    Feeling a wave of guilt, Marian took a deep breath before approaching Eliza. "I''m really sorry, ma''am."


    "You have nothing to be sorry for, Marian. Adapting to the situation is your right." Eliza''s words were soft but distant,cking her usual warmth. Marian, troubled, fidgeted with the hem of her dress before quickly fetching the first aid kit and offering it to Eliza. "Let me take care of your wound, ma''am." "No thank you, Marian."


    Nova had control over this household. Aside from the title Mrs. Welton, Eliza was treated worse than a servant.


    She cleaned her wound with alcohol. It wasn''t too deep, but it throbbed painfully.


    After roughly bandaging it, she picked up the broken screen from the floor, found a bag to put it in, and left the house.


    She had gone with Audrey to order this screen. She knew where it could be fixed.


    Looking at the shattered frame and the stained embroidery, Eliza felt another piece of her already fragile peace slip away.


    The studio that handled such restorations had already closed for the day. She had to plead with the security guard for a while before getting the manager''s contact number.


    The manager was kind enough to agree toe and take a look.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Holding the embroidery, Eliza waited in the cold wind for two hours before the manager arrived.


    "Can you fix this?" she asked, handing over the embroidery.


    The manager examined the blood-stained piece and hesitated for a moment. "It can be restored, but... it''s a big project. Even with overtime, it''ll take at least ten to fifteen days. And it won''t be cheap." "How much?"


    "It''ll cost tens of thousands of dors." Such top-tier craftsmanship always came with a hefty price tag. Eliza didn''t have much money. She wasn''t sure if she could afford it. "Could you give me an estimate?" "Around fifty thousand."


    Fifty thousand. That was no small sum for Eliza.


    She retrieved the embroidery. "I''ll... think about it. Sorry for the trouble."


    "No problem. It''s not cheap, so take your time to consider."


    "Alright, thank you."


    After parting ways with the manager, Eliza sat on the curb, staring at the night sky, lost in thought.


    After a while, she checked her bank bnce on her phone. She had just paid her mother''s hospital bills, and her bnce was nowhere near fifty thousand. It was clear she couldn''t afford the restoration.


    Eliza returned home, clutching the damaged embroidery. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Why should she bear the cost for something she didn''t break?


    2179


    She found an empty cupboard and stored the embroidery there temporarily.


    That night, Casper didn''te home. When Nova returned, she smashed things all over the ce.


    The servants gossiped about how


    Nova had been ridiculed by several high societydies at the dinner, and Casper hadn''t defended her. She


    was fuming.


    To make matters worse, Casper''s friends had invited him out for drinks after the dinner, and he left Nova alone once again.


    When Nova came back, she was furious.


    "Where is that bitch Eliza? Get her out here to serve me!"

 Chapter 65

    Nova wanted to vent her rage on Eliza. The servants huddled in the corners, too scared to speak up. "Have you all lost your tongues? Get that bitch down here; I need to soak my feet," Nova barked.


    The servants remained silent and still.


    Furious, she banged her cane on the floor. "Eliza, get down here now, you worthless piece of trash. ying deaf and dumb, are you?" Casper wasn''t home. Eliza couldn''t care less about Nova. She could cry and make a scene, but it was none of Eliza''s concern.


    But Nova had a twisted nature. Enraged, she suddenly grabbed a kitchen knife. The servants were terrified and quickly called for Marian. Marian saw her make such a dangerous move and feared the worst. She did not want to be responsible. She nervously pleaded, "Ms. Nova, what''s the matter? Who has upset you? Just tell me, and I''ll deal with them for you."


    "You all mess with me..." Nova suddenly burst into tears, her eyes reddening fiercely. "I''m telling you, sooner orter, I will be thedy of this house."


    "Ms. Nova, please put down the knife. Whatever it is, let''s talk about it," Marian kept her eyes fixed on the de''s tip. "Didn''t you want to soak your feet? I''ll get the water ready for you."


    "I want Eliza to prepare it for me. Go call her down."


    Marian was in a tight spot but had no choice. "Alright, I''ll call her. Please, don''t do anything rash."


    Upstairs, Eliza had had enough of Nova''s hysteria. As soon as Marian knocked, she coldly rejected, "Don''t bother me with her. If she wants to die, let her die. I''m not serving her." "But, Ma''am..."


    "Just go."


    "Yes."


    Marian, walking on eggshells,


    ryed Eliza''s message to Nova. Unexpectedly, without a moment''s hesitation, Nova plunged the knife into her own chest. Blood gushed from her chest, and the servants screamed in terror.


    Eliza thought a thief had broken in. When she looked down from the second floor, Nova was already lying in a pool of blood, her designer white dress stained red around her chest. Her heart tightened. Had Nova reallymitted suicide? Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    "Ma''am, Ms. Nova has hurt herself. Pleasee down quickly," Marian urged, sweating profusely.


    Eliza had wanted to stay out of it. She hadn''t expected Nova to be so extreme. She wanted to help but also feared Nova''s retaliation, so she asked Marian, "Did you call an ambnce?" "Yes, and I''ve also informed Mr. Casper. He''s on his way."


    Informing Casper was the right move. After all, Nova was his beloved. If something happened to her, everyone would be implicated.


    The ambnce arrived before


    Casper. After the paramedics took


    her away, they left the Welton


    Estate. Taking in the blood and the knife used for self-harm, Eliza decided to tidy up the house. She figured Casper would probably head to the hospital and wouldn''t have the energy to deal with this mess. She needed a good night''s sleep.


    The next morning, Casper returned with bloodshot eyes. Eliza was just about to visit the hospital.


    "Stop right there." He looked at her, his handsome face twisted in anger. "Did you hurt her?"


    A look of disbelief spread across Eliza''s face. Was this usation never going to end?


    "Of course not," she suppressed her anger, her voice low.


    "If it wasn''t you, then how did she get such serious injuries?" He grabbed her wrist, pulling her towards him, ring at her fiercely as if he wanted to devour her. "Are you trying to tell me she stabbed herself?"

 Chapter 66

    "She''s fully capable of stabbing herself. What''s so impossible about that?" A cold smirk yed at the corners of her lips, dripping with scorn and mockery. "Do you really think she''s anywhere near normal?" "Is she any less normal than you?" His dark eyes narrowed, fists clenched. "Nova told me herself that it was you who stabbed her, and you still won''t admit it? Do we have to go to the police station for you to confess?"


    The police station? Was Casper really nning to send her to jail just to avenge Nova?


    "How can I admit to something I didn''t do?" Her chest heaved with turmoil. "Do you have to me everything on me?"


    "So, you won''t admit it?" He stepped forward to the table, picking up the knife Eliza had cleaned the night before. "You say you didn''t do it, so surely, your fingerprints won''t be on this weapon, right?"


    Her pupils dted. She had cleaned up the scenest night and put away the knife, so, of course, her fingerprints would be on it. Did he really intend to condemn her just based on this?


    "Casper, do you believe everything Nova says? If that''s the case, then go ahead and call the police. Might as well sentence me to death and put an end to all this."Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Her chest rose and fell. Her face bore an expression of extreme disappointment and indifference. The screen incident wasn''t over yet. Now, a murder charge was being added to the mix. There was no need for such effort if Nova and Casper wanted to kill her.


    "Feeling guilty?" He stared at her, the knife pointed at her chest. "If you''re willing to return the favor with a stab, I might consider not pursuing your responsibility."


    She stared at Casper, who offered her the knife. Tears slowly filled her reddened eyes. Her pale face, lips devoid of color, was full of resentment as she looked at the gleaming de. "Casper, if you care about her so much, why don''t you marry her?"


    "You always believe her lies unconditionally. Who''s your wife here, her or me?


    "Fine, if you''re so eager for revenge on her behalf,e on."


    Eliza suddenly snatched the knife from Casper''s hand. Last night, she had cleaned the blood off the knife thoroughly. The de was cold, much like Casper''s heart.


    "Mr. Casper, where would you like me to stab myself?"


    She asked him with a daunting smile. Casper''s eyes showed an unreadable expression.


    "The heart?" She pointed the knife towards her own heart. "Is this where you felt pain for Nova? No worries, I''ll do the same for her."


    Without a second thought, she


    pressed down with force. She was truly being foolish. He didn''te back home for the truth. If this stab could end her life, it might actually be a merciful option for her


    The moment the de aimed for her heart, Casper grabbed it


    barehanded Blood quickly seeped from his palm, dripping onto her chest. She hadn''t expected him to take the knife from her. Her heart wouldn''t stop pounding, her face disying disbelief. Her fingers involuntarily released the knife handle. Casper winced in pain, throwing the knife away.


    In Casper''s eyes, Eliza was timid, prone to hiding her grievances, enduring and swallowing them silently. Who would have thought she could be so ruthless towards herself, to the point of madness?


    "You''re truly insane."

 Chapter 67

    "Isn''t this exactly what you wanted?" she muttered, her voice lifeless, her head buzzing.


    Casper nced at the wound on his hand, a mix of irritation and anger shing in his eyes. "Go get the first-aid kit," he barked. Eliza stood still, unresponsive.


    "Are you deaf? Go!" he shouted, his voice sharper.


    Eliza froze for a moment before turning to fetch the kit. She ced it in front of Casper.


    He looked up, frustration in his gaze. "You expect me to handle this myself? How am I supposed to manage that?"


    "I''ll do it," she replied softly.


    She took out the alcohol, cleaned the blood from his palm, applied antiseptic, sprinkled healing powder, and wrapped it all up with gauze, securing it with a neat knot. Her movements were smooth and gentle as if she''d done this a thousand times.


    "All done," she said.


    "Useless at most things, but pretty handy with this," he sneered.


    Eliza didn''t bother to respond. She was used to his cutting remarks by now.


    "Why did you stop me? Isn''t that the oue you wanted?" she asked, her tone t.


    He gave her a half-smile, his eyes mocking. "Did you really think I wanted toe home to a corpse?"


    So that was it. He just didn''t want to traumatize himself. She stayed silent.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    "I might hold off on taking you to the police station for now, but Eliza, I''m going to find out whether you stabbed Nova or not. And if it turns out you did, you''ll pay."


    Eliza listened quietly. If he did a proper investigation, the truth woulde out. But if he turned a blind eye, who knew?


    "However, you can still make amends."


    She looked up, puzzled. "Make amends? How?"


    "Join me for a social eventter," he said.


    Eliza didn''t want to go, and remained silent.


    He nced at her. "We''re going to Daniel''s ce in the south of the city. His wife loves ying the harp. You two might have a lot inmon."


    "Why don''t you take your secretary?" she suggested, unwilling to force herself into something she disliked. "I can make amends in other ways."


    Casper scoffed. "Eliza, what makes


    you think you can negotiate with me? If you want your mother''s clinical trial to stop and for Robin to stay in the hospital for another year, feel free to skip this."


    Eliza felt her temper rising.


    Casper''s cool, detached voice cut through the air again. "I''ve heard your mother''s trial could wake her up. If it''s halted, it might cause a blood vessel to burst, possibly leading to... death."


    Eliza shook her head, bitterness flooding her heart as she looked at his handsome face. Her voice trembled with emotion. "Could you be any more despicable? Must you always threaten me with my family?"


    "Eliza, you are Mrs. Welton. You have an obligation to cooperate with me," he said, raising an eyebrow, a mocking smile lurking in his eyes.


    Casper had his reasons for wanting


    Eliza to apany him. Daniel was a tough nut to crack. They''d been negotiating a coboration project for nearly a year, and he still hadn''t agreed. With almost a billion in profits at stake, Welton International wasn''t ready to give up.


    By chance, Casper found out that Daniel''s wife was Eliza''s college ssmate. Both had been in the orchestra club and had a good rtionship. Daniel''s first wife had been with him for ten years without having children. After their divorce, he married his current wife, who, despite being young and beautiful, had given him twin boys within a year.

 Chapter 68

    Having a childter in life brought Daniel immense joy. He doted on his current wife, hanging on her every word and indulging her every whim. Thanks to Daniel''s wife and Eliza''s rtionship, Casper could easily break the ice and discuss the uing projects, paving the way for sessful coborations.


    "Here''s your dress. Go change into it," Casper said, handing Eliza a beautifully wrapped box.


    Without a word, she went upstairs to change. She came back down wearing a sky-blue haute couture dress that wasn''t quite her size, hanging a bit loose on her frame. Casper noticed and slightly furrowed his brow but decided not toment.


    Visiting Daniel as a future business partner was naturally out of the question. On the way there, Casper reminded her, "Daniel''s project is crucial for Welton International. Be careful with your words; we can''t afford to offend him."


    Eliza remained silent, understanding the underlying message: mess this up, and her family would pay the price.


    Before knocking on the door of Daniel''s home, Casper instinctively took Eliza''s hand. Eliza felt a strong aversion and wanted to pull away, but she silently gave up the attempt.


    "Don''t look so down," he reminded her. Eliza managed a slight smile.


    When the doorbell rang, a servant opened the door for them. They had barely taken a few steps when Daniel came out to greet them.


    "Mr. Casper, we''re greatly honored by your visit. Please,e in."


    "Daniel, you''re too kind."


    "Please, after you." Daniel took the gift from Casper''s hand and handed it to a servant. "Hurry, ask her toe down and tell her we have guests."


    "Right away, sir."


    Only then did Daniel turn his attention to the quiet Eliza beside them. Her arched eyebrows framed a pair of bright, starry eyes, and her skin was so perfect it almost glowed. She was clearly ady of delicate upbringing. Eliza was shy, but her demeanor was still graceful, devoid of any pettiness.


    "And this is...?"


    "This is my wife, Eliza," Casper said with a smile, turning to her. "Eliza, this is Daniel."


    Eliza smiled faintly, "Hello, Daniel."


    "So this is your wife, I see."Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    He was somewhat surprised; everyone knew Casper was married, but few had seen his wife. The inte buzzed more with rumors about Casper and Nova. Nova''s looks were no match for Eliza''s.


    Because of Casper''s many scandals, Daniel had been hesitant about sealing any deals. After all, a man''s first duty was to love and cherish his wife. Though, in theory, this had nothing to do with business negotiations, Daniel was particr


    about these things.


    "Mr. Casper, your wife is young and beautiful. You should bring her out more often."


    "Elle is a bit shy."


    Daniel chuckled, noticing the bandages on both their hands, and joked, "It seems Mr. Casper has a type for quiet, shy girls. You''re even sporting matching injuries."


    "You tter us," Casper replied with augh, squeezing Eliza''s hand tighter.


    "You are quite famous, you know. Even someone like me who doesn''t follow the news always sees you on TV."


    The unspoken implication was the abundance of scandals.


    "Today''s media loves to blow things out of proportion, ignoring real news. Even a simple friendship with an old friend can be misconstrued as something scandalous. It''s quite concerning."


    He turned to Eliza with affection. "Luckily, my wife is understanding and knows none of it is true. Otherwise, I''d be in a real bind."


    Saying so, Casper lifted her hand and kissed the back of it.

 Chapter 69

    Smiling, Eliza walked into the living room.


    Daniel''s wife wasing down the stairs. Eliza looked up, and their eyes met.


    Both were taken aback.


    The woman sped up her steps, practically flying towards Eliza, and hugged her tightly. "Eliza, is it really you? My god, I can''t believe I''m seeing you in my own home after all these years. Why haven''t you kept in touch? I''ve missed you so much!"


    The woman was Renee.


    She''s Eliza''s college ssmate and roommate for four years. They were also in the same orchestra club and had been very close friends. After graduating from college, Eliza married Casper and lost contact with everyone. She had no idea that Renee had married the middle-aged man standing before her.


    "Renee, you are... Daniel''s wife, Mrs. Lynch?"


    "It doesn''t matter. I''m still your dearest bunkmate, Renee."


    Renee looked radiant, lively, and yful, just like she was back in school. Clearly, she lived a pampered life. Renee''s happiness was obvious.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Eliza''s lips curved into a slight smile.


    Daniel joined the conversation at the right moment. "Renee, so Mrs. Welton was your old ssmate? What a coincidence."


    "Isn''t it? Eliza and I were best friends in college. We even promised to travel the world after graduation, but s..." Renee lightly patted Eliza''s arm. "...this little heartbreaker disappeared right after graduation." "You old ssmates must have a lot to catch up on. Casper and I will leave you to chat," Daniel said, leading Casper to the living room.


    "Sure." Renee took Eliza to a side


    room. "Eliza, after you graduated, I asked so many people about you but couldn''t find anything. I even thought you might have been tricked into going to the far north and had people search for you overseas. Turns out you got married.


    Marriage was a stain in Eliza''s life. She forced a smile. "When did you get married?"


    "Me? Justst year. Someone


    introduced me to Daniel. Honestly, I wasn''t into him at first, as he was somewhat wealthy but old and so not my type. But my mom was all about the money, so I just went with it. Luckily, Daniel turned out to be a decent man."


    Renee''s face was aglow with happiness. She had chosen the right person, which was truly fortunate.


    "He''s good to you, and that''s quite rare."


    Renee nced towards the living room and whispered to Eliza, "I often see Mr. Casper on TV. He''s even more handsome in person than on screen. Living with someone so attractive must be exciting, right?" Exciting? Indeed, it was.


    Not in the way Renee imagined though.


    "We''re just alright."


    Seeing Eliza''s mncholic


    expression, Renee couldn''t help but


    add, "Honestly, I''ve seen quite a bit of Mr. Casper''s scandals. That


    woman, Nova, really has no shame. Without any official status, she''s always seen with him. It''s so


    imitating."


    In front of Renee, Eliza couldn''t speak recklessly. Casper had invited her over, presumably already aware of her and Renee''s rtionship. He had already warned her not to speak out of turn. "You can''t believe everything you see online."


    "Exactly, those journalists love to exaggerate." Renee pulled Eliza towards a corner of the living room. "Eliza, do you still y the harp? I recently bought a new one, it sounds wonderful. You should give it a try."


    The room was designed for performances, and the harp, in its rightful ce, looked exceedingly luxurious.

 Chapter 70

    "This is something Daniel got for me on a business trip. He said he didn''t know much about it, just that it was pricey and should be good." Renee''s eyes sparkled with amusement as she looked up at her husband in the living room. "Daniel, tell me, did you get swindled?"


    "Whatever you say, dear," Daniel replied with a doting smile.


    Renee let out a yful huff. "Daniel, you haven''t heard Eliza y the harp yet, have you? She''s amazing, way better than me. How about we ask her to y something?"


    "Renee, Mrs. Welton hurt her hand. Let''s not ask her to y now. There will be other opportunities."


    "What?" Renee looked surprised as she nced over at Eliza''s hand. "How did you get injured?"


    "Just a small cut, nothing serious," Eliza exined casually.


    "You gotta be more careful next time."


    "Sure."


    "I really miss seeing you y the harp. I remember whenever there was a concert, Aaron would show up just to see you. You really have quite the charm," Renee joked.


    Eliza''s heart tightened, and she couldn''t bring herself to look at Casper''s stormy expression.


    She was about to steer the conversation away when Renee continued, "I remember Aaron was in medical school. What was hisst name... oh, right, Martin.¡±


    Daniel smiled at his wife. "Mrs. Welton is naturally beautiful, so it''s no surprise she had admirers."


    "Our Eliza was the prettiest girl of Falconridge Art Academy. The line of her admirers stretched from the south gate to the north gate of the school. She was especially popr among the younger med students like Aaron," Renee reminisced,pletely oblivious to Eliza''s subtle attempts to change the subject. "Mr. Casper, you certainly picked the most beautiful woman from our school."


    "That is indeed an honor," Casper''s tone turned colder.


    Eliza nudged Renee''s palm, trying to move on from the topic. "Renee, let''s add each other on WhatsApp."


    "Sure, you''re not using your old number anymore?"


    "Nope."


    Thanks to the bond between Eliza and Renee, Daniel eventually agreed to the business coboration.


    Dinner went rtively smoothly.


    As they said their goodbyes, Renee hugged Eliza tightly. "Let''s keep in touch, and no more disappearing acts, okay?"


    "Sure."


    They waved goodbye to Casper and Eliza.


    Renee looked up at Daniel, asking, "So, you''ve decided to coborate with Casper on that project?"


    "Do you have any objections?"


    "I''ve read a lot of the rumors about him..."


    Daniel nodded thoughtfully. "I had my reservations for the same reason But we see how loving they are as a couple, and since Mrs. Welton is your good friend, IO thought..."


    "He''s lucky to have married Eliza."


    met


    "I''m the lucky one to have married you," Daniel said, wrapping his around Renee''s waist and nting a kiss


    on her cheek.


    Reneeughed and pushed him away. "You''re so cheesy."


    ...


    In the car, Casper had been silent.


    The cigarette between his fingers burned slowly until it nearly reached his before he tossed it out of


    the


    r window. Content et


    "Aaron pursued you in college?"Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    His gaze was filled with barely noticeable jealousy and possessiveness, like a fire burning, distorting his features.


    This side of Casper was dangerous. She shifted uneasily to the side.

 Chapter 71

    He flipped her over, pinning her down on the passenger seat.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Gripping her chin tightly, he sneered, "You two have been sneaking around behind my back, haven''t you? No wonder he gave up his family business to be Jeffrey''s personal doctor. It''s all because of you, isn''t it?"


    His grip contorted Eliza''s face. She tried to struggle but was firmly held down.


    "Casper, can''t you just stop being so suspicious?" she pleaded, her heart aching with an indescribable feeling. "If you just want to pick a fight with me, fine. You don''t always have to drag Aaron into it." "Then tell me, have you slept with him?" His grip on her chin tightened slowly.


    He didn''t understand his own reaction. He tried to calm himself, but it was useless; he was now overwhelmed by a murderous rage.


    "Eliza, tell me, have you slept with Aaron in the two years we''ve been married? Have you?"


    He stared at her intensely, his eyes unblinking, muscles on his face twitching slightly. He looked downright crazy.


    Eliza was so scared that her whole body tensed up, "What kind of answer do you want?"


    "Did you sleep with him or not?" he spat out a curse.


    Before Eliza could respond, he floored the elerator, and the car shot forward. He pressed the pedal deep, speeding along Falconridge Boulevard in the dead of night. The engine roared, and the exhaust emitted a beast-like growl.


    She had never seen him so out of control. Tears streamed down her face, "Casper, please calm down."


    "So, you''ve always wanted us to die


    together? Fine, let''s die together then." He hadpletely lost it speeding up to 200 kilometers per hour. The cars and people on the road turned into blurs.


    Eliza closed her eyes, her lips trembling, "I never even spoke to Aaron in college. I didn''t know he woulde to our concerts. You can ask Renee if you don''t believe me." She could feel it. After she spoke, the car noticeably slowed down.


    "Aaron and I are so distant we''re not even friends, let alone anything more. There was nothing before, and there''s nothing now." Afraid that this paranoid man wouldn''t believe her, she added, "I would never betray our marriage."


    She was not like him. She had no interest in an affair.


    Finally, the car slowed to a normal speed. When they reached the next intersection, he hit the brakes hard, "Get out."


    Eliza didn''t ask why. Her legs were shaking so much that she nearly fell out when she opened the door. Casper showed no pity. As the car sped away, she saw it turn into a hospital not far ahead.


    She took a deep breath and copsed on the curb. A message popped up on her phone. It was from Renee, [Eliza, did you get home?]


    Her fingers were still trembling from the shock. Weakly, she rubbed her hands together and managed to type, [Yeah, I''m home. Don''t worry. Get some sleep, good night.]


    Just as she sent the message, the phone slipped from her fingers and crashed to the ground. After almost half an hour, she took off her high heels, carried them, and walked in the direction of the Welton family home. Her silhouette was forlorn, alone in her shadow.


    She thought that tonight, Casper wouldn''te back. Nova would surely keep him by her side, not letting him go.

 Chapter 72

    Just as she stepped through the front gate, his car screeched to a halt.


    She froze, startled, before quickly picking up her pace. Casper caught up in no time, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her inside. She was moving too slowly for him, and he simply swept her off her feet and carried her in.


    His possessiveness never came with any prelude. It was more like an outlet-a release of anger or maybe lust. Her ordeal only seemed to end when his heavy breathing brushed past her ear.


    He went for a shower, leaned against the headboard, and smoked a cigarette. Eliza limped towards the bathroom.


    He nced over. "What''s wrong with your foot?"


    "Nothing," she muttered, not wanting to borate.


    He frowned. "Come here, let me see."


    "It''s okay. I''m going to take a shower."


    He stubbed out his cigarette, got out of bed, and lifted her from behind, cing her on the bed. Her foot was covered in blisters.


    "What happened?" he asked, surprised.


    "My shoes got worn out."


    "Go take a shower. After that, I''ll take care of it," he said, patting her back with an unusual gentleness. But she knew it was just the afterglow of his release, not real tenderness. His gentleness was never really for her.


    Eliza dawdled in the shower, knowing Casper wasn''t one to wait for her to sleep. She thought he''d already gone to bed, but he hadn''t. He patted the space beside him, "Come here."


    Normallypliant, Eliza wasn''t about to provoke him after today''s wild ride.


    "I can do it myself."


    "Let me," he said, his voice clearer than ever. She couldn''t help but look at him. Hisrge hand gently held her foot, and with a sterilized silver needle, he lightly pricked, causing blood to seep out. Eliza hissed in pain. After disinfecting with alcohol, he continued, "Hold still."


    This kind of intimate care, something she wasn''t used to, made her ufortable.


    "In a few days, it''s Grandpa''s big birthday," he said.


    "Oh."


    "Grandpa''s health..." He hesitated, not looking up. "...is really poor now."


    She knew what that meant: it was time for her to prepare for a blood donation. Reflexively, she tried to pull her foot back, but he held it firmly. "What are you scared of?"


    "Casper, can you wait until my mom gets better and until Robin is out of the hospital before you take my blood?"


    Under the light, her gaze was


    humble and broken. He couldn''t help


    but look at her. Though he didn''t say anything she knew he probably wouldn''t agree. He patiently took care of the blisters on her fogt. Eliza


    hugged her knees, feelin Oot. Eliza


    QUA


    mncholy.


    Just as shey down, he was already pressing down on her again, his kisses overwhelming. She could only passively ept.


    Suddenly, the phone rang on the table. Casper propped himself up, still panting, and reached for the phone.


    "Hello?"T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Casper, your grandpa might not make it much longer. You need to bring Eliza to the hospital right away; there is no time to dy." Tristan''s voice was urgent. Casper could hear the desperation. Hanging up, he got out of bed. "Hurry and get dressed; we''re going to the hospital."


    Eliza didn''t want to go at all. Was there really no escape this time?

 Chapter 73

    Jeffrey''s condition took a turn for the worse and he was rushed to the hospital once again. The doctor issued a critical condition notice.


    The Welton family gathered yet again, with Aaron and Zach also present.


    "I''m going in to see Grandpa," Casper said, making his way to the ward.


    Jeffreyy there, looking frail and worn. At ny, with his body ravaged by illness, he longed for release more than anyone.


    "Casper,"


    ," he called weakly, gesturing for his grandson toe closer.


    Casper stepped forward, taking Jeffrey''s hand. "Grandpa, don''t worry, I''ll do everything I can to save you."


    Jeffery shook his head. "No need to save me."


    "No, I will save you, no matter what it takes," Casper insisted, his eyes stinging with unshed tears. "I can''t lose you."


    "Listen, Casper, when I''m gone, you''ll take over Welton International. It mustn''t fall into outsiders'' hands. That illegitimate child, initially..." Jeffrey coughed, struggling to breathe, "...initially, I wanted to acknowledge him, but your father, he''s a mess too... cough, cough."


    "Grandpa, let''s not talk about this now. You should rest. I''ll arrange for the blood immediately."


    "Grandson... Casper..." Jeffrey coughed violently.


    Casper bolted out of the ward.


    Tristan, noticing his son''s expression, asked, "Is your grandpa... not going to make it?"


    "That''s for me to decide." Casper''s eyes darted around the room until theynded on the quietly standing woman. He rushed over, grabbing her arm. "Come with me for a blood draw."


    "Let me go, Casper," Eliza protested, stumbling. "Let me go."


    He dragged her to the blood draw room, leaning in close. "Grandpa''s on the brink. You need to give him your blood."


    "Casper," she said, despair in her eyes, her body growing cold. "If I give my blood, I''ll die."


    His dark eyes clouded over with an unreadable emotion. "Grandpa... can''t wait."


    Eliza managed a bitter smile. "If that''s the case, I have a request."


    His brow furrowed, and he snapped, "You want to take advantage of this? What right do you have to make demands? Eliza, I''m warning you, don''t mess with me right now." T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Release Robin immediately. You promised me."


    Her request wasn''t unreasonable, just more urgent. She didn''t know if she''d survive the blood draw.


    Casper paced, hands on his hips,


    gritting his teeth before finally


    agreeing. "Fine, I''ll have some


    release Robin right away, but don''t try anything funny."


    "I''m under your control. What could I possibly do? She called Chelsea,


    instructing her to go to Mercy Hospital. "Casper, Chelsea is on her way to the hospital. Once she gets


    Rgo in with you for the blood


    draw."


    The muscles in Casper''s face twitched. The light cast a sinister shadow on his profile.


    "Release him," he ordered, finally making the call.


    After Chelsea picked up Robin and called Eliza back, she weakly acknowledged and hung up.


    A nurse came to escort Eliza for the blood draw. She followed silently.


    Holding a form, the doctor asked Casper, "Mr. Casper, how much blood?"


    "All of it."


    His cold voice, from behind Eliza, sent chills down her spine.


    All of it?


    Her body trembled violently.


    Aaron stared at Casper in disbelief. "That will kill her!"


    "As long as it saves Grandpa."


    Aaron couldn''t fathom how Casper could say something so heartless.

 Chapter 74

    This was a matter of life, and no one had the right to take a life away.


    In the distance, Eliza forced a bitter smile, tears silently sliding down her cheeks.


    Three cold needles pierced her veins. The machine whirred to life, and she slowly closed her eyes.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Outside the room, Aaron''s forehead veins bulged as he gripped Casper''s cor, shouting, "Do you even realize that what could really save Jeffrey is the antibody in Eliza''s body? Even if you drain all her blood, the antibody levels won''t be high enough to save Jeffrey. And even if he survives, he won''t live long. Do you get that at all?"


    "Then tell me, how are we supposed to save Grandpa?" Casper grabbed Aaron''s wrist and pushed him away, "Grandpa''s time is almost up. What other choice do I have?"


    "Does it have to be this way? Have you asked Jeffrey what he wants? Does he really want to live in pain? He''s already ny. Do you think he''d want to use his twenty-something granddaughter-inw''s life to extend his own?"


    Aaron shook his head in agony. He never imagined that the friend he grew up with could be so heartless and cold.


    Aaron had a torrent of questions and left Casper without a word. He turned his face away, coldly saying, "Grandpa wouldn''t choose to die."


    So, should Eliza die instead?


    Aaron was beyond disappointed. He couldn''t bear to stay and watch all this, so he turned and left.


    In the blood draw room, the machine had already started. As her blood was continuously drawn, Eliza''s head began to feel fuzzy. She watched the bright red liquid flow through the three thick tubes, her weak eyelids struggling to stay open.


    By the halfway point, Eliza was nearly gone. Her heart rate dropped to 30 beats per minute, sometimes even as low as 20.


    Sensing the imminent danger, the doctor was too scared to continue. He rushed out to find Casper, "She''s very weak. If anything happens, our hospital can''t take responsibility. Let''s transfuse this batch of blood to Jeffrey; it should still be effective."


    Casper didn''t say a word, his face tight.


    After the doctor finished speaking, he returned to the blood draw room.


    Soon, Eliza was wheeled out. She was unconscious, her face so pale it was nearly death-like.


    Casper stared at her coldly as she was pushed past him, his fingertips unconsciously tightening.


    Tristan came over, somewhat dissatisfied, "Why only take half of it? How is that enough? Your grandpa''s condition requires a full blood transfusion to keep his vital signs stable."


    "Do you want to turn this treatment into a criminal case?" Casper spat coldly.


    Tristan''s face soured at his son''s retort, "Why are you yelling at me? I''m just trying to help your grandpa survive. When will you learn to show me some respect, like Zach does?"


    "You gonna bring up that illegitimate


    son of yours? Let me be clear: even if Grandpa eventually passes away, don''t even think about getting him into the family tree as long as I''m alive."


    "You..." Tristan''s fingertips trembled. "...you''ll be the death of me."


    Just as Tristan left, Zach sauntered over with hands in his pockets, a scornful smile on his lips.


    "If we''re talking ruthless, you will take the crown. Youid hands on your own wife. I really should give you a round of apuse."

 Chapter 75

    Casper''s eyes shed with anger, "Zach, you better keep your distance."


    "Truth stings, huh?" Zach clicked his tongue twice, a twisted smile ying on his lips. "I always thought I was the most messed up person around, butpared to you, I''m practically a saint. Looks like Eliza might as well be dead; she''s as good as useless now. Why not... hand her over to me?"


    Grinding his teeth, Casper grabbed Zach by the cor. "I wouldn''t mind making you disappear from this world, too."


    "Why are you so mad?" Zach sneered. "Making the most of everything has always been your style, hasn''t it, Mr. Casper?"


    Before Zach could finish, Casper''s fist connected with his face.


    "You better behave and stop messing with me. I don''t hold back my fists when I''m angry," Casper growled, his teeth clenched.


    Zach burst intoughter. "Wow, my big brother''s got some strength. I''m so scared."Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Casper then stomped on him twice more before considering the matter settled.


    Instead of getting angry, Zachughed even harder.


    Seeing his beloved younger son getting pummeled again, Tristan felt a surge of rage. "Is he addicted to hitting peopl now? Does he think I''m dead or something? He''s always resorting to violence; he''s got issues."


    "I''m fine," Zach got up, dusting himself off. "How''s Jeffrey doing? Did he make any final arrangements? If Jeffrey actually bypasses you and hands control of Welton International to Casper, we''re in for a rough ride."


    "Even if my father did make arrangements, they wouldn''t count. He''s too old to know stuff."


    Tristan''s gaze darkened. He should his own son what he could do.


    ...


    When Eliza woke up, the sharp smell of disinfectant filled her nostrils. Her beautiful eyes weakly observed the ringly white ceiling, her gaze empty.


    She wondered if she was dead or alive.


    Slowly moving her eyes, she noticed a bag of bright red liquid hanging from the IV stand.


    "You''re awake."


    Following the voice, Eliza looked at the speaker. It was Casper''s secretary, Faithe. They had met a few times.


    Faithe had always been cold to her; she did not even try to show superficial respect.


    "You''ve lost a lot of blood and need to stay in the hospital for a few more days for transfusions. Mr. Casper is quite busy, so he sent me to check on you. If you need anything, feel free to call me." Then, she left her business card.


    Eliza, too weak to speak, just listened.


    "If there''s nothing urgent here, I''ll head back to Ms. Nova''s matters. She''s quite busy." Faithe threw Eliza a cold and disdainful gaze.


    Eliza remained silent. She turned her face away and weakly closed her eyes again.


    Nurses were constantly in and out of her hospital room to change her blood and her medication, take her temperature, and measure her blood pressure. When she was not deeply asleep, she could hear the nurses whispering softly.


    "She''s really lucky to have had so much blood drawn and still not die. Look at her face. She''s been


    receiving transfusions for thelet


    and still looks so pale. It''s pitiful."


    days


    "I heard the old man in the VIP room got her blood and is doing much better. Marrying into wealth didn''t bring her joy; she''s just be a blood bag for them." "Exactly, that old man is over ny. Even if the blood transfusions extend his life, he doesn''t have many years left, sigh."


    "It alles down to the man she married being heartless. I''ve never heard of someone from an ordinary family using his wife''s blood to save his grandfather. It''s beyond cruel."

 Chapter 76

    "They say getting involved with the wealthy elite is like diving into deep waters. Seems like it''s true."


    "Shush, let''s not talk about it here. Let''s step outside."


    A few nurses quietly filed out of the room.


    Eliza turned over, slowly lifting her slightly swollen eyelids. Indeed, she must have been lucky. She was still alive. Casper hadn''t taken her life; he was probably saving her for another round of drawing blood.


    How could she save his grandfather if she were dead? She understood Casper''s reasoning. Eliza had been in the hospital for ten days and during that time, Casper hadn''t visited her once.


    It was his secretary, however, who showed up when she was about to be discharged.


    "Your discharge papers are ready." Faithe ced a stack of documents in front of Eliza, ncing at her briefly. Eliza didn''t say a word. So, Faithe repeated, "I''m talking to you. Make sure you keep these documents safe." "Faithe, don''t people usually use titles when speaking to each other?"


    Eliza raised her eyes to meet hers, her gaze filled with countless red veins, cold and demanding respect.


    Faithe was taken aback. Having been Casper''s secretary for many years, Faithe was adept at reading people and treating them ordingly. She had never considered Eliza a significant person and treated Nova much better than she treated Casper''s official wife.


    However, at this moment, Eliza''s demeanor made Faithe sense something different.


    Faithe pursed her lips. "Yes, Mrs. Welton."


    After helping Eliza pack up, Faithe went to settle the hospital bills.


    As they were leaving, she added, "Mr. Casper will be staying with Ms. Nova at the Henderson Estate for a while. After you return home, please do not call him and disturb them."


    Eliza sneered inwardly. Even if she was asked to call Casper, she wouldn''t. There was no need for a specific reminder.


    The ride home was silent.


    Upon returning to the Welton family estate, Faithe handed Eliza''s belongings to Marian and then left. The house was much quieter without Nova.


    Marian stepped forward to help Eliza but was avoided.


    "I''ve got it," Eliza stated.


    Marian felt a pang of sadness, her breathing slightlybored. "Then let me carry your things upstairs."


    Back in her bedroom, Elizay down. Even though the treatment wasplete, her body was weak.


    She was so weak that walking a few steps made her heart rate soar to almost unbearable levels.


    "Leave. I want to rest for a while."


    Marian nodded. "Of course, Mrs. Welton. Call me if you need anything."


    In the evening, the sunset filled the ground, making it look like the luster of rubies. It cast a beautiful glow on Eliza''s face.


    A low-profile and luxurious Rolls-Royce drove into the Welton family estate, stopping on thewn.


    Casper was back.


    Eliza was sitting in the yard and looked up at him.


    He wore a ck shirt, perfectly tucked into his suit pants, and his figure was tall and imposing as he walked through the sunlight.


    He looked like a deity.


    Unfortunately, the light had long


    vanished from Eliza''s eyes when she looked at him; they were no longer filled with the anticipation and joy of two years ago. Instead, there was coldness and disdain.


    With just that one nce, she turned her attention back to the book in her hands, called How to Murder Your Husband.


    "You shouldn''t be out in the coldContent rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    fresh out of the hospital." He reached out to take the book from her, noting the title and a barely perceptible frown creased his brow. "Seems like you really hate me."


    "It''s just a book." She stood up to walk inside, unwilling to engage in further conversation.


    "Have you been in touch with


    Robin?" He casually tossed the book


    aside, taking a seat in the wicker chair Eliza had just vacated, his hands sped together. "I suppose you haven''t had the chance yet."


    A sudden fear gripped Eliza''s heart.


    Her pupils dted. "What have you done to him?"

 Chapter 77

    "He hurt your neighbor. They called the police, and now Robin''s arrested," he said casually, a slight smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.


    Eliza clenched her fists tightly. "What exactly are you trying to say?"


    Casper looked at her with amusement. "Eliza, you know I don''t like it when you challenge me like this."


    "Just get to the point. What do you need me to do?"


    He appreciated her sharpness. "I''ve nearly sealed the deal I had with Daniel a few days ago, and there''s a business dinner tomorrow. I''ve got another deal to discuss with Mr. Gillum. Apany me, make a show of it, secure the contract, and I''ll let you meet your brother."


    Eliza''s eyes narrowed, her gaze cold.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    What did he think of her now?


    The previous deal with Daniel happened because of Elliza''s college friend, Renee. It was a favor between ssmates. And this?


    "Mr. Casper, at least tell me who this Mr. Gillum is. His wife isn''t another one of my ssmates, is she?"


    "No."


    But to Eliza, it didn''t matter whether it was true. Nor did it matter to Casper. What mattered was that Eliza agreed, which meant he was halfway to sess.


    "If I help you secure this contract, will you let my brother go for good?"


    He raised an eyebrow, amused. "You don''t even ask what I''ll have you do. Why''re you so confident?"


    "Before you came to me with terms, I''m sure you already dug into Mr. Gillum''s background. You spare no expense, and I, as a woman, naturally have my own advantages."


    Some things were better left unsaid. To spell it out would only make things awkward.


    Her face was calm, her emotions hard to identify.


    He nced at her, his expressionplex, and suddenly stood up. "I hope you won''t disappoint me."


    "I also hope you won''t go back on your word again."


    He scoffed and turned towards his car.


    Minutester, the car left the Welton Estate. He probably headed to see


    Nova. That wasn''t important, but she had to verify whether who Casper said was true or fa


    With a nervous heart, she called Chelsea.


    After a moment of silence, Chelsea''s voice came through, filled with self-reproach. "I didn''t keep an eye on him. The neighbor got hurt badly, and I''m negotiating the


    handle it."


    "Chelsea, Casper knows."


    5


    Hearing this, Chelsea quickly asked, "Has he intervened? Thatplicates things."


    "He said if I help him secure a partnership, he''ll let Robin go," she said, falling silent.


    Chelsea sighed softly on the other end, barely audible. "Do you still believe him?"


    "How can I not? With his influence, he could easily crush my family just like he set up my father years ago."


    Mikey''s incident shook the entire


    Falconridge. A man known for his


    integrity was suddenly exposed for epting bribes worth millions. Luxury watches, paintings, and antiques were found in his home. Outrage erupted. His reputation was destroyed. Days after being taken away, hemitted suicide in prison. Whether it was suicide or


    murder remained a mystery.


    Chelsea knew all these things.


    "Are you finally convinced that Casper orchestrated your father''s downfall?"


    "If not him, who else could it be?"


    Eliza couldn''t think of anyone else who would go to such lengths to target their family. In the past, she wouldn''t have believed Casper capable of such a thing.

 Chapter 78

    Eliza had once believed, naively, that Casper would help her. That he''d rescue her father by clearing his name. But justice never came, and her father was gone. Disappointment had slowly piled up, and now she could talk about it without flinching.


    "Elle, don''t worry. If we manage to get Robin out this time, I promise I''ll keep him safe and hidden. Casper won''t get another chance."


    "Okay."


    After exining everything, Eliza stared nkly at the sunset, already sinking below the horizon. So beautiful, yet fleeting. It all seemed so simple once she figured out the things overwhelming her. She smiled slightly, her bright eyes clear and calm like a spring.


    The next morning, one of Casper''s people delivered a dress to Eliza. Compared to the one she wore to Daniel''s, this one was far less formal, more daring a ck off-the-shoulder number with a plunging V that went all the way to her navel. The back was even bolder; she would be almost entirely exposed except for a string of pearls holding it together. It was the kind of dress she''d only seen on celebrities or socialites. But she understood why Casper had chosen it.


    That evening, Marian knocked on her door. "Ma''am, Mr. Welton asked me to call you down. He specifically requested you wear the dress."


    "Sure," Eliza replied.


    Half an hourter, she descended from the second floor. The ck, sultry dress hugged her waist like it might break with a touch. Her long, wavy hair fell over her shoulders, seductive and enchanting. Her exposed skin looked perfect and delicate. She had put on bold makeup to contrast the ck dress. Her red lips looked like alluring red roses.


    Casper had never seen Eliza like this. In his mind, she was always bare-faced. The only time she wore makeup was probably when they registered their marriage. This woman in front of him shattered his preconceived notions.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    For a moment, he was speechless. "You... look different today."


    Eliza cast him a cool nce. "Mr. Casper, are you satisfied?"


    "Not bad," he said, his eyes roaming


    over her. Eliza looked away, lifting


    her


    Os Vihtly as she


    s clung to her. Cope


    out.


    In the car, they sat in the backseat, mostly silent. Casper''s gaze stayed on Eliza, who turned to look out the window.


    "You smell nice," he suddenly remarked.


    "I put on perfume," she said without turning.


    "Never noticed you doing that before..."


    "Mr. Casper, don''t you know people change?"


    Not in the mood to talk, she turned her body almostpletely away from him. Casper, feeling ignored, looked irritated.


    The banquet was held at a manor.


    Early-arriving dignitaries and business tycoons were mingling, dressed to the nines. Women in cocktail dresses gathered in small groups, whispering andughing. Not every man had a date; it was a business event, after all. Groups of men chatted about business ns and future prospects.


    When Eliza walked in, she immediately caught the attention of every man in the room-some looked in awe, others with greed. A few well-known businessmen seized the chance to chat with Casper, all the while eyeing Eliza.


    Casper''s target was clear: Easton Gillum.

 Chapter 79

    Easton Gillum was the powerhouse behind Grant Enterprises. Sure, his social clout couldn''t hold a candle to Casper''s, but he had something Casper desperately needed a prime piece of real estate. No matter how high Casper went with his offers, Easton wouldn''t budge. And without thisnd, Welton International''s projects for the next year were toast, potentially costing them billions. Today, Casper was ying to win.


    "Hello Mr. Gillum," Casper greeted, holding Eliza''s hand as they approached Easton. Easton''s eyes lit up with a mix of surprise and eagerness when he saw Eliza-she was a beauty who could stop traffic. "This is..." Easton began.


    "She goes by Elle," Casper cut in, deliberately vague. The name alone carried enough implication.


    Easton, ever the sharp yer, got the hint right away. His eyes, filled with bold desire, locked onto Eliza as he extended his hand. "Miss Elle, an absolute pleasure."


    With a teasing flick of her hair, Eliza offered her hand, her lips curving into sweet dimples. "Mr. Gillum, the pleasure is all mine."Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    "I must say, Mr. Casper, you''ve got a real gem here. Quite envious, I must admit," Easton said, still holding Eliza''s hand, his eyes greedily taking in every detail of her delicate features. Her red lips were like a siren''s call, impossible to resist.


    Eliza, despite her inner turmoil, had to face the grim reality: tonight, Casper was willing to offer her to seal this deal. Something inside her shattered, the silence of it deafening. It was better to smile through it than to let her tears cheapen the moment.


    "Mr. Gillum, would you do me the honor of a dance?" Eliza asked, her eyes twinkling with the invitation.


    Easton, hardly able to contain his eagerness, took her hand and led her to the dance floor. "It would be my honor."


    As the music yed, his hand found her slim waist, asionally gliding over the small of her back. Casper''s eyes never left them, a mix of cold indifference, anticipation, and a sharp pang of jealousy and envy.


    Faithe approached, observing the pair on the dance floor. "Mr. Casper, Mr. Easton seems quite taken with Eliza. Looks like we''ve got thisnd deal in the bag." Casper stayed silent.


    Faithe pressed on, "Mr. Casper, I''ve already prepared a room. I''ll discreetly hand Mr. Gillum the keycard along with the contract. Eliza knows what''s expected."


    Casper''s expression darkened as his brows knitted together. His look was thunderous. "Did you just suggest Eliza sleep with him? Did I say I wanted her to sleep with him?" Faithe froze, blinking rapidly. "Mr. Casper, so you mean..."


    Surely, he wasn''t getting cold feet now. Faithe felt the need to remind him, "Mr. Casper, we''ve been negotiating with Mr. Gillum for ages. You know how critical thisnd is for Welton International. If... Mrs. Welton can secure this, it would be a major win for both you and Welton International."


    Casper remained silent, his fingers clenching into a tight fist, his eyes shing dangerously. He saw Easton''s hand slip beneath Eliza''s dress, caressing her skin.


    Faithe saw it, too, but such tactics


    were par for the course in the business world. Using women to secure deals was an old trick. It just so happened that this time, Eliza was the woman.


    The dance ended.

 Chapter 80

    Easton lightly held Eliza by the waist as they strolled across the room, chatting andughing like old friends. His hand never left her side.


    "Mr. Casper, should we give him the room key?"


    Casper clenched his jaw, struggling to get the words out. "Send it. I want to see how bold he can be."


    Faithe smirked. He had practically handed Eliza over on a silver tter. Easton wasn''t clueless; he surely knew what was going on. Even though Casper was the one getting cockolded, securing a multi-billion dor deal for Welton International was worth it. After all, he didn''t love Eliza.


    "Okay, on it," Faithe replied, striding over to Easton and Eliza in her professional outfit, briefcase in hand. With a calm and confident smile, she pulled out and transfer contract from her briefcase and handed it to Easton. "Mr. Gillum, Mr. Casper has shown great sincerity. Would you take a look at this contract?"


    Easton pushed the contract aside, his jaw tightening. "I''m in the middle of an interesting conversation with Elle. We can talk about thister."


    "Mr. Gillum, just take a look. You might find something surprising in there," Faithe hinted.


    Easton caught on, his gaze darkening. "Alright, I''ll take a look."


    He flipped through the contract and immediately saw the room key for the Falconridge Hotel, along with several condoms. Understanding the gesture, he smiled and put down the contract. "I appreciate Mr. Casper''s gesture. I''m selling thend anyway. Selling it to Mr. Casper gives me peace of mind. Faithe, please thank him for me for this generous gift."


    His eyes drifted back to Eliza''s face, then slowly and boldly down to her chest.


    "Mr. Gillum, you sure do love to joke. As long as you''re happy, that''s all that matters to us," Faithe said with a smile.


    A pawn in their deal, Eliza felt tears welling up. She quickly looked up, trying to mask her emotions.


    Easton was quite the talker, especially when it came to boasting about his prowess in bed. Eliza feigned ignorance, smiling distantly, her mind elsewhere.


    Faithe returned to Casper''s side, giving a thumbs-up. "Mr. Casper, Mr. Gillum epted the room key. He dhe''ll sign the contract once the deal is done."


    "Let''s go," Casper said coldly, turning away.


    §¿.§­


    Faithe nced back at Eliza and Easton, then followed Casper.


    In his car, Casper was boiling with irritation. Just as Faithe was about to get in, he stopped her. "You take a taxi back."


    "Oh," she replied, caught off guard. Both she and the driver were left behind as Casper sped off.


    Not far down the road, he pulled over, yanked off his tie, and closed his eyes, imagining Eliza and Easton together in bed.


    He gasped for air, lit a cigarette, and


    brought it to his lips, his chest


    burning. His heart felt like it was


    §Ö§äContent rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    gripped by an invisible hand. Before finishing the cigarette, he stomped on the gas, turned the steering wheel, and drove back to the


    banquet entrance.


    Easton''s car was still there. Casper rolled up the window, staring unblinkingly at the exit.


    Time dragged on. Slowly, guests started to leave the banquet.


    Easton had clearly had too much to drink. He had one arm around Eliza''s shoulder, gesturing animatedly and talking about who knows what. Eliza gently supported him, carefully helping him into the car before getting in herself.


    "Damn it," Casper muttered, mming his fist on the steering wheel.

 Chapter 81

    After Easton''s driver pulled away, Casper floored it and followed right behind. If the car ahead sped up, he did, too. If it slowed down, so did he. Finally, the car turned into the underground parking lot of the Falconridge Hotel. Casper zoomed ahead and parked in a spot, eyes locked on Easton and Eliza getting out of the car opposite him.


    His phone rang from the passenger seat. It was Nova. She knew about tonight''s business dinner, but he hadn''t invited her.


    "Casper, where are you? Still at work?"


    "Is something up?"


    "Did you go to the dinner?" Her voice was soft and melodious, but it still got on his nerves. "If you need something, just say it."


    "Are you annoyed with me?"


    "No, I''m hanging up." Casper watched as Easton and Eliza headed for the elevator lobby.


    He hurried to hang up, but then Nova started crying on the other end. "Did I disturb you? I''m sorry, I didn''t mean anything by it. I just wanted to check on you. If you find it annoying, I promise not to bother you again."


    The call ended abruptly.


    Casper''s irritation spiked. He pushed open the car door and sprinted to the elevator lobby. The elevator was already going up. Swearing under his breath, he dashed to another elevator.


    Eliza, propping up Easton, arrived at the room Faithe had set up. Easton was overly excited. He grabbed Eliza and kissed her as soon as they entered. She dodged a few times, not daring to push him away too forcefully.


    "Mr. Gillum, why''re you in such a hurry? I don''t like getting busy without having a shower."


    "A shower is a must." He pulled her close, noses touching. "For you, I''d do anything. What''s a shower inparison?"


    "Oh my." Eliza extended her index finger to block his kiss. "Go take a shower first. We have plenty of time."


    "Together His eyes were full of


    desire. "Let''s take a love bath. We et


    can do it in the tub... what a feeling..." He purposely whispered in her ear, "...it''ll be so good."


    Eliza felt a wave of nausea but kept smiling. "You''re so naughty. Go take your shower."


    Finally, she managed to push Easton into the bathroom. Eliza copsed on the sofa like a deted balloon. She knew she couldn''t avoid tonight and would likely be treated horribly.


    Was there still time to escape? Would she dare to escape? No, she wouldn''t dare. She knew Casper''s methods. She and Robin would be doomed if she messed up this deal for Casper.


    Eliza closed her eyes, fighting the


    sting in her nose, and opened a bottle of red wine. She wanted to get drunk-drunk enough to forget. everything. She took a big gulp the wine''s astringency and alcohol burn furrowing her beautiful brows.


    "Elle, bring the bathrobe in for me," Easton called from inside.


    Eliza put down her wine, found a clean bathrobe in the closet, and handed it through the door crack. "Mr. Gillum, your bathrobe."Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Instead of taking the robe, he grabbed her wrist, pulled her into the bathroom, and embraced her. "Let''s shower together, hmm?"


    Eliza despised this kind of intimacy but had to y along. "Mr. Gillum, your eagerness could make me think... you''re not quite up to par in certain areas."


    "How could that be? I''m very skilled. You''ll know once you try."

 Chapter 82

    Easton pressed Eliza down, ready to proceed.


    He carelessly drenched her cocktail dress and hair, making them cling ufortably to her skin. "Mr. Gillum, I can''t go on like this. Give me a moment. Let me take off my dress..." She gave him a seductive look, hoping to buy herself some physical and emotional respite.


    Easton pped her rear. "I''ll wait, but be quick."


    Finally emerging from the bathroom, she took a deep breath. She picked up the red wine she had set down and was about to take another sip when the doorbell rang.


    Thinking it was room service, she put down the wine and went to open the door.


    The door swung open. Casper stood there, face cold, lips pressed tightly together, a flicker of anger in his eyes.


    She instinctively stepped back.


    His gaze was icy. When he noticed her wet dress and hair, his eyes grew even colder.


    She couldn''t fathom why he was here now. Was he afraid she would run? Indeed, she had considered it but quickly abandoned the idea.


    "There''s no need for you to supervise personally. I''ve agreed to your terms, so I will take good care of Mr. Gillum."


    Her words exploded like a bomb, shattering hisposure.


    He stared into her eyes, his fingertips tensing up, "Eliza, are you looking forward to sleeping with this man?"


    Was she looking forward to it?


    Look at that. He sold her out yet used such words to insult her.


    "What do you mean by that, Mr. Casper? Isn''t this what you wanted? What is there to look forward to?"


    Her eyes shone with a cold luster-disdain, mockery, and sarcasm mixed together.


    He suddenly grasped her wrist. "Come with me."


    "Don''t you care about your billion-dor project anymore? Mr. Gillum hasn''t signed the contract yet, and you promised me you''d let Robin go. I don''t want to..."


    She couldn''t finish her sentence.


    He interrupted her irritably, "Don''t worry about my business. I''ll keep my promises."


    He dragged her away, mming the door behind them, showing no mercy as he pulled her outside.


    Eliza was barefoot and thrown into the car. The door locked behind her.


    She didn''t understand his sudden change of heart. When he talked to the doctor about draining her of all her blood, it was clear he had been ready to discard her like an old rag.


    She was required to just spend a night with another man. What was his problem?


    Casper didn''t love her, and he didn''t care whether her purity was tarnished or not.


    She wouldn''t reveal her identity to Easton, embarrassing Casper and the Welton family.


    "Don''t worry, I won''t tell Mr. Gillum about our rtionship. At most, I''ll tell him I''m just a gift you''ve given him."


    A smile curled on Casper''s lips-a smile that hid too much burning anger.


    Eliza knew him too well. His emotions were unstable, and his temper was fierce. She was prepared for him tosh out at her.


    "Did I tell you to sleep with him?" he turned around suddenly, grabbing her chin. "Or do you want to sleep with him? Do you think his status and position can give you stability? Or do you think he can please you in bed?"


    "Mr. Casper, wasn''t the reason for taking me to the dinner to hand me over to Mr. Gillum?" She actually found Casper somewhat amusing at this moment.


    What was he trying topensate for? Wasn''t it his secretary who gave the room card to Easton?


    Did Casper really think she was blind and couldn''t see those packets of condoms?Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

 Chapter 83

    "Mr. Casper, have you forgotten why you gave me this dress in the first ce?" she mocked, pointing to the dress that barely covered her chest. "You must have handpicked this little number yourself, right? Wasn''t it just meant to seduce Easton?"


    She couldn''t believe he was now trying to pin the me on her. She really couldn''t figure out if he were genuinely twisted.


    "So, when his hand slipped under your dress, you just let him?" he sneered. "Eliza, basically, that just shows you''re slutty and cheap. Were you the only one wearing a cocktail dress at the event? Who else would be as frivolous as you?"


    Hearing these words from her own husband didn''t anger Eliza at all. It was almost as if he should describe her this way. In his mind, this was who she was. That was why he had sent her, still not fully recovered, to another man''s bed to trade for his own benefits.


    "Yes, I let him touch me, hold my hand, and stroke my waist. Didn''t you tell me to ''perform well'' when you left, Mr. Casper? So, are you not satisfied with my performance?"


    "You..."


    Casper was left speechless, his tense shoulders and fingers gradually rxing. After tossing her aside, he leaned back in the car seat, a light chuckle escaping his lips. "So... did you sleep with him?" "Does it matter to you? You believe a contract is more important than me, more important than being cuckolded, don''t you?"


    Did it matter? Maybe it didn''t. He was always a man who pursued results, not caring about the process. But why was this gnawing at him, causing unbearable pain?


    The car roared to life, speeding


    away. No matter how recklessly he drove, her heart remained still. They returned to Welton Estate. As soon as they get out, Casper dragged Eliza inside by the wrist without a second thought. She couldn''t keep up with his pace, tripping and falling to the ground. Her knee hit the concrete tiles, causing her to wince in pain.


    "Casper, let go of me. I can walk by myself." She beat against his strong hand. Barefoot, her feet were already blistered, and now they were bleeding. "Eliza, don''t test my patience."


    He showed nopassion and didn''t even look back as he dragged her upstairs. She was thrown onto the floor harshly. The bathroom faucet turned on, and warm water from the showerhead poured down. Casper grabbed Eliza''s arm, pulling her into the bathroom. He picked up the showerhead, showering her withplex and angry emotions.


    "Did you sleep with him or not? Tell me," he demanded hysterically, almost crazily. The water quickly soaked through the expensive cocktail dress.


    Eliza, drenched, couldn''t even open her eyes, let alone beg for mercy.


    "Cough, cough..."


    She was choked, powerless to fight back. He turned off the shower, crouched down, and grabbed her chin, ring at her almost hatefully. "Did you do it in the bathroom? Is that it?"


    "You could call Mr. Gillum. He could


    give you the answer." She was drained, her body limply lying on the anti-slip tiles. Casper was dissatisfied with her response, so he stripped off her clothes and threw her directly into a bathtub filled with


    water. Just as Eliza was about to bring her head above water, CasperBelongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    mercilessly pushed her down,


    scrubbing her forcefully.

 Chapter 84

    She was gasping for breath. Her mouth and nose were filled with water, arms iling. "Casper... let me... out." He ignored her struggles. It was as if he was determined to scrub away every trace of Easton''s touch.


    Eliza''s delicate skin was now marked with red trails, every inch he scrubbed leaving a bloody streak.


    "Tell me, where else did he touch you?"


    He was practically peeling her skin off.


    Eliza had swallowed too much water, her strength ebbing away. Her body gradually stopped fighting, bing limp, until she slid uncontrobly into the bathtub.


    Just as her face slipped beneath the water, a pair of strong hands pulled her out.


    "Eliza, Eliza," he tapped her face lightly. "Don''t you y dead on me. We''re not done here."


    She didn''t respond. She looked lifeless, water filling her eyes and ears.


    Casper panicked, checking for her breath, his pupils shrinking in fear. "Eliza, wake up, please wake up."


    "Eliza,e on, wake up."


    She was still, like a cold, unresponsive Sleeping Beauty.


    Frantic, he carried her out of the bathroom,id her on the floor, and started CPR. "I won''t let you die. You can''t die. Breathe,e on, breathe! You hear me?" His eyes were bloodshot. His lips trembled.


    He took a deep breath, lowered his head, and breathed air into her lungs. "Eliza, I promised to spare your brother. You can''t die. Wake up."


    "Wake up, please, I''m begging you."


    He didn''t know how many cycles he performed.


    Over and over again, he didn''t stop for a second until she let out a faint cough. His heart, tight with fear, finally eased.


    "Eliza, I knew you wouldn''t die."


    Eliza was weak. Her mind was foggy.


    Casper called an ambnce, and Eliza was hospitalized again. She thought for sure this time she''d end up in hell, but she survived.


    Casper''s secretary sat across from


    her, watching with a nk


    expression. Mrs. Welton, you''re in the hospital way too often. You really don''t need to keep fighting with M. Casper. He''s doing all this for Welton International. If


    the


    have all the luxuries you''re used to,


    will you?" Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Faithe''s words cut deep as if it was all her fault. Eliza had nothing to say to Faithe. She gave her a cold nce and then looked away.


    Faithe noted her silence and spoke


    again, "Last night, Mr. Gillum was furious, and the contract didn''t get signed. It''s baffling. You had already left with him, so why did you return home? Do you realize how important thatnd is for Welton International? It''s a billion-dor project, the lifeline for thousands of employ¨¦es."


    Faithe got more agitated, pushing her sses up her nose. "You''re really too irresponsible."


    Eliza smiled faintly.


    Faithe took that smile as


    indifference, her tone getting nastier. "Of course, you don''t work at Welton International, so you don''t know how tough things are. If Mr. Gillum sells thatnd to our rivals, we''ll lose many projects. It''s a domino effect. Surely, even a housewife can understand that, right?"


    "If Welton International copses under Mr. Casper''s leadership, you''re letting down everyone in the Welton family. And you still have the nerve to smile."

 Chapter 85

    Eliza shot a frosty re at Faithe and said, "Faithe, you''re really dedicated to Casper, always putting Welton International first. If someone didn''t know better, they''d think you were thedy of the house." "If you''re upset about not getting that big bonus, I get it, but there''s no need for this passive-aggressive attitude."


    Faithe''s face turned a bit awkward. If thend deal went through, she would indeed get a sizable bonus. She couldn''t deny that part of her frustration came from this. But having Eliza, of all people, see through her motives was something she wouldn''t admit. Even though Eliza was Casper''s wife, Faithe believed she was superior to Eliza in every other way.


    "Mrs. Welton, you''re quite the joker. I''ve been with Mr. Casper for years, and Welton International feels like my own home. How could I not be concerned when there''s trouble at home?"


    Faithe stood up, repeating her usual line. "Mr. Casper is very busy and can''t make time for you. If you need anything, call me. I gave you my cardst time."


    Eliza didn''t say anything more.


    Faithe shot her a disdainful look before heading out of the hospital room.


    Just then, a nurse came in to administer Eliza''s IV, stopping Faithe. "You need to stay. She needs someone to take care of her."


    "Have the hospital arrange for a caregiver and add the cost to the bill," Faithe replied coldly, then left quickly.


    The nurse couldn''t help but protest, "How can you just leave her like this?"


    Neither woman responded to the nurse.


    Eliza moved her lips and said, "It''s okay, I can manage on my own."Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    The nurse sighed quietly and left after setting up the IV.


    Eliza''s body was on fire with pain. It felt like every inch of her skin was raw. Turning either way was ufortable, so she decided to sit up.


    She was in a basic ward that didn''t even have a bathroom. Needing to relieve herself, Eliza got up and started walking out, carrying her IV stand. She hadn''t gone far when she heard someone call her name.


    "Elle." She turned around and saw Renee.


    "Renee?"


    "Are you sick?" Renee quickly took the IV stand from her hands. "Why is no one taking care of you?"


    "It''s nothing serious." She noticed the food container in Renee''s hands. "Someone in your family is in the hospital?"


    "My mother-inw wasn''t feeling well, and Daniel asked me to bring her some food. She''s really picky about what she eats," Renee said casually.


    "Older folks do tend to have weaker stomachs."


    "Mr. Casper... doesn''t have time to take care of you?"


    Renee was puzzled. Casper was a prominent figure in Falconridge. If his wife was ill, he should at least have someone avable to look after Eliza, even if he couldn''t be there himself. This kind of neglect seemed out of character.


    Eliza forced a smile. Unable to answer, she chose to stay silent.


    "Do you need to go to the bathroom?" Renee asked, supporting Eliza, who was unsteady on her feet. "Is your foot hurting too? You seem to be limping." ¨¦n.swnovels


    "It''s okay, thank you."


    Eliza looked much more worn out. Seeing this, Renee felt a pang of sympathy. After they returned from


    the


    restroom, she sat in Eliza


    for a while.


    "Elle, is Mr. Casper... not treating you well?"


    room


    Renee wasn''t sure if she guessed right. She genuinely considered Eliza her best friend. That was why she was concerned.


    Eliza didn''t like sharing her family troubles with others, not even with Chelsea, her childhood friend. She seldom talked about such matters.

 Chapter 86

    Eliza didn''t want to be a burden to anyone or cause any trouble.


    "Let''s just leave it at that."


    "Leave what at that?" Renee nced at Eliza, noticing the series of red marks on her neck and arms, her eyes narrowing with concern. "Is he abusing you? Did he hit you?" "No." Eliza lowered her gaze, trying to hide the emotions welling up inside.


    Renee got it immediately. As a woman, how could she not understand?


    "Divorce him, seriously. No matter how handsome or rich he is, you don''t need that kind of man. I can help you find awyer."


    Renee''s words echoed Chelsea''s.


    Eliza felt a warmth in her heart. "Renee, my life with Casper... isn''t really the best, but I can''t leave him right now." "Why not? Marriage is a choice. If he doesn''t want to split, take it to court. Are you worried he''ll fight over the assets?" Eliza shook her head slightly. "It''s not that."


    Renee watched Eliza, who seemed hesitant to speak further. She got it; there were many things Eliza couldn''t share. She sighed softly. "That day you came to our house, your hand was wrapped in bandages. I should''ve realized then."


    Eliza remained silent.


    Renee held her hand sympathetically. "Whatever I can do to help, just ask. You really can''t keep living with this man. It''ll ruin your life."


    Renee had barely finished speaking when Casper pushed open the hospital room door and entered. He had overheard part of their conversation, and his expression was dark. Renee watched him with unprecedented disgust, not even bothering with a greeting. She just said to Eliza, "Elle, think about what I said. I''ll leave you to it."


    "Okay."


    After Renee left, Casper, with a grim face, turned to Eliza lying on the bed.


    After a long while, he finally said, "What nonsense have you been feeding her?"


    Eliza was taken aback. She did not say much, but even if she had, it was the truth. What was he using her of?


    "Are you afraid of tarnishing your good image? Don''t worry. People already know what kind of person you are."


    "And what kind of person am I?" His brows furrowed, his expression darkening.


    Eliza turned her face away, not in the mood to argue. His presence alone made the air tense because she never knew when he would snap. In the face of such madness, silence was the best strategy.


    Eliza said no more. Casper just watched her: one evading, the other pursuing.


    Eliza felt exhausted. "I want to sleep for a bit."


    "Go to sleep. I''ll keep an eye on your IV."


    For once, he said something humane. But... that was all it was.


    When Eliza woke up, a nurse was changing her IV bag. "The needle backflushed. Did you fall asleep and forget you were still on an IV?"Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Had Casper left? A wave of silent mockery washed over Eliza.


    "My fault," the nurse adjusted the


    drip rate and noted the time. "When I came over, someone was here thought he would press the call button when needed. I didn''t expect him to leave without a word."


    "I''m sorry for the trouble." Eliza felt embarrassed.


    The nurseforted her in return. "It''s okay, but don''t let it happen again. Keep an eye on it yourself." Stay awake until it''s done, then you can sleep." ¨¦n.swnovels


    "Alright."


    Eliza lost all desire to sleep. She watched her IV drip until it was finished.


    When the nurse came to remove the needle, Eliza asked, "Can I be discharged?"

 Chapter 87

    Eliza was worried the nurse might misunderstand, so she added, "I''ll be back first thing tomorrow morning." "Are you sure you''re up for it?" The nurse eyed her with concern. "I wouldn''t rmend you go home."


    "I can''t sleep well in the hospital." She lied casually.


    The nurse didn''t want to make things difficult, and suggested, "Alright then, just fill out a discharge form and get the doctor''s signature. But you need to be back early tomorrow for your IV treatment." "Got it, thanks."


    Before leaving the hospital, Eliza called Chelsea. Then, she grabbed a cab to her apartment.


    Robin was already back, looking lost. Sometimes, he wouldn''t speak; other times, he just smiled vacantly.


    "Robin, do you recognize me? I''m your sister." Eliza looked at her brother, feeling a constant ache in her heart.


    Chelsea patted her shoulder, signaling her not to worry. "I''ve set up an appointment with a psychiatrist for tomorrow. Let''s see what they say and n out the next steps for his treatment."


    It seemed like the only option now, but it was the best oue they could hope for.


    Casper hadn''t gone back on his word.


    "Chelsea, I''m terrified that Casper might change his mind. If one day, he decides to take Robin to some godforsaken ce, we might never see him again."


    "Do you really think he''d do that?"


    Chelsea didn''t know Casper well, but judging by how he treated Eliza, it wasn''t beyond him to do something so cruel.


    Eliza just wanted to keep Robin safe. "Chelsea, I have an idea."


    "Go ahead."


    "I want to sell the house our parents left us."


    Chelsea was surprised. "Why sell the house? Where will you guys live?"


    "I never nned on staying in Falconridge."


    Eliza''s eyes darkened; she no longer felt any attachment to this city. Leaving was inevitable, and it was the ultimate choice.


    Chelsea felt a pang of sadness. It took someone like Casper to drive Eliza to this point.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "I understand. Wherever you go, I''ll support you. And I can help you sell the house."


    Eliza nodded, offering a grateful smile. "Thanks, Chelsea."


    "No need to thank me. I just want you to keep on living well."


    "I will."


    Eliza was scarred and wounded and had already lost the sparkle in her eyes.


    She


    >t always like this. Her


    a


    parents were busy makiet


    and rarely spent time with


    but she was nurtured.


    care.


    By nature, Eliza was cheerful, generous, sincere, and uncalcting in her dealings with others.


    But...she didn''t know when she had be so submissive.


    It probably started the day she married Casper. Love could keep a person vibrant and splendid ore plunge someone into hell, never to rise again.


    For Eliza, it was thetter.


    "Enough about me." Eliza picked up her phone and transferred all her money to Chelsea, "I know this isn''t nearly enough for Robin''s treatment, but I figure something out. I''ll find another job."


    "I don''t want your money." Chelsea sent the money back.


    Eliza was going back to Casper''s home to face tough times. How could she leave without a penny?


    "Chelsea..." Eliza hoped Chelsea would ept it.


    Chelsea firmly refused. "When you finally leave that monster, you can pay me back. I''ll hold nothing against you until then." Alright.


    Eliza kept a mental note of what she owed Chelsea. When she could, she would repay her double.


    Eliza stayed at Chelsea''s ce for the night.


    That night, she bathed Robin, cut his hair, shaved his beard, and changed him into clean clothes.

 Chapter 88

    Robin could never get a good night''s sleep, always waking up with a start. Eliza stayed by his side all night, barely catching any rest herself.


    By morning, Eliza was back at the hospital. She had been there alone for almost a week. Casper hadn''t shown up, and neither had Faithe. The hospital room''s TV had been ring nonstop news about Welton International all week long. From those reports, Eliza learned that Easton had indeed sold that piece ofnd to Welton International''s rival. The tension at Welton International towards Casper had reached an all-time high.


    Would Casper me her for this mess? But what did it have to do with her anyway? He was the one who asked her to stay with him overnight, and he was the one who took her away from Easton. "You''re looking much better today," the nurse said with a smile as she walked in.


    "Yeah, I''m nning on getting discharged."


    "Sure thing," the nurse said, handing Eliza some medication. She added casually, "We had a transfer patient today. The guy with her looked like the one who visited you the other day."


    A guy? Casper was the only one who had visited her.


    "A transfer patient... for surgery or...?"


    "They said she had a knife wound a while back, almost hit her heart. She needs a thorough check-up," the nurse said, rolling her eyes a bit. "This woman''s already been through a bunch of hospitals with a stack of reports this thick. I don''t get why she needs more checks. Maybe it''s just rich folks being paranoid."


    Was Nova afraid of dying? When she stabbed herself and framed Eliza, she didn''t show any hesitation then.


    Casper had plenty of money. If he wanted to waste it and his time on Nova''s whims, that was his business, not hers.


    "Maybe," Eliza replied nonchntly.


    The nurse hummed in agreement. "Well,e find me in a bit, and I''ll get your discharge papers ready."


    "Will do."


    Eliza had healed up quite nicely. She quickly packed her things, slung her bag over her shoulder, and walked out of the hospital room.


    As she finalized her discharge


    papers, Casper appeared, pushing


    Nova in a wheelchair from the VIP t


    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ward. Upon spotting Eliza, Nova froze for a second, then turned to Casper, "Casper, can you go get the report for me?"


    Casper shot a quick nce at Eliza before walking away, his face dark and brooding.


    Nova rolled up to Eliza. "So, you were


    in the hospital too? Eliza, stop with your little schemes. Trying to imitate me won''t get you anywhere. Casper won''t pity you," she said, her slender finger@lightly stroking her


    aver


    wheelchair. "He treats me differently, you know? Look, this wheelchair is super expensive and costs tens of thousands. Casper got it for me."


    Nova loved asserting her presence over Eliza, especially when Casper wasn''t around, allowing her malice and nastiness to shine through without restraint.


    Eliza didn''t want to engage with her nonsense. But she also didn''t want to let her revel in it too easily. "Oh, so he got you this fancy wheelchair? You look thrilled. I thought he gave you a new pair of legs." "You..." Nova''s face twisted in anger.


    Eliza took the discharge forms form from the nurse and stepped closer to Nova, "Enjoy my man, but don''t return him. I wouldn''t want to catch STDs."


    "Eliza, you..." Nova seethed, gritting her teeth.


    Eliza arched an eyebrow and walked away. It wasn''t that shecked the words to p back at Nova. Most of the time, she just couldn''t express her feelings freely. Nova had Casper backing her up. And Eliza, wett, she was just a poor soul bound by constraints.


    As she turned, she saw Casper standing right behind her, his expression stormy.


    "What did you just say?"

 Chapter 89

    Eliza shot him a cold, emotionless nce, didn''t bother answering, and walked away purposefully. Momentster, her phone buzzed. It was the hospital calling-they needed her toe in. Rose was showing signs of waking up.


    She quickly gged down a taxi and headed to the small town hospital. On the way, Aaron called, "Eliza, did the doctor get in touch with you? Your mom has made a lot of progress."


    "I''m on my way to the hospital now," Eliza''s voice was a mix of excitement and nerves.


    "I''ll be there soon. We can talk when we see each other."


    "Alright."


    Eliza''s eyes sparkled with determination, hope, and confidence about the future. Her brother was already safe. If her mom''s condition improved, she was ready to divorce Casper. Her breathing quickened, and her heartbeat raced as she hurried into the hospital.


    "Hi Aaron."


    "This is amazing news."


    Aaron had gotten there a bit earlier and was waiting for her. His face lit up with excitement. He''d been involved in the project from the start and didn''t expect results this soon.


    "Yeah, I was thrilled when I got the call, but..." Eliza''s voice wavered. "My mom''s been in aa for so long. What if her mind...?"


    "It should be fine. Rx."


    "Okay."


    They walked together into the doctor''s office. The doctor responsible for the project showed Eliza a presentation of Rose''s progress over time.


    After the presentation, Aaron turned to Eliza. "How about we go see your mom now?"


    "Yes, I can''t wait."


    "Let''s go, then."


    Rose was lying on a hospital bed in the ward, with a personal nurse and various devices attached to her. Previously, no matter how much Eliza called out to her mother, there was no response. Now, when her name was called, her eyelids twitched. For someone who had been in aa for years, it was nothing short of a miracle.


    Tears welled up in Eliza''s eyes. Aaron gently patted her back. "Don''t get too worked up. Everything will get better." "Okay."


    They weren''t allowed to stay too long in the research ward. After leaving, Aaron talked with Eliza about health matters and being a doctor.


    "I have a friend who''s a gynecology specialist. I told her about your condition, and she thinks there''s hope for treatment."


    Aaron''s idea was straightforward. If


    Eliza got pregnant, the antibodies in her blood could be her best protection. The Welton family would do anything to keep Jeffery alive. Even if they eventually showed her mercy, it was her body, her life, and she had a long way to go,


    But Eliza shook her head. "I don''t need that."


    "You''re still young. There are many possibilities."


    "Aaron, I don''t want to get pregnant, especially not with Casper''s child." The thought of it now repulsed her as much as she once longed for it. "Don''t worry about this."


    Her strong aversion made Aaron a bit awkward. He quickly changed the subject, "I''m not working as the family doctor for the Welton family anymore. After this project, I''ll be going back to work at my family''s hospital."


    She looked surprised. "Really? What about Jeffrey''s illness?"


    "The Welton family will have no shortage of good doctors." He put his hands in his pockets, looking off into the distance with a sigh. "Casper isn''t the same person


    knew Leaving early is better for him,T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    for me, and for all of us."


    "From now on, you don''t need to hold back with me. If you need any help, just let me know." He turned to look at Eliza with a hint of hope in his eyes.

 Chapter 90

    Eliza didn''t even nce up at him. She just gave a slight smile and nodded. "Hmm."


    Aaron offered to drive Eliza home, and she agreed. During the ride, she mainly asked about the steps to take once her mother woke up and how to help her regain her physical abilities. She even inquired about Robin''s chances of recovery.


    Aaron answered all her questions, patient and gentle as ever. Every now and then, they''d reminisce about their school days.


    At a red light, Eliza''s phone slipped from her grasp and fell to the floor. She unbuckled her seatbelt to retrieve it. When she tried to buckle up again, she struggled a bit.


    Noticing her difficulty, Aaron reached over to help her with the seatbelt.


    Right at that moment, Casper driving by saw the scene. From his angle, it looked as if Aaron was leaning over Eliza, intimately close, without any reservations. Was it a kiss, a peck, or something else? He could only guess.


    Casper quickly turned the wheel and followed Aaron''s car.


    Eliza didn''t let Aaron drop her off at the entrance of Welton Estate. Instead, she asked him to stop at the crossroads. "Aaron, thanks for the ride. And thank you for taking care of my mom''s case. I really look forward to the day she opens her eyes and talks to me."


    "Don''t worry, that day wille soon," Aaron reassured her.


    "Okay," she replied.


    After saying goodbye to Aaron, Eliza returned to Welton Estate. The house was eerily quiet. Without Casper and Nova around, even the air felt fresher.


    However, just as she had taken off her shoes, Casper''s car pulled in. Marian quickly fetched a pair of slippers and waited by the door.


    Casper said nothing and didn''t even bother to change his shoes. He walked briskly behind Eliza, grabbed her wrist, and dragged her upstairs.


    "What now?" she snapped.


    Whenever she felt a bit better, he treated her roughly. It''s like he didn''t want her to enjoy a moment of peace.


    "Found someone new and feeling all bold now?" he sneered, gripping her wrist tightly. "Eliza, what exactly are you up to?"


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about."Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "You don''t know?" He leaned in close, his gaze piercing her trembling eyes. "Where did you go after leaving the hospital? Went on a date with your precious Aaron, didn''t you?"


    Eliza stared at him, a deep-seated disgust rising within her. He could spend every day with Nova and do whatever he wanted. But if she even spoke to Aaron, she hadmitted a cardinal sin.


    "Is being with a man always considered a date? If so, how should I interpret your intimate rtionship with Nova?" she retorted, ring at him.


    It wasn''t jealousy or envy but about


    standing up for herself. He clearly didn''t love her, yet he was so suspicious of her. If it was about preserving the so-called honor of the Welton family, he should manage his own actions better.


    "You''re questioning me?" He red at her hatefully, throwing her onto the bed with force. "Eliza, I''ve overlooked your past, given you respect, and you still have the nerve to question me?"


    She seemed resigned. What she was to him didn''t matter anymore.


    As he leaned over her, she coldly said, "If I''m so tainted, aren''t you afraid of getting sick?"


    "Can you swear you haven''t been


    with Aaron? Did Easton ever touch you? Eliza, can you swear you''ve always been faithful to me?" His eyes reddened as he grabbed Ker clothes and tore them you?"


    "Can

 Chapter 91

    A chill ran through her, freezing her heart in its grip. Eliza''s lips curled into a cold, mocking smile.


    It wasn''t that she was afraid to say that. She just didn''t see the point anymore. She was done trying to prove her innocence, begging him to understand.


    "Casper, why are we still dragging this out? Aren''t you tired of this pointless, painful mess? Seriously, let''s just get a divorce."


    Casper''s eyes widened for a moment. Divorce? He thought she''d never bring it up again. Was it because of Aaron? Or was there someone else?


    "Oh, so are you tired of ying house? Are you looking to upgrade to Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Lynch, or Mrs. Gillum? Are you open to any of those titles?" His voice dripped with sarcasm, like he''d just heard the world''s biggest joke. The smirk on his face radiated mockery and disdain.


    Eliza pulled her clothes tighter around her, her gaze steady. "I think I''ve almost paid my dues, even if you think I owe Nova something. Just let me go. Let my family go. I''d be grateful, okay?"


    "You don''t think you deserve this?" His eyes were sharp, cutting into her like a knife.


    It didn''t matter anymore; she was numb to the pain. As long as she could get away, she wouldn''tin, even if she had just one breath left.


    "Sure, I deserve it. But does my family deserve it? If I''d known marrying you would lead here, I''d never have chosen love."


    "So, have you found someone else?" He sneered.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    She was too exhausted to exin. "Fine, let''s just say I have."


    "Say that again?" His eyes darkened as he grabbed her neck. "I dare you."


    Her face tightened as she struggled to breathe, her eyes burning with resentment as she stared him down. "Casper, have you forgotten how you framed my dad? How you drove Robin insane? Have you forgotten these past two years of hell?"


    Her eyes were bloodshot, tears streaming down her face. She''d never hated anyone more. This was the first time she''d stood up to him, and it showed a fierce


    ele


    determination. If it came to it, she wasn''t afraid of dying. She had


    nothing left to lose.


    His grip loosened, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "Haven''t I exined Robin''s situation? And your father? His own dirty dealings got him reported."


    He spoke as if it were all his actions were justified. It was as if he had no part in it. Eliza''s tear-filled eyes were heavy with disappointment. She knew he''d never admit it. She''d find out herself if Robin had assaulted Nova and why her father was


    arrested and died in prison.


    Casper tightened his grip on her chin, disliking her defiance. "If you think you can settle scores with me, you''re mistaken. You''d better behave and stay as Mrs. Welton, or else..." Or else her family wouldn''t be safe. She understood his threat all too well.


    Eliza red at him, her lips trembling as she bit down hard. He pinched her face, forcing her to rx, and then crushed his lips against hers.

 Chapter 92

    His tongue slipped between her lips, demanding her to get tangled up with him. "Be good, listen to me, alright?" he said, softening his tone.


    Eliza wasn''t having any of it, her fists pounding against him, fighting back.


    But to him, her weak punches felt more like yful flirting. His interest spiked, their breaths mingling as he nibbled her earlobe, demanding, "Who''s better, me or Aaron?" Eliza couldn''t respond. Faced with such a twisted question, she bit down hard, letting him wonder.


    She stayed silent, but his frenzy escted, gripping her waist and pressing against her burning skin. "Tell me, who''s better? Who satisfies you more? Speak."


    She wouldn''t say a word, and he kept tormenting her. In the end, he got nothing out of her lips.


    Panting, he bit the soft skin behind her ear. "I heard that your mom is showing good results in the research project. She''s waking up, right?"


    Eliza''s heart sank. She was terrified Casper would meddle in this.


    "Please."


    "Please, what?" His hand caressed her slender waist gently, "Hmm?"


    "Please, don''t go after someone already in aa. My mom raised Nova; she hasn''t done anything wrong."


    He scoffed, his lips brushing her ear. "Then tell me, who satisfies you more, me or Aaron?"


    He was fixated on getting an answer. It was all about his ego.


    Cornered, she reluctantly lied, "You."


    "You slept with him, didn''t you!" he exploded, shoving her away, his face twisted in rage, "Eliza, you''ve got some nerve, cheating on me. You''ll pay for this." Eliza''s eyes trembled. Wasn''t this the answer he wanted?


    "Eliza, you''re something else."


    He pointed at her fiercely before storming out of the bedroom, mming the door behind him.


    Eliza''s heart ached. Wasn''t this what he wanted to hear? What''s with the rage, then?


    Soon, a car roared out of Welton Estate.


    Eliza curled up, hugging her knees, sobbing softly.


    For two days, Casper was nowhere to be found.


    Eliza was on edge. She called the hospital almost every day, on her mom''s progress.


    said things were going


    She also called Aaron, as he was involved in the project, but he didn''t say much.


    Eliza''s anxiety eased a bit. She thought Casper''s anger had cooled down, so she nned to apologize to sweet talk him, hoping to lighten his mood so he wouldn''t hold a grudge. After all, she couldn''thandle his revenge.


    Three dayster, in the morning, woke up early, dressed in one of


    Casper''s favorite outfits, and


    her


    makeup meticulously, ready to visit


    Welton International.


    In her hands were homemade cookies. Prepping and baking them took almost two hours, and they smelled delicious. Before she left, she checked herself in the mirror, looking radiant. She was like a blooming rose, dazzlingly beautiful. Just as she got into the car, a call came from Hope Hospital, "Hello?"Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "Ms. Eliza, could youe to the hospital? There''s been a suddenplication with the project. Your mother, she..." Eliza felt a sharp pain in her chest, as if a bad omen loomed, "What happened to my mom?"

 Chapter 93

    The doctor didn''t get into specifics over the phone. His voice wasced with anxiety and helplessness, even tinged with regret. This left her mind racing with all sorts of possibilities. "Take me to Hope Hospital, please," she urged to the driver, her voice tight with worry.


    As soon as the taxi pulled up to the hospital entrance, she didn''t wait for it toe to aplete stop. She grabbed her purse and the tin of cookies she had baked for Casper and jumped out.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Hope Hospital was bustling with activity today, more so than usual. Staff members were rushing in and out. She had no time to ponder why and made a beeline for Dr. Sanders'' office, the doctor overseeing her mother''s treatment.


    "Dr. Sanders," she called out, her forehead dotted with sweat, her eyes filled with uncertainty.


    Dr. Sanders looked up, got to his feet, and led her to the adjacent room. He pursed his lips, looking troubled and apologetic. "Ms. Eliza, your mother''s program..."


    "What about it? Dr. Sanders, please, just tell me," she pleaded, her voice trembling as she locked eyes with him. Her heart pounded erratically, and her legs felt like jelly.


    Dr. Sanders sighed. "You must''ve seen themotion when you arrived. The hospital has been acquired, and as a result, the program is temporarily suspended."


    Her mother''s treatment was at a critical juncture. An interruption now could worsen her condition, maybe even be fatal. Eliza struggled toprehend the suddenness of it all. Hadn''t there been any warnings about this acquisition?


    "Dr. Sanders, does the acquisition automatically mean my mom''s program has to stop? Isn''t there another way? You know how serious her condition is. If the treatment is paused, she might not make it," she said, desperation in her voice.


    The doctor knew the stakes better than anyone, but some decisions were out of his hands. "Ms. Eliza, you might want to call Dr. Martin. He''s leading this project. Maybe he can find a way to resume it." Aaron. How could she have forgotten Aaron?


    Eliza hurried out of the office and called him. He had just heard the news and was already looking for solutions. "Don''t worry, I''m heading to the hospital right now. We had no prior warning about this acquisition; it''s all so sudden."


    "I''ll be waiting, Aaron."


    "Alright."


    Eliza paced nervously between the doctor''s office and her mother''sb, clutching her phone. When Aaron finally arrived, looking exhausted but determined, she rushed to meet him.


    "Aaron," she called out, relief flooding her voice.


    "This acquisition blindsided us, but don''t worry, we''ll find a solution," he reassured her, his words calming her a little.


    Her immediate concern was her mother''s condition. "What about my mom''s illness?"


    "She''s still on her medication. Even if


    the program is suspended, there''s a process we must follow. I''ll talk to the team to see if we can dy suspending the research for The most pressing issue is to discuss the situation with thepany that bought the hospital," Aaron exined.


    Eliza nodded, feeling a flicker of hope. Aaron seemed to be the only one who could navigate this mess. "Thank you, Aaron."


    "No need to thank me. Come on, let''s go to my office and figure out whichpany is behind this."


    "Okay," she replied, following him into his office.

 Chapter 94

    After the hospital was bought out, a lot of staff changes happened. Everyone was busy packing up their things.


    Dr. Sanders walked in, knocking on the door with a document in hand. "Dr. Martin, thepany that acquired our hospital is called CSP Corporation."


    CSP Corporation was a familiar name in Falconridge. Thispany was all about acquisitions and investments. They were involved in various industries and had a strong presence in Falconridge for years. Especially in thest year, their activities had been all over the news.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Who''s the boss?" Aaron asked.


    Dr. Sanders shook his head. "No idea, no one''s seen the boss."


    "Got it. Go ahead and do your thing."


    Eliza was getting anxious. "Aaron, if we knew who the boss was, could we try negotiating to keep the project going?"


    "It''s the only option we have right now."


    The research project wasn''t the only issue. If the hospital didn''t provide the space, the overseas licensing would be terminated, and once the project was shelved, restarting it would be extremely difficult. It was like signing a contract and then unterally terminating it-that was a breach of contract. Losing credibility would make future coborations nearly impossible.


    He motioned for Eliza to stay calm. "I''ll call the team abroad first to see if it''s possible to transfer the project to another hospital, perhaps one owned by the Martin family, and continue there."


    This brought new hope to Eliza. Her eyes sparkled. "If that''s really possible, that would be amazing."


    Aaron went to make the call, while Eliza waited anxiously.


    When he returned, his brow was furrowed. "They said an application was filed to discontinue the project


    this morning, and the teel???


    fee has already been sent to their


    team''s ount. The project has


    been terminated."


    It was like a punch to the gut. Eliza felt her mind go nk, and she nearly copsed. Aaron quickly helped her to sit down. "It shouldn''t have happened so quickly."


    But what shouldn''t have happened


    had happened, and there was no


    chance to change the oue. Tears filled Eliza''s eyes; the discontinuation of this project


    meant that her mother''s chance of


    survival was now slim. Aaron gently


    patted her back. Thi


    oue no one wanted to see.


    Suddenly, the door was flung open. Casper walked in. By his side was Faithe, carrying a stack of thick documents. "Dr. Martin, you must sign the termination letter for Rose''s projectter. The group needs to make a backup."


    Aaron stared at the documents in shock, then back at Casper with astonishment. "It''s you? CSP Corporation is yours?"


    How could it be Casper? If it really was him, why would he discontinue the project?


    With tears in her eyes, Eliza turned back to stare at Casper. It was him! He was the one who acquired Hope Hospital? He was the one who discontinued her mother''s project.


    The hatred in her eyes was palpable; she walked up to Casper and mmed the tin of homemade cookies onto him. The tin fell to the floor, breaking open, and the shaped cookies scattered everywhere.


    Casper met her gaze emotionlessly. "You''re a monster," she said, grabbing his shirt and tearing at it. "What''s your reason for doing this? Why? Casper, why? Tell me!"

 Chapter 95

    "Mrs. Welton, please, take it easy." Faithe tried to push Eliza away. Instead, Eliza shoved her back forcefully. "Get away from me."


    Tears welled up in Eliza''s eyes, a torrent of pain breaking free. She red at Casper standing in front of her with utter despair. "Why, Casper, just why?"


    He gripped her iling hands tightly, his eyes cold and unyielding. "Why? You seriously don''t know why? Don''t you realize what you''ve done? Eliza, you admitted it yourself-you slept with him." Casper pointed a finger at Aaron, who stood across the room.


    Aaron was taken aback. "Casper, what on earth are you talking about?"


    "Am I lying?" Casper dragged Eliza over to Aaron. "Ask her if she didn''t say you two slept together. Aaron, I considered you a brother, and you slept with my wife?"


    "I would never do something like that." Aaron was firm, bewildered that Eliza would joke about such a thing. "There has to be a misunderstanding. You know Eliza."


    Casper wasn''t interested in Aaron''s exnations. He grabbed Eliza by the back of her head, forcing her to look at Aaron. "Eliza, the ultimate expression of love is to go down together. Let''s start with your mom apanying your so-called love."T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    With a violent shove, he pushed Eliza into Aaron''s arms.


    Aaron quickly steadied Eliza and straightened himself up, his voice filled with indignation. "Casper, this is going too far. Do you think you can just say these things lightly? What you''re doing is beyond cruel. Even if you and Eliza are fighting, her mom is still your mother-inw."


    "If she saw me as her man, she wouldn''t be fooling around with you." Casper''s face twitched with rage as he stare at Eliza. "This is just the beginning."


    The beginning?


    All because she had been coerced into a lie, and now his revenge was relentless.


    Looking at his striking face, she let


    velne


    out a bitterugh. She had never- hated anyone so much; she


    despised her own helplessness and weakness even more.


    She forced herself to swallow her tears, suppressing the anguish surging inside, and approached Casper once more. "Will you only stop if I die?" Her voice was barely a whisper, as fragile as ash.


    Aaron shivered at her words, but Casper was eerily calm, a mocking smirk curling on his lips. That smirk was full of disdain, contempt, and scorn. He knew she had too many ties; dying wouldn''t be so easy.


    He didn''t give Eliza an answer. Turning on his heel, he walked away.


    Faithe hurried after him, "Mr. Casper..."


    Just as she caught up, Casper swung around and delivered a sharp, heavy p. "Who told you to cancel the project with the overseas client?" Faithe saw stars, her eyes filling with tears of humiliation. She had acted on her own, believing it was inevitable. "Mr. Casper, I just thought..." "From now on, if you dare decide anything on your own again without my orders, you can pack your things and go." "I... I understand."


    Faithe, clutching her swollen cheek, trailed after Casper as he left.


    Back in the office, Aaron handed Eliza a tissue. "Even if the project is terminated, and the medication stops, I''ll find another way. Don''t stress too much. I won''t let your mom just slip away."


    Eliza gave Aaron a grateful look. Then, her gaze dropped in despair. "You sawit, Casper''s a madman. I''m really scared he''lle after you too. If that happens, I''d never forgive myself. I don''t want to drag anyone else down with me."

 Chapter 96

    "You don''t have to worry about me. What''s the worst he can do? Fight me?" Aaron had grown up with Casper, and although Casper had be unreasonable, Aaron knew deep down that wasn''t his true nature. Aaron chuckled, "I can hold my own against him."


    It was meant as a joke, yet Eliza still felt uneasy.


    After she and Aaron had left, Casper returned to the hospital office alone. The tin was still on the floor, and some cookies inside hadn''t spilled out. They were just lying there. He reached out, picking up the tin. The cute pink box had a funky look. The cookies inside were colorful. They had eyes and ears that were lifelike-clearly, she had put effort into them.


    If today''s events hadn''t unfolded, would she have appeared in front of him, offering the cookies with eagerness, saying words tofort him?


    He took a cookie and put it in his mouth. The rich aroma instantly filled his senses. He chewed contentedly, a faint smile appearing in his eyes. He carefully packed the remaining cookies, taking them with him. Back at Welton Estate, Eliza took out the divorce papers she had printed earlier. Staring at the few words on it, she felt unusually calm.


    "So, you''re back," Nova''s mocking voice rang out.


    Eliza put the divorce papers back in her bag and looked up. "This is my home."


    "It won''t be for long," Nova said, leaning on a cane, her face lit with excitement. "Let me be honest with you, Tristan came to see me today. He had a fortune teller predict me and Casper''spatibility. He said I bring fortune to my husband."


    "That''s nice, a perfect match in heaven," Eliza retorted with a sneer.


    Furious, Nova red, "Stay jealous, oh no, I mean, just wait for your death. It''s almost time for Jeffrey to need another blood transfusion. Just wait to be drained of blood and die.".


    Eliza didn''t care about Nova''s curse. If curses could kill, Casper would have died hundreds of times over.


    "Nova, as long as I''m alive, you''ll always be the mistress who can''t see the light of day."


    "You..."


    Casper walked in. Nova immediately started crying as if on the verge of tears, "Casper, you''re back." "Yeah."


    He ignored Nova''s dramatic expressions and focused on


    toe to the study with me. I < about your mother''sText ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Casper was unusually serious. Eliza initially didn''t n to engage, but she paused, then followed him.


    "Close the door," he said.


    Eliza turned to close the door, and when she turned back, Casper was already standing in front of her Hie wasso close, their breaths intertwined. ¨¦n.swnovels


    Eliza turned her face away. "Mr. Casper, weren''t we going to discuss my mother''s project?"


    "Do you hate me?"


    She found it amusing, "Isn''t that quite normal?"


    "What if I said I could help restart the project? Would you still hate me?"


    Eliza was stunned.


    What did he mean? Restart the project?


    Once the project was halted, it was supposed to be impossible to restart of it were to be restarted, the penalty fees would need to be paid, and a significant amount of O resources would also be required.


    "Do you think I would believe you?"

 Chapter 97

    "Do you really have any other choice but to trust me?" Hisrge hand braced against the door frame, his body leaning in, almost nose-to-nose with her. "You think Aaron can help? The best he can do is get your mom into his hospital and dy the inevitable."


    "You bought out the hospital, cutting off the project-was it all just to see my mom die, like you wanted?"


    His revenge was sessful, and now he was back, talking about restarting the project.


    What was his game? Was this all just a twisted game to him?


    She looked into his eyes, searching for any hidden meaning, but she couldn''t read him.


    "Restart the project? What are you really after?" She remembered what Nova had said earlier and couldn''t help but sneer. "If this is still about your grandfather, you didn''t need to go through all this. I can''t escape it anyway."


    "No," he denied quickly.


    It was not about that? Then what?


    She was sick of guessing, like burning with anticipation. A quick answer would be less painful.


    "Then what is it?"


    His long fingers lifted slowly, and just as they were about to touch her face, she reflexively dodged to the side.


    His fingertips missed, and he looked displeased. "Does it matter what it is? Who else but me can restart the project for you?"


    "Do you find this amusing?"


    She couldn''t understand and wouldn''t agree to his terms easily. She didn''t want to be pushed to the edge, even if she was desperate.


    "If you really need a reason, then... let''s have a child."


    Hisrge hand gripped her slender shoulder, desire boiling inside him, yet his expression was eerily calm.


    Have a child?


    Her eyes widened in shock, and she shoved him away forcefully. Had he forgotten about the half bottle of birth control pills he made her take?


    He didn''t want her to be pregnant, and now he wanted her to bear a child?


    What did he take her for?


    "Casper, I can''t get pregnant, and I won''t. If you think having a baby could produce antibodies to give your grandfather another ten years, forget it." Eliza was defiantly refusing to bear children. He felt deeply insulted. "How do you know if you don''t try?"


    "Try?" She scoffed at his angry,


    twisted face, tears misting her eyes.


    toe


    "Haven''t you tried enough? Every single day, you pinned me down to have sex with me. Did you ever take precautions? Did I get pregnant? Mr. Casper, those birth control pills weren''t fake." Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Casper could never understand this pain. He could have kids with any woman he wanted, but she couldn''t have children anymore. She had lost the right and opportunity to be a mother all thanks to Casper.


    "Do you regret it?" Her tear-filled


    eyes curved like a crescent moon, carrying a heart-wrenching sadness. "You should have gotten me


    pregnant, used the antibodies f


    your grandfather, then taken the child away. Instead, you made it almost impossible to have your child."


    Casper remained silent, staring at her and watching her tears fall, shattering on the ground like his heart.


    His slender fingers gently wiped away her tears. "If you can''t have a child, then so be it. Why are you crying?"


    "Will you still restart the project? Will


    you save my mom? After pushing her to hell, will you pull her back up? If she dies, and Robin goes mad, then you would have sessfully torn our whole family apart are you satisfied with your revenge now?"

 Chapter 98

    Every word she said hit him right in the heart, leaving him utterly defenseless.


    They''d been married for two years, and she had always been as gentle as a kitten. This sudden burst of aggression waspletely out of character.


    His eyes darkened.


    He retreated to his desk, pulled out a cigarette, and ced it between his lips. He couldn''t answer her question.


    With a flick of his lighter, he took a deep drag. "Haven''t you always wanted to work? I found you a job."


    "I don''t need you to find me a job," she replied coldly.


    He took another deep inhale and exhaled a cloud of gray smoke. "Seems like you also don''t need your mother toe back to life."


    "What exactly do you want?" She knew Casper was up to no good. After misunderstanding her rtionship with Aaron, he probably wanted to send her to some shady ce. "Do you want me to work in a nightclub?"


    "A nightclub?" He scoffed like he''d just heard a joke. "Are you good at pleasing men or serving them submissively? You''re as stiff as a board in bed. Who would like that?"


    His insult stung. Stubbornly wiping away her tears, she asked, "Then where do you want to send me?"


    "To the back alleys of Miami to hustle or to Las Vegas to run scams. Could you do that?" He blew a cloud of smoke right into her face in anger.


    She coughed a few times, waving away the smoke. "I can''t."


    "Then just go to work like you''re supposed to." He picked up an employment contract from his desk and handed it to her. "Report to thepany tomorrow." Eliza eyed him warily, then looked down at the paper.


    Welton International, Design Department.


    The words burned her eyes. She immediately handed the contract back to Casper. "I''m not going to Welton International."


    He frowned. When they first got married, she had begged him more than once, dreaming of joining the Design Department at Welton International.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Back then, she was na?ve and innocent, always dreaming of going to work with Casper anding home together like a couple straight out of a romantic movie.


    She had submitted her resume to the Design Department of Welton International multiple times. With her qualifications and experience, she met all the hiring standards.


    However, Casper still intervened and refused. He wouldn''t allow her to work, and going to Welton International was out of the question.


    After that, she didn''t bother trying.


    Now...she wanted to be as far away from Casper as possible. If given the chance, she''d never want to see him again.


    "I won''t go."


    She wouldn''t ept a job with strings attached.


    Her repeated refusals infuriated Casper. He fiercely stubbed out his cigarette, grabbed her by the arm, and pressed her onto the couch, his hands propped beside her.


    "Work at Welton International to keep your mother alive, or don''t and let her die. Choose one," he demanded.


    Eliza moved her lips. It was always an ultimatum. It seemed she never really had a choice.


    "What''s your real reason for wanting me to work at Welton International?" She met his gaze directly, those dark abyss-like eyes plotting something she couldn''t understand.


    He chuckled mockingly. "I''m just curious how you''ll manage to date other men right under my nose."


    So that was his reason.


    She looked up to meet the scorn in his eyes. "If I truly want to do that, it''ll be impossible to prevent it from happening."

 Chapter 99

    She always knew how to push Casper''s buttons.


    In a fit of rage, he grabbed her shoulders and shoved her down onto the couch, his teeth clenched in anger. "You''re addicted to this, aren''t you?"


    Eliza met his furious gaze with cold indifference. His body pressed tightly against hers, and the weight and warmth of him made her skin crawl.


    He leaned in to kiss her, but she turned her face away in disgust. "Casper, let''s just let each other go."


    His voice was rough, almost a whisper. "Have you paid back what you owe me?"


    Eliza was at a loss for words. How could she ever repay him? Would it only be settled if they were both dead?


    "Casper," Nova said, stepping into the room. She took in the scene-Casper pinning Eliza to the couch with eyes red from jealousy, although her face remained calm andposed. "Are you busy?" Casper released Eliza and stood up, turning to Nova. "What is it?"


    "Dr. Ramos called. They found both a kidney and a heart donor," she said, casting a deliberate nce at Eliza. "Apparently, it''s from Hope Hospital. Some project was shut down."


    Eliza''s heart sank. They were talking about her own mother.


    Everything clicked into ce. Casper hadn''t bought the hospital just to get back at her; he had done it for Nova. He didn''t start the project to save her mother''s life. He just wanted her mother to live long enough to harvest her organs for Nova.


    The realization hit Eliza like a truck. Her mother had raised Nova for over a decade, and was now nothing but a pawn.


    With a shake of her head, Eliza stepped back, her vision blurring as she copsed to the floor.


    "Eliza, are you okay?" Nova asked, her concern obviously fake as she bent down to help. "Feeling unwell?"


    As she got closer, Nova whispered in


    Eliza''s ear, "You can''t win this. Casper bought that hospital forme. Yourmom is still alive because I need her."


    They were so close that Casper couldn''t hear a word.


    Eliza''s eyes zed with fury. Without warning, she grabbed a fistful of


    Nova''s hair and yanked hard,


    Nova scream. "Casper, help! king


    She''s


    gone crazy!"


    Casper tried to pry Eliza''s fingers loose, but she wouldn''t let go. With a final tug, a clump of Nova''s hair came free. "Eliza, have you lost your mind?"


    Nova red at the hair in Eliza''s hand, seething with anger. Eliza''s eyes bore into her, filled with a murderous rage. "Marian, take her downstairs to rest," Casper called out.


    Marian hurried in and escorted Eliza away.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Nova covered her face, tears streaming down. "What''s gotten into Eliza? What did I do wrong, Casper?"


    Casper''s face was icy. Even he could see Nova had provoked Eliza on purpose.


    "Isn''t the patient at Hope Hospital your mother?"


    Nova feigned shock, her eyes wide. "You mean the organ donor... is my foster mother?"


    "If you had to take her organs, would you?" His eyes were dark, unreadable.


    tears falling. "You


    Nova bit her lip, tea


    know she sent me to that hospital to save money, which left my leg


    damaged and gave me all these


    it,


    but Casper, she still raised me for many years. I couldn''t."

 Chapter 100

    Casper''s expression softened a bit.


    In his heart, Nova was never a cruel person. He gently tidied her hair, feeling a sense of relief. "You''re not well. Go rest. I promise you won''t have to wait too long for a donor."


    "Casper, I really didn''t know that the donor Hope Hospital provided was my foster mother. I had no idea."Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    She shook her head, taking the chance to wrap her arms around his waist and bury herself in his embrace.


    He didn''t push her away but gently stroked her back. "Go get some rest."


    "Okay, you should rest early, too."


    After Nova left, he sat in the study for a while. On the bookshelf, there was a picture frame wrapped in blue cloth. He took it down and gently unveiled the cloth.


    The painting was a portrait of himself from six years ago. The date below was written in elegant handwriting.


    That day, a group of art students went on a field trip before their final exams. He passed by unintentionally. Full of youthful vigor, the young boys and girls cheerfully greeted him. He looked up and locked eyes with a beautiful pair of eyes.


    The girl wore a white baseball cap, a white sun protection outfit, her hair tied in a high ponytail, and a sky-blue face mask covering her small face. Like her ssmates, she waved at him, her eyes curving with a smile.


    That was the first time his heart fluttered.


    Near the end of the field trip, the girl approached him, handing him a portrait. "Hey, this is for you." Her voice was a bit hoarse, and she smiled shyly. "I''ve got a cold, so my voice is a bit weird. Don''t mind it."


    "Did you draw this?" He was surprised. He looked like an innocent teenager in the painting. "You made me look younger."


    The young girl''s teacher called her, and she waved her hand. "I have to go."


    "Hey, what''s your name?"


    He didn''t get a response from her. Throughout their conversation, he never saw her face, but the sunlight was so beautiful that day. She was covered up so thoroughly but still shone brightly.


    Later on, Nova found him, iming she was the one who painted that portrait. Even though it felt off, he still epted her as this girl who had once made his heart skip a beat. Taking a deep breath, he locked the painting away in a cab


    $19


    Eliza returned to the bedroom. Her petite form was curled up tightly, hiding in a corner of therge bed.


    As Casper came in, a surge of intense hatred filled her. She staggered out of bed, marching towards him. She raised her hand, aiming to p him, but he caught her wrist in mid-air. Her hatred was unresolved, and she lowered her head and bit into his arm. He was unable to push her away until her mouth was filled with blood. Then she finally let go, defeated. "Eliza, you''re getting too bold, huh?"


    He pushed her away, staring at his arm. On his arm were two rows of neat, fleshly bite marks.


    "Did you n all this?" she asked, trembling.


    Casper looked at her coldly. "Did I n what?"


    "From the moment Nova needed a


    heart and kidney transnt, you nned to take my mother''s organs,


    didn''t you?" Eliza knew he w


    admit it, but it didn''t matter; she didn''t need his acknowledgment. "The project was also your doing, right? You wanted my mother''s body in the best condition to meet Nova''s needs for a heart and kidney transnt."

 Chapter 101

    Her eyes turned red as she red at Casper standing before her. "You stopped the project because my mom''s health finally met your requirements. You don''t need her to wake up, do you?" "Casper, you''re despicable and shameless. You''re worse than an animal," she spat out, her voice filled with pain.


    He grabbed a tissue to cover his bleeding wound, looking down at her. "The Pinotti family owes her this."


    "Do we owe her everything? Doesn''t she owe us anything?" Her voice cracked as she screamed, years of pent-up injustice crashing over her.


    She felt like she was about to snap and wanted tosh out violently.


    Eliza stumbled back and copsed onto the floor. "Murderers, you''re all just murderers."


    "Can''t handle it?" He crouched down, meeting her eyes. "Eliza, only you can save your mom now. If you''re willing to work at Welton International..."


    "So, if I go to Welton International, you''ll let my mom live without taking her organs?" Her lips trembled uncontrobly.


    She could take the bullying and agree to all his demands as long as he spared her mother. "Casper, my mom is innocent. You can''t do this to her."


    "I promise you," he said softly, not sounding particrly sincere.


    But what else could she ask for?


    "Fine, I''ll go." She shut her eyes in despair. "I''ll work at Welton International."


    Her voice got weaker with each word. She''d do whatever he said.


    Afraid her sobs would break loose, she stuffed her hand into her mouth. Her life was already a wreck, and she could only swallow any more resentment. She bit down hard on her palm until blood dripped down.


    Casper finally noticed and pried her hand away from her teeth. "Doesn''t it hurt? You''re so hard on yourself."Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    He forcibly removed her hand from her mouth.


    "Marian, bring the first aid kit."


    Elizaughed, her tears falling like broken beads. She had no dignity left.


    Marian brought the first aid kit without asking any questions and left.


    Casper opened a bottle of alcohol and poured it directly onto her palm. "It''ll hurt. Just hang in there. If you really can''t stand it, bite me."


    Eliza felt numb as if she couldn''t feel any pain. When the alcohol touched her wound, she couldn''t help but jerk her hand back.


    "Stay still, it''ll be over soon."


    "Casper, get lost! I don''t want you here. Just go..." She lost it again.


    He disinfected the wound, applied the medicine, and wrapped it with a bandage, his gaze on her calm, almost indifferent. "Get some rest. Report to Welton International first thing tomorrow."


    As the bedroom door closed, Eliza cried uncontrobly.


    That night, she sat on the floor, staring at the night sky, crying all night long. Several times, she thought of jumping from the second floor, head first, but she had


    many people she couldn''t


    leave


    behind.


    She couldn''t be that selfish.


    After staying awake until dawn, she washed her face and looked at her reflection in the mirror. Despite being in her twenties, she looked as


    exhausted as aborer returning


    from the market.


    Downstairs, Marian had already prepared breakfast. Though she had little appetite, Eliza sat down and began eating her toast.


    Casper and Nova came out of the elevator. Both instinctively looked at Eliza having breakfast.


    "Good morning, Eliza," Nova greeted cheerily.


    Eliza just shot her a cold stare.


    Feeling awkward, Nova turned to Casper with a pout. "Casper, I heard Eliza is going to work at yourpany. I want to go too. Can you arrange a job for me?"


    "Your leg needs rest and recovery as you wait for surgery. Just stay home and take it easy," he soothed her gently.

 Chapter 102

    "No way, I don''t want you to take care of me. I want to earn my own money." She pleaded, hugging Casper''s arm tightly. "My leg might be injured, but my heart isn''t. I want to be independent. I want to work."


    "Let''s discuss thister."


    He neither agreed nor refused.


    To Nova, that was as good as a yes. "Eliza, we''re going to be colleagues soon!" She was bubbling with excitement and couldn''t resist showing off a bit in front of Eliza.


    Eliza finished her toast and shot her a frosty look. "Welton International is hiring high school graduates now?"


    "What do you mean by that?" Nova''s face flushed with anger. She hated when people used her education to belittle her. "I only lost my chance to go to college because of my leg injury." Eliza couldn''t be bothered to argue further. She grabbed her bag, ready to report to Welton International.


    Casper quickly caught up and grabbed her wrist. "Let''s go together."


    "I''ll take a cab," she snapped, shaking him off and walking away.


    Casper''s brow furrowed slightly as he turned and headed to his car.


    Sitting in the car, his irritation grew. He picked up his phone and sent Eliza a message, [We must not reveal our rtionship at the office. Otherwise, there will be consequences.] Eliza nced coldly at the message. Without hesitation, she blocked him.


    She didn''t need his reminder.


    Casper paused, then sent another message, [I mean, it would be inconvenient for work.]


    [Message sent. Recipient has blocked you.]


    Had she blocked him?


    Casper was so furious he tossed his phone onto the passenger seat.


    ...


    After reporting to HR, Eliza headed to the design department alone and found the manager, Molly.


    "Hi, I''m new here. My name''s Eliza."


    Molly adjusted her sses and scrutinized Eliza for a moment. "You''re new?"


    "Yes."


    "Quite pretty." Molly was always wary of pretty faces without fundamental skills. She suspected Eliza was another one ced by higher-ups. "Who rmended you?" "I applied on my own."


    Molly''s skeptical gaze lingered on her for a few seconds. "I see."T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She didn''t say much more and led Eliza to her workstation. "You''ll work here. Our department is busy with thepany''s promotional designs. Even though you''re new, you can try to participate."


    "Sure."


    Eliza was quiet, rarely moving from her desk.


    Molly checked on her several times and, seeing no issues, felt reassured.


    At noon, HR came by to ask if Eliza needed employee housing.


    "This is apany benefit. All single employees can apply for housing. We have double rooms, quadruple rooms, and single rooms. 4-person apartments are free, 2-person


    apartments are three hundredelne


    month, and single apartments are five hundred a month. This cost will be deducted from your sry.


    Utilities and inte are included."


    A single apartment would be more convenient, and five hundred wasn''t much. Plus, saving on utilities and inte was a good deal.


    "I''ll apply for a single room then."


    HR noted it down. "Single rooms are in high demand. We''ll see what''s avable, and you''ll be notified if a room opens up."


    "Alright, thanks."


    Not long after HR left, Molly hurried over. "Eliza, could you go to the CEO''s office and ask Faithe for the original drafts of thepany logo our department submittedst year?" "Sure, Molly."


    Before she reached the secretary''s office, Eliza heard Faithe''sughter. "Ms. Noya, you''re really something, asking me to look after you? You''ll be the CEO''s wife soon; I should be asking for your favor."

 Chapter 103

    "Ah, if you keep talking like that, I might just blush," Nova''s voice, sweet and a bit over-the-top, filled the room. "Whether I be the CEO''s wife or not is all up to you, Faithe. Can you put in a good word for me?"


    "You''re giving me too much credit," Faithe said. "You know better than anyone how Mr. Casper feels about you. I''ve heard you were his first love?"


    Nova giggled, covering her mouth. "How would I know? He never mentioned it to me."


    "Ms. Nova, no need to be so modest."


    The two were deep in conversation when Eliza walked up, her face stern. "Faithe, Molly sent me to getst year''s design drafts for thepany''s logo. Can you find them for me?"


    Faithe looked a bit embarrassed at first but quicklyposed herself. "Sure, just a moment." She turned and headed to the file room.


    Nova crossed her arms and gave Eliza a smirk. "Sorry if you feel left out, but I can''t help it. Casper really does treat me differently. I am his first love and all that."


    "Nova, you don''t need to make a show in front of me. I''ve been over Casper for a long time. Even if you did it right in front of me, it wouldn''t affect me."


    Nova was taken aback by Eliza''s response. Wasn''t she the one who had cried and insisted on marrying him?


    "You don''t love him anymore?"


    "Nope."


    Just as she finished speaking, Nova noticed the man standing behind Eliza, his face dark with anger. "Casper, when did you get here?"


    Casper? Eliza''s heart tightened. She wasn''t sure if he had overheard her conversation with Nova.


    "Eliza,e with me," he said in a low,manding voice.


    Eliza didn''t move.


    Casper entered the room, giving her another stern look. "Come in."


    Nova knew Casper wasn''t one for a gentle temper. She wanted to secure Casper for herself, partly because she genuinely liked him and partly for the prestige of being Mrs. Welton.


    For a girl who had grown up in an average family, marrying into high society and bing one of the elite was a dreame true. Even if she ended up with a limp and cane, she could stand tall in


    Fatconridge society with Casper''s


    love.


    "Eliza, I really don''t get it. Casper treats you so poorly. Why don''t you just divorce him?"


    Eliza nced at Nova with disdain. "Divorce him so you can swoop in? If you''re all that, get him to marry you."


    "You..."T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza pushed open the door to the CEO''s office and walked in. Casper stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, backlit, his tall and straight figure entuated by a perfectly tailored suit, exuding authority beyond reproach.


    He was a picture of unmatched perfection, moreposed, reserved, and intense than when she first met him six years ago.


    "Mr. Casper, did you need something?" she asked, hershes lowered, avoiding eye contact.


    Casper, recalling her earlier words, felt a surge of anger. His gaze was intense and oppressive. "Repeat what you just said to Nova."


    "If you already heard them, why must I repeat them?"


    She refused to repeat those meaningless words and disdainfully turned her face away.


    That look deeply wounded Casper''splex heart. It was as if even ncing at him was distasteful for Eliza. He suppressed his anger, stepped closer, and grabbed her


    face You better not prove


    me,


    understand?"


    "I wouldn''t dare," she said, her cold gaze forced to meet his.

 Chapter 104

    Their eyes locked.


    Out of nowhere, he leaned in and kissed her. She was startled and shoved him away. "Please, Mr. Casper, have some respect."


    "Eliza, you''re my wife." He was visibly annoyed, her repeated rejections fueling his anger. "What do you mean?"


    "Didn''t you text me this morning, reminding me not to tell anyone at work about our rtionship?" She stepped back to increase the distance between them. "At the office, we''re just boss and employee." He stared at her, cold and intense. His rage was about to boil over, but he managed to keep it in check. With a deep breath, he mmed his hand down, shattering the ashtray on his desk. "Get out." Eliza turned and bolted. She nearly collided with Faithe on her way out. "Ms. Eliza? Did you upset Mr. Casper again? We''re at work. Please mind your behavior."


    Faithe tossed some documents at her. "Alright, back to work."


    Eliza didn''t argue. She gathered the papers and headed back to the design department.


    The design department was on the twenty-second floor, just one floor below the CEO''s office. Eliza had taken too long, and her supervisor wasn''t happy. "Why did that take you an hour?" "Sorry, Molly. I''ll be quicker next time."


    "Thest thing we need is a designer who drags their feet. I don''t care where you worked before; here, we value efficiency. Got it?"


    "Got it."


    Thankfully, Molly didn''t push further.


    Eliza managed to keep her head down until the end of the day. She was thest to clock out, and as she was about to leave, someone from HR called out to her. "Eliza, still here? Hard work pays off, you know. A single unit just opened up, and I thought, why not reward thest


    person to leave?"


    The HR rep beamed as they handed her a key. "Here''s the key to room 402, a single unit. Go check it out."T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Thank you so much." It felt like a ray of sunshine had cut through her dark world. "Really, I mean it....."


    "Don''t mention it. Lucky you." The HR rep added, "The studio apartment is right next to our building, super close. You''ll save a lot ofmuting time and can even sleep in a bit."


    "Great."


    The slightly rusty key in her hand sparkled with promise. She felt incredibly lucky.


    After leaving the office, Eliza headed straight to the studio apartment. The floor was quiet, likely because most tenants were still out. She unlocked the door.


    The room was reasonably clean.


    The HR representative had told her the previous tenant had lived here with their partner and was getting married, leaving the unit vacant


    There was a moderate o


    double bed, hinting at its past use as a lover''s nest. Eliza needed to change the linens and tidy up a bit before she could move in.


    She''d prefer to live in her own ce if she could, but that wasn''t an option. Anything was better than? going back to Welton Estate, which weighed heavily on her heart. The only question was whether Casper would let her stay here.


    After some hesitation, she called him.


    "Hello?" His voice was cool and detached.


    Eliza paused. "Mr. Casper, I''ve applied for a studio apartment. It''s closer to the office, and I n to stay here for a while."


    He chuckled softly on the other end. "Are you avoiding me?"

 Chapter 105

    "No."


    "No? Why do you need your own apartment? Are you single?" Casper spat out a curse.


    Eliza didn''t quite catch what he said, but it was definitely something rude. "So, you don''t agree?"


    She knew he wouldn''t.


    She really liked this apartment. She thought maybe he''d be a bit more lenient since it was his territory.


    Feeling a bit regretful, she turned to leave. His irritable voice suddenly came through the phone, "You better live there ''til the end of time." The call ended.


    Eliza shivered, and then she smiled.


    So that meant he agreed.


    Eliza busied herself for the next few days, setting up her cozy little apartment.


    Though it wasn''t big, she made it neat and homey, even cing a vase of beautiful sunflowers on the windowsill.


    Lying on the soft,rge bed, she inhaled the fresh scent of fabric softener from the nkets.


    Her phone rang. She picked it up and looked at the screen, her smile freezing.


    It was Casper.


    After a long moment, she slowly answered, "Hello?"


    "There''s a guy who''s into oil paintings. He''s got a few pieces and invited me to check them out. Come with me, just to make an appearance." "Do I have to go?" She really didn''t want to.


    He didn''t seem to care much about her refusal. "Get ready. I''ll pick you up in half an hour."


    "Mr. Casper." She was afraid he''d hang up. "Let Nova go with you; she probably knows a bit about oil paintings, too. Hello? Hello?"


    The call ended.


    Eliza was speechless. She couldn''t understand why he insisted on hering along, just like she couldn''t figure out why he insisted she work at Welton International. Was it just so he could keep an eye on her?


    Yet, he agreed to let her live in the bachelor pad. His actions were truly baffling.


    Half an hourter, a car pulled up outside her apartment building.


    Through the window, Eliza saw that Casper wasn''t alone. Sitting in the passenger seat was Faithe.


    Faithe being there meant this meeting was more about business. The bad memories of theirst encounter lingered. This time...


    Faithe got out of the car, not exactly respectful but polite enough. "Ms. Eliza, please get in."


    Eliza hesitated for a moment before bending down and getting in.


    Casper didn''t say a word. He just naturally took her cold hand in his. "Why are you so cold?"


    She tried to pull away a few times without sess, and the car started moving.


    "Are you cold?" He asked again.


    Eliza turned her face to the window. "It''s always like that."


    She always felt chilly in this kind of weather. When she felt cold, she would try to snuggle into his bed, and she still remembered the look of disgust on his face.


    "Eliza, have you no shame crawling into a man''s bed? Who taught you that?" He would say. "I warn you to stay away from me. Have an more filthy thoughts, and you can get out."


    Such words weren''t what newlyweds should say to each other.


    She only remembered being so stunned at the time. He had scolded her as if she had done something utterly shameful.


    From then on, whenever he came


    home, she would stick to her side of


    the bed, quietly cooperating


    whenever he had physical needs and never daring to get too close to him again. .


    This incident left a deep scar in her heart, unhealed to this day.


    "Later, I''ll find a doctor to treat your condition properly." He suddenly became gentle.


    She really couldn''t bring herself to be moved. "No thank you." Her voice was soft but firm.


    He didn''t continue.


    The car drove steadily on.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    They stopped in front of a majestic gate.

 Chapter 106

    Faithe hopped out of the passenger seat first, making her way around to open the door for Casper. "Mr. Casper, we''re here."


    Casper nced at Eliza. "We''re here, let''s get out."


    He led the way, with Eliza following at a respectful distance.


    Faithe sped up to catch up with her, whispering, "Mr. Manuel invited Mr. Casper over because he wants to hand over some of the paintings he''s collected over the years. You should help Mr. Casper inspect them."


    "Faithe, you brought the wrong person. You should''ve brought an art expert."


    She wasn''t an expert. She might not be helpful even if she knew a bit about art.


    Rumor had it Manuel was from a royal lineage. His home wasvishly decorated, with famous paintings adorning every wall. Many unique antique vases seemed to have a lot of history.


    Manuel came out to greet Casper with a wide smile. From a distance, he extended his hand. "Mr. Casper, it''s been a long time. Your presence is an honor."


    "Mr. Manuel, you''re too kind."


    Manuel recognized Faithe but not Eliza. As a man who had seen countless women, the first sight of such a beautiful woman made his gaze darken slightly. "And this is...?"


    "This is Eliza from ourpany''s design department. I brought her along to broaden her horizons," Casper casually introduced her.


    Eliza wasn''t surprised. Her identity depended on who was asking.


    "Ms. Eliza is stunning. My paintings might lose their luster next to her," Manuel praised Eliza generously, extending his hand toward her.


    She barely managed a faint smile.


    Just as she was about to politely shake his hand, Casper took it instead. Mr. Manuel, let''s see your prized piece. Ms. Eliza has a bit of understanding, so let her have a


    look."


    "Of course." Manuel''s gaze lingered on Eliza''s delicate face. Men and women alike could recognize such a look-lust, desire. He had it all.


    "Mr. Manuel?" Casper''s voice brought him back to reality.


    Embarrassed, Manuel chuckled, "Of course, of course."


    Manuel presented andscape painting. Such masterpieces were rarely in private hands. Eliza''s teacher had once borrowed a piece from amuseum, and she had


    observed and studied the original up


    close. .


    "Ms. Eliza, you recognize this painting, right?" Manuel positioned the painting. "This is a masterpiece. I treasure it immensely."


    Casper did not understand art, so he stepped aside to let Eliza look. Masterpieces, in every aspect, were benchmarks for imitation. Eliza studied it closely.


    Manuel boasted, "I spent a fortune on this. I know Mr. Casper enjoys such things, so I''m willing to part with it."


    The painting was impressive and felt historical. If it were genuine, it would be worth at least several hundred million.


    "Mr. Manuel, how much are you nning to sell this painting to Mr. Casper for?"Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "Considering our nearly decade-long friendship, a hundred million. I''ll let it go because Mr. Casper likes it," Manuel expressed, as if money was less important than their rtionship.


    A hundred million? Indeed, not


    much. Too bad it was a fake. But


    that, she couldn''t say outright. She. wasn''t sure if Casper intended to spend a substantial amount


    beline


    regardless of the authenticity. Did he want to do Mr. Manuel a favour, or


    did he genuinely want an authentic piece?


    Faithe whispered to Eliza, "Is this real or fake?"


    "If Mr. Casper wants to buy it, then it''s real." Her implication was clear. She trusted Faithe and Casper would understand.

 Chapter 107

    The staff brought out more paintings from behind Manuel, one after another, which were supposedly masterpieces by renowned artists.


    Honestly, Eliza had never seen such a concentrated collection of fakes in her life. Was there not a single genuine piece in a mansion as grand as this? Or was Manuel nning to sell Casper a counterfeit? "The paintings Mr. Manuel has collected are quite nice, indeed. They would make fine decorative pieces for a home," Eliza said, offering him a graceful way out.


    Manuel couldn''t help but nce at Eliza again, pausing for a few seconds before he smiled. "If you like them, Ms. Eliza, I could gift you a few."


    "Thank you, Mr. Manuel. I appreciate the thought," she replied.


    Amid the polite exchange, Casper caught on. It didn''t really matter to him whether the paintings Manuel was offering were real or fake. Business coborations were always like this. Today, he might spend a hundred million, but that could potentially bring him back billionster. The paintings were merely tokens in arger game.


    He just never expected Eliza to actually discern their authenticity.


    "Mr. Casper, this young designer here is quite talented," Manuel began, but Casper cut him off, "Mr. Manuel, don''t get any ideas. She''s taken."


    "Is that so?" Manuel smiled slightly, his gaze lingering on Eliza. "What a pity."


    When they left, Casper still spent twenty million on a painting.


    On the way back, Casper''s long, well-defined hand propped his chin as he turned to look at her. "How did you figure out that painting was a fake?"


    "From the brushwork, the strength of the strokes, the light and shadow, and the sense of depth. It wasn''t hard to tell. Even the paper was artificially aged, and the seals were a bit messy. It was a counterfeit and not a very good one at that."


    These details, etched in her memory, made her light up.


    For the first time, Casper listened closely and seriously to her analysis of a painting. His face softened. "It seems I didn''t know you well enough before."


    She turned to meet his gaze, expressionless. "There was no need to."


    When they got married, she had tried so hard to understand him and blend into his world. She longed to. be understood, to be discovered, to be cherished. But he never gave her the chance. His mind was always on Welton International or Nova, showing her nothing but disdain and impatience.


    The only real attention he gave her was in the form of revenge. So, she wouldn''t react to his tenderness, r Outd her heart flutter. Once the


    heart dies, it''s dead.


    nor


    She looked out the window indifferently, peaceful and serene. Her long eyshes fluttered slightly, enough to make his Adam''s apple bob.


    Suddenly, the car''s privacy screen went up. He grasped the back of her head, moving to kiss her. She pushed him away with effort, not speaking, just ring.


    Heughed suddenly. "That look of yours is not cute."


    "You never like me anyway. Does it matter whether I am cute or not?"


    He shrugged slightly, scoffing, "Indeed, it doesn''t."Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    His phone rang. She nced at Casper''s phone, Nova''s name shing on the screen. Eliza turned her face away.


    "Hello?"


    "Casper, where are you?" On the other end, Nova suddenly cried, "I''m so scared. There''s a fire at home. The smoke is so thick, my eyes, my eyes... I can''t see."


    Casper''s expression changed. His rxed posture stiffened significantly. "What happened?"


    "I don''t know, cough cough, I can''t


    see anything right now, Casper, pleasee home, ah..." There was


    the sound of falling d


    and


    Nova''s scream from the other end.

 Chapter 108

    The privacy screen slid down, and Casper, tense and edgy, barked at the driver, "Turn around and head to Henderson Estate."


    As soon as the car began to turn, Casper abruptly shouted, "Stop. You, get out."


    His tone had shifted from gentle to ice-cold, his eyes hard as he gave themand. Eliza shot him a nce before opening the door and stepping out.


    As always, one call from Nova, and he''d ditch her without a second thought. Early in their marriage, Eliza used to cry, throw fits, and angrily demand why he treated her this way. Now? She was used to it. It didn''t matter anymore.


    Standing by the roadside, she tried to hail a cab. But after a long wait, nothing came by. A white BMW pulled up next to her, the window rolling down to reveal Zach''s face.


    "Fancy meeting you here," he said, sliding off his sunsses with a grin.


    Eliza didn''t want to engage. She looked down at her phone, trying to book a ride.


    Zach got out of the driver''s seat, hands casually shoved into his pockets, and sauntered to Eliza. "Tough spot to catch a cab, huh? Let me guess, Casper ditched you again? He went off to see... Nova?" "Zach, stay away from me," she said, disgust evident in her voice.


    Zach didn''t seem fazed. In fact, he looked amused. "Hey, this is fate. Let me give you a lift."


    "No, thanks."


    "Come on, I want to chat. Do you want to know how your dad ended up behind bars? What he went through in there? Was it suicide or murder?" Zach''s tone was casual, but his eyes were locked onto Eliza''s face. "I know a lot of inside info."


    Eliza''s eyes narrowed. She stared at Zach. He was just as despicable as Casper.


    She couldn''t hold back any longer, and pped him.


    "Zach, my brother is out now, and you''re still using my dad''s death to mess with me? What do you want from me? Or...are you trying to use my hatred for Casper for your own gain?"


    A pink mark from her p bloomed on Zach''s cheek. He flexed his jaw, and after a moment of shock, a smile cuded up on his lips. "Do you think your brother''s life is all good now that he''s out? Nova can use him of rape anytime, and Casper can still have Robin killed."


    "So what?"


    "I can help you." Zach pointed at himself, his yful smile gone.


    "Eliza, we share amon enel


    Casper really is behind your father''s downfall, don''t you want revenge?"


    If


    He stepped closer, his hands gripping her shoulders. "Don''t push me away. I genuinely want to help you."


    "Don''t touch me." She shoved Zach away like he was something dirty. "I don''t believe you''d help me, and I don''t need your help." "Why not?"


    Eliza''s expression was calm, herugh light. "Because you''re just as despicable and shameless as Casper."


    Zachughed again. He turned away, shaking his head, then looked back at Eliza. "You need to learn to trust me again." "I''m not interested."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza walked away. She didn''t want to stay near Zach; he was like a poisonous flower-beautiful, captivating, but deadly.


    Zach was dangerous to everyone.


    "Hey, Eliza," Zach called after her. "I really have evidence that Casper framed your father. I can give it to you, no strings attached. Do you want it?" Eliza stopped. She wanted it. Badly.


    Should she trust him?

 Chapter 109

    In the taxi, Eliza was lost in thought the whole ride. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions. One issue had barely been resolved before another cropped up.


    As they drove past the Henderson Estate, she noticed several fire trucks parked outside.


    "Such a beautiful house. It''s a shame to see it like this," the drivermented offhandedly.


    Eliza finally lifted her eyes to look out the window. Henderson Estate was the ce she had called home for over a decade. Her parents had always been busy with their business, leaving her alone often, but the house was full of memories. Now, it belonged to Nova.


    "Could you stop up ahead, please?"


    The driver nced at her through the rearview mirror. "We haven''t reached your destination yet. If you get out here, I can''t charge you properly."


    "It''s okay, I''ll pay the full fare."T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza confirmed the end of her ride, and the reassured driver pulled over to let her out.


    A crowd had gathered in front of Henderson Estate, gawking at the damage.


    "People are saying it was arson. But it doesn''t make any sense. The Hendersons don''t have many enemies. Why would anyone target them?"


    "Could it have been a burr? Maybe they set the fire when they couldn''t steal anything?"


    "That''s pretty bold,mitting a crime like that. You can''t just start a fire on a whim."


    "I heard the police caught the arsonist at the scene. They kept shouting that they were hired to do it. Looks like the Hendersons did have enemies after all." "The Hendersons consists of just a girl with a limp, and she was only found recently. Where would she find enemies?"


    "Who knows?"


    Listening to the spective chatter, Eliza felt a hollow emptiness inside her. She stood at the entrance for a long while before finally leaving.


    In the hospital, Novay in bed, her leg broken and temporarily blind from the smoke. She was crying and clinging to Casper.


    "Casper, I really can''t see. I''m blind. Please don''t leave me, okay?"


    "I won''t leave. The doctor said your blindness is temporary. It should get better in a few days. Just stay calm and focus on your recovery." He


    gently rubbed her back, trying


    reassure her, though his face


    showed little ease.


    "Who set the fire? Did they want to kill me?" Nova tightened her grip around Casper''s waist. "Casper, is someone out to get me? I''m so scared."


    "Don''t be afraid, I''m here."


    "Casper, please don''t leave me, okay?"


    "I won''t."


    The doctor and nurse came in to give Nova an injection, and she soon drifted off into a heavy sleep.


    Casper hid the worry in his eyes as he stepped out of the room. Faithe approached quietly. "Mr. Casper, the police have caught the person responsible for the fire." "What did they say?"


    "The arsonist imed..." Faithe hesitated, "Mr. Casper, the arsonist said they were hired."


    Casper''s eyes narrowed. "Hired? By whom?"


    "He imed it was... Eliza." Faithe


    showed a screenshot of the bank transfer and a photo. "This is the


    transaction record the person


    al


    provided, a whole hundred the d


    dors, and this, Mr. Casper,dook,


    this is a photo of Eliza at the scene."


    Casper didn''t respond. He stared at the profile picture of the transfer sender, his eyes turning cold. It was Eliza''s WhatsApp profile picture.


    Faithe closed the phone, looking


    through the door''s ss at Nova on


    the hospital bed. "Mr. Casper, the police will likely arrest Eliza for incitement tomit arson. Given her transaction with the arsonist and Ms. Nova''s severe injuries, if convicted, she could face at least ten years."

 Chapter 110

    Ten years. That was enough time to wreck Eliza''s life.


    Casper''s eyes flickered. "Are you sure it''s her?"


    "The arsonist confessed. The cops will probably arrest Eliza soon. Whether she''s innocent, that''s up to the investigation."


    Innocent? Could she be innocent?


    She always had it out for Nova.


    Inside the apartment, Eliza had just whipped up a bowl of instant pasta, tossing in some ham.


    The doorbell rang, and she got up to answer it.


    When she sae the police, she froze. "Can I help you?"


    An officer shed an arrest warrant. "Eliza, you''re under suspicion for instigating arson. You''re under arrest. Please cooperate."


    Arson?


    She was dumbfounded. "Officers, there must be some mistake. Me... instigating arson?" She took a step back, "Have you really looked into this? You can''t just arrest people on a whim."


    The cops didn''t waste any time and pulled out the handcuffs, "Pleasee with us. If you''re innocent, we''ll clear your name."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    "No, no." She backed away, hands nervously behind her, "I didn''t start any fire. Who said I did? Do you have proof?"


    "Someone implicated you, plus there are transaction records."


    Transaction records?


    She was barely scraping by. Who could she possibly have transactions with? Especially for something like arson.


    Did they mean that fire at Henderson Estate?


    "Is this about the Henderson Estate fire?" she asked, her voice shaking.


    The police nodded, "Yes."


    It suddenly clicked.


    As she was led to the police car, she had a shback of her father being taken away in one.


    That same feeling of despair, panic, and utter confusion now washed over her. History was repeating itself.


    Eliza was locked up.


    Chelsea couldn''t reach Eliza for


    before


    arrested. She tried everythins


    finding out she''d been


    couldn''t get a visitation.


    Out of options, she turned to Aaron.


    Aaron was floored. "Why was she arrested?"


    "The Henderson family house fire. The arsonist said Eliza put him up to it, so they arrested her."


    "Do you know this arsonist?" It was baffling.


    Chelsea shook her head. "No."


    "Well, let me talk to Casper first."


    "Okay."


    Aaron went to see Casper, who was at the hospital with Nova.


    "Casper, I need a word."


    He didn''t


    diffonant to interrupt, but icerent to Eliza''s situation rubb


    seeing Casper and Nova so


    the wrong way.


    Casper followed Aaron to the rooftop. "Spit it out, I''m busy."


    "Do you know Eliza''s been arrested?"


    "Yeah." Casper''s eyes were dark and unreadable.


    Aaron was stunned. "You knew? Then you must know why?"


    "She hired someone to torch the Henderson Estate. Nova got hurt and lost her sight."


    Casper''s words were brief but heavy.


    Aaron needed a moment to process


    it. "You really think she hired someone to set that fire?" He looked at Casper in disbelief, "How could she? She''s got her hands full with her mom and brother''s issues. She wouldn''t hire someone to kill. Plus, that''s her childhood home Why would she burn it down?"

 Chapter 111

    Casper''s gaze turned icy in an instant. Aaron seemed to understand Eliza better than he did.


    "How could she not bear to part with it?" A chill burst from the depths of Casper''s eyes. "Eliza was arrested, and you must be heartbroken, right? Let me tell you, she wanted to kill Nova and spent a hundred grand hiring someone to set a fire. This is an undeniable fact."


    Aaron still couldn''t believe it. Sure, Eliza despised Nova, but from what he knew of her, she''d rather leave Casper than kill someone.


    Could it be...?Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "Do you have any evidence for this?"


    "The police already arrested her. What more evidence do you need?" Casper''s cold eyes stared directly at Aaron. "You seem very distressed."


    "And what about you?"


    Aaron never believed Casper was heartless. But time and again, as he treated Eliza with cold indifference, Aaron couldn''t help but think Casper truly was ruthless.


    "I''ll believe what the police say," Casper said coldly.


    Aaron scoffed, "She was with you for two years. You..."


    "It seems you are really distressed." Casper''s tone was mocking, his eyes cold. "You better not try to save her. If she made a mistake, she should be punished."


    "Did she really make a mistake though?" Aaron was emotional, his eyes red. "If she really did, I have nothing to say... But is the truth you want the same as the truth in your heart?"


    Casper''s face darkened. What was the truth he believed? From the look in Casper''s eyes, Aaron saw something he didn''t want to ept.


    Aaron shook his head, his voice filled with helplessness and sorrow. "You should really think about this. From the moment you two started arguing about divorce until now, have you treated her right?"


    Even Aaron, an outsider, never doubted Eliza''s character. Yet Casper, who shared a bed with Eliza for over seven hundred nights, kept insisting she was the arsonist. Nova was the victim, and he unconditionally took a stand against Eliza?


    At this point, there was no need for further words.


    After Aaron left, Casper returned to Nova''s hospital room. Her eyes had regained some sight, but her leg was still in a cast.


    "Casper, Dr. Martin came over. What did he want to talk about?"


    "The fire at your ce," he replied tersely.


    Nova let out a sigh, her eyes slightly drooping sadly. "The police said it was Eliza who hired someone. know she doesn''t like me, but never expected she would go as far as wanting me dead."


    "Do you also think it makes sense for her to do this?"


    He watched Nova''s eyes. Nova avoided his gaze. "At first, I didn''t believe it either, but the police... they couldn''t be lying, right?"


    The police couldn''t be lying. But could someone else be lying? His gaze lingered on Nova''s tremblingshes for a long time.


    Casper left the hospital room and


    the staff


    returned to his own house. The staff were still working. He took off his


    coat


    unbuttoned his cor, and irritably lit a cigarette.


    "Marian."


    Heed the cigarette from his


    lips, holding it between his fingers.


    Maria


    hurried over, afraid of f being


    slow. "Sir, what can I do f


    ens


    "I need to ask you, what happened when Nova got hurt with the knifest time?" Casper''s gaze was upromising.


    Marian''s heart pounded; she swallowed hard. "Sir, didn''t Ms. Nova say... it was Mrs. Welton... who hurt her?" "Were you there?"


    Marian felt a tightening in her chest. Of course, she was there and knew that Eliza had not stabbed Nova.

 Chapter 112

    But she couldn''t bring herself to tell the truth. If she did, her son, who was in college, wouldn''t be able to graduate and get his diploma. "No, I wasn''t at the scene." She had no choice but to lie.


    Casper flicked his fingers, and Marian scurried away like she was escaping. With no one at the scene, who should he believe?


    He lit a cigarette and took a slow drag, the smoke swirling around him, his face a mask of solitude and detachment.


    Casper got in his car and drove off, heading to the police station. He didn''t rush to see Eliza but went to see the arsonist first.


    The man had a crew cut, a long, dark face, a scar above his eyebrow, wasn''t very tall, and had an indifferent look. He must''ve been a regr here. "Who are you?" The man eyed Casper up and down.


    Casper''s attire and demeanor were far from ordinary, especially the Patek Philippe on his wrist, which made the man''s eyes gleam with envy.


    "I''m asking the questions here. Who told you to start the fire?"


    The man sneered, "The cops already asked me that. Why are you asking again?"


    "Was it Eliza who told you to do it?"Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Of course, it was her. Who would risk doing something like that if it wasn''t for the hundred grand she promised?" The man spoke like it was the most natural thing in the world, not hesitating for a second. He red at Casper. "What are you to Eliza?"


    Casper didn''t answer, just watched the man''s cunning eyes calmly. "Can you swear that everything you''re saying is true?"


    "Of course, this is a police station. You think I can lie here?"


    ???¡¯


    Casper left the meeting room and exchanged a few words with the officers. They told him that some of the evidence had already been submitted, and it didn''t look good for Eliza. They would continue investigating, and the worst-case


    scenario would be a ve


    which meant prison time.


    Casper felt conflicted. He stepped outside and smoked a cigarette.


    After signing the visitor''s form, he walked into the visitor''s room to visit Eliza. When Eliza was brought in she looked terrible. Her eyes were dull her clothes wrinkled, and her hair lifeless.


    She looked up at Casper standing there. He was like a cold statue, his gaze icy and imprable.


    She didn''t know why he''de to see her-maybe to witness her downfall. She remembered when her father was arrested; he had probably visited him too.


    "Casper, are you satisfied now?" Her eyes held no resentment, no tears, just a cold indifference toward him. She seemed to have epted this oue as if it was inevitable.


    "Clearly, you hired someone to start the fire." His eyes narrowed, and his brows furrowed.


    Elizaughed, a hollow, mocking sound. "You really think I coulde up with a hundred grand to hire someone? Casper, you give me too much credit."


    A hundred grand was what he would spend in one night, yet it was more than she could save in a year. And he believed it.


    "Casper, you''ve got what you wanted. My family is falling apart. Let''s get divorced before I die."


    She wanted to be free, even in death. Whether she ended up in the wind, the sea, or even a trash heap, she didn''t want to be Mrs. Welton anymore. She was tired of it all.


    He watched her, a storm of unspoken emotions churning inside. It felt like he had done her wrong and he wanted to exin, but the words got stuck in his throat.


    He took a deep breath. "You''re still thinking about divorce? You should be figuring out how to get out of here."

 Chapter 113

    "I''m not nning on leaving."This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Her eyes had already lost their sparkle. She had resigned herself to her fate. Eliza didn''t think for a second that Casper would show her any mercy.


    "You''re not nning on leaving? Eliza, your brother is still out of his mind, and your mother is lying in the hospital. You don''t want to leave? Who''s going to take care of them?" Her body stiffened. Then, she let out a bitterugh.


    "What right do you have to lecture me?" Her dark eyes coldly fixed on him. "The only reason I''m stuck here is because of you, isn''t it?"


    "You think all of this is a trap I set for you?" His eyes, sharp as des, bore into her. "Eliza, who do you think you are? Do you really think you''re worth such a huge effort on my part?"


    "Not worth it? Ha." A twisted person like him wouldn''t care about her worth. He only cared about his own pleasure. "Yeah, how could I possibly be worth Mr. Casper''s grand scheme? I''m nothing in your eyes." Not just her. Her whole family. In front of Casper, they were powerless.


    With reddened eyes and a wry smile, she looked like a dandelion torn apart by the wind. She didn''t care where she went after death.


    "Eliza, if this wasn''t your doing, the police wouldn''t have wrongfully used you."


    "I don''t care."


    At this point, whether she was wrongfully used or not didn''t matter. What mattered was whether the man before her would let her live or die. "What do you care about?" His eyes narrowed slightly, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within them.


    Eliza shook her head, barely moving. She had nothing left to care for. Her power was too insignificant; she couldn''t even protect herself, let alone her family. "Casper, can you spare my family? They''re already having a hard time, and it will be worse without me to take care of them. Please, show some mercy."


    Her voice trembled violently. It sounded light, yet when it reached Casper''s ears, it felt sharp enough to draw blood.


    Unable to bear looking her in the eye any longer, he turned away. "Don''t you know it''s better to rely on yourself than to seek others'' help?"


    "I know that all too well."


    She had sought help from the wrong person before. Once upon a time, she had begged Casper to save her father. And what was the result? Her father died in prison. Eliza pped herself. How could she not learn from her past?


    Casper suddenly looked back, noticing the imprint of her p on her face. His pupils contracted. "Eliza, do you think this will soften my heart? The Pinotti family has to pay a price, including you."


    "What right do you have to say that?"


    She defiantly raised her head, her eyes bloodshot, her fists clenched tight. "Casper, you are the one who truly deserves to die. You killed my father you wanted to harvest my mother''s organs to save Nova, you drove my brother Robin insane, and you sent me to prison. You''re the one who deserves to die."


    Her face, twisted with hatred, became desperate and contorted. Her nails dug deeply into her flesh, ignoring the pain.


    Tears trickled down her face. The fierce confrontationsted for several seconds before Casper eventually turned his face away. "I didn''t organize your arrest."


    He didn''t know if it was an


    exnation or something else. He


    knew Eliza wouldn''t believe him, just


    like he didn''t believe Eliza hadn''t hired someone tomit arson. There had never been trust between them-only disdain.


    Time was up. The police came in to take Eliza away. Watching her frail back, his gaze was empty, unable to return to reality for a long time.

 Chapter 114

    Stepping out of the police station, Casper sank into his car and chain-smoked an entire pack of cigarettes. When the sunset finally kissed the horizon, and the autumn leaves whispered in the wind, he snapped out of his daze and floored the gas pedal.


    Back at Welton Estate, the bedroom on the second floor was pitch ck. Casper sat in the darkness, the only lighting from the embers of his cigarette. His phone rang. It was the hospital. He ignored the first call. After the phone rang two or three more times, he sighed, crushed the cigarette, and answered, "Yeah?"


    "Mr. Casper, Ms. Nova is very agitated. You need toe see her immediately," the nurse''s voice quivered with urgency.


    "Just give her a sedative. Do I look like a doctor?" he snapped and hung up.


    Casper stumbled downstairs and grabbed a bottle of red wine, pouring ss after ss. Marian, unable to bear it any longer, approached him quietly. "Sir, you should stop drinking. It''s not good for you."


    "Mind your own business," he slurred, copsing onto the sofa. "This house is dead. Might as well be."


    "Sir, are you okay? Maybe you should rest. Let me help you upstairs," Marian offered, reaching out.


    He shoved her away. "Don''t touch me."


    "Sir..."


    "You''re just as annoying as Eliza. Get lost."


    He hurled the bottle and ss to the floor, shattering them. Marian quickly fetched a broom and dustpan. "Sir, you''re drunk. You need to rest."


    "Marian," he hupped, closing his eyes. "...isn''t Nova more suited to be my wife than Eliza?"


    Marian was at a loss for words. If Casper divorced Eliza and married Nova, she''d resign and leave, no doubt about it.


    "Sir, why are you asking this now?"


    "The first time I saw Nova was right before her final exams. She was in a white sun dress and cap, ponytail high, riding a mountain bike. Her legs were so long. She glowed in the sunlight. I really liked her, so much."


    In Marian''s memory, Nova was always chauffeured everywhere. When did she ever ride a mountain bike? It was Eliza who had one. Back when they first married, Eliza rode it every morning and evening. After her family faced multiple crises, the bike ended up in storage. Casper was rarely home then; he probably never


    even saw the bike.


    "Sir, you''re drunk."


    "Marian, isn''t Nova the perfect Mrs. Welton?"


    "Sir, do you really like her that much?"


    Nova wasn''t as kind or as beautiful as Eliza. She was deceitful and harsh to the staff, and she loved putting on a show for Casper-nothing like the kind girl he described.


    Marian turned back to see CasperThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    had already fallen asleep. She sighed softly, murmuring, "Sir, can''t you see how good your wife is? If she''s not fit to be Mrs. Welton, Nova is even less so. I wish you''d install some cameras at home one day. Then you''d see the real Nova."


    Shaking her head, Marian finished cleaning up and covered Casper with a nket before leaving.


    The next morning, Aaron met Eliza. She looked exhausted.


    "You alright?"


    "I''m fine," she replied, her voice t.


    Aaron''s face clouded with concern. "What happened? It''s so strange for you to get arrested out of the blue."

 Chapter 115

    "There''s nothing strange about it," she said. She was cooped up for so many days that she had already pieced everything together. "It was just a scheme Casper and Nova had cooked up." "But Casper said he didn''t know anything about it."


    "He said the same thing when he sent my dad to jail-that he didn''t know." Mentioning it made Eliza loathe herself. How had she managed to brainwash herself into trusting Casper? He had never deserved her faith.


    Aaron had heard bits and pieces of the story back then. He had even asked Casper about it. His response was just as Eliza had said, "Maybe he really didn''t know about your father''s case."


    "How could he not know?" she retorted. "In Falconridge, no one had more power than he did. If he wanted to pull something shady, it was a cakewalk. Stop making excuses for him. I know my dad better than anyone. It was Casper''s doing."


    It had been just over a year since the incident. Aaron knew Eliza still hadn''t moved on. "I understand how you feel."


    "You can''t understand." No one could grasp what she had endured these past two years, dealing with family tragedies while being married. "Aaron, thank you foring to see me but don''t waste your energy trying to save me. You can''t beat Casper."


    "I believe you''ve been wronged, and if that''s true, there must be evidence proving you didn''t know that arsonist." He couldn''t stand seeing Eliza stuck in this ce. "You shouldn''t have to swallow this injustice; it could ruin your whole life."


    "What can I do?" Her eyes welled up as she looked at Aaron. "Or do you have a n?"


    Aaron had no n. But he could help her find evidence. "I... might not have the kind of influence Casper has, but..."


    Eliza shook her head gently. "Forget it."


    There was nothing more devastating than losing hope. She also didn''t want to owe Aaron any favors.


    However, Aaron didn''t see it that way. "We make our own destiny. I''ll do my best to help you find evidence. Please, don''t give up, okay?"All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    "Aaron, I think this is the best ending for me." She offered a faint smile. It was a sight that stung his eyes.


    Aaron''s heart clenched tight as he walked out of the police station. How had things turned out like this? He decided to make a trip to Welton International to have anothe talk with Casper.


    Upon seeing Aaron, Casper sneered before he could even speak. "Don''t tell me you''re here to beg me to save Eliza?" "You know it."


    Casper picked up a golf club and


    walked into the adjacent game room, showing no interest in discussing the matter with Aaron. Lazily, he swung the club, and the


    ball veered off. "Ah, missed"


    "Casper, Eliza was your wife, after all. She lived with you for two years. Don''t you know what kind of person she is?"


    Casper didn''t take Aaron''s words to heart. He swung the club again. "Seems like my golfing has gotten worse."


    Aaron grabbed the golf club from him. "Stop it. I''m serious."


    "Dr. Martin," Casper said, taking the club back from Aaron''s hands. "Our family matters don''t concern you." "Do you think I really want to meddle? I just feel sorry for Eliza."


    Casper let out a sneer, grinding his teeth as he looked at the man. "So, you went behind my back and slept with her? Did she cuddle in your arms and badmouth me?"


    "You..."


    Casper was being utterly unreasonable.

 Chapter 116

    Was this really the same Casper he knew?


    "That''s ridiculous." Casper was bing more and more of a stranger to Aaron. "Have you never once doubted Nova?"This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Casper''s swing froze mid-air, but then heughed. "You think Nova set her own house on fire, blinded herself, and broke her own leg?" Logically, it didn''t add up.


    If it made no sense for Nova, did it somehow make more sense for Eliza to have convinced someone else to start the fire?


    Whether it made sense or not, it was all up to Casper''s whims.


    "It seems you trust Nova way more than Eliza," Aaron said, a hint of self-mockery in his voice. "Sure, she''s your crush. Of course, you''d believe her. But you need to have a sense of right and wrong." Casper didn''t respond, hitting another ball. "Dr. Martin, are you here to give me a morality lecture?"


    "I''m in no position to lecture you on morals. Just a friendly reminder: some actions can''t be undone. Think it over."


    Aaron didn''t linger.


    After he left, Casper furiously snapped his expensive golf club. Panting, he took out his phone and dialed a number. "Dillon, get back from Seaville right now. I have an urgent task for you." Casper held the phone as Aaron''s words echoed in his mind, "Have you never once doubted Nova?"


    Should he be doubting her?


    A few dayster, Dillon handed over his investigation findings to Casper.


    "Mr. Casper, the arsonist, known as ''Ironhead,'' is a gambler. He definitely received a transfer of a hundred thousand dors and instructions to start the fire."


    Unfortunately, the WhatsApp ount was deactivated after the incident.


    "Mr. Casper, I also checked your wife''s call and chat logs. There''s no contact with this ''Ironhead.'' I suspect the ount was a fake."


    Casper epted this theory, but who could prove it wasn''t Eliza pretending to be someone else?


    "Hand these documents over to thewyer."


    "Understood, I''ll get on it right away."


    A weekter, Casper reappeared in the police station''s visiting room.


    Eliza looked quite slim. She had lost a significant amount of weight. The conditions there were harsh, with just one meal a day-bread and boiled vegetables.


    She could tolerate all that. What was unbearable was the constant


    lighting at night. She already bone


    trouble sleeping, and after ten days, she had barely slept at all.


    She felt like she was on the brink of death.


    "Looks like you''re not doing too well in here, he said coolly, with a


    bail you." ok


    . "If you want out ch


    "No thank you." Her eyes were dull and lifeless.


    "Do you have no regrets?"


    Eliza didn''t feel there was anything to regret. She did hope the fire could kill Nova though.


    "If Nova were dead, I''d have even fewer regrets."


    "You..." He grabbed her neck, his face darkening, "How can you be so cruel?"


    She red at him.


    His grip tightened. When her face began to change color, he slowly released her. "I''ll settle this score with youter." Casper had someone process the paperwork. Eliza was released on bail. On the way home, she didn''t say a word. "Not even a thank you for bailing you out?" he asked, his voice soft but intense as he kept his eyes on her.

 Chapter 117

    Eliza barely lifted her eyelids, a bitter taste creeping into her heart. "You set this whole thing up, and now you''re bailing me out. What am I supposed to thank you for? Not killing me outright?" He scoffed, "I''m giving you a chance to repay the favor."


    "Casper, what are you up to now?"Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    With a casual air, Casper told the driver, "Head to Hope Hospital."


    Hope Hospital?


    Her mom...


    "What did you do to my mom?"


    "You''ll see when we get there."


    His gaze was cold as he looked at her. She never took the promises he''d made to heart.


    Casper was unpredictable and constantly reneging on his word. How much could she trust him?


    Eliza''s emotions were in turmoil. She suppressed the difort in her chest until the car pulled into the grand entrance of Hope Hospital.


    The hospital had changed its name; it was now called the Wellness Medical Center.


    Casper was a cold and ruthless man, yet he chose to use a hospital to save lives. The irony wasn''t lost on her.


    As they entered the hospital building, she spotted Dr. Sanders. Eliza quickened her pace. "Dr. Sanders."


    "Ms. Eliza, you''re here."


    "How''s my mom doing?"


    Dr. Sanders gestured for her to stay calm. "The application for the new program has been submitted. It''ll take some time to restart, but we''ve started your mom on a newly marketed advanced medicine from abroad. The results are promising. Once the program restarts, she can immediately join."


    Eliza nodded along.


    But...a new medicine from abroad? That must''ve been expensive.


    "This medicine is quite expensive, isn''t it?"


    "Indeed, it''s not cheap." Dr. Sanders wanted Eliza to be prepared. "One pill costs around a hundred thousand, and for a condition like your mother''s, she needs at least three pills a month. If we wait for the program to restart, she might need around three to five pills."


    Wouldn''t that be three to five hundred thousand a month? Where would she get that kind of money?


    "Dr. Sanders, how many pills has my mom taken?"


    "She''s already taken two."


    Two pills were two hundred thousand. She couldn''t afford that.


    "Dr. Sanders, if my mom stops taking this medicine now, would she be in danger?"


    "It''s hard to say."


    It was a tough decision for Eliza, but one she had to make.


    She didn''t have the money to cover


    bmedicine cost. She''d rather


    normal treatment as long as


    I was alive.


    her


    belongs


    "Dr. Sanders, let''s stop the medication then and move my mom to a regr ward. I can''t afford the medication."


    "This..." Dr. Sanders was troubled. "Are you sure about this?"


    "Yes."


    "Alright." Dr. Sanders agreed reluctantly.


    At that moment, Casper came over. "Proceed with the treatment. I''ll cover the costs."


    Dr. Sanders was taken aback.


    Eliza turned to Casper, mocking him. "Mr.


    mer, are you afraid my


    s organs won''t be healthel.ne?


    n for Nova''s transnt?"


    "You can think of it that way." He didn''t oppose her view.


    "I won''t agree to a transnt from my mom''s organs, not unless I''m dead."


    Eliza stood her ground.


    "Then just pull her oxygen tube as well, end it all," Casper said to Dr. Sanders.


    "You..." Eliza raised her hand to p Casper, but he caught her wrist.


    Line


    "You said no treatment was needed, right? If she''s dead, that''s what will happen."


    She red at him, her eyes filled with a bloody red hue. After a moment, she shook off her hand and turned to walk away.

 Chapter 118

    Casper stood there, cursing under his breath, his anger practically radiating off him as he chased after her.


    Just as she was about to pass his car, he grabbed her wrist and shoved her inside.


    "You''ve got quite the temper."


    "Casper, I''m telling you now, I won''t agree. Don''t even think about it," she snapped, her eyes zing and her fingers trembling. "Push me too far, and I''ll take you and Nova down with me."


    He suddenlyughed, a twisted, deranged sound filled with contempt and anger.


    "Eliza, since when did you get so bold? Do you believe you can take someone out?" He yanked her wrist, pulling her close, hisrge hand tightening around her waist. "You should be more worried about youself."


    Tears of frustration welled in her eyes, making her look heartbreakingly vulnerable.


    Disappointment, despair, hopelessness-she was drowning in a sea of hatred.


    "You promised me you wouldn''t touch my mom. You promised!"


    His Adam''s apple bobbed, and his tone softened. "If you know I promised, then why are you acting crazy like this?"


    She covered her face with her hands, her sobs muffled and restrained. Her slender shoulders shook violently.


    He raised his hand to stroke her hair, ready to offer somefort, but Eliza shoved him away violently. "Don''t touch me."


    His face turned cold in an instant. Grabbing her wrist again, he pulled her into his embrace. "Eliza, you''re my wife. I can do whatever I want with you."


    With that, he gripped her chin and leaned down to kiss her.


    The kiss was far from tender. He kissed her, and she bit him, their blood mingling in their mouths, leaving a salty, metallic taste.


    Casper wiped his bleeding lip, panting. "Do you want me to carry on right here in the car?"


    "Casper, you''re a sick freak."


    "You used to cling to me, desperate to marry me, because you liked this ''sick freak."" He pinned her beneath him, ignoring the driver in front. "Eliza, you better behave, or else..." "Or else what?" she shot back, defiant.


    "You know what I''m capable of." He finally let her go, straightening his suit. "Don''t make me reconsider my decisions."


    It was a threat, in and simple.


    Eliza forced herself to calm down.


    She wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and swallowed her grievances. "I''ll pay you back for my mom''s medical expenses."


    "Whatever."


    "I hope you keep your word."


    "We''ll see how you behave."


    She looked ahead coldly, her voice icy. "I want to go back to my studio apartment."


    "Fine."


    The car stopped when they reached the studio apartment, and Eliza got out.


    The car didn''t drive away immediately. The window rolled down, and he watched her enter the apartment before finally lifting a finger. "To the hospital."


    "Right away, Mr. Casper."


    In the hospital room, Nova was throwing a tantrum at Marian. "Do you think I''m a dog or a cat? Is this what people eat?"


    On the floor were dishes Marian had carefully prepared: chicken soup, mushrooms, and seaweed.


    It looked like Nova wasn''t satisfied with them.


    Marian felt aggrieved but didn''t dare to look up, continuously apologizing. "Ms. Nova, please tell me what you would like to eat, and I''ll prepare it for you." .


    sto


    "Marian, I am thedy of this house. What do you think thedy should eat?" Nova said with full authority.


    Just then, Casper pushed the door open and walked into the hospital room...T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 119

    Nova immediately put on a magnanimous front. "Casper, you''re here. Look at me, getting into a little spat with Marian over something as silly as not liking the food. Marian''s had it rough, too, so don''t hold it


    against her."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    Casper nced at the floor.


    Marian, trembling, hurried to start cleaning up.


    "Once you''re done, you can head back," Casper said.


    Marian nodded quickly. "Yes, sir."


    Nova''s eyes had almost fully healed, and her leg was finally free from the cast.


    "Casper, how''s the arson case going?" she asked, her tone subtly pleading.


    "Not enough evidence. They let her go," he responded tly.


    "I figured Eliza couldn''t have done something like that. It really was just a misunderstanding, but it had me worried for so long." Nova''s fingers clutched the bedsheet, though her face remained calm and gentle. Casper looked up at her, feeling a surge of relief. "Once you''re out tomorrow, you should rest up at home."


    "I..." her eyshes drooped, "...I don''t have a home anymore."


    "Come to Welton Estate."


    "Is that okay? I stayed there before, and Eliza never liked me. Maybe... it''s better if I don''t," she said, trying to show she didn''t want to impose, "I can rent a ce."


    "It''s okay. She''s not staying there anymore."


    "Did you two have a fight?"


    Casper didn''t answer, simply saying, "Marian wille to pick you up."


    ...


    After leaving the hospital, Casper, as if guided by some unseen force, found himself at Eliza''s apartment.


    Eliza had just finished showering, exhausted from the days she was detained. She had called Molly and was nning to go back to work the next day. She needed the money. The doorbell rang.


    Through the peephole, she saw... Casper.


    Hadn''t he left?


    Hand on the doorknob, she hesitated but eventually opened the door. "Mr. Casper, do you need something?"


    He leaned against the door frame, body slightly bent, a yful smirk on his lips. "Aren''t you going to invite me in?" "It''s not a great time."


    "What''s so bad about meing in now?" He didn''t force his way in, sparing her dignity. Casper could enter if he wanted, so she stepped aside. "I forgot this is your territory."


    Casper, nearly six feet three inches tall, had to duck slightly to enter.


    It was his first time inside a Welton International employee''s apartment. The room was small, with the toilet, and living area divided into sections. A desk with aputer was ced on the balcony. The bedroom was simply partitioned off.


    "Have you had your dinner?" he asked, turning to her.


    Eliza replied coldly, "I''m not hungry."


    "I am. Make me a bowl of pasta," he said.


    "I don''t have the kind of pasta you eat, Mr. Casper," she retorted, not wanting to cater to him.


    He raised an eyebrow. "Your mother''s medication, in exchange for a bowl of pasta, how about that? Mrs. Welton."


    The medication was worth a hundred thousand. Could she refuse?


    "Fine."


    Turning around, she went into the kitchen, tied on an apron, and took out the only pack of spaghetti she had. She nced at the expiration date... it was expired.


    Casper took off his jacket and sat on


    the sofa. The sofa was small and


    narrow barely allowing him to


    stretch his legs. On the balcony


    window, a pot of sunflowers exuded a tranquil fragrance.


    He stood up and walked to the kitchen doorway, watching her silhouette.


    In the two years they were married, he rarely came home, but every time he did, Eliza would prepare a feast for him. He knew she was an excellent cook, yet he had never tasted her food.

 Chapter 120

    He couldn''t stand being around her, so much so that he''de home only in the dead of night.


    Though he clearly didn''t like her, he was strangely addicted to her body. Beyond their physical encounters, he knew almost nothing about her.


    "in broth again?" he suddenly said.


    Eliza didn''t turn around. "I made egg soup," she replied calmly.


    "No meat?"


    Eliza opened the fridge and pulled out a sausage. "Will this do?"


    "It''ll have to," he grumbled.


    Eliza brought the bowl to him with a smile. "Here you go, enjoy."


    "Just one portion?" he asked, looking up.


    "There''s more."


    "Get another one and join me."


    Eliza shook her head. "I can''t afford such a fancy meal."


    "It''s on me."


    Eliza stayed put.


    Casper twirled some pasta, blew on them, and held them out to her. "Come on, try it."


    Eliza hesitated. "...You eat it."


    Feeling awkward, she retreated to the kitchen to clean up the mess.


    Suddenly, strong arms wrapped around her from behind, making her scream. "Let go of me, Casper! What are you doing?"


    "I''ve never heard you scream like that in bed."


    His chin rested on her shoulder, making her stiffen.


    Was he losing it? She felt his body react and wanted to escape, but the cramped space left her trapped.


    "This is an apartment for single people."


    "What are you trying to say?" he murmured, biting gently behind her ear. "Eliza, we''re married, not having an affair."


    "I don''t like this."


    "Don''t like what? Sex or sex with


    me?" He pinned her, turning h face him, his eyes cold. "Are


    saving yourself for Aar


    "What does Aaron have to do with this?"


    get


    "Then who are you saving yourself for?" he asked, lifting her onto the countertop, his hands trapping her in ce. "Eliza, was Aaron gentle with you?"


    Her eyes, bright and intense, locked onto his. "Mr. Casper, what do you want to hear?"


    "I want the truth."


    "I bet you''ve already imagined it, Aaron and me in bed. And yes, it''s exactly what you think."


    She knew provoking him was risky, but dealing with someone as unstable as him left her no choice.


    Casperughed abruptly, his eyes dark and piercing. "So, you did sleep with him?"


    "Believe whatever you want. Just don''t ask me these questions."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    His hand shot to her neck. "Eliza, you really know how to drive me mad."


    "Isn''t this what you wanted to hear?" she spat, ring at him. "Isn''t this your excuse for revenge?"


    "Looks like you''re not scared of my revenge anymore." He released her neck. "could call the hospital right now and you''d deal with the


    ences."


    "Please, no." Her head dropped, her body cold. "I''m sorry."


    She was terrified, utterly terrified. He wasn''t thinking like a normal human being.


    "I''ll give you a chance to make it up to me." He gripped her waist, pulling her close. "Kiss me."

 Chapter 121

    Eliza closed her eyes and leaned in, offering her lips. She felt awkward, hesitant, but drawn by an irresistible pull.


    "Do you even know how to kiss?" His breath hitched at her clumsy approach.


    She shook her head, a silent confession.


    With a swift move, he took charge, cradling the back of her head as their lips met.


    Suddenly, a cellphone rang, cutting through the moment. Casper ignored it, his lips trailing down her neck.


    "You really should answer that," she murmured.


    "Not interested," he replied, dismissing the noise.


    But the ringing didn''t stop.


    Gathering her courage, Eliza pulled the phone from his pocket. A nce at the screen showed it was Nova calling.


    "It''s Nova. You sure you don''t want to answer?"


    With a reluctant sigh, he took the phone, his voice edged in annoyance, "Hello?"


    "Casper, I got my period. Can you grab me some tempons? My stomach''s killing me. Oh, and some smoothie too?" Nova''s voice was tentative. "Got it," Casper said softly.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    Yet, he lingered. He kissed Eliza onest time and reluctantly let her go. "You... should get some rest."


    He left the kitchen, grabbed his coat, and walked out without another word.


    Eliza felt a wave of bitter irony.


    Casper''s devotion to Nova was so intense he''d personally fetch her tempons. Once, she would have given anything for such attention. Now, it meant nothing.


    ...


    The next morning, Eliza headed to the design department. Her boss didn''t question her absence, and she offered no exnations.


    As noon approached, a buzz of gossip filled the office.


    "Word is, a new deputy manager will be here today, handpicked by Mr. Casper."


    "Could it be Mr. Casper''s girlfriend?"


    "Isn''t Mr. Casper married?"


    "I heard he''s getting divorced, and this one''s his first love."


    "So, she might be the CEO''s future wife? Working under her watchful eye, will we ever catch a break?"


    "Shh, she''s here."


    Heads turned as Molly wheeled in the new deputy manager.


    Eliza had expected this. Nova wouldn''t pass up a chance to unt her status. Nova needed to feet superior, masking her insecurities by undermining Eliza.


    Molly introduced her with a flourish, "Meet our new deputy manager, Nova. Let''s give her a warm wee." Colleagues pped in session.


    Nova''s eyes fixated on Eliza. "You''re not going to wee me?"


    Eliza looked up, ppingzily.


    "Let''s all get along with Ms. Nova," Molly continued, wheeling Nova towards the office. "Your office is all set. Mr. Casper made sure you''d be taken care of. If you need anything, just let me know."


    "Thanks, Molly. I''ll make sure Mr. Casper hears good things about you," Nova replied with a gracious smile.


    Molly responded, "Get settled in then. I''ve got some work to do."


    "Sure thing."


    As Molly exited, she pped her hands for attention. "Listen up, everyone. We have a new product to design. Are you ready?" "Molly, what''s the new project?" asked Ada, a colleague.


    Molly stated, "It''s a seasonal


    essory themed around flowers.


    Mr.


    Waid the best design


    a hundred thousand bonus."


    The design department erupted in excitement.


    Eliza remained calm, her face a mask of indifference.

 Chapter 122

    Designs centered around flowers had always been a ssic choice, but they were also the hardest to make truly stand out. Flowers were naturally beautiful, so to really impress, you had to focus on the little details.


    Nova came from a traditional painting background, not professional jewelry design. She could join in, but winning the $100,000 prize seemed out of reach.


    As the workday ended, Casper himself showed up at the design department to pick Nova up.


    "Why did youe yourself? Seriously, you don''t need to worry about me; I can handle it," Nova said, her cheeks flushing with a shy delight, her eyes filled with affection. She yed the part of a pampered woman to perfection.


    Casper took hold of her wheelchair and started pushing it. "How was your first day? Are you settling in okay?"


    "My colleagues are all really nice."


    "That''s good to hear."


    Everyone watched them closely as they left the design department, the air buzzing with gossip.


    "Looks like Mr. Casper has found true love. Just look at how he looks at Ms. Nova, so tender and loving."


    "The pull of a crush is strong. I wonder how Mr. Casper''s not-yet-ex-wife feels about this."


    "Does she even see it happening? Men only love their first love; everything else is just settling."


    "Looks like Mrs. Casper''s spot is about to be filled by someone else."


    Everyone had something to say.


    Eliza had longe to terms with the consequences of not being loved. She only hoped that one day, Casper would officially be with Nova and let her go.


    Eliza was thest to leave the office. Autumn had settled in, so she wrapped her trench coat tighter and headed to her studio apartment.


    Someone called out to her. She turned and saw a familiar face. "Aaron?"


    "It really is you." Aaron jogged a few steps to catch up. "You''re working at Welton International now?"


    "Yeah."


    It wasn''t hard to guess Casper had arranged it.


    Aaron didn''t pry further but mentioned Rose''s illness. "I heard the project is picking up again, thanks to Casper, and the medicine your mom is taking is something he imported at a high cost. Actually, Casper..."


    "Aaron." She cut him off, understanding his attempt to mediate. "Casper and I have no chance of reconciliation."


    Disappointment had piled up little by little, turning into irrevocable despair. Every step she and Casper took was a step towards hell. "So... what''s your n?"


    Eliza stared nkly at the neon lights lining the street. Even the mole at the corner of her eye looked deste.


    "Aaron, for now... I can only take things one step at a time."All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    "If you ever need anything, you can count on me," he offered, hoping to help.


    Regardless of his intentions, Eliza was always grateful. "Thank you, Aaron, but I''d rather not trouble you."


    "I understand."


    Aaron knew Casper had always misunderstood their rtionship and Eliza didn''t want to get too close


    to avoid furtherplications. He got that.


    "Aaron, my apartment is just up ahead," she said.


    Aaron looked slightly stunned. "You... live in a studio apartment? Why don''t you go back to Welton Estate?"


    "The Welton Estate already has a


    new mistress. I''m better off here out of everyone''s way." She smiled, pointing towards the apartment entrance. "Aaron, I better head back. See you around."


    She took out her keys to unlock the door to her apartment. As she turned to close it, a tall, handsome man unexpectedly squeezed in.


    "You..." Eliza, startled, backed away quickly and grabbed her purse to swing at the man''s head. "...get out, get out now!"

 Chapter 123

    The man raised his hand to fend her off, casually shutting the door behind him. "Eliza, if you used that fire against Casper, you wouldn''t be in this mess." "Zach, get out. Now."


    "Why do you always look at me like I''m the worst? I actually have something important to tell you today." Zach flopped down on the couch, his eyes catching sight of the sandwich on her table. "Perfect, I haven''t eaten." He reached for the sandwich, but Eliza snatched them away before he could. "Leave. Got it?"


    His hand came up empty. Zach leaned back, a smirk on his face. "Don''t you want to hear what I have to say?"


    "What is it?" Eliza''s voice was cold.


    A sly smile crept across Zach''s lips. "I''ve got a ton of evidence on how Mercy Hospital mistreated Robin and what your father went through after he was arrested. Do you want it?"


    Before Eliza could respond, Zach continued, "I know you once loved Casper deeply, but so what? He doesn''t love you. He''s plotting to wipe out the Pinotti family. Don''t you hate him?"


    "Eliza, I can help you. Together, we can make Casper fall from grace, and the Pinotti family won''t have to live in fear. You can finally hold your head high again. I might even be able to help cure Robin''s madness."


    Eliza''s tense body slowly rxed.


    Previously, she would have rejected Zach without a second thought. But now...


    "Why should I believe you?"


    "Just look at this first." Zach opened a video on his phone and handed it to Eliza. "People don''t just go mad for no reason. See for yourself what your brother went through."


    Eliza took the phone, her fingertips trembling.


    showed Robin and several


    The video sho


    men. They were relentlessly


    shocking him with electric batons They stripped him naked and


    urinated on him. They also filled the room with snakes, insects, rats, and ants.


    swne


    Any normal person would go mad in such conditions.


    Eliza closed her eyes, gripping the phone


    herightly, struggling to suppress did they do this to him?" Content 2


    her surging emotions. "Why? Why


    "It''s simply because he''s a Pinotti and because he supposedly assaulted Nova."


    "He didn''t." Eliza''s eyes, bloodshot, red at Zach. "It was Nova who set him up. He would never do such a thing. Never."


    Zach shrugged. "Of course, I believe


    Robin wouldn''t do that. But my


    opinion doesn''t matter. Casper


    doesn''t believe it. He only believes Nova And you know, even if Robin didn''t do anything to Nova, Casper wouldn''t let him off."


    Eliza knew it was because Robin was a part of the Pinotti family, and all Pinottis deserved to go to hell.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    She also knew Zach wasn''t showing her this just out of kindness. He wanted her reaction.


    "How exactly do you n to take Casper down?"


    Finally, they got to the point.


    Zach became serious. "To make Casper truly fall, the first step is to remove him from his position as CEO of Welton International." "You think you can do that?"


    "No. Us." Zach already had a detailed n. "I need your help, Eliza. Helping me is helping yourself."


    "Zach, you''re just a bastard. Even if you manage to dethrone Casper, so what? He has a sister. You wouldn''t be next in line."

 Chapter 124

    Zach had never taken Caroline seriously. What kind of impact could a woman really make?


    "You don''t actually think Welton International would end up in the hands of a woman, do you?" he sneered. Tristan had told him ages ago that Welton International was passed down to the males. When Casper stepped down, Zach would be the next in line.


    But Eliza saw things differently.


    Caroline had spent years abroad, honing her skills. She was just as capable as Casper, if not more. Her grandpa had sent her away to ensure that she could support Casper and secure his position as president of Welton International, preventing thepany from being divided by Tristan''s numerous illegitimate children.


    Jeffrey still called the shots in the Welton family.


    "Even if Welton International won''t end up in a woman''s hands, what makes you so sure it''ll end up in yours?" Eliza looked at Zach with disdain, seeing right through his fake smile. "You''re not Tristan''s only illegitimate child. What makes you think you have the upper hand?"


    "Bing the one to take over Welton International depends on my abilities," Zach said with confidence. "Eliza, don''t you want to feel the thrill of getting back at Casper?"


    She did. Of course, she did. But she couldn''t join forces with Zach. He was like a walking needle, all sharp edges and cunning. As Casper had once said, she couldn''t outmaneuver him.


    "I think you''ve got the wrong person, Mr. Zach. While I do want revenge against Casper, I''m naturally timid, so..."


    "Don''t rush to reject me. Think it over," Zach replied smoothly.


    In his mind, Eliza''s hesitation meant the stakes weren''t high enough yet. Robin''s maltreatment hadn''t hit her where it hurt the most. No matter, Zach had time. As he left, he tossed a USB drive onto the table. "This has some videos on your father. I believe once you watch it, you''ll change your mind."


    Zach walked out, leaving the USB drive lying quietly on the coffee table. Eliza stared at the small device, lost in thought. She wanted to watch it but was afraid of what she might find. After what felt like an eternity, she picked up the drive, tossed it into a drawer, and locked it away. Some truths, she decided, she wanted to uncover on her own. Videos, no matter how realistic, would only cloud her judgment.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Everyone in the design department,


    - on the design department,


    Eliza, was busy. Chelsea some good news: she''d a suitable psychiatrist.


    "Really? That''s awesome, Chelsea."


    "I''ve alreadypleted the


    admission procedures for Robin et


    The doctor said significant improvement could take three to six months."


    Eliza felt a glimmer of hope. "Thank you, Chelsea."


    "If you want to thank me, treat me to dinner tonight."


    "Deal."


    When it was time to leave, Eliza shut down herputer and got ready to head out. Her inte buzzed.


    "Eliza, it''s Faithe. Mr. Casper wants to see you. Come to the CEO''s office now."


    "Got it."


    Eliza nced at her watch. She and Chelsea had nned to meet at their favorite restaurant. To avoid waiting for a table, they had made a reservation.


    "Chelsea, you head over first. I''ve got some work to finish up here, but I''ll be there soon."


    Chelsea replied instantly, "Okay, you finish up. I''ll wait for you."


    Eliza made her way to the president''s office alone. She knocked and walked in.

 Chapter 125

    "Mr. Casper," she said, her face calm but with a hint of respect.


    He gave her a nd look. "I''ve been hearing that your performance has been slippingtely."


    Hearing? From whom? Nova?


    "I''m not sure what you mean by ''slipping,'' Mr. Casper. Can you rify which part of my work is in question?"


    "Ms. Nova mentioned that you''ve been constantly searching for images online for your designs. Are you nning to giarize, or are you just out of ideas?"


    Eliza was stunned.


    Yes, she had searched online, but only for types and details of flowers.


    Was that considered giarism? Did Nova not understand what it meant? Did Casper not understand either?


    "So, Mr. Casper, you tell me, if not floral materials, what should I use as inspiration for my essory design that features flowers? I think you know that. Nova doesn''t have the adequate experience and skills to really understand what makes a good design, nor what materials are beneficial."


    Eliza''s words caused Casper''s expression to darken. "Are you questioning my judgment and choices? Eliza, who gave you that right?"


    True, she had no right. She was just stating facts.


    "If there''s nothing else, Mr. Casper, I''ll leave for the day."All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    She turned to go but was stopped by him. "Come with me to the family estate tonight. Caroline is back."


    Caroline had returned?


    Though she and Caroline got along fine, she had no desire to go to the Welton estate.


    "I have ns tonight."


    "Cancel them."


    "Mr. Casper, I decide how to spend my time after work."


    He looked at her coldly. "Don''t forget, you''re still married into the Welton family. There''s a family dinner tonight, and you must attend."


    With no choice but toply with Casper''s decision, Eliza sighed.


    He picked up his coat and took her hand. "Let''s go."


    Eliza pulled her hand away, feeling a wave of disgust.


    Seeing her frown, he lost his temper. "Eliza, don''t give me attitude."


    "I''m not," she replied, cool and disdainful.


    Infuriated, he threw his coat onto the couch and dragged her into the lounge.


    As the lounge door closed behind them, Eliza found herself thrown onto therge bed. "Casper, what are you doing? This is the office."


    She knew what he wanted. She also knew he didn''t care about propriety. But she did.


    He began to undo his tie, anger evident in his movements as he unbuttoned his cuffs. "Even if we were in the middle of the street, what could anyone say? Eliza, remember your ce."


    As he unbuckled his belt and pinned her beneath him, Eliza didn''t feel like Mrs. Welton at all.


    She was just a toy for Casper''s frustrations... there whenever he wanted, regardless of time, ce, or her consent.


    He lowered his face to kiss her, but she turned her face away. Frustrated, he grabbed her chin, his tongue forcing its way into her mouth.


    From anger to indulgence, his


    passion grew, bing more


    forceful. Overwhelmed, Eliza tril


    push him away but found her wrists pinned above her head.


    "Are you not happy?" he breathed, biting her earlobe. "Tell me, who did you have ns with today?"


    She bit her lip, silent. Tears welled up in her eyes, making her look pitiful.


    He thrusted into her fiercely, his dissatisfaction clear as he


    demanded, "Who did you prefer over me today that you dare give me such an attitude? Hm?"

 Chapter 126

    "What kind of attitude do you want from me?" Her hair was a mess, sprawled across the pillow, and her beautiful eyes were bloodshot. "If you really want someone who listens to you, go find Nova. Don''t bother me."


    "Tell me, did you meet up with Aaron?" His big hand moved around her neck. "Hmm?"


    "No."


    "Really?" He squeezed a bit, making Eliza scream in pain. "Did you or didn''t you?"


    "No, no, no!" She shook her head frantically, struggling pointlessly.


    By chance, her hand touched something.


    It only took a second before she raised the kitchen knife high and aimed for his heart.


    Casper caught her wrist. He looked shocked. "You wanna kill me?"


    The kitchen knife was just something Eliza grabbed on a whim. She didn''t really want to kill him; he was just pushing her too far.


    He exerted a bit of force, and the knife fell from Eliza''s hand.


    All interest was gone, and his eyes turned cold. He stood up, got dressed, and kicked the knife away.


    "Eliza, you''ve really outdone yourself. Do you wanna kill me? Think you got what it takes?"


    Her legs trembled as she shakily pulled on her clothes.


    She had thought about it; if she couldn''t kill him, she''d kill herself. But... it didn''t go as nned.


    Casper was beyond pissed, his chest heaving violently. He swept a vase off the shelf with his hand.


    "Fine, fine." He almost ground his teeth to dust. After smashing a few more ornaments, his sharp gaze turned to her. "I really underestimated you, huh? Were you nning to make yourself a widow?" He roared, and Eliza cowered in fear.


    Suddenly, he pressed down on her shoulder, his dark eyes hidden in the dim light, making his handsome face even more intimidating.


    "Eliza, do you know what the consequences are? Do you?" He grabbed her hair, forcing her to look up. "Who taught you this? Who? Tell me."


    At that moment, Casper was like a monster, ready to devour everything.


    Eliza couldn''t answer. She didn''t even dare to look at him. When he went mad, he could easily kill her.


    Everything in the room that could be broken was shattered, but his anger was only half gone.


    "This time won''t hold it against you,


    there Eliza, remember this-if


    there''s a next time, your


    family will disappear."


    She hung her head, silent.


    After a while, Casper''s phone rang. He took a deep breath and answered, "Hello?"This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    "Casper, when are you and Elizaing?" The voice on the phone was Caroline''s.


    Casper nced at the disheveled Eliza. "We''ll be there soon."


    "Hurry up, everyone''s waiting. Grandpa''s in great spirits today; he''s asked about you two several times." "Okay."


    After hanging up, he took a few more deep breaths, looked back at Eliza, and dialed a number. "Go buy a dress, size S."


    Half an hourter, Faithe knocked on


    the door with a Chanel bag in


    hand


    Casper, I''ve bought the


    clothes." ,


    "Leave it outside."


    "Okay."


    Faithe didn''t know who the clothes were for. From her observation, they didn''t seem like Nova''s size.


    Could Casper have another woman?


    Casper took the clothes into the lounge


    "Change your clothes. We


    and tossed them t e family estate." Content"


    She was silent.


    He snapped irritably, "Do you need my help changing?"

 Chapter 127

    On the ride to the Welton family estate, Eliza''s slender frame stayed pressed against the car door.


    Casper tapped the seat next to him. "Scoot over a bit."


    Hershes, heavy with the mist of tears, lifted slowly as she looked at him, shaking her head. There was an inherent sense of vulnerability about her when she cried, especially in bed. He often found himself lost, utterly captivated by it.


    He withdrew his lingering gaze from her face. "You should really drop that ''woe-is-me'' look. Anyone who doesn''t know us might think I''ve done something terrible to you."


    "Have you not?" Her voice was barely a whisper.


    Casper shot her a cold look, a sneer in his voice. "Are you calling what happens between us mistreatment? Or is it your attempt to kill me that''s the real issue?"


    Anything she resisted wasbeled as mistreatment, whether in bed or out. Clearly, Casper didn''t get it.


    Eliza gently pressed her cheek against the car window, looking so alone and deste. The car slowly rolled to a stop in front of the Welton estate.


    Once out of the car, Casper extended his hand toward Eliza. She reflexively hid her hands behind her back. Noticing the slight change in Casper''s expression, she then ced her hand in his. Her hand was cold. His was warm and dry. But it wasn''t the warmth she needed.


    Walking into the mansion''s courtyard, Eliza spotted Caroline from a distance.


    "Eliza."


    "Caroline." Eliza managed a smile that looked more painful than tears.


    Caroline shot a displeased look at her brother. "Did you mess with Eliza again?"


    "Why would I do that?"


    "Really?" Caroline tilted her head to look at Eliza, clearly seeing she had cried. "Eliza, did he really not bully you?"


    "No, he didn''t, Caroline." Eliza didn''t want Caroline to focus all her attention on her. "When did you get back?"


    "Just arrived this afternoon and immediately called you over for dinner tonight." Caroline took Eliza''s hand, leading her inside. "Today''s special, Grandpa is in great spirits."


    The two women walked ahead, with Casper trailing behind, hands in his pockets. The streetlight cast a soft glow on Eliza''s profile, making her look breathtakingly beautiful.


    To wee Caroline, the family had


    prepared a feast. Tristan was unusually at home, and Audrey was as expressionless as ever. Only Jeffrey seemed different from usual, even indulging in a small ss of red wine.


    "Grandpa, are you happy because I''m back?" Caroline teased with augh.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    Jeffrey raised his hand to pat Caroline''s head. "With Casper and you here, I can rest easy about the Welton family affairs."


    "Grandpa, we feel at ease because we have you," Caroline said, cing a piece of lobster meat into her grandfather''s bowl. "Grandpa, you need to live another thirty healthy years." "Then I would be a real old monster," Jeffreyughed heartily.


    Eliza ate her meal quietly, very politely. In the Welton family, she barely made her presence known; they talked, and she couldn''t, nor dared to, interject until Jeffrey mentioned her name. Only then did she look up, somewhat bewildered.


    "Grandpa."


    "Eliza, I know you''ve had a tough time recently. I''m aware of it. Here, I want to toast to you, to thank you for everything you''ve done for the Welton family, for me."


    Eliza understood. It was about the blood transfusion Jeffrey had received from her. She actually didn''t need thanks. From the


    beginning, she never wanted he


    blood to be taken. The family waited for her to say something. She said nothing, merely curled her lips into a small smile and drained the ss of red wine.

 Chapter 128

    Tristan also raised his ss high. "On behalf of every single member of the Welton family, here''s to you, Eliza. We couldn''t have done it without your hard work and dedication."


    He expected her to respond with at least a polite remark. His gaze was filled with anticipation as he lifted his ss.


    But she didn''t say a word.


    Silent, Eliza raised her ss and emptied it again.


    Tristan smiled awkwardly. "Well then, I guess it''s my turn to finish my drink."


    Only Audrey looked at Eliza with a gaze filled withplexity and pity.


    The spirits among the Welton family members were high,ughter and banter filling the air.


    Eliza sat quietly, asionally zoning out or lost in thought.


    "Eliza, when are you going to have my little nephew for me to spoil?" Caroline asked her.


    Eliza snapped back to reality. "Huh? What?"


    Caroline grinned. "I mean, when will you and Casper give me a little nephew to dote on? When do I get to be an aunt?"


    Eliza managed a wry smile.


    Caroline had the chance to be an aunt, but Eliza no longer had the chance to be a mother again. She lowered her gaze without speaking, her eyes swirling withplex emotions. Caroline mistook Eliza''s silence for shyness and turned to Casper. "You need to put in more effort. It''s been over two years since you got married. Come on, step it up."


    "There''s no rush."


    "If you want your grandfather to live another thirty years, you''d better hurry up," Tristan said with a hint of displeasure.


    Casper nced at Eliza beside him. She seemed a bit dazed, but it was a daze that brought out a natural beauty. He was captivated by the sight.


    Caroline couldn''t help but tease him. "Your eyes are practically glued to her."This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Casper snapped back to his senses with a light chuckle.


    When Jeffrey left the dining table, he called Casper to the study. He was in good spirits and discussed the future development of Welton International.


    "Casper, if I fall critically ill again, don''t save me. And don''t take Eliza''s blood anymore."


    Casper remained silent.


    This was always a dilemma. If it really came down to it, of course, his grandfather was more important.


    "Grandfather, how could I not save you?"


    "Foolish boy, I don''t want you to ruin your marriage for my sake. Eliza is a good girl. Whether you love her or not, she''s the right person for you. As for that Nova... it''s time to let go." Despite his age and constant ailments, Jeffrey was far from stupid.


    When Casper remained silent, Jeffrey sighed deeply in resignation. "You''re capable and bold, but your heart is too unsettled. Take some time tocalm down and think about what you really want. Don''t make it hard for yourself or others.


    He reached out to caress his grandson''s hair. Casper was his most cherished grandchild, raised to be his sessor since birth.


    How Jeffrey wished for his beloved grandchild to find happiness in the future.


    "I have lived a fulfilling life. Lately,


    I''ve been dreaming of your grandmother. She says she''s settled everything on the other side and is just waiting for me to join her, to live our days together."


    "Grandfather..." Casper''s voice was choked with emotion.


    "I''m not afraid of death. I miss your grandmother. We met at fourteen She married me at eighteen, bore my children, and took great care of our home. I''m so grateful to her, and I truly miss her."


    A look of happiness and anticipation shone on Jeffrey''s face. Slowly, he closed his eyes.


    "Grandfather, grandfather..." Casper was at a loss. His eyes reddened. "It''ll be okay. I''ll save you. I will definitely save you."

 Chapter 129

    Jeffrey was rushed to the hospital, barely clinging to life with the help of machines. The entire Welton family, including Eliza, waited anxiously outside the room.


    Inside the hospital room, Caroline had a rtively clear understanding of Jeffrey''s condition. She leaned in close to Tristan and whispered, "Dad, Grandpa had a momentary improvement before his condition worsened. I think we need to prepare for the worst."


    Thinking about the worst was something Tristan had never entertained. As long as Eliza was alive, Jeffrey had a chance to live.


    "What are we waiting for? Get her to give blood now!" Tristan snapped at Casper.


    Caroline, puzzled, looked from Casper back to her father. "Dad, what a blood transfusion? Grandpa doesn''t have a blood disease. What''s going on?"


    "You don''t know this, but your grandpa''s illness needs Eliza''s blood to keep him alive," Tristan growled, ring at Casper, who stood frozen. His anger escted, "What are you waiting for? Take her to give blood now, or it''ll be toote!"


    Caroline was stunned into silence.


    "No, this isn''t right," she protested, stepping in front of Casper, her eyes wide with shock. "Casper, Eliza is your wife. How can you even think of draining her blood to save Grandpa?"


    Casper''s eyes were cold, a bitter smile ying on his lips.


    Tristan roughly pulled Caroline aside. "This isn''t your ce. Casper, take Eliza to donate blood now. We''re running out of time."


    "Dad," Caroline pleaded. "Grandpa is over ny. Let him go in peace. Why would you risk Eliza''s life? This is madness."


    "What do you know?" Tristan''s eyes zed with fury. "Your grandpa is the backbone of the Welton family. Without him, we''re finished."


    Completely losing hisposure,


    Tristan looked like a man


    possessed, Caroline shook her head, staring at her unrecognizable father and emotionless brother. "You guys are heartless. I won''t let this happen."


    "Eliza has agreed to donate her blood for Grandpa. Who are you to disagree?" Tristan snapped, grabbing Caroline''s wrist and pushing her aside. "Since when do you make decisions for this family?"


    elet


    As he looked at the monitor, Tristan''s frustration boiled over. "Casper, are you out of your mind? Go and take Eliza to donate blood Don''t you want to save your grandpa? He raised you and doted on you the most. Are you just going to let him die?"


    Taking a deep breath as if making a firm decision, Casper marched out of the room. Caroline quickly followed, overtaking him to stand protectively in front of Eliza.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    "Casper, don''t be foolish. Grandpa wouldn''t want you to do this. Let him go peacefully, please."


    Eliza wasn''t particrly surprised. Donating blood when Jeffrey was ill had be a grim routine. This time, though, he was sicker than ever, and even half of her blood might not be enough. She appreciated Caroline''s support but knew it wouldn''t change what Casper was determined to do. He believed Jeffrey''s life outweighed everyone else''s.


    Casper''s cold eyes locked onto Eliza. "Come with me."


    "No, don''t go," Caroline insisted, her voice breaking. "You''ll die, Eliza. They''re all crazy. You can''t..."


    Eliza whispered, gently holding Caroline''s hand and forcing a sad smile. "There are some things I can''t refuse."

 Chapter 130

    If you don''t agree, they can''t drag you to do it," Caroline said, gripping Eliza''s hand, ready to lead her away. "Let''s get out of here. We don''t have to stay."


    But...Eliza didn''t move.


    Caroline didn''t understand the tangled mess between Eliza and Casper, but Eliza couldn''t y dumb.


    This was simply donating some blood.


    Too much, and it could be fatal. Too little, and she might survive.


    Whether her health would stay intact was of no concern to anyone and it didn''t matter.


    Quietly, she slipped her hand from Caroline''s grasp and walked towards the blood donation room. Her silhouette was slender and lonely, exuding an indescribable sense of heartache. "Eliza..." Caroline''s eyes shimmered with unshed tears.


    After Eliza entered the blood donation room, the sound of the monitor''s rm echoed through the hospital.


    "Grandpa..."


    The entire Welton family rushed into the hospital room. Everyone understood what the tline on the monitor meant. Jeffrey was beyond saving.


    "Dad..."


    "Grandpa..."


    Eliza heard the cries in the blood donation room.


    With Jeffrey gone, she felt an indescribable emptiness. She sat on the hospital bed, her gaze distant and forlorn.


    ...


    Jeffrey''s funeral was held three dayster. Eliza''s name was not on the guest list.


    The rain poured down.


    Casper stood in front of Eliza, umbre in hand, looking down at her with a cold glint in his eyes. "What are you doing here?"


    She remained silent. She just wanted to pay herst respects to the old man.


    "Do you think you have the right to attend Grandpa''s funeral?"


    His voice was calm, yet it carried an underlying storm that could tear someone apart at any moment.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    He took a step towards her, and she stepped back.


    He took another step, and she took another step back. Suddenly, he grabbed her wrist, using the hand holding the umbre, and the wind swept the umbre away.


    Stumbling, she was dragged to the


    entrance of the chapel. "Eliza, today you''re going to kneel here. If


    don''tkneel for three hours to you''re not gonn stand up."


    Inside the chapel, Jeffrey''s portrait was disyed.


    With a forceful push from Casper, she knelt down on the rain-soaked ground. The rain instantly soaked through her clothes, dripping down her hair. The cold chill made her pores tighten, and her body trembled slightly.


    "If Ie back and see you''re not here, your entire family will join my grandfather and get buried."


    Casper left with those harsh words.


    The entire Welton family departed.


    Today was the day Jeffrey was to be buried. The Welton family''s cemetery was located on the prestigious Sunshine Hill.


    It was said, Casper took Nova to send off the old man on hisst journey, and Eliza, the rightful granddaughter-inw, had no right to attend.


    Eliza was to kneel there in penance.


    The cemetery was solemn and dignified. Everyone was in a somber mood.


    Jeffrey''s closest kin and friends were all there to send him off on his final journey.


    Caroline stood next to Casper, dressed in ck, her face hidden behind sunsses.


    Nova''s presence greatly displeased Caroline. "Why did you bring her? Aren''t you afraid of what family and friends might think? What about Eliza? Why isn''t Eliza here?" "Why mention her? If it weren''t for her, Grandpa wouldn''t have left us so soon." Casper''s expression was grave, his tone icy.


    Caroline was taken aback. How could he say something so utterly absurd? "What does that have to do with Eliza? Shouldn''t you be grateful to her for giving Grandpa a blood transfusion? She doesn''t owe us anything, much less Grandpa.


    "Doesn''t she owe me something? She owes me more than you could imagine," Casper said, his emotions spiraling out of control, his voice a suppressed roar.

 Chapter 131

    Nova gently tugged at Casper''s sleeve and whispered, "Casper, don''t argue with your sister. Today, we''reying Grandpa to rest. Let''s keep the peace."


    "Please, cut him some ck. He''s just in a bad mood," Nova said, turning to Caroline with a pleading look.


    "Who do you think you are? This is the Welton family business. Since when do outsiders get to butt in?"


    Caroline was fuming. Who did Nova think she was, showing up at Jeffery''s funeral?


    Casper tried to keep his anger in check. "Why are you yelling at her?"


    "Does she even belong here? Is she your wife? Casper, remember, you''re married now. Grandpa hated Dad''s affairs more than anything, and here you are, following in his footsteps. How dare you bring this woman to Grandpa''s funeral? Are you trying to upset him even in death? What''s wrong with you?"


    Caroline''s fingers shook as she pointed at Nova, her eyes zing. "You''ve got some nerve, showing up at a Welton family funeral. Get out, now!"


    Nova was too scared to respond, her face turning red as she blinked back tears. "I just wanted to pay my respects to Grandpa. I meant no harm."


    "Plenty of people wanted to pay their respects. Who do you think you are?" Caroline''s anger was palpable. "Nova, I won''t argue with you today. Just disappear from my sight." Nova''s tears began to fall.


    Casper looked at Nova, his lips tightly set, his voice gentle. "Go wait for me in the car."


    "Okay."


    Nova''s seemingly hurt demeanor made Caroline feel sick. Did all men fall for this act? Her father did, and now her brother too? The men of the Welton family were all fools.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    "How could you fall for this maniptor? How does she evenpare to Eliza? You must be blind."


    After her outburst, Caroline didn''t give Casper a chance to respond and went straight to Audrey''s side.


    "Mom, the rain''s getting heavy. These men have their own matters to handle. Let''s head back. Watch your step."


    "Alright."


    The rain intensified.


    Eliza was kneeling in front of the sanctuary inside the family estate.


    The servants couldn''t stand to watch any longer. One of them approached her with an umbre.


    "Ma''am, this rain is too heavy and


    cold. Kneeling here could make y


    Ewe w koet


    sick No one''s around now. don''t you rest inside for a


    "It''s okay. I must kneel for three hours."


    Eliza''s face was deathly pale, almost devoid of color, her body trembling.


    "Mr. Casper might not return today, and even if he does, he won''t know how long you''ve knelt. If he asks, I''ll say youpleted it."


    The servant tried to help Eliza up, but she refused. She didn''t want Casper to take his anger out on others because of her.


    "You go on and do your work."


    The servant shook her head and walked away.


    The sound of a car approached the mansion.


    Caroline, helping Audrey, entered the mansion. "Mom, let''s go to the sanctuary and light candles for Grandpa." "Yes, let''s."


    The two of them slowly walked


    towards the sanctuary. Before they


    could step in, they saw Eliza,


    velger


    drenched and kneeling at the entrance.


    What was this about?


    What was she trying to do in such heavy rain and cold weather?


    "Eliza?"


    Eliza''s body slowly slumped, fainting in the torrential downpour.


    "Eliza..." Caroline pulled her up from


    the ground, feeling her foreine?


    en up. Someone b Come on, bring her inside."

 Chapter 132

    "Quick, get Eliza inside! What on earth happened? Why was she out in the rain?" Audrey anxiously peered outside. "You all, how could you let her suffer like this?" The servants scrambled to carry Eliza into the house.


    Audrey immediately took charge. "Quick, call Dr. Kins! And hurry, make some ginger tea. Pour it into the bathtub and make it nice and hot. Let Eliza soak in it for a bit."


    "Understood, ma''am."


    Eliza was very weak, but she woke up in a daze. As she soaked in the ginger tea, her body slowly began to warm up.


    Caroline stayed close by, worried she might drown.


    "Why were you kneeling in the rain? Who made you do that? Was it Dad or Casper?"


    Eliza could barely muster the strength to speak. "Casper... he said I needed to atone."


    "Atoning for what? He mes you for Grandpa''s death? That''s just ridiculous. What does Grandpa''s death have to do with you? Eliza, you let him push you around too much. You can''t keep letting him treat you this way."


    Eliza gave a bitter smile. She knew she shouldn''t let it happen, but sometimes, she just couldn''t fight back.


    "Caroline." There was a knock on the bathroom door; it was Audrey. "I made some ginger tea for Eliza. Bring it to her."


    "Coming, Mom."


    Caroline opened the door and took the ginger tea. "Mom, don''t worry."


    "This girl just won''t stand up for herself." Audrey shook her head sadly.


    The ginger tea was warm and soothing. It warmed Eliza from the inside out. She felt much better.


    After her bath, the doctor gave her an injection, and she drifted into a deep sleep.


    Caroline gently closed the door and went to Audrey''s room.


    Audrey, who had been praying, stopped when she saw her daughtere in. "Is she asleep?"


    "Yes."


    Having spent many years abroad, Caroline wasn''t very familiar with the dynamics between Casper and Eliza.


    "Mom, I know Casper hasn''t liked


    Eliza since they got married, and


    Nova Why don''t they just g


    now he''s always with that woman,


    divorced?"


    Audrey wasn''t sure either. She actually supported Eliza in getting a divorce.


    "Your brother never talks to me


    about his feelings, so I don''t know what''s going on with them or what he''s thinking." Audrey only knew that Eliza''s eyes had lost their sparkle. "If they could get a divorce, I''d it.


    Swpport


    "They haven''t had a child in two years. I guess Casper doesn''t want one."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Honestly, they''re better off without kids. It would just be a burden and would only hurt her."


    Audrey had been a victim herself.


    If she could do it all over again, she definitely wouldn''t have had her two children. She definitely wouldn''t have married Tristan.


    Their conversation was cut short when Casper returned. He strode briskly, heading straight for the memorial hall.


    When he did not see Eliza there, his expression darkened.


    Caroline looked at him, brows furrowed. "What? She''s not kneeling there, and you''re mad?"


    "Where is she?" His voice was calm, but a storm brewed beneath.


    She raised an eyebrow. "Sleeping."


    "Sleeping?" He put his hands on his hips, silent fury radiating from him. "What right does she have to sleep? Has Grandpa forgiven her?"


    "Casper." Caroline''s anger red.


    "When did you be so irrational? What are you trying to do? Are you trying to kill her? What do you think she is? A dog, a cat, or some bug you can just step on and crush?"

 Chapter 133

    Casper stayed quiet, his face looking like a storm was brewing.


    Caroline''s expression turned stern as she pressed on, "You really need to chill out and put your energy into Welton International. We don''t need Dad''s illegitimate kids circling around like vultures, ready to pounce on this goldmine. And another thing..." Caroline wasn''t one to lecture, especially knowing Casper''s temper, but some things just couldn''t be ignored. "You know how much pain Mom''s been through. If you''re gonna turn into Dad, just divorce Eliza now. Save her from bing another woman like Mom."


    "It''s none of your business," he snapped, loosening his tie in frustration. "Now that you''re back, you must keep an eye on Welton International and spend more time with Mom. She needs it." "You''ve changed."


    Casper used to be arrogant and stubborn, sure, but he was always fair. Now, what had he be? A twisted mess.


    When did this happen? Was it after he married Eliza? Over these past two years...


    Caroline, being a woman, couldn''t bear to think about what Eliza had endured.


    The rain kept pouring down. A white cloth fluttered in the wind above the dark gates of the Welton family mansion.


    Casper sat in the main hall, staring nkly at the rain in the garden, a freshly lit cigarette between his fingers.


    He didn''t know how long he had been sitting there. It wasn''t until stars speckled the sky and the night air grew chilly that he finally moved.


    Eliza slept deeply that night. She dreamt a long dream.


    It was about the day of her art training. That was the first time she saw Casper.


    The sun was shining brilliantly, and cicadas buzzed in the swaying willows. He was standing by a nearby railing, talking on the phone. He was tall, and so handsome that it was impossible not to look. Her ssmates were all chattering about his good looks.


    She nced over, too. Just then, he looked her way.


    She didn''t expect their eyes to meet so easily, she felt a jolt and quickly looked away, grateful for the mask hiding her blushing face. It was the first time she felt her heart race for someone.


    She painted a portrait of him and mustered the courage to give it to him. He was polite, didn''t refuse, and even thanked her.


    That Casper was like a refreshing breeze, charming and kind, with a beautiful smile. He was the gentlest person she had ever seen.


    "Why did you have to marry me? I don''t like you. I can''t stand you. Your face makes me sick."


    "Eliza, even if we''re married, don''t think you''ll ever get my love. I will never love you."


    "I will never let you have my child, not in this lifetime. If you can''t take it, just leave. What''s with all the crying?"


    Eliza jolted awake. She realized she had been living a nightmare. Well, it was not exactly a nightmare because this had been her reality for the past few years.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    Casper didn''t love her. He despised her, sought revenge on her, and tormented her in twisted ways.


    Her life was as bleak as the weather outside.


    The rain had calmed to a light drizzle. Hugging her knees on the bed, she zoned out for a while. She hadn''t eaten much that day and was starving, though she had no


    appetite.


    All the lights in the house were off. She walked down to where the


    servants usually rested, know


    there''d be instant coffee there. At least it would fill her stomach a bit.


    "Mrs. Welton, you''re awake?" Casper''s sudden voice made her jump.


    She stopped in her tracks, her hand instinctively reaching for the sideboard.


    "Did you manage to kneel for three hours today? Hmm?" His voice turned icy at the end.

 Chapter 134

    Eliza felt a sharp pang in her chest. She couldn''t help but press herself closer to the wall.


    "I passed out midway. I don''t remember how long it was," she whispered.


    In the darkness, Casper got up and strode toward her. Her body tensed, leaning against the cab, her fingertips digging in until he was right in front of her. He brought a cold air with him, and his breath carried a faint scent of tobo. Eliza''s heart raced, her lips tightening involuntarily.


    "Today, weid Grandpa to rest. I can overlook some things, but..." Hisrge hand sped her neck, forcing her to look up. "...why did Grandpa pass away like this? Do you know why?"


    Eliza''s eyes narrowed as she stared at Casper in the dark. "Mr. Casper, are you saying that Grandpa died because I didn''t give him a blood transfusion in time?"


    "Wasn''t that the case?"


    "What if it was the other way around?" Her eyes trembled, her voice hoarse. "If it was me who died, would you be sad?"


    Her lips twisted into a bitter smile, tears welling up in her eyes. "Of course, you''d be sad. If I died, there''d be no saving Grandpa. You wouldn''t want me to die, right? Casper, don''t you think you''re being cruel to me?"


    Heughed, a mocking, disdainful sound. "Eliza, who do you think you are? Do you really think you''re that important? If you think this is cruel, what do you call destroying Nova''s life?"


    "Did I ruin Nova''s life?" Her pupils dted as she stared at him. "If marrying me ruined her, you could just divorce me and marry her. If her leg didn''t get proper treatment and it ruined her, you should go to the hospital and find out why her leg ended up like that."


    Nova''s knee injury had been severe back then. The Pinotti family spent everything they had on her treatment. The hospital wasn''t the best, but the surgeon was top-notch. It was said the surgery failed, but the Pinotti family, including Nova, knew the truth. She hadn''t followed the post-operative care instructions.


    Nova was always a


    handful-smoking and drinking, causing her parents endless worry. During her recovery, she went


    clubbing. The alcohol didn''t reametN?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    well with her medication, leading to heart and kidney damage andplications. Her leg was no exception. If she hadn''t gone clubbing, her knee might have healed.


    In Casper''s eyes, Eliza was to me for Nova''s current state.


    "It seems you have a lot of resentment." Hisrge hand pressed against the wall, pinning her tightly. "So, you''re having an affair with Aaron, and you wanted to kill me? Is that it?"


    Eliza couldn''t exin. Sometimes,


    exining didn''t matter if the person


    listening didn''t want to hear it or


    couldn''t understand. Casper had


    already made up his mind, so no


    amount of words would change his


    opinion.


    "Think whatever you want."


    His hand tightened slowly, mirroring the furrow in his brow. "Did you think I wouldn''t deal with you today? Did you believe you could keep provoking me? Huh?"


    "I wouldn''t dare."


    Why wouldn''t he deal with her? He had already made her kneel in the rain for three hours today.


    "I think you would."


    "Casper, I''m truly exhausted. Please, show some mercy and divorce me, alright?" She looked up at him, pleadingly.

 Chapter 135

    She once offered him her warm heart, but he tossed it into a world of ice and snow. Her heart froze solid, growing harder with each icy st. It would never revive, never beat again. "Eliza, if you want a divorce, then start behaving yourself. Maybe, just maybe, if my heart softens, I might grant you your wish."


    With a rough shove, he let go of her neck. She stumbled, reaching out to steady herself, but in the process, she knocked a photo frame off the cab. The ss shattered with a sharp, clear sound, breaking into pieces along with the frame.


    It was their wedding photo that was taken the day before they registered their marriage. She had on a rented wedding dress, and they took pictures in a simple photo studio. Casper had a stern look on his face. Despite all that, Eliza had felt incredibly happy at the time. It was the only photo of her and Casper together, one she had once cherished dearly. Casper wouldn''t let it be disyed in the house, saying it disgusted him. Now that it was broken, she felt a strange sense of satisfaction.


    "What do you mean by this?" Casper suddenly erupted in anger. She didn''t understand why he was so furious. It was just a photo he didn''t like, after all. No, it wasn''t the photo he cared about; he thought she was acting out.


    "I''ll clean it up." She knelt down, picking up the pieces of ss. In his frustration, he grabbed her wrist and dragged her upstairs. The ss cut her fingertips, blood oozing out and leaving a trail. He dragged her into the bedroom, and she didn''t understand his madness.


    "I just identally broke it. Why must you react this way?" Her fingertips were still bleeding. It didn''t hurt much, probably because the cut was deep, and the bleeding hadn''t stopped. Taking a deep breath, he clutched her wrist, lifted her injured finger to his face, and began to suck on it.


    Eliza''s eyes widened in shock. What was happening? She tried to pull her hand away but couldn''t. He gave her a cold look. "Don''t move."


    "Please, don''t do this." She was terrified.


    He held her tight with one hand, opened the drawer with the other, and took out a first-aid kit. He bit open the cap of the alcohol bottle, poured some on her wound, and then carefully wrapped it with a bandage. Once he secured the final knot, he finally let go of her hand.


    Eliza stepped back in horror. Why did he suck her blood? Was he a vampire?


    "What''s with that look?" he said, a rare gentleness in his gaze. "Be more careful next time."All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    Eliza was truly scared. For a long time, she didn''t know what to speak. Casper picked out pajamas and went to the bathroom. She cleaned up the mess on the floor and stood alone on the balcony, letting the cold wind blow over her.


    l.ne


    It was the middle of the night, and stars were scattered across the sky. The vast mansion was so quiet that only the chirping of insects could be heard. The Welton mansion''s ck painted carved door slowly opened. From the second-floor baleony, she could see car lights sweeping across the ground-floor windows, stopping in the parking space.


    fet


    It was Tristan''s car. He hadn''t stayed overnight at the Welton mansion in years. On the night she and Casper got married, he didn''t stay over either. Because of this, Audrey had to deal with a lot gossip. Eliza remembered Jeffrey being so furious he nearly had Tristan''s mistress, a young celebrity, cklisted everywhere.


    To Tristan, marriage was just a business merger, a mission to bepleted. His lifestyle hadn''t changed. He didn''t love Audrey, just as Casper didn''t love Eliza now. Tristan had always had a thing for young celebrities, be it second-tier singers, third-tier actors, or even popr influencers; he had them all and was willing to spendvishly on these women. Just a week ago, he had rented out the tallest building in Falconridge, the Falconridge Eye, and set off fireworks all night for a third-tier celebrity named L.

 Chapter 136

    Tristan and his son, Casper, seemed to stir up half of the gossip in Falconridge.


    Why did Tristan suddenlye back? Was it because Jeffrey was buried today? Some kind of tradition, maybe?


    Eliza watched as Tristan got out of the car, walked around to the other side, and opened the door for a young, attractive woman. He wrapped an arm around her waist,ughing and chatting as they went inside.


    Seriously? Jeffrey had just passed away, and he was already bringing a woman home. Was he out of his mind?


    As the lights in the mansion''s living room flicked on, the half-asleep members of the Welton family starteding downstairs, one by one.


    "You couldn''t sleep, or did you all get up just for this?" Tristan, a bit tipsy and full of swagger, introduced the woman while holding her close. "Everyone, meet L, my sweetheart. She''ll be staying with us tonight. No objections, right?"


    Caroline thought Tristan was nuts. Jeffrey was just buried today, and he was pulling this stunt?


    "You are bringing your mistress today of all days? Are you trying to disgust us?"


    Tristan''s face darkened. "What are you talking about? L is very well-behaved. Your mother is mywful wife, Mrs. Welton. No one can take her ce. L isn''tpeting for anything, right L?" L smiled softly, her red lips seductive,pletely captivating Tristan. Caroline was fuming.


    Audrey stayed calm. She knew the day someone would officially enter their lives woulde, but she hadn''t expected it so soon.


    "Tell her to leave," Casper spoke up.


    Tristan, with blurry vision,ughed at his son''s demand. "To where? My son, aren''t you the one who''s been unting a mistress? You bring her wherever you go. And now you think I''m doing something wrong? Aren''t you funny?"


    This was indeed a p in the face. Eliza couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Casper was just being ridiculous, criticizing his own father while being no better himself. They were all just rotten to the core. No one was superior to the other.


    "Take her and get out, you hear me?"


    Casper''s anger was menacing. Whenever he got angry, even Tristan would be afraid.


    The young woman trembled in fear. "Tristan, maybe I should just leave."


    "What are you afraid of? I''m his father."


    Tristan, holding the woman by the shoulder, prepared to go upstairs Casper kicked a nearby chair, sending it flying halfway across the room. The sound was immense, making everyone''s scalp tingle.


    "I said take her and leave. Can''t you understand in English?"


    "Tristan, why don''t youe with me, and we''lle back another day," the young woman said, her legs weak with fear. Casper''s disy of strength was terrifying.


    Tristan was embarrassed but


    unwilling to escte things further.


    He conceded, "We''lle back


    another day then. I won''t argue with


    yousin


    you in the middle of the night."


    Tristan left, cursing under his breath.


    Audrey watched her son for a long time. Complicated feelings filled her eyes, unreadable to anyone.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    "I truly hope the Welton family doesn''t see another Tristan."


    Her voice was soft, almost weightless, yet each word struck deep in everyone''s heart. Caroline, equally disappointed, nced at Casper and then helped Audrey upstairs.


    Eliza nced at the time; it was almost 3 AM. After the episode, everyone returned to their rooms. That night, Eliza and Casper shared a bed. He tossed and turned all night.

 Chapter 137

    The next morning dawned bright and clear, with the rain finally stopping. The Welton family was still deep in mourning over Jeffery''s passing, and the tension Tristan brought wasn''t helping. Caroline came downstairs and saw Eliza heading out the door. "Off to work? Great, I''ll join you."


    "Are you going to Welton International today?"


    "Just dropping by."


    Just then, Casper made his way down the stairs. With aid-back grace, he buttoned his cuffs, exuding an air of casual elegance. He didn''t bother greeting anyone as he walked straight out. Caroline, unsure why he was moody, grabbed her bag. "Let''s get going."


    "Alright."


    Their cars left the Welton estate one after the other. At a crossroads, Casper''s car took a turn.


    "Where''s he off to?" Caroline asked Eliza, puzzled.


    Eliza knew this route well; another intersection and a left turn would lead to the home she shared with Casper. A bitter feeling welled up inside her. "He might be picking up Nova for work."


    Caroline immediately got it, scoffing, "Someone who never even went to college is working at Welton International? And the CEO is personally picking her up? That''s a joke."


    Eliza didn''t know how othersughed about this, but she knew many in the design department saw Nova as the future CEO''s wife and tried to curry favor. With her gaze lowered, she remained silent. Caroline nced at her while steering with one hand. "Casper and Nova are like this, and you just let them be?"


    "I can''t control him, nor do I have the right to." Eliza clumsily exined their rtionship, eliciting a sympathetic sigh from Caroline.


    "If you can''t make it work, why not divorce him? Is it the allure of being Mrs. Welton you can''t give up or something else?"


    Eliza''s gaze fell on the bandage on her clean fingers, remaining silent for a long time. She coveted nothing. Divorcing Casper wasn''t her call to make.


    Without the answer she sought, Caroline pressed no further. When they arrived at Welton International''s parking lot, Casper''s car was already parked across from them.


    As the car door opened, Casper


    helped Nova Out tenderly, handing her the crutches and supporting her arm. The care and affection he gave Nova was so evident that it pained Eliza to see. Blinking back the sting te in her eyes, Eliza forced a smile at


    Caroline. "I''ll take the staff elevator up."


    "Okay, sure."


    Eliza hurried a few steps, her gaze lowered, circling around the cars towards the staff entrance. Nova nced at Eliza''s retreating figure, then said to Casper, "Casper, take me to the staff elevator. I''ll go up with Eliza."


    "Sure."


    Just as the elevator doors were about to close, Casper pressed the button to hold them open. Nova entered, leaning on her crutches. As the elevator ascended, the confined space mirrored on all sides. Nova let out a softugh.


    "I never thought Casper would bring you back from the brink. Seems I wasn''t ruthless enough." Her words were loaded.


    "What do you mean? Was the arson your doing?" Eliza felt a chill run down her spine.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    Nova turned to her, a malicious


    smile ying on her lips. "No harm


    in telling you now. Yes, it was me. cost me a hundred thousand, and all it did was lock you up for a few days. Thinking about it, it really wasn''t


    worth it."


    A cold dread spread through Eliza. She clenched her fists. "That was the only house your parents left. How could you just burn it?"


    "Eliza, did you forget? Their will wasn''t amended in my favor before they died," Nova''s face twisted with venom. "I had no attachment to that ce. I burned it, and it''s gone now. It wasn''t meant for me anyway."

 Chapter 138

    "So, you set me up, hoping I''d be stuck in prison forever?" Eliza couldn''t help but admire Nova''s cunning, though it hadn''t gone as nned. "Are you disappointed now?"


    Nova let out a mockingugh. Leaning on her cane, she took a step closer to Eliza. "Disappointed? Do you really think this is over? Our little game is just starting. You should know that between you and me, Casper will always have my back. Take Grandfather''s funeral, for example. He''ll have me attend as Mrs. Welton, keeping you out. What does that tell you if you still don''t get it?"


    Eliza knew. She just found it amusing.


    Casper could care less about his own and the Welton family''s reputation, and Nova could shamelessly show up at such an important event.


    Was it a love that defied all logic? Maybe, but it was nothing to brag about.


    "Nova, as long as he doesn''t marry you, you''re not that important to him, don''t you think?"


    This was a sore spot for Nova. She''d dropped hints, both subtle and tant, about wanting to marry Casper. However, Casper never took the bait.


    She had nned to use Tristan and a fake horoscope reader to force Casper into a divorce so she could marry him. Now, with Tristan and Casper at odds, she was stuck in the middle.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    "Marrying me is just a matter of time, Eliza. You know why he hasn''t divorced you yet, don''t you?"


    Previously, Casper hadn''t divorced her because he needed her blood. Now, with Jeffrey gone, Eliza felt Casper might divorce her any day.


    "Why don''t you ask him yourself?" Eliza stepped toward the door, nudging Nova aside. "Oh, and I''m definitely going to settle that score with you for framing me for arson."


    Novaughed wildly, mocking Eliza''s bravado. "What can you do to me? With just one word, I could have you arrested again, Eliza. Who do you think you are?"


    Eliza waved her phone. "I''ve got a recording. We''ll see about that."


    "You..."


    The elevator doors opened. Eliza, in her high heels, stepped out.


    Nova, limping along, followed her out of the elevator. She''d always been jealous of Eliza, who had been pampered by the Henderson family and was beautiful and smart. They eventually switched families, but Nova''s legs were ruined.


    She had to cling to Casper, marry into the Welton family, to finally rise above Eliza.


    Did Eliza have a recording? Who knew if it was real?


    Even if Eliza had a recording, all Nova had to do was lie to Casper, and he''d believe her over Eliza. "Eliza, you''ll end up dead because of me."


    As the workday was winding down,


    Eliza sent Chelsea a voice


    message,


    apologizing for missing their meetup.


    swoovel


    [Sorry, Chelsea. Caroline came back from abroad that day, and Jeffrey had a sudden illness...]


    Before she could finish listening to


    the voice message, Chelsea angrily texted back. [Did Casper


    off for another blood dr


    [He wanted to, but Jeffrey died suddenly...]


    [Jeffrey''s dead?]


    Eliza typed back, [He passed away. We just had the funeral.]


    [Well, that''s a relief.] Chelsea felt a weight lift off her chest.

 Chapter 139

    [Chelsea, I''ve snagged us a reservation at the top-floor restaurant at Falconridge Tower. Let''s celebrate tonight, just the two of us,] Eliza said with a soft smile. Chelsea remembered it was Eliza''s birthday. [It''s your birthday today. We definitely need to celebrate.]


    [Then... see you tonight.]


    [Alright, see you tonight.]


    Chelsea had gone out of her way to order Eliza''s favorite Barbie-themed birthday cake. The doll looked stunning in a sparkling white dress with a tiny tiara, surrounded by colorful rainbow candies. The top-floor restaurant at Falconridge Tower was a spot reserved for the elite. When Eliza was younger, she used toe here often. But after returning to the Pinotti family, she hadn''t been back. Chelsea ced a crown-shaped birthday hat on Eliza''s head and lit the candles. "Come on, make a wish!"This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Eliza sped her hands together and closed her eyes. After making her wish, Eliza blew out the candles and noticed a man not far away.


    Aaron was equally surprised and walked over. "What a coincidence. It''s your birthday today?"


    Aaron''s sudden appearance took both Eliza and Chelsea by surprise.


    "Are you here for dinner?" Chelsea stood up, her face adorned with a soft smile. "Today is Elle''s birthday. We''re celebrating."


    Aaron''s gaze lingered on Eliza for a moment. "I... I''ll step out for a bit."


    Aaron turned and walked away.


    Chelsea blinked and looked at Eliza. "Why did he leave?"


    "Must be something urgent," Eliza shrugged.


    Eliza adored the birthday cake Chelsea had bought. Her eyes sparkled with happiness.


    "Chelsea, you''ve done so much for me," Eliza said gratefully, holding Chelsea''s hand. "I just made a wish about you."


    "What did you wish for?" Chelsea asked, genuinely intrigued. She teased, "You better not have wished for something crazy. If ites true, it could really mess things up."


    "Of course not! I wished for love to


    blossom all around you," Eliza said, knowing she might never find happiness herself. "I hoped you would find someone who loved you deeply, have a never-ending


    romance, and live a happy life. And maybe have a few kids that I could help you raise."


    "Not a chance Nf you want kids, have your own," Chelsea replied, holding Eliza''s slightly cold hand. "Elle, there''s still a chance for your health to improve. Once you and Casper are divorced, I''ll find you the best doctor. You''ll get better."


    Eliza had lost hope. She had already lost trust in men. After the divorce, she probably wouldn''t remarry. Whether she could have children didn''t matter to her anymore.


    "Let''s not dwell on this," she said, cutting a piece of cake and handing it to Chelsea. "Come on, let''s eat cake."


    "Alright."


    Just as Chelsea took a bite of the cake, her phone rang. She nced at it, her pupils dting slightly, then quickly turned it off and stuffed it into her pocket. "Elle, I need to use the restroom and will check on our food on the way."


    "Okay."


    No sooner had Chelsea left than Aaron hurried back, panting.


    "Aaron?"


    Sweat beaded on Aaron''s forehead. He handed Eliza a beautifully wrapped square box. "A birthday gift for you."


    "Did you... go to buy this just now?"


    Aaron nodded with a smile. "Open it and see."


    Eliza was hesitant to ept it. epting it meant she''d have to reciprocate when it was his birthday. She wasn''t keen on engaging in such social exchanges. She pushed the box back towards him, apologizing, "Aaron, you really didn''t have to go to all this trouble."

 Chapter 140

    "It''s not something very valuable," he said.


    "Really, Aaron, I appreciate the thought," she replied, feeling so awkward that she sped her hands behind her back.


    Aaron''s face fell, his eyes losing some of their sparkle. "It won''t be a burden; I picked the cheapest one. I don''t need anything in return. Can''t you just ept it?" He looked almost pitiful.


    Eliza felt a wave of guilt wash over her. Was she being too cold? It was just a birthday gift, after all.


    "Aaron, please don''t be like this... I... I''ll ept it, but promise me you won''t get me anything next time."


    She brought the box in front of her and looked at Aaron, who was still standing. "Aaron, please sit down."


    A spark returned to Aaron''s eyes. "Open it. I think girls like this kind of thing."


    Girls? She was hardly a girl anymore.


    Eliza pursed her lips and smiled. "Alright."


    Inside was a music box. Made of crystal,pletely transparent, with a small figure of a girl ying a harp at its center. The music ying was a famous harp piece.


    It was indeed a surprise. Music boxes weremon, but one with a harp-ying girl was truly rare.


    "Do you like it?" he asked, his eyes hopeful.


    Eliza couldn''t deny it; she genuinely liked it. "This must have been hard to find, right?"


    "Not at all. It was quite easy," he said, fearing she might refuse.


    "Thank you, Aaron. I really like your birthday gift."


    Eliza set down the music box and cut a slice of cake, handing it to Aaron. "Aaron, have some cake."


    "Thank you."


    At that moment, Casper walked into


    the dining room. His eyes immediately found Eliza and Aaron sitting opposite each other. Eliza was offering Aaron cake, and he was happily reaching out to ept it.


    Aaron was delighted. A slight smile also danced on Eliza''s lips.


    To Casper, the way Eliza looked at Aaron seemed too tender, almost flirtatious. It was irritating, piercing through him, making him ufortable all over. Were they celebrating a birthday?


    "Mr. Casper, that looks like your wife," Dillon, sharp-eyed, recognized Eliza.


    Casper''s expression darkened, and he scoffed, "Living the good life, I see."


    Dillon found it hard to defend Eliza. The scene before them was bound to lead to spection.


    "Dillon, let''s join the party," Casper said, striding forward with Dillon quickly following.


    Casper''s sudden appearance caught both Eliza and Aaron off guard. The rare smile on his face felt to Eliza like a harbinger of trouble.


    "Is it someone''s birthday today?" he


    §Ö


    said, smiling as he nced at Eliza and then


    birth at Aaron. "I remember your


    birthday is in spring, Dr. Martin


    So


    that means..."


    His gaze hardened as he turned to Eliza. "...my dear wife, celebrating your birthday, are you?"


    "Casper, I just happened to meet Eliza. Don''t misunderstand this situation," Aaron said, visibly anxious, trying to exin.


    Casper''s gaze fell on the beautiful cake in front of them. It had a Barbie doll design. Truly captivating.


    "This cake looks pretty good."


    He dipped his finger into the icing and brought it to his lips for a taste. "Hmm, indeed, not bad."


    He leaned in, kis lips close to Eliza''s


    ear. "Mrs. Welton, such refined taste you have. You''re celebrating your birthday, a big asion, not with your own husband but with another man Is your husband dead? ? OrThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    perhaps you two n to hop into bed together after the celebrations?"

 Chapter 141

    "Casper, Aaron and I just ran into each other. You don''t need to be so harsh."


    Eliza wasn''t really nervous. Just embarrassed. She knew Casper had the wrong idea. She hadn''t expected such a coincidence to happen today.


    "Casper, Eliza and I are just¨D"


    Aaron didn''t get to finish. Casper''s cold eyes darted towards him. "Just what? Aaron, are you sure you want to get involved?"


    Casper stood up straight, chin lifted proudly, and looked down at the two of them. Then he reached out and grabbed Eliza''s wrist. With a gentle pull, she stumbled to her feet. "Casper..."


    Aaron quickly got up, grabbing Casper''s arm. "If anyone''s at fault, it''s me. Why do you always take it out on her? It''s her birthday today."


    "My wife should spend her birthday with me." He pulled Eliza close, gripping her shoulder tightly, whispering in her ear, "Isn''t that right, Mrs. Welton?"


    What could Eliza say? Casper was seething. Any more words would only bring worse retaliation.


    After they left, Chelsea returned. She saw Aaron sitting there, lost in thought. "Dr. Martin?"


    "Chelsea."


    "Where''s Eliza?" She scanned the restaurant.


    "Casper took her away." Aaron rubbed his fingers nervously. "Chelsea, I''m really sorry, I just¡ª"


    Aaron wanted to exin but didn''t know how. Chelsea understood his unfinished sentence. "Dr. Martin, it''s not your fault. Casper would lose it no matter which man it was. He''s just a lunatic."


    "But he shouldn''t treat Eliza like that."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    Casper had done plenty he shouldn''t, but in his view, he was always justified. Eliza never held any power.


    At the Welton Estate, Eliza sat with the music box Aaron had given her and ced it before her. The melody of a harp was gentle and soothing, like a babbling brook. The little doll ying the harp slowly turned with the music.


    "Do you like it?" Casper picked up the music box, toying with it. "You know, my childhood friend really knows how to pick gifts. Even I like it."


    Eliza swallowed all the exnations she had, feeling helpless and disgusted. She didn''t want to say a word. He reached out and held her delicate chin, his gaze wandering over her features. "Mrs. Welton, you really know how to lure men."


    "Casper, are you done?" He didn''t


    love her, so why was he acting jealous? "I say it onest time. Aaron and I don''t have the sordid affair you imagine. Today, I met Chelsea at the restaurant, and Aaron showed upter, just like you did."


    She hadn''t wanted to exin. But not exining made him think she was guilty.


    "Do you think I''d believe that?"


    Elizaughed fightly, her eyes filled with despair. "Why would you believe me? If you did, you wouldn''t think was responsible for the fire at the Henderson Estate. Casper, neither of us trusts the other, and that''s actually quite alright."


    She smiled, but her lips were incredibly bitter. He was purely tormenting her for the sake of it. There wasn''t any other genuine


    reason for his behavior; he coulmet


    "Are you upset?" He sneered, lips curling in mockery. "If I hadn''t shown up, would you be feeding Dr. Martin cake right now?"

 Chapter 142

    "Is it really worth making a fuss over this?" Eliza''s eyes were red and teary.


    Casper raised his eyebrows slightly. "A fuss? Isn''t this just the truth?"


    "The truth?" Elizaughed. "The truth is, Mr. Casper, you once rented a luxury vi to celebrate Nova''s birthday. How am I supposed topete with that?"


    That day, she had stood in the rain for two hours before he reluctantly epted the food she brought him. Did he think she had forgotten?


    If they were keeping score, his actions would outweigh hers by thousands, if not more.


    "Mr. Casper, did you also share a bed with Nova after her birthday party?"


    "Didn''t you also give Nova expensive jewelry, a token ofmitment, far more precious than this music box?"


    "Didn''t you also spend your wife''s birthday with another woman?"


    After two years of marriage, he would disappear every time it was Nova''s birthday. It was an open and tant gesture. Did he ever consider that she and Nova shared the same birthday? Later, she stopped celebrating her birthday on that day. She switched to the birthday of her adoption. Because on that day, no one would fight with her, and no one wouldpete with her. Casper didn''t speak for a long time. During those two minutes, Eliza had no idea what he was thinking.


    Just as she was about to pack up her gift and go upstairs to sleep, she was suddenly lifted off the ground; he had hoisted her over his shoulder. "Casper, put me down."


    "Since you have so many grievances, shouldn''t I take my time with you to ensure both your body and soul are satisfied, lest you fall ill from neglect?" She was thrown onto therge bed. Eliza tried to get up to resist, but he pushed her back down.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    "Has Aaron''s gentleness spoiled you? Are you not used to my strength?" He lifted a hand to her cor, lightly tugging it, shamefully exposing her. Eliza hurriedly raised her hands to cover herself, her eyes brimming with tears. "Casper, can''t you be decent?"


    "Eliza, you''re the one who owes me


    an apology. Whether I can be ''decent depends on how you please


    me next." He tore off her clothes, hisrge hand gently resting on her


    waist.


    en swnovels


    Strangely enough, he didn''t love her but was obsessed with her body. He was even jealous of others who coveted her body.


    Her long hair spread across the


    pillow. He deliberately turned on the brightest light, staring at her intently. His gaze was so bold and direet that she wished she could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.


    Her eyshes trembled as she reached for the nket, but he threw it to the floor.


    "Tell me, where has Aaron touched you?" His hand boldly caressed her sensitive spots, "Here, or here?"


    "Casper, if you''re going to do it, just do it. I never asked you where Nova has been with you."


    Her body shook slightly. Where his hands had brushed, she trembled even more.


    "Are you feeling it?" His hand gripped


    her waist, and he flipped over,


    pressing his chest against her


    tender back, biting gently at the soft flesh behind her ear, "Eliza, how do you think I should deal with Aaron, hmm?"


    Her body shook even more violently. She felt nothing; she was just scared, terrified of his perversion.


    She bit her lip hard and said, "Nothing happened between him and me. It''s just you who won''t believe it."


    "How can I believe that? He was there for your birthday. He was so gentle. The Aaron I know has never looked at any woman with such tenderness. Tell me, how can I believe that?"

 Chapter 143

    She couldn''t muster a response. Aaron''s gentleness, orck thereof, was entirely contingent on Casper''s mood.


    "What do you think about me buying out Martin Hospital? I''ll drive the Martin family into a corner and make Aaron a public pariah. Let''s see how he finds the mood to romance you then." He was rough, overpowering.


    Eliza couldn''t help but scream. She wrestled against him but couldn''t break free.


    "Can''t bear to part with him, Mrs. Welton?" He bit her earlobe, hisrge hand gripping her chin, forcing her to face him. "Feeling sorry for Aaron? Well, tough it out."


    He kissed her fiercely, each one more intense than thest. Not until Eliza went limp did he finally, contentedly, pull away.


    As the bedroom door shut, she began to cry.


    Casper went downstairs. He lit a cigarette, taking a seat in the living room to smoke.


    Her lingering scent, a faint hint ofvender, clung to him, refusing to fade.


    Marian approached cautiously. "Sir, do you need anything?"


    He stubbed out his cigarette. "Got any pasta left?"


    "Sir, are you hungry? I can cook some for you."


    "I''ll do it myself."


    Casper rolled up his sleeves and headed into the kitchen.


    Marian followed, setting up the pots and cing the pasta aside.


    "That''s enough. You can go rest."


    This was Casper''s first time cooking.


    The privileged young son, never having lifted a finger in the kitchen, struggled even with a simple bowl of pasta.


    He wanted to make a sunny-side-up egg. After several attempts, he finally managed one. Once the pasta and egg were ready, he even sprinkled some chopped chives for garnish. Carrying the bowl, he went upstairs.


    Eliza sat on the bed, hugging her knees, lost in thought.


    He handed her the bowl. "No cake left, so have some pasta."


    His tone was rough. Eliza stared at the bowl, her gaze resting on hisrge, defined hand. For a long time, she didn''t take it.


    "Do I need to feed you?" he asked, exasperated.


    He walked over, picked up the fork, gently blew on the pasta, and brought it to her lips. "Come on, have a bite."


    She frowned, her cold gaze fixed on the pasta. In the next moment, she knocked the bowl from his hands. She didn''t need his pretense.


    The bowl crashed to the floor, the pasta and the perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg scattering everywhere.


    He grabbed her neck, fury in his eyes. "Think you can disrespect me?"


    She red at him, her beautiful eyes alight with defiance.


    "Casper, I''ve never liked chives.


    Didn''t you know?" she said with


    never cared for your pasta


    "What do you care for, then? Aaron''s music box?"


    He must have been driven mad with rage. He dashed downstairs,All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    grabbed the music box from the


    coffee table, and smashed it to


    pieces in front of Eliza.


    Still not satisfied, he pinned her down and fucked her again.


    "You better stay faithful. If I find out you''ve been with Aaron alone, I can make your whole family disappear within a day, and I won''t hesitate to take the Martin family with you."


    Eliza''s face turned as white as a sheet. She stared into his eyes, saw the darkness within, and pped him.


    The p caught him off guard.


    Casper raised his hand high, and Eliza closed her eyes. His hand clenched into a fist in the air, but itnded next to her face.


    "Still got the energy to hit me, huh?" He sneered. "If you want me to finish you off, just say it."

 Chapter 144

    "Casper, you''re such a jerk."


    Tears streamed down her face, a deep sense of injustice overwhelming her. Large drops sshed onto the back of his hand as she turned and bit him hard on the forearm.


    Blood quickly mixed with her tears on his skin, blending into a sorrowful tableau reminiscent of a watercolor painting tinged with a dark, crimson hue. It looked grim and startling. He clenched his teeth and let her vent her frustration until she had no strength left. Only then did he look down at the blurred imprint of her teeth, asking, "How many times now, huh?" She didn''t know how many times she had bitten him. She hated herself for not being able to bite him to death in one go.


    He let her be for the moment, found some alcohol to disinfect the wound, and carelessly wrapped it with gauze.


    Eliza silently got dressed. Ignoring Casper, she walked around therge bed and headed for the door.


    He reached out and grabbed her wrist. "Where are you going?"


    "I''m going back to my studio apartment," she said coldly, like a snow lotus blooming in the midst of winter.


    He didn''t insist on keeping her. "I''ll drive you."


    She didn''t refuse. Perhaps she was too exhausted.


    She remained silent from when she got into the car until they reached their destination. After parking the car, she opened the door and stepped out. Throughout, she never once nced at Casper. When Chelsea called, Eliza had just dragged her weary body out of the shower.


    "I''m fine," she said, her tone light.


    Chelsea could guess that Casper might have lost his temper again. "Where are you now?"


    "I''m back at my studio apartment."


    "Then get some rest early. I''ll bring your birthday present over another day. Sleep well."


    "Mhm."


    Eliza didn''t sleep well. Her brows were never rxed.


    Casper returned to Welton Estate and opened a bottle of red wine. Nova, who had been hiding upstairs, came down, leaning on a crutch.


    She had heard the uproar when Casper brought Eliza back andshed out at her. Eliza was the


    subject of his fury, and Nova was et


    pleased about it. She secretlyContent ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    listened to his scolding, his shouts, and the intimate sounds from+


    room. Jealousy turned Nova''s eyes red.


    "Casper, why are you drinking? It''s bad for your health," she said gently, taking the wine ss from his fingertips. "Feeling upset?"


    The alcohol seemed to cast a shallow red hue in Casper''s eyes. Its scent made Nova''s heart flutter.


    She leaned closer to him, cing her hand on his chest. "How about I join you for a drink?"


    Casper slightly lifted his eyelids,nguid and seemingly indifferent. The living room lights cast shadows on his sharply defined face and chiseled jawline. Nova swallowed nervously. Her eyes were intense with unabashed desire.


    "Casper..."


    She moved to kiss him. Just as she was about to touch his face, he straightened up and dodged, picking up a ss of wine to drink instead.


    Nova felt a bit awkward. "I heard you yelling at Eliza. Why? If things aren''t working out, maybe... you should just part ways," she ventured cautiously again.


    Casper''s gaze darkened slightly, his lips curling into an enigmatic smile. Nova couldn''t decipher his intentions. She felt a twinge of disappointment, realizing Casper had never intended to marry her. "You don''t want to marry me, do you?"


    He didn''t answer. His fingertips yed with the stem of the ss.


    Nova''s spirits plummeted, her face falling. "I know I''m not as beautiful as Eliza. Iknow I''m disabled, and you''d be embarrassed to be seen with me. I know I''m not perfect but Casper, I love you. I love you so much, and I want a future with you."

 Chapter 145

    Nova''s feelings were never a mystery to Casper. It wasn''t that he hadn''t thought about marrying her. It''s just that now... his desire wasn''t as strong. "It''s gettingte; you should get some rest," he said, standing up and heading upstairs.


    After being ignored so many times, Nova couldn''t help but start doubting Casper. Did he not like her anymore? Did he have feelings for Eliza?


    No. Nova wouldn''t let that happen.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    The next day at the office, Molly handed Nova a stack of recent design drafts from everyone. "Ms. Nova, you''ll be in charge of selecting the best designs."


    Nova smiled as she took the thick pile of papers. "Alright, Molly, I''ll make sure to pick out the best ones."


    These drafts were submissions from the design department. Each person had submitted several.


    Nova pulled out Eliza''s drafts and tossed them into the trash bin. Then, she randomly selected a few others and handed them to Faithe.


    Faithe quickly delivered the designs to Casper. He frowned deeply as he looked over the uninspired drafts. "What is this?"


    "Ms. Nova carefully selected these."


    "This is her idea of a careful selection? If this is the level of our design department, we need a new team." Casper tossed the drafts onto his desk and massaged his temples in frustration.


    Faithe picked up a draft and took a closer look. She often interacted with the design department and knew these weren''t their best work. ncing at the signatures, she saw that most were from recent interns. Could there have been a mistake?


    "Maybe Ms. Nova overlooked some. I''ll call her to rify."


    Faithe returned to her desk and dialed Nova''s number. "Ms. Nova, Mr. Casper is very unhappy with your submitted designs. Could there have been a mistake?"


    Nova had chosen randomly. She


    couldn''t tell what was good and what wasn''t. Nova nced at Eliza''s submitted drafts in the trash bin. and remembered that Eliza was a talented art school graduate Her designs should be good.


    "Faithe, I also have a few drafts. Why not show those to Mr. Casper?"


    "If you designed them, Ms. Nova, they must be good. I''lle and get them right away."


    After hanging up, Nova retrieved Eliza''s drafts from the trash bin, tore off her name, and wrote her own.


    When these drafts reached Casper''s hands, he was genuinely impressed. "These are Nova''s designs?"


    Faithe straightened up. "Yes, Mr.


    Casper. Who would''ve thought Ms.


    Nova''s designs would be so captivating? You can tell they''re eye-catching. If the final products are made, they''re sure to be Welton International''s bestsellers this season."


    Casper, holding the drafts, nodded in satisfaction. "The quality is indeed high-neither pandering nor shy. They fit the contemporary youth''s aesthetic perfectly." "Ms. Nova is truly talented."


    "Let''s go with these," Casper said, handing the drafts to Faithe. "Doesn''t the design department have that Best Design Award with a $100,000 incentive? I think she should get it." "I''ll go and share the good news with Ms. Nova." Faithe, holding the drafts, left the office.


    Soon, the design department buzzed with the news that Nova''s design had won first ce. The $100,000 prize finally had a recipient. Everyone''s anxiety was put to rest.


    "Ms. Nova, congrattions! Mr.


    Casper particrly liked your design and made sure to specify that the $100,000 reward must go to you," Faithe said, her words carrying a hint of ttery.


    Nova smiled slightly. "You yed a part in this as well, Faithe."

 Chapter 146

    "I can''t take credit; Mr. Casper reviewed and approved it himself," Faithe said, handing the draft to Nova. "Looking forward to seeing the final product."


    "Faithe, I''ll do my best," Nova replied, tucking the manuscript away. Then, with a warm smile, she added, "Casper gave me some French coffee a while back, and I haven''t had the chance to try it yet. Want to join me?"


    "I''d love to."


    Faithe followed Nova to her office.


    Sitting next to Eliza, Jessie rolled her eyes. "Seriously, everyone knows she''s Mr. Casper''s girlfriend. It''s like a done deal."


    Eliza nced at her, saying nothing.


    Frustrated, Jessie threw down her pencil. "I mean, she didn''t even go to college! How could she possibly outshine those of us with formal training?"


    Leaning towards Eliza, Jessie asked, "Right, Eliza?"


    "Formal training or not, it doesn''t matter. What matters is that Mr. Casper likes her designs," Eliza replied with a slight smile. "Let''s just try harder next time."


    "If she was already picked, why make us allpete and dangle a hundred thousand dors in front of us?" Jessie fumed. "I really want to see her design. If it''s truly a masterpiece, I''ll ept it." "Let''s not dwell on it. Let''s get back to work."


    To Eliza, it was clear that Casper was just using the design department to make Nova happy. It was a pity because the designers were racking their brains for that prize money.


    Once the dust settled, work got a bit easier.


    Over the weekend, Eliza visited the hospital.


    Rose''s treatment was going exceptionally well, and the project was about to kick off.


    Brimming with confidence, Dr. Sanders said, "Ms. Eliza, once the project starts, I believe your mother could wake up in a month at most."


    "That soon?" Eliza was thrilled.


    "Mr. Casper personally negotiated


    with the team abroad a few days


    ago. This time, they''ll send


    professional doctors here and bring advanced medicine. Victory is within reach."


    Eliza''s face darkened slightly.


    Casper personally handled this? Honestly, she wasn''t grateful. If he hadn''t halted the project in the first ce, her mother would have woken up by now. "Let''s hope for the best."


    "All will be well. The dark days are almost behind us, and we''ll see the sun soon."


    Eliza nodded. No matter what, this was uplifting news.


    "Dr. Sanders, I''ll go see my mom now."


    "Sure."


    After leaving the hospital, Eliza returned to her apartment. Feeling good, she hummed a tune, preparing to make some instant soup.


    The doorbell rang. It was Faithe.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Ms. Eliza, Mr. Casper has ast-minute engagement. Change your clothes ande with me to the office."


    Faithe''s tone was harsh and coercive, with a hint of ''don''t you dare refuse.'' Eliza disliked her condescending attitude.


    "Faithe, it''s my off-time now. I''m not obliged to apany Mr. Casper to any engagement."


    Faithe sneered, "If Ms. Nova wasn''t


    feeling unwell suddenly, you


    wouldn''t have been considered. After all, we''re meeting with a renowned figure in the literary and art world."


    "Then let Mr. Casper find someone else. Falconridge is big; can''t he find another woman?" Eliza''s eyes swept over Faithe mockingly. "Maybe you, Faithe? Don''t you dream of standing by Casper''s side one day?"


    Faithe''s face twisted in anger. "You..."

 Chapter 147

    After taking a deep breath, Faithe fixed her gaze, rolled her eyes, and scoffed, "Eliza, if you weren''t unting your title as Mrs. Welton, do you really think you''d get invited to these kinds of social events? Mr. Casper is treating this meeting with utmost importance. If you mess up his business deal, you know the consequences."


    "p."


    A sharp smacknded on Faithe''s face. She touched her stinging left cheek, staring at Eliza in disbelief. "You hit me?"


    Faithe was just a secretary. Casper could threaten Eliza, but a mere secretary had no right. Who did Faithe think she was?


    "I''m warning you, Faithe, if you ever talk to me in this tone again, I''ll hit you again." Eliza red at the face she had just pped red. "Remember, I am still Mrs. Welton. Show some respect."


    "You..."


    "Go back and tell Mr. Casper that if he wants me to attend the social event, he shoulde personally." She shot a cold nce at Faithe. "You''re not qualified to act that way. Get lost."


    "Fine, I''ll have Mr. Caspere to you personally then. And when he''s furious, you''ll regret it."


    Faithe stormed off, fuming.


    Eliza''s good mood was ruined. She felt drained.


    Later that evening, Robin''s doctor called her, exining in detail the treatment process for his condition.


    "Ms. Eliza, Mr. Robin needs the most advanced medication avable, and the entire course will cost about a million dors. Ms. Chelsea has already paid a deposit of two hundred thousand, but that''s far from enough. I''m calling you today to ask you to raise the money as soon as possible to avoid interrupting or dying the treatment."


    A million dors was an astronomical amount for Eliza. Even though Chelsea had already contributed two hundred thousand, gathering the remaining bnce seemed as daunting as climbing Everest. However, not going through the treatment wasn''t an option either. This was Robin''sst hope.


    "Doctor, give me three days. I''ll bring the money to you."


    "Alright, we''ll be waiting for you. We don''t want to see all our efforts go to waste."


    "Of course."


    Eliza sighed, checking her bank ount bnce. It was just a drop in the bucketpared to a million.


    The doorbell rang.


    Casper was here. His expression was sour as he handed her a red cocktail dress without much enthusiasm. "Change into this ande with me to meet a client."


    "I''m off today." She was reluctant.


    "There''s overtime pay." His gaze darkened. "Go change."


    Eliza bit her lip and took the dress into the bedroom. The red cocktail dress, made of silk, was seductive in color. It was short, with a high slit, fitting snugly on her body, O highlighting her curves.


    In the mirror, Eliza studied herself. This dress reminded her of the time Casper had sent her to seduce Easton.


    That dress was even more daring. At least this one wasn''t exposing too much skin. It was sexy, tinged with a bit of elegance.


    The dress was so perfectly tailored that it seemed it could neither spare nor amodate an inch more or less.


    That only meant that the dress wasN?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    custom-made for her. The social event was clearly not a


    spur-of-the-moment decision, for was she going because Nova was unavable.


    When she walked out, Casper looked up. She always managed to astonish him. She had a great figure and long


    legs; even the most ordinary es


    would make her look dignified, not to mention a high-end cocktail dress like this.


    She was beautiful, breathtakingly so, dangerously alluring. He couldn''t help but swallow. "Not bad."


    "Who does Mr. Casper want me to seduce today?" Eliza said disdainfully.


    He leaned in close to her, chuckling lightly. "Who could you seduce? Haven''t you botched it every time?"

 Chapter 148

    "It''s your fault for going back on your word, not mine."


    He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. Her waist was so slim he could circle it with one hand and still have room to spare. It reminded him of how much he loved holding her waist in bed. He licked his dry lips, his eyes drifting to her red-painted lips. "Today, you don''t need to sacrifice yourself. Once this deal is done, I can reward you."


    "I want a million dors."


    It was the first time she had made such a demand. She needed the money for Robin''s medical bills and had nowhere else to get it.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Casper had driven Robin to madness, so he should be the one to pay for the treatment.


    Casper was momentarily stunned, then heughed mockingly. He lifted her chin with his hand. "Just for mingling with me, you want a million dors?"


    He shoved her away roughly, his cold eyes scrutinizing her. "Eliza, I don''t like women who ask for money."


    Money was something he gave on a whim, not something she could demand.


    Eliza remained silent, her demeanor calm.


    She knew Casper too well. He would''vee with Nova if this was a simple social event. The fact that he wanted Eliza to go meant he was either exploiting her looks or handling something only she could aplish. Like thest time at Daniel''s house, he invited her because she was good friends with Renee.


    Eliza could gauge the type of guests attending the event by the outfit Casper chose for her.


    "Mr. Casper''s time is valuable. The guests are already waiting. Please don''t make him angry," Faithe said coldly.


    Casper''s sternness faded as he pocketed his hands and turned. "Let''s go."


    The car left Falconridge, heading towards the suburbs.


    The road was narrow, surrounded by greenery, like a path leading into a fairytale.


    Eliza''s gaze turned forlorn.


    Casper nced at her. "We''re going to see a man named Carter, a renowned figure in Western painting. You''re familiar with him, aren''t you?" Carter had been her professor in college.


    He and his wife were very fond of her, treating her like their own daughter. She often had free meals at Mr. Carter''s home during her college years. Casper really did his homework.


    "Mr. Casper, what kind of business are you nning with Professor Carter?"


    "Welton International is nning to


    establish thergest auction house in Falconridge. We''ve scouted several locations but weren''t


    d. Your professor owns


    piece ofnd that would be perfect.


    It would be ideal if you couldtect.


    convince him to sell thend to Welton International and agree to have his works disyed and sold in the art gallery."


    It sounded very noble when put that way. In simpler terms, he wanted thend, the rights, and control over the auctions.


    His gaze lingered on her lips. "I heard Carter''s wife is very fond of you."


    ?


    "So," Eliza smirked at Casper. "Mr. Casper wants to use my rtionship with Amaya to secure this deak You


    will offer me a reward based on your


    mood, right?"


    Casperughed as if he had heard a funny joke.


    "Even if I don''t pay you, what will you do? Eliza, what right do you have to negotiate with me?"


    "I may not have any rights, but I can choose not to go." She directed her words to the driver. "Stop the car up ahead."


    "Do you think he will stop? Or do you really think you have a choice not to attend His patience was wearing thin, and he scoffed. "Enough I said I would reward you, and I will."


    "I want a million dors." She insisted.

 Chapter 149

    He smirked dismissively as if he doubted she could stir up any trouble. "There are others here today to meet Mr. Carter, not just us. If you can get him to sign the contract today, I might consider it." Business deals rarely concluded in one meeting. Casper didn''t trust her abilities. Honestly, she wasn''t too sure of herself either. But for a million dors, she was determined to give it her all.


    The car pulled up in front of a uniquely designed estate and stopped. Casper got out and took Eliza''s hand, leading her inside, with Faithe following closely behind.


    Standing at the entrance, Amaya spotted Eliza from afar, her eyes lighting up with delight.


    "Eliza!"


    "Amaya!" Eliza let go of Casper''s hand and hurried over for a hug. "I''ve missed you so much."


    "My dear girl, it really is you." Amaya raised her hand to touch Eliza''s delicate face, pretending to scold her. "You little heartbreaker, how long has it been since youst contacted me?"


    "It''s just that, Amaya, it''s just..." Eliza started to exin but couldn''t find a solid excuse and resorted to a yful tone, "I promise to visit more often, as long as you don''t find me annoying."


    Amaya nodded, finally satisfied. Her gaze shifted to Casper. "Mr. Casper, you came with Eliza. Are you...?"


    "Ms. Eliza is a key yer at Welton International. She''s in charge of the auction house we''re nning tounch."


    Casper always had a knack for positioning Eliza strategically. Not only did he rify his rtionship with her to outsiders, but he also ced her in such a pivotal role to facilitate future discussions about thend deal. He was adept at ying the business game.


    Eliza felt a chill in her heart. This gathering was ostensibly to admire Mr. Carter''stest creation. But beneath the surface, everyone was vying for a piece ofnd he owned Thend was acquired by Carter thirty years ago and seemed


    N


    unpromising then. Now coN?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    were


    different. In the now-valuable Falconridge, thend''s price had skyrocketed, multiplying its value by thousands. Despite the soaring prices, thepetition didn''t wane.


    The guests mingled, tacitly avoiding any mention of thend to leave a good impression on Carter. Amaya pulled Eliza aside for a chat. She was fond of this beautiful and well-mannered girl. When Carter brought her home, Amaya believed Eliza was the perfect match for her stepson.


    "Eliza, are you and Mr. Casper just colleagues?" With her experienced eye, Amaya sensed something more between them.


    Eliza smiled, hershes drooping demurely before she looked up again. "Amaya, you must be aware of Casper''s reputation. Do you really think I''d get involved with someone like that?"


    Fair point. Casper''s infamous exploits were well-known, even if not all were true. His habit of unting affairs was certainly not the behavior of a decent man.


    "Since you and Mr. Casper aren''t involved, how about considering David?"


    David was Carter''s son. Amaya had hoped to set David and Eliza up since college. David was a great catch, five years Eliza''s senior. He was kind and considerate and had pursued her for quite some time. But back then, she loved Casper, leaving no room for anyone else. Now, why would she disrupt David''s life in her current predicament?


    "After all these years, you''re still trying to match me with David? For all we know, David might already have a girlfriend that you''re unaware of."

 Chapter 150

    Eliza tried to lighten the mood, hoping to sidestep the issue.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Amaya, however, was having none of it. "He''s always at home; there''s no way he has a girlfriend. Definitely not."


    Eliza just smiled, opting not to continue the conversation.


    Not far off, Faithe and Casper''s eyes were glued to Eliza.


    "Mr. Casper, do you think she cannd the contract?"


    Faithe had her doubts about Eliza''s abilities. Sure, Eliza had some connections, but the stakes here were much higher than just knowing the right people.


    "If she wants that million, she''ll move mountains to get it done."


    Eliza had a tenacious streak. Casper didn''t know why she needed the million, but it seemed urgent.


    "But Mr. Casper, with all thepetition today, are you sure she can pull it off?"


    He was sure. Though Carter had bought thend years ago, it had since been deeded to his son. And his son, David, had once been head over heels for Eliza. The Simmons family adored Eliza. Why wouldn''t they reward her with this piece ofnd to make her happy?


    Turning away, Casper headed outside, and Faithe quickly followed.


    After some family chit-chat, Amaya called her son over. "David, it''s been ages since you and Elizast caught up. Why don''t you two chat? I''ll go check on your dad; don''t let him get too carried away with the drinks."


    Amaya, all smiles, nudged her son to sit beside Eliza.


    David felt a mix of helplessness and embarrassment. "Excuse my mom, she''s just..."


    "David, Amaya told me thend Carter owned has been transferred to you. Is that true?" Eliza''s intent was clear.


    He thought she might engage in some small talk first. A bit about the past, a bit about the present.


    "Are you here today because..."


    "Honestly, Welton International is interested in buying thatnd." She took a deep breath and nced at the eager businessmen around," know many are eyeing it, but Welton International is willing to pay more. Would you consider it?"


    "You''re with Welton International now?" He realized Eliza''s visit wasn''t social; it was all business. "You''re here to talk shop?"


    "Pretty much." She didn''t need to


    hide or dress it up. "Welton International wants to set up thergest auction base in Falconfidge, and yournd is in a prime spot. So... would you consider it?"


    David didn''t rush to answer. His eyes lingered on Eliza''s delicate and pretty face, and he smiled lightly. "Since Welton International is interested, let''s talk."


    "Great. Tell me your price. Welton International is serious. We won''t let you down if you give us a chance."


    David found it hard to say no to Eliza. He figured this was why Welton International had sent her. Savvy businessmen always weigh their options ande prepared. Casper was known for making calcted moves.


    "Let''s swap numbers," David said, pulling out his phone.


    Eliza said. "David, send me the priceter. I''ll discuss it with Mr. Casper. If he agrees, can we aim to sign the contract within three days?"


    "That soon?"


    "Well, maybe not." She was indeed a bit too eager. For a deal this big, it was normal to need a few extra days. "David, take your time, no rush."

 Chapter 151

    "In truth, the sale of this property has been on the table for more than a day or two. If it''s suitable, three days should be enough to consider," he offered her a graceful exit. Eliza nodded gratefully. "Yeah, okay."


    "You''ve really transformed into a powerhouse, nothing like the little Eliza I used to know." David handed her a ss of juice, admiration shining in his eyes.


    Eliza felt a pang of guilt. She wouldn''t have to wear her ambition so openly if it weren''t for that million dors she needed.


    "I''m not some powerhouse. Life has just pushed me to be this way."N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    "I''ve heard about what your family has gone through these past few years."


    He had discreetly gathered information, always quietly keeping tabs from the shadows. He wouldn''t have reached out if there hadn''t been a better opportunity. Running into her today was a surprise. Eliza''s lips curved slightly, not wanting to delve further. "I should head back then. Think it over."


    "Alright, let me walk you out."


    David walked Eliza to the door. After a few pleasantries, she lifted the hem of her dress and headed toward Casper''s car.


    As the car door closed, Casper''szy gaze finally settled on Eliza, "So, how did it go with your old me?"


    "Old me?" Her smile wasced with defiance, her eyes scornful, "Mr. Casper, you''re just trying to leverage David''s past feelings for me to achieve your goals, aren''t you?"


    "Exactly." His fingers interlocked in front of him, a mocking smile on his lips. "Did you bring any good news?"


    "He said he''d consider it and promised an answer within three days."


    "So, he hasn''t agreed to sell the property to us yet." Casper shook his head in disappointment. "Looks like you won''t be getting that million after all."


    Eliza''s eyes narrowed. "He said he''d consider the offer. If Welton International meets his expectations, he''ll sell."


    "I thought seeing you might get him so excited he''d forget about the money." Casper sneered.


    Eliza''s brows furrowed in mock


    disdain, "Who do you think Iamet


    Just a pawn, a tool, not even worth mentioning. You weigh the pros and cons, and so do others."


    "Drive." Casper motioned with a flick of his finger.


    The car slowly started, heading toward Falconridge Avenue.


    Eliza''s phone pinged. It was a message from David, quoting the property at 1.3 billion. A standard price.


    "David says 1.3 billion will seal the deal."


    Casper had just closed his eyes but


    lllom a sliver. "He even gave


    a friendly discount. It seems this man still holds a torch for you."


    en.set


    "What do you think, Mr. Casper?"


    "We can discuss the contract."


    Since that was settled, Eliza hoped to receive the promised payment. "When will my million be deposited?"


    "When did I promise you a million?" Casper frowned.


    "On the way here, you clearly said..


    vel


    she involuntarily clenched her


    fingers, dismayed at his


    backtracking. "...Casper, you


    promised me." ¨¦n.swnovels


    "I only said I''d consider it. I never agreed."


    A yful smile lingered on his lips as ifughing at Eliza''s naivety.


    "So, you don''t n to give me the money, do you?" She stared at him intently, her lips tightly pressed.


    Casperughed leisurely, still enjoying the moment. "Depends on my mood."


    "Fine, then I''ll tell David right now that Welton International is backing out of buying the property." Eliza picked up her phone to type, but Casper snatched it away and casually tossed it to Faithe.

 Chapter 152

    He raised his hand and gripped Eliza''s neck, pressing her against the back of the chair. His eyes were bloodshot, his gaze cold and indifferent. "You really know how to get under my skin." "Helping Mr. Casper is practically your duty, right? Why bring up money? Without the payment, you''d ruin Mr. Casper''s business." Faithe let out a bitterugh.


    "Are you going to pay me the million?" Eliza red at Casper, her icy fingertips clutching his wrist. "If you hadn''t promised me the money, why would I bother helping you get that piece ofnd?" "Are you threatening me?"


    As if she dared. He broke his promises, double-crossed her, and yed games. "This was a fair deal, and you went back on your promise."


    "What if I just don''t pay?"


    Acting dumb, was he? Eliza shoved Casper aside and snatched the phone from Faithe''s hand. "Then I''ll just have David sell thend to someone else."


    Eliza shot him a look of desperate anger, yanked open the car door, and, without hesitating, jumped out. She tumbled several times on the road, passing out on the spot. "Stop the car..." Casper roared.


    The car screeched to a halt, leaving a long trail of skid marks.


    Casper pushed the door open, his legs trembling.


    Elizay there on the asphalt. She wouldn''t die, she couldn''t.


    Faithe quickly caught up to Casper, supporting him. "Mr. Casper..."


    "Get away from me..." He stumbled until he reached Eliza.


    She was limp, skin exposed, and bruised all over. Blood trickled down her scalp.


    Faithe clutched the phone, dialing 911. Traffic was snarled, horns ring incessantly.


    Under the streetlight, Casper frantically carried her towards the ambnce.


    Eliza was rushed into the emergency room. The doctor said the situation was grim and to prepare for the worst.


    "Do whatever it takes to save her. Use the best medicines. Money is no object."


    He was panicking, heart pounding out of control. Not even when his grandfather passed away had he felt this lost.


    Caroline arrived as soon as she


    heard. She pped Casper hard across the face. "Is this your doing? Are you out of your mind? Do you know what jumping out of a@ar can do? How many survive that?"


    Casper didn''t argue. He rubbed his face, turning away. "How was I to know she''d jump?"


    "If you hadn''t pushed her to the edge, would she have jumped?" Caroline nced at the red light above the emergency room. "How long has she been in there? What did the doctor say?" "It doesn''t look good."


    "Please consider divorce. Marriage shouldn''t be like this. If she makes it, let her go. Give her a chance at life."


    Casper remained silent.


    After several heart-stopping


    moments and a day of emergency treatment, Eliza was pulled back


    from the brink of death. Even then et


    doctors called it a miracle. It must


    have been Robin''s doctor''s call that brought her out of thea.


    The doctor gave her two days to pay the remaining fees. But she was at a loss. Where was she to find the money?


    Her body felt shattered. When sheAll content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    had jumped from the car, she hadn''t thought about life and death. All she wanted was to immediately call David to stop Welton International from getting thatnd.


    As her body hit the ground, tumbling, she thought she was surely going to die. But her luck was too strong; she survived against all odds.


    The door to the ward opened. Casper walked in. Seeing his face, Eliza turned hers away in disgust.

 Chapter 153

    "Quite the temper you have. Risking your life for a million dors?" He pulled out a credit card and tossed it in front of her. "Here''s the money. We''re done. I owe you nothing." Eliza stayed silent.


    "As for thend deal, I''ve already sent Faithe to handle it. The project is almost finalized, and your contribution was crucial.


    "Focus on getting better in the hospital. I''ll have Mariane by to take care of you.


    "If you''re so eager to end it all, don''t do it in front of me. I''m not the one who''s going to be heartbroken." His dark eyes softened, his expression turningplex. "Next time you''re thinking about dying, think of youratose mother and your crazy brother. You might find peace, but what about them?"


    Eliza remained quiet the entire time.


    Casper watched her for a moment from the shadows, then left.


    Struggling, she propped herself up and picked up the credit card he had left behind. She called Chelsea immediately.


    Chelsea arrived in no time. Seeing Eliza wrapped up like a mummy, she almost cried out in shock.


    "What happened to you?" Her fingers lightly brushed over the bandages on Eliza''s arm. "Were you hit by a car?"


    "Something like that." She briefly exined to Chelsea what had happened.


    Chelsea''s eyes instantly filled with tears.


    "Does that bastard Casper even have a heart? You secured that deal for him, and he didn''t even want to give you a million dors."


    "Casper just wants to use me. He never intended to keep his promises. At the time, I wasn''t thinking about living or dying; I just wanted to make sure Welton International wouldn''t get their hands on thatnd." It was her first impulsive act, and it nearly cost her life.


    She handed the card to Chelsea. "This is the money Casper gave me. Use it to cover Robin''s expenses and keep the rest for future needs."


    Chelsea felt ufortable holding the card as if it were burning her hand.


    "Is he still not divorcing you?" She couldn''t understand why they stayed together without love. "Does Casper really not want to marry Nova?"


    At least in Eliza''s eyes, Casper didn''t seem to have the same desire to be with Nova as he did with her.


    Men are often too rational and consider family interests and development more than love and romance. "Probably, as of now, I''m still useful to him."All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    Through the few asions Eliza attended social events with Casper, she realized what he saw as her ''merits.''


    She was a beautiful young woman


    with a good figure and could be his


    trophy. She possessed some professional knowledge and connections in the industries Welton International had recently ventured into, which meant Casper could achieve more with less money.


    He wouldn''t divorce her. Not until he had drained her dry.


    "That deadbeat."


    go


    "Let''s not talk about him anymore, Chelsea. With the state I''m in, I''ll probably be in the hospital for a month. Can you keep an eye on Robin for me? Once I''m better, see him. Honestly, I''ve been worried about him; it''s been a while since Ist saw him."


    Eliza was really weak, getting breathless after just a short speech.


    "Don''t worry about Robin. The hospital is fully enclosed; it''s not like you can see him whenever you want."


    Chelsea meant to wait until Robin


    showed some signs of improvement from the treatment before letting Eliza visit. Unexpectedly, the hospital started calling Eliza''s phone for payment.


    In the end, Chelsea took the card and left.


    Later, when Chelsea went to make the payment, she found not one million but two million on the card. She mentioned this to Eliza, who simply told her to keep the money.

 Chapter 154

    Casper offered her an extra million-wasn''t that a given? Eliza wouldn''t appreciate it anyway.


    In Welton International, Casper sat by therge bay window, his gaze distant and lost, the cigarette in his fingers burning dangerously close to his skin.


    Dillon knocked and entered, "Mr. Casper."


    Casper finally stubbed out the untouched cigarette. "Is it ready?"


    "The divorce agreement is drafted. As you requested, a vi in the southern district, twenty million in cash. Please, have a look." Dillon handed over the divorce papers to Casper. "Additionally, there''s the matter of Rose''s medical expenses. The hospital bills are nearing a million; this..."


    "I''ll cover those expenses until she recovers."


    Dillon nodded. "Understood."


    Eliza received the divorce papers. He hadn''t given her much. He hadn''t intended to give her much.


    "That''ll do."


    He raised his hand, and Dillon quickly handed him a pen. Casper hesitated for a moment before he signed his name.


    Dillon collected the papers. "Once Ms. Eliza is discharged, I''ll take them for her signature."


    "Leave it there. I''ll give it to her myself." Casper lowered his head and lit another cigarette, but he didn''t smoke it; he just held it between his fingers.


    Dillon sealed the leather pouch and ced it on his desk. "Alright, Mr. Casper."


    Casper held his phone, typing a message and then deleting it.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    He was actually quite a dull person. Apart from work, it was just more work. He had lived so fully the past year solely because of vengeful obsession. He didn''t know if it was for Nova or just revenge for the sake of revenge.


    He typed out many messages and then erased them, wrote more, and then deleted them, and in the end, he


    sent nothing. His fingers allele


    scrolled the screen, opening


    photo album. Most of the photo''s were of him and his grandfather. They were candid shots taken by his secretary at home and in the hospital.


    He had an album locked with a password, containing two photos.


    One was his wedding photo with Eliza. She had on an old wedding dress that many had worn and was smiling happily, and Casper looked unhappy with a stiff expression. He clearly disliked this photo, yet he saved it in his album for some reason.


    The other was a candid shot he took. In the photo, a girl wore a cap and a mask. Her ponytail was tied high, and she was smiling, her eyes shaped like crescents as she waved goodbye to him. He could no longer distinguish whether this girl was Nova or someone else. She was like an illusion. A character made up-someone who had once been in


    his world but had never existed.


    Dillon left the office, running into Faithe. She grabbed him, cautiously probing, "How''s Mr. Casper''s mood? I won''t be walking into a storm, will I?"


    "Going through a divorce, no one''s mood would be great." Dillon shook his head.


    Faithe was stunned. He was going through a divorce? Was Casper divorcing Eliza? This was huge news.


    "Really? Can I trust this news?"


    "I drafted the divorce papers with thewyer. Mr. Casper has already signed. He''s just waiting for Eliza to sign, then they can file for divorce."


    Faithe bit her lip, suppressing the ecstasy in her heart. "I see."


    "I''ll get back to my tasks then."


    "Alright, Dillon."


    Faithe, holding documents needing signatures, lingered at the door of the CEO''s office for a while, then turned back to her desk and picked up the phone to make a call...

 Chapter 155

    "Ms. Nova, your lucky days are just around the corner," Faithe''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Hang tight, I''lle find you and spill all the details in person."


    After hanging up, Faithe headed to the design department.


    Nova personally brewed her a cup of top-notch coffee, wearing a smile that didn''t quite reach her eyes. "Faithe, what do you mean by ''lucky days?""


    Faithe took the coffee from Nova, not rushing to answer. Instead, she firstplimented Nova''s outfit. "Ms. Nova, is that dress Chanel? It''s gorgeous and makes you look like... well, like ady of a grand estate."


    "Faithe, quit teasing! Tell me already, what''s this about lucky days?" Nova''s anticipation was palpable. News from Faithe typically involved Casper.


    Finally, Faithe set her coffee down, leaned in close, and whispered, "Mr. Casper is divorcing Eliza. So, don''t you think your lucky days are finallying?"


    Nova felt a lump in her throat from the overwhelming surprise. She had waited years for this moment. Finally, he was getting a divorce.


    "Really?" she stammered.


    "Yes, Ms. Nova. Mr. Casper has always wanted to give you a proper status. Eliza just isn''t fit to be Mrs. Welton, not like you. You''re young, beautiful, kind, and we get along so well."All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    Nova heard this and suddenly felt like she was already Casper''s wife. Her chin lifted a bit higher.


    "Faithe, you''re too kind." She turned, opened a drawer, and pulled out a ne she had recently picked out from a boutique. "This doesn''t quite suit me, but I think it would look perfect on you. Don''t turn it down."


    The ne was from Tiffany''s and was worth several thousand dors.


    Faithe, who adored the design, didn''t hesitate. She reached out and epted it. "Mrs. Welton, I''ll ept it gratefully."


    "We''re not quite there yet," Nova said, but being called Mrs. Welton made her heart flutter.


    Faithe, ever the shrewd tterer, chimed in again, "Mrs. Welton, it''s just a matter of time."


    "Faithe, let''s enjoy our coffee."


    "Thank you, Mrs. Welton."


    Both women burst into heartyughter.


    ...


    At the hospital.


    David was frantic and worried upon hearing that Eliza was in trouble. He had thought she''d be fully responsible for thend contract issue, but she had an ident


    instead.


    "Welton International has already sent someone to sign the contract. Your job is done, so focus on getting better and don''t overthink it."


    Eliza looked apologetically at David. That piece ofnd could have sold for much more if not for the one million dors and the Simmons family''s affection for her.


    "David, once I''m better, I''ll go see Mr. and Mrs. Simmons."


    "No rush," David said, pulling out a can of peaches from the gift bag he brought. "Mrs. Simmons was so worried when she heard you were injured and hospitalized. She sent these canned peaches and said you loved them."


    A warm feeling surged through Eliza. "Mrs. Simmons still remembers I love canned peaches."


    "Of course, she remembers everything you like and dislike."


    David opened the can of peaches and took out a spoon. "Let me do it, David."


    "With your injuries? No way. Let me feed you," David insisted, scooping up a peach slice with some syrup and bringing it to Eliza''s mouth. "Try Mrs. Simmons'' canned peaches. See if they''re still as good as you remember."


    The scent was irresistible. Eliza truly missed that taste. She opened her mouth and epted the peach slice.

 Chapter 156

    This scene was perfectly captured by the man standing outside the door as he peered through the ss into the room. The bag he was gripping crinkled up due to the force of his hold. Casper hade today with the intention of personally telling Eliza that he wanted a divorce. Yet, the scene before him deeply wounded his heart. The first time he felt this way was when Aaron fed her cake, and now, David was offering her peaches. The way she looked at other men was always tender, always gleaming with light. Ridiculous. Casper had been made a fool time and again, and yet he considered letting her off. The paper bag was torn into two, then again into quarters, until it was shredded into pieces. Only then did Casper throw it into the trash can.


    He turned around. Pushing open the door to the hospital room again, he walked in. The two wereughing and looked towards the door, their voicesing to an abrupt halt.


    "Mr. David. You''re here too?" Casper''s voice was surprisingly gentle as he extended his hand for a handshake with David. "Here to see Eliza?"


    "I heard she was injured, so I came to check on her." David was holding a can of peach preserves. "My mom made some, so I brought them over to indulge Eliza''s cravings."


    David''s face maintained a calm and natural expression. Casper raised an eyebrow, looking towards Eliza lying on the bed, "Oh? Eliza likes peach preserves, does she? Then I''ll have my secretary buy some in a bit."


    His tone was even, his gaze caring, embodying the perfect boss. Only Eliza could hear the subtext in his words. She nervously looked towards David. "David, I''m fine. You can go home now."


    "Alright then." He ced the peach preserves on the nightstand. "Make sure to eat theseter. They''ll spoil otherwise."


    "Okay, will do."


    David turned around, addressing Casper, "I''ll be leaving then."


    "Mr. David, take care."


    The door to the hospital room was closed once again. Casper pulled up a chair and sat down in front of the bed.


    "You sure have a lot of caring men


    around you," he said, picking up the jar of peach preserves andzi lifting his eyelids to look at Eliza.


    "What am I to you?"


    "Mr. Casper, is this an interesting question?"


    Ha. He might forever be her husband. To hell with it. Who cares anyway?


    "I hope Mrs. Welton would behave as a married woman should," he said, scooping up a piece of peach and chewing it. "This old lover''s gift is indeed sweet."


    "If you have nothing else, please leave. I need to rest."


    She was neither in the mood nor had the energy to listen to his sarcasm.


    "You are in such a hurry to get rid of me. Is David nning toe back, or is Dr Martin expected?" He scooped another piece of peach into his mouth. "Or do you have another man?"


    "Wouldn''t you know if I had another man?" Eliza looked at him with an indescribable loathing. "Stop calling me Mrs. Welton. If you truly see me as Mrs. Welton, then please leave and let me rest." All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    "Alright then." He put down the jar, took a wet wipe to clean his fingertips, and methodically started to unbutton his jacket.


    Eliza frowned, "What are you doing?"


    "Isn''t it time to rest? As a husband, I have the duty to ensure my wife rests well," he said, unbuttoning his cuffs.


    Eliza sat up straight in panic. "Casper, I''m a patient right now. Are you sure about this?"

 Chapter 157

    "Feeling scared?" he asked, his cor slightly open, revealing a delicate corbone and a faint masculine scent. He propped his hands lightly beside her. "If you want me to let you go, it''s simple." Her eyshes quivered slightly as she tried to stay calm, but the panic in her eyes was hard to hide.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    A smug smile yed on his lips as he pulled out his phone and dialed Dillon''s number.


    Soon, Dillon rushed into the hospital room carrying a box full of canned peaches.


    "You like these, don''t you?" He nced at the cans, then turned to Dillon, "Since she loves them so much, open every single one and let her have her fill."


    Dillon looked shocked for a moment but then quickly started opening the cans. The sweet smell of peaches soon filled the room.


    Eliza''s eyebrows knitted together. She''d just barely escaped death''s door and was still filled with relief and exhaustion.


    Thirty cans of peaches? Was he trying to send her back to the brink?


    "Casper, have you lost your mind?" Eliza''s voice was incredulous and angry. It carried a note of destion. Her desperate and angry eyes showed she was utterly disappointed in this man. "Don''t you like them? What, is it because they''re not from David that you don''t want them anymore?" He leaned in closer, almost blocking out the light above her, his voice teasing, "Isn''t that it?" Eliza''s face was expressionless. "I''m not going to eat them."


    He scoffed, a sh of indifference and disdain showing in his eyes. He grabbed the peaches David had sent and threw them into the trash can. The cans made a dull thud in the bin. Casper''s voice was cold. "Dillon, watch her. Don''t let her leave until she finishes."


    "I think those cans are enchanted or something." Casper''s voice faded into the air as the door closed.


    Eliza stared at the thirty cans of peaches, looking lost.


    Dillon picked up each can and dumped them all in the trash.


    "Mr. Casper is just throwing a tantrum. Please don''tget upset," Dillon said as he cleaned up, then opened a window to let in some fresh air. "Get some rest. I''ll be going now." Eliza just nodded, saying nothing more.


    Casper sat in the car, resting with his eyes closed.


    Dillon came out and got into the car. Over the years, Dillon was the only one who could speak candidly with Casper. "Mr. Casper, you''re about to divorce her. Why bother with all this?"


    Casper rubbed his tired brow, a sh ofplex emotion in his eyes. He turned to Dillon, his voice tinged with hesitation and confusion, "Dillon, I don''t want to divorce her."


    Dillon felt a jolt of surprise. He looked at the usuallyposed man, now showing an unexpected vulnerability and confusion. "Mr. Casper, why the change of heart?" Dillon asked, baffled.


    Casper didn''t answer; he just gestured with his hand. "Let''s go, we''re going horseback riding."


    Dillon nodded. "Yes, sir."


    The sky was vast and blue, dotted with fluffy clouds. Sunlight bathed them in a golden glow.


    They mounted their horses, their voices echoing through the air. Casper rode fiercely as if trying to vent his pent-up frustrations.


    "Dillon," someone called.


    Dillon turned to see who it was. "Ms. Nova? What brings you here?"


    "I heard from Faithe that you were going horseback riding, so I came to check it out." Nova was in high spirits, her face glowing. "Casper looks so handsome on a horse." "Mr. Casper likes to run around the equestrian field when he''s down," Dillon exined.

 Chapter 158

    Was he feeling down? It was probably because he hadn''te to terms with the divorce yet. Nova understood. After all, Eliza had been his bedmate for over two years. It was natural for a guy to feel a bit off, and you could almost forgive that.


    But that was fine. Once she married Casper, he would forget all about Eliza in no time.


    Casper rode his horse at a fast pace. On his way over, the horse got spooked for some reason and reared up, nearly kicking Nova. She was so scared she stumbled backward, dropping her cane. Thankfully, Dillon caught her just in time.


    Casper didn''t bother dismounting and continued galloping around the field.


    "Ms. Nova, it''s pretty dangerous here. Maybe you should head back home," Dillon suggested, trying to be polite even though he was confused about why she was there. "If it''s about work, we can talk back at the office."


    "Alright then, I won''t bother Casper any longer." Nova picked up her cane. "Dillon, there''s something I need you to tell him. Let him know I''ve reported Robin''s assault to the police and handed over all the evidence."


    Dillon frowned. Nova had imed Robin assaulted her. She handed Casper underwear stained with Robin''s semen, crying her eyes out. Casper had offered to help her report it, but she refused, worried about ruining her reputation. Dillon distinctly remembered Nova even pleading for Robin''s mercy at the time. Later, as a punishment, Casper had sent Robin to Mercy Hospital. They had agreed to let it go, and Robin had been released. Now, Nova was bringing it up again.


    "I understand. I''ll pass the message to Mr. Casper."


    Nova nced at Casper on horseback in the distance. "Then I''ll be going."


    Not long after Nova left, Casper dismounted. Dillon handed him a towel, seizing the moment to say, "Mr. Casper, about Robin assaulting Nova..."


    "What about it?"


    "Nova just said she''s prepared the evidence and reported it to the police."


    Casper paused for a moment before tossing the towel back to Dillon. "If she wants to report it, let her. No need to tell me."


    "But she had already agreed not to pursue the matter further, and you had promised to let Robin go, and now all of a sudden..."


    Casper''s eyes darkened slightly.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    A few hourster, lying in her hospital bed, Eliza saw Casper and Nova in the top news headlines on her phone. They were both at the horse field. Eliza wasn''t too upset. She''d seen such news so many times that it hardly stirred any emotion anymore.


    Her phone vibrated. It was an internalpany announcement about the new flower-themed jewelry collection for the season. She studied the familiar design and thought she was seeing things But no, she wasn''t. It was her design, but the name listed was Nova''s. Did that mean Nova had taken the


    Ding, another message popped up on her phone It was from thepany forum. [Shocking! Eliza''s brother is a rapist] appeared right before her eyes. Still reeling from her previous anger, she felt as if an


    invisible hand was gripping her throat, leaving her nearly breathless. Her fingers trembling, she opened the post...


    It detailed Nova''s humiliation and pain extensively and even included a


    copy of the police report report. Casper had promised Eliza he''d let Robin go. He had already driven bingo. Robin to madness. Why would he go back on his word and have him arrested again?

 Chapter 159

    It was Nova. Yep, it was Nova who made the post.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza''s fists tightened so hard that her knuckles turned pale. She struggled to get out of the hospital bed. Despite her unsteady legs, she limped towards the exit.


    A nurse spotted her and rushed over to help. "Ms. Eliza, where do you think you''re going?"


    "I have something urgent to do."


    "You can''t be discharged right now," the nurse insisted, worried about her health.


    Eliza took a deep breath, her eyes reddening. "I''lle back, but I need to leave for a bit."


    "But, Ms. Eliza, your current condition... doesn''t allow for you to leave."


    "I''ll take full responsibility if anything happens. I can sign a waiver." Eliza''s tone was resolute.


    "Alright then." The nurse reluctantly agreed, on the condition that she''d return soon.


    Welton International, Design Department.


    Nova looked at her post with a smug smile, leisurely sipping her coffee. Her oxblood-red nails looked even more sinister under the office lights. "Bang!"


    The office door was flung open.


    Nova didn''t even flinch. She calmly set down her coffee cup, straightened up, and smirked with mockery and defiance.


    "The rapist''s sister is here."


    Her words cut deep. Eliza, barely keeping herself upright, approached Nova with bloodshot eyes. "Nova, I need to know-did Robin really rape you?"


    "So what if he did? So what if he didn''t? Does it really matter?" Nova toyed with her blood-red nails. "As long as I have ''evidence'' to prove it, he''s a rapist."


    "You know damn well how you got that so-called evidence." Eliza''s blood boited, her eyes zing with fury. "After all those years of living together, Robin treated you like a sister, and you did something this vite? You''ll burn in hell for this."


    Nova''s face twisted with anger. She took a deep breath, stomping back and forth. "I don''t care. I want you to suffer, Eliza. You stole my life, my man-I''ll make sure you never know peace." "In the end, it''s all because of Casper, isn''t it?" Elizaughed bitterly. "What a perfect match."


    "Eliza, Casper has already signed the


    divorce papers. You''ll get them


    Ret


    soon. You''re no longer Mrs. Welton Soon, I will marry into the Welton family and be his wife." By then, Nova would be untouchable and no longer be the despised mistress or the other woman but the legitimate Mrs. Welton.


    The thought made Nova regard Eliza with a newfound ease.


    Eliza was frozen. Casper wanted a divorce? Was this real?


    If he truly wanted to divorce her, she''d finally be free.


    She looked up at Nova standing across from her, lost in her fantasies. Eliza hadn''t received any divorce papers yet.


    As Eliza stood there, lost in her


    thoughts, Novaughed triumphantly. "Anyway, Robin''s already madman. A few years in prison will give you some peace won''t it? You should be thanking me and Casper for making this decision. We''re doing you a favor."


    Was Casper behind this?


    What a despicable pair... they were beyond redemption.


    "You drove him to madness, didn''t you? You ruined him and then framed him for rape. How can you be so cruel, Nova? I''m telling you, I won''t let you get away with this. Not a chance."

 Chapter 160

    Nova took Eliza''s harsh words as nothing more than a desperatest stand.


    With a smirk, she said, "Casper is the kingpin in Falconridge. He decides who gets yed and who gets discarded. And who do you think you are? Just a cast-off wife from high society, a woman with a tarnished reputation kicked to the curb. Do you really know your ce? It''s all about evidence. You im Robin didn''t assault me, but where''s your proof?"


    That was the crux of it.


    Eliza had no proof. She was in such a vulnerable position. However, she couldn''t let herself fall into the trap of trying to prove a negative.


    "Where''s your evidence? Do you think the police will believe whatever you say just because of some underwear?"


    "That''s the police''s problem, not mine," Nova sneered, biting off a hangnail. "You better start worrying about yourself, Eliza. How can the sister of a rapist expect to hold her own in apany like ours? We don''t just hire anyone."


    First, Nova stole her design drafts and then spread nderous rumors about her being a rapist''s sister on thepany''s internalwork. Such a shameless person should have been thrown into a manure pit at birth.


    Eliza''s gaze darkened as it fell on a kitchen knife nearby.


    Nova continued her infuriating tirade, "You''re just trash. Your entire family deserves to live in the abyss, fall into the deepest pit of hell, never to be reborn."


    "If you can''t find a job after leaving Welton International, I could hook you up with some club hosting. You could make a living off your youth for a few years. And since you can''t have kids, men will love it¡ª there''ll be no need for protection, double the pleasure."


    Nova was thoroughly enjoying her rant. She failed to notice that Eliza had already picked up the knife, raising it high.


    Nova realized toote that her mobility was hindered; she could only scream and cover her head, "Ah... Help..."


    But before the knife could descend, a pair of strong hands grasped Eliza''s wrist.


    She turned in shock. It was Casper.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    His grip was firm. The knife fell to the ground with a ng.


    "Eliza, you''re at thepany and want tomit murder in broad daylight? You''ve got some nerve."


    Hearing Casper''s voice, Nova peeked through her fingers.


    Was Eliza going to kill her? How could she let Eliza get the best of her?


    Nova picked up the knife from the ground, taking advantage of Casper''s hold on Eliza''s wrist, and lunged at her. "Eliza, go to hell."


    Casper quickly pulled Eliza behind him, putting himself in harm''s way.


    The knife plunged straight into his chest.


    Eliza''s eyes


    hadn''dened in shock; she dess so, for Casper to t evenected Nova to attack and y for her without hesitet


    the


    She waspletely stunned.


    Nova''s eyes were filled with horror, and she fainted, losing consciousness.


    Dillon was also frozen in shock.


    "Mr. Casper, are you okay? Hang in there, the ambnce is on its way." Dillon tried to stem the flow of blood from Casper''s wound, hoping to slow the bleeding. "It''s going to be okay. It has to be."


    Casper''splexion grew paler, and his breathing morebored.


    Blood


    tinued to gush from his


    6taining his clothes red. Th drop by drop, blurred Eliset


    vision.


    SWI


    not


    Emergency responders arrived and lifted Casper onto a stretcher, with Dillon following.


    Eliza''s face was pale, and she copsed to the ground, sitting in shock.

 Chapter 161

    Casper being rushed to the hospital became the talk of the town in Falconridge. Everyone was buzzing with rumors and wild guesses about what happened.


    Eliza didn''t go to the hospital but kept herself updated through the headlines. She knew one thing for sure-Casper was alive. The word on the street was that the knife missed any vital organs. He''d just lost a lot of blood and was pretty weak.


    Nova did go to see him, but the Welton family pretty much kicked her out. Watching her hobble out of the hospital on a cane was almostical.


    Chelsea handed Eliza a peeled apple. "Quit stressing over the news. You''ve got enough going on. Besides, wouldn''t that be better for everyone if he dies?"


    "Yeah, you''re right." Eliza took a bite. The sweet vor of the apple brought a slight smile to her face.


    Chelsea couldn''t wrap her head around why Casper took the stab meant for Eliza. "If Casper took a hit for Nova, I''d get it. But for you? Is he nuts?"


    It wasn''t thatplicated. Casper didn''t want Nova to end up a murderer. If Nova had killed Eliza, she''d face some serious consequences. Casper couldn''t bear that. But if he took the stab, it would just be considered a suicide attempt as long as Casper didn''t press charges.


    "Maybe he just wanted to keep his lover out of trouble," Eliza mused.


    Chelsea nodded. "Guess that''s true love for you."


    Nova was crazy, and with Casper, they were a match made in hell. Chelsea hoped they''d be locked up together forever.


    Eliza was more worried about Robin. "Chelsea, do you think Robin could get arrested if Nova reported him for assault and the cops took it seriously?"


    Chelsea hadn''t heard anything new. But Robin had been sent abroad for treatment a few days ago, so any arrest would have to wait until he came back. Maybe by then, everything would be cleared up. "Don''t worry, they can''t arrest him yet. Robin''s not even in the country."


    "Really?" That was a huge relief.


    Chelsea hung around for a bit, chatting with Eliza before leaving. About half an hourter, Eliza heard somemotion outside her room. Nurses were bustling in and out prepping another bed in her room. Then, a couple of caregivers came in and changed all the beddings.


    Soon after, Faithe walked in. Spotting Eliza, she lifted her chin slightly. "Mr. Casper will be moved to this room soon. Don''t go making him angry."


    Was Casper moving here? Wasn''t he at that swanky hospital owned by Welton International? Why did he move to a regr hospital and share a room with her?


    Noticing Eliza''s confused look, Faithe rolled her eyes and left.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    The afternoon was a whirlwind of peopleing and going, but Casper never showed up. Finally, around 8 p.m., Casper walked in with Dillon by his side. Eliza was sketching something on her tablet and didn''t even look up when they entered. It wasn''t until Caspery down on the bed that Eliza finally nced at him.


    "Dillon, I need to change my bandages," Casper said, his eyes fixed on Eliza.


    Eliza kept drawing, unfazed.


    Dillon quickly offered, "I''ll get a nurse."


    "No need," Casper interrupted, still staring at Eliza. "You,e here and help me change my bandages."


    Eliza finally put down her pen and looked at him casually. "I''m a patient, not a nurse."


    "I saved your life," he said, giving her a look that dared her to refuse. "Eliza, you owe me this."

 Chapter 162

    A so-called savior? The idea was downrightughable.


    Did she ask him to save her? Or did he save her just to y the hero card? He had teamed up with Nova to steal her designs and let Nova call the cops-how could he have the nerve to call himself her savior after all that?


    "That''s your version of it," Eliza said dismissively, turning her back to him as shey down.


    Casper was on the brink of losing it.


    Dillon quickly intervened, "I''ll get a nurse to change your dressing. Don''t get worked up. You''re still recovering."


    Casper''s wounds were nearly healed. He''d transferred to this hospital solely because of the severe injuries he''d sustained for Eliza. And yet, she hadn''t visited him once. No messages, no calls. It was like nothing had happened, and he couldn''t stomach that.


    "I should''ve just let Nova finish you off. It would''ve been so much simpler."


    Eliza slowly opened her eyes, her beautiful face illuminated by the dim light.


    That was what Casper really wanted. Everything he did was for Nova, his so-called true love.


    "Casper," she said softly, her voice tinged with a somber tone.


    His reply was irritated, "What now?"


    "Nova mentioned you''ve prepared the divorce papers. When can you give them to me? I''m ready to sign them ASAP," she said, hoping it would be sooner rather thanter. "I don''t want anything from you."


    Casper had already torn the divorce papers to shreds and thrown them away. He''d given up on the idea of divorce. How did Nova know about it? And why had she told Eliza?


    "Found a new suitor, have you? That''s why you''re in such a rush?" His tone was mocking. "You won''t even help me change a dressing, and yet you expect me to give you that?" Eliza sat up abruptly. He was clearly making things difficult for her, acting like he was the one being wronged.


    "I''ll change your dressing, then you give me the divorce papers today. I''ll sign them immediately." Eliza was desperate.


    Casper looked at her leisurely, "We''ll see how you do."


    Dillon came back with the nurse, "Mr. Casper, the nurse is here to change your dressing."


    "Leave the supplies. Mrs. Welton has


    graciously offered to help," Casper said, shooting a deliberate lookat Eliza "Mrs. Welton is doing this willingly, right?"


    Eliza hated Casper''s mocking tone.


    Biting her lip, she got out of bed and took the tray from the nurse. "I''ll do it."


    The nurse said nothing and left the room.


    Dillon started to say something, but a single look from Casper had him leave quietly.


    The room was dimly lit. Casper was in his hospital gown, reclined with his hands behind his head, staring tantly at Eliza. "Unbutton it," Eliza said as she approached him.


    "You do it," he replied, looking at her without any restraint.


    He could see the reluctance, disdain, and disgust on her face. "Mrs. Welton it seems you''re not too keen," he chuckled teasingly. "Looks like a woman used to being served by men is unwilling to serve a man."


    eletAll content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    She said nothing, not wanting to argue with him. She reached out to unbutton his shirt, her slender


    fingers extra cautious, as if afraid to touch his skin.


    Casper''s Adam''s apple moved slightly, his eyes darkening with desire. Suddenly, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her close.


    Her eyes widened in panic as they locked onto his.

 Chapter 163

    "Scared?"


    Hisrge hand gripped her slender waist, keeping Eliza immobile as their faces nearly touched, their breaths mingling in the small space between them. An intense, sensual tension filled the air.


    When they had just married, Casper liked having her face away from him in bed. It was the only way he could truly enjoy himself. To please him, Eliza would kneel until her knees hurt, but she was happy. She had read online that if a man loves a woman''s body, he''ll gradually open his heart to her. She eagerly awaited the day he would confess his love. She''d dreamed countless times of hearing him say, "Eliza, I love you."


    Back then, she was just a girl who blushed and got heart flutters easily. She thought marriage meant being with someone forever. She imagined having his children. But all her thoughts were just that¡ª thoughts.


    Casper only cared for her body and never intended to give her his heart. Her past hopes had turned into disdain and contempt. Looking into his eyes didn''t make her heart race or her cheeks flush anymore. Without love, there was nothing left.


    "Mr. Casper, we should change your dressing first," she said, pushing him away calmly and reaching for the tray.


    He was annoyed. The cold alcohol swabs irritated his nearly healed wound. With a flick of his hand, he knocked the tray to the floor, the items ttering loudly.


    "Eliza, what''s with the attitude?" he barked.


    She stayed in the same position, disinfecting his wound, alcohol droplets falling from the tweezers in her hand. He grabbed her wrist and pinned it down, his voice deep and hoarse, "You''re thinking of divorcing me, aren''t you? Are you nning to marry Aaron or David? Well, it''s not happening."


    "Casper, why are you always like this?" She was frustrated with his empty promises andck of trust.


    As if not satisfied, he added, "I tore up the divorce papers. By now, they''re probably ashes at the waste facility."


    "You..." Her eyes reddened.


    His hand slipped under her hospital gown, touching her roughly. "You''re not going to any other man as fong as I''m not done with you."


    Eliza felt degraded. She struggled briefly. "Please, Mr. Casper, let me go."


    His expression darkened. She


    seemed to be addicted to calling


    him Mr. Casper. When they had just gotten married, she called him "honey. He used to say it was disgusting. She adapted and called him Casper. He wouldn''t respond. Eventually, she stopped calling him anything at all. Even using his full name became rare. N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Didn''t Casper feel that she was drifting away from him? He did, and he felt it more than anyone.


    "Try calling me Mr. Casper one more time," he roared, threatening her.


    Eliza found it ludicrous. "What should I call you then? Mr. Welton? Whatever you prefer, I canply."


    "What did you use to call me?" He pinched her chin, his hot breath lingering on her lips.


    "Mr. Casper, didn''t you find that name disgusting?" she retorted.


    As his wife, she joyfully called him "honey," and he angrily shouted at her, calling it disgusting. She was probably the only one in the world to have experienced this. Wasn''t it ridiculous and sad? Was it pitiful? Not at all; it was all her own doing.


    "Whatever." He didn''t want to argue anymore and lowered his head to kiss her lips. She didn''t respond, so he forced her to.

 Chapter 164

    "Mrs. Welton, if you steer clear of men who have untoward intentions towards you, I might reconsider the divorce," he whispered, his lips softly brushing against her neck.


    Eliza didn''t believe him anymore. Hadn''t he manipted her countless times with his lies, making her obey and do things she didn''t want to?


    "Casper, you''repletely untrustworthy. I will never believe you again. Ever."


    His kisses stopped abruptly. "How am I untrustworthy? When have I ever broken a promise to you?"


    "You said you''d let Robin go, but then you had Nova call the police. Was that keeping your word? Not only did you break your promises, but you also encouraged Nova to giarize others'' work. You''re in cahoots with her. Why should I agree to anything you say now?"


    Casper was taken aback. He genuinely hadn''t known about Nova calling the police beforehand. As for Nova giarizing someone else''s work... Whose work was she used of giarizing? "rify your usation."


    "Don''t y dumb."


    Eliza didn''t want to borate. That design might as well have been trash. With Nova''s posts online, it was highly unlikely Eliza could return to work. Even if she did, she''d be met with pointing fingers, rumors, and sheer disdain that would drown her. It wasn''t worth fretting over. It was as disgusting as swallowing a fly.


    Casper was incensed. Was he ying dumb? She dared to use him of pretending to be clueless?


    "Eliza, you''re getting far too casual with your words. Have I given you too much leeway?"


    Casper only ever used his status, his


    position, and his power to oppress her. He knew she was afraid of these very things. Indeed, she was terrified. She was as insignificant as an ant entirely at others'' mercy. "Mr. Casper, you never truly intended to divorce me, did you? Since that''s the case, let''s not pretend to discuss it any further."


    He had once resolved to let her go. But his male pride and deep-seated jealousy made him reconsider. He didn''t love her but wanted her undying loyalty. Though her undying loyalty was no more, he still wanted to keep her tied to him. He attributed this to his obsession with her body, unwilling to let go of such beauty before he grew tired of it.


    His slender fingertips gently touched her quivering tips. Her pupils trembled as she looked at him in


    shock. He suddenly smiled. "Don''te


    say that. I''m not ying dumb at all. If you put in some effort and make mefortable in bed, handing over Welton International to you isn''t out of the question."


    Why would she want Welton International? She couldn''t bring herself to please him.


    "Mr. Casper, maybe you should say that to Nova. She''d probably be more eager to please you than any hoooker."


    Nova already saw herself as Mrs. Welton. Would she be furious enough to spit blood if she knew Casper wasn''t done ying with Eliza and wasn''t ready to let her go to give Nova a title? Thinking this, Eliza felt oddly satisfied.


    "You seem to misunderstand what a wife''s duties are," his voice was as cold as ice.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Sheughed hoarsely. "I am merely Mrs. Welton. I was never truly a wife."


    Besides not being done with her body, Casper probably didn''t want a divorce scandal during his subsidiary''s IPO. He needed a woman by his side, and Eliza was nothing more than a cover for him.

 Chapter 165

    Eliza was finally discharged from the hospital and decided to check thepany''s intr forum. To her surprise and relief, the posts using her of being a rapist''s sister were gone. Instead, the forum now featured a statement against defamation, emphasizingpany image protection and banning rumor-mongering. This directive hade straight from the CEO''s office. The forum had quieted down considerably since then.


    Still, Eliza was uncertain about returning to work.


    Her phone buzzed with a message from Molly.


    [Eliza, when are you nning toe back to work? You''ve used up all your annual leave.]


    After a moment, Eliza replied, [I''ll be back at work tomorrow.]All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    [Come early. We have some arrangements for you.] Molly responded.


    Eliza wondered what kind of arrangements Molly spoke of. Was it a dismissal? A sry deduction? Or something else?


    Exhausted, she returned to her apartment from the hospital. Then, Dr. Sanders from the Wellness Medical Center called her.


    "Eliza, you need toe to the hospital," he said urgently.


    "Is something wrong with my mom?" Eliza''s heart sank.


    "Your mom''s awake. You shoulde now."


    Her heart raced at the news. Without a second thought, Eliza grabbed a taxi straight to the hospital. At the entrance, she bumped into Aaron. "Eliza," he said, his face warm, his ck and grey cashmere coat adding to his refined look. "I heard your mom woke up. That''s wonderful news."


    "I just got the call from Dr. Sanders. I can hardly express how I''m feeling," Eliza said, her emotions a whirlwind ofughter and tears.


    "Let''s not get too worked up," he said, patting her back gently as they walked inside together.


    As they pushed open the door to the ward, they stopped in their tracks. Casper was there. His look towards them wasn''t fierce, but it carried an undercurrent of tension. Eliza chose to ignore his gaze and hurried to her mother''s bedside. Rose was awake, but her gaze seemed vacant, and her mouth was slightly open, which was concerning. "Dr. Sanders, what''s going on with my mom?" Eliza asked.


    "She''s just woken up. Her consciousness hasn''t fully returned yet. It will take some time, so don''t worry."


    Eliza nodded, holding Rose''s hand gently. "Mom, it''s going to be okay. Don''t be scared, I''m here."


    "Ms. Eliza, Dr. Martin has arranged


    for an acupuncturist, Dr. Mason, to


    should help her recover faster. Let''s


    step outside for now."


    Dr. Sanders mentioned this in front of Casper unintentionally, unaware of theplex rtionship between the three.


    Casper''s expression darkened visibly. Aaron was about to exin when Casper stepped out of the room, his voice cold and sharp as if cutting through bone. "Eliza,e with me," he said without looking back.


    Eliza''s spine stiffened, and she took a deep breath before walking towards the door.


    Feeling somewhat apologetic, Aaron said, "I arranged for the acupuncturist on my own initiative. I didn''t mean to cause you any trouble."


    "It''s not about that," Eliza replied.


    "I''ll talk to Casper. It''s not right to keep misunderstanding each other like this," Aaron said with concern, stepping in front of Eliza. "Wait here for a moment."


    Casper didn''t wait for Eliza to follow him, and Aaron walked straight into his line of fire.


    "Where''s Eliza?" Casper asked, his tone cool butposed.


    Aaron approached him, his brows furrowed deeper. "I don''t understand what you''re misunderstanding. Most of my enebunters with Eliza are coincidental. I really don''t get why you''re always upset, Casper You weren''t like this before."

 Chapter 166

    "What was I like before?" Casper turned his face, ring at Aaron with furrowed brows and a menacing vibe. "And Dr. Martin, what were you like before? I''m dying to know when you started having feelings for Eliza."


    "Even if I did have feelings for her, that''s my business. It has nothing to do with her."


    "Oh, so you admit it."


    Casper''s jaw clenched as he swung his fist,nding a hard punch on Aaron''s face.


    He hadn''t expected Aaron to actually confess he had feelings for Eliza. All his previous suspicions seemed to be real in an instant.


    He even pictured Eliza and Aaron together in bed. How could he allow Aaron''s tant provocation?


    Just then, Eliza arrived and saw Aaron on the ground, bleeding from his mouth and nose.


    "Casper, why are you hitting him?" Eliza reached out to help Aaron, but Casper grabbed her wrist and yanked her away. "Feeling sorry for him, are you? Eliza, Aaron just admitted he''s into you. Care to exin what that means?"


    Eliza was stunned. How could this be possible? Why would Aaron say that?


    He shouldn''t have said it even if he wanted to provoke Casper. Things were alreadyplicated, and now they were even worse.


    "I..."


    "Can''t exin, can you?" Casper hissed, pulling her close and gripping her waist tightly. "Eliza, are you really going to say nothing happened between you two? What does it take for something to happen- getting into bed right in front of me?"


    "It''s not, I..."


    Eliza''s eyes were frantic. She knew all too well the consequences of Casper''s anger.


    But how could she exin this? Even if Aaron was interested in her, she wasn''t interested in him. This had nothing to do with her.


    Aaron struggled to sit up, swallowing hard. "Take your anger out on me. Let her go."


    Casper was furious, his facial


    muscles twitching. "Aaron, we grew up together, and you''re sleeping with my wife? Fine, very well, then wait for the day I bring ruin to your family.


    I swear I won''t stop until I bankrupt them."


    Casper dragged Eliza outside. His strides were long, causing Eliza to stumble with every step.


    Eventually, she fell to the ground. She looked at her scraped palms, wincing in pain.


    Casper didn''t care, lifted her up, and slung her over his shoulder, throwing her into the back seat of the car. "Drive," he barked at the driver.


    The driver quickly hit the gas. He didn''t know where Casper wanted to go. Nor did he dare to ask.


    At a turn, Casper finally spoke, "To Greenfield Street."


    "Right away, Mr. Casper."


    Most of the Martin family''s assets were on Greenfield Street, including their hospital, medical equipmentpany, and some tech research institutions.


    He pressed Eliza''s neck, forcing her to look out the window.


    "This is everything the Martin family has. I can make all this glory vanish from this street within a month."N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Eliza thought Casper had lost his mind. Why would he destroy assets built by generations just like that?


    "Take a good look, Eliza. The day the


    Vel.ne


    Martin family disappears from Falconridge, you''ll be the one to


    me. You''ll be the Martin family''s


    eternal disgrace." Content-belongs


    He tightened his grip on her neck, smashing her face against the car window. "This is the price of infidelity."

 Chapter 167

    "Is it my fault that people like me?" Her breath fogged up the car window as she spoke, her lips twisting into a helpless smirk. "Casper, are you just jealous or looking for an excuse to destroy the Martins and ruin


    me?"


    No. How could he be jealous? He just wanted to destroy her.


    "Destroy you?" His lips curled slightly, his eyes shing dangerously. "Eliza, you''ve destroyed yourself."


    His hand tightened around her neck, the pain sharp and unyielding. Tears sprang to her eyes, unbidden.


    "You used me of infidelity out of nowhere. Isn''t that destruction?" She struggled fiercely, anger bubbling up. "And what about you and Nova? Your affair is the talk of all Falconridge. Shouldn''t I be the one to confront you? Or maybe I should go after every woman in Falconridge who''s ever liked you, one by one?"


    "That''s different."


    "How is it different?" Despair flickered in her eyes, cold and cutting. "The difference is, you and Nova actually had an affair, while what you use me and Aaron of is just something you made up, a frame-up." Her face was pressed against the car window, nearly twisted out of shape, her hair in disarray.


    Exactly. He had no proof of the affair. He hadn''t caught her in the act.


    Likewise, did she have any proof? Had she caught him and Nova in the act?


    "Do you love him?"


    "I don''t love anyone."


    Once, she had loved Casper deeply.


    How had he treated her?


    Her family of four was either dead or mad, those alive barely living. That was the price of love. She wouldn''t love again, not anyone.


    He scoffed, a mocking sound. His beautiful eyes narrowed into a dangerous, mocking curve.


    "I remember you once clung to my neck, saying you''d only love me in your lifetime. Am I wrong?"


    Yes. That was what Eliza had said when they first got married. That Eliza was long dead.


    "Casper, what''s the point of saying this? I don''t love you anymore, and IN?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    won''t aron. I won''t love a


    manol have no trust in men.


    know why?" ¨¦n.swnovels


    He watched her, waiting for her answer.


    you


    "Because our marriage has destroyed my trust in men, shown me how heartless they can be. You''ve shattered all my illusions of marriage, my yearning for love, thoroughly,pletely."


    Sheughed, augh as brilliant as a fleeting blossom, yet tears rolled down her cheeks.


    He listened, his heart aching, his grip slowly loosening, finally letting her go.


    He pulled out a slim, mint cigarette, cing it between his lips, leaning back in his seat as if drained of strength.


    The lighter''s click sounded in the quiet car, a crisp metallic ring.


    He looked down to light his cigarette, the pale smoke quickly filling the air, concealing his strikingly handsome face within it. Through the smoke, his gaze was distant, shadowed.


    Even if


    didin''t love Aaron, what


    did it matter? Aaron liked Eliza. Casper wouldn''t allow his


    be coveted by another t


    Crushing the cigarette in his hand, he pinned Eliza down, kissing her fiercely, intensely.


    Eliza didn''t resist, nor did she refuse. This domineering possessiveness was something she had endured more than once.


    She didn''t want to be left in disarray in the car.


    As the kiss deepened, he nibbled the soft flesh behind her ear, asking, "Then could you ever love me again?"


    Of course not. Eliza almost blurted her thoughts out.


    He didn''t love her, so why should she love him? Had he forgotten how he once treated her?


    Or did he never take to heart his past cruelty towards her and the Pinottis?

 Chapter 168

    No, he knew exactly what he''d done.


    But he thought she''d keep putting up with him, indulging him no matter what, forgiving him every time.


    No, their rift was too wide to fix now.


    "Do you love Nova?" she asked.


    His kisses stopped. He didn''t answer, but his silence spoke volumes.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    He loved Nova.


    So how could he love another woman and expect her to love him back? Did he even deserve it?


    Casper pulled away from Eliza, clearly disappointed. He took out a cigarette and ced it between his lips without lighting it. He just held it there.


    The desire in his eyes faded, reced by a chilling indifference.


    "Since you don''t love Aaron, you can handle the acquisition of the Martin family business," he said, his voice cold and husky. "I believe you can handle this task perfectly, right?" Casper had his reasons for giving her this job, and she knew it all too well. If it came to that, she could just resign. "I''ve been thinking about quitting," she said. Casper''s hand paused mid-air, then he scoffed mockingly. He leisurely took out his phone and showed Eliza a bill. "This is your mother''s recent hospital bill." Eliza nced at Casper and then focused on the phone screen.


    Seeing the final amount, she gasped.


    Two million? How could it cost so much? Didn''t the doctor say that one pill cost a hundred thousand, and Rose only needed two or three pills a month?


    She couldn''t afford this.


    "Still thinking about resigning?" He extinguished the cigarette in his hand, his slender fingertips gently caressing her face. "Or have you found another job? Do tell." "I..." She turned off the phone screen, her grip tightening involuntarily, her spirit deting. "...haven''t."


    "Then what right do you have to refuse this job?"


    She had no right. But was she only to ept?


    "Do you really have to get revenge on the Martin family? I know you realize nothing happened between Aaron and me."


    She didn''t know if Casper would listen, but she didn''t want things to turn out this way.


    As he said, she didn''t want to be the Martin family''s viin. She couldn''t bear those consequences.


    "After all, your families go way back.


    What would people in Falconridg


    think of you? What would they think of the Welton family? Aren''t you scared of beingughed at?"


    He chuckled lightly, his gaze dropping to her eyes that were misty with unshed tears.


    Her eyes were slightly blurred, her lips like the beautiful color of the evening sky, utterly tempting.


    He pressed Eliza''s face between his legs. "If you can satisfy me, maybe I''ll soften my heart and spare the Martin family."


    "Casper, we''re in a car," she protested. He was bing shameless.


    "Doesn''t that make it more thrilling?" He reluctantly raised the privacy screen, his slender fingers caressing her tender lips. "This should feel nice."


    If a man and woman loved each other enough, anything they did was romantic.


    But anything between her and Casper? It was just another form of humiliation.


    "I don''t want to," she said, clearly resistant.


    "You have a choice between two options. Let''s see what you choose."


    He was like a leopard on the hunt, and Eliza was a limping deer in front of him with no power to resist.


    She could choose not to serve him,


    but that would mean the


    disappearance of the Martin family


    in Falconridge. Plus, she would constantly have people in


    Falconridge ming her for their downfall.


    The choice was clear to him; she had already made her decision.


    "Casper, must it be this way?"


    "Choose, Mrs. Welton. Don''t let us


    keep circling Falconridge''s main


    roads; we''re wasting fuel." He


    nced at his Patek Philippe "You have three minutes."

 Chapter 169

    She had been married to Casper for over two years now. In bed, he always took charge, guiding every move. This kind of humiliation was new to her. She knew he was doing it on purpose. After what felt like an eternity of internal struggle, she finally made up her mind. She lifted her hand and unfastened his belt. Closing her eyes, she was about to lower her head when he grabbed her chin, his stern eyes glinting with an unreadable light. She panicked, like a startled deer, her eyes trembling slightly. Her vulnerable look was incredibly enticing, softening his gaze a bit.


    "For him, you''d do anything?" he asked.


    "It''s for myself," she replied, her voice steady.


    He knew there were some burdens she just couldn''t bear. Their eyes locked, his expression turningplex and hard to read. Eliza''s back stiffened, their intimate position making her feel deeply embarrassed. She tried to turn her head, but he forcefully turned her face back to him. Taking her hand, he ced it on his boner. The warmth of him scorched hers, and her breathing became erratic. With a triumphant smile, he buckled his belt.


    He said in a nearly calm voice, "Someone else will handle the acquisition of the Martin family. You should go back to your design department and work hard. Don''t forget the debt you owe." Eliza felt like she had just dodged a bullet, letting out a long sigh of relief.


    The next day, Eliza went to work. She first stopped by Molly''s office, but she wasn''t there. Passing by Nova''s office, Eliza nced inside to see Nova sitting there, lost in thought. Ever since Casper was stabbed and hospitalized, online public opinion had suddenly shifted, targeting Nova instead. They used her of harboring resentment for not being promoted and mocked her for aspiring to transform from a regr employee into a manager. The praise she once received had turned into harsh criticism. Casper would probably be heartbroken.


    Close to noon, Caroline walked into the design department and called everyone to the meeting room. Jessie nudged Eliza and whispered, "I heard there''s going to be a personnel change involving you. Do you know where you''re being transferred?"N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Eliza shook her head, clueless about


    it as well. Jessie lowered her voice even more, almost touching Eliza''s ear, saying, "Did you hear? The


    design Ms. Nova submitted was


    stolen. I wonder who was unlucky enough to have their work taken. She even got a $100,000 prize for it. If it were me, I''d be furious."


    "Alright," Molly''s voice cut in, "Everyone, quiet down. Ms. Caroline has an announcement."


    The room immediately fell silent.


    Caroline stepped forward and said, "I


    know none of you like long


    meetings, so I''ll keep it short. Nova''s


    position as the assistant head of the design department is hereby revoked, and she is dismissed. Eliza Will take over as the new assistant head."


    The room erupted into murmurs. Nova, suddenly being fired, looked incredibly embarrassed. "Why am I being dismissed? What did I do wrong?"


    "Stealing designs and falsifying prizes. You seem to have conveniently forgotten your acts."


    "You don''t have the authority to dismiss me. Mr. Casper appointed me personally."


    "So, you mean to say you won''t


    leave unless Mr. Casper tells you himself?" Caroline''s face showed clear annoyance. After all, she was the vice president; dismissing someone shouldn''t be questioned. "Who do you think you are? ?gave


    you an opportunity, and you


    squandered it. Now, pack your


    things and leave immediately."


    Humiliated and embarrassed, Nova walked out with her head down, while the rest of the design department exchanged looks. Some who knew the backstory smirked quietly. Nova had lost her pride and position, walking out in disgrace.

 Chapter 170

    Caroline was about to head out when she suddenly turned back and said, "The $100,000 reward Nova received for giarising someone''s work goes to Eliza."


    It was only then that everyone truly understood the situation. It turns out that Nova had stolen Eliza''s design.


    "I knew it! Her design looked just like your work. Congrattions," Jessie said with a friendly smile.


    Was she getting a promotion?


    Eliza was taken aback. She stood up awkwardly, forcing a strained smile toward everyone.


    Caroline quickly left the design department.


    People began to congratte Eliza.


    Meanwhile, in the CEO''s office, Nova was crying like a hurt child.


    "Even if I used someone else''s design, do I really deserve to be fired? Everyone deserves a chance to make amends. She kicked me out in front of everyone without a shred of respect-Casper, your sister went too far." Nova sobbed uncontrobly.


    Casper nced at her with indifference. "This job was never really suitable for you. You''re about to undergo a kidney transnt; you shouldn''t overwork yourself. It''s better if you rest at home."


    "Casper..." Nova was willing to give up her position, but she wasn''t about to let Eliza off the hook, "...then make Eliza take care of me, okay?"


    Leaningzily against his chair, Casper said, "She doesn''t know how to take care of anyone." His words carried an unmistakable tone of indulgence.


    "But she can keep mepany. We''re about the same age and have things inmon. Just pay her a bit more, please agree."


    Nova nagged persistently, refusing to give up until Casper agreed.


    Casper neither agreed nor rejected the idea outright, showing ack of interest. "I''ll have the driver take you home."


    Nova couldn''t keep pushing. She knew Casper''s temperament too well. So she softly said, "Then I''ll take it as your agreement. I''ll head home now." As soon as Nova left, Dillon hurried in.


    "Mr. Casper, as per your instructions,


    the case against Robin for assault has been dropped. Also... the hospital called to say Rose''so condition isn''t looking good."


    "What do you mean?"


    "They managed to stabilize her, but they need to observe her for a few days before determining anything."


    This wasn''t good news.


    Casper looked worried. "Keep an eye on her, and let me know immediately if there''s any bad news. Tell the hospital not to inform Eliza for now."


    "I understand."


    Actually, Rose''s condition hadn''t


    been as good as expected since she


    woke up. He didn''t want anyAll content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    idents to happen but couldn''t


    control everything.


    Faithe entered with some documents, "Mr. Casper, everything is ready at the beach. When shall we go?"


    "Has David arrived?" He loosened his tie and took a sip of coffee.


    Faithe replied, "He''s already there. Should we invite Mrs. Welton to join?"


    "Ask her toe to my office."


    Ten minutester, Eliza arrived at Casper''s office.


    "Mr. Casper, you wanted to see me?"


    "Congrattions, Mrs. Welton, on your promotion." He yed with the pen in his hand, slowly lifting his eyelids to meet her gaze. "Feels good to rece someone, doesn''t it?"


    Eliza''s beautiful brows furrowed slightly.


    What did he mean by rece? It was thepany''s decision. Eliza had not actively sought a promotion to make others envious.


    "Are you feeling sorry for Nova?" She smirked disdainfully, "Then I don''t mind giving the position back to her."

 Chapter 171

    "Give it back to her?" Casper stood up and marched over to Eliza, ring at her. "Do you think thepany''s documents are just toys for you to y with?"


    She kept backing up until her lower back hit his broad desk. "Mr. Casper, you really have a knack for twisting people''s words."


    He sneered. Despite his alluring and affectionate eyes, a chill went down her spine when he looked at her.


    He grabbed her waist, leaning in to kiss her.


    She dodged. His lips brushed past her earlobe andnded in her hair.


    Casper shrugged it off and turned to grab his coat from the rack. "I''ve invited some big names from the literary and artmunity today. You''re an expert, so apany me for someworking." "Just that?"


    He raised an eyebrow. "There are some minor details regarding the coboration with David that need finalizing. Your presence will smooth things over."


    Ah.


    So it was because David would be there that he wanted herpany.


    Casper always used people to the fullest. She was no exception.


    Eliza was pretty annoyed. "It''s work hours now."


    "Apanying me is also part of the job." He didn''t give her a chance to refuse, lifting his hand to press the inte. "Faithe, bring the revised supplemental contract and wait for me in the garage."


    Eliza had no choice but to follow.


    In the car, they sat side by side. He nced at her several times. Feeling the intensity of his gaze, she turned her face slightly away.


    "Ding."


    Eliza''s phone rang. She reached for her phone, barely unlocking the screen, when Casper snatched it from her grasp.


    It was a message from Aaron. [Has Casper been making things difficult for you?]


    The message made Casper furious. He threw the phone away in a fit of rage.


    "You..." Eliza bent down to pick up her phone, only to be grabbed by the neck and pulled back up to face him.


    He snatched the phone back, held


    her head, and kissed her, snapping a


    photo in the process. Then, he


    tossed her aside and sent the photo to Aaron.


    Eliza managed to get her phone back, but it was toote to retract the message. "You''re insane."


    "He''s not insane? I think you''re both seriously sick. Do you think I''m dead or something?" Casper yelled. She was too angry to bother with him.


    Just then, Faithe opened the car door and slid into the passenger seat. "Mr. Casper, shall we go now?"


    "Why aren''t we leaving? Do we n to spend the night in the garage?"


    Faithe was confused. Did Eliza upset him again?


    The drive took about an hour and a half to reach their destination.


    They were at a seaside vi. The sea


    and sky were clear blue, and the vi''sAll content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    white curtains fluttered in the


    breeze. The air was filled with a gentle, romantic atmosphere.


    This ce was chosen because the literary and artistic experts loved such atmospheres.


    The guests had started to arrive. Everyone was having a great time, engaged in lively conversations, and toasting each other.


    David had arrived early. Hearing that Eliza would being, he postponed important work just to meet her.


    Theid-back environment had him dressing casually, making him seem more approachable.


    "Mr. Casper," David greeted politely.


    Casper nudged Eliza forward. "I''ve brought Ms. Eliza here. Let''s settle the contract issues today."


    "I''ll have a good talk with her."


    Faithe handed over the


    supplemental contract. "Mr. David, this is the supplemental contract. you need to change anything, just let Ms. Eliza know. We''ve got a printer here, and Mr. Casper even brought thepany seal."


    "You guys have thought of everything."


    "Then we won''t disturb you and Ms. Eliza." Faithe turned to Casper. "Mr. Casper, some famous artists have arrived. You should go and greet them."

 Chapter 172

    "Let''s head out," Casper said, hands in his pockets, strolling casually.


    David didn''t rush to check the contract. Instead, he poured himself a ss of red wine and started chatting with Eliza about old times. She listened with one ear while her mind wandered.


    He was in great spirits, slowly getting a bit tipsy. "David, you really should take a look at this contract," Eliza urged, worried that he might sign it without thinking-Casper would definitely give her an earful if things went south.


    David grabbed the contract, didn''t even nce at it, and signed his name. Across the room, Faithe watched him fawning over Eliza and snickered. "If I''d known he was this easy, I would''ve thrown in a few more uses favoring Welton International."


    After he signed, David handed the contract and pen back to Eliza. As she reached for it, the pen slipped from her fingers and dropped to the floor. She bent down to pick it up, but David gently stopped her. "I got it."


    As he bent to retrieve the pen, he noticed her untied shoces. Without thinking, he knelt down to tie them. Eliza was caught off guard and tried to pull her foot away, but his firm grip held her still. "Hold still. Your shoces are untied."


    He knelt before her, his actions tender and considerate. Casper''s eyes cut through the crowd,nding on Eliza''s white sneakers. David''s long, elegant fingers, made for art, moved gracefully over theces, creating a harmonious scene. Jealousy surged in Casper''s chest as he downed his ss of wine in one gulp.


    Feeling embarrassed, Eliza quickly knelt down. "David, I can tie them myself."


    "It''s done," he said, finishing a perfect bow.


    "David, I''ll take this contract to Mr. Casper. Why don''t you chill here for a bit?"


    "I''ll wait for you."


    Eliza went to find Casper but handed the contract to Faithe instead. As she turned around, Casper grabbed her wrist and pulled her into the nearest restroom.


    "What are you doing?" Eliza


    struggled to leave, but Casper lifted her by the waist and set her on the countertop. His white shirt sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, and a few buttons of his cor were undone. His eyes, dark with anger and glossy from the alcohol, bore into her.


    He framed her with his arms, trapping her. "Mrs. Welton, quite the charmer, aren''t you?"


    "Wasn''t it you who told me to be this charming? If you''re going to mock me every time, maybe you shouldn''t call me over."


    He chuckled softly, the alcohol


    making him ufortable, especially with Eliza squirming around. "Stop moving, or I''ll..." His voice heavy with desire. "We haven''t done it here, have we?"


    His alcoholced breath brushed her ear. "I know you want it too."


    This was madness. So many guests were outside, and people were constantly using the restroom. And yet, he wanted to...


    "I don''t want to."


    Heughed, lifting her down and turning her around. His strong body pressed against her back, her senses enveloped in the faint scent of alcohol as she felt his arousal. "Casper, can''t you be a bit more rational?"All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    "I can''t."


    He breathed heavily, gripping her chin to force her into a kiss. One hand firmly around her waist, iming her. A gentle breeze


    nudged the restroom door open slightly, just as David''s gaze wandered over...

 Chapter 173

    Two intertwined figures burst into David''s line of sight, catching him off guard. His pupils narrowed, and his fingers gripped the sofa''s armrest in shock. Affairs between adults was nothing new, but it had to be Eliza. It felt like a knife twisted in his heart.


    She was his elusive crush, the one he had longed to see but never dared approach for years. She shouldn''t... At least, not with someone like Casper. His fantasy shattered in a heartbeat, but the lingering warmth scorched him. Blinking away the sting in his eyes, he averted his gaze and downed the red wine in one gulp.


    The affair in the restroom continued. Casper pinned Eliza down, shifting positions, and she pped him. "Casper, have you had enough?"


    Casper, high on adrenaline, sobered up a bit from the p. His flushed face turned icy. "Are you addicted to hitting me?" He lifted her and pressed her against the cold wall, a mix of menace and desire in his voice. "Hit me again, and I''ll end you."


    "There are guests outside, do you really not care about your reputation?" She wasn''t sure how to make him stop, so she reluctantly wrapped her arms around his neck, pleading softly, "Please, stop."


    Eliza knew Casper was a tough nut to crack. If she caused a scene, he would go all out, and she would end up hurt. "Alright?" She looked up at him with watery eyes, like a fragile flower battered by a storm. He softened, "For your plea, I''ll let you go."


    Eliza scrambled off him, hastily fixing her clothes in the mirror. The scent of their sex clung to her. She sshed water on her face. Casper leaned against the wall behind her, arms crossed, watching her with a faint smirk. If she hadn''t pleaded, he would have continued until he was satisfied. Eliza fled the restroom.


    David was not on the sofa. He had probably gone. Instead, Faithe sat there, leisurely munching on fruit. "Done?" Faithe, legs crossed, snorted lightly. "David probably saw you and Mr. Casper busy in there, drank a lot, and staggered off."


    Had David seen them? Not


    surprising Casper pinning her in the


    toilet was just to let David see.


    Casper always used such


    underhanded methods to get at


    others.


    Eliza remainedposed, unshaken by Faithe''s words. "Since the contract is signed, I''ll be leaving."


    Her calmness was almost too much.


    Faithe nced at her sideways,


    thinking about how shameless Eliza was. Dropping the unfinished


    peanuts, Faithe asked, "Did Mr. Casper tell you?"


    "Tell me what?"


    "Ms. Nova needs surgery soon. She needs to take care of her body, and you''re supposed to look after her for a few days." That was what Nova had told Faithe. In Faithe''s opinion, Casper would definitely agree to Nova''s request.


    Eliza frowned. Casper hadn''t mentioned this to her. Even if he had, she wouldn''t have agreed. Turning her head, she ignored Faithe and walked away. Faithe huffed, "Hmph."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    Casper had just stepped out of the restroom when Dillon called. "Mr. Casper, Rose''s situation isn''t good." Dillon''s voice was unusually tense. Casper, holding the phone, sat down on the sofa. "Exin slowly."

 Chapter 174

    "In the middle of the emergency, the doctor decided to take a gamble and increase the dosage without authorization. Rose couldn''t handle it, leading to a severe reaction. Things were looking grim." Casper''s face tightened, and he shot up from the couch. "What?"


    He drove like a madman, and reached the Wellness Medical Center in no time.


    The car hadn''t even fully stopped when Dillon rushed over. "Mr. Casper, Rose''s in critical condition. Dr. Martin suggests trying a foreign medication. It might give her a chance to wake up."


    "Aaron''s here?" Casper''s lips twisted into a mocking smile. "That guy''s everywhere, huh? And if we don''t use the meds, what then? Just wait for her to die?"


    "Not using the medication means she could go at any moment, but using it also carries... risks."


    The odds of sess were slim, in and simple. It was a tough call.


    By then, Casper had already barged into the doctor''s office. The doctors all had serious looks on their faces.


    Aaron got up and approached Casper, adjusting his sses. "What do you think? Maybe we should call Eliza."


    It was a matter of life and death, and Eliza had the right to be there and make the final decision.


    "Dr. Martin, with all your years of experience, do you always need to consult the family? Don''t you have an opinion of your own?" Casper''s brows knit together in disdain. "Or are you unwilling to make a decision because you''re just scared of taking responsibility?"


    "I''ve been closely involved with Rose''s case from the start. I understand her condition better than anyone, but I can''t make this decision on my own."


    Rose''s outlook was bleak.


    "Go ahead with the medication. I''ll take responsibility for the consequences." Casper signed his name in the family section.


    Back at the office, Eliza felt a persistent twitch in her right eyelid.


    Her afternoon was packed with meetings. She had just been promoted and was adjusting to her new workload. She was too busy to think much about anything else.


    Then Aaron called her.


    "Hello?"


    "Eliza, could youe to the hospital? Your mother..." he


    V


    ated, unsure how to break the


    news without shattering her world. "...juste over."


    "Are you at the hospital?" Eliza dropped the sticky note from her eyelid, grabbed her bag, and headed out. "Okay, I''m on my way."All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    A bad feeling gnawed at Eliza. She tried to reassure herself that everything would be fine since her mother''s condition had been improving.


    She hadn''t expected Casper to be at the hospital, too.


    Without wasting time, she immediately asked Aaron, "Aaron, how''s my mom?"


    "Your mom...," he started, feeling sorry and helpless. "...you should see for yourself."


    When she saw Rose''s final diagnosis as brain death, Eliza''s strength drained away. She copsed onto the cold floor like a puppet with its strings cut. How could this have happened?


    Aaron felt a surge of sorrow and was about to offer his hand when he caught Casper''s stern gaze and reluctantly withdrew.


    Dillon crouched down, trying to lift Eliza. "Ma''am, the doctors did everything they could. Please, don''t be too heartbroken."


    "Why did this happen?" She sat there, dazed, murmuring to herself, "Why did this happen..."


    Casper stepped forward, looking down at her with a mix ofplicated emotions. "It''s happened. You need to think about whates next."


    "Was it you?" she looked up at him, tears streaming down her face, her voice trembling. "Did you decide it was her time to go? You wanted Nova to get a kidney transnt, so my mother had to be dered brain dead, right?"

 Chapter 175

    "Is that what you think?" Casper chuckled but didn''t argue. "If that''s what you believe, I''m fine with it."


    "You''re admitting it, aren''t you?" Eliza staggered to her feet, swaying slightly.


    She clung to his shirt, her eyes bloodshot with anger. "Casper, why would you do this? Haven''t you had enough? My mom was already in a bad state, and you''re still doing these vile, shameless things. You''re a monster!"


    Eliza felt like an invisible hand was squeezing her heart. Tears sshed onto her arms, her lips trembling with despair. "Don''t push me, please don''t..."


    If she were really pushed to the edge, she wouldn''t hesitate to team up with Zach. Seriously, he shouldn''t push her.


    "Ma''am, please, calm down. Mr. Casper, he..." Dillon tried to exin.


    But Eliza cut him off, screaming, "He''s an asshole! None of you are any good, not a single one of you!"


    Her long-suppressed anger and hatred erupted uncontrobly. Her fists clenched tightly.


    Suddenly, she tasted blood. Blood gushed from her mouth, and she instantly passed out.


    Casper quickly caught her by the waist, lifting her effortlessly. He headed to the emergency room, instructing Dillon, "Get the best doctor in the hospital to the emergency room now." "Yes, Mr. Casper, right away."


    "I''ll go too," Aaron said, hurrying after them.


    Eliza felt almost weightless in Casper''s arms.


    After getting her to the emergency room, he stood there quietly, unmoving.


    Dillon approached. "She was probably just overwhelmed with anger. It shouldn''t be too serious. Don''t worry."


    "Dillon, does she see me as a demon incapable of even sparing a dying person?"


    Dillon hesitated, unsure how to answer for Eliza. At least, in this case, she had misunderstood Casper. "You should find a chance to exin things to her."This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    "No need." He wasn''t the type to exin himself.


    In a secluded coffee shop, a man had rushed over and taken off his mask. "Ms. Nova, I just got word. Rose has been dered brain dead. Her kidney is a perfect match for you. We can arrange the surgery


    head


    immediately."


    Nova''s slender fingers tightened around her coffee cup. She uncertainly asked, "If Eliza doesn''t agree, does that mean we can''t proceed with the surgery?"


    "Technically, family consent is


    required." The man paused,


    acknowledging her reluctance to


    handle this openly. "Ms. Nova, I. understand your concern. I''ve


    spoken to the doctors. We''ll proceed discreetly."


    "And... no one will find out?"


    She was afraid Casper would find out. After all, Casper hadn''t given his consent.


    "With cases like brain death, the person canst at most a month. We''ll secretly remove the kidney, stitch her up, and no one will be the wiser. If she dies, even less so."


    When the price is right, there''s always someone willing to take the risk.


    Nova seemed satisfied. "Dr.


    Dominic, thank you for your hard work." She handed him a card. "There''s two hundred thousand on this. After the surgery, I''ll give you another two hundred thousand."


    "Ms. Nova, just wait for the surgery."


    The man pocketed the card, put his mask back on, and quickly left.


    Nova sipped her coffee, a sinister smile ying on her lips.


    ...


    Back at the hospital, Eliza slowly opened her eyes. She stared up at a stark white ceiling.

 Chapter 176

    She felt suppressed, confined, and despairing.


    "You''re awake."


    Eliza''s tired eyes slowly focused on the man, revealing a glimmer of fragile, haunting beauty. "Aaron."


    "Don''t be sad." Aaron had also lost his mother, so he deeply understood Eliza''s feelings. "Actually, you''ve got it wrong about Casper. He never mentioned anything about a kidney swap."


    Eliza shook her head, her voice strained. "Not mentioning it doesn''t mean he hadn''t thought about it. Hasn''t Casper done enough monstrous things for Nova already?"


    "I know better than you the kind of person he is," she added.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    Aaron pressed his lips together, giving up on defending Casper. "I didn''t expect Rose''s illness to worsen so quickly. If I had been more vignt, maybe..."


    "It''s not your fault." If it was anyone''s fault, it had to be Casper''s. "Aaron, I''m exhausted. I want to sleep for a bit."


    "Then rest well."


    Aaron had just left when Nova appeared at the door of Eliza''s hospital room.


    "Tsk, tsk, tsk, what a pity." Nova looked down at Eliza lying in the bed, her voice dripping with mockery. "Heard your mom''s dying?"


    "You must know she''s decided to donate her kidney to me, right?"


    Nova pulled out a kidney donation consent form. "Look. All the procedures are done."


    Eliza shot up from her bed and snatched the form from Nova''s hands. The more she read, the more her fingers trembled.


    "You won''t get away with this." Eliza tore the document to pieces.


    Nova was unfazed. "We''ll see about that."


    With a smug smile, Nova added, "Eliza, I won''t let you have a single good day."


    As long as Casper loved Nova, she had the power. What would happen to Eliza? Was she just supposed to sit and wait for doom?


    Eliza yanked out her IV, changed her clothes, and left the hospital.


    Outside, in a parked ck luxury Dillon spotted Eliza. "Mr. Casper, your wife has left the hospital. She looks panicked, like there''s some emergency."


    Eliza got into a taxi.


    Casper was curious, too; it was rare to see Eliza this agitated. "Follow her."


    The taxi eventually stopped in front of an art studio.


    Dillon was puzzled. "Why would the missus go into an art studio?"


    The studio was familiar; it belonged to Zach. Eliza''s presence here must mean she had arranged to meet Zach.


    Just thinking about it made it hard for Casper to conceal the surge of aggression in his eyes. "She actually came to see Zach."


    Dillon was slightly stunned. Zach?


    This man was a vendetta against


    Casper. After Jeffrey passed on, Tristan had intentionally arranged for Zach to join Welton International, causing a recent uproar that infuriated Casper.


    "Then, Mr. Casper, do you want me to..."


    Casper pinched the bridge of his nose, forcefully suppressing his fury, and remained silent.


    Upstairs, Zach stood by the window,


    looking down at the ck luxury car, and chuckled lightly. He turned to face Eliza. "So? Decided to


    love


    coborate with me?"


    "You wish," Eliza responded coolly, staring at Zach, who wore an innocent face.


    How could someone look so pure and good-natured yet have such a dark, restless heart?


    "Then what is your visit about..." He walked up to Eliza, bracing his hands on the armrests of her chair, his smile ambiguous. "...you missed me?"


    She pushed him away, standing up from her chair. "I''m here to ask you to investigate something for me."


    "Oh?" He crossed his arms, looking leisurely. "Investigate what?"

 Chapter 177

    "Hey, I know you''ve got some skills. Can you find out how Nova got her hands on Robin''s sperm? I need solid evidence, something that would hold up in court for defamation."


    Eliza had considered teaming up with Zach to take down Casper. But right now, her chances weren''t looking too good.


    Nova, on the other hand, was a different story. Eliza already had a recording of Nova ndering her for arson. If Eliza could also get proof of Nova falsely using Robin of rape, she''d definitely drag her to court.


    "That''s easy," Zach raised an eyebrow. "But what''s in it for me?"


    "What do you want in return? Just say it," she tilted her head up before he could respond. "And don''t mention anything about Casper."


    Zach chuckled. "How about you be my lover for a couple of days? How does that sound?"


    Eliza froze for a moment, her finger lightly tapping Zach''s chest. "Mr. Zach, do you have a death wish?"


    "If you don''t tell, and I don''t tell, who''s gonna know?" He opened his arms to embrace her, but Eliza forcefully pushed him away. "Mr. Zach, if you aren''t willing to help, then forget it." "Casper''s out here trying to harvest your mom''s kidney, and you''re still ying the good girl for him?" Zach lit a cigarette and brought it to his lips. "He clearly doesn''t see you as a person." "Looks like you''re not willing to help, Mr. Zach."


    Fine, she''d find someone else. There were plenty of private investigators. It''d just take more effort and more money.


    As Eliza turned to leave, Zach grabbed her wrist. "I''ll help you and won''t ask for payment."


    "You must want something. A clean deal is best; that way, no one owes anyone anything. If you don''t want a payment, I won''t hire you."


    "You''ve got... personality." He smiled, removing the cigarette from his lips. "That''s what I like about you."


    Taking advantage of her unguarded moment, he kissed her on the face.


    Eliza was furious, raising her hand to hit him, but he caught her wrist. "The payment''s been made. I''ll send you the info once I find it."


    Eliza red at him. Without another word, she turned and left.


    Zach smiled, walked over to the windowsitt, and took out his phone to call Casper. "The scent ofvender on Eliza... It''s truly irresistible. Bro, I''m really jealous of yout."


    Casper mmed his phone down in anger. "Dillon, bring Eliza to me."


    "Understood."


    Eliza had just walked out of the studio when Dillon courteously invited her into a car.


    Casper''s face was grim as he ordered, "You two, wait outside the car."


    Dillon and the driver got out.


    The privacy screen was raised, and Eliza''s heart began to thump with unease.


    "So, you''re here to see Zach?" His voice was low but made Eliza''s heart tremble. "You''ve been following me?"


    "I''ve been following you." He didn''t shy away, his fingertips gripping her chin forcefully. "Tell me, what did you do with Zach?"


    Eliza didn''t want to say. She turned her face away, but he forcibly twisted it back. "Eliza, you''d better not waste the chance I''m giving you."


    "Chance?" Eliza looked bitterly into


    Casper''s eyes. "What chance? Letting my mom be brain-dead


    to give Nova a kidney? Is thatyour idea of a chance?"


    He paused, his fingertips halting. Words of exnation reached his lips, and then he swallowed them back.


    "Stop being difficult." He wasn''tN?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    there to discuss this with her. "Eliza,


    I''ve told you, Zach is bad news Why do you insist on getting involved with him?"


    Eliza had no desire to exin. Would he be willing to understand if she told him she had hired Zach to investigate Nova?


    No, of course, he wouldn''t. He might even retaliate against her. Why bother?


    "Speak," he roared.


    Eliza calmly watched his outburst. "What do you want me to say? That I just slept with Zach? That we did what in bed? That I and he..."

 Chapter 178

    He raised his hand high, swinging it toward Eliza''s face, but the p nevernded on Eliza''s delicate cheek. Instead, it turned into a fist that mmed into the car window. His hand might have been wrecked if it weren''t for the privacy film.


    "Bang." The ss still cracked.


    "Ah..." Eliza clutched her head in fear. She didn''t want to provoke him.


    Anyone with half a brain would know that she couldn''t have done anything in those ten minutes she was inside Zach''s studio, but he insisted on assuming the worst.


    "Exin yourself," he demanded, his voice hoarse with a hint of madness. "Speak."


    Eliza chose silence. She had nothing to say.


    He gripped the back of her head, his breath uneven on the tip of her nose. "Is it hard to exin? Are you nning to work with Zach and plot against me? Will you help him be the sessor of Welton International? What did he promise you, huh?"


    "Nothing."


    "I want the truth." Hisrge hand tightened on the back of her neck, causing her pain and making her brows knit together. "Casper, the ''truth'' you want is just what you''ve concocted in your mind, none of which is the truth."


    "Then what is the truth?"


    Eliza couldn''t possibly tell him the truth. "It''s irrelevant to you."


    "It seems like Mrs. Welton isn''t interested in sharing her heart with her husband anymore. Maybe she''d prefer to share her body instead."


    He forced her down beneath him, pressing his lips to hers. She didn''t resist, letting him have his way.


    His kiss was domineering and fierce, demanding a response as his hands gripped her slender waist tightly. She was breathless from his kisses.


    The car was so cramped it made her feel ufortable having sex there.


    The vehicle shook violently with his movements, a spectacle that, in broad daylight, was hard for anyone passing by not to let their imagination run wild.


    Dillon and the driver didn''t dare interrupt. They could only smoke one cigarette after another to pass the tedious time.


    After what seemed like forever, the storm of passion passed.


    Seeing the flush on Eliza''s cheeks, Casper was very satisfied and reached for a tissue to clean himself up.


    Eliza curled up into a small ball, her body trembling slightly.


    "Need help with that?"


    "No, don''t." She shook her head, quickly tidying herself up and getting dressed. "Casper, I want to ask you something."


    "You haven''t even given me an exnation about you and Zach. What do you want to ask me?"


    Eliza''s eyshes fluttered down gently. She knew he might not agree, but still...


    "Casper, if my mom dies, please leave my mom''s body intact, okay? Even if Nova can''t find a suitable match."


    Her voice was filled with sorrow andContent ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    Casper felt a tug at his heart. "Without your signature, who would dare take organs from your mom? Use yourmon sense."


    Eliza had thatmon sense, but when it came to what Casper wanted to do, who could stop him?


    "Nova visited the hospital today. She


    had a consent form for organ donation with my mom''s name on


    it." She looked at Casper''s


    handsome profile. "You ordered this, didn''t you?"


    Casper''s brow furrowed. He had not agreed to this. Moreover, Nova hadn''t mentioned it to him. After all, Rose had raised Nova for so many years. Even if she hated the Pinotti family, she wouldn''t go that far...


    "You think it was me?" he countered.


    Eliza nodded firmly. "Yes."


    "I don''t have that much power."


    Eliza believed Casper''s power depended on whether he wanted to do something.


    Nova was an actress and Casper was good at lying with his eyes wide open.


    Neither could be trusted.

 Chapter 179

    Rose was technically alive, with her heart still beating, but for all intents and purposes, she was gone. Aaron called Eliza, urging her to make the heartbreaking decision to take Rose off life support and end her suffering. Reluctantly, Eliza agreed.


    But the day before they were supposed to disconnect the machines, something unimaginable happened-Rose was stolen. The only logical reason for taking a brain-dead patient was to harvest her organs. Eliza wasted no time and went straight to the police, naming Nova as the suspect.


    Nova had just finished giving her statement in the interrogation room when Casper stepped in to take her home. Eliza, seething with anger, blocked their way. "You can''t just leave! Nova, where did you take my mom? How many more terrible things are you nning to do before you stop?"


    "Why can''t I leave if the police said I could?" Nova clung to Casper''s arm, ying the victim. "Casper, look at how aggressive Eliza is. She''s always misunderstanding me. You know I''m too scared to do what she''s using me of."


    "Nova, cut the act. You weren''t this weak when you tried to stab me," Eliza shot back, her eyes zing as she marched up to Nova. "Tell me, where''s my mom?"


    "How could she have kidnapped anyone? She doesn''t even have a ce to stay," Casper defended Nova, pushing Eliza aside. "Do you have any proof?"


    "What kind of person is she? You saw her with the knife. She''s not scared of anything!" Eliza felt utterly helpless but clung to Nova''s arm. "Did you do this with someone else? Because I didn''t agree, you went and stole her, didn''t you?"


    Nova shrieked in panic, trying to hide in Casper''s arms. "Casper, it wasn''t me, I swear... Eliza is terrifying..."


    "Nova, enough! Just tell me where you''ve hidden her..."


    Eliza''s grip tightened, and Nova yed the victim even more, seeking refuge in Casper''s embrace.


    "Can''t you just stop?" Casper, in one. swift motion, pushed Eliza away. His strength sent her stumbling back until she fell, hitting her head hard enough to ck out momentarily.


    Realizing his mistake, Casper moved to help her, but Nova clung to him, sobbing. "Casper... my heart feels so uneasy. Let''s just go home."


    Just then, a police officer appeared and helped Eliza to a chair. Casper took the opportunity to leave with Nova.


    "Don''t worry. We''ll find her eventually. If there''s any evidence pointing to Nova, we won''t let the guilty go unpunished," the officer assured her. Eliza nodded, defeated. "Thank you."


    She had a painful lump on her head but no external bleeding. But right now, that was the least of her worries, Sitting on the steps outside the police station, she felt utterly lost. This had to be connected to Nova. Her gut feeling couldn''t be Wrong. Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    Three dayster, Rose was found in a pond at a park, her body swollen and unrecognizable. She also had several unsewn wounds. They took her to the morgue at Wellness Medical Center.


    Eliza rushed to the hospital,


    desperate to see her mom, but


    Aaron caught her before of


    reach the morgue. The sight of Rose''s mutted body was something even he, a stranger, couldn''t bear. He feared what it would do to Eliza.


    "Eliza, please, calm down," he pleaded.


    With tears streaming down her face, Eliza resisted. "Let me go. I need to see my mom..."

 Chapter 180

    "Your mom''s gone, Eliza. Her body''s been in the pond for days, and it''s... not good. Listen to me..." Aaron gripped her shoulders firmly. "You don''t want to see her like this."


    "Aaron, I need to see her. No matter what she looks like, she''s still my mom."


    Eliza''s voice broke as tears streamed down her face, her body trembling.


    Aaron''s heart ached, but he held on. "I get it, Eliza. I really do. But trust me, it''s better if you don''t."


    Just then, Casper walked in, having just received the grim news. Rose''s organs had been harvested-liver, kidneys, lungs, heart-all gone¡ªa brutal act, surely the work of a ck market ring.


    "I''ll check it out," Casper said, approaching the gurney and lifting the white sheet with a heavy heart. The sight was beyond horrific.


    Eliza broke free from Aaron and dashed over. Casper quickly covered the body and pulled her into his arms. "Don''t look, Eliza. Please."


    "Let me go, Casper! You''re the murderer! Stop pretending to care!" Eliza''s fury peaked as she bit down on his arm, drawing blood that stained his white shirt.


    "Eliza, calm down!" Casper barked, signaling to the attendant to take Rose''s body away.


    Eliza felt drained from her outburst and tears. She tried to stop them but copsed, devoid of strength, like a broken doll. She pushed Casper away and staggered towards the door, every step heavy with sorrow. Her mom was gone, and she hadn''t even seen her onest time. That''s a wound that would never heal.


    "Eliza," Aaron called, following her out, his voiceced with worry. Casper hesitated for a moment before chasing after them.


    "Eliza, don''t lose hope. The police will catch whoever did this," Aaron tried to console her.


    But she was lost in a world of silence, her heart echoing with endless grief. Her foster parents


    were gone. Her dad was gone. Now, her mom, too. She felt like a rootless leaf drifting aimlessly.


    Casper caught up and scooped her into his arms. Eliza didn''t resist or say a word, letting him carry her away.


    Back at Welton Estate, Casper made


    her a soothing bowl of soup, but she knock it over without a second thought. He didn''t me her he understood her pain.


    "I''ll handle the funeral arrangements," he offered.


    "No thank you," Eliza''s hollow eyes finally met his. She didn''t need a murderer or an aplice taking care of such matters.


    "Are you ming me?" Casper frowned.


    Eliza''s voice wasced with bitterness. "Casper, even if it wasn''t you, you''re still involved. Shouldn''t I hate you? I wish I could kill you."


    "You''ve seen Nova. She can barely walk. Do you really think she could have kidnapped someone? And if it was her, why would she take all those organs?"


    Unable to control herself, Eliza


    clutched his cor and hissed as she


    questioned him, "If she didn''t do


    iti


    couldn''t you have done it? Even if


    you didn''t do it yourself, you could''ve hired someone. Your excuses don''t add up, Casper. Stop denying it, murderer." All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 181

    "Why am I even doing this? Do I have nothing better to do?"This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Tears blurred her vision as she shook her head. "Unless the real culprit is found, you''re the murderer. You and Nova, both of you are murderers."


    "Fine." It was his first time being wrongly used, and he was livid. "Even if the police can''t find the truth, I''ll get to the bottom of it myself. Just don''te crying for forgivenesster." "Get out, just leave..."


    The door mmed shut. Casper stormed down the stairs, fuming.


    Nova, hidden in the shadows, limped over with her cane. "Casper."


    He didn''t look up at her, pulling a cigarette from the pack and lighting it up.


    The smoke curled around his chiseled side profile, making him look even more brooding and attractive.


    "Casper, how''s Eliza?" Nova asked cautiously, sitting beside him. "She mes me, but I don''t mind. She lost her mother; it''s natural for her to be upset. I get it."


    He took a deep drag, the smoke swirling in his mouth, before slowly exhaling. Through the wispy smoke, he looked into her slightly blurred eyes. "What about you?"


    She stared at him, startled, panic flickering in her eyes as if she hadn''t expected this question. "Me? I... What?"


    "Rose was Eliza''s mother but she also raised you. Why don''t I see even a hint of sadness in you?" He reached out and held Nova''s jaw, stiffened by dermal fillers. "Tell me, are you really not involved in this?" "Casper, you don''t believe me either?" Tears welled up in her eyes, her lips trembling. "Is there no trust between us anymore?"


    He looked into her inscrutable eyes for a moment before slowly retracting his hand, taking another drag from the cigarette, and blowing out a stream of gray smoke.


    He leaned back against the couch, a barely noticeable smirk appearing on his lips.


    Trust? To him, that word seemed to grow increasingly ambiguous and elusive. He felt like he could never truly understand Nova.


    "Nova, was it really you who gave me that portrait back then?"


    After receiving the portrait from that girl, he searched everywhere for the girl. But just two dayster, Nova showed up on her own. She even wore the same sun-protective clothing, the same cap, and a high ponytail as the girl did that day.


    He believed Nova and treasured her.


    Was it really her though?


    Suddenly, he covered the lower half of her face with his hand.


    Nova panicked, turning her face away. "Casper, are you just looking for excuses not to love me?"


    The next second, she burst into tears, sobbing as if the whole world was against her.


    "It''s okay, Casper. If you don''t love


    me, I won''t me you. I can''t give you the happiness you want. I''m not in good health, and I can''t have.


    children. It''s only right for youn


    reject me. Go love someone else; I


    won''t me you."


    Trembling, Nova stood up, leaning on her cane.


    She thought Casper would stop her and then exin that he didn''t stop loving her, but he didn''t. He just kept smoking casually.


    Her melodramatic act was for nothing.


    "Casper, I''ll be going. I''ll find some


    other ce to stay; it doesn''t matter where. After all, my family home is gone, and I have nowhere left. Any shelter will do; it doesn''t have to be nice. I''ve always been unlucky, but I''m strong."

 Chapter 182

    Choking back her emotions, Nova nced at Casper, but he showed no reaction. Limping, she made her way toward the door. "It''s dark outside, but don''t worry about me. I''m not afraid of the dark. There are plenty of good people out there. No one''s going to hurt me, really, Casper, I..."


    Before she could finish, Casper grabbed his coat and stood up to leave. Nova''s heart tightened, and she quickly called out, "Casper..."


    He acted like he didn''t hear her, ignoring herpletely. Frustrated, Nova stomped her foot. He really didn''t care about her anymore. He used to never doubt that she was the one he adored. It must''ve been Eliza who seduced him. No, she couldn''t let Eliza take Casper away.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    At Welton International, Casper sat by the massive floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at the bustling traffic below. From here, he could oversee the entire city, an undisputed king. Dillon handed him a cup of coffee. "Mr. Casper."


    "Just leave it there," Casper motioned with his finger.


    "Are you still thinking about Rose''s murder?" Dillon had been at the police station all day and had gathered some useful information. "The police are taking it very seriously, reviewing lots of surveince footage. They should catch the killer soon."


    Casper believed so. He just wished to uncover the truth sooner to clear the suspicions from Eliza''s mind.


    "There''s a mole in the hospital. Make that the focus of the investigation."


    "Yes, sir."


    Three dayster, Rose wasid to rest. The sky was overcast, and a biting wind blew. The cemetery''s parking lot had a few more luxury cars than usual. Besides Casper, Aaron, David, and even Zach were there. Eliza, cradling the urn, walked step by step towards the cemetery. Aaron and Chelsea were by her side. D¨¢vid, carrying a bouquet of white daisies, followed behind them. Casper watched from a distance. He didn''t approach, leaning against his car with a cigarette between his lips, slowly inhaling.


    Zach, who hadn''t left his car, sent Casper a provocative message. [My dear brother, Eliza''s admirers are here to pay their respects to your mother-inw. Why aren''t you brave enough to step forward?]


    It was a taunt filled with schadenfreude. If it weren''t for the solemnity of the day, Casper would have made Zach regret his words.


    Eliza ced the urn into the grave. Her parents were finally reunited, and she was now truly an orphan. Chelsea wrapped an arm around Eliza, whisperingfort, "Your mom can finally rest now."


    "My mom must be happy to see my dad again," Eliza managed a smile through her tears, her lips trembling uncontrobly. "But Chelsea, she didn''t go peacefully."


    "I understand." Chelsea hugged Eliza tightly, gently stroking her back. "It''s not your fault. The killer will be caught, and your mom''s spirit won''t let those demons off."


    "Yeah, Eliza, the police will catch the murderer." David stepped forward to ce the flowers in front of the tombstone.


    Everyone was silent at that moment.


    Eliza kept her gaze on the


    tombstone, tears streaming down her face. Chelsea wanted tofort her, but she herself was crying too hard to console Eliza. The three of them left early, giving Eliza some private time with her parents.


    Leading the way out of the


    cemetery, Chelsea looked up to see


    Casper.


    Eliza had said Rose''s death was connected to Casper. How could he have the audacity to show up here?

 Chapter 183

    Chelsea shot Casper a fierce nce before sliding into her car and mming the door shut. David didn''t bother to greet Casper. He just drove off quickly. Aaron wanted to say something to Casper but thought better of it, fearing it would be too much for him on this particr day. He decided against it and headed back to his car.


    The cemetery was wrapped in a deste quietness. Casper finished his cigarette, tossed it to the ground, and snuffed it out with his foot. The heap of cigarette butts scattered around him hinted at his inner turmoil.


    Taking deliberate steps, he entered the cemetery. Eliza was kneeling in front of a tombstone, crying so hard that her shoulders trembled with the weight of her sorrow. For reasons he couldn''t quite grasp, a pang of sympathy hit him.


    "People can''te back to life, Eliza. Crying yourself sick won''t change a thing," he said, trying tofort her.


    At the sound of his voice, Eliza''s body jerked violently. She wiped the tears from her face, struggled to her feet, and turned around to p him hard across the face. His head snapped to the side from the force. He adjusted his jaw, ring at her with a menacing look. "Eliza, today is your mom''s funeral. Don''t push me to lose my temper."


    "What right do you have to be here?" she screamed, her delicate face streaked with tears. "Casper, stop pretending. As long as the killer isn''t caught, I believe you''re the murderer. You don''t deserve to be here."


    "Who does, then? Aaron? David? Or that bastard?" he shot back.


    He was herwful husband. What did those other men mean to her?


    "Anyone but you," she retorted, her eyes zing with tears.


    His breath came out in angry huffs, but he hadn''t yet lost control. "Fine, I''m the worst. But after today, you''ll see if I belong here."All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    Casper left her with those biting words and walked away without looking back. As he stormed out of the cemetery, Zach got out of his car with a mocking grin. "Looks like you got an earful. Poor thing."


    "Zach, say one more word, and I''ll make sure you find a permanent spot here," Casper warned, lifting a threatening finger. "You better stay far away from me."


    Knowing when not to push his luck, Zach raised his hands in mock surrender and gave a small bow toward Casper, his lips still curled in a taunting smile. Casper mmed his car door and sped off.


    Zach raised an eyebrow, shrugged, and lit a cigarette. Eliza walked out of the cemetery, her eyes swollen from all the crying. Zach tossed his cigarette and sauntered over to her.


    With his hands in his pockets and his head tilted, he looked at her. "Tough, isn''t it? Both your parents are gone because of him."


    Zach''s words were harsh. Just as Eliza was about tosh out, he pped himself lightly on the face "Look at me, running my mouth when you''re having such a rough time How about I take you out for a drink?"


    "Zach, did you go drinking when your mom died?" Eliza''s eyes were red-rimmed, brimming with anger and pain.


    Zach''s face fell, realizing he''d overstepped. "Today''s definitely not a good day. But, Eliza, you should really think about my offer. Otherwise, Robin might be next."


    "You''ve been with Casper long


    enough to know what he''s capable of. He''s rathless. If he can corner his own father, imagine what he''d do to a woman he doesn''t love, especially one who''s taken the life his crush was supposed to have."


    "Eliza, it''s time to make a decision."


    Eliza wasn''t naive. She knew Zach was desperate to use her as a pawn. Given how ruthless Casper could be, she was determined to stay out of the Welton family''s power struggle.

 Chapter 184

    "Please, make sure you get me what I need ASAP. That''s the real priority here," she said, wiping her swollen eyes. "Mr. Zach, maybe one day I''ll agree to work with you, but only if you''re not just using me. You also need to make sure I have a way out."


    Zach chuckled, a mix of arrogance and something a bit twisted. "My dear Eliza, we''re partners in this. It''s not about using anyone. I would never let you get hurt."


    "That''s what I hope."


    Eliza walked past Zach.


    Aaron stepped out of his car, his eyes fixed on her. "Eliza."


    "Aaron," Eliza walked up to him. "You''ve been such great help today. You should head back and get some rest."


    "As a friend, it''s the least I can do." He pressed his lips together gently. "I''m heading back to Martin Hospital. If you ever find it unbearable at Welton International,e and find me. I could arrange a job for you."


    "Thank you, Aaron. I still owe Casper money. He won''t let me off easily."


    Rose had passed away. But debts didn''t just disappear with a person.


    Aaron nodded slightly, not saying much more. "You and Chelsea should head back home early. Send me a message when you get home, so I don''t worry."


    "Okay."


    After seeing Aaron off, Eliza slumped into Chelsea''s car, exhausted. Her head ached terribly, like tangled threads.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Chelsea dabbed some peppermint oil on her fingertips and gently massaged Eliza''s temples. "Go home and get some good sleep. We can talk about anything else tomorrow."


    "Chelsea, thank you for being here with me." Eliza held Chelsea''s hand, feeling a sense of peace.


    Chelsea buckled her seatbelt. "Try to get some sleep."


    Chelsea drove Eliza back to her studio apartment and watched her go upstairs before leaving with peace of mind.


    Eliza barely slept, tormented by nightmares all night. She had requested bereavement leave, and thepany had granted her a week. She had nned to use this week to sort herself out.


    Unexpectedly the next day, she


    received a notice from thepany asking her to vacate her apartment. She thought there had been some mistake, but after an apologetic exnation from HR, she learned it was an instruction from the CEO''s office.


    Casper again. Whenever she was on the brink of despair, he pushed her further into the abyss.


    Eliza didn''t have much. Barely a suitcase full. She returned to her parents'' old house.


    Just after she had finished unpacking, Eliza received a text message.


    [Eliza, I want to give you some things from your aunt. Come to Falconridge Hotel. I''m here for a meeting, room 512.]


    It was signed by Aaron.


    Eliza immediately tried to call Aaron, but the call was busy. Aaron said he was at the Falconridge Hotel for a meeting, so she didn''t think much of it and grabbed her bag to leave. Aaron, who had received a simr message just before Eliza, arrived at room 512 first.


    "Aaron."


    Just as Eliza was about to ask


    Aaron what he wanted to give her, a


    flood of reporters burst in from


    outside. The shing lights were blinding, making it impossible for them to open their eyes.


    Aaron shielded Eliza behind him, realizing they might have been set up.


    "Who sent all of you?" Aaron tried to block the cameras with his hand But there were too many cameras. Like sharks smelling blood, the reporters found their angles and rapidly snapped photos.


    "Mrs. Welton, we heard your mother just passed away. Aren''t you in a rush to be seen in a hotel room with a man? How does that honor your mother or Mr. Casper?"

 Chapter 185

    Holding the remote tightly, Casper stood before the massive seventy-inch screen, unable to hide his seething anger.


    He had gone to great lengths to deploy people to find the killer for her. And what does she do? She checks into a hotel with Aaron.


    She hadn''t just tarnished her own reputation; she dragged his name, the Welton family''s name, and even the Martin family''s name through the mud. Once it broke, this scandal shot to the top of every major media outlet.


    Hooking up with a married woman, and not just any woman-Casper''s wife was enough to give Aaron''s father a heart attack,nding him in the ICU. Welton International''s stock nosedived, dying the subsidiary''s IPO, and the Martin family''s business took a hit, too.


    Casper had Eliza cornered, his thigh wedged between her legs, the whole scene brimming with intimacy.


    "Mrs. Welton, you sure know how to have a good time. You bury your mom one day, and the next, you''re off to a hotel. Now, all of Falconridge knows that my wife''s been fooling around with the Martin family''s golden boy. You''re really something, Mrs. Welton."


    She shook her head vigorously. "That''s not how it happened."


    "I didn''t go to a hotel with him," she insisted.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    "Are you still denying it?" His knee pressed down hard against her; his usually handsome face twisted in fury. "You''ve been caught red-handed, and you still deny it. How should I punish you?"


    Casper was never one to listen to reason. Eliza realized toote that she had been set up. But she knew Casper wouldn''t care to hear her exnation.


    "If you don''t believe me, there''s nothing I can say."


    "Then tell me, what does our marriage mean to you?" he roared, his rage boiling over.


    Eliza found it almostughable. Casper had never respected their marriage, yet here he was questioning hermitment.


    "I''ve never done anything to betray our marriage. I''ve tried my best to make it work."


    "And now?" He gripped her chin tightly, forcing her to look into his eyes. "You don''t love me anymore so does that mean our marriage is disposable? You can just go to a hotel with any man and sleep with them, is that it?"


    Eliza gave a bitter smile. If she were as free-spirited as he thought, she wouldn''t have suffered so much their marriage. She wasn''t as enamored with physical intimacy he assumed. Every time he took her roughly, without a thought for her feelings, she detested it.


    Loveless intimacy was, at best, a mere physical need.


    "Give me the divorce papers," she said, looking up at him. "Then you can tell the media why I was seen at a hotel with another man."


    This marriage had lost its meaning long ago anyway


    "You..." He was so furious that he couldn''t find his voice.


    She knew he hadn''t divorced her because he hadn''t tired of her yet. In Falconridge, young and beautiful girls were never in short supply, whether they weredies from good


    families or big-name stars. With


    Casper''s wealth, a mere gesture


    would bring a line of suitors.


    If he wanted to craft an image of a devoted lover, he could easily marry Nova right after divorcing her. It might even improve his image in the media and help diffuse the current crisis. Annoyed, he snapped coldly, "I don''t need you to tell me what to do."


    Welton International''s PR team managed to bury the scandal by pushing news about several celebrities'' illegitimate children to the forefront.


    Since the incident, Casper had brought Eliza back to the Welton Estate. Her life had been reduced to shuttling between thepany and home, always under Marian''s watchful eye.


    But Casper rarely came back home. Word on the street was that he was preparing to get engaged to Nova. He had even spent billions on a wedding house in Falconridge''s most luxurious residential area.

 Chapter 186

    Eliza found herself mulling over the possibility that she might soon get those divorce papers from Casper. The thought lifted her spirits a bit.


    Feeling somewhat buoyed, Eliza headed down to the basement storage. Despite it being early winter, she dusted off her old mountain bike, itching to take it out for a spin. Marian, ever cautious, voiced her concerns. "Ma''am, Mr. Casper will be home soon. Aren''t you on your period? Maybe you should ride another day."


    "I''ll just be out for a short ride," Eliza insisted, her longing to ride outweighing her better judgment.


    Her mood brightened, but her body paid the price. Riding during her period and taking in all that cold air wasn''t a great mix. By the time she got back, she felt awful. Marian, always the caretaker, handed her a heating pad and brewed some hot ginger tea with brown sugar.


    When Casper arrived, Eliza was already dozing off. "Where''s my wife?" he asked.


    "Ma''am has a stomachache and went to bed," Marian answered honestly.


    "What''s causing her stomachache?"


    "She''s on her period and caught a chill," Marian said softly, fearing she might be med.


    Casper didn''t say much, but the room was cozily warm thanks to the high setting of the air conditioning. He walked over, gently touched Eliza''s forehead, and woke her up.


    Seeing her eyes flutter open, his expression softened. "Not feeling well?" His voice was so gentle it almost seemed unreal.


    She didn''t reply; she just pushed herself up to sit.


    "You should lie down," he said, slipping off his jacket, climbing under the covers with her, and pulling her close. His warm hand gently rested on her lower abdomen. "Your stomach''s so cold." "It always is."


    "Next time, stay inside during your period."


    "It doesn''te often."


    Since she had taken so many contraceptives, her periods had been irregr for a long time. They had only recently be somewhat regr again.


    They both fell silent for a while.


    "Casper," she spoke softly.


    He responded with a hum.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    "When will you give me the divorce papers?"


    His eyelids lifted slowly, and his face darkened. "If you want them, just wait."


    "Weren''t you going to-" Before Eliza could finish, Casper''s phone rang. It was Faithe from the hospital, calling about Nova.


    "Mr. Casper, Nova''s fever hasn''t gone down since her kidney transnt. Pleasee quickly."


    His voice wasn''t loud, but in the


    quiet room, Eliza heard every word. So that was why she hadn''t seen Novtely. Did Nova have a kidney transnt? ¨¦n.swnovels


    As Casper got out of bed and started dressing, Eliza grabbed his arm. "Tell me, Nova''s kidney, is it my mother''s?"


    "No."


    He dressed at a leisurely pace, showing no urgency. Still, Eliza''s heart trembled. "Then whose kidney did she get?" "Why do you care?"


    "If you won''t say, it means Nova got my mother''s kidney. Casper, you''re worse than a monster," she used,


    her eyes filling with tears as clung to him. "You, you..."


    Ovee by emotion, her stomach pain intensified, and her face turned ghostly pale. She wavered, nearly copsing.


    Sensing her distress, he quickly steadied her. Suddenly, blood gushed out uncontrobly, soaking her pajama pants and staining his eyes red.


    "Damn."


    He cursed, scooping her up and rushing downstairs. Eliza was hemorrhaging badly, her pajama pants turning into a bloody mess, staining his white shirt and ck pants red.

 Chapter 187

    Casper didn''t care that Eliza''s blood had stained his car seats. He floored the gas pedal. She was on the verge of shock.


    After rushing her to the emergency room, he was still baffled by how her period suddenly became so heavy.


    Faithe called him again, pressing, "Mr. Casper, when will you get here? Ms. Nova''s in bad shape."


    Casper nced at the glowing emergency room sign. His voice was low and serious, "I''ll be there soon."


    He hung up and gripped his phone tightly. A doctor emerged from the emergency room, handing him a form. "The hemostatic injection didn''t work. She needs a D&C to stop the bleeding. Can you sign here as a family member?"


    "Is her life in danger?" he asked, signing his name.


    The doctor took the form back. "Not at the moment."


    "Alright."


    After the doctor left, Casper called Dillon, asking him toe and keep an eye on things, and then he rushed over to Nova.


    When Casper arrived, Nova was already in the emergency surgery room. Doctors and nurses were bustling in and out, their faces tense.


    "How is she?" he asked.


    "The transntplications caused her heart to stop. At this rate, she might even need a heart transnt," Faithe said bluntly. "Have they found a donor?"


    Faithe hesitated, "An international agency says they have a matching heart for Ms. Nova. They can provide it, but it''ll cost a lot." "Money isn''t an issue. Get it done."


    "Understood, Mr. Casper."


    The organ was flown in overnight. Nova''s transnt went smoothly. She came back from the brink of death, reiming her life.


    "Ms. Nova, congrattions," Faithe


    i


    said, approaching the bed with a smug smile: "The surgery was a huge sess. As for the organ, followed your n-sent it abroad first, then pretended to buy it back. Mr. Casper didn''t suspect a thing."


    Initially, Nova had conspired with the doctors to steal Rose''s organs. After a series ofplex operations and a hefty sum of money, the heart and kidneys were secretly sent abroad. Faithe yed a key role in making connections and pulling strings.


    Faithe hadn''t wanted to get involved, but the money Nova offered was too tempting. She even promised an extra three million dors once it was all done. How could she refuse?


    "Faithe, I owe you one. The money will be in your ount as promised. Remember, this has to stay absolutely secret, or we''re both finished," Nova said weakly.


    "Of course, I understand," Faithe replied.


    ...All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    At another hospital, Eliza woke up. Dillon was quick to offer his care, "Ma''am, how are you feeling?"


    Eliza felt dizzy, the terror of feeling her blood rushing out of her body still fresh in her mind. "I''m okay," she said, struggling to open her eyes and looking at the bag of blood slowly dripping above her. "Does this need to be transfused for long?"


    "For a little while longer," Dillon replied.


    Eliza felt a wave of exhaustion and didn''t want to talk anymore. She closed her eyes again, letting the dizziness wash over her.


    Casper hurried in and called Dillon outside. "What did the doctor say?" His voice was tense and full of rare concern.


    "Mr. Casper, the doctor said the bleeding was due to severe stress. She needs to recover slowly and stay calm. But he also mentioned something-if you two could have a child soon, it might actually help her condition."

 Chapter 188

    It was about having kids again. If it could''ve happened, it would''ve by now.


    Casper felt a sudden surge of irritation. "Does she look like she''s in any shape to have kids?" "Well..." There wasn''t much he could do about it.


    Casper seemed to be harboring some resentment. He didn''t stick around long before leaving.


    Eliza spent seven days alone in the hospital, with Marian regrly bringing her meals.


    On the day she was discharged, she got an invite from David to attend Carter''s art exhibition. Even though her mentor held exhibitions every year, she hardly ever got the chance to go.


    Leaving the hospital, she hailed a cab to the event. The exhibition was bustling with people.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    David was waiting for her at the entrance.


    "Eliza."


    He walked up to her quickly, noticing how pale she looked. The recent rumors about her and Aaron shed through his mind. It was through those rumors that he found out she and Casper were already married.


    "Are you okay?"


    "I''m fine." She didn''t want David to worry. "David, if you''re busy, go ahead. I''ll just take my time here."


    "Alright, I''ll go mingle with my dad''s old friends and catch up with youter."


    "Sure." She gave him a gentle smile.


    Carter''s paintings were a blend of realism and abstraction. She''d admired him since her school days, and seeing his work up close, she felt even more awestruck.


    She examined each piece carefully. Stopping in front of a portrait, she paused. It was of a young girl deeply engrossed in her painting. It was titled "Reflection."


    She wore a white shirt and a white hat, and her hair was tied up in a high ponytail. It felt familiar, like it mirrored a moment from her own life.


    David noticed Eliza''s interest in the painting and whispered something to his assistant.


    "Casper, look at this painting, it''s so beautiful. I really like it."


    Hearing this, Eliza turned to look.


    Casper was standing not far from her, pushing Nova in a wheelchair.


    Eliza nced coolly at the couple. Her husband, who didn''t want a divorce, always seemed to save his tenderness and patience for Nova. Maybe Eliza would''ve been angry or jealous before, but without love, her heart couldn''t muster a single ripple.


    Eliza turned to check other paintings.


    Nova noticed Casper''s eyes following Eliza and gently tugged at his sleeve. "Casper, I''m feeling a bit unwell. Could you take me home?" Without a word, Casper pushed the wheelchair and left with her.


    Ten minutester, he returned to the e exhibition. He approached the sales representative and pointed to painting titled "Reflection," "I want to buy that painting."


    "I''m sorry, sir, but Mr. David had that painting withdrawn."


    Withdrawn?


    Did that mean it was no longer for sale, or had it been sold?


    Just then, David''s assistant, carrying the packaged painting, approached Eliza. "Ms. Eliza, this is the painting Mr. David wanted you to have. Please ept it as a gift."


    "A painting?" Eliza was a bit puzzled.


    The assistant exined with a smile, "It''s the painting called ''Reflection.""


    Eliza realized that David noticed her liking for the painting. "Please thank Mr. David for me, but I insist on paying for it."


    "Mr. David said if you insist on paying, the painting would lose its significance."


    "Alright then."


    Just as Eliza reached out to take the painting, someone intercepted it. "Looks like this painting hasn''t been sold yet. I''ll take it."


    Eliza didn''t understand why Casper would want to buy the painting. Was it because Nova liked it?


    "I''m sorry, but Mr. David has already gifted this painting to Ms. Eliza," the assistant said politely.


    Casper didn''t seem to care. His gaze


    shifted to Eliza. "This painting holds specialmeaning to someone else. I hope you wouldn''t take away something they love."

 Chapter 189

    The painting was unmistakably of Eliza.


    Casper mentioned its special significance to someone, but who could he mean? The assistant was utterly perplexed.


    Eliza, however, seemed to get it right away. The so-called significance was just a casualment from Nova, saying how much she liked it. Not wanting to make things difficult for the assistant, Eliza softly said, "If Mr. Casper likes it, let him have it." Then, she turned and walked away.


    The assistant''s lips twitched as if she wanted to say something, but she stayed silent. Eliza stepped out of the gallery and tightened her red scarf against the biting winter wind. Her heart felt heavy and damp. Online rumors were buzzing that Casper and Nova were set to get engaged in three months. Three months - not too long, but not short, either. Still, it gave her something to look forward to.


    By the time Casper left the exhibition, Eliza was long gone. Dillon called him, revealing they had made progress in the investigation involving Eliza and Aaron''s supposed hotel rendezvous. Back at the office, Dillonid out all the details for Casper.


    "All the journalists got the same message, iming your wife and the Martin family''s medical heir were secretly meeting in a hotel,plete with the room number. Both Ms. Eliza''s and Dr. Martin''s phones had simr messages. This seemed to be a deliberate n."


    Such an act had to be the work of either a business rival or someone wanting to wreck his marriage. Either way, it had caused damage to him and Welton International.


    "Have we found the person who sent the messages?" Casper asked.


    "The number used was a burner sent through apany that deals in such services. The person arranged it online, and we''re tracking them down," Dillon replied, confident in their progress. "Mr. Casper, I''ll find them soon."


    "Alright."


    Returning home that evening,


    Casper found Eliza curled up on the


    couch, engrossed in her drawing tablet. Her long hair fell loosely around her face, highlighting her luminescent skin with a touch of mncholy. The TV was on, ying some mindless romance series. She didn''t notice his return.


    Marian stepped forward to take his coat. "Sir, shall I start dinner?" "Please do," he replied.


    After changing his shoes, he walked over to Eliza. She was sketching a cocktail dress, its lines flowing gracefully like a painting. Eliza''s talent was truly remarkable. Given the right opportunity, she could be an outstanding artist. He realized he had underestimated her.


    He knew about her interests, which he had previously dismissed as frivolous, like ying the harp, which he found utterly annoying. He was aware she had won many awards during her university days, but he had never seen any of her artwork at home.


    After saving her work, Eliza turned off the tablet, and her heart skipped a beat when she saw Casper. She had thought he would spend the day admiring the painting with Nova.


    "Not bad," hemented on her recent sketch.


    "It''s a cocktail dress for Renee and Daniel''s wedding anniversary," she exined.


    ???


    Casper raised an eyebrow. Wedding anniversary? He and Eliza had never celebrated such an asion. No, they had never really celebrated anything. He used to seldome home hating her excitement and the way she''d fill the room with flowers. He had always loathed her But why... did he suddenly feel a sense of regret?


    "No, they''ve nned a private getaway, just the two of them. They''re not even taking the kids. This dress is just a minor detail in their ns," she replied.


    "Did they invite you?" he asked.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 190

    Renee only asked Eliza to design the dress out of pity, to give her a chance to earn a bit of pocket money. But this simple little dress was something Eliza could only dream of owning. Daniel''s love for Renee was absolute. Eliza was insanely jealous to the core, but she knew she''d never have someone like that in her life.


    So, she embellished Renee''s dress with sparkling rhinestones, hoping Renee''s life would always shine brightly. In a way, it made Eliza''s shadowed life sparkle too.


    "Sir, ma''am, dinner is served," the butler announced.


    Eliza, with little appetite, got up from the sofa. "I''m not hungry."


    "Still upset about today?" he grabbed her wrist. "Is it just about the painting? Or because it was a gift from David?"


    "Casper, you buy your mistress paintings to win her over, and I don''t make a fuss. But please, don''t me your actions on me."


    She shrugged him off and headed upstairs. It wasn''t just anger; it was the constant frustration and unfairness. He and Nova were getting engaged, and had she said anything? He was the epitome of a hypocrite.


    Casper barely touched his dinner before heading upstairs to shower. Eliza went to bed early.


    After Casper got into bed, his phone buzzed. He nced at Eliza and answered.


    "Hello?"


    "Casper, Faithe delivered the painting, and I absolutely love it. I didn''t expect you to buy it for me. I''m so touched, thank you."


    Maybe it was Nova''s shrill, excited voice or the volume of the loudspeaker, but Eliza felt a pang in her heart.


    "I''m d you like it," his tone was gentle, totally different from the arrogance and harshness he had with her, "You''re still recovering; get some rest."


    "Casper, can youe over? This house feels so big, and I''m a bit scared." Suddenly, a noise in the background made Nova scream. "Casper, hurry, I think there''s a burr." "Call the police. I''ll be right there."


    Eliza had tough. Nova''s antics always spun around Casper, and he never seemed to tire of it.


    Soon, Casper was dressed and ready to go. She watched him emotionlessly, not saying a word.


    He suddenly caressed her head gently. "Go to sleep. I need to step out for a bit." Right. Was this his attempt at cating her? It was utterly unnecessary.


    Casper


    Eliza only knew of his whereabouts through blurry paparazzi photos.


    22dn''t return for three c


    That weekend, Eliza went to the swimming pool alone. With a leap, she dived in.


    After a fewps, someone called out to her. "Eliza.¡±


    Wiping the water from her face, she looked over. "David? What a coincidence."


    "Yeah." He swam up to her, "Are you here by yourself?"


    "Mm."


    As they chatted, Casper entered the venue with the pool''s owner, spotting Eliza and David immediately.


    "Mr. Casper, the pool''s doing quite well. If you''re interested in investing, we should talk more." The owner was enthusiastic, but Casper''s gaze was glued to Eliza, her figure partially submerged in the water.


    David was talking to her, possibly giving her some tips, his hand asionally resting on her waist or helping adjust her leg. Eliza''s


    warmth and intimacy to theinAll content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    interaction.


    Casper clenched his fists tightly.


    "Mr. Willis, clear the pool."

 Chapter 191

    "Clear the pool?"


    "Mr. Casper, do you want to make an assessment?" Mr. Willis, worried about losing business, quickly called over a staff member. "Make an announcement, we''re clearing the pool." Before long, people in the swimming pool started to leave one by one.


    Eliza and David were chatting and getting ready to go as well. But when Eliza looked up, she saw Casper standing right in front of her. He was wearing only a pair of swim trunks, and his penis was pretty noticeable, making her ears turn a bit red as she awkwardly looked up at him.


    He looked furious. His dark eyes were narrowed, and they had a fierce glint. Unconsciously, Eliza took a couple of steps back.


    Sensing the tension, David extended his hand politely to greet Casper. "Hello, Mr. Casper."


    Casper didn''t even bother to look at David properly. He cracked his neck a couple of times, the sound echoing crisply. Then, he kicked David hard, sending him flying into the middle of the pool. A massive ssh erupted from the water.


    Eliza was stunned and was about to protest when she saw Casper jump into the pool, too. The two men started fighting, with Casper holding David under the water and beating him indiscriminately. As soon as David surfaced, he was pushed down again. After several rounds, David was utterly defenseless.


    Standing by the pool, Eliza was frantic. "Casper, what the hell are you doing?"


    "I leave home for just a few days, and you''re out here on a date with David?" Casper snarled, holding David''s head underwater and ring at Eliza with a cold, fierce look. "Do you think the Welton International shares haven''t fallen enough? Or is your reputation for infidelity not notorious enough?"


    The icy look in his eyes made her shiver. "I didn''t," she murmured.


    "I saw what you did!" he roared.


    David''s punishment continued. Fearing a fatality, the pool''s owner called several young, strong men, who jumped in and forcibly


    separated Casper and David,


    David was being carried away, Eliza, worried about his condition


    prepared to follow.


    But Casper was quicker. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her into the pool. "Eliza, you still want to follow him? Do you really think I''m dead?"


    "What are you trying to do?" Eliza asked, exhausted.


    "Just now, he was touching your waist, your legs. Tell me, what were you doing? Speak."


    He roared, the veins on his forehead visibly throbbing. "Just teaching me to swim counts as touching now?" Her voice was hoarse, and she didn''t want to exin. "If you insist on thinking the worst of us, then fine, it''s exactly as you imagine. Are you satisfied now?"


    She knew these words would provoke Casper. She was truly fed up with being misunderstood time and again.


    "Eliza, dare you say that again?"


    "We touched, and had sex, not just once, okay? Mr. Casper." She red at him, articting every word for the first time so defiantly. "Wake up and say that to me again."


    He forcefully submerged her head underwater Eliza''s eyes, ears, and mouth were all filled with water. She iled and struggled, but her strength was too little to make much difference. She was gasping for air. Painfully, she closed her eyes.


    "Eliza, tell me again, what exactly did you do with him? Speak."


    He shook her. The water she had swallowed was jostled out. "Cough, cough..." Her eyes reddened as she pulled a smile, "...Casper, it''s exactly what you think. If you have the guts, kill me today. If you don''t, I''ll cuckold you every day."All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 192

    Casper''s face twitched twice. He pushed Eliza''s head back under the water. This time, she didn''t struggle. When he lifted her out again, she was nearly unconscious. He wrapped an arm around her waist and lifted her from the pool. "Do you really think getting mad at me is worth dying over?"


    Eliza coughed up water, looking at him weakly, her chest heaving. The vast swimming pool area was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. He wrapped her in a towel and carried her out. She knew his punishment wasn''t over yet.


    Back at Welton Estate, Casper pinned Eliza to the bed, iming her in a twisted manner. Her body, with brutal honesty, told him she hadn''t been with anyone else. But he was driven mad. Jealousy had twisted him beyond recognition.


    After venting his frustrations, he left her lying there and went to shower. Eliza sat on therge bed, hugging her knees, her hair a tangled mess. Hadn''t she endured enough?


    In the past, she put up with everything for her mother and brother. She couldn''t afford to die. She didn''t dare. But now, did she really have a reason to keep living? Her father was dead, her mother too, and although her brother was alive, whether he could ever be the same again was a mystery. She was the root cause of it all. She was the one who most deserved to die.


    She opened a drawer and found a razor de. She had always been afraid of pain ever since she was little. The de was very sharp. It barely felt like anything as it sliced across her wrist, blood flowing out. One cut, two cuts, three cuts. It didn''t hurt, not at all.


    the t


    "What the hell are you doing?" Casper came out of the bathroom and saw Eliza''s wrist bleeding, the shocking red making him panic. Without thinking, he dropped the towel, ran to her, snatched de from her hand, and threw it a taway. ¡°Eliza, have you lost your mind? Are you ying around, trying tomit suicide?"


    He wanted to p her awake. His hand raised halfway, but... it didn''te down. After tightly wrapping the wound with gauze, he carried her to the hospital.


    Eliza had be a regr at the hospital. This time, no emergency treatment was needed. But the red scars on her fair arms made the doctors look on with pity. The doctor asked many routine questions and conducted some tests on Eliza-the result was depression and suicidal tendencies.


    Casper transferred her to Welton International Hospital and found the best psychologist to counsel her.


    But she knew she didn''t need anket


    counseling. All she needed was for Casper to agree to divorce her, and she would instantly be able to live happily without seeking death. He knew that too.


    One afternoon, just as the doctor left, Nova came in, leaning on crutches. "I heard you tried to kill yourself. Quite the temper," NovaExclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    said with a sneer. "A few days ago, a thief broke into my ce, and Casper stayed with me for a few days because he was worried about me being alone. It was just by chance, and we spent Valentine''s Day together. What''s the big deal?"


    "What are you trying to prove to me? That you''re loved?" Eliza calmly exposed her insecurity.


    Nova''s face reddened with anger, but she lifted her chin defiantly. "It''s the truth. Casper loves me. We cuddled and watched movies all day, kissing... Casper is a good kisser. My whole body felt electrified. His hands were quite mischievous, making me all tingly..."

 Chapter 193

    "Nova," Eliza''s voice was as cold as ice, almost mocking. "Stop trying to make yourself relevant in front of me. Even if he slept with you right here, I wouldn''t feel a thing."


    "Really?" Nova smirked, her lips curling. "Then why the suicide attempt? Are you fishing for sympathy? Clearly, you''re just jealous."


    "You''re not that important."


    "Well, how about this? Is this important enough?"N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Nova pulled out a ne with a dazzling 9.9-carat diamond, so bright it was nearly blinding.


    This ne was called ''Tears of a Goddess.'' It''s famous in the jewelry world and rumored to grant its owner the world''s most precious, evesting love. Every year, people with a bit of money and a lot of love would try to bid on it, making it the dream ne for many women. For Nova to have it was pretty ironic.


    "Do you know how much this is worth? It''s Casper''s engagement gift to me.


    "Casper and I are getting engaged soon. You''ve heard, haven''t you? The house has been bought, and he truly loves me.


    "Casper said he would give me the most romantic engagement gift and an unforgettable wedding. He said he''d make me the happiest woman in the world..."


    Nova kept talking, but Eliza put in her earplugs, drowning out the noise. The world became quiet.


    Nova still wasn''t done showing off.


    The door to the hospital room opened, and Dillon walked in. Nova hastily tucked the diamond ne away.


    "Ms. Nova?" Dillon looked at her, puzzled. "What are you doing here?"


    "Eliza is sick, and I was worried about her... I''ll, I''ll be going then." Nova avoided Dillon''s gaze and made a quick exit.


    Dillon raised an eyebrow. He turned and ced the bouquet he was carrying on the nightstand next to Eliza. "Ma''am, these are from Mr. Casper." Eliza took out her earplugs.


    Dillon then took out several beautifully wrapped small boxes. "Ma''am, these are the jewels Mr. Casper personally selected for you."


    After cing them, he handed her a ck card. "This is Mr. Casper''s card for you, no spending limit. You can buy whatever bags or shoes you like."


    Eliza believed Casper was scared. Scared she''d actually go through with her suicide. Widowhood was one thing, but if she died by suicide, it would have an immeasurable impact on the Welton family Welton International, and Casper.


    "Dillon, I want to be discharged."


    "Your body hasn''t fully recovered yet. It''s... not advisable to leave the hospital now." And those scars on her wrists would take a long time to healpletely without a trace, "Don''t rush it."


    "It''s just these on my wrist. I don''t mind."


    "Well..." Dillon was in a tough spot, as this wasn''t his call to make, "...I''ll discuss it with Mr. Casper and see what he thinks."


    Leaving the hospital, Dillon returned to Welton International.


    "How is she?" Casper leaned back in his chair, his voice calm.


    Dillon stood with his hands in front, softly responding, "Madam said she wants to be discharged."


    "What''s the doctor''s opinion?"


    "The doctor said the wounds on her arm are minor, but she must continue with the medication to avoid scars."


    Casper frowned slightly. Eliza had beautiful skin. Those marks, if not removed, were not just an eyesore but a constant reminder of why she made such a decision.


    "Get the best medication."


    "Understood." Dillon seemed to remember something, "Mr. Casper, about the incident at the hotel, we''ve found the person who sent the message."


    "Oh?" Casper''s dark eyes narrowed. "Who?"


    "Mr. Casper, after my investigation,


    the person who had dealings with


    thepany that sent the


    anonymous message goes by the online alias ''S,'' and this ''S'' is actually..."

 Chapter 194

    Dillon paused mid-sentence.


    Casper, quick as a whip, tossed the ashtray across the room. "Why are you dragging it out? Who is it?"


    Dillon caught the ashtray and set it down gently on the table. He took a deep breath and said, "It''s Nova."


    Nova?


    Since the incident blew up, Casper had suspected many people. Maybe it was Aaron trying to ruin Eliza''s reputation, pushing Casper to divorce her in a fit of rage so Aaron could swoop in. Or maybe it was Zach targeting Welton International.


    But Nova? She never even crossed his mind.


    "Dammit," Casper swore, not sure if he was more angry at someone else or himself.


    Dillon dropped another bombshell. "Mr. Casper, remember when Rose was kidnapped, and they harvested all her organs?"


    "What about it?" Casper''s brow furrowed, his eyes turning cold and sharp. "Is this connected to Nova, too?"


    "One of the doctors who fled abroad posted online about his collusion with Nova inmitting murder and other crimes."


    Dillon had been stunned when he first saw the post. Like many others, he thought it was just wild talk. But curiosity got the best of him, so he messaged the doctor. That was when he uncovered some unsettling truths.


    Eliza had suspected Nova from the start. Casper and even Dillon himself found it hard to believe. How could frail, disabled Nova be the mastermind behind such a sinister plot? Even if she held a grudge against Eliza, Rose was still Nova''s adopted mother, the woman who raised her.


    But the doctor''s story didn''t seem made up. If it was true, the kidney and heart transnted into Nova were Rose''s. That was beyond audacious-it was downright sick.


    "Got any proof?" Casper''s eyes shed with a fierce intensity.


    Dillon nodded. "Just the doctor''s word, no solid evidence. But during my investigation, I discovered Faithe''s involvement too."


    "She''s mixed up in this?" Casper''s gaze darkened even more.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    He lit a cigarette, holding it between his lips thoughtfully.


    "Faithe was the go-between, arranging for Rose''s organs to be transported abroad through someplex methods. When Nova had her transnt, she imed it was from an overseas donor... I think it was Rose''s organs."


    "Well, isn''t that just perfect," Casper growled, murderous intent ring in his eyes. Everyone was taking him for a fool.


    He took a deep breath, his eyes growing colder.


    That evening, Casper headed over to Nova''s ce. She was in high spirits, having cooked his favorite dishes. The inte was buzzing with rumors of their engagement, and she assumed he hadn''t mentioned it yet as a surprise. Casper showing up today must be to discuss it.


    "Casper, it''s been a while since you came by this early," Nova said, smiling.


    Casper sank into the plush sofa, crossing his legs. "Do you know Dominic?" he asked suddenly.


    A flicker of panic crossed Nova''s eyes. "What, Dr. Dominic?"


    "I''m talking about Dominic. How did


    you know he was a doctor?" Casper''s gaze turned icy, the chilling coldness making Nova stiffen. She stammered, "Dr. Dominic... we''ve met before."

 Chapter 195

    "Why''d you need to meet?" His eyes were deep and intense, never leaving her face.


    Nova swallowed hard, her heart pounding. "It''s just... When Rose was dered brain dead, he came to me, wanting to use her organs. We talked about the price."


    Casper''s gaze tightened slightly. "And then?"


    "Then... I didn''t agree." Suddenly, Nova dropped to her knees in front of Casper, clutching his legs as she started to sob. "Casper, Rose was my mom. Even though she was brain dead, I couldn''t believe she was truly gone. How could I use her organs? Besides, you have the means to find a suitable donor for me. I didn''t need to do that, right?"


    He looked down at her, silently gazing into her tear-stained eyes. Her exnation seemed full of sincerity, every word fitting together logically and wlessly. But why couldn''t he trust herpletely? "Nova," he began slowly, his voice deep and serious, "I hope you remember not to deceive me. You know the consequences of lying to me are something you can''t handle."


    Nova nodded lightly, pressing her face against his knee as if seeking somefort and protection. Her tearful eyes were filled with endless sorrow and earnestness. "Casper, you know," she choked out, "I could lie to anyone, but never to you. Because you''re thest person I would want to hurt in this world."


    Something in his heart stirred, but it was quickly swallowed by a mix ofplex emotions.


    "Why did you send that message, leading Eliza and Aaron to the hotel for the paparazzi to catch them?" He lifted her chin, his gaze searching. "What was your purpose? Tell me." Nova''s eyes trembled slightly. Casper had found out the truth so quickly?


    She took a deep breath, gently wiping away her tears, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. "What else could it be?"


    "It''s just my deep obsession with


    you. I couldn''t stand the flirtation etThis content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    between Eliza and Dr. Martin. Ie


    wanted to teach them a lesson on your behalf, to vent your anger."


    Her voice was low, tinged with sadness, yet filled with an indescribable persistence and deep love.


    Casper leaned back on the couch, a


    "Otion welling up inside


    him. He took out a cigarette, litat, and inhaled deeply. "Don''t ever do


    such foolish things." Conte


    "I won''t." She gently rested her face on his leg like a fragile, dependent bird. "Casper, when can we truly be together? My health is gradually recovering, and I sincerely hope to have children with you."


    Children?


    He had never really thought about it. To be precise, he had never considered such a future with Nova.


    Irritably taking a couple of drags from his cigarette, he stood up. "Get some rest. I need to go."


    "Won''t you stay?" She hurriedly grabbed his hand, almost pleading. "Stay with me, please?"


    "Work calls."


    He didn''t borate further, standing up to leave.


    After Casper left, Nova picked up her phone, calling a mysterious organization. "Take care of those two people."

 Chapter 196

    Casper drove along Falconridge Boulevard, driving for about an hour. He headed straight into Welton International''s hospital.


    Whether it was guilt or pity, something had whispered to him during that drive, urging him toe here. The hospital was lit up like daylight.


    Eliza''s room was the most exclusive VIP suite in the entire ce. The main lights were off, leaving only a few nightmps casting a warm, soft glow, adding a touch of coziness and calm to the quiet space. He gently opened the door.


    Eliza was asleep. On the nightstand were the gifts he had Dillon deliver earlier. A beautiful jewelry box sat there untouched. The ck credit card was ced neatly on top, and somehow, he felt a pang of rejection.


    He watched Eliza on the bed. Under the soft light, he could clearly see the scars on her wrists. The wounds had almost healed, but the marks were still shocking, etched deeply into her skin like a brand. His fingers, cool to the touch, gently traced those marks...


    Eliza''s eyes snapped open, and she was met with Casper''s magnified, handsome face. She screamed, "Ah!"


    "It''s me." His voice was unexpectedly gentle and deep. He looked sexy in the dim light. "Did I scare you?"


    Eliza quickly pulled down her sleeve to cover the scars. "What do you want?"


    "I''ve been swamped with work these past few days and haven''t had time to visit you, but... I''ve been worried about you."


    He was worried about her.


    Eliza thought she must have misheard. Was he worried about her health, or was he concerned she might fall into despair again, bringing shame to the Welton family?


    "I don''t need anyone''s concern." Her voice was as cold as ice in winter.


    He paused, "Last time, I... I was impulsive."


    His voice had a barely noticeable hint of regret. He wanted to say sorry but couldn''t bring himself to. "I shouldn''t have been so harsh on you."N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Eliza found him hard to read. He was


    such an unreliable man, so how


    much of his words could she believe? His nature was obsessive, impulsive, and vtile. One moment, he might apologize, and the next, he could be at her throat.


    Eliza stayed silent.


    Casper just sat there by her bed, staring intensely at her. She turned her face away, looking elsewhere, not wanting any interaction with him.


    "You don''t like these gifts?" he broke the silence. He didn''t understand what women liked, so he had Dillon pick out the most expensive ones.


    Eliza nced at the gifts, her voice cold and distant. "Mr. Casper, you might as well give these to Nova. I don''t like these things, nor do I deserve them."


    Casper frowned slightly, looking into


    ve


    her indifferent eyes. A wave of inexplicable emotion surged in his heart. "You are Mrs. Welton. How do you not deserve it?"


    Eliza chuckled.


    Mrs. Welton? That title had lost all meaning to her.


    "Then I''d like to ask you, when can I stop being Mrs. Welton?" She looked straight into his eyes, her lips trembling slightly.


    "So, you want to divorce me?" His gaze was deep as he looked at her. He hadn''te tonight to discuss this. "After the divorce, do you think you''ll be free? You''re too naive Your freedom has nothing to do with marriage; it depends on whether I let go."


    bet


    "So, Mr. Casper, will you let go?"

 Chapter 197

    "Have you forgotten that you still owe me money? Eliza, once you pay back the money, we can talk about divorce. Maybe then..." Maybe then, he would let her go.


    Eliza felt a wave of disappointment wash over her. He never intended to let her go. His words were just a reminder that she couldn''t immediately repay the two million.


    "If I can give you two million now, would you agree to divorce me and let me go?" She was the same as before; all she wanted was her freedom. "Can you?" He stayed silent.


    Eliza let out a softugh. His silence said it all-his earlier promises were empty. Even if she paid him back, he still wouldn''t let her go if he didn''t want to.


    "Then I have to ask, where would you get these two million?"


    Eliza met his gaze directly. "Does it matter? As long as I pay you back, that should be enough."


    "So, if I still don''t let you go, it would seem like I can''t live without you." His eyes were cold, almost cruel. "With interest, I want three million. When you''ve paid it all, then I''ll draw up the divorce papers." Eliza looked up. Was he finally agreeing to let her go?


    "I''ll do it as soon as possible," she said.


    Heughed, a mocking sound. "Then I''m curious to see how you manage to gather three million."


    Their conversation ended on a sour note again.


    As the door mmed shut, Eliza felt nothing.


    She indeed didn''t have that money, but she could borrow, and if not, she''d sell her house, sell everything she could, including herself.


    She moved back to Welton Estate from the hospital.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Her rtionship with Casper seemed unchanged. He would visit Nova every other day and thene home for dinner and share her bed.


    Photos and ns for the engagement venue were everywhere online. It was as if he was broadcasting his love to the whole world.


    The more she saw, the more bitterness grew within her. She felt a deep sorrow for herself.


    She and Casper had never had an engagement party. They had just spent ten minutes getting a marriage certificate. They had no wedding ceremony and no so-called engagement gifts. People often say you can tell love from the details. She saw what love truly was in Casper''s care for Nova.


    As for Eliza, she was just a joke.


    ...


    Chelsea called her, and they arranged to meet.


    "Here''s a million." Chelsea handed Eliza a bank card. "I''ll gather more for you, don''t worry."


    A million?


    Eliza frowned, filled with confusion and unease. "Where did you get a million?"


    "I mortgaged the house my mom left me," she said lightly.


    "Chelsea... why''re you doing this? You''re making me feel..." Eliza was both touched and troubled.


    Chelsea''s lips curled into a faint smile. "It''s mortgaged, not sold. It can be repurchased once we have the money."


    Eliza really didn''t want to cause Chelsea such a burden. She didn''t ept the money. "I can''t take this."


    "You''re not taking it for free; I''m


    charging interest." Chelsea pushed nord into Eliza''s hand. "


    the


    a loan,


    not a gift. Don''t overthink it


    She smiled.


    Eliza''s heart was filled with


    bitterness, Even if Chelsea loaned her a million, she still had a two million shortfall. Chelsea''s million wasn''t something she could epay anytime soon.


    Eliza needed a quick way to make money.


    After parting with Chelsea, Eliza went to a high-end nightclub in Falconridge.


    There was someone there named Lydia, who''s Eliza''s high school ssmate.


    While everyone was cramming for their college entrance exams in senior year, Lydia had already given up and became a dancer.


    Later, whenever someone mentioned Lydia, it was with disdain and ridicule.


    "Eliza?" Lydia, dressed quite


    conservatively, probably because it wasn''t performance time yet, looked utterly astonished. "You... what are you doing here?" ¨¦n.swnovels

 Chapter 198

    Eliza didn''t beat around the bush. "Lydia, I need to talk to you."


    "Talk to me?" Lydia gave Eliza a once-over, then stepped aside. "Come in, let''s chat."


    Elizaid out her predicament.


    It took Lydia a moment to absorb the news. Eliza had always been the top student and the pride of their town. She had even gotten into the most prestigious university with flying colors. "Are you... in trouble?"


    Eliza nodded, her every move heavy with worry. "I owe someone money, so I came to... ask for a job."


    "You don''t have a job?" Lydia was taken aback.


    "I do, but I was thinking of working evenings... like a part-time gig. Can you help me out?" Eliza bit her lip.


    She''d heard Lydia was now the top manager and could probably find a spot for someone without much hassle. It just depended on whether Lydia was willing to help.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Lydia lit a cigarette, her piercing eyes never leaving Eliza. "You can''t handle this job."


    "I can dance." Eliza had been talented from a young age. In college, she even taught herself jazz and folk dance. "I can do this."


    "It''s not about whether you can dance. It''s about..." Lydia lit her cigarette, took a long drag, and blew out the smoke slowly, her brow furrowed. "...this ce is full of all kinds of people. It''s not for someone like you."


    "There''s no such thing as someone who can''t adapt. It''s only environments that challenge us. I can do this."


    Eliza had never been more determined.


    Lydia had been on her own since she was eighteen. She knew that a woman wouldn''te to a ce like this unless she was truly desperate. The scars on Eliza''s wrist confirmed her suspicions. "Are you sure?"


    Eliza nodded. "I''m sure."


    "Because we wwere ssmates, I won''t turn you away. But Eliza, you need to understand that this job may pay well butes with a price. ffa client touches or kisses you, that''s just part of the deal. Can you handle that?"


    Lydia wanted to be upfront about the harsh realities.


    Being a dancer was seen as the lowest rung of society, looked down upon, and despised. In the eyes of men, dancers were mere ythings devoid of dignity and value. Their bodies were on disy, to be manipted at will. Such was the fate of a "ything."


    "Everything but sleeping with them... that''s my limit." That was Eliza''s bottom line.


    Lydia chuckled, crushing the cigarette. "Alright, then. I''ll take you in. Come by this weekend, and I''ll personally teach you some rules and techniques. You start work on Monday night. Any issues?"


    "No issues. I''ll be there."


    By day, Eliza was the Deputy


    Director of the Design Department at


    Welton International, a dedicated


    professional. By night, she


    transformed into a mysterious belly


    dancer, moving amongst various men. Her dance was graceful and passionate, an enchanting performance that had the men screaming for more, unable to tear themselves away. The air was thick with greedy desires, the stench of money, and the intoxicating allure of luxury.


    "Mr. Casper, you''ve never been to a ce like this before; you don''t know what you''re missing."


    Casper wasn''t thrilled about the venue, but this loyal client had been with Welton International for over a decade, so he couldn''tin too much.


    "Mr. Young, it looks like you are a regr here."


    "You''re in for a treat. They''ve got a new dancer, and her figure is... so supple and slender. She looks so hot too. You''ll see what I mean soon enough." Mr. Young was practically buzzing with excitement. As they spoke, several dazzlingly dressed dancers entered the VIP room.

 Chapter 199

    Eliza swayed gracefully in her flowing gown, her bold makeup only enhancing her allure. She never expected to run into Casper here. As she danced, her heart pounded with anxiety, worried he''d recognize her. But he seemed engrossed in conversation with the man beside him, barely ncing her way. That helped her rx a bit.


    The dancers were giving their all, and the men around them were busy toasting and clinking sses. After a few numbers, Mr. Young pointed at Eliza and said to Casper, "Mr. Casper, this is the new girl. Look at that glow! And that waist-so slender and soft. I got a closer lookst time; her touch was unforgettable..."


    Mr. Young licked his dry lips with lingering desire. "She''s a real delight and perfect for sharing. Mr. Casper, we''re prettyid-back here. Feel free to touch, kiss, or whatever you like with them. If you want to take her for the night, that''ll cost extra."


    Patting his chest with bravado, Mr. Young added, "But it''s just a bit of money. If you fancy her, it''s on me."


    Casper, holding his drink, nced at the dancing Eliza again. His look was brief before he turned back to Mr. Young, "Have you been with her?"


    "Not yet. If you''re interested, she''s all yours first."


    Casper suddenlyughed, clinking his ss with Mr. Young''s. "Then I must thank you, Mr. Young."


    "Think nothing of it."


    Mr. Young couldn''t handle his liquor. A few drinks in, and he was out cold. After sending him home, Casper called for Lydia.


    "Your dancers are quite something. I''d like another show," he said, handing her a ck card. "Charge it."


    "Right away, Mr. Casper. I''ll have the girls out in a moment."


    Eliza, heavily made-up and masked, joined the end of the line. She didn''t know if Casper had requested another show because he recognized her or just wanted more entertainment. She hoped it was thetter.


    As the music started, the dancers moved sensually, captivating the audience. Casper''s eyes were fixed on Eliza, who dared not meet his gaze. After the dance, he gestured for Lydia toe over. "Can I take one of the dancers with me?" he asked, loungingfortably like he owned the ce.


    Lydia had seen plenty of wealthy clients. Usually, it was the older ones looking for a night with the young dancers. Casper was young and handsome. That was a rarity.


    "It won''t be cheap," Lydia cautioned,


    not wanting to offend such an


    important client. The dancers here were renowned for their beauty, each one carefully selected. The price for theirpany was steep-two hundred thousand for a night.


    "Do I look like I can''t afford it?" he asked, elegantly taking a drag from his cigarette before pointing to Eliza at the back. "Her, how much for a night?"


    Even without looking up, Eliza felt Casper''s gaze on her. She lowered her head even more.


    "Mr. Casper, that dancer doesn''tN?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    offer such services." Lydia tried to divert his attention to another young, attractive dancer. "How about her? She''s even younger, skilled, and has a sweet mouth that''ll make sure you''re very satisfied."


    The girl stepped forward but froze under Casper''s intense stare.


    "Her," he insisted, eyes still on Eliza. "One million for a night. Ask her if she''lle with me."


    One million? The sheer generosity of the wealthy was staggering.


    "I''ll ask her."


    Lydia knew Eliza needed money desperately, and a million for a night was a golden opportunity. Plus, it was a young man making the offer, far more appealing than the @sual older clients.


    "What do you say?" Lydia whispered.


    Eliza longed for that million, but this was Casper, and she just couldn''t go through with it.

 Chapter 200

    "Do I really have to go?"


    Lydia understood that it was normal for newbies to be scared of their first night out, but a million-dor opportunity was rare. "Aren''t you strapped for cash? Out of a million, I''ll only take two hundred thousand. The remaining eight hundred thousand is all yours."


    "But..."


    "It''ll be over before you know it." Lydia whispered in Eliza''s ear, "Take care of your urgent needs and get back to a normal life sooner. Isn''t that better?"


    Of course, it was.


    But Casper was the man she had to leave with.


    "I..." Eliza was scared.


    "There''s a first time for everything. Think about it." Lydia sashayed over to Casper. "Thedy is a bit shy. Let''s just forget about her."


    "Two million." His gaze was cold and never left Eliza, "Tell her being too greedy might not be a good thing."


    "This..."


    Lydia was in a bind.


    Eliza looked up and met Casper''s gaze.


    Their eyes locked, and she couldn''t decipher his emotions beneath his calm demeanor.


    Lydia approached Eliza, about to persuade her again when she finally spoke, "I''ll go, but the money first."


    "That''s not a problem. Here, we always ask our clients to pay before taking someone with them." Lydia, thinking about her cut of four hundred thousand, was grinning from ear to ear. "Mr. Casper, are you paying by card?"


    Casper''s voice was deep. "By card."


    Two million was charged.


    One million six hundred thousand went into Eliza''s ount.


    She changed her clothes but didn''t remove her makeup.


    Lydia escorted her out.


    She had mixed feelings, "Don''t be afraid. There''s no shame in this. Once you''ve earned enough, you won''t have to do it anymore."


    Lydia looked at Eliza.


    She should be flourishing somewhere, not crawling in dark corners like a rat.


    Eliza just smiled.


    Then she bent down and got into the car.


    The car moved along, heading to the Falconridge Hotel.


    Casper led the way.


    She followed behind.


    He didn''t speak, show any expression, or even walk too fast.


    Eliza''s heart raced.


    She guessed Casper had recognized her, but why hadn''t heshed out at her?


    If he hadn''t recognized her, did that mean he always took a woman to hotels for the night?


    Eliza didn''t dare to think further.


    Regardless of whether Casper recognized her, the money was already in her ount.


    It wouldn''t take long for her to repay the debt she owed him.


    In the elevator,


    Eliza hid in the corner, still hanging her head low.


    The space was quiet and cramped, and it felt like an eternity before the elevator doors slowly opened.


    Casper swiped his card, and she followed him in.


    He took off his coat, threw it aside, loosened his cor, and looked up at her. "Take it off."


    Eliza was taken aback.


    "To sell yourself, you need to have the attitude of a hooker."


    His piercing gaze swept her from head to toe several times before finally resting on her face,


    her quietly. Content bet


    Eliza''s eyshes trembled slightly.


    Her fingertips hesitated, then began to unbutton her shirt.


    Casper scoffed.


    Then he took a cigarette to his lips, lighting it up.


    The faint scent of tobo soon filled the room.


    Hezily gestured for her toe closer with a hook of his finger.


    Eliza, with a trembling heart, walked over.


    He watched her yfully, exhaling smoke onto her face, hooking his arm around her neck, "Next time you wea makeup, remember to cover up that beauty mark."


    Eliza struggled as if startled.


    He pinned her down with a swift


    tightly, What? Not happy that your own husband spent two million for a night with you?" N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    move, his hand gripping her neck et

 Chapter 201

    "Did you recognize me from the start?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.


    She should have known. Out of all those beautiful girls, why did he choose her?


    His cool fingertips brushed lightly over her red lips. "Is that really so hard to believe?"


    "I just wanted to make some extra money," she said, her eyes trembling with fear she couldn''t quite name, her fingers shaking uncontrobly.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Making extra money means selling yourself?" His grip tightened around her wrist, making her face turn purple. "Will you tell your husband how many men you''ve spent the night with?" "No, I haven''t slept with any," she stammered.


    No one had been as generous as Casper. And no one had focused solely on her.


    She clutched his wrist, her face losing all color. "If it weren''t for you, I wouldn''t have left with a client."


    "Is that so, Mrs. Welton?" he asked, his voice dripping with skepticism.


    She nodded, struggling to breathe. "Yes."


    Maybe her desperate exnation softened him a bit because his grip loosened slightly. But did he fully believe her? Not really.


    He stood up and lit a cigarette, taking slow drags. The gray smoke swirled around his features, making him seem even more mysterious and hard to read.


    "Eliza, you''re suffering from depression, and your mental state is getting worse. For your own health and safety, I think you should spend some time at Mercy Hospital," he said, his voice soft but heavy enough to crush her spirit.


    Mercy Hospital? Was he nning to lock her up in an asylum too?


    "No, you can''t do this," Eliza''s voice trembled with sheer terror. "You drove Robin mad. Do you want to drive me mad, too?"


    He watched her quietly, his gaze deep andplex like the ocean at night, endless and turbulent.


    "I''m doing this for your own good."


    For her own good? Was it really?


    After everyone in the Pinotti family had either died or gone mad, she thought she still had a sliver of hope. Little did she know, she was thest to be dealt with. All the talk of divorce, of letting her go, was a lie. He had never intended to truly let her go. His goal was to push her step by step into the abyss, letting her struggle in endless fear and despair.


    "Casper, why? Why do you force me to hate you? Why?" she cried, tears of despair chilling her skin.


    She had thought that her final act would be her liberation. Instead, it turned out to be her loss of freedom.


    Casper watched her, his expression calm as she red at him with red-rimmed eyes. Finally, he stubbed out his cigarette.


    "When you get better, I''ll get you out."


    "Will you?" A flicker of confusion and despair passed through Eliza''s eyes. She might never see that daye. "Casper, you''re so cruel. Stop lying to me." Wiping her tears, Eliza stood up and ran. Tears streamed down her face; she needed to escape. She didn''t want to be locked up.


    Casper''srge hand stopped her, pulling her back by the waist. "Where


    do you think you''re going? Even. Po


    you can to the ends of the earth, I''d


    bring you back."


    "You''re worse than a monster," Eliza screamed, her voice filled with endless grief and despair.


    "It''s your fault for not being obedient," he said, throwing her onto the bed and pressing his body against hers.


    Several dayster,


    Eliza''s hands were bound as she was taken to Mercy Hospital, a ce she had desperately wanted to save Robin from but was powerless to do anything about. Stepping into this hospital felt like entering a gloomy purgatory on earth. Every breath seemedced with despair, every inhtion like being bound by


    invisible chains. Leaving this ce


    seemed only possible on the day of her death.

 Chapter 202

    The staff at Mercy Hospital had put her in a single room.


    The room was bare, its walls lined with thick soundproofing foam. There was no table, just a rounded wooden bed and a moderately-sized window.


    They untied the ropes around her wrists. She rubbed her sore wrists, staring out the barred window at the world outside. She thought she might never see the day she''d be free.


    The person who brought her in handed her a clean set of hospital gowns, his face expressionless.


    "Mr. Casper wants you to recover here. We''ll take good care of you, but you need to follow the rules."


    Eliza didn''t say a word. She just stared outside, lost and empty, like a canary with its wings clipped.


    She remembered the countless nights her brother must''ve looked out the same way, hoping and waiting for freedom. But in the end, it drove him mad.


    Time seemed to stand still. Eliza''s life was mechanical and monotonous: eating, sleeping, watching TV, and asionally taking a walk after dinner. Most of the time, she just sat quietly by the bed, hugging her knees, staring nkly out the window. The sky was vast and deep, but she was trapped.


    No one came to taunt or mistreat her. After Casper took her phone, naturally, no one knew she was locked up here.


    Out of nowhere, a wave of intense nausea hit, and she rushed to the bathroom. She leaned over the sink, her hands gripping it as her stomach churned violently. This had been happening for three days.


    Being a woman, the first thing that came to her mind was pregnancy. The thought shed through her mind and exploded in her heart like a thunderp. She couldn''t believe it, closed her eyes, took deep breaths, trying to calm the turmoil and the


    whelming pressure inside. She had nned to end her life in theing days. Could she really be pregnant?


    "Eliza, someone''s here to see you," a voice called as the door opened. Eliza washed her face, looking haggard as she responded, "Got it."N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Eliza was led to the visitor''s room. She saw Zach and wasn''t overly surprised. Besides Casper, he was likely the only one who could visit her here.


    Zach gazed heavily at Eliza in the


    hospital gown, his brow furrowing unconsciously. She seemed thinner than before. Her skin was now almost see-through, as if devoid of all blood.


    Casper had put Robin in Mercy Hospital, which Zach could somewhat understand. But locking Eliza up here was beyond deranged.


    "Look at yourself. Is this how the man you were so desperate to marry treats you?" Zach couldn''t help but kick over a stool in front of him, his voice tinged with anger.


    Eliza looked at him calmly. "How did you know I was here?"


    "I called you to give you the evidence I found on Nova, but Casper answered."


    Afterwards, it was only natural that Zach found out Eliza was confined in Mercy Hospital. Zach might not be a saint himself, but his affection for Eliza was real. His youthful, affection was tainted with a desire to destroy what he couldn''t have. This led to the twisted nature of his rtionship with Eliza.


    Now, it seemed that Eliza''s decision to marry Casper was the worst possible choice. Even worse than marrying Zach. At least he wouldn''t treat her like this.


    "Do you want to leave this ce? I can take you out," he said, his brow furrowed.

 Chapter 203

    Eliza desperately wanted to get out of there. But what would happen after she left? Casper could drag her back anytime he wanted, and it would just be the same old cycle. "Can I ask you a favor?" she said.


    She wasn''t sure if Zach would help her. He might expect something in return, and she had nothing to offer. She took off the ne her mother had given her. "You can take this as a down payment." Zach felt a sudden tightness in his chest. Damn it. Seeing Eliza like this was messing with his head.


    "What do I need your old ne for?" he grumbled, undoing a few buttons of his shirt cor. "Just tell me what you need."


    "Can you get Chelsea toe to see me? I need to talk to her. Can you do that?"


    "That''s it?" He looked at her, confused, thinking she must have lost her mind. "Eliza, your main goal should be getting out of here. Do you want to stay here forever? End up like Robin,pletely nuts?" No. Of course, she didn''t. But she wasn''t about to share her thoughts with him. She chose to stay quiet.


    Zach muttered a curse under his breath but didn''t push it.


    "Fine, I''ll get Chelsea toe see you." He took a deep breath and agreed.


    For all his faults, Zach was a man of his word, which already made him way better than Casper.


    The moment Chelsea walked into Mercy Hospital, her heart ached. Eliza looked worn out, thin, and utterly exhausted. Chelsea only needed one look at her to feel tears welling up.


    No wonder she hadn''t been able to get in touch with Eliza for a month. She''d been locked up here.


    "How can Casper be so cruel? Is he trying to wipe out the Pinotti family? He''s a monster."


    Chelsea rarely cursed. She''d seen her share of despicable people, but Casper was on another level.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    "Why? Why did he lock you up here? You paid the three million; he was supposed to let you go. Why did he change his mind?"


    Chelsea didn''t know what had gone down between them. Whatever it was, it didn''t warrant this.


    Eliza


    only upset Chelsea more. "Maybe he nned this all along, Chelsea. He''s always been unpredictable


    alwant to exin. It would


    "I can''t even..." Chelsea was at a loss for words, her eyes filled with tears as she looked at Eliza. "They haven''t hurt you, have they? Did they hit you?"


    Eliza shook her head slightly. "No one has hurt me."


    "Zach told me yesterday you were here. I thought he was joking... Zach''s messed up, butpared to Casper, he''s nothing... He said he


    could get you out."


    "I know, but..." Eliza touched her t stomach, "...Chelsea, I think I might be pregnant."


    Chelsea was too shocked to speak for a moment. Finally, she found her voice. "Pregnant? With Casper''s baby?"


    "Yes."


    "Are you sure?"


    Chelsea thought these conditions, a poor appetite, or even a dietary issue, may have made Eliza feel sick. Pregnant? That was terrifying.


    "Have you checked?" Chelsea''s fingers were ice-cold. "This is serious, Elle. You need to be sure."


    Eliza shook her head. She didn''t have the means to check.


    Chelsea seemed to think of something and pulled a pregnancy test out of her bag, handing it to Eliza. "Go, check with this."

 Chapter 204

    Eliza stood there, holding the pregnancy test in her hand, stunned.


    "Chelsea, why do you have this in your bag?"


    "Don''t worry about that now. Just go take the test." Chelsea dodged the question, nudging her toward the bathroom. "Hurry up.¡±


    With Chelsea pushing her, Eliza went into the bathroom.


    The result was as she feared: two lines.


    Seeing the oue, Chelsea was lost too.


    "Does he know?"


    Eliza shook her head, looking deste, but her eyes glinted with a certain resolve. "He doesn''t know, and I don''t want him to know. He doesn''t deserve to be a father, let alone have a child."


    It was a statement full of bitterness.


    Still, sooner orter, he would find out.


    "Do you have any ns?"


    Chelsea knew about Eliza''s health issues; if she terminated this pregnancy, her chances of conceiving again would be almost nonexistent.


    What woman wouldn''t want to be a mother?


    How could a woman about to be a mother not think about her child?


    "Chelsea, I heard Casper is about to get engaged to Nova."


    "Yeah, the news is all over the inte. Hard to tell what''s true," Chelsea said.


    Every time Chelsea checked her phone, she''d skip over any news about them, annoyed.


    She couldn''t understand how a man who hadn''t even finalized his divorce could unt his engagement to another woman, making it the talk of the town.


    "They say on TV that their engagement party is on the 18th of this month."


    Chelsea didn''t get why Eliza was still hung up on this. "Who cares about that shameless guy?"


    Eliza wasn''t concerned about Casper and Nova''s engagement.


    She had a n.


    "Chelsea, I want to ''die'' on the 18th."


    Die?


    Chelsea thought she misheard and stared at Eliza in disbelief. "What did you say? Die? Are you out of your mind? I won''t let you do that Don''t scare me."


    To truly free herself from Casper wasn''t as simple as running away.


    She needed to vanishpletely from his world.


    The only way to vanish was through death.


    Eliza had considered dying, but now that she was pregnant, she couldn''t go through with it.


    The only option was... to fake her death.


    The 18th was the day of his and


    Nova''s engagement party. While he


    was lost in happiness, he wouldn''t


    bother to dig deeper if he heard


    about her death.


    She would create a fake news story, making the false seem real. All that mattered was that Casper believed she was truly dead.


    Then she''d be free.


    Eliza briefly exined her n to Chelsea.


    Chelsea thought Eliza''s idea could work.


    But would the two of them pull it off? It was a risky idea. If they got caught, it could lead to even worse revenge from Casper, making escape impossible. "Chelsea, go find Aaron. He''s the only one who can help me now."


    Zach could help too.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    In fact, his methods might be more effective than Dr. Martin''s.


    But Zach might betray her, while Aaron wouldn''t.


    "Aaron? What if he refuses because he''s afraid of Casper?"


    "Just exin my situation to him; he should be willing to help."


    Eliza knew Aaron well enough; he was kind andpassionate. He''d always been aware of her predicament and should be willing to help.


    Chelsea nodded.


    "Alright,


    get back see Aaron as soon as I


    and talk to him." Chelsea


    squeezed Eliza''s hand. "You take good care of yourself. Even if Aaron can''t help, I''ll find another way."


    "Okay."

 Chapter 205

    **The Welton Family**


    Tristan and Nova had a little business discussion.


    He promised Nova that if she handed over 10% of Falconridge Department Store shares, owned by the Henderson family, he''d ensure her engagement to Casper would go off without a hitch.


    Nova agreed without much fuss. In her eyes, shares in a department store, no matter how valuable, couldn''tpare to having Casper, a real cash cow. Besides, those shares weren''t exactly hers to begin with; it was like giving away borrowed goods.


    Pleasing Tristan would mean she could strut around the Welton family with more confidence in the future.


    With the transfer document in hand, Tristan also took it upon himself to pick the venue for the engagement party. He even nailed down the date - the 18th of this month.


    "Thank you, Mr. Welton. I really love the venue," Nova said, both ttering and polite.


    Tristan, still eyeing the Henderson family''s piece ofnd, was considerate towards Nova. "We''re almost family now. This is what a father should do."


    "Mr. Welton, don''t worry. Once I''m a part of the Welton family, what belongs to the Henderson family will naturally be part of the Welton family," Nova said, pouring him a cup of coffee, "and naturally, it bes yours."


    Tristan really appreciated Nova''s sensibility and tact. She was leagues ahead of Eliza in that department.


    "You truly are the perfect fit for the Welton family and Casper."


    "Thank you for your acknowledgment, Mr. Welton."


    ...


    **The Welton Family Mansion**


    Caroline, back from a long business trip abroad, rolled her suitcase into the mansion. The first order of business was to call Eliza.


    "Strange, why''s her phone off?"


    Unable to reach her, she dialed Casper next.


    "Casper, I can''t get through to Eliza, and she hasn''t been at the office. What''s going on with her?"


    "You just got back, and you''re already looking for her? Skip the jetg?" Casper''s patience was wearing thin.


    Caroline sensed something was off. Her tone shifted to one of worry and irritation. "Of course, I want to see her. Maybe we can have dinner together. What''s wrong with that?" "I''ve got a meeting. We''ll talkter."


    Casper hung up abruptly.


    Caroline, puzzled by the sudden end to the call, turned to Audrey, confused. "Mom, is Casper bullying Eliza again?"


    "Just look up the news online, and you''ll understand," Audrey said, shaking her head in disappointment. She felt so let down that she couldn''t sleep these past few days.


    "What?" Caroline''s eyes widened as


    she read the news of Casper and Nova''s engagement. "He''s really getting engaged to Nova? Has he lost his mind? He''s not even divorced yet!"


    It seemed likely.


    Audrey had given up on managing her son. "Well, it''s for the best. Eliza leaving him means she can finally have some peace."


    Unable to contact Eliza, Caroline was left worrying. She guessed Eliza was probably locked up to stop her from causing a scene at the engagement party. It made the most sense.


    Trash. Absolute trash.


    The news about Casper''s engagement was causing a storm online.


    ev


    Holding some media detail sheets, Dillon said, "Mr. Casper, these media outlets are the noisiest. I checked their background shareholders, and they att have one name inmon: Tristan. No wonder they''re so bold with your father backing them."


    "Let them make a fuss. We''ll take them all down at once when they can''t back down anymore. Let''s see how long they can keep it up."


    Dillon nodded. "Alright, Mr. Casper."


    "Come on, let''s go to MercyCopyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Hospital. Casper hadn''t visited in a while and heard that Zach had been there a few days ago. He was eager to know what this illegitimate son had said to his wife.

 Chapter 206

    The grand gates of Mercy Hospital creaked open slowly.


    A sleek Rolls-Royce glided in, and the gates shut behind it with a heavy thud.


    Eliza was just like before, sitting there hugging her knees, lost in thought.


    Casper walked in, and she didn''t even flinch.


    He turned to the staff who had followed him in. "How''s she doing?"


    "She''s fine. Her meals are prepared separately as you ordered, Mr. Welton. But her appetite''s not great; she barely eats."


    Casper''s eyes lingered on Eliza''s slender frame for a moment before he waved the staff away.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "Why aren''t you eating? Is the food not to your taste?" He approached her, looking down from his towering height.


    Eliza stayed silent.


    She didn''t want to talk to him.


    She just stared nkly out the window at the sparrows perched on the bare branches.


    She watched them fly away ande back again. It was as if they couldn''t escape.


    "Did Zache to see you? What did you two talk about?" he asked, intrigued.


    Eliza blinked away the sting in her eyes, finally lifting her gaze to him. "He said he wants to take me away."


    Casper let out a mockingugh


    as if scoffing at Zach''s audacity.


    "Then why didn''t you go with him?" His dark eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of danger in them. "Do you not want to elope?"


    "I''m not interested." Her cool gaze pierced his. "I''m not like you, Mr. Casper, who enjoys having affairs within a marriage. I bet the whole of Falconridge isughing their heads off now."


    "Are you jealous? Or just bitter?" He smirked, his long, strong fingers lifting her chin. "Aren''t you always soposed and magnanimous? Why so petty now?"


    Eliza pulled her chin away, disdain flickering in her eyes. "Jealous? Bitter? Mr. Casper, you give yourself too much credit."


    "Eliza, stop being stubborn. If you admit you''re wrong, I can take you home right now," he leaned down, his lips almost brushing hers. "Just be good."


    "Isn''t me being good or not all depend on your whims, Mr. Casper?"


    She looked at him, her gaze icy yet carrying an elusive emotion that made him uneasy.


    His eyes darkened. "Eliza, you''ll never learn to get along with me."


    "And if I did? Would you stop fooling around? Would you be a normal husband, Mr. Casper?"


    Eliza threw him a disdainful smile.


    It cut deep.


    His face grew darker like ink spreading in water. "You''re the abnormal one."


    "The most abnormal thing about me was marrying you." She looked at him somberly, her lips curling into a bitter smile. "Casper, if I die one day, would you be relieved? You''d probably wake upughing from your dreams."


    "I heard you''re getting engaged to Nova. The engagement venue is beautiful. saw it and liked it a lot."


    Sheughed bitterly, her eyshet


    trembling. "Casper, you''re not


    incapable of love; you just can''t love me Look how you''ve put Nova on a pedestal."


    "I often think, if I hadn''t been so shameless in insisting on marrying you, maybe we''d both be happy in our own worlds. My parents might still be alive, and Robin wouldn''t have gone mad. Don''t you think so?"


    "It all started with me-the pain, the


    torment, the cause and effect. I''ll


    bear it all. I''ve regretted it, but it doesn''t matter anymore. Everything started with me, and it should end with me." She smiled as she looked into his eyes, a teardrop glistening brightly.

 Chapter 207

    "I think you''re talking more nonsense each day," Casper said, his once calm demeanor now unsettled by her words. "Have you been skipping your meds? I''ll get the doctor to change your prescriptionter." "Casper," she continued to smile, her dimples making her even more enchanting. "If there''s a next life, I hope we don''t meet again."


    Casper took a deep breath, trying to steady his turbulent emotions. "You... just get some rest."


    Casper turned and walked away.


    He wasn''t sure if it was Eliza''s bizarre statements or the new suit that made his neck itch so intolerably. In frustration, he took it off and tossed it to Dillon.


    Dillon caught it swiftly. "Mr. Casper, are you heading home or back to the office?"


    "Home? Is there anyone waiting for me there? Damn it, being married feels no different than being single." He mmed the car door shut, unsure of where this rage came from.


    Dillon''s heart skipped a beat. He quickly slipped into the passenger seat.


    "Mr. Casper, are you not doing well? Maybe we should bring Mrs. Welton back home," Dillon suggested hesitantly.


    Casper pinched the bridge of his nose, his expression darkening. "Bring her back so she can aggravate me more? She will go to those clubs and let men touch and kiss her, and even go to hotel rooms with them..." Casper was so furious he felt like grinding his teeth to dust. "Dillon, wouldn''t you be angry if your wife did that?"


    Indeed, Dillon would be angry.


    Casper had every right to be angry. This wasn''t about love orck thereof; it was about pride.


    "She''s young and foolish; give her a chance to apologize."This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Foolish?" Casper sighed deeply. "When she''s angry, she''s anything but foolish."


    The car started slowly, heading toward Welton International.


    ...


    Since thest incident at the hotel with Eliza, Aaron had been confined by the Martin family.


    Chelsea visited the Martin family''s hospital but couldn''t find Aaron there. After waiting at the entrance for a white and preparing to leave, a dark van pulled up. Two young men got out first, followed by Felix supporting his grandfather


    "Dr. Martin," Chelsea hurried over, apologizing, "Can I have a moment of your time?"


    Aaron handed Jeffrey to his subordinates. "Take my grandfather inside; I''ll be right there."


    Aaron turned to Chelsea. "Chelsea? What''s going on?"


    "Dr. Martin really need your help," Chelsea said, exining Eliza''s situation sinctly. "That''s the gist of it. She asked me to seek your help. Would you be willing, DD artin?"


    Aaron was slightly taken aback. "Casper... he really sent Eliza to Mercy Hospital?"


    Shock and astonishment were inadequate to describe his feelings.


    "Yes."


    "He must be out of his mind," Aaron gasped, "Doesn''t he know that staying in a ce like that for too long will ruin a person?" Did Casper not know? Wasn''t this the oue he wanted?


    Chelsea pressed her lips together slightly. "He''s getting engaged to Nova on the 18th. If you''re willing to help Elle, Dr. Martin..."


    "There''s nothing more to discuss."


    His gaze toward Chelsea was


    resolute. "I''m willing to help Eliza, but you''bhave to give me a few days to prepare."


    "Of course." Chelsea nodded gratefully. "Dr. Martin, if Eliza knew you were willing to help, she''d be so thankful."


    "I don''t need thanks, I just want..." His gaze darkened, bing less clear. "...her to be happy."

 Chapter 208

    "Of course."


    ...


    The engagement was all Tristan''s doing. To avoid any future slip-ups a few days before the event, Tristan called Casper over and warned him, "You''re about to get engaged to Nova. Are you ready?"


    Casper couldn''t care less. With a cigarettezily hanging between his fingers, he stared at his father with a look of boredom.


    "Did I ever say I wanted to get engaged to her?"


    "If not you, then who?" Tristan gestured to the borately decorated engagement venue. "Look at all this. What do you propose we do now?"


    "Was this my idea?" Casper stubbed out his cigarette, his eyes scanning the romantic setup. "Whoever set this up should be the one getting engaged."


    "You..." Tristan, trembling with anger, pped Casper. "Who do you think I''m doing all this for? It''s all for Welton International! What''s the big deal about making a small sacrifice? Besides, don''t you love Nova? You even had Elizamitted to an asylum for her. Why won''t you go through with it?"


    Casper''s jaw tightened.


    He let out a bitterugh.


    Love?


    He had no clue what love was.


    What is love?


    Possession? Jealousy? A meltdown and constant screams?


    He didn''t know,


    and he certainly didn''t understand why he refused to get engaged to Nova. He couldn''t even exin the emotions swirling inside him.


    Was it resistance?


    Was it revulsion?


    Or just the feeling of being trapped.


    "Now''s not the right time."


    "When is the right time? Everything''s set up. Even if you don''t want to, just go through the motions. You can always break off the engagementter. What''s so hard about that?". Tristan didn''t want to push too hard. "Casper, if you cooperate, I might


    reconsider letting Zach intot


    Welton International."


    Casper knew Tristan was just stalling, so he


    wasn''t particrly interested.


    "Whether you like it or not, Zach getting into Welton International is bound to happen."


    "As long as I back him and the board agrees, your objections won''t matter, will they?"


    Tristan knew how much Welton International meant to Casper. Zach had always been a wildcard in his eyes.


    Casper raised an eyebrow, lifting his gaze to Tristan. "I remember two percent of Grandpa''s shares ended up with you. If you''re willing to hand them over, I might reluctantly agree to this farce." Two percent of Welton International''s shares were worth billions.


    Tristan was hesitant to part with them. But then he remembered he had already acquired ten percent of the department store''s shares, plus the Henderson family''snd which should more than make up for it.


    Agreeing to Casper''s terms didn''t seem too bad; he could always back outter.


    "Alright, I agree."


    "Why are you agreeing so quickly?" Casper chuckled, a hint of mystery in his eyes. "Then let''s sign a contract first."


    "I''m your father. Would I really deceive you?" Tristan knew his son too well; Casper wasn''t someone you could easily fool. "We''ll sign after the engagement. Where could I run off to?" Casper, equally savvy, knew better than to y games. "Sign the contract first, or forget it."


    "You..." Despite his reluctance, Tristan finally agreed, stamping kis foot in frustration. "Fine, we''ll sign. But it''ll only be a letter of intent for now. If you break the agreement, I''ll Qf have nowhere to turn."


    "Agreed."Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Neither father nor son trusted the other. Each had their own calctions, agendas, and way of keeping things in check.


    Meanwhile, Aaron had to pull some strings and spend a bit of money to get a chance to see Eliza. He didn''t know if it was his own sensitivity or the vacant look in Eliza''s eyes that deeply moved him. He found himself tearing up.

 Chapter 209

    "Eliza, are you... okay?" His eyes were bloodshot.


    Eliza looked pale but managed a smile, shaking her head. "Aaron, I''m fine, don''t worry."


    "Chelsea told me about your situation," he said softly.


    Eliza nodded. "Aaron, I really appreciate your willingness to help me."


    Eliza always treated Aaron politely and maintained a courteous distance.


    For some reason, this made Aaron''s heart ache a bit. "You don''t need to thank me. Casper is really out of line, but... it seems like we''re powerless."


    "He can''t change."


    Casper''s way of life was selfish, indifferent, and domineering. In his world, he wouldn''t allow anyone under his control to stray from his path. He had ways to make those who displeased him suffer immensely. Aaron had grown up with Casper. He understood.


    "Now that you''re pregnant, you can call me if you need anything." Aaron handed Eliza a brand new phone. "This is a new number."


    Since Casper took her phone away, she had been cut off from the world. This phone came just in time.


    "Thank you, Aaron."


    "Don''t worry about the outside world for now, wait until-"


    Aaron was interrupted as the door opened from outside. Casper strode in, his demeanor calm, a chilling smile on his lips. With a swift movement, he kicked Aaron, sending him flying along with the chair.


    "Casper, why are you hitting him?"


    Eliza hurried to help Aaron, but Casper grabbed her by the wrist and


    pulled her in front of him. "Mrs.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Welton, even confined to an asylum,


    you''re still cheating?"


    "Which eye of yours saw me cheating?" Her eyes were red. Her brows furrowed tightly. "If you''re sick, go see a doctor instead of being paranoid all the time."


    "Then tell me, why is he here?" Casper picked up the phone Aaron had just given her, his eyes bloodshot. "Tell me, what''s this phone for?"


    Eliza couldn''t exin, her eyes narrowing slightly.


    Looking at Aaron on the ground clutching his chest, Casper warned, "If this happens again, I promise the Martin family will disappear from Falconridge."


    Eliza was dragged and pushed into the car. Casper''s expression was grim. He loosened the button of his cor, shook his head slightly, and slowly turned around. His bloodshot eyes red at her menacingly. He asked deliberately, "How many times?"


    Eliza didn''t want to answer. She turned her face away.


    He grabbed her chin, forcing her to face him, his menacing gaze filled with an unsettling chill. "I''m asking you a question, Eliza. You''d better not provoke me."


    "What do you want me to say?"


    Her tone was cold, her gaze shifting slightly. Casper took that as a sign of guilt. The pressure of his fingertips was almost crushing her chin.


    Eliza winced in pain and looked away from him. "Casper, you''re about to get engaged to Nova. Why keep tormenting me? You don''t love me, so why bother with all this?"


    "So?" His face suddenly came close, so close that his angry breaths hit her nose. "Do you think you can do as you please?"


    "I''ve been confined to an asylum. What freedom do I have? What can I possibly do?"


    Apart from her dissatisfaction with


    Casper, her faint and shallow gaze also showed an almost resolute disregard. Every bit of her emotion was showing. Her feelings towards him now were nothing but hatred.

 Chapter 210

    The way she looked at him really got under his skin.


    Without thinking much, he leaned in and kissed her.


    She epted his turbulent kiss, unresponsive and lifeless.


    When she didn''t kiss him back, he forced her to.


    Prying her teeth apart, he bit down on the tip of her tongue.


    Eliza raised her hand and pped him, her expression calm as she wiped the blood from her lips with a delicate touch.


    She stayed silent, her eyes icy.


    The p knocked the wind out of Casper''s anger.


    Leaning back against the car seat, he let out a self-deprecatingugh, not entirely sure what he found funny.


    "Eliza, tell me, which woman in Falconridge would dare to hit me? How many times have you pped me?" His voice wasced with an emotion tooplex to pin down. "You can hit me back," she said nonchntly.


    He chuckled. Did she really think he wouldn''t dare hit her, or was he just too soft to do it?


    The car fell silent again, with only the hum of the air conditioning filling the space.


    They pulled into the Welton Estate.


    Casper didn''t say another word as he scooped Eliza up with determination and authority, making it seem like he owned the world.


    In her hospital gown, she looked especially fragile.


    Her pale face and closed eyes made her look like a wilted flower thrown harshly onto the expansive bed.


    Broken and delicate.


    "Casper, you can''t touch me right now," she backed away until she had nowhere left to go, and Casper pinned her down. "Can''t touch you? Give me one good reason why." "I''m on my period," she said, guilt edging her voice.


    "Oh?" He sneered, not buying it. "Let me see."


    As he reached for her hospital


    trousers, she grabbed his wrist, her eyes trembling. "Casper, please,


    can''t you stop? Can''t you think about my feelings? Isn''t Nova enough for you? She''s better now; she can satisfy you."


    His breathing deepened, and he scoffed. Eliza, are you overthinking this? Whether Nova can satisfyme has nothing to do with whether I want to be with you."


    She knew about his physical needs.


    His strong desires sometimes meant having sex several times a day, and she was well aware of it.


    But now she was pregnant, and hisck of restraint could harm the baby, couldn''t it?


    "If you really need to..." she could find another way to satisfy him. "...I could..."


    Her eyes quivered as she pointed to her lips.


    As long as it didn''t hurt her baby, she was willing to endure the humiliation.


    Casper looked confused.


    Grasping her chin, his gaze roved over her delicate face. "Eliza, tell me, are you hiding some kind of secret?"


    "I really am on my period."


    Heughed softly.


    Pushing her away, hey back on the bed, taking a deep breath.


    "Come here, kiss me."


    Sheplied.


    Crawling to his side, she kissed


    Which


    lips, were burning hot.


    her body could feel how


    uncontroble his desire


    Even


    evel


    "We''ve kissed so many times, and you still haven''t learned?"


    He flipped her beneath him, lifting her chin to kiss her.


    His tongue forced her teeth apart, eagerly tangling with hers.


    Bit by bit, he fed his desire and scorching breath into her mouth.


    Her hands pressed against his chest, fearing he might lose control and go further.


    The air, thick with tension, was filled with a heavy, ambiguous desire.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 211

    His muscr body pressed against hers, raw desire nearly driving him mad.


    But Eliza suddenly pushed him away with surprising strength, panic flooding her eyes. "I... I can''t do this."


    Her voice trembled, carrying a fear she couldn''t quite put into words.


    Casper''s gaze turned icy in an instant, his hand gripping her firmly. "Eliza, you''re not on your period. Did you really think you could fool me?"


    His actions were rough and unyielding, tearing at her clothes.


    She knew if he really forced himself on her, she wouldn''t stand a chance.


    "Casper..." she finally spoke, her voice shaking with helplessness. "I..."


    The truth lingered on her lips, ready to spill out, but she couldn''t bring herself to say it.


    Pain and anxiety filled her eyes.


    "Casper, please, don''t. Please don''t do this, okay?"


    "Why not? Eliza, who are you saving yourself for? You''re my wife. Am I not allowed to touch you?"


    Her repeated refusals infuriated him, leaving her no room to speak further.


    His hand mped around her wrist, pinning it above her head.


    Their kiss was forceful, his dominance overwhelming.


    In the end, he took her.


    "Casper, you''ll regret this. You can''t..."


    Her cries didn''t stop him.


    He was like a man starved, aggressive, domineering, conquering her.


    It was unclear how long it went on.


    Finally, he was satisfied and let her go.


    Eliza held her stomach, praying the fragile little fetus inside her was okay.


    But her stomach hurt so much...


    She curled up, trying to ease the pain, but...


    She could feel something slipping away from her body, bit by bit...


    No, she didn''t want to lose the little fetus.


    Struggling to get off the bed, she fell, crawling to the bathroom door,. hoping Casper would take her to the hospital.


    "Cas..."


    He came out when he heard the noise, stunned to see the pool of blood beneath Eliza.


    "Is it your period?"


    Eliza copsed on the floor, bursting into tears.


    Her cries were heart-wrenching, filled with despair.


    "Stop crying. Does your stomach hurt? You''re an adult. Let me make you some ginger tea." He bent down to hold her, and her crying


    intensified. "Casper, you''re a


    wheel.ne


    murderer. You killed him, you killed him..."


    Casper was utterly confused as if lost in a fog.


    "Stop crying, then. I''ll take you to the hospital."


    He forcibly lifted her and rushed to the hospital.


    "Sir, your wife has had a miscarriage and needs a D&C surgery. Please sign here."


    The doctor emerged from the emergency room, holding a form.


    Casper thought he''d heard wrong, his brow furrowed, his voice


    What did you s


    you


    happened to her?" Conte to her?" Cot


    "She had a miscarriage. Your wife was pregnant, didn''t you know?"


    The doctor''s words hit Casper like a thunderbolt, shattering his heart.


    He felt the world copsing around him, enveloped in darkness. Pregnant?


    No wonder she kept refusing him, saying she couldn''t.


    So, she... was pregnant.


    He struggled to breathe, his heart wrenching as if stabbed by countless knives.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    After a long moment, he managed to sign his name with a trembling hand.


    He sat outside the emergency room, trying to calm down.


    Was the baby his?


    If it was, why didn''t she tell him when he wanted her?


    Why?


    Why would she rather risk the baby than tell him about the pregnancy? Why?

 Chapter 212

    Was it not his child?


    Then whose could it be?


    She was at Mercy Hospital, and only Zach and Aaron had visited her.


    Was it one of them?


    Casper sped his head, struggling in agony.


    After her surgery, Eliza was wheeled into the ward. She stared nkly at the stark white ceiling, her eyes gradually reddening, brimming with tears. She endured, biting her lip tightly, almost to the point of bleeding, not allowing herself to cry out loud.


    The door to the ward was gently pushed open, and Casper walked in. He didn''t speak, remaining silent for a long time. Just as he was about to speak, Eliza''s voice trembled. "Leave, I don''t want to see you." He took a deep breath. His brows were tightly furrowed, and he was looking at the pale-faced woman on the bed.


    "Whose child was it?"


    She red at him, her eyes filled with deep hatred, like an enraged beast ready to tear everything apart. "Whose it was has nothing to do with you."


    Casper raised his hand to rub his face, took a deep breath, and then slowly exhaled. His voice carried a barely noticeable tremble. "It was mine, wasn''t it?" "Do you deserve it?"


    She closed her eyes in pain, tears leaking out, filled with sadness and despair. Her world seemed to copse at that moment, all hopes and dreams turning to dust.


    He wanted to say something. He


    didn''t know what was filling his chest; he moved his lips a few times,


    but nothing came out. Hisrge hand tightly held her cold, smal hand She struggled to pull away but couldn''t muster the strength.


    Casper wanted children and could easily find any woman to bear his child. He didn''t care about Eliza''s dwindling chances of bing a mother. But she cared. That was her courage and hope to live.


    She couldn''t hold back anymore and cried out painfully. The piercing cry echoed in the empty room, touching everyone''s heart.


    Casper called Caroline, asking her toe to the hospital to take care of Eliza. Caroline rushed to the hospital, only to find out about Eliza''s miscarriage.


    "What happened? Did you hit her?" Caroline frowned slightly, looking at the man with a stern face. "How did she miscarry? She was pregnant. How could you..." "Enough." He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. "You take care of her. I have to leave for a bit."


    "Casper, Eliza had a miscarriage. What could be more important than staying with your wife now? Shouldn''t you beforting her? She was carrying your child."


    Caroline grabbed Casper''s arm,


    pulling him back. Casper was


    already upset and suddenly lost his


    §ÖN?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    temper. Was it my child she was carrying? If she was carrying my child, why didn''t she tell me? If she had told me she was pregnant, I would have never touched her. Go ask her whose child it was!"


    p.


    Caroline gave Casper a sharp p. "Casper, are you even human? If it''s not your child, then whose is it? You''re even doubting this. You''re really..."


    Her fingertips were trembling with anger.


    "Yes, I''m the crazy one. I should be locked up in an asylum. I''ll go be crazy somewhere else."


    Casper left the hospital with a storm of anger. Caroline took deep breaths, trying hard to suppress the frustration in her heart. Then she pushed open the door to the ward and went in. "Eliza." Caroline''s voice was soft and gentle, as if afraid to disturb Eliza. "Are you okay?"

 Chapter 213

    Hearing Caroline''s voice, Eliza finally opened her tired eyes and struggled to sit up. "Sis."


    "Don''t get up. Just stay put," Caroline said, helping hery back down and pulling up a chair to sit by the bed. "Casper called me to look after you. He just admitted his mistakes to me, crying his eyes out, saying he was wrong."


    Eliza didn''t believe it. Casper was not the type to admit his mistakes. For more than two years she had been with him, and she had never seen him admit he was wrong. Even to his own mother, it seemed he had never lowered his head. He had admitted his mistake? She scoffed and shook her head. "Sis, even if he admits ten thousand mistakes, it won''t bring back our baby."


    "When did this happen?" Caroline grabbed Eliza''s cold hand, looking at her with pity. "Why didn''t you tell Casper you were pregnant? Actually, he was really hoping you two could have a child."


    Casper hoped she would bear his child? No way. He wouldn''t like it if she got pregnant. Even if he liked children, it would only be the ones Nova had.


    "Sis, he''s getting engaged to Nova," Eliza murmured, her eyshes drooping slightly, losing their shine. "Even so, he won''t let me go. What should I do?"


    Eliza presented Caroline with her tough predicament. Casper was not one to be easily persuaded. Moreover, he always did things his way, without letting others have a say. When Eliza first married into the Welton family, she was cheerful, sunny, always wearing a radiant smile. Somewhere along the line, she became like this, her face full of sorrow. Despite her beauty and sweet smile, marriage had tormented her into a shadow of her former self. The Welton family had its responsibilities, but Casper''s were greater.


    "I''ll talk to him again. I''ll also have Mom talk to him. If there''s no love between you two, being together only adds to the pain."N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    "Sis, I want to leave," Eliza said with a bitter smile, looking apologetic yet somewhat sorrowful.


    Caroline''s heart clenched. She held Eliza''s hand even tighter. "Leave? To where? Please don''t do anything foolish."


    "Casper won''t let me go. He loves Nova so much, and he wants to annihte the Pinotti family. If I die, only Robin will be left in the Pinotti family, and Casper''ll get his wish." To Eliza, faking her death didn''t matter anymore and she wouldn''t mind if she died for real because she had lost her baby. Life held no hope, like a day that never sees the sun.


    "How can you think like that? Casper is just... he''s lost his way. He probably doesn''t even realize what he''s doing. I''ll talk to him, and ask him to divorce you, okay?"


    Caroline''s heart ached. Why did marriage have to be a woman''s prison and an inescapable cmity? Was it just because ofck of love? Eliza smiled, a smile more bitter than coffee.


    After staying with Eliza for a while, and ensuring that she had fallen asleep, Caroline prepared to leave. At the end of the long hospital


    corridor, the dim light shone on


    Caroline''s face, adding a touch of mncholy to her gentle features. She quietly took out her phone and dialed Casper''s number.


    "I''m about to head back. Can youe to the hospital and keep Elizapany?" Her voice carried a hint of pleading and exhaustion.


    On the other end, Casper''s voice was as cold as ice. "I have some things to deal with here. I''ll send Dillon to take care of her."


    Hearing his indifferent tone, Caroline''s anger red, and she couldn''t help but snap. "Is Dillon Eliza''s husband? Casper, if you really treat Eliza this way, you''ll regret it one day." Casper was unmoved on the phone. "Is there anything else?"


    "You... you''re beyond redemption."


    Caroline felt a wave of helplessness. Casper''s indifference was chilling.

 Chapter 214

    Caroline took a deep breath, steadied her emotions, and then turned to leave.


    Three dayster.


    Casper showed up at the hospital.


    Dillon was waiting by the entrance.


    Seeing him approach, Dillon stood up, "Mr. Casper."


    "How is she?" Casper asked.


    "She doesn''t talk much, her appetite''s terrible, and she just stares off into space. Could it be her depression acting up again?"


    Every day, Dillon would sneak peeks into the patient room through the ss.


    Sometimes, when he saw Eliza lost in thought for too long, he''d go in, interrupt her, and chat about random things.


    She usually didn''t respond with words and either


    nodded or shook her head.


    Casper pushed open the door and walked in.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza nced at him briefly before turning back to stare out the window.


    "The family hired a nutritionist and a psychologist to help you once you''re back home."


    He had decided not to send her to an asylum.


    Even if she didn''t admit her mistakes, he wouldn''t send her there.


    "Casper, the 18th ising up, right?" She turned her pale face towards him, "It''s the day you and Nova get engaged."


    "Why do you care about these things?" His eyes darkened, not wanting to say more.


    As hiswful wife, she had no right to inquire about her own husband getting engaged to another woman-a monumental matter. Her life was truly a failure and a sorrow.


    "Casper, you really y the role of a cheating man to perfection." Her voice was dripping with mockery and despair.


    Casper''s expression changed slightly, and there was a sh of severity in his eyes, but he didn''tsh out.


    He took a deep breath and called out in a low voice, "Dillon."


    Dillon quickly entered the room, bowing respectfully. "Mr. Casper, what do you need?"


    "Proceed with the discharge procedures and take thedy home for some rest."


    "Understood."


    She was going back to being a woman of the Welton family.


    Eliza was cared for meticulously at every mealtime.


    For a month, she was under


    surveince in the Welton family et


    She was not even allowed to step out of the door.


    Casper and Nova''s engagement was postponed.


    The reason was unclear.


    Marian brought over a carefully stewed bowl of chicken soup to Eliza, "Ma''am, please have a sip


    while it''s warm."


    Eliza seemed not to hear. She didn''t even lift her eyelids and kept drawing on her tablet.


    "Ma''am, you need to eat. You''ve lost quite a bit of weight this month. Mr. Casper would be worried."


    Of course, Marian was more afraid of Casper ming the servants for a decline in her health.


    After finishing herst drawing, Eliza closed the tablet.


    She looked up at Marian. "Marian, you don''t need to watch over me every moment. I''ll eat when I''m hungry." "Ma''am, I didn''t mean that."


    Marian dared not lift her head.


    She had done some things against her will in the past, always feeling sorry for Eliza.


    Sometimes, she didn''t dare meet Eliza''s eyes directly.


    Eliza withdrew her gaze indifferently, preparing to go upstairs.


    At that moment, Casper''s car drove into the Welton Estate.


    "Marian, why was Casper and Nova''s engagement postponed?"


    Marian knew little but still reported truthfully, "I heard Ms. Nova fell ill, so it was postponed."


    "Ill? What illness could Nova have, "Do you know what it was?"


    "I heard something grew in her


    uterus, leading to severe bleeding et


    §Õ§Ñ


    They performed a surgery and said


    hemo


    was removed."


    W content


    Marian had only heard about it and was unsure of the truth.


    But that was what the servants attending to Nova had said.


    Most likely, it was true.


    Eliza felt a surge of relief in her heart. Nova''s uterus had been removed?


    It must''ve been severe, as Casper hadn''t been back for a long time. It couldn''t have been a minor illness.


    Karma indeed.


    It seemed Casper''s rough ways hadn''t been spared on Nova.


    Retribution.


    "When has it been postponed to?"

 Chapter 215

    "I heard it''s... the 6th of next month."


    The 6th of next month. That was still about twenty days away. She needed to find a chance to catch up with Chelsea and Aaron.


    Just then, Casper strode into the room. He was holding a small, elegant gift bag with a luxury brand logo on it. With a faint smile, he handed the bag to Eliza. "Here, this is for you." Eliza paused, not reaching out immediately. He noticed her hesitation and extended the bag towards her again, his voice gentle. "Take it."


    Eliza slowly reached out and took the gift bag. He watched her intently, silently urging her to open it. "Open it and see."


    Inside the box was a pair of pearl earrings. They were delicate, emitting a soft glow like tiny stars.


    "Do you like them?" he asked softly.


    Eliza didn''t respond. He gently took the earrings out of the box, raised his hand, and carefully ced them on her petite earlobes, his movements graceful and tender. "Yeah, they suit you." Eliza seemed unimpressed, raising her hand to take them off. "I don''t like wearing these kind of earrings."


    His hand quickly reached out, gently pressing down on her wrist. "Don''t move, keep them on."


    His nearlymanding tone carried a hint of displeasure. Eliza frowned but didn''t argue further.


    "Go change your clothes,e to the Welton family estate with me." Likely fearing Eliza''s refusal, he quickly added, "Mom specifically asked you toe over for dinner."


    Why did she have to go to the


    Welton family estate for dinner? In the two years of their marriage, Eliza had never dined with Casper at the family home. Was there something special happening? Eliza didn''t ask. She simply went to change her clothes and followed Casper out the door.


    Casper seemed dissatisfied with her attire. "In a few days, I''ll have the heads of those women''s fashion storese over to pick out some clothes you like."


    Eliza caught on. He was embarrassed by her in dress. "Mr. Casper, if you have specific needs, just bring the clothes over. I''ll wear them. No need to waste that money," Eliza''s tone was cool,ced with disdain.


    Casper''s deep gaze fell on her side profile. "As Mrs. Welton, isn''t it your duty to dress appropriately?"


    "I''m not the one apanying you to events, Mr. Casper, so who am I dressing up for?" she nced at him lightly, then looked away. "I think Mom won''t mind what I wear."


    Casper, stung by her retort, fell silent. Eliza also closed her eyes, resting in silence.


    The family estate was unusually quiet today. Eliza followed behind Casper, entering therge living room where a tense atmosphere hung in the air. Tristan had returned. It seemed something significant had urred. The household staff were busy serving dinner. Audrey was continuously twisting her prayer beads, silent. N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Once all the dishes were served, Tristan cleared his throat and began to speak. "Today, I''ve called you all back here because I have an important announcement to make." Audrey suddenly put down her prayer beads, looking up at her husband. Tristan turned away, avoiding her gaze, and continued, "I''ve decided to divorce your mother."


    The news stirred a storm of


    reactions. Caroline was so shocked


    she was rendered speechless.


    Casper''s brows also furrowed slightly, Audrey wasn''t too surprised and just watched Tristan calmly announce this decision. She calmly epted it.


    "Mom, Dad says he wants to divorce you? Have you two discussed this?" Caroline asked Audrey.

 Chapter 216

    Audrey shook her head, not showing much emotion.


    It felt like she had been waiting for this day for thirty years, long enough for her hair to turn gray.


    "Mom, does that mean you agree?"


    Audrey nodded, still calm as ever. "I agree."


    Caroline turned, her brow furrowed as she looked at Tristan. "Dad, since you and Mom are divorcing and she''s agreed, we have no objections. But how are we going to do this? You owe us an exnation, don''t you think?"


    "The family estate, the savings, the car, the properties-everything in your mom''s name, I don''t want any of it. Thepany... and I won''t divide stocks in my name either..." He finally looked directly at Audrey. "Audrey, does that sound fair to you?"


    Audrey gave a gentle smile. She picked up her rosary beads again, rolling them in her hand, and slowly closed her eyes. "Draft the agreement and bring it to me. I''ll sign it."


    "Dad, are you nning to marry that young actress?"


    Caroline shouldn''t have asked more, but she felt indignant for Audrey. Being a Welton for thirty years hadn''t been easy. With Jeffrey''s recent passing, Tristan seemed all too eager to move on. Quickly getting a divorce to remarry-was that something a decent person would do?


    "That''s none of your concern now. Since your mom has agreed, I''ll have thewyer draft the agreement as soon as possible." Tristan stood up, ncing at his watch. "I have other matters to attend to. You all go ahead and eat."


    Eliza watched Tristan leave so casually and then looked back at the heavy expressions of the Welton siblings. She felt somewhat happy for Audrey.


    Audrey must have wanted to leave Tristan for a long time; she had just gotten used to a life without him. To Audrey, being divorced or not made no difference. Mrs. Welton was just a tit


    So what if she carried the


    name or not? She... was finally free.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza lifted her cup of tea. "Mom, congrattions on ditching the loser. From now on, you''ll be Ms. Audrey, no longer Mrs. Welton."


    Eliza was genuinely happy for Audrey. Raising her cup, she drank up the tea.


    "Why are you making a fuss?" Casper looked at Eliza''s face with displeasure. "And offering congrattions."


    "A marriage without love could never be happy. Getting a divorce is a good thing." Eliza tugged at the corner of her lips, looking into Casper''s eyes, yet there was not a hint of warmth.


    He felt a pang in his heart. His gaze turned dark and intense.


    "Casper, if you truly cannot get along with Eliza, then consider a divorce as well. While you''re both still young, there''s no need to end up like me. This is Eliza''s life-how many years does she have to wait?" Audrey''s gaze was gentle yet profound as she quietly looked at her son, her voice calm yet tinged with an imperceptible sigh.


    Caroline, always outspoken, chimed in, "I feel the same way. Some rtionships should have ended long ago, yet they drag on without a divorce. Casper, if you don''t love Eliza, why keep dragging your feet and not divorce her?"


    "Do you all think I should divorce her?" He turned his head slightly, his pupils contracting as his gaze fell on Eliza''s cool profile, and coldly spoke, "What now? You convinced people to persuade me?"


    Eliza couldn''t respond. Caroline


    couldn''t stand Casper''s attitude towards Eliza She took a deep breath, unable to hold back from advising Casper, you''ve got it all wrong about Eliza. She didn''t ask us to be any sort of mediators; it''s just that we can''t stand to watch this anymore. If you want to have a good life with Eliza, then please decisively cut ties with Nova. If you no longer wish to continue this marriage, then it''s better to just cleanly break it off."

 Chapter 217

    Eliza was grateful that the Weltondies stood up for her. But knowing Casper as she did, she knew it wouldn''t make any difference. He was the type to obsess once he set his mind on something. No amount of persuasion or advice could sway him. As long as his fixation persisted, everything else was futile.


    "I think we can skip dinner." Casper stood up, tilting his head slightly as he looked at Eliza beside him. "Let''s go, Mrs. Welton. I think we need to have a deep... discussion about our thoughts."


    Eliza pursed her lips tightly as she stood up to bid farewell to Audrey and Caroline. "Mom, sis, we''ll be heading back now."


    Caroline seemed to want to say more, her gaze trailing after Eliza as Casper dragged her away. She watched Eliza stumble out of the room and finally sighed in resignation.


    "Mom, I really don''t understand what''s going through Casper''s mind. If he doesn''t love Eliza, why can''t he let her go? Is it really just possessiveness?"


    "Love can be possessive. But without love..."


    "You know what, Caroline? There''s a kind of love called oblivious love," Audrey said, toying with her rosary beads as she slowly turned to her daughter. Her voice was calm yet filled with meaning. Caroline was taken aback, finding the answer hard to believe. "Mom, are you saying... Casper actually loves Eliza?"N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    That seemed impossible. Loving someone meant pampering and cherishing them, not bullying them.


    "Mom, if he loves her, how could he drive Eliza to attempt suicide? You''ve seen the scars on her wrists; they''re horrifying."


    Audrey sighed softly, looking weary. "Maybe I was wrong about him. I''m tired; I need to rest."


    Caroline looked out, lost in thought. What is love? Even if she didn''t understand romance, she knew Casper''s way wasn''t it.


    At the Welton Estate, Casper gripped Eliza''s wrist and threw her onto the couch. His eyes were cold and dark.


    As he undid his cufflinks, he looked at her sitting on the couch. "It seems I''ve treated you so poorly that even the rest of the Welton family can''t stand it."


    "Do you think you''ve treated me


    well?" She removed her pearl earrings and threw them to the ground. Casper, pping me and then offering a sweet doesn''t mean you''ve treated me well, especially when your sweets aren''t sweet at atp."


    "Are you discontent?" He chuckled, undoing two buttons on his shirt and approaching Eliza, pulling her close. "Then tell me, what kind of sweet would be sweet enough for you?"


    "You sent my father to jail, arranged


    for my mother''s organs to be transnted to Nova, drove my brother insane, had memitted to an asylum, and denied me my right to motherhood by causing me to miscarry. How could those possibly make me feel any sweetness?"


    The sharp pain brought uncontroble tears to her eyes. She forced augh, suddenly grabbing his cor. "Casper, for everything you''ve done to me, even in death, I won''t forgive you." Their eyes locked. The air was heavy and oppressive. Her hatred nearly burst forth.


    Casper smirked, gripping her wrist,


    his voice tight. "Let me tell you again, your dad''s suicide in jail had nothing to do with me. I''m still looking for evidence of your mom''s organs being transnted into Nova As for your brother..."


    Robin''s situation left him speechless. But the miscarriage wasn''t intentional on his part.

 Chapter 218

    "Eliza, are you seriously telling me that child wasn''t mine? If you had just told me you were pregnant from the start, would I have even touched you? Why didn''t you say anything? Or did you never want me to know in the first ce?" His eyes darkened as if he was verifying his thoughts step by step.


    She suddenlyughed, tears wetting the corners of her eyes, casting a desperate sheen. "That''s right, I never intended to tell you. You''re not fit to be a father, just like your own father. You''re shameless, despicable, the lowest of the low. People like you don''t deserve descendants."


    "Then who does?" His annoyance red, his hand clenching around her neck, pinning her to the couch, his stare menacing. "Tell me, who is worthy of being a father to your child?"


    Eliza struggled to breathe under his grip. She took deep,bored breaths, her eyes red and ring at him, but said nothing.


    "Damn it." He cursed, releasing her neck and lifting her over his shoulder, heading to the bedroom. Her face was streaked with tears. Her body trembled like a deer that had been cornered.


    Something in him softened. "What else can you do besides infuriate me?" He leaned in, his arm propping next to her, attempting to kiss her lips, but she dodged.


    "We can still have children. It''s not the end of the world. I''ll just have to try harder." A void opened in Eliza''s heart. The man standing in the sunlight, with a gentle smile, suddenly vanished from her world. The bubble she had painstakingly maintained burst into nothingness. She was alone in her world.


    Eliza looked at Casper, feeling suddenly distant. Her slender fingertips, cold to the touch, traced his handsome face, lifting the corners of her mouth into a half-smile, revealing dimples. "Casper, you''re so handsome. It''s a pity..."


    He should never have appeared in her life that year when she was eighteen. Nor should she have given him that portrait. She had sinned by falling in love with him, costing her family everything.


    "What are you trying to say?" He


    grasped her wrist, his eyesplex and indecipherable. She shook her head lightly, her smile enigmatic. Her cold fingertips gently slid over his features, finally resting on his lips, caressing them softly.


    His heart raced. His throat turned dry. "What''s... what''s wrong?"


    "Casper, it seems I never quite learned how to be with you." From the moment they married, she had tried adapting to him, cooperating with him, following his lead, even humbling herself... It didn''t matter anymore. Really, it didn''t matter.


    Casper felt something was off with Eliza but couldn''t pinpoint it. He gently caressed her face. "I... have a temper, too."


    She shook her head. It wasn''t about his temper but about meeting her that made it worse. "Casper, we''re clearly the least suitable for each other, yet here we are, entangled. It must have been hard on you, too. Your revenge wasn''t just for Nova but also a way to vent your own grievances, right?" This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She nestled her face into his palm with a smile. "I''m truly sorry." His heart tightened inexplicably. Looking down, he gently kissed her lips, his hand wrapping around her waist, pulling her close.


    In the quiet room, only the sound of their intimate kissing could be heard. She responded willingly, tilting her head back to ept his deep, dominant kisses.

 Chapter 219

    Eliza''s cooperation left him feeling deeply satisfied. He couldn''t seem to get enough of her, pulling her close again and again, losing count after the third or fourth time. Afterward, he didn''t leave her to shower like he usually did. Instead, he held her tight, smothering her with kisses for what felt like forever before finally letting her go.


    From that day on, the smile that had long been absent from Eliza''s face started to reappear. Though it wasn''t as carefree as it used to be, at least to Casper, it was a huge improvement. She stopped talking about divorce and didn''t push back as much. To him, this was a big deal.


    Her pearl earrings found their way back to her earlobes, a small but significant change. Casper felt a sense of relief and began to loosen his grip on her, giving her a bit more freedom.


    She took advantage of this newfound space and arranged to meet Chelsea and Aaron at a quiet, private club.


    "Let''s stick to the n we discussed," she said softly but firmly. "Aaron, I''m really sorry for dragging you into this mess."


    A sh ofplicated emotion crossed Aaron''s eyes. "Don''t apologize. No one wanted things to turn out this way. It''s all Casper''s fault..."


    Chelsea took Eliza''s hand, her excitement palpable. "His engagement party is the day after tomorrow. Can you go through with it? Are you sure?"


    "Yes," Eliza nodded. This was herst shot. Only if she ''died'' and disappeared from his world could she truly be free.


    "I''ve already prepped the house in Oak Falls," Chelsea said, having covered all bases. "Eliza, I can''t wait to see you start afresh."


    "I''ve arranged for the press, an ambnce, and every tiny detail," Aaron added, hopeful. "I believe everything will go smoothly."


    "Thank you, Chelsea. Thank you, Aaron," Eliza said, filled with anticipation. She was ready for the day she''d rise from the ashes.


    ...


    The big screen in the square kept looping footage of Casper and Nova''s uing engagement party. Eliza sat in the taxi, looking wistfully at the dreamlike venue, letting out a soft sigh. She had stolen Nova''s happiness but was ready to return it. She didn''t want it anymore.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Back at the Welton family home, she switched into her slippers and headed upstairs, nning to catch some sleep.


    As she opened the bedroom door, she was suddenly overwhelmed by a barrage of kisses, like a storm catching her off guard.


    Casper held the back of her head,


    pressing her down onto the big bed, their faces brushing against each other. He didn''t give her any chance to escape, almost melding her into his own body.


    "Where have you been?" he asked, his breath heavy, their noses nearly touching.


    She blinked her moist eyes. "I just met Chelsea, and we had a chat."


    "I missed you today."


    Casper had been restless at Welton International, constantly battling the urge to call her. He''d dial her number, then delete it, over and over. Finally, he couldn''t take it


    anymore and came home early.


    His arms wrapped tightly around her, and he kissed her forehead. "And you?"


    "I... am a bit hungry."


    "I''ll check if Marian''s done cooking." He kissed her lips and then got up. "Food will be ready soon."


    She nodded with a smile, like a


    gentle breeze rippling across ake. But once the door closed, her fake smile faded quickly, like a painting losing its color, vanishing into thin air


    He missed her? What a joke.


    Did she miss him? Absolutely not.


    She wished she''d never see him again.


    Casper walked into the kitchen, his steps unhurried and elegant. Marian hurried over. "Sir, it''s not time to eat yet. Are you hungry?"

 Chapter 220

    "Eliza''s stomach growled. Is there anything ready to eat?" he asked, his usually stern face softening into a rare smile that left Marian momentarily stunned. "How about I whip up some ramen for Mrs. Eliza?" "I''ll handle it," he said, ncing at Marian. "Let''s make some ramen. Get the ingredients ready for me."


    "Of course, sir."Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    With Marian''s swift assistance, a steaming bowl of ramen was soon ready.


    "Marian, go tell Eliza that dinner''s ready," Casper instructed gently, his eyes brimming with warmth and anticipation.


    "Right away, sir. I''ll call her down."


    Marian hadn''t gotten far when she saw Eliza descending the stairs.


    "Madam, your ramen is ready. Mr. Welton made it himself," Marian announced quietly.


    "Alright."


    Eliza nced over.


    Casper was walking out of the kitchen, carrying a steaming bowl of ramen. The aroma was enticing, filling the room with warmth.


    Perhaps the bowl was too hot, because Casper gently pinched his earlobe as he set it down, looking oddly cute in the process.


    Cute?


    That didn''t seem like a word that should describe him.


    "Dinner isn''t quite ready yet, so have some ramen to tide you over," he waved her over, his smile soft and indulgent.


    Eliza returned his smile and walked over quickly. "Honestly, I could wait," she said.


    "If you''re hungry, eat. No need to wait," he insisted, handing her a pair of chopsticks. "Eat while it''s hot."


    Eliza nodded and sat down obediently, picking up some ramen with her chopsticks.


    She blew on them to cool them down a bit, then offered them to Casper. "You try it first. See if it tastes good."


    He looked at her with affection, eyes full of tenderness, and leaned in to take a bite, savoring the vor before nodding, "Mmm, delicious. I guess my cooking''s not too shabby." Eliza took a bite, her eyes twinkling as she gave Casper a thumbs up.


    She continued eating, chewing slowly and quietly, showing the kind of grace that only a well-mannered girl could manage while eating ramen.


    Unlike Nova, whocked such refinement.


    Nova loved going to fancy


    restaurants but never disyed t


    manners and etiquette


    st


    expected there.


    The more Casper thought about it, the more he realized that Nova


    at she was.


    the girl he had initially el


    "Uh..." he mumbled, touching his nose awkwardly. "the day after tomorrow, Nova and I..."


    "Your engagement?" Eliza put down her chopsticks, listening attentively.


    Casper suddenly felt a pang of guilt towards Eliza.


    "It''s not as straightforward as you think, it''s..."


    "I don''t mind," she said, offering a gentle smile.


    He admired her understanding of nature.


    But those words felt like thorns, pricking him all over.


    "Okay."


    He didn''t say anything more.


    He headed to the living room, lit a cigarette, and smoked quietly.


    Eliza raised an eyebrow slightly.


    There was no need for him to exin.


    The ramen was delicious.


    However, a bowl of ramen wasn''t enough to thaw her frozen heart.


    On the day of the engagement.


    Casper woke up early.


    Before getting out of bed, he leaned down


    todaEliza. "Don''t read the news be good. I''ll be back tonight just


    today. Stay off the inte and just


    "Mmm." She agreed softly.


    Half-asleep, she felt his kiss on her forehead. "Wait for me."

 Chapter 221

    Casper had just driven away from Welton Estate when Eliza sprang out of bed. She was still in her pajamas, watching the tail lights fade, feeling a strange burst of excitement. She quickly dressed in a white sweater, washed denim jeans, sneakers, and a fitted-down


    jacket. She even wore the pearl earrings Casper had given her.


    Eliza made herself look like she was heading out for a morning jog and went downstairs. "Ma''am, you''re up early. I''ll get breakfast ready right away," Marian said respectfully.


    Eliza stretched and gave an exaggerated yawn. "I''m going for a quick run first."


    "Ma''am, it''s freezing outside. Are you sure?"


    "Exercise keeps me healthy," Eliza said, bouncing on the spot a couple of times before jogging out of Welton Estate.


    By nine in the morning, Falconridge was buzzing with excitement as the highly anticipated engagement partymenced. Nova, dressed in a haute couture gown and wearing a tiara, soaked in the envy and well-wishes from everyone around her.


    The local media in Falconridge went all out, framing the grand event as Casper''s triumphant fresh start after his divorce, with headlines and stories that were both sensational and exaggerated. Amidst all the engagement coverage, a grim news report of a car ident slipped in.


    The scene of the ident was chaotic-fire trucks, ambnces, and a body covered by a white sheet. Dillon was lounging on the sofa, idly scrolling through his phone, when the news of the ident caught his eye. Intrigued, he clicked to erge the image, but it was still unclear. He decided to watch the live report instead.


    "A tragic car ident urred in our city today. A woman in her twenties was struck by an out-of-control vehicle while she was on a morning run and died on the spot. We found an ID in her pocket... The name is Eliza. We urge Eliza''s family to contact the authorities immediately."


    Eliza... dead in a car ident? DillonCopyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    leaped from the couch. This had to be some sort of twisted joke, right? Shaking, he called the TV station to verify. They confirmed that she had died on the scene and had been


    taken to the nearest hospital. They advised prompt action to handle the aftermath.


    Dazed, Dillon clutched his phone and rushed to the engagement party, frantically searching for Casper. "Mr. Casper, something terrible has


    happened," Dillon''s voice shook with urgency, struggling to get the words


    out


    Casper frowned, sensing the panic in the usuallyposed Dillon, a wave of dread washing over him. "What happened?"


    Dillon took a deep breath, trying to stayposed. "It''s Eliza. She''s been in an ident."


    "An ident?" Casper''s heart plummeted as if squeezed by an invisible hand. "Where is she? Is she hurt?"


    Dillon felt a lump in his throat. After a moment, he managed to say, "She... she didn''t make it."


    Casper felt as if he''d been struck by lightning, freezing where he stood He couldn''t process the words, his mind nk, his voice trembling to the point of incoherence. "What do you mean she didn''t make it?"


    Dillon nodded solemnly, his expressionplex. "Mr. Casper, she was taken to the hospital. Maybe you should go see for yourself."


    Casper wanted tough at the absurdity of it all, but he couldn''t. His eyes welled up, his lips moved, but his throat was so tight he could barely speak.

 Chapter 222

    "Casper, your dad wants you toe over and make a toast," Nova said, her smile as sweet as ever, while she gently rested her hand on Casper''s arm.


    It was like he''d been hit by lightning. He yanked his arm away and took a couple of steps back before turning on his heel and hurrying outside.


    Dillon didn''t waste a second and followed him out.


    "Casper, what''s going on? What happened?" Nova called after him, her face full of confusion. When no one answered, she stomped her foot in frustration, muttering, "Where did he go? This is so weird." In the hospital morgue, Elizay silently under a white sheet.


    Casper''s legs almost gave way beneath him.


    Aaron, who had arrived earlier, reached out to steady him. "My condolences."


    "She... died?" Casper''s eyes were red, filled with disbelief. "No, she must be pranking me. She told me she''d wait for me when I left this morning... This can''t be real. She must be joking."


    "Mr. Casper, please calm down," Dillon tried to support him, but Casper shrugged him off and rushed to the gurney, lifting the sheet.


    Eliza''s face and body were covered in blood. The blood on her forehead had already clotted, and her skin and lips had the unmistakable pallor of death.


    "Mr. Casper, please don''t look," Dillon said, covering her again with the sheet.


    Casper shook his head, stumbling backward until he hit the hard wall. All his strength seemed to drain away as he slid down to the cold floor.


    "Eliza, who the hell gave you permission to die? Who... allowed this..."


    Aaron walked over slowly, crouched down to meet his eyes, and handed him something. "The doctor just gave me this. It''s Eliza''s. You should keep it." It was the pair of pearl earrings he had given Eliza.


    Casper stared nkly, feeling like an


    invisible hand was squeezing his heart, the pain overwhelming. He reached out, his hand shaking, and took the blood-stained earrings, holding them tightly in his palm.


    "Why are you here?" Casper asked, tears streaming as he looked at his old friend, grabbing him by the cor. "Aaron, my wife just died. Why are you here?"


    "The news wasn''t just for you."


    Aaron caught Casper''s wrist and etCopyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    pulled it down. "Casper, don''t you


    think this is the best oue? At least for Eliza, it is."


    Aaron let out a slow breath and stood up. "Casper, do you think Eliza was happy? She lived in constant fear, always cautious. She wanted a divorce, but you wouldn''t let her go. Now she''s dead,pletely out of your life. Tell me, is she happy now?"


    "Everything''se full circle. lust pretend she never came into your world." Aaron patted Casper''s shoulder and walked away, his voice still echoing. The police arrived, and Dillon went to get more information.


    "Mr. Casper, the police say... it wasn''t an ident."


    Casper''s eyes were red, and his voice trembled. "Then, what was it?"


    "The police investigation found that your wife ran into the car''s way. It couldn''t stop in time and hit her... it was suicide."


    Casper suddenlyughed, tears streaming down his face. "Suicide?"


    Dillon helped Casper up from the ground. "Mr. Casper, you still need to take care of your wife''s funeral. You need to be strong."


    Eliza''s suicide hit Casper like an atomic bomb, leaving him utterly shattered, a shell of his former self.


    How desperate must she have been to choose to end her life on a bright morning?

 Chapter 223

    "It''s freezing here. I''m taking her home," Casper said, stumbling to his feet and heading towards the morgue gurney.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Dillon quickly stepped in to stop him. "Mr. Casper, you can''t do this."


    "She''s my wife. I''m taking her home." His eyes were bloodshot, and he shoved Dillon aside to reach for the lifeless body on the table.


    Dillon blocked him again. "Mr. Casper, she''s gone. You can''t take her."


    But Casper acted as if he hadn''t heard, still struggling to hold her. "I need to take her home. She broke her promise. I need to teach her a lesson."


    "Mr. Casper..." Dillon''s voice broke, his eyes welling up. "...we need to prepare for her funeral. You can''t take her."


    "Get out of my way." Casper''s eyes shimmered with grief. "How could she be so heartless? Why did she take her own life?"


    Tears streamed down his face, his lips trembling. "Even if she hated me, she could''vee after me. Why did she choose to end her own life? Dillon, tell me why. Was it to punish me? Why? Tell me why!"


    Dillon felt a tightness in his chest. He didn''t understand why Eliza had ended her life so easily. Maybe a bout of depression overwhelmed her. The doctors had mentioned her suicidal tendencies.


    "Mr. Casper, there are still many things to handle, like the engagement party... We need a resolution."


    "My wife is dead. What engagement am I supposed to care about? I don''t want those contracts. I don''t want anything. Nothing..." Casper''s voice was hoarse, filled with endless despair and sorrow. His world turned to monochrome in that instant. Dillon couldn''t persuade Casper to leave. He had no choice but to call Caroline.


    Caroline, busy with work, was stunned when she heard the news about Eliza. She didn''t know how she managed to get to the hospital; every step felt as heavy as lead.


    She looked at Eliza on the morgue gurney, and took a couple of deep breaths. She didn''t want to disturb Casper, and turned to Dillon. "How could this happen? Just... a car ident?"


    "The police said... it was suicide," Dillon said somberly.


    Caroline''s heart clenched tightly. A suffocating pain swept through her body. Suicide? It was unexpected, yet not unexpected. After enduring so much inhumane treatment, poor Eliza could no longer bear it. She had been strong. At least, she had held on till now.


    Tears wound down her face. Caroline wiped them away and looked at Casper''s red-rimmed eyes. Her voice was hoarse, "Now that she''s gone, I wonder who you''ll torment next."


    "Ms. Caroline, before the incident, their rtionship had actually improved quite a bit. Please don''t me him," Dillon tried to exin.


    Caroline''s lips curled into a cold smirk. Improved? If their rtionship had truly improved, would she have chosen to end her life? "It was just an illusion," she said quietly and sadly. "She was just waiting for the right moment to bepletely


    freed."


    Helplessness, sorrow, regret. No emotion could better capture Caroline''s feelings at that moment. Mostly, it was heartache. It was reluctance and pity for Eliza''s brief life.


    Caroline forcefully took Casper


    away. He locked himself in the bedroom, refusing toe out for anyone. The engagement party was canceled. The engagement party; which had been eagerly reported by all major media in Falconridge, was reced by the news of the young Mrs. Welton''s suicide.


    Nova, watching this explosive news at home, suddenly felt a surge of happiness andughed.

 Chapter 224

    "Eliza, oh Eliza, I thought you were tougher than this. Turns out, you were just as breakable. You''ve really done it this time, ying yourself to death. You couldn''t have picked a better time, could you? You''ve handed Casper over to me on a silver tter. Don''t worry, we''ll


    be happy. Just watch us from down below."


    Nova pulled out her phone and dialed Casper.


    Once, twice, three times no answer. By the fourth call, it went straight to voicemail.


    "What''s going on? I was humiliated at the engagement party. He should be hereforting me. He can''t still be upset about Eliza, can he?"


    Forget it.


    She decided not to bother him for now. After all, the dead couldn''te back. ''It''s normal to grieve for a few days,'' she thought. Why hold a grudge against someone who''s no longer here? Only Casper and Caroline attended Eliza''s funeral. The Welton family''s cemetery was eerily quiet, with gentle snowkes falling from the sky.


    Casper, holding Eliza''s urn, gently ced it into the grave. There were two graves-one for Eliza and one reserved by Casper for himself. He had decided that in death, they would lie side by side, whether she wanted it or not. He even had his own name engraved on the tombstone.


    Caroline stood by, her heart a whirlwind of emotions. "Why even do this?" Caroline had many reproaches to voice. "You were never kind to her in life, and now that she''s gone, you put on this act of deep affection. Who are you trying to impress? Who even cares?" Casper seemed not to hear her, kneeling in front of the grave, carefully filling it with soil, burying Eliza''s urn slowly and meticulously. His movements were earnest, focused, and tender. His dark hair was covered with snowkes.


    Caroline exhaled a deep breath,


    visible in the cold air. "Do you


    remember what Eliza was like when she first married you? She''s such a lively young girl, always with a bright, sweet smile. Sometimes, I wondered how such a wonderful girl existed in this world. She truly seemed like an angel..." This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "She was so beautiful, had such a great personality, her paintings were so lovely, and she was so caring. Yet, her life was so bitter. She loved you so much but never got your love in return. You went out of your way to torment her and her family for another woman. She bore so much. Her heart must have been in


    constant pain...


    "You never loved her, nor did you ever intend to. You just used her as an outlet for your frustrations. You never nned to have a real life with her, did you? Now you grieve like this just because she died too soon, right?" "Yes, you''re right. I''m a monster."


    His voice was soft, as light as the snowkes drifting from the sky. It was so cold and full of despair. How could such a person be worthy of speaking about love? Casper never loved anyone. Maybe he only loved himself, but why did his heart hurt so badly?


    "You go back home. I want to stay here a bit longer." He remained kneeling, allowing the snowkes to cover him entirely. Caroline moved her lips, about to say more. But she saw Casper''s dejected appearance and swallowed her remaining words. "Then, you go ahead and repent."

 Chapter 225

    Dillon quickened his pace when he spotted Caroline leaving the graveyard. "Ms. Caroline," he greeted with respect.


    "Go keep an eye on him. Make sure he doesn''t do anything foolish," Caroline said, her voice carrying a faint sigh as she shook her head slightly.


    Dillon bowed and replied solemnly, "Don''t worry. I''ll take good care of Mr. Casper."


    He turned and walked briskly into the graveyard, stopping a few meters away from Casper to silently offer hispany. Snowkes drifted down, nketing the cemetery in white. The cold air was heavy, filled with an overwhelming sense of destion. Casper remained on his knees, unmoving, his eyes locked on the photo on the tombstone. Dillon wanted to offer somefort, but his feet stayed rooted to the spot.


    It wasn''t just repentance Casper felt it was regret that he no longer had the chance to make things right.


    The snowfall gradually stopped, bing a piercing cold rain drumming against the ground. Dillon quietly opened his umbre and moved closer, his voice gentle. "Mr. Casper, it''s starting to rain. Maybe we should head back?"


    He tilted the umbre to shield Casper from the rain. Casper''s hunched shoulders tightened slightly, acknowledging Dillon''s words before he slowly stood up. He remained silent, his steps aimless.


    Even after getting into the car, he didn''t say a word.


    "Mr. Casper, should we go home or to the office?" Dillon asked carefully, adding, "Your father is waiting for you at the office..."


    "Let him wait," Casper replied, his voice cold and soft. "Let''s go home."


    "Yes, sir," Dillon immediately signaled to the driver.


    The car pulled away slowly, leaving a scene heavy with silence and sorrow.


    Back at the Welton residence, the quiet felt even more oppressive. Marian met them at the door, offering slippers and taking Casper''s damp coat. Her eyes were filled with tears, "Sir, has thedy... beenid to rest?"


    Dillon shook his head at Marian, signaling her not to ask further questions. Marian cried softly before heading to the kitchen.


    Soon, she returned with two


    steaming cups of coffee, cing them gently on the table. The rich


    aroma filled the room, bringing


    small measure of warmth. But


    She


    Marian didn''t leave right away. stood there, hesitating, as if she had


    something to say.


    Dillon noticed and frowned slightly. "Marian, there''s nothing more for you to do here. You should rest. Mr. Casper needs some time alone." Marian''s lips moved, her fingers nervously twisting her apron, her knuckles turning white. "Sir, I..."


    "Marian, if you have something to say, say it now. Mr. Casper is very tired today."


    Dillon''s message was clear-Casper had no energy for anything trivial. Anything that wasn''t urgent could wait.


    Marian suddenly dropped to her knees in front of Casper.


    Casper lifted his weary, sorrowful eyes to look at her. "Marian, what are you doing?"


    "I... I feel so bad for Mrs. Welton," Marian stammered, pping herself twice. "I need to tell you... that


    embroidery screen, it wasn''t Mrs.


    Welton who ruined it. It was Met


    Nova. She was the one whoN?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    §Ö


    damaged it. And when Ms. Nova was stabbed, she did it to herself. It wasn''t the Mrs. Welton. ffwasn''t


    her..."

 Chapter 226

    Marian choked back her sobs, her hands flying uncontrobly to her face. The left side was swelling up quickly, and blood was trickling from the corner of her mouth.


    Casper rubbed his face hard, trying to keep a lid on the rage boiling inside him. The corners of his lips twitched despite his efforts. "Why are you only telling me this now? When I asked you before, why did you lie?"


    "I... I was scared to tell the truth," Marian stammered, trembling, not knowing what to do with her hands. "Ms. Nova said if I told the truth, she''d make sure my son wouldn''t graduate. I was terrified, so..."


    "So, you dared to tantly deceive me?" Casper''s voice was tight with fury. The veins on his forehead bulged, and his hands felt like they might burst. "Is this how you repay my trust? Now that Eliza''s dead, what good does telling me this do?" Marian fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face. "Sir, I''m so sorry this happened to you and Mrs. Welton. I made an unforgivable mistake. I deserve to be punished."


    Her cries echoed through the empty room, heavy with guilt and regret.


    Casper raised a trembling hand to his forehead. He wasn''t sure if it was from sadness or something else. He leaned back on the couch and took a long, deep breath.


    "Dillon, any new leads or progress on Rose''s organs?" Casper''s voice was slow and drained.


    Dillon paused, then said, "Mr. Casper, we found some things. Those two doctors who fled abroad-one died in an abandoned factory, and the other drowned in his own toilet. It''s clear these weren''t natural deaths. I suspect..." Casper''s eyebrows furrowed as if expectingplications. "You think... Nova had something to do with it?"


    Dillon hesitated, unsure. "We can''t be


    certain it was Nova, but she''s definitely a prime suspect. Besides


    her, we can''t think of a conse


    who''d do such a thing."


    Casper was silent for a moment, a mix of emotions shing through his eyes. He remembered confronting Nova, but she had firmly denied everything. Her innocent and


    distressed look was still vivid in his


    memory.


    Heughed bitterly at his own naivety. Maybe that innocence was just an act. Was he the one who imposed an image of purity on her? Who was Nova, really?


    "Mr. Casper, Faithe was also involved. She''s the closest to the truth, but we might need to be... firm with her."


    "Interrogate her thoroughly." Casper pressed his palms hard against his knuckles, the sound chilling.


    Dillon nodded. "Understood."


    Marian was still kneeling. Casper was frustrated and gave Dillon a look. Dillon quickly helped Marian up and led her away.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    The room still held all of Eliza''s belongings. However, she was nevering back.


    In his palmy a pair of pearl earrings, quietly resting there. There were no pleasant memories


    between him and Eliza. Perhaps they had their most harmonious days just before she died.


    She had deceived him, made him lower his guard. She picked his engagement day to die-did she think he wouldn''t care?


    "Eliza, I''m telling you, if I see you in the next life, I will still hold onto you. You won''t... you won''t escape me."

 Chapter 227

    Caspery sprawled on his bed, his arms shielding his eyes. Tears trickled down his cheeks, one drop after another. Maybe, only here, in his own little sanctuary, could he let go of his pain and sorrowpletely.


    Tristan couldn''t find Casper at Welton International. Frustrated, he floored the gas pedal and sped straight home.


    Dillon was lounging in the living room when he noticed car headlights sweeping across the floor-to-ceiling windows. He got up and headed outside. Tristan stormed out of his car, shouting, "Casper! Get out here! The whole town''sughing at your engagement party, and you''re hiding like a coward." "Mr. Casper is grieving right now," Dillon said, raising a hand to block Tristan''s path. "Maybe you shoulde back another day."


    "Grieving? For what?" Tristan scoffed. "A woman he didn''t love is dead. Isn''t that what he wanted? Stop this charade ande down to see me!" "Mr. Casper..." Dillon started, but then he saw Caspering down the stairs with his eyes red and swollen. "Let him in," Casper said quietly. "Yes."


    Dillon stepped aside, and Tristan barged into the living room with a huff.


    "Casper, do you have any idea how many business partners from Welton International I invited to your engagement? What kind of stunt are you pulling? You disappeared for a week? Do you know how much damage this has caused?" Casper slumped into the sofa, rubbing his temples. "Oh, didn''t get those department store shares? Or did the Henderson family refuse to sell you thatnd?"


    "You..." Tristan''s eyes narrowed as


    he realized Casper knew everything. "Nova''s assets were supposed to be yours and the Welton family''s. Where does buying and sellinge into this?"


    "Really?" Casper tossed a contract onto the table. "The contract doesn''t mention your cut."


    "Casper, are you trying to y games with me? Are you settling scores? I was ying this game before you were even born," Tristan snarled, pping the table.


    "Just so you know, the Henderson family''s will clearly states all their assets go to Eliza. Nova had no right to deal with any of those assets, including the shares andnd she sold to you."


    Tristan burst intoughter. "To Eliza? Didn''t you just bury her? How could it go to her?"


    "She''s dead, but I''m still alive." Casper''s eyes, dark and intense, bore into Tristan. "Which means all her inheritancees to me, including the shares andnd Nova sold to you. They don''t count."


    "You..." Tristan was livid. "...you''ve gone too far. How could I have a son like you plotting against me?"


    "You broke the rules first," Casper said tly.


    Raising a finger, Casper signaled Dillon to escort Tristan out. "Mr. Tristan, you should go. Mr. Casper isn''t in the mood for this. Don''t stir things up."N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    "So now it''s my fault he''s upset?" Tristan''s fingers trembled as he pointed at Casper. "Eliza''s suicide has already messed with Welton International''s stock prices. You need to fix this, not sit here


    mourning that reckless girl.


    "Leave, now..." Casper almost growled, pointing to the door. "...Get out..."


    Dillon grabbed Tristan and hauled him out as Tristan cursed all the way.


    Casper was exhausted. He needed some proper rest. Maybe he could see her again in his dreams and ask why she chose to end things this way...

 Chapter 228

    A Month Later...


    Nova hadn''t seen Casper in what felt like forever, and it was driving her up the wall. She''d tried calling him countless times.


    Either his phone was off, or no one would answer, andtely... it went straight to a disconnected number.


    How could the CEO of Welton International have a disconnected number? He must have blocked her.


    But why? Eliza was gone. Shouldn''t he be more focused on her now? What was going on?


    Nova couldn''t make sense of it.


    Then, a team of movers barged in.


    She frowned at the intruders. "Who are you? How can you just waltz into my house?"


    "The house has been sold. The owner asked us to help you move your stuff," one of the movers said, ncing at his clipboard and then back at Nova. "You''re the tenant, Nova, right?" Tenant? Since when?


    "I own this ce. Who told you toe?" Nova''s face turned pale, raising her cane towards the movers. "You can''t just enter someone''s house like this. I could call the police." The mover checked his clipboard again, "Ms. Nova, the deed is in Mr. Casper''s name, not yours. Would you like to pack up yourself, or shall we help you?" Was Casper trying to kick her out? Why?


    No, he wasn''t kicking her out. He must''ve been nning to marry and move her into the Welton Estate. That had to be it.


    An excited smile spread across Nova''s face. She lifted her chin, directing the movers. "Go ahead and pack. My belongings are very valuable, so be careful." "We have specialized packing materials, don''t worry."


    "Alright, proceed."


    The movers efficiently packed Nova''s belongings and moved them out. Then, following the owner''s instructions, they locked the door.


    "Ms. Nova, if you have a new ce, we can move your stuff there," one of them offered.


    Thinking she''d soon move to the Welton Estate, Nova waved her hand dismissively. "It''s okay. Someone wille for me soon."


    "I see," the mover handed her a bill. "Then, could you please settle the payment? It''s $2,346 in total. Cash or card?"


    "What?" Nova bristled, her face souring, "Why... is there a fee?"


    The mover looked at her, slightly amused. "We''re not a charity."


    Huffily, Nova pulled out her phone and made the payment. "I''ll soon be Mrs. Welton, so I won''t quibble over $2,000. Consider it a coffee treat for you guys."


    The movers exchanged confused looks, said no more, and left after receiving the payment.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Nova still couldn''t reach Casper, so she called Faithe.


    "The number you have dialed is switched off..."


    Why was Faithe''s phone also off?


    Just then, a dark car slowly pulled


    up in


    rolled down, revealing D


    of the house. The


    usually calm and aloof


    bet


    Seeing Dillon, Nova leaned on her


    cane and made her way over. "Dillon, you''re here to pick me up, right? Casper must be really busytely. I''m not by his side. You mustremind him to take care of himself


    As she said this, Nova stepped towards the car.


    Dillon extended his arm, stopping her, his voice colder than ever. "Nova, you''re mistaken. I''m not here to take you anywhere today."

 Chapter 229

    Nova froze, her smile slowly fading. She looked at Dillon, her face a mix of confusion and disbelief. "You''re not here to pick me up? What do you mean?" "I''m here to see if you''ve taken anything that isn''t yours."


    Dillon walked over to Nova''s luggage, methodically unpacking and inspecting each item.


    Feeling insulted, Nova forgot about her mobility issues and shoved Dillon. "Dillon, you''ve got some nerve. Aren''t you afraid I''ll tell Casper about this?"


    Dillon kicked the suitcase lightly, scoffing. "Nova, do you really think Mr. Casper is unaware of the dirty tricks you''ve pulled?"


    "The only reason he hasn''t shown up and cut you offpletely is out of past affection, sparing you some dignity. You better appreciate that."This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He bent down and took away the painting. "Mr. Casper is keeping tabs. When you''ll repay it depends on his mood."


    Dillon turned to leave.


    Nova blocked him, ring. "What have I done? Exin yourself."


    "If you want rity, go find Mr. Casper." Dillon brushed off Nova''s outstretched arms. "Don''t say I didn''t warn you-you might be alive when you see him, but leaving the same way might not be so certain." "You''re threatening me?"


    Nova had been by Casper''s side for


    years; she was his heartthrob. He had done so much for her and had unhesitatingly stood by her side.. Even if she hadmitted unforgivable acts, he wouldn''t hold it against her. Dillon was merely blustering here.


    l.ne


    "Dillon, you''re just a hound Casper keeps. Do you really see yourself as his confidant? I''m telling you, you''d better show me some respect. Otherwise, the day I be Mrs. Welton, you''ll be the first oned deal


    swne


    with."


    Dillon raised an eyebrow, sneering scornfully.


    Nova eventually made a scene at Welton International to finally see Casper after a long time. Her eyes were brimming with tears as if she had been greatly hurt, her lips trembling.


    Casper coldly lifted his gaze, his eyes filled with visible disgust. Pointing at Nova in front of him, he asked Dillon, "What''s this about?"


    "Mr. Casper, Ms. Nova thinks I didn''t treat her right, so she came to seek your judgment."


    "Casper, what''s happening? Why are you driving me away? Where am I supposed to live? If I have to move to the Welton Estate, shouldn''t someone help me move my stuff?" Nova rushed towards Casper without holding back.


    Casper looked up, his gaze sharp as a de, intimidating. Dillon quickly stepped forward to stop Nova. "Just stand there."


    Nova red at Dillon, then turned to Casper with a sense of grievance. "Casper, look at Dillon. He rummaged through my things, showing no respect at all. Casper, you have to stand up for me."


    Stand up for her? Casper slightly frowned. Even Dillonughed.


    "Ms. Nova, I think you should stop embarrassing yourself here. Mr. Casper is very busy and doesn''t have time to entertain you. Please leave," Dillon said with a hint of impatience.


    "I won''t leave." Nova''s eyes were red.


    She choked up, looking at Casper sitting in front of her. "Why are you doing this to me? Have you forgotten? We were meant to be engaged. Even though the ceremony wasn''tpleted...this shouldn''t be the oue. What exactly happened?"

 Chapter 230

    "What the hell happened?" Casper stood up slowly, his eyes cold as ice. "What happened? You really don''t know?" Nova took a couple of steps back, scared by his piercing, blood-red eyes.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    "I... I don''t know," she stammered.


    "Nova, how are Rose''s kidney and heart treating you?" His expression was dark, his voice as icy as a winter wind.


    Nova wavered, trying to defend herself. "Didn''t I exin it to youst time?"


    "Does exining make it true?" Casper''s dark eyes burned with intensity, almost devouring her. "Arson, framing others, stabbing yourself. I didn''t realize you had such acting skills."


    "I... I didn''t, Casper. You''ve got it wrong. I can exin everything."


    Nova reached out to grab Casper''s arm. He shoved her away, his eyes bloodshot with rage. "Exin what? That the fire at your house was an ident? That you ''identally'' made Eliza look like the arsonist?" Nova stumbled backward and fell hard to the ground. Tears streamed down her frightened face, and a bitter smile formed at the corners of her mouth.


    In an instant, she startedughing. "So what if you know? Yes, I staged it all, but... you chose to believe me over her, Casper. Admit it, you believed me because you love me, didn''t you?"


    "Goddammit, I do love you." Casper grabbed Nova by the neck, lifting her off the ground, his voice cold and fierce. "Did you mess with me because you think I''ll always love you?" Nova''s face turned purple as she pped at Casper''s strong hand. "I... cough, cough, didn''t."


    Fearing that Casper might identally kill her, Dillon stepped in. "Mr. Casper, don''t dirty your hands."


    Casper threw Nova to the side like a rag doll and took a couple of deep breaths. "Nova, I''m going to ask you one more thing, and you better tell me the truth."


    Nova gasped for air. Her body trembled like a leaf as she watched him with lingering fear. "What... what is it?"


    "That painting, the portrait of


    get


    me-did you really draw it?" His lips were pressed tightly together, his cold gaze locked on her. "Back then, you imed you did. You even described where you painted it, what I was wearing, and the exact time. Tell me, did you really draw it?"


    Nova''s body shook violently. Back then, Casper had searched everywhere for the artist of that painting. When she found him and imed it was her work, he believed her too easily.


    It was his own foolishness. Why did he me her now?


    She didn''t want to tell the truth, but she was scared to die.


    "It is..." She took a couple of deep, shaky breaths, trying to calm her inner turmoil. "What... what answer do you want to hear?"


    "Ms. Nova, at this point, just stop ying games," Dillon said, helping her up from the ground, pulling over a chair, and forcing her to sit down. "If you don''t tell Mr. Casper the truth, you might just disappear from Fatconridge. Telling the truth is your only chance to survive, isn''t it?"

 Chapter 231

    Nova''s throat tightened as she swallowed hard, her lips pressed together in a silent struggle. She couldn''t bring herself to say ''yes'' or ''no.'' Casper''s eyes were cold and unyielding as he approached her slowly. He reached out, gripping her neck and pinning her against the back of the chair. "I''ll give you three seconds." His voice was like a whisper from the depths of hell.


    "I" Nova''s voice caught in her throat, fear flickering in her eyes. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "Yeah. That painting wasn''t mine."


    Her confession was exactly what Casper had suspected. He knew it was a mistake, but who was the real artist?


    Nova knew the details too well; she had to know who painted it.


    "Who did it?" His eyes bore into hers, suspicion brewing. "Tell me, and maybe I''ll spare your neck."


    "It was, it was..." Nova gasped for air, her breathing in ragged bursts. "...Eliza."


    Something shattered deep inside him. The pieces fell, piercing the softest parts of his heart, one by one.


    Pain surged through him, threatening to drown him.


    The first time he had officially met Eliza, her eyes had seemed so familiar. By then, Nova had already found him, and he had naturally mistaken that familiarity for mere simrity. How foolish he had been.


    "Why did you lie to me? What did you want? The title of Mrs. Welton? The Welton family fortune? Or do you just enjoy causing chaos?"


    His grip on her neck tightened, his breath hot and angry against her face.


    Nova was on the brink of suffocation. Just as she was about to lose consciousness, he let go.


    "Take care of her." He loosened his cor, taking a deep breath, "And... Faithe too. Make it clean."


    Dillon nodded at themand, pulling Nova up from the chair.


    Nova''s body went limp. She


    struggled falling at Casper''s feet clinging to his legs, pleading, "I''m sorry, Casper. I had no hidden motives. Like Eliza, I just liked you. Is it so wrong?"


    "Like me?" A cold smile curled his lips. "Do you mean you liked making a fool out of me?"


    "No, I didn''t. Now that Eliza is gone, I can take care of you in her ce. You can think of me as her. I don''t mind." Nova clutched his trouser leg, her face drenched in tears. "If not that, then you can treat me as a servant. Just don''t kill me, please."


    "Do I look like I need a useless servant?" Casper kicked her away, waving his hand. "Take her away."


    "Casper, don''t do this to me. I can be


    useful.


    ecan give you all of the


    e my life. I''m so sorry


    family''s fortune..


    Nova''s desperate cries echoed through the CEO''s office, but they did nothing to change Casper''s mind.


    Was it just Nova who owed Eliza her life? No, he owed Eliza, too.


    Lighting a cigarette, he took a drag, standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, quietly smoking.


    After some time, he pressed the inte. "Order a red velvet cake."


    The new secretary personally went down to the bakery to get the cake and brought it back.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    She ran into Dillon, who had just returned. "What''s the asion? Is it someone''s birthday?" he asked, genuinely curious.

 Chapter 232

    The secretary shook her head, whispering, "Dillon, Mr. Casper ordered the cake himself. Do you think it''s for his girlfriend...?"


    "His wife just passed away recently. Where would Mr. Casper get a girlfriend?" Dillon took the cake from the secretary, signaling her to stop spreading rumors. "I''ll take the cake." "Oh. Okay."


    Dillon carried the cake into the CEO''s office.


    The red velvet mousse cake swayed elegantly, looking like a bouquet of blooming red roses.


    "Mr. Casper, your cake is here."


    "Hmm."


    Casper extinguished his cigarette, rose from his seat, and strolled over to the table. Picking up a knife, he sliced off a small piece, then gradually began to savor it.


    Dillon had been with Casper for years. He knew exactly what Casper liked and disliked, and sweets were definitely on the dislike list, especially ones that seemed tailored for girls. Casper had never touched them before. What was up today....


    "Mr. Casper, you..."


    "Want a piece?" Casper looked up at Dillon. "If you do, cut it yourself."


    Dillon was shocked. Just as Dillon was about to speak, Casper lifted his finger and said somberly, "It''s fine, you can go."


    "Yes, sir."


    The spacious office was filled with the sweet aroma of the red velvet cake.


    On Eliza''s first birthday after their marriage, she had bought a cake just like this one. She carefully held a small piece of cake and handed it to him as if offering her sincere heart. "It''s really good. Try it." Her voice was gentle, her beautiful eyes sparkling with hope.


    Sadly, he didn''t appreciate her gesture. With a swift move, he knocked the cake to the floor, cream and crumbs sttering everywhere.


    His face was filled with annoyance and anger. "As my wife, you should know what I like. Don''t bring me things I don''t care for."


    Eliza was stunned, her smile frozen,


    the light in her eyes slowly fading et


    She


    t down slightExclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    the ruined cake, and softlys


    up


    "Oh."


    Her eagerness to share her life with him vanished from that moment.


    After that, he left to celebrate Nova''s birthday.


    Ever since that day, he never saw Eliza celebrate her birthday again at the Welton family home, nor did he see a red velvet cake again. How could he have been so heartless?


    Casper chuckled bitterly, stuffing the cake into his mouth, bite after bite. After eating too much, he stumbled to the bathroom to vomit. When it was all bile, he slumped to the floor like a deted balloon, his eyes vacant.


    Dillon entered the bathroom and helped Casper up.


    "Mr. Casper, do you need to go to the hospital?"


    good."


    "I went to the sink, t r to rinse his


    a sip


    and washed his face. "The people like me die, the bette


    ensnovels


    "Mr. Casper, don''t say that. Even though she''s gone, life must go on. You''re worrying Ms. Audrey and Ms. Caroline."


    Dillon supported Casper out of the


    bathroom. He made a cup of hot tea and handed it to him. "If you fall, Welton International might really end up with Zach. You know he''s eagerly eyeing your position."


    Casper chuckled softly.


    He didn''t care anymore. Zach coulde and take thepany if he wanted to.


    Slowly, Casper closed his eyes. He wished he could just sleep now, never to wake up again, so he could see Eliza.


    Dillon didn''t know how to console Casper. He could only grab a nket and gently cover Casper with it.


    Some say the departure of a loved one is like a drizzle, persistently trickling in one''s heart for a long time. This drizzle had been falling in Casper''s heart for three years and still hadn''t stopped.

 Chapter 233

    Three yearster, at Oak Falls Hospital.


    The ce was bustling, with the faint scent of disinfectant lingering in the air. A young mother, her face etched with worry, sat across from the orthopedic doctor, holding a three-year-old boy in her arms. There was a noticeable bruise on the boy''s lower leg. "Doctor, how''s my son''s leg injury... is it serious? It''s all bruised up."


    The doctor carefully examined the boy''s leg, pressing gently on the bruised area to gauge his reaction.


    "I don''t think it''s anything major," he reassured her with a smile. "Kids are always getting bumps and bruises. You don''t have to worry too much. Just keep an eye on it for a few days."


    The woman felt a bit relieved but still couldn''t shake her concern. "But what if the pain doesn''t go away?"


    "If you''re really worried, we could have an X-ray done to get a better look at the injury," the doctor suggested, writing out a prescription. "But honestly, from what I see, it shouldn''t be anything serious."


    She took the prescription from the doctor, nced at the medication names, and nodded. "Alright, I''ll apply the ointment for a few days and see how it goes."


    "Don''t worry too much."


    She nodded again, picked up the little boy, and headed out.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    From the opposite direction, a man was walking towards them, deep in conversation with Dillon.


    "Let''s go over the acquisition details again. We have to secure this project," said Casper, his voice firm and resolute.


    "Understood, Mr. Casper," Dillon responded, taking notes.


    Picking the bridge of his nose,


    Casper looked up and saw the woman walking away with the child in her arms. Her figure ovepped with a memory from his past, stirring a familiar feeling in his heart. Over the past three years, he had seen countless women from behind who resembled Eliza. Each time, he couldn''t help but rush forward, desperately wanting to confirm if it was her. But every time, disappointment forced him to


    ept that Eliza had vanished from his life, never to return.


    By now, he hade to terms with the fact that many people looked simr in the world.


    "Is something wrong, Mr. Casper?" Dillon asked with concern.


    Casper shook his head. "No, it''s nothing. Let''s head back to the hotel."


    Back at home, Eliza gently ced the sleeping toddler in his crib. Three years ago, she had fled from the painful memories of Falconridge to the unfamiliar town of Oak Falls, hoping to start anew with a fresh identity. But fate had other ns. She found herself pregnant.


    This unexpected news caught her


    off guard and filled her with joy and anticipation to make ends meet, she found a job as a caretaker for an ailing, bedridden old man. The old man realized she was alone and pregnant, without even a formal identification, and he took pity on her. He proposed a sham marriage to give her legal status, allowing her to find a respectable job in Oak Falls. She epted his kind offer.


    Not long after they obtained the marriage certificate, the old man passed away. Having no children of his own, he left his house and savings to Eliza. Eliza changed her name to Valerie, got a new set of identity documents, remove@the mote near her eye, cut her hair short, and started wearing sses. She became an art teacher.


    These past three years had been tough for her, juggling work and raising her child. Fortunately, the neighbors were kind, and her son was now old enough for kindergarten. Her eyes were full of tender love as she gently squeezed her son''s little hand. "What''s going on here?" Chelsea rushed in, her eyes immediately darting to the sleeping toddler in the crib, scanning his tiny body for injuries. "How did he get hurt? What were the kindergarten teachers doing?"

 Chapter 234

    Chelsea furrowed her brows, her voice tinged with a mix of reproach and frustration.


    "It was just kids roughhousing, pushing and shoving-it''s normal, not intentional." Eliza gently tugged at Chelsea''s sleeve, signaling her to lower her voice so they wouldn''t wake the toddler. They stepped out of the bedroom and closed the door quietly. Chelsea couldn''t hide her agitation. "So, you didn''t even talk to that kid''s parents? Does bullying begin in preschool?"


    "It''s not that serious." Eliza tried to calm Chelsea down, speaking softly. "Don''t get too worked up. I already talked to the teacher. It''s just harmless roughhousing among the kids. Nothing was done on purpose."


    "Don''t just brush it off." Chelsea, having recently seen reports about school bullying, couldn''t help but feel anxious. "Bullying can happen in preschool, elementary, or high school. Some people are just born troublemakers." "You''re exaggerating." Eliza shook her head with a smile.


    Chelsea pouted. "Isn''t that exactly what Casper was? He was born a troublemaker. The world''s full of them."


    Hearing that name made Eliza''s heart tighten. She didn''t want to hear it. It only dredged up memories she tried to forget.


    "Why bring him up?" Just hearing his name triggered her.


    Chelsea pursed her lips apologetically. "I didn''t mean to. It''s just that today''s incident made me immediately think of him." "Don''t worry about it."


    Eliza never taught her son to bully others, but she didn''t teach him to always yield, either. Yielding only led to self-sacrifice and empowering the wrongdoers. After years of enduring pain, Eliza had to fake her own death to escape.


    "By the way, Elle, didn''t Dr. Martin mention that his uncle''s sixtieth birthday ising up and that he''s visiting Oak Falls? Will you join him to celebrate his uncle''s birthday?"


    Aaron''s aunt, his father''s sister, married a very prominent figure in Oak Falls. In recent years, the Martin family had been under pressure from the Welton family, so they moved part of their business to Oak Falls. Their sess there was


    In these past three years, Aaron had helped Eliza a lot. Out of both sentiment and courtesy, she felt she should use this opportunity to repay his kindness. "He did mention it."


    "Did you agree?" To Chelsea, meeting someone''s parents meant things were getting serious. "So, are you and Dr. Martin, you know..." "Me and him..."


    Despite Aaron expressing his feelings for her, both openly and subtly, many times over these three years, she hadn''t found the courage to start a new rtionship after being hurt by Casper. She also had a child to consider. She felt there was no need to start a new rtionship or marriage.


    "Dr. Martin is a good man. He''s a true gentleman. He will definitely treat you well."


    Chelsea hoped someone could take care of Eliza and her child. Aaron seemed like the perfect candidate. Eliza believed Aaron was


    veCopyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    undoubtedly a good man, but she wasn''t sure if he was right for her.


    "Chelsea, could you help me prepare a decent gift? Aaron has helped me a lot these past three years. I want to use this opportunity to properly repay his kindness."


    "It sounds like you''re trying to keep things seperate with him." There was no need for that.


    Eliza shook her head. "It''s not like that. At least I won''t be owing him a favor. Favors are the hardest debts to repay."

 Chapter 235

    Aaron''s uncle, Justin, threw a grand birthday bash every year. But it was a pretty exclusive event-getting an invite was like finding a needle in a haystack.


    Eliza looked stunning in avender mermaid dress that exuded elegance. Her makeup was just right, striking a perfect bnce between sophistication and subtlety, adding to her natural charm.


    "Something''s missing," Aaron remarked, signaling Eliza to hold on. He pulled out a slender, cream-colored satin box from his coat and revealed a dazzling diamond ne. Swiftly, he fastened it around her neck. "There, that''s much better." "Aaron, this is..."


    "Just wear it," he said, extending his arm to her. "Come on, let me introduce you to my aunt and uncle."


    Meanwhile, Casper was nning to head back to Falconridge and stumbled upon some news while scrolling through his phone-today was Justin''s birthday. Casper had been trying to acquire a hospital where Justin held shares, but every time he tried to arrange a meeting, Justin had dodged him with various excuses.


    "Okay," she replied.


    "A birthday, huh?" Casper mused with a smirk. "Dillon, we need to go wish Mr. Justin a happy birthday."


    "You mean Dr. Martin''s uncle?"


    "Exactly. This is a great opportunity, and Justin can''t avoid me," Casper said, sensing an opportunity. "Get a generous gift ready, and let''s go."Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Getting into Justin''s party was no small feat, even for someone as influential as Casper. Justin might not have been thrilled to see him, but turning away a guest bearing birthday wishes was too rude, even for him.


    "Okay."


    While he''s exchanging pleasantries with Justin, Casper''s eyes wandered andnded on Aaron. Seeing Aaron wasn''t surprising, but the woman with him was... strange. She looked exactly like Eliza.


    Casper''s pupils dted, and his mind went nk for a moment. Compelled by curiosity, he walked over, drink in hand.


    "Dr. Martin," he called out, making Eliza shiver.


    Casper? Before she could be sure, he was already in front of her.


    "Dr. Martin, long time no see," Casper greeted Aaron, but his eyes were glued to the woman beside him.


    Eliza quickly lowered her head and subtly tried to hide behind Aaron.


    "Indeed, it''s been a while," Aaron replied confidently, pulling Eliza closer and wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "Casper, let me introduce you to my girlfriend, Valerie."


    Valerie? Casper''s gaze lingered on her face. Her features were a perfect match to the woman in his memory. So simr, yet...


    ??? ?


    There was no tear mole at the corner of her eye. Her eyes were clear and detached, looking at him like they had never known each other.


    "Ms. Valerie, nice to meet you," Casper said, extending his hand politely, though his eyes never left her face. Eliza smiled faintly and shook his hand. "Aaron has told me about you, Mr. Casper. You''re quite the role model." Her voice, too¡ªit was eerily simr. Even the curve of her smile was identical.


    Casper stared at her intensely, with a look that was both scrutinizing and unyielding, trying to pierce through her facade. The air grew heavy with a sense of pressure.


    Noticing Eliza''s difort, Aaron spoke up, "Val''s a bit tired. I''ll take her to rest for a bit."


    He gently guided Eliza out of the party and into a quiet lounge. Only then did she finally exhale in relief, her palms damp with sweat.

 Chapter 236

    "Why''s Casper here?" she blurted out.


    Aaron furrowed his brow and shook his head. "Not sure. He must be in Oak Falls for business. I heard he''s eyeing a hospital here, and my uncle''s a major shareholder. He''s probably using this chance to talk to him." Whatever the reason, Casper had seen her. He''d definitely start questioning her identity.


    A wave of unease gripped her heart.


    Aaron gently ced his hands on her shoulders, his voice calm and reassuring. "Don''t worry, Eliza. He saw you die. Even if he thinks you look familiar now, he''ll just assume his eyes are ying tricks on him. He''d never guess you''re still alive." Eliza''s eyes fluttered. Would he really?


    "Alright, stop stressing. Stay here and rest for a bit. Don''t go out."


    Eliza nodded lightly. "Aaron, could you let your uncle know?"


    "Of course." He smiled gently.


    Eliza stayed anxiously in the room for a while.


    Suddenly, her phone rang.


    Startled, she clutched her rapidly beating heart and nced at the screen. It was Chelsea.


    "Hey, Chelsea."


    "Elle, are you almost done there?"


    Eliza checked the time. The clock showed ten. "Almost. How''s my baby? Still behaving?"


    "The little guy''s been great," Chelsea''s voice was tender. "He had dinner, yed with his toys for a bit, and then went to bed without any fuss. Don''t worry, I''ll keep an eye on him. Nothing will happen." "That''s good to hear. Thanks so much."


    "If it gets toote, have Aaron drive you home, okay?"


    Eliza hummed in agreement. "Don''t worry about me."


    After hanging up, Eliza decided to go check the situation. It was gettingte. If Casper had left, she needed to find an excuse to leave, too.


    She reached for the doorknob and gently pressed it down. Before she could react, a powerful force pushed her back.


    She stumbled a few steps, her back hitting the cold wall.


    A man''s familiar scent filled her nostrils.


    "Mr. Casper?" she frowned, trying to stay calm. "What are you doing? How rude!"


    "Ms. Valerie, you look a lot like myte wife."


    His arms were propped against the wall, trapping her in a small space He leaned in, their noses almost touching, his deep eyes filled with confusion. ¨¦n.swnovels


    "Is that so, Mr. Casper? You think I''m your wife who hase back to life?" She chuckled lightly, her lips curving into a sympathetic smile.


    "You look like her." His voice was deep and hoarse. "But she didn''t have a twin sister."


    "What do you mean by that, Mr. Casper?" She pushed him slightly, her eyes meeting his with


    displeasure. "The world''s big, andCopyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    lots of people look alike. If you


    miss


    yourte wife so much, you should


    visit her grave more often instead of


    being rude to a woman you''re


    meeting for the first time."


    nes


    Maybe it was just his imagination, a hallucination born from longing. Perhaps this woman only resembled her a bit, and he stubbornly saw them as identical.


    Reluctantly, unwillingly, he let go of her.


    "I''m sorry, Ms. Valerie." He apologized in a low voice, his gaze still on her face. "Maybe I just miss her too much."

 Chapter 237

    "I never pegged you as the sentimental type. Guess you really did love Mrs. Welton when she was alive," Eliza said, her words dripping with sarcasm.


    He smirked slightly. "That''s not entirely true. There were some regrets and misunderstandings."


    Eliza adjusted her clothes and hair, shing a disinterested smile. "No wonder."


    She didn''t stick around.


    Eliza left the room and went to find Aaron. He was being pulled into conversations by Justin, mingling with various political and business bigwigs, exchanging toasts and pleasantries. She decided not to interrupt. After sending him a quick text, she left the party early.


    The streets of Oak Falls were quiet at night. Taxis were hard toe by. She stood by the roadside for what felt like forever, unable to g down a cab. Reluctantly, she decided to splurge on an exclusive service. A sleek, ck Rolls Royce pulled up in front of her. The window rolled down.


    "Ms. Valerie, need a lift?" Casper''s familiar, handsome face appeared from inside.


    "No, thank you. I''ve already called for a ride. It should be here soon." Eliza instinctively stepped back, her tone polite but distant.


    "In that case, I won''t bother you further." Casper''s voice was gentle and deep. The window rolled up, and the car slowly drove off. Dillon, sitting in the passenger seat, was stunned. "Mr. Casper, was that..."


    "Her name is Valerie, Aaron''s girlfriend," Casper said coolly.


    Dillon furrowed his brows. Valerie? Why did Aaron''s girlfriend look exactly like Eliza? That seemed too dramatic to be real.


    "Dillon, look into this Valerie for me," Casper ordered in a low voice.


    Dillon turned to Casper, puzzled. "Mr. Casper, are you thinking... she might be your wife? But wasn''t she..."


    "If they''re not twins, do you believe there could be two people who look exactly alike?" Casper cut Dillon off, narrowing his eyes.


    Casper didn''t buy it. No matter how


    good an actress she was, there was


    a flicker of unease when she looked at him. Was it because she found him unfamiliar, his status and


    power, or something else entirely? He needed to know.


    "Mr. Casper, think some people look very simr, but this Valerie isn''t exactly like the Madame. The Madame had a tear-shaped mole at theer of her eye, and she wasn''t nearsighted. Ms. Valerie wears sses, and also¡ª"


    "Dillon," Casper interrupted, "all those can be changed. Just look into it. I need answers ASAP."


    "Yes, sir."


    The ck luxury car discreetly navigated through the avenues of Oak Falls.


    Meanwhile, Eliza had returned home.


    "You''re back?" Chelsea looked at Eliza, who seemed out of sorts, and asked worriedly, "What''s wrong? Did you and Dr. Martin fight?"


    "No." Eliza sighed softly, feeling a tightness in her chest.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Chelsea blinked in confusion. "Then what''s the matter?"


    "Chelsea," Eliza said as she flopped onto the sofa, hugging a pillow, "I saw... Casper."


    "What?" Chelsea''s heart jumped to her throat, "How could that be? Are you sure you didn''t mistake someone else for him? It''s been three years. Maybe you were just seeing things?"


    Eliza shook her head lightly. How could she mistake him? Even if he turned to ashes, she would recognize him.


    "It was really him. He seems to be suspicious of me."

 Chapter 238

    Suspicious?


    It was natural to feel suspicious when encountering someone who looked just like someone you knew.


    But...


    "Don''t worry. You''re no longer Eliza but Valerie now. Your ID says Valerie and Eliza''s records were wiped a long time ago. Even if he recognizes you, what can he do? Drag you back by force? If he tries, he''s breaking thew." Chelsea''s words were firm, but her hand shook as she held Eliza''s.


    Eliza, on the other hand, was much calmer. "Chelsea, I''m not worried about him recognizing me. So what if he does? Like you said, Eliza is dead. I''m Valerie now, a widow living in Oak Falls with a past marriage and a kid. He''s not going to be interested in a widow." She knew Casper too well-he had a thing about women with a clean te in rtionship.


    "A widow with a kid? He won''t feel the need to be possessive," Eliza added.


    "Alright, Chelsea, let''s stop worrying about it. I''m tired. You should head back, too. Don''t you have to return to Falconridge tomorrow? Get some rest."


    Chelsea was indeed nning to go back to Falconridge. But Casper''s sudden appearance had her concerned for Eliza. "How can I leave when you''re like this?"


    "Like what?" Eliza chuckled, shaking her head. "Don''t worry, I can handle it."


    "Can you really?" Chelsea asked, still unsure.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "Yes, now go home."


    Chelsea returned to Falconridge.


    Aaron stayed with Justin, only catching a brief moment with Eliza before leaving Oak Falls.


    "Sorry, I''ve been pretty busytely. My family has a new project in Oak Falls, and my uncle..." Aaron began to exin.


    Eliza shook her head gently. "It''s okay. You''ve got your work, and I''ve got mine. No need to apologize."


    "I''ve been wanting to take you and Brock to the amusement park."


    "Brock is still young. There will be


    eline


    plenty of chances to go to the amusement park in the future." She didn''t want him to feel burdened. because of her. "Aaron, focus on your work. Brock and I are doing fine here. The neighbors are very kind to us, so don''t worry."


    "That..." Aaron hesitated, then brought up a name. "Has Casper...e looking for you again?"


    Since thest time they met at the party, she hadn''t seen Casper.


    "He must have realized he mistook me for someone else. He hasn''te looking for me again."


    "That''s good." Aaron looked at her with concern. "If hees to bother you, call me. Don''t be afraid. I''ll protect you."


    He sounded so earnest.


    Eliza gave a light smile.


    In this world, who can truly protect another one? Only she could protect herself.


    Sitting outside a caf¨¦, a man in a luxury car was listening to Dillon report everything about Eliza.


    "Her name is Valerie. Her records and ID are all in Oak Falls. She used to work in home care, then married an older man and had a child. Afte the old man died, she''s been raising her child on her own and never remarried. Currently, she''s working asan art teacher at a vocational school."


    "Mr. Casper, ording to my investigation, her records in Oak Falls were established three years ago. There''s no trace of her past before that. Quite mysterious." Casper nced towards the caf¨¦ window, where a man and a woman were sitting. He lit a cigarette and brought it to his lips. "Quite mysterious, indeed."


    "Mr. Casper, do you think this Valerie could possibly be Mrs. Welton?"


    "What do you mean ''possibly''?" He


    lowered his head to light the


    cigarette, taking a deep puff.


    "Whether she''s Mrs. Welton or not depends on how long she can keep up the act."

 Chapter 239

    "How long can she keep up the act?" Dillon was confused.


    From what he knew, this woman probably wasn''t Eliza. Was he not as sharp as Casper? Well, Mr. Casper did know Eliza best. So, if she really was Eliza, what was Casper nning to do next?


    "Mr. Casper, even if this Valerie is your wife, she''s been married and had a child. You..."


    Married and had a child-those were the facts. No matter what excuses he found, he couldn''t change that. If Valerie was truly Eliza, did it matter to him after everything that had happened?


    A smoky haze surrounded him, his gaze distant and intense, with an unfathomable glint in his eyes.


    On a Monday morning, sunlight filtered through sparse clouds, casting warm rays on the bustling streets. Eliza stood at the preschool entrance, gently waving as her son''s small figure disappeared into the campus. She smiled contentedly, ready to turn and leave. Looking up, she suddenly saw a tall figure, making her heart skip a beat.


    "Who are you...?"


    "Ms. Valerie, good morning." The man approached, bowing slightly, his voice deep and respectful. "I''m Dillon. Mr. Casper would like to meet with you to discuss something. Please, honor us with your presence."


    Eliza frowned slightly, her face showing clear refusal. "I don''t know you and am even less acquainted with Mr. Casper. I don''t think there''s anything to discuss."


    She stepped away, intending to leave.


    Dillon quickly moved forward, raising his hand to stop her, still speaking respectfully. "Ms. Valerie, please don''t misunderstand. Mr. Casper simply wishes for your assistance. It''s not a difficult favor for you, and it will also benefit you. Please, grant us a meeting." A favor?


    What could Casper possibly need from her? She hesitated, shifting her steps to the side.


    Dillon gestured politely. "Please, Ms. Valerie."


    The car door opened. Eliza bent down and got in. The car was spacious, and the man sitting.


    back fixed his hawk-like gazete


    her,


    making her slightly ufortable.


    "Mr. Casper, what do you want with me?" she asked, though her eyes didn''t meet his.


    The man''s lips curved into a teasing smile. "Ms. Valerie, are you afraid of me?"


    "Afraid? Hardly. Mr. Casper, you and I barely know each other. We don''t run in the same circles. I don''t see how I could be of any assistance to you." Eliza''s face maintained a polite but distant demeanor.


    Casper chuckled lightly. His gaze still lingering on her beautiful profile, he began, "I hear you''re an art teacher. You must be very good at painting, then?" "I only teach children''s art. It''s good enough to entertain the kids."Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Following her lead, the man nodded


    slightly. "Perfect. I have a friend who, due to trauma, has be


    somewhat childlike, not much


    different from a kid, really. I was


    hoping you could paint a portrait for my friend. It shouldn''t be too much trouble, right?"


    Which friend was traumatized and was had be childlike? He couldn''t be talking about Robin. She hadn''t visited Robin in these three years fearing it might arouse Casper''s suspicions. She was only aware of some details through Chelsea.


    Eliza maintained herposure, a hint of coldness in her eyes. "Mr. Casper, what kind of painting do you want?"


    "A simple portrait for my friend would be nice," he said, his eyes showing a hint of seriousness. "I can offer a million dors."

 Chapter 240

    "Mr. Casper, you really don''t hold back, do you? A million for just a painting?"


    She always had disdain for the wealthy and their superiorityplex, especially Casper. They thought they could control everything. Casper didn''t mind her sarcasm one bit, ncing down at a particr area of himself, "Indeed, I never hold back in other areas, too."


    Eliza immediately caught on to his innuendo. She red at him with disgust. "I''m not the right person for this, Mr. Casper. Maybe you should find someone else."


    "Do you think a million isn''t enough, Ms. Valerie? Or..." He locked the car and leaned closer, his slender fingers almost brushing her cheek. "... is your appetite sorge? Can Aaron even satisfy you?" Eliza turned her face away, dodging his fingers. "Have you always been this disrespectful towards women?"


    "If you feel offended, then I truly deserve the harshest punishment."This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    His tone was teasing and flirtatious, making her stomach churn. He expected her to react angrily, but she just looked at him coolly. "You indeed deserve the harshest punishment."


    "My apologies." He quickly pulled back his hand, a smirk ying on his lips. "I lost myposure. You look so much like myte wife."


    "Using that as an excuse to harass women can''t be a first for you, Mr. Casper." Her voice dripped with disdain and contempt.


    Casper shrugged, unabashedly locking eyes with her. "Ms. Valerie, I am quite selective. Not just any woman catches my eye. I think you don''t know me well enough yet."


    She couldn''t stand his gaze, turning


    her face away to avoid further conversation. There was nothing to discuss with someone like Casper, whether it was the Eliza of the past


    or the Valerie of now.


    "Mr. Casper, I think you also don''t know me very well. I''m not money hungry, and my painting skills aren''t that exceptional. Please, find someone else."


    She tried to open the car door, only to find it still locked. A wave of irritation surged within her.


    Turning to him, her tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction. "Mr. Casper, what is the meaning of this? Do I not even have the right to leave?"


    "Ms. Valerie," Casper adopted a


    gentle and elegant demeanor, "Wouldn''t you like to meet my friend? He''s very innocent. He clutches a teddy bear all day, calling out for his sister. Sadly, his sister passed away, and he still doesn''t know. Quite tragic, really


    Eliza''s heart clenched, but she kept her expression calm. "Are you trying to sell your friend''s tragedy?"


    "I''m merely asking for a favor-no need to be so guarded. If you insist on not helping, I can exin to my innocent friend. However, whether his condition worsens, I cannot say."


    Eliza''s brows furrowed, and she took


    a deep breath, pushing down the surge of emotion threatening to


    burst forth. She had experienced et


    Casper''s shamelessness and despicableness countless times before. He hadn''t changed at all. In


    fact, he seemed to be getting worse.


    "Since you are so deeplymitted to your friend and so generous, it would be rude of me to refuse. I can create a portrait for your friend, but per usual terms, paymentes first."


    "No problem." Casper smiled nonchntly, pulling out his phone from his pocket and offering it to her. "Ms. Valerie, shall we exchange contact information then?"

 Chapter 241

    Eliza''s fingers slid reluctantly across the screen, but she still ended up showing her contact info to Casper.


    In a sh, a million dorsnded in her ount. The whole transaction took just three seconds.


    Casper tucked his phone away, a satisfied, calm smile ying on his lips. He unlocked the car and gestured for her to leave. "I''ll be here to pick you up tomorrow on time. Have a great day."


    During her three years away from Falconridge, she''d gained her freedom but lost the chance to visit Robin.


    It had been ages since shest saw Robin. She wanted to see him to check on how his treatment was going. Casper had her right where he wanted her.


    The next morning, sunlight seeped through the gaps in the curtains, casting mottled shadows on Eliza''s face.


    She dressed carefully, opting for a pair of ck-framed sses. These sses acted like shields, making even the prettiest face look in and unremarkable. Even someone familiar would be hard to recognize with them on. Sitting in Casper''s car, Eliza stared straight ahead, not ncing around.


    Casper, looking effortlessly rxed, turned his head to her.


    After a moment.


    "Ms. Valerie, are you feeling nervous?"


    She nced back at him nonchntly. "I just didn''t sleep well. There''s nothing to be nervous about."


    "To be honest, I didn''t sleep well either," he said, his slender fingers lightly massaging the bridge of his nose. "I had this surreal dream about my dead wifeing back to life."


    His eyes were intense, fixed on her profile without blinking.


    Eliza chuckled softly. "Never heard of anyoneing back to life. Mr. Casper. Perhaps you are missing your wife a bit too much."


    "Missing?" Heughed, finding the


    word fitting. "Yeah, you''re right. She''s been gone three years, and I''ve missed her every single day. I keep thinking that if I''d been better to her, maybe she wouldn''t have left so definitively. If I''d agreed to the divorce and let her go, would she now be like you, Ms. Valerie? Would she have found some older guy and started a family?"


    "Mr. Casper." Eliza was shocked that Casper had looked into her, her eyes wide. "We''ve never met. Why would you investigate me?"


    "I''m sorry." He shrugged, his cool gaze indifferent, focused on the angry woman before him. "I didn''t realize you would mind someone knowing about your past."


    "My past is my business. Even if you have all the power in the world, you shouldn''t get a kick out of other people''s private lives, should you?"


    Her eyes were cold. Casper even


    were.co


    thought he saw a hint of hatred. He raised his hands in surrender, that ambiguous smile still lingering. "I''m not getting a kick out of your past. Unless, Ms. Valerie, you thinkyour past is a joke?"


    "You..." Eliza''s face turned icy as she looked away. "please stop the car. I''m not going."


    Casper''s voice had a teasing hint of regret. "That''s really too bad. My friend will be disappointed today. told him woman who looks a lot like his sister wasing to paint his portrait. He even put on new clothes and was ready to cooperate with you."


    Eliza turned her head slowly to look at Casper. He was smiling intriguingly and seemed like a madman.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    He looked like a devil who found joy in others'' pain.


    "It''s fine. Ms. Valerie, if you feel I''ve offended you, you can get out of the car right now." Casper raised his eyebrows, clearly not insisting.

 Chapter 242

    Eliza pulled her gaze away, clenching her teeth. "Mr. Casper, you have already paid for everything. I can''t just not show up," she said, taking a deep breath to calm her anger. "You''re right. I''ve had my share of embarrassing moments, but thankfully, that''s all in the past now. I won''t make the same mistakes again." "Everyone''s got a past, Ms. Valerie. No need to feel down about it," he said slowly, almost too carefully.


    Eliza was annoyed, Casper sure had a way with words.


    The car drove on, finally stopping in front of an unfamiliar hospital. Chelsea had mentioned that not long after she ''passed away,'' Casper, acting as Robin''s guardian, brought him back from abroad and admitted him to this hospital, supposedly the best in the country for mental health treatment.


    Eliza felt a knot in her stomach. After parking, Casper and Dillon got out, one after the other. She lingered in the car for a bit, then slowly gathered her art supplies and stepped out.


    "Ms. Valerie, doesn''t the hospital have a nice environment?" Casper asked, hands in his pockets, looking slightly down at her. "Unfortunately, my friend''s condition is severe, so his recovery has been slow."


    Eliza stayed silent and just carried her supplies inside. Her feelings were a tangled mess. She was eager yet terrified to see Robin and even more scared he''d recognize her.


    The hospital director greeted them personally and showed Eliza to a clean, spacious room. She set up her easel, anxiety gnawing at her. About half an hourter, Robin entered with a nurse. At first nce, he looked healthier and not as thin, which made Eliza smile bitterly, though deep down, she was happy for him.


    "Robin, today a beautifuldy will draw your portrait. Be a good boy, okay?" the nurse said, handing him a small teddy bear. "Mr. Casper said if you cooperate, he''ll take you to catch fireflies."


    "Fireflies?" Robin pped his hands joyfully, like a little kid. "Yes, take me to catch glowing bugs."


    "That''s a good boy," the nurse whispered, pushing his wheelchair across from Eliza. "Sit here and let thedy draw your picture. It won''t take long."


    After getting Robin settled, the nurse turned to Eliza. "Ms. Valerie, please try to work quickly since he''s a patient."


    "Got it."Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Maybe it was the emotions flooding


    in, but as Eliza drew, tears rolled down her cheeks. She didn''t even need to see Robin to draw him; she knew his face by heart. But seeing him in person made her hands shake.


    Suddenly, a pair ofrge hands covered her small, trembling ones. "Ms. Valerie, don''t be nervous. He won''t hurt anyone."


    Eliza jerked her hands back as if


    shocked. She had lost herposure, which wasn''t like her. probably didn''t eat breakfast this morning. Low blood sugar is making my hands shake. Sorry," she offered a clumsy excuse.


    "No worries," Casper said, pulling a lollipop from his pocket, unwrapping it, and offering it to her. "Here."


    She looked up, frowning at him. He smiled. "It''s not poisoned."


    "No, thanks," she declined.


    "I''m worried your shaking might mess up the portrait. It''s worth a million," he teased, offering it again.


    After a moment, Eliza took it, not


    eating it but cing it aside. She e


    focused on drawing Robin''s portrait, his profile as picturesque as ever, captivating him.

 Chapter 243

    The painting came together quickly.


    "Not bad, definitely worthy of an art teacher." Casper reached out, took the painting, and studied it closely. "Ms. Valerie, your skills are way better than you give yourself credit for. This looks like something a world-ss artist would do." Eliza''s eyes darkened. Her voice was cold and detached. "I''m d you like it."


    Casper handed the painting to Robin. "Do you like it?"


    Robin looked at the painting of himself and pped his hands excitedly, like a kid who just got a special present.


    "You''ve been amazing today." Casper smiled, expertly unwrapping a lollipop and gently cing it in Robin''s mouth.


    Eliza didn''t know what to feel a mix of hate, resentment, and disgust at Casper''s fake niceness.


    Sadly, she couldn''t say anything. She couldn''t show any reaction.


    Casper turned to Eliza. "He told me to thank you."


    Eliza forced a smile, quietly packed up her things, and left the room.


    Casper followed her out. "Got any ns tonight? Let me take you out to dinner."


    "I''m busy." She refused, her face cold.


    He chuckled, not looking surprised. "That was a quick no."


    "I don''t really know you, Mr. Casper, so why would we have dinner?" She grabbed her things and walked away without looking back.


    Dillon walked over, watching Eliza leave. He scratched his head. "Mr. Casper, is she really your wife?"


    "If she was, do you think she''de back to me?"Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    After asking, Casper let out a bitter smile. He was overestimating himself. He was just someone people wanted to escape from, even if it meant dying.


    Dillon thought the chances were slim, too. "Mr. Casper, if she really is your wife, do you even want her back? Didn''t you regret what you did to her when she passed away? Plus, in these three years, so much has happened to her..." Casper lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and seemed deep in thought. It looked like he needed a moment to clear his mind.


    A few dayster...


    Back in Falconridge, Casper saw a post from Aaron on social media.


    Caption: My wife and kid.


    The photos were of a family of three at an amusement park: one with a woman holding a toddler, another with him holding the toddler, and a group shot of all three.


    Casper felt a sudden surge of anger and mmed his phone onto the desk.


    Dillon, just walking into the office, jumped at the noise. "Mr. Casper, what''s going on?"


    Casper''s face was dark, his voice unusually heavy. "Look at what Aaron posted."


    Aaron posted something?


    Dillon pulled out his phone. He searched for Aaron''s name and checked his feed. He saw nothing but some routine medical articles.


    "Mr. Casper, Dr. Martin hasn''t posted anything."


    "Nothing?" Had he imagined it?


    Annoyed, Casper took back his phone, found Aaron''s post, and


    threw the phone to Dillon. "How ht


    he not posted? Look at this


    Dillon caught the phone and looked at the screen.


    Wife and kid?


    Was Aaron''s post only visible to Casper? Was this just to mess with him?


    "Mr. Casper, I don''t see Dr. Martin''s post on my feed. Could it be..."


    Casper understood then that Aaron was provoking him. He chuckled suddenly. "By making that post only visible to me, isn''t he implying that Valerieis Eliza? I suspect Aaron was a key yer in Eliza''s n to fake her death."

 Chapter 244

    Such reasoning left Dillon standing there, utterly stunned. He blinked, processing the sound logic presented to him.


    "Mr. Casper, I''ll start looking into Dr. Martin''s trips to Oak Falls over the past three years, especially his first visit," Dillon said, preparing to leave.


    Casper stopped him just as he was about to step away. "No need to dig into it. I''ll ask him myself." Casper grabbed his coat from the rack. "Come with me. We''re going to see Aaron."


    The high school football field in Falconridge waspletely empty. Casper had arranged to meet Aaron there.


    "What, are you jealous?" Aaron asked, his suit jacket casually draped over his arm. "I told you, her name is Valerie, not yourte wife. They do look alike, but that doesn''t mean I can''t post about her on social media."


    A flicker of malice shed in Casper''s eyes, but he quickly masked it with a smile. "You''re right. You have the right to post a status only visible to me, and you have the right to treat another''s child as your own. You also have the right to lie through your teeth."


    "Hey, whether she''s Valerie or Eliza, we both know the truth. But I have to admit, the way you swapped them was clever. You yed it well." Casper''s gaze grew colder with each passing moment. The smile at the corner of his eyes remained, yet it was bone-chilling. Aaron approached Casper with a lightugh. Raising an eyebrow, he nodded, showing no intention of arguing. "Casper, you''re still as sharp as ever. But Eliza is long gone. The woman you see now is Valerie. Over these past three years, she and I have developed a deep bond. Even if you''re interested in this woman who looks so much like Eliza, she would never choose you. Marrying me is only a matter of time."


    "Are you that confident?" Casper suppressed the dark gleam in his eyes.


    "She relies on me a lot." Aaron spread a smile across his face, patting Casper''s shoulder. "Oh, how could I forget? You wouldn''t understand what it feels like to be wholeheartedly depended on by a woman."


    A hint of a mocking smile shed through Aaron''s eyes, but Casper''s unexpected calmness caught him off guard.


    "When Valerie first came to Oak


    Falls, life was tough. She hadThis content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    married an old man and had a son With what I know about you, you


    could ha


    ept a woman like that.


    But I can. I can unconditionally embrace everything about her, and that''s why she depends on me."


    "So, Dr. Martin, you like ying the role of a doting father, huh?" Casper''s eyes were filled with disdain.


    Aaron stared meaningfully at the


    man before him. "The child is young and has no memory of his father. If I raise him, he''ll be my son, and I am practically like his biological father."


    Indeed, it is a noble act. Casper couldn''t help but feel a twinge of inferiority. But why would Aaron ept all this unconditionally? Because of love? ording to Casper''s knowledge, Aaron had a betrothed. He had no right to choose his own wife to marry. Was he preparing to fight against his entire family?


    "It seems I should bless you both."


    Aaron took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. "I''d appreciate your blessing, but even if you can''t give it, I hope you won''t interfere."


    "Dr. Martin, are you implying this because you''re unhappy about the recent pressure Welton International has put on the Martin family?"


    Aaron''s expression shifted slightly,


    but he maintained his gentle and cultured demeanor. "You''re not wrong. Even if there was a mistake, it was mine. My family are innocent. Driving my family out of Falconridge was unjust."


    "And what if I say..." Casper''s eyes darkened slightly. "...I can also make it impossible for the Martin family to survive in Oak Falls, what then?"

 Chapter 245

    "For a woman who just looks like Eliza?"


    Aaron was baffled. But Casper was always reckless. Aaron was used to his arrogance and domineering ways, so it wasn''t all that surprising.


    "I guess I''m just a bitpetitive," Casper said, tossing a cigarette into his mouth, letting it dangle there.


    "Seems like you still haven''t figured out why Eliza left," Aaron said, lowering his gaze and feeling the need to remind Casper. "People turn suicidal out of despair. Mr. Casper, you''ve already driven one woman to her death. Are you nning to add a second or third to that list?"


    Casper suddenly burst intoughter. He turned to face Aaron. "What''s the matter, Dr. Martin, losing your nerve?"


    "I just want to remind you not to go too far."


    Casper looked toward the setting sun.


    Over the years, he never understood why Aaron had liked Eliza in the first ce. Aaron wasn''t the romantic type, and Eliza wasn''t his usual preference. What had sparked his feelings?


    Was it just a sense of heroism? Or was it simply because he felt sorry for Eliza''s situation?


    Casper, being a man himself, couldn''t believe that a man would give his all to a woman without expecting anything in return.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    What was Aaron after, really?


    "Being ruthless is my style, Dr. Martin. You don''t need to worry."


    Aaron furrowed his brow, revealing his inner conflict.


    The chill ofte winter hadn''tpletely faded, and the spring rains were eager to take over.


    This football field they stood in was a ce of shared memories from their youth. As time passed, their friendship, tested by the years, gradually fade Oak Falls.


    Eliza received a WhatsApp message. [Ms. Valerie, would you join us for a firefly show tonight?] The message was from Casper. It was then she realized she hadn''t deleted his contact.


    She was about to remove him when another message came through. [My dear friend loves watching ¨¨ fireflies. The doctor said it would lift his spirits and aid his. And he... is very fond of you. Would you be so kind to join us?]


    Casper always knew how to use the people Eliza cared about to manipte her into doing things she didn''t want to do.


    It had always been that way and even more so now.


    He had figured out she was Eliza. So what? As long as she didn''t admit it, she was Valerie.


    Just then, Aaron sent her a message, too. [Val, I''m in Oak Falls. Dinner tonight? Bring Brock along.]


    Eliza''s eyes shifted back to Casper''s message.


    In the next second, she gripped her phone and replied to Aaron, [Sounds great, Aaron. My treat.] [I''ve got reservations. I''ll send you the details.]


    [Okay.]


    After sending the message, she pressed on Casper''s name and deleted his contact. The night in Oak Falls was chilly with the lingering touch of spring.


    Casper was pushing Robin along a forest path. "Do you think your sister wille tonight?" Casper wore a raresmile tinged with uncertainty. "Guess right, and you get a lollipop."


    Robin was holding a doll and tilted his head, thinking. "Sister, pretty. Bugs, pretty." Casper chuckled.


    Following the doctor''s advice, he had leased a huge piece of woond to release millions of fireflies just to improve Robin''s treatment.


    The fireflies were a specially bred


    species that could glow all year


    round. It cost him a fortune,


    didn''t mind. It was, after all


    of seeking redemption.


    Robin pointed at the twinkling lights. "Catch the bugs."


    way

 Chapter 246

    "Don''t catch them all, or there won''t be any left to see. Be a good boy and listen to me," Casper coaxed with endless patience.


    He had always been like this for the past three years. He wasn''t sure where this sudden surge of patience came from. Perhaps it was from the guilt he felt towards Eliza. Casper parked Robin''s wheelchair and then sat down on a rock.


    He nced at his watch. It was nine o''clock. Taking out his phone, he sent Valerie a message. Great, he had been blocked.


    "Dillon, can you check who Valerie is with right now?"


    The response was immediate, "Of course, Mr. Casper."N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Soon, Dillon called back, "Ms. Valerie is... she''s currently dining with Dr. Martin... at the Rona Italian Restaurant."


    Here he was with Robin, braving the cold wind, waiting for her, and she had gone on a date with Aaron.


    He stood up, brushed off his pants, and started pushing Robin back home.


    Robin was not satisfied yet, and threw a little tantrum. "I want to see more. See the fireflies."


    "Tomorrow, I''ll bring you again, okay?"


    "You can''t lie to me."


    "I won''t lie to you. Not like your sister."


    After dropping Robin off, Casper had Dillon pick him up to go to the Rona Italian Restaurant. The restaurant''s ambiance was elegantly infused with a touch of medieval charm. The patrons were mostly high society elites and dignitaries. Casper walked over, pulled up a chair, and sat between the two, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, what a romantic atmosphere. How about we share a table?"


    Casper looked around, no sign of kids.


    "Dr. Martin, where''s your bundle of joy, your son? Didn''t hee? A meal for two, huh? How romantic."


    Casper''s face was full of mockery as he pped his hands twice.


    Eliza wiped her mouth with a napkin and coldly stood up. "Excuse me, I need to go to the restroom."


    Before she could reach the restroom door, her wrist was caught in a firm grip, pulling her into the men''s bathroom.


    In the cramped space of the stall, the two of them were ufortably close.


    She stared at Casper in shock. "Mr. Casper, what is this about?"


    "Why didn''t youe?" His hand gripped her waist tightly, her warmth nearly making him lose control, Do you know how long I waited for you? And here you are, enjoying dinner for twe?"


    She struggled


    couldn''t to push him away b


    couldn''t, her voice cold and


    watch fireflies with you?", belongs to


    displeased. "Did I ever pronte, one


    "Do you really not care about Robin''s illness?" He pinned her against the door. "Now that you''ve climbed up the socialdder, do you no longer care about your brother''s life?"


    "I don''t understand what you''re talking about." She turned her face away.


    Casper grasped her chin, forcing her to look at him. "Is it that you don''t understand, or you don''t want to understand?"


    "What does this have to do with you? Who do you think you are? Why are you keeping me trapped here? I will call the police."


    "Then call them. Do it now." He took out his phone and handed it to her. "I want to hear how you exin this to the police." Eliza scoffed. He really thought she wouldn''t call the police?


    Raising her hand, she dialed 911. The call was quickly connected.


    Casper snatched the phone from her hand and hung up. "You really called?"


    "What else did you expect me to do?"


    Casperughed, holding the back of her head, his lips inching closer. "Ms. Valerie, you are quite heartless and ungrateful."


    "I''ve heard you aren''t exactly a paragon of sentimentality yourself?"


    She didn''t flinch from his advance, her eyes filled with disdain and mockery.

 Chapter 247

    "How heartless can you be? I''ve never stood anyone up." Casper''s lips hovered just inches from hers. "I''m not like you, Ms. Valerie. You knew Robin and I were waiting and chose to ignore uspletely. That''s hardly charming." He was twisting the truth-that was Casper for you.


    Eliza eyed him with a cool indifference, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Seems like your memory is slipping with age, Mr. Casper. When did I ever agree to meet you? When did this supposed stand-up happen?"


    "That''s beside the point. What matters is that you didn''t show up, which put me in a horrible mood."


    His nose finally brushed against hers.


    She turned her face to the side, dodging him. "And what do you n to do about it?"


    "How about you spend the night with me, and we call it even?"


    A yful grin spread across his face. Eliza raised her hand, ready to p him, but he caught her wrist firmly. "Ms. Valerie, that''s not very nice."


    "I have no quarrel with you. Why are you humiliating me? Is it just because I resemble yourte wife? Or is it that you were so used to mistreating her that seeing someone who looks like her brings out your need to dominate?" She thought her words would at least embarrass him.


    Instead, he smirked, nodding slightly. "You''re right. I won''t let any woman who looks like myte wife get away, especially someone who looks exactly like her, Ms. Valerie."


    "Val..." Aaron''s voice echoed from outside.


    He heard some noise from the men''s restroom and walked in. "Val, you in here?"


    Just as Eliza was about to respond, Casper covered her mouth. "You wouldn''t want your boyfriend to see us... having a ''conversation,'' would you?"


    "Mr. Casper, my boyfriend isn''t one to jump to conclusions. But if he knew you were messing with me, he wouldn''t be too pleased with you."


    Casper chuckled. "Am I supposed to be scared?"


    "Val." Aaron kept walking in.


    Casper lifted Eliza by her waist, hoisting her up. "I suppose you prefer to avoid unnecessaryplications?"


    He turned his head towards the door. "Why are you shouting? Why would Vale into the men''s restroom?"


    "What are you doing here?" Aaron''s voice was puzzled.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    "What, can''t I use the restroom?"


    No more words came from outside.


    As the footsteps faded, Casper put Eliza down. "I really went out of my way for you, Ms. Valerie. Won''t you give me a kiss?" "How can you be so..."


    Heughed, finishing her sentence, "...shameless? I can be even more shameless."


    Hisrge hand gripped the back of her head, and he bent down to kiss her lin He seemed to release three years of pent-up longing with his


    domination.


    The space was tight. His strong body pinned her against the wall, and she was unable to move.


    "Good." He released her, his


    fingertips gently caressing her


    swollen lips, lingering. "Your line


    don''t taste of any other man."


    "Freak."


    She raised her hand to hit him, but he caught it and brought it to his lips for a kiss. "I like it when you call me that."


    Eliza returned from the restroom, and Aaron was still sitting there waiting for her.


    "What took you so long?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.


    Eliza pressed her lips together, her face unnaturally pale. "I had a bit of a stomachache... I heard you calling me, but I didn''t have the strength to reply."


    "Do you need to go to the hospital? You don''t look very well."

 Chapter 248

    "No need. I just want to go home and rest for a bit. Plus, Brock''s still at the neighbor''s, and I''m worried about him," Eliza said.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Aaron grabbed his jacket and Eliza''s purse, helping her up. "Alright."


    Casper emerged from the bathroom, his dark eyes narrowing slightly, a subtle, almost invisible smile ying at the corners of his lips as he watched the two leave together.


    Casper didn''t leave Oak Falls. Sometimes, he''d find himself at the school where Eliza taught painting. He enjoyed standing outside the window, watching her teach the kids. She taught them how to sketch various flowers and nts, stroke by stroke. "Miss Valerie, is that handsome man outside your boyfriend?" a sharp-eyed little girl asked, pointing toward Casper.


    Eliza nced up and saw Casper giving her a casual wave. "I don''t know him. Now, look here. This line is too heavy. You need to make it lighter here," she corrected the child, focusing on the task at hand.


    "Got it, Miss Valerie," the kid replied, concentrating on her drawings.


    Eliza sighed and stepped out of the ssroom. Her expression turned icy as she approached Casper. "Mr. Casper, you''re everywhere, aren''t you?"


    "Just here for business. Did I bother you?" he replied nonchntly.


    "Yes," she answered curtly.


    "Ms. Valerie, sometimes words can sting," he remarked with a faint smile before turning and walking away.


    Eliza paused, momentarily taken aback, before a colleague called her to the principal''s office. She brushed off her confusion and headed inside. "Sir, you want me to tutor someone in painting?" she asked, puzzled.


    The principal adjusted his sses and spoke earnestly, "This person donated a significant amount to our school and paid a hefty fee of a


    million dors. What''s there to worry


    about?"


    She wasn''t worried about the money; she was worried because Casper needed the tuition? He had clearly done it on purpose.


    "I have a lot going on at home, and there''s no one to look after my son. Maybe..." she began, searching for an excuse.


    "Our school counts on you. Do you expect me, an old man, to go instead? What''s this? Suddenly, money doesn''t matter to you?" he retorted.


    Eliza didn''t crave money. When she


    first arrived in Oak Falls, she struggled and had to enter her


    paintings inpetitions out of


    necessity. She won many awar


    and gained some recognition. If she needed money, she could easily sell apainting. But she preferred a quiet, stable life and didn''t want to draw


    too much attention.


    She didn''t need Casper''s million dors a month. But the principal had always been kind to her, and she didn''t want to cause him any trouble.


    "Did he specifically ask for me?"


    "I suggested you to him," the principal admitted, coaxing her to sit down. He handed her a cup of tea. "Consider it a favor to me. Think of it as a month-long vacation."


    "Just one month?" she asked, uncertain.


    "I only agreed to one month," the principal assured her.


    Despite her reluctance, Eliza had to honor the school''smitment.


    Casper''s house in Oak Falls was a simple, spacious, and modestly decorated apartment. Right opposite the entrance, on a console, was a painting. It was a portrait she had given to Casper years ago. The painting had aged, and the pigments were showing signs of fading.


    She stared at it, lost in thought.


    "Ms. Valerie," Casper said, gesturing for her to sit in the living room. "This painting was done for me by myte wife. What do you think? Not bad, right?"

 Chapter 249

    Eliza froze.


    He figured out she had given him the painting only after she had ''died?''


    What a joke.


    "I''ve recently developed an interest in painting, and having you as my teacher is a great honor. If you think the pay is too low, feel free to name your price," he said calmly, eyes fixed on her face. "Don''t worry. I can afford it." "Aaron told me that you took some design courses, so you''re not exactly a novice, right?"


    "Design and painting are quite different," he replied, offering her a cup of coffee. "I ground it myself. Give it a try."


    "Thanks, but I don''t drink coffee." She didn''t take it.


    He held it for a moment, then set it aside.


    "Ms. Valerie, you seem to have quite a few opinions about me. Is it because of what happened in the restroomst time?"


    Eliza didn''t want to waste words with him; she just wanted to finish teaching and leave.


    "Shall we get started?" She looked at him, signaling for him to bring out his tools.


    "Please, Ms. Valerie, lead the way," he said with a shrug.


    Eliza set up the easel, arranging her brushes and paints neatly. As she painted, he stood behind her. He was so close she could feel his body heat.


    She ufortably pushed the painting board forward. "You need to draw this line first, then add color based on the light and shadows, like this..."


    Suddenly, he leaned in close, his lips almost touching her face. She jumped back, startled. "What are you doing?"


    "I''m just watching the painting." he said, looking innocent.


    Her face was tense, and he raised an eyebrow. "You keep painting; I''m going to..." He pointed toward the bathroom. "...take a shower." Eliza was confused.


    Meanwhile, Aaron called.


    "Eliza, I''ll be back in Oak Falls in a few days. I have something important to discuss with you."


    Eliza was taken aback. Aaron rarely spoke with such gravity. "What''s so important? Is it about me?"


    "Exactly. It''s not something we canThis content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    discuss over the phone. Let''s talbet


    Wvoice was anxious yet somet


    when I see you in Oak Falls,


    "Alright, we''ll talk when you get here."


    "Okay, wait for me."


    After hanging up, Eliza was lost in thought for a moment.


    "Ms.


    "


    The bathroom door


    cra and Casper called


    "Could you bring me


    bathrobe on the sofa, dout


    Eliza took a glimpse at the neatly folded bathrobe. "Can''t you get it yourself?" she said, reluctantly.


    "If you don''t mind, I''ll just step out," he warned. He wasn''t wearing a thing.


    Casper must have lost his mind. Eliza unwillingly fetched the bathrobe and approached the bathroom door, "Here."


    A hand reached out from the door crack, not to take the bathrobe, but to pull her wrist, dragging her in.


    The overwhelming kiss caught Eliza off guard. He pinned her against the steamy wall, forceful and domineering, like a madman.


    Unable to push him away, she lifted her leg and struck him in the most vulnerable spot between his legs.


    "Hiss..." Casper''s face turned pale with pain. He covered himself, breathing unevenly. "You''re trying to end my lineage."


    "Casper, if you dare to take liberties with me again..." She picked up a paring knife from the cab and said fiercely, "...I''ll plunge it into your heart." ¨¦n.swnovels


    "You sound like we had some great vendetta in the past."


    She red at him. Wasn''t there a vendetta?


    A vendetta as deep as the sea.


    He bent over, moving closer to her. That''s when Casper''s phone rang.


    Holding the knife, Eliza stepped back cautiously and quickly left.


    Casper, one hand covering his still-aching groin and the other reaching for the phone, didn''t look too good at all. "Hello?"


    "Mr. Casper, I''ve discovered a shocking secret." Dillon''s voice was tinged with excitement. "Guess who I saw?"

 Chapter 250

    Casper yanked a towel from the rack, drying his hair as he strolled out of the bathroom. Damn, that really hurt. "What''s this big secret you''ve got? Spill it."


    ""Mr. Casper, it''s Mikey-your wife''s father. He''s not dead."


    Casper, who had been wincing from the pain, suddenly went still. "What did you just say? Mikey isn''t dead?"


    "Not only is he alive, but he also changed his name and moved to Crescent Creek. He got married and even had kids..." Casper was floored. Then, who was the guy who supposedlymitted suicide in prison? And who got buried? "Did you see him?"


    When Mikey was arrested, Eliza had begged Casper, with tears streaming down her face, to find a way to clear her father''s name. Casper had asked around about Mikey, but he admitted he hadn''t put much effort into it at the time. Eliza always suspected-and eventually believed that he had set up Mikey''s arrest.


    But it wasn''t him.


    Casper stroked his chin, trying to piece together the events from back then. Could this be a ssic case of faking one''s death?


    "You asked me to look into Mikey''s supposed suicide, right? Well, the officer who handled the case is in Crescent Creek. He said Mikey was released forck of evidence and that the suicide waspletely made up. Mikey''s been livingfortably in Crescent Creek." Casper couldn''t believe it. The highly publicized suicide was fake news?


    Just like Eliza''s death three years ago?


    Why does this all sound so familiar?


    The same fake death, the same fake news, the same fake ashes...


    All these deceptions seemed to point to one person-Aaron.


    Could Aaron be the mastermind behind all this? He''s orchestrating a grand scheme. But what was his endgame?


    "Dillon, find him and bring him to Oak Falls immediately, by any means necessary. I need to see him right away."


    "Understood."


    Aaron, his brother-in-arms for over a decade, had not only stolen his wife but also turned against him, harboring secrets no one else knew. This just got interesting.


    ...


    After leaving Casper''s house, Eliza sat on a bench by the road for a long while, hermood sour. It wasn''t unti her neighbor called, asking when she''d be home, that she snapped out of her daze and headed back to take care of her son.


    The night sky hung above as streetlights cast long shadows of the passersby. Eliza walked slowly, lost in thought, and absentmindedly wandered into a dark alley. The streetlight was out, but doubling back would take too long, so she quickened her pace to reach the end of the alley and then called a cab.


    "Stop right there." A stranger in a ck mask blocked her path. "Leave the money."


    Eliza froze in fear. She clutched her bag tightly, took a few steps back, and frantically shook her head. "I don''t have any money." "Then leave the bag."


    The mugger lunged for her bag, but she held on tight. It wasn''t about the money; her bag had items that were incredibly important to her.


    As they struggled, the mugger''s patience ran out. Enraged, he pulled a sharp knife from his waistband and lunged at Eliza. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around her head, bracing for the worst.


    Just as the knife was about to strike, arge hand shot out, grabbing the de tightly.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Trembling, Eliza looked up at her savior, silhouetted against the light. All she could see was a blood-covered hand and blood dripping drop by drop...

 Chapter 251

    Grasping the de tightly, the man yanked it, making the thug lose his bnce. Then, without missing a beat, he delivered a powerful kick that sent the thug flying. The thug crashed to the ground and scrambled backward in fear. "Get lost," the man roared.


    Once he was sure the thug had fled, he turned and helped Eliza up. "You okay? What brought you to such a remote spot?"


    Eliza finally got a good look at her rescuer''s face. It was Casper.


    Reacting as if she had touched something disgusting, she pushed him away. "Mind your own business."


    "I just saved you, and this is how you react? Isn''t that a bit ungrateful?" His palm was still bleeding. "At leaste with me to get this treated."


    "Who asked you to save me? Why''re you trying to be a hero?" Eliza snapped, showing no gratitude.


    Casper stared at her, dumbfounded. "I did it because I wanted to, okay? I''ll pay for my own treatment; juste with me. Is that too much to ask?"


    "Why should I go with you just because you''re hurt?" Eliza shoved him aside with clear disdain. "Stop acting like a victim."


    Casper was at a loss for words. Watching her walk away determinedly, he called after her, "It''s so dark here. Aren''t you afraid of running into more trouble?" "Anything''s less dangerous than you."


    As Eliza walked away, Casper stood frozen for a moment before jogging to catch up.


    "Why won''t you appreciate someone trying to help you?"


    Eliza shot him a cold nce, then pulled out her phone and dialed 911. "Hello, 911? There''s a creep harassing me on New Glory Street. Yes, pleasee quickly." Casper was stunned. Did she really just call the police?


    "Since when did I be a creep?" He angrily grabbed her arm, stopping her. "I saved you, and you call the cops on me? What''s your problem?"


    "You saved me? Or have you been stalking me? How did you just happen to be in such a remote ce?"


    "Stalking you? Seriously?"


    "Whether or not you were, you can exin it to the police." She waved her phone as a warning. "Stop following me."


    "You..."


    The sound of police sirens grew louder.


    Casper muttered a curse under his breath. He lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and watched until she walked into a well-lit area, finally feeling a bit relieved.


    Dillon could hardly believe that his


    first task upon returning to Oak Falls was picking up Casper from the police station. He was shocked but couldn''t suppress a chuckle. "Mr." Casper, ying the hero did


    get


    you the girl; instead, itnded you here. That''s rough."


    "Are you making fun of me?" Casper raised his bandaged hand as if to hit Dillon, whoughed and dodged. "I''m not mocking you. It''s just sad to see you hurt, and she doesn''t care at all."


    "Her heart''s already with Aaron." Casper''s words were tinged with jealousy and an air of resignation.


    Dillon opened the car door. "Mr. Casper, hop in."


    They drove back to Casper''s house in Oak Falls. Without wasting a moment, Dillon started briefing him on Mikey''s situation.


    "Mr. Casper, I''ve brought Mikey to Oak Falls. We''ve got eyes on him. When do you want to interrogate him?"


    Interrogate? Casper thought. What he really wanted was to uncover some truths.


    "He needs to talk himself."Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    "Mikey now lives in Crescent Creek and goes by the name Jacky. He married a kindergarten teacher, and they have a son. My investigation shows that before this incident Mikey had a secret mistress. This kindergarten teacher is likely the same woman."


    Casper''s brows furrowed.

 Chapter 252

    "A mistress?"


    Before Mikey''s incident, he had a decent gig, nothing too fancy but respectable enough. How could he even think of having a mistress? If he wasn''t greedy, how could he afford one? "He faked his death to live it up with his mistress?"


    Dillon nodded. "Pretty much. When we found him, he was celebrating his wife''s birthday, looking all happy and content."


    Casper''s eyes narrowed. He stood up. "Alright, let''s go meet my dear father-inw."


    "Yes, sir."


    The room was like a fortress, heavily guarded. You could cut the tension in the air with a knife.


    Casper saw Mikey and was stunned. He hadn''t aged a day; in fact, he looked even younger. His clothes were immacte, hisplexion rosy, and he had that smug, self-satisfied look. "Looks like you''ve been living the good life these past few years."


    "Casper, why drag me here? I''m your father-inw," Mikey snapped, looking annoyed. "Couldn''t we have talked in Crescent Creek? Do you have any idea how worried my family is?" "Mikey, I thought you were dead?" Casper raised an eyebrow, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "How... did youe back to life? And who exactly is your family?"


    "I..." He grumbled, avoiding the question. "...just tell me, what do you want?"Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    "Who gave you the idea for this disappearing act? And who helped you sneak out of Falconridge to start fresh in Crescent Creek?"


    "I don''t owe you any exnations." He turned away.


    "Don''t you want to know what your wife, your daughter, and even your son went through during the five years you were gone?"


    Mikey was clearly feeling guilty and remained silent, avoiding eye contact.


    "Your wife has passed away. If she


    knew you were out there living it up with another woman while she was still alive and you had faked your death, she''d be rolling in her grave."


    "I regret what I did to Rose. I admit it, but I have nothing else to tell you."


    Casper took a deep breath, snorting lightly. "Since you have nothing to say, I won''t push. Dillon, take good care of him." His eyes were filled with a dark,plicated emotion. Dillon nodded. "Yes, sir."


    If Mikey wasn''t talking? It was time for n B.


    It didn''t take three days for Mikey to spill everything.


    "Mr. Casper, it turns out the Martin family was involved in the whole thing. Aaron was behind it.


    "Aaron reported Mikey, then leaked info to the media, iming Welton International was using insider connections for personal gain. When the n didn''t pan out, they turned on their own. Mikey was arrested andmitted suicide'' shortly after. Rumors spread that you had a hand in driving him to his death.


    "If Mikey hadn''t ''died,'' the truth would havee out. Aaron didn''t want that, so he suggested faking Mikey''s death. He''d get smuggled out, live it up with his mistress, and get some cash and a new identity in Crescent Creek.


    "Back then, all of Falconridge was buzzing with rumors that you sent your father-inw to jail and caused his death. Aaron''s people spread these rumors." Dillon couldn''t wrap his head around it. What was Aaron''s game n?


    Mikey''s incident had caused a stir, and Welton International took a hit, but nothing earth-shattering.


    So why did Aaron do it?


    "Mr. Casper, what exactly is Dr. Martin''s endgame?"


    Casper felt the situation getting moreplicated. "Dig into Aaron''s past. See what he''s been up to all these years."


    "Yes, sir."

 Chapter 253

    Aaron arrived at Oak Falls from Falconridge, looking weary from the trip.


    Eliza was just about to head out.


    "Hey, these are for you." He handed her a bouquet of white roses, their scent rich and enveloping.


    Eliza blinked in surprise. "For me?"


    "Yeah, for you. Do you like them?" He smiled gently, and in his other hand, he held a box of red velvet cupcakes. "I know you love these, so I got them just for you."


    A warm feeling spread through Eliza''s chest. Taking the cupcakes, she replied, "Thanks."


    "Are you going somewhere?"


    "Yeah, one of my students asked for off-campus tutoring, so I''ve got to teach a lesson." Eliza nced at her watch. "But there''s no rush. Last time we talked, you said you had something important to tell me. What is it?"


    "It''s about..." Aaron hesitated, pressing his lips together before adjusting his gold-rimmed sses. "...your father."


    Eliza''s brow furrowed in confusion. Her father had passed away five years ago. Why was Aaron bringing him up now?


    "Aaron, my father... what about him?"


    Sensing her growing agitation, Aaron ced a calming hand on her shoulder. "Eliza, listen to me. Your father... your father, he''s... he''s not dead."


    Eliza''s body trembled, her mind spinning. How could that be when she had buried his ashes?


    "What do you mean?" Her voice trembled.


    "Just listen." He took a deep breath, his voice soft and careful. "Your father is alive, but..."


    But what???


    Eliza''s heart sank, her eyes locked onto Aaron, waiting for his next words.


    "But he''s been held captive by Casper." Aaron sighed helplessly. "I just found out. I never thought Casper would do something like this. It''s truly shocking." Aaron''s words felt like a knife to Eliza''s heart.


    Was everything about Mikey being captured andmitting suicide in prison a lie? Why would Casper do this?


    The reason wasn''t hard to guess.


    Revenge.


    Casper did it to hurt her, to hurt the Pinotti family.


    "Detaining someone is illegal. We should call the police," she said, her eyes growing cold. "Have him arrested. Put him in jail."


    "I think you should talk to him first.


    With Casper''s power, he could easily fabricate evidence and get you


    locked up instead. We can''t outfight him."


    swney


    Aaron gently patted Eliza''s shoulder, offeringfort and silently vowing to be her strong support.


    Determination flickered in her eyes.


    Could she really not outfight him? She had to try.


    Zach had given her a USB drive she had never opened. He said it contained videos of her father, which she had yet to watch.


    Her beautiful fingers clenched into a fist. No matter what, she had to rescue her father from Casper''s clutches.


    "Eliza," Aaron said softly, embracing her. "I''m here. I''ll help you."


    "Aaron, I''m a bit tired. I need some time to think."


    Everything had happened so suddenly. She felt overwhelmed.


    Aaron didn''t press, gently stroking her back. "Okay, I''ll head back for now. Don''t stress too much. I''ll talk to Casper. I really didn''t expect this from him. After all these years, how did not see it? I wonder how your father..." .


    Aaron trailed off. After a few moreforting words, he left.


    Won


    eveN?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Eliza, feeling despondent, stood up and walked to the low cab in the living room. She opened a drawer, found a metal box, and took out the USB drive inside.

 Chapter 254

    The USB drive slid into theputer slot. Mikey''s familiar face filled the screen.


    "Casper, why did you report me? I''m your father-inw. How could you do this to me? Aren''t you afraid of hurting Eliza? She loves you so much. How can you treat her father like this? You''re really heartless."


    In the video, several men were holding Mikey down, beating him with fists and kicks. He knelt there, begging Casper to spare him. He looked pathetic, pitiful, helpless-it made her heart break into pieces. Unable to watch any longer, Eliza angrily shut theptop and stormed out.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ...


    The doorbell rang. Fresh from a shower, Casper wrapped himself in a towel and went to answer.


    p. p. p.


    Three consecutive psnded on Casper''s face with all her might. As she went for the fourth, he quickly caught her wrist, furrowing his brows in anger, "Have you lost your mind?"


    "Casper, you''re a monster. Where have you hidden my dad?" Eliza''s eyes were bloodshot, her voice trembling. "Tell me, where have you hidden my dad?"


    "Your dad?" He pushed her away, toweling off his hair as he walked in. "How would I know your dad?"


    "Casper, let''s stop pretending. You recognized me a long time ago, didn''t you?"


    He chuckled lightly, copsing into the plush sofa. "Ah, so you admit it? You admit you''re my deceased wife?"


    "Where have you really hidden my dad?" She didn''t know where the courage and strength came from as she gripped Casper''s robe tightly, pressing him. "Why would you do this? Not only did you report him and get him jailed, but you also tortured him for five years." Her eyes zed with fury. It felt like the anger had reached the tip of her throat. He casually held her wrist, letting go with a low voice. "Who told you I hid your dad? Your dear Aaron?"


    "Does it matter who told me?"


    "It seems you trust your dear Aaron unconditionally." He picked up the freshly brewed coffee, blowing on it gently. "How far have you and the man ying daddy gotten?" "Casper, stop beating around the bush. Where is my dad? I want to see him." Her eyes were fiercely red.


    He took a sip of his coffee, looking up at her. "Want to see your dad? Be a little nicer."


    "Ha." Eliza scoffed, "Are you using my dad to threaten me now?"


    "If you call it a threat, then it''s a threat," he said, staring into her eyes, seemingly provoking her on purpose. "After all, you believe that I am not a good person." "You''re a wolf in sheep''s clothing."


    Her voice was tinged with anger, ready to tear Casper apart in the next second. Casper put down his coffee cup, dropped the jest, and said coldly and calmly, "Your dad is fine. It''s just that it''s not suitable for you to see him now."


    "Why? Why can''t I see him now?" She screamed, her eyes brimming with tears. He stood up, walking toward her, eyes downcast. "The timing isn''t right."


    "When is the timing ever right? When we''re dead? You''ve driven our family to death or madness. What more do you want?" Her fingertips trembled as she clutched his robe, her voice quivering. "What will it take for you to leave us alone..."


    He grabbed her hand, warming the coldness of her fingers in his. "Some things aren''t as simple as you think. Some people aren''t as innocent as you believe. Do you understand?"


    "I don''t understand. I only know you


    have no right to lock anyone up. If it<pes down to it, I''d rather fight you to death. If need be, one life for another." She red at him as if ready to tear him to pieces.

 Chapter 255

    Eliza was beside herself with emotion. She looked so fragile, so pitiful, like a delicate white flower battered by the storm.


    He could have let her see him. But he couldn''t. Not now, at least.


    "Don''t go crazy on me." He grabbed her trembling shoulders, speaking earnestly. "I promise. I won''t make you wait too long, okay?"


    "Do you think I can still trust you?" Sheughed bitterly, tears streaming down her face. "Casper, I''ve already died once. I don''t want to die a second time. Can you let me go? Let my family go?" "No one''s trying to kill you." He cupped her tear-streaked face, half coaxing, "I''m not holding you or your family back. Some things are just... ah!"


    She suddenly bit down hard on the base of his thumb. He didn''t push her away, letting her bite. Only when his blood stained her lips did she push him away in disgust.


    Blood and bite marks mingled into a blurry mess. He quickly pulled out a tissue to cover the wound. "You''re a real piece of work, huh?"


    "You asked for it."


    "I''m trying to have a serious conversation with you, and you bite me?" He was genuinely angry.


    "Casper, no matter what you say, I won''t believe you. You better sleep with one eye open because sooner orter, my knife is going to find your heart."


    Her gaze was icy, her anger beyond containment.


    She looked into his eyes. Her stare screamed, "I hate you."


    His eyes showed deep helplessness. "Then who do you trust? Aaron? Do you think he''s any better than me?"


    "He might not be, but are you any good?" She snapped back. Casper was so eager to drag Aaron down with her. "At least he''s honest, gentle, and knows how to respect people. What are you?"


    "Honest? Gentle? You think that''s


    not all an act?" Casper stepped


    closer, pinning her against the wall "You think


    you know him better than I do? How much do you really know about him? Some things aren''t as they seem."


    "Sure, I haven''t known him as long as you have, so what?" Her eyes were filled with fatigue, and she let out a coldugh. "I can still tell the difference between good and evil."


    "You don''t know a damn thing." He couldn''t help but curse.


    Eliza red at him. "Exactly, and because I couldn''t tell the difference, I ended up marrying someone like you. You could take a life and wouldn''t blink an eye." "You..." He raised his hand.


    Eliza tilted her head up, unafraid. "What? Did I say something wrong? Compared to Aaron, you''re less than nothing."


    "So what." His bloodied hand grasped her chin. "So, in your eyes, I''m the evil one, and he''s the good one?" "What else could it be?" Her lips curled in mockery.


    He was provoked. The hand on her chin tightened. "So, as the viin, I should do what viins do, right?"N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    She winced in pain, struggling. "Are you thinking of having your way with me?"


    "Don''t forget, we''re not divorced yet. You''re still my wife," he said, frowning, staring at her.


    Elizaughed, herughter filled with scorn and disdain. "Have you forgotten? I had already married an old man and had his child. How could I still be your wife? Eliza is long dead. I am now Valerie."


    "I don''t care if you''re Eliza or Valerie; you''re still my wife."


    He kissed her.


    His tongue forcefully pried open her tightly closed lips, invading deeply, almost suffocating her with his breath.

 Chapter 256

    She twisted her body, trying to push him away. Her small hands iled against his chest, face, and neck, scratching wildly. Soon, he was covered in scratches.


    "Ah..." He winced in pain, grabbing her wrists and lifting them above her head. He continued to kiss her. "You''ve turned into a little wildcat."


    "Let go of me," she spat, her eyes zing with hatred.


    "Viins are just like this, Eliza. That''s thebel you''ve pped on me." He invaded her space, kissing her forcefully.


    She struggled in vain and tried to knee him but failed. Defeated, tears streamed down her face.


    He tasted her tears and reluctantly let her go, wiping them away. "Why are you crying? I haven''t really done anything to you."


    "I thought you might have changed, but you haven''t. You never will. You''re just naturally evil. Your pleasurees from tormenting me and tormenting my family. Casper, you really should go to hell. The world would be better off." She was cursing him.


    A frown creased his brow, his heart aching sharply, his gaze dimming.


    He owed her, and he knew it better than anyone. So, during the three years she was gone, he desperately tried to make up for the unfinished business on her behalf.


    He sought out better hospitals to treat Robin''s illness, no matter the cost.


    She said he drove her father to suicide, so he investigated the truth behind Mikey''s death.


    He was desperately making amends for his past mistakes.


    Was he really that despicable?


    "I admit I''m not a good person, but I..."Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    "Casper." She looked up at him, her sweet smile tinged with despair. "I will never forgive you unless you die right here in front of me."


    She wished for his death.


    He smiled, revealing a trace of bitterness.


    He wasn''t afraid of death. If she wanted his death, he could give her his life.


    He was just a bit heartbroken.


    He reached out, picked up a kitchen knife from the table, and gently handed it to Eliza.


    "If you really feel that way, then go ahead. I''ll tell the police it was a suicide attempt."


    The kitchen knife was heavy, its cold gleam revealing its lethal sharpness. The cold touch made her


    momentarily hesitate, but only for a moment. She quickly regained herposure.


    "Do you really think I wouldn''t do it?"


    "I won''t me you." He was betting she didn''t hate him that much.


    Unfortunately, he lost the bet.


    Her icy gaze showed no hesitation or retreat. Her hand, firm and resolute, plunged the knife towards his abdomen.


    At that moment, time seemed to freeze.


    Casper''s eyes shed with shock; he hadn''t expected her to be so


    decisive and merciless, without ne?


    hint of hesitation, plunging the knife into him.


    Even though he caught part of the de, the pain quickly swept through his body.


    Her pupils dted sharply as if scalded. She released the knife handle and involuntarily stepped back.


    Casper still held the knife with her warmth on it. His tall body suddenly weakened, and he thudded to the floor on his knees. His eyes, burned


    by fierce emotions, carried a mal?


    feelings. He let out a self-pitying sneer.


    "Pfft..." He spat out a mouthful of blood. The ring red made Eliza''s heart tremble violently.


    Heboriously raised his head, asking her with a hint of bitterness. "If I died, would you feel even a little bit sad?"

 Chapter 257

    She shook her head, a cold look in her eyes as she turned and bolted outside. Casper quickly lost consciousness and passed out. "Mr. Casper."


    When Dillon rushed in and saw Casper lying in a pool of blood, he''spletely baffled by what had happened. With Casper''s skills, it was almost impossible for someone to hurt him. Plus, it had happened in his own house, with no signs of a struggle. How did he end up getting stabbed?


    Casper was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.


    Eliza also returned home. She was uneasy but had no regrets. Even if he died, she wouldn''t feel an ounce of sorrow. The only thing that bothered her was that she hadn''t seen her father yet. She should have asked where her father was before stabbing him. At worst, it would be her life for his. But her child was still so young...


    After much thought, she called Chelsea.


    "If something happens to me, Brock is in your hands."


    Chelsea was puzzled. "Are you tying up loose ends? What happened?"


    "I stabbed Casper. He might die. If he does, the Welton family won''t let me off the hook. I''d probably have to pay with my life. Brock is still young; I can only rest easy if I leave him with you."


    Eliza''s tone was steady. It sounded more like she was talking about someone else''s problems.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Chelsea, on the other end of the phone, felt like her head was going to explode. "What? Why did you stab Casper? Where? In the heart? Why were you so impulsive? Was it worth it to risk your life for someone like him?"


    It wasn''t worth it. But in that moment, it was what she wanted to do. It was no exaggeration to say that for the past three years, she dreamt of killing him.


    "I think he''s probably not going to make it."


    No matter how terrible Casper was, he was Brock''s biological father. If the kid grew up knowing his mother killed his father, and then his mother died because of it... How would he bear it?


    Chelsea could not say this out loud, afraid Eliza would start having reckless thoughts.


    "What exactly... happened?"


    "Chelsea, my dad isn''t dead. Casper... he hid my dad away. I was just so angry. How could he keep lying to me like that for five whole years?"


    Chelsea, on the other end of the phone, was stunned. Wasn''t Mikey dead? Casper had hidden him away for five years without a hint of news leaking out. It did sound very strange. "Who told you this?"


    "Aaron told me, and I finally opened the USB drive Zach gave me years ago. I saw a video of my dad. It was indeed Casper''s doing."


    Actually, all the evidence pointed to


    Casper back then. But Eliza was blinded by her love for him. How could she have believed he would do something so cruel? Now, it was different. Without love, Eliza could look at everything more rationally. He deserved to pay the price for doing something so horrible.


    Chelsea was at a loss for words. "So, is Casper really going to die?"


    Eliza didn''t know either. She hadn''t called an ambnce for him. Even if the stab wasn''t fatal, he would slowly bleed out without timely discovery and hospitalization. "Forget it, Chelsea, just take good care of Brock for me. I''ll give you all my money."


    "What do I need your money for?" Chelsea was also very nervous, but she had tofort Eliza. "Listen to to me. I''m heading to Oak Falls right now. I pick up Brock and bring him to my ce. If Casper doesn''t die, you and he can resolve your grievances."


    Eliza sighed softly, her heart filled with mixed feelings. She had no idea whether Casper was alive or dead, and the oue of the situation might have already exceeded her expectations. It would be best he died ending everything once and for all. It would be a release for both of them, allowing the entanglements and grievances to dissipate with his departure.


    As for Casper, the situation was indeed somewhat tricky.

 Chapter 258

    Bleeding from his stab wound was quickly stopped to prevent fatal damage. However, he did suffer severe blood loss, leaving him in a critical state. After a grueling 24 hours of emergency treatment, he was still clinging to life, struggling on the edge. Dillon was frantic, and the situation looked grim. After a moment''s thought, he decided to call Caroline and fill her in on the dire circumstances.


    Caroline was stunned when she got the news. She quickly made her way to Oak Falls.


    The lights in the emergency room were still on.


    "What''s going on?" she asked, her voice filled with anxiety.


    Dillon could only recount what he witnessed. "The injury is severe. There was so much blood when I got there."


    "This is outrageous. It''s a deliberate attack." She nced nervously at the emergency room, her heart pounding. "Did you call the police?"


    "No," he answered honestly.


    "No?" Caroline was baffled. Dillon wasn''t one to miss such a crucial step. "He''s been hurt this badly, and you didn''t call the police? Are you out of your mind?"


    "It''s..." Dillon hesitated, lowering his head. "...Mr. Casper didn''t want the police involved."


    He got stabbed and yet didn''t call the police? What was Casper thinking?


    Caroline narrowed her eyes. "Does he know the person who stabbed him?"


    "It seems so. There were no signs of a struggle at home. I suspect it was..."


    "Who do you suspect?" Caroline pressed.


    "It must be his wife."


    His wife?


    Caroline was taken aback. "Which wife?"


    "It''s Eliza. I think she''s the one who stabbed Mr. Casper."


    Caroline was floored by the revtion, her mind reeling. "You mean Eliza is still alive? But I saw her ashes buried with my own eyes."


    Dillon wasn''t sure where to start. "It''s a long story. I''ll exinter."


    "If it really was Eliza who stabbed


    him, then he got what he deserved." Caroline suddenly felt a strange sense of relief wash over her. "He should have made amends to Ker. Dying a thousand times wouldn''t be enough."


    Dillon was stunned. Was this really Casper''s sister?


    "It''s a personal matter between them, and I''m neither a judge nor a


    savior. can''t and don''t want


    get involved. If something happens to him, let me know."


    With those words, she walked away, her silhouette fading.


    Dillon opened his mouth, wanting to say something. "Ms. Caroline, this..."


    Did she just... leave...?


    Casper''s life was hanging by a thread.


    Dillon''s heart was in his throat.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Doctors and nurses were rushing in and out, there were countless forms to sign, and a critical condition notice had already been issued. Could this really be the end?


    A few dayster, Dillon knocked on Eliza''s door. She saw him, and her first thought was of Casper.


    Dillon''s face was drawn with exhaustion. "Mrs...."


    "I''m not a Mrs.." She cut him off coldly.


    Dillon had to change his approach. "Ms. Valerie, I need to talk to you..."


    "Yes, I did stab Casper. Go tell the police to arrest me. I''ll take responsibility for what I did." She stood firmly in the doorway, not letting Dillon in.


    "I''m not here to use you," he said.


    Eliza was taken aback. "Then why are you here?"


    "Mr. Casper was saved but is still unconscious and in critical condition. We don''t know if he''ll putt through.Dillon''s voice cracked, his eyes brimming with tears. "You don''t know how much he''s suffered these past three years. How guilty he''s felt..."


    "Dillon." Eliza interrupted coldly. "If you''re here to tell me that, I''m not interested."

 Chapter 259

    "I mean, I''m hoping you''ll consider visiting Mr. Casper. His condition is pretty serious." Dillon''s gaze was heavy as it fell on Eliza''s somewhat detached face. "I hate to say this, but if you intentionally hurt someone and it gets pursued, the consequences can be severe." Eliza looked up at him.


    Dillon continued, "You have a child. If you don''t think about the consequences you will face, shouldn''t you think about your kid? I believe you understand how serious this is without me having to spell it out."


    They locked eyes for what felt like forever. Finally, Eliza nced away and replied coldly, "Like master, like servant. Dillon, don''t try to use my child to threaten me. That won''t work." "I''m not threatening you."


    Dillon felt he had said enough. Since she was unwilling, there was no point in pressing further.


    "Alright then, I''ll go back to taking care of Mr. Casper." As he was about to walk away, something seemed to ur to him, and he turned back. "Your father is indeed with us at the moment, but not for five years like you imagine. We only discovered he was still alive a few days ago." Before Eliza could fully process his words, Dillon had already left.


    Had it been Casper who said this, she might not have believed it, but Dillon was usually reliable, which made her ponder. If what Dillon said was true, then was Aaron lying? But Aaron had no reason to lie to her. Eliza''s mind was suddenly a whirlwind of confusion, like clouds parting only to reveal more fog.


    Casper was still in aa. Aaron stood at his bedside, staring at his pale face, and suddenlyughed.


    "It must hurt to be stabbed by the one you love, huh?" He leaned down and patted Casper''s face. "This is just the beginning."


    "May broke off our engagement for you and then killed herself. Do you think I''ve forgotten that?


    "I''m telling you, not a day goes by that I don''t hate you. My lover and my child are gone, and I won''t let you have a happy family.


    "You want love and to marry the girl of your dreams? I''ll make sure you stumble. I''ll make sure you misunderstand each other, torment each other, and never get your love.


    "You owe me, and you owe May. You''ll pay it back slowly."


    Aaron''s eyes were filled with deep pain as the events of many years ago reyed in his mind.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    He couldn''t forget the sight of May falling from the hundredth floor. He


    couldn''t forget that even as she jumped to her death, herst words


    were, "Casper, I love you." I


    Ve


    "Casper, considering our childhood friendship, I can''t promise you''ll be left whole, but I promise I''ll leave your wife and son intact."


    Aaron''s face twisted into a ghastlyugh. Hisughter echoed in the silent hospital room, sending chills down the spine.


    A weekter, Casper''s condition had improved His hands were wrapped in bandages, as was his abdomen, thick with gauze. His face, neck, and even his one good hand bor@marks of scratches and bites.


    Dillon couldn''t help but sigh. How pitiful this was.


    "Cough, cough." A muffled sound came from Casper lying on the bed.


    Dillon immediately stood up from his chair beside the bed, looking at Casper with concern. "Mr. Casper, are you finally awake?"


    "I''m not dead?" Casper''s voice was hoarse. He thought he had gone to meet his maker.


    "Of course, you''re still alive and kicking." Dillon smiled reassuringly, gesturing for Casper not to move too much. "The wound on your abdomen has just been stitched up. Don''t move too much, or it might open up."


    "How long have I been out?"


    Casper felt like he had been asleep for a very long time, so much so that he thought he wouldn''t wake up.


    "A week," Dillon answered truthfully.


    "Then..." His eyes filled with hope as he asked Dillon. "Has she visited me?"

 Chapter 260

    Dillon felt a twinge in his heart and awkwardly tugged at his lip. "Are you talking about your wife? She hasn''te to see you..."


    "She is such a heartless woman," Casper thought. She no longer loved him, which exined her cold and ruthless behavior. "It''s okay, I don''t me her."


    "She nearly stabbed you to death, and you don''t me her?" Dillon couldn''t hold back. "From what I see, the chance of you and your wife reconciling is as likely as Mars crashing into Earth. Maybe you should just give up on her. After all, she''s remarried and has a kid now..." Casper''s frown deepened. "Since when is it your ce to give me advice? One more word, and you''re out of here."


    Dillon didn''t want to push it further. But he couldn''t help thinking that Eliza''s indifference was probably even more serious than Casper realized. If she had any feelings left for him, she wouldn''t have faked her own death to escape, let alone remarry and have children. Why did she marry an old man? That was a clear statement that Casper was even less desirable than an elderly gentleman.


    "I''m just trying to say, don''t risk your life hoping for her forgiveness. If she doesn''t forgive you and you die, she might actually be happy."


    "Stop aggravating me; I''m not going to die from this," Casper said, annoyed. "Get me a ss of water."


    "Sure thing." Dillon handed the ss to him.


    "Knock, knock."


    Suddenly, the knock on the hospital room door interrupted their conversation. Dillon stood up to open the door, and upon seeing the visitor, he was stunned. "You..."


    "What, am I not wee?" Eliza stood at the doorway, her expression cold and aloof.


    Dillon quickly bowed respectfully. "Please,e in."


    He stepped aside to let Eliza enter, then exited the room, closing the door behind him to give them some privacy.


    Eliza walked into the room, her gazending on the somewhat pale Casper lying in the bed. She treated him like he were a stranger. "Don''t get it twisted; I''m not here to visit you just have something to ask, and then I''ll leave." Conte belongs


    "What do you want to ask?" Casper''s mood seemed to lift, his eyes smiling. "Ask away."


    Eliza hesitated. "Dillon mentioned that you just found out my father is alive. So, where has he been all this time?"


    He didn''t answer right away, instead proposing a condition. "Let''s exchange questions. I''ll answer one of yours, and you answer one of mine."


    "Casper, when will you stop being so despicable?" She regretteding to ask him now.


    "Is that despicable?" He propped himself up from the bed, staring intently into her eyes. "This is called a fair exchange."


    "Mr. Casper, you really don''t like


    being at a disadvantage," she said, believing some truths would eventuallye to light. "I guess shouldn''t have had illusions about you. If that''s the case, there''s no need for me to ask anything.


    She turned to leave, but he quickly reached out to stop her. "Hey, don''t go..."


    "Are you going to answer or not?" She didn''t have much patience left for him; she could find the answers herself.


    "Okay, okay" He had no other choice; he was a bit scared of her getting angry. "Your father has been living in Crescent Creek for nearly five years."


    Crescent Creek? Her family had no


    rtives there. Why would he goto Crescent Creek? Could it be that he didn''t want to see his family? She dn''t w


    had too many questions and wanted answers. Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "I want to see him," Eliza said, her gaze fixed on Casper.


    Casper slightly raised the corners of his mouth, revealing a mocking smile. "If I refuse, would you get so angry that you''d attack me right here in this room?"

 Chapter 261

    Eliza''s expression was as frosty as a winter morning. "Hard to say."


    "When asking for a favor, you should at least try to look friendly. How about a smile?" Casper grinned at her.


    Suppressing her growing anxiety and frustration, she tried to keep her voice steady. "Casper, just tell me straight up. Can you help or not?"Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    "I can, but you''ll have to wait until I recover." He reached out, took her hand, and held on. "If you stay and take care of me, I think I''ll heal faster."


    There was a mischievous glint in his eyes like he was enjoying teasing her.


    She''d had enough. She yanked her hand away with more force than intended, forgetting how weak he was. He toppled off the bed and hit the floor with a thud.


    The sound startled Eliza. When he fell, his wound tore open, and blood quickly stained the white gauze a shocking burst of red.


    He gritted his teeth, his face contorted in pain.


    Eliza watched, her heart as cold as her expression. She felt a grim satisfaction as if he was finally getting what he deserved.


    "Can you help me up?" he asked weakly, his voice barely above a whisper.


    She didn''t move and just took a step back, looking down at him with icy indifference. "That''s the nurse''s job, not mine."


    "Please, help me," he begged again.


    "No." Her refusal was blunt and firm. His suffering didn''t concern her.


    "Don''t be so heartless." He watched her with hope, reaching out a hand.


    She remained unmoved, shaking her head and taking another step back. He struggled to get up, and she heard the stitches pop.


    Just then, the nurse walked in.


    "He''s on the floor! Why didn''t you help him? Did the wound open again?" The nurse wrestled Casper back onto the bed, making him lie down and then turned to Eliza "What''s your problem? Do you hate him that much?"


    Eliza pressed her lips together, staying silent.


    Casper, clutching his bleeding wound, tried to cover for her. "I''m too heavy. She couldn''t lift me."


    "I''ll get the doctor." The nurse hurried out.


    Seeing the blood-soaked gauze, Eliza turned and left the room, too.


    Aaron called, asking where she was. She lied and then took a cab home.


    "Why are you here?" She unlocked the door, and he followed her inside. "Chelsea called me and said you had some trouble."


    Chelsea must have told him about her injuring Casper. She had forgotten to tell her not to mention it.


    "He''s not dead; it shouldn''t be a big deal."


    "Why would you act so recklessly?".


    He looken


    at her with concern. "If


    won''t be easy for you." caret


    Casper decides to press charges, it


    "I''ll handle it." She kicked off her shoes, hung up her bag, and headed to the living room.


    Chelsea had taken Brock away, leaving the house eerily quiet. His toys were scattered everywhere.


    Aaron bent down to help her tidy up.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll figure something


    out.


    make sure you and your son


    can see each other."


    "Okay." She didn''t mention her visit to Casper.


    "Actually, there''s something else. I''m not sure if I should bring it up."


    Eliza looked at him curiously. "What is it?"


    "The estate your parents didn''t manage to transfer in their will-is it all in your name?"

 Chapter 262

    Eliza nodded, acknowledging that everything was indeed in her name, but she believed it was meant for Nova, not truly for her.


    She had heard that Nova had gone missing. Thewyer should''ve handled all that inheritance business.


    "Do you need anything?" she asked, confused.


    "I heard that after you left, Casper imed all the inheritance the Henderson family left you," Aaron said, pushing his sses up his nose with a sigh. "He legally inherited it as your husband. It might be impossible to get it back." That didn''t surprise her. Casper was cunning. "I see."


    Aaron was taken aback by Eliza''s calm demeanor. "Do you need my help? I can get you the bestwyer."


    "I can handle it myself." She declined his offer withposure.


    "Alright, but if you ever need me, just let me know. You know what Casper is like; dealing with him might be tough."


    Eliza gave a slight nod. "Aaron, now that Casper knows my identity, it''s best you stay out of it. It''s safer for you and the Martin family."


    Aaron had helped her before, and she didn''t want Casper to target the Martin family because of her.


    Aaron didn''t seem worried. "If I was afraid, I wouldn''t have helped you in the first ce."


    She knew that, but still, Casper was dangerous. It was best to avoid him if possible.


    ---


    Casper had moved to Falconridge Welton International Hospital for specialized treatment.


    Dillon had also brought Mikey to Falconridge.


    "Dillon, call Eliza and tell her..." Casper had promised to let her meet Mikey. "Tell her toe to Falconridge to see her father."


    "Mr. Casper, if Mikey tells Mrs. Welton something he shouldn''t..."


    "If he wants to leave this ce, he won''t." Casper was confident. "Besides, she has the right to know the truth."


    Following Casper''s instructions, Dillon contacted Eliza, asking her toe to Falconridge.


    She stood in the familiar living room of the Wetton Estate, feeling a wave of emotions. Nothing seemed to have changed. It was still as stifling as ever, just like when she left.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Almost exactly the same.


    There were fewer servants around. The flowers and nts in the yard looked untended for a long time, wilted and decayed.


    Casper came down the stairs


    leisurely, wearing a loose nightgown


    with the cor slightly open, revealing his well-defined chest and the gauze peeking out, which gave him a touch of recklessness and mystery.


    He looked up and saw her standing at the doorway, a light smile curving his lips. "You''re here." His voice was gentle and rxed, clearly pleased. "Where''s my dad?" she asked, her eyes cold.


    "What''s the rush? Have a seat. Dillon will bring him here soon." Casper smiled lightly as he descended the step His tone sounded like he was calming an impatient child.


    Eliza didn''t move. She just stood there, looking proper and indifferent to everything around her.


    He walked up to her, tilting his head to look at her, his voice low and maic. "It''s your home. Why are you so formal?"


    "Casper, stop beating around the bush," Eliza said, sounding impatient.


    He sighed heavily and helplessly. "I know. I''ve done many wrong things in the past. If you can''t forgive me right away, I understand."

 Chapter 263

    Eliza wasn''t having any of it. She thought he was just putting on a show. "Your wrongdoings are endless. Did you also steal the inheritance my foster parents left for me? You consolidated, restructured, and merged it into a subsidiary of Welton International. Mr. Casper,


    your actions are despicable, sleazy, and insatiably greedy."


    She had figured it all out over thest few days.


    Even though the fortune the Henderson family left her wasn''t something she necessarily wanted to inherit, what right did Casper have to pocket things that weren''t his?


    "Aaron told you this, right?"


    "Do you think I can''t do my own investigation?"


    He did categorized and invested the Henderson family''s assets, but the profits weren''t significant. If she wanted, he could return it to her with interest.


    "I can return it to you and even offer you a thirty percent profit on top. Just say the word, and I can prepare the contracts immediately."


    Eliza didn''t hold back. "Then please, Mr. Casper, prepare the contracts."


    ""Will do."


    Eliza wasn''t sure whether to believe Casper or not, but judging by his tone on the phone and his firm attitude, he probably wouldn''t go back on his word.


    After hanging up, he said, "Once you''ve seen your father, I can have someone handle this matter with you."


    He wasn''t sure what Aaron had told Eliza, but he could guess it wasn''t anything good.


    "Aaron, he..." Casper started, wanting to offer her a word of caution.


    Eliza cut him off disdainfully. "I don''t need you to teach me how to judge people. Do you think you can y the wise guy?"


    He was just about to retort when Dillon rushed in. "Mr. Casper, your guest has arrived."


    "Let him in."


    The moment Elizaid eyes on Mikey, she was taken aback.


    When they lived together, Mikey''s hair had already turned pale, and he often seemed tired from work. But now, her father had dark hair, looked vigorous and rosy-cheeked, and had even gained a bit of weight. Was he living... well?


    "Dad." She took a step towards him.


    Mikey smiled sheepishly. "Elle."


    There was no overwhelming joy or tears, no sobbing embrace. Eliza was shocked by his reaction. They hadn''t seen each other for a full five years. Didn''t he miss his daughter at all?


    "Dad..." She still gently hugged Mikey. "Where have you been all these years?"


    "Elle, I..." He hesitated as if there were many difficulties he couldn''t speak of.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Eliza gently let go of the embrace and turned to Casper. "I would like to have a moment alone with my dad." Casper shrugged. "Sure."


    Casper and Dillon left the living room and stayed in the yard, not too close or too far.


    Dillon nced worriedly inside. "Why do I get the feeling Mikey is going to spout some lies?"


    Casper lit a cigarette, holding it


    between his lips, inhaling slowly


    "How is he going to exin these five years to Eliza if he doesn''t lie?"


    Fair point. But lying would eventually require straightening things out, right?


    "Mr. Casper, after they''ve met, are you really going to let Mikey go?"


    "Of course."


    It wasn''t feasible not to. Eliza already despised him deeply; not releasing Mikey would make her hate him to the bone.


    He took a deep drag from his cigarette, slowly asking, "Have you found anything on Aaron?"


    "There are some findings, but... there''s something I don''t quite understand."


    "What''s that?" Casper''s eyebrows lifted slightly, his gaze piercing as he looked at Dillon.


    Dillon scratched his head, seeming a bit puzzled. "I discovered that Aaron had I


    blurred money to Zack 110


    many years ago."

 Chapter 264

    Aaron and Zach worked together?


    How on earth could these two, who seemingly had nothing inmon, have financial dealings?


    "What do you think is the reason?" Casper asked.


    Dillon had a few theories.


    "Maybe Zach has some side hustle and teamed up with Aaron on the down-low. Or maybe they''re working together on something, trading favors for mutual benefits."


    Given the small amount of money involved, it couldn''t be a major business deal.


    "I think the only thing that could connect those two is Eliza."


    On the surface, both Aaron and Zach seemed pretty into Eliza. By normal logic, they''d be love rivals.


    Could rivals coborate? It didn''t make sense.


    "Could it be because of me?" Casper''s voice was deep, his gaze as mysterious as the dark depths of the ocean.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Dillon frowned, puzzled. "Why is that?"


    "Maybe they''re both targeting me." He chuckled softly, a teasing tone in his voice.


    Dillon understood but was also confused. He guessed, "Could it be the typical, the enemy of my enemy is my friend?"


    Casperughed, gently tapping Dillon''s forehead. "You''re quite the genius, kid."


    "I get why Zach would want to go after you, but Dr. Martin? Weren''t you two close friends?" Dillon still couldn''t wrap his head around it. "Is it all about your wife? Even if he loved her, that just makes him the other guy, right? Why would he ignore the Martin family''s interests?"


    Three years ago, Casper nearly drove the Martin family out of Falconridge. They''d only just managed to get back on their feet in Oak Falls, and now Aaron was risking it all again. The Martin family would definitely disown him. Casper''s gaze drifted to a memory.


    A woman named May was pregnant with Aaron''s child when she jumped from a hundred-foot-high building, ending her life at just twenty-two.


    Casper didn''t know why, but as she jumped, she cried out, "Casper, I love you."


    In truth, he and May weren''t close and had not even spoken about love.


    After May''s incident, Aaron was cold towards him for a while. Was this what started the feud?


    "Mr. Casper," Dillon called him back to reality.


    Casper snapped out of his thoughts. "Hmm?"


    "Mikey''s out."


    Casper looked over at the older man. His head hung low. He looked defeated and despondent, his eyes red and swollen.


    It seemed like the father-daughter talk didn''t go well.


    Dillon approached, "As Mr. Casper


    bet


    Creser, if you want to return t


    Creek, we''ll


    someone to take you t


    After a moment, Mikey nodded. "Take me back."


    Dillon nced at Casper. With a slight nod from Casper, he led Mikey away.


    Casper stubbed out his cigarette. He turned and walked into the living room.


    Eliza was still on the sofa, quiet as a dazed little rabbit.


    He didn''t ask how the talk went but poured her a ss of water and handed it to her, "Have some water." Eliza didn''t look up. She didn''t take the ss of water he offered.


    "How could he betray my mom and our family?" she said softly. "He said he had his reasons, but my mom fell ill because of him and eventually passed away. He doesn''t seem sad at all and only spoke about how hard it''s been for him."


    She shook her head, unable to believe her father had changed so much.


    With tears streaking down her cheeks, she slowly looked up at Casper full of doubt. "Did you make him say that? Did you tell him what to say? What exactly did you do to him?"

 Chapter 265

    "Me?" He let out a chuckle, finding the usation utterly ridiculous. "Why would I want him to say that? What would I gain from it? Eliza, can you stop being so biased against me?" She was furious, but she couldn''t stay angry. "I refuse to believe he''s that kind of person."


    She shook her head. Her father was a devoted husband and father. He couldn''t possibly be such a man.


    Suddenly, she grabbed Casper''s shirt, her eyes trembling slightly. "What did you do to him to make him change like this?"


    "His change has nothing to do with me. I didn''t report him back then, nor did I help him escape, Eliza..." He gripped her shoulders firmly, trying to calm her down. "...I''m also a victim. I''ve been set up, too." "Who on earth would go out of their way to do this to you?" Eliza shoved him away forcefully.


    She had just asked Mikey, who had reported him five years ago. He said it was Casper, and the contents of the USB Zach gave her were true.


    Casper had orchestrated the whole mess, and now, here he was, pretending to be a victim.


    "Casper, how can you lie like that? My dad said it was you. You reported him back then and pped him with baseless usations. Why won''t you still admit it?"


    Casper was stunned. He hadn''t anticipated Mikey to spout such lies. "Did Mikey tell you who sent him to Crescent Creek?"


    Eliza''s face was icy. "He did. It was Aaron."


    Mentioning this only increased her disdain for the despicable man before her. How could one be so kind and the other so evil?


    "If it weren''t for Aaron''s help, my dad would be ruined by now." Eliza''s voice dripped with anger.


    Casper suddenlyughed. Aaron had really twisted the story well.


    "So, you thought I made up everything about his current situation?" He countered, his eyes showing his disappointment in her and pity for himself.


    "I have the right to doubt you."


    He sighed a bitter smile on his lips as he grabbed her chin, making her meet his eyes. "Eliza, do you really trust Aaron that much? Where''s your logic and judgment? Where''s your brain?"


    His voice was low, tinged with barely hidden anger.


    "You are telling me I should trust you?" she mocked.


    "Can''t you trust me just once?" he pleaded, looking into her eyes. "Just once."


    She knocked his hand away,


    standing up and looking down at et


    him with cold contempt. "You''re simply not trustworthy, nor do


    you


    deserve my trust." Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    She turned to leave.


    He reached out and grabbed her wrist. "If you think I''ve deceived you, I can go to Crescent Creek with you so you can see the truth."


    "Mr. Casper, do you n to stage


    another performance for me?" Eliza


    foundughable, her tone filled it


    with disdain. "Do you really think I''m that gullible?"


    He sighed deeply. He knew from the moment she faked her death and fled that she had resolved never to see him again.


    Her disappointment in him was absolute. Winning back her trust seemed impossible.


    "I''m being sincere." He looked into her eyes, his gaze genuine and pure.


    She scoffed. "Areyou even capable of being sincere?"


    He admitted he had been a jerk, but every day since losing her, he had felt remorse.


    "Elle."


    "Casper, don''t call me that," she said, feeling nauseated. "What right do you have to call me that?"

 Chapter 266

    The year they first met, Eliza was brimming with excitement to introduce herself to Casper. "Hi, I''m Eliza, but you can call me Elle. It''s a bit more friendly." Just as she was about to say more, Casper cut her off coldly, "Why would I call you Elle? Are we that close?" She felt utterly embarrassed at that moment. It was just a name; did he really have to be so... hurtful?


    Had he forgotten about this?


    No, Casper hadn''t forgotten. Three years ago, he had no chance to make amends. Now, he wanted to reim the bits of their lost past.


    "We''re still married, aren''t we? What''s wrong with me calling you that?"


    "Casper, don''t make me sick. Married? Eliza died three years ago. I''m now Valerie, a widow with a child. I am not your wife."


    She yanked her wrist from his grasp, rubbing it gently as she stepped back, looking at him with a cold stare, "Don''t kid yourself. Whatever we had ended three years ago. There''s no chance of getting back together."


    "I can get your identity back." It wasn''t a difficult task.


    "And then what?" she asked, a disappointed smirk ying on her lips. "You''ll use the name Mrs. Welton to trap me in the Welton family for life. I''ll be at your mercy and be humiliated and insulted, right?"


    He shook his head, denying everything she imagined. "No."


    "Then what? Do you have a thing for widows? Do you like to take care of someone else''s kid?" she sneered, looking down at him. "Mr. Casper, you really are despicable."Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    He stayed silent. It seemed she had hit the mark. For someone so particr about purity, he was willing to ept her past marriage and motherhood. He was mad. Truly mad and despicable. Seeing Casper remain silent, Eliza took a step back and turned to leave.


    Just then, Dillon returned, nodding respectfully to her. "Ms. Valerie."


    "You''re no good either," she red at him.


    Dillon was taken aback. Was he the coteral damage of Casper''s drastic actions?


    After a brief pause, Dillon walked inside, speaking softly, "Mr. Casper."


    "Is he gone?" Casper asked, a cigarette hanging from his lips, without looking up.


    Dillon answered honestly, "I''ve arranged for someone to take Mikey to Crescent Creek. Did he say something he shouldn''t have? Mrs. Welton seemed a bit off. Did something unpleasant happen between you two?"


    "Mikey turned against us," Casper said with a resigned smile, shaking his head.


    Dillon was taken aback. "Turned against us? We wouldn''t have let him go if we had known he would do that."


    "I guess someone must have threatened him." Casper narrowed his eyes slightly.


    He gently extinguished the barely smoked cigarette, turning his gaze to Dillon. "Aaron must have met him before we could."


    "You mean Aaron used Mickey''s wife and child as leverage to ensure he wouldn''t spill the truth to Mrs. Welton?"


    Aaron was indeed a deeply scheming character. Why hadn''t Casper noticed before? Was Aaron that good of an actor? This meant Casper might never be able to turn things around with Eliza.


    "Do you know what''s even more frustrating? She even suspects that Mikey''s decision to start a new family in Crescent Creek had


    something to do with me..." Casper''s


    voice revealed deep helplessness.


    "Mr. Casper, I think Mrs. Welton will also head to Crescent Creek to uncover the truth. She won''t give up easily. Aaron might still be there, too. Should we make a trip?"

 Chapter 267

    Eliza was dying to know the truth, but was wary that Casper might mess things up. So, she headed to Crescent Creek by herself.


    Standing outside the kindergarten, she stared at the vibrant, lively woman inside, lost in thought for quite a while.


    Could this really be her father''s new wife? Or was she just an actress?


    How could her father be into someone so young? This woman was only a few years older than her.


    "Her name is Lynn. She''s twenty-eight. When she met your dad, she was still in college."


    Eliza jumped at the voice from behind. She turned to see Casper and asked, surprised and puzzled, "What are you doing here? Are you following me?"


    "Just looking out for you," Casper replied casually.


    "We''re not even close; why do you care?" She turned away from the kindergarten and started walking down the road.


    Casper rushed to catch up with her. He continued talking about Lynn, his voice calm and low, "Your dad really took care of her, paid for her college for four years, and got her a job. I heard he even shelled out over two hundred grand for her mom''s medical bills." Eliza stopped dead in her tracks, her face a mix of shock and disbelief.


    Two hundred grand? How could the Pinotti family possibly have that kind of money?


    "He''s just a regr guy. Where would he get two hundred grand? If you''re gonna lie, at least make it believable."


    Casper raised an eyebrow slightly. Even he himself found it hard to believe, but facts were facts, "She became your dad''s secret lover; he must''ve really loved her."


    Eliza''s expression darkened instantly. No kid wanted to hear that their father loved someone other than their mother.


    "Are you done?" Her voice was cold, brimming with impatience.


    "They also have a son. You just saw him. That little boy opposite her is theirs."


    That was the cold, hard truth. Whether Eliza epted it or tried to run from it was undeniable.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Eliza didn''t want to hear anymore and quickened her pace as if she could outrun the suffocating reality of her father''s affair.


    "Your dad probably won''te back to Falconridge," Casper added.


    Eliza was furious now. Her eyes


    zed as she red at him. "Is this what men do? Cheat and crush on every new thing? Do first wives mean nothing to you? Are they just a joke? What''s the point of having such men around if that''s the case?"


    Casper was silent. He knew he was in hot water now. "I was just..." he began to exin.


    Eliza scoffed, "Are all the decent men dead?"


    "Don''t be mad. I know what I did before was wrong," he admitted, "but there have been some misunderstandings between us. Give me a chance, and I''ll exin everything." "Misunderstandings?"


    Years of bottled-up pain and anger erupted.


    "Casper, even if you didn''t love me, you didn''t have to treat me like that. This isn''t a misunderstanding. It''s who you are. You''re just bad to the core, and that won''t change. Stop wasting your time on me. I''m not jumping back into the fire,"


    He was at a loss for words. Deep down, he knew some things could be fixed, but there were some he could never make right.


    Still, no matter the oue, he wanted her to know his feelings.


    "I never said I didn''t love you."


    "What difference does it make if you


    love me or not?" She found it


    sneer. "The end result is the same. You and I are never going too happen."


    "Are you really not going to give me a chance to exin and make amends?" He looked at her, pitiful and humble.

 Chapter 268

    Eliza looked him straight in the eye, unwavering. "Let''s just pretend we never met. That Eliza is gone. Let''s go our separate ways and wish each other well."


    Wish each other well? He felt a knot tighten in his chest.


    "So, you''re nning to marry Aaron?"


    "Is that any of your concern?"


    "No, I guess not." He couldn''t help but warn her, "Aaron''s not exactly a stand-up guy. If you really want a fresh start, maybe you should find someone more... ordinary."


    At least her life would be a bit lessplicated.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    "I don''t need you worrying about me."


    Eliza had no lingering feelings for Casper. That bubble called hope had burstpletely.


    After wandering around town all day, Eliza finally returned to the hotel. Her mind felt tangled with a mess of thoughts, heavy and suffocating. She called the front desk and ordered two bottles of red wine. She wasn''t much of a drinker, but she needed something to wash away her sorrows.


    Casper, just getting back to the hotel himself, bumped into the waiter delivering the wine.


    "Sorry, sir, I didn''t see you there. I hope I didn''t hurt you," the waiter apologized, looking genuinely regretful.


    Casper stepped back, waving it off. "No worries."


    Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "Does the hotel offer room service for wine now?"


    "It''s for thedy in room 1701. She ordered two bottles of red."


    Room 1701?


    That was Eliza''s room. Right next to his. Was she nning to drink her troubles away?


    Dillon was already waiting for him in his suite.


    "Mr. Casper, you''re back," Dillon greeted him with a touch of respect.


    Casper mind


    of Wive a slight nod, though his


    still on those two bottles


    Dillon noticed his distraction


    and cleared his throat. "Mr. Casper, I have something to report.


    Casper snapped back to attention. "Go ahead."


    "Based on my investigation, Aaron was in Crescent Creek before we arrived. I think our previous suspicions were right."


    Casper merely hummed in response, not showing much interest.


    "Mr. Casper, I think you should tell your wife about this."


    Casper waved it off. "She already told me."


    "Told you what?" Dillon asked, confused.


    "She said she wants us to part ways and leave each other alone."


    Dillon was at a loss for words. When did Mr. Casper be sopliant? "So, you... agreed to it?"


    Casper rubbed his temples, his voice tinged with exhaustion and resignation. "I suppose so. I owe her too much. Who am I to stop her if she wants to find happiness?"


    Dillon frowned, "But if she marries Aaron, won''t that be like jumping from one bad situation into another?"


    "Am I a bad situation?" Casper''s eyes shed with anger.


    Dillon shrank back. "It''s just a saying. Don''t get mad. But if she marries Aaron, wouldn''t that be even worse?" "If she wants to jump, who can stop her?"


    Back then, she had turned to Aaron


    to fake her death and escape. That showed how much she trusted him. Over the past three years, Aaron had been by her side, strengthening their bond and making Eliza depend on


    him. Marriage was just a matter of time.


    It was not like she would marry Casper again.


    Why did the thought of it hurt so much though?


    She was his first love, the first to make his heart race, and now... she was gone.

 Chapter 269

    Eliza was still downing her bitter wine, ss after ss. Whether she liked it or not, Mikey had a new family now, and that was a fact. Should she just gracefully ept her new stepmom? Or maybe she should quietly leave Crescent Creek and stop messing with his


    happiness?


    She could do it, really. But it hurt. It hurt a lot.


    Casper wasn''t in a great mood either. Hearing the clinking from the next room, he knew she''d had too much to drink. He left his room, exined their rtionship to the front desk, and got a room key.


    He opened Eliza''s door to a strong smell of red wine. She was sitting on the floor, her face red as a tomato, mumbling drunkenly to herself with a wine bottle in hand. He walked over with an almost domineering air, scooped her up, and gently ced her on the soft bed. Just as he was about to leave, her arm snaked around his neck like a vine. "Aaron."


    Aaron? She thought he was Aaron?


    A surge of irritation welled up inside him. He gripped her wrist tightly, trying to pull her arm off him. But she didn''t seem to get it and clung even tighter.


    "Aaron, why are you being as rough as Casper... so... rough." Her voice was a mix of flirtation and dazed annoyance.


    He had never seen this side of Eliza. They were usually focused on tearing each other apart when they were together. It was a bloody, torturous, and painful entangled.


    Something tugged at his heart. He suppressed a deep breath. "Alright, get some sleep now."


    "Don''t go." She hooked her arm around his neck, pulling him closer, almost making him lose his bnce. "Stop it."


    "Aaron, why do you look a bit like Casper today?" She stared at him with innocent eyes, pinching his


    cheeks, nose, and lips. Then sh


    blinked "Don''t be like him Pretty faces often hide venomous hearts."


    Casper didn''t know what to say.


    "Aaron, I know you''ve wanted to marry me for a long time. How about we just get married?" She cupped his face, bringing her soft lips close.


    Casper abruptly pushed her away. Damn it. He''d tried so hard to win her back, and she wouldn''t agree. Now, she was even making a move on Aaron. Casper was suffering enough already. The push hurt her, and she started crying. "Fine, we won''t get married. Why are you so angry?"


    "Eliza, I know you''re drunk. You


    I


    mistook me for Aaron, and I don''t


    me you But thinking that


    marrying him will make you happy is just naive." His voice was low, almost like he was talking to himself.


    She didn''t hear him. Her cries grew louder. It was like he''d wronged her. He couldn''t stand it anymore and turned to her, "Stop crying. I didn''t do anything to you."


    "You don''t want to marry me, and I don''t want to marry you either. Do you think I''m so eager to get married?" She sobbed with her eyes closed, "Living alone is so much better."


    "I''ll marry you. Would you marry me?" Casper didn''t know if she saw him or Aaron at that moment. He just watched her seriously, obsessively, and full of delusional interest.


    Eliza suddenly chuckled. "Aaron,


    your serious expression looks justCopyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    like Casper''s. I wouldn''t marry. Casper in a million years. Casper is the nightmare of my life. I don''t want him. I don''t want..." FindNovel


    Casper admitted, at that moment, his heart shatteredpletely. The little hope he had left turned into bubbles, floating away and breaking apart.

 Chapter 270

    Casper shouldn''t have been so hung up on it. A mistake is a mistake, and his was beyond fixing. He hade to terms with that.


    Casper pulled back the covers, tucked Eliza in, and was ready to leave. But she jumped onto his back like a nimble kitten, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Tell me, who are you really?" she demanded. "I''m...," he gritted his teeth, "a waiter."


    Her response was a soft "oh," tinged with disappointment. But she didn''t get off his back. Instead, she clung to him tightly, as if trying to soak up some warmth andfort.


    He turned his face slightly. "Go back to bed and get some rest. You need it."


    "I, I..." she began, but then a wave of nausea hit her. Her stomach churned violently, and she couldn''t hold it back. She opened her mouth, and a burst of vomit came out, sttering all over his shirt. Casper froze. Fighting his own nausea, he carried her to the bathroom, where she clung to the toilet and vomited. He took off his shirt and tossed it aside.


    He knelt next to her and gently patted her back. "How much did you drink?"


    "Two, two bottles," she said, holding up three fingers.


    He couldn''t help butugh, despite his annoyance. "That''s quite something."Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    She vomited again, feeling utterly weak. He called Dillon to get some hangover remedies and bring them over. He stayed until Eliza fell into a peaceful sleep.


    Before he left, he scribbled a note on the medicine box. "Take with warm water. Don''t drink so much next time."


    Casper returned to his room and took a long shower. Early the next morning, he and Dillon headed back to Falconridge.


    Eliza woke up with a splitting headache, her eyelids swollen and her throat on fire. She had cked out and had no idea how she ended up in bed. She only remembered vomiting.


    Turning her head, she saw a


    medicine box on the nightstand. Out of curiosity, she reached for it, took a nce, and then threw it away in shock. It was Casper''s handwriting, unmistakable and familiar.


    Could he have bought this medicine? Could he have been herest night?


    A wave of panic surged through her, and she threw off the covers, relieved to find her clothes still on. She calmed down a bit, rubbed her heavy head, trying to shake off the dizziness, and struggled to get up


    and head to the bathroom.


    At the bathroom door, she spotted his shirt on the floor, stained with vomit. Another piece of evidence proving that Casper had indeede overst night.


    She closed her eyes. What a stroke of bad luck.


    Back in Oak Falls, Aaron and Eliza met up, and he invited her for a weekend yacht trip to clear her mind. Feeling weighed down, she agreed. Nothing was more refreshing than the open sea and sky.


    Aaron piloted a small yacht. Eliza,


    holding Brock''s hand, stood on the deck. The sea shimmered under the sunlight, the breeze blowing through her soft hair, making it dance like waves. Such a mesmerizing sight to behold.


    Voni


    Aaron watched from a distance, his gaze fixed on Eliza, then slowly shifting to Brock''s innocent face. His eyes held an indecipherable emotion.


    Perhaps it was time to get his n in motion, starting with Brock.


    Aaron walked up to them with a gentle smile. "Let me y with Brock for a bit. You take a break. There are drinks inside; have one and rx."


    "Then have one when you feel like it." Aaron picked up Brock and reached for the seagulls, making Brockugh gleefully. "Look, how high the birds are flying, Brock. Do you want to fly too?"


    "It''s okay. I''m not thirsty right now," Eliza said with a smile.

 Chapter 271

    Their destination was a quaint little ind out at sea. It was untouched by development, a hidden gem. The scenery was breathtaking, and every now and then, you could spot a few people either frolicking around or casting their fishing lines. Aaron was so patient throughout, entertaining Brock with ease. Eliza, on the other hand, spent most of her time staring off into the vast ocean, lost in her thoughts.


    "Eliza, let''s head to the ind for a bit. We can do some fishing," Aaron suggested, his face lighting up with a gentle smile.


    Eliza returned his smile. "Sounds good."


    The yacht soon docked at the ind. Eliza was caught off guard when she saw Casper there. He was sitting leisurely, fishing rod in hand, like an old fisherman enjoying his day.


    "What''s going on?" Aaron noticed Eliza freeze. Following her gaze, he spotted Casper and squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Don''t worry, I''m here."


    "Let''s keep our distance from him."


    "Alright, let''s head over there."


    Aaron, cradling Brock in one arm and holding Eliza''s hand with the other, moved to another part of the rocky shore. They weren''t too far away from Casper and still within sight of each other.


    "Mr. Casper, Aaron... he did that on purpose, didn''t he?" Dillon fumed, watching the scene unfold.


    Casper remained calm, giving them a fleeting nce before focusing back on his fishing. He noticed the float bobbing and pulled hard. "Got one."


    "Mr. Casper, you''ve learned to bite your tongue." Dillon observed the ''family of three'' from a distance. "They look more like a family."


    Casper didn''t respond, refusing to look their way again. He was worried he wouldn''t be able to hold back and would end up confronting Aaron. Was it really just a coincidence to run into each other on this deserted ind? Casper wasn''t that naive. "Dillon, keep a close eye on Eliza and the kid. Aaron isn''t as harmless as he seems."


    Dillon immediately tensed. "What''s he nning? Murder?"


    "Just be careful. It''s best if nothing happens." Casper hoped he was just being paranoid.


    Brock watched Casper reel in fish after fish and was green with envy, so he kept moring. "I want fish. I want fish!"


    "Brock, I will get you a fishing rod, and we can fish too, okay?" Aaron said patiently.


    Brock pped his hands in excitement. "Yes, yes!"


    Eliza didn''t want Aaron to spoil


    Brock too much and tried to intervene. "Don''t bother with it. think the weather is changing. Let''s hang out for a bit and then head back home."


    "It''s okay. We rarely get to go out like this. Let''s not upset the little guy."


    Aaron hopped down the rocks with a few quick strides. As he passed by the rock where Casper was fishing, he deliberately stopped and approached him. "What a coincidence."


    "Is it?" Casper baited his hook and cast it, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Dr. Martin, did you n to be here at the same time as me?"


    Aaron chuckled. "Casper, you''re just too sharp."


    "These past days, I''ve been


    pondering why you''re doing all this. What else have you done?" Casper lifted his eyelids, staring at Aaron standing beside him. "The reason... can''t really be because of May, can it?


    "You don''t deserve to say her name." Aaron''s face darkened instantly.


    Casper immediately got it. Aaron really was doing all of this because of May.


    "You me May''s death on me. Don''t you think that''s absurd? She jumped off the building carrying your child, not mine. After all these years, haven''t you thought to look for the reason within yourself?" C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Aaron hadid all the me at Casper''s feet.

 Chapter 272

    To Casper, May''s death was a baffling affair.


    "Casper, she called out your name as she died. You met with her multiple times before her death. What did you talk about? Why would she end her own life if not for unrequited love? Wasn''t it all because of you? You indirectly caused the death of my child, and now you refuse to own up to it?"


    Veins bulged on Aaron''s hands like he was a wild animal about to unleash fury. In the next second, he grabbed Casper by the cor. "You should bear full responsibility for her death. No matter how I choose to avenge her, you deserve it. You caused the death of my wife. I might as well cause the death of yours."


    "What are you nning to do?" Casper grabbed Aaron''s wrist, yanking it down as a warning. "If you dare touch Eliza, I swear I''ll annihte the Martin family."


    "Fine, let''s all go down together."


    Over the years, Aaron had led a life of pretense, ying the gentleman and the lover. He was acting every single day and was tired of it.


    To hell with the Martin family. He was his own person, separate from the Martin family.


    He didn''t care.


    Casper knew Aaron too well. Aaron had always been aplicated person, but in recent years, he seemed to have mellowed down. Casper thought Aaron had changed because of May''s death, but he was wrong. Aaron hadn''t changed at all, he was just hiding his true self. ""You''ve lost your mind."


    "Casper, I have nothing left. And what do you get? You got to meet the girl of your dreams in the prime of your life. A girl who only had eyes for you, who didn''t see the filthy, despicable, ugly parts of you. She loved you so much, she married you. Why do you deserve that?" Afterpletely crushing Aaron''s happiness, why did Casper still deserve happiness? No, Aaron would never allow it.


    Casper was suddenly stunned.


    How did Aaron know about his first meeting with Eliza? How did he find out?


    Could it be that Nova''s impersonation was...


    "Was it you who arranged for Nova toe to me?" Casper realized he had been yed from the start.


    Aaron burst into hystericalughter. He pointed at Casper,ughing at his naivety and how love could turn him into a fool.


    "It was me who sought out Nova.


    She was nothing but a greedy,


    lustful bitch, coveting the position of Mrs. Welton. What I never expected was that you sacrificed so much for her even as she weaved one lie after another. You pushed a girl who only had eyes for you to suicide, to flee, and to sever ties with you. Tell me, how incurably foolish was that?"


    A metaphorical thunderstorm exploded over Casper''s head. He raised his hand to grab Aaron by the neck. His face turned ferocious, and his eyes were aze. "So, it was you


    all along, my dear old frenov


    "I''m telling you this because I know that no matter how much you try to exin the truth to Eliza, she won''t believe you." Aaron''s eyes reddened, a sick madness in his gaze. "She will only ever trust me in her life. Fun, isn''t it?"


    "You..." Casper''s dark gaze emanated a chilling coldness.


    His fingertips tightened, turning Aaron''s face purple. Aaron didn''t resist, letting Casper handle him roughly.


    The angrier Casper got, the more thrilled Aaron became. "Casper, you owe me. You owe May, and I will take I''ll get my payback bit by bit," he gasped, a twisted gleam in his eyes.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

 Chapter 273

    From a distance, Eliza nced at the men on the other end of the rocky beach.


    "Why is Casper getting physical with Aaron again?" she wondered. Casper was always so hot-headed and unpredictable.


    She looked up at the sky; the clouds were thickening, making her worry about an impending downpour. The waves were getting rougher.


    Aaron returned, holding a fishing rod.


    "Did you and Casper get into another fight?" Eliza asked, concern evident in her voice.


    "No, nothing that serious," Aaron replied with a gentle smile. "You know how he is quick to anger. We just don''t see eye to eye sometimes. Don''t worry about it."


    "Maybe we should head back soon," she suggested. She didn''t want to linger.


    "Sure thing." Aaron scooped up Brock, his eyes soft with affection. "How about I take you fishing over there?"


    "Yay!" Brock cheered, thrilled. He wrapped his arms around Aaron''s neck as they led the way, with Eliza following close behind. The yacht was nearby, which gave her some peace of mind. "Mummy, I want to catch crabs," Brock whined, already bored with fishing.


    Eliza nced at the distant beach. "Do you want toe and pick some crabs with me?"


    Brock tightened his grip on Aaron''s neck. "I want fish and crabs. Mum, you go."


    "Eliza, why don''t you go grab some crabs for him? I''ll keep him entertained with fishing on the yacht, and then we''ll head back," Aaron suggested.


    Eliza sighed. Aaron was spoiling Brock too much. "You can''t say yes to everything he wants."C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "He''s just a kid," Aaron chuckled. He gave Brock''s nose a yful pinch, making him giggle.


    Eliza grabbed a small bucket and headed to the nearby beach to pick crabs. The wind was picking up, almost knocking her off bnce.


    Casper and Dillon walked over.


    Casper intended to greet Eliza, but she deliberately avoided him, leaving him feeling snubbed. He turned and headed back to his yacht.


    "Mr. Casper, you''re kinda pitiful, you know?" Dillon said, perhaps unwisely, voicing his thoughts.


    Casper red and gave him a light smack. "Why do you have to hit where it hurts? Do you enjoy it now?"


    "Not at all," Dillon quickly replied.


    A fierce gust of wind blew, and the yachts, once calmly docked, now seemed like driftwood, bobbing uncontrobly on the waves.


    Eliza''s eyes were fixed on the swaying yachts, a sense of worry gnawing at her. She looked at her bucket, filled with crabs. It was time to head back onboard.


    The weather took a sudden turn. The wind howled, making it hard for Eliza to move forward. Some yachts had already flipped over, their white undersides exposed. Then came the rain, pouring down without warning. She had nowhere to hide, and that''s when Casper approached her with an umbre.


    "Why did youe out to sea without an umbre?" he asked.


    "I don''t need your fake concern," she snapped, trying to leave. But he grabbed her arm, pulling her back. "How is this fake concern?"


    "Casper, you''re not looking for a fight, are you?" She looked at him with disdain. "Let go of me."


    Grudgingly, he released her. She


    didn''t hesitate, dashing into the rain. But after just a few steps, she saw their yacht, caught in the storm, flipping over multiple times.


    Her eyes widened in shock, and she stared ahead, her mouth agape. She ran towards the yacht, her steps heavy and desperate. No. Her child was still on board!


    "Brock..." she screamed, her voice


    lost in the storm. She didn''t care about her clothes being torn by the fierce wind or that her swimming skills were almost useless in the dark, churning waters.

 Chapter 274

    She dove into the sea, swimming desperately towards the site of the ident. From a distance, she saw Aaron''s head pop up from the water. "Aaron..." she called out, swimming over to him. But when she got closer, she realized his arms were empty. "Where''s Brock? Where''s my son?"


    Her eyes filled with panic as she demanded an answer. Aaron shook his head apologetically. "I went to get him some juice, and the yacht flipped. I couldn''t find him. Don''t worry, I''ll keep looking."


    Her son couldn''t swim. Falling into the sea meant he would drown. And none of them knew how to dive...


    Suddenly, an idea struck her. She frantically swam towards the shore, her body soaked with seawater and rain, weighing her down and sending chills through her. Her lips trembled from the cold. She spotted Casper about to board his yacht and grabbed his arm desperately.


    "Casper, please... save my son!"


    She knew Casper was a skilled diver. But she also knew it was unlikely he''d help. Yet, she had no one else to turn to. She looked into his cold, indifferent eyes, and slowly knelt down in the rain.


    "Please, Casper, save my son. I''m begging you."


    She stayed there, drenched and shivering, humbling herself before Casper, who was still holding an umbre, hoping against hope he''d help.


    "That''s not how you ask for help." He squatted down, lifting her chin with his hand. "Do you think kneeling and begging will make me risk my life for a stranger?"


    "I know, but I have no other choice. Whatever your conditions, I''ll agree to them. Please, he''s just a child. Please..."


    She clung tightly to his pant leg, her eyes red with desperation. For a moment, she almost told him Brock was his child. But she didn''t. She bet that Casper would eventually help, even if he made outrageous demands first. "Eliza, I don''t want to make any deals right now. Ask Aaron to search the sea again."


    Casper didn''t want to say more. He knew demanding anything from Eliza was wrong, and not saving Brock was also wrong. She didn''t want anything to do with Casper anymore, so why should he be the bad guy?


    "Aaron can''t dive, and only you can, Casper. Only you can save him. Please, help me..." She shook her head uncontrobly, assuring him of her willingness. "Whatever you ask, I''ll agree. I won''t me you for taking advantage of the situation, I promise."


    Eliza''s pitiful and helpless expression moved him. He felt


    nothing for Brock, but he did care for Eliza. If he coldly refused now, Brock would likely die. If he jumped into save Brock, there was still no


    ng


    guarantee of the child''s survival.


    "If you insist on relying on me, then...e back to me, and I''ll save your son." He took a deep breath, ready to be the viin once more. "You can refuse my conditions."


    "Okay, I agree." She wiped the tears and rain from her face, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "As long as you save my son, I''ll agree to anything. I''ll have no regrets."C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "Eliza, when I say e back,'' I mean sharing meals, sharing a bed, sharing everything with me..."


    She knew what he meant. He


    wouldn''t just take her back without touching her. Whether she became a nanny, a chef, a gardener, or a bed partner none of these roles


    matteredpared to her FOR


    life.


    She knew she was plunging into hell, but she wasn''t afraid, as long as her son lived.


    "I agree to everything. Can you go save my son now?" Her fingertips stiffly clung to his arm, her eyes trembling with fear and hope.

 Chapter 275

    Casper slowly got to his feet, brushing the sand off his clothes. He shrugged off his jacket, tossing it to Dillon. "Call for backup and make sure she''s alright," he instructed.


    "Mr. Casper, your injuries..." Dillon''s voice trailed off, concern etched on his face. Eliza had stabbed Casper not too long ago and he hadn''t fully healed. Was he really going to dive into that stormy sea? Without a second thought, Casper plunged into the churning waters. The wind howled, and rain poured down in torrents, turning the sea into a chaotic mess.


    Aaron was the first to return, shivering and blue-lipped from the cold. "Eliza, I couldn''t find Brock," he said, his voice trembling. It was impossible to me him; he looked like he''d been through hell.


    Eliza nodded slightly, her eyes glued to the spot where Casper had disappeared into the waves. Her son was so young and had been lost in the sea for so long. She was terrified, her legs barely holding her up.


    Dillon stood behind her, holding an umbre, his face mirroring her worry. "Don''t worry, Brock will be okay," Aaron tried to reassure her, but Eliza only stared sorrowfully at the turbulent sea, tears streaming down her face. She never imagined she''d rely on Casper for anything. Could she trust him to give his all? What choice did she have now?


    "Ms. Valerie, why don''t youe to the yacht and rest for a bit?" Dillon suggested. He''d already called for a rescue team, and they would be arriving soon. "If Mr. Casper promised to help, he''ll give it his all." Eliza shook her head. She wasn''t leaving until she saw her son safe.


    Under the water, Casper dived deeper, driven by his experience and determination. The sea was a swirling, unforgiving force, and he wasn''t sure if he could find Brock.


    Despite the chaos above, the world beneath the waves was eerily calm. Casper searched frantically, the bone-chilling water sapping his strength. Just as he was about to lose hope, he spotted Brock. He swam over as fast as he could, grabbing Brock and heading for the surface.


    Eliza saw Casper emerge with her son and, despite her own freezing state, jumped into the water to help him. Aaron watched, his eyes dark with a mix of emotions. Once they were back onnd, Brock received immediate first aid and was quickly taken by the rescue team for further treatment. Eliza followed, not sparing a nce at Casper. Casper was exhausted and copsed onto the beach, letting the rain wash over him. Dillon hurried over, holding the umbre above him. "Mr. Casper, are you alright?" Casper stared up at the oppressive dark clouds. After a moment, he let out a bitterugh. "She didn''t even look at me. It doesn''t matter to her if I''m alive or not."


    The words were like a punch to the


    gut. Eliza''s focus was entirely oncher son, seemingly indifferent to Casper''s fate. He had risked his life for a child that wasn''t his, all for her.


    Dillon''s heart ached with unspoken sympathy. "Maybe she..." he started, trying to find some excuse for Eliza, but the words wouldn''te. He couldn''t justify her actions.


    Back in Oak Falls, Eliza was glued to her son''s side. The doctors kept marveling at his luck, saying any other kid would have perished in the sea.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    They said he was destined for a


    fortunate life. But Eliza couldn''t think


    about the future just yet. Only when her son was out of danger and resting in the ward did she finally feet some relief.


    Aaron stayed with her, offeringfort and support. "Aaron, you should go rest. I''ll stay with my son," she said, wanting a moment alone with her child. "You''ve done enough."

 Chapter 276

    "I''m fine, really. I''m not tired at all. Aaron, you should head back home. If I need anything, I''ll give you a call."


    Aaron didn''t push any further. He gently patted Eliza''s shoulder. "Alright, don''t stay awake over-stressing. He''s asleep, so you should get some rest too. I''ll head home now." "Okay."


    After Aaron left, Eliza''s strength seemed to leave her, and she slumped against the hospital bed. She held her son''s hand tightly, waves of relief and regained hope washing over her. She had always taught her son to avoid dangerous ces and not to touch dangerous things. How did he end up in the sea?


    Was it just because of that storm?


    "Cough, cough." Brock woke up.


    Eliza gently caressed her son''s face, her eyes red with unshed tears. "You really scared me."


    "Mommy." Brock, still too young to fully grasp fear, only knew he had fallen into the sea and that his mom was worried. "Don''t cry. I''ll be more careful next time."


    "Why didn''t you stay close to Aaron?" she asked, her fingers tenderly brushing his cheek. She wasn''t angry, just desperate to understand. "Tell me, how did you end up in the sea?"


    "Mommy..." Brock blinked his big, round eyes. "... It was Uncle Aaron. He threw me in."


    Eliza felt as if a bomb had gone off in her head. Her pupils narrowed in confusion. "Are you saying that Aaron threw you into the sea? Brock, you mustn''t lie."


    "Mommy, Uncle Aaron was carrying me, and I was flying, and then I just... flew out into the sea." He spoke with such sincerity.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    But that wasn''t what Aaron had said. If it were true, why would he do that? Was it idental? Was he afraid of being med? Adults didn''t lie just to avoid me.


    Was it deliberate? If he did it on purpose, why? Why did he harm a child?


    Eliza shook her head, unable to make sense of it. She forced a smile, rubbing her son''s head. "Were you scared, Brock?"


    "At first, I was scared. But then, I saw a man swimming over. He held me, and I wasn''t scared anymore." Brock recounted his story earnestly.


    Casper was the man who saved him. Brock remembered him.


    "Good, go to sleep now. Mommy''s here with you."


    "Okay."


    Eliza was plunged into deep confusion and turmoil. She had known Aaron for years. Three years ago, he had helped her fake her


    death and escape to Oak Falls,


    lending a hand in her darkest bl


    In her heart, Aaron was like a warm sun in winter, his care and help


    appearing just when she needed it,


    warming her once-cold heart.


    Why would the person who had given her so much hope andfort want to harm her most cherished son? Aaron knew how much


    ch Brock meant to her. Why had the person who once brought her warmth be someone terrifying?


    Was it a misunderstanding?


    No matter how hard she tried, Eliza couldn''t figure it out.


    During her son''s hospitalization, Aaron had visited a few times. It was clear to her that Brock intentionally avoided him. She could see the fear in her son''s eyes.


    Several times, she wanted to


    confront Aaron, to ask why he had


    harmed her child, but she held back.


    Without the truth, her usations


    would onlyplicate things further.


    The person she trusted most had be the most dangerous presence in her life. This copse of trust shattered Eliza''s recently mended heart into pieces once again. What in this world was still real?

 Chapter 277

    Before Casper headed back to Falconridge, he met up with Eliza onest time. He didn''t say a word and just watched her, noticing how she avoided his gaze.


    She was always the quiet type. Around Casper, she barely felt like talking.


    They sat in silence for almost an hour before she finally spoke, her voice shaky with nerves. "When... when are you going back to Falconridge?" "Tomorrow."


    "Okay." She didn''t seem to mind. She had everything in Oak Falls sorted out. She nned to go back with Brock, but she wasn''t sure if Casper would ept him. The idea of Casper acting like Aaron scared her; she couldn''t bear to think about what kind of future awaited her child.


    "Can I bring my son with me? Don''t worry, I won''t need you to cover any expenses," she said, gathering all her courage.


    He watched her,plicated emotions flickering in his eyes before he chuckled lightly. "I''m not so low as to separate a mother from her child."


    Lately, he''d been questioning the point of using this situation to bring her back to him. He didn''t want her to return grudgingly, resenting being by his side. That would just drag them back into the same old mess of pain and struggle.


    She hadn''t really moved on from their past. He didn''t want to repeat those mistakes. He''d rather let her go.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "Eliza," he said, more seriously than ever, locking eyes with her somewhat detached gaze. "You don''t have toe back to Falconridge with me. Let''s just say... I was doing a good deed."


    "Why?" This wasn''t like Casper. At least, the Casper she knew wasn''t this forgiving.


    "It''s pointless."


    She couldn''t grasp what Casper found ''pointless.'' Was he tired of tormenting her? Was he done with his games and ready to start fresh with someone else?


    Suddenly, she felt a bit lucky. "If you find it pointless, I''ll respect your wishes, Mr. Casper."


    ''Mr. Casper?'' She was really good at putting distance between them. He hated her deliberate coldness.


    Annoyed by her formality, he put on


    a mocking grin. "Thene back to Falconridge with me. I take back whabl said; I find it quite interesting."


    "But you just said..."


    "I''ve changed my mind." He arched an eyebrow yfully.


    Eliza was at a loss. Was he being erratic again? Just when she thought he had changed, he was back to his old ways, as unpredictable as ever. Eliza had no other choice. She and Brock went back to Falconridge with Casper.


    The familiar Welton Estate loomed before them. She wasn''t a stranger


    to this ce, but her heart was filled with dread. This estate held too many painful memories.


    and tie whispered those


    ????


    heart-wrenching stories of the past. Every step she took felt like walking on shards of those memories, sharp and cold, piercing her heart.


    Eliza took a deep breath, trying to push those unpleasant memories down.


    Brock seemed tense in this new, unfamiliar home. He clutched Eliza''s neck tightly, his face full of confusion and unease. "Mommy, where are we?"


    Eliza gently stroked his head, her voice soft. "Mommy found a new job, and we''ll be living here from now on, okay?"


    Brock nodded, clinging to Eliza. "Mommy, it''ll be hard for you."


    Eliza knew he was saying she had it rough, a warm feeling flooding her heart. I''m not going to have a hard time As long as I''m with you everything is worth it."

 Chapter 278

    Holding Brock, Eliza headed to the room the servants had set up for him. It was a north-facing guest room, not too big but not too small either. It used to be a storage room but now it was spotless, emanating a warm and cozy vibe. "Brock, be good and y here. Mommy has to work but I''ll be backter," she said softly, her heart aching with how much she felt she owed him. "Soon, I''ll find you a new preschool, okay?"


    "Okay," he replied in his sweet, little voice. Brock was always so understanding.


    After settling him in, Eliza changed into her servant''s uniform and got to work. Casper returned to find her on her knees, diligently scrubbing the floor.


    "Where is everyone? Did they all die? Isn''t there anyone else avable to clean?" he roared, ring up in anger seemingly out of nowhere.


    A servant hurried over, quickly taking the cleaning cloth from Eliza''s hands. Eliza was puzzled and rose from the floor, asking, "Did I do something wrong?" "Eliza, did I bring you here to clean? You sure know how to find work," he snapped, kicking off his leather shoes.


    She immediately bent down, cing his shoes properly and offering him slippers. "Sir, please change your shoes."


    Casper grabbed her wrist gently but firmly, pulling her onto the couch. Her beautiful eyes trembled slightly, never quite understanding why Casper was so angry.


    "I brought you back to Falconridge not to be a servant," he grumbled, kicking away the slippers. "With such keen eyes, you''d better take good care of me in bedter."


    He didn''t do anything more. After a few harsh words, he went upstairs. Just as he rounded the corner, he saw Brock holding an action figure, staring at him.


    "What are you looking at?" Casper snapped, annoyed.


    Brock seemed scared and stepped back. "You''re scary."


    "That''s scary to you?" Casper, feeling yful, made a face at the little guy, who immediately burst into tears.


    The crying was enough to bring Eliza running up the stairs. "Brock," she quickly scooped the sobbing child into her arms. "What happened? Why are you crying? Tell me


    Brock pointed at Casper. "He is scary."


    Casper was about to exin, but Eliza took Brock back to his room, throwing a fierce look over her shoulder Casper touched his nose, wondering if she was angry. Well, her kid was easily scared. Such timidity would get Brock bullied. Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    After getting Brock to sleep, Eliza stepped out of the room. Casper was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, his face turned slightly to look at her.


    "Your kid really needs to toughen up. If he goes to school like this, he''ll end up crying all the time," he said, his tone teasing.


    Eliza frowned, her eyes shing a warning. "You better stay away from my son. Don''t scare him."


    "I didn''t scare him. Plus, I was just


    stating the facts. How''s a boy that timid supposed to survive in the


    world?" Casper raised an eyebrow, a dismissive smile on his face


    "My child, my responsibility. I don''t need you giving your unwee advice," Eliza''s tone was cold and annoyed.


    He shrugged, a smirk ying on his lips. "Fine. I won''t bother your precious son. He''s not my kid, so why should I care?"

 Chapter 279

    Casper hadn''t eaten dinner.


    After throwing out the meal she had prepared for him, Eliza finally headed upstairs. She stood at the bedroom door, hesitating for what felt like an eternity. She knew what was about to happen, but every fiber of her being rejected it. It took several moments of steeling herself before she finally pushed open the bedroom door and stepped inside. Casper was propped up against the headboard, engrossed in work on hisptop. He didn''t look up or acknowledge her. She moved on autopilot, heading to the shower. When she came back and sat on the bed, his voice, cool and detached, came from behind her. "I can restore your name and identity if you want. Any objections?"


    "Not yet," she replied, trying to keep her voice level.


    He paused, clearly surprised. "Why not?"


    "Everyone in Falconridge knows Mrs. Welton has been gone for three years. Returning would put us in the media spotlight. You wouldn''t want reporters hounding you every day, asking how I died and came back to life, would you?" She spoke every word on behalf of the Welton family, Welton International, and Casper. Yet, none of it came from her heart.


    Suddenly, he wrapped his arms around her waist, his chin resting on her shoulder as heughed mockingly. "How considerate."


    Her body stiffened, tension radiating through her. "Mr. Casper, can I go stay with my son after this?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.


    His lips brushed against her neck, his voice thick with desire. "You called me Mr. Casper before, and you still do. I don''t like it. How can I let you go stay with your son?"


    "Then, what would you prefer I call you?" she asked, trying to dodge his lips.


    He grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him. "Why are you so resistant? Or have you gotten used to Aaron''s gentleness over these three years and forgotten how things used to be between us?"


    "How things used to be?" A bitter smile tugged at her lips, filled with cold detachment. "Do you really want to go back to that?"


    He wanted to start fresh with her. But he couldn''t stand the thought of her heart belonging to another man.


    "Whether I want to or not depends on you, doesn''t it?"


    "Casper, you really haven''t changed at all," she said, her eyes reflecting a hint of disappointment. "Don''t you get it? No woman wants to be forced."


    "Am I forcing you?" He raised an


    eyebrow, a sardonic smile ying on his lips. "Eliza, don''t forget, you were the one who proposed this deal. When you begged me to save your son, you didn''t have this attitude."


    Eliza fell silent. She had indeed proposed it. But now, she just couldn''t go through with it. If he insisted, it would be coercion.


    "Why are you silent now?" He gripped her chin tighter, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Run out of arguments?"


    "I remember what I said," she replied coldly.


    "Good." He smirked. "I won''t force you, but will you take the initiative?"


    No. Eliza wouldn''t. She might have done it with any other man, but not with him.


    The prolonged silence irked him, and he pressed on. "Have you really fallen for Aaron? Do you know him? Know his past? Do you know why he got close to you? Just think about your son falling into the sea have you ever suspected Aaron?" Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza''s eyes widened, her expression turning rigid.


    Before, when Casper spoke ill of Aaron, she dismissed it as nder. But with Brock''s words in the back of her mind, she started to see some truth in Casper''s usations. Yet, she didn''t know if Casper had any real evidence or if he was just spewing nonsense.

 Chapter 280

    "Why did he throw my son into the sea?"


    Eliza couldn''t wrap her head around why Aaron would do such a thing. What was he nning to do next? She turned to Casper, hoping to get some answers.


    But Casper just scoffed. "Why? Don''t you have a mouth? Can''t you ask him yourself? Do you think he''s special? He''s just a freak."


    Eliza turned away, unimpressed. "If he''s a freak, then Mr. Casper, how are you any better?"


    "I''m not better. I''m a despicable scoundrel. Happy now?"


    His mood was clouded over, his enthusiasmpletely drained. Eliza always managed to kill his joy at the happiest moments. Such a buzzkill.


    Eliza nced at the wall clock. "If you have no further need for me, I''ll go and sleep with my son."Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "I heard..." he said, gently cing his hands on the soft pillow, his gaze fixed on her. "...you married that old man, and he died just a few dayster. As for what happened in bed..."


    Eliza sneered, a hint of disgust in her eyes. "Getting pregnant has nothing to do with duration or size. It can happen in just a moment."


    She wanted to disgust him. She hated seeing that smug look on his face that made him look as if he owned the world.


    Casper was indeed annoyed. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her forcefully into his embrace. "What you''re talking about is reproduction."


    "Call it whatever you want."


    "Alright, let''s sleep." Hepromised.


    For over three years, he had been having the same dream: dreaming that she came back to life, holding her like this, and having a good night''s sleep without any insomnia. He didn''t want to argue with her. He wanted things to be good between them.


    ...


    Early in the morning, Eliza was making breakfast in the kitchen. Casper, dressed in casual pajamas, leanedzily against the kitchen doorframe, watching her.


    She was meticulous. Her cooking


    skills were good; if she put her heart into it, she could definitely win him


    over Too bad she only saw it as a


    job to repay a debt.


    "I don''t eat much, just make something simple," he said, his voice soft.


    Eliza nodded and brought the breakfast to the table. "Mr. Casper, please have breakfast."


    "Can''t you call me something else?" he looked at her expectantly. "I don''t like Mr. Casper."


    He didn''t dare ask for a more intimate nickname. He knew she wouldn''t give him that satisfaction.


    "Alright." She agreed to call him by his name.


    "Let''s sit down and eat together," he said.


    Eliza pursed her lips and sat down. "Later, I''m going to check out a few kindergartens. I might not have time for chores at home today."


    "Do you really consider yourself a


    maid?" He tore a piece of toast, lifting his eyelids to look at her. "You have absolute freedom in this house, and the servants must respect you. You can work, but not do these household chores."


    Eliza guessed Casper had a new arrangement for her. "What do you want me to do?"


    "Do what you''re good at." He took out an employment contract and handed it to Eliza. "Remember,


    before you left, Welton Intel


    acquired the Simmons family''snd? The auction site has beenpleted, and we''re about to start operations. You''ll work there."


    She responded with a light "oh." She preferred teaching children to draw to this new job. But she had no choice.


    "What, you don''t like it?" He observed her closely, trying to understand her true feelings.

 Chapter 281

    Eliza shrugged nonchntly. "It''s just a job. Doesn''t matter if I like it or not."


    "I think you have the right skills to do great here. If you don''t like it, I can move you to another department."


    "This is fine."


    She didn''t even nce at the sry or stock options and just signed her name on the dotted line.


    After signing, she handed the contract back to Casper. "I''ll start as soon as I get my son settled in daycare."


    "There are plenty of daycare options in Falconridge, both boarding and day programs, and of varying quality. If you need help, I could..."Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza cut him off. "No need, I can manage on my own." She wasn''t rich, but she wasn''t that strapped for cash either.


    He handed her a card. "Use this for the kid''s tuition."


    "I don''t need it," she said, her voice steady and cold.


    "I didn''t mean anything by it," he said. He just wanted to help her out.


    Eliza eyed him coolly. "I can take care of my own son."


    "Why are you so hostile towards me?" he asked, feeling a bit hurt.


    "My child has nothing to do with you."


    There was no arguing with that. Brock wasn''t his kid. But he wanted to be kind to Eliza, and she kept pushing him away.


    "It doesn''t matter if it''s my business or not. Can''t I just help with tuition?"


    "Mr. Casper, save your money for your own future kids," she said, leaving no room for his feelings.


    Fine then. He pocketed the card angrily, grabbed his jacket, and drove off to work.


    Eliza went upstairs to wake Brock, had breakfast with him, and yed a bit before heading out. Falconridge had the best educational facilities, but choosing a daycare was a real headache.


    After checking out a few that didn''t meet her standards, she finally bit the bullet and chose an expensive private daycare that offered good food, lodging, and education


    Brock was young, and she didn''t want topromise on his upbringing. She stood at the corner of the street and gged down a cab to go home. Then she looked up... and saw Aaron.


    What was he doing here?


    "Aaron," she said, her face mostly calm but with a hint of surprise. "you..."


    "I heard you''re back with Casper?" His face was a mix of worry and reproach. "How could you? Did he threaten you? Tell me, I''ll talk to him."


    Aaron''s agitation was unusual. In the past, he was always so calm and sometimes even defended Casper.


    "He saved Brock that day, and I was grateful, so I agreed to work for him for a while. Don''t read too much into it."


    Eliza''s exnation was light. But Aaron''s frown deepened. "Just work? But you moved back to the Welton family estate." "I''ll just be doing some caretaker work." She didn''t get into details.


    "You should''ve talked to me," he


    said, his eyes showing that familiar look of concern. "There are other ways to repay a favor. This is too much."


    "It''s not a sacrifice. I just don''t like owing favors." She gave him a knowing smile.


    Aaron opened his mouth as if to say more, but it turned into. "I''m sorry, Eliza. There''s something I need to apologize for." "Aaron, what is it?"


    "The time Brock had his ident... he looked pained, his eyes reddening....actually, Brock feltin the sea while ying with me I lied. I''m sorry."

 Chapter 282

    So this is what it was stressing him out. This was the incident Brock had mentioned to Eliza. Aaron had flung Brock into the sea.


    Aaron admitting his mistake on his own showed he had a clear conscience. Maybe she shouldn''t doubt him or suspect any ulterior motives. Eliza stayed silent for a moment.


    Aaron continued, "I was just ying catch with him. The wind was crazy strong, and I lost my grip. Then the wind flipped the yacht. I was scared you''d me me... I''m really sorry. I owe Brock an apology too."


    "If it wasn''t for me slipping and causing Brock to fall into the sea, you wouldn''t have had to beg Casper to rescue him. And he wouldn''t have taken advantage of the situation to make such an unreasonable request to you..." Aaron, clearly upset, grabbed Eliza''s hand, pulled her in close, and hugged her tightly. "I''m sorry, Eliza. Can you forgive me?"


    Eliza''s body resisted the hug, but she didn''t push him away. "Aaron, you said it was an ident. With that storm, no one could control what happened."


    "I was out of my mind to lie to you then." He gazed at her deeply, eyes full of remorse. "Can you forgive me?"


    "Brock is fine," she said with a slight smile.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll get Casper to release you as soon as possible."


    Eliza gave a faint smile and didn''t say anything more.


    Aaron''s phone vibrated. He took a call and then said goodbye to Eliza.


    Eliza watched his car drive away and thought for a moment, then told the cab driver, "Follow that car, please."


    The cab trailed Aaron''s car at a safe distance, turning into a cozy little steakhouse.


    She quietly followed Aaron in. She''d been to this steakhouse before. Aaron must have set up a meeting and booked the VIP lounge in the back. She saw him open the door; someone came out to talk to him.


    It was Zach.


    Aaron and Zach together? That was unexpected.


    They chatted easily, like it wasn''t their first time meeting. As the lounge door closed, both of them disappeared from Eliza''s view.


    Eliza walked back and was lost in thought. Was the situation getting more confusing, or was Aaron bing more unpredictable?


    Aaron meeting Zach didn''t necessarily mean anything, but there were too many puzzling aspects. Could it be they shared some hidden secret? She just couldn''t figure it out, or understand it.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    After sorting out Brock''s school situation, Eliza finally had one less worry.


    The newly established auction house didn''t have much work yet She spent her days idly at the office. After work, she would help the household staff with cleaning and cooking.


    Casper rarely came home for meals. Sometimes, she''d stayte at the office on purpose before heading home.


    "Ms. Valerie, these are the items prepared for the uing auction


    Please take a look, and if


    everything''s in order, I''ll move on to the next steps."


    It was Noel, a recent college recruit. He was young and energetic, and always arrived early and leftte with a positive attitude.


    Eliza took the list he handed over, nced at it, and signed her name. "Looks good."


    She handed it back to him and asked casually, "Workingte again?"


    "Just trying to get familiar with the workflow as quickly as possible." He scratched his head sheepishly. Ms. get?"


    Valerie, why haven''t you left

 Chapter 283

    "I''ll be heading back soon; you should clock out too," Eliza said with a slight smile.


    "Okay." Noel continued his work, holding onto a stack of documents.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza nced out the window, feeling bored. The streetlights were already on, and it looked like it was going to rain. She grabbed an umbre from her drawer and prepared to head home. Just as she walked out of the office building, the rain began to fall.


    Noel hurried to catch up with Eliza. "Ms. Valerie, it''s raining. How are you getting home?"


    "I''ll catch a cab," she replied.


    "Please wait here for a minute." Noel dashed into the rain.


    In about five or six minutes, a white Honda pulled up, and the window rolled down. "Ms. Valerie, hop in. I''ll drive you home."


    "It''s fine, Noel. I was about to grab a cab."


    "Consider it a cab ride from me. Come on," Noel warmly insisted, opening the driver''s door to personally invite her. "Ms. Valerie, please, give me a chance to show my gratitude." Eliza smiled, thinking it would be too pretentious to refuse any further. "Well then, thank you."


    Noel was very talkative. He always had plenty of topics to discuss. He could shift from talking about the football league to his summer jobs, which sounded quite inspiring.


    "You''re quite ambitious, buying a car right after graduation. Did I underestimate you?"


    Noel blushed at thepliment. "Ms. Valerie, this car is second-hand. It cost me forty thousand dors in total, part of which I saved from my part-time jobs. My mom even chipped in ten thousand." "That''s quite impressive."


    Noel was blooming with happiness.


    When they arrived at Welton Estate and stopped, he was surprised. Eliza actually lived in such a luxurious ce. "Ms. Valerie, this is your home?"


    "No, I''m just staying here." She


    opened the passenger door, and raised her umbre without further exnation. "Noel, thanks for the ride. You should head back now. Be careful on the road."


    "I''ll be going then, Ms. Valerie."


    Eliza waved goodbye to him, turning around and almost bumping into a wall of muscle. She gave a brief nce and continued walking inside with her umbre. Casper clicked his tongue and quickly followed her. "Changed tastes?"


    "What do you mean by changed tastes?" she suddenly stopped, looking displeased at Casper''s tall stature. "I''m not interested in arguing with you." "Isn''t that new guy of his a change in taste?" He looked down at her with a mocking tone. "Or are you into both young and old men, Ms. Valerie?" She faced Casper''s gaze fearlessly and responded candidly. "You are right about that."


    Casper was momentarily speechless at Eliza''s straightforward answer, losing hisposure.


    "Are you trying to infuriate me on purpose?" He suddenly threw his umbre away, ducking under hers bending down to bring his face. closer to hers. "If you infuriate me to death, you''ll truly be a widow."


    She looked at him with contempt, moved the umbre away from above his head, and walked straight inside, leaving behind a light remark. "I am already a widow."


    Casper picked up his umbre from the ground and quickly followed her. When had he ever been humiliated like this?


    "Aren''t you afraid I''ll deal with that young man?"


    Eliza stopped abruptly, looking through the misty rain at Casper standing in front of her. Her gaze was cold yet slightly shocked. "It seems to me, you want to deal with me."


    "You tantly brought a young man


    to your doorstep. Are you trying to disgust me?" Casper''s brows were furrowed He forcefully grabbed her arm, as if trying to grasp her heart through the fabric. "Don''t forget that you are still legally my wife, Eliza."

 Chapter 284

    "I was yourte wife," Eliza corrected him coldly, her eyes void of any warmth.


    "A wife,te or not, is still a wife!" Casper''s voice quivered slightly, almost imperceptibly. "As long as our marriage certificate exists, you will always be my wife, Eliza. You..." He felt like he was losing his mind. The more he tried to suppress his anger, the more it threatened to explode.


    Jealousy.


    Yes, it was jealousy.


    Jealousy that twisted his features beyond recognition.


    Before he could finish, Eliza cut him off. "Casper, stop fooling yourself. It''s over between us. That marriage certificate is nothing but a piece of trash now."


    She nced at his face with indifference, gently pulling her arm free and continuing inside.


    Casper stood in the rain and kicked the cobblestone pavement in frustration. His anger was quickly reced by a deep sense of helplessness.


    "Sir, you''re soaked. Would you like me to draw you a bath?" The servant, seeing Casper drenched from the rain, hurried over with concern.


    Casper''s face was livid; without a word, he stormed upstairs.


    Eliza hadpletely ignored him. If Caspershed out at her again, she would turn around and leave without hesitation.


    "Draw me a bath. I need a bath," he ordered, his expression stern.


    Eliza didn''t respond, but she got up and went to the bathroom anyway. She gently pressed the faucet, and warm water began to flow, gradually filling the tub. She carefully adjusted the temperature, making sure it was just right.


    As he walked in, he started unbuttoning his shirt. Eliza was about to leave when his arm reached out to block her. His grip was strong, as if he wanted to trap her in this small space.


    "Let''s take a bath together."


    "I''m on my period," she said tly.


    "And that means you can''t bathe?"


    ???


    He took off his shirt and tossed it aside, his bare torso glistening. He. lifted her and set her on the sink, resting his arms on either side of her. "Why must you always fight me? I know I''ve done wrong in the past. I hurt you deeply, but what more do you want?"


    "Casper, do you truly not mind that I was with an older man before? Do you truly not mind raising another man''s child? Do you really not care that I can''t have your children? Or that Tve been with many men besides you?"


    Eliza knew he cared. She knew exactly what buttons to push.


    Casper was prone to rage; he could even strangle her in the next moment. She didn''t care.


    "Even if you don''t mind, I do," her words were cold, as if dipped in ice.


    "Do you think I believe that?" He didn''t get angry; his slender fingers traced her delicate face. "Believe that you''ve been with many men? I can tell if there''s another man''s scent on you."


    "So what? Casper, stop deluding yourself. After everything you''ve done to me, there''s no way I''m going through that again."


    She could be his bedpanion, a ve, a servant, even work for him and sacrifice herself for his business. It was all to repay his kindness.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Once the debt was repaid, she would leave. She couldn''t tie herself to him for life.


    "By choosing toe back to me, you''re choosing to go through it all over again," his slender fingers held her delicate chin, his lips hovering over hers. "I gave you a chance, and it was you who begged to walk into the lion''s den."

 Chapter 285

    "So?" She furrowed her brows slightly, an unconscious gesture that only added to her allure.


    He was entranced, gently holding the back of her head as he leaned in for a kiss. She didn''t resist. Neither did she respond-she just let him.


    He nibbled on her earlobe, his voice intense. "So, let''s just stay together."


    "Why bother? Isn''t it better to find someone you truly love and spend your life with them?" She found Casper somewhat pitiable.


    He sighed almost imperceptibly. "How do you know I don''t love you?"


    Her eyes flickered slightly.


    Did he love her? Did he even know what love was? His idea of love seemed more like possession. That was not love. Love is about tolerance, understanding, and absolute trust. Casper could never grasp these concepts. "I stopped loving you a long time ago and I won''t fall for you again."Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "There might be a miracle. I hope for a miracle," he said, his voice unusually gentle.


    He knew regaining her trust would be hard. She had walked into this willingly. Now that she was here, he wasn''t going to let her go so easily. Call him possessive or even sick-he didn''t care.


    His scorching kiss trailed down, his rough hands tearing open her blouse, gripping her waist tightly.


    "Casper, I''m really on my period." She noticed something was off about him. His body was burning up.


    Reaching out, she touched his forehead. He had a fever. "You''re burning up," she said, trying to push him away.


    He encircled her instead, a teasing smile ying on his lips, "Are you worried about me?"


    "I just think you''re weak. You''ve caught a fever from the rain," she scoffed.


    "Weak?" He could overpower her right here and now, fever or not. Without giving her a chance to think, he pressed his hand against the back of her neck, kissing and biting aggressively. She winced in pain and pped him, "Can you get a grip?"


    "I am perfectly fine," he said, his eyes bloodshot. Eliza suddenly chuckled. "Take a look in the mirror. You look like you''re about to drop dead, and I don''t want to be implicated."


    Eliza pushed Casper away and walked out of the bathroom.


    He turned on the cold water and


    sshed his face. It was just a fever. Nobody was dying. He looked at himself in the mirror, realizing his face was indeed a bit red.


    The next day, Casper personally drove Eliza to the auction house. Before she left, he issued a stern warning, "Keep your distance from that guy. I can get him fired at any time."


    Eliza ignored him, mming the car door and walking away. Casper was left frustrated, his mood souring.


    At the office, he endured three consecutive hours of meetings. Coupled with the fever that still hadn''t subsided, he looked worse for wear.


    "Mr. Casper, maybe we should go to the hospital for an IV?" Dillon suggested, worried.


    Casper, with his feet propped up on the desk and a fever patch on his forehead, waved him off. "I''m not that fragile."


    "I think it''s because of your knife wound and the fact that you rescued someone at sea. Your body hasn''t fully recovered," Dillon muttered.


    Of course, Casper knew the reason but wouldn''t me Eliza. It was all his own doing.


    "Do you have anything else to say? If not, leave."


    Dillon hesitated, unsure whether to speak. Casper frowned. "Out with it."


    "It''s about the investigation on Aaron. Do you want to hear about it now?" Dillon saw Casper looking drained.


    With his eyes half-closed, Casper weakly lifted a finger, signaling him to speak.


    "So," Dillon cleared his throat. "when Jeffrey fell ill back then, it actually wasn''t necessary to have your wife''s blood for the treatment."

 Chapter 286

    "Aaron''s idea to use your wife''s blood to treat Jeffrey''s illness was aplete farce."


    Casper slowly opened his eyes, his dark pupils filled with a bone-chilling coldness. "Go on."


    "Mr. Casper, while it''s true that your wife''s blood contains antibodies that could''ve helped Jeffrey''s condition, these antibodies can be produced by any healthy person and are particrly present in pregnant women. This means Jeffrey''s illness could have been treated with the blood of any pregnant woman, and only a small amount was needed.


    "The improvement in Jeffrey''s condition after he received your wife''s blood was just a coincidence. It didn''t actually help his illness in any significant way.


    "I think Aaron''s goal was to worsen the tension between you and your wife."


    Was this all revenge? It seemed like the only usible exnation.


    Everything was Aaron''s meticulous nning. From the moment Casper first met Eliza, to Nova taking Eliza''s ce by his side, Mikey''s staged death, and then Jeffrey''s illness.


    His ultimate goal was to make Casper and Eliza hate each other.


    He seeded. Their rtionship was still as vtile as fire and water. She might never forgive him for everything he did to her.


    "Keep digging. I want to know just how many despicable things Aaron has done."


    Dillon nodded. "Understood. I''ll keep investigating, Mr. Casper. Do you want to warn your wife to be careful around Aaron? He''s been meeting with Zach frequently, and I''m worried he might..." Warn her? Hadn''t he warned her enough already? Would she even listen?


    She didn''t trust him. Anything he said, she''d see as an attack on her precious Aaron.


    Luckily, she was right under his watchful eye. Aaron wouldn''t find it so easy to pull anything off.


    Casper tore off the fever-reducing patch from his forehead. "Come with me to the auction house." "Yes, sir."


    Casper arrived during lunchtime.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The newpany didn''t provide employee meals, so everyone ordered takeout.


    Noel ordered fried rice and ced his food on themunal dining table.


    As everyone''s takeout arrived, they gathered around to eat together. The dining atmosphere was particrly pleasant, and Eliza enjoyed these shared meals.


    Noel sat next to Eliza. He was young and loved to tell jokes, making him the life of the table. He had everyoneughing.


    When Casper walked in, Noel had just finished a joke, leaving Eliza doubled over withughter.


    "Noel, you should consider a career in stand-upedy," she said.


    She was sitting with her back to the door and didn''t notice Casper''s arrival. But the colleagues facing her did, and they immediately restrained theirughter, standing up politely.


    Eliza had just beenughing and chatting with the others but when she turned and saw Casper, her demeanor instantly turned cold. Everyone quickly packed up their lunch boxes and left the dining area.


    Casper pulled up a chair, sitting next to Eliza, and chuckled. "I didn''t know you were so lively at work. You


    looked quite happy." Col


    "I have no issues with my colleagues, so of course, I willugh," she retorted, irritation in her voice.


    She began to pack up her half-eaten lunch, preparing to leave.


    He reached out, grabbed her wrist, and forced her to sit down. "I haven''t had lunch yet."

 Chapter 287

    "If you haven''t eaten, just ask Dillon to order something for you. I''m no chef," Eliza said, her tone and expression as chilly as a winter''s day.


    Casper reached over and grabbed her half-eaten takeout box. "Let me have a bite of your meal."


    Her takeout box had both veggies and meat, but it looked pretty unappetizing. Casper wasn''t used to leftovers. If he didn''t like the food, he''d definitely take it out on her.


    Eliza snatched her takeout back and tossed it straight into the trash. "Better let Dillon order you a fresh one."


    Casper pouted, "Forget it. I''d rather starve."


    Dillon secretly chuckled. Casper was really being difficult.


    "Ms. Valerie, Mr. Casper''s been running a fever all day. It''s rare for him to have an appetite, and you... why did you throw it away?"


    "An appetite for leftovers?" Eliza mocked with a slight curl of her lip. "How unique."All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Casper felt hurt. Was she really mocking him so tantly?


    Dillon was utterly amused by the scene. She was getting bolder.


    Eliza didn''t respond to Casper and walked back to her office.


    Inside, there was a small rest area where she liked to nap, giving her tired body and mind a moment of peace.


    Just as she stepped into the rest area, Casper followed like a gust of wind, forcefully invading her personal space. His movements were quick and domineering. Before Eliza could react, his kiss descended on her like a storm, enveloping her in a deep and intense atmosphere.


    The kiss was forceful as if he intended to devour her entirely. The ferocity of it,bined with his already elevated body temperature, made him burn even more intensely.


    "Casper, you..." Eliza tried to push him away, but his body was too heavy for her to muster any strength.


    At that moment, she felt like a butterfly caught in a web, unable to struggle, and only able to be swept away by the stormy kiss.


    He held her tightly as if about to merge her into his soul. Their breathing became rapid, filled with an indescribable longing.


    "I''m hungry." His low voice carried an irresistible charm.


    She pushed him away, trying to maintain some distance, "If you''re hungry, go have something to eat."


    "I have you."


    He firmly held the back of her head and kissed her dominantly, the embrace filled with longing.


    Eliza detested this aggressive and domineering behavior. She decisively lifted her leg and


    upwards, hitting him preci ich


    it hurt.


    where


    Casper''s expression twisted in pain, and he groaned, "Eliza, do you really want to hurt me so much?"


    Her lips pursed slightly, her face showing a hint of wariness as she carefully adjusted her clothes, her tone carrying a bit of helplessness. "I''ve already told you, I''m on my period right now, but you insisted."


    "I was just kissing you. Is that too much?" He winced from the pain.


    He kissed her deeply and


    passionately, and she knew all too


    well what would follow. "You... you''re already... I can feel it. Now, it''s really not possible to just


    "


    She knew she couldn''t always avoid intimate contact with Casper. Her body instinctively rejected him, an undeniable fact.


    She rushed out of the rest area and called for Dillon, "Mr. Casper is hurt. You better take him to the hospital."


    Dillon was confused. He eyed Eliza with slightly disheveled hair, his expressionplex and uncertain.

 Chapter 288

    Casper took a while to calm down.


    Dillon felt a pang of sympathy for his boss and gently advised, "Mr. Casper, maybe you shouldn''t force things. I don''t think she''s the type to hold back, and if you really get hurt, it won''t be easy to heal." Casper was feverish, irritable beyond words. With a swift kick, he sent the trash can next to the bed tumbling over.


    "Next time, I''ll tie her uppletely. Then we''ll see how tough she really is."


    Dillon''s mouth twitched involuntarily.


    "Look at her,ughing and flirting with everyone else, but when she sees me, it''s like she wants to tear me apart. Do you think she''s been charmed by that pretty boy, andpletely forgotten who she is?" "Pretty boy?" Dillon scratched his head, pondering. Was Casper talking about that young man, Mr. Noel?


    "Mr. Casper, do you mean Mr. Noel?"


    "Who else could I be talking about?" Casper scoffed.


    "Mr. Casper, no matter what, it''s unlikely for her to fall for some innocent young boy." Dillon chuckled awkwardly, trying to lighten the mood. "You should have some confidence in yourself. She... she probably knows her limits."


    Casper had neither confidence in


    himself nor belief that Eliza would have any limits. To her, he was like rotting flesh, and her willingness to even nce at him was only


    because he had saved her sale!


    Somel.r


    Legally, there was nothing binding her to him. For her to cuckold him would take no effort at all. He was well aware. C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    A chasm as deep as the abyssy between them, engulfing any hope of them crossing over. What did it matter if they lived under the same roof? Or shared the same bed? Even if he indulged her, pampered her, and swallowed his pride, what would it change? What was lost, once found again, could never be the same. It had already been eroded beyond recognition by the torrent of time.


    Besides, his past with Eliza was far from beautiful.


    No. Once, she had been beautiful, like the morning sun, warm and dazzling. It was he who had torn that beauty apart, plunging her into


    endless pain and despair. He hawne?


    even nearly driven her to death. Perhaps the connection between him and Eliza was doomed to be


    vulnerable from the start.


    "I really shouldn''t have brought her back to Falconridge," Casper muttered, his voice low and tinged with regret.


    "Mr. Casper, don''t be too pessimistic. A person''s heart doesn''t cool in an instant, nor does it warm up all at once. Don''t be in such a hurry. Women, you know, are often soft-hearted. Take it slow, and there might be a chance for things to turn around."


    Casper gently massaged his furrowed brow, his lips curling into a bitter smile. If she loved him, she would naturally soften. But now, with no love left for him, where would that softnesse from?


    He shook his head, a wave of inexplicable sadness rising in his heart. Perhaps if they no longer intersected in each other''s lives, she would gradually forget that hatred and reconcile with herself.


    With that thought, he suddenly felt a sense of release. What did it matter if he couldn''t let go? What was the point of trying to make amends? It was all futile. She merely saw it as a one-sided joke. Those so-called amends were nothing but superfluous gestures. Casper''s once again had a poker face, his dark eyes like hidden stars in the night sky, twinkling with a somber light. He stood up and walked out of the lounge without hesitation.


    Eliza, who had been standing outside hesitant to approach, moved her lips as if she wanted to say something. "You..."

 Chapter 289

    His gaze swept over her face with detachment. It wasn''t a warm look, but it wasn''t exactly cold either-it was tinged with a crisp chill. He walked away, leaving Eliza standing alone, watching him disappear, a swirl ofplex emotions rising within her. This distant Casper


    was all too familiar to her. For some reason, a wave of anxiety hit her.


    Just as Dillon was about to leave, she suddenly called out, "Dillon, wait a sec."


    "Ms. Valerie, is something the matter?" Dillon turned around, his eyes maintaining a polite distance.


    "Is he... upset?" she hesitated, searching for the right words.


    "Mr. Casper is fine," Dillon replied with a polite nod, his tone neutral.


    Watching Dillon and Casper leave, Eliza felt a tightness in her chest. Had she offended Casper? His expression had been grim, and his look almost predatory. She was distracted all day.


    After work, as the office lights dimmed, she sat alone, staring nkly out the window, her mind a chaotic jumble of thoughts. Casper''s moods were unpredictable. Would hee home tonight and suddenly erupt in inexplicable anger? "It''s been a while."


    Startled, she looked up to see a handsome face, reminiscent of a young man. Zach?


    Her eyes flickered with surprise and detachment. "Mr. Zach?"


    "I heard you were still alive. Had a hard time believing it..." Zach''s face bore a smile that seemed friendly but wasced with insincerity. He scrutinized Eliza from head to toe. "I didn''t expect you to be doing quite well."


    Eliza nced at him coolly, a cold smirk ying on her lips. "Disappointed to see me thriving?"


    "Not at all," Zach said lightly, waving his hand. "Disappointment is too strong a word. I just find it... unwise for you and Casper to get entangled again."


    "My affairs with him are none of your concern, Mr. Zach." Eliza''s tone was icy. She was clearly unwilling to dwell on the subject.


    Zach shrugged, unaffected by her attitude. "Alright, then let''s talk about something else."C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "Do we have anything worth discussing, Mr. Zach?" Eliza''s voice was cool, tinged with impatience.


    "Of course." Zach smiled slightly, pulled over a chair, and sat down, fixing his gaze on Eliza. "You must have seen the USB I gave you before, right?"


    Eliza''s eyelids drooped slightly. She remained silent for a moment, then looked up to meet Zach''s gaze. She didn''t respond and just stared at him.


    He knew what she was thinking. "You must have guessed it-your father''s faked death and escape were much like your situation years ago. Ultimately, it''s all because of Casper. The only way topletely break free from this man now is..."


    Eliza didn''t know what scheme Zach was concocting. People like him, when driven to madness, could be as bad as Casper, if not worse. She did hate Casper, it''s true. But she'' had no intention of discussing any Sled cooperation with someone


    like Zach.


    "What are you trying to say?"


    "Eliza, if we join forces, we can dethrone Casper from his lofty pedestal.get what I want, and you can finally break free, live freely with your son and no longer under the shadow of fear. Doesn''t that sound good?"


    Zach''s words wereced with temptation.


    Eliza''s beautiful brows furrowed slightly. What was Zach plotting? To pull Casper down? Did he have the power to do so? It wasn''t that she necessarily wanted to defend Casper.

 Chapter 290

    Even though Casper''s character was questionable, Casper''s capabilities and the foundation he had built at Falconridge over the years were pretty much unshakable. Could Zach do it alone?


    She wasn''t underestimating him, but when it came to ability, Zach and Casper were worlds apart. There would be no good oue.


    "Casper has great influence in Falconridge, so if you want to knock him off his pedestal, you better know your own weight."


    "That''s why we need to team up," Zach said confidently.


    He seemed so sure of himself that Eliza felt a bit taken aback. "And how exactly do you n to take down Casper?"


    "Welton International''s biggest project right now is Blue Mountain. The wholepany''s future is riding on it. If anything goes wrong, Casper won''t be able to keep his seat as president."


    Eliza had heard about the project. Just getting it started had taken three years. The design, construction, and operational startup would take another five. It was designed to be foolproof, so how could Zach find any cracks to exploit? "Do you really think you stand a chance?"


    Zach smiled confidently. "Let''s put it this way: the Blue Mountain project is at a critical phase. If we swap the uing project designs, the whole thing will fall apart. Casper and his business empire will crumble in Falconridge, just like that..." Eliza seemed to get it. These design ns weren''t something anyone could just grab and she was the only one who could get close to Casper. She guessed that Zach wanted to use her close rtionship with Casper to pull off a covert bait-and-switch. Eliza smiled, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Such a high-risk move. What makes you think I''d just jump in and help you?"


    Zach stared at her confidently. "Three years ago, everyone in Falconridge knew Mrs. Weltonmitted suicide. Casper didn''t show up at Welton International for nearly a year. He was almost ready to hand over the reins. Your death really hit him hard..." "Everyone knows Casper fell for you. You could use his feelings, get those design ns easily, and even if he finds out, he wouldn''t touch you." "Ha."


    Zach didn''t care about anyone else''s lives as long as he got what he wanted. How could he be so sure Casper wouldn''t do anything to her?


    "Mr. Zach, you know what kind of person Casper is, right? Do you really think he''d let a decade-long project go to ruins over some feelings he has for me? You''re giving me too much credit."


    Zach was still confident. As long as Eliza agreed, he was halfway there.


    "Don''t you want to be free? Eliza, don''t forget, your father and brother are still under his control. One word from him, and their peaceful lives could be destroyed, thrown into chaos. Do you want to see that happen?"


    Of course not. That was her bottom line. But she wasn''t a naive girl who''d believe everything Zach said. How much better was Zach than Casper?


    "Mr. Zach, there''s something I don''t quite get."


    "Oh?" He gestured for her to go on.


    "Are you and Aaron... close?" She looked him straight in the eyes, trying to find any hint of an answer. "Or is he in on this n to dethrone Casper too?" Zach was momentarily caught off guard. Then he smiled.


    "Aaron''s business is none of your


    concern, he dodged the question "We have amon enemy. If you help me, I can offer you a billion dors once it''s done." Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Aren''t you afraid that since you put the price tag so openly, I might just go and tell Casper all about your ns?"

 Chapter 291

    "Would you?" He didn''t believe it for a second. Eliza just smiled.


    Zach stood up, hands shoved in his pockets. "Think about it. Consider the life you''ve been living all these years. Now, think about a billion dors and freedom for you and your son. I believe you''ll make the right choice."


    Eliza didn''t know what the right choice was. But she knew one thing: if she teamed up with Zach, it might just be a win-win. If not, she''d be doomed.


    The sky was getting darker, like ink slowly spreading across a scroll.


    Eliza stepped into the Welton family home. Casper was quietly sitting on the plush sofa, his eyes glued to the financial report in his hands. His profile was like a work of art, the lines smooth and elegant. His pajamas seemed ordinary, yet they hinted at an indescribable refinement.


    He didn''t even look up when she walked in, as if she were invisible.


    Eliza slipped off her shoes and quietly made her way to the kitchen. The warm and inviting aroma of food filled the air. She skillfully helped the servants bring dish after dish to the table, moving with a natural fluidity.


    One of the servants whispered to her, "Mr. Casper''s in a bad mood."Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza paused and nced outside but didn''t reply. She was used to Casper''s coldness and mood swings. Changing him wasn''t an option, and she wasn''t interested in trying.


    Once everything was ready, she walked over to the sofa and stood before him. "Mr. Casper, dinner''s ready. Please, let''s eat."


    Her voice was soft and respectful. She did not bother being rude to him.


    Casper didn''t object to her formality. He stood up and made his way to the dining table. Eliza had already served the food, cing it at his spot. She then served herself and sat down quietly, ready to eat. Just as she was about to start, a cold voice shattered the silence. "Who said you could sit?"


    The anger and displeasure in his voice were unmistakable, sending a chill down her spine. She immediately stood up. "I''m sorry."


    "Remember your ce," Casper''s tone was icy.


    "Of course."


    He didn''t say another word. He ate a few bites in silence, then put down his utensils and went upstairs.


    Eliza hadn''t expected such a big reaction. Then again, he was always like this-quick to anger and take it out on others. It fit his usual pattern.


    In a way, this was better. He was the


    master, and she was the servant They had clear roles. When he got tired of her, he could just send her away. Maybe that day woulde sooner than she thought.


    The thought surprisingly lightened her mood. After cleaning up, she stayed in the living room for a bit before heading upstairs to prepare for a bath and some rest.


    She gently pushed open the


    bedroom door Casper looked up at


    her, his gaze cold, making her heart skip a beat. She couldn''t help but think about what had happened at


    of


    thepany. She felt a pang guilt, it wasn''t the first time she''d kicked him there. Maybe this time she''d kicked too hard, causing irreparable damage, and now he looked like he wanted to kill her.


    "Um..." she started, trying to exin, her eyes showing a hint of unease. "I didn''t mean to... I mean, if you need an apology, I can give one."


    He looked at her coldly, a disdainful smile curling his lips. "I was too kind to you."


    "You shouldn''t force me," she said softly but firmly.


    "Eliza, who do you think you are? You think I need your consent to sleep with you?" he scoffed, walking up to her and cornering her against the wall. "When I treat you like a I crystal ss, you''re precious. When I don''t, you''re just like a piece of broken ss to me."

 Chapter 292

    She stared at him, stunned. It felt like he''d pped her hard across the face.


    To him, she had always been nothing more than a toy. It was like that before, it was like that now, and it would always be that way. Their rtionship would never change.


    She lowered her eyshes, choosing silence.


    Hisrge hand gripped her chin tightly, his eyes flickering with barely contained rage. "What? Did my words make you ufortable?"


    "You were the one who asked me to set the conditions. Now you act like some virtuous woman. Who are you trying to impress? Are you keeping yourself pure for the old man who''s already dead, or for Aaron?"


    His mocking words cut into her heart like sharp des. But Eliza didn''t want to argue. She just looked at him calmly, watching him get angry, lose hisposure, and mock her with every word.


    "Speak up. Why are you silent again?" He tightened his grip on her chin, almost crushing it.


    She winced from the sharp pain, frowning. "What do you want me to say?"


    "You turned our rtionship into this," he said, a mix of helplessness and harshness in his tone. He took a deep breath. "I wanted to get along with you, to start over, Eliza, but you couldn''t care less. Your heart is cold, frozen solid, unmeltable, indifferent, and resolute. I see it all. So, let''s just go back to how things were."


    She listened silently, but inside, she


    felt nothing. He was right; she had


    never thought about starting over with him She had never cared for his gestures of goodwill. She wanted him to suffer, to die. This burning obsession was like an unquenchable me.


    They were destined to be strangers passing through each other''s lives.


    "Casper, I came back to Falconridge because you saved my son. I''m grateful for that, and I''m willing to do a lot for it, but... neither of us deserves to talk about love."


    "Fine, very well." A bitter smile curled at the corner of his mouth. "Then just wait until I''m tired of you, and you can get the hell out of Falconridge."Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He stretched out his arms, scooped her up, and threw her harshly onto the soft king-sized bed. The air seemed to freeze at that moment, the silence so profound that only their heartbeats could be heard.


    Then, a wave of intense heat


    washed over her, instantly engulfing her senses. He didn''t kiss her. There was no forey. He went straight to the point. His movements were rough and merciless, without a hint of pity or gentleness. It was as if he was venting all the anger and dissatisfaction in his heart.


    Eliza silently closed her eyes, enduring the overwhelming force of his actions. This was the reality she had to face. Afterward, he coldly pushed her away like discarding a torn rag, his voice icy as hemanded, "Get out."


    Trembling, she clutched her clothes tightly, turned around in a disheveled state, and hastily retreated to the guest room: Standing silently under the shower, she let the water wash over every inch of her skin. The marks on her fair skin, deep and shallow, were ring scars, mercilessly revealing everything that had just happened.


    She closed her eyes, tears mingling with the water, silently sliding down. At that moment, she felt trapped in a cold abyss, powerless.

 Chapter 293

    During springtime in the suburbs of Falconridge, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, painting the countryside in sshes of pink and white, like clouds scattered across the hills. A gentle breeze stirred the petals, making them dance like butterflies-an absolutely breathtaking sight. Dillon checked his watch. Casper had been sitting in this quiet corner, as still as a statue, for over two hours. His gaze was distant, lost in thoughts that seemed to have a tight grip on him. Dillon started to worry that it might be too much for him. Trying to break the silence, he suggested, "Mr. Casper, how about we head over to the kindergarten? I heard they''re having a field day. It should be pretty lively."


    Casper frowned slightly, his voice cold. "I don''t like children."


    Dillon guessed Casper had forgotten about the kindergarten he''d invested in. Understandable, given his professional investment firm and its myriad projects. A small kindergarten could easily slip his mind.


    "You''ve been invested in that kindergarten for almost five years and have never visited. Maybe now''s a good time to take a look."


    Casper remained silent, his eyes unreadable. After a few more moments, he finally stood up. "Alright, let''s go check it out."Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The field day was in full swing on the school''s sports field. It was a parent-child event, and the ce was buzzing with excited families.


    The principal walked alongside Casper, enthusiastically exining, "The older kids can participate in various activities on their own, while the younger ones need their parents to help them. This time, we''ve made it a point to involve fathers in the activities too." Casper raised an eyebrow, listening without much interest. Dillon followed closely, and they found a clean spot in the stands with a good view.


    As Casper nced around, a familiar little figure caught his eye. A small boy sat alone, looking lonely and helpless, like a little lost kitten. "Eliza''s son is in this kindergarten too?" Casper frowned.


    Dillon, not knowing much about the situation, turned to the principal. "Who''s that kid? Aren''t his parents here?"


    The principal nodded


    understandingly. "You mean Brock? He''s from a single-parent family, with no father. I called his mother earlier. She said she wouldn''t participate in any activities, so we arranged for him to sit and watch the others."


    Casper''s gaze returned to the lonely figure. The boy was timid and¨¥ introverted. Without a father, and with his mother absent, it was a tough situation. If this continued, the boy''s future seemed bleak


    Casper stood up, took off his jacket, and handed it to Dillon. Casper quickly walked down the stands and approacked Brock. He grabbed the boy by the cor like picking up a fragile kitten. "Come on, we''re heading to the track," his voice firm and low.


    "I don''t want to, I don''t want you..." Brock''s voice trembled, his eyes filling with tears.


    Casper turned and gave him a sharp look. "Listen to me. If you don''t give it your all when we run, you''ll see what happens."


    Brock shivered, too scared to cry out anymore, his tear-filled eyes fixed on Casper. He was terrified of Casper.

 Chapter 294

    Fear flickered in Brock''s eyes. Casper ced a firm hand on Brock''s shoulder. "Do you want to win first ce?"


    Brock''s eyes welled up as he shook his head.


    Casper narrowed his eyes. "I''ll ask you again. Do you want to win first ce?"


    Brock hesitated.


    He saw Casper with a certain charm. Casper could make him believe anything was possible, even winning first ce.


    "Mhm." Brock agreed.


    Casper felt a surge of pride. Brock still had some fight in him. "Alright then, let''s go get that first ce."


    Casper and Brock joined the kindergarten ry race. These kiddie races were really all about the adults. The kids'' abilities were pretty much the same across the board. Watching from the bleachers, Dillon raised an eyebrow. Hadn''t Casper and Eliza had a huge fight? So, Casper caved in after all.


    "I''m so sorry I''mte," a woman''s anxious voice piped in from beside him.


    Dillon turned to see a sweaty Eliza. He lowered his gaze slightly, turning his face away.


    "I''m d you made it. Brock''s about topete, and we can''t wait to watch the race," the principal said with a smile.


    Eliza nodded and then looked toward the field. She quickly spotted her son, but she also saw... Casper.


    What was he doing here? Why was Casper with Brock at his sports day? Could Casper have figured something out? She shook her head. Brock looked more like her than Casper. He wouldn''t suspect anything.


    The race started.


    Brock sprinted with all his might but only made it about twenty or thirty meters before crashing down with a thud.


    Eliza''s heart clenched, her eyes brimming with worry. She thought Brock would burst into tears like he always did when he fell. He''d always been a bit fragile and not good with pain.


    To her surprise, Brock showed incredible resilience. He quickly got up, brushed the dirt off, and, without a second thought, continued running towards Casper.


    By the time Brock was passing the baton, the parents in the othernes were already a good distance ahead.


    No one expected the dad in thisst-minute "father and son" duo to be so fast and powerful. It left everyone stunned.


    Not surprisingly, Casper took first ce.


    At the award ceremony, Brock looked a bit shy. He stuck close to Casper, his big, clear eyes shining with excitement and a touch of caution. Casper bent down and extended hisrge hand. "Want to sit on my shoulders?"


    Brock blinked in surprise but then gathered his courage and nodded.


    Casper smiled, lifted him up, and ced him securely on his shoulders.


    It was Brock''s first time sitting on a man''s shoulders, and from up there, he looked around with an expression of pride.


    Down below, Eliza couldn''t take her


    eyes off the two on the podium. She


    felt a swirl ofplex emotions. inside her, like ripples spreading across ake, impossible to calm.


    Brock was the first to spot her. He ran over with his medal, eager to show it off. Casper trailed behind, also heading her way.


    Dillon handed him his jacket. "Mr. Casper."All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza turned to look at Casper, about to say thank you.


    But he didn''t acknowledge her, his face cold as ice, as he left the kindergarten with Dillon.

 Chapter 295

    Eliza held Brock''s tiny hand as theyughed and chatted, walking out of the preschool together.


    Across the street, in a parked car, Aaron extinguished his cigarette, his eyes locked on Eliza and Brock. "So, this is the preschool. Shees here every weekend to pick up and drop off the kid. You know what to do, right? I don''t need to spell it out for you." "Does Casper still not know the kid is his?" a woman asked.


    "He will," Aaron replied, a sinister smile creeping across his face. "But first, I need to use this kid to get Eliza to trust me again, and then..."


    Aaron nned to let Casper know Brock was his only after the child disappeared. That kind of pain...


    "And if Casper finds out it was me..." The woman asked.


    "Smack."All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Without warning, Aaron pped the woman hard across the face. The p left her ears ringing, almost as if her eardrums were about to burst.


    "I saved you from death, and you''re quibbling over something so trivial?" Aaron red at her, his voice filled with impatience and menace. "I''m asking you to kidnap the kid, notmit arson or murder. What are you afraid of? Do you want to be thrown into the open sea again?"


    The woman, dizzy from the p, clutched her reddened cheek. Her eyes were filled with fear and trembling. She shook her head desperately, her voice trembling. "No, I don''t want to. I wouldn''t dare. I''ll do whatever you say."


    Years ago, Dillon took her and Faithe onto the boat. She knew it was a bad sign and feared her life was over. She was terrified, her heart as dead as ashes No matter how bitterly she begged, with tears streaming down her face, it was useless. After Faithe was shot dead, her body was carelessly stuffed into a sack and tossed into the deep sea like worthless trash. She wasn''t spared either.


    Fortunately, the shot aimed at her chest missed the vital parts slightly. After she''s thrown into the open sea, Aaron had saved her.


    Nova touched the scar on her chest and realized she did not want to experience that despair again. Did she want revenge? She did, but she dared not to try anything. Now, she just wanted to find a ce to hide, to live on, however miserably.


    "Nova, don''t worry. As long as you follow my orders, I''ll help you taste the sweet fruit of revenge." Aaronughed maniacally, hisughter sounding like a demon''s from hell. Nova looked at his twisted face, shuddering with fear


    ...


    That night, after Eliza put Brock to


    bed, she went to the kitchen to prepare some snacks. A bright beam from car headlights swept through the patio door, illuminating the dim kitchen. Eliza instinctively looked up and saw Casper had returned. She put down the utensils, gently wiped her hands with a paper towel, and went out to greet him.


    "Go make dinner. I''m hungry," his voice was cool and distant, devoid of warmth.


    Though her face was without a smile, it was calm, gentle,posed, and elegant. "Mr. Casper." She slightly bent down, took out a pair of slippers from the shoe cab, and respectfully ced them at his feet. Casper nced down at her, changed into the slippers, and walked into the living room.


    "Okay," she replied and went to the kitchen.


    Casper sat in the living room, somewhat bored, pondering some matters. Today, Dillon had told him that Zach had approached Eliza. Casper guessed it was about the Blue Mountain project. Lately, too many people had been eyeing this project. Casper had already identified no fewer than three


    insiders within Welton International colluding with Zach. The project was


    quite challenging and slow to progress. What would Casper do if Zach used Eliza to sabotage the project?


    Casper''s gaze slowly lifted, looking towards the slender silhouette in the kitchen.

 Chapter 296

    Eliza might not love Casper and might even hate him, but would she team up with an outsider, especially someone like Zach, to stir up trouble? That was a line she couldn''t cross. Zach was no better than Casper. Eliza used to be so measured, but now... "Mr. Casper, dinner''s ready," Eliza called out, cing the meal on the table. Then, she retreated to the kitchen and made herself a steaming te of bolognese. Casper sat down while Eliza found a small stool in the kitchen and ate her simple meal alone. His appetite disappeared. He sat there, brows furrowed, and called out to her, his voice tinged with anger, "Come here and eat."


    "Huh?" Holding her te of bolognese, she looked at him, puzzled. "Aren''t I not supposed to sit at the table?"


    Hadn''t Casper made it clear what her ce was? A servant in the house didn''t dine with the master.


    "I''m ordering you toe and sit down," he said sternly, his breath uneven. "I have something to ask you."


    "Oh." So, he wanted something.


    Eliza put down her te and stepped out. "Mr. Casper, what do you need?" she asked, standing by, her tone respectful yet distant.


    Casper barely lifted his eyelids, his gaze as sharp as a knife cutting through the air. "I heard Zach has been talking to you. What did he want?"


    Secrets have a way ofing out, but she hadn''t expected Casper to find out so soon.


    "It was nothing. Just some trivial stuff," she said, biting her lip, trying to keep her tone neutral.


    Still, her expression betrayed her.


    Casper stood up, slowly closing the distance between them, the chill in the room growing with each step. "Trivial? Are you sure?"


    "It really was just inconsequential things," she insisted, retreating, trying to dodge his piercing gaze.


    "What about the Blue Mountain project? Did he bring that up?"


    Eliza stayed silent.


    "He didn''t mention Blue Mountain?" Casper struggled to contain his anger, hoping she''d be honest. "Did he ask you to do something?"


    Eliza lowered her eyes, unable to meet his re. She backed up until she felt the cold wall against her. "If you think we talked about something, ask Zach," she said. Casperughed bitterly. She was guarded against him5t.


    "Do you think that bastard will tell


    me the truth?" He grabbed her chin tightly, his voice fiery. "Eliza, I saved your son''s life, and now you''re


    thinking of teaming up against me?"


    Her eyes trembled, and she shook her head. She wanted to deny it all, but she couldn''tpletely because she had been seriously considering betraying him.


    She hadn''t expected Casper to guess it was about Blue Mountain so quickly. It had only been a few days. She couldn''t exin.


    His grip tightened, his gaze fierce. "You eat my food, drink my water, and use my things. I take care of you and your son, and this is how you repay me?"


    He was nearly choking her. Struggling to breathe, she finally admitted, "Yes, Zach did talk to me about the Blue Mountain project."


    "And then?" His dark eyes narrowed. "What did you agree to?"


    "He asked me to help him steal the


    Blue Mountain blueprints, and I.. She didn''t want to lie, especially not when he seemed ready to end her life. "...I was tempted." Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Zach wanted Casper to be attacked from all sides. Eliza was a pawn in his game. Zach knew that if it all went wrong, the me would falfon Eliza, and he wouldn''t face any consequences. His n was perfect.


    "Good, very good." Casper suddenly released her, his smile bitter. "What have you decided?"

 Chapter 297

    No matter how Casper treated Eliza, he had undeniably saved her son. Today, he''d also run with Brock at sports day, boosting Brock''s confidence immensely. She couldn''t forget these things.


    Even though she harbored resentment and hatred towards him, she had no interest in getting involved with the Welton family or Welton International''s affairs. Now that he knew about her n, there was no way she''d get a chance to steal those crucial blueprints. "1..."


    He sneered, "Such a golden opportunity. Wouldn''t it be a shame to waste it?"


    "If I didn''t abandon the n, would you give me a chance to carry it through?"


    They stared each other down, each with their own motives, probing for weaknesses.


    After a moment, heughed. "What''s your goal? To grab the Blue Mountain blueprints and help Zach climb thedder? Or do you just want to see Welton International crash and burn to get back at me for everything you''ve suffered?"


    He knew he owed her and would be willing to repay that debt. He didn''t even carry a grudge.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    However, would he hand over his life''s work to Zach? Out of the question.


    Eliza didn''t believe for a second that Casper, who lived and breathed Welton International, would let her drive it to ruin.


    "Looks like you have some self-awareness about your past deeds. If Welton International actually goes under, maybe, just maybe, I''d... let bygones be bygones."


    Her words were meant to provoke him. She knew he wouldn''t jeopardize his empire for her so-called forgiveness.


    "Does it not matter that Zach''s using you?" he chuckled.


    Of course, Eliza knew Zach wanted to use her for his agenda, which is why she hadn''t agreed immediately. Zach and Casper were both no saints. Helping either wouldn''t end well for her. The best strategy was to side with neither and let them tear each other apart without dragging her into it.


    "Mr. Casper, you don''t need to worry about that. If there''s nothing else, I''m heading upstairs to rest."


    Eliza turned and walked upstairs. Casper sat in the empty living room, lit a cigarette, and brought it to his lips. His demeanor was calm and indifferent, yet his mind was heavy with thoughts.


    He thought about Eliza''s calmness.


    That meant she probably hadn''t reached an agreement with Zach yet, but she was still weighing her options. Should he help her make a decision?


    ---


    Monday.


    Eliza took Brock to kindergarten.


    Brock was beaming, hopping, anget skipping along. She held his anget


    small


    hand, cheerfully walking towards the kindergarten entrance.


    A silver minivan suddenly screeched to a halt beside them.


    Before Eliza could react, several burly men jumped out, covered Brock''s mouth and nose, and bundled him into the vehicle.


    Eliza was stunned for a second, then dashed forward to grab her child. Instead, she was shoved away by the muscr men,nding two meters away.


    "Brock..." She got up, her voice hoarse from screaming. Her eyes filled with terror and helplessness, brimming with endless despair.


    "Eliza." A dark car pulled up. The window rolled down, revealing Aaron''s anxious face. "Come on, get in. We''ll chase them." "Oh, okay, okay."


    Eliza stumbled into Aaron''s car. She pointed at the minivan not far ahead, her fingers trembling. "That''s the vehicle. Brock''s inside! Aarom please catch up to it."


    "Don''t worry, I''m here. I won''t let anything happen to Brock."


    Aaron''s car sped up. Heforted Eliza while keeping an eye on the minivan ahead.


    "Why would someone kidnap a child in broad daylight? Did you offend someone?" he asked.


    Eliza shook her head in panic. "No, I have no idea who these kidnappers are."


    Aaron pressed the elerator ata


    harder, and at a sharp turn, he managed to stop the silver minivan Eliza pushed open the door and ran out. As the minivan''s door opened, Brock was thrown out. The vehicle shifted into reverse, attempting to escape.

 Chapter 298

    Eliza clung to Brock, her eyes glued to the van as it sped away. She knew she needed to remember the faces of those criminals. The windows were heavily tinted, but just as the vehicle turned the corner, sunlight pierced through, revealing a face. Was that... Nova?


    Nova was supposed to be dead. Dillon had assured her of that, and Dillon never lied. Was her mind ying tricks on her?


    "Is Brock okay?" Aaron asked,ing over and gently ruffling Brock''s hair. "Those people have some nerve." "Aaron, we need to head back home."


    "Sure."


    On the drive home, Eliza held Brock close, her heart still pounding from the ordeal. She couldn''t shake the uneasy feeling.


    Aaron nced over at her. "Could it be one of Casper''s enemies?"


    "No," she replied firmly. Nobody knew Brock was Casper''s child. There wouldn''t be anyone out to kidnap him because of Casper. But who would want to take her child? And was that really Nova in the car? "Aaron, thanks for today."


    "Don''t mention it. Ever since Brock fell into the seast time, I''ve felt awful. I just hope you can forgive me."


    Eliza gave a faint smile. "It''s all in the past."


    Aaron pulled up at Welton Estate. As Eliza got out with Brock, Casper emerged from the house. His eyes narrowed at the sight of Aaron.


    Eliza said nothing and walked inside with Brock.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Aaron smirked, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Mr. Casper, not at work today?"


    "Why are you two together?" Casper asked, frowning.


    "Is it strange to see us together?" Aaron chuckled, stepping closer to adjust Casper''s suit. "Just like you and May used to be."


    "I was never with May. Aaron, are you losing it more than I am? If you have issues, take them out on me. Leave Eliza out of this." "The more, the merrier. Don''t you think?" Aaron clicked his tongue, raising an eyebrow.


    "I think you''vepletely lost it."


    "Me, lost it?" Aaron admitted that his need for revenge consumed him. But wasn''t it all because of what Casper had done?


    "Casper, I just want you to reap what you''ve sown. Can''t you handle it? He grabbed Casper''s cor, his eyes zing. "You destroyed my family. Why shouldn''t I go mad?"


    "May jumped to her death while pregnant because she was disappointed in you. What did you do? You know better than anyone."


    May had indeed visited the Welton


    family many times before her death.


    However, she was looking for.


    Caroline, not him. Casper remembered clearly.


    Thest time she left the Welton family estate, she smiled at him and said, "Casper, I should apologize to you."


    Later, Casper reyed those words over and over, finally understanding herst words before she jumped. "Casper, I love you." Aaron had made such a great deal out of that.


    "Aaron, if you really don''t know why May died, go talk to Caroline. She''ll tell you."


    "Caroline is your sister. You''re two sides of the same coin. Do you think I''d believe her? You killed May, and now you''re trying to escape your


    guilt. Well, I''m telling you, it''s too<pte." Aaron''s eyes were bloodshot, his face trembling with rage. Your fate will be the same as mine. Don''t think you can escape justice."

 Chapter 299

    Aaron smirked as he climbed into his car. With a roar of the engine, he sped off, leaving a cloud of dust in his wake. It seemed like he hadpletely lost it, and Casper couldn''t help but see a reflection of his own wild past in Aaron''s madness. What had happened today?


    He took a lingering look at the yard before heading back into the living room. Brock was still shaken but now sleeping fitfully. Eliza had beenforting him the whole time. Today had been nothing short of bizarre.


    Why would someone try to snatch her kid right outside the daycare with cops on duty? And why there, of all ces? What was Aaron doing there at that exact moment? More importantly, was Nova really the person she had seen in that minivan?


    None of it made any sense. It was all so random, with no reason.


    If it really was Nova, then was there a connection to Casper? But why would Casper want to kidnap Brock? That didn''t even make any sense.


    It couldn''t be him.


    The knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Eliza nced at Brock, who was now peacefully asleep, and gentlyid him down before heading to the door. Casper stood on the other side.


    After stepping out of the bedroom and closing the door behind her, she asked, "What''s up?"


    "What happened?"All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She hesitated but then decided to tell him. "There was an incident. Someone tried to snatch Brock when I took him to daycare today."


    "Someone tried to kidnap Brock?" Casper was shocked but quickly put the pieces together. "Aaron showed up just in time to chase the kidnapper away?" Eliza was taken aback by Casper''s sharpness. He was genuinely quick-witted. "Yes."


    "Heh." Quite the actor.


    He chuckled, shaking his head. "So, now you''re all grateful to Aaron, huh?"


    Eliza couldn''t tell if Casper was mocking her or something else. She replied coldly, "That''s none of your business."


    "This kid may not be my concern,


    but I feel obliged to remind you that Aaron''s actions aren''t as innocent as they seem. You should be careful not to get yed."


    Was there any point in beating around the bush?


    "I might not be as clever as you, Mr §× Casper, but I''m not dumb. If anyone tries to harm my kid, I''ll fight them tooth and nail, and that includes you."


    "Me?" Casper raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. How could everything possibly lead back to him? This was pure prejudice.


    "Eliza, I''m genuinely curious. What makes you think I would kidnap your child?"


    "Did I say I suspected you?" she retorted, raising an eyebrow.


    "What do you mean by ''that includes me?'' If you want to go after those who harm your child, try to remember the kidnapper''s license te and ask your dear Aaron why he conveniently showed up to y the hero instead of throwing baseless usations at me."


    For the first time, Eliza was left speechless. With a huff, she headed downstairs.


    Casper lingered for a moment, frustrated, before following her down.


    "The kid''s been through a lot. Maybe it''s best to stay home with him today instead of going to the office." Then, he turned to leave for work. Eliza slowly lifted her gaze, locking eyes with Casper, and suddenly murmured, "Is Nova really dead?"


    Casper''s steps halted abruptly. When he turned around, his dark eyes narrowed slightly. "What do you mean?"


    Eliza took a deep breath. "I saw someone who looked a lot like Nova in the kidnapper''s minivan. Dillon told me Nova was dead. Is it true?" Casper had ordered Dillon to deal with both Faithe and Nova. Was the job not done thoroughly?


    "Are you sure Nova was the person you saw?"


    Eliza shook her head; she wasn''t certain. The windows were tinted, and her view wasn''t clear. "I only saw the person''s profile. It looked simr."

 Chapter 300

    "So, you saw Nova and thought I was behind it? Not a tough leap to make."


    Eliza''s eyes were deep, avoiding his gaze and any admission. "I didn''t suspect you; you had no reason to kidnap Brock. But if Nova''s alive, she mighte back for revenge."


    Casper''s dark eyes dimmed. If Nova was truly alive, his first order of business would be dealing with her.


    "I''ll have Dillon look into it."


    Dillon, upon receiving the message, was stunned for a while before asking Casper uncertainly, "Mr. Casper, you think Nova might still be alive? But... I shot her straight in the heart. Even if that didn''t kill her, tossing her into the open sea should''ve drowned her. How could she still be alive?"


    "How are you struggling to figure out something so simple?"


    Casper was growing increasingly frustrated with Dillon''s slowness. Lately, Dillon had been so dense that Casper wondered if he was lovesick.


    Dillon furrowed his brows, nodding. "I don''t quite get it."


    "Someone must have rescued her. You left, and someone else came to save her; naturally, she didn''t die."


    Dillon scratched his head, still puzzled. "But who would do that to her? She has no family, no friends..."


    "It was Aaron."


    No one else but him would have rescued Nova. Aaron and Nova had known each other before she met Casper. Aaron must have had his reasons for rescuing Nova. "Dillon, check what dirty work Nova did for Aaron after she was rescued."


    "Understood."


    As Dillon turned to leave, Casper called him back, "After you''ve found out, bring her to me."Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Got it."


    On Friday, Dillon came to see Casper with the information he had gathered.


    "Mr. Casper, Aaron and Nova''s rtionship wasn''t exactly clean."


    Casper pressed his brows together. "What do you mean by ''not clean?"


    "Before she met you, Nova had actually been involved in an illicit rtionship with Aaron for years. When Miss May jumped off the building while pregnant, Nova was at the scene. I suspect she had something to do with it."


    Nova was probably Aaron''s pawn.


    Dillon had conducted a thorough investigation this time.


    "Aaron had secured many of the Martin family''s projects that involved money and sexual transactions. Don''t be fooled by Nova''s limp; she''s quite skilled in those matters and has done quite a bit for Aaron.


    "Later, Aaron had Nova pose as your


    wife, and during the years you''ve been infatuated with her, they didn''t stop their illicit affairs. Aaron was always Nova''s sugar daddy, and Nova was nothing but hispdog.


    "After rescuing her from the open sea, Aaron kept her hidden in the Pink Mansion, basically acting as her pimp. She lived under an alias, and whenever there were important guests, she''d take care of them. She didn''t dare disobey.


    "Aaron must have instigated this recent kidnapping as well."


    Aaron wanted to y the hero, regaining his standing and trust in Eliza''s eyes.


    Clearly, Eliza had her suspicions.


    Dillon had guessed what Casper had also figured out.


    "Where is she?" Casper''s tone was harsh.


    "She''s here."


    Soon, Dillon dragged Nova into Casper''s office.


    Nova had be much more haggard over the past three years. She seemed even more timid. Fear made her tremble like a leaf. Casper loosened his tie and walked slowly towards Nova.


    "Long time no see, Ms. Nova."

 Chapter 301

    Hearing Casper''s voice, Nova''s heart nearly jumped out of her chest. She instinctively wrapped her arms around her head. "It wasn''t me..."


    She curled up, desperately trying to protect herself. Dillon grabbed her by the arms and dragged her over to a wooden chair nearby.


    "Nova, you''ve been pretty lucky so far, but this time, your luck''s run out."


    "Please, don''t kill me, please..."


    Nova couldn''t bring herself to look up. Her eyes darted around nervously, and her actions were overly dramatic. Both men found her frantic behavior irritating.


    "Nova, be straight with us. What else have you and Aaron been up to? Mr. Casper might let you live if youe clean."


    Nova shook her head, peeking through her fingers at the imposing figure in front of her.


    "He won''t spare me. I know he won''t."


    "That depends on what you tell us," Dillon said, quickly tying her to the chair, which only made her more terrified.


    Casper stepped closer, ced his foot on the chair, and grabbed her by the throat. "Nova, given your streak of luck, tell me something I don''t know, and maybe, just maybe, I''ll give you a chance to live."


    Nova had no idea what Casper knew, but she was pretty sure he didn''t know about the child. Aaron had warned her never to tell Casper about the child. But now, with her life hanging by a thread, she couldn''t hold back. "Eliza''s child is yours. Does that count?"


    Both men were stunned, as if lightning had struck them. Casper felt like his world had just been turned upside down. His eyes widened in disbelief, and for a moment, he waspletely thrown off bnce.


    Dillon stepped forward and pped Nova hard. "If you''re lying, I can kill you right now."


    "I''m not lying," Nova''s lips were bleeding, and her eyes were red with fear. "Eliza was already pregnant when she ran to Oak Falls. She married that old man to give herself and her child a legitimate identity. Everything I''ve said is true. If you don''t believe me, just get a DNA test."


    "What else don''t I know?" Casper''s voice was deep and raspy, filled with a bitter realization that he''d never once questioned the paternity of Eliza''s child. "There''s more..." Nova swallowed hard. "...If I tell you, will you let me go?"


    "You''re making demands before you even speak?" Casper tightened the tie around her neck, nearly choking her. "Where do you get the nerve?"


    "This... this is a matter of life and death. Promise to let me go, and I''ll tell you."


    She stared at Casper like a fish out of water. Casper hated being manipted, but the words "life and death" made his heart clench.


    "Speak."


    "Promise me first."


    Casper loosened his grip, allowing Nova to take a few deep breaths, though the tie still hung loosely around her neck.


    After catching her breath, Nova finally spoke, "Today, Aaron ns to meet Eliza at the mall. Eliza will bring the child, and Aaron might try to harm the child."


    "What do you mean, harm the child?" Dillon''s tone was grave. "Nova, you''d better exin clearly to Mr. Casper."


    "Aaron has always wanted to get rid


    of that child. Thest time the childAll rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    fell into the sea because Aaron threw him. But you saved him. This time, he ns to throw the child from a high ce."

 Chapter 302

    Dillon sucked in a sharp breath, feeling the cold air sting his lungs. Casper''s heart pounded, his blood racing to his head. Struggling to steady his erratic breathing, he asked, "Which shopping mall will he go to?" "I... I don''t know."


    Falconridge had plenty of shopping malls, and Aaron hadn''t mentioned the details to Nova. Casper dialed Eliza''s number, but there was no answer. Panic started to creep in.


    "Dillon, round up more people. I want every shopping mall searched now!"


    "On it, Mr. Casper."


    Casper snatched his coat and hurried out of the office, Dillon right behind him.


    Meanwhile, in a modest-sized shopping mall in Falconridge, Eliza was in the toy section, helping Brock pick out his favorite toy car.


    "Do you like this one?" she asked.


    Brock clutched one car in each hand, torn between the two. "I want both."


    "You can only pick one," Eliza gently reminded him.


    Brock looked from one to the other, clearly torn. Finally, with a reluctant sigh, he let go of one. "I''ll take this one."


    "Good choice," she said, smiling.


    Aaron walked over with two cups of iced tea, handing one to Eliza and the other to Brock. "Let''s take a break. He''s all sweaty from the excitement."


    "It''s okay. It''s not often we get to enjoy a day out at the mall together," Eliza replied.


    Aaron had invited her out for the day and specifically asked her to bring Brock along. She hadn''t wanted toe but was curious about Aaron''s intentions, especially after the recent string of incidents-from near-drownings to kidnappings that made her wary of him. "Aaron, why do you invite us today?" she asked.


    Aaron''s smile was as gentle and


    elegant as ever. "You''ve been back in Falconridge for a while now. You''re living at Welton Estate, and we


    hardly see each other. Honestly, I''ve missed you and Brock."


    "We''re doing fine," she said with a light smile.


    "I know Casper can be difficult. It must be hard living with him," Aaron said, reaching for Eliza''s hand.


    She instinctively pulled away, leaving him looking a bit embarrassed and surprised.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "I know you''re still upset with me," he said, a touch of sadness in his voice.


    "Aaron, we''ve known each other for years. I know what kind of person you are she said, not revealing whether she trusted or forgave him. This ambiguity unsettled him


    His eyes darkened. "Let''s not dwell on that. There''s an amusement park ahead. Let''s take Brock there."


    Aaron reached out to pick up Brock, but the little boy nestled closer to Eliza.


    "Aaron, we''re not going. Brock is tired, and it''s almost his nap time. Maybe it''s best if Brock and I head back."


    "Alright, then we''ll head back


    together, he said, reaching for the iced tea he''d bought earlier. In his haste, he identally spilled it on Eliza''s crisp white shirt.


    "I''m so sorry! I''ll buy you another one," Aaron said, full of apologies.


    Eliza wasn''t bothered. "It''s okay, I''ll just clean it up."


    "Let me look after Brock. There''s a restroom right up ahead," Aaron offered, reaching for the child again.


    Eliza subtly stepped back. "It''s okay. He''s small. I''ll take him with me."


    "People might mind. You know how some react to seeing a boy in thedies'' room," he said considerately.


    Eliza still didn''t hand Brock over. "It''s fine. They will understand."


    She was starting to regret bringing Brock out. The iced tea spill was no ident; it was clearly intentional. Was Brock his target? What did Aaron want with her child?

 Chapter 303

    Eliza, with Brock in tow, entered the women''s restroom. As she cleaned up the mess on her clothes, she kept an eye on her son, ying with his toy car nearby. The little car''s wheels were so nimble that it rolled away at the slightest touch. Eliza got distracted for just a moment and didn''t notice Brock following his car out of the restroom. In an instant, he was scooped up by a pair of strong arms and whisked away. When Eliza turned around and saw Brock was gone, her heart dropped. She bolted out, shouting his name, "Brock! Brock!"C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    To everyone she encountered, she frantically asked, "Have you seen a little boy, about three years old? He''s wearing beige pants and a blue shirt."


    Each person shook their head, fueling Eliza''s panic. Desperate, she pulled out her phone and tried calling Aaron, but the call wouldn''t go through.


    "Brock... Brock... Brock..." she called out as she raced down from the third floor to the ground floor, but there was no sign of her little boy. As she clutched her phone, her heart pounded like a drum. It had to be Aaron who took him. What now? What could she do? Eliza paced in ce, frantic. Just then, Casper and Dillon rushed over. Casper grabbed her trembling shoulders, his voice steady but urgent. "Where''s the child? What happened?"


    Eliza''s eyes were already red, tears streaming down her face. "I don''t know. I just looked away for a second, and he was gone. I really don''t know..." she said, her voice shaking. Casper''s gaze swept the area sharply. "Where''s Aaron? Where did he go?"


    "I don''t know. I don''t know where he went..." Eliza shook her head helplessly. She could sense something bad was about to happen.


    The noise of the crowd rose and fell around them. Suddenly, a loud shout pierced the air. "Look, why is that child ying by the window? That''s too dangerous! If he falls, it would be a disaster!"


    The three of them immediately ran


    outside, their faces tense. Their eyes were drawn to the window. "Brock." Eliza gasped. Brock was perched on the windowsill, his other leg about to move from inside to outside the window. If his body''s weight shifted outside, he would inevitably fall.


    "Brock, don''t move!" Eliza called out urgently but softly, afraid to startle him. "Mommy''sing to save you, okay?"


    The sudden turn of events had clearly frightened Brock. His big eyes were filled with fear and helplessness. His small hands clung tightly to the window frame as he cried and called for his mom. Seeing Eliza standing below, he seemed even more eager to jump into her arms.


    "Mommy... Mommy..." he cried, his voice filled with desperation. Eliza''s heart was gripped with panic and tension. She didn''t dare call out his name again, afraid he might jump.


    Casper quickly exchanged a look with Dillon, who understood immediately and headed upstairs. Brock''s crying grew more intense, his small body swaying precariously outside the window. Below, a crowd had gathered, buzzing with conversation.


    "Don''t move, baby," Eliza whispered,


    her heart feeling like it was being


    squeezed by an invisible hand,


    making hard for her to breathe et


    The fifth floor wasn''t too high, but for a little child, a fall would be unimaginable. She was beyond terrified.


    Each cry from Brock pierced her heart like a needle. His little body was mostly out the window now, holding onto the sill with just one small hand. The wind howled, making his tiny body sway dangerously.

 Chapter 304

    Casper found a spot and moved in.


    "Oh my God, the baby is falling..." the crowd screamed in panic.


    Eliza''s heart skipped a beat. Her eyes widened, unable to believe what was happening right in front of her.


    She was frozen. She wanted to move, but her legs felt like they were filled with lead. All she could do was watch helplessly as Brock plummeted from the fifth-floor window.


    It felt like her blood was rushing backward, flooding her eyes. Dizziness washed over her. Her vision darkened, sinking her into despair.


    But then, miraculously, Brock didn''t hit the ground. Instead, hended safely in Casper''s arms.


    Casper caught him.


    Brock blinked, his tiny mouth quivered, and then he burst into tears.


    Eliza, on the verge of fainting, was snapped back to reality by the sound of crying. She saw that Brock was unharmed, with all limbs intact. He was handed to her, and she broke down in tears. Dillon came running out of the shopping mall. He approached Casper and whispered, "The room was locked. I couldn''t get in. Eventually, we got it open, but I didn''t see Aaron." "He must have left early."


    How could he stay at the scene of the incident? Unfortunately for him, he miscalcted this n.


    Eliza and Brock went to the hospital. Brock was a bit shaken, but everything was fine.


    After they returned home from the hospital, Eliza couldn''t stop thinking about why Aaron would harm her child.


    After much thought, she could onlye up with one reason. That is... Brock was Casper''s child.


    Aaron had a falling out with Casper. But weren''t they best friends who grew up together?


    Aaron had even worked for the Welton family as a family doctor for a long time; she just couldn''t figure this out.


    When Casper returned, Eliza was sitting on the couch, lost in thought. He coughed deliberately to let her know he was back. Hearing the noise, Eliza snapped out of it and sat up straight. "You''re back."


    This was the first time she greeted him proactively. Casper was a bit taken aback. His response was a bit awkward. "Yeah." "Thank you for today, for saving my son. I will repay you," she said naturally, her tone gentle, devoid of hostility or irritation. This was the second time Casper had saved her child. No matter what, she couldn''t forget this debt of gratitude. Casper''s expression darkened slightly, his earlier joy quickly fading. "You don''t have to. Really."


    "Casper, I have something I want to ask you."


    "What?"


    Eliza wasn''t one to beat around the bush. "Why does Aaron want to harm my child? Do you know the reason?"


    "You''re asking me, the person you hate the most, about your child,


    one you love the most. WB


    of


    answer could I give you?"


    belongs to en.FindNovel wit


    Casper''s words carried a hint of


    frustration. He knew Eliza would


    never tell him who Brock''s fat


    Ad


    was He wouldn''t ask, either. So, he couldn''t give her an answer.


    Eliza was taken aback. She didn''t dwell on it, losing any interest in questioning him further, "Never mind, forget I asked."


    "Now, do you still believe Aaron is a good person?" he countered.


    Eliza''s gaze faltered slightly.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Although she was disappointed she


    hadn''t seen Aaron''s true colors, a


    bad person was a bad person, and she had no reason to cover for him.


    "He''s not a good person, and neither are you."


    Casper was stunned. She had to drag him into it again.


    "Eliza, I''ve saved your son twice. You just mentioned repaying me. Is this how you repay me?"

 Chapter 305

    Repaying a debt was a whole different ballgame.


    Eliza could tell good from bad.


    "Casper, saving my son doesn''t make you a saint. You might be just like Aaron, with some hidden agenda."


    She wasn''t about to trust anyone again. Not even Casper.


    He let out a dry, sarcasticugh. Even though he''d saved her son, she still saw him as a dark and twisted viin. No matter how many times he yed the hero, it wouldn''t change a thing.


    He should''ve known better than to hope that she''d see him differently or that she''d look at him with any warmth.


    He realized now that she wasn''t going to be kind or friendly towards him. In his world, such hopes were just a luxury.


    Inside, he felt a sense of helplessness, and it wasn''t just anger. It was more like a deep, gnawing sadness.


    "Yeah, I have hidden motives. I''m a bad guy, a real piece of work, okay?"


    He didn''t even bother changing his shoes before heading upstairs.


    An odd mix of emotions churned inside Eliza. She realized her words might have been harsh, cutting deep, but that was just how she felt.


    If someone as seemingly noble as Aaron could turn dark, how could Casper, already a viin, ever be a good guy?All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Still, she needed to figure out why Aaron was targeting her baby.


    Eliza thought of someone.


    Caroline.


    She knew Caroline had been closer to Aaron than Casper ever was. Maybe she could get some answers from Caroline.


    Eliza picked a Friday afternoon for tea, and went to Welton International.


    After three years apart, this was their first meeting.


    Caroline stared at Eliza, unable to snap out of her daze. Her eyes welled up, trying to force a smile that ended up looking awkward and ugly. Eliza broke the silence. "Hey."


    "Eliza?" Caroline hugged her tightly. "You''re alive, that''s amazing news."


    "I''m doing okay."


    Caroline took Eliza''s hand, and they sat down. She was dying to know how Eliza had been these past few years.


    Eliza told her everything, even that Brock was Casper''s child.


    "Does he... know he''s a father now?"


    Eliza guessed he probably didn''t. "I haven''t told him, and I don''t n to."


    "He''ll find out eventually." But as his sister, Caroline wasn''t sure if Casper would try to take Brock away. "Have you thought about what happens if The finds out and wants to take Brock away?"


    Eliza smirked, doubting it would happen. "He does not love me, so do you think he would love Brock? He has plenty of chances to marry someone he loves and have a child


    with her. He won''t care about this


    one."


    It seemed to make sense, but Caroline felt uneasy hearing it. After all, the child was part of the Welton family. The Welton family had a duty to care for and raise him.


    Caroline took out a card, handing it to Eliza. "Here''s some money; consider it a gift for my nephew."


    "I have money. You should take this card back." Eliza wasn''t here for money; she had bigger concerns. "I came today to ask about Aaron."


    Caroline had heard some rumors about Eliza and Aaron. When Eliza brought him up, Caroline''s first thought naturally went to their rtionship. "Have you and Aaron... made it official?"


    "No, what I wanted to ask was..."


    Eliza briefly recounted the incident a few days ago when Brock almost fell from the building. "I really can''t think of any reason why he''d harm my son. Did he have any issues with Casper before...?"

 Chapter 306

    Aaron and Casper had been best friends since childhood. They grew up together and attended the same schools. Their bond seemed unbreakable. But was there something Eliza didn''t know that hade between them? She needed to get to the bottom of it. Eliza''s reminder brought back a long-buried memory for Caroline. "They were indeed close... Aaron once had a fianc¨¦e-she was a dear friend of mine. She jumped from a building a few days before their wedding... and she was pregnant." Eliza was stunned. She had never heard a word about this. Aaron had never mentioned it, nor had Casper. What kind of woman was she, and what pushed her to such a desperate act?


    "Was Casper involved...?" Eliza asked, her voice trembling.


    Years had passed, and Caroline was hesitant to revisit the past. Her eyes showed a mix of pain and sorrow. "Her name was May. We were very close. A few days before she jumped, she came to me several times inplete agony. She said she had seen Aaron''s dark side and couldn''t bring herself to marry him. But she couldn''t bear to abort the child either; she was utterly lost."C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "She said she loved him but couldn''t ept his wild ways. She was losing sleep over it..."


    To Caroline, Aaron seemed like he had a split personality. On the surface, he was the heir to the Martin family, a doctor with a bright future, always polished and polite. But...


    May had confided in Caroline about Aaron''s secret life. He threw wild parties with men and women, naked gatherings, and even more twisted activities. May was a reserved woman; she couldn''t ept this. She had tried everything-reasoning, arguing, fighting, even begging-but nothing worked. A leopard doesn''t change its spots.


    Caroline sighed deeply, unable to continue. Eliza could feel the hopelessness that must have consumed May.


    Caroline took a sip of water and


    ???


    continued, "I told her to call off the wedding, that it wasn''t worth it. But she became obsessed, and eventually, shemited suicide. When she did, she screamed, ''Casper, I love you,'' and I think that''s When the rift between Aaron and


    Casper began."


    Eliza was baffled. Why would May dere her love for another man in her dying moments? Could it be... "Were May and Casper...?"


    "May and Casper weren''t close. I''m


    not just saying this to defend Casper, but as far as I know, there was nothing between them. She must have been out of her mind in her final moments," Caroline spected.


    Eliza got it now. Aaron had harbored a deep-seated grudge against Casper because of May''sst words. It seemed Aaron had been biding his time, waiting to make Casper experience the same pain he had felt. Brock was his first target, and what was even scarier was that this was probably just the beginning. Aaron''s vengeance could very well turn towards her next.


    Thinking this a chill ran down Eliza''s


    spine, cold dread settling in her heart. "I need to find a safer and more private preschool for my son. I


    can''t let Aaron get anywhere on. I


    him, can''t take the risk of what he might do next."


    Caroline offered her help. "I have a friend who runs a preschool. It''s a joint venture and has top-notch security. If you want, I can arrange it."


    "That would be amazing. As long as it''s safe, I don''t mind the cost. Thank you."


    "So, you really don''t n on telling Casper about your son''s parentage?"

 Chapter 307

    In the top-floor office of a towering skyscraper, Nova was beaten ck and blue, but her face remained untouched. Casper had arranged it this way. He still had ns for her and wasn''t ready to let her die just yet. Dillon revived the barely conscious Nova with cold water and removed the tape from her mouth.


    "You understand Mr. Casper''s instructions, right? If there''s any hint of trouble from Aaron''s side, you report to us immediately, or else..."


    Nova weakly nodded, her eyes lifeless. "I... I understand."


    Dillon looked at her with satisfaction, then turned to Casper. "Mr. Casper, should we send her back now?"


    "Take her to buy some clothes and get her cleaned up properly."


    Dillon nodded. "Yes, sir."


    Nova was then stuffed into a sack and carried out by two men in ck.


    Meanwhile, Eliza was about to take the elevator down when she saw it going up and decided to follow it upwards.


    The elevator doors opened, and she looked up to see Dillon.


    Dillon''s eyes shed with surprise, but he quickly regained hisposure and nodded politely. "Ms. Valerie, what a coincidence."


    "What''s this...?" Eliza asked, unsure of what was in the sack but suspecting it was a person.


    Dillon smiled lightly. "Just something unimportant."


    If it was unimportant, Eliza didn''t press further. After the two men in ck entered the elevator, Dillon followed them in.


    "Ms. Valerie, what brings you to Welton International?" Dillon asked.


    "Meeting someone," Eliza replied.


    "Here to see Ms. Caroline?"


    She didn''t respond, but that was answer enough.


    After reaching the ground floor, the two men with the sack walked out, and Dillon gave her a slight bow before following them.


    Eliza stepped out of the Welton


    International building, feeling a faint mncholy: She instinctively


    reached out to hail a cab, ready met


    leave At that moment, a white


    swne vText content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    sedan slowly stopped in front of her.


    A man got out of the driver''s seat. She looked up and saw it was Aaron. She involuntarily stepped back, eyes filled with wariness.


    Aaron wore his signature gentle smile, yet it carried an indiscernible depth. "Are you alright?" Aaron asked.


    "Don''te any closer." She stepped back again, maintaining a safe distance, and warned, "Aaron, you better stay away from me."


    "What''s gotten into you?" His face was a mix of helplessness and confusion as if bewildered by the sudden warning.


    "Stop pretending, Aaron." She looked at him coldly, her lips curling in scorn and disgust.


    He frowned slightly, seemingly hurt. "You think I had something to do with your son''s fall?"


    "Isn''t it obvious? Here you are, still ying innocent, Aaron. Aren''t you tired after all these years? What were you thinking orchestrating such a grand scheme?" "Eliza, you..."


    Aaron hadn''t expected to unravel


    everything so quickly. But she felt it was about time. It was not much of a surprise. His slight regret was that Eliza and Casper''s son hadn''t died this time.


    "I plot and scheme, but your cooperation was essential, wasn''t it?" Aaron said.


    Her brow furrowed in confusion. "Cooperation? What have I cooperated with him on? Having Casper''s child? Or moving to Oak Falls?" she wondered. "Aaron, you''re a terrifying person."


    "Thanks for thepliment." His lips curved into a smile, but it was sinister.


    ¡°You orchestrated me and Casper''s first meeting after three years. If you had a feud with Casper, you could have dealt with him directly. Why do you drag unrted people into this?"

 Chapter 308

    "Don''t you find this fascinating?" he chuckled, a glint of control in his eyes.


    "You''re sick. Have you been scheming all these years just to get back at Casper?"


    "He killed my fianc¨¦e and destroyed everything we had. Shouldn''t I hate him? Shouldn''t I want revenge?"


    He stared at Eliza, disappointment etched on his face. His brows knitted tightly together.


    "Eliza, Casper put you through so much, leaving you with nothing, no home to go back to in Falconridge, and your brother became mentally broken because of him. You''re not starting to feel sorry for him, are you? Think about your father, who can never return to Falconridge. Think about your brother..."


    Aaron inched closer to Eliza, causing her to back away in fear. "Stop, don''te any closer. Whatever happened between him and me is none of your business. I don''t need you to seek justice for me, Aaron. I thought you were a true friend, even more..." She had thought he was someone she could rely on, but it was all a deception in the end.


    "...I won''t let you have another chance to hurt my son."


    She turned and ran, gging down a taxi that happened to pass by, and jumped in. She thought Zach and Casper were abnormal, but Aaron seemed even more chilling.


    She didn''t know how many detours the driver took, but by the time the streetlights flickered on, she had finally returned to the Welton estate.


    Casper was back, sitting there with a stack of documents in hand. "Perfect timing. Take a look at this."


    Eliza paused, confused, and walked over. "What is it?"


    "Thepanies and shares your parents left to you. Didn''t we agree that after you met your father, I would transfer everything to your name? It''s all done now. Take a look." Eliza responded with a disinterested "Oh." She didn''t understand these things. She gave them a cursory nce. "Just don''t deceive me."


    "You can have awyer check it out."


    "I will." She tucked the documents into her bag, her mood subdued, her presence almost ghostly. "I''m tired. I''ll go rest."


    "There''s one more thing," he said.


    Eliza continued up the stairs as if she hadn''t heard, her steps uneven.


    "Eliza," he called out to her.


    She turned around in a daze, her foot only half on the step, and t


    she backward. "Ah!" Her scream


    was filled with terror. ConcreetText content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Casper rushed over in a sh, catching her steadily. His body, however, fell heavily.


    "Ouch..." He gritted his teeth in pain. It felt like something had stabbed him in the lower back.


    "Is that blood?" Eliza, as if afraid of being responsible, jumped away from him. "Casper, are you hurt? It''s not my fault."


    "You''re quick to disim." He frowned, trying to get up with some difficulty. "Something stabbed me."


    It didn''t


    as she


    too serious at first, but


    ight to help him, she a


    felt


    he probably didn''t need it.


    you manage on your own? belongs to


    "I can''t. Come help me." He was in considerable pain now, and Eliza seemed to have no sympathy. "What are you waiting for? Do you want to see me die from blood loss?"


    Q.UMS


    "If you were dead, it''d be less trouble," she muttered under her breath.


    He closed his eyes for a moment. "I''m not deaf. I can hear you."


    "You''re injured... maybe I should call 911." Eliza ignored him and took out her phone to make the call.

 Chapter 309

    Casper reached out his arm, but she didn''t even think about taking it. Instead, she turned and headed into the living room. Casper was in utter disbelief. "...Wow, that''s cold."


    No one cared about him, but he had to look after himself. Struggling, he got up from the floor, clutching his aching waist, and nced back at the culprit-a Spider-Man action figure. He couldn''t help but chuckle. This mother-and-son duo seemed to be out to get him in every way possible. "Yeah, I''m not sure what it was, probably something sharp. The address, it''s at... ah..."


    Casper snatched Eliza''s phone from her ear and promptly ended the call. "It''s just a minor wound. I can handle it myself."


    "You''re hurt in the lower back. Can you walk on your own?" She wasn''t concerned about his ability to handle the pain but was wary of Casper making some unreasonable demands. "I think it''s better if you go to the hospital, considering how precious your life is." "Eliza, don''t you even have a bit of a conscience?" He moved closer, holding his wound. "I saved your son twice and saved you once, and this is how you repay me? By not helping me with my wound? Is this how you treat someone?" Eliza was at a loss.


    "Besides, you talked about repayment. Were they just empty words?" He was getting agitated.


    Eliza remained silent. She was about to retort when hisrge hand grabbed the back of her neck, and in the next second, his hot lips were on hers. The kiss was unexpected. Before she could think of how to resist, he had already pulled away. "Using your kiss to pay me back isn''t out of the question."


    Eliza''s eyes widened.


    Just as she was about to call him shameless, her lips were captured again, this time withplete and aggressive possession. His hand, with an invasive intention, boldly slipped under her shirt, easily unhooking her bra. A rush of cold air hit her skin, making her heart


    race.


    She pushed him away with all her strength. "What are you doing?" Her eyebrows knitted together, her face flushed with anger.


    He, however, seemed unfazed. He raised his hand to gently pinch her puffed-up face, a doting smile ying on his lips. "We''re like an old married couple. Are you still shy?"


    "My name is Valerie, not Eliza." She brushed his hand away, her voice icy. She needed to remind him that the woman named Eliza was longe gone. She wouldn''t develop any feelings for him. A dead heart is dead; it can''t be revived by a few kisses or a night together. She is a person, not a dog, wagging her tail for a bit of food.


    "Alright."


    He didn''t argue about it.


    "Then, Ms. Valerie, could you please help me with my wound?" He pointed to a drawer beside him and turned to lie down on the spacious couch. "There''s a first aid kit inside." Eliza was reluctant but still fetched the first aid kit. The wound wasn''t very long, but it was quite deep.


    "What stabbed you?" she asked.


    "Your son''s Spider-Man toy."All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Caspery on the couch, letting the cold touch of the alcohol numb his body in waves. If it weren''t for the bit of reason he had left, he might have taken her right there.


    "Oh." She cleaned the wound with alcohol and then applied some antibiotic cream before wrapping it with gauze. "You can''t let the wound get wet. Better avoid taking a shower for now."


    After treating the wound, she put the first aid kit back in its ce. As if remembering something, she turned back to him. "What were you calling me for? What did you want to say?"


    "Tomorrow, a deputy director ising to the auction house. You should go to the airport to pick him up."


    Eliza acknowledged, "Got it."


    "And," he sat up from the couch, buttoning up his shirt as he spoke, e help me up."


    Eliza paused. She thought he had something important to say.


    "You injured your back, not your legs. Can''t you walk yourself?"

 Chapter 310

    "I''m out of steam," he said, stretching out his arm, looking all feeble. "Give me a hand, will you? What harm could I do?"


    Eliza rolled her eyes but helped him anyway. "Let''s take the elevator." There was no way she had the strength to drag him up to the second floor. He was dead weight.


    Somehow, she managed to get Casper up to the second floor and into the bedroom. She felt like her back was about to snap.


    As she turned to leave, Casper grabbed her wrist with a cheeky grin. "At least help me clean myself, won''t you?"


    "Casper, don''t push your luck," she snapped, her face souring.


    "Fine, forget it." He didn''t press, but she could tell he was a bit miffed. "I''ll do itter."


    She ignored him and walked straight out of the bedroom.


    The next day, Morning sunlight filtered softly through the gaps in the curtains,nding on the bedside.


    Eliza got up early for work, dressed in a sharp, professional outfit. She looked ready to conquer the day.


    The new deputy director was arriving on a 10 a.m. flight. Eliza asked Noel to join her for the airport pickup. "Ms. Valerie, should we take thepany car?" Noel asked.


    Eliza nodded with a smile. "Yes, you drive thepany car, and we''ll head out soon."All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Alright."


    Soon enough, Noel was driving thepany car with Eliza riding shotgun as they made their way to the airport.


    Meanwhile, Casper, who had nned to take it easy at home, was sitting in the living room,ser-focused on hisptop, tackling work.


    Dillon burst in, looking frantic and out of breath. "Mr. Casper, we''ve got a big problem!"


    "Take it easy," Casper said, closing hisptop and taking a calm sip of his coffee. "What''s going on?"


    "I just got a call from Nova. Aaron''s nning something against your wife." Dillon took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.


    Casper''s brow furrowed, a cold glint in his eyes. He knew Aaron wouldn''t let things slide, but he hadn''t expected this level of desperation. "What''s he nning?" Casper asked in a low, serious voice.


    Dillon rushed his words. "Nova said Aaron''s tampered with the cars at your wife''spany and even set up a signal jammer. With all the


    frequent travels, I''m


    Dillon didn''t get to finish before Casper, rmed, cut him off, "He messed with the cars? Eliza''s on her way to the airport to pick up the new deputy director..."


    Casper nced at his watch,


    realizing they might have already


    left. He cursed under his breath and


    threw hisptop aside. "Let''s go right


    now


    We need to stop their car!"


    "Right away."


    On the way, Dillon kept trying to reach Eliza''s phone, but each call got the same response-out of service.


    The cold, mechanical voice seemed to spell doom.


    "Mr. Casper, the highway to the airport is a winding mountain road. One side is a sheer cliff, and the other is a bottomless drop. If the brakes are tampered with, not even a miracle could save them


    Casper''s expression darkened. His eyes burned with a fierce determination, well aware of the road''s perils.


    At a speed of 75 mph, it was a death trap.


    He took a deep breath, doing his best to keep his emotions in check. He needed a clear head to handle this. "Pull over."


    The car swerved to a stop by the roadside. Dillon, baffled, asked, "Mr. Casper, what''s going on?"

 Chapter 311

    "Get out. I''ll handle this alone," he said, determination etched in his voice. "If I... if I don''t make it back, promise me you''ll help my sister run Welton International. When the kid grows up, let him join thepany if he''s got it in him. If not, just make sure he''s okay." Dillon felt a chill run down his spine. This sounded like a farewell. "Mr. Casper, what are you nning? There''s got to be another way."


    Dillon clung tightly to Casper''s arm. Without Casper, how could Caroline and Eliza stand a chance against Zach at Welton International?


    "I''ve figured it out," Casper said, pushing Dillon away with a calm yet desperate resolve. "I might be expendable, but the kid can''t lose his mom."


    "Mr. Casper, don''t do anything reckless," Dillon was near tears. "Let me take care of this. Welton International needs you. I can do it."


    "Dillon," Casper said firmly, not wanting to waste any more time. "Remember what I said."


    He yanked open the driver''s door, slid into the seat, and mmed the door shut with finality. With a stomp on the elerator, he sped off.


    Dillon stood there, helpless and frantic.


    Meanwhile, Noel, driving on the highway, sensed something was wrong. "Ms. Valerie, the brakes aren''t working! No matter how hard I press, the speed keeps going up. Could the braking system be faulty?"


    His brow was furrowed, his voice tinged with panic. On the fast-paced highway, even a small error could be catastrophic.


    Noel had thought that even with brake issues, the car would eventually slow down if he didn''t hit the gas. But the reality was far worse; the car was elerating.


    Eliza, oblivious to the danger, replied, "I... I don''t know. Should we call for help?"


    If the car wouldn''t stop, rescue efforts might be useless.


    Feeling the brakes and elerator underfoot, Noel realized the gravity of the situation. He mmed the brake again-nothing.


    "Call for help," Noel said, his face pale with fear, frantically pressing the brake. "The brakes aren''t working. Are we... are we going to die here?"


    The steering wheel started to slip from his control. The car swerved.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "Keep the wheel steady," Eliza instructed, trying to stay calm. "I''ll call for help."


    Noel, still young and inexperienced, was losing hisposure. "Ms. Valerie, I can''t believe this is how it ends. I haven''t even gotten married..."


    Eliza felt a pang of sadness and


    regret. Poor Brock would lose his


    mother Would he be bullied at het


    school? He was so timid; would he


    just cry when picked on?


    Eliza pulled out her phone to dial for help, but it wouldn''t connect. She tried sending a message but failed. "Noel, give me your phone."


    "What''s going on?"


    Noel, hands shaking and sweaty, handed his phone to Eliza. She tried dialing, but it wouldn''t connect either.


    Could it be this car had a signal jammer?


    This wasn''t an ident; it was a trap.


    A chill ran down her spine.


    "Ms. Valerie, the speed''s still


    increasing," Noel said, ncing at the speedometer and then the rearview mirror. "There''s a caring up behind us. If it hits, we''re done for."

 Chapter 312

    Eliza finally turned around, her eyes darting to the rear of the car. When she spotted the familiar license te, her heart skipped a beat. It was Casper''s car. What on earth was he doing?


    The car behind was speeding up, quickly pulling alongside hers. Casper rolled down his window and shouted, "Pull the handbrake! Pump the brakes, but don''t m them! I''ll use my car to force a stop." Noel, lookingpletely bewildered, nodded quickly. "Got it," he said.


    But Eliza''s heart pounded with fear. Casper''s car was already on the outer edge of the road; just one wrong move, and it could tumble down the cliff into the deep, dark sea below. They wouldn''t even make it to the water before it was all over. "No, it''s too dangerous!" she cried, trying to halt Casper''s reckless n. "Wait until the car runs out of gas. It''ll stop naturally."


    "The car will just keep speeding up, and you''ll lose control long before that happens. Trust me," Casper replied, his voice calm and steady.


    In the midst of the chaos, his calmness felt like a lifeline. Eliza decided to trust him.


    Casper''s car inched closer to hers, the two vehicles making contact with a screech of metal, sparks flying. The sound was terrifying, but Eliza''s car started to slow down.


    Noel yelled in excitement, "The car''s slowing down, Ms. Valerie. We''re going to be okay!"


    As the speed decreased, the car''s systems began to stabilize. Still, they were moving too fast. "There''s a speed bump ahead. Head for it," Casper said.


    Noel focused on driving with


    confidence, but then Eliza realized the problem. The speed bump had only one tane. Their car could make it, but Casper''s would be forced off the road. At this speed, his car would surely crash down the cliff.


    "No, we can''t do that," Eliza protested.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Noel looked confused. "Ms. Valerie, this is our only chance. How can you say no?"


    "And what about him? We can''t just leave him!" Eliza''s eyes filled with tears.


    Noel was at a loss for words. Faced with life and death, even the kindest people struggle to choose. "Ms. Valerie, we have to pick: us or him Maybe he has a chance, but if we don''t take that speed bump, we''ve got none. I''m an only child if I die, my parents won''t survive tosing me..."


    Noel chose his own life ahead of someone else''s. The speed bump was right in front of them. The two cars were still grinding against each other and Casper was trying to use his brakes to slow them down. It wasn''t working.


    As long as they made it over the speed bump, they''d be okay. As for himself, Casper had already made up his mind.


    "We can''t go that way," Eliza pleaded, trying to steer Noel away from the speed bump.


    But Noel was beyond caring about anyone else''s fate; he just wanted to live. "Ms. Valerie, we don''t even know him. We can''t worry about him. As long as we survive, there''s still hope." "Noel, you can''t be so selfish," Eliza argued. It was natural to reach for survival, but Casper was trying to save them, and they were about to let him die.

 Chapter 313

    No, this can''t be happening.


    "Let''s drive a bit further; there might be another speed bump, and the road could widen. That way, his car wouldn''t be in danger."


    Eliza tried to reason with Noel. But right now, Noel waspletely overwhelmed by his emotions. He''d lost all sense of judgment. The speed bump was right ahead, getting closer and closer. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, his eyes burning with intensity...


    "Boom." With a deafening crash, the car jolted violently over the speed bump, instantly blocked by a mound of dirt ahead and barricades on both sides. It shuddered beforeing to a halt. Meanwhile, Casper''s car, hit hard by the impact, was forced off the road, rolling over and over, tracing a tragic arc. It was out of control and plummeted into a deep ravine.


    Eliza unbuckled her seatbelt in a frenzy and ran like mad toward the spot where Casper had fallen.


    "Casper..." "Casper..."


    She screamed hysterically, her voice filled with despair. Her tears fell silently, wetting her cheeks-and her heart.


    Noel came over, trying to get her to a safer ce, but she, losing her senses, pped him hard across the face.


    "How could you do such a thing? This is murder, do you understand?" Her voice was shaky and furious, each word squeezed out through clenched teeth.


    Her anger had reached an uncontroble level.


    She clutched at his clothes tightly, her eyes red-rimmed, "Do you know who he is? He''s the CEO of Welton International, Casper. He came to save us out of the goodness of his heart. How could you let him die so that you could survive? How could you?" "How was I supposed to know he was Casper? Besides..."


    Even if he was a CEO, so what? In the face of life and death, everyone is equal. Was it wrong for Noel to want to survive? "...Besides, he came to rescue us. He had already considered the consequences. It was his choice; you can''t me me."


    The seemingly kind young man before her had uttered such cold-hearted words.


    Eliza shook her head bitterly, a cold smile curting at the corner of her mouth is that what you think? You take his act of saving us as him asking for it? Noel, I really misjudged you Leave, just go now."


    "Well, at least I know that I''m alive and my parents still have a son. Other than that..." He couldn''t care too much about anything else. "Leave, just leave..."


    Maybe Noel wasn''t entirely wrong. He just wanted to survive.


    But did Casper deserve to die?


    She had wanted him out of her life countless times, but... Not like this.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    This major traffic ident triggered a wave of chaos in Falconridge. Salvage boats, cranes, even helicopters, and sea rescue teams worked tirelessly day and night.


    At this moment, Eliza, holding Brock, sat in the boardroom of Welton International, listening to Caroline and the others argue fiercely about the matter of session.


    Her gaze was vacant, her mind


    reying the scene of Casper''s car tumbling down the cliff. The scene was too shocking; ever since the ident, she dreamt about it every night.


    Brock, unaware of what had happened, snuggled in Eliza''s arms, ying with his action figure.


    The conference room door suddenly swung open. Zach walked in.


    Eliza lifted her nk eyes toward him, her pupils shrinking.


    He sure knew when to show up. With Casper''s fate still unknown, he came to take advantage of the situation.


    "Why the fuss?" Zach swaggered up to Caroline, raising an eyebrow with a smirk. "If Casper''s gone, aren''t I still avable? Let me take over Welton International, and I assure you, you''ll still be the vice-president of Welton International."

 Chapter 314

    "Who told you Casper was dead?" Caroline shoved him hard, letting years of pent-up anger spill out. "Zach, who do you think you are? How is a bastard trying to be the CEO of Welton International? Do you even have what it takes?" "Caroline, I called you my sister out of respect. Don''t throw it back in my face. Right now, I''m the only one who can take over Welton International," Zach''s tone shifted.


    He adjusted his suit, addressing thepany veterans in the room. "Casper is dead. You all know Welton International''s tradition-it gets passed down to men, not women. No matter how capable Caroline is, she can''t be the CEO. Think about it. Supporting me will maximize your interests."


    The veterans exchanged silent nces.


    Zach smirked and shrugged. "You''re not still hoping Casper wille back, are you? His car spiraled out of control, over a cliff thousands of feet high, and into the unfathomable depths of the sea-you''ve lived long enough to know what that means, right?"


    "If you''re reluctant to support me, I can bring my dad over to talk to you personally."


    Zach looked supremely confident, almost smug.


    Brock threw his toy at Zach in anger. "You''re mean."


    "Ouch..." Zach picked up the toy from the floor and strode over to Eliza and her son. "Hey, little buddy, that''s not very nice."


    He then broke the toy in half with his hands and tossed it at Brock''s feet.


    Bending down, he smiled at Eliza. "Anyway, with Casper gone, I''ll treat him like my own son."


    "Zach, you''re insane." Eliza red at him with disgust.


    Caroline couldn''t bear it any longer. Zach wanted to be the CEO of Welton International, but she wouldn''t let him seed.


    "Zach, even if Casper''s survival chances are slim, he still has a son. It''s not your ce to take," she said.


    "The kid doesn''t even have fully grown hair." Zach sneered. "He can try topete with me in eighteen years." "You..."


    Caroline knew Zach didn''t take her


    seriously. They were at a


    disadvantage for now. But the


    board''s veterans wouldn''t easily


    agree to transfer Welton


    wive


    International''s leadership without confirming Casper''s death.


    The meeting ended in discord.


    In the empty meeting room, the two women and Brock looked particrly exhausted. "Caroline, actually I..."


    Eliza''s thoughts were simple. Three years ago, her identity as Mrs. Welton had already been buried with her supposed death. If Casper were truly dead this time, she would take Brock back to Oak Falls. She would still be Valerie, the art teacher, away from the chaos, where she and her son could live well. It was better than staying here, being watched by many and in constant danger. C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    However, she couldn''t reconcile with leaving now without a care.


    "Eliza, I understand your thoughts. Casper''s chances are slim, and


    Welton nternational will face many challenges. Mom has been


    hospitalized because of his


    ident..."


    Caroline had been overwhelmed these past few days. "...I can barely cope."


    She took a deep breath as if convincing herself to calm down. If she lost herposure, Zach would lead them by the nose in everything that followed.


    "Eliza, why don''t you take Brock back to Oak Falls for now? Once things here stabilize, I''ll bring you back."

 Chapter 315

    "There''s no rush to get back to Oak Falls. Actually... I know who messed with the car that caused the ident." She could probably guess who it was, but there was no proof.


    "Who is it?" Caroline''s brow furrowed slightly. She had her suspicions, wondering if they matched Eliza''s.


    Their eyes met, and almost in unison, they said,


    "Aaron."


    "Aaron."


    Caroline''s back stiffened, nearly losing her bnce as she steadied herself against the edge of the conference table. "So it really was him." Eliza thought about confronting Aaron.


    "Keep an eye on Brock for me. I need to step out."


    "Eliza, don''t..."


    Caroline''s words were cut short. Eliza had already handed her son over to Caroline and swiftly exited the conference room.


    The news of Casper''s ident was everywhere. At that moment, Aaron was leisurely in his office, watering his nearly withered zinnia.


    Seeing Elizae for him didn''t surprise him. He looked rxed, "I knew you''de looking for me."


    "You tampered with the car, didn''t you?" Eliza stepped forward to confront him.


    Aaron was candid, with no attempt to hide it. His face even bore a trace of regret. "Yeah, t was me. But, unfortunately, it wasn''t you who died, but him."


    "So, you wanted me dead?" Her eyes trembled, her fingertips clenched tightly as she yelled, "What have I ever done to wrong you so badly?"


    "Because you were Casper''s wife." Heughed as if he had no choice.


    "How could you do this? Your fianc¨¦e''s suicide was due to your infidelity, not because of Casper. You brainwash yourself daily, thinking this will absolve your sins?"


    "You don''t understand at all." His


    eyes reddened, and he red at


    Eliza fiercely. "There must have been


    something between them; I just


    didn''t know. Casper seduced her,


    and it''s all his fault." All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza shook her head. Aaron was delusional. Did he think that after the vile acts he hadmitted, his fianc¨¦e could still live with him?


    Women desire absolute loyalty, and Aaron was not such a man.


    "Now that Casper is dead, are you happy?"


    "No, I''m not happy, not at all."


    With Casper dead, it was all over. He desired a slow torture, a gradual demise, but Casper''s death was too swift, which he disliked.


    "His death has robbed me of the pleasure of revenge, and I''m not pleased."


    Aaron suddenly grabbed Eliza by the throat, pulling out her phone from her pocket, and nced at it.


    He wasn''t surprised and smiled, "Recording me is useless. Without proof of tampering with Casper''s car, can''t be charged with murder. Thew can''t touch me." belongs to


    "Aren''t you afraid of karma?" Eliza struggled to breathe, her face turning purple.


    "Only the wicked face karma. Am I wicked?" He pinned her against the wall, his voice low. "Casper was the wicked one, and you know it. So, the karma is his. Didn''t you always wish for his death? Well, wish granted."


    "Aaron, you''re a psychopath. You''ll get what''sing to you." She kicked him between the legs.


    Caught off guard, Aaron let go of her neck from the pain. "Eliza, how dare..."


    Eliza seized the opportunity to grab her phone back. Thankfully, he hadn''t managed to delete the recording yet.


    Regardless of the usefulness of this evidence, she intended to turn it over to the authorities. She believed that justice would eventually prevail.


    ...


    Dillon was still out there on the endless sea, steadfast and persistently searching.


    The car had long sunk into the abyss, swallowed by darkness, as if it would never see the light of day again.

 Chapter 316

    No matter how advanced the technology or how precise the instruments were, in the end, they might only recover a body so disfigured from the sea that it was unrecognizable. Not everyone could handle that. Sometimes, it was better to hold onto a memory. Dillon knew this well. Yet, he couldn''t let go. He hoped for a miracle. All that hope eventually turned into disappointment and then into despair. They salvaged the car, but not Casper. The rescue team gently suggested that Casper might have sunk deeper into the sea. Deep down, everyone knew the sea was full of creatures, and there was a chance Casper had been consumed.


    A month went by. Both the Welton family and Welton International had epted the news of Casper''s passing. The memorial was over. The Welton family held a grand funeral for Casper. Eliza stared at the tombstone with two names on it and felt a sudden tug at her heart. Was this the destined ending all along? She had faked her death while he had truly died, his body lost to the sea. Either way, there would be no more Casper in Falconridge, nor would there be an Eliza. A cenotaph took the ce of his ashes, buried beneath the earth.


    Audrey fainted from crying and was quickly taken away. After Caroline left, Eliza stood alone in front of the cold tombstone. As she stared at his photograph, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She thought she could use the pain he had caused her to offset the sorrow of his departure. But it wasn''t that simple.


    "Casper, let''s call it even. If you''re still out there somewhere, I hope you''re doing well. I know the chances are slim... I''m really grateful you saved me, and I''m truly sorry. I should have told you that Brock is your child."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll take good care of Brock. I hope you understand. I don''t want him to be part of the Welton family. He''s different from you, gentle and sensitive, not cut out for the ruthless business world. He should grow up healthy and ordinary."


    That way, he wouldn''t have left with regrets. Death should be clear and unambiguous. Such a pity...


    "Oh, and I handed over Aaron''s confession recording to the police. They said they''d investigate thoroughly. Evil will get its due, and he will be punished."


    She didn''t know why she was so talkative. During their two years of marriage, most of their interactions had been in silence. Maybe this was herst conversation with him.


    "Casper, if there''s a next life, let''s not meet again. Let''s not believe in love at first sight. Love isn''t an instant explosion. That kind of intensity is too much. It''s too tragic and not for us


    SWI


    If Eliza could go back in time, she definitely wouldn''t have been


    attracted to him, wouldn''t have given him that painting, and wouldn''t have shown him any kindness. She would


    have finished college peace


    En


    found a respectable job, and maybe pursued further studies or


    professional development. When it was time to marry, her family would have arranged for her to marry a man they knew well. They wouldn''t be rich, but they could have lived a simple, content life together.


    She lowered her eyshes lightly. That life was impossible now. Maybe in the next life, she hoped for such happiness.


    "Casper, I''m leaving now. I might not visit you often in the future. When Brock grows up, I''ll have him pay his respects every year. Also... after I die, let''s not be buried together."


    It wasn''t out of hatred. The


    resentment faded when heAll rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    sacrificed his life to save hers. It just


    seemed unnecessary to bind two


    people who didn''t love each other,


    even in death. They needed to be


    free in death.

 Chapter 317

    Six monthster.


    In Oak Falls, Eliza was back at her old school, picking up where she left off. After everything she''d been through, she found sce in this calm and warm life.


    Her older colleagues had made it their mission to set her up on dates. Every time, she declined with a polite smile. Marriage wasn''t something she felt she needed. "Ms. Valerie, there''s a new teacher around your age. He''s quite the looker. You should go for it," one colleague nudged.


    "Yeah, Ms. Valerie, you''re stunning, and honestly, no one would guess you''ve had a child. Don''t let this rare catch slip through your fingers," another chimed in. "Ms. Valerie, you can''t stay in one ce forever. Sometimes, you just have to take a step forward..."


    Her colleagues'' voices ovepped with suggestions and encouragements. Eliza smiled politely, though she felt a bit awkward.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    All she knew about the new teacher was his name, Carlos. She hadn''t met him yet, but she heard he just graduated from a renowned art academy overseas and was here on an internship. He wouldn''t be around for long. Not that it mattered to her anyway.


    With textbooks in hand, Eliza smiled and backed out of the office. She hadn''t gone far when she identally bumped into someone. "Sorry, my bad."


    She looked up to see a young, handsome face, the kind that seemed sweet and disarming. Though he seemed friendly, Eliza knew better than to judge by appearances. She often struggled to read people urately and opted not toment. "Are you Ms. Valerie? I''ve heard about you from the Art Academy of Falconridge. Maybe we could exchange some pointers?" He smiled gently, but there was apetitive glint in his eyes.


    This was their first meeting, and it was filled with the usual pleasantries, yet it was the first time someone had issued a challenge right off the bat.


    Eliza forced a smile. "Sure, why not."


    "By the way, Ms. Valerie, there''s a paintingpetitioning up, themed around blue-cor workers. Have you signed up?"


    Eliza hadn''t kept up with these


    things. Previouspetitions had brought her a lot of attention and boosted her painting prices. She didn''t want too much fame and


    rarely entered contest


    "No," she replied honestly.


    "Why not?" His tone was oddly usatory, as if not participating was a huge mistake.


    Eliza''s expression cooled. "What? Is it mandatory now?"


    "Not exactly," Carlos quickly backtracked, offering an embarrassed smile. "Don''t get me wrong. I just meant..."


    "I have a ss to get to."


    Eliza didn''t give him a chance to exin further. His intentions didn''t matter to her. Her first impression of him was not good. She sensed a subtle domineering streak she didn''t like. Looking harmless and actually being harmless were two different things.


    This reminded Eliza of Zach-a wolf in sheep''s clothing.


    Rumor had it he had made it onto the board of Welton International. Bing the CEO was a matter of time. After Casper''s death, Welton International had gone downhill. The §Ö news was filled with internal scandals, including those involving


    Tristan and Zach. Welton


    International had turned into a mess.


    Every time she saw these reports, she felt reassured that leaving Falconridge was the right decision.


    After dinner, she spent some time ying with her son, Brock and then settled down to enjoy a quiet evening of reading. The doorbell rang.


    Puzzled, she got up to answer it.

 Chapter 318

    "Ms. Valerie."


    Eliza peered through the peephole. It was Carlos.


    What was he doing here sote?


    "Mr. Carlos, is there something you need?"


    Eliza''s voice wasn''t exactly warm, but it was polite enough.


    Carlos grinned awkwardly and apologized, "I might have been a bit forward at school today. I hope you don''t hold it against me. But the artpetition about construction workers is really meaningful. It can help improve their working conditions and maybe even raise their wages." Not this again.


    Eliza had no interest in discussing it, "Mr. Carlos, did youe all the way here just to talk about that?"


    "Sort of." He pulled out a drawing from his bag, one he had done a few days ago. "Ms. Valerie, check these out. I drew them on-site, capturing moments of the workers at their jobs and during breaks." Honestly?


    Eliza wasn''t interested at all. Apetition was unlikely to change the reality for a whole group of people. But, to be polite, she nced at the drawings.


    It was mostly scenes of workers hard at work.


    But one close-up caught her eye...


    A man''s face, covered in dust, lips chapped, holding a piece of bread in a rag-wrapped hand-he was probably injured.


    But those eyes... looked so familiar, like... Casper''s eyes.


    Eliza''s heart skipped a beat.


    It seemed abrupt to confirm someone was alive based on a single drawing.


    Pointing at the figure, she asked Carlos, "Who is this?"


    "A simpleton. He''s really big and


    strong. The foreman likes him, says he''s young, strong, works a lot, and never seems to tire." Carlos had seen this man, and he was always dirty. "He never speaks. He might be mute; he looks quite pitiful


    A simpleton? Mute? Working at a construction site?


    How could this be the same ruthless, cunning, proud, powerful, and wealthy man?


    It couldn''t be Casper. Just someone who looked like him.


    Still, she wanted to see for herself.


    "Mr. Carlos, why don''t you sign me up too? Tomorrow is the weekend; we can visit the construction site together. I''d like to see the workers'' conditions for myself. What do you think?"  en


    Carlos thought it was a great idea.


    Excitedly, he nodded. "Sure, I''lle by to pick you up tomorrow, and we''ll go together." "Okay."


    Carlos was about to take back the drawing when Eliza tightened her


    grip on it. "Mr. Carlos, this is


    really good. Could you give


    me?"


    "Do you think it captures the essence of hard work?" Carlos, always generous when someone appreciated his art, said, "If you like it, it''s yours."


    "Thank you."


    After seeing Carlos off, Eliza stared nkly at the drawing.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    For three months, Dillon had searched the area of the sea where Casper had fallen before giving up.


    It was a deep abyss; Casper fell in with his car, and surviving was almost impossible.


    Even if Casper had miraculously survived, Dillon would have been the first to see and rescue him...


    Could Casper be this construction worker?


    She didn''t dare specte lightly.


    She flipped the drawing over gently and ced it on the table.

 Chapter 319

    The early morning light hadn''t yet fully dispelled the shadows of the night, and a fine drizzle gently sprinkled every corner of the city. Carlos drove up to Eliza''s ce.


    "Ms. Valerie," Carlos said as he stepped out of the car, opening the passenger door like a true gentleman. "Please, get in."


    "Thank you," she replied with a smile.


    The car slowly rolled onto the road. Raindrops softly tapped against the windows. The streets were nearly deserted, and the rain-draped city seemed even more serene and mysterious.


    After a while, Carlos finally broke the silence. "Ms. Valerie, I''m really sorry about yesterday. Please forgive me."


    His voice was filled with regret.


    "It didn''t bother me," Eliza responded with a light smile.


    "Actually, I''m the founder of this charity event. I genuinely wanted to do something good."


    Carlos'' eyes showed a rare sincerity.


    Eliza turned slightly, her eyes flickering with surprise. "You''re the founder?"


    "Doesn''t seem like it, huh?" Carlos scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed.


    Eliza''s gaze grew heavier as if shrouded in a thin mist. She had seen too many hypocrites hiding behind the facade of charity, their hearts full of schemes and greed. She didn''t know Carlos well enough to judge if he had any hidden motives. Eliza fell silent.


    When they arrived at the construction site, the foreman greeted them warmly. He and Carlos seemed well-acquainted, exchanging friendly handshakes and casual banter.


    Eliza''s eyes, however, were scanning the bustling figures, searching for a familiar face.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "Where''s... the guy?" Eliza suddenly asked.


    The foreman looked puzzled and turned his questioning gaze to Carlos.


    Carlos quickly caught on. "She''s asking about that tall, strong, simple-minded guy working here. What''s his name?"


    "Simple-minded?" The foreman nodded in understanding. "You mean Sam, right? He''s been here for three months. He''s a hard worker. I like him a lot."


    He squinted warily. "What do you want with him?"


    "I sketched a portrait of him the other day. My colleague really liked it and wanted to meet him in person."


    Carlos'' exnation sounded perfectly reasonable, as if they had discussed it beforehand.


    "He''s over there working. If you want to see him, just head that way. But he''s shy around strangers, so be careful not to upset him. You know, simple minded folks can be a bit emotionally unstable," the foreman said with augh.


    "Alright, we''ll go take a look," Carlos handed the foreman a pack of premium cigarettes. "We''re just here for some inspiration. Thanks for your help."


    "No problem at all. Just watch out


    for Sam''s wife. She''s a handful. IfT don''t keep an eye on him, she''lle after me," the foreman said, looking somewhat apprehensive.


    Carlos nodded. "Understood. We''ll just take a quick look. You carry on with your work."


    "Sure thing."


    Carlos and Eliza left the foreman''s office. They were at the Oak Fallsmercial district construction site, and t was bustling with activity. It was just in time for breakfast, and groups of workers sat huddled together, eating their packed meals.


    "Look, this is the life of the workers. Doing the toughest jobs for the least pay," Carlos said, his face showing concern.


    Eliza''s gaze swept over the workers. Every job has its challenges, but it''s true that construction workers often struggle to get adequate protection and fair treatment.


    Her eyes continued to search until a woman''s voice broke her concentration.


    "Where''s Sam? I''ve brought him breakfast. I made him fried eggs today."


    The voice was loud and robust, carrying a hint of pride.


    "The simpleton is over there," a coworker pointed,ughing.

 Chapter 320

    The woman was quiterge, probably around 300 pounds. As she walked, her flesh jiggled, and her footsteps made the ground tremble.


    beneath her, sshing mud everywhere-aplete mess.


    Was this really Sam''s wife? Eliza''s gaze stayed glued to her as she caught up in a few strides. The rain wasing down harder now, making the ground slippery. The heavy woman hadn''t walked far when she lost her footing and fell. The impact created a muddy puddle Eliza was close by, her clothes catching some of the mud stters. She hurried over, ready to help the woman up. "Ma''am, are you alright?"


    "This darn ground is going to be the death of me," the woman cursed, pushing Eliza away. "You''re as thin as a twig. How will you lift me? Step aside, I can manage."


    Eliza felt a bit rejected. Even as the woman struggled to her feet, Eliza couldn''t help but assist her.


    "Who are you?" The woman brushed the mud off her rear, eyeing Eliza. "This isn''t the ce for someone like you. It''s dangerous."


    Eliza pointed towards Carlos, who was chatting with some workers not far away. "I came with a colleague. We''re participating in an artpetition themed around construction workers. We''re looking for inspiration."


    She knew the woman might not even understand what she was talking about. But it didn''t matter; she just wanted to follow her and meet the man named Michael.


    "Ma''am, did youe to bring your husband lunch?"


    "Indeed," the woman said proudly, oblivious to the mud staining her. "My man is hardworking and handsome. I hit the jackpot with him."


    The woman radiated an unmatched sense of pride. Her eyes shone like jewels in the night.


    Eliza was even more curious. "Ma''am, you really love your husband."


    The woman nced at Eliza dismissively. "You''re not married, are you? Handsome men can add years to a woman''s life. By the looks of you, unmarried, you wouldn''t understand."


    Eliza was about to respond when


    the woman mocked her. "Pretty youngdies like you are q too picky to settle down. Wait till you''re older; all the good men will be taken, and you'' be left choosing from the divorced or widowers."


    Well, she was right. Eliza had no rebuttal.


    The woman walked ahead. Eliza followed. After a few steps, the woman suddenly stopped, eyeing Eliza suspiciously. "Why are you following me?" "Ma''am, I''m here for inspiration."


    "There are plenty of people here, and you have to choose my husband for your muse?" Suspicion flickered across the woman''s face. "You... you aren''t after my man, are you?" "Ma''am, I don''t even know your husband. How could I be after him?" Eliza replied with a helpless smile.


    Only then did the woman''s expression soften. "True, my hubby isn''t the brightest bulb, and only I can put up with him. A pretty girl like you wouldn''t fancy a simpleton."


    Reassured, the woman continued walking. "But, to be fair, my man is incredibly handsome, the best in ten miles."


    "Ma''am, how long have you and your husband been married? You seem very happy together." Eliza smiled and nodded along. "You''re quite a


    catch yourself. How did you end up


    with someone... simple?"Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "I won''t lie to you, I''ve always been a sucker for good looks. My husband is a bit slow and a bit simple, but it doesn''t matter. He''s notzy, that''s what counts, right?" Eliza awkwardly grinned. She had no idea how to respond to that.


    She followed the woman''s steps.


    They turned a corner and saw more construction workers gathered in small group''s, taking shelter from rain and having their lunch. The


    heavy woman was well-ace the


    with everyone here. After


    exchanging greetings, they finally spotted a lone figure not far away.


    "Look, there''s my man," the woman said, puffing out her chest with pride.

 Chapter 321

    They were a short distance away from him.


    Eliza picked up her pace, overtaking the woman.


    The woman grabbed her arm, pulling her back. "What''s your rush? Are you into my husband or something? Come clean. Do you two have some secret affair?"


    "Ma''am, you''ve got it all wrong. I''ve never even met your husband," Eliza said, reluctantly pulling out the painting Carlos had given her the day before. "Look, my colleague painted this. I thought it captured something special, and I really wanted to meet your husband in person."


    The woman scrutinized the painting in Eliza''s hand, then snatched it over. "What''s this supposed to be? This doesn''t capture a fraction of my husband''s charm. Your colleague''s skills are seriouslycking."


    "That''s exactly why I''m here, ma''am. I wanted to see for myself if your husband is really as handsome as you say," Eliza exined patiently.


    "Well, if that''s the case, I guess I don''t mind." The woman shoved the painting back into Eliza''s hands. "But don''t scare him. He''s shy around strangers."


    "Is it alright if I just look and not say anything?"


    "That''ll be fine." The woman looked up at the sky, noting how thete autumn rain felt cold against her skin. "Then follow me."


    The man hadn''t turned around yet.


    Only when they were almost upon him did the plump woman call out his name, "Sam."


    The man''s eating motion abruptly paused, and he slowly turned around...


    For some reason, Eliza''s heart began to race.


    Was it him?


    Could it be him?


    In the few seconds it took for the man to turn around, Eliza imagined a thousand different oues.


    However...


    Before she could get a clear look at the man''s face, he suddenly ran towards her, pushing her to the ground.


    The man was strong, and Eliza hadn''t expected him to attack her.


    She was caught off guard. The fall was painful.


    "Ouch..."


    Carlos hurried over, helping Eliza up from the ground, scolding the man before him. "Why are you pushing her? That''s totally out of line." Sam''s face was covered in mud, with only his bright eyes darting around.


    The plump woman protectively shielded Sam. "Who are you calling a fool? That''s just how my man is."


    "He might be simple-minded, but that''s no reason to push people, especially Ms. Valerie. What if she was seriously injured? Would you have afforded the consequences?"


    Hearing Carlos mentionpensation, the plump woman immediately became agitated. She sat down on the ground, not caring about the mud, and started wailing.


    "Everyonee see this injustice!


    They''re bullying us, saying my man


    is a foot and demanding we pay up for my husband''s actions. I might as well give my life as paymento."


    The woman''s crying turned into a theatrical performance.


    Soon, a crowd of workers gathered around.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Carlos was furious.


    He was about to step forward to argue, but Eliza stopped him. "It''s no use arguing with her. Besides, why bother with a fool? I''m fine."


    "Are you sure you''re okay?" Carlos was concerned.


    Eliza nodded lightly. "I''m fine."


    The simple-minded man hid behind the plump woman.


    Eliza hadn''t gotten a good look at him and didn''t dare to approach him again.


    Maybe he wasn''t Casper after all.


    Perhaps she was overthinking it.


    "Mr. Carlos, the rain is getting heavier. Let''s head back," she suggested.


    "Alright then."


    On the way back, Eliza was lost in thought.


    Carlos called her name several times before she responded, "What?"


    "You''re not going to let one bad apple spoil the bunch, are you?" He smiled adding, "I mean, you''re not going to avoid the construction site just because of what happened today with that fool, right?"


    Eliza smiled lightly. "Of course not."


    "Fools are like that, emotionally and psychologically abnormal. But have you noticed? He gives off a peculiar vibe..."

 Chapter 322

    Carlos couldn''t quite find the right words. This was a feeling that only a brushstroke could capture.


    "What peculiar vibe?" Eliza asked.


    "It''s..." He pursed his lips slightly, a small frown creasing his brow, "...like he doesn''t belong to the world of blue-cor workers. He''s more like a nobleman who''s fallen on hard times."


    Elizaughed and shook her head. "You''re not saying he''s of high status just because he''s handsome, right? Beauty isn''t just for the rich."


    She said that, but Carlos couldn''t shake the strange feeling. That simpleton was different.


    "Did you get a good look at him earlier?"


    Eliza felt a bit regretful. Sam''s face was covered in dirt, and he had caught her off guard, so she didn''t get a chance to really look at him. "Not really."


    "Even though he''s always grimy, you can''t miss his strikingly sharp features." Carlos seemed to have a peculiar fondness for good-looking men. Eliza couldn''t help but pry further, "Do you... like him?"


    "I like beautiful things." He knew what Eliza was hinting at and smiled. "Do you think I''m into men?"


    "I didn''t say that." She felt it was rude to jump to conclusions.


    That was a bit much on her part.


    Carlos didn''t mind andughed. "It''s perfectly normal for men to like men; love doesn''t care about gender."


    Eliza wasn''t very familiar with the concept of homosexuality. She didn''t discriminate, but she didn''t fully understand it either.


    "Are you saying that men understand men best and can find an emotional connection with each other?"


    Carlos felt that wasn''t quite right. "Love is a feeling. If you''re a man and you meet a woman with whom you feel a mutual attraction, that''s love. And if you''re a man who meets another man with whom you feel a mutual attraction, that''s also love. Emotional connection doesn''t


    depend on gender."


    Eliza was at a loss.


    She had never felt such a connection with anyone. She didn''t know what being on the same wavelength felt like. Love was something she''d never fully grasp, not between herself and a man or woman. She rubbed her temples, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "That''s kind of deep."


    The autumn rain was mixed with a


    chilling cold, Carlos opened the


    umbre to escort her out of the car and walked Eliza to her door. "Ms Valerie, I''d like to visit the


    construction site again next


    Lovely


    weekend. Would you join me?"


    Eliza hadn''t decided yet. She smiled politely. "We''ll see. I need to check my schedule."


    "Alright then." He held the umbre over her as they reached the building''s entrance. "Ms. Valerie, I''ll be heading back then."


    "Thank you."


    Eliza waved goodbye to Carlos. The


    continuous rain in Oak Falls made the air and mood particrly oppressive. With the preschool closed, she had taken a few days off to stay home with Brock. Whenever Brock was lulled to sleep, Eliza


    would stare nkly at Carlos'' sketch.


    "Knock, knock."C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    The sound of knocking pulled her thoughts back to reality. She threw on a coat and walked to the door, peering through the peephole. No one was there. "Knock, knock."


    Again, two knocks. But she hadn''t seen anyone. Where was the knockinging from? She cautiously widened her view through the peephole, spotting someone crouching on the ground. It was unclear whether it was an adult or a child. "Who''s there?"


    "Knock, knock." Two more knocks.


    She decided to open the door directly. A man, drenched from head to toe, was squatting at her doorstep, his dirty hands holding up two roses, offering them to her...

 Chapter 323

    Eliza took a couple of steps back, startled.


    "Who are you?" she asked, eyeing him cautiously.


    The man, without looking up, stubbornly held out a rose.


    Eliza assumed he was a homeless man, but after getting no response, she shut the door.


    She was back home and couldn''t get the encounter out of her mind.


    Who was that guy?


    If he was homeless, maybe he was hungry and hoping for some food in exchange for the flower.


    Should she call the cops?


    But that seemed like such a minor issue. Would it be a waste of their time?


    About an hourter, she peeked through the peephole again.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Weird, the man was still squatting outside.


    Could he really be there for food?


    Eliza opened the fridge, grabbed some bread she''d bought earlier, and decided to offer it to him.


    She opened the door.


    "Are you hungry?" she asked softly, holding out the bread like she didn''t want to scare him. "Here, take this."


    The man didn''t take the bread or even look up at her.


    He clutched the rose tightly; maybe a thorn had pricked his palm because there were drops of blood on the ground. Eliza''s heart tightened. "Are you hurt? Do you need help with that?"


    No response.


    The faceless man stayed hunched over, silent.


    Eliza bent down, pushing the bread closer to him. "How about you eat this first, then I can help with your wound, okay?"


    No matter what she said, the man didn''t move.


    Just as she was about to give up, he suddenly lifted the rose again and offered it to her.


    "Is this for me?" she asked, puzzled. "Why are you giving me a flower? We don''t even know each other. Are you hungry? Here, take the bread." He didn''t say anything, dropped the flower, and ran off.


    Eliza almost called out to him, but he was gone in a sh. Who was he, really?


    He didn''t even want the bread.


    As she turned back, she noticed a name tag on the ground.


    It was a small tag, about 2 inches long, with the name... Sam. Sam?


    That woman''s husband? The man from the construction site?


    The one who looked a lot like Casper?


    Why would hee to her doorstep to offer a flower?


    Could it be...


    Perhaps he was here because of that incident when he identally pushed her at the construction site. Was this his way of apologizing? Strange.


    Eliza couldn''t figure it out.


    Holding the name tag, she nced at her watch. It waste, and it was raining. She wondered if Sam knew how to get home.


    "He must havee here. After that woman visited the construction site, my man was acting distracted, so he must havee here."


    It was the familiar voice of the hefty woman.


    Eliza stood at her doorway, peering down the entrance building.


    She saw the hefty woman looking


    furious and leading a group of middle aged women towards her. They cursed as if they were about to turn the world upside down.


    The hefty woman''s keen eyes spotted Eliza, and she quickened her pace.


    "You, woman! What have you done with Sam? I knew there was something about you. You lure men and even managed to lure mine to your doorstep. Hand over Sam."


    Eliza frowned slightly.


    She couldn''t make sense of the woman''s usations.


    "Lady, you need to have evidence for your ims. Why would your man be at my ce?"


    The hefty woman, hands on her hips, pointed at Eliza, her voice fierce. "Yesterday, he was here, standing downstairs at your building''s entrance, and I dragged him back home. Today, he ran off from home again. If not to your ce, then


    Where?"


    "If you really can''t find him, you should report it to the police. He''s not here." Why bring themotion to her doorstep? Eliza looked displeased.

 Chapter 324

    The women trailing behind the plumpdy hurled usations at Eliza. "You look like a flirt who always chases after handsome men. Just hand him over so we don''t have to embarrass ourselves, tearing this ce apart." "There are plenty of men out there. Why go after ours? Gina''s not someone you can just push around. With your tiny frame, you wouldn''t stand a chance."


    "Yeah, just hand him over, and we''ll leave. It''s pouring outside, and we''ve already spent a fortune on cab fares. You should cover that."


    Eliza''s face darkened. She wasn''t one to start trouble, but she wasn''t afraid of it either.


    She spun around, went back inside, grabbed a mop, and came out to face the women. "Listen up. The man you''re looking for isn''t here. If you dare break into my ce, I''ll fight back. Don''t believe me? Try me." "You little tramp! Would you dare get physical with me? You must have a death wish."


    The plump woman stepped forward, ready to teach Eliza a lesson.


    Eliza raised the mop towards her. "Take one more step, and I won''t be so nice."


    "I''m not afraid of you... Ahh! Ouch!"


    Gina couldn''t dodge in time and tumbled down the stairs with a series of thuds.


    The other women were terrified, rushing to help Gina up and clumsily followed her downstairs.


    Eliza snorted, "Better head home and don''te back, or I''ll really call the cops."All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    After locking her door, Eliza bolted it from the inside.


    Themotion downstairs gradually died down.


    Once it waspletely quiet, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    She opened the door. The corridor was silent.


    With the rain pouring down, she wondered about that fool....


    It was strange; why was she worried about that idiot?


    "Bang."


    A noise came from the corner of the hallway, making Eliza''s heart skip a beat.


    ""Who''s there?"


    She turned on her phone''s shlight and walked downstairs. She found someone around the corner.


    "Sam?"


    No response.


    "Are you Sam?" Her shlight clearly


    = = = if the man in front of here


    was looking for you. Why


    t you say anything?"


    He slowly lifted his face, buried in his knees.


    In the dark hallway, his bright eyes were particrly unsettling.


    Eliza was a bit afraid of this man.


    He wasn''t acting normal, and she couldn''t handle him if he had an episode.


    But she felt pity watching him like this.


    "Come upstairs with me, and I''ll treat your wounds. You should hurry home so your family doesn''t worry."


    Eliza wasn''t sure if he would follow.


    She just walked ahead, thinking she''d leave him be if he really ignored her.


    Unexpectedly, the man actually followed her upstairs.


    He stood in the living room.


    Mud covered his face and clothes, making him look like a mud monkey.


    Brock


    room. He saw the strat


    od his eyes and walked


    out of and


    , a bit scared, "Mom, who


    is this man?"


    "His name is Sam. Go back to sleep and make sure to lock your room," she instructed.


    Brock took a serious look at Sam''s face before obediently going back to his room.


    Mark was so dirty, and Eliza realized she couldn''t treat his wounds like this. She suggested he take a shower first.


    "Do you want to take a shower?"


    Sam nodded dumbly, as if he understood her.


    Eliza pointed toward the bathroom.


    overalls. They''rerge; you caft


    "There, inside the cab, is a


    change into them." Cog

 Chapter 325

    Eliza had no clue how long Sam had been washing up. Her eyelids grew heavy, and before she knew it, she''d dozed off for a bit. The familiar yet odd sound of water suddenly stopped, followed by the rustling of clothes. That was when she rubbed her eyes and looked towards the bathroom door.


    As the light in the bathroom clicked off, the door creaked open... A tall man stepped out, now in clean work clothes. His hair, which had been hanging in front of his face, was pushed back, revealing his true appearance.


    Eliza''s eyes widened, a jolt of shock running through her like electricity, leaving her frozen. She stared at the man, her gaze filled with disbelief and deep confusion. He looked so familiar that it brought tears to her eyes. This wasn''t just someone who looked like Casper; it was unmistakably him.


    Slowly, she approached him, reaching out to lift his shirt, wanting to check for the knife wound she had inflicted on him back then. If the scar was there, it would confirm that this man was indeed Casper.


    Just as her hand was about to touch his shirt, he instinctively stepped back, fear evident in his eyes. He didn''t say a word but was visibly tense.


    Eliza stopped immediately, stepping back. "Don''t be scared. I won''t touch you."


    She gestured for him to sit down. "Let me take care of the wound on your hand first, okay?"


    She coaxed him gently, like calming a child. His eyes on her werepletely unfamiliar, yet he obediently sat down.


    He opened his palm. It was covered with calluses and bloody blisters, and the skin was punctured and damaged. Casper was a young master who had never had to lift a finger but had now fallen to such a state. It was impossible not to feel moved.


    She carefully disinfected his wounds with alcohol and then wrapped them in gauze. "Look at all these blisters on your hand. Doesn''t it hurt when you work?" She looked up at his face.


    He shook his head, like an innocent child. Who would have thought that a man who oncemanded respect in Falconridge and stirred up storms would suddenly be... like this?


    For a moment, Eliza''s heart was filled with mixed emotions. Outside, the rain continued to fall, the drops beating against the windows unabashedly with the autumn breeze. Eliza made him a bowl of pasta. He ate quickly, devouring the food as if he hadn''t eaten well in days. She noticed the empty bowl and asked, "Do you want more?" Without looking up at her, he nodded eagerly. So, she served him another bowl.


    After he''d eaten his fill, she wondered whether she should send him back home. Casper folded his clothes and found an empty spot on the floor to lie down and sleep. "The floor is cold."


    Eliza went back to her room to find him a nket and a quilt and made a bed for him. She watched him gradually fall asleep and pondered whether to inform Dillon. But even if Casper returned to Falconridge, what then? A fool could do nothing and would only be aughingstock.


    If he remained simple-minded forever, without theplexities of love and hate, desires and schemes, and lived purely in some corner of the world... perhaps that wouldn''t be so bad.


    In the morning, Eliza woke Brock up to wash and get ready. As they


    passed the living room, Brock noticed Casper had gotten up and curled up next to the sofa with his head buried in his knees.


    "Mom, is that the same man fromst night?"C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "Yes."


    "Why is he sitting on the floor?" Brock blinked his big eyes, asking innocently.


    Eliza replied, "He might just be used to sitting on the floor, sweetheart. Now go wash up and brush your teeth." "Okay."


    While Brock was taking care of his morning routine, Eliza couldn''t shake the thoughts swirling in her mind.

 Chapter 326

    Eliza set the breakfast on the table. She nced at Casper, sitting motionless on the floor and walked over to him gently. Her warm and gentle voice reminded him, "Breakfast is ready."


    Only then did he lift his face from his knees. At that moment, Brock also came out of the bathroom. He looked at Casper''s face and paused. "Uncle? Isn''t that Mr. Casper? Mom, I thought Mr. Casper was dead. He..." "He..." Eliza didn''t really know how to exin, "...just looks like him."


    Brock shook his head in disagreement. "He is Mr. Casper. I recognize Mr. Casper."C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Brock walked up to Casper and took his big hand. "Mr. Casper, you''re not dead? That''s great. As long as you''re here, no kids will bully me anymore."


    Eliza was speechless.


    Were kids bullying her son? She hadn''t heard him mention that.


    "Mr. Casper, let''s have breakfast together."


    Casper didn''t show any aversion to Brock, letting him lead by the hand to the breakfast table.


    "Mr. Casper, I''ll peel an egg for you. I am really good now." Although Brock didn''t peel the egg perfectly, he did it with great joy. "Here, eat this."


    Casper nced at Brock. Then he looked down at the egg in the small hand and bent down to bite into it.


    Brock blinked, somewhat incredulous. "Mom, why did Mr. Casper bite my egg? What''s wrong with him?"


    "He..."


    "Is Mr. Casper sick?" There was a touch ofpassion in Brock''s eyes. He took Casper''s big hand and rubbed it against his small face. "It''s okay, Mr. Casper. I''ll take care of you." Eliza couldn''t quite name the feeling in her heart. She felt a bit mushy inside.


    "Knock, knock."


    Someone knocked on the door. Eliza''s heart skipped a beat. She quickly put down her fork and went to open the door.


    A police officer stood at the door. "Are you Valerie?"


    "I am." Eliza didn''t know what was happening.


    Gina burst out from behind the


    officer. Her forehead was bandaged,


    and she began using Eliza, "Officer, it''s her. She pushed me down the stairs. And, she''s hiding my husband. You need to search inside quickly."


    "Did you push her down the stairs?" the officer asked sternly.


    Eliza simply admitted, "She was trespassing. Of course, I couldn''t just let her into my home."


    "And her husband? You''re hiding him?"


    "I..."


    Gina saw Eliza hesitate and hurriedly added, "Officer, why waste words with her? My man is definitely inside. Just search, and you''ll know."


    Without a word, the officer walked into Eliza''s home. Gina''s sharp eyes spotted Casper first and eximed, "Officer, look, I told you. She''s hiding my man."


    Facing the plump woman, Brock spread his arms in front of Casper. "Officer, this is Mr. Casper, not her man. She must have mistaken him for someone else." "That''s not Mr. Casper, you little brat. That''s my man, Sam, step aside."


    Gina pushed Brock aside. He was unable to withstand the force and fell out. Eliza quickly came over, helping Brock up from the ground She was displeased and looked at Gina. "Why would you push a child? If you say he''s your man, then show ushis ID and your marriage certificate."


    The plump woman was flustered, hemming and hawing. She neither produced the documents nor admitted she didn''t have them. The officer turned to the plump woman, reminding her, "Come on now


    Please, show me your documents."

 Chapter 327

    "Officer, I don''t carry those documents when I leave the house. Just wait till I get home; I''ll show you," Gina said, trying to grab Casper''s hand.


    He sat there, not budging an inch. Gina was unable to move him and started pping him furiously.


    Brock couldn''t take it anymore and charged at Gina with all his might, only to be pushed back.


    "You wicked woman! Don''t you dare hit Mr. Casper!"


    "You little rascal..." The plump woman raised her hand to strike Brock, but it was caught mid-air.


    She looked at Casper standing across from her, shocked. Before she could curse, she was pushed away.


    Gina stumbled backward and fell to the ground with a thud.


    "How dare you, Sam! After I saved your life, this is how you repay me? You''re ungrateful..."


    The plump woman sat on the ground, bawling her eyes out.


    The officer frowned at the scene.


    He looked at Casper, pointed at Gina, and asked, "Is she your wife?"


    Casper shook his head.


    Gina cried even harder.


    After a few words, the officer saw no need to stay and left with Gina.


    Brock rushed into Casper''s arms. "Mr. Casper, I know you''re sick, but don''t be afraid. I''ll protect you."


    The little guy''s words instantly melted Casper''s heart.


    He chuckled foolishly, lifting Brock up and spinning him around.


    Eliza was perplexed.


    What on earth was happening?


    Did Gina just say she was Casper''s lifesaver?


    Did that indirectly prove that he is Casper?


    Just like Casper once told her, it was impossible for two people to look exactly alike unless they were twins.


    The rain never stopped, nor did Casper leave.


    He spent every day ying various games with Brock and letting him ride piggyback. Brock was having the time of his life.


    After the rain cleared, Brock didn''t want to go to preschool.


    He just wanted to stay at home and y with Mr. Casper.


    "You need to go to preschool today, and mommy has to go to work, okay?" Eliza said sternly to Brock.


    Brock looked dejectedly at Casper. "Then what about Mr. Casper? Who will take care of him?"


    "I will figure something out."


    "Oh."


    Brock reluctantly left, waving goodbye to Casper. "Mr. Casper, y with you again after school. Be good at home, just like me, okay?"


    Casper smiled woodenly, mimicking Brock''s gesture and waving back at him.


    After dropping Brock off at preschool, Eliza went to work.


    All day, she was distracted, pondering how to deal with her problem at home-Casper.


    In the past few days, she had observed him secretly.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    The scar on his abdomen was indeed there, further proving his identity as Casper.


    But his foolishness wasn''t an act.


    He truly had be a fool.


    He didn''t recognize her, nor did he recognize Brock.


    Eliza didn''t know how to deal with a fool.


    Should she send him back to the Welton family?


    He probably didn''t remember anyone from the Welton family either.


    Carlos came over, tapped on her desk, and smiled. "Daydreaming, Ms. Valerie?"


    "Is there something you need?" she asked, redirecting her gaze toward him.


    "Yesterday, I went to the construction site and heard something. That fool... is now at your ce?"


    Eliza wasn''t sure why Carlos was asking about this.


    Considering Gina''s nature, she must have made it known to everyone.


    "He is... at my ce," Eliza admitted, unable to hide it.


    Carlos was surprised by her straightforward admission, bing even more puzzled. "How can you keep a fool at your ce? Have you forgotten that he once attacked you? Such people are emotionally unstable and too dangerous."


    "I haven''t decided where to send him yet."


    Anyway, sending him back to Gina was out of the question. If it came down to it, she would just have to take Casper to Robin''s Hospital and let him stay there as a patient.

 Chapter 328

    Carlos barely hesitated before saying, "How about you send him over to my ce? We''re both guys; it might be easier for him to get along with me than with you."


    Eliza didn''t think too much about it but also didn''t want to inconvenience anyone.


    "He gets along pretty well with my son, so I''d rather not trouble you."


    "It''s no trouble at all. He''s the inspiration for mytest novel; I believe he could be quite helpful to me," Carlos eagerly tried to persuade Eliza. "If he doesn''t feelfortable at my ce, I can always bring him back. Besides, you know Gina will keep giving you grief if he stays with you."


    Carlos had a point.


    Though Casper was now in a vulnerable state, he was inseparably linked to her. It was unthinkable to let him stay at someone else''s ce without any form of identification. If something went wrong, the consequences could be dire.


    No matter where she sent Casper, she wouldn''t feel at ease.


    "Let''s just let him stay at my ce," Eliza gently refused.


    Carlos smiled slightly, not pushing further. "If you need anything, like help with his baths or anything else that might be inconvenient for you, just call me. I''m happy to help."


    "Thank you, Mr. Carlos."C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "Don''t mention it."


    For the next few days, life was rtively peaceful. Every day after returning from preschool, Brock''s first order of business was to share everything that had happened with Casper. Though Casper couldn''t understand, he provided emotional support. Since his arrival, Eliza had never heard him utter a single word. She wondered if he might be mute as well.


    Regardless, she decided to take him to the hospital for a check-up. If his condition could be treated, then so be it. If not, his simplicity and harmlessness weren''t so bad.


    She chose a weekend for the visit. As Eliza drove to the hospital with Casper, she wasn''t sure if he was afraid of hospitals, so she tried to prepare him mentally along the way.


    "We''re just going to see a doctor, like when you have a cold or a fever. You might get a shot, but don''t be afraid, okay?"


    Casper sat in the backseat and paid no attention to Eliza''s words. He was preupied with the action figure Brock had given him. Eliza pursed her lips in silent frustration. After parking the car, Casper clung tightly to her arm. She took a step, and he followed.


    "Don''t be scared. This is a hospital, a ce where peoplee to get better. Let''s quickly go register and let the doctor take a good look at you," Eliza cooed softly as if caring for Brock.


    She was so focused on moving forward that she waspletely unaware of the danger lurking behind her. Gina was hidden in the shadows, gripping a hefty hammer, her eyes filled with determination and madness. She raised it above her head, aiming for Eliza''s skull, and swung it down with all her might.


    "For stealing my man, you can go to hell..."


    n¨§t


    The shrill voice caught Casper''s attention. Without hesitation, he shielded her slender body with his sturdy back. The hammer fell heavily, missing its intended target but striking him squarely on the back of his head with a thud.


    As the sound of metal striking bone echoed, Casper let out a painful roar, his eyes trembling violently before he copsed to the ground. Eliza was stunned by the scene unfolding before her. Only then did she notice the crazed woman and the weapon in her hand?


    The sight of the blood pool expanding on the ground and an unconscious Casper sent her fear and panic into overdrive. "Help... Murder..."


    "Help... Doctor. Please, save him..."


    "Somebody, please help..."

 Chapter 329

    The medical staff rushed Casper into the emergency room in a sh.


    Gina realized everything was going south, dropped the weapon, and bolted.


    Eliza didn''t bother chasing Gina; she was more concerned with following the stretcher into the emergency room. Gina hade for her, but Casper had jumped in to take the hit. He was already a bit dim-witted.


    Now, with a blow to the back of his head, Eliza was terrified for his life.


    As long as he didn''t die, she could find a way to repay him...


    If it came to it, she''d take care of him forever.


    Eliza was pacing frantically outside the emergency room. We turned to see Carlos approaching.


    His trench coat red with his hurried steps as he walked briskly towards her.


    "How''s he doing?" he asked urgently.


    Eliza looked at him, puzzled. "How did you know...?"


    "The word spread like wildfire at the construction site. Everyone''s saying Gina attacked the fool. I was there sketching and rushed over as soon as I heard."


    He nced nervously at the red light above the emergency room.


    After a moment, he calmed down and asked Eliza, "How long has it been?"


    "Two hours."


    She was worried, too; no nurses or doctors hade out to update them.


    She had no idea how things were going.


    "Gina didn''t know she could end up in jail for this? How could she just attack like that?"


    Carlos seemed genuinely angry.


    His fists clenched so tightly that they made an audible sound.


    After a brief moment of confusion, Eliza nced at Carlos. "She was after me, but he took the hit for me."


    "What?" Carlos'' anger red up like wildfire, spreading rapidly. His brows furrowed, and his eyes filled with disbelief,


    "He''s really a fool for taking a hit for me like that."


    Eliza gently lifted her head to look at Carlos angrily.


    In her memory, Carlos and Casper weren''t particrly close. Their interactions were limited to a few casual encounters during sketching sessions. Why was Carlos so agitated now?


    "Why are you so worked up? Could it be..." She wondered if there was something she didn''t know.


    Carlos met Eliza''s questioning gaze and didn''t feel the need to hide anything. "To be honest, I do have a bit of a soft spot for him."


    "You... really... like men?"


    It was just a suspicion before.


    Now... Carlos openly admitted it.


    But Casper wasn''t gay.


    "You don''t have a problem with that, do you?"


    Carlos knew that views on this matter were rather conservative, but he didn''t care.


    Eliza awkwardly shuffled her feet.


    "Well,All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    but... he''s a fool, you you do like men, you xst find a normal one."


    belongs to en. w


    "It''s about feelings."


    Feelings?


    Eliza didn''t understand Carlos'' emotional world.


    Luckily for Casper, he was a fool now.


    If he were in his right mind and knew Carlos was interested in him, he might have killed him.


    "Ding."


    The light outside the emergency room was turned off.


    Casper was wheeled out.


    Eliza''s heart leaped, and she hurried forward, anxiously looking at Casper.


    Hisplexion was pale as paper, almost lifeless.


    She nervously asked the doctor, "How is he? How is he doing?"


    The doctor removed his mask, and his expression was grave. "We''ve managed to save his life, but his recovery... we''ll have to wait and see."


    Wait and see?


    What did that mean?


    Swnov


    Eliza''s heart tightened. She tried to catch more information from the doctor''s tone.


    "Doctor, are you saying he won''t wake up from thea? Or... is he going to be in a vegetative state?"


    The doctor was silent for a moment,


    then sighed softly, "It''s too early to say. His condition is quiteplex. We can only observe for now and n ordingly. But, you shouldn''t be overly pessimistic."


    Nurses wheeled Casper off to his room.

 Chapter 330

    Eliza''s heart sank like a stone, anxiety and unease swirling in her chest, her eyes brimming with deep concern.


    Carlos gently patted her shoulder, trying tofort her. "Even though he got hurt because of you, you don''t need to beat yourself up about it." How could she not me herself? What if he never wakes up? Her gaze turned somber.


    Eliza followed the nurse into the hospital room. Caspery there, quietly asleep.


    Carlos leaned in and whispered, "Let me stay and take care of him. If Gina shows up again, I can handle her. Plus, it''s easier for me as a man."


    Eliza hesitated. If Carlos had conventional interests, she might actually trust him to take care of Casper for a few days while she dealt with Gina''s mess. But his interests were unconventional. What if he did something while Casper was unconscious? No, she couldn''t risk it.


    "No, I''ll take care of him," Eliza declined Carlos'' ''kind'' offer.


    Carlos opened his mouth to argue, but Eliza cut him off. "He got hurt because of me. It''s only right that I stay with him. Mr. Carlos, why don''t you head home?"


    "It''s just not practical for you to care for him as a woman," Carlos tried again.


    "It''s fine."


    She didn''t give him another chance to argue, offering a faint smile instead. Carlos swallowed his words reluctantly.


    "Alright, I get it. But I mean it."


    Eliza just smiled and said no more.


    After Carlos left, Eliza sat by the hospital bed, staring at Casper''s pale face, lost in thought...


    A few dayster, on the weekend, Eliza brought Brock to the hospital to visit Casper, who still hadn''t woken up.


    "Mom, what''s wrong with Mr. Casper?"


    "Mr. Casper is sick. When we see him, we need to speak softly, okay?" Eliza''s face was a mask of gentle, loving concern. Brock nodded obediently. "Okay, I understand."


    Just as they reached the hospital


    room door, they heard some rustling noises inside. She thought it was a nurse and led Brock inside. But what she saw made her stomachchurn.


    "What the hell are you doing?" Eliza shoved Carlos away and yanked the nket to cover Casper''s body. "Mr. Carlos, what is wrong with you?


    know you like him, but he''s a patient, and you''re molesting him without his consent. Do you have some kind of psychological issue?"


    Carlos was mortified. He had indeed lost control.


    "Ms. Valerie, I know I shouldn''t have, but I was just... overwhelmed."


    "Enough." She felt nauseous just hearing him. "Regardless of your feelings, he''s a patient and still in the hospital. You''re disgusting."


    Carlos was so young yet capable of such vile actions. Eliza looked at Carlos, feeling a wave of nausea.


    "Alright, Mr. Carlos, leave now and don''te back."C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "Ms. Valerie, I..." Carlos wanted to exin further but realized there was nothing more to say. He nced at Casper lying on the bed. "Let''s talk when he''s better."


    Eliza didn''t know if Brock had seen everything. She didn''t discriminate against homosexuals, but she hadn''t expected Carlos to have such gross tendencies. She took a couple of deep breaths, trying to calm herself.


    "Cough, cough..."

 Chapter 331

    There was a stir on the sick bed.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Brock let go of Eliza''s hand and dashed to Casper''s bedside, grabbing hisrge hand.


    "Mr. Casper, are you awake?"


    Casper weakly lifted his heavy eyelids to look at Brock.


    Even though his eyes were barely open, Brock was still thrilled. "Mom, Mr. Casper is awake!"


    "Is he?" Eliza walked over and sat by the bed. Her face was gentle, her eyes filled with concern. "Are you awake?"


    Casper''s brow furrowed slightly. His gaze shifted from Brock to Eliza''s delicate face. He just stared at her, not blinking.


    Eliza touched his forehead. "Good, no fever anymore."


    "Mom, Mr. Casper must have been really scared, right?" Brock held Casper''s big hand seriously. "Mr. Casper, when I grow up, I''ll protect you and won''t let that meandy bully you again."


    Eliza ruffled her son''s fluffy hair, smiling. "Then you need to eat more so you can grow tall and strong." "I will."


    The newly awakened man was still a bit dazed and watched the mother and son talk back and forth. Even when a nurse came in to take his blood pressure and give him an injection, he didn''t look away. "Mom, why is Mr. Casper always looking at you? Did he go silly again?" Brock gently patted Casper''s face. "Mr. Casper, look at me."


    Casper finally turned to look at the little guy, who then kissed him on the face. "Mr. Casper, don''t be scared. Once you get better, Mom and I will take you home to take care of you."


    Eliza knew Casper couldn''t understand what Brock was saying, but it didn''t matter. One liked to talk while the other couldn''t understand; they were a perfect match.


    "I just asked the doctor. He said your injuries are healing nicely. You''re lucky-you survived a fall, almost drowned, got hit on the head with a hammer, and still haven''t died."


    Eliza shook her head, smiling. She wasn''t mocking him; she genuinely thought Casper was hard to kill.


    "Casper, being a mute is fine. At


    least Brock likes you, and I''m not afraid of you. After all, you''ve saved us many times, and Brock and Lare happy to take care of you. If I ever get married, we''ll continue to take you."


    She said thest part jokingly. Casper''s brow twitched just a little.


    After being discharged, Eliza took Casper back to her home. He was very quiet and peaceful. He ate and slept, recovering quickly.


    In the mornings, he would watch mother and son leave their small home. In the evening, he would watch them return, chat andugh. Casper often sat alone on the balcony, lost in thought. His gaze was deep and distant.


    One day, after Eliza and Brock had left, there was a knock at the door. Casper hesitated before getting up to answer it.


    The man at the door was a stranger, shorter than him. "I came to see you," Carlos. said, offering a basket of carefully selected fruits with a warm smile. His eyes apuded Casper''s clean and tidy appearance. "You seem to be doing well, Carlos said.


    Carlos tried to enter, but Casper blocked the doorway. "Aren''t you going to invite me in?" Carlos asked, a smile ying on his lips. Casper didn''t move, his eyes shining with a harsh light.


    Carlos chuckled softly, looking up at


    Casper with a full smile. "Let me introduce myself. I''m Carlos, Ms. Valerie''s colleague. When you were working on the construction site, I drew many sketches of you. Do you remember?"


    Casper shook his head. He had no memory of how he ended up here, let alone of who this stranger was.

 Chapter 332

    "No worries, we can start over," Carlos said, extending his right hand.


    Casper nced at the outstretched hand and then quickly pulled back. "No need," he replied.


    Carlos was taken aback. Hearing the so-called mute speak was a surprise. His eyes lit up with a mix of shock and curiosity, locking onto Casper''s handsome face. This guy seemed not just capable of talking now, but his whole demeanor had shifted. "You can talk? Have you...e to your senses, too?" Carlos asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.


    Casper''s brows knitted together. When had he ever been unable to speak? When had he ever be mentally challenged?


    Carlos felt a surge of luck. "What''s your name?" he inquired, stepping closer to Casper.


    But Casper''s wary eyes only grew more defensive. He backed away, "Do you need something?"


    "Maybe we could be friends," Carlos suggested, trying to sound genuine.


    "I''m not interested in making friends," Casper retorted, mming the door in Carlos'' face.


    Carlos touched his slightly bruised nose, a grin spreading across his face despite the pain. There was something oddly thrilling about this encounter.


    Casper returned to the balcony, his mind a jumble of lost memories. He didn''t recognize Eliza or Brock. He had no clue how he ended up here, how long he''d been around, or why he was in a hospital.


    Since waking up in the hospital, he had been trying to piece everything together, but the memories evaded him. His life was now filled with strangers-some kind, some malicious, and some with hidden agendas.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    When Eliza and Brock got home that evening, they found the front door ajar and a crowd of people gathered around. Had they been burgled? Or was there a fire?


    Eliza''s heart pounded with a sense of dread. "Who are you all? What are you doing in my house?" she demanded.


    A tall figure stepped forward from the crowd. Eliza''s breath caught in her throat-it was Dillon.


    What was he doing here?


    "Ms. Valerie, I''m here to take Mr. Casper," Dillon said, his voice calm and polite.


    Mr. Casper? Who told Dillon that Casper was here? Did that blow to the head bring back his memory? But Casper still looked at her and Brock like they were strangers. "How did you know...?" Eliza started.


    "Mr. Casper called me himself,"


    Dillon exined, his hands sped in front of him, leaning slightly forward. His face barely contain his excitement. "Thank God, M Casper is alive. He asked me to invite you and Brock back to Falconridge."


    Eliza was stunned. The news was too much to process at once. She gripped Brock''s hand tighter, slowly making her way toward Casper, surrounded by ck-suited figures. Her eyes were fixed on the familiar yet distant face.


    "Mr. Casper?" she asked hesitantly.


    He looked up, offering a small, polite smile. "Ms. Valerie, thank you for taking care of me. I need to return to Falconridge now. If you don''t mind, you coulde with me. I''d like to show my gratitude."


    What was he saying? Gratitude? Did he not remember her at all?


    He wasn''t foolish anymore. His memory had returned, but notpletely. Or maybe he had just forgotten the part of his life that involved her?


    For some reason, her heart felt like a piece had been hollowed out. Maybe it was for the best. This way, there would be no lingering ties between them. She had once thought she would take care of him forever.

 Chapter 333

    Eliza forced a polite but distant smile. "No need, Mr. Casper. I appreciate the gesture, but you should head back to Falconridge. Safe travels." Casper nodded slightly, his gaze shifting meaningfully towards Dillon. "Dillon."


    Dillon stepped forward, immediately understanding. "Mr. Casper, what do you need?"


    "Give Ms. Valerie some money. She''s taken care of me for so long, and being a single mom isn''t easy."Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Dillon was speechless. Had Mr. Casper really forgotten everything?


    "No need, let''s call it even," Eliza declined his offer and returned to her room with Brock.


    Casper''s brow furrowed as he stared at the door, confusion in his voice. "Did I know her before?"


    "This..." Dillon hesitated, unsure if Casper genuinely couldn''t remember. Was it temporary amnesia? Or was he pretending? Dillon didn''t dare say more.


    Surrounded by his entourage, Casper descended the stairs. As he was about to get into the car, he looked up at the second-floor window...


    Brock was leaning on the windowsill, waving at him. Something caught in Casper''s chest, making him feel inexplicably ufortable.


    "Mr. Casper, please get in the car," Dillon urged.


    Casper got into the car, watching Brock as they drove away. Brock''s eyes filled with tears as he buried himself in Eliza''s embrace. "Mom, does Mr. Casper not want us anymore?" "Mr. Casper... has his own life."


    "Does that mean I''ll never see Mr. Casper again?" The little guy was clearly struggling, tears brimming.


    Eliza thought they probably wouldn''t see each other again. He had lost his memory and forgotten everything about her. Their paths were not meant to cross again. She could continue to live in this small town with Brock, which was still the best oue. Eliza saw her son''s red eyes and gently touched his face. "Do you want to see Mr. Casper again?"


    "I like Mr. Casper."


    Eliza smiled, remembering how


    Brock used to be terrified of Casper back in Falconridge. But after Casper had joined him for a race on school sports day, Brock had grown attached to him. Perhaps there was a natural bond between father and son that made it easy for Brock to ept Casper. But she couldn''t give her child his father.


    "Then you can make a wish, and maybe one day, you''ll see Mr. Casper again."


    "Really?" The little guy believed her, jumping up excitedly. "Then I''ll make a wish now. I''ll make a wish."


    ...


    Life returned to its peaceful routine.


    Three monthster, one afternoon, Eliza received a call from David. Carter was seriously ill and hoped she could return to Falconridge to see him. Carter was Eliza''s mentor and had been very kind to her, she had no reason to refuse. After arranging everything in Oak Falls, she returned to Falconridge.


    David, looking somber and heavy-hearted, picked her up from the station.


    "David, how is Mr. Carter..."


    "My dad..." David''s voice was choked with emotion, his eyes red. "...he might not have much time left."


    "Mr. Carter was always in good health. How could he suddenly..."


    David adjusted his sses, trying topose himself. "He had a stroke recently, and his heart was already weak..."


    He suddenly turned to look at Eliza, pulling the car over to the side of the road.


    "Eliza, my dad''s biggest concern is that I''m still not married. I was hoping you could help me with something, could you?"


    Eliza wasn''t sure how she could


    help, but she had an inkling of


    what


    sas suggesting. "David t


    David Mr.


    we...


    won''t believe it."


    "You know, my dad and Amaya have always liked you, and I know you''ve been single for these past few years. I..."

 Chapter 334

    David didn''t want to bother Eliza.


    She had been hurt by love, and such wounds take a long time to heal. There was no way she''d be ready to ept him anytime soon.


    Eliza had no clue what David was thinking, but she knew her situation wasn''t ideal. "David, I have a child. Mr. Carter and Amaya know, and they would never approve of us, even if it were just for show. You should find someone else." "They would only feel sorry for you and not look down on you," David sighed deeply. "I know it''s a big ask, but my parents really like you. I''d be extremely grateful if you could y along with this act. It would fulfill my dad''s wish." Eliza wasn''t against helping out. But helping in this way could easily backfire.


    "David, let''s go see your dad first. I need to think about this."


    "Alright."


    Carter''s illness was worse than David had let on. Amaya was crying every day, looking exhausted. Eliza didn''t know how tofort her but agreed to stay a few more days at Falconridge to keep herpany. After visiting Carter, David offered to take Eliza home. "Why don''t you stay with us?"Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "No need, David, I''ve booked a hotel," Eliza remembered Amaya''s love for matcha-vored desserts. "Amaya seemed really down. I''ll get her a little cake to cheer her up. You can take it to herter." "That''s really thoughtful of you."


    "Amaya has been very kind to me. It breaks my heart to see her like this."


    "Then let''s head to the shop up ahead."


    It was a typical dessert shop. The disy was filled with an array of goodies.


    Eliza pointed to a matcha-vored mousse cake behind the counter and asked the server, "Do you still have this? I''d like one."


    "Yes, we do."


    "Casper, they have my favorite matcha mousse here. I want one," said a young woman with a bell-like voice tinged with a childlike tone.


    Eliza turned around. A young woman stood there. The man beside her, Casper, was incredibly familiar.


    The server apologized, "Sorry, but this is thest cake we have."


    "Casper, you know I love matcha mousse," the young woman clung to Casper''s arm, pouting. "I really want it."


    Eliza hadn''t expected to run into


    l.ne


    Casper in a small cake shop. The woman by his side was petite and charming, dressed in designer clothes, with an ambiguous attitude. Eliza guessed their rtionship was intimate.


    David also saw Casper. Disappointed, he said, "It''s firste, first served. We were here first; it should be sold to us."


    "Have you paid for it already?" The


    woman took out her phone, scanned the shop''s payment code, and said smugly, "I''ve just paid. This matcha mousse is mine."


    "Why can''t you be reasonable?" David said angrily.


    The woman hugged Casper''s arm and scoffed, "It''s your fault for not paying first."


    Eliza''s frown was barely noticeable. She looked at Casper and then at the woman, turned her face to the server, and said, "I asked for this cake first. Shouldn''t it be mine?"


    The server was in a difficult position. If the woman hadn''t paid, it would be simple. But now that she had, it wasplicated. "This..."


    "Ms. Valerie." Casper stepped forward, finding the situation somewhat amusing. "It''s just a cake. Why make a big deal out of it?"


    "So, Mr. Casper, are you saying I should just give this cake to your girlfriend?" Eliza''s expression grew even colder.


    Casper pulled out his wallet, took out a few bills, and handed them to Eliza. "Is this enough?"

 Chapter 335

    Eliza couldn''t help butugh at his behavior, a mix of amusement and disbelief coloring her reaction.


    Did Casper really think she was arguing with his girlfriend over money?


    "If that''s the case, then I absolutely must have that slice of cake today," she dered, her voice firm and unwavering, leaving no room for negotiation.


    "Do you think the money''s not enough?" Casper sneered, contempt curling his lips as he tossed all the cash from his wallet at Eliza. "So, Ms. Valerie, you''re that greedy for money. I must have misjudged you."


    Eliza stood there quietly, letting the bills fall around her, a chilly smile ying at the corners of her mouth.


    Watching the money scattered at her feet, Elizaughed. Casper was still Casper-always ready to charge into battle for others, yet always ending up standing up against her.


    "Come on, I''ve given you so much money; you can at least give me the cake now, right? Besides, I''ve already paid for it," the woman said as she approached the counter, extending her pale hand. "Give me the cake, please." The server had never encountered such a situation before. To give or not to give?


    "Miss, how about I check with another store to see if they have any matcha mousse left, and I can bring one over? This way, no one needs to argue and ruin the peace."


    The server hurriedly made a call.


    David stepped forward, protectively cing Eliza behind him. A sh of displeasure crossed his eyes as he spoke sharply, "What''s the meaning of this, Mr. Casper? Why are you unting your money around like this? Are you trying to humiliate us?" "And you are?" Casper''s gaze swept over David as if he were sizing up a stranger.


    David was momentarily taken aback, a surge of confusion rising within him. Was Casper pretending not to recognize him over a trivial matter?


    "You..."


    David''s words choked in his throat, finding himself at a loss for words for a moment.


    In the midst of their standoff, the server, out of breath, hurried over with two slices of matcha moussex cake in hand. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he carefully handed each of thedies a piece. "Here,


    now, there are two pieces of matcha mousse, one for each of you."


    The tense atmosphere was momentarily eased. Casper and the woman left with their cake and got into their car.


    David''s face was full of confusion.


    He turned to Eliza, his eyes filled with questions. "Why would Casper pretend not to know me? And he


    spoke to you as if you were a stranger. What... what''s going on?" Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "He''s lost his memory and doesn''t remember me," Eliza exined. It seemed Casper didn''t remember David either. "He likely doesn''t recognize you now either."


    "It must be from that ident."


    That ident had shaken the entire town of Falconridge, dominating the local news for days as if it were the soundtrack to those times.


    Eliza managed a bitterugh. "David, take the cake to Amaya for me. I''ll head back to the hotel to rest. I''ll visit Amaya tomorrow."


    "Alright, get some rest."


    "Mhm."


    Under the night sky of Falconridge, with stars twinkling above, Eliza woke up from her nap feeling hungry. The hotel''s rooftop boasted a decent restaurant, where she nned to enjoy a peaceful dinner.


    Coincidentally, her gaze unwittingly


    caught a familiar figure... Casper. Sitting next to him was the woman from the dessert shop with whom she had had the dispute earlier Opposite them sat an older woman who Eliza recognized as Casper''s aunt.


    Was this him introducing his girlfriend to his family? Eliza felt like she had chosen the wrong time and ce.


    Just as she was about to leave, her stomach protested loudly and untimely.

 Chapter 336

    With a resigned smile, she decided to find a secluded corner to grab a bite to eat away from prying eyes. Her chosen spot was perfect, offering a panoramic view. She looked out the window and could see the entirety of Falconridge spread out like a vast, unfolding painting. Eliza hadn''t taken the time to quietly observe the city in ages. The Falconridge she remembered was familiar andforting, but now it seemed foreign. The bustling streets and noisy crowds carried an unexined weight. She ordered a coffee and sat alone by the window, letting her thoughts drift with the coffee''s aroma.


    It wasn''t until the restaurant lights began to dim that she slowly got up. Under the night lights, the hotel corridor felt especially deste, her shadow stretching long on the wall, reaching all the way to her room''s door with each step. Her pace was measured, neither rushed nor rxed.


    Suddenly, a strong hand gripped her wrist tightly, yanking her into a dimly lit room without a word. Then, like a storm, kisses rained down on her, drowning her in a torrent of passion. She was terrified, her heart pounding, her hands weakly pushing against the frenzied man before her.


    Soon, she recognized his face. "Casper?" Her eyes widened in disbelief. Casper was flushed and delirious, his eyes burning with an intense, almost feverish, zeal. He seemed possessed, as if under a spell, having lost all sense of reason. Before she could react, the world spun. He lifted her effortlessly, his dominance undeniable, and threw her onto the soft bed. "Casper, don''t do this," she pleaded, trying to reach the man who had lost his mind.


    "How do you know my name..." he mumbled, uncontrobly ripping open his shirt to reveal a sturdy chest before bending down to kiss her again. His lips were scorching, as was his body. Had he been drugged? Was it that woman he was with earlier? But Casper''s aunt was there too. That woman had nerve.


    As Eliza''s mind raced, a sharp tearing sound brought her back to the moment. Casper roughly tore open her buttons. A chill swept over her, making her shiver violently. She instinctively tried to cover herself, but he quickly grabbed her wrists, pinning them above her head. His kisses came like a storm, with aText content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    force she couldn''t resist.


    She struggled, but their strength was worlds apart. She couldn''t move. "Casper, Casper..." She scratched and pulled his hair, but it was useless. He just needed an outlet, a way to release the fervor consuming him.


    "Snap out of it," she urged. "Give it to


    me," he demanded, breathing heavily, hisrge hand gripping her waist with brute force, heedless of the consequences. Eliza closed her eyes in pain and helplessness, biting down on his shoulder as hard as she could, as if trying to tear off a chunk of flesh.


    "Casper, you''re aplete jerk," she cried, her sobs heart-wrenching and raw. He seemed to regain a sliver of sanity, whispering hoarsely in her ear, "I''ll take responsibility for you."

 Chapter 337

    "Ding Dong."


    The doorbell rang.


    "Casper, I saw you weren''t feeling well, so I got you some medicine. Open the door, will you?"


    "Casper, are you in there? It''s Katie. Can you open the door, please?" "Casper..."


    Katie, the woman outside, was pacing anxiously. She had given Casper a powerful love potion that required making love seven times to be cured. If not, it could cause fatal internal bleeding. She definitely didn''t want to cause any deaths. "Casper, just open the door, okay?"


    "Casper, I know you''re in pain right now. I can help you."


    Inside, Casper ignored the calls from outside. He was pressing Eliza forcefully. Only after releasing that pent-up heat did he begin to regain his senses.


    Casper was beside her, gasping for breath. Eliza felt as though she had been crushed. Was she just used as a tool for his relief? Casper saw the intense hatred burning in her eyes as if it could devour him. Casper helplessly curved his lips into a bitter smile. "I was drugged; I had no choice. But don''t worry, I''ll take responsibility. If you want, I can marry you."


    His voice was low, tinged with apology but also helplessness. Eliza reacted as if she had heard a ridiculous joke. Hugging the nket tightly, her eyes wide open, she retorted, "Are you seriously ill? Who wants to marry you?"


    "Then what do you want? I can give you money." His tone was casual, almost magnanimous. "Name your price. I won''t argue."


    Eliza found his ''solving everything with money after forcing himself on her'' attitude quite insufferable. She kicked him off the bed angrily.


    "Casper, you think you''re something special because you have some money? I can call the cops right now and say you raped me. Then you can wait to go to jail."


    Casper was now on the floor, simplyughing it off. "Is that necessary? You''re not a virgin anyway."


    "Casper!!!!"


    Damn it. What did he mean? Did it mean he could sleep with her as he pleased just because it wasn''t her first time? What did he take her for?Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza grabbed the bedsidemp. "What do you take me for? You vited me and still make excuses for yourself. Are you even human?"


    Her emotional outburst was


    unexpected. Smashing amp


    against his head could be serious. Casper stood up, snatching themp from her hands.


    "Why so fiery? Were you unsatisfied with my performance just now? How about another round?"


    "You''re pushing your luck!"


    She felt like she was being treated as amodity. Katie was still outside. She heard themotion and knocked on the door again. "Casper, are you in there? Please open the door, okay? I know you''re in pain, and I can help you."


    "Casper, can you hear me?"


    Katie''s voice continued. Eliza


    hurriedly dressed, ring fiercely at Casper. "I''m going to let your girlfriend see for herself what kind of


    man you really are."


    She didn''t even put her shoes on properly in her rush to the door. Her hand hadn''t even touched the doorknob when Casper grabbed her wrist and pinned her against the door.


    "Why bother?"


    "Mr. Casper, are you scared now?"


    His words were deceitful.


    "Weren''t you just talking about marrying me, and now you''re afraid your little girlfriend will find out you raped someone?"


    "Rape? Isn''t that word a bit too harsh? You seemed to enjoy it just a moment ago," he said with a half-smirk.


    "Which eye of yours saw me enjoying it?" she red, her cheeks flushing.


    He responded with an overly innocent tone, "Well, I felt it."


    "You felt crap." She pushed him hard. "Move aside."


    Her angry demeanor appeared to him like an irate little wildcat.

 Chapter 338

    Eliza seemed fierce, yet there was an indescribable cuteness about her.


    How odd.


    He felt a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu with this feeling.


    He stared intently at Eliza''s face for a long time. "Have we... really never met before?"


    "Casper, have youpletely forgotten what happened in Oak Falls?" The nerve of him to even ask.


    "I''m not talking about that. Before Oak Falls... didn''t we know each other? If not, why would you take care of me?"


    He suddenly brought up the past.


    Eliza had no interest in discussing this with him. "Pathetic. What other reason could there be?"


    Katie was getting desperate outside.


    "Casper, please open the door." Katie knocked, but no one came to open it.


    She ended up calling Casper''s aunt, "Mae, Casper has locked himself in his room, and I can''t get in. Look at the fine mess your idea has gotten us into. If something happens, who''s going to be responsible?" "What could possibly go wrong? It''s just some love potion, after all. Just go to the reception and get a spare key, and you''ll be in."


    "The hotel reception won''t give me a key. Maybe you shoulde over. That potion was too strong. I''m worried about him..." Katie dared not think further.


    Inside the room.


    "Have you really not considered opening the door for your little girlfriend?" Eliza said mockingly, looking at Casper''s face.


    He raised an eyebrow. "She''s not my girlfriend."


    "Mr. Casper, you were quite the knight in shining armor for your little girlfriend today, and now she''s not your girlfriend? Isn''t that a waste of your public performance at the dessert shop?" "Then would you give me a chance to perform?" His hand moved restlessly to her waist, pressing their bodies close together, the temperature between them rising suddenly. "Hmm?" "Are you sick? Are we that close?" She pushed him away.


    "Then we can get to know each other again."


    He was serious.


    Clearly, Eliza was not at all interested in his seriousness. "Mr. Casper, you and I are not the same kinds of people, so there''s no need to get to know each other again."


    "When we were in Oak Falls, you were very gentle. Howe..." He seemed to understand. It was still about the bakery incident. "...I apologize for my rudeness today." "Don''t. I don''t need it."


    His so-called apology was because he now saw her as an antidote. "Let me go. I want to go back."


    His hand gripped her waist tightly, showing no intention of letting go "Actually, the potion''s effects on my body haven''tpletely worn off..."


    What was he talking about?


    Did he really think she was that easy to bully?


    "Casper, don''t think I won''t call the police." She red at him as if she wanted to devour him.


    "Think of it as doing a good deed."


    He smiled weakly.


    Eliza took a deep breath and shouted towards the door. "Everyone outside, listen up. Casper is a rapist, he... mmm..." Her lips were sealed.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    His hand held the back of her neck, greedily sucking her lips.


    His body was burning hot.


    Hotter than before.


    She seriously suspected that the potion had not only harmed his body but his brain as well.


    "Get... off me."


    She tried to push him away.


    He was like a statue, immovable.


    Who knows how long they kissed?


    A mature woman''s voice came from outside, "Casper, open the door for me."


    It was Casper''s aunt''s voice.


    Casper stopped, licking the sweetness from his lips, and called out to the door, "I''m fine."


    "If you''re fine, then open the door. Do you have a woman in there? Who did you bring into the room?" The door


    was being knocked on t


    Casper, slightly irritated, furrowed his brows. "I do have a woman in here. Don''t disturb me; I''m busy."


    "Casper, have you lost your mind?


    What kind of woman have you brought into your room? Is she a prostitute? Even if you''re desperate, you can''t sleep with a prostitute. What if you catch a disease? Do you not care about your health?

 Chapter 339

    Through the door, Eliza could hear Casper''s aunt''s rage echoing. It was weird, really. The Welton family had never bothered with Casper before. Did this aunt, who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, not know about Casper''s temperament? Was he the kind of man to be controlled? "Casper, if you''re feeling unwell, I can help you. Why turn to those... unsavory women?" the woman outside said urgently.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Casper nced at Eliza, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "She''s calling you unsavory."


    "You..." Eliza wanted to strangle him.


    "Alright, you can leave now," Casper said without any intention of opening the door. He leaned down, gently lifting her in his arms, and with a mix of tenderness and dominance, pinned her on the bed. He moved closer, almost erasing the space between them. "They''re afraid I''ll catch something, but I''m not."


    "Who are you calling diseased?" Her angry eyes, filled with anger, began to mist over, creating a serene and stunningly beautifulndscape in the depths of her gaze, like a tranquil and exquisite painting. The soft orange light bathed her face, enhancing her delicate beauty.


    He blinked, his head spinning. He barely knew her, so why did he feel as though they had known each other forever? He lowered his head, aiming to kiss her lips.


    She turned away, avoiding him. "If you dare touch me again, I''ll call the police."


    He looked up, gazing into her eyes, a deep and indescribable desire showing through. "I want to."


    His voice was hoarse, like he was holding something back. Eliza was beside herself. What did he mean by ''he wanted to?'' Did he expect everyone to just go along with his desires? "Are you a pig or something?"


    "I..." Before he could finish, his vision doubled, and his breathing became rapid, an abnormal chaos taking over. His eyes turned bloodshot, as if they were about to explode.


    Eliza suddenly realized something


    was


    him ag with him and pushed


    him away. "Casper, are you okay? You better get to the hospitab now,


    don''t drop dead in a hotel ont


    "I..." He wanted to say he was fine, but he slowly lost consciousness.


    "Casper. Casper, wake up. Casper..." He was rushed to the hospital. Eliza had the hospital call Dillon. By the time he arrived, she had quietly left.


    The doctor told Dillon that Casper


    had been drugged with an


    aphrodisiac; and although some of it had been released, it had still caused him to fall into aa. Dillon was nearly scared to death. He quickly caffed Caroline over.


    Caroline was confused, looking at Casper''s test report. She asked, "So, will he be... functional afterward?"


    Dillon''s forehead twitched. The doctor hadn''t said anything, and he hadn''t asked. It was guesswork... But you couldn''t really guess with this.


    "Ms. Caroline, we''ll have to wait until Mr. Casper wakes up to know the specifics."


    Caroline nodded, puzzled. "Who drugged him?"


    Dillon wasn''t sure of the details himself. But he knew Casper had gone out with Katie at Mae''s request. It probably had something to do with those two. "Could it have been Katie who drugged him? Today, Mr. Casper only met with her and Aunt Faye."


    "Katie? Aunt Faye''s stepdaughter? Is


    she out of her mind to drug Casper?" Caroline couldn''t stand women who appeare&fragile but were full of schemes, and she was furious "What is she trying to do? Sleep with Casper? If this leads to a fatality, she can kiss her life goodbye


    Dillon was only specting. He needed to investigate to know the exact situation.


    "Ms. Caroline, I''ll immediately look into Katie''s involvement, considering Aunt Fay is in the picture." "Get on it right away."

 Chapter 340

    Aunt Mae had really outdone herself this time. And Casper? He was not much better. He used to be so cautious, but ever since he lost his memory, it seemed like his smarts went with it.


    The whole situation wasn''t hard to crack. Dillon spent less than an hour digging up the truth for Caroline. He copied the hotel dining area footage and showed it to her.


    "It was Katie who slipped the drug into Mr. Casper''s drink while he was in the restroom, but she did it with Faye''s approval. In other words, drugging Mr. Casper was their joint effort."


    Caroline clenched her teeth in anger. Mae had brought her stepdaughter back from abroad, and now they were targeting Casper. The two of them were acting with tant disregard for consequences.


    As Dillon and Caroline were talking, Mae and Katie approached, their faces filled with anxiety and tension.


    "Caroline, is Casper alright?"


    "Caroline, how''s Casper doing?"


    Caroline''s brows knitted together, her tone sharp. "How would you not know how he is? Have you forgotten what you''ve done already?"


    Mae''s gaze darkened, and she forced a nervous smile. "Caroline, what are you talking about? Katie and I just got here; how would we know..."


    "Aunt, you''re part of the Welton family. How could you team up with this stepdaughter of yours to harm Casper? You''ve really outdone yourselves by using such a drug. If anything serious happened to Casper, could you ever make it right?"


    There was a coldness in Caroline''s voice. She red at Katie, who was now hanging her head low. "What were you thinking? Were you trying to sleep with him? Katie, who gave you the nerve to set your sights on Casper? I''m telling you, if Casper suffers even the slightest harm, you''ll regret it."


    Caroline couldn''t fathom what Katie was dreaming of. Did she really think she could marry into the Welton family by getting involved with Casper? Not to mention, her rtionship with Mae made it impossible for her and Casper to have any further rtions, Even without anyplications, Casper


    would never marry someone like her.


    Caroline turned to face Mae. "Aunt Mae, if you''re behind this, you''d better drop the idea. If you dare try anything like this again, I assure you, you won''t be wee back in Falconridge."


    Mae hadn''t anticipated the situation escting to such severity. She had only asked Katie to buy some aphrodisiacs. But Katie had chosen the strongest ones avable.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "How could I harm Casper? He''s blessed with good fortune; he should be fine."


    Dillon pulled Caroline aside to show her another piece of surveince footage. Pointing at the woman in the video, he said, "A woman entered Mr. Casper''s room, and her silhouette looks very much like..."


    "He better be," Caroline retorted.


    Caroline scrutinized the blurry video, watching it repeatedly. The woman''s figure and the way she walked indeed resembled Eliza''s.


    Recent news had reported that the


    doyen of the art world, Carter, was


    critically ill. Eliza was Carter''s student and might havee to Falconridge to visit him and coincidentally stayed at the same hotel And then, by chance, had she ended up in Casper''s room when the drug took effect? If that was the case, it was an incredible coincidence.


    "Casper has lost his memory; I wonder if he could still remember Eliza."


    Caroline sighed softly; she knew Eliza too well Yes, Eliza could file a report, but she was unwilling to revisit her past with Casper. Casper''s memory loss, his forgetting her, was a blessing in disguise. Yet fate had entangled them once more.


    "Dillon, do you think Casper could fall in love with Eliza again even after his memory loss?"

 Chapter 341

    Dillon felt that Casper was at a disadvantage in this whole love affair. Was he falling for Eliza again? What good would it do if she was dead set on not giving them another shot?


    "I think Mr. Casper hasn''t figured out how to get along with Eliza. Seriously, which woman doesn''t like a gentleman?" Dillon remarked.


    Caroline nodded in agreement. "Which woman would want to be with an overbearing, unreasonable guy, no matter how powerful he is? It just wouldn''t work."


    "Looks like they''re really not gonna make it," she added, knowing her brother well enough. Memory loss or not, his personality and temper were deeply ingrained.


    In business, Casper knew how to bide his time and keep a low profile. Even though Zach was stillfortably running Welton International, Casper wasn''t in a rush. He knew that what was his would eventuallye back to him-it was just a matter of time.


    But when it came to matters of the heart? They were way moreplicated. Once a woman''s heart is broken, it''s incredibly tough to mend. Maybe after Casper saved Eliza and her son multiple times, her hatred for him lessened, and she was even willing to forgive the pain he caused. But the chances of her taking that leap again were slim.


    Dillon and Caroline were on the same page. Maybe starting fresh and finding happiness in their own ways wasn''t such a bad idea after all.


    The emergency room light went off, and Casper was wheeled out. The doctor mentioned that the situation wasn''t too bad-there was no permanent damage, but he needed to rest and detox. Mae and Katie both touched their necks and breathed a sigh of relief. "Casper''s okay; we can finally rx," Mae said. Just as her lips were about to form a smile, Caroline''s icy stare stopped her, and she quickly lowered her head.


    Caroline noticed Mae''s reaction. Despite her lingeringints, Caroline decided not to push further. "You two should head back."


    "Alright, alright," they eagerly agreed, almost rushing to leave. "We''ll leave Casper in your care then."


    The ''mother and daughter'' duo quickly disappeared down the hallway.


    Casper woke up after being pushed back to his ward, feeling like his body had been through a grinder. Every muscle screamed in exhaustion, and his head throbbed. He barely lifted his eyelids and saw Ditton and Caroline standing there.


    vel


    "Are you two standing here like sentinels worried I might drop dead?" he quipped with a


    self-deprecating smile. "Rx, I''m


    not that easy to kill."


    "Is Katie into you?" Caroline asked, crossing her arms and eyeing him intently. "Didn''t you notice her intentions?"


    "Aunt Mae asked me to take Katie


    out, and I couldn''t refuse. How was I supposed to know she''d drug me?" he said. Katie and Mae are not blood rtives. Katie, being Mae''s


    stepdaughter, made them


    somewhat rted. Who


    uld''ve


    guessed she had such ns?


    Caroline smirked. "The doctor said it''s a good thing some of the drugs wore off. Otherwise, you might''ve ended up impotent and childless."


    "It''s not that serious," Casper muttered, knowing his body well.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Caroline took a deep breath, her gaze turning yful. "So, who was the woman who gave you the antidote?"


    Casper paused, pinching the bridge of his nose. That woman...


    "I don''t remember," he finally said.


    "You don''t remember?" Caroline nearlyughed. "You better remember, or you might get a police summons one day and not even know what you did."

 Chapter 342

    "She can actually call the cops on me? She''s not that type of person."


    "So, you know who she is, then?" Caroline leaned in with a teasing grin. "Who is she?"


    "Would you even know her if I told you?" Casper clearly didn''t want to discuss it with Caroline. Annoyed, he closed his eyes. "You should head back. Let Dillon stay with me." "Alright, get some rest."


    She was getting bored here anyway.


    After Caroline left, Casper sat up in bed. His eyes locked onto Dillon, who was standing respectfully nearby.


    "Do you have Valerie''s contact info? Like, her cell number?"


    Dillon looked a bit surprised, cautiously replying, "Mr. Casper, you want Ms. Valerie''s contact info... is there something you need?"


    "Don''t y dumb."All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Dillon: ...


    Completely baffled, "Mr. Casper, I honestly don''t know."


    "I slept with her, shouldn''t I take responsibility?" Casper looked at his assistant as if he were an idiot. "What, when you sleep with women, it doesn''t mean anything?" "Mr. Casper, I don''t just sleep around with women."


    Dillon hurriedly waved his hands, indicating his chastity.


    "If she doesn''t want to marry me, then give her money."


    He had discussed this with Valerie before. She was probably too angry to name a price. After thinking it over, he decided to let Dillon handle it.


    "Dillon, run an errand for me, ask her what she wants."


    Dillon: ...


    Casper and Eliza had both been removed from the family registry. Just restore their status in the registry, and the marriage would still be valid. "Mr. Casper, about this..."


    "Can''t do it?" He frowned impatiently, grabbing a nearby water bottle and throwing it. "Then what use do I have for you?"


    "I can do it, I''ll arrange a meeting with Ms. Valerie right away to discuss this. Just wait for my news."


    Dillon didn''t dare say more and quickly left.


    Eliza was initially surprised when Dillon called to arrange a meeting. She guessed it must be about Casper, but she didn''t expect it to be about marrying her. "Dillon, have you forgotten about Casper and my situation too? Is there really a need to discuss this?"


    Dillon knew this was a tough conversation. But since Casper asked him to discuss it, he had to bring back some results.


    "Ms. Valerie, is there really no


    chance for you and Mr. Casper?" He


    ??? ???


    thought about how desperately Casper had once fought for her. "Part of the reason Mr. Casper ended up like this was to save you. He truly loves you, he knows he was Wrong. Just give him a chance, will you?"


    Part of the reason was indeed Eliza, and she epted that. But she couldn''t agree that he loved her. His feelings were more about


    "Dillon, I''ve lived with Casper long enough to know him. He might love someone, but it would never be me. Between us..." she gently shook her head, "...being strangers is more suitable."


    "What about considering your son? He needs a father, and that''s an undeniable fact."


    Dillon hoped she would consider Brock''s sake and try to get along with the amnesiac Casper. But Eliza still firmly refused. "Dillon, stop it."


    "Ms. Valerie, please, just consider it a bit more?"

 Chapter 343

    To deter Dillon from his persistent advances, Eliza had no choice but to mention her fake engagement to David.


    "Dillon, David and I are getting engaged. From now on, I hope you and Mr. Casper will respect my wishes and stay out of my life." Dillon was stunned.


    "Where did this Davide from all of a sudden? And now they''re engaged?" he thought, bewildered.


    "Ms. Valerie, are you really..."


    "Yes," Eliza interrupted firmly, leaving no room for doubt.


    Dillon had no choice but to ept her statement. At least he could report this to Casper.


    "If that''s the case, I''ll take my leave," he said, standing up, bowing politely, and walking out.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    As he exited, he bumped into David.


    "Dillon."


    "Mr. David."


    After a brief exchange of pleasantries, David entered the caf¨¦. He saw Eliza sitting there, lost in thought, and gently reminded her, "Your coffee''s cold. Want a fresh cup?"


    "No, thanks." Eliza snapped back to the present, smiling at David. "I noticed the professor seems in better spirits these days."


    "He brightened up the moment he heard about our engagement. It''s like his illness improved overnight," David said, though he knew it was just a temporary uplift. "But I fear it''s just a fleeting improvement." Eliza was taken aback.


    If the professor''s recovery was indeed short-lived, their fake engagement ceremony might need to be moved up.


    "Should we move up the engagement?" she asked.


    The professor seemed to think he wouldn''t make it much longer.


    David wanted to make the asion grand to fulfill his father''sst wish, but he worried Eliza might not agree.


    Looking troubled, he said, "I was hoping to make the engagement ceremony more formal. What do you think?"


    Eliza had assumed the Simmons


    family would host a small, intimate ceremony. A grand event would invite many prominent figures from Falconridge, which she was


    reluctant to face.


    It was all fake, and she feared the fallout if their charade was


    discovered. But considering the


    importance of respecting the dying''s wishes, she couldn''t refuse.


    "David, I''ll go along with it. Let''s make the professor as happy as we can," she agreed.


    David, visibly relieved, took Eliza''s hand, "Thank you, Eliza. I really appreciate it."


    A few dayster, at the hospital, Dillon held the Simmons family''s engagement party invitation, reading it repeatedly.


    He had initially thought Eliza''s engagement announcement was just an excuse to fend him off.


    It seemed the engagement with David had been nned all along. Eliza was starting a new chapter.


    He wondered how Mr. Casper would react.


    Dillon shook his head. The Simmons family, with their reputation and education, was undeniably a good match for Eliza. But...


    He hesitated at the hospital room door before finally pushing it open.


    "Mr. Casper."


    "You''re here," Casper said, looking almost fully recovered. "Perfect timing. Arrange my discharge, will you?"


    "Of course, Mr. Casper."


    Dillon ced the invitation on a nearby cab and left toplete the discharge process. When he returned, he found Casper holding the invitation. "She''s getting engaged?" Casper''s brow furrowed in disbelief.


    Dillon nodded, "Yes, Ms. Valerie and Mr. David are getting engaged tomorrow at the Falconridge Hotel. They''ve invited you to attend."


    Casper tossed the invitation onto


    the bed with a thud. After a moment, he scoffed, "Really, what does David have that I don''t? She dismisses me and chooses him?"


    Dillon remained silent.


    "Mr. Casper, Ms. Valerie has decided to let bygones be bygones. She won''t hold you responsible. Maybe it''s best if you just let this go..."

 Chapter 344

    ---


    "What does she mean?" The man snapped, irritation evident in his voice. "Afraid I''d cause her trouble?"


    Dillon nodded.


    Mr. Casper was sharp, figuring it out instantly.


    "Let''s go. We''re leaving the hospital."


    Casper was fuming.


    All the way back, Dillon didn''t dare utter a word or even breathe too loudly, terrified of further angering Casper and getting thrown out of the car.


    The tension was palpable.


    ...


    David and Eliza''s engagement party was a grand affair, inviting not only Casper but also many of Falconridge''s elite.


    Early that morning, Eliza slipped into the white cocktail dress David had carefully picked out for her. She stood at the door, greeting guests.


    The dress, with its off-shoulder design and snug fit around her waist, highlighted her slender figure. She looked stunning.


    Sometimes, she felt a little lost.


    She and Casper had never had an engagement party.


    When they first got married, she envied others who had grand engagement celebrations. Even watching proposal videos online filled her with regret. Indeed, it was a regret.


    She never wore a proper wedding dress, only posing for a photo in one that wasn''t even considered a bridal portrait.


    That photo was long gone.


    The memories between her and Casper were fading, and soon they would vanishpletely from each other''s lives. She let out a bitterugh.


    Why was she thinking of Casper again?


    No, it wasn''t him she was thinking about, but rather her past self''s emptiness.


    While Eliza was lost in thought, Casper and Dillon arrived, one after the other. "Congrattions, Mr. David."


    Hearing Casper''s voice, Eliza lifted her gaze towards him.


    Their eyes met, and she quickly looked away.


    Casper chuckled softly, his eyes lingering on her delicate corbone. "Ms. Valerie, you''re looking quite stunning today." Worried Casper might say something inappropriate, Eliza leaned in and whispered to David, "I need to use the restroom." David understood how seeing Casper made Eliza feel. Softly, he asked, "Do you want me toe with you?" "No need."


    Eliza picked up her dress and headed to the restroom.


    The ce was bustling with guests.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She chose the most secluded restroom, almost empty.


    Gently turning on the tap, she washed her face. The cool water refreshed her slightly tired features, bringing her some rity.


    Yet, she still couldn''t find peace in her heart.


    "Hiding from me?"


    The sudden voice shattered the quiet.


    She turned, catching a glimpse of Casper standing at the door through the mirror.


    A cigarette dangled from his lips, his casual demeanor reminding her of a rebellious yboy.


    A flicker of surprise passed through Eliza''s eyes, but her expression remained calm. "Why would I hide from you?"


    "Hiding because of what happened that night," he said, disliking her pretense, hisugh carrying a teasing tone.


    Eliza''s lips curved into a slight smile.


    Was he overestimating his importance?


    "I didn''t take that matter so seriously."


    "Didn''t you?" He stepped into the restroom, the door closing softly behind him and locking. He advanced towards Eliza. "Wasn''t it you, Ms. Valerie, who was insistent on calling the police that night?"


    Eliza''s heart skipped a beat, her


    lower back instinctively pressing et


    against the hard sink. Each step back was filled with slight panic.


    Even now, Casper didn''t recognize her.


    After that night, whether he had any other intentions towards her, she truly didn''t know. "I''ve told Dillon, I won''t dwell on that night. I hope Mr. Casper won''t bother me again."


    "Ms. Valerie, you''re quite heartless," he said, removing the unlit cigarette from his lips and tossing it into a nearby trash can, blocking her retreat, "Was my performance that night so unsatisfactory? You''re already engaged to someone else?"

 Chapter 345

    "Getting engaged to someone else? Or maybe... to you?" She scoffed. "What a joke."


    "And what makes David better than me?" He braced his hand beside her, trapping her between his arms, his nose almost touching hers. "Come on, enlighten me." Eliza thought Casper was being downright childish.


    A mocking smile curled at her lips. "David and I have known each other since college. We''ve got a strong emotional bond. His parents adore me, and we get along really well. As for you, Mr. Casper," she raised an eyebrow slightly, "it was just a fleeting encounter. How could there possibly be aparison?"


    "Is that what Ms. Valerie cares about?" He smirked.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Eliza felt uneasy under his sneer and frowned. "If not that, then what?"


    "Between a man and a woman, isn''t physical connection just as important as an emotional one?" His seductive lips moved slowly to her ear, his voice husky. "Can he... satisfy you in that way?"


    Eliza''s cheeks turned crimson at his bold words.


    Her eyes red with anger. "Mr. Casper, minding other people''s bedrooms now?"


    "Ms. Valerie, you''re not new to this; you must have your standards." He grasped the back of her neck, his lips brushing her earlobe. "As far as I know, David has some... issues in that department. Doesn''t that bother you?" David has issues? Eliza was taken aback; she hadn''t known.


    Their engagement was a sham, a charade for Carter. Even if it were true, it didn''t concern her.


    Wait... How did Casper know about this? He must be making it up.


    Eliza''s lips curled in a mocking smile. "Mr. Casper, feeling a bit insecure, are we? Making up stories to make yourself look good?"


    Hah. Insecure?


    He felt insulted. "Ms. Valerie, that was quite rude."


    "Mr. Casper can''t handle the truth?" Her slender fingers tapped his chest lightly. "Don''t tell me you thought


    you were impressive that night2et


    Even under the influence of


    aphrodisiacs, it was so... mediocre.


    Without the drugs..."


    Her disdainful gaze drifted downward, and she clicked her tongue. "...you might not even reach mediocre, right?"


    Casperughed angrily.


    He bent down and bit her exposed shoulder, hard enough to leave a mark.


    "You''re crazy." Eliza pushed him away, pain etching her face. "Are you out of your mind?"


    Her off-shoulder dress made the


    l.ne


    mark hard to ignore. Even if her rtionship with David was fake, she didn''t want the Simmons family and their friends to gossip.


    "You''ve upset me." He said yfully, trapping her within his arms, their breaths mingling. "You deserve a little punishment." "Madman."


    She tried to leave, but he tightened his grip around her waist, holding her firmly in ce.


    She struggled, trying to break free, but his strength was overwhelming.


    Angry eyes met his mocking, profound gaze. "Mr. Casper, what are you trying to do? Acting like a thug on the Simmons family''s turf?"


    "You called me mediocre, and now I


    can''t wait to show you just how wrong you are." He forcefully parted her legs, the position embarrassing and suggestive. "Give me a chance."


    Her eyes widened in shock. "What are you trying to do?"


    He lowered his head and kissed her lips, a tempestuous, domineering, fierce kiss that left no room for resistance.


    For some reason, being with her gave him a sense of deja vu, as if somewhere, sometime, they had shared a beautiful moment together.

 Chapter 346

    "I want to be with you."


    He said it with a seriousness that made Eliza''s head spin. The intensity was undeniable.


    "Even though Welton International is out of my hands for now, trust me, I''ll get it back. And even if I don''t, I can still support you. Just give me a chance, will you?" Eliza was stunned.


    What nonsense was he spewing? Who needed his support anyway? What was he chasing?


    "Casper, can you cut it out? I''m getting engaged today. What''s gotten into you?" Didn''t he have a girlfriend already? Falling for every girl he sees? "Does your girlfriend know about this? Do you have any moralpass at all?" "I told you, she''s not my girlfriend," he corrected.


    "And I''m just supposed to believe you?" Besides, whether he had a girlfriend or not had nothing to do with her rejecting his confession. "Mr. Casper, if you''re that bored, find someone else to bother."


    He looked at her, those long, curly eyshes casting shadows under the soft light. "I''m serious."


    "I don''t like you." She lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes with disgust, without a hint of hesitation.


    He smiled helplessly, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her again.


    Eliza was caught off guard and struggled toote. Casper was inherently dominant, assertive. The more she struggled, the deeper he kissed. She had always been unable to resist him, nor fight back. "Val, are you in there?" A knock came at the restroom door.


    Eliza finally managed to push the man away with all her strength. "Yes, just a minute."


    She needed to leave.


    Casper, still not wanting to let her go, was reluctant.


    She red at him, extending her finger as a warning, "Casper, you better be rational, otherwise..."


    "Otherwise what?" He bowed his head to take her finger into his mouth, shocking her into pulling back. But hisrger hand was quicker to grasp hers, his eyes full of desire as he looked into hers. "You''ll agree to be with me?"


    "Mr. Casper, are you into forced affection?" She didn''t appreciate such twisted pursuits. "If you are, then you''ve got the wrong person."


    "You and David aren''t right for each other. He''s not good enough."


    "And you know that how? Don''t you realize that ndering otherses at a cost?"


    The man innocently shook his head. "I''m not ndering. It''s a fact."


    "So what?" Did he really think that beside that one thing, there was nothing else between a man and woman? already have a child. marriage not predicated on procreation is immaterial to


    "Oh?" He smiled.


    "Let me go."


    sw novel


    &t


    She was getting annoyed. Dealing with Casper felt just as irritating as before she lost her memory.


    "Then agree to consider, and I''ll let you go."


    "Consider what?" She attempted to break free, her toneced with impatience.


    He looked intently into her beautiful eyes, solemn and heartfelt. "Consider being my girlfriend."


    Outside, David''s urging voice interrupted their standoff again.


    Eliza sighed helplessly, only managing to cate him. "Fine, I''ll consider it."


    Joy flickered in his eyes, his smile growing gentler. "You promise?" "Promise, promise."


    She pushed him away and walked towards the door. He noticed the visible bite mark on her shoulder, quickly taking off his jacket and gently draping it over her shoulders, giving her a knowing look.


    The door opened.


    David stood at the entrance.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    "Let''s go, David." Eliza stepped away.


    David''s gaze shifted to the man behind Eliza, filled with inquiry, skepticism, and a hint of


    vel


    sks.


    Although Casper didn''t recognize him, he certainly recognized Casper.


    The two of them in the restroom for so long, her shoulders draped with Casper''s jacket...

 Chapter 347

    ---


    "This coat is..." he asked.


    Eliza forced a smile. "It''s a bit chilly, so I borrowed it."


    "I can give you mine," David offered, already starting to take off his jacket.


    Eliza waved him off politely. "No need."


    "Eliza, you and Casper..." He tried to hide his curiosity but couldn''t help himself. "He hasn''t been bothering you, has he?"


    Eliza let out a sad smile. "He doesn''t even remember me. How could he trouble me? It was just a coincidence."


    David knew he had no right to pry, but he couldn''t shake the unease in his heart.


    The engagement party was still in full swing, but Casper had left early. As he got into the car, Dillon couldn''t hold back his questions. "Mr. Casper, where did you go? I was looking all over for you." "Chasing after my girlfriend," Casper replied.


    Dillon looked confused. "Chasing... your girlfriend? Who?"C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "Who else? Valerie, of course."


    Dillon was stunned. This guy was serious about Eliza. It seemed like his feelings ran deep, so deep that even amnesia couldn''t erase them. But would she feel the same? It would be heartbreaking if all his efforts ended in vain. "Mr. Casper, where to now?"


    "To the hotel," Casper said, pointing ahead.


    As the car started moving, Dillon couldn''t help but ask, "Mr. Casper, why are you staying at a hotel? Wouldn''t it be morefortable at home?"


    "You wouldn''t understand," Casper replied.


    Dillon shook his head, admitting to himself that he really didn''t get it.


    ...


    The engagement party wrapped up smoothly. Carter seemed pleased, looking much more spirited. Amaya held Eliza''s hand, introducing her to friends and family, always tagging on "my future daughter-inw which made Eliza feel the weight of expectation.


    By the time the event ended, Eliza waspletely drained.


    "You should stay here tonight. We have plenty of rooms," David suggested, hoping to keep her around for a heartfelt chat. "My parents would be upset if they knew you were staying at a hotel."


    If she stayed, the fake engagement might start to feel real, and Eliza didn''t want that.


    "David, I can''t stay. If your parents or Amaya ask, please exin."


    "Not even for one night?" His eyes showed a mixture of disappointment and longing.


    Eliza gave a faint smile. "David, I understand, but our rtionship is just for show. It''s not right to stay under the same roof."


    "It wouldn''t be a problem," David insisted.


    But Eliza was firm. Despite his reluctance, David had to respect her decision. He dropped her off at the hotel, offered a few parting words, and left.


    Still wearing Casper''s coat, Eliza


    wandered into the hotel, lost in


    thought. She didn''t notice the figure standing by her door until she nearly walked into him. Startled, she looked up and met his gaze.


    "You... what are you doing here?" Surprise and confusion colored her voice.


    "Isn''t it obvious? Waiting for you," he replied with a soft smile, a hidden tenderness in his eyes.


    "Waiting for what?" She suddenly remembered the coat and tossed it back to him. "Here''s your coat. Now go."


    She pulled out her room key and opened the door, but as if he had nned it, Casper slipped inside with her. "I''m not here for the coat," he said casually.


    "Then why are you here?" She asked, exhaustion heavy in her voice. She tossed her bag aside and copsed onto the bed. "What is it, Mr. Casper? Are you tired of home and decided to try out hotel living?"

 Chapter 348

    He leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed, his gaze lingering on her rxed figure. "Why didn''t you stay with the Simmons family?"


    She turned over, her back to Casper. "Mind your own business."


    He shrugged, then quietly moved behind her, lying down in the same position. Hisrge hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her into his embrace. "You and David getting engaged isn''t because of Carter''s illness, is it?" Eliza''s back went rigid. Casper was just too smart.


    If only he were always a fool.


    "Let go of me. My life is none of your business."


    She tried to wriggle free from his strong grip, but the more she struggled, the tighter he held her, as if he wanted to meld her into himself.


    "Just hold on for a bit, okay? Don''t throw a tantrum."


    His voice was deep and gentle, with a hint of teasing. His breath lightly brushed her ear, like a spring breeze, making her feel both uneasy and resigned.


    "You''re crazy," she frowned.


    "Crazy in love with you," he said, tightening his grip and gently turning her to face him. His deep eyes locked onto hers. "I''m pretty old-fashioned. With me, you can rest assured, I won''t change."


    Eliza: ...


    What was he even saying? Promises? Vows?


    He had amnesia, she didn''t.


    Was she really supposed to believe his nonsense? Throw herself into an abyss again?


    "Mr. Casper, if you''re unwell, go get treated. Stop bothering a woman you barely know." She decided toy it all out, to put an end to his persistence. "I''ve got a child and no ns to marry again. And you, with your high status, shouldn''t be mingling with someone like me. So... please, just leave me alone, okay?"


    "I can treat your child as my own," he said earnestly. "Besides, I don''t have any high status right now. Could you perhaps pity me and take me in, please?"


    Eliza: ...


    How did it turn into him begging her?


    Was this still the proud Casper?


    "Let go of me first, then we''ll talk."


    Instead of letting go, he held her even tighter, as if afraid she''d bolt, pressing his body firmly against hers "If you don''t agree, I won''t let go."


    His words were both stubborn and endearing.


    Eliza was at her wit''s end. She closed her eyes. "I''m hungry."


    "Hungry?" He sat up, the bed


    a slightly, and pulled Elizat


    with him. "What do you want


    I''ll


    e you." Content belon


    Peat?


    "Anything."


    She pondered, her eyes never leaving his movements.


    "What do you love to eat?" he asked, his voiceced with tenderness.


    "I''m easy. Please, let''s just go, I''m starving."


    Casper smiled slightly, asked no more, and turned towards the door.


    Just as his hand touched the doorknob, a sudden push came from behind. Stumbling forward, he nearly fell. Eliza seized the moment to m the door shut and lock it.


    Perfect.


    "Mr. Casper, please go home and stop bothering me."Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza pped her hands as if she had just shooed away a nuisance.


    She was truly fed up.


    "Valerie, now you''re ying tricks on me? Open the door."


    He pressed the doorbell, his tone not particrly angry, even a hint of a helpless smile on his lips.

 Chapter 349

    "Please, just go. If you don''t leave now, I''m calling the police."


    It was pretty embarrassing to be sent away like this, but the man decided not to argue. "Alright, I''m going. Don''t forget to eat somethingter."


    "Just go, please."


    She stood by the door for a while, waiting until his footsteps had faded away before she finally rxed. Her stomach grumbled, reminding her that she was indeed hungry. Eliza picked up her phone, thinking about ordering some takeout.


    Suddenly, the doorbell rang, making her heart skip a beat. Could it be Caspering back?


    "I won''t open the door for you, just leave, do you hear me?"


    "Ms. Valerie, I''m a server from the hotel''s kitchen, here to deliver your meal. Please open the door."


    A staff member from the hotel''s kitchen? Was she hearing things?


    "I didn''t order any food. You must have the wrong person."


    "It was a Mr. Casper who ordered the meal for you. Please open the door."


    Casper ordered the meal? Wow, how thoughtful of him.


    The door opened. The hotel kitchen staff pushed the cart in,ying out dish after dish in front of Eliza.


    "Mr. Casper instructed us to prepare something else if you don''t like it."


    The meal wasvish, and Eliza politely smiled. "No, it''s fine, thank you so much."


    She wasn''t that picky. Being able to fill her stomach was all that mattered. But she wouldn''t be grateful for his thoughtfulness. The hotel''s food was indeed much tastier than anything from outside. After eating, she went to sleep.


    Early in the morning, before she was fully awake, the doorbell rang again. "Who is it?"


    "Ms. Valerie, I''m here to deliver your breakfast."


    "I didn''t order breakfast." She just wanted to sleep in, turning over and pulling the nket over her head. "You''ve got the wrong room."


    "It was Mr. Casper who ordered it for you. Could you please open the door?" The server outside replied politely.


    Casper again?


    Eliza threw off the nket, irritatedly running her hands through her hair. Wrapping herself in a robe, she went to open the door.


    "How many meals did he order, exactly?"


    "Mr. Casper said, until you check out." The server pushed the cart into the room.


    The breakfast wasvish, but she had no appetite at all. "Just leave it there."


    "Alright, Ms. Valerie, and there''s this." The server took out a beautifully wrapped bouquet of red roses from under the cart. "This is also from Mr. Casper He asked us to order these flowers for you. Please ept them."


    Casper ordered flowers for her?


    Eliza felt aplex emotion stirring within her. She had been with Casper for so many years. She had dreamt of receiving even a single bouquet from him, even if it were just baby''s breath. Waiting and waiting until their rtionship hadpletely fractured, she had never seen a single petal.


    The bouquet was for Valerie, the one who Casper had forgotten, not for Eliza.


    "I won''t take the flowers, please throw them away," she said coldly.


    The server, unable to go against a guest''s wishes, nodded. "Alright, Ms. Valerie, I''ll take care of it."


    Breakfast lost its appeal to Eliza. She prepared to pack up and return to Oak Falls.


    "Ding-dong."All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    The doorbell rang once more. Upon opening the door, she found David.


    "David?"


    "Have you had breakfast?" He was holding Eliza''s favorite, soy milk and dumplings. "I guessed you hadn''t eaten."


    His face wore a gentle smile.


    Entering the room with his offerings, he saw the untouchedvish breakfast and was slightly taken aback. "You... ordered room service?" "That... I don''t like it." She took the breakfast from David''s hands, cing it on the table. "David, have you eaten?"


    "Not yet, thought I''de and have breakfast with you."


    Eliza smiled and nodded. "Sure, let''s eat together."


    Casper''s breakfast was


    unceremoniously packed away, ending up in the trash. The breakfast they shared was what David had brought. The two of them enjoyed their meal together, chatting andughing, in high spirits.

 Chapter 350

    "David, I think I need to go back to Oak Falls for a bit. I''m really worried about Brock."


    When David walked in and saw Eliza packing her things, he wasn''t surprised. "It''s a good idea to check in on him. I''lle with you."


    "You need to take care of the professor. I can handle it on my own," Eliza replied, thinking this wasn''t the right time for David to leave Falconridge.


    David nced at her, his eyes a mix of shyness and determination. "I mean, now that you''re Valerie, you don''t have any ties to Casper anymore. Maybe it''s better to bring Brock back to Falconridge. We can take care of him together." Eliza blinked, her longshes fluttering. "David, you..."


    "What I mean is, I hope you can start a new life. My parents and I want you to forget the past. They''ll love you, understand you, and they''ll adore Brock too." Eliza was taken aback. What does that even mean? Is he trying to turn this fake engagement into something real? She had never thought of David that way. "David, we..."


    David suddenly took her slightly cold hand, looking at her earnestly. "I know the engagement is fake, but my concern for you has always been real. Everything you''ve been through, I feel it too. It hurts me, and I want to bring warmth into your life. Give me a chance, give yourself a chance. Please?"


    Eliza was momentarily stunned. She hadn''t thought about remarrying. She had lost faith in marriage. Even with Carter and Amaya, who adored her, she wasn''t sure she could make it work. If there were no children involved, maybe she would consider it. But she had Brock. She didn''t want to wrong anyone, especially her own child.


    "David, I really..."


    "I know this is all so sudden. And I know Casper still tries to entangle himself with you, openly and secretly. But it doesn''t matter. I''m not afraid ofpetition or his power. I''m confident I can give you a good life, a warm home for Brock."


    Something felt off to Eliza. David wanted a marriage, but she wanted a peaceful life.


    "David, I haven''t thought about getting married again." Her tone was soft, hoping he''d understand.


    David knew it was hard for her to ept everything at once and didn''t push her. "I get it. You''ve been hurtin love, betrayed in marriage. But not everyone is the same, and not all men are alike. We''ve known each other for years. You know I''m not the kind to love frivolously."


    From any perspective, David was a catch. And that''s why she felt her brokenness didn''t deserve him.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza didn''t say anything. David didn''t want to push her too hard and gently said, "Think about what I''ve said. I''lle with you to Oak Falls today, okay?" Eliza nodded, agreeing.


    After packing up, she and David were ready to leave. As they opened the door, they were greeted by the sight of a man standing outside.


    Eliza was momentarily taken aback. Casper''s face visibly darkened upon seeing them together.


    "Were you two togetherst night?"


    Eliza knew Casper''s temper all too well. He was quick to throw punches. Back in the day, Aaron had taken his fair share of beatings. She didn''t want Casper''s fistsnding on David''s face.


    "We..."


    She tried to exin, but David smoothly wrapped an arm around her shoulder, his tone slightly challenging. "We''re engaged now. Isn''t it normal for fianc¨¦s to live together?"

 Chapter 351

    "Do you even have what it takes?" Casper''s eyes red with anger as he shoved David. "Get your hands off me."


    Eliza quickly stepped between them. "Casper, it''s too early for this. What are you trying to start?"


    "Valerie, you told me yesterday that you''d think about being my girlfriend." Casper took a deep breath, struggling to control his emotions. His voice trembled with hurt. "Kicking me out and spending the night with him-what''s that supposed to mean?" "Who I spend my night with is none of your concern," she replied, her chin raised defiantly, her eyes cold and cutting. "Let me make it clear-I don''t want to be your girlfriend, not now, not ever." A bitter smile twisted his lips.


    From the flowers he''d tossed into the lobby trash can to the breakfast she''d discarded in her room''s bin, every gesture of affection he had painstakingly prepared was so easily thrown away. She really hated him that much.


    Without a second thought, Eliza pushed past Casper and walked away with David, side by side.


    Casper stood there, stunned, like an abandoned child, watching as she disappeared from view. He punched the wall hard.


    Forget it. I''m done chasing her. But am I really okay with this?


    No, he wasn''t okay with it at all.


    "You just wait," Casper yelled into the empty air, making a vow. "I''ll make you mine, no matter what."


    David drove towards Oak Falls, with Eliza in the passenger seat, lost in thought. He opened his mouth several times, wanting to exin, but the words just wouldn''te out.


    He did have some health issues that he''d been treating for years. How Casper found out, he had no idea. But bringing it up in front of Eliza would be humiliating.


    "About what Casper said..."


    "What?" Eliza snapped out of her thoughts, looking at David.


    "You know, what he mentioned..."


    "Don''t listen to his nonsense. He''s always like that," she dismissed, not wanting to give Casper''s words any weight.


    "Okay."


    David still couldn''t muster the courage to exin.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Back in Oak Falls, David moved into


    Eliza''s house. Brock was a bit


    distant always sticking close to


    Eliza. David tried to win him over, but the boy wasn''t too enthusiastic.


    "I''ll pick up Brock from school," he volunteered, eager to spend time with him.


    Eliza had to stop by her office, so she agreed. "Sure, thanks, David."


    "We''re family; no need to thank me."


    David arrived at the nursery school half an hour early. Another man was there, waiting to pick up a child. Casper.


    He''d hoped to see Eliza by hanging around here. Instead, he saw David.


    "Mr. Casper, it seems Mr. David is here to pick up Brock," Dillon gently reminded him. Casper snorted. "I''m not blind."


    Dillon felt bad for his unlucky boss. Losing his son and wife to someone else was a tough pill to swallow. But Mr. Casper''s amnesia probably spared him from the worst of it.


    "Mr. Casper, are you getting out of the car?"


    "You think..." Casper knew Brock liked him, "...the little guy likes me more, or David?"


    "Kids, you know, you win them over with gifts, Dillon noted, spotting David with a toy car set. "You better not show up empty-handed, or you won''t stand a chance."


    Casper grudgingly admitted Dillon had a point.

 Chapter 352

    "Go get me a few decent action figures.''


    "Yes,


    sir."


    The kindergarten was letting out.


    David stood nervously at the entrance, his eyes constantly scanning for the children as they poured out of the school.


    Casper, holding a bunch of action figures, strolled up to him with a smirk. "Are you sure the little guy will go with you when hees out?"


    "Casper?" David''s eyebrows shot up in surprise.


    "Don''t be so shocked," Casper said, his eyes tracking a small figure making its way out of the kindergarten. "I want the woman, and I want the kid too."


    David''s brows furrowed. "She''s already turned you down. What''s the point? Do we really need to get married for you to give up?"


    "Marriage?" Casper chuckled, a mocking glint in his eyes. "Do you honestly believe you can handle the responsibilities and duties of a husband? Can you really make her happy?" "Why wouldn''t I be able to?"


    "Mr. David, do you need me to remind you about your health issues?"


    A man who can''t even fulfill his marital duties-how can he talk about responsibility, duty, and happiness?


    Maybe women aren''t always obsessed with intimacy. But that doesn''t mean they don''t have needs.


    David knew his health condition and still wanted to tie Eliza down. To Casper, this was not something a real man would do.


    David''s face turned dark. "My health is none of Mr. Casper''s business."


    Casper just shrugged.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Brock came running out.


    David quickly stepped forward. "Brock, Mr. David is here."


    He waved the toy he had bought, trying to get the little guy''s attention.


    The little guy turned, saw Casper, and his eyes lit up. He ran straight into Casper''s arms. "Mr. Casper, did youe to pick me up?"


    "Yes, I did." Casper gently ruffled the boy''s hair and handed over the action figure. "This is for you. Do you like it?"


    "I love it! Brock loves action figures the most."


    David stood there, gripping the remote-control car he had carefully chosen, looking a bit awkward.


    He called softly, "Brock,e over to Mr. David."


    "No. I like Mr. Casper." The little guy reached out, hugging Casper''s neck tightly, his eyes full of affection. "Mr. Casper, why haven''t youe to see me? I thought I''d never see you again."


    "How could that be?" Casper picked up the boy, a warm smile spreading across his face. His fingers gently caressed Brock''s smooth cheek, showing his endless fondness.


    "Casper, you can''t take Brock away."


    David, seeing this, hurried forward to stop him, his voice tinged with anxiety. "Val will be worried if she


    finds out Brock is missing.


    "Let her worry, and let here find me," Casper said, ignoring David as he gently pushed him aside and got into his car with Brock.


    "Casper, this isn''t right." David


    followed closely, standing in front of


    the car anxiously banging on the window. "What''s the difference between this and kidnapping? Do you want Val to hate you?"


    The car window slowly rolled down, revealing Casper''s calm face.


    "Isn''t Mr. David being a bit dramatic? Can''t you see Brock likes me? Even if we''re just friends, taking a kid out to y for a while shouldn''t lead to hatred, right?"


    "Val asked me to pick up the kid. At least let me take him back and get her consent before you take him out to y, alright?"


    David looked at the little guy engrossed in his toy. "Brock, your mom will worry if you just go off with someone else. Come back home with Mr. David, okay?" "No." The little guy didn''t even look up, still absorbed in his toy.

 Chapter 353

    The car window slid up slowly. Casper didn''t give David another nce as the car pulled away, leaving David standing there, stunned. It took him a moment to gather his thoughts before he called Eliza.


    Eliza, who picked up the phone, was initially shocked but quickly started packing her things, ready to go find Casper. "David, this isn''t on you."


    "I didn''t think Casper would just take the kid like that," David sighed, clearly feeling guilty. "I couldn''t even keep an eye on a child; you have every right to be mad at me."


    "That guy... don''t worry, he won''t hurt Brock. I''m heading back now, you stay out of this."


    Brock liked Casper, and Casper didn''t mind the kid either. Taking the little guy was just Casper''s way of messing with David and making his presence known. And maybe using the kid as an excuse to see her again. It seemed the things said at the hotel that time had really bruised his ego.


    After hanging up, Eliza slung her bag over her shoulder and got ready to leave the school. Carlos came running after her. "Ms. Valerie."


    "Mr. Carlos, what''s up?"


    "The deadline for thepetition submissions ising up, and I noticed you haven''t turned in your artwork yet."


    Eliza had been swampedtely. She simply hadn''t had the time to paint. She gave him an apologetic smile. "I''m sorry, Mr. Carlos, I haven''t had the time. Maybe I''ll skip this one."


    "Is everything okay at home? You''ve been taking quite a bit of time off recently." His concern was evident.


    Eliza nodded but didn''t borate. "I''ll be heading out now."


    "Ms. Valerie." Carlos called out again, "I heard the fool... returned to Falconridge?"


    Eliza knew what Carlos was getting at. But Casper wasn''t a fool anymore. If he had any ideas, it wouldn''t do him any good. "Mr. Carlos, his name is Casper Gu. Look him up online; he''s not into guys, so don''t get any ideas." Carlos was taken aback for a moment, then chuckled. "I''ll make sure to do my research."


    Eliza pressed her lips together, turned, and walked away. Just as she bent down to get into her car, the rain started unexpectedly. She grabbed her phone and called Dillon.


    "Hello? Ms. Valerie."


    "Where have you taken my son?" Eliza''s voice had an edge of irritation. "Can you guys act like decent human beings?"


    Dillon nced at Casper, who was happily ying with Brock, then covered the phone and stepped outside Ms. Valerie, Mr. Casper is Brock''s biological father; he wouldn''t do anything to harm him. You''re worrying too much."


    Whether she was overreacting or not had nothing to do with Casper taking her child without her permission. This forceful behavior really rubbed her the wrong way. "Do you believe that I can call the police right now and report that you''ve kidnapped my child?"


    "Ms. Valerie, Mr. Casper just loves the little guy. You don''t need to be so tense. Biological father and son have a natural bond; you should know this better than I do."


    Casper and Brock being father and son was true, but she didn''t think it necessary for Casper to know. "Listen, Dillon, if you tell him that Brock is his son, I will take Brock to a ce where you''ll never find us." Casper''s amnesia meant he should forget everything. She didn''t want to be involved in his world anymore.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Dillon knew her well enough to take her seriously. "I understand."


    "Send me the address. I''lle to pick up Brock."


    "Alright."


    Soon, Eliza received the location info from Dillon. The rain was falling steadily as she turned on the wipers, stepped on the gas, and headed out. When she arrived at Casper''s p?ace, the rain hadn''t let up. She grabbed an umbre and got out of the car.

 Chapter 354

    The breeze lifted her neatly trimmed shoulder-length hair, highlighting the cool defiance on her face.


    Dillon was waiting for her at the door. "You''re here."


    "Where''s my son?" She stopped in front of Dillon, clearly not wanting to see Casper. "Just bring him out. I don''t want to go in."


    "Mr. Casper is waiting for you," he said, bowing slightly and gesturing respectfully. "Please,e in."


    Eliza knew Casper wanted to see her, but she couldn''t guess what he wanted to say. She followed Dillon along a cobblestone path into the foyer.


    At that moment, Casper came down the stairs. Eliza was about to speak when he gestured for silence. "Shush, the little guy''s asleep."


    Dillon tactfully excused himself. In therge room, with just the two of them, the air seemed unusually still.


    "You came to Oak Falls just to take my son?" She tossed her bag onto the coffee table and sat down, her eyes cold. "Is this some kind of joke to you?" "If I hadn''t taken your son, would you have met with me?" He smiled.


    Eliza scoffed. "Of course not. There''s no need."


    "Mr. Casper, if you have something to say, just say it. Let''s clear the air once and for all, so we don''t have to drag this out."


    She boldly met his gaze. He felt a twinge of disappointment. She had little patience for him, her gaze too cold.


    "You dislike me that much?"


    "We were never close, Mr. Casper. You have your life, and I have mine. You''ve met my fianc¨¦. Don''t you realize you''re already disrupting my life?"


    He smiled lightly and sat beside her, his long arm resting on the back of the sofa, close enough to pull her into an embrace. Eliza shifted ufortably away. "Afraid of me?" His smile was teasing.


    Eliza really disliked this side of Casper. Her brows knitted together. "If you have nothing to say, I''ll just take my child and leave."


    "Don''t." His hand pressed on her shoulder, keeping her seated. "Do you really like that Mr. Quinn? He''s impotent; you like that? That''s not affection; that''s charity."


    She bristled at his words. Why did this man always focus on such matters? Did he think there was nothing else between men and women?


    "Not everyone is like Mr. Casper, suffering from sex addiction."


    "You''re talking about me?"Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    He didn''t think he was ill, nor did he


    desire every woman. What he


    wanted was a feeling. The feeling Eliza gave him was like they had. lived together for years, even though they had only been together gnce. Her judgment was too harsh.


    Eliza rolled her eyes. She nced at her watch. "If there''s nothing else, I''m taking Brock back."


    "I''m just a normal man."


    Eliza stood up and went upstairs. She guessed Brock might be in one of the rooms. The second room on the left had an ajar door. Gently pushing it open, she found the little guy inside. The floor was littered with various toys. The baby was sleeping soundly, and she hesitated to wake him.


    "He''s just fallen asleep, tired from ying. Maybe you can wait a bit?" The man who had followed her suddenly spoke.


    Eliza gently closed the door and


    pushed away the man who was too


    close forfort. "Why must you always harass others physically? Can''t you keep your distance from me?

 Chapter 355

    Liking someone makes you crave physical closeness. He took her hand like it was the most natural thing in the world and led her towards the bedroom.


    Eliza had no idea what he was up to and pulled away, ufortable. "What are you doing?"


    "The rain''sing down hard outside; stay with me and watch it for a bit."


    "What''s so special about the rain?"


    He ignored her reluctance.


    Holding her hand, they made their way to the master bedroom''s balcony.


    The rain was heavy, sshing against the cobblestone floor, creating ripples and a mist among the greenery.


    "Look at this rain, it''s so beautiful."


    He stood behind her, bracing his hands on the balcony and enclosing her in his arms. His warm breath brushed against Eliza''s ear, making her shrink her neck ufortably. "Oak Falls gets a lot of rain, almost half the year. It''s not very convenient and doesn''t seem all that beautiful."


    Her voice had a tinge of sadness.


    He understood the struggles of a woman raising a child on her own, the challenges of life. It made him even morepassionate towards her.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "Come back to Falconridge with me. I promise, you won''t have to suffer anymore."


    Such heartfelt words would move many women. But Eliza was different.


    She looked into the misty rain, her lips barely moving. "You don''t know me or my past. Why do you think you can make me happy?"


    "I do want to know your past." He knew they would face this question sooner orter. "For instance, what kind of person was your ex-husband?" Eliza''s eyes flickered slightly. Casper was asking her what kind of person the old Casper was. It sounded almost ironic.


    "He had a terrible temper. He didn''t


    love me. I forced him into marriage with a contract, and during those years, he found every way to


    torment me, to hate me, yet he


    wouldn''t let me go. What kind of


    person does that make him?"


    Her rhetorical question made him frown. He found it hard to believe that such men existed in the world. If you don''t love, why marry in the first ce? And if married, why torment? "How could you have fallen for someone like that?"


    "Maybe because he wasn''t bad-looking."


    She admitted that in her youth, she was swayed by appearances. Or maybe it was the feeling of that first eye contact that was too beautiful giving her the courage to want share a life with him. She overestimated herself, thinking she could warm even a stone. Reality pped her hard; his heart never warmed, and hers turned cold.


    He sighed, somewhat understanding yet not entirely. "And then, what happened? You got divorced?"


    "He died."


    That was all she could say. In truth, her marriage certificate with Casper was still valid. If she changed her name back to Eliza, then technically, their rtionship still existed. "Then you should let go of the past, right?"


    "I suppose." She no longer hated him, just felt there was no need to start over. "Even if he hadn''t died, I wouldn''t have worked out between us. There''s no need to stumble over the same stone twice, right?" He nodded. It was an acknowledgment of her perspective.


    "Then consider me."


    "I won''t." She leaned on the balcony, lost in the rain outside. "Casper, go find your true love. Don''t get tangled up with me anymore. Let''s just let each other be."


    "I really like you, probably since


    waking up in the hospital..." He


    wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, his chin resting in the crook of her shoulder, his voice full of affection. "...you might not ept me now, and that''s okay. I''ll keep pursuing you until you see my heart."

 Chapter 356

    "Why even bother? We''re not close, and honestly, I''m not a fan of rich folks."


    "What do you consider rich? Billions? Trillions?" He could easily make do with a little less.


    Hmm.


    The world of the wealthy was truly beyond her understanding.


    "Casper, you see, there''s this massive gap between us. Billions, trillions-that''s what you call money. To me, even a few thousand is a lot."


    She turned to meet his gaze, hoping he''d get the picture.


    An unbridgeable chasmy between them.


    He gently lifted her chin with a soft smile, "You''re justing up with excuses to push me away."


    He was spot on.


    So what?


    It was the truth.


    His pursuit was all about some feeling he was chasing.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Her rejection? She just didn''t want to relive the experience of being with him.


    He wouldn''t get it.


    Maybe he''d never remember her.


    That would be for the best.


    "Exactly."


    "I don''t like how you keep everyone at arm''s length." He assured her he wouldn''t be like her ex-husband, "Your ex was unkind because he didn''t love you. But as for me... I really do like you." Eliza was a bit at a loss for words.


    She didn''t want to drag this conversation on any longer.


    "Honestly, Mr. Casper, let''s just be friends, you know, regr ones who check in on each other now and then."


    He shook his head gently, leaning in so their noses almost touched, "I don''t buy into the idea of purely tonic friendships between men and women."


    "That''s just your dirty mind talking." She smirked, a hint of sarcasm in her smile.


    "Seriously." He gazed at her intensely, as if trying to memorize her face, "You look a lot like my wife."


    "Mr. Casper, that line is so outdated."


    Her lips curled into soft dimples, as charming as gardenias, enough to make anyone swoon.


    She was stunning, and he was captivated, almost mesmerized.


    He leaned in towards her lips, unable to resist.


    Startled, she pushed him away, her cheeks flushed with heat.


    She couldn''t meet his eyes.


    This man was dangerous territory.


    "Mommy." Brock, rubbing his sleepy eyes, wandered over.


    Eliza quickly pulled herself together and scooped up her little boy, "Awake? Let''s head home, okay?"


    "It''s


    drive."


    sout there; it''s not safe to


    ''d


    held her arm, hoping sheet y the night. We''ve gote?


    plenty of room."


    "Oak Falls is tiny. Even with this rain, getting home isn''t impossible."


    She cradled Brock, ready to make her exit.


    Casper had no choice but to back down, "Then let me drive you."


    "No need." Before heading


    downstairs, she paused, "Mr. Casper, head back to Falconridge early


    or me. Find someone you


    love, and I''ll wish you well.


    Casper sighed.


    After all that, she still hadn''t caught on to his feelings.


    For reasons he couldn''t exin, he snatched Brock from her arms.


    "I''ll drive you."


    "Huh..." What on earth was this about?


    At her car, he asked, "Give me the keys."


    "I can drive myself."


    "Hand them over."


    His voice was impatient, tinged with frustration.


    With no other option, Eliza handed over the keys.


    She settled in the back with Brock.


    Casper drove quickly, but his skills otch, even on the


    were


    roads. asionally, the tires. slipped.


    "Can you slow down a bit?" Eliza urged him.

 Chapter 357

    He nced at the mother and son duo in the rearview mirror and said, somewhat meekly, "Okay."Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Casper, who had lost his memory, was indeed much more mild-mannered than the Casper of the past.


    Maybe, deep down, he wasn''t a bad-tempered person to begin with. Perhaps encountering her had turned him into a viin.


    How strange.


    How did she end up ming herself?


    In this marriage, she was the victim, even if she shouldn''t have trapped him with that marriage contract. He shouldn''t have treated her that way, right?


    Forget it. It''s all water under the bridge now. After several brushes with death, she hade to see the past in a much dimmer light.


    On the road, David called Eliza to ask if she had picked up Brock.


    "We''ve got him, we''re on our way home now."


    "The roads are slippery in the rain, drive carefully," came the gentle voice from the other end.


    Eliza hummed softly, "I know, don''t worry about us."


    "You really like David?" The man driving in front asked jealously, noting how tenderly she spoke to another man. "You never talk to me like that." "You and he are iparable."


    Regardless of liking or not, David and the Simmons family had always been very kind to her. With them, she at least didn''t feel burdened. But, whether with the old Casper or the now amnesiac Casper, she always felt immense pressure. She could never rx, and she really hated that feeling.


    "Does Brock like him?" Casper asked the little guy in the rearview mirror. "Brock, do you like Mr. David or Mr. Casper more?"


    "I like Mr. Casper."


    The child''s innocence was endearing, and his words were genuine.


    Casper felt a warmth in his heart. "Then would you like Mr. Casper to be your dad?"


    Eliza: ...


    What nonsense is this man spouting?


    "Casper, could you please watch what you say?"


    "Mr. Casper, what''s a dad?" The little guy blinked his innocent eyes. "Kids at preschool say I''m a wild child without a dad, but I''ve never seen my dad." "What?"


    It was the first time Eliza heard about this from her son. Her heart tightened.


    "Baby, do the kids say you''re a wild child without a dad?"


    The little guy seemed ustomed to such remarks. His expression was calm as if telling a story. "The first time they said it, I cried."


    Hearing this, her heart felt as if it


    were sliced by a sharp knife, the pain


    so real and breath-stealing. This


    pain was deep helplessness, the agony of being powerless to change reality. She hugged her son tightly, wishing to erase all the hurt he had endured with her embrace. Her eyes gradually moistened, but she held back, not letting the tears fall.


    Casper noticed her emotions, turned the steering wheel, and pulled over to the side of the road.


    "Feeling upset?"


    Eliza wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes. "I didn''t expect him to be bullied like that in preschool." "Kids are thoughtless; they don''t know any better."


    "Once, Brock was pushed down at preschool and got hurt all over. I thought kids shouldn''t be taken too seriously, but..." She realized she was wrong. Terribly wrong. She should have faced and even


    vel


    magnified this issue. That way, no ignorant child would take joy in bullying her child. Isn''t every child a treasure? Is it a crime to be fatherless?


    "...I''ll talk to the teacher. I''ve been too lenient before."


    "In less formal preschools, these issues are moremon. Comez back to Falconridge with me, I can get the little guy into the best preschool there, where no one would dare bully him."


    He patted his chest in assurance.


    She nced at him disinterestedly as if he had spoken nonsense. "Drive."

 Chapter 358

    The car pulled up to Eliza''s ce. She got out, holding an umbre over Brock, and turned to the man in the driver''s seat, "Hand over the car keys."


    "If I give you the keys, how am I supposed to get back?" He couldn''t believe she expected him to walk in the rain to find a taxi. "Could you show a littlepassion, Ms. Valerie?"


    "If you take the car, what am I supposed to drive tomorrow?" She stretched her hand out again, "Give them to me."


    Casper had no choice but to hand over the keys to Eliza.


    After getting out of the car, he tried to share Eliza''s umbre, but she turned and walked away.


    Casper: ...


    She wouldn''t let him drive, nor share her umbre. Was she seriously going to let him get soaked?


    Once home, Eliza, still anxious about Brock''s situation, immediately called the preschool teacher. David listened in from a respectful distance.


    The conversation sounded unpleasant, and Eliza angrily hung up the phone.


    "What happened?" he asked.


    "There''s a kid at the preschool who keeps calling Brock a child without a father. I asked the teacher to address it, but..."


    Eliza rubbed her temples, "...she said the child''s father is some high-ranking executive with a lot of money..."


    She couldn''t understand. Did having wealthy parents give kids the right to misbehave and bully others from such a young age?


    Eliza didn''t want to continue. Her eyes filled with sorrow as she looked out at the rain.


    David didn''t have much of awork in Oak Falls, so he suggested bringing Brock back to Falconridge, "Small towns are like that, full of snobbery and fear of trouble. Instead of letting Brock suffer here, it might be better to return to Falconridge. The preschools there are plentiful."


    His reasoning was identical to Casper''s. But her job was in Oak Falls, and she wasn''t ready to leave.


    "Let''s talk about itter."


    If worse came to worst, she could move Brock to another preschool. The teaching quality might be lower, but it was better than being bullied.


    The next morning, Eliza decided to deal with the preschool issue first. During breakfast, the doorbell rang.


    She got up to answer it.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "And you are...?"


    "You must be Brock''s mom. I''m


    Olive''s dad. My Olive has been saying and doing some hurtful things to Brock at preschool, and I''m really sorry about that. I came here specifically to apologize."


    The man''s face was filled with a remorseful smile as he bowed slightly, "Don''t worry, I''ve already spoken to the child and even arranged for a transfer to another school. I sincerely apologize


    He bowed deeply.


    swnovel


    Eliza was stunned. Yesterday, the preschool teacher had seemed so conflicted over the phone, saying this family was not to be trifled with. How had things changed so quickly? The man ced a gift on the floor, "I won''t disturb your meal any longer, then. I''ll be going now."


    Eliza: ...


    What was happening? Something clicked in her mind.


    She went back to her room and called Casper.


    "Did you do this?"


    "He came to apologize?" A smug smile yed at the corners of his mouth Their child bullied Brock. They had to face the consequences. You don''t need to thank me; did it for the child."


    "You really like to meddle, don''t you?"


    His interference was extremely unwee to her. Even if his intentions were good.


    "I was just seeking justice for the child. What''s with your attitude?"


    Casper was puzzled; he thought she would at least be grateful. But instead, he was met withints.


    "Casper, I don''t need you meddling in my affairs." She hoped he would understand that not all actions warranted gratitude, "I want you to stay out of my life."


    "You can''t handle it, so I step in, and you call that meddling? Valerie, are you unable to distinguish between right and wrong?"

 Chapter 359

    "My son''s issues are mine to handle, and besides, I have a man. What are you to me?" She scoffed, dismissing him with a wave of her hand. "Mr. Casper, you really think this would sway me? Let me tell you, you''re only fooling yourself. Don''t kid yourself." Her tone was sharp, almost cutting.


    She wanted to make sure Casper got the message loud and clear: stop pursuing her.


    She knew Casper all too well. His ego was fragile, and any kindness he offered was always with an expectation of reciprocation. If he didn''t get it, his pride would be wounded. Just as she predicted.


    The man clenched his jaw, trying to keep his anger in check. "I''m deluding myself? I''m meddling? Fine. Valerie, don''te crawling back to meter."


    He hung up before Eliza could respond.


    Eliza let out a big sigh, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders.


    David noticed her mood and walked over, gently patting her shoulder. "Why don''t you take a day off and stay home?"


    "David, I''m really exhausted."


    "Then lean on me," he said, smiling as he wrapped her in a gentle hug. "You don''t have to do everything alone. Sometimes, you need to rely on others." Eliza gave a wry smile.


    Did she really have anyone to rely on?


    Her marriage to Casper had taught her that she could only count on herself. Sometimes, even that wasn''t enough.


    Running away to Oak Falls hadn''t changed much. She still encountered everyone she hoped to avoid.


    All she wanted was a simple, peaceful life. Why was it so difficult?


    Her phone suddenly rang.


    Eliza gently pushed David away and nced at the screen.


    An unknown number, but it was from a hospital.


    "Hello? What? The person who brought him in left? Okay, I understand."


    "What''s wrong?" David asked, concern etched on his face.


    Eliza''s lips curled into a resigned smile. "They said my dad had a stroke and was brought to


    Falconridge Hospital by that woman. The hospital called, asking me toe over."  en


    "Weren''t they married? Howe..." David trailed off, confused.


    Eliza was puzzled too.


    She needed to go to the hospital to figure out what had happened.


    "Eliza, if your dad is really sick, you might not be able to go back to Qak Falls. Maybe you should consider moving back to Falconridge. Leould take better care of you there


    It made sense, logically.


    Eliza''s eyes dimmed. "Let''s see after I visit him."


    "Alright."All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    After returning to Falconridge, Eliza went straight to the hospital where Mikey was. She found the attending doctor and asked about his condition.


    Only then did she get the full story.


    The woman and Mikey were never married. After moving to Crescent Creek, Mikey had assumed a false identity, and they lived together as husband and wife in name only. Legally, they had no connection.


    Now that Mikey was in trouble, the young woman didn''t want to take care of him anymore and sent him back to Falconridge.


    "A stroke? And she just dumped him?" Eliza was incredulous. Women could be just as heartless as men.


    The doctor adjusted his sses, his expression serious. "It''s not exactly a stroke. There''s a tumor in his brain pressing on the nerves, causing symptoms simr to a stroke. In reality, it''s much worse."


    "Can he have surgery?" Eliza asked, her voice tense with worry.


    "The tumor is in a risky location. This type of surgery requires a top neurosurgeon, and unfortunately, Falconridge Hospital doesn''t have one." The doctor''s words felt like a death sentence for Mikey.

 Chapter 360

    If no doctor could help, then... the only option left was waiting for death.


    "Does that mean conservative treatment is ineffective?"


    "It''s not that it doesn''t have any effect, but surgery would be the best option to save a life."


    Eliza understood.


    But where could she find such a doctor? And even if she found one, could she afford to pay for the surgery?


    Returning to the hospital room, she looked at Mikey''s now pale face. Eliza''s heart ached. After all, he was her father. She couldn''t just do nothing.


    After asking around extensively, Eliza finally found a top neurosurgeon. But she needed a referral. Through a friend of a friend, she finally managed to contact the man who could provide that referral.


    So, Eliza booked a private room in the most luxurious club in Falconridge. The referrer''s name was Evan. Around forty years old, average height, and quite hefty, weighing around 200 pounds. From the moment Eliza walked in, his eyes were sneakily scanning over her body.


    This made her very ufortable. But she needed his help, so she couldn''tin.


    "Ms. Valerie, you''re so beautiful. If I had known such a beauty wasing, why would I charge you? I''d help you for free," he said, moving closer to Eliza with a ss of red wine in his hand. "In the future, don''t go through middlemen. They make a profit out of it. I''d be willing to help you out."


    A stranger offering to help for free was definitely expecting something in return. Sometimes, money is the clearest form of transaction between people.


    "Mr. Evan, charge whatever you must. I''ll be troubling you more in the future," she said with a charming smile.


    Evan was utterly enchanted. "Why call me Mr. Evan? Just call me ''big bro'', no need for such formality." While talking, he slid closer to Eliza.


    Eliza subtly moved away and raised her ss of wine. "To you, big bro."


    "Alright, I''ll drink to that."Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    The man gulped it down in one go, clearly enjoying himself. Taking advantage of his buzz, his handnded on Eliza''s shoulder. "Ms. Valerie, consider your meeting with Dr. Roth arranged. Just as long as you..."


    His gaze boldly andsciviously roamed her face, as if he wanted to devour her whole. Eliza didn''t like it one bit but couldn''t afford to offend him. "Big bro, when can I meet Dr. Roth?"


    "Right away." Evan patted his hefty


    chest, a lewd smile on his face as he


    looked at Eliza. "Just make sure


    I''m..


    tisfied, and everything will be


    taken care of."


    They were all adults here. The implication was clear.


    Seeing no reaction from Eliza, Evan boldly moved closer, his hand caressing her shoulder annoyingly like a fly.


    "Mr. Evan, didn''t we agree on a price? I can pay you, but I can offer nothing else."


    The opportunity slipping from his grasp, he couldn''t ept it. "Sister, big bro knows how to take care of you. You won''t be at a loss with me," he said, forcefully pushing Eliza, who was trying to get up, back into her seat. "I heard you''re a widow. Since ancient times, widows have had it tough, but big bro knows, big bro feels for you."


    As he said this, he leaned in with his lips.


    Before Eliza could react, the door was kicked open with a bang. Following that, she saw Evan being kicked out by a pair of strong legs. "My woman, you dare to touch?"

 Chapter 361

    Eliza''s heart raced as she sped her head in shock. What on earth was happening? Where had these thugse from?


    A familiar voice cut through the chaos, "Mr. Evan, why are you messing with Mr. Casper''s turf? Do you have a death wish?"


    Dillon? It couldn''t be. Trembling, Eliza looked over. Not just Dillon, but Casper too-the same Casper who had just knocked someone out cold. The two of them...


    "Which hand touched her?" Casper''s voice was as icy as a winter''s night. With an air of nonchnce, he pulled out a cigarette, flicked his finger, and itnded precisely between his lips. He lit it with a flick of his lighter, taking a deep drag as the smoke curled around him.


    Evan''s face turned ghostly pale, the chill from Casper''s gaze seeping into his bones, making his back stiffen. He knew who Casper was the rumored devil who''d cheated death, the ruthless lord of Falconridge. Casper''s cruelty was legendary.


    "Please, Mr. Casper, I swear I didn''t mean any harm. I had no idea Ms. Valerie was with you... Please, show mercy. I promise it won''t happen again."


    Evan''s voice shook as sweat dripped down his face, his fear palpable. Casper didn''t say a word, just gave Evan a cold, disdainful look before turning to Dillon, "Hold him down."


    Dillon didn''t hesitate, grabbing Evan''s hand from Eliza''s shoulder and mming it onto the table. Evan screamed in terror.


    "Mr. Casper, I know I was wrong. Please, don''t hurt me... I won''t do it again..."


    A forty-year-old man, reduced to tears, trembling in fear. But Casper had no mercy for people like him. He was always ruthless. "Mr. Evan, make sure you remember this lesson."


    Before Evan could even react, a sh of steel pierced his hand. The move was swift and merciless, with no room for hesitation. Blood


    spurted out, sttering across the


    table like blossoming crosol ne


    poppies.


    Eliza, horrified by the sudden act of violence, covered her eyes, unable to bear the sight. Evan''s screams of agony echoed in the room, filled with raw pain and terror. His hand was nailed to the table, and each,


    Se only intensified his


    futile


    suffering.


    "Evan, remember this: overstep again, and it won''t be just a flesh wound next time."


    Before Eliza could process what had just happened, a strong hand grasped her wrist and led her out of the room, stumbling in shock. It wasn''t until they were in the car that she finally looked at Casper''sgrim


    face. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "What are you doing here?"


    "If I hadn''t shown up, would you have let him take advantage of you?" Casper''s brows furrowed, his tone dripping with resentment.


    Eliza frowned, confused by his sarcasm. "What''s it to you? This is between me and him."


    "Oh, so you enjoy being groped by sleazy men?" He grabbed her chin, pressing her against the car door. "Does that mean I can do the same?"


    "Casper, who the hell do you think you are? Do you even know why I was meeting Evan? You''ve ruined everything and act like you''re some kind of hero?"


    She tried to pry his hand off her, but he only tightened his grip. "What kind of business requires you to degrade yourself? Valerie, you''re a mother. Can''t you show some decency?" Was he seriously using her of being promiscuous?

 Chapter 362

    She had been tirelessly working for days, pulling strings, spending money, and exhausting herself to deal with her father''s illness. Her body and soul were utterly drained. Yet here he was, lecturing her on propriety.


    Who did he think he was?


    "What right do you have, Casper? Who are you to me? My life and my affairs are none of your business. You have no authority over me. Let me go."


    She struggled against him, her hands pounding against his strong, well-defined fingers.


    Her eyes zed with resentment.


    "What if I don''t let go?" His hand moved to her pale neck, pulling her closer. "Why are you so hostile towards me? Did I help you wrongly?"


    "I don''t need your help; I can handle it myself." She sneered, truly not needing his uninvited intervention. "Mr. Casper, you really have a knack for meddling." "Yeah, I''m a damn fool for caring." He gripped her neck, his kiss more angry than tender.


    It was forceful, angry, and meant to teach a lesson.


    He pinned her down, not allowing her to resist or refuse.


    Even in front of the driver and Dillon, he began to tear open her blouse.


    "p."


    A harsh pnded on his face.


    Eliza, in a panic, clutched her clothes. "Stop it."


    The man moved his sore jaw, his eyes burning with both lust and anger. He took a deep breath and told the driver, "Take us home."


    Throughout the ride, Eliza was terrified.


    She tried to maintain a semnce of calm.


    In every way, she was no match for Casper.


    She wasn''t as strong, as quick, and what''s worse, she couldn''t even leave if she wanted to.


    The car drove directly into Welton Estate.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Before she could get out, Casper had lifted her onto his shoulder.


    "Casper, can you not do this?"


    He remained silent, his face stormy and oppressive.


    He was never one topromise.


    Once, they were husband and wife.


    She couldn''t resist him.


    Now, fundamentally, they were nothing to each other.


    Why did he still feel entitled to have his way with her?


    Thrown onto the bed, she felt as fragile as a leaf swept by a violent storm.


    He tore off his tie, carelessly pressing down on her.


    "Casper, can you calm down?"


    She struggled, trying to find a moment to breathe amidst his tempestuous onught.


    His lips sealed her protests, domineering and strong, leaving no room for rebuttal.


    She bit his lip, blood spreading between them, only fueling his


    and dominance further.


    His kiss was relentless.


    swno


    Even as their blood mixed, creating a salty taste, he didn''t care.


    He wanted to possess her.


    To make her submit physically.


    A twisted possession, met with fierce resistance and endless pain.


    His chest and back were covered in bloody scratches from her.


    He didn''t care.


    Even if he were to die on her now, he wanted her to know how desperately he wanted her.


    "Casper, I''m not your personal belonging. Can you please respect me..."


    "I want to marry you, Valerie. Marry me, will you?"


    While besieging her, he expressed his feelings.


    Eliza red at him fiercely, her eyes filled with disappointment. "Do you think by having a woman''s body, you can have her heart? Casper, you will never understand women, and you will never win the love of the woman you desire."


    "I canyou the most honored


    woman in Falconridge. Whatever you want, I can give you." He looked at her longingly, as if waiting for her affirmation.

 Chapter 363

    Elizaughed, but it was the kind ofugh that was both mocking and sad.


    "I want your heart. Will you give it to me?" she asked.


    "My heart''s been yours for a long time," he said, taking her small hand and cing it over his strong, steady heartbeat. "Listen, it''s beating just for you." Eliza pulled her hand back, disgusted. She sneered, "I can''t see it."


    Casper frowned slightly. Did she really want his beating heart? Because he would give it to her if she asked.


    "Right now?" He picked up a kitchen knife from the bedside table, the cold de pointed at his chest. "I can give it to you."


    See, Casper was that crazy. If she said yes, would he actually stab himself? And if he could stab himself, could he stab her too?


    She didn''t want to be with someone this emotionally unstable. "Casper, do you think I could ever want you like this?"


    "Then what kind of me do you want?" he asked, looking at her helplessly. He was willing to give her his life, what more did she want? "Tell me."


    She didn''t want to tell him. She had no interest in hashing this out. "Don''t you think our rtionship is twisted?"


    One of them was desperately trying to escape, while the other was relentlessly chasing.


    "Casper, are you saying that all the women in the world are gone, and you''re stuck on me?"


    He had no idea why he was so wrapped up in these indescribable feelings. It wasn''t like he didn''t have better options. With just a wave of his hand, women would line up to be with him. But ever since that one time with her, his heart felt like it was being pulled by some mysterious force, and he couldn''t let go.


    He admitted it he was a bit obsessive. But this obsession wasn''t without reason; it came from a deep-seated longing and a stubborn desire for that inexplicable feeling. They had to be together, no matter what.


    "Yes," he said, his voice hoarse, his Adam''s apple burning. Even his breaths seemed to carry the intent of not letting her go.


    Eliza: ...


    This was truly insane.


    The affair wasn''t beautiful, but the oue was always the same. His possessiveness made it hard for her to resist. Afterward, he held her tightly, as if she might fly away.


    "I know you''re looking for Evan because of your father''s illness, but you''ve got the wrong guy; he won''t be able to get in touch with Dr Roth directly. He''s just a middleman''s middleman," Casper said.


    Eliza slowly opened her eyes. How did Casper know about this? It didn''t matter? He always had his ways, otherwise, he wouldn''t have shown up there today.


    Seeing her silent, he pressed her down and flipped her over to face him. "Seeing Dr. Roth is easy. I can help you."


    He said he could help her. She guessed it muste with conditions.


    "What''s the catch?" she asked.


    "What catch?" His brow furrowed slightly.


    "Mr. Casper helping me, no strings attached? Like making me sleep with you, bing your secret lover? Or..."


    He cut her off, visibly annoyed. He wasn''t that despicable.


    "If I had conditions, I wouldn''t need to help you," he said. "I''m sincere, and in Falconridge, only I can meet Dr. Roth. No one else can." His words left Eliza with no other options. She had to turn to him.


    "Casper, you..." She really didn''t want his help, but it seemed she had no other choice. "Can you really help me... without any conditions?"Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    "Of course," he said, getting up and grabbing his phone from the nightstand. He made a call and spoke in French.

 Chapter 364

    Eliza couldn''t quite grasp what he was saying. He talked for ages, long enough that she ended up dozing off. His kisses, light as raindrops,nded on the edge of her lips, her eyelids, and the tip of her nose. She slowly lifted her thickshes and found herself face-to-face with a handsome, magnified visage.


    "You kissed me again," she murmured, her little face scrunched up in a frown.


    The man chuckled, clearly in a good mood. "I''ve set up an appointment with Dr. Roth. He''ll be in Falconridge next Tuesday. We''ll go see him, and you can talk through everything with him." Eliza''s heart skipped a beat with excitement. She shot up, sitting upright on the bed. "Really?"


    He affectionately ruffled her hair. "Absolutely."


    "That''s amazing."


    "Are you still mad at me?" He didn''t want toe on too strong, but sometimes his temper got the best of him. "I genuinely want to help you, and my feelings for you are real."


    Eliza didn''t want to delve into emotions. She knew him better than anyone. She didn''t respond, so he pulled her back into his arms. "Come on, give me something. Try to like me a bit, will you?" "Casper, we''re just not right for each other. Let''s drop this," she said, clearly irritated.


    "How can you say that? I''m single, you''re single "


    Eliza cut him off, raising her hand. "Are you sure you''re single?"


    The question stumped Casper. He had lost part of his memory. Could it be that in those lost memories, there was a marriage? But Dillon had never mentioned anything like that.


    "I..." He had no answer.


    Eliza chuckled softly, pushed him away, grabbed her clothes, and slowly dressed. "I think, Mr. Casper, you should really take some time to find out about your past. Maybe then you''ll stop bothering me." "My past?" He grabbed her wrist, frowning in confusion. "Do you know about my past?"All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "I don''t know you well enough to know about your past, Mr. Casper." She pulled her hand back and got out of bed. "Thanks for setting up the appointment with Dr. Roth. I''ll see you next Tuesday." "I''ll drive you," he insisted, following her out of bed.


    She didn''t want him to, but he was adamant, and she didn''t have the energy to argue. On the way, Casper drove with one hand on the wheel, the other holding Eliza''s hand. His affectionate demeanor made her ufortable.


    When they first got married, she had


    dreamed of doing all sorts of romantic things together. Morning. jogs, evening walks hand in hand. He would take her to amusement parks, ride the Ferris wheel, the carousel,


    and snap beautiful piche


    would apany him to golf, chat with his friends.


    Reality was different. He never took her out in public. His gaze was always cold and disdainful. She had loved only this man her entire life,


    and he had hurt her deeply, et


    her lose trust in marriage and Kope for the future. How could she convince herself to start over with Casper? Even for Brock, she couldn''t do it. Being friends was the most she could offer.


    The car pulled up in front of Eliza''s old, rundown apartment building, the one her parents had left her. The headlights swept over the entrance, and a man standing there walked over when he saw the car. Through the windshield, David saw the woman sitting in the passenger seat. His face clouded with displeasure.


    "David, what are you doing here?" Eliza asked as she got out of the car.


    "Mom asked me to pick you up for dinner," he replied.


    As they spoke, Casper opened the car door and stepped out from the driver''s side.

 Chapter 365

    The way the two men looked at each other was full of jealousy and anger.


    Just as Eliza was about to walk over to David, Casper gracefully wrapped his arm around her shoulder, his movements both smooth and assertively firm. "Mr. David is here too?"


    David''s face instantly darkened, his eyes locked onto Casper''s hand on Eliza''s shoulder, trying hard to hold back his fury.


    "Casper, could you show some respect? She''s my fianc¨¦e."


    "Oh? Fianc¨¦e?" Casper raised an intrigued eyebrow, as if he were savoring the word, "I think, maybe not for long."


    David''s brow furrowed in rm, "What do you mean?"


    Before Casper could respond, Eliza turned to the men, "You should go back."


    She shook off Casper''s hand from her shoulder and calmly spoke to David, "David, wait for me a moment. I''m going to change my clothes, I''ll be quick."


    Eliza left, leaving the two men standing there facing off.


    The air was thick with a tense and subtle hostility.


    "Mr. Casper, do you alwaysck boundaries?" David''s voice was sharp, "Val is my fianc¨¦e. Do you really have to be the third wheel?"


    David thought, given Casper''s high status, he would at least show some restraint. With all his options, there were younger and more beautiful women ready for his attention. He really couldn''t figure out what was going on in this man''s mind. Casper gave a faint smile, hands in his pockets, leisurely looking at David, "When I want something, why would I just give it up?"


    "What you like?" David mocked, suddenlyughing, "How could I forget? Mr. Casper has alwayscked morals. In marriage, you keep mistresses, double-dealing, pushing your wife to despair. Now, stealing someone else''s fianc¨¦e seems to be


    a step back for you."


    Casper''s past, those lost memories, remained a nk te. What marriage, what mistresses? Was his past really that disgraceful? Watching the man''s face darken with shock at his words was visibly distressing.


    David continued, "I think you don''t understand Val. She wouldn''t marry someone unfaithful, someone who cheats. Even if it''s you, Mr. Casper, she wouldn''t."


    "Sleeping together might just be a moment of impulse and pleasure, but after, everyone returns to reality, to sanity. I don''t think Mr. Casper, you''d fail to understand even this."Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    "I''d advise you to give up on this idea, or you''ll end up embarrassing yourself."


    David''s words stirred ripples, not too


    big or too small, in Casper''s mood. His lips were tightly pressed. His face was shadowed, looking unusually heavy. He didn''t know if what David said was true or false. Why were those memories like a ck hole, swallowed by darkness, vanishing without a trace?


    Before Eliza came back downstairs, Casper had already driven away. His mood fluctuated with the rolling of the wheels. His eyes seemed


    desperate to find that missing piece, yet terrified of the impact of the


    truth.


    The quiet living room of the Welton Estate. Dillon stood respectfully opposite Casper.


    "Did I... have I... been married before?" His voice was low, uncertain.


    Dillon: ...


    He really didn''t know how to answer. What result Casper wanted, he waspletely in the dark.


    "Mr. Casper, why do you suddenly ask this?"


    "If I don''t ask, will you not tell me anything?" Casper''s dark eyes were filled with anger, "Dillon, do you not want to be my assistant anymore?"

 Chapter 366

    Dillon''s heart sank. He felt wronged, deeply wronged.


    How could he dare to speak so freely?


    "Mr. Casper, I... I do know some things about your past, but I..." Dillon''s words were cut short by Casper.


    "Enough, I don''t want excuses." Casper raised a hand, signaling Dillon to cut to the chase. "Just tell me, have I really been married before?" Dillon hesitated, then slowly nodded, "Yes, you have."


    Casper felt a knot tighten in his chest.


    So, he really had been married.


    Had he driven his wife to her death?


    His voice quivered slightly, tinged with nervousness, "My... my wife, where is she now?"


    "She... she passed away." Dillon was about to add more, but Casper interrupted him, "So, David didn''t lie to me."


    "Mr. Casper, I wasn''t finished." Dillon rushed to exin.


    But Casper wasn''t interested in hearing more; he raised his hand, silencing Dillon.


    In his dark eyes, a swirl ofplex emotions flickered, "Then, did I really... have an affair?"


    "To be precise, you had a crush." Dillon hoped his choice of words was eptable.


    Casper''s brows knitted tighter, "What crush? Where is she now?"


    "Mr. Casper, she''s already left Falconridge. As for her current whereabouts, I''m not sure."


    The crush had left Falconridge.


    His wife was dead too.


    What kind of terrible things had he done?


    A sudden, sharp pain struck Casper''s head, like an electric shock.


    He rubbed his temples, closing his eyes wearily, "Call Caleb back from abroad."


    Caleb was Casper''s uncle''s only son.


    More than a decade younger than Casper.


    After his uncle passed away, Caleb was dead set on studying medicine, despite Casper''s objections. No amount of persuasion worked.


    In frustration, Casper had sent him abroad to study medicine.


    Years had passed, and Caleb had grown into a mature and reliable doctor.


    Casper never imagined he''d need Caleb''s medical skills one day.


    "Mr. Casper, are you calling young master Caleb to treat you?"


    Dillon guessed as much.


    But restoring memories was more about luck than treatment.


    could


    a knock on the head


    more effective than


    swnol


    therapy, he thought


    say.


    Casper: "What else?"


    "Alright, Mr. Casper, I''ll contact young master Caleb right away."


    Casper took a deep breath.


    No matter how awful his past was, he wanted to uncover the truth himself.


    Tuesday.


    Casper drove to Eliza''s building.


    She stood there, as if she had been waiting for a while, her delicate features breathtakingly


    s


    swno.ne


    The soft morning mist swirled around her, adding an ethereal touch to her presence.


    He had seen her many times before.


    Every time, her appearance stirred something deep inside him.


    As he drove up, her soft features turned colder.


    She rarely smiled, but when she did, her dimples were enchanting.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    After parking, he got out and personally opened the passenger door for her.


    "Get in, Val."


    His tone was somewhat affectionate.


    She furrowed her brows slightly but didn''t correct him.


    After all, he was doing her a huge favor; nitpicking over such small details would seem petty.


    If she angered this man, she might not get to see Dr. Roth.


    Once inside the car.


    He thoughtfully buckled her seatbelt,


    his breath brushing past her nose,


    clean and refreshing, making her


    hold her breath involuov

 Chapter 367

    "I''ll handle it myself." She wasn''t used to being this close to someone.


    "Alright." He smiled slightly, looking at her beautiful, pure face. "Haven''t had breakfast yet? Let''s grab something to eat, then we can go see Dr. Roth. We''ve got enough time." "I''m... not hungry."


    She felt uneasy being alone with Casper. Or maybe she just didn''t know how to act around a man who had lost his memory.


    "Even if you''re not hungry, you should eat a little something. You don''t want to talk to Dr. Roth on an empty stomach; hunger can make you a bit foggy," he said gently. She curved her lips into a smile, giving in. "Okay then."


    Her cooperation lifted his spirits.


    The street food stand was bustling with life. They found a clean spot to sit and ordered some breakfast sandwiches, herb-seasoned hard-boiled eggs, and oatmeal.


    "This ce is pretty famous in Falconridge. I used toe here a lot when I was in high school," Casper said casually.


    Eliza didn''t know much about Casper''s past. She had always thought he was the type of guy who wouldn''t touch street food. It was a bit surprising.


    "You eat this too?"


    "What did you think I ate?" heughed, peeling a herb-seasoned egg and handing it to her. "Tycoons don''t always live in ivory towers."


    Don''t they? During the years she lived with him, wasn''t he always up on his high horse, unreachable and aloof?


    Elizaughed and shook her head.


    He didn''t get herughter. "What?"


    "I just never imagined Mr. Casper, who I thought only ate organic food, sitting in a diner eating herb-seasoned eggs."


    Did he love organic food? Not


    entirely. Probably for health reasons, he did eat some pricier ingredients. But essentially, rich people are still just people. Just like everyone else.


    "Seems like you don''t really know me."


    She shook her head again; she didn''t need to know him.


    After their simple breakfast, they headed to the hotel where Dr. Roth was staying. A tall foreigner with a weathered face, wearing gold-rimmed sses, greeted them.


    It''s funny, some people look schrly with sses, while others look like over-educated rogues. Her eyes unwittingly fell on Casper''s face. Definitely the rogue type. After polite greetings, Eliza handed Dr. Roth Mikey''s X-rays. He was French. Eliza didn''t understand French, but luckily, Casper could trante.


    Most of the time, she exined


    Mikey''s condition to Casper, who then tranted into French for Dr., Roth. She just listened quietly on the side. He would also trante Dr Roth''s insights back to her. Back and forth, she was fully involved.


    She had never seen him work so earnestly before. This was the first time she saw him set aside his yful manner and seriously engage in something. Indeed, much more pleasant to the eye than usual.


    Actually, before marrying Casper,


    she knew he was quite


    impressive not just in business but also academically. Fluent in multiplenguages, skilled in music, painting, basketball, horseback riding archery... He was exceptional in every way.


    Such a person was from a different world. Back then, she didn''t know where she found the courage, but a single exchange of nces made her determined to win him over.


    But isn''t that what love is all about? Diving headfirst, like a moth to a me. Only, she got burned and shattered to pieces.


    Lost in thought, Eliza didn''t notice Dr. Roth''s question.


    "Is she your girlfriend?" Dr. Roth asked Casper in French.


    Casper shook his head, somewhat regretfully. "Not yet."


    "She''s very beautiful; you''ll have to step up your game," Dr. Roth said with a smile, patting Casper''s shoulder.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.

 Chapter 368

    "I''ll give it my best shot."


    He smiled, though there was a hint of uncertainty in it. His eyes softened as theynded on the woman''s profile, stunningly beautiful beyond words.


    For a man like him, who had encountered countless breathtaking women, a pretty face might spark a flicker of desire. But it wouldn''t make him want to share his life with her.


    Eliza, however, was different. She stirred a unique feeling in him. He was utterly captivated, unable to pull himself away. He felt ready to spend a year, a lifetime, even face insurmountable challenges, just for her. Almost without realizing it, he walked over to the woman who seemed lost in thought.


    "Val."


    Eliza snapped back to reality and turned to look at him. "Are you done?"


    "Yeah," he replied.


    Dr. Roth, out of respect for Casper, had agreed to perform Mikey''s surgery. After informing Eliza of the risks and getting her consent, they scheduled the operation.


    Leaving the hotel, Eliza felt like she was in a dream.


    "Is it really all set?" She couldn''t believe it. She hadn''t spent a dime and yet met such a reputable doctor. She knew it was because of Casper, and although the doctor hadn''t charged, she felt it was only right to thank him. "Mr. Casper, how about I treat you to dinner tonight to thank you for all your help?" she offered.


    Casper raised an eyebrow and agreed cheerfully. "Sure, but I''m tired of eating out. How about a simple home-cooked meal?"


    Eliza frowned. "To Welton Estate?" That seemed a bit inappropriate.


    "My cooking is mediocre at best. Maybe we should choose a nicer restaurant," she suggested.


    She needed to repay the favor, but she also wanted to respect Casper''s wishes.


    "The highest form of hospitality is a home-cooked meal. If not my ce, then yours," he said, very agreeable.


    Eliza didn''t want to go to Welton Estate, so shepromised. "Then let''s go to my ce. We can stop by the supermarket on the way to pick up some ingredients." "Okay."


    The supermarket wasn''t too


    crowded. Casper pushed the cart,


    ???


    following behind Eliza as she carefully selected ingredients. Having lived with Casper for so long, she knew his tastes well. Without him saying a word, she knew what he liked to eat.


    "Casper," someone called out.


    Eliza turned and saw Katie and Casper''s aunt, Mae. Worried about being recognized, she quickly put on a mask.


    "Casper," Mae and Katie, pushing a cart, approached them. "What brings you to the supermarket?"


    "Just picking up some groceries with a friend," he said casually.


    Mae noticed Eliza shopping nearby and asked curiously, "What friend? I''m telling you, be careful about the friends you make. People can be deful, and those girls are only after your money."


    "Exactly," Katie chimed in, ncing at Eliza and finding her figure somewhat familiar. "She... couldn''t be..."


    The woman they had met in the dessert shop that day?


    Eliza stood up straight and turned around. With her mask covering most of her face, she wasn''t easily recognized.


    "Why are you wearing a mask? Ashamed to be seen?" Katie said rudely.


    Casper''s dark eyes turned cold. "Watch your mouth."


    Katie, frightened, hid behind Mae and didn''t dare to say more.


    Mae''s gaze fell on Eliza. "Oh, wearing a mask? Ashamed to be seen?"


    Eliza didn''t respond. After giving Mae a brief look, she prepared to leave this troublesome situation. As she passed Mae, thetter suddenly grabbed her arm, pulling her back. All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Miss, you should know Casper''s status. I advise you not to have any unrealistic ideas. At most, he''s just toying with you."

 Chapter 369

    Eliza held her tongue and pulled her arm back. It wasn''t just about her and Casper having nothing between them. Even if he had been involved with another woman, talking like that in front of others would still be rude. At his age, you''d expect him to have more sense. "I''m talking to you," Katie said, stepping forward and giving Eliza a shove. Taken by surprise, Eliza nearly toppled over.


    Casper quickly caught her, his anger igniting instantly. "Katie, who the hell do you think you are,ying hands on her? Are you out of your mind?"


    Seeing Casper defend a woman deemed unworthy of public respect, Mae immediately moved to shield Katie. "Casper, have you lost it? How can you yell at your own family for an outsider?"


    "I know exactly who''s family and who''s not," Casper said, his face darkening with a threatening aura. "Last time, I let it slide when you drugged me. But now, bullying my woman in front of me? Do you think I''m giving you too much leeway?"


    "Your woman?" Mae sneered, looking at Eliza who had a mask on. "Her? She''s just amodity. I''ve seen plenty like her. Whoever pays gets herpany. Casper, don''t be fooled by her."


    "Aunt Mae, I''ve been respectful because you''re my elder. But keep testing my patience, and I''ll have you out of Falconridge right now."


    Casper''s tone left no room for argument. Mae clearly didn''t grasp the severity of the situation. Although she tried to hold back, she couldn''t help but grumble, "I''m just looking out for you. If you need a woman, why not give Katie a chance? We''re family, after all. You know her well, right?"


    Eliza couldn''t help but think, This aunt, ignoring all social norms and family ties, is dead set on marrying her stepdaughter into the Welton family. Her brain must be like a sponge soaked in water.


    With his lips pressed tight, Casper took Eliza''s hand and walked away, leaving the mother and daughter duo behind. Mae, feeling deliberately snubbed, fumed with resentment. "Look at that, Casper''s really been led astray by that awful woman. So rude, not even a goodbye."


    "Mae, that woman looks really familiar. I think I''ve seen her before."


    "Really?"


    Mae couldn''t ce her, but she didn''t see Eliza as a threat. "Katie, don''t worry. Mae will make sure you get what you want. But remember,


    men like Casper are always surrounded by women. Be


    over


    prepared."


    Katie only wanted a prestigious status. As far as she was concerned, no man was clean, and she didn''t mind. "As long as I can marry into the Welton family, I can handle anything." "That''s the spirit."


    ***


    Casper led Eliza to a quiet spot. "Sorry about my family. They can be really rude. Don''t let it get to you."


    Eliza was upset too, but Mae''s


    malice wasn''t specifically aimed atAll text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    her. Any woman with Casper


    would''ve faced the same. "It''s alright, she said, ncing at the


    groceries in their cart. "Do you want anything else to eat?"


    "Whatever you make, I''ll eat. I''m not picky."


    Eliza: ...


    That actually sounded pretty easy to deal with.


    They pushed the cart to the checkout. When Eliza moved to pay, Casper beat her to it and settled the bill. "I''ll pay you back," she said.


    "Don''t sweat it. Whether you pay or I pay, it''s all the same."


    Casper had changed so much from


    before. This version of him seemed like he could actually be a good boyfriend. Whoever he ended up with wouldn''t have to deal with his bad temper anymore. That''s a good thing.


    Eliza assumed Casper would leave after dropping her home. Dinner was still a while away.

 Chapter 370

    She still needed some time to get ready.


    He, however, showed no signs of leaving.


    After stepping out of the car, he trailed behind Eliza and entered her home.


    "Mr. Casper, I invited you for dinner, not lunch. Are you nning to stick around?"


    She had ns to head to the hospital soon to talk to Mikey and his doctor about Dr. Roth agreeing to the surgery. If Casper stayed, she wouldn''t be able to get anything done. "Just go about your business; I''ll just chill here for a bit."


    "I''m heading to the hospital," she said, changing into a fresh outfit and tying her hair into a neat bun. "Feel free to rest here if you want."


    "You''re going to the hospital?" he asked softly, pulling out a heavy set of car keys from his pocket and handing them to her, "Take my car." "That''s okay, I can just grab a taxi."


    Casper didn''t pull his hand back, insisting, "It''s way easier than taking a cab. Take it."


    Eliza gave in and took the keys, "Alright, I''m off to the hospital. I''ll be backter."


    "Drive safe and take it easy," he advised tenderly.


    "Got it."


    They interacted like an old married couple,fortable and familiar.


    Casper loved spending time alone with Eliza. Even just being in her house made him feel naturally rxed and cozy. This must be what home feels like.


    Eliza drove Casper''s car to the


    hospital and spotted David making a phone call near the entrance of the ward. After parking, she walked over just as he finished his call, "Eliza."


    "David." Carter was also in this hospital, and David looked serious. She guessed Carter''s condition might have worsened, "Is the professor''s condition getting worse?"  en


    "Yeah," David said heavily, his eyes losing their usual confidence and sparkle, "He''s started to talk incoherently now, I really am..." David''s eyes were red and teary.


    Though birth, aging, sickness, and death are natural, it''s never easy to bear when it hits close to home. Eliza''s heart ached with sympathy. "How''s Amaya holding up?"


    "My mom has already passed out from crying and was taken to another room to rest," David''s voice was filled with exhaustion and helplessness. Eliza felt a rush of indescribable emotions and nodded slightly, "Then I''ll go see the professor first."


    Following David''s steps, she entered Carter''s hospital room. On the bed, Carter looked extremely frail, his once upright spine now significantly bent. He looked even more haggard than during their fake engagement, stirring pity in anyone who saw him.


    Seeing Eliza at the doorway, a spark of excitement shed in Carter''s eyes as he struggled to sit up.


    "Dad, don''t move," David quickly walked to the bedside, gently pressing a button. The bed slowly elevated, adjusting to afortable semi-sitting position. Eliza slowly approached the bedside. The sorrow in her heart surged like a tide, but she held back her tears, maintaining a calm demeanor: "Professor Carter..." "Eliza," he spoke with effort, yet insisted on reaching out to grasp Eliza''s hand, "I''ve been looking forward to you and David having a wedding soon."


    A wedding was not part of Eliza''s n. Initially, David had only discussed engagement with her, not marriage. This sudden mention of a wedding was unexpected. "Professor, you don''t have to worry about us. Just focus on getting better, and David and I will be fine."All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Getting a marriage license... would be nice," Carter said, each word seeming to sap all his strength, "Promise me, will you?"

 Chapter 371

    Elizabeth couldply with almost every request Carter made. But this one? It was out of the question.


    She felt an overwhelming difort, too afraid to meet his eyes. She knew that one look might make her abandon all her principles and trap herself in an impossible situation.


    David gently took Carter''s hand, which was tightly holding Elizabeth''s, and said, "Dad, Elizabeth and I will definitely get married. You don''t need to worry about it. Just focus on getting better and waiting to babysit for us, okay?" Carter didn''t get the answer he was looking for. He breathed heavily, as if on the verge of hisst breath but couldn''t let it go.


    "Dad, Elizabeth and I have both agreed. Please, just rest, okay?"


    David''s words didn''t seem to have any effect. Shortly after, Carter was rushed to the emergency room due to cardiac arrest. Sitting outside the emergency room, their spirits hit rock bottom.


    "Dad''s been ramblingtely, all about wanting us to get married. That must be his biggest worry," David said, running his fingers through his hair, looking as if he med himself for not being able to fulfill this duty. This only added to Elizabeth''s stress. She had only agreed to help David out because Carter was her mentor. Actually getting married to fulfill an old man''sst wish? She was willing, but powerless.


    "David, we were supposed to be... fake. Once we get the marriage certificate, it bes real. That''s... unfair to me."


    She believed David understood. She hoped even more that he wouldn''t make things difficult for her. She had tried her best.


    David didn''t say much. He remained silent.


    Elizabeth checked her watch. "David, I''m going to check on my dad. If there''s any update here, call me."


    "Okay."


    The moment Elizabeth stepped into Mike''s hospital room, it felt like a huge burden had been lifted, and the pressure inside her began to dissipate. Inside the room, Mike had taken his medication and was asleep.


    Elizabeth didn''t stay long. She


    quickly found the attending


    physician and shared the news that


    Dr. Roth would be performing surgery on Mike. The doctor was relieved after hearing this, and then they discussed the details of the surgery meticulously.


    By the time everything was arranged, night had quietly fallen. Elizabeth looked out at the deep night sky only then remembering she had to rush home to prepare dinner for Jasper. She hurriedly left


    the hospital and drove home.


    At a busy intersection, her thoughts unwittingly drifted away, and before she knew it, she rear-ended the car in front of her. Elizabeth was startled and quickly got out to check the situation.


    Fortunately, the damage to both


    vehicles wasn''t severe, and no one was injured Usually, car idents. are straightforward to deal with - take photos, call the police, contact the insurancepany, determine liability, andpensate


    no


    ordingly. But this time, she


    encountered someone


    5


    unreasonable.


    "Pay up. I''m telling you, talking won''t solve anything; you mustpensate."


    The car owner was a man in his thirties, tall and muscr, with an arrogant demeanor. He eyed the little golden figure on Elizabeth''s car, thinking there was money to be made.


    Elizabeth thought, if she had topensate, then so be it. Better to lose money than invite trouble, considering it was her fault.


    "How much?"


    "Thirty thousand, not a penny less," the man''s words carried an undeniable air of authority.


    Elizabeth almostughed out loud upon hearing this. It was just a minor scratch on the paint, and he was demanding thirty thousand? As if she were a sheep ready for ughter. "Even if I had thirty thousand to give you, I wouldn''t pay it."


    That was a matter of principle. Elizabeth''s gaze didn''t waver.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 372

    The moment she declined to pay up, his face turned beet red with rage.


    He red at Eliza, bellowing, "You''re driving a luxury car worth millions, and you can''t even spare a few grand? Are you here to bully us regr folks? Do rich people just not care about others'' lives? If that''s how it is, I might as well keel over right in front of your car!" Eliza felt her patience snap under his ridiculous demands.


    She pulled out her phone, about to call the police.


    With a swift motion, the man snatched the phone out of her hand, "I''m telling you, if you don''t pay today, you''re not going anywhere. Hurry up and cough up the cash."


    "Are you serious? A few grand? Why don''t you just rob me?" Eliza''s shock quickly morphed into anger, "This is straight-up extortion!"All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She reached for her phone, but the man shoved her away mercilessly.


    She stumbled, losing her bnce and hitting her arm against a nearby signpost. The sharp edge sliced her skin, and blood slowly began to ooze out.


    Seeing her bleeding, the man showed no remorse. Instead, he urged her to hand over the money, revealing his greedy nature.


    Just then, her phone rang.


    The man nced at the screen - it was Casper.


    He raised an eyebrow, taunting, "Casper? Your boyfriend?"


    "He owns the car. Give me the phone, and I''ll have him deal with this," Eliza said, reaching out again.


    The man hesitated but eventually handed the phone back, warning her, "No cops."


    Phone connected.


    Eliza: "Hello?"


    "Still at the hospital?" Casper''s voice came through.


    Eliza looked at the towering, menacing figure before her, a wry smile tugging at her lips.


    She quickly exined the situation.


    "Are you okay?" Casper''s voice was tinged with concern.


    "I''m fine."


    "Good," he sighed, relief evident in his voice, "Stay put. I''ll be there soon."


    Less than half an hourter, Casper arrived at the scene.


    His eyes were like a hawk''s, zeroing in on Eliza amidst the chaos. His first concern was her well-being.


    But then he saw the injury on her arm.


    "I thought you said you weren''t hurt? What happened?" His voice was low and husky, filled with an indescribable pain. Eliza: "Scraped it on a signpost."


    Casper''s brow furrowed. He gently


    rubbed the top of Eliza''s head,


    kitten, "Go sit in the car. I''ll handle the rest."


    "Okay."


    As he turned back, the warmth in his demeanor vanished, reced by a frosty coldness.


    His expression hardened, as if chiseled by winter''s harsh winds, sending shivers down one''s spine.


    The man was deeply shaken by Casper''s presence, involuntarily stepping back as if an invisible force was pushing him.


    His steps were unsure, his heart pounding with fear.


    "You... you''re her guy? She


    rear-ended my car. I''m just asking


    forpensation, that''s not unreasonable, right?" the man''s voice trembled, filled with uncertainty and fear.


    He tried to mask his guilt with words, but his voice grew weaker and weaker.


    Casper chuckled coldly, "Not unreasonable, but you''ve hurt my girl. Asking forpensation in return isn''t unreasonable either, right?"

 Chapter 373

    "I... I didn''t do anything. She lost her bnce and hurt herself," the man stammered, his face stiff with effort. His voice, however, betrayed him, filled with a helplessness that suggested even he didn''t believe his own excuse. "Is that so?" The icy words cut through the air, his eyes lifting slowly, dark and menacing. "Then, did your car crash itself too?"


    "No, no! Are all you rich folks this unreasonable?" The man''s voice was tinged with frustration.


    "You were the one being unreasonable first." The man''s voice was cold and disdainful. "So, do you want to y fair or not?"


    The man''s eyes flickered nervously. He knew he couldn''t outmaneuver the wealthy by being unreasonable. A minor injury; he could pay for that.


    "Look, she got hurt, I''llpensate. But you have to pay for my car too."


    Casper''s lips curled into a small smile. "I can get you a new one, no big deal."


    The man patted the old sedan beside him as if it were a precious artifact, his eyes glinting with greed.


    "Just give me the money. This car was worth twenty grand when I bought it." A greedy smile spread across his face. "Pay up now."


    "Alright, since you insist." Casper swiped a finger across his phone screen, transferring the twenty thousand in an instant.


    With a quick call from Casper, Dillon and several men in ck appeared, exuding an air of authority.


    Under the man''s astonished gaze, they began to systematically destroy his "twenty grand treasure." Hammers fell, shattering windows and peeling off paint, as if the car were undergoing an apocalyptic beating. The man stood there, his eyes vacant, watching his "treasure" disintegrate, too terrified to resist or show anger.


    Finally snapping out of his shock, he prepared to take the money and leave. But just as he was about to step away, Casper''s voice sliced- through the air like a de. "Hold ''on. I''ve paid for your car, but my friend got hurt. We need to settle that too."


    The man felt a twinge of nervousness. He figured the woman''s scratch was worth a few hundred bucks, tops.


    "Fine,pensation. I said I''d do it. Five hundred, I''ll transfer it." He tried to seem generous as he initiated the transfer.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Casper''s eyes gleamed with a cold amusement. "Five hundred?" he scoffed. "Are you trying to fob me off?" Casper signaled to Dillon. "Dillon, run the numbers."


    Dillon nodded, pulling out a


    calctor and rapidly pressing the buttons. "Compensation for shock emotional distress, lost earnings, medical bills, convalescent care, psychological treatment... total:


    thirty thousand."


    With each item Dillon listed, the man''s face grew paler. When he heard "thirty thousand," his jaw nearly hit the floor.


    He had thought five hundred would settle it. Now, he was faced with a thirty thousand-dor bill.


    "Thirty thousand? Are you kidding me? That''s a rip-off! Where am I supposed to get thirty thousand?" Dillon smiled, showing he was open to negotiation. "No money? Then it''s off to jail."


    "No..." The man was in a full-blown panic now. "It was just a scratch, is it really worth thirty thousand?" He wanted to plead his case to Casper.


    But Dillon Stepped in. ¡°If you have anything to say, talk to me. We have a team ofwyers. Rest assured, they''ll ensure you get a fair, legal, andpliantpensation standard."

 Chapter 374

    The man was dejected. He had only intended to scam a little money, but he ended up in a tight spot himself. Sure, rich people have money, but they''re not fools. "I need you to recalcte this," he demanded.


    Dillon nodded, "Sure."


    ...


    Sliding into the passenger seat, Casper couldn''t help but nce over at the woman beside him, concern etched on his face. "You weren''t scared, were you?"


    "No, just..." She shook her head gently, a hint of apology in her eyes. "...your car got a bit damaged..."


    "Don''t worry about it. Insurance will cover it," he reassured her.


    Starting the car, he skillfully maneuvered the steering wheel and, leaving the cleanup to Dillon, drove away with Eliza. The mood inside the car was heavy, and she sat quietly, her head bowed, clearly shaken by the incident. The ident had taken a toll on her, leaving her in no mood for anything, let alone cooking.


    Once they got home, she suggested, "How about we eat out tonight?"


    Casper helped her off with her coat and led her to the living room. "First, let''s take care of your wound so it doesn''t get infected."


    "It''s nothing serious," she dismissed.


    "Serious or not, I need to see it."


    Blood had stained Eliza''s white blouse. The man, who she remembered as cold, proud, and always distant, was now tenderly tending to her wound. His long fingers moved gently, as if afraid that a firmer touch would cause her pain. Bit by bit, he cleaned the wound with utmost care.


    She couldn''t ignore the tenderness and concern in his eyes. "If it hurts, let me know," he said softly, his voice as gentle as his touch.


    Eliza shook her head lightly, "It doesn''t hurt."


    She had never seen this side of Casper before and it left her momentarily dazed. She turned her face away to avoid looking at him After finishing, he let out a deep breath. "The wound looks fine, it shouldn''t leave a scar."


    "Hmm," she murmured, rolling down her sleeve.


    Casper stood up gracefully, took off his coat and hung it up, then rolled up his shirt sleeves. "I''ll cook tonight. You should rest."


    His smile was gentle, like a spring breeze, warm and calming. Eliza was momentarily taken aback. "I''m fine. I can do it."


    "It''s okay. It''s just the two of us. I''ll make something simple and quick," he assured her, heading to the kitchen.


    Not wanting to be left out, Eliza


    followed him quickly. Entering the kitchen, she was surprised to see that Casper had already organized the ingredients neatly on the counter. He looked both clumsy and somewhat adept at the same time.


    When had he learned to do this? Or had he always known but just never bothered?


    Standing at the kitchen doorway, she watched him. Despite his mix of clumsiness and skill, she couldn''t help but smile. Clearly, he hadn''t done much cooking before. He was just putting on a brave front.


    "Let me do it," she offered softly, stepping forward.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    "No need," he insisted.


    Eliza furrowed her brow slightly and found a reasonable excuse. "I want to eat sooner rather thanter. Let me handle it."


    He couldn''t argue with that. He knew he was slow. "Are you sure? Is your arm okay?"


    "It''s fine, just a minor injury," she replied, starting to cook.


    He grabbed an apron and, moving behind her, tied it around her waist with a bow. The intimate gesture made Eliza blush slightly, a touch of red creeping up her ears.

 Chapter 375

    "Alright, you can go now; it''ll be ready soon," she said.


    "Okay."


    He nodded, not saying much, just standing quietly at the kitchen door, his eyes tenderly following her busy figure.


    Her movements were so smooth and natural, like he had seen her cook for him a thousand times before.


    A wave of emotion surged through him.


    If, after every long workday, there was a woman waiting to cook him dinner like this, wouldn''t life be perfect?


    The thought made a gentle smile tug at his lips.


    Three dishes and a soup.


    She had prepared them with care, just the way Casper liked.


    It was strange, after all these years, she still remembered his tastes.


    Maybe she was deeply infatuated.


    Just as they were about to sit down to enjoy the cozy dinner, the doorbell rang, breaking the peace.


    "Who is it?" Casper frowned slightly, getting up to answer the door.


    Standing there was David.


    Their eyes met, and both were momentarily taken aback.


    David quickly looked away, peering inside. "Where is she?"


    "What do you want now?" Casper''s tone wasced with impatience.


    David really had a knack for showing up at the worst times.


    David ignored his mood, shoving past him to enter the house.


    His eyes found Eliza, instantly filling with uncontroble sorrow. "Eliza,e with me to the hospital; my dad... he''s not going to make it."


    "Mr. Carter..." Eliza had just returned from the hospital earlier that day, knowing Carter''s condition was dire. "David, wait for me in the car. I''ll be down in a minute." Casper: ...


    He blocked David, his anger barely contained. "Your dad''s dying, and you''re dragging her into it? Do you really think she''s part of your family? David, you can''t be this selfish." "This is between her and me, it doesn''t concern you, Mr. Casper."


    David ignored Casper''s anger, pushing past him and heading out the door.


    set


    Eliza quickly gathered her things, grabbed her bag, and headed for the door. "You go ahead and eat. I need to goto the hospital; don''t wait up for me."


    "Valerie," Casper said, grabbing her arm, his brow deeply furrowed. "Every time David calls, you just go running. Do you really see yourself as part of their family? Carter is just your teacher, not your father


    "Mr. Carter was always good to me. Shouldn''t I go see him if he''s dying?"


    Eliza couldn''t understand why Casper was so upset.


    How could anyone be so cold andcking inpassion?


    "They just want to use these so-called emotions to tie you down. Can''t you see that?"


    Could Eliza not see that?


    But... Carter was dying. What was there to argue about with a dying man?


    Letting him pass away without regrets could be a good deed.


    "I don''t have anything more to say. I''m leaving."


    Eliza quickly went downstairs.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    In his anger, Casper kicked over the trash can by his feet.


    The food on the table, which he had been looking forward to, suddenly seemed tasteless.


    Carter didn''t make it.


    Before he passed, he clung to Eliza''s hand, insisting that she and David get married so he could die in peace. But she couldn''t agree to that.


    He died with his eyes open.


    Although Amaya didn''t say anything, the look she gave Eliza was filled with deep me.


    Eliza didn''t understand. What had gone wrong?


    She had meant well, so how had she ended up being the viin in the Simmons family?


    It felt like her heart was stuffed with a rag.


    Eliza


    possible; she dreaded hearing Amaya''s ''s crying and feared seeing David''s heartbroken face.


    We

 Chapter 376

    It all seemed to start because of her.


    She was the root cause.


    "David, I''m not going to the funeral," she said.


    David''s eyes widened in shock. "What? You''re noting to my dad''s funeral? Eliza, that''s not right, is it?"


    "Why isn''t it?" She hadn''t expected such a strong reaction from David, as if he was seeing his own selfishnessid bare. "I''ve already done more than enough for him while he was alive, things I shouldn''t have had to. Don''t I have the right to skip the funeral?" Eliza''s voice was cool, almost icy.


    Beneath that indifferent facade, her tone was anything but gentle.


    David probably hadn''t expected Eliza to react this way.


    He frowned slightly. "Are you mad?"


    Eliza didn''t reply.


    After a moment of silence, just as she was about to say something, David interrupted her again.


    "At our engagement party, all our friends and family found out about our rtionship. If you don''t show up at the funeral, people will start talking. Funerals are already sad enough, and I really don''t have the energy to exin to everyone why you weren''t there." Eliza frowned at the man standing before her.


    What was he implying?


    Did he want her to be sensible and y along for thest act?


    She wasn''t opposed to ying along for thisst scene, but after it was over, would anyone appreciate her efforts?


    Not a chance.


    Even Amaya, who usually adored her, had started to me her.


    What would their friends and rtives say when they found out she didn''t want to marry David, causing Carter''s heartbreak?


    With these thoughts, she became even more determined not to attend the funeral.


    "Then you''ll have to exin it to our friends and rtives," Eliza took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, trying to release the heaviness in her heart, "Sorry, I''m a bit tired. I''m


    leaving now."


    "Eliza." David''s voice, filled with confusion and astonishment, halted the woman who was about to turn and leave. "Is this because of Casper?" Casper?


    What did this have to do with Casper?


    "Is that what you think?" She found it somewhatughable.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "Is it because my dad''s passing interrupted your candlelit dinner?" David''s lips curled into a sneer, mocking her. "Even after all this,


    you''re still falling into the same trap,


    Eliza. You never learn, do you?"


    His tone dripped with disappointment.


    He was probably insinuating she was foolish.


    Eliza caught the subtext in his words, and the only hint of apology she felt vanished suddenly. "They say actions reveal a person''s true character. Now I see yours."


    "Am I wrong?" David seemed very agitated, gripping Eliza''s arm tightly as he continued to vent, "Have you forgotten how Casper treated you back then? Even if you don''t like me, you could have chosen any other man. Why get tangled up with him again?


    Do you think he''s a different person just because he''s lost his memory? A person''s nature doesn''t change. Besides, can he really stay amnesiac forever? What happens when he regains his memory and finds you by his side? How will he treat you?


    He will never love you. Haven''t you considered what your fate will be?"


    Eliza''s arm hurt from his grip.


    She hated this form of restraint and struggled hard. "Do you even know what you''re saying?"


    "Eliza, how many more times do you n to fall for Casper before you give up?" He shook Eliza''s slender frame forcefully, his eyes wide and menacing. "In this world, only I truly care for you, not minding that you''ve had a child, not dwelling on your §à§á§à§Ô§à


    past. What more do you want?"

 Chapter 377

    Eliza felt a pang of difort in her chest from all the turmoil. All she did was express her reluctance to attend Carter''s funeral, and David acted like apletely different person. Thankfully, she hadn''t made an impulsive decision to agree to marry him, fulfilling Carter''s


    "Can you leave him? Can you promise not to get tangled up with him anymore?" David''s grip on Eliza tightened, his emotions spiraling out of control. "I''m the one who''s perfect for you. Why can''t you see that?" "David, you''re hurting me..."


    Eliza couldn''t break free from David''s hold. His strength was overwhelming; her arms felt like they were about to snap.


    "Let her go."


    As the voice echoed, David was sent flying, his back mming against the wall before he slowly slid to the ground. Eliza, losing her bnce, took a couple of steps back into a solid wall of muscle. She looked up to see... "Casper?"


    What was he doing here in the hospital?


    Casper reached out to steady Eliza, guiding her to sit down. "How are you? Sit for a moment, I''ll handle this."


    David staggered to his feet, his anger boiling over. "Casper, why are you always in the way? This is between her and me. It''s not your ce to interfere."


    "I''m interfering now. What about it?" Casper cracked his knuckles, the sound echoing in the hallway.


    David knew he stood no chance against Casper. He didn''t even intend to fight; it just felt ridiculous to him, Casper''s gant demeanor for love. "You love her?"


    "Love her? Love you?" Casper scoffed.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    David suddenly burst intoughter. Pointing at Casper, he looked at him as if he was a joke. "You love her now? Casper, do you even know who she is? Do you remember how you treated her before? And now you''re telling me you love her? That''s hrious."


    Casper''s brows furrowed slightly, confusion clouding his face. What was David talking about? What past, how he treated her?


    "Casper, when you were making her life a living hell, I didn''t hear you say you loved her. Now you''ve lost your memory, and your love is all-consuming?"


    Eliza watched as David was about to reveal her identity to Casper. She quickly stepped forward, stopping him from saying more. "David, can you be rational?"


    "What? Scared? Afraid that he''ll


    know who you are and stop loving you?" David''s body swayed, hisugh bitter and mocking. "I''ve told you, in this world, only I can love you unconditionally. Casper''s love isn''t even love. It''s just lust; it''s just a physical need. Only tonic love can be called love."


    Eliza frowned, looking at the unsteady David. He suddenly seemed like a stranger.


    "David, I know you and your family have been good to me, but... as my teacher''s student, I tried to fulfill hisst wish. But getting married, I really can''t do it. I hope you understand."


    Casper: ...


    What did he just hear? David wanted to register their marriage?


    "You Simmons family people are truly despicable," Casper said, his brows furrowed, his words dripping with sarcasm. "A fake engagement is one thing, but to dream of marriage? How delusional can


    be?


    you


    "What does it matter to you?" David questioned Casper''s sense of superiority. "You think if she doesn''t marry me, she''ll marry you? No one jumps into the same fire pit twice." "Enough," Eliza didn''t want David to continue. "The arrangements for the teacher''s funeral still need your attention. Tell Amaya I''m sorry."


    Eliza pulled Casper away. At this point, she could only say her kindness and goodwill had been taken for granted.

 Chapter 378

    Does she me David?


    No, she doesn''t me him.


    She believes that once he cools down, he''ll reflect on his actions.


    Sliding into Casper''s car, Eliza was quiet for a while before slowly asking, "How did you end up at the hospital?"


    "I was worried about you." He hadn''t been able to eat anything at home. "Did Carter pass away?"


    "Yeah, our teacher is gone. That''s why David lost control." She could understand David''s feelings; the pain of losing a loved one was something she could empathize with. "He was just talking nonsense." Some of the things David said indeed left Casper baffled.


    But were they really just nonsense?


    Casper didn''t ask Eliza; he figured even if he did, she''de up with some excuse.


    The truth, he had to find out on his own.


    "He wanted to turn the pretense into reality, and you refused, so he lost it."


    "You... how did you know my engagement to him was fake?" Eliza was slightly surprised.


    She didn''t think she was acting that poorly, and David did like her. How did this man see through it?


    "Is it that hard to guess? Whether someone loves another, you can see it in their eyes."


    Eliza didn''t have the energy to dig into this right now. "Just take me home."


    "Okay."


    ...


    A few dayster, Caleb''s nended in Falconridge.


    Casper personally came to pick him up.


    "Dr. Caleb, wee back."


    Caleb grinned and gave Casper a big hug. "Calling me doctor makes me feel a bit guilty."


    "Back then, you were so adamant about studying medicine. I never thought I''d end up needing your help."


    Caleb had already heard about Casper''s condition from Dillon.


    There aren''t really good ways to treat amnesia.


    Either electroshock therapy or surgery.


    It depends on the specifics.


    But no one can guarantee the results.


    "Man, what if the amnesia isn''t cured and I turn you into an idiot instead?"


    Bet


    Seeing Caleb''s mischievous grin, Casper elbowed him. "If you turn me into an


    take diot, you''d better be ready to


    take care of me in my old age."


    "No way."


    The two brothers joked andughed, heading from the airport to the Welton family estate first.


    and his


    Back when Caleb''s parents Ced, belongs to en.kikistel


    anothother remarried into


    another wealthy family, she


    contacted him again.


    He was and


    about five or six then,


    abealth his father didn''t time living with Audrey. Con n¨¦t


    him, he spent most of his


    His bond with the Welton family siblings was also very deep.


    On the way back to the estate, Casper called Eliza, wanting to invite her over to visit and meet his family.


    But he didn''t tell her the real reason, just said they hadn''t had dinner that day and wanted to make it up. Eliza felt awkward refusing and agreed.


    Standing at the entrance of her apartmentplex, watching Casper''s car slowly stop in front of her. The window rolled down, sunlight nting into the car.


    Eliza and Caleb''s gazes met unexpectedly in the sudden light.


    Both were filled with surprise and confusion.


    Caleb: ...Isn''t this his sister-inw? (I heard... she died, was the news wrong?)


    Eliza: ... Isn''t this Casper''s younger brother?


    Caleb turned to look at Casper, trying to find a clue on his face. "Dude, this..."


    "Let me introduce her, her name is Valerie, a friend of mine," Casper introduced casually.


    "Valerie?" Caleb seemed to understand.


    Casper has amnesia; he must have forgotten his own wife.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Aplex expression appeared on Caleb''s face, mostly sympathy for Casper.


    He awkwardly grinned. "Nice to meet you, Valerie."


    Eliza started to have second thoughts.


    "Maybe we should reschedule."

 Chapter 379

    "We''re all family here, no worries." He opened the car door and got out, then courteously opened the back door for Eliza. "Please, get in."


    Eliza was internally screaming a thousand different ways to say no.


    She felt like amb on a spit, doomed no matter which way she turned.


    Oh well.


    If she was destined to face this, she might as well get it over with. It was only a matter of time.


    She bent over and slid into the back seat, right next to Caleb.


    Casper settled into the passenger seat.


    The car slowly began to move.


    Caleb''s gaze flicked over Eliza''s face a few times before he leaned in and lowered his voice.


    "Sis-inw, are you and my brother into some kind of cosy?"


    Eliza blinked, bewildered. "...???"


    "My brother''s lost some of his memory. The part that''s gone, it''s not all about you, is it?" Caleb was itching to dig up some gossip. "And weren''t you in a car ident three years ago... How are you still here?" Eliza''s eyebrows knitted together. "Are we that close? You''re quite the detective, aren''t you?"


    "Strangers yesterday, friends today," Caleb said with his usual easy charm. "Besides, we''re all one big family, right?"


    "Legally speaking, if a person dies, the marriage ends, so..." Eliza''s stare was icy, her voice only for Caleb''s ears, "...I have no rtionship with the Welton family now."


    "Ah." Caleb sounded as though he heard a heart shatter.


    It wasn''t his heart.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    He felt bad for his dear brother.


    "Sis-inw, you''re pretty ruthless."


    "Don''t call me sis-inw," Eliza warned.


    Caleb ignored her, still grinning and nosy. "So, how did you and my brother reconnect? Seems like he''s really into you. He wouldn''t be trying to win you back, would he?"


    "Are you done yet?"


    "So, even after the memory loss, he still fell for you?" Caleb marveled "The power of love, huh? It


    transcends time, distance, and even amnesia. That''s something.


    Eliza: ...


    She hadn''t expected Caleb to be such a chatterbox.


    Why hadn''t he been this annoying when they were kids?


    AQUMS


    Eliza turned her face away, looking out the window, refusing to engage any further.


    Caleb cheekily posted a status on his social media.


    ---Ah, love, truly enviable. After all the twists and turns, it''s still you.


    The car slowly approached the Welton family''s quaint and dignified ancestral home.


    Sitting in the car, Eliza''s eyes flickered with confusion.


    "How... Why are we here?" She was surprised by the sight before her. Casper smiled gently as he turned around, his smile tender.


    He got out of the car, walked to her side, and gently opened the door for her. "Last time at your ce, we missed out on a family dinner. I''ve always felt a bit regretful about that. Today I wanted to bring you to my ce, to give you a taste of @real Welton family feast, as a way... for you to return the favor, how about it?"


    Eliza looked at him, a flood of indescribable emotions welling up inside her.


    Caleb, watching this unfold, couldn''t help but shiver, feeling a wave of goosebumps all over.


    He quickly got out of the car, wanting to escape the ambiguously tender atmosphere.


    "I don''t think this is appropriate. I should go," Eliza frowned slightly, turning to leave.


    Casper quickly grasped her wrist. "Now that you''re here, you might as well stay for dinner."


    "You didn''t say we wereing here," she protested, not liking the surprise, "Some other time, I''ll treat you instead."


    Casper, as if he hadn''t heard herint, smiled gently, with a touch of indulgence. "Come on, let''s try the food at my ce."

 Chapter 380

    He grabbed her wrist and pulled her inside.


    She struggled, trying to break free.


    But he just took her hand in his, intertwining their fingers tightly so she couldn''t escape.


    When Caroline walked out, she saw Casper with a grin, dragging a reluctant Eliza into the house. "What''s going on here?" she asked, worried her brother might be too rough, and quickly stepped in. Casper, still smiling, introduced Eliza, "This is Caroline, my sister, and this is Valerie, my friend." Caroline: ...No need for introductions.


    Eliza: ...Sister, long time no see.


    "I''ll take it from here." Caroline gently took Eliza''s hand from Casper''s, "Let''s have a chat."


    "Sis, don''t be too hard on her, or I''ll get upset," Casper said, a hint of worry crossing his face.


    Caroline: ...If only you were this protective earlier, you wouldn''t be single now.


    "In this house, as long as you don''t give her a hard time, no one will," she urged Casper to leave, "Alright, no worries."


    Watching Casper walk away, Caroline took Eliza by the hand and led her to a quieter spot.


    "This silly boy, amnesia or not, his taste in love is still the same," she said with augh.


    Eliza felt a bit mocked, "Sister, I don''t see it that way."


    "I think he cares a lot about you."Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "His care is only because I''m Valerie, not Eliza. If he ever regains his memory, he''ll feel like a fool," she said, her voice tinged with bitterness. "Sister, he never loved Eliza."


    In the world of love, a woman might not love a man at first, but living together for a long time, she might slowly develop feelings.


    But men are different from women.


    If a man doesn''t love, he just doesn''t love.


    Even if you live with him for a lifetime, he won''t love you.


    This is the fundamental reason she is adamant about not being with Casper.


    Caroline thought Eliza''s views were a bit bleak.


    From Eliza''s faked death to the discovery of her being alive, she had seen all of Casper''s reactions.


    "Are you really unwilling to give him a chance?"


    "Sister, he and I...really aren''t suitable." Her eyes drooped in dejection, "What I owed him, and what he owed me, we''ve settled. There''s really no need to tie O ourselves together."


    Caroline could especially understand Eliza''s feelings as a woman.


    Hearts are easily broken, but not so easily mended.


    She didn''t push any further, standing up to say, "Let''s go see mom. Just the other day, she was still talking about you." "Okay."


    Audrey was in a good mood, talking a lot with Eliza.


    Leaving her room, Eliza nned to find an excuse to leave quickly.


    Turning around, she almost bumped into someone.


    "You... you are...?" Mae had seen Eliza before but didn''t remember her well, "You are..."


    Caroline stepped in to help, "This is Casper''s friend, Valerie."


    novel bet


    ¡°Valerie?¡± Mae looked her up and down, suddenly remembering, ¡°The woman with the mask at the supermarket that day, that was you, right?"


    Eliza didn''t avoid the question.


    Since they didn''t recognize her, she had nothing to hide, "Yes, that was me."


    "How can a woman like you show up in the Welton family? Is this a ce for you?" Mae''s disdain was barely. concealed, her lips curling into a scornful smile, "Caroline, as the older ster, you should also watch


    out for Casper, don''t bring any random woman into the house."

 Chapter 381

    "Aunt Mae, watch what you''re saying. How is she a mess of a woman?" Caroline''s face darkened, clearly annoyed by Mae''s hostility. She stepped forward smoothly, pulling Eliza behind her. "If Casper brought her home and our family epts her, that''s all that matters. We don''t need your approval." Mae was momentarily speechless, her eyes widened in disbelief that Caroline would stand up for a stranger like that.


    Her face flushed with anger. "Caroline, have you lost your mind? She''s a gold-digger, after Casper''s money. Don''t let her fool you."


    "Going after Casper''s money is still better than going after his body," Caroline retorted with a grimace, unwilling to drag out the conversation. She took Eliza and walked away.


    Mae''s meticulously made-up face now seemed stiff. She stood there awkwardly, her lips parted as if she wanted to argue back but couldn''t find the right words. "You, you..." It was a clear jab about the time Casper was drugged.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Drugged?


    Right.


    She couldn''t let this woman ruin Katie''s chance of marrying into the Welton family.


    Mae turned and quickly headed upstairs.


    Katie was leisurely applying makeup when Mae barged in without knocking, slightly irritated. "Mae, could you knock before entering? Show some manners." "That woman has shown up," Mae said breathlessly.


    "Which woman?" Katie''s hand holding the makeup brush paused abruptly. "What are you talking about? Why are you out of breath?"


    "What else? The woman from the supermarket, the one with Casper. He brought her home, which means he''s really into her. We can''t just sit back and do nothing." Her reason for returning home was to ensure Katie''s marriage into the Welton family.


    Only if she sessfully marries into the Welton family could Mae possibly inherit half of Katie''s father''s fortune after his death.


    That''s billions at stake.


    The risk was worth it.


    "Katie, do you still have that drug?"


    Katie blinked in confusion. "What, the drug?"


    "The one you gave to Casper before."


    "There''s a little left," Katie said, astonished, quickly waving her hands in refusal. "We can''t give that to Casper again; it''s too strong, it could kill." "Not for him, for that woman."


    Mae had already nned it out.


    After the drug kicks in, under the


    cover of a dark and windy night, she''d take her to Falconridge''s most chaotic Backhill Alley. The ce was notorious; anyone who entered


    would struggle toe out


    unscathed.


    She didn''t believe Casper would still want her after she''s been tarnished.


    Even if Casper didn''t mind, the Welton family would never agree.


    "Katie, your task today is to keep Casper busy, separate the two of them. I guarantee you''ll smoothly marry into the Welton family."


    Mae''s assurance sparked a glimmer of hope and excitement in Katie.


    She asked uncertainly, "Really, can we do it?"


    "That woman, Valerie, is your rival


    now. If you don''t take her down, who will?" Mae, looking at Katie''s beautiful face, tenderly caressed it. "Katie promise to help you, and you can''t go back on your word, okay?"


    The exchange of interests between them always repulsed Katie.


    She reluctantly and insincerely grasped Mae''s hand, nodding. "Don''t worry, Mae. Once this is done, l''ff


    definitely speak to Dad on your


    behalf. Changing the will is just a matter of time."

 Chapter 382

    "Aunt Mae always knew our Katie was the cutest." Mae grinned broadly, as if she saw victory right around the corner.


    "Mae," Katie said, pulling open her purse. Inside a small pocket was a tiny vial of medicine. "Take this. It''ll kick in after half an hour. Be quick about it."


    "Don''t worry," Mae replied, clutching the vial in her hand.


    Handling some mysterious woman? Piece of cake for her.


    Eliza wasn''t in the mood to eat. The Welton family had so many people around, including a bunch of servants. Except for that forgetful aunt, probably only Casper didn''t know who Eliza was. So...


    The situation was really awkward. It looked more like Casper was just entertaining himself.


    "Our family is really easygoing," Casper said, worried she''d feel out of ce. He kept piling food onto her te. "The chef is amazing; you should try more."


    Eliza: ...


    She was so ufortable she could practically feel her toes curling into the floor.


    "I can serve myself, thanks."


    Next to her, Caleb almost burst outughing. "Bro, you''ve got to try harder. Looks like Ms. Valerie isn''t quite into you."


    He was clearly enjoying the show, a teasing smile ying on his lips.


    Audrey smiled softly and served Caleb some food. "Stop teasing your brother."


    "Great Aunt, I''m just cheering him on," Caleb said, making a yful cheer gesture.


    Caroline joined in theughter. "Chasing a girlfriend isn''t just about cheering; it''s all about timing and luck."


    "What are you all talking about?" Casper furrowed his brows, looking confused. "Isn''t it rude to talk like that in front of her?" "Let''s just eat," Audrey said with a smile.


    After dinner, Katie volunteered to


    make coffee for everyone. Caleb the chatterbox, started talking non-stop about his experiences in hospitals abroad. Everyone sipped their coffee, looking rxed.


    Eliza wasn''t really interested. After having a cup, she felt sleepy and wanted to head back.


    "Sorry, I''m a bit tired. I''ll head out now," she said, standing up and politely bidding everyone goodbye.


    Casper stood up too. "I''ll walk you out."


    "Casper, can you help me find a book first? I need it for my exams," Katie said, grabbing Casper''s arm to stop him. "Ms. Valerie can wait a bit, right?" Katie looked up at him with pleading eyes.


    Casper didn''t want to entertain her request. "Exams? And you''re cramming at thest minute? What were you doing all this time?"


    "Just help me out," Katie persisted.


    "Casper, help Katie find that book, will you? Ms. Valerie, you don''t mind, do you?" Mae turned to Eliza.


    Eliza felt a bit ufortable but thought she could just get a cab. "It''s fine."


    "Wait for me a moment," Casper said, heading upstairs with Katie.


    Mae immediately suggested the family driver take Eliza home. "Ms. Valerie you look a bit pale. Let our driver John take you back. I''ll exin to Casper when hees down."


    Eliza wanted to refuse, but she felt dizzy and didn''t argue. "Okay, please have the driver take me." "Alright."All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza felt heavy and weak as she got into the car. On the way, she started sweating, her throat felt like it was on fire, and she had a strange, intense physical need.


    What on earth was happening?

 Chapter 383

    She tried to remember what she had eaten. It seemed like there wasn''t anything out of the ordinary. "John, could you please hurry up?" she urged.


    John was the Welton family''s new driver, and he didn''t know Eliza well. The car wasn''t moving particrly fast, and he nced at her through the rearview mirror. Mae had specifically told him to drop her off at Pine Street, which was known for being quite chaotic. He couldn''t understand why such a beautiful woman would live there.


    "Sure thing, Ms. Valerie. We''re almost there," he replied.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    After they reached Pine Street, Eliza''s fever was making her lose consciousness. She struggled to keep herself together as she stepped out of the car, wandering aimlessly and losing her sense of direction. John noticed something was off. He thought about offering to help her up, but before he could say anything, she had already ventured deep into the shadowy alley, disappearing from view. The car slowly drove away.


    Eliza, with her face flushed and leaning against the wall, stumbled forward. Her cheeks were burning red, as if scorched by a fierce me.


    What on earth was happening to her? She felt a strange, intense heat rising from within, coupled with a sudden, overwhelming longing for a man... She desperately tried to open her eyes, but her eyelids felt like they weighed a ton, impossible to lift. She shook her heavy head, trying to dispel the sudden strangeness.


    Could it be... Had she been drugged? Who would do that to her? The coffee? Why was her coffee spiked when nobody else''s was? Who could have drugged her? Casper? If it were him, he would have insisted on taking her home, and then whatever happened next would seem all too natural. It couldn''t be him. If he wanted her, he wouldn''t need to drug her. Then who could it be?


    She tugged at her cor, continuing to walk further in. Something felt off. The deeper she went, the more she encountered oddly dressed men and women. Some leanedzily against the walls, theirughter tinged with


    ???


    frivolity. Others held in their


    arms, kissing without a


    their


    lewd breaths filling the air.


    Where was she? Eliza''s heart raced. She pinched her thigh hard, hoping the pain would clear her foggy thoughts. No, this definitely wasn''t the way home. She leaned against the peeling wall, slowly turning around, her gaze blurry as she looked toward the dark entrance. She needed to leave this ce.


    Then, a sharp voice rang out, "Oh, where did this beautye from? It''s been ages since we''ve seen such a stunner willingly walk our way."


    The voice was ambiguous, distinctly


    effeminate. Eliza didn''t want to engage. Her steps were heavy, her body hot, and the only thought in her mind was to get out of there. Her body became less responsive. Her steps slowed, as if she were sinking into thick mud. Her breathing grew rapid and heavy, the desire for a man burning inside her like a raging fire. Her reason struggled, but that desire, like an unstoppable wave, threatened to engulf her.


    No. She couldn''t copse here.


    Her trembling fingers reached into her bag, searching for the eyebrow razor she hadn''t used in ages. Gripping it tightly in her hand, she let the faint pain sweep through


    body. Blood oozed out, briner n


    back some of her sanity. Just as she was about to continue, several mboyantly dressed men blocked her path.


    "You''ve got guts, walking into this alley alone. Seems like you don''t know the legends of this ce," one of them sneered.


    "This one''s a real catch. I bet Rick would definitely like her," another added.

 Chapter 384

    "Don''t talk nonsense, Rick is into me," barked the man with the strained voice, his words dripping with sleaze. Eliza''s gaze was hazy as she looked at the oddly dressed ''men'' before her. "Move," she demanded, channeling every bit of her strength.


    "Babe, Rick''s the real deal. Stick with him, and you''ll be craving more every day." The ''man'' in the fis shirt strutted forward, shaking his hips. "Consider yourself lucky."


    Eliza''s eyelids began to droop. She clutched the eyebrow pencil tightly. The cold de bit into her flesh, and blood dripped steadily from her palm.


    "Get lost," she hissed.


    The ''men'' noticed something off. "Is she on something?"


    "Looks like she took an aphrodisiac. Her face is so flushed... If she doesn''t get some relief soon, she might just keel over."


    "Can Rick handle that?"


    "Of course! Rick''s record is three hours, seven times a night."


    The figures before her blurred, like they were shrouded in morning fog. Eliza''s hearing faded. Desperately, she wed at her clothes, trying to fight off the burning heat. But this heatwave seemed to have a life of its own, eating away at her reason and strength. She was on the brink of copse, teetering.


    Suddenly, she was hoisted into the air, securely slung over someone''s shoulder. Eliza''s body gave out, her eyelids heavy as she slipped into unconsciousness.


    ...


    Back at the Welton Estate, John couldn''t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. Zhongshan Alley, in the dark of Falconridge, was like a hidden predator, full of danger and the unknown. Gays, HIV, sexual predators, thugs, riff-raff... it was a cesspool of sin, no ce for a woman.


    A bad premonition hit him. His heart raced, fear creeping in. Could something bad happen?


    A chill ran down his spine, and he rushed to find Casper.


    "Mr. Casper, I need to confirm, does Ms. Valerie live in Zhongshan Alley?"


    Casper was taken aback.


    Zhongshan Alley? No decent person would live there. His eyes narrowed, his voice cold and puzzled. "Of course not. Why?"


    "Mr. Casper, something terrible has happened. I... I sent Ms. Valerie to Zhongshan Alley. I... I..."


    The driver was panicked, his voice trembling. He feared not just for his job, but for his life.


    Casper''s heart tightened with urgency, he grabbed the driver''s


    V


    ha his anger ring. "You s ent


    her to Zhongshan Alley?"


    "Yes, Aunt Fragrance told me to drop her there. Mr. Casper, you need to hurry. That alley..."


    The driver was terrified, his scalp tingling. And he noticed something was off with Eliza.


    "Mr. Casper, I... I think Ms. Valerie seemed a bit out of it," the driver tried to steady his breath, his voice shaking.


    "You left her there in that state and just walked away?" Casper raised his fist, his eyes wide with rage. "If anything happens to her, you won''t live either."


    Casper flung the driver aside, not wasting a second. He mmed the gas pedal, and the car shot out like an arrow.


    The lights in Zhongshan Alley were dim, the street corners silent. There was no sign of any women.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    He clutched his phone, calling her while searching. The phone rang, but no one answered.


    Casper muttered, "Pick up,e on, answer the phone..."

 Chapter 385

    But...


    There was still no answer from the other end of the phone.


    In the alley, the men and women lounging against the walls, smoking, all nced curiously at Casper. Those intrigued by him even approached to chat.


    "Hey handsome, you look a lot like someone I know," a heavily made-up woman said, reaching out to touch his chest. "Like the man of my dreams." Casper grabbed her wrist and twisted it hard, the sound of bones snapping echoing in the air. The woman screamed in agony, drawing everyone''s attention.


    A group of people, both men and women, started to gather around.


    "Look what we have here, someone looking for trouble, not fun."


    "Who do you think you are? Do you know who runs this ce? You''ve got some nerve messing with Sister Mary."


    "Folks like you need a lesson from Rick, but he might be busy right now."


    "Strange day, first a beautiful girl, now a handsome guy."


    No sooner had this person finished speaking than Casper grabbed them by the throat.


    "What girl? Where did she go? What did you do with her? Speak."


    "Hey, what are you doing... ah... you''re choking me ..." The person struggled, quickly being rescued from Casper''s grasp by the crowd. "Who are you? If you''re so tough, go find Rick." Rick? Who was Rick?All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    "Who''s Rick? Take me to him, now," Casper roared, leaving no room for argument.


    The reluctant group looked at him, realizing he was not to be trifled with. "You''ve never heard of Ricardo? We can take you to him, but don''t say we didn''t warn you."


    Ricardo. A well-known underboss of the Falconridge syndicate. He had a reputation in the underworld.


    Casper had never seen this man, but he had heard tales of him now and then.


    At the end of the alley, the mansion''s gate was shut tight. The crimson door panels glowed solemnly under the moonlight, and the brass knockers gently swayed in the night breeze, making a faint clinking sound.


    "Rick''s inside, go in by yourself," said the person who had brought Casper, turning to leave with a swish of their hips. The door was ajar. Casper strode in.


    The courtyard was quiet, his heart pounding with anxiety. He shouted for Eliza, "Valerie, Valerie, are you in there?" "Valerie."


    "Valerie..."


    Hearing the intrusion, someone came out on alert, "Who''s making noise out there?"


    Casper looked up. A man in a ck suit stood under the light, his face obscured. "Are you Rick?"


    "What do you want with Rick?" the


    man


    warily, eyeing Caspere


    "Who are you to trespass


    , wishing for de Rick''s


    "Where is she?" Casper had no patience for idle chat.


    "Who are you talking about?" The man gestured, and three or four thugs ran out, surrounding Casper in an instant.


    But Casper wasn''t intimidated by their numbers. He wanted to find her, not waste time.


    "Where''s the woman you took? Hand her over."


    "Which woman?" The man in ck seemed to understand,ughing. "You mean that drugged-up girl? She''s with our boss right now..." "What?"


    Casper''s rage and worry erupted like


    a volcano, engulfing him in an


    instant He charged forward


    recklessly. The thugs tried to block


    him but were no match. He knocked them down one by one.


    Just as he was about to burst into the bedroom, several thugs tackled him, holding Casper down firmly.

 Chapter 386

    Fruitless.


    He was brutally overpowered by the man.


    He dashed into the house and burst into a room that screamed luxury.


    Inside, a man with a cigar clenched between his teeth spun around, gripping a beer bottle. He looked up at the intruder, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Who the hell are you? Barging into my turf like this?" One of his goons rushed in, breathless. "Rick, he''s here for that woman."


    "Got guts, I''ll give you that," Ricardo said, flicking his fingers, signaling his men to back off.


    "Where is she? Did you touch her? Give her to me" Bang!


    Before he could finish, a cold beer bottle whizzed through the air and smashed onto his head.


    As the bottle shattered, warmth spread instantly.


    Blood trickled down from his forehead, quickly soaking his hair and dripping onto the floor, creating crimson stters.


    "Yelling in my ce? Do you think this is a damn marketce?" Ricardo''s lips curled into a mocking grin.


    He tossed the broken bottle aside and took a deep drag from his cigar.


    Spinning around, he settled back into his chair. "Just a woman, why all this fuss? The girl''s high, waiting for me. I''m in a good mood, so I''ll treat her nicely."


    "Did you touch her?" The man''s voice was low and taut, like a bowstring about to snap.


    Casper unsped his Patek Philippe watch, slipping it onto his hand, teeth gritted as he advanced, grabbing Ricardo by the cor.


    "I''m asking you, did you touch her?"


    His eyes zed with fury.


    Bloodshot, he raised his fist, the watch glinting coldly on his knuckles.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Punch after punch, each blow


    watch quickly slick with blood, leaving Ricardo defenselesso


    "You... what are you to her...?"


    Ricardo''s swollen eyes burned with anger and mockery, his lips curling into a twisted, sinister smile.


    "No woman leaves here untouched, you should know that."


    His voice was raspy and menacing.


    "So, what are you trying to say?" Casper seethed, teeth still clenched, ready to rip Ricardo apart. Ricardoughed.


    The sound was like it came from the depths of hell, dripping with malice and mockery.


    The more heughed, the harder Casper''s fists flew, each punch delivered with unbridled force.


    Under the barrage, Ricardo''s face


    twisted, bing


    from his mouth, utterly


    blood spilling from his defenseless.


    "You better not have touched her, or I won''t spare anyone here."


    Casper harshly shoved Ricardo aside and stormed toward the bedroom, frantically searching for Eliza.


    On a cramped sofa, he found her.


    She was curled up like an abandoned doll, helpless and fragile like a tightly wound ball of yarn.


    Her face was flushed, lips parched, eyes shut tight as if in a deep stupor.


    "Val," he called softly.


    No response.


    Casper bent down, carefully picking up Eliza, and turned to leave.


    Suddenly, Ricardo blocked his path, eyes glinting with malice. "You hit me, and think you can just walk away with her? Where do you think you are?"

 Chapter 387

    "Move." Each word from the man''s mouth felt like it was pulled straight from an icebox, carrying a bone-chilling cold.


    Ricardo knew this guy was no joke, so he raised his hand and blew a whistle.


    In seconds, a bunch of people with dyed blonde hair and colorful outfits swarmed in.


    "Looks like you can fight," Ricardo said, casually brushing the blood from the corner of his mouth with his fingertip, his eyes flickering with a mix of admiration and challenge. "Those punches packed some serious power. Not bad. I like a guy with guts. But whether you leave or not depends on whether you can take down me and my crew here."


    "Ricardo, there''s more than one way to solve a problem," Casper said, pausing just a moment, his gaze sweeping over the gang behind Ricardo. "Those of you with any sense should step aside."


    He needed to get Eliza to the hospital, and fast. There was no time to waste.


    Ricardo sneered, not giving Casper''s words any weight.


    "Think you can just fight your way out of here? Not that easy," he scoffed. "Everyone, get him! Whoever wins gets the girl."


    Even the bravest lion struggles against a pack of hyenas.


    Casper knew this all too well.


    "Do we really have to fight?" His eyes narrowed, glinting coldly.


    "It''s inevitable," Ricardo said arrogantly, his swollen eyes half-closed. "Today ends one of two ways: either you die, or you leave."


    Casper grudgingly set Eliza down for the moment, his eyes hardening with ruthless determination.


    Despite his wealthy upbringing, Casper was no stranger to confrontation. For those who dared to cross him, fists and kicks were his go-to, his decisiveness and ruthlessness his trademarks. But today''s situation was different.


    He needed to resolve this mess quickly, and that was no small feat. The thugs in front of him were armed with clubs and other weapons, while he was unarmed.


    The blood-stained Patek Philippe on his wrist was now tightly wound around his knuckles.


    His gaze, steady and unwavering, locked onto the enemies ahead.


    "Are youing at me one by one, or all at once?" Casper took a step back, readying himself.


    Ricardo, a figure in the underworld, didn''t care for any so-called rules.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    With a grand gesture, he shouted, "All at once! Don''t let him walk out of here!"


    At hismand, the thugs rushed Casper, clubs swinging.


    At first, Casper managed to fend them off easily, but their sheer numbers soon overwhelmed him. Clubs rained down on him, striking his back, shoulders, and even his knees,nding heavy blows.


    "Thump..."


    A muffled sound echoed as a club brutally grazed Casper''s left cheek, tearing the corner of his mouth.


    Blood, like a wild beast let loose, spurted out, sttering on the ground.


    Casper''s body shook violently from the impact, blood spraying from his mouth The thugs, their faces


    jel?


    twisted with feral smiles, circled him like wolves around prey.


    Trapped in the middle, Casper''s dark eyes fixed on them. He had to take them down to get Eliza out of there.


    Time was running out.


    He clenched his fists, struggling to


    stay on his feet, swinging his bloodied fists in a desperate battle against the thugs, amidst a storm of blood and violence.


    Blood reddened his vision, his demeanor fierce and ruthless.


    His movements were swift and decisive, each punch fueled by anger and raw strength.


    When thest thug fell to the ground in agony, Casper stopped, panting heavily, and looked over at Ricardo, who was standing off to the side.

 Chapter 388

    ---


    Their eyes locked with a mix of defiance and disdain. "You think you''re up for this?"


    Ricardo had been on the streets for years, but he had nevere across someone so formidable. His heart pounded, his eyes showing an unprecedented degree of admiration and awe.


    "You... you''re really something. Alright, I give up. Truly." He stepped back, the pain from his injuries reminding him that it was best to avoid such people. "Take her. I didn''t touch her, not even a finger." Suddenly, a dazzling light lit up the dim path ahead.


    He staggered, each step heavy as if he were carrying the weight of the world. He bent down, wrapping his arms tightly around the woman, using every ounce of his strength to lift her. "I''m taking you home," he said, his voice hoarse but resolute.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    He carried her through the silent alley, each stepnding on the mud and blood-streaked ground. His silhouette stretched in the light at the alley''s entrance, as if bathed in a golden glow. Dillon''s car screeched to a halt in front of them.


    He quickly opened the passenger door, ran over, and supported the injured Casper. "Mr. Casper... Are you alright?"


    "I''m fine, just a few scratches." His concern was more for the woman in his arms. "She''s been drugged with something powerful. We need to get to the hospital, fast." "Get in the car."


    Once they were both inside, the car shot forward like an arrow.


    The sudden eleration caused a strong sense of propulsion, unsettling the heart of the woman who was asleep, stirring restlessness within her. Her eyelids felt impossibly heavy, as if weighed down by an invisible force. A burning heat gradually rose within her.


    She struggled to sit up, her hands uncontrobly wrapping around Casper''s neck. Confused and urgent, she leaned in, her lips seeking the coolness that might quell the heat in her heart.


    Casper felt her closeness but could only hold her hands tightly, trying to calm her down.


    "Just hang on, we''re almost at the hospital."


    "No, not the hospital." Her desire at that moment surpassed all reason. She urgently lifted her legs, straddling hisp, her arms tightly wrapping around his neck. "I need... to do it."


    Dillon, sitting in the passenger seat, coughed awkwardly. "Um, should I even be hearing this?"


    The driver, trying to remain invisible, thought: I''m just gonna pretend I''m deaf.


    "Stop it." Casper knew she was not in her right mind and tried to soothe her gently. "Let''s get to the hospital first, okay? Be a good girl... hmm..."


    His lips were captured by hers.


    His defenses crumbled instantly, his resolve melting away. He tried to maintain his rationale, pushing her away. "Be good."


    Dillon awkwardly touched his nose, whispering, "Actually, you know, we don''t necessarily have to go to the hospital. Sometimes, um, you know, doing it can help detoxify." He sneaked a nce at Casper, wondering if he had heard.


    The nature of the drug was well


    known. If it really came to that, just doing it a few more times might solve the issue. Considering Casper''s remarkable stamina, ke should be able to handle it easily.


    Eliza clung to Casper, and he could barely hold it together. His breathing became erratic. "Back to Welton Estate."


    "Yes, sir." Dillon urged the driver, not wanting to witness anything more. "Step on it."


    "Got it, Dillon."


    The driver responded, immediately increasing the speed.


    The car sped back to Welton Estate at top speed. As soon as they parked Dillon hadn''t even had the chance to get out before Casper was already carrying Eliza inside, moving quickly...

 Chapter 389

    Dillon stood by the car, watching Casper''s figure fade into the distance...


    He couldn''t help but wonder, with Mr. Casper having sustained such serious injuries, would he...


    "Dillon, what''s on your mind?" The driver handed Dillon a cigarette. "Worried Mr. Casper''s not gonna make it?" Dillon took the cigarette, bringing it to his lips. "He''s been hurt so bad... What if he doesn''t make it?"


    "Don''t worry yourself sick. Mr. Casper''s young and strong," the driver said, thinking Dillon was overreacting.


    Dillon took a slow drag. Maybe it was because Casper had cheated death too many times; it had Dillon on edge. "Let''s head back."


    "Alright."


    ---


    In the bedroom...


    The man and woman were entwined, bodies pressed tightly together. Amidst the soft sounds of kissing, their tongues danced with tireless fervor.


    His breaths grew hotter as he let her tear at his clothes...


    Though exhausted, he clutched her waist, his passion relentless.


    They were both drenched in sweat by the end of it.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Before he could catch his breath, her delicate hands wrapped around his waist again, her lips scorching as they found his throat. "More..."


    He shivered violently. He knew she wasn''t fully conscious, her desire more a physical reaction than anything else.


    But he was lost in her initiative and tenderness, unable to pull away.


    "Val, do you know who I am?" he asked, his voice thick with desire. "Hmm? Tell me?"


    The drug in her system hadn''t worn off; her feverish body craved release. She shook her head, her breath tickling his ear. "More..."


    His heart pounded wildly. His passion erupted like a volcano once more.


    He didn''t care about the consequences.


    Their lovemaking was relentless, never tiring. He couldn''t remember how many times they had been together that night; whenever she whispered "more," heplied. As dawn broke, they finally drifted into sleep in each other''s arms...


    When Eliza woke, it was already


    afternoon. Her head ached, the heat inside her had faded, leaving her utterly drained. She remembered entering a dark alley, surrounded by men, then everything went ck...


    No, that wasn''t right.


    She had been drugged with an aphrodisiac, and then...


    Eliza''s eyes widened as she sat up abruptly, throwing off the covers.


    "Oh my God..."


    Her scream pierced the silence.


    The noise woke the exhausted man beside her. He looked at her groggily. "What''s wrong?"


    Eliza turned sharply to see Casper... and in the next second, she grabbed a pillow and hurled it at his head.


    "Casper, you took advantage of me! How could you? I was drugged, and you still touched me? And another thing..." she was nearly incoherent with rage, "How did you end up in my bed? Are you involved with those men in the alley?"


    The man, now fully awake from the pillow assault, frowned deeply.


    He''d spent the entire night neutralizing the drug in her system, and her first reaction was to use him?


    "Look at my injuries. Do I look like I''m in league with them?"


    Only then did Eliza notice the bruises on Casper''s face and the cuts on his lips.


    What happened?


    She shook her head, trying to piece together her fragmented memories.


    "How did you get hurt?"


    "Rescuing you," he said matter-of-factly, lying back down, taking a deep breath. "Valerie, you should be grateful, not resentful. I don''t expect your gratitude, but at least don''t misunderstand me."


    "What did I misunderstand?" Shey


    there, exposed and vulnerable,


    feeling aggrieved. "You slept with me. Isn''t that a fact? How could you do that without my permission? Even if it was to neutralize the drug, you could have taken me to the


    hospital instead of satin to the


    your own desires."

 Chapter 390

    Casper:


    ...


    He sat up, pointing at himself, blinking in disbelief, almost too frustrated to speak.


    "Indulging my own selfish desires? Valerie,st night you were the one clinging to me, refusing to let me take you to the hospital. You forced me, and now you''re acting like nothing happened once your pants are back on?"


    Eliza''s face flushed bright red. Her ears turned a matching shade.


    She slept with him? She had no memory of it.


    "I cked out," she said, getting out of bed and hurriedly putting on her clothes. There was no way she could be interested in Casper, let alone sleep with him. "Even if I did sleep with you unknowingly, I can make it up to you. Name your price." Casper was about to say something.


    Fearing he would demand something outrageous, Eliza quickly added, "Even if it''s a night at the top club in town, hiring a male model would only cost a few grand. You might not even measure up to them, so think carefully before you speak." Casper: ...


    Trying to brush him off with money? Andparing him to a male model?


    This woman really had no conscience.


    "You slept with me. You need to take responsibility," he stated bluntly.


    Eliza looked at him in shock, then let out a soft chuckle. "Me? Take responsibility for you? Are you out of your mind?"


    "Anyway..." He touched his shoulder, where her nail marks were, and then his neck, covered in kiss marks, "You figure it out."


    Eliza: ...


    She couldn''t bear to look directly at her own handiwork. Grabbing her shoes, her face flushed, she quickly left the bedroom.


    She truly had no memory of what happened after she passed out yesterday.


    But... The marks on Casper... He must have rescued her. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have ended up in his bed but would have been vited by those thugs. Ugh. What difference did it make, sleeping with Casper or being vited by thugs?


    Take responsibility? For what? She didn''t even want to think about it.


    Eliza admitted her thoughts were in turmoil. She needed to calm down.


    For several days, Eliza didn''t see Casper again. She was busy at the hospital, preparing for Mikey''s surgery.


    David''s appearance left her slightly taken aback. Since theirst encounter, they hadn''t been in touch, as he was reportedly dealing with Carter''s passing. All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    She didn''t know how to start the conversation. Her lips pressed together slightly.


    "I''m here to apologize," David said, looking significantly worn, his eyes full of remorse. "When my father passed, I lost it a bit. I was... rude to you."


    "There''s no need," she responded coolly.


    "Eliza," David''s gaze was dim, filled withplex emotions, "We''ve known each other for years. You understand me. My father meant a lot to me. His loss was unbearable, especially since he left with regrets. I... Host control, and I''m sorry."


    MS


    Eliza didn''t quite grasp David''s intention. Was he here to apologize or to ce me? "David, no one wants to carry regrets, including your father. You don''t have to..."


    "I know. I''m not ming you. I me myself for not being good enough, for not being attractive enough, for not being able to make you fall for me..." He lifted his eyes, his gaze deeply affectionate as he looked at her "But you know, my feelings for you have never changed.


    "I''ve always wanted to be the closest person to you, your most beloved. I..."


    Eliza couldn''t bear to listen any longer, interrupting him, "David, I''m sorry, but I really have no intention of remarrying."

 Chapter 391

    "Is it because of Casper?" He couldn''t think of any other reason.


    Eliza really didn''t want to drag anyone else into this mess. But David always assumed her refusal had something to do with Casper. His constant spections were exhausting.


    "This has nothing to do with anyone. I won''t marry you, and I certainly won''t marry him again. I''m not marrying anyone..." She didn''t want to continue the conversation. Her expression turned colder and more distant.


    "...David, my dad still needs to arrange his surgery, so I''m not seeing you out." David''s lips moved, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he stayed silent.


    "If you need anything, just let me know." He gave Eliza aplicated look, then turned and left.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ...


    Meanwhile, in the same hospital, Chelsea was holding Brock''s hand, rushing towards the elevator. Just as the doors were about to close, she called out, "Hold the elevator, please!"


    The man inside quickly pressed the open button, and the doors slid back open. Chelsea entered without looking up and said, "Thanks."


    Caleb, with his hands in his pockets, gave Chelsea a quick nce before turning his attention to Brock. The little guy looked clean and neat, seemingly well-behaved. He looked a bit like... in his eyes and brows, somewhat reminiscent of his... brother. Could it be... Caleb couldn''t help but stare at Chelsea again. She was young, pretty, and tall. Even with her thick clothes, it was clear she had a good figure. Could she be a love child his brother had outside? No, that couldn''t be right. Such coincidences don''t happen.


    Sensing Caleb''s lingering gaze, Chelsea became defensive and picked up Brock. This guy, with his good looks, couldn''t be a child snatcher, could he? She had to keep Brock safe.


    *Ding.*


    The elevator doors opened. Chelsea,


    almost running, quickly stepped out with Brock in her arms. Caleb


    followed right behind her. Chelsea


    sped up, and so did Caleb; she


    slowed down, and so did he.


    Chelsea''s heart pounded. She abruptly stopped, turned around, and threw a punch at Caleb, "You creep! If you keep following us, I''m calling the cops!"


    Caleb was caught off guard by the


    sudden punch, momentarily disoriented. His eye swelled up,


    turning red, and he covered it,


    ring at Chelsea, "Are you crazy? Why did you hit me?"


    "Why are you following us?" Chelsea held Brock tightly, eyes full of suspicion, "Broad daylight in a hospital, and you''re up to no good. Hitting you was me being nice."


    "I..." Caleb winced in pain. Just then, a doctor walked by. Seeing Caleb, he hurried over, "Dr. Caleb, what happened to you?"


    Chelsea: ...Dr. Caleb? A doctor? Really? Then why so sneaky? He must be a bad doctor from obstetrics specializing in stealing children.


    Caleb was about to point at Chelsea but then bit his lip. Considering she was a woman, he decided to let it go, chalking it up to bad luck. "No, it''s nothing."


    The doctor nced at Chelsea but didn''t say anything more, "Dr. Caleb, pleasee with me."


    "Okay." Caleb gave Chelsea onest look before following the doctor. Chelsea red back, watching him disappear from her sight before finally rxing. She carried Brock and quickly headed to Mikey''s hospital room.

 Chapter 392

    "Mama..." Brock lunged at Eliza, rubbing his little face against her neck, "I missed you so much."


    Eliza, caught between surprise and delight at seeing Brock, responded, "Mama missed you too."


    Chelsea''s eyes sparkled with satisfaction. "I figured you''d be missing your little one, so I brought Brock over."


    "Thank you, Chelsea. I''ve been insanely busytely," Eliza said, her gratitude clear.


    Chelsea understoodpletely and offered, "Don''t worry about a thing. You focus on your work. As Brock''s godmother, it''s my job to take care of him."


    "Actually, things are almost sorted. I''ve scheduled the surgery with Dr. Roosevelt for the next couple of days. After that, my dad will need some recovery time, then we''ll bring him home." Chelsea nodded, taking Brock back into her arms. "Let me know if there''s anything else I can do."


    "There''s not much left, really. How have things been for you? You''ve got a lot going on too," Eliza asked, concerned.


    Chelsea''s family issues were a tangled mess, and she didn''t want to burden Eliza. She just smiled, "Same old, just tackling them one by one."


    "Don''t stress yourself out."


    "Mm-hmm."


    Just then, the hospital room door swung open.


    Casper strode in, with Caleb right behind him.


    Chelsea recognized him instantly and blurted out, "You creep!"


    Eliza: ...???


    Casper: ...???


    Caleb frowned, puzzled by Chelsea''s outburst. "I''m not a creep, I..."


    "It was him. In the elevator earlier, he


    was trying to..." Chelsea''s voiceAll content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    shook with emotion, but Caleb cut her off angrily, "Hey, cut it out! wasn''t thinking anything like that."


    Casper: ... Thinking what exactly?


    He turned to his brother, his eyes narrowing, "Did you harass someone?"


    "No, no, no, bro! You know me better


    than that Caleb stammered, desperate to clear his name. He


    turned to Chelsea, "Miss, I didn''t do anything to you, did I? Please


    exin."  en


    "Who are you calling miss? Do I look like your miss? With your sneaky looks, you don''t seem like a good


    person at all," Chelsea shot backet


    holding Brock close. She turned to Eliza "I''ll take Brock away for now, to avoid any more trouble."


    Eliza: ...What on earth happened that I don''t know about?


    "Who are you calling trouble?" Caleb demanded, following Chelsea, clearly annoyed. "You hit me, and now you''re acting like you''re in the right?"


    "What did you do to her?" Casper asked his brother suspiciously.


    Caleb''s lips moved as if he had a lot to say, but he chose silence. Hanging his head, he muttered, "Bro, I really didn''t do anything to her. I''m the one being wronged here." "Fine, you step out. I need to talk to Valerie."


    "Okay, you guys talk."


    The hospital room door closed behind Caleb.


    Casper''s gaze softened as he looked at Mikey, lying quietly on the bed, concern etched on his face. He then turned to Eliza, asking in a low voice, "How''s your father doing?" "Not bad. We''ve scheduled the surgery with Dr. Roth for the day after tomorrow," she replied calmly.


    Casper nodded, then asked, "Everything else okay?"


    "Why? Do you need something?" Eliza asked, frowning in confusion as she looked at him.

 Chapter 393

    "Come back to the old house with me," he said.


    Eliza looked at him, puzzled. "Why go back to the old house?"


    "Don''t you want to know who drugged you? If I hadn''t shown up in time that day, who knows what could have happened?" His voice was urgent, full of concern and a fierce determination to protect her. Figuring out who was behind it wasn''t rocket science.


    The only ones from the Welton family who had it out for her were Mae and Katie. Both were Casper''s rtives. Even if he figured out it was one of them who drugged her and sent her to that ce, what could he really do? "Casper, even if we find out who did it, what are you going to do about it?"


    "I''ve got my ways." His eyes glinted with a harsh resolve.


    Eliza doubted Casper had any good solutions.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    To him, she was just an outsider, not really part of the Welton family. And in her heart, she believed he didn''t have any real answers for her either.


    All this trouble started because of him. If he hadn''t been so relentless in chasing after her, no one would have tried to hurt her.


    "From now on, stay away from me. The less you''re around, the less I get hurt."


    He had always felt sorry about this. Seeing her get hurt was thest thing he wanted.


    It pained him, but he didn''t push any further.


    "I''m sorry. From now on, I won''t let you suffer any more injustice."


    "Casper, I don''t need your apologies. I need you to stay away. Sure, I''m grateful you set up that meeting with Dr. Roth, but that doesn''t mean we''re mixing business with pleasure."


    "If you don''t want to get involved with me, at least give me a reason."


    He looked at her intently, not missing even the smallest flicker of emotion in her eyes.


    Was it because he was too rich? Because he had been married before? Those reasons seemed too shallow. He didn''t buy it.


    Eliza couldn''t give him a reason. If she had to, it would be their past.


    But she didn''t want Casper to know about that.


    "I don''t like you. Isn''t that reason


    enough? You can''t force someone to love you, to ept you. Your love


    can''t be built on someone else''s pain. Doing this will only make me dislike you more."


    She felt a sudden, inexplicable irritation, and an equally inexplicable sense of grievance and pain.


    "Really, Casper. We''re just not right for each other. Let''s just be friends, okay?"


    His brow furrowed slightly, a trace of difort appearing in his eyes. "Really... have you decided?"


    "Yes." She responded quietly, hoping this undeserved entanglement could end quickly, allowing her to return to her calm and peaceful life. "Please, let it be so."


    Her voice carried a hint of pleading.


    He stood there, his heart in turmoil withplex emotions.


    Seeing her in such pain, his heart clenched.


    Suddenly, he didn''t know whether to agree or refuse.


    Love wasn''t one-sided. Love wasn''t meant to be painful. Better to let go, then.


    He managed a smile, though it was filled with bitterness. He still tried to maintain his dignity.


    He stepped forward and pulled Eliza into a tight embrace. "Don''t beg me, Val. Causing you pain was never my intention. If letting go makes you happy, then I promise I''ll do it."


    Eliza suddenly froze.


    Why did it hurt somewhere deep inside when he said that?


    His embrace was as warm and strong as ever, yet her body grew colder by the second.


    Shouldn''t she be happy?


    "Casper, I hope you find happiness, truly."


    For the first time, she hugged him back.

 Chapter 394

    "You too," he said, lifting his hand to ruffle her hair onest time.


    Their parting was still dignified.


    He smiled as they said goodbye, his eyes misting slightly. "If you ever run into trouble, you can alwayse to me. Don''t be shy." "Thank you." She smiled, a rare sight, and waved at him. "Goodbye, Mr. Casper."


    Eliza didn''t expect Casper to let go so easily this time.


    It was nice, but she felt a sudden emptiness in her heart.


    Was it loss?


    Or something else she couldn''t quite put into words.


    Casper walked out of the hospital.


    He bent down and got into his car.


    Dillon noticed his troubled expression and quickly asked, "Mr. Casper, what''s wrong?"


    "She wants me to stay away from her, to disappear from her world..." He massaged his brow, his mood heavy.


    Dillon was puzzled. Eliza had said things like this many times before, so why did it feel real this time?


    "Mr. Casper, you didn''t agree to that, did you?"


    "I did." He thought that true love meant making the other person happy. "I can''t stand to see her unhappy."


    Dillon was speechless.


    That wasn''t like Mr. Casper at all.


    "Can you really let her go?"


    What choice did he have if letting go meant her happiness? "Dillon, let''s head back to the family estate. I have some things to take care of." "Understood."


    The Welton family estate was very quiet.


    Audrey was peacefully engaged in her prayers, while Caroline was always at thepany.


    Only Mae and Katie were sitting in the living room, snacking and chatting idly.


    When they saw Casper return, Katie cheerfully stood up and approached him, hugging his arm. "Casper, what brings you here today? Don''t tell me you''vee early to celebrate my birthday?"  en


    She tilted her head, looking at him with a satisfied smile.


    Casper coldly nced at her, brushing off her hold. "You wish."


    "But it''s my birthday, I thought you''d, you know, consider it." Katie''s face fell a little.


    Mae looked over, noticing Casper''s dark mood, and couldn''t help thinking back to the incident a few days ago when Eliza was drugged.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Could it be that he suspected her?


    "Casper, you... there''s something wrong, isn''t there?"


    "Which one of you drugged Valerie?" He got straight to the point, not expecting them to deny it. "You, or you?"


    Mae and Katie exchanged nces, their hearts skipping a beat.


    Then they both shook their heads in denial.


    "Casper, why would we drug her? Besides, do you have any proof that we did it?"


    Katie guessed that Casper had no evidence.


    Even if there was evidence, the drugging was Mae''s doing, not hers.


    "Not admitting it?" He hated being taken for a fool, his expression darkening "Katie, do you really think I have no evidence? Last time you drugged me, I considered the Welton family''s reputation and let it slide, giving you face, yet you repeat your mistakes."


    "I didn''t drug her, don''t falsely use me." Katie''s eyes trembled.


    "Was the drug yours?" He roared, scaring Katie into shrinking back and hiding behind Mae. "Mae, look at Casper, he''s so fierce."


    "Casper, look at you, getting all


    worked up over an outsider, taking it out on your own family. That drug wasn''t Katie''s doing." Mae tried to smooth things over for Katie, but Casper''s expression turned even fiercer, his voice sharp as a knife. "If it wasn''t her, then was it you?"

 Chapter 395

    "I..." Mae stammered, her face shifting from pale to flushed, unable to meet anyone''s eyes.


    Casper clenched his teeth, ring fiercely at the two women before him.


    "Dillon, take Aunt Mae to the reflection room and let her think about what she''s done. Get Katie in the car," hemanded.


    "Casper, I''m your aunt! You can''t do this to me!" Mae cried out in despair.


    She knew what that ce was like. Despite its name, the reflection room was a pitch-dark, filthy ce crawling with snakes, bugs, and all sorts of vermin. It was downright terrifying. Rumor had it that it was haunted; people who went in either went mad or never came out.


    Mae backed away in fear.


    Several men stepped forward, each grabbing one of Mae''s arms, and dragged her off.


    With Mae gone, Katie started sobbing, clutching her head. "It wasn''t me, don''t take me away, please don''t take me away."


    "Miss Wang, if you make a mistake, you need to own up to it. Hiding like a scared turtle isn''t going to work."


    Dillon grabbed Katie by the cor, showing no sympathy.


    "It was Mae who used the drugs, not me. I just supplied them, but I wasn''t the one who harmed anyone. It really wasn''t me," Katie pleaded, her eyes trembling with fear. Even her fingertips quivered uncontrobly.


    If Dillon hadn''t been holding her, she might have fallen to her knees before Casper.


    Dillon gave her a cold look, ignoring her pleas, and shoved her into the car.


    The car started moving, heading towards a mysterious ce.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    It was awless zone, filled with vagrants. Katie, forcibly fed an aphrodisiac, was thrown out of the vehicle.


    Dillon remained seated inside.


    Only when the vagrants, drawn by the scent, swarmed over did he lift a finger and tell the driver, "Let''s go."


    The car slowly pulled away, and in the rearview mirror, he saw Katie being dragged into an abandoned factory by several vagrants.


    Dillon calmly called Casper to report, "Mr. Casper, she''s unlikely to end well. Don''t worry, I''ll take care of it in a few days."


    "Mhm," Casper responded.


    He hung up the phone and took a calm sip of his coffee.


    Audrey, holding a rosary, walked out with a grave expression and sat across from him. "Son, is what you''re doing really appropriate? After all, she..." "Mom, Eliza is my wife. How can I let my wife be treated like this?" His brows were furrowed so tightly that they almost formed a straight line.


    Audrey was taken aback by Casper''s reaction.


    "Do you remember now?" she asked.


    "Yes," he replied tly.


    "When did this happen?"


    Casper thought back to the incident in Central Lane.


    It must have been the bottle Ricardo threw that snapped him out of it.


    "Just a few days ago."


    Audrey''s expression shifted slightly. If Casper had regained his memory, did that mean his rtionship with Eliza would return to being as hostile as it once was?


    "What are you thinking about?" she asked cautiously. Fearing her words might be misunderstood, she added, "I mean, you and Eliza... is there still a chance for you two?"


    Aplex emotion flickered in Casper''s eyes.


    He slowly, bitterly shook his head. "Between us... it''s probably too difficult."


    Audrey felt it was a pity.


    She had always sympathized with Eliza, who tolerated everything without limits, always bullied by Casper.


    Now that many things hade to light and Casper understood his own heart, and with the birth of Brock, she hoped they could have a happy ending. "Does she really not want to ept you anymore?"


    "She..."


    He thought, perhaps her heart was too wounded to mend, perhaps she had lost confidence in their


    rtionship, or perhaps she was afraid of making the same mistakes.


    She was scared, scared of falling into the abyss again.


    He couldn''t guess her thoughts.


    He ached for her, and so, he chose to let go.


    "Mom, don''t make it hard for her. If we''re destined, we mighte together again. If our fate ends here, I''ll still watch over her silently. If you can give her some money. Raising a child alone isn''t easy."

 Chapter 396

    Audrey felt her heart sink. She gently twirled the rosary beads in her hands. "This is all we can do now."


    The day Mikey had his surgery, Eliza saw Casper. He chatted briefly with Dr. Roth, likely discussing the surgery details and giving an overview of Mikey''s condition. She watched from afar, her heart pounding with anxiety. After Dr. Roth entered the operating room, Casper walked over to her. "I talked to Dr. Roth. We agreed to use the best medication avable during the surgery. It should help with the recovery. Don''t worry about the cost." Eliza forced a stiff smile. "It''s okay, I can cover the expense. Thanks for your concern."


    "Don''t mention it. If we can''t be lovers, we can still be friends. It''s only right to help out a bit," he said, patting her shoulder gently, his lips curling into a warm smile, his tone carrying a sense of release. "I have a meeting back at mypany, so I can''t stay here with you. I''ll be off then."


    "Alright," she nodded softly.


    As Casper''s figure receded into the distance, Eliza reluctantly withdrew her gaze. Sitting alone on the wooden bench in the hallway, staring at the blinking lights above the operating room, she fell into deep thought.


    Strangely, at that moment, all she could think about was Casper. Her thoughts spun slowly in her mind like old film reels. From that first stunning glimpse of him to the moment he turned and left, everything that happened in between reyed before her eyes, every scene as vivid as the first.


    Is it really not allowed for a person to change for the better? No. She was just bing tired,cking the courage to get up again after falling.


    What exactly is love? Is it the


    dedication to give everything for the other, a deep and abiding love? Or is it forgiveness, choosing to forgive even when hurt, a sense of letting bygones be bygones? For her it seemed neither of these feelings


    had anything to do with ber.


    But love leaves traces. These traces would stay in her heart forever. She took a deep breath, noticing her eyes were a bit moist.


    "Hey, an old acquaintance?" Someone spoke. Eliza hastilyposed herself and turned to look. When she saw Zach''s face, her heart skipped a beat. Why was he here?


    Seeing her guarded expression and furrowed brow, Zach walked over with an easy stride and sat down beside her without hesitation. "What''s with the look? As if you''re guarding against a thief."Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    His demeanor was more like that of an old friend who hadn''t been seen in a long time. Eliza shifted away slightly, her expression cold and repulsive. "I''m not that familiar with Mr. Zach."


    "Aren''t we old acquaintances? You''ve been the crush I''ve pursued for years without sess," he said with a teasing glint in his eyes.


    Eliza frowned, her voiceced with sarcasm. "Mr. Zach is now firmly in the position of CEO at Welton International. What crush can''t you have? Why the jest with me?" "You''re not like the others," he replied with a smile.


    Eliza remained silent. Her face was as cold as the icy rain in deep winter. Zach casually smiled. "Tell me, why is it that sitting in a high position, having everything one desires, still leaves one feeling empty? Do you think I should settle down, have a child, ande home to a warm family every evening?"


    Eliza scoffed inwardly. What does this have to do with her?


    Seeing her unresponsive, Zach sighed. "Let''s change the topic. What if... taking an opponent''s wife for oneself, raising his child, and having the child call me ''dad'', wouldn''t that be like living out a fantasy drama script?"

 Chapter 397

    Listen up.


    What kind of crazy talk is this?


    Eliza felt that Zach was getting more and more unhinged.


    "Get help if you''re sick," she snapped.


    Eliza stood up to leave.


    Zach grabbed her wrist, forcefully keeping her in ce, "Don''t go just yet. Let''s chat... about your ''ex-husband."


    She knew Zach was no pushover.


    Since he knew Casper had returned to Falconridge, he must have been plotting all sorts of ways to deal with him.


    It seemed like there was no way out.


    So, he had turned his attention to her.


    "Zach, can you leave me out of your issues with Casper?" she said, clearly repulsed.


    "You are the link between us. How can I not involve you?" he tilted his head, his lips curving into a sinister smile, "I had no other choice." "Zach, if you can''t beat Casper, go to your father or your half-brothers. What help do you think I could offer?"


    She yanked her wrist free, her face full of disgust.


    Zach chuckled lightly, "I understand targeting the weak spot. I might not be able to beat Casper, but I can hit him where it hurts."


    His words had a deeper meaning.


    Eliza''s heart tightened.


    Knowing Zach, this man was capable of stooping to any low.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Could he be nning to use her and her son to threaten Casper?


    Casper had amnesia and didn''t even remember he had a son. If anything happened, he might not be willing to help.


    Even if he was willing, she didn''t want him to be manipted by someone like Zach.


    "What do you really want? Speak clearly, don''t beat around the bush."


    "Eliza, if you could just persuade Casper to stop coveting Welton International, I can ensure you and your son remain safe."


    Ha.


    Just as expected.


    Eliza scoffed disdainfully, her gaze at Zach filled with even more scorn.


    "Zach, have you forgotten? You took Welton International when Casper was in trouble; it was never yours to begin with. And now you''re ying the victim? Have some shame." Zach''s expression darkened slightly.


    Indeed, he had used some underhanded methods to temporarily gain control of Welton International.


    But some of the veterans within Welton International had never taken him seriously.


    Learning that Casper was not dead, they recently started insisting on having Casper take charge.


    This put him in a difficult position.


    His original n was to have Tristan persuade those veterans, offer them some benefits to quiet things down.


    But Tristan was too preupied with a new model, indulging in daily pleasures, paying no mind to Welton International''s affairs.


    Zach, nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof, found sleep elusive night after night.


    In his desperation, he thought of Eliza and her son.


    "I was never a good person to begin with." His hand suddenly grasped her chin, his features contorted, revealing a repulsive demeanor, "However, if you were to be with me, that would be a different story."


    swney f


    "You really are sick." Eliza, unwilling to hear Zach talk nonsense, pressed on with patience, "Mr. Zach, you should know Casper''s got amnesia Trying to persuade him through me or threatening him with my child and me, do you think he''llply? You might as well win over the board members of Welton International directly, getting an extra vote might be more realistic."


    Eliza''s gaze was icy as she turned her head toward the direction of the operating room.


    Zach''s expression paused for a moment, then he chuckled lightly as he got up, "I don''t need a sermon from you. Think over my proposal carefully. I believe Casper will listen to you. I look forward to hearing good news from you."


    The implication in Zach''s words was clear.

 Chapter 398

    He was like a ghost, slipping in silently and vanishing just as quickly from her sight. The light was still on, but her heart was in chaos.


    She could handle herself, but she was terrified Zach might hurt Brock. The only safe move was to send Brock back to the Welton family. She needed to talk this over with Caroline. An hourter, the operating room lights went out.


    Dr. Roth stepped out, took off his mask, and gave Eliza a reassuring thumbs-up. Her heart finally settled.


    After making sure Mikey wasfortable, Eliza left. On the way, she called Caroline and arranged to meet at a nearby caf¨¦.


    "What''s going on? Why the sudden urgency?" Caroline asked, a worried look on her face.


    Eliza handed her a coffee, trying to calm her racing heart. "Sis, Zach found me today and said some troubling things. I''m scared he might go after Brock. I''m thinking of sending Brock to Mom''s. Do you think that''s a good idea?" Caroline was taken aback. Zach was seriously going after Eliza and her child. That meant he was desperate.


    "Zach is definitely unhinged. Sending Brock to the old house isn''t a bad idea, but aren''t you afraid Casper might... figure out his connection to the baby?"


    Casper had amnesia. He might think of many things, but he probably wouldn''t connect the dots about his rtionship with the baby. Eliza wasn''t too worried.


    "Sis, if Casper asks, juste up with a reason. I don''t think he''s interested in making wild guesses."


    Caroline nodded. "Of course, that''s no problem."


    "Thanks, sis." Eliza was genuinely grateful.


    "Don''t mention it. Brock is part of the Welton family too; I can''t just stand by and watch him be put in danger." Caroline held Eliza''s hand gently, adding, "know you shouldn''t have been dragged into this, but...


    your rtionship with


    Casper... Zach is Zach is desperate. Who knows whom he''ll target next? You need to take care of yourself too."


    "Don''t worry about me, sis."Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    "Actually, you should trust Casper. With his skills, Zach won''t stay CEO of Welton International for long."


    Eliza wasn''t really interested in how Casper would reim Welton International. But hispetence was undeniable. And he was too proud to let Zach keep the upper hand. Taking back Welton International was just a matter of time.


    ¦«¦¯


    After all, this was an internal Welton family struggle; she was just a pawn in their war, expendable. Escaping was the smartest choice.


    Once Brock was safely with Audrey,


    Eliza felt a weight lifted off her shoulders. She spent most of her


    time in the hospital with Mikey..


    When he improved a little,


    nned to take him home for recovery.


    She thought, once Mikey was well, she''d take him to see Robin. Robin was always on her mind.


    After dinner, Eliza sat quietly on the wicker chair on the balcony, lost in thought. The night wrapped around her in tranquil silence.


    The doorbell rang suddenly, pulling Eliza back to reality. Startled, she slowly got up and walked towards the door. She didn''t expect Casper.


    A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes. "Why are you here?"


    He was holding some brain-boosting supplements and a few fruits. His demeanor was gentle, like an old friend. "I heard your dad was discharged. I came to check on him." "Please,e in." Eliza politely weed Casper into the house.


    Mikey sat in a wheelchair, barely recognizing Casper. After a brief nce, he lowered his head again, possibly asleep.


    Casper set down the gifts and nced at Mikey. "What did Dr. Roth say?"

 Chapter 399

    The tumor pressing on his nerves had caused irreversible cognitive decline, but thankfully, he could still manage basic self-care and express himself. Eliza responded to each question with a calm and gentle demeanor. Despite his dependency on others for everything, she She poured a cup of coffee and handed it to him, "Mr. Casper, please, have some coffee."


    was grateful he was still alive.


    "Thank you." He smiled faintly, carefully taking the coffee from her. Their fingertips brushed identally, sending a shiver through Eliza''s heart. She couldn''t help but look up at him.


    He seemed unfazed, showing no reaction. She bit her lip and curled her fingers slightly.


    "Is it too much for you to take care of him alone? I can rmend some good home care services," he said, looking at her as if the brief touch hadn''t mattered to him.


    "Oh, maybeter." She felt a mix of emotions about it.


    "Will you stay in Falconridge, or do you n to take your father back to Oak Falls?" he asked casually, as if making small talk.


    Eliza had seriously considered this. Life and work would be easier back in Oak Falls. But the healthcare in Oak Falls couldn''tpare to Falconridge. Given Mikey''s condition, it really wasn''t suitable to move back to Oak Falls. "We''ll probably stay in Falconridge," she admitted honestly.


    He set down his coffee cup, his eyes showing concern, "Well, if you do stay in Falconridge and need anything, just let me know. I could help with finding a job, for instance."


    "Hmm." Finding a job wasn''t easy, especially with a patient to care for. For now, she might only rely on selling her paintings to cover their daily expenses.


    "If you need, I can introduce you to some job opportunities," he offered sincerely.


    Eliza shook her head lightly, "Maybeter."


    "Alright, call me if you need anything, he stood up to leave, keeping the conversation polite, "I won''t disturb your rest any longer. I''ll visit again when I have the chance."


    "I''ll walk you out."


    Eliza apanied Casper downstairs. In the dim light at the stairwell entrance, he finally allowed himself a proper look at her. She seemed down, with a hint of sadness in her eyes, as if burde with unsolvable problems and unsure whom to turn to for help. He guessed Zach must have


    approached her.


    That was Eliza''s way; she rarely spoke of her troubles unless prompted. Even less so to him.


    "Take care," he said softly.


    Eliza nodded, "Drive safely."


    "Will do." Eliza headed back upstairs.


    Casper lit a cigarette, the smoke swirling around his solemn profile in the breeze. Dillon jogged over, "Mr. Casper, heading back?"


    "Yes." Casper took a deep drag, then stamped out the cigarette before getting into the car, murmuring, "Keep a close watch on Zach for me."


    "Mr. Casper, don''t worry. Our guys are on him 24/7. You''ll be the first to know of any movement."All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Zach was cornered but unwilling to


    leave Welton International like a


    defeated dog, aiming to target Eliza and her son. Casper, foreseeing trouble, had already stationed people to secretly watch Zach, preventing him frommitting any desperate acts.


    He hadn''t expected Eliza to move her son to the Welton family estate directly. This could push Zach to a breaking point, potentially leading him to harm Eliza directly.

 Chapter 400

    "Get some more people to keep an eye on the Pinotti house. I don''t want anything happening to her," Casper said in a low, firm voice. Dillon blinked, taken aback. Hadn''t they broken up? What''s this all about now?


    "Mr. Casper, do you... still have feelings for Ms. Valerie?" he ventured.


    Casper''s cold gaze settled on Dillon. "She''s the mother of my son. Do you really think I could be indifferent to her well-being?" Dillon fell silent. Was it because Eliza was the kid''s mom? Or because his love hadn''t really faded? Only Casper knew for sure.


    Dillon scratched his nose awkwardly. "Honestly, hearing you say that, it makes me think you''re not exactly the loyal type."


    "What counts as loyalty? Relentlessly chasing someone? Making them ufortable? Or causing them pain and distress? True love, I believe, is wanting to see her happy, free, and unburdened." Love is about letting go, not holding on.


    This was the lesson he''d learned over thirty years.


    Dillon noticed a sad, dim light in Casper''s eyes and suddenly felt he had changed. This change didn''t seem impulsive. What was it, then? He couldn''t quite put his finger on it.


    "Mr. Casper, won''t you regret giving her up? By letting go, you might lose her forever. The little guy might never know you''re his father. Are you really okay with that?"


    Casper sighed softly. His gaze was deep as he looked out at the bustling cityscape. Amidst the neon lights and nightlife, there seemed to be so many things he couldn''t quite grasp. "As long as she''s happy, I have no regrets."


    Rather than saying he had no regrets, it was more urate to say he had unfulfilled wishes. He had wanted to start over with her, to make up for his past mistakes, but she wasn''t willing to give him that chance.


    So much had happened over the years. He thought she must be tired; she needed a peaceful, quiet life. He should grant her that. This way, he could still be there for her as a friend, showing up whenever he missed her. Dillon couldn''t fully grasp these deep emotions stirring within Casper. As the head of Welton International, there would always be women around him. If he truly moved on, would he start a new rtionship? Then... "Mr. Casper, Ms. Susan is returning to the country."


    Casper''s dim eyes blinked in surprise. "Who''s Susan?"


    "When you were twelve, your family and the Torres family arranged a childhood engagement for you two. Ms. Susan turns twenty this year."


    A childhood engagement? Arranged when he was twelve? Such absurdity left him both shocked and speechless.


    "How do I not remember this?"


    Dillon wasn''t surprised. It was


    normal for Casper to forget. Shortly after the childhood engagement was arranged the Torres family moved away. And that was for many years. But a couple of years ago, Susan''s father called, saying Susan was returning to fulfill the marriage agreement.


    He had been holding onto this information for days, unsure how to break the news to Casper. Now that Casper had decided to let go of


    moment to bring it up. "Mr. Casper


    Eliza, it seemed like the rightAll content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I


    think this could be an opportunity to start a new rtionship. What do you say?"


    "Ridiculous. I''m supposed to marry someone I''ve never met?"


    Besides, it wasn''t him who made the agreement. Why should he be obliged to fulfill it?


    "Mr. Casper, it''s not about marrying her right away. Just get to know each other develop some feelings Otherwise, it would reflect poorly on the Welton family. Being called untrustworthy and oath-breakers isn''t a good look."

 Chapter 401

    Casper was in no mood for distractions. Right now, his focus wasser-sharp on regaining control of Welton International, and he wasn''t about to let any surprises derail his ns. "Is sheing back home alone?"


    "Yep. No one to lean on over there."


    Casper massaged his temples. "Does Mom know about this?"


    "Madam was probably there when it all went down," Dillon replied.


    "Alright, bring her back to the family estate for now." He needed time to figure out what to do with this unexpected guest. "We''ll sort it out after we secure Welton International." "Understood, Mr. Casper."


    Casper didn''t give it another thought.


    Eliza, on the other hand, was in Falconridge, carefully looking after Mikey. She was always on high alert, worried Zach might try something drastic. But no matter how cautious she was, she couldn''t avoid him forever. During one of Mikey''s follow-up appointments, Zach showed up out of nowhere.


    Eliza was taken aback at first. She handed Mikey over to a nurse, took a deep breath to steady herself, and then walked over to face him.


    "Mr. Zach, you''re not here for me, are you?"


    Zach, hands in his pockets, gave a slight smile. "What do you think?"


    "I''m sorry, but I barely talk to Casper. I''ll find someone else to help."


    Her refusal was clear,ced with a hint of disdain and contempt.


    Zach''s expression darkened. He grabbed the back of Eliza''s neck and pulled her close. "You think sending the little guy away means I can''t touch you? Eliza, even a cornered rabbit will bite, let alone a stray dog like me."


    His eyes gleamed with a menacing light, as if he could tear her apart at any moment.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Liner


    Eliza red back, struggling fiercely. "Even if you kill me, what then? You know Casper better than anyone. he were the type to give up his empire for a woman, then Mr. Zach, your seduction schemes would be useless."


    "You''re different," he whispered near her ear. "He loves you."


    Elizaughed like she''d heard a joke. "Mr. Zach, you''re giving me too much credit."


    "Eliza, you have two choices. One, be my hostage and let''s see if Casper would give up Welton International for you. Two, marry me. Choose."


    Neither option was viable for Eliza. What puzzled her even more was why Zach suddenly wanted to marry her. Just to spite Casper by taking his woman and child, jabbing a knife into his heart? "Why bother?"


    Though Zach wasn''t as business-savvy as Casper, he had the means to live well.


    "Zach, Welton International was never yours to begin with. You''re just giving it back. Why must you fight Casper to the death? Aren''t you tired?"


    "Why should he inherit the Welton family''s century-old business, and not me? Why?"


    His anger was palpable, his resentment deep-seated.


    From the moment he was born, he was not celebrated. As an illegitimate child, he always felt less than others. He envied Casper''s background and the adoration he received from a young age. He was jealous of how easily Casper won women''s hearts, something he could never achieve.


    He refused to ept his lot in life. He wanted to prove himself, to show that even as an illegitimate child, he could rise above everyone else, even Casper ensuring he''d never recover. But bubbles are destined to burst.


    He couldn''t ept it.


    "Eliza, you don''t understand me. You don''t know how lonely my heart is, how insecure I''ve felt all my life. You don''t know how your rejection has made me lose the courage to pursue love. You just don''t understand..."

 Chapter 402

    He was nearly hysterical, hisrge hand squeezing Eliza''s neck painfully. She couldn''t help but frown, "I don''t understand you, and honestly, I don''t want to. This is a hospital. Let me go now."


    "Do you think I''d hurt you?" He suddenly let go, a look of loss crossing his face as heughed bitterly. "You think I''m a freak, just like they do. Yes, I''m a freak, crazier than Casper, but I... I won''t be like him. I will never hurt you." Eliza stared at Zach''s unsettling face, taking several steps back. He said he wouldn''t hurt her? Did he even believe that himself? How could someone who stops at nothing to achieve his goals ever feelpassion for others? She shook her head, "No, Zach, you will. Stop now while you still can."


    She knew her words likely wouldn''t reach someone with Zach''s obsessive personality, but she couldn''t afford to get entangled in the Welton International power struggle. Her gaze softened, yet remained sincere, "Zach, you really can be as wonderful as you were meant to be. Don''t make more mistakes. Start a new life, a good life. You''ll find someone who loves you, and have a happy family. Even if you''re the talk of the town and not the focus of the Welton family, you can still be the center of your lover''s and children''s world, can''t you?" Zachughed again, but this time it was augh tinged with bitterness and helplessness. Eliza couldn''t see how much hurt was hidden in thatugh. In truth, he was also a pitiful person.


    When Eliza got home from the hospital, her heart was still pounding. She decided she probably wouldn''t go out for a while. Falconridge news was filled with updates about Welton International every day. She only knew the battle for session was fierce and bloody.


    A monthter, Caroline brought Brock over to see Eliza. "Brock''s gotten used to living at the Welton family mansion. Audrey absolutely adores her little grandson. Sometimes she ignores everything else just to take care of him."


    "Mom''s really changed. She''s all energetic and happy, always smiling now," Caroline said, shaking her head with a satisfied smile.


    Eliza smiled too, "I didn''t expect mom to like Brock so much."


    "She treats him like a young Casper, but Brock is much better behaved."


    Brock tugged gently on Eliza''s sleeve. "Mommy, ady came to grandma''s house. She ys with me too."


    "Whatdy?" Eliza asked, gently stroking his face.


    Brock thought for a moment, "A young and prettydy. She looks a lot like you."


    Eliza looked up in confusion and turned to Caroline. "Sis, whatdy?"


    "It''s..." Caroline hesitated but then decided to be straightforward. "It''s the girl Grandpa arranged for Casper to marry twenty years ago. She just turned twenty this year and came looking for us."


    Eliza was momentarily stunned. An arranged marriage? Her expression turned slightly awkward. She forced a smile, trying to sound casual, "Then he and that girl, they must be getting married, right?"


    "They haven''t met yet. You know how Casper is, not really into dating,"


    Caroline said, clearly uninterested in meddling in Casper''s affairs. He''ll do whatever he wants."


    "If it''s right, they''ll settle down. It''s about time," Eliza said, picking up her coffee and taking a light sip.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 403

    Eliza was probably worried about saying too much, unsure if Caroline would be willing to listen. Caroline just hummed in response and didn''t add anything else.


    The conversation then shifted to thetest developments at Welton International. "Zach''s under scrutiny; they''re going to audit some ounts. This time, it looks like he won''t dodge prison." Tristan, who cared deeply for Zach, had been fighting for him and pleading with Casper on his behalf. But Caroline knew Casper well enough to guess that Casper wouldn''t let it slide. "...Regardless, Zach needs to face the consequences of his actions. Even if Casper lets it go, thew won''t."


    Breaking thew leaves no room for leniency.


    "He brought this on himself."


    "Let''s not talk about him anymore." Caroline was curious about Eliza''s next steps. "What about you? Are you nning to stay in Falconridge?"


    "With my dad''s situation, there''s no way we can return to Oak Falls anytime soon." She needed to care for him and felt quite uncertain about her future.


    Caroline, sharing Casper''s perspective, hoped Eliza would hire a caregiver for Mikey. This would not only ease her burden but also allow Eliza to find a job, as everyone needs to make a living. "Why not go back to working at the auction house? I''ll talk to Casper; he won''t say no."


    Eliza shook her head slightly. She hadn''t considered returning to work at Welton International.


    "Sis, I can make a living by selling my paintings now. If things get really tough, I''ll look for a job, but for now... my life is manageable."


    Caroline could somewhat understand Eliza''s thoughts and didn''t push the matter.


    "If you ever run into trouble, promise you''ll tell me."


    "I will." Eliza lifted Brock onto herp, her face glowing with tenderness. "Sweetie, how about we go back to our own home today?" "Yes, yes!" The little guy was thrilled.


    Eliza turned to Caroline, "Sis, I''m going to take Brock home today. You guys have been taking care of him for so long; it must have been tough."All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Of course not." As Caroline was


    leaving, Audrey had made her promise to bring him back safely. "...Eliza, Why don''t you let Brock stay with Mom a bit longer? She really likes Brock, and you know how Mom''s been since the divorce. Brock is like a ray of light..."


    Eliza felt torn, Caroline added, "Look, your dad needs care, and you need to paint. Plus, Brock will need some time to adjust from Oak Falls to the preschool in Falconridge. How about letting Mom take care of him for now? What do you think?"


    Eliza didn''t respond. She knew Audrey wasn''t trying to take Brock from her. She was just worried that if Audrey spent too much time with Brock, it would be harder to bring him backter.


    "Sweetie, do you want to go home


    with Mommy or stay with Grandma Audrey?" Eliza asked Brock. The little guy clung to Eliza, wanting to go with her. But the toy in his hand reminded him of how much


    Grandma Audrey loved him.


    "Mommy, Brock doesn''t know."


    "Brock, how about this..." Caroline suggested apromise. "...once Mommy''s situation is stable, I''ll bring you back right away, okay?"


    The little guy leaned against Eliza and nodded, "Okay then."


    "Eliza, don''t worry. Even if Mom loves Brock, she knows that kids should be with their mom. You can rest assured we won''t keep Brock from you." Eliza smiled slightly, "Sis, that''s not what I meant."


    "So, it''s settled then."


    In the end, Caroline took Brock with her. Eliza felt an emptiness inside.

 Chapter 404

    Casper had just wrapped up his day at the office and decided to make a special trip back to the old family estate. As soon as he stepped into the yard, something in the distance caught his eye.


    There stood a girl with a slender figure and a ponytail swishing in the air, happily ying games with Brock. Her resemnce to Eliza was uncanny-both in figure and appearance.


    "Who''s she?" Casper asked, his brow furrowing slightly.


    Dillon stepped forward with a slight bow, "Mr. Casper, that''s Ms. Susan."


    "She looks so much like..." Casper trailed off, stunned.


    "You mean she looks like Ms. Valerie, right?" Dillon offered.


    The first time Dillon saw Susan, he was equally taken aback. She not only resembled Eliza in looks and aura but even in height. However, she reminded him more of the Eliza from their college days-full of light, youth, and passion. Back then, Eliza could brighten the gloomiest days just by being around. Now, Eliza seemed perpetually cold, distant, and burdened with worries, rarely smiling.


    Dillon could see a hint of both anticipation and confusion in Casper''s eyes. He guessed that Casper was intrigued by Susan.


    "Mr. Casper, do you want to go say hi?" Dillon suggested.


    "No need." Casper''s gaze shifted away, his expression cool and collected. He headed towards the main house.


    The girl who had been ying with Brock paused as she watched him walk away. After handing Brock over to Marian, she trailed behind Casper.


    Inside the spacious living room, children''s toys were strewn everywhere. Audrey was engrossed in an animated movie on the TV, holding a half-finished yogurt that Brock had been drinking.


    Casper walked in, scanning the floor. "Mom."


    "You''re here," Audrey replied, ncing around for the little ones. She noticed Susan entering and asked, "Susan, where''s Brock?"


    "I left him with Marian," Susan replied, her voice clear and reminiscent of Eliza''s.


    Audrey, looking uneasy, got up. "I''ll go check on him."


    Dillon took the opportunity to introduce Susan. "Ms. Susan, this is Mr. Casper."All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Susan stepped forward lightly, her eyes sparkling with a mix of anticipation and joy. She extended her slender, fair hand toward Casper "Hello, Casper. My name is Susan. I''m your childhood betrothed. I''vee back to fulfill our marriage agreement."


    A barely perceptible frown crept across Casper''s face. He turned slightly to face her. "What did you say?"


    "I said..." Susan''s eyes widened in disbelief and awe upon seeing his face. She couldn''t believe how handsome he was, almost like he had stepped out of a painting. "...you''re very handsome."


    Casper: ...???


    Realizing her blunder, Susan''s cheeks flushed. "I mean, I''m your childhood betrothed, Susan. Just now... I just thought you were too handsome, and I couldn''t help it..." Her voice grew softer, almost turning into a whisper.


    "Go back when you''re done ying," Casper said, ignoring her admiration as he sat down.


    Susan was puzzled. Was he asking her to leave? "I''m not going back. I came back to marry you," she insisted, her face reddening.


    The word "marriage agreement"


    made Casper''s head ache. Years


    ago, Eliza had forced him into marriage with a family agreement. Now, another woman-one who looked like Eliza¡ªwas here with a


    simr agreement, wanting to marry him.


    He pinched the bridge of his nose and let out augh. "Dillon, how many more marriage agreements do I have to fulfill?"

 Chapter 405

    Dillon: "What the...? This?"


    "Susan, we were promised to each other as kids. No matter how many engagements you''ve got, ours came first. You should honor it," Susan dered, looking like she was afraid someone would snatch him away.


    Casper finally lifted his gaze to look at her seriously. She did resemble a twenty-year-old Eliza. Back then, Eliza wasn''t as slim as she is now, her skin was wless, and even without makeup, she radiated an indescribable beauty. She still had a hint of baby fat, making her look adorable. When she smiled, her eyes sparkled like stars. The girl in front of him reminded him so much of that Eliza. But sadly... she wasn''t Eliza.


    "Do you think you can marry me without really knowing me?"


    "We can get to know each other over time," she insisted, believing in love at first sight. "I''m patient, really."


    As she spoke, Casper''s heart couldn''t help but stir. He was reminded of Eliza when they first got married. She was confident she could thaw his icy exterior, but what did she end up with? Shaking his head gently, he told the young girl, "Go back, go back to your own home. I won''t marry you."


    "No, it''s written in ck and white. How can the Welton family go back on their word?" Susan''s frown was full of grievance. She knew she might not meet his standards, but how could one break a promise? Besides, she was willing to change wherever she fell short. Casper remained silent. He didn''t feel like talking.


    Dillon quickly stepped forward, trying to defuse the situation. "Ms. Susan, Mr. Casper has been overwhelmed withpany matterstely. He''s really exhausted. Maybe we can discuss thister?"


    "Talking about itter is fine," she said, willing to be reasonable. "But you can''t just send me away. If you do, you''re ruining my reputation."


    Dillon: ...Isn''t that a bit too much?


    He nced at Casper, who was pinching the bridge of his nose, looking utterly worn out.


    "Ms. Susan, Mr. Casper truly needs to rest. I''m sure he''ll give you an answer."


    Susan nced at Casper through Dillon. Fine, she could be reasonable.


    "Then let him rest."


    She walked away, looking back every few steps. Casper finally breathed a sigh of relief, lifting his eyelids to look at Dillon. "Call her father, have at


    someone from her family take her home."


    "Mr. Casper," Dillon advised, "Mr. Ronan personally put Ms. Susanon that ne. He won''t take her back easily. Even if you don''t want to get to know Ms. Susan, you should let her stay here for a while."


    "And..." Dillon hesitated.


    Casper frowned, "And what?"


    "Mr. Ronan will be here in a few days. I think he''sing partly because of your engagement to Ms. Susan. You should be prepared."


    Casper let out a humorlessugh, "Do the Torres family not know I''ve been married before?"


    "Of course... they know."


    "They know and still send their daughter into the fire?"


    Dillon: ...All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    For Susan to marry Casper, her father was more interested in the vast corporate empire behind him than in Casper himself. Whether he had been married or not was irrelevant.


    "Mr. Casper, you can''t describe


    yourself like that. In the eyes of the Torres family, you''re a gold mine. And considering their reputation, the daughter they raised shouldn''t be bad Since you and Ms. Valerie have no future, why not give Ms. Susan a chance?"

 Chapter 406

    Dillon believed that helping someone find love was better than building a seven-story pagoda.


    Casper, though, wasn''t buying it. Romance was thest thing on his mind.


    "How about this: you marry her. I''ll handle the wedding and even throw in a two-million-dor dowry. What do you say?"


    Dillon knew Casper was just messing around. He quickly waved his hands, "Mr. Casper, she''s here for you, not for me. Besides, I''m a lifelong bachelor. I''m nning to stick around you forever."


    "Really?" Casper eyed the man who''d been by his side for years, sizing him up. "A lifelong bachelor? I thought you had a thing for Caroline."


    "Mr. Casper," Dillon was scared stiff, breaking into a cold sweat, "That''s not a joke you can make lightly. If Ms. Caroline gets the wrong idea, I might not have legs to stand on."


    Casper: ... ying dumb.


    As if he didn''t know anything.


    "You better not be my brother-inw, or I might just break your legs myself."


    Dillon instinctively touched his legs... Determined to keep them intact.


    Audrey walked in from outside, holding Brock in her arms, her face glowing with gentle affection. All her love for Brock was written in her eyes as she looked at him. Over the past days, she had poured everything into this little guy. Brock had be the apple of her eye, her whole world of joy.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "Mr. Casper!" Brock spotted Casper sitting in the living room and wriggled out of Audrey''s arms, racing into Casper''s embrace. "Mr. Casper, did you miss Brock?"


    His bright, sparkling eyes were full of


    hope as he looked at Casper. The tight lines on Casper''s face softened the moment he saw Brock. He gently stroked Brock''s head, his voice filled with affection, "Of course I missed you. How could I not?"


    His gaze revealed an unintentional paternal love, full of tenderness and care. Brock, delighted by Casper''s words, hugged Casper''s neck tightly, pressing his little face against Kis, and said in his childish voice," missed Mr. Casper too."


    Casper smiled at Brock, feeling a surge of emotion he hadn''t felt in a long time. He had never truly understood what it felt like to be a father. And now, with the little guy in his arms, he found himself nearly moved to tears. He gently patted Brock''s back, softly saying, "Then why don''t you stay here for a while longer, okay?"


    Brock nodded, then shook his head, his innocent eyes revealing a mix of emotions, "I also want to be with Mom."


    Casper felt a sudden squeeze in his heart. This has always been a dilemma. After a couple separates it''s always the children who get hurt the most. Not having been a father, he hadn''t felt it. But now, as a father, he suddenly realized how cruel it was.


    "Then let''s invite Mom to stay for a bit."


    "Mom has to take care of Grandpa." Brock, though young, had a trace of worry on his small face, "Mr. Casper, can I ask you for a favor?"


    "Let''s hear it." Casper leaned in slightly, his gaze gently meeting Brock''s.


    "Can you help me find my dad?" The little guy''s eyes, filled with childlike wonder, sparkled with hope.


    Casper felt something tug at his heart, keeping his voice calm, "Why do you want to find your dad?"


    "With Dad, Mom won''t have to work so hard. Dad can help take care of Grandpa and me. In Brock''s heart, Mom still needs protection, needs someone to care for her, just like a little girl."

 Chapter 407

    In that moment, a quiet guilt seeped into Casper''s heart. He felt like he couldn''t even measure up to a child. He hugged the little guy tightly. "Brock, you''re worried about mommy, right?" "Uh-huh," the little one nodded.


    "Well, Mr. Casper will help you find her." He extended his pinky, linking it with Brock''s in a promise, "Pinky swear, okay?"


    The little guy lit up, his clear eyes sparkling with anticipation, "Mr. Casper, you have to keep your word."Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "Of course, buddy. Uncle always keeps his promises," Casper nodded with a smile.


    Brock wrapped his arms around Casper''s neck, full of affection. "Mr. Casper, you''re so nice. I really wish you were my dad."


    Those words hit Casper like a sharp de, piercing his heart.


    He felt an intense bitterness inside. He wished he could rightfully be Brock''s father. But would he ever get the chance? Eliza probably wouldn''t give him that opportunity. During dinner, Eliza made a video call on Audrey''s phone. She chatted with the little guy for a bit.


    Casper was sitting nearby, physically there but mentally elsewhere. Brock''s camera asionally caught his stern profile.


    He silently held his phone, head bowed, eyes glued to the screen, seemingly engrossed in something important. He wasn''t really paying attention to the mother-son conversation. "Brock, have you been a good boy at Grandma Audrey''s?" Eliza asked softly, her eyes full of tenderness and hope.


    "Mommy, Brock has been very good. I''ve listened to Grandma Audrey," Brock''s little face beamed with rare pride. "Mommy, you take care too. I''ll miss you."


    Hearing her son''s response, a warm feeling surged through Eliza''s heart. "Mommy is doing well too, Brock. Don''t worry."


    "Oh my, little guy, who are you video-chatting with?" Susan suddenly barged into the frame, catching Eliza off-guard.


    The little guy responded immediately, "This is my mommy."


    "Hi there, I''m Susan, Casper''s fianc¨¦e." The girl''s face was bright with a sweet smile as she greeted Eliza warmly on the screen.


    Fianc¨¦e?


    Eliza''s heart skipped a beat. Was this Casper''s legendary childhood betrothed?


    She scrutinized Susan on the screen. With her delicate features and soft contours, she did bear a resemnce to Eliza.


    Trying to keep her cool, she responded as naturally as possible, "Hello, I''m Valerie."


    Just as Susan was about to say more, Casper abruptly grabbed her phone. He stayed silent, his fingers swiftly ending the video call. Eliza: ...


    Casper turned around, his face dark


    and his voice tinged with


    l.ne


    displeasure. "He was video-calling his mother. Was it polite of you to interrupt like that?"


    "What''s the big deal? Just a casual chat," Susan was taken aback, not understanding why Casper was so angry. "I didn''t say anything wrong. Why are you being so harsh?"


    The man didn''t answer. He picked up Brock and headed towards the stairs. His silhouette grew colder under the light.


    Susan stood there, confused, wondering what she had done wrong.


    Casper took Brock back to his room.


    §Ö


    Holding the phone, he softly said "Let''s call your mom and tell her that thedy earlier was just a guest, not a fianc¨¦e."


    Brock blinked, confused. "Mr. Casper, mommy doesn''t know Susan. It''s not necessary."


    "Let''s tell her anyway, so mommy won''t get the wrong idea."

 Chapter 408

    He dialed the number and handed the phone to Brock, stepping aside as the video call connected.


    "Brock, what''s up?" Eliza''s gentle voice came through the phone.


    Brock nced at Casper, his childish voice filling the room, "Mom, thedy earlier was just a guest, not Mr. Casper''s fianc¨¦e."


    Eliza paused, wondering how to exin. She smiled softly, "Oh really? Was she ying with my little treasure?"


    "Yeah, Susan was super nice, ying games with me," the little guy hugged the phone, chatting away with Eliza.


    Taking the opportunity, Casper went to take a shower.


    When the phone''s camera revealed a man wrapped in just a towel, Eliza''s heart nearly jumped out of her chest. She quickly covered her mouth, trying to calm her racing heart, and managed to end the call in a soft tone: "Sweetie, it''ste, time to go to bed. Go find Grandma Audrey, mommy needs to rest too."


    "Okay, mom," the little guy obediently nodded, then handed the phone back to Casper, who was standing nearby.


    Casper took the phone, the video call still active. His corbone was the first to appear on the screen, exceptionally clear under the screen''s glow, its contours perfect. Then, as the camera moved, his chest muscles and the faint hint of abs as he bent forward were revealed, adding a touch of intimacy to the atmosphere.


    Eliza didn''t know where to look, feeling embarrassed and a bit shy.


    "Hey," Casper greeted Eliza through the camera, "Brock wanted to video call you, so I let him use my phone."


    "It''s nothing, thank you," Eliza''s eyes wandered, trying not to stare.


    The man casually smiled, "If you need to talk to Brock, you can call my phone."


    "Uh..." she didn''t respond to his statement, thinking of hanging up quickly, "...you should rest early too."


    "Mhm, good night."


    The phone screen went dark.


    Eliza finally exhaled deeply. From Casper''s appearance, he probably shared his bed with that Susan? After all, it was an arranged engagement, set by Jeffrey before he passed. Without a doubt, they would probably get married soon. Suddenly, she felt a pang in her heart. The feeling didn''tst long, and soon she let it go.


    Since she couldn''t tread the same path with him again, who he was with had nothing to do with her. He was still young, and because of one woman''s rejection, he might stay single for a while, but certainly note for a lifetime. Men, after all, dislike loneliness. Especially a manText property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Casper, wealthy, handsan lid


    well-built. Even men liked his type; how could women not fancy such a good-looking guy? Even without this Susan, there would be a Jane Susan, an Emily Susan, a Sarah Susan. In any case... there would always be women by his side. And that woman would never, could ever, be her.


    A few dayster...


    Chelsea brought a ticket for a cruise masquerade ball to Eliza. Probably only she knew how gloomy Eliza had beentely.


    "A masquerade ball, where everyone can hide their true selves, dance freely, sing joyfully. I think you need to rx a bit."


    Eliza wasn''t so introverted in college.


    But being suppressed for too long makes one unwilling to open up. Her personality had be more reserved. Losing interest in fun and games: "Forget it."


    "Come on, I finally got two tickets, just consider it joining me for a wild time." Chelsea hugged Eliza''s arm, swaying, "Please, please?"

 Chapter 409

    "I still need to take care of my dad."


    "The party starts after 8 p.m., and your dad goes to bed early. It won''t be an issue," Chelsea said, her main goal tonight was to convince her friend. "Look, I even brought you this beautiful dress."


    She handed the elegantly wrapped bag to Eliza, nudging her to try it on. "I picked this dress just for you. You''re going to look absolutely stunning."


    Eliza felt torn.


    But she didn''t want to dampen Chelsea''s excitement.


    "Just this once, okay?" she relented.


    "Okay, just this once."


    The white dress and the red-and-ck fox mask made Eliza look like a fairy descended to earth.


    Chelsea wore a sky-blue dress paired with a white tassel mask, looking indescribably sensual.


    Hand in hand, they entered the party.


    Only when they saw the extravagantly dressed guests did they realize how conservative they were. "Elle, let''s go over there."


    Chelsea excitedly pulled Eliza to a corner of the room to sit down.


    Upstairs, Caleb, holding a ck mask, kept his eyes on the two women who had just walked in.


    Even with the mask on, he recognized Eliza immediately.


    In his memories, Eliza wasn''t the party type.


    Seeing her here was quite the surprise.


    But then again, women, when freed from the chains of men and family, ought to live a little.


    He nudged his brother, Casper, with his elbow, grinning. "Bro, guess who just walked in?"


    "Hm?" Casper, holding a ss of red wine, looked puzzled.


    Caleb pointed toward Eliza and Chelsea. "Over there."


    Casper''s gaze finally shifted...Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    "Bro, now that your memory''s back, you should remember everything from before. Don''t you n on winning my sister-inw back?" Caleb took a sip of his sparkling wine, smirking. "Look at her, dressed so conservatively and still wearing a mask, but she''s surrounded by men. A beauty''s glow can''t be hidden."


    Casper''s intense gaze softened as he finished his wine.


    Susan approached, holding a cute Hello Kitty mask, and said coquettishly, "Casper, care for a dance?"


    "I''m too old for dancing."


    Casper coldly declined Susan''s invitation.


    Setting down his ss, he took the mask from Caleb, put it on, and quickly headed downstairs.


    Within minutes, Susan and Caleb saw Casper approaching Eliza.


    "I thought he said he was too old to dance?" Susan pouted, annoyed, grabbing Caleb''s arm. "Who is that woman? He won''t dance with me


    but can dance with someon@else?"


    Caleb removed her hand from his arm and dismissively said, "Depends on the person." Susan huffed in irritation.


    Meanwhile...


    Eliza raised her head slightly, her gazending on the man before her.


    Like before, she gently waved her hand,


    with


    a hint of apology and distance. "I''m sorry, I don''t I dance."


    swno


    "Please, give me a chance."


    He deliberately lowered his voice.


    Eliza, recognizing the vaguely familiar tone, finally looked up into the man''s eyes.


    The mask covered his entire face.


    With only his eyes visible, she couldn''t recognize him.


    "I really can''t dance."


    "I''ll teach you," he insisted.


    Eliza nced at Chelsea, who was having the time of her life, with no one to cover for her.


    "I''m sorry, really can''t. Please ask someone else," Eliza said evasively,


    standing up with an apel


    sw n


    smile. "I''m going to the restroom."


    Watching her flee, the man''s extended hand clenched in frustration.


    Upstairs, Caleb, watching the man standing alone, nearly choked on his wine.


    It seemed she really wasn''t interested.

 Chapter 410

    It''s more than just a tragedy.


    Casper returned, tossing his mask to Caleb before taking a long swig from his sk.


    "Bro, I think it''s time to let it go," Caleb said gently, watching Casper with concern.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Casper didn''t say a word, his mood as dark as a storm cloud, drowning his sorrows with another drink. He felt down, sure, but not angry. She had turned him down, but she had also turned down others. There was no reason to feel unfairly treated. But...


    "Bro, your girl is dancing with another guy." Caleb leaned over the railing, looking down at the couple on the dance floor, chatting andughing. "That guy''s not even wearing a mask and looks pretty handsome, way more outgoing than you." "What?"


    Casper walked over, his eyes narrowing as he locked onto the man and woman dancing below. His face turned a shade of green with jealousy.


    She had just refused to dance with him, iming she couldn''t, and now she was in another man''s arms. This was a p in the face.


    With a scowl, he turned back to his seat, waving his hand to pour himself another drink.


    Caleb, noticing Casper''s odd behavior, started to piece things together. With a slight smile and a shake of his head, he stepped forward to console him, "My sister-inw is a natural beauty, so it''s normal for some clueless guys to hit on her. Want me to find out who that guy is?"


    Casper didn''t respond; he just sat there in silence, staring nkly at his drink as if trying to see through it.


    Caleb: ...???


    Was he really heartbroken?


    "Alright, I''ll go find out for you."


    After that, Caleb quickly headed downstairs. Eliza was still dancing with that man. His eyes shifted, spotting Chelsea sitting nearby, engrossed in her phone.


    Caleb quickly approached Chelsea, gracefully bending over to sit next to her. He tapped his fingers lightly on the smooth table, the crisp sound instantly drawing Chelsea''s O attention.


    She looked up, her eyes narrowing slightly, "A creep?"


    "Hey, hey, I''m not a creep." Caleb adjusted his cor, looking every bit the well-dressed gentleman. "I''m a doctor. My name is Caleb. You misunderstood mest time." Chelsea put down her phone, crossing her arms as she looked at him with disdain. "So, a doctor can''t be a creep?"


    "I''m really not a creep." Caleb raised his hand, not wanting to argue. "Even if I was, I haven''t hurt you. You don''t have to be so biased against me, right?" "Huh, you''re actually quite funny."


    Bias? More like contempt.


    Caleb cleared his throat, deciding to change the subject. "Chelsea, I need to ask you something."


    "Oh, isn''t this a surprise? But... asking me for a favor without even calling me ''miss''?" Chelsea''s lips curved into a smirk, ncing at him.


    Caleb: ...Is this woman always this difficult?


    "How much older are you than me? Do I really need to call you ''miss''?" He felt slightly indignant.


    "If you''re not going to call, then forget it." Chelsea shrugged nonchntly, clearly uninterested. "As if I''m eager to be called ''miss'' by a creep." "You..." Caleb felt his patience wearing thin but took a deep breath and forced a smile. "...Miss Chelsea, may I ask you something?" "No." She stared at him, her tone yful yet teasing.


    "Chelsea, are you being childish?"


    They were both adults, after all. Why


    wasmunication so difficult? "Can''t you be a bit more mature and sensible, like my sister-inw?"


    "Your sister-inw?" Chelsea understood. Caleb? Casper. So, this man was from the Welton family. Casper''s brother? No wonder he knew her name.


    "Eliza is mature and sensible, but


    marrying into your Welton family, did


    she find happiness or was she treated like a person? Should I learn to endure your abuse like her, should I learn how to be driven to despair by Casper? I''m curious what you think."

 Chapter 411

    Caleb found himself tongue-tied in front of this sharp-tongued woman. He shrugged helplessly, crossing his arms and letting his eyes wander to the bustling dance floor.


    "My brother did some things he shouldn''t have to her," Caleb sighed, resignation in his voice. "But... she shouldn''t be here looking for men. What kind of ce is this? Are there any decent guys here?"All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    "You''re really sticking your nose where it doesn''t belong," Chelsea shot back, a cold smirk curling her lips. She felt an urge to spit at him.


    She turned away, clearly done with this meddlesome guy. Caleb nced at her face, which was full of disdain and indifference. He looked away but couldn''t help sneaking another nce.


    This woman was not interested in engaging with him at all. Clearing his throat, he raised his voice a bit, "Regardless, she''s still my ex-sister-inw. Of course, I want her to find true happiness. That guy she''s with looks shady. Shouldn''t I be worried she might get deceived?"


    Chelsea shut her eyes tightly, trying to tune out his annoying voice. This creepy guy, when would he stop?


    "Even the shadiest guy is better than Casper," she muttered.


    "That''s not necessarily true. Look, let me give you an example. You know Aaron, right? He looks all gentle and polished, but he''s a snake, stringing her along. You can''t judge men by their looks alone, don''t you think?" Chelsea scoffed, full of contempt. Eliza was done with Casper, yet Caleb was still overly concerned.


    "Exactly," she said, her brows furrowing slightly, her gaze mocking. "If we''re talking about deceptive looks, no one beats the Welton family. Casper aside, there''s Zach, who looks like an angel but is filthy inside. And you... you look decent but are a total freak." Being called a freak again didn''t faze Caleb. "Since you''re so good at reading people, tell me, the guy dancing with Eliza, what''s he really like?"


    Chelsea nced back at the dance


    floor. The guy dancing with Eliza was Juan. Before Eliza and Nova switched ces, he was their neighbor. They grew up together,


    their bond deep and anate.


    Had Casper not shown up, had there been no switch between her and Nova, marrying Juan might have been Eliza''s best oue. "He''s a breath of fresh air, a brotherly figure, irreceable since childhood. If Elle ends up with him, it would still be the best oue." Caleb: ...An old acquaintance?


    "You know each other?"


    "None of your business," Chelsea snapped, not wanting to borate.


    Caleb understood. No wonder they seemed so familiar and warm. Aaron had almost tricked Eliza into falling for him. David, knowing her from an early age and using Carter''s connection, almost trapped her in marriage.


    If those guys weren''t a threat to Casper, then what about the guy who grew up with Eliza, always protecting her? Thepetition was getting tougher. Caleb thought he should really talk to Casper and tell him to let go. If he chose to let go, he should move onpletely. Out of sight, out of mind.


    When Caleb returned upstairs, Casper was already somewhat drunk. Seeing the bottles of alcohol in front of him, Caleb frowned slightly and sighed. "My dear brother, why are you drinking so much?"


    Casper looked up, his usually sharp eyes now blurry. He squinted hard, trying to see Caleb clearly, his tongue slightly slurred as he asked, "Who''s that guy?"

 Chapter 412

    Caleb shook his head, feeling a bit helpless. "It''s probably... we were childhood friends, I guess."


    Childhood friends?


    He chuckled suddenly, a mix of self-mockery and resignation. Ruffling his messy hair, he tried to clear his head. "Yeah, that''s nice."


    Casper, teetering on his feet, tried to leave but was too drunk to fight off the dizziness. His body swayed uncontrobly. Seeing this, Caleb quickly reached out to steady him. "Bro, you''ve really had too much. Let''s get you home." There''s a kind of drunk where it''s not the booze that gets you, but the mood you''re in. Casper was that kind of drunk.


    Just as Caleb was carefully helping Casper off the boat, they bumped into Eliza, Juan, and Chelsea.


    But then, Caleb''s foot slipped, and Casper lost his bnce. The tall guy crashed to the ground like a leaf in a storm, his handsome face smacking the hard ground with a dull thud-utterly ungraceful and pitiful.


    "Bro, are you okay?"


    Caleb was frantic, fumbling to help Casper up. Eliza hurried over. "Is he drunk?"


    "Yeah, sis-inw, he was in a bad mood and drank way too much," Caleb sighed, struggling to lift Casper. The dude''s face was smeared with mud and blood from the fall, looking aplete mess. "He''s really not in a good ce. Bro, wake up..." Casper''s face was marked with clear scars, and Eliza felt a pang of sadness. She quickly called Juan over. "Juan,e help us get him into the car. We can''t move him alone."


    Juan nodded and came over without hesitation. The three of them carefully loaded Casper into the car. He was out cold, slumped crookedly against the seat, his body sliding down until his face was buried in the soft upholstery. Caleb frowned, worried. "What now?"All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Let''s get him home first and clean up his wounds. We''ll figure out the rest when he sobers up," Eliza said calmly.


    Caleb nodded; there wasn''t much


    else to do. But then another problem hit him he''d been drinking too and couldn''t drive. And getting Casper into a taxi would be a nightmare.


    How long would it take to get home?


    "Sis-inw, could you please help us out?" Caleb looked at Eliza, his tone pleading.


    Hearing Caleb ask for help, Chelsea quickly stepped in front of Eliza. "No way. How you get home is your problem, not ours."


    "I''ve been drinking too, so I can''t drive, and we don''t have a driver..." Caleb''s eyes pleaded with Eliza. "...Sis-inw, could you do me this favor? I''ll pay you."


    "Caleb, you can call a ride-share. Elle''s not your chauffeur," Chelsea insisted, pushing Eliza towards Juan Juan, keep an eye on Elle. Don''t let her be too soft-hearted."


    Eliza thought Chelsea''s hostility was unnecessary. They were just friends not like before. Besides, Casper


    now,


    had her a lot. It was only fair


    to return the favor.


    "Alright, I''ll do it."


    Chelsea was stunned. "Eliza, are you crazy?"


    "I''ll take him home ande right back," Eliza reassured her. "Don''t worry, he''s too drunk to do anything."


    Chelsea sighed but didn''t argue further.

 Chapter 413

    Eliza gave a faint smile.


    Chelsea started to say something but then stopped herself. The words just wouldn''te out. The car slowly pulled out of the parking spot.


    After making sure Casper got home safely with Caleb''s help, Eliza was ready to leave too.


    Just then, Caleb got a call. There was an emergency at the hospital. "Sis, could you please help with my brother''s facial wounds? The hospital is packed with serious cases, and I need to be there." Caleb rushed off in a hurry.


    Eliza stood there, puzzled. What now?


    She sat on the living room couch for a bit, thinking she would ask the household staff to take care of Casper. But strangely, she couldn''t find any of the servants.


    Realizing Casper was too drunk to care, she figured treating his wounds wouldn''t be too awkward. She grabbed the first aid kit and went upstairs.


    The Welton Estate hadn''t changed much over the years. The decor was the same, no new furniture, and even the wallpaper remained unchanged.


    The bedroom was still the one she and Casper used to share.


    Pushing the door open, she was hit by the strong smell of alcohol. She tiptoed to the window, gently parting the curtains to let fresh air in, clearing out the stuffiness and the smell of booze. Casper was still passed out on the bed, dead to the world.


    She switched on the bedsidemp, and the soft orange light fell on his face, highlighting his handsome, deep features. His contours seemed softer now, but his cheeks were noticeably thinner. It must have been the stress from Welton International. Or maybe the effort of dealing with young women.


    He looked, frankly, worn out.


    Caleb had said he was upset and had been drinking. Given Welton International was doing well, was it... his love life?Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    She felt a rush of unexpected feelings and guesses.


    Eliza took a deep breath, opened the first aid kit, and pulled out the alcohol and cotton balls, ready to treat his wounds.


    Most of the injuries on Casper''s face were abrasions. When the alcohol touched his broken skin, his eyebrows twitched suddenly.


    Startled, Eliza quickly pulled her hand back, looking at him in surprise.


    After he settled down, she resumed cleaning his wounds, slowly this time. "Hisss..."


    As she applied the medicine, he winced in pain.


    Thinking he wouldn''t wake up as before, she quickly soothed him in a soft voice, "It''ll be over soon, just bear with it a little longer, okay?"


    His eyshes fluttered slightly.


    The next second, his eyelids lifted, catching her off guard as he looked straight into her eyes.


    Eliza froze for a moment.


    Was he awake?


    Seeing his somewhat dazed look, she guessed that his eyes were open, but his mind wasn''t fully awake.


    "Does it hurt?" She gently blew on his wound, her voice tender, "It''ll be all right soon. After I put on the bandage, it won''t hurt anymore."


    He just quietly watched her.


    Her movements were gentle and practiced, soothing him like he was a child Afraid he would hurt, afraid he would move, afraid he wouldn''t cooperate, every move, every nce, was filled with patience.


    His eyes reflected her meticulous, tender actions and the mesmerizing expression on her face.


    "Wife..." he suddenly called out softly.


    Hearing this, Eliza''s fingertips trembled, and her expression instantly grew tense.


    Was he calling her?


    Or did he think she was Susan, the one who looked like her?


    Maybe he mistook her for Susan?


    It was possible; Susan did look a lot like her. It was normal for drunk people to get confused.


    "Your wife, probably hasn''te


    back yet." She lowered her eyshes slightly appearing calm as she measured a piece of bandage against his wound. "I think she''ll be back soon, don''t worry."

 Chapter 414

    "Will my wife...e back to me?" His eyes were locked onto hers, filled with a desperate longing.


    Eliza carefully peeled off the old bandage and reced it with a new, proper-sized adhesive, gently pressing it onto his face. She soothed him like he was a child, "Of course, she will." "Promise?" He extended his pinky towards her, wanting a pinky swear.


    Eliza looked at him, noting his childish demeanor. There was no point in arguing with a drunk man.


    She hooked her pinky with his, "Alright, it''s a promise."


    But as she tried to pull her hand back, he tightened his grip, refusing to let go.


    He just kept staring at her, his gaze intense and unreadable.


    "Casper, let go, please."


    "I won''t." He pulled her into a tight embrace, causing her to fall against his chest. She hit him in frustration. "Casper, you''re drunk. I won''t hold it against you, but don''t push it."


    A faint smile yed on his lips, his eyes crinkling at the corners.


    She frowned, puzzled by his amusement. Clearly, he wasn''t sober yet.


    In a softer tone, she tried to coax him, "Come on, let me go. Go to sleep, and you''ll feel better."


    His smile widened even more.


    Eliza: ...


    "Casper..." Was he messing with her?


    She raised her hand, intending to p him awake, but he caught it and intertwined their fingers instead.


    What on earth was happening? Had he mistaken her for Susan?


    "Casper, look at me. Who am I?" She tried to pull her hand back, her brow furrowed. "I''m not your childhood sweetheart. Let me go."


    His lips curled up, and his gaze softened.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    "Then tell me, who are you?"


    His thumb caressed the back of her hand, savoring the moment.


    "Anyway, I''m not Susan. Let me go."


    The more she struggled, the tighter held her, his breath reeking


    , giving her an unsettling


    feeling.


    "Tell me who you are, and I''ll let you go."


    His eyes were hazy, clearly intoxicated.


    "I''m your ancestor." She lowered her head to


    cout his hand, but before she


    could, he tilted his head and


    captured her lips in a kiss.


    The unexpected intimacy startled her. She pushed against him, but he flipped her underneath him.


    "Casper, Casper..." She struggled to push his face away, gasping for air. "...Look at me. I''m not your fianc¨¦e. You kissed the wrong person"


    "You''re not my ancestor? Then I didn''t kiss the wrong person."


    He was about to kiss her again.


    She covered her lips with her hand, her eyes wide. "You dare kiss your ancestor? Casper, you''ve got some nerve."


    Heughed again, this time charmed by her cuteness.


    He kissed the back of her hand. "Hmm, a wife is also an ancestor."


    Eliza: ...


    Was he drunk or sober? Did he even know who she was?


    "Move, I need to go back. You need to sleep it off. Don''t go crazy with the alcohol."


    She pushed him, and his body suddenly went limp, copsing onto her. She felt like she was being squashed.


    "Casper, do you even realize how heavy you are...ah..." She was struggling to breathe. "...Move, please..."


    It seemed he understood her words. He held her waist and flipped over, putting her on top and himself underneath. Eliza finally took a deep breath.


    "There, now you rest. I''m leaving."


    "Don''t go." He held onto her hand, looking at her with pleading eyes. "I feel so awful. Stay with me, please?"

 Chapter 415

    Keep himpany?


    Eliza couldn''t bring herself to do it.


    She hated giving people the wrong idea, but she could at least get in touch with Susan for him and have here back sooner.


    "Hand me your phone," she said.


    Casper didn''t know why she needed his phone, but heplied, pulling it out of his pocket and handing it to her.


    "Here you go."


    "What''s the passcode?" she asked.


    "0919," he replied.


    Eliza froze, phone in hand.


    September 19th, the day she and Casper got married. The Welton family had chosen that date, hoping they''d stay together forever and grow old side by side.


    What a joke...


    Why would Casper use that date as his phone passcode?


    She didn''t want to know.


    She entered the passcode and started scrolling through Casper''s contacts.


    There were tons of names, mostly business contacts, with very few personal ones.


    Finally, she found onebeled ''Wife.''


    That had to be it.


    "I''ll call Susan. I can wait for her toe before I leave."


    She dialed the number.


    Her own phone started ringing.


    Eliza blinked in surprise and quickly checked her phone.


    ---Casper?


    Casper had saved her number as ''Wife''?


    Her puzzled eyes fell on the man with his eyes closed. Was he out of his mind?


    "Casper," she nudged him.


    He cracked his eyes open just a bit. "Hmm?"


    "Why did you save my number as ''Wife''? Aren''t you worried your fianc¨¦e will misunderstand? Besides, am I your wife? Fantasizing about someone else like this isn''t right, is it?" "Then who are you?" he asked again.


    "I..." She could be anyone, but she definitely couldn''t be his wife anymore."...Casper, seriously, being friends is fine, really. You and Susan should just get married. I''ll wish you both well."


    "I don''t need your blessing," he muttered, lifting his arm to cover his eyes.


    His voice was muffled and sounded a bit unhappy.


    Eliza didn''t argue and continued scrolling through his contacts.


    But no matter how much she searched, she couldn''t find Susan''s contact information. Weird.


    How could two people about to get married not have each other''s contact info?


    Just as she was puzzling over it, her phone rang. It was Chelsea.


    "Hey, Chelsea."


    "Why aren''t you back yet? Juan said he''lle get you. Send me your location."


    "Got it."


    "That Casper, he didn''t do anything to you, did he?" Chelsea''s voice was filled with concern.


    Eliza nced back at Casper. "No, he''s asleep. Tell Juan toe pick me up."


    "Alright."


    After hanging up, Eliza was about to send Chelsea her location when Casper snatched her phone.


    "What are you doing?" She watched in disbelief as Casper turned off her phone and tossed it into a drawer. "Casper, why''d you take my phone?"


    "I don''t want you going to another man," he said, frowning like a sulky child.


    Eliza: ...


    What was his deal?


    What did it matter to him?


    "It''s not... you..."


    She was about to say something when she saw him stagger to his feet and head to the bathroom.


    Soon, the sound of vomiting echoed through the room...


    Eliza was stuck, unsure whether to stay or leave.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Gently pushing open the bathroom door, she found him disheveled and leaning over the toilet in an ufortable position.


    "Are you okay?" she asked, worried.


    He waved her off, as if to say he was fine.


    "How about you take a bath?" she suggested, walking over to the bathtub and turning on the water. "Keep an eye on the water. I''ll make you some hangover tea. Just wait a bit, okay?"


    Downstairs in the kitchen, Eliza watched the hangover tea bubbling


    veet


    in the ss pot, her thoughts drifting back to the early days of their marriage.

 Chapter 416

    Back then, Casper rarely came home, barely touched the meals she carefully prepared, and almost never got drunk.


    Once in a blue moon, he''de home, stered because of something Nova said or did, and she''d jump at the chance to take care of him. But... her attempts were always met with disdain. She couldn''t wrap her head around it. She was putting her heart and soul into being good to him, so why was he so cold and dismissive?


    She would constantlypare herself to Nova, trying to figure out what shecked.


    Feeling wronged, she''d cry herself to sleep, night after night.


    Bute morning, she''d pull herself together and whip up a delicious breakfast for him. Only for him to never even touch it.


    The silent treatment, the cold shoulder-perhaps the most brutal way to hurt someone.


    Over time, she transformed from a warm, passionate woman into an aloof ice queen.


    Years flew by in a blur.


    And there she was, in the same spot, making hangover soup for a man who didn''t even remember her, all under the pretense of friendship. She let out a sigh.


    The irony wasn''t lost on her; it was almost funny.


    Carrying the soup upstairs, she nudged the bathroom door open, hoping Casper would drink it.


    But...


    The tub was overflowing, water everywhere, turning the bathroom into a mini flood zone, with him just sitting there, motionless.


    She put down the soup and rushed to turn off the tap.


    She pulled the drain plug to help the water flow away faster.


    "Casper, are you asleep?" she asked softly, giving him a gentle shake.


    No response.


    Worried, she touched his forehead.


    It was burning hot.


    For such a big guy, he sure seemed fragile. She remembered him being so strong and healthy before, what happened...


    Was it all the injuries, one after another...


    Were all his injuries because of her?


    "Casper, you have a fever. I''ll get you some fever meds. Just stay put, okay?"


    Eliza rummaged through the medicine cab, but then remembered he''d been drinking.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She wasn''t a doctor. Was it safe for him to take the medicine?


    Better not risk it. If something happened, she couldn''t live with herself.


    "Maybe I should just cool you down physically."


    It took all her strength to drag him from the bathroom to the bed, leaving her drenched in sweat.


    As she reached to unbutton his shirt, his hand caught hers, "What are you doing?"


    Eliza''s forehead twitched...


    Now he decides to be modest?


    "To cool you down. How else can I do it without taking off your clothes?"


    "Oh." He let go.


    This was the first time she''d


    undressed Casper, even if it was just


    Ser his fever. Her f


    careful, almost hesitant.


    belongs to en.kikistor were


    His physique was always impressive, yet she had never seen him work out. Strange.


    A few scars adorned his abdomen.


    She chose to ignore them.


    Her gentle hands, the alcohol


    over his skin, taking slowly dropping his


    temperature. Content belove


    He shamelessly enjoyed her care.


    Letting her gentle hands move over his chest and abdomen, front and back, thoroughly swabbing with alcohol.


    "I must have owed you in a past life," Eliza muttered, sweat dripping from her forehead.


    Casper started toe around,


    raising his hand to take the


    hangover soup she made, gulping it down, "Stop fussing, I''m not die


    swnonna


    "I''m not worried about you dying, just don''t die in front of me, okay?"


    After cooling him down, she picked up a thermometer to check his temperature.


    Still a bit feverish, but much better.


    "Thanks, babe." He looked at her, his face full of tenderness.


    Eliza got goosebumps, rolling her eyes, "You must be really out of it, I''m not Susan."

 Chapter 417

    "Casper."


    "Casper, are you home?"


    It was Susan''s voice.


    Speak of the devil, and she''s here.


    Eliza felt it was time to leave. "Your fianc¨¦e''s here. I''ll get going now. Let her take care of you."


    Casper grabbed her wrist, looking at her with reluctance, as if he wanted to exin something.


    Before he could say a word, Eliza had already pulled her hand free. "Stop tugging at me. Don''t let Susan get the wrong idea. I don''t want to be seen as the other woman."


    She bent down to pack up the first aid kit.


    Susan pushed open the bedroom door and walked in.


    Seeing Eliza, she was clearly startled. "You... Aren''t you Brock''s mom? What... What are you doing here?"


    "I''m Casper''s friend. He got drunk and hurt himself a bit, so I was helping him out," Eliza said calmly, without a trace of guilt or panic. "I''ve taken care of his injury. You should stay and look after him."


    Susan blinked and then looked at the man on the bed.


    His upper body was bare, his skin flushed.


    His eyes were hazy, making him look every bit the drunkard.


    "You two..."


    "He had some alcohol, and I didn''t want to risk giving him any fever meds, so I used rubbing alcohol to cool him down. His temperature''s dropped quite a bit. If he gets a fever again, you''d better take him to the hospital." Eliza shed a brief smile, cing the first aid kit aside, ready to leave. "I''ll be going now."


    Eliza''s calm and collected demeanor left Susan unable to find any sign of impropriety.


    But being alone together, with disheveled clothes, was it really possible that nothing had happened?


    As soon as Eliza left, Susan chased after her.


    "Hold on a second."


    Eliza stopped and turned to the woman who had followed her, her tone even. "Is there something else?"


    "You''re Brock''s mom, so you and Casper are really just friends?" Susan''s face was full of doubt. Eliza smiled slightly, calm and serene. "Ms. Susan, do you want another rival or a friend?" "What do you mean?"


    "Whether I''m a rival or a friend, it''s all up to how you see it," Eliza said, looking at the girl in front of her, who resembled a younger version of herself. "I hope you and he can work things out."


    Susan didn''t quite grasp Eliza''s meaning.


    She just wanted to know what exactly was the rtionship between this woman and Casper.


    "Are you his ex-girlfriend?" Susan asked with a frown.


    Eliza''s expression paused slightly. "To be precise... no."All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    "Then, were you two romantically involved?"


    "Not exactly." Understanding the girl''s sensitivity, Eliza borated a bit more. "If you truly care for him, then be with him sincerely. Ex-girlfriends or his past women are just gardeners who pruned the dead leaves and branches on his path of growth. You''re getting a tall, strong tree without pest infestation. As long as you''re willing to invest, he will surely reciprocate."


    Susan looked at the woman before her, more mature and understanding.


    Somewhatprehending, she pursed her lips.


    "I think I get what you''re saying, but, I really want to know, did you have a rtionship with him before?"


    Eliza shook her head. "Noment."


    Susan, carefully considering these words, wondered if she could take it as confirmation that there had been something between her and Casper.


    "Noment means you''re hiding something. You''re his ex-girlfriend, right?"


    Eliza''s face stillbore a faint smile. "Overthinking things just brings unnecessary worry. Whatever rtionship I had with Casper, you could ask him directly. I believe his answer will be more convincing."


    "Can''t you just exin to me?"


    "Sorry, I need to go."


    Eliza left under Susan''s suspicious gaze, leaving the Welton family behind.


    Susan stood there for a while before sheepishly heading back upstairs to the bedroom.


    Casper, now dressed, leaned against the headboard, his face a bit flushed, the smell of alcohol still lingering.


    "You''re back. Why didn''t you tell me? I was looking everywhere for you," Susan said with some resentment, her face crinkled. "That woman just now said you had a fever. How are you feeling now?"

 Chapter 418

    She reached up to touch his forehead, but he dodged away. "Go back, I''m tired. I need to rest."


    "Do you dislike me that much?" The young girl felt a pang of hurt. She hade here so eagerly to marry him. "Is it because I''m not pretty enough, or is it my personality? Or maybe my family''s not good enough for you?" "It''s me who''s not good enough for you."


    "I think you''re perfect for me." She suddenly remembered something and switched gears, "Oh, by the way, my dad''sing to discuss our wedding. I told him not to bother with an engagement or a big ceremony. Let''s just get the marriage certificate and call it a day. What do you think?"


    He had absolutely no interest in discussing marriage with her.


    Susan''s father wasing partly for the wedding and partly for business. Leveraging their connection with the Welton family was his main reason for visiting Falconridge, aiming to build someworks. And Casper despised such ulterior motives. "Enough, go back," he dismissed her again.


    Susan pouted, clearly unhappy. "It''s sote, and you''re letting me go back alone? Aren''t you worried something might happen to me?"


    "What do you want?" he asked, impatience creeping into his voice.


    "Of course, I want to stay over." Susan pointed at hisrge bed. "This bed is huge. It''s not like we can''t both fit."


    "One person sleeps morefortably." He got up, vacating the bed. "Since you love my bed so much, you sleep here. I''ll find somewhere else." Susan was speechless.


    "Casper, what are you doing?"


    He grabbed his coat and headed for the door.


    Susan quickly followed him. "Casper, where are you going?"


    He walked briskly, forcing Susan to jog to catch up. "Casper, why are you treating me like this? I''m your fianc¨¦e, Our marriage was arranged was born. If you don''t marry


    since was


    me, you''re shirking your responsibilities. You''re being unfaithful and dishonest


    "I have someone I love. Doesn''t that matter to you?" His eyes were cold, showing no guilt, only resistance. "You''re young. Why not find someone your age and have a proper rtionship? I''m older, set in my ways, and I won''t easily fall in


    love again. Don''t waste your time on me."


    Susan ignored thetter part of his speech. The part about him having someone he loved, she clung to every word.


    "You say you have someone you


    love? Who? Surely not that..." Piecing together what Eliza had said and her own thoughts, Susan could only suspect one person. "...the woman who just left? The one with a child? Casper, you''re a man of status and position. You like a young widow?"


    Casper''s expression turned even colder at Susan''s disrespect towards Eliza.


    "Who I like is none of your business." His icy stare made her feel a sliver of fear. "What''s wrong? Going to eat me?" That woman did have a child.


    No matter how adorable the child was, it wasn''t his.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    A man like Casper, how could he possibly want to y stepdad? He probably just wanted some thrill.


    "If you really like young widows, I can cosy. A nurse, a teacher, anything you want."


    She tugged at his coat, trying to be yful, hoping to lighten the mood.


    "Are you crazy?" He looked at her as if she were a creature from another world, his tone cutting.


    Susan was taken aback. "How am I crazy? Is wanting to please you crazy? Casper, you''re the one who''s nuts, liking a woman who''s had a child."


    "You''re nuts." He didn''t bother with her anymore and strode away from the Welton Estate.


    Susan watched his retreating back, fuming. "You have a perfectly good person right here, and you insist on liking someone who''s been with others? You''re the one who''s nuts."

 Chapter 419

    John had some business to take care of in Falconridge, and he did think about catching up with Eliza.


    Running into her at the ball was a pleasant surprise.


    The night scenery outside the car window was a blur, quietly passing by.


    Eliza sat in the passenger seat, her eyes clouded with a somber expression.


    She wasn''t very talkative, asionally ncing out the window, as if deep in thought or maybe trying to escape something.


    Seeing her so lost, John gently shook his head, "Looks like matters of the heart are best left alone."


    "What?" She snapped out of her reverie and turned to look at him.


    John smiled, "I mean you and Casper."


    "Me and him... now... we''re just friends," she said, almost dismissively.


    "If you were really just friends, you''d have moved on by now." He knew Eliza too well; she wasn''t one to fall in love easily or let go easily, "Am I right?" Eliza didn''t agree or disagree.


    Her feelings were indeed a tangled mess.


    When she saw her number saved as ''Wife'' in his phone, it hit her hard.


    Casper never used to save her number.


    Every time she called, he''d answer with, "Who''s this?"


    But she had saved his number as ''Husband''.


    As their rtionship soured, she changed it to ''Casper'', and eventually, she stopped calling him altogether.


    His number just sat there, quietly, in her contacts.


    Present, but not really.


    She never imagined he''d save her number with such a sweet nickname one day.


    But it was Casper''s nickname for Valerie.


    Not for Eliza.


    In other words, Casper and Eliza''s past no longer existed in his world.


    And she, pretending to be Valerie, was still stuck in the past.


    Eliza lowered her eyes sadly, "John, you know, I can forgive him for the wrongs he did to me, I can even be friends with him, but Robin... he''s the


    real pain in my heart. If Case''s the


    hadn''t sent him to that mentat institution, he''d be fine now


    John had heard about this.


    From an outsider''s perspective, he could understand Eliza''s heartache.


    To untangle this knot, she''d need to understand what kind of treatment Robin received whilemitted.


    And whether it was really Casper''s doing.


    "I know Robin was treated horribly there, but... was it really Casper''s intention?"


    Eliza couldn''t be entirely sure.


    Given Casper''s feelings for Nova at the time, he was definitely hostile towards Robin.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Even if it wasn''t his direct order, it was connected to him.


    "...If he hadn''t sent Robin there, Robin wouldn''t be like this."


    John gently touched Eliza''s head, feeling sorry that she was still caught up in this pain, "There''s a reason for everything. Over the years, as things havee to light, you should understand that Casper was a victim too, in some ways."


    He wasn''t exactly defending Casper.


    But as a childhood friend, he hoped she could be rational and let go of the past.


    Holding onto resentment over one thing could make her miss out on a lot.


    "Eliza, sometimes, you need to step out of your circle to see things clearly Giving others a chance to correct their mistakes is also giving yourself a chance to start over, don''t you think?"


    Eliza hadn''t considered these things before.


    Maybe it was because her previous love had beenpletely drained.

 Chapter 420

    She wasn''t holding out for love anymore. She didn''t believe she could handle it, and she definitely didn''t think she''d have anything more with Casper. "Juan, I don''t have the strength to love anymore, and I sure don''t have the courage to love the same person again. He''s got his life, and I just want to quietly live out mine."


    Juan understood. Eliza had always been more sensitive than others, even as a kid. Later, when she and Nova switched ces, the parents who had been by her side for over a decade suddenly stopped loving her. Back then, she was like a wounded deer, constantly licking her wounds.


    Casper was the lifeline she clung to. But no one could have guessed he''d drag her into an even deeper abyss.


    Juan couldn''t deny he felt for her, but people had to look forward. Staying in the dark would never bring happiness.


    "I just hope you don''t always see yourself as being against him. Even if there''s no future with him, you need to learn to let go."


    Eliza took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. She was learning to let go, but some things weren''t that easy to forget.


    "Easier said than done."


    "Take your time." He watched her mncholic profile and smiled gently.


    Juan dropped Eliza off at her apartment building, ready to leave.


    "Get some rest. I''lle pick you up tomorrow," he said.


    Eliza wasn''t thrilled about attending the reunion party set up to wee Juan back. "Forget it, I won''t go. It''s been too many years; it''ll be awkward."


    "It''s all arranged. Not showing up wouldn''t be right. Besides, with me there, what''s there to feel awkward about?" Juan wanted Eliza to get out more. She''d been living too bottled up, "Alright, I''m off then."


    Eliza watched Juan''s car drive away. Turning around, she was startled to see a man in front of her.


    Clutching her pounding chest, she snapped, "You...what are you doing here?"


    "I''m homeless now." He looked pitiful, like a child, his cheeks flushed, still smelling of alcohol. "Take me in, please."


    Eliza: ...???


    Hadn''t she just left his ce? How was he suddenly homeless?


    "Casper, it''s the middle of the night. Stop messing around and go back before your fianc¨¦e starts worrying."


    She didn''t want to deal with him. Walking towards the building, she led the way up the stairs, and he followed closely behind. Until she opened her door, and he squeezed in as well.


    She was already exhausted and just wanted to take a shower and sleep. And yet, he had the nerve to waltz in like he owned the ce. "Casper, what exactly do you want?"


    "To spend the night here." His intentions were clear and straightforward. "You wouldn''t refuse to help a friend, right? Besides, I''m running a fever."


    "Why don''t you have your fianc¨¦e take care of you at home instead of crashing at my ce? What are you trying to imply?"


    She was utterly baffled. Eliza checked on Mikey in his room, who was sleeping soundly, which reassured her.


    "You should go back, Casper, please. It''s really easy for people to get the wrong idea."


    It would be different if he had no girlfriend. Susan seemed to care a lot about him after all. Being a woman herself, Eliza could easily guess a woman''s thoughts.


    "She''s just a girl, very sensitive. You


    should be more considerate of her


    feelings. She didn''t want another Eliza to emerge. "You''re not young anymore; caring for someone shoulde naturally." Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "She''s not my girlfriend, why should I care for her? he replied, visibly


    annoyed by her lecture. What


    fianc¨¦e: What arranged marriage. As long as he didn''t acknowledge it, that contract was nothing but scrap paper.

 Chapter 421

    "Eliza..." Eliza choked on her words, deciding to ignore him and head to the bathroom. "Fine, stay if you want. I can''t be bothered."


    She walked off to the bathroom.


    Casper copsed on the couch, falling asleep with his clothes still on.


    When Eliza came out of the shower, she couldn''t quite describe the mix of emotions she felt seeing him sprawled there.


    "Casper, you should go home to sleep. You''re not feeling well, and you''re just making it worse by staying here. If something happens to you, how am I supposed to exin it to the Welton family? Please, just go home." Half-asleep, Casper managed to sit up on the couch for a moment before stumbling towards Eliza''s bedroom.


    He sank into the softness of her bed, surrounded by her unique scent. It was more intoxicating than any drink.


    He basked in it, clinging to thefort, not wanting to move an inch.


    "Hey, Casper, what are you doing in my room?" Eliza, drying her hair, frowned. "If you need a bed that badly, go sleep with my dad."


    "No way." He wanted to sleep holding his wife, smiling sleepily. "I want to sleep... with you."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    "You must be really drunk."


    He patted the spot next to him, earnestly promising, "I swear I won''t touch you; you can rx."


    Eliza frowned, crossing her arms. "Do you even believe yourself? If you swear that if you touch me, you''ll never, ever get it up again, maybe then I''ll consider it." Casper: ...This woman is brutal.


    "Alright." Not believing in the power of such oaths, he feigned a yawn. "Come on, get to sleep. I''m not waiting for you. I''m going to sleep now."


    He turned over, leaving half the bed for Eliza.


    Eliza: ...


    It was getting cold, and indeed, sleeping on the couch was unbearable at night.


    But sharing the bed with Casper? She couldn''t get over that mental hurdle.


    In the end...


    Eliza curled up on the couch and fell asleep.


    Casper walked out of the bedroom, gently bending down and, with as little disturbance as possible, carried her back to the bed. Her body was cold.


    He gently held her chilled hand, pulling her into his embrace.


    The warmth enveloped her in her sleep, and she unconsciously snuggled closer into his arms.


    He felt a stir in his heart and lightly kissed her forehead.


    If he could just hold her like this forever, doing nothing else, he''d even be okay with being poor and destitute.


    But would she?


    In the darkness, his eyes gradually lost their sparkle...


    In the middle of the night.


    Eliza turned over, reaching out for a drink of water.


    But what was this beside her hand?


    She felt it again, unsure, soft yet hard.


    "Touch it again, and you''ll regret it," a deep, husky voice sounded from above her.


    Startled, she pulled her hand back, realizing what she had just touched.


    Her face flushed hot.


    Blushing deeply, her voice stuttered, "Casper? You... me... why am I in bed?"


    She clearly remembered falling asleep on the couch.


    Sleepwalking?


    Could she have actually sleepwalked to the bed?


    Is that even possible?


    Casper gently turned on the bedsidemp, its soft light outlining his features more gently. The lingering smell of alcohol was gone, and he now seemedzy and casual.


    §Ö


    He smiled gently, his voice filled with tenderness, "Maybe you felt coldin the night, so you climbed into bed on your own. Don''t worry, it''s okay."


    It''s... okay?


    It might be okay for him, but not for her.


    "I''ll go back to the couch," she said trying to get out of bed, but he grabbed her wrist, pulling her back. "The couch is too cold; do you want to catch a cold?"


    "Then you go sleep outside," she countered calmly.


    Casper: ...He wasn''t going anywhere.


    "Let''s sleep together; we can keep each other warm. What could I


    possib


    ?? 1A


    do to you? Aren''t we just


    ''friends''? Or is it you who''s


    0


    overthinking?"

 Chapter 422

    The man had this aura, like he was really big on personal space.


    Eliza was momentarily at a loss for words.


    If she chose to sleep on the couch, would that imply she was muddying their rtionship? Making it impure? Was that what he meant?


    "Casper, you really are..."


    "I really am looking out for you," he said with a grin, pushing her gently onto the big bed, their noses almost touching, their breaths mingling. His eyes twinkled mischievously. "Don''t be so formal with me." Eliza couldn''t stand his yful demeanor.


    She shoved him away, "Keep your distance."


    "Alright then, sleep tight." He leaned in to kiss her but was met with a piercing re.


    She got up, "I''m thirsty."


    "Stay in bed, I''ll get you some water." He hopped out of bed, quickly filled a ss with lukewarm water, and brought it back, holding it up to her lips with a look that screamed ''please like me''. "Here, drink up." Eliza rolled her eyes, taking the ss from him. "I can drink by myself, no need to y nurse."


    "I just wanted to lend you a hand." He winked, trying to be charming.


    Eliza thought: ...Ugh, that''s nauseating.


    She was seriously tired.


    After drinking the water, she crashed and sank into a deep sleep.


    Casper couldn''t fall asleep. Hey on his side, propping his head up with one arm, quietly watching her peaceful face.


    She was stunning.


    When they met on the bridge all those years ago, she was just eighteen.


    She was like a beacon of light piercing his world, and since then, he couldn''t stop thinking about her.


    The biggest mistake in his thirty-something years was letting her slip away.


    From their first encounter to now, nine years had passed.


    He tried to let go, to give her freedom, wanting to see her happy.


    But...Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    Whenever another man entered her life, his heart couldn''t stay calm.


    No one else should have her but him.


    He knew this wasn''t possessiveness; it was love.


    He loved her, and this feeling would bubble in his chest from time to time trying to squash it with logic, but it was pure agony.


    At first, he thought winning her over would be tough.


    But heter realized, letting her go was even tougher.


    His slender fingers lightly traced her soft, fair face, making his heart skip a beat.


    With her, he always felt an uncontroble urge to be close.


    He didn''t know if this was some kind of sickness, but if it was, he didn''t want a cure.


    His lips slowly inched closer, close enough to feel her gentle breaths on his ear, sending ripples through his heart. "Mmm..."


    A sudden feeling of suffocation made Eliza feel as if she was drowning.


    She thought she had fallen into an abyss but opened her eyes to find Casper kissing her.


    Raising her hand, she pped him.


    "Casper, are you for real? Did you forget the promise you made?" She tried to push him away.


    But his eyes were filled with desire, and she could even feel his body pressing tightly against hers.


    "Casper, you promised we''d just be


    friends. What is this? Going back on


    your word?" She was genuinely


    angry. Could he not stick to his word? "You''re just a jerk."


    Hisrge hand held her chin, his chest rising and falling with emotion.


    With her, he couldn''t be a


    gentleman. "I''ve changed my mind. I


    don''t want to let you go anymore.


    Let''s get back together


    Get back together?


    Eliza was momentarily confused by his words.


    "Casper, what nonsense are you talking about? We were never together, what''s there to get back to?"


    "Eliza, I''m your man. Are you saying we were never together?" He gently kissed her lips, "Hmm?"

 Chapter 423

    Eliza was stunned.


    Casper had regained his memory?


    She looked at him, unsure and hesitant.


    "You...?" She couldn''t believe it. Did he really remember everything? "...recognize me?"


    "Of course, silly," he smiled, his fingertips gently brushing her earlobe, creating an undeniably intimate atmosphere. "What do you think, do I recognize you?"


    Eliza felt a chill run through her body. When had he regained his memory? Just now? Or had it been a while? Or had he never lost it at all? Was he ying her? These thoughts made her face grow colder. She grabbed Casper''s hand and pushed him away forcefully. "Is this fun for you?"


    Casper was taken aback. He couldn''t understand why she was reacting like this. "What do you mean by fun or not fun?"


    "When did you get your memory back?" Her eyes bore into his, filled with an unfamiliar hostility.


    Casper was at a loss for words. Did it really matter when he remembered? "What do you really want to know?" he asked helplessly, feeling hurt by her defensiveness. "Memory or not, I''m still me. I haven''t changed."


    "Are you still you?" She shook her head, disappointment etched on her face. "So, the one who liked Valerie, was it you with your memory or without it? Or are you saying that, no matter what, I''m just a fool in your eyes, someone you can manipte and toy with?" Casper was silent. His feelings for her hadn''t changed, memory or no memory. How could she think this way?All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Is that what you think of me?" he asked, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.


    Eliza shook her head. She couldn''t see through him anymore. To her, he could never be sincere. That was an undeniable fact.


    "Just go."


    She felt utterly drained. Why did it always feel so exhausting to be with Casper? She didn''t want to y these games anymore. She could never outy him.


    "Eliza, can''t you stop being so biased against me? When I lost my memory and forgot you, you were happy, weren''t you? You could easily reject me, leave me. Have you forgotten that we are husband and wife, that we haven''t divorced? I can have you back by my side at any time."


    "Why would I want to be friends with you? Because I didn''t want to see you hurt, I wanted you to be happy, not because I wanted to ''y'' with you as you im."


    "Is it wrong that I like you? Is it wrong that I love you? Is it wrong that I don''t want to leave you, that I want us to be together properly? The only reason I wanted to let go of your hand was to make you happy. Is that wrong?" Eliza gave a bitterugh. He still had the audacity to justify himself. Had he forgotten he had just been trying to do something to her?


    "Since we agreed to stay friends, why go back on your word? If you''re not ying with me, then what is this?"


    "If I wanted to y with you, I could


    have done that a long time ago." He was furious. yet tried desperately to suppress his rage. "I just can''t control my feelings for you, I can''t control my love. Seeing you with another man drives me insane. Do you understand?"


    Love?


    Eliza shook her head with a bitter smile. To her that wasn''t love. It was control. They could be close, they could be friends. But everything had to be within his tolerance. Clearly, the sudden appearance of another man was not within his eptable range. Thus, his possessiveness reared its head once more.


    That was Casper. The same Casper as before, unchanged.


    "I don''t understand, and I don''t want to. Casper, let''s end this,pletely, never to see each other again." She slumped against the wall, her voice weak. "The kind of never again thatsts a lifetime, okay?"

 Chapter 424

    She was pleading with him.


    Not the first time, either. She had begged him countless times before. But she had never really thought about epting him, not fully, not with her whole heart.


    It tore him up inside. He never wanted to cause her this kind of pain. He never lied to her, either. He wished she could see that. His love for her was real, pure, not a hint of deceit.


    He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her as she seemed ready to fall apart. He couldn''t understand why things had gotten so bad between them.


    "Tell me, do you think you could ever love me again?"All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    His warmth surrounded her. His broad chest could shield her from the world, but it had never made her feel safe. She couldn''t answer him. The hate was gone, but eptance was still out of reach. As she had told Juan, she couldn''t get past what happened with Robin. If she tried hard enough, she could probably convince herself to move on, find a reason to let go. But that would feel like betraying herself.


    "Casper, your love is like a beautiful soap bubble-fragile and bound to burst. That''s not the kind of love I want."


    He held her tighter, his face buried in the crook of her neck. He took a deep breath and said, "My love isn''t a bubble, Elle. From the moment Iid your ashes to rest, I knew I could never love anyone else. If that''s not love, then what is?"


    His words were touching, but she stayed silent. Tears streamed down her face. She didn''t even know if she was crying for Casper or for herself.


    "But I don''t want to love you anymore," she sobbed, her slender frame trembling uncontrobly. "Casper, let''s just part ways, okay?"


    "Does it hurt that much?" He cupped her face, kissing away her tears. "If you don''t love me, why does it hurt so much? Tell me you still love me, don''t you?"


    Eliza shook her head frantically. No, she didn''t love him. Not anymore. Not at all.


    "Casper, loving you took half my life. I don''t want to lose the other half. Please, let me go..."


    She cried, like a delicate vase with a thousand cracks. The sight of her brokenness filled him with deep guilt. He kissed her lips, wanting to show her he''d take care of her from now on. The old Casper was dead. The new Casper loved Eliza, cherished her above all else. He wanted to prove it through his


    actions. He had changed. He wasn''t that violent, angry man anymore. His heart had softened for her.


    "Let me spend the rest of my life loving you, will you?"


    Tears streaming, she pushed him away with all her strength. She looked out at the sky, which was starting to brighten. She took a deep breath She couldn''t give him an answer. She couldn''t even give


    herself one.


    "Casper, you locked Robin up in Mercy Hospital, turned him into a shadow of himself. He''s still not the same. After everything you did to me and my family, how can you expect me to live with you, to be your wife?"


    Casper knew this was something he


    couldn''t avoid. In a fit of rage, he had Robinmitted to Mercy Hospital. But he never ordered any abuse.


    Three years ago, when Eliza fakeet


    her death, he moved Robin to the best rehab facility. The doctors said his recovery would be tough, maybe impossible. Casper had done all he could, but the fact remained: this was the unbridgeable chasm


    between them.


    He was out of options.


    "Is it because Robin can''t get better that we can never be together?"

 Chapter 425

    Eliza didn''t give him an answer. She believed he already knew it deep down.


    He looked at her, his eyes filled with sorrow. Her silence made it clear that the mistakes he had made over the years could never be mended in her heart. His love, regret, and persistence seemed utterly powerless before her. No matter how much he tried to exin or make amends, it couldn''t erase the foolish things he had done.


    "Alright," he said, almost helplessly, with a soft sigh.


    No matter how much he didn''t want to, how sad he was, how much he loved her, his heart aching, he would let her go. Even if it was his final apology to her. It felt like there was a void inside him, a void that mightst a lifetime. Thinking about it, it was truly painful. Tears welled up in his eyes, swirling at the edges. He forced a smile and hugged her tightly again. "Believe me, I wanted you to be happy. Maybe I was too selfish, too focused on my own feelings, too eager to love you, to be with you. Don''t cry. I''m letting you go. Let''s pick a time and get the divorce."


    Hearing the word ''divorce'' from Casper''s lips was beyond her expectations. Eliza felt as if a devastating tornado had swept through her heart, leaving nothing but wreckage. So, this was what a real goodbye felt like. She wanted to thank him for letting go. She wanted to offer him a smile of relief but found she couldn''t even control her own expression.


    He gently let her go and wiped the tears from her face. He could feel the turmoil in her heart as well, but time would dilute everything.


    "Don''t forget, we''re still friends. We''re just staying in each other''s lives in a different way," he said with a slight smile, appearing much calmer than before. "I''ll still do my best to find a good doctor, a good hospital for Robin, hoping he can get the best treatment. This is what I owe you, and I''m willing to spend a lifetime repaying it."


    Eliza looked into the depths of his smiling eyes. She didn''t know what to say to bid farewell, finally settling on, "How about next Monday? I''m free then. How about you?"


    "Okay," he agreed.


    Let him hold her onest time. In the future, she would be someone else''s girlfriend, someone else''s bride, someone else''s child''s mother. Or perhaps, she would take on many more unknown roles and identities. He no longer had the right to inquire, nor the right to appear in her life again.


    Casper silently turned around, his steps heavy. He didn''t look back, knowing that if he did, he would uncontrobly walk back to her. He had promised to let go; he couldn''t break his word.


    Eliza quietly stood by the window,


    her gaze following his receding figure until hepletely disappeared at the end of the road Her heart felt empty and deste t was deep autumn. The wind swept through the birch trees, scattering yellow leaves all over the ground. The deste wind blew through the ss, creeping through the cracks, bringing a hint of chill, gently lifting her soft hair, whispering in her ear that everything was over.


    Sorry, her baby would ultimately be without a father. She couldn''t give him aplete family. She felt sorry for her child, sorry for all those who cared about her. But wasn''t this what she always wanted? Her wish had been granted.


    ...


    When Juan came to pick up Eliza for the ss reunion, her eyes were still swollen. Her face unwashed, clothes unchanged, she looked as if she had gone through a world war. "What happened to you?"


    "Nothing, just didn''t sleep well. I


    don''t want to go anymore. You go ahead," she said, her headache severe and her demeanor defeated. Today, she just wanted to catch up on some sleep at home. "Just make up some excuse for them." Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Herplexion was as pale as a sheet of paper, her voice weak and powerless, full of fatigue.

 Chapter 426

    John noticed how wrecked she looked. His face was painted with worry. "What happenedst night?"


    Eliza didn''t want to get into it. Curled up on the couch with her head propped up, she seemedpletely defeated. John''s curiosity only grew. She had been in a decent mood when he dropped her off. Had someone shown up after that?


    "Who came over? It wasn''t... Casper, was it?" The slight hesitation in Eliza''s eyes gave her away.


    "What did you two talk about? Don''t tell me you had another big fight?"


    Sometimes, arguments don''t fix anything.


    John furrowed his brow, looking at Eliza, desperate for answers.


    "John, we''re getting a divorce." This time, it wasn''t just her wishful thinking-a flicker of sadness crossed her eyes. "We''re filing on Monday. With his connections, we won''t even need the month''s cooling-off period. We can get the divorce right away." "What?"


    This was beyond what he had imagined. Casper had actually agreed to the divorce.


    "Did you bring up the divorce?"


    Eliza shook her head slightly. "It was his idea."


    John was stunned. Casper had actually suggested the divorce?


    Is it true that when love reaches its peak, people start taking all the pain on themselves?Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "And you? Do you want to divorce him too? I mean..." He didn''t want the surface-level stuff; he wanted to know Eliza''s real feelings. "...deep down, do you really have no feelings for him at all?" Feelings?


    The cheapest thing in this world is feelings.


    When she married him, she had hoped her one-sided affection would grow into something more.


    But had he ever epted her efforts and passion?


    It ended up being a tragic, sloppy mess.


    "After everything that''s happened between us, do you think we can still live together peacefully?"


    That idea was way too naive.


    Unless Robin could get better, maybe there was a tiny chance.


    Otherwise...


    John also felt it was a shame-a regret, really. As a man who had experienced deep, soul-cutting love, he understood.


    If a man is willing to change for the woman he loves, he''d be devoted to her for life.


    No matter how reckless or unworthy he was before, he''d cherish her like a treasure.


    If Eliza could reconcile with Casper, her future would be one where she''d be adored to the skies.


    But she couldn''t get past her own hurdle, and he got that.


    "Robin''s situation¡ªit''s nearly impossible for a full recovery. You''re essentially blocking your own path."


    Was it really a dead end, or had there never been a path for her and Casper?


    She had no regrets.


    "Let it be." The only thing she felt guilty about was her child. "I''m just too selfish a mother for Brock, Maybe, I could let the Welton family raise him, but..."


    Her eyes dimmed with sorrow.


    The Welton family could offer Brock a better life, better education, better resources. But...


    The baby was still young. After Casper remarried, there''d be more


    lovelife


    kids, and growing up with a


    step-parent might not bet


    him.


    great for


    she might only have this


    this


    one child in her life; she couldn''t bear


    her only child back to the Welton family.


    "When Brock grows up, if he wants to go back to the Welton family, I won''t stop him." "...just let me be selfish this once. If Brock mes me when he''s older, I''ll ept it."

 Chapter 427

    Sophie sighed gently. How could a child ever me their mother? It was the struggles her mother faced that hurt the most.


    "So, how did you sign the divorce agreement? What about the division of assets, custody, all that stuff? The Chase family''s loaded; they can''t just leave you with nothing and a kid to raise. Raising a child costs money, you know." Sophie''s questions cut to the chase, grounded in the harshness of reality.


    But Eliza hadn''t discussed the divorce agreement with Casper. He had a team of top-notchwyers, and she assumed they''d draft something fair.


    "He probably won''t fight me for custody. As for the assets, I never thought about taking his money."


    After all those years of marriage, she had never taken his money. Now that they were divorcing, she was even less likely to. Besides, even if she wanted to, would he give it to her? That was doubtful. "Dividing assets in a divorce is all about conscience. If he''s willing to give, take it," Sophie advised.


    Eliza hadn''t given it much thought. If he gave her anything, it would be for Brock''s sake, not out of any guilt towards her. Saying you love someone is one thing; actually parting with real money is another. "If it''s for Brock, I''ll hold onto it for him," she forced a strained smile.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Sophie didn''t push Eliza to attend a wee party their ssmates had organized. He figured she needed some time to think about her future.


    Over the weekend, Eliza was called to Casper''swyer''s office.


    "Ms. Eliza, here''s your new ID, restoring your former status. Please take a look." As thewyer handed her the ID, he also gave her a divorce agreement.


    Eliza took it. The agreement was only two pages long. One page detailed the reason for the divorce: irreconcble differences, beyond repair. The other listed the division of assets.


    A 400-square-meter luxury apartment in the city center, three prime retail spaces, a luxury car worth millions, and a hundred million in cash. For Casper, these might be a drop in the ocean, but for Eliza, it was a shock. "Ms. Eliza, if you have no objections, please sign your name on the divorce agreement," thewyer said, ready to address any concerns with Mr. Casper.


    Eliza was momentarily stunned by


    the assets allocated to her. The apartment in Falconridge''s best neighborhood, over 400 square meters, valued at over a hundred and ten million. The three retail-


    spaces in Falconridge''s prime


    space


    bringing in millions in annual rent. Altogether, they could easily generate ten million a year. The car and the hundred million in cash... How could he give her so much?


    "Mr. Chase, are you sure there''s no mistake with the assets allocated to me?"


    Thewyer, thinking Eliza found it insufficient, quickly added, "Mr. Casper mentioned that if you find the distribution unfair, it can be renegotiated." "No, you misunderstand. It''s... too much."


    It was so much that she hesitated to


    sign her name. Thewyer adjusted his sses, puzzled by Eliza''s


    reaction He had handled many


    vel


    divorce cases, and usually, the


    ended in bitter fights over


    insufficient shares. This was the first time he''d seen someone im they''d received too much.


    "Ms. Eliza, considering Mr. Casper''s wealth, you find this... too much?"


    "The money he earns has nothing to do with me. wouldn''t feel right taking it." She was uncertain whether to sign or not. She guessed that he was giving her so much because he didn''t want Brock to have a hard time living with his less capable mother.

 Chapter 428

    With that thought, Eliza felt a bit more grounded.


    Picking up the pen, she signed her name, "Mr. Chase, there, I''ve signed it."


    "Ms. Eliza, I''ll hand this signed divorce agreement to Mr. Casper. You both can go to the registry office on Monday to finalize everything. As for the house, car, cash, and the rest, it''ll all be sorted within a month." Mr. Chase hadid it all out clearly.


    Eliza nodded, stood up, and said, "Alright, Mr. Chase, I''ll be there on time on Monday. Thanks for your help."


    "It''s my job," thewyer replied, extending his hand politely. "Let me walk you out."


    Leaving thew office, Eliza felt like she was in a daze.


    She sat on a bench by the roadside, staring at the bustling traffic, her mind wandering.


    She really wanted to call Casper and ask why he was giving her so much.


    But then she thought she might be overthinking it.


    Divorce is about splitting assets, right? Houses, cars, money-it''s all part of it.


    Getting more rather than less isn''t a bad deal, right?


    Besides, his reasons for giving so much probably had nothing to do with her.


    Clutching her phone tightly, she felt lost.


    Chelsea, having heard about the divorce, called to see if it was true.


    "It''s true," Eliza said softly, her voice steady, revealing no emotion.


    Chelsea squealed excitedly on the other end, "Oh my God, you''ve finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel! Casper finally did something right."


    "Let''s call it mutual release," Eliza sighed heavily.


    "How about we throw a party tonight to celebrate?" Chelsea suggested.


    Eliza wasn''t in the mood, feeling all mixed up inside. "I just want some peace for the next few days."


    "You''ve been quiet for years. Have you forgotten you used to love a good party?" Chelsea hoped the divorce would help Eliza find her old self again. "You''re getting divorced. Aren''t you happy?"


    Eliza couldn''t say she was particrly happy or unhappy.


    She thought maybe she hadn''t adjusted to this sudden ''happiness'' yet.


    "It''s okay."


    "Okay?" Chelsea was exasperated, wondering if happiness had muddled her friend''s brain. "I really can''t with you. Alright, if you want to be alone, let''s celebrate after you get the divorce certificate." This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Okay."


    Hanging up the phone, Eliza looked at the sky, took a deep breath, and knew she should be happy. After all, this was the result she had waited for years.


    Looking down at her brand-new ID card, she smiled slightly. Eliza.


    She had finally be the openly known Eliza, no longer the secretive Valerie.


    At Welton International...


    Dillon brought the divorce agreement that Mr. Chase had just handed him to Casper.


    The elegant handwriting belonged to Eliza, who had signed it not long ago.


    "Mr. Casper, she... she has already signed her name," Dillon said hesitantly as he handed over the divorce agreement.


    The man, buried in a mountain of documents, paused and slowly set down his pen upon hearing Dillon''s words.


    Lifting his head, he took the divorce agreement, his eyes deep with thought.


    "Did shein about the amount I gave her?" His voice seemed calm but carried an undetectable tremor.


    "Mr. Chase said she didn''t say much, just quietly signed it," Dillon reported truthfully.


    The man felt as if something was squeezing his heart, making it hard to breathe.


    She had longed for this day so much that no matter how much property he gave her, she wouldn''t care and would eagerly sign.


    He picked up the pen, hesitating for a long time over the nk space designated for him...

 Chapter 429

    He mulled over a lot of things, the ones that made sense and the ones that didn''t. But after a long hesitation, he still couldn''t bring himself to sign his name. "Mr. Casper, is something bothering you?" Dillon asked, puzzled by the mix of emotions on Casper''s face.


    Casper, visibly irritated, tossed the pen onto the table. "Divorce isn''t exactly a joyful asion. Signing this feels like lifting a thousand-pound weight." Hadn''t he already decided?


    Why the sudden hesitation now?


    "Mr. Casper, are you having second thoughts, or are you just conflicted? I can''t figure you out."


    Casper let out a bitterugh, his smile tinged with sadness.


    Second thoughts?


    Conflicted?


    Did he even have a say in this?


    He could only go with the flow.


    "Dillon, sometimes, life''s just unfair to men."


    Dillon: ...


    What''s with Mr. Casper suddenly waxing poetic?


    Love... it really does a number on a good man.


    "Mr. Casper, if she wasn''t meant to be yours, forcing it won''t make it sweet. Living in bitterness every day, isn''t that worse?"


    Casper got it.


    That''s why he chose to let go.


    It hurt, of course, but he believed time heals all wounds.


    Eventually, he would move on.


    Monday.


    Eliza woke up early.


    She hadn''t slept well the night before.


    Dreamt all night long.


    In her dreams, she saw her parents, Robin, and Casper-the man she fell for at first sight on that bridge.


    They were a happy family; she and Casper had a son and a daughter, everyone''s faces glowing with joy.


    The dream startled her awake.


    Such happiness-how could it ever be hers?


    Her mom died so tragically, her dad was ill with dementia and could hardly take care of himself, and though Robin was in a top-notch rehab center, that was probably as good as it would get. A broken family, a failed marriage.


    Having a child was already a silver lining amid her misfortunes.


    Dreams like that could nevere true.


    After sshing her face with cold water, she tidied her short hair and rushed out the door.


    The weather was gloomy.


    Monday mornings meant everyone. was hurrying to work; the roads


    but


    We gus gu she called a t along. Contente


    it


    Luckily.


    She had left early and wasn''t toote when she arrived at the city hall.


    She hadn''t expected Casper to be there so early and felt a bit apologetic. "Sorry, traffic was bad."


    "No worries, let''s go."


    His face was expressionless.


    His tone, indifferent.


    She noticed the brown paper bag in his hand, likely carrying the divorce papers.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    Quickening her steps, she caught up with him and walked into the city hall together.


    he might use a back


    Sheme VIP route toet


    door


    things up, given it was just signing some papers.


    tent


    But no.


    He went to the self-service kiosk, took a number, and sat down to wait with her.


    The divorce process moved quickly, and the couples ahead of them left one by one. Eliza sneaked a peek at the number in Casper''s hand.


    Number 18.


    The current number was 17, so their turn was next. She suddenly felt a bit nervous. ''Bang.''


    Out of nowhere, all the lights in the hall went out.


    A wave of confusion spread.


    Nobody knew what had happened.


    A staff member soon came out to exin, "Sorry, there''s been a power outage due to a line issue. Half of Falconridge is without power, and t won''t be fixed anytime soon. We can only process up to this point for today. Pleasee back another day. We''ll announce on our official page when services are back to normal."


    A power outage?


    Eliza felt a bit down.


    They were so close, and now this.


    What luck.


    "Do you have time tomorrow?" Eliza asked Casper, a bit awkwardly.

 Chapter 430

    Casper looked uncertain, furrowing his brow. "No idea if we''ll have power tomorrow."


    He noticed Eliza''s anxiety.


    Even though it made him feel a bit uneasy, he kept his cool. "Anyway, you''ve already signed the papers. Even if city hall is out ofmission for a while, the asset transfer will still go through. Don''t stress." But that wasn''t what Eliza meant.


    His words made it seem like she was only worried about the money.


    "I just feel a bit unlucky."


    "Divorce is unlucky by nature," he chuckled.


    Eliza nced up at him...


    He wasn''t wrong.


    Divorce was unlucky, and dealing with more misfortune didn''t seem all that surprising.


    "Then we''ll just keep an eye on the news and touch baseter," she suggested, trying to find a middle ground.


    He nodded.


    After a polite goodbye, Eliza hailed a cab and left.


    Casper stood there for a moment before his chauffeured car pulled up.


    The passenger window rolled down, revealing Dillon''s concerned face. "Mr. Casper, did you get the divorce finalized?"


    "Why do you care so much?"


    Dillon quickly got out, opened the rear door with a respectful gesture. "You came here for this, so I just wanted to check if everything went smoothly."


    Casper slid into the backseat, pinching the bridge of his nose, looking a bit defeated. "The power went out."


    "The power... went out?"


    A power outage in Falconridge was almost unheard of.


    Casper and Eliza went to get divorced, and there was a power outage? What kind of plot twist was this?


    "Yeah, pretty unlucky," Dillon echoed, quickly shifting gears. "Mr. Casper, Susan''s father, Ronan, is waiting for you at Welton International."


    "Did he say what it''s about?" Casper asked, his eyes closed, fingers massaging his temples.


    Dillon had asked.


    But Ronan hadn''t bothered to exin.


    His arrogance and disdain were palpable.


    "He didn''t say, but Ms. Susan is with him."


    "Both of them here? Trying to pressure me into marriage?" Casper stopped massaging his temples, furrowing his brow. "Or just using any excuse to see me?"


    "Probably both," Dillon said, scratching his nose.


    After all, Jeffrey had arranged the marriage agreement.


    If Casper broke it, it would be seen as disrespectful.


    "I''m not even divorced yet."


    Casper was visibly irritated.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    A chill seemed to emanate from him.


    Dillon barely dared to breathe.


    The car pulled into thepany''s underground garage.


    He followed Casper closely, opening the door to the CEO''s office.


    Ronan was sitting in the meeting


    area,


    ing a delicate white


    porcin cup filled with light green tea, looking content.


    Susan saw Casper and walked over with a smile. "Casper, you''re finally back."


    Her voice carried a hint of joy.


    Her eyes were glued to him, filled with affection.


    Ronan


    seem surprised by


    Casper''s arrival. He kept his


    not even looking up. Content


    Hearing Susan''s voice, he leisurely set down his tea cup.


    His attitude was grand.


    He didn''t take Casper seriously at all.


    Dillon was sweating bullets for him.


    "Dad, Casper''s back. You haven''t met him yet. Let me introduce you." Susan gently took Ronan''s arm, coaxing him from hisfortable seat. Only then did Ronanzily lift his head, his gaze finally meeting Casper''s...

 Chapter 431

    His eyes scrutinized Casper with an unabashed intensity, like a future father-inw sizing up his daughter''s boyfriend and finding him increasinglycking. "I heard you''ve been married before?" Ronan''s voice was slow and deep, carrying a hint of disdain.


    No one expected Ronan''s first question to be this.


    Dillon''s heart sank, his eyes involuntarily drawn to the scornful curl of Ronan''s lips. This was just in dumb.


    Susan was also taken aback. "Dad, you''re saying Casper was married before? To whom? Howe I didn''t know? And where did you hear this?"


    "That''s not important," Ronan gently patted Susan''s hand on his arm, signaling her not to worry. "What matters is that from now on, he needs to bepletely devoted to you. You''re entering your first marriage, but this is his second."


    Dillon was exasperated. With Casper''s qualifications, forget a second marriage. Third, fourth, fifth people would still line up to marry him. Was Ronan trying to elevate himself by putting Casper down? Had he forgotten why he came to Falconridge? If he wanted to use the Welton family as leverage to expand his own business, he should be humble, not act like he''s bestowing a favor by marrying his daughter to Casper.


    Did he not understand Casper''s temperament, or did he think Casper was an easy target?


    Casper chuckled mockingly, looking at Ronan. "Mr. Ronan, you''ve done your homework. Not only have I been married, but I''m also not divorced yet. I even have a child, so I really don''t measure up to your precious daughter."


    Susan was stunned. What did she just hear? Casper wasn''t divorced yet? So if she got involved with him, she''d be the other woman? A wealthy heiress like her, bing a mistress? But she had never seen Casper''s wife. Could her father''s reckless words have angered Casper, making him say this on purpose?


    Susan''s uncertain gaze shifted from Casper''s face to Dillon''s, but Dillon avoided her eyes. Without an answer, her gaze returned to Casper.


    "Casper, you''re joking, right?"


    Casper massaged his temples,


    nced at Susan, and then leaned back into the sofa. He pulled out a cigarette lighting it as if no one else was there, and Dillon offered him a lighter. The cigarette ignited, and pate smoke slowly spread out...


    Ronan was irked by Casper''s attitude, his expression darkening. "What do you mean by this, Mr. Casper?"


    Casper took a slow drag, chuckling as he looked at Ronan. "What do you mean, Mr. Ronan?"


    "Am I not stating the facts?" Although Casper''s marriage wasn''t public, everyone in Falconridge knew he was married. "I never said Susan can''t marry you because you''ve been married. Why the hostility towards me?"


    "Are you saying I''m not showing enough appreciation, Mr. Ronan?" Though Casper''s face bore a smile, each word was filled with biting chill.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Sensing something was off, Susan


    tried to deescte. "Dad, let''s not discuss personal matters at the


    office. Didn''t you say you had business to discuss with Casper? Why don''t you focus on that?"


    AQUMS


    Ronan had intended to scare Casper a bit before discussing business, to better control him. Clearly, this was a wild horse, not easily tamed.


    "Business can wait. I''ve just arrived in Falconridge; it''s proper to meet Mr. Casper''s parents first and settle your marriage."

 Chapter 432

    Dillon couldn''t help but frown. Ronan really didn''t seem to get it-apart from thete Jeffrey, no one else had ever gotten through to Casper. Clearing his throat, Dillon stepped forward, "Mr. Ronan, how about I arrange a meal for you first? It''s quite the trip to Falconridge.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    You should try some of our local specialties. Let Ms. Susan join you for a tour as well."


    Dillon was offering a polite out.


    Ronan nced at Casper''s somber face but didn''t reject Dillon''s offer. "That sounds good. Marriage is a big deal, and rushing it wouldn''t do. Let''s have a meal first." He turned to his daughter, "Come on, Susan, let''s grab some lunch." "Okay, Dad."


    After seeing Ronan and his daughter off, Dillon returned to the CEO''s office. Casper''s cigarette was still burning, nearly scorching his fingers. Dillon quickly took it and snuffed it out.


    "Mr. Casper, what''s on your mind?"


    Casper snapped out of his thoughts. Looking up at Dillon, he said, "The Torres family wants totch onto Welton International. I can make that happen."


    Dillon was momentarily taken aback. "Mr. Casper, you mean... you''re seriously considering getting engaged to Ms. Susan?"


    To Casper, a marriage without love was just a business deal. It all depended on what the Torres family could offer in return for his status. If the interests aligned, it would be a fair exchange. If not, well, the tables would turn. "If she wants to marry, I''m not opposed, but..." he had his conditions, "...it depends on Ronan''s dowry."


    "Ronan''s only got Susan. He wouldn''t be stingy, right?" Dillon spected.


    Casper shook his head and stood up. True, Susan was Ronan''s only legitimate daughter. But he had two illegitimate twin sons on the side. He had kept it well-hidden; not even his wife knew.


    en


    Ronan wanted to trade Susan for family benefits, nurturing his illegitimate sons to inherit the family business. Susan and her mother''s family were probably clueless. "Susan''s just a pawn to Ronan. He won''t give his all. Now, she has no choice but toe to me. If I agree to this marriage, she''ll end up as the most tragic pawn."


    He didn''t care. It didn''t matter whom he married. He just feared Susan might break down if she found out the truth.


    Dillon was growing increasingly confused. Would Ronan really trade his daughter''s happiness for his family''s rise?


    "Then you..."


    "I remember the Torres family has a port. If he''s willing to offer that port as part of Susan''s dowry, I could announce the engagement immediately."


    That port was highly profitable. He guessed Ronan wouldn''t want to part with it. But businessmen know: to catch a big fish, you must bait the hook Maybe Ronan would offer the port in the end.


    Then there would be quite the spectacle.


    ¡°So, you''re really nning to marry Ms. Susan?"


    "Without the one I love, it doesn''t matter whom marry," his gaze dimmed. Maybe luck wasn''t on his side. He wasn''t meant for a family or a lover, only for a life of deals and deceit. Fate, he epted it. But the void in his heart would never be filled...

 Chapter 433

    At dusk, Casper made a trip back to the old family estate. Dillon mentioned that in a few days, Eliza would be taking Brock away. And the promise to help him find his dad was still hanging in the air.


    Every time the little guy saw him, he''d run towards him with all his might, making Casper feel like he was needed. Today was no different.


    "Mr. Casper." Brock hugged Casper''s neck, rubbing his face against his, whispering in his ear like he was sharing a secret, "In a couple of days, mom is going to take me home."


    Brock looked a lot like Eliza-fair skin, long eyshes, and when he smiled, two shallow dimples appeared. Only on closer inspection did Brock resemble him a bit. Maybe that''s why he hadn''t realized Brock was his son at first; they didn''t look much alike.


    "Is that so? Do you miss your mom, Brock?" Casper asked, his gaze soft and unusually serious as he studied the little guy.


    But resemnce didn''t really matter. What mattered was Brock''s somewhat fragile, timid, and insecure nature probably because he grew up without a father. Casper felt a pang of sympathy for the child. But he couldn''t forcibly keep Brock by his side. It was a tough choice, but he had none.


    Casper got lost in thought. Brock''s little hands cupped his face, gently bringing him back. "Mr. Casper, did you find my dad?"


    "Not... yet." Casper didn''t want to lie, but he had to deceive this innocent child. "Uncle will try his best to find him for you, okay?"


    "Brock doesn''t me Mr. Casper." The little guy sounded a bit down but still spoke maturely. "I know, finding dad is hard."


    "Dad isn''t hard to find. It''s just that uncle has been busy with worktely, so..." Casper tried to exin.


    Brock, not ming him, blinked his big eyes. "Mr. Casper, if you find my dad, can you ask him why he doesn''t want mom anymore? Please?"


    Casper''s heart ached. Sour, painful, and suffocating.


    He couldn''t imagine how a child burdened with such thoughts every day could find happiness.


    Was he wrong? If he had insisted on not letting go of Eliza''s hand, would they have be a family living together? Even if not happy, couldn''t they have given the child aplete family?


    His eyes grew sore. He forced a


    smile. "Maybe he has his


    unspeakable difficulties. Adults, you know, always have this or that kind


    of issue. Brock, you''re still young. You understand when you grow up. This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Brock didn''t quite understand adult matters. But he truly envied other kids who had dads. He wished to hold mom''s hand with his left and dad''s with his right. He also wanted to, like other kids when bullied, have the courage to say, "I''ll have my dad beat you up."


    Such big talk.


    The little head nodded shyly. Seeming to understand but pretending to be sensible-it was heartbreaking.


    After dropping Brock off at Audrey''s, Casper sat alone in the living room, quietly smoking a cigarette. He thought a lot. What was feasible and what wasn''t, what could work and what couldn''t. After three cigarettes, he took out his phone and made a call.


    "Officer Zhao, let''s not post the announcement about resuming divorce services on the official ount of someone named Elizaes inquiring about divorce, just say the system is still down. Yeah, a wife''s tantrum, embarrassing, I know. I''ll buy you a drink sometime, yeah, you''re busy."


    Hanging up the phone, he leaned back on the sofa, taking a long breath. "Casper, I''m back."

 Chapter 434

    A cheerful and lively voice apanied the footsteps into the living room.


    Without even looking, he knew it was Susan who hade back. Judging by her tone, she must have had a good chat with Ronan.


    He didn''t respond to her.


    Susan walked around the sofa, bent down, and sat next to him, her excitement barely contained. "My dad said he''s picked a date and he''s going to discuss it with Uncle."


    "A guy who''s been married before, and you''re still going to marry him?" He lifted his eyelids just a bit, asking slowly.


    Susan initially couldn''t ept it. But after giving it some thought, Casper was already thirty; it was perfectly normal for him to have been married. After all, plenty of people wanted to marry into the Welton family. She didn''t care about his past; she only cared that she would be thest one.


    "I think what Eliza, Brock''s mom, told me was right."


    Eliza? What had she told Susan?


    "What did she say?"


    Susan recalled what Eliza had told her that day. "She said, your ex-girlfriends or the women before me were just gardeners trimming the dead branches and leaves in your life. And me, I get a well-groomed, towering tree. Why should I care about your past?" Casper let out a softugh.


    She was quite magnanimous. Using her own scars to hand over a well-groomed man to another woman, she felt quite aplished.


    "Susan, I''m not an easy man to tame."


    Susan nodded; she was ready. Capable men were never easily manipted by women. If they were, it was because they wanted to be. Feelings like this, nurture them, and they turn into love.


    "It''s okay, I''m amazing. You''ll definitely fall in love with me," she said with a hint of confidence.


    Heughed. Confidence is a good thing. Too much confidence, though, can be foolish.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Casper, you said you have a child. Is that true?"


    "It''s true." He didn''t shy away from the question.


    Susan thought he was just trying to wind up Ronan, but finding out it was true, she felt uneasy. "Boy or girl? What do you n to do with them?"


    Do with them? The term made


    Casper bristle. His already stern face grew even darker. "What makes you think would ''deal with'' my child? Susan, where do you get the nerve to ask such a question?"


    Susan was startled by his reaction and quickly realized her words were inappropriate. She hurriedly exined, "What I mean is, I''m only twenty Bing a stepmom so soon, I''m afraid I won''t be good at it.


    "If you''re not good at it, no one''s forcing you," he said coldly.


    Susan was left speechless, her pretty face showing a bit of hurt. "What do you mean? Don''t I have the right to ask, even if it''s your child?"


    "You have no right." His words were firm.


    They hadn''t even started anything serious, and she was already thinking about ''dealing with'' his child. Was she not afraid he might ''deal with'' her too?


    Susan huffed, her long eyshes drooping as she bit her lip. "Fine, I won''t bring it up again, okay?"


    Casper didn''t bother with her anymore. He stood up and went upstairs.


    Susan didn''t understand why she had to endure this. But they say love at first sight can lead to a lifetime of regret, and once you''re in it, it''s hard to walk away unscathed.


    Men, with their little tempers and


    I.ne


    quirks, she could understand. After all, once they got married, she would have her own children too. She refused to believe Casper would only love his previous child and not the ones she would bear.


    For a calm and peaceful future and a happy life with Casper, she would endure.

 Chapter 435

    Eliza found out about Casper and Susan''s engagement from the media. The news hit the headlines just minutes after it was released, making it impossible for her to ignore.


    She couldn''t wrap her head around why Casper was in such a rush. Sure, he''d already transferred his share of the assets to her, and the money was in her ount, but they still hadn''t finalized the divorce. That seemed odd. She''d called the civil affairs office several times, but they kept telling her there was awork outage and to wait a bit longer. And while she was waiting, boom, Casper''s engagement news broke.


    It seemed he was more anxious than she was. Was the divorce agreement effective immediately after signing? Maybe the divorce certificate was just a formality. Otherwise, with the Torres family''s background, there was no way he''d be getting engaged while still technically married. Perhaps he was too eager to give Susan a title, unable to wait for the divorce certificate and thus hastily announcing his engagement to the world. When she thought about it that way, it made sense. Love orck thereof was ringly obvious. She turned off her phone and tried to pull herself together, preparing to take Brock to his new kindergarten. It was a boarding school, and she was reluctant to leave him, but with an elderly family member to care for at home and her painting, her energy was stretched too thin.


    "Honey, Mommy will pick you up on the weekend. Be good at kindergarten, okay?"


    Brock nodded obediently. "I will, Mommy. Don''t work too hard."


    "You''re such a sweetie. How could Mommy be tired?" She lifted her hand, gently ruffling his hair. "Mommy is very happy."


    "Mommy would be even happier with a daddy." The little guy finished speaking and instantly noticed the change in Eliza''s expression. He shrank back, looking guilty. "Sorry, Mommy."


    Eliza hugged him, her heart aching. He rarely mentioned ''daddy'' in front of her. What was different today?


    "Honey, you haven''t done anything wrong. Without a daddy, we can still be happy, right?" She tried to soothe him but felt the sadness in her own words.


    The little guy held Eliza''s hand and rubbed it against his face. "With Mommy here, Brock is the happiest baby."


    "Good boy."


    Even though Eliza kept a calm


    exterior, inside, a storm was raging. After dropping off Brock, she sat in the car alone for a long time. She felt so sad. Once the tears started, they wouldn''t stop.


    She had chosen not to betray her family, but in doing so, she overlooked Brock''s feelings. He was her family too, her life. Yet she had deprived him of the chance to have a father. She felt so selfish. But now, there was no chance to make amends.


    Should she tell him that Casper was his father? At least then, he would know he had a father. But would Casper agree? He was engaged now, soon to be married, probably


    soon to have his own children.


    Would he care about Brock?


    Eliza covered her face, unsure of what to do. Whether he agreed or not, she needed to talk to him about Brock. She didn''t dare call, afraid to disturb him, so she sent a message instead.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Can we meet?"


    She thought he would take a while to reply. But he responded instantly, "Yes."


    He agreed without even asking what it was about. She held her phone, momentarily stunned, unsure of what to say next. After a while, she typed, "When would be convenient for you?" and sent it. As soon as the message was sent, she immediately received a call back from Casper. The moment the phone vibrated in her hand, she almost dropped it.

 Chapter 436

    He''s getting engaged today, so he must be swamped, right?


    Why does he have the time to return her call?


    After calming herself, she answered the phone, "Hello?"


    "I''m free anytime, just let me know what works for you," his voice was clear and bright, showing no sign of impatience.


    Eliza, still worried about disturbing him, quickly said, "How about tomorrow afternoon? The coffee shop below your office." "That works."


    "Great."


    After hanging up, Eliza''s heart was still pounding.


    Was she being thoughtless? On the day Casper was getting engaged, she had arranged to meet him tomorrow. And he agreed to meet without asking any questions.


    It didn''t matter.


    The issue with Brock was always a thorn in her side. The child was Casper''s too. She had to hear what he had to say before figuring out what to do next.


    After a night filled with anxiety, the afternoon came.


    Eliza arrived early at the agreed spot. On her way there, she thought about how to start the conversation with Casper regarding Brock''s parentage. But it seemed nothing she nned felt right. She feared his rejection, yet also feared his eptance. Her thoughts were as tangled as weeds by the roadside.


    "Sorry, I was held up by a meeting." He was as charming as a gentle breeze, striding over and taking a seat opposite her. "Have you been waiting long?"


    His demeanor was gentle, like he was meeting an old friend.


    Eliza steadied her racing heart and managed a small smile, "I arrived early."


    "Okay." He nodded, ordered a coffee from the waitress, and looked back at Eliza. "So, what brings you here?"


    "Actually, there is something."


    She didn''t know how to begin. But she couldn''t just leave without discussing it.


    Seeing her difficulty, Casper smiled, "It''s not about the divorce papers, is it?"


    "No, it''s not about that." She braced herself, closed her eyes, and just said it, "It''s about Brock."


    Casper was taken aback. He looked at her, puzzled and anxious, "What about Brock?"


    "You should know... about Brock being your son."


    Although they hadn''t discussed it, she guessed Casper must have known But he had never shown any particr interest in Brock, leaving her unclear whether he liked his son or not.  en


    Casper nodded, his voice calm, "I know."


    "So, now that you''re engaged and about to start a new family..." Her Pa


    words were jumbled and s


    "What I mean is, do you n to. acknowledge Brock? If it''s difficult


    for you, you can just tell me, bjust..."


    Her words trailed off. She just wanted to know what Casper was thinking, so she could prepare herself for the future.


    "Regardless of whether I have a family in the future, Brock is the eldest grandson of the Welton family. If you''re willing, I have no reason not to acknowledge him."


    Casper gave a straightforward answer.


    Eliza was stunned. Was he really not considering Susan''s feelings at all? That was his fianc¨¦e.


    "Shouldn''t you discuss such an important matter with your fianc¨¦e?"


    "No need," he said bluntly.


    1619


    Ret


    Eliza was somewhat puzzled. She swallowed, trying to exin, "Brock is growing up. Even though he''s sensible, can tell he yearns for father. When he was younger, could tell him his dad was gone, if we keep saying that, he''ll feel inferior."


    Casper: ...


    Saying he was dead, would Brock feel inferior?


    As the person in question, how could he feel good about that?ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    but


    He silently fumed inside. Yet, on the outside, he remained understanding, "You have a point."

 Chapter 437

    It was a rare moment for Casper to get it.


    Eliza''s inner tension, like mist in the morning sun, slowly dissipated. She let out a sigh of relief. "So... do you want to do a paternity test first?" Casper: ...???


    What the heck did that mean?


    He never said the kid wasn''t his.


    Seeing the confused look on his face, she quickly rified, "I just meant, if you think it''s necessary, I''m willing to go along with it."


    "No need at all."


    His voice was gentle but firm, as if stating the obvious.


    He knew full well if there was someone else involved; no point in proving something so trivial.


    Eliza was taken aback.


    Casper used to be so paranoid, suspecting her of cheating even if she just talked to Aaron.


    Had he suddenly be more open-minded?


    She figured it was probably because he didn''t care as much anymore.


    He had a fianc¨¦e now and would have kids of his own soon.


    Brock, their child, wouldn''t hold much significance in his life.


    Sure, calling him the legitimate heir sounded nice, but it was just a title.


    Everything in the Welton family would eventually belong to the children Susan would have.


    Eliza felt a twinge of sadness. She didn''t crave Casper''s wealth, but... she felt bad for Brock.


    "Since that''s the case, let''s find the right moment to reveal your identity to Brock."


    Casper thought it wasn''t something to rush. The kid was still young, and such news needed to be broken gently.


    "There''s no rush, let''s take it slow."


    Eliza understood that for Casper, "taking it slow" meant he was enjoying his honeymoon phase.


    He didn''t want Brock to mess up his engagement mood.


    She could understand that.


    Her eyes dimmed a little, "I know, asking for this now is a bit much. It''s okay, you go ahead with your ns, and we''ll deal with Brock''s situationter."


    "That''s not what I mean..." he started to exin, but Eliza cut him off, "Actually, should congratte you on your engagement first. I was a bit impatient, hoping you could


    understand a mother''s hearvel??


    "I really didn''t mean that..." Before he could finish, Susan''s voice came from behind him, "Casper, so this is where you are."


    Eliza looked over at the sound.


    Susan''s gaze held a hint of hostility, as if trying to see through her.


    Their eyes met, filling the space with a subtle tension.


    "Why are you two having coffee together? Casper, I hope you can give me a reasonable exnation. What exactly is your rtionship?" Susan broke the silence first, her voice tinged with usation


    Casper casually looked up, seemingly indifferent to Susan''s questioning.


    He raised an eyebrow slightly, a touch of disdain curling at the corner of his mouth, "Isn''t it obvious what


    our rtionship is? Can''t you hat


    yourself?"


    for


    His words were full of contempt, showing little interest in dealing with Susan any further.


    Eliza, sensing the tension between them, didn''t want to get caught in this pointless argument.


    She gently picked up her bag, stood up ready to leave, "Then I''ll be going."


    "Don''t go yet." Susan petntly stopped Eliza, her gaze scrutinizing her, "You can''t possibly be Casper''s ex-girlfriend, right? Oh no..."


    On the day of the engagement, she''d heard from one of his friends that she looked a lot like Casper''s ex-wife.


    After thinking it over, the only woman who had appeared before her and bore some resemnce was the one standing in front of her now.


    "... You''re Casper''s ex-wife?"


    Eliza didn''t want to answer her question.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 438

    Eliza''s expression turned icy. "Ms. Susan, you can check my identity with your fianc¨¦. Now, kindly step aside."


    "Hmph." Susan let out a scoff, crossing her arms over her chest, her eyes brimming with scorn as they bore into Eliza. "Ex-wives are the most revolting creatures. You''re divorced; can''t you just stay away? What are you even after?"


    "That''s enough."


    Casper''s voice cut through the air, sharp and angry.


    Instead of backing down, Susan''s temper red even more at Casper''s displeasure. She turned her fury on him. "Casper, secretly meeting up with your ex-wife and you think you''re in the right? My father gave you a marina, not for me toe here and deal with this crap." Eliza was taken aback.


    The Torres family sure knew how to make a statement, offering a marina as a dowry.


    If she were in Casper''s shoes, she''d probably put up with Susan too, given how much the other side valued the marriage. After all, such a union was a win-win for both parties.


    She needed to get out of this mess, fast.


    Suddenly, a force yanked her from behind...


    Susan had grabbed Eliza''s arm and pulled her back violently.


    Eliza lost her bnce, her body teetering backward.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    A flicker of panic crossed Susan''s eyes, fearing Eliza might actually fall. She quickly stepped aside.


    Seeing this, Casper swiftly got up and steadied Eliza by the waist, preventing her from falling.


    "Are you alright?" he asked, genuinely concerned.


    Eliza, still shaken, patted her chest. "I''m fine."


    "Have you had enough?" Casper turned to face Susan, his eyes zing with anger.


    Feeling wronged because Eliza had been scolded, Susan''s eyes reddened. "You always me me, but it''s clearly you two..."


    Misunderstanding Casper was one thing.


    But she wouldn''t allow any misunderstanding of herself.


    Eliza''s expression turned frosty.


    "Ms. Susan, your fianc¨¦ and I were just discussing some matters, and we were in a caf¨¦, in broad daylight. What do you think we were doing behind your back?"


    Susan, young and hot-tempered, had always


    Jueen frustrated by Casper''s engagement. Coelongs


    lukewarm attitude towards her since their


    Her passion, worn down by his indifference, left her constantly annoyed.


    She was always feeling aggrieved.


    And now, Eliza seemed like the perfect outlet for her frustrations.


    "What you two were doing behind my back, how would I know? I only know that a decent woman wouldn''t try to seduce her ex-husband


    Susan''s voice was sharp, and Eliza turned pale with anger.


    In a public ce like a caf¨¦, she didn''t want to keep arguing with Susan endlessly.


    Taking a deep breath, she suppressed her anger. "I''m leaving."


    "Eliza, don''t go." Susan called out.


    Eliza turned back, clearly annoyed.


    In that instant, Susan grabbed a coffee cup from the table and, with a flick of her wrist, threw it at Eliza.


    Casper tried to intervene but was a step toote.


    The coffee sshed across Eliza''s delicate face, dripping down, soaking her pristine white silk blouse.


    Her face, her blouse, all stained with coffee, she looked utterly disheveled.


    Eliza clenched her fists, her eyes shing with anger.


    "p!"


    A crisp p echoed through the air, shattering the surrounding silence.


    Susan''s cheek was turned a full ny degrees by Casper''s ruthless palm.


    A vivid red mark instantly bloomed on her delicate face. "Apologize."


    Casper''s face was as cold as ice.

 Chapter 439

    "Casper, did you just hit me? I''m your fianc¨¦e, and you pped me over your ex-wife?" Susan''s voice trembled as she cupped her flushed cheek, eyes brimming with tears andshes quivering. "Casper, you and she should be the ones apologizing."


    Casper''s gaze was icy, and his tone left no room for argument. "Apologize. Now."


    Susan was genuinely afraid of Casper, especially when his face turned dark and he exuded a chilling aura. He was like a predator, ready to tear her apart without a second thought.


    Ronan had warned her. Casper was known for his ruthlessness. To handle him, you had to approach gently, never confront head-on. For the sake of the Torres family and her future with Casper, she swallowed her pride.


    "I''ll apologize, but she needs to apologize to me too," Susan finally said, a hint of reluctance in her voice.


    Casper wasn''t having it. His gaze grew colder. "Don''t make me say it a third time."


    A shiver ran down Susan''s spine. She knew angering Casper would lead to no good. She clenched her teeth, pushing down her resentment. "Fine. I''m sorry."


    Eliza didn''t want just an apology. But she knew a simple "sorry" wouldn''t fix things.


    Forget it, she thought. I''ll consider myself unlucky. "I''m leaving."


    Eliza decided to head to a nearby mall to buy a new outfit. Casper quickly followed, grabbing her wrist. "Wait, don''t go. I''ll take you to buy some clothes."


    "No need. You should stay with your fianc¨¦e. We don''t need her misunderstanding us and causing more drama. I don''t have the energy for that." Eliza shook off his hand and hailed a cab.


    Susan ran out, her voice filled with remorse as she clung to Casper''s arm. "I''m sorry, okay? Don''t be mad I was just blinded by jealousy. You pping me, I won''t hold it against you. Can we move past this, please?" .


    "Let go," he said coldly, without a trace of warmth.


    Susan shivered at his icy tone and quickly let go. Her eyes were slightly red, her voice tinged with sorrow. "It''s because I like you so much that I get jealous. How was I supposed to know if you agreed to our engagement because I look like


    her?"


    OV


    Susan did indeed resemble Eliza. But beyond looks, they were nothing alike. How could she be a substitute?


    "Susan, I agreed to our engagement because your father offered what I wanted. If it wasn''t for that port deal, we wouldn''t be here."


    The truth hurts. Even if he had said he got engaged to her because she looked like Eliza, it wouldn''t have stung as much.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Susan''s eyes filled with heartbreak. "Why do you have to be so blunt? Is there really nothing you feel for me beyond the deal?"


    Casper gave her a cold, indifferent


    nce. From his angle, her


    downturned profile was almost identical to Eliza''s. The harsh words on the tip of his tongue were swallowed back. He couldn''t bring


    Leli


    himself to be cruel to such a simr


    face.


    Without another word, he turned and walked away.


    Just as Susan moved to follow, a dark-colored car pulled up beside her, stopping. The window slowly rolled down, revealing a stranger''s face. His gaze was sharp, like a hawk''s.


    "Ms. Susan, would you like to share your thoughts with me?" His voice was low and maic, sunsses hiding most of his face, leaving only a sharply defined jaw visible.

 Chapter 440

    Susan felt a wave of caution surge up, instinctively refusing, "I don''t even know you. What could we possibly talk about?"


    The man gave a slight smile, taking off his sunsses to reveal a handsome, gentle face. "After today, you''ll know me," he said, nodding politely at Susan. "I might be able to help you find a solution to your troubles. Don''t you want to give it a shot?" Susan eyed the unfamiliar face, her heart full of wariness. She unconsciously took a step back, her eyebrows knitting together. "Do you even know what''s bothering me?"


    "It''s all about Casper," the man said, as if he could read her mind, cutting straight to the chase. "I can tell you clearly, Valerie is indeed Eliza. She and Casper were married, and that Brock is their son. It''s all true."


    Just as she had suspected. Susan felt a mix of disappointment and confusion. But...


    How did this man know all this so clearly?


    "Who exactly are you?"


    "If you want to know who I am,e with me," he invited again.


    Susan shook her head, stepping back three times. How could she possibly go with a man whose name she didn''t even know? What if he was dangerous? She''d have nowhere to turn for help. "I''m not going anywhere with you."


    The man shrugged, looking indifferent. He seemed confident that one day, she would seek him out again. He handed her a slip of paper. "This is my contact info. I think you''ll find it useful." Susan didn''t want to take it. But... her hand reached out on its own, grabbing the slip of paper. A phone number, but no name.


    "You''re quite mysterious. Are you Casper''s arch-enemy? Do you have a grudge against the Welton family, or is it with Welton International?" Susan spected.


    The manughed. This girl wasn''t as naive as he had thought.


    "To be precise, my grudge is only with Casper."


    Susan hadn''t expected to be half right, and she became a bit more interested. "A grudge with him alone? Is that... over a past love?"


    "Something like that."


    This guess wasn''t particrly


    satisfying. Susan''s face wrinkled in


    disdain as she looked at the man, who seemed quite refined. "You''re a grownman; why be so petty? There are plenty of women out there."


    "There are plenty of men out there, too. Why do you insist on marrying Casper?" the man countered.


    His question caught Susan off guard. Perhaps it was because of her unworthy love. Was the man in the car also a lover? Could it be rted to Eliza? "Do you fancy Casper''s ex-wife?"


    "Not entirely," he gave a nomittal answer.


    Susan, touching her chin, suddenly found the man before her interesting. "Then... which of Casper''s past women is it?"


    "You''re so curious, why note with me?" the man teased, his eyes hinting that he would tell her everything if she did.


    Yet, Susan still took a step back. "I don''t even know your name; just because I''m curious doesn''t mean I''ll get in a car with you. I''m not that foolish." "You can call me Mr. A."


    Ah, still a mysterious code. She had


    to admit, among all the men and


    boys she knew, there were let


    many who loved to put on an act The man before her couldn''t


    possibly think he was some kind of secret agent, right?


    n¨¦


    Susan raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement tugging at her lips. "Alright then, if the dayes when I can''t solve it myself, I think contact you." Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "I''ll be waiting."


    The car window rose, and the man''s car left without a moment''s hesitation. Susan saved his number, casually tossing the slip of paper into a trash can.

 Chapter 441

    On a bright and sunny Thursday, Eliza took Mikey to Oak Falls to visit Robin.


    "Just wait here for a bit, Dad. The nurse is bringing Robin out," Eliza said, adjusting Mikey''s scarf.


    Mikey looked up with his dull eyes and mumbled something that Eliza couldn''t quite catch.


    "What did you say?" Eliza asked, straining to hear.


    "I want... real, real," Mikey struggled to repeat.


    Mikey had been mumbling about Lynn for days now. Eliza knew that the person Mikey really wanted to see wasn''t Robin, but Lynn from Crescent Creek and her son. Unfortunately, after Lynn left him back at Falconridge, she never came to visit him again.


    Whenever Mikey started mumbling about Lynn, Eliza would sometimes pretend she didn''t hear him until he tired himself out. But today, it was testing her patience.


    "Lynn doesn''t care about you anymore. Why do you keep thinking about her?" Eliza snapped.


    "Son, son," Mikey gestured desperately. "Eliza, son... real, real."


    Eliza knew that the son Mikey was talking about wasn''t Robin. She didn''t want to respond, but it felt like swallowing a bitter pill. "Alright, let''s not talk about them anymore."


    "Must, must, real, real," Mikey insisted.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Enough!" Eliza''s patience finally broke, and her face twisted in anger. "Stop mentioning that woman. If she loved you, why would she leave you in Falconridge without a second thought? Dad, haven''t you done enough foolish things? You hurt Mom, me, and Robin. Have you ever thought about that?"


    Mikey''s expression changed. Whether it was because of Eliza''s anger or his own guilt, he burst into tears. "Eliza, regret, undutiful, undutiful."


    Eliza was at her wits'' end. She spent every day caring for him-feeding him, helping him drink, assisting him with the restroom and bathing. And yet, he used her of being undutiful.


    "Yes, I''m the undutiful one. Your precious Lynn treated you the best, right? Now, stop crying." She pulled out a tissue to wipe his tears and runny nose.


    Just then, the nurse wheeled Robin out. He was still in his wheelchair, his eyes stillcking the light they once had, but hisplexion had improved a lot. He seemed to be well taken care of.


    "Robin," she called softly, not daring to get too close.


    She expected the sameck of


    response as before, but to her surprise, Robin looked up at her. Eliza was momentarily stunned, but quickly stepped forward and grasped his hand. "Robin, do you remember your sister?"


    Robin blinked and then nodded. Tears welled up in Eliza''s eyes.


    The nurse, worried Eliza might startle Robin, quickly exined, "Robin has been recovering welltely, thanks to Mr. Casper''s medication from abroad. It''s amazing how effective that medicine has been." "Mr. Casper?" Eliza asked, unsure.


    "Yes, Ms. Eliza," the nurse continued


    eagerly. "When Mr. Casper brought Robin here years ago, he went to great lengths to provide a better environment. He even raised alot of fireflies specifically for Robin. Those fireflies were specially bred and quite expensive."


    "Really?" Eliza was taken aback. So, the fireflies that filled the hills were his doing.


    "Actually, Robin''s condition has


    improved a lot over the years, not just because of Mr. Casper''s


    medication. Every month, doctor et


    from abroade for his


    follow-ups, all arranged by Mr.


    Casper. He''s really gone the extra mile."


    Eliza slowly lifted her gaze to the nurse''s animated face. Casper had truly done so much.

 Chapter 442

    He had never shared any of this with her.


    All she knew was that he had brought Robin here for treatment. The facility was nice, the costs steep, but she wasn''t on the hook for them.


    She hadn''t realized just how devoted he was to Robin''s care.


    Suddenly, she was flooded with an indescribable emotion.


    "Robin, can you understand what I''m saying?" Eliza asked, trying to connect with Robin. "Do you know my name?"


    Robin was silent for a moment. Then, he slowly said, "Eliza."


    Tears burst from Eliza''s eyes like a dam breaking, pouring out uncontrobly.


    She hugged Robin tightly, letting the mix of sadness and joy swirl around in her heart.


    The man clumsily patted her back, "Sis, sis, don''t cry."


    "I won''t cry," Eliza said, calming herself and wiping the tears from her eyes. She turned to the nurse, "If we keep up with the treatment, could he fully recover?"This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    The nurse, not being a doctor, hesitated to make a firm judgment. But it was clear he was getting better day by day.


    "Ms. Eliza, I think there''s a good chance Robin will continue to improve. Recently, he''s been managing his emotions well, taking care of his own hygiene, and eating more than before. If it weren''t for his disability, I believe his mental state would be even better." Indeed.


    This was such a joyful change.


    After years of darkness, a ray of sunshine finally broke through the clouds in her heart.


    She turned and pushed Mikey in front of Robin. "Robin, do you recognize Daddy?"


    Robin''s gaze slowly moved to Mikey''s face.


    He seemed to be studying a stranger, but the faint light in his eyes suggested a flicker of recognition.


    Just as Eliza was about to lose hope, Robin struggled to say two words, "Dad, dad."


    "You recognize Dad, don''t you?"


    Tears filled Eliza''s eyes as she tightly held Robin and Mikey''s hands, wanting to freeze this moment of warmth forever.


    "This is wonderful, truly wonderful. Our family will slowly get better."


    "Sis, sis, don''t cry." Robin slowly raised his hand, trying to wipe the tears from her face. "Crying makes you less pretty." "I won''t cry."


    Eliza smiled through her tears, feeling an unprecedented sense of relief and satisfaction.


    Life wasn''t all darkness.


    The light had finally arrived.


    As they left the rehabilitation center, Eliza went to see the doctor responsible for Robin''s recovery to get an update.


    It was simr to what the nurse had said.


    Casper had indeed put in more effort into Robin''s care than she had imagined.


    In the three years she was away until now, he had been traveling back and forth between Falconridge and Oak Falls almost every month, personally discussing Robin''s condition with the head of the center.


    Fortunately, Robin''s progress was unexpectedly good.


    No one dared to promise a full recovery, but regaining cognitive functions and gradually getting better was highly likely.


    "Did Mr. Casper say anything about


    when he might stop Robin''s treatment? Worried the doctor might not understand her concern Eliza added, "I mean, could he stop covering the treatment costs.or... stop looking for good doctors..."


    Actually, she had many more worries.


    She just didn''t know where to start.


    "Mr. Casper, just a few days ago, specifically discussed Robin''s medication with me and arranged for a doctor from abroad toe for a consultation next week. Mr. Casper has been closely monitoring the treatment and has even prepaid for the treatment here. Looking at the bnce, there''s enough for another ten years of treatment."


    Eliza was momentarily shocked.


    Casper had said he would take responsibility for Robin''s treatment indefinitely, which she had taken for an empty promise. Unexpectedly...


    With love and dedication, she couldn''t express it, but he truly had kept his word.


    And he was doing his best to make amends.

 Chapter 443

    After bidding the doctor a polite farewell, Eliza pushed Mikey out of the rehab center. That evening, she and her father stayed at their home in Oak Falls.


    Mikey showed no joy or despair at seeing his son. Mumbling under his breath, all he could talk about was "Lynn." His feelings for her had long surpassed mere infatuation and went deep into his bones. Even though she had abandoned him, his heart still ached for her. Eliza felt a deep sorrow for her mother. A marriage that hadsted years was overshadowed by a woman who came out of nowhere. "Alright, enough with the ''Lynn, Lynn," Eliza said, cing a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup in front of Mikey. "Let''s eat first."


    "I... I''m not eating." Mikey swiped the bowl to the floor, his face set in a stubborn defiance. "I want Lynn, I want... my son."


    Eliza furrowed her brow. She didn''t say a word, just sighed and bent down to clean up the mess and the broken bowl. As she was just about to head back to the kitchen, a loud ''bang'' echoed from outside. It sounded like something had fallen down the stairs. Her heart clenched, and she rushed out to see. "Dad, Dad?" The door swung open silently, an ominous sign. This was bad. A wave of unease and terror washed over her.


    Eliza dashed outside, her eyes scanning the surroundings frantically. Mikey had fallen from his wheelchair down to the first floor. His head was against the ground, his body twisted unnaturally, and a pool of vivid red blood beneath his head was a shocking sight. "Dad..." Her heart-wrenching cry echoed through the empty corridor. The ambnce arrived with a wail. Mikey was rushed into the emergency room, his fate uncertain. Standing in the hospital corridor, Eliza was filled with regret and self-me. She had never imagined that stepping away for a brief moment could lead to such a catastrophe. This fall might be...This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    She dared not think further. After a desperate effort by the hospital, he was temporarily saved but remained unconscious. The doctor said there was a rupture in the blood vessels in his brain and told her to prepare for the worst. Sitting in front of the hospital bed, she looked at her father, his head wrapped in bandages, still murmuring Lynn''s name.


    Her heart was a whirlwind of emotions. Eliza tried to contact Lynn, hoping to give Mikey some peace. But all the numbers were blocked. She borrowed a nurse''s phone and called again. It connected, but as soon as they realized it was her, they hung up immediately, and it was impossible to get through again.


    For several days, Mikey hovered between life and death. Even so, he would asionally call out Lynn''s name. Casper, upon hearing of Mikey''s condition, hurried from Falconridge to Oak Falls. Seeing him, Eliza felt somewhat dazed.


    "Why are you here?"


    "I heard your dad was in bad shape, so I came to see if there was anything I could help with." He spoke like an old friend, offering words that made sense.


    Eliza nced at her father on the bed, her eyes slightly reddening, "The doctors say he... could leave us at any moment."


    "If it''s no good here, transfer him


    back to Falconridge. Welton International Hospital has some new doctors who are quite authoritative. I can arrange for them to consult ande up with a good treatment n. After all, Oak Falls simply didn''t have the facilities and resources avable in Falconridge, not to mention medical care.


    Eliza had considered transferring Mikey back to a hospital in Falconridge. But the doctor said it wasn''t necessary. To do what she could and leave the rest to fate.


    "No, thank you."


    He felt sorry for her but couldn''t just hug her, so he gently patted her arm instead. "Don''t me yourself, it''s not your fault."


    Eliza shook her head wearily. She felt responsible. If she had been more vignt, this wouldn''t have happened.


    Casper stayed with Eliza at the


    hospital for two days. Mikey''s condition worsened, and he


    tragically passed away. The eventet


    unfolded so suddenly that Eliza standing in the hospital corridor holding Mikey''s death certificate, felt vacant, as if she had lived through an absurd nightmare.

 Chapter 444

    Falconridge for the burial."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll handle the rest," Casper said as he moved closer, gently taking the thin notice from her hands. His voice was soothing and warm, "You''ve been exhausted these past few days. You need a good rest. After the cremation, we''ll take the ashes back to Eliza looked at him through tear-filled eyes and nodded slightly.


    ...


    As Eliza and Casper walked out of the crematorium with the urn in hand, they noticed Casper''s car surrounded by several vehicles with Crescent Creek license tes. What''s going on?


    The people in the cars got out as soon as they saw her.


    "Are you Mikey''s daughter?" The man leading the group walked up to her.


    Confused and on edge, she furrowed her brows, "Who are you?"


    "I''m Lynn''s brother, Jarred. My sister was with Mikey for years and even had a son with him. Now that he''s gone, his property should at least go to his son, right?" They''re here for the inheritance?


    People who didn''t care to visit when he was alive are now rushing to the crematorium''s door, demanding a share of the inheritance the moment he dies.


    What inheritance did Mikey have?


    "You''re mistaken. My dad didn''t leave any property behind."


    "You must have inherited everything from your dad. We need to see your bank ount bnce," Jarred said, acting as if it was the most normal thing in the world, his eyes shifting from Eliza''s face to Casper standing beside her. "You both don''t look like you''re struggling, so it''s better the old man''s money goes to those who need it, right, Ms. Eliza?"


    Eliza shot him a cold look, barely hiding her amusement, "Even if my dad did leave me any money, what makes you think you have the right to see my ount?"


    Jarred''s eyes flickered, like he caught some hidden meaning in her words, "So the old man really did leave everything to you? Keeping it all to yourself doesn''t seem fair. Let''s share it; he wasn''t only your father." "There''s nothing."


    She said icily, holding Mikey''s ashes, trying to get into the car.


    Jarred stepped forward to block her, but Casper immediately positioned himself between them.


    His dark eyes narrowed, and his lips tightened with anger, "Can''t you understand in English?"


    "And who might you be? Her lover?" Jarred sneered, clearly not taking Casper seriously. He knew Mikey''s daughter was single, so he assumed the man before him had no official status. "This is a private matter between her and me. Stay out of it."


    "And what if I insist on being part of it?" Casper''s expression turned colder as he stepped closer to Jarred.


    The shadow cast by his tall figure enveloped Jarred, making him take a step back involuntarily.


    "Do you think you can stop me?"


    Jarred called his friends and


    rtives over, trying to intimidate Casper with numbers, "If you don''t


    hand over the money today, nobody''s leaving."


    "Resorting to thuggery?" Casper wasn''t afraid of bullies. Against scum like this, he could take on a hundred alone, "My fists might have something to say about that."


    "If you darey a finger on anyone, I''ll


    call the police," Jarred bluffed, pulling out his phone. "I came here to talk things out peacefully. Don''t be unreasonable. I''m not someone you can easily bully."


    Eliza, still holding the urn, approached Jarred.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    This wasn''t the time or ce for this kind of drama.


    "If this was Lynn''s idea, tell her toe and talk to me directly. If not, causing trouble at the crematorium will lead me to call the police, not just you." Jarred''s face tightened.


    It seemed impossible to gain an advantage here, but Eliza''s response left him an opening. He could get his sister to negotiate.


    The money was something they had to get.


    "Fine, I''ll have Lynn talk to you. Wait for me in Falconridge," Jarred gestured to his friends and family to leave. "Let''s go back for now. They won''t get away."

 Chapter 445

    My head was pounding.


    Eliza, clutching Mikey''s urn, slid into Casper''s car, her long eyshes barely hiding the hot tears welling up in her eyes. She bit her lip hard, struggling to keep her emotions in check. But...


    The tears still trickled down her cheeks. Her grief was unstoppable.


    Seeing her in such pain, Casper gently reached out, pulling Eliza''s trembling body into his arms, letting her head rest against his shoulder.


    "It''s okay to cry, there''s no shame in it."


    In his embrace, Eliza sobbed helplessly, her voice hoarse and shaking. "Casper, I... I''m an orphan now."


    She leaned weakly against him, her eyes lost and forlorn. Over the years, through all the ups and downs, the truths and lies, she had been through so much. In the end, she was still alone.


    He desperately wanted to tell her that she still had him. That he would always be there for her, but he couldn''t bring himself to say it.


    "People grow up, and as we do, we lose a lot. Things we don''t want to lose, things we can''t bear to part with, things beyond our control."


    He wanted to offer her somefort, but it didn''t seem like the right time. Right now, she needed to let out all her sorrow.


    "Go ahead and cry, let it all out. I''m here for you."


    She indeed needed a strong shoulder to cry on. But Casper wasn''t the one.


    She gently pushed him away, wiping the tears from her eyes. "Did you tell Susan you wereing? Don''t stir up misunderstandings because of me, you know I hateplications." "This has nothing to do with her." He didn''t need to report to anyone.


    Eliza shook her head slightly. Fianc¨¦s should respect each other, in all aspects.


    "Casper, you can''t keep doing this."


    "Let''s not talk about her." He just wanted to be there for Eliza, to help her through her tough time. "If you''re tired, you can lean on me and sleep for a bit." "Casper, you''re engaged. You should be careful."


    She deliberately kept a distance between them, sitting properly beside the car door. He understood her point, his lips moved to exin, but... any exnation would only make things worse. Today was not the day for that.


    No more words were exchanged between them.


    Back in Falconridge, after Mikey''s ashes wereid to rest, Casper followed Eliza back to her home.


    "Are you hungry?" He took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, ready to make her a bowl of pasta.


    Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Eliza, with red eyes, went to open the door. It was Juan.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "I heard about your dad... passing away?" He had rushed over as soon as he got the news, worry evident in his eyes. "Are you... okay?" Eliza sighed deeply, releasing a weight from her heart. "I''m fine."


    "How did it happen so suddenly?" He


    knew Mikey had been sick, but his condition didn''t seem that bad "Don''t be too hard on yourself, take care." ,


    "Mhm."


    Sounds of cooking came from the kitchen. Juan paused. "Someone else is here? Chelsea?"


    "No," she wiped the tears from her eyes with a tissue, casually saying, "It''s Casper."


    "Him?" Juan was momentarily taken aback.


    "He heard about my dad''s incident, went to Oak Falls, and helped me handle my dad''s affairs. After the funeral, he brought me back here." Juan understood. In the end, it was hard to let go. This man had truly fallen for her.


    "I''ll go see what he''s up to."


    Juan headed to the kitchen. Casper was dicing tomatoes with decent knife skills. Juan greeted him with a familiar ease. "What''s Mr. Casper up to?


    Casper didn''t look up. Nor did he acknowledge him, continuing his task with a haughty air.


    Juan chuckled. "No need for such hostility. There''s nothing between Eliza and me. If you must define our rtionship, think of us as siblings."

 Chapter 446

    Siblings?


    The word felt loaded with ambiguity.


    "Half-brother and half-sister, Mr. Juan, you really know how to y the game," Casper sneered, his voice dripping with jealousy and envy.


    It was clear.


    He was a man; he got it.


    Juan shook his head with a smirk, clearly enjoying Casper''s irritation, and kept talking.


    "We grew up together. I''m even a month older than her, so I guess that makes me the one who knows her best. But we haven''t seen each other in years. I''ve heard bits and pieces about what she''s gone through. Seems like you, her ex, really did a number on her." Casper''s chopping suddenly halted.


    He threw the knife down in frustration and red at Juan.


    "What are you trying to say?"


    Juan drew out his words, taunting, "I mean, isn''t it a bitte for you to be ying the good guy now? I heard you''re engaged. Yet here you are, at Eliza''s ce, cooking soup. What are you trying to prove?" "You don''t need to understand."


    Casper picked up the kettle, filled it with water, and plugged it in, all with a calm that belied his inner turmoil.


    Casper always kept a wary distance from that smug, yful man.


    But Juan seemed fascinated by him.


    Leaning casually against the kitchen doorframe, arms crossed, Juan watched Casper intently, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips.


    He continued in his distinct tone, "With Eliza''s father gone, she''s left with a brother who''s not all there and a little boy in kindergarten. If someone messes with her, she has no one to turn to. Think about that..." "I''m here. Who would dare?" Casper''s voice was sharp and clear.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    "You?" Juan''s smile twisted into a mocking grin, "Mr. Casper, do you think people will back off just because of her ex-husband?"


    Casper''s brow furrowed, turning to Juan with annoyance, "What''s your point?" Juan let out a slow hiss.


    He met Casper''s intense gaze, "I heard that on the day you and Eliza were supposed to finalize your divorce, the civil affairs office had a sudden power outage? Don''t tell me that was your doing, Mr. Casper?"


    Juan''s tone was teasing, a knowing look in his eyes.


    Men understand these things.


    A power outage, right when it mattered most? Who would buy that?


    "Think what you want." Casper wasn''t about to exin himself.


    Juan''s smirk widened, taking it as confirmation.


    "If you were so against the divorce, why get engaged to someone else? Mr. Casper, I really don''t get you." "You don''t need to."


    The water boiled, and Casper poured it into the pot.


    He started cooking the pasta with practiced ease, then moved on to prepare the sauce.


    Juan showed no sign of leaving.


    And Casper had no intention of engaging further.


    "Mr. Casper, I''m trying to help you," Juan said, knowing Casper might not believe him. "I''m saying, if you go through with this engagement and the wedding, all you''ll have with Eliza is missed chances and regret."


    Casper fell silent.


    After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice tinged with self-mockery.


    "If I don''t get engaged, don''t have a wedding, and stay single, will she take me back? Do I even deserve it?"


    Juan:...


    Yeah, he had a point.


    "At least you''re self-aware."


    Casper turned to re at him, eyes zing with intensity, as if ready to tear Juan apart.


    Feeling a chill run up his spine, Juan


    a


    , "I mean, are you realle


    stered on a smile and


    up that easily?" Conte

 Chapter 447

    "What does it matter to you?" Casper shot back, eyeing Juan suspiciously. "Are you here to make sure I''m not after Eliza anymore?"


    Juan''s intentions were as clear as day. "Juan, cut the crap. If you want to go after Eliza, let''s keep it straightforward and fair. No need for all this sneaky business."


    Juan smirked. "If I had wanted to pursue Eliza earlier, what would that have to do with you, Casper?"


    "If you can''t keep up with her, don''t me me for stepping in," Casper retorted, stroking his stubbled chin thoughtfully. "We''ve known each other since we were kids. I might not be better than you in many ways, but I''ve got a good temper, I''m tolerant, and most importantly, I''m young and energetic."


    Casper rolled his eyes. "Nice way of patting yourself on the back."


    He turned around and cracked two eggs into a bowl, whisking them with ease, looking every bit the domestic partner.


    Juan, clearly enjoying the banter, continued, "Women prefer men who understand them over those who just say they love them. Like, I know what she likes to eat do you? I know her favorite clothing brands-do you? Love isn''t just about sweet talk, you know." Casper stayed silent, fuming internally.


    "No wonder you can''t win her over," Juan added smugly.


    Casper mmed the bowl and whisk down. "Enough."


    "Yeah, yeah, I talk too much. Sorry for interrupting your romantic dinner prep," Juan said, not moving an inch. "But seriously, do you still love Eliza?"


    Casper didn''t respond. Love or not, he wasn''t about to discuss it with Juan.


    Besides, wasn''t it obvious from his actions?


    "Are you done?" he asked, his patience wearing thin.


    Juan shrugged. "Yeah, I''m done. Enjoy your cooking, Mr. Casper. I''ll go keep Elizapany."


    Juan left the kitchen and plopped himself down across from Eliza in the living room.


    Eliza looked miserable, her eyes red and puffy from crying.


    "Don''t overthink it. If you need anything, just let me know," Juan offered.


    Eliza shook her head slightly. "It''s fine. I can handle it."


    "Come on, don''t be so formal with me," Juan said, ncing toward the kitchen. "Casper''s making dinner for you. Seems like he still cares."


    "He just feels sorry for me, thinking I''m helpless. Don''t start any rumors. He''s engaged to Susan," ElizaContent ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    replied, not wanting any model.


    misunderstandings.


    Beingbeled "the other woman" was bad enough. One


    misunderstanding with Susan was enough to upset her. If rumors about her and Casper started, how could she ever find peace?


    Casper came out of the kitchen with a steaming bowl of noodles and set it on the table. "Noodles are


    Eat while it''s hot." He went body.


    the kitchen to get utensils.


    Eliza wasn''t hungry but didn''t want to waste Casper''s effort.


    So she got up and went to the table.


    The aroma of the Tomato and Egg Soup was enough to stir some appetite in her, having barely eaten all day.


    Before Eliza could sit down, Juan had already plopped himself in front of the noodles, inhaling deeply. "Smells amazing. Mr. Casper is quite the chef."


    Casper returned with utensils, moved the bowl of noodles from in front of Juan to Eliza, and handed her a fork. "You eat."


    "Mr. Casper, make me a bowl too, will you?" Juan asked, batting his eyes yfully. "I haven''t eaten either."


    "Order takeout," Casper said tly.

 Chapter 448

    Eliza stared at the bowl in front of her, realizing she couldn''t possibly finish it all. "How about I share some with you?"


    "Sure thing." Juan turned and headed to the kitchen, returning with a bowl for Eliza. "When ites to real friendship, it''s us who get it. Mr. Casper, on the other hand, is just too stingy." Casper: ...


    "Juan, could you have a bit of shame? Was this pasta even meant for you?"


    With an innocent look, Juan sighed, "I''m hungry, so let''s forget about my shame for now."


    "You..."


    Eliza looked up at Casper. "You should have some too."


    She took the bowl and divided the pasta into three portions. One for each, to avoid any squabbling.


    "Mr. Casper,e join us. It''s the least we can do to appreciate your hard work." Juan pulled up a chair for Casper.


    Casper was indeed a bit upset. But for Eliza''s sake, he swallowed his pride.


    "I''m not hungry. I''ll head back now ande over tomorrow." He was worried the Smith family might cause more trouble. After all, Eliza was a woman. She might not be able to handle it. "Alright then, you must be exhausted." Eliza didn''t insist on him staying, standing up to escort Casper out. "Thank you so much for all your help." "Don''t mention it."


    After Casper left, Eliza returned to her meal with ack of enthusiasm, taking a few bites of her pasta before heading back to the living room.


    Juan wasn''t shy. After finishing his share, he even ate what was left in Casper''s bowl and seeing Eliza''s bowl still had some, he cleaned it up too. Having lived abroad for many years, he was tired of eating hamburgers and steaks every day. Tomato pasta truly hit the spot for him.


    That night, Juan stayed at Eliza''s


    ce, chatting with her about many things, especially about Mikey. When Lynn had sent Mikey back to Falconridge, he didn''t even bring a change of clothes, let alone any


    inheritance which probably was with Lynn.


    "That doesn''t make sense... could it be..." Juan nced around the room, "...he''s eyeing even this old house?"


    "This house isn''t worth much." An old dormitory building, even if sold, would only fetch a few thousand dors at most. Besides, Lynn''s son couldn''t possibly take all that money. "Then..." Juan pped his thigh, "...they might know about the money Casper gave you, concocting a reason to im it as Mikey''s inheritance, wanting a share?" People can be unimaginably despicable sometimes.


    Eliza was taken aback. That couldn''t


    be possible. The money Casper gave her was meant for Brock, not something the Smith family could just decide to take a portion of. At most, She could agree to give a share of this house to the child, which was already more than


    generous. She couldn''t satisfy their


    unreasonable demands.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    "I think you shouldy low for a few days. If the Smith family shows up, I''ll handle it." Juan, after all, was a man. He could reason with them, and if things got rough, he wasn''t afraid. Eliza had her thoughts, her eyshes fluttering slightly as she said somberly, "Actually, I''d quite like to meet Lynn."


    Mikey loved her so much. No matter what, they had lived together for years and had a child. How could she just abandon him? Was it really just because he was of no use anymore? "Meeting is easy; the hard part is getting any results," said Juan.


    Eliza sighed deeply. But... running


    away wasn''t the solution. If you retreat, they think you''re afraid, and they''ll keep pushing, thinking you''re easy to bully. It would never end.


    She wanted to resolve it once and


    for all.


    "Let''s see after we meet."

 Chapter 449

    The Snyder family was in a frenzy.


    Three days after Mikey''s funeral, the whole Snyder n, along with a few family friends, gathered at Eliza''s quaint little house.


    It was Eliza''s first face-to-face with Lynn. And the first time she seriously observed her half-brother up close.


    "Eliza, we''ve alle here. Let''s not y games. Lay out the assets so we can divide them fairly. What''s ours, we won''t give up. What''s not, we don''t want," Jarred said, mming the table, his demeanor quite menacing.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Lynn didn''t dare look directly at Eliza, keeping his head down, his young and somewhat charming face tinged with a barely noticeable helplessness.


    "I''m willing to split the assets, but before we do that, I have some questions for her," Eliza''s gaze locked onto Lynn.


    Jarred wanted to object but, thinking of the money, he held back, "Alright, go ahead."


    "Lynn, when our dad faked his death and lived under a new identity with you in Crescent Creek, iming to be your husband, his affection for you ran deep. He was willing to leave his wife of over twenty years to be with you. How could you bear to send him away when he was sick, not even visiting him before he died?"


    She needed to understand what Lynn truly thought. If Lynn was really that heartless, only seeing benefits, Eliza couldn''t possibly share the little house left behind. But if she genuinely had difficulties, that was a different story.


    Lynn''s lips moved as if she wanted to say something but didn''t dare. Hesitant, her head hung even lower, her body visibly tense.


    "Lynn, if you want a share of my dad''s assets, you need to tell me the truth, otherwise..."


    After a long silence, Lynn slowly raised her head... First, she nced at Jarred, then finally met Eliza''s eyes, "His love for me was real, but... my feelings for him... were always... nonexistent."


    "No feelings, then why have a child? Was he confused because of his age, or were you also confused?" Eliza was livid at such nonsense. People can be heartless, but they shouldn''t be shameless. Lynn lowered her head again, this time even lower, almost burying it in her knees. No matter what Eliza asked afterward, she remained silent.


    "You''ve asked your questions..." Jarred interjected, feeling it was time to get to business, "...my sister is timid. If you scare her, you''ll cover the medical expenses. Now, about the assets..." Timid? What a joke.


    "It''s the first time I''ve heard of a timid person bing the other woman. Didn''t she know my dad had a wife and kids? She could have been his daughter by age. How could she do something so shameless?"


    Eliza''s eyes were full of disdain and contempt.


    Jarred impatiently cut her off, "We''re here to divide the assets, what''s the point of rehashing all that?"


    "The asset is this house." Elizaid out the situation, "This house belonged to both my mom and dad as joint property. I talked to a real estate agent, and it''s currently worth three hundred thousand dors. So, my dad''s share is one hundred and fifty thousand dors, and with three children, each gets fifty thousand dors."


    Eliza was giving a rough estimate. For the detailed division, whether a bit more or less, she nned to consult awyer.


    Hearing they could only get fifty thousand dors, Jarred immediately protested.


    "Fifty thousand? Are you kidding? Is this rundown house all Mikey had? What about his money? After serving as an official for so many years, didn''t he have any savings? Even if it''s spent, it needs to be ounted for if it was his money."

 Chapter 450

    ---


    "No money."


    Eliza''s voice was ice-cold as she refused.


    "No money?" Jarred shot up from his seat, eyes zing. "Do I need to show you what happens when you mess with the Snyder family?"


    Jarred''s temper was ring, ready to get physical. But before he couldy a hand on Eliza, Casper had his wrist in a vice grip.


    "Are you seriously trying to start a fight here?" Casper''s voice was low and dangerous. He tightened his grip just enough to make Jarred wince in pain. "Ow, ow, let go!"


    "If you want to talk, then talk. If you want to lose this arm, go ahead and try."


    Casper released him, his expression steely.


    Jarred, now nursing his bruised ego, spat out, "Don''t be unreasonable. My sister''s kid is Mikey''s. He''s just a baby. As his aunt, shouldn''t you help raise him? We''re only asking for a million, and we''ll be out of your hair."


    The idea of Eliza supporting her sister''s affair child was absurd.


    "A million?" Eliza''s voice dripped with sarcasm. "If she can have them, she can raise them. If she can''t, there''s always the orphanage. I won''t give you a cent."


    "You..." Jarred''s face turned beet red, anger bubbling up again. "Fine, then we all go down together."


    "What do you mean, ''we all go down together''? I don''t get it." Juan stepped forward from the crowd, his voice calm but chilling. "Jarred, having more people doesn''t make you right. Coming here demanding money, not talking properly, and then asking for a fortune? I think you''re the one who should be worried."


    "Ha, another knight in shining armor," Jarred sneered. "Seems like Mikey''s daughter is just as much of a yer. None of you are any better than the other." Casper cast a quick nce at Dillon, who stepped forward, his voice icy. "Jarred, we''ve said enough. Take your sister and leave before you can''t." "Well, isn''t this a party?" Jarredughed mockingly. "Ms. Eliza, did you think you were a queen in a past life? Quite the entourage you''ve got." "Enough of your nonsense." Eliza''s face twisted in disgust. She had no patience left. "I''m going back to my room. You guys handle this." She directed her words to Casper and Juan.


    She was done with the vile talk.


    "Hey, don''t leave..."


    Jarred reached out to grab her.


    But Dillon was quicker, catching Jarred''s wrist. "Mr. Wu, this ce is too small. Let''s talk outside."


    "Who do you think you are? Hey, hey..."


    Jarred was unceremoniously dragged out by Dillon.


    Juan raised an eyebrow, giving


    Caspera light pat on the


    sp out here. You get


    Eliza." .


    on


    When Casper knocked and entered Eliza''s room, she was


    through a drawer, pulling out the property deed.


    He frowned. "Are you seriously nning to sell the house?"


    "Of course not." She handed the deed to Casper. "See? My name''s on it. This is mine, not some inheritance."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    "They''re just trying to bully you. Don''t worry about it." He assured her.


    Just as Eliza was about to reply, there was a knock on the door.


    Wasn''t everyone supposed to be downstairs?


    "I''ll get it." Casper said, leaving her bedroom.


    When he opened the door, Susan stood there, her face a mix of anger and hurt. "Casper, you''re really here. Do you think this is your house? What about me? I am your fianc¨¦e, after all."  en

 Chapter 451

    Eliza, hearing themotion, stepped out of her bedroom and nced toward the door.


    The moment Susan saw Eliza, her face twisted in anger, herposure shattering instantly.


    "What''s your problem? Are you so desperate for men that you can''t leave ours alone? If you''re that hard up, I can find someone for you, just stop messing with the men in our family, okay?" She trembled with a mix of frustration and fury.


    "What''s gotten into you?" Casper frowned, trying to pull the hysterical Susan away from the confrontation.


    But Susan wasn''t having it. She broke free and stormed over to Eliza, shoving her hard enough to make her stumble back a few steps.


    "You... You have a kid! How can you be so reckless with your reputation? Even if you don''t care about yourself, think about your child! What are you doing? Are you addicted to affairs or something?"


    Susan''s words cut deep, like daggers piercing Eliza''s heart.


    Eliza''s face darkened. The Williams family''s drama had already given her a headache, and now Susan was here, misunderstanding everything.


    "An affair? Did you catch us in bed or see us doing anything inappropriate? Or do you just never hang out with male friends?"


    "I have male friends, but I don''t have an ex-husband, and I sure as hell don''t keep strings attached like this." Susan''s eyes shed with resentment. "I wouldn''t call an ex over at the drop of a hat. Don''t you realize how inappropriate you''re being?" Eliza frowned, realizing Susan med her for Casper''s presence.


    Was it her idea for him toe over?


    "Casper, get out now and don''te back. Thanks for your help, but from now on, stay out of my life, you and your fianc¨¦e."


    Eliza was livid, her delicate face chilling over like a frozenke.


    She turned and went back into her bedroom, thinking she needed a painkiller to ease her throbbing head.


    As the bedroom door mmed shut, Casper''s expression turned dark, like an impending storm.


    "Casper..." Susan tried to say something.


    But he didn''t listen, striding out of the house.


    Susan stood there, panic rising, before rushing after him.


    When


    his


    w Casper getting into


    this car bo


    heart pounded. she opened the


    and slid in beside him.


    The tension in the car was palpable, as if the air itself had thickened.


    "Get out."


    His voice was cold and authoritative, full of barely contained anger.


    Susan was scared but clung to his arm defiantly. "I''m not getting out. I came for you. I want to go back with you."


    "The engagement is off." His words were emotionless, like a knife twisting in Susan''s heart.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Susan''s breath caught. What did he mean the engagement was off?


    "No... what do you mean, it''s off?" Susan''s voice wavered, tears threatening to spill.


    "Casper, how can you call off the engagement? My dad gave you a port, you''ve made a fortune, and now you want to break it off? Even without the port, you have to marry me. It''s what Grandpa wanted. Not honoring it is dishonorable.


    She could threaten him with anything, but using thete Jeffrey was a line she shouldn''t cross.


    Raising his hand, Casper grabbed Susan by the neck and pressed her hard against the seat. "I don''t want to go through with it. What are you going to do about it? What can your family do to me?"

 Chapter 452

    "Do you really think a port can tie me down? Let me tell you, our engagement is just a business deal."


    "You Torres folks give me a port, and I can make you Mrs. Welton. You get to bask in the glory of Welton International, and I get my profit. It''s a win-win. Don''t act like I''ve taken advantage of you." "From the start, our engagement was just a piece of paper. If I choose to honor it, it''s a contract. If not, I can tear it up anytime, got it?"


    He had never truly epted this engagement, nor had he ever considered her his fianc¨¦e.


    So... the engagement could be annulled as easily as it was made.


    The woman''s face turned a deep shade of purple as she struggled to breathe.


    Gasping for air, she pped at the man''s hand, "Casper, let me go, you''re going to kill me... My grandfather, he''s watching us from heaven, if I die, let me go..."


    Eventually, Casper released his grip on her neck with a look of disgust, "Remember your ce. Cause another scene, and I''ll make sure the Torres family vanishes from the face of the Earth."


    Susan didn''t think she was causing a scene.


    She was merely defending the rights of a fianc¨¦e.


    "How am I wrong? You just... you''ve never gotten over Eliza." Rubbing her sore neck, she persisted, "Casper, I look so much like your ex-wife, why can''t you see me as her? I don''t mind being her stand-in. Can''t you be a bit more forgiving, a bit gentler with me?"


    "Do you think you canpare to her?" He looked at her, a face so simr to Eliza''s, yet filled with disdain, "Remember what I just said. If there''s a next time, the Torres family can prepare for bankruptcy."


    The threat was indeed chilling.


    Susan didn''t believe Casper had the capability or the guts.


    But she meekly acknowledged, "Understood."ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Casper withdrew his cold gaze, signaling the driver with a flick of his finger, "Drive."


    The car stopped at Ronan''s ce, dropping Susan off.


    Standing there, fuming, she stomped her foot, "Casper, what makes you think you can threaten the Torres family with extinction? I''ll make your ex-wife disappear first." Right.


    Did it have toe to the woman''s death?


    If she died, would he, in his grief, start to see Susan as her?


    But...


    She couldn''t kill someone.


    Hire a hitman?


    No, that wouldn''t do.


    They would just turn her in.


    Susan was timid, daring in thought but not in action.


    More importantly, she valued her own life too much to risk it over someone like Eliza.


    She didn''t go to Ronan toin.


    Bu


    All he would do was tell her to endure to appease, to think of the greater good of the Torres family, calling her naive.


    She was tired of it.


    Then, suddenly...


    She thought of someone.


    Mr. A, who had left her his number that day.


    Susan pulled out her phone, found the number, and after some hesitation, made the call.


    "I didn''t expect you to contact me so soon." The man''s voice was light with amusement on the other end, as he gave her an address, "I think I can help you."


    "You better."


    After hanging up, Susan hailed a taxi and headed to the meeting ce.


    It was a reputable ce.


    A private club she often frequented.


    The man, gentle and seemingly harmless, wore gold-rimmed


    sses on his nose, exuding an


    of approachability and, surprisingly, a sense of trustworthiness.


    Susan pulled out a chair, settling down across from him with aposed demeanor.


    "Hello, mysterious Mr. A."


    The man returned her greeting with a warm smile and a shrug, "Ms. Susan jests. I do have a name, after all." "Oh?" She leaned forward, intrigued to hear him reveal his identity.

 Chapter 453

    The man casually lifted his hand to pour a cup of tea, his slender fingers gripping a fine porcin teacup. With a calm demeanor, he handed it to Susan. "My name is Aaron." Aaron? She hadn''t heard that name before.


    Her eyes studied the stranger in front of her. "You said you have a grudge against Casper? Is it really because he stole your girlfriend? Or is there..." Something she didn''t know about. But honestly, she wasn''t all that interested.


    Their meeting was a fluke. He had no reason to help her out of the blue. There had to be another motive-helping her had to benefit him too.


    "You''re not here to get revenge on Casper, are you?" If that was his n, Susan made it clear she wouldn''t help. "I would never let you hurt him." "Casper is not a good man," Aaron said in a calm, slow tone. "At least, he''s not someone worth marrying."


    No surprise there. Susan didn''t care what others thought of Casper.


    She fell for him at first sight, and no matter what, she intended to marry him.


    "Sounds like you''ve got a story." Susan was curious about Aaron''s tale. "I''d love to know how you and he became enemies."


    "I just got out of prison," he said, lifting the teacup and taking a small sip. "Think that counts?"


    Prison? Casper, no matter how powerful, couldn''t reach that far.


    "Why did he send you to prison?" she asked, puzzled.


    "He wanted mepletely out of the picture."


    His tone stayed calm, without a hint of bitterness, making it hard for Susan to read him.


    Usually, someone talking about their hardships would be full of anger and despair. But he was... unnervingly calm.


    "Mr. Aaron, if Casper wanted to eliminate someone, they wouldn''t get out of prison, right?" She was young but not naive. Some things, with a bit of thought, she could figure out. "Maybe you tried to get rid of him and got outyed?" Aaron chuckled suddenly.


    Susan wasn''t the typical, shallow woman. She was, in fact, a bit sharper than Eliza.


    Setting down the teacup gently, he looked at her with a smile that didn''t reach his eyes. "You came to me because of Casper? What do you need my help with?"


    "There''s a tricky situation, but I don''t want to kill or harm anyone," she said directly. "You were into Casper''s ex-wife, right? Help me get her to leave Casper and stop meddling, and reward you handsomely."


    ENQUMS


    "Topletely remove someone from another''s life, the only way is to send them to their death." His eyes behind his sses turned


    inscrutable. "If you don''t want to kill or harm, that''s going to be tough."


    "I don''t want to harm anyone, but..." Susan''s gaze roamed Aaron''s face, "...it seems you do."


    "You''re right."


    Aaron didn''t hide his intentions.


    Casper had survived a fall from a cliff, and Eliza handed recordings to the police. The evidence was solid. He should have been sentenced heavily.


    But he hired a top-notchwyer, and the case went well, reducing his sentence significantly. Still, he served time.


    This vendetta needed to be avenged, and fiercely.


    "Actually, there''s another way. Make


    Elizamit suicide." Aaron pulled a small


    ttle from his pocket and


    Sve


    ced it in front of Susan. "ForConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    instance, this drug."


    A drug?


    Susan blinked in surprise.


    She''d heard of aphrodisiacs but never of a drug that induced suicide.


    Could it be...


    Her face wrinkled slightly. "This drug of yours, it wouldn''t be a hallucinogen, would it?"

 Chapter 454

    you want Eliza to leave Casper for good, have her take this."


    "You''re smart, but not entirely right," he said, holding his own specially modified drug, more potent than anything avable. It made people appear normal but significantly increased suicidal thoughts. Even after death, the drug couldn''t be detected in their bloodstream. "If "Drug her? Avenge you?" she shot back. Who did this man think he was, trying to use her as a pawn? "What makes you think I''d do your dirty work? Is my life worth nothing to you?"


    He burst intoughter.


    His refined attire contrasted sharply with his twisted features, making Susan think of the phrase ''a wolf in sheep''s clothing.''


    What a creep.


    "Susan, this drug won''t be traced back to you. If you want Casper, you''ll work with me. I''m offering you a way out."


    "Are you sure you''re helping me?" Susan frowned, skeptical of his motives. "Mr. Aaron, if you were a doctor, you''d know no drug ispletely untraceable. Even if it can''t be detected now, it will be eventually. Are you really helping me, or am I helping you?" Aaron shrugged, a cryptic smile tugging at his lips.


    His brown eyes, magnified by his sses, zeroed in on Susan''s youthful, pretty face.


    "Let me put it this way: if Eliza doesn''t die, Casper will probably go back to her. And you and your family, the Torres, will be in deep trouble."


    Susan was puzzled.


    What did this have to do with the Torres family?


    "What do you mean?"


    "In the few days since you and Casper got engaged, your father has made shady deals using Casper''s name. From what I''ve gathered, the amount involved is in the billions. If you don''t be Mrs. Welton, Casper will dig into it. And when he does, what do you think will happen to you and your family?"


    Had Ronan done all this behind her back?


    Billions?


    The number was staggering.


    Susan was stunned. "How do you know all this?"


    Aaron lit a cigarette, taking a deep drag.


    His gaze on Susan was calcting.


    "I know you


    I need to know. If


    fath me, ask your deset


    He''s not as innocent as he


    seems, far from it." Content Belongs to


    Susan was doubtful.


    She wasn''t going to take Aaron''s word at face value.


    "I''ll ask my father myself."


    "Of course."


    As Susan stood to leave, something made her pause, and she grabbed the bottle of drugs.


    Without another word, she quickly left the club.


    A faint smile yed on Aaron''s lips.


    It was time to settle the score with Casper.


    ...


    After dealing with the Snyder family, Juan returned to Eliza''s house.


    Her headache had eased, but she still looked exhausted.


    "Casper left?" he asked softly.


    "Yes, he''s gone," she replied, her voice carrying a subtle note of weariness.


    Juan sighed. "His men are truly something. The Snyders won''t bother you for a while. Don''t


    think you should thank


    "I don''t want to see him again."


    swnovel


    "Another fight?" Juan was surprised. He frowned, puzzled. "He went out of his way to help, and yet it''s like you''re enemies." Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "No one asked him to help. It was presumptuous of him." She hid all her emotions behind a tone of mncholy. Juan:...??

 Chapter 455

    Alright.


    Juan didn''t press further. Whatever had happened and however it was resolved, it wasn''t his ce to interfere. He figured that sometimes, good things just take their time.


    "Well, if there''s nothing else, I''ll head out." As he was about to leave, he added, "When Casper divorced you, didn''t he give you a house? If things get tough, maybe you should move there. I''m worried the Snyders might not give up easily; they mighte back when we least expect it, and it''d be a hassle if we''re not around."


    Eliza was already thinking about moving. The house she got in the divorce was big and in a great neighborhood. But moving there would mean dealing with the cost of furnishing it, daily expenses, and homeowners association fees, which all added up to a lot of money. Casper had given her a significant amount of money, but she wanted to save it for her son, Brock, and not spend it on herself.


    Maybe she could return to Oak Falls. The schools there still had a job for her, and she was used to living there. In Falconridge, she''d have to start everything from scratch, and she''d run into people she''d rather avoid and deal with a lot of annoying issues. "I''m thinking about moving back to Oak Falls."


    "Back to Oak Falls?" Juan knew Eliza had spent several years in Oak Falls and had only stayed in Falconridge because of Mikey''s illness. Now that Mikey was gone and Robin was getting treatment in Oak Falls, it seemed like the best choice for her to return there. But...


    "Don''t rush your decision. Brock''s just settled in. Moving him back to Oak Falls and changing schools again would be too much for him." Juan''s advice made her pause. Casper must have given her that money hoping Brock would get the best education possible. She couldn''t let Brock go back to Oak Falls and endure unnecessary bullying.


    Even the preschools in Falconridge were among the best in the country. She decided she''d endure the hardship and travel more if needed.


    "I''ll think it over carefully." "Good."


    Eliza had another concern: letting Brock meet Casper, his father. She had talked to Casper about it, and he had agreed, but with Susan in the picture, she worried there might be trouble. Maybe she should wait. She could deal with itter.


    When she had a moment, she went back to Oak Falls. Unexpectedly, she ran into Carlos. She thought he would have left the school by now.


    "Ms. Valerie, you''ve finallye back to Oak Falls." Carlos greeted her warmly.


    Eliza was taken aback, nodding slightly, "Some family stuff came up, so I took a long leave to sort things out."


    "That exins it." Carlos said, his familiar warm smile returning. "I heard you spent some time in Falconridge."


    "Yes."


    "Did you... see... Casper there?" He asked, his meaning clear.


    Was he still hung up on Casper?


    "Mr. Carlos, you know what he''s like... I think it''s best if you don''t trouble yourself," Eliza said awkwardly, biting her lip. "He''s engaged."


    "Is that so Carlos shrugged


    nonchntly. "No worries. We can


    still be friends. In our circle, it''smon to have friends who are married or have girlfriends"


    Eliza: ...


    Did that mean their so-called circle was kind of chaotic?


    Eliza tried to understand but didn''t want to delve deeper. She nced at her watch, "Mr. Carlos, I have some paperwork to do. I''ll be off." "Alright."


    She quickened her pace, walking through the teaching building towards the administration building. Just as she caught her breath, her phone rang in her pocket. Seeing the name on the screen made her heart skip a beat.


    "Hello?"ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    "You''ve returned to Oak Falls?" Casper''s voice was clear and distinct on the other end.


    Eliza slightly turned away, her gaze briefly meeting Carlos''s direction before quickly looking away, "I''m nning to move back to Oak Falls." "Why?"


    "My dad passed away, and I don''t need to run around for his medical treatments anymore. Plus, my job is still there in Oak Falls, so moving back would make things easier."

 Chapter 456

    Her reasons sounded logical, calm, and detached.


    "Is it not to avoid me?" Casper''s voice suddenly deepened, as if he was holding back some emotion.


    Eliza wasn''t one to lie, but sometimes being too blunt didn''t help. really."


    "Not


    "In a few days, I''ll be heading to Oak Falls for business. Is there anything you''d like me to bring back? Something you need or haven''t had a chance to buy?" He wanted to give her a gift, but worried she might refuse. "Or maybe something you''ve been meaning to get but just haven''t yet?"Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza never liked asking for things.


    Especially not from Casper.


    "I don''t need anything. If you''reing for work, try not to find me. It''s better we keep our distance to avoid any misunderstandings with your significant other."


    She really feared Susan might tag along with Casper to Oak Falls and cause a scene.


    Her life revolved around Oak Falls; she dreaded the rumors, the unnecessary misunderstandings. She had her pride.


    Silence followed.


    It seemed like he was trying to figure out how to exin the engagement.


    "Do you... understand a rtionship of mutual benefit, where each party uses the other to their advantage?"


    Eliza: ...???


    What did he mean?


    "I don''t get it."


    "What I mean is, my engagement to Susan is just a business move. The Torres family gets what they want, and I get what I want. As for... her liking me, that''s her business, her freedom. I don''t like her, and the engagement will be called off sooner orter." Eliza didn''t understand what a business move was.


    She couldn''t even grasp why marriage had to mix with interests.


    Mutual use?


    It sounded both terrifying and ridiculous.


    "Casper, I really don''t understand your lifestyle, and I don''t want to. Just live peacefully with Susan. She likes you, so love her back and stoping to me. We''ve signed the divorce agreement. Once I''m through this busy period, let''s finalize our divorce." The line went silent again.


    Eliza: "If there''s nothing else, I''m going to hang up."


    Without waiting for his response, she ended the call.


    For several days, Eliza busied herself between school and home.


    When the weekend arrived, Juan visited her.


    Having finished his work back home, he was about to return to France.


    He came over today especially to say goodbye.


    "So when will you be back?" Eliza asked him.


    "I have to report back, so it''s hard to say when I''ll return." His main work was overseas, and it would be a long while before he could visit


    al.ne


    Falconridge again. "If you miss me, you cane to France. I''ll cover all your expenses."


    Eliza shook her head with a smile.


    It had been many years since shest traveled abroad.


    She had lost interest in it.


    "Since leaving the Henderson family, I''ve never been back to France, not even to Southeast Asia." Juan knew she had had a tough few years.


    He wanted to encourage her to open up, but he knew advice could sometimes be a burden.


    "I''m not saying you must ept Casper. If you meet another good man, you don''t have to close yourself off. Being brave enough to live alone with a child means you have the courage to face a new life."


    He always hoped she would find someone to be with.


    But Eliza had long given up on that idea. "Living alone with a child is actually quite happy. It''s not as


    lonely as you might think. On then et


    contrary, without all the trivial


    §Ö


    matters, it''s fulfilling and joyful."


    Juan smiled. He respected and supported all her decisions.


    "By the way, you''re now an internationally renowned artist. How about giving me a painting to keep? Someday, it might sell for a big price, Ms. MOMO."


    Elizaughed, "In this world, you''re the best at making fun of me."


    "Far from it, far from it. In front of Ms. MOMO, how dare I?"


    They shared augh, a moment that seemed to transport them back to the happiest days of their childhood...

 Chapter 457

    After Juan left, Eliza finally managed to calm down, but the sudden ring of her phone jolted her nerves once again. "Hello?"


    "Sorry... it''ste, um... Ms. Eliza, this is Dillon."


    Dillon?


    "What''s going on?"


    "Mr. Casper got hurt, and I urgently need to take care of something. Could youe to the hotel to help look after him?" Dillon didn''t give her a chance to think it over, "Look, we don''t know anyone else in Oak Falls, and being new here, it''s just for a couple of hours. I''ll be right back once I''m done."


    New here? What ame excuse.


    As far as she knew, Welton International had more than just a few dealings in Oak Falls.


    "He''s a grown man; even if he''s slightly injured, he doesn''t need someone to look after him. Sorry, I can''t make it." Eliza declined.


    "Ms. Eliza, please don''t say no just yet. Mr. Casper brought young Master Brock with him this time to Oak Falls. A minor injury might be manageable, but taking care of the kid might be too much. Please..."


    Eliza felt a sudden pang in her chest. Casper brought Brock to Oak Falls?


    She had specifically taken leave from the daycare, informing them she wouldn''t be picking up Brock this week, yet he...


    Casper never discusses anything with her.


    "Alright, send me the address."


    After hanging up, she quickly pulled herself together, got ready, and headed to the hotel where Casper was staying.


    The hotel door was slightly ajar, as if deliberately left open for her.


    Eliza gently pushed the door and entered. The living room was empty, only a faint smell of alcohol lingering in the air.


    She continued towards the inner suite, where Brock was sound asleep on the luxurious bed, breathing evenly, his adorable charm drawing her closer.


    Bending down, she kissed her baby''s little face.


    Suddenly, the sound of running water came from the bathroom, along with the clinking of objects.


    "Casper?" Eliza called out softly, but no reply came.


    She cautiously approached the bathroom door, lightly knocking on the semi-transparent ss door. "Casper?"


    Finally, a low,zy voice responded from inside, "Who is it?"


    "I''m here for Brock." She said.


    The bathroom door opened from the inside. Before her stood a man, bare-chested, with his eyes red.


    She was shocked to see the water in the sink dyed red, "What happened?"


    Casper was holding tweezers, disinfecting a wound in the palm of his left hand with iodine.


    "Why are you here?"


    Her eyes widened, "Oh my goodness... how did you get hurt?"


    "Just a small injury, it''s nothing." He nced at her indifferently, a hint of a nonchnt smile on his lips, "If you''re scared, go out; I can handle this myself."


    Only then did Eliza notice that not only his palm but his arm and even his muscr chest bore wounds. This was no minor injury. This was the aftermath of a fierce battle, like he had been attacked.


    "Casper, what''s going on?"


    Rolling up her sleeves, Eliza stepped in, took the tweezers from his hand, grabbed a cotton ball and


    disinfectant, and began to gently clean his wounds in a skilled and tender manner, "Who did you mess


    with? A mob boss to leave you likeContent is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    this?"


    He looked at her, a flicker of emotion in his eyes. Casper hadn''t expected Dillon to call Eliza. He had nned to deal with his wounds quietly and then take Brock to see her. "Honestly, I don''t know."


    "You don''t know?" Eliza lifted her


    gaze, full of confusion, looking at his face. After a moment of silence, she continued wiping his wounds with the cotton ball, "Where did you get hurt?"  en

 Chapter 458

    "Outside the hotel," he said, guessing Eliza was fretting over Brock. "Brock''s fine, don''t worry."


    She knew Brock was okay, but even with him being fine, he couldn''t exactly patch himself up here. "Are you sure you don''t want to go to the hospital?"


    "Not now."


    He still didn''t know who was behind the attack, and Dillon was already investigating. Going to the hospital would only tip off the assant. These were just surface wounds, nothing serious.


    Eliza could guess his thoughts. She lowered her gaze and, with her slender, delicate fingers, started cleaning the wounds on his chest with meticulous care. Her touch was gentle as she wiped away the blood.


    Once the wound was clean, she carefully applied some ointment, the cool sensation making his heart skip a beat. His gaze on her was a mix ofplexity, affection, and barely contained desire.


    The deepest wound was on his left palm, a nasty cut. After applying the medicine, she wrapped it with thick gauze, but blood still seeped through.


    "This hand... could it have damaged the nerves?" She wasn''t a doctor, but she knew hands were delicate. "It''s still bleeding..."


    "It''s fine," he said, brushing it off, seemingly not concerned.


    Eliza didn''t know whether to call him fearless or just used to such situations.


    "Did you upset someone in business, or is this a personal vendetta?"


    She furrowed her brow and looked up, meeting his calm, cool gaze. For a moment, she was taken aback, then a faint smile tugged at her lips. "What kind of personal vendetta could I have? If I owe anyone anything emotionally, it''s you. Did you hire someone to kill me?" Eliza: ...???


    How did this turn to her?


    "If I wanted to kill you, you''d be dead


    ten thousand times over by now, she retorted with a scoff, her beautiful eyes ring at him. If you


    can''t find the culprit, just me me."


    en


    Heughed, knowing it wasn''t her, and gently ruffled her hair. "Got serious? I was just joking."


    Eliza was speechless for a moment.


    Changing the subject, she asked, "Why did you bring Brock here? 10 haven''t even told him you''re his


    father yet, and I''m really busy. ''don''t have time to take Brock back."


    en


    UM


    "There''s no rush for that. We''ll do it slowly. When we go back to Falconridge, have Dillon take him. Don''t worry about his safety; I''ll make sure he''s absolutely safe." He looked at her earnestly, his tone patient. "If you don''t have time to pick him up on weekends, let Mom do it. Have him stay at the family home for a couple of days, don''t leave him alone at school."


    Eliza nodded, realizing she hadn''t thought it through.


    "Things have been hectictely. Once things settle down, I''ll¡ª"


    He gently patted her arm. "I understand. We''re family; no need to be so formal. Mom would love to pick up Brock."


    Eliza nodded again and looked up, her gaze identally falling on his bare chest. A wave of awkwardness surged through her, and she quickly looked away. "You should rest. I''ll call the hotel to send someone to clean up."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    She tried to walk past him, eager to escape the narrow, tension-filled bathroom. Just as she was about to step away, he reached out and pulled her into his embrace.


    His body was warm, holding her tightly, his lips nearly touching her neck. Her heartbeat quickened, her voice trembling. "Casper, what are you doing?"


    "Do you know what I was thinking when those people were attacking me with knives?" His voice was dark and husky, almost a whisper filled with emotion.

 Chapter 459

    Her heart skipped a beat, her resistance fading away as she found herself asking, "What are you thinking about?"


    "I''m wondering, if I were to die with regrets, would there be another life? Could I go back to the ces I long for, see the people I miss again, could I..."


    His voice wavered as if he touched on something deeply painful, his arms tightening around her as if trying to meld her into him.


    Eliza''s eyshes fluttered lightly; his words wereced with sorrow.


    But... why mourn over things that haven''t happened?


    "You''re alive and well right now."


    "Elle, when that knife was aimed at me, all I could see was your face and the regrets between us." He buried his face in the cor of her shirt, his warm breath trailing along her neck with each word, "Tell me, do I still have a chance in this lifetime to make up for those regrets?"


    "What''s the point of bringing this up now? What''s missed is missed, whether it''s because of misunderstandings or something else. When two people part ways, it''s just because their fate was shallow. Besides, we were never that deeply in love."


    Her voice had a faint hint of bitterness, almost imperceptible as she lightly lowered hershes.


    She had no answers in her heart, nor could she give him the answers he sought.


    "But, I love you..." His love, the more he tried to bury it, the more tumultuous it became. He wanted to control it but couldn''t.


    Love?


    This word, long gone from her world, reappeared in this manner, unexpectedly stirring a hint of sorrow within her.


    When they first married, how desperately she had wished for him to fall in love with her. She had tried countless ways to win his affection, but he had been indifferent, even disdainful.


    And now, holding her in his arms, he professed his love for her with deep emotion...


    "Casper, don''t say you love me."


    "Elle... I''m not asking you to love me back, just give me a chance to love you. Don''t reject my love, don''t cold-shoulder me, don''t avoid me. I know I was wrong. Give me a chance to make it right, whether it takes a year, a decade, or even a lifetime... I''m willing." No, she couldn''t ept his sudden deration of love.


    Her heart was already in turmoil, why add to it?


    "Casper, if you have nothing to talk about, then let''s not speak."


    Disturbing her peace, what good did it do him?


    She wanted to push him away.


    His embrace felt like chains binding her, impossible to break free from.


    "Casper." Her expression slightly angered.


    "Please...


    give


    me a chance to loveContent ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    you, just once, that''s all I ask, okay?" His voice was low and tender, carrying a humble plea that insidiously seeped into her heart.


    en


    Her heart became even more chaotic, she avoided his gaze: "I don''t want to talk about this."


    "Then I''ll take it as a yes." He


    kejtas


    straightened up, his tall frame


    enveloping herpletely, his chin resting atop her head as he kissed her hair, "Call me shameless, say I''m


    thinned, but you''ve agreed, and


    there''s no going back."


    Eliza stared at him in astonishment...


    She hadn''t said anything, what had she agreed to?


    "Casper, you can''t... mm..."


    She attempted to protest, but before she could finish, his lips descended once again, sealing her words.


    His body pressed tightly against hers, his hand cradling the back of her head, allowing her no chance to resist or breathe.


    Her soft body ached slightly under


    the pressure of his muscr frame, her hands attempting to beat


    against his chest, only to be caught and pulled around his neck.


    Eliza''s thoughts halted, her mind in turmoil.


    What... what was happening?


    Was she being taken advantage of again?


    Just as she was gathering all her strength to push away the man she both loved and hated.

 Chapter 460

    Suddenly, a clear, innocent child''s voice rang out like a bolt from the blue above her head.


    "Mr. Casper, why did you kiss my mom?"


    The little guy''s big, fluffy eyes blinked twice, glimmering with curiosity.


    The two adults sprang apart as if jolted by electricity, caught off guard and clueless.


    Casper managed to keep hisposure, being a man, his skin wasn''t as thin, though a flicker of embarrassment danced in his eyes.


    Eliza, on the other hand, felt her face heat up like a kid caught red-handed.


    Even her dainty earlobes turned a tender shade of red.


    She tried to exin, but the words got stuck in her throat, refusing toe out.


    Her fingers fidgeted restlessly, twirling a lock of hair at her forehead in a futile attempt to hide her embarrassment.


    "Mommy..." the little guy called out.


    "Huh?" Eliza pressed a hand to her wildly beating heart, stammering, "That... Mommy and Mr. Casper... weren''t... kissing."This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    "But your lips were stuck together," the little guy blinked his clear, wide eyes in confusion, then turned to Casper, asking in his sweet, innocent voice, "Mr. Casper, are you bullying my mom?"


    "Not at all." Casper, unsure how to exin adult behavior to a child, said, "Brock, actually, Mr. Casper likes your mommy, so... kissing... it''s a way to show love."


    "But... Ms. Luna said boys shouldn''t just kiss girls, and if they do, they have to take responsibility," the little guy stated earnestly.


    Eliza was sweating bullets.


    It was all Casper''s fault. Kissing her was one thing, but letting Brock see it was another.


    Would her son think she was an improper woman?


    Casper seemed to read her thoughts. He bent down, looking Brock earnestly in the eyes, and promised, "I''ll take responsibility, I absolutely will, okay?" Take responsibility for what?


    She didn''t need that.


    Eliza, speechless, took Brock''s hand and led him to the living room.


    She carefully straightened his slightly wrinkled clothes from sleep.


    The little guy''s hair was still damp.


    She wiped the sweat off his forehead with tender love in her eyes.


    "Sweetheart, how about mommy takes you home now?"


    "But Mr. Casper said he''d take me to eat yummy food, stuff I''ve never had before Brock wants to go," thedittle guy looked up at Casper, his face bright with anticipation.


    "Mr. Casper is hurt. Let mommy cook something delicious at home, okay?" Eliza tried to coax the little guy, eager to take him home.


    But the man standing nearby spoke softly, "My injury isn''t serious, just a meal, no problem."


    Eliza: ...???


    Hearing that they could go for delicious food, Brock''s eyes lit up instantly, his small body wriggling with excitement.


    He happily jumped into Casper''s arms, "Mr. Casper, you keep your promises. I like you."


    "Then let''s invite mommy to join us, shall we?" Casper seized the moment to suggest.


    "Yes, yes." The little guy ran back to Eliza, grabbing her hand, "Mommy, let''s go eat something yummy together."


    Seeing the little guy''s excitement, Eliza''s heart softened. Unwilling to dampen his spirits, she nodded.


    Casper changed into a fresh outfit,


    Aside from the visible injury on his


    palm, the others were hidden by his


    well-fitted clothes, barely noticeable.


    He gently draped his arm around her shoulders, his smile carrying a hint of plea, "Let''s go, I''ve already booked the restaurant."


    "Casper, you did this on purpose,


    didn''t you? With your injuries, shouldn''t you just rest at the hotel for a bit?" she shrugged off his hand from her shoulder.

 Chapter 461

    Eliza wasn''t mad at Casper. She just didn''t want to go out for dinner with him. The ghost of his kiss still lingered on her lips. He wasn''t embarrassed, but she definitely was. Just then, Dillon walked in.


    Seeing Eliza, he gave a respectful nod, "Hello, Ms. Eliza."


    After that, he quickly made his way over to Casper and whispered something in his ear. Their secretive conversation was beyond Eliza''s hearing. Deciding she''d had enough, she took Brock''s hand and left the room.


    Inside, Dillon finished his report. Casper''s face grew dark, his eyes sharp and filled with cold fury. "To think a father would want his own son dead over an illegitimate child. What a ''great'' father he is." "Has old Mr. Casper been misled by someone? Could it actually be Zach''s doing? Or maybe..."


    Even wild animals don''t harm their own offspring. It was hard to believe Tristan would want Casper dead. After all, he was the rightful heir to Welton International, as designated by Jeffrey. It was baffling.


    Yet, everyone they caught pointed to Tristan as the mastermind, making it hard not to believe it.


    "Find a way to bring Zach out and keep an eye on my so-called father until I get back to Falconridge."


    Casper vowed to settle the score for every scar on his body with both father and son. "Understood."


    After giving Dillon his instructions, Casper''s face returned to a calm demeanor as he quickly exited the room to catch up with Eliza and Brock. Effortlessly, he lifted the little guy onto his shoulders, securing Brock''s waist with one hand for safety, while naturally reaching out to hold Eliza''s hand with the other. Irritated, Eliza shook off his hand. "Can''t you be serious for once?"


    "It''s not every day we get to have a meal together as a family," Casper said, a hint of hurt shing across his face, but he still reached out for her.


    Eliza quickened her pace to keep some distance from him. If it weren''t for their son insisting on eating something nice, she''d rather be home sleeping right now.


    Casper had booked a table at one of Oak Falls most upscale private clubs. The ce, with its small bridges and flowing water, was like a breath of spring in the cold early winter, full of life.  en Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "Mr. Casper, look, ducks!" the little guy pointed out from his shoulder perch, all excited.


    "Yes, a pair," Casper yed along.


    Eliza nced in the direction of the ducks, her brow twitching slightly. They were clearly a pair of lovebirds.


    "Mr. Casper, this way, please," a


    waiter came over to guide them. The interior decoration brought the idyllic scenery indoors. As they crossed a small bridge, the waiter kindly


    reminded them, "Pleaseel


    step."


    your


    Engrossed in the scenery, Eliza didn''t notice the uneven ground beneath her feet. Her ankle twisted, and she lost her bnce, almost falling. Casper quickly reached out, his long arm securely wrapping around her slender waist, pulling her into his embrace.


    "Are you alright?" His warm breath tickled her ear.


    A wave of embarrassment mixed with a strange thrill washed over Eliza. She slightly turned her head away, avoiding his intense gaze. "I''m fine."


    Casper said nothing more, but he


    firmly grasped her hand in his, refusing to let go. She tried to pull away a couple of times without sess and, not wanting to cause a scene in front of the waiter, allowed him to lead her into the private dining room.


    Brock was delighted, his attention entirely on the pair of lovebirds outside the window.


    On the table, Casper''s phone silently flickered. In silent mode, the screen dimly lit up, shing the caller''s name. ----Susan.


    "Casper, your phone," Eliza reminded him.


    "Just answer it for me," Casper''s focus was entirely on Brock, not even bothering to look back.

 Chapter 462

    Eliza nced at the name on her phone and decided she didn''t want to stir the pot. She let it blink on the table, opting for silence. The caller on the other end seemed to have the patience of a saint, as the screen lit up and dimmed, ringing over and over before finally going silent.


    "BAM!"


    The door to the private dining room flew open.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "I wondered why you weren''t picking up my calls," Susan''s voice crackled with anger, her face so dark it looked like it could drip ink. "So, you really are here." She looked terrible.


    Aaron had told her that Casper was heading to Oak Falls to meet Eliza. Initially, she brushed it off as Aaron''s nonsense. But now, it seemed far from that. There they were, looking like a happy little family. What did that make her? A joke? "Casper, everyone in Falconridge knows you''re engaged to me, and here you are meeting your ex-wife. You''re not just pping the Torres family in the face, you''re pping your own. What are you, trying to be a modern-day Casanova?" Casper''s irritation with Susan''s sudden appearance was palpable. Her brazen words only made it worse. Beneath his cold exterior, his dark eyes grew even icier.


    "Get out," hemanded.


    Susan was taken aback, disbelief written all over her face. "You''re telling me to leave? Casper, you''re really throwing respect out the window. Fine, I insisted on this engagement because I liked you, but if you don''t want it, let''s just end it." She mmed the door, the sound echoing down the hallway. Taking a few steps away, she stealthily reached into her elegant purse, her fingers brushing against a small ss bottle...


    The bottle contained the pills Aaron


    had given her. She never thought


    there''de a day when she couldn''t swallow her pride. Well, if


    she was going down, they were all going down with her.


    Susan approached the front desk and ordered two freshly squeezed juices. While the server was busy, she discreetly dropped the pills into the drinks.


    "Please deliver these to Room 202,"


    she said, slipping the server a generous two-hundred-dor tip. The bills tipped lightly between her fingers, "A friend of mine had at


    misunderstanding with the foun


    in


    that room, and she asked me to send these as an apology. Just tell them it''s on the house. Thanks for your help."


    The server quickly caught on. ording to hotel policy, she needed some details. "Alright, Miss. How should I address your friend?"


    "Umm... Hisst name is Fee. You can put him down as Mr. Aaron."


    "Got it," the server nodded, jotting down the information.


    Soon, the carefully prepared juices were delivered to Casper''s reserved room. No one paid much attention to the new arrivals. When Brock saw the juice, he eagerly ran over, reaching for it.


    Just as he was about to grab it, Eliza gently stopped him. "Brock, remember how your tummy hurtst time you had juice?"


    Brock''s hand froze mid-air. He blinked, looking a bit let down but then obediently pulled back his hand, licking his dry lips. "Oh, okay."


    Casper gently pulled the little guy into his arms, carefully cing a piece of dessert on his te. "Try this, it''s really sweet. Drinking some water is just as good as juice."


    "Okay," the little guy agreed, being impably well-behaved.


    Worried that Brock might sneak a


    sip when she wasn''t looking, and finding it a waste to pour it away, Eliza frowned slightly and eventually decided to try a sip herself. Strangely, after drinking it, she felt even more parched.


    jel

 Chapter 463

    She downed thest of the smoothie almost without thinking. It was cool, sweet but not cloying, and refreshingly delightful. After finishing it, she felt a wave offort wash over her. Casper came over with Brock in his arms and, seeing the empty ss on the table, frowned slightly. "Why did you drink so much smoothie? It might upset your stomachter." "I was a bit thirsty," she replied.


    After dinner, Casper drove Eliza and Brock back to their ce. He had hoped to stay a bit longer, maybe y with Brock, but Eliza shut him down with a firm, "It''ste, we need to rest." "I could stay and y with Brock for a while," he pleaded.


    "Brock needs to sleep too."


    "Alright then."


    Not allowed inside, Casper stood by his car and lit a cigarette, taking a deep inhale. The smoke swirled into the night sky, making the thoughts in his heart even harder to bear. The light from an upstairs window shone brightly against the darkness, and he wondered if he might ever be weed into that warmth.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    After Eliza put Brock to bed, she too drifted off to sleep. She didn''t know how long she had been out when her room''s door silently and slowly opened. In a trance, wearing a white nightgown, she moved as if drawn by an unseen force, through the living room and out the front door. Her bare feet felt the cold, but she walked on without hesitation.


    The night, as dark as ink, covered Oak Falls, and on the silent streets, only a solitary white figure roamed like a ghost. At a street corner, a dark car stopped for the red light. Inside, Dillon''s gaze casually swept past the window and then froze. That familiar figure wasn''t it Eliza?


    He gripped the steering wheel, looking in her direction, his brow furrowing. Why was she out on the street at this hour? And in her nightgown, without shoes? Was she out for a walk, or was she sleepwalking? Dillon remembered that Eliza didn''t have a history of sleepwalking. Yet, it was 2 a.m. ording to his watch. Either way, it wasn''t safe.


    He was just about to call out to Eliza when the light turned green and the car behind him honked, prompting Dillon to drive on. As the car moved further away, he couldn''t help but look back. Something was definitely strange.


    Back at the hotel, Casper hadn''t gone to bed yet. He sat by the window, holding a wine ss, the red wine inside gently swaying in the intery of light and shadow, giving him a faintly mncholic air. "Mr. Casper, why haven''t you gone to rest?"


    Casper lifted his head slightly, his gaze a bit hazy. He picked up another wine ss, poured some red wine, and handed it to Dillon. "Join me for a bit. I... seem to be having some trouble sleeping."


    Dillon gently advised him to rest.


    Thepany had been dealing with a lottely, and Casper was under a lot of pressure. But Dillon''s intuition told him that this insomnia had something to do with Eliza


    "You can''t sleep, and I think someone else couldn''t either."


    "Who couldn''t sleep?" Casper lifted his ss, his expression weary.


    Dillon thought of Eliza wandering on the street. "On my way back just now, I saw Ms. Eliza."


    "Hmm?" Casper''s brow furrowed slightly, puzzled. "Didn''t she go back already?"


    At this moment, shouldn''t she be at home, putting Brock to bed?


    "I don''t think I mistook someone else," Dillon said.


    Casper''s expression tightened, filled with confusion. "Where did you see her?"


    "On the main street."


    The main street? Casper sensed something was wrong. A feeling of unease rose in his heart. "In the middle of the night, you saw her on the main street? Why didn''t you ask her where she was going?"


    "I thought she was just in a bad


    mood and needed a walk... she was barefoot and walking quite fast," Dillon said, pausing suddenly as he realized his oversight. A woman especially one with a child, wouldn''t just leave her child at home and wander the streets in the middle of the night for no reason. There must be a problem.


    "... Mr. Casper, could Ms. Eliza be in trouble?"


    Casper wasn''t sure. The dinner they shared earlier was quite normal, but Dillon''s description didn''t sound normal at all. A flicker of panic crossed his heart. "Let''s go, we need to find her immediately."

 Chapter 464

    Following thest ce Dillon had seen Eliza, the two men set off in search of her. The streets were deserted, but there were too many intersections to know where she might have gone. "Dillon, you check this way, and I''ll go that way," Casper said, ncing at his watch as the night deepened. "Call me if you find anything."


    "Alright, Mr. Casper."


    They split up,bing through every street and alley, leaving no stone unturned.


    Finally, after a grueling search, Casper spotted a fleeting white shadow near the entrance of an abandoned shopping mall.


    Was it Eliza?


    Why would she go in there?


    The ce was marked for demolition, filled with scaffolding and debris a dangerous maze where one wrong step could lead to injury. Without a second thought, Casper sprinted toward the shadow.


    The darkness was suffocating, like being swallowed by a pitch-ck wilderness. Eliza''s white nightgown shone like a beacon, guiding him closer. He followed her cautiously, maintaining a careful distance, not daring to blink for fear she might vanish.


    She turned a corner and headed up the stairs of the ten-story building. The railings had been removed, leaving only the bare, treacherous steps. What was she thinking?


    Casper pulled out his phone and called Dillon.


    "I found Eliza. Something''s off. Go get help, just in case."


    He feared the situation might spiral out of control.


    "Got it," Dillon responded.


    After hanging up, Casper climbed the stairs behind Eliza. She reached the rooftop effortlessly, as if the climb hadn''t fazed her at all.


    Casper, on the other hand, was gasping for air,pletely winded.


    Watching her step toward the edge, his heart pounded in his chest.


    "Elle, what are you doing?" he called out.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    She paused slightly, not turning back. The cold night wind blew through her hair, carrying an eerie sense of despair.


    She took a step, positioning one foot over the edge.


    "Eliza..."


    Casper''s heart was in his throat, his pulse echoing in his ears. He


    couldn''t bear the thought of what


    I happen if she took ano


    step.


    Was she thinking of ending her life?


    Why would she suddenly want to do that?


    "Eliza,e back. It''s dangerous. The wind is strong, and you''re barely dressed. Aren''t you cold? Please,e here."


    He reached out his hand, moving slowly, trying to catch her attention.


    She ignored his calls, her slender figure swaying in the wind, her


    vacant gaze seemingly drawn


    some invisible force, just a misstep away from falling.


    She was afraid of heights; she wouldn''t choose to jump.


    Besides, she had no reason to want to die.


    "Elle, what''s wrong?"


    "Elle,e here, please?"


    "Elle, don''t move."


    Casper''s heart was on edge as he inched closer.


    As she began to lean forward, he couldn''t hesitate any longer and rushed towards her.


    His hands desperately reached out to grab her, whether her clothes or her body.


    But fate can be cruel.


    Her sleeve slipped through his fingers, and she tumbled from the forty-meter height. "Elle..."


    Without a moment''s hesitation, he


    jumped after her, disregarding the et


    deadly height and the certainty of


    death for them both.


    We


    In mid-air, he held her close, smiling faintly at her vacant eyes, feeling her cooling body temperature.


    "Elle, don''t be scared. I''ll always be with you."


    "Even on the path to the underworld, I''ll never let go of your hand."


    He held her tighter, preparing to cushion her fall.


    This was his final act of love, ensuring that even in death, she could leave gracefully.


    He closed his eyes.


    The wind howled past, like the final trumpet on their journey to the end...

 Chapter 465

    There was no pain like he anticipated. No terrifying scenes either.


    His eyes stayed shut, too scared to open them.


    "Mr. Casper, you alright?"


    It was Dillon''s voice.


    He wasn''t dead?


    His eyes flew open, and he saw Dillon along with some rescue team members.


    A few different faces, all breathing a sigh of relief seeing him awake.


    Then the paramedics arrived, putting both him and Eliza on stretchers.


    Still dazed, he was examined and then, surrounded by people, taken to a hospital room and hooked up to an IV drip.


    "Dillon," he grabbed the man holding a stack of medical reports, anxiously asking, "How''s Elle? Is she hurt? Tell me, quick!"


    "Ms. Eliza... her situation''s a bit moreplicated," Dillon said, rushing to deliver the reports, nning to exin in detail to Casperter. "The doctor''s waiting for these; I''ll be right back." "Dillon," Casper held onto him, not letting him leave, "You said her situation isplicated. What do you mean? Is she injured? Where''s she hurt? Take me to her, now!"


    "Ms. Eliza is... still undergoing tests. There are doctors and nurses with her, don''t worry."


    Dillon tried to calm Casper down.


    He needed to make sure Casper was okay before handling other things.


    But Casper was impatient, holding onto him, "How can I not worry? Falling from that height, not everyone can handle that."


    Casper was acting like the world was ending.


    Dillon: ...ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Weren''t you the one who fell from that height?


    She was held tightly in your arms; how could she be hurt?


    It''s okay to let your imagination run wild, but keep some logic.


    Love really messes with the mind.


    "Mr. Casper, don''t worry. I''ll deliver these to the doctor ande back to take you to Ms. Eliza, alright?"


    Finally, Casper let him go, urging him to hurry, "Quick, make it fast."


    "Right away, right away."


    When Dillon came back, he wheeled Casper to see Eliza.


    Sadly, she was still unconscious, showing no signs of waking up.


    "Is she hurt somewhere? Why''s she still asleep?" Casper asked her doctor.


    The doctor pushed his sses up the bridge of his nose, his expression serious andplex, "We found aplex hallucinogen in her system. This drug has several bannedponents, and the high dosage caused some nerve damage, putting her in aa. It''s tricky."


    Hallucinogen?


    How did she get a hallucinogen in her system?


    "Doctor, what''s going on? She''s never been sick, never takes drugs. How could she have this?" "Could it be she took something by mistake, or maybe..." As a doctor, he''d seen too many cases.


    Sometimes, people were drugged with aphrodisiacs and


    hallucinogens, which nearly tool lives.


    their


    A buzz went through Casper''s head.


    Could it be... she was drugged?


    Who would drug her, and who had the chance to do it?


    Today, she was with him most of the time; how could she have been drugged?


    No, wait.


    Susan had visited.


    Could it be her?


    But she only stayed a few minutes, got angry, and left.


    She didn''t have the chance to drug her.


    Casper carefully recalled what Eliza had eaten or drunk. Juice.


    Right, those sses of juice.


    Eliza had two sses of juice, which wasn''t her usual self.


    "Dillon, first thing tomorrow morning, go to the restaurant we ate at


    was el.ne


    See if the juice was


    with."


    Dillon nodded, "Yes, Mr. Casper."


    If the juice was tampered with, then Susan couldn''t be unrted.

 Chapter 466

    Casper''s face was taut with anger, his jaw muscles twitching involuntarily. His dark eyes, narrowed to slits, exuded a ferocity that could swallow all darkness. Whoever was behind this, anyone responsible for what happened to Eliza, would face his wrath. The next day, Casper had been waiting at the hospital for hours before Dillon finally showed up. Dillon''s heavy steps and furrowed brow hinted at bad news.


    "Mr. Casper, we have a lead," Dillon said, his voice tinged with urgency.


    "Spill it," Casper demanded, his gaze intense.


    Dillon nodded and quickly ryed the findings. "The juice was delivered from the restaurant, but not by them directly."


    Casper''s eyes sharpened. "Exin."


    "The juice was sent by a customer, under the name Mr. Aaron."


    Casper''s brow furrowed. "Aaron? Has he been to that restaurant?"


    Dillon shook his head. "The front desk said a woman gave Mr. Aaron''s name."


    "I reviewed the restaurant''s surveince footage. It was Ms. Susan who delivered those two sses of juice. I watched closely-she definitely put something in the juice. I suspect it''s the same hallucinogen found in Ms. Eliza''s blood." Casper clenched his fists. Susan. She must have a death wish.


    "Her audacity, daring to harm one of mine," he growled, mming his hand on the bedside table. The force yanked the IV needle from his hand, blood instantly staining his skin.


    Dillon, rmed, grabbed Casper''s hand. "Mr. Casper, please, calm down."


    He called for a nurse to reinsert the IV, then continued. "She used Mr Aaron''s name. Could it mean she''s met him, maybe even made a deal with him?"


    Aaron hadn''t been out long, and with his vengeful nature, it made sense he''d use Susan. And Susan, driven by jealousy toward Eliza...


    "Mr. Casper, I believe Aaron provided the hallucinogen to Ms. Susan, specifically to target Eliza."


    Casper took a deep breath, his mind racing. Aaron was the puppet master behind this.


    It was time to settle things with Aaron once and for all.


    Casper yanked out the newly inserted IV and got out of bed. "We''re going to Falconridge," he dered, his voice leaving no room for argument.


    "Mr. Casper, you''re still unwell. You need more tests. Please, don''t rush..." Dillon tried to calm him.


    But Casper wouldn''t wait another second. They sped to Falconridge.


    When they arrived, Aaron was in his backyard, leisurely brewing tea and watering flowers,pletely at ease. He didn''t seem surprised to see Casper.


    Casper approached, stripped off his


    expensive watch, and handed it to


    Dillon. Then he balled his fist and punched Aaron square in the face. Aaron staggered back, hitting the ground.


    Touching the blood at the corner of his mouth, Aaron sneered, "Mr. Casper, always so rash."


    "Aaron, if you''ve got a problem with


    me, face me. What kind of man goes after a woman?" Casper shouted, lifting Aaron by the cor. "She trusted you, and you betrayed her. You wanted her to suffer, to disappear? What kind of monsterContent ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    ove


    are you to do something so vile?"

 Chapter 467

    "May took the leap just like that," Aaron''s lips twisted into a grotesque smile, his eyes wild and distorted as he stared at the furious man in front of him. "My woman can jump off a building to die, but yours can''t? Where''s the fairness, the justice in that?"


    Justice?


    An eye for an eye, that''s justice.


    He hadn''t killed May; yet, Aaron had pinned her death on him, exacting a deranged revenge on the one he cherished.


    This wasn''t justice.


    It was a heartless assault, vile and despicable.


    This wasn''t justice; it was evil.


    "Tell me, how does this end?"


    Casper had a thousand ways to erase Aaron from this world, settling things once and for all. But unless absolutely necessary, he didn''t want to resort to that.


    He wanted to give this childhood friend, who had grown up with him, another chance.


    "Aaron, why must wee to this? May''s death was entirely out of disappointment in you. Can''t you see that you yed a part in this? Herst words were of love for me, but only to spite you, to retaliate against your infidelity, your betrayal. Don''t you understand?" In this situation, he was the victim, caught in the crossfire of Aaron and May''s rtionship.


    Now, Aaron pushed all the me onto him.


    Was that fair to him?


    "Are you truly innocent with her, not a hint of impropriety?" Aaron''s face twitched, his eyes bloodshot and wide. "Casper, did you really do nothing inappropriate with her?"ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    "I didn''t," he could swear with the deadliest oath in front of Aaron. "If I harbored any improper thoughts towards her, even for a moment, may I be cursed with a lineage that ends with me."


    "People like you should be cursed with such a fate," Aaron''s bitter face was a canvas of struggle and resentment. "My May, my child, they can nevere back. Casper, it''s all your fault, you... are to me."


    Aaron was lost in his own world of grief, almost deranged.


    Casper looked at the man before him, suddenly finding him pitiable.


    When May was alive, Aaron was the epitome of a gentleman by day, but by night, he transformed into the most decadent creature of the night.


    He flitted among various women, indulging in taboos, reveling in his debauchery.


    And when tired, he''d seek refuge in May''s arms, seeking peace, filling the void left by his excesses.


    But May was also a woman.


    No matter how much she loved Aaron, she couldn''t ept such a man.


    Aaron has yet to ept that his actions led to May''s suicide.


    Perhaps, he never will.


    But Casper couldn''t y this deadly game with him forever.


    He wouldn''t allow his loved ones, his children, to face constant danger.


    "You''re sick, you need proper treatment."


    Aaron paused, then burst into hystericalughter.


    "You think you can send me to Mercy Hospital too? Want me to end up mad like Robin? Casper, who do you think you are? The Almighty Himself, deciding who lives and dies?"


    "Aaron, you know my temper."


    He wasn''t one for lengthy discussions.


    If reason failed the first time, he wouldn''t bother a second.


    Refusing treatment meant either eternal confinement or death.


    Casper offered Aaron two paths.


    "Choose between life and death," Casper''s expression suddenly turned icy. "For the sake of our childhood friendship, I still want to give you a way out."


    "And if I choose your death?" Aaron suddenly grabbed Casper''s cor, ring fiercely. "Why do you get tox dictate my life and death? You''ve always overshadowed me since we were kids. Did you ever consider me your best friend? Casper, you''ve only ever seen me as your sidekick."

 Chapter 468

    Ever since they were kids, Casper and Aaron were inseparable-same schools, same sses, practically joined at the hip. They were so close, they could share anything, even their deepest secrets.


    Loyal sidekick? Really?


    So, this is how Aaron viewed their bond? Casper was gutted.


    "Of course, it''s easy for you to say that. The pain always falls on someone else." Aaron abruptly let go of Casper, stumbling back into a wicker chair, his body copsing like a rag doll. "I''ve always been second-best to you, but May was my everything... She died because of you too. How am I supposed to move on? I can''t."


    He didn''t even want to argue about it anymore. "Whatever you think, that''s on you. My conscience is clear."


    "Aaron." Casper had enough. "If May was really your everything, exin this: When you were off with other women, living it up, did you ever think about how that would shatter her heart?"


    Aaron froze, his eyes slowly losing their spark. He''d never faced this head-on. Always dodging, always pushing the me onto Casper.


    "If May really was your everything, how could you, after having her, go and be with other women? Aaron, your so-called love is just talk; your actions tell a different story. How can you even talk about love?"


    "Yeah, I don''t deserve it. I''m just... I just..." Aaron stammered, searching for excuses, but he realized he had none, other than ming Casper. "Yeah, I don''t deserve love. I''m unfaithful; I wasn''t devoted. But you can''t say I didn''t love May."


    Was that even love?


    Love isn''t about dodging guilt, shifting the me onto others. Using love as a weapon? That''s viinous.


    "Aaron, if you really loved May, go see her parents. Look at their gray hair, the old house filled with her photos, and their eyes, clouded from


    too many tears. Maybe then you''ll


    understand what real love is


    Aaron fell silent. His head dropped,


    and he clutched his hair tightly. Casper saw his body trembling uncontrobly, heard the low, muffled sobs. Maybe, just maybe, Aaron would finally get it. Casper hoped he would wake up.


    Leaving the Martin family home, Casper got into his car, his face heavy with emotion.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "Mr. Casper," Dillon said, handing him his watch. "Do you think Aaron had a moment of rity?" Whether Aaron truly got it, Casper couldn''t be sure. But this time, the message surely hit home.


    May was an only child, and her passing nearly broke her parents. During the years Caroline was abroad, Casper took it upon himself to visit the elderly couple. Honestly, those visits were gut-wrenching, leaving him heartbroken for days.


    "Keep an eye on Aaron. He''s unstable, no longer himself. If he tries to hurt my wife or kid again, I won''t hesitate to send him to May."


    That was his line in the sand. Aaron had onest chance-out of respect for their friendship.


    "Should we head back to Oak Falls?"


    "Let''s see Ms. Susan first. I''ve got some things to settle with her."


    "Got it."

 Chapter 469

    Susan had just seen the news from Oak Falls and was instantly gripped by fear. She bolted to Ronan''s ce for safety.


    When Ronan learned the whole story, he didn''t hold back. He gave her an earful, and not without reason. He wasn''t so much worried about Susan as he was about himself.


    Casper wasn''t just any guy. The woman Susan had wronged wasn''t merely his ex-wife; she was also the mother of his son.


    "How could you be so reckless? If someone had died, how would you make it right? Have you lost your mind? The Torres and the Welton families just started doing business together, and you''re already losing your cool..." Ronan fumed, pacing with his hands on his hips, nearly forgetting the half-eaten steak on his te. Wasn''t this ruining his big opportunity?ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    "...So what if he still has ties to his ex-wife? To climb to the top, to be thedy of a leading household, you need to turn a blind eye. And you couldn''t even manage that, resorting to drugging? Where did you even get such a substance?" Susan hadn''t wanted to resort to drugging herself. But Casper had pushed her too far. She''d lost her temper in the moment.


    "Someone gave it to me."


    "Someone gave it to you? Who would give you such a thing?" Ronan eyed his daughter skeptically. "Have you gotten involved with some shady characters?"


    "No," Susan murmured, her lips tight, barely daring to breathe. "It was Aaron who gave me the drug. He used to be a doctor, said the drug wouldn''t show up in any tests. Little did I know he was deceiving me."


    If she ever saw him again, she swore she''d p him hard.


    Ronan, looking at his foolish and impulsive daughter, didn''t know what to say. All he could hope for was that Casper wouldn''t be too unforgiving.


    *Ding dong.*


    The doorbell rang.


    Susan shrank back, scared. "Dad, is that Casper?"


    "Now you''re scared? Where was your brain when you did it?" Ronan, calming himself slightly, got up to open the door.


    Dillon stood outside, bowing respectfully. "Mr. Ronan, Mr. Casper sent me to escort Ms. Susan back to the Welton Estate. Is she here?"


    "She''s not feeling well, already asleep. Maybe another time," Ronan replied evasively.


    "Is that so?" Dillon didn''t seem to take the hint to leave. "Would you mind waking her up, then? It wouldn''t be good to keep Mr. Casper waiting."


    Ronan frowned in displeasure,


    having already tried to decline


    politely. Clearly, Dillon wasn''t taking no for an answer. Without wanting to be rude by sending him away directly, Ronan asked, "Is there


    something urgent?"


    "Mr. Casper indeed has some important matters to discuss with Ms. Susan. If you could please fetch her." Dillon''s polite yet insistent smile left no room for refusal.


    With a grunt, Ronan went back inside. "Susan, Casper is here to take you back to the Welton family. Will you go?"


    "I''m sick. I don''t want to go back," Susan said, feigning a nasal voice.


    Dillon, hearing clearly, cleared his throat and raised his voice. "Ms. Susan, it would be unfortunate to make Mr. Caspere up himself. You know his temper."


    "Even if I''m sick, it''s no good?"


    "I''m afraid not." Dillon''s tone was firm and unwavering.


    Whether Susan wanted to go or not wasn''t up to her, nor Ronan.


    "Why not?" Susan''s temper red, unwilling to listen to anyone. "Why does he get tomand, and I must obey?"


    "Mr. Casper mentioned that if Ms.


    Susan cannot be persuaded, he would simply halt the project Mr. Ronan is working on. I believe, Mr. Ronam." Dillon purposefully fixed his gaze on Ronan, "...would agree if necessary."


    "Susan, go back with Mr. Casper. Whatever it is, you can talk it over," Ronan reasoned, unwilling to let a multi-million dor project fall


    through because of his daughtel


    stubbornness. "I believe Mr. Casper


    is reasonable."


    "Dad..." Susan looked at her father in disbelief.

 Chapter 470

    He knew exactly what would happen if she went to see Casper. Wasn''t he worried about losing her? "...What if I go and can''te back? Then you''d have no daughter." "How could that be?" Ronan looked to Dillon for reassurance, "Dillon, that won''t happen, will it?"


    Dillon gave a slight smile he couldn''t answer that.


    Reluctantly, Susan was forced to follow Dillon. As they neared Casper''s car, her heart clenched with fear.


    "Ms. Susan, please get in the car," Dillon said, opening the door.


    Swallowing nervously, Susan nced at the man inside the car, hesitating, "Do I really have to?"


    "Ms. Susan, please," Dillon insisted.


    With no other choice, Susan braced herself and got into the car. It slowly rolled onto the road.


    Casper didn''t say a word or even look at Susan. Several times, she wanted to exin why she drugged Eliza, but seeing Casper''s cial expression, she swallowed her words.


    The tense, icy atmosphere persisted all the way to the living room of Welton Estate. Casper lounged on the sofa, legs crossed, a cigarette glowing red at the tip, smoke curling around him.


    "Enjoy drugging people, do you?" Casper tossed a solid gold lighter onto the coffee table, the sound sharp in the silence.


    Susan''s heart skipped a beat as she opened her mouth to exin.


    Casper took another drag from his cigarette, "Ms. Susan, you''re quite the bold one, aren''t you?"


    "I..."


    Before she could continue, Dillon stepped forward, cing several bottles on the table.


    "Pick one," Casper''s voice was colder than the winter wind outside.


    Susan didn''t understand what they were, but fear tightened her chest, "What? Pick one?" Casper lifted a finger.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Dillon then meticulously introduced each one "Ms. Susan, we have five options here: aphrodisiac, hallucinogen, diuretic, bone-piercing powder, and flesh-eating bug. Where would you like to start?"


    Susan''s eyes widened in shock. Start with which one? Was he going to make her take all of them?


    "Casper, you can''t do this. I know I shouldn''t have drugged Eliza, but I was angry because you two were sneaking around. Please, don''t do this..." Susan''s legs gave out, and she copsed to the floor. The floor was cold, but not as cold as Casper''s heart.


    She looked at him with despair, hoping he would show mercy.


    Casper tapped his cigarette into an elegant ashtray, "What? Are you scared now?"


    "Casper, I''m only twenty, just a foolish kid. Can''t you let it go? I


    can..." Susan crawled to him, clutching his legs, her eyes


    brimming with tears, "...I can get my dad to pay you. Please, let me go."


    "Let you go?"


    Casper seemed to find this amusing. His lips curled slightly, and he lifted his chin, "Hand."


    Confused, Susan held out her hand. Casper''s long fingers, still holding the cigarette, turned the lit end downward and pressed it into her palm. The burning pain was excruciating, and Susan screamed, "Ah..."


    Tears streamed down her face as she shook her hand frantically. The cigarette flew out, already extinguished.


    "Ms. Susan, when you were doing wrong, did you see yourself as a hero? Feeling like you could control others'' lives, getting a kick out of it?" Holding her burnt hand, Susan shook her head, utterly broken.


    "Casper, please, let me exin..."

 Chapter 471

    forgiven," he mused, "others send you straight to hell."


    Susan thought she was summoned to exin herself, but as he gently lifted her chin with his slender fingers and scrutinized her face, which bore a striking resemnce to Eliza''s, it became clear that exnations were the least of his concerns. "Some mistakes can be "Casper, Eliza isn''t dead, and I haven''t caused a major disaster. Please, let me go, and I''ll be grateful for the rest of my life," Susan pleaded, tears streaming down her face uncontrobly, fragile as a jasmine swaying in the wind.


    "Crocodile tears don''t earn sympathy," he said, dismissing her with a flick of his fingers, his gaze returning to the five bottles on the table. "Pick one to start."


    "I don''t want to," Susan stammered, trying to flee.


    Dillon was quick to act, pinning her down to the table, "Ms. Susan, will you do the honors, or shall I assist you?"


    "Please, let me go, Casper..." Susan was terrified.


    Each bottle promised agony; to consume all five was unthinkable.


    "Casper, my father can pay you. He can even give you the entire Torres Group. I''m the only daughter of the Torres family; he''d do it if you let me call him now," Susan''s eyes trembled with fear and desperation, bloodshot from terror and evasion. But she was unaware that Ronan would never hand over the Torres Group to Casper for her sake.


    "Ms. Susan, you seem to be mistaken. How could you be Mr. Ronan''s only daughter?" Dillon pulled out his phone, showing her a photo of a family of four, "Doesn''t he have two sons as well?"


    Susan''s pupils dted in disbelief.


    Sons? He had another family?Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    What did that make her and her mother? Lies? Deception?


    Betrayal or exploitation?


    "Why would he do this to us? How could he betray my mother, why..." Susan''s voice broke as she struggled like a caged animal, Dillon barely holding her down, "Ms. Susan, to Ronan, you were merely a pawn for an alliance. If a pawn makes a wrong move, being sacrificed is part of his n. Do you understand?"


    Augh of despair escaped Susan. She understood now.


    She was not the cherished jewel but a sacrificial piece of the Torres family, informed on her twentieth birthday of her arranged marriage with the Welton family. Even after §Ö discovering Jeffrey Welton''s annulment letter, she was deceived into believing the engagement stood as long as the Torres family agreed.


    Foolishly, she had fallen for Casper at first sight, visiting the Welton family, blinded by infatuation.


    She sought love, losing her rationale, making mistakes, while Ronan aimed to leech off the Welton family for his illegitimate sons.


    No one stood by her.


    A pawn? Now, she was nothing but a discarded piece.


    Overwhelmed by indignation and refusal to ept her fate, Susan grabbed the bottles, uncorked them, and downed their contents in one go. Dillon turned to Casper, who simply gestured with a calm demeanor, "Take her to Ronan. Let them deal with whether she lives or dies."


    As Dillon delivered Susan to Ronan,


    the potent effects of the


    concoctions, especially the parasitic one designed to torment and degrade, began to take hold


    He half-expected Ronan to erupt in rage upon seeing his daughter treated thusly, venting his frustrations and anger.

 Chapter 472

    Even in his rage, he made wild ims that Casper would pay for this. But he didn''t follow through.


    After locking Susan in her room, Ronan quietly pulled Dillon aside, "So, has Mr. Casper calmed down yet? I''ve got a few projects with Welton International and I can''t afford any fallout." Dillon''s brow furrowed slightly.


    He wasn''t a father, but he knew what a father''s reaction should be in this situation. Yet, Ronan was indifferent, more concerned with his business than his daughter. It pained Dillon to see.


    "Mr. Ronan, the business stuff will have to wait for Mr. Casper''s final word. Mr. Casper gave Ms. Susan a serious lesson, which you should understand."


    "Susan''s been spoiled and often messes up. Some punishment is deserved. As long as Mr. Casper cools down and our business isn''t affected, I''m fine with it."


    Ronan''s eyes were filled with insincere cheer. He was overly respectful to Dillon, anxious to avoid offending him, and eager for him to put in a good word with Casper. Before sending Dillon off, he slipped him a shopping card worth thousands. "Thanks for bringing Susan back, Mr. Dillon. Take care."


    Dillon nced at the card and smirked, disdainfully. From his initial arrogance with Casper to his current sycophancy, Ronan perfectly showcased the spectrum of human nature. It was just sad for Susan, in the prime of her youth. In the end... Dillon shook his head and tossed the shopping card into a nearby trash bin as he left.


    After wrapping up things in Falconridge, Casper and Dillon headed back to Oak Falls. Eliza was still in aa. All Casper could do was stay by her side.


    A week passed, but Eliza''s condition didn''t improve, making him increasingly uneasy. The doctor''s grave words brought even worse news.


    "In addition to the hallucinogens,


    we''ve identified a new drug in her system that stimtes blood vessels, and nerves. The situation is far moreplex than we initially thought. Prepare for the worst... The doctor''s serious tone was unsettling.


    11


    Even for someone as seasoned as Casper, his palms began to sweat. "Tell me the worst-case scenario." "She may never wake up," the doctor said.


    Casper''s heart tightened, nearly


    stopping his breath. Never wake up? He couldn''t ept that. His eyes watered as he looked down at the woman in the bed. Blurred by tears, he asked, "Is it a vegetative state or brain death?"


    "We need more tests to confirm," the doctor sighed. Medically speaking, one could breathe, and the other could not. But in essence, both were like being dead.


    "I need a definite answer." His voice was filled with anguish, his fists clenched.


    The doctor adjusted his sses, his expression somber as he nced at the woman in the bed. "Based on my experience, a vegetative state is more likely."


    A vegetative state meant there was still a chance she could wake up one day. That was a relief.


    "It''s okay, she''s just tired, just hurt, just angry. She''ll wake up." Casper leaned over, gently touching her face and hair. "Don''t be afraid, I''ll take you home, I''ll take good care of you."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    He pressed his lips to her forehead.


    Tears fell on her forehead, forming a shape like a broken heart. He wiped away the tear marks, a faint smile on his lips his fingertips gently


    her dry lips, "Don''t be afrasing

 Chapter 473

    Returning to Falconridge.


    Casper had practically transformed his home into a high-tech hospital ward. Besides the regr visits from doctors and nurses, he made it a daily ritual to talk to her. After a goodnight kiss, he would sleep on another single bed in the same room. As long as he could hear her breathing, he felt at peace.


    Caroline found out about this a monthter. Walking into the room Casper had meticulously prepared for Eliza, seeing the woman lying on the hospital bed as if asleep, her heart was suddenly gripped and then violently dropped. "How could..." she choked up, her eyes welling with tears, "...how could this happen?"Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Dillon briefly exined the situation, "Mr. Casper is looking for the best treatment options. Maybe one day, she''ll wake up."


    "Waking up from a vegetative state?" Caroline shook her head, her eyes filled with sorrow, "What if she never wakes up?"


    "Mr. Casper said that if she never wakes up, he will stay with her until he grows old and dies... that day."


    Dillon''s emotions surged, his nose tingling. That could be decades from now. In the long journey of life, he couldn''t imagine how Casper would endure. The only reasons he could think of were love and hope. Their faces were etched with sadness.


    After leaving the room, Caroline almost cked out, nearly falling, but Dillon caught her just in time. "Are you okay?"


    "Don''t touch me," she snapped, pushing him away and sinking into the sofa.


    Dillon, feeling helpless, poured her a ss of water and handed it over. "Have some water."


    "I don''t need your fake kindness," Caroline retorted, not in the mood for niceties.


    Dillon stood respectfully to the side, more like a guarding knight. She was most annoyed by his overly solemn facade. Always preaching about the boundaries between master and servant, no marriage, no romance, yet when it came to doing the unthinkable, manners and morals were thrown out the window. The worst part was, acting like nothing happened afterward.


    "Where''s Casper? Why hasn''t hee back yet?" she asked, restless.


    "Ms. Caroline, Mr. Casper went to pick up the young master. After picking him up, he''ll probably take him out for a bit before bringing him over," Dillon answered, his hands crossed in front of him, respectful as ever. Caroline nced at him. He avoided her gaze. Frustrated, she suddenly stood up. "Come with me, I have something to say to you."


    "Yes, ma''am."


    In Caroline''s car, the space was sealed, the windows tinted, nearly impossible to see inside from outside. Her breathing became rapid. Suddenly, she raised her hand, grabbing his cor, demanding, "What about that day? How do you n to resolve it?" "What does Ms. Caroline mean?" He was obviously a bit nervous.


    "What do you mean, acting like nothing happened? Dillon, are you ying games with me?"


    Caroline didn''t necessarily want him to take responsibility. Dillon was several years her junior, and she didn''t typically like men younger than her. It was a mistake that, something happened between them. For him to disappear and avoid seeing her seemed dishonorable.


    "Ms. Caroline, about that day..." Dillon swallowed nervously, "...how do you wish to resolve it?"


    Dillon couldn''t offer a solution. It wasn''t that he was refusing to take responsibility, nor was it that he didn''t want to. But given his status and position, how could he take responsibility?


    "I''m asking you." Yet he was throwing the question back at her.


    "I..." He stuttered, clearly unable to provide an answer.


    Caroline was somewhat


    disappointed. She loosened her grip on his cor, gently straightening it "Since Dion can''t think of a way to solve this, let''s keep this matter between us. You know, I know, and I don''t want a third person to find out. Can you do that?"

 Chapter 474

    Dillon froze for a moment, words escaping him. Caroline''s eyes narrowed. "Can''t handle it?"


    Keeping secrets had never been a problem for him. But deep inside, a sense of guilt gnawed at him. Guilt mixed with helplessness was a brutalbination, making him feel like he was roasting over an open me. In the end, though, he was powerless. "I can... I can do it."


    "Get out of the car," Caroline said in a chilly tone.


    Dillon opened the door and stepped out, then gently closed it behind him. The car sped off without a hint of hesitation. His face darkened, and he let out a small sigh. Some things were just beyond his control, no matter how much he wished otherwise. Raising his hand, Dillon pped himself, just as Casper was getting out of his own car.


    "Whoa, what''s up with Dillon? Hitting himself?"


    Dillon quickly pulled himself together and approached. "Mr. Casper."


    "I just saw Caroline leave. You two... had a spat?" Casper asked, tilting his head to get a better look at Dillon''s downcast face.


    "Mr. Casper, I wouldn''t dare argue with Ms. Caroline. You must be joking."


    Casper raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "It''s not often I see you this rattled, Dillon."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Mr. Casper, please, enough with the jokes. I have something serious to report," Dillon said, eager to change the subject. "It''s about the Torres family."


    Casper could guess where this was going. With his hands in his pockets, he started walking inside, his demeanor casual. "Go on."


    "Susan took those meds and jumped from a window. Luckily, it wasn''t a high fall, so she survived but broke her leg. The meds, though, messed up her organs and nerves. She''s physically wrecked and mentally incapacitated."


    Casper chuckled lightly. "Is that all?"


    "She''s ruined. But even now, Ronan''s arranged another marriage for her to the eldest son of the Snyder family from North City."


    Casper stopped in his tracks. The eldest Snyder son from North City... wasn''t he known to have Down syndrome? Ronan really was some father. "And his wife agreed to this?"


    "Susan''s mother was paralyzed giving birth to her. She can''t control Ronan''s decisions. Even if she disagreed, no one would listen to her." Casper didn''t say anything.


    Dillon stepped closer, continuing, "Ronan''s business dealings with Welton International are at a critical stage. I think-"


    "Do we need to look into this?"


    "I understand," Dillon replied, knowing exactly what Casper meant. Any misstep now, and the Torres Group would be in deep trouble. "Don''t worry, I''ll handle it." "Good. Now get to it. I need to spend time with Elle."


    Casper hurried into Eliza''s room. She


    was sleeping peacefully, like a modern-day Sleeping Beauty. He gently kissed her forehead and


    began recounting the day''s events to


    her


    IMS


    "Today, I took our son rock climbing. The poor kid was scared stiff and cried his eyes out, but he got the hang of it pretty quickly. I think he made a big breakthrough."


    "Don''t worry about our son. Robin''s treatment is ongoing, and I''ll do everything I can to make sure it works."


    "These past few days, I''ve been


    learning to bake. It''s tougher than it


    looks. Remember that box of


    cookies you made for me? I couldn''t


    bring myself to eat them; I''ve kept them all this time. Once you''re better, I''ll have you try my creations."

 Chapter 475

    He spoke softly, knowing she could hear him. She just couldn''t respond.


    Gently holding her hand, he picked up a nail clipper and began to trim her nails with meticulous care. Each movement carried his caution, tenderness, and unwavering love.


    Once he finished, he pulled a small white jewelry box from his pocket. Inside was a ring adorned with a three-carat diamond. He slipped it onto her ring finger with utmost tenderness.


    "This diamond isn''t much, just something for now. When I win the ''ze'' at the auction, I''ll make you a unique ring. I''ve never properly proposed to you, and I want to do it with the ''ze''. Will you say yes?" Holding her delicate hand, he kissed it gently. "Elle, please don''t turn me down when the timees, okay?"


    He firmly believed she would wake up. No matter what it took, he was determined to bring her back.


    After leaving the room, Casper headed downstairs. In the living room, Caleb was engrossed in an article on his phone about surgeries that could awaken someone in a vegetative state. "You''re back?" Casper asked.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "Yeah," Caleb replied, setting his phone aside and standing up. "You said my sister-inw had an ident. I finished my surgery and rushed back immediately."


    Casper motioned for him to sit and talk. "When ites to brain surgery, I trust no one but you. This time, it''s going to take extra effort."


    "Bro, that''s a lot of pressure," Caleb admitted, despite his extensive experience with brain surgeries. "But I''ll do my best, don''t worry." "Don''t stress about it, just... do what you can," Casper said, his voice tinged with sorrow. His hopeful anticipation was marred by uncertainty.


    "Bro, I''ll give it my all. From what I''ve


    seen in the scans, the bleeding in her brain isn''t too severe. Surgery should improve her condition somewhat. It''s the neurological damage that needs ongoing


    ewnovel


    medication for a gradual recovery. Essentially, she''s in a


    pseudo-vegetative state, which is


    easier to treat than a true vegetative state."


    Caleb''s words were meant tofort Casper. He had reviewed Eliza''s medical records and brain scans. Her vegetative state was due to both brain bleeding and drug-induced neurological damage. Full recovery was a long and uncertain journey. With luck, she might wake up after the surgery. If not, it could take multiple surgeries to achieve a wakeful state. The worst-case scenario would be a prolonged vegetative state. It was unpredictable.


    "I believe in you," Casper said, patting Caleb''s shoulder.


    "Okay."


    After discussing Eliza''s condition for a while, Caleb left. Casper sat alone in the living room, smoking through the night...


    The next morning, Casper drove to


    the three-story mansion where


    Tristan had been keeping his mistress After the attempted assassination and everything that followed, he''d been too preupied with Eliza''s condition to deal with it, but he hadn''t forgotten.


    Tristan had been under house arrest here. His beloved son was locked in the basement, just meters away from him, yet they couldn''t see each other. By now, both father and son were likely losing their minds.


    As Casper approached, the guards


    at the door unlocked the heavy door that had been sealed for a long time. Tristan, Sitting at a table, looked up as Casper entered. His reaction was unusually calm, as he carefully savored the red wine in his ss.

 Chapter 476

    "Well, look who finally remembered his old man," Tristan greeted, a smirk ying on his lips.


    "Seems like life''s been treating you well," Casper retorted, standing at the doorway without moving a muscle. "I assume Dillon already filled you in. Now, I want to hear your side."


    "Dillon imed I sent someone to kill you?" Tristan spat, his eyes shing with indignation. "That''s pure nonsense. He''s lost his marbles, and it sounds like you have too."


    "Wasn''t you?" Casper''s brow furrowed.


    "Casper, you''re my son. Why would I want to kill you? Even if..." Tristan''s face clouded with a mix of hurt and frustration, "...even if I did favor Shaun more, I''d never go that far. Do you really see me as that heartless?" Tristan''s expression seemed genuine enough.


    But then again, who else would pin such a grave usation on him out of the blue?


    "I''ll get to the bottom of this with Zach," Casper said, his tone resolute.


    "Be my guest," Tristan replied, taking a measured sip from his ss. "Sure, Shaun''s got ambition, but he''s locked up. How''d he have the means or the pull to hire a hitman? For free, no less?"


    Tristan''s logic seemed airtight.


    Casper''s dark eyes stayed unreadable. "Alright, since you''re so sure of yourself, answer me this: When I was presumed dead after falling off that cliff, why did you help Zach take over Welton International? Was it because I was gone, or did you think Caroline couldn''t handle it? You let an illegitimate child inherit Welton International-what were you thinking?"


    "This..." Tristan''s voice trailed off, the weight of the usation hanging in the air.


    He couldn''t find the words. It was a mess, but at the time, he genuinely believed Casper was gone for good. Welton International was meant to be passed down to a man, not a woman, and certainly not to a kid barely out of diapers. Handing it to Zach seemed like the only option.


    "If I''d known you''d survive, I wouldn''t have created this mess for myself," Tristan admitted.


    "Looks like you''ve really lost it," Casper said, his expression hardening. "In that case, I''ll have someone buy out your shares. It''s time for you to step down from Welton International."


    "You''re trying to ruin mepletely?" Tristan mmed his ss down, his chest heaving. "And what if I say no?"


    "You don''t get a say," Casper''s voice was icy, leaving no room for debate.


    "You... you really are something," Tristan muttered, pouring himself another full ss of wine and downing it. Casper turned to Dillon. "Bring Zach up here."


    "Yes, Mr. Casper."


    Zach, after being confined for so long, looked like a shadow of his former self. His hair was a tangled mess, his beard overgrown, and his clothes stained and tattered. He looked more like a man in his fate forties than the young man he once was.


    "Did you order the hit on me in Oak Falls?" Casper demanded.


    "Order what?" Zach''s brow furrowed slightly as he processed the question. "To kill you? I wish I could, but I''ve been in jail. How could I hire someone to kill you from in here? Casper, if you''re hell-bent on ming me, you don''t need to


    fabricate stories."


    In the game of power, you either win or lose.


    He lost, and he epted that.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Casper''s certainty began to waver. Neither of them?


    Then who could be using Tristan''s name to plot against him?


    Could he have misjudged them?


    If it wasn''t Tristan or Zach, it had to be someone close to them.


    But who could it be?


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 477

    On the day of Eliza''s surgery, Caroline showed up at the hospital to check on her. She wasn''t alone-she had a man with her, dressed sharply in a tailored suit that exuded an effortless air of sophistication. He was tall and handsome, with a gentle, refined demeanor that made him stand out.


    "I want you to meet my boyfriend, Luke," Caroline said, pulling Luke''s hand gently towards Casper. "This is my brother, Casper."


    Luke extended his hand to Casper with a warm smile. "Nice to meet you. Looking forward to getting to know you better." "Likewise," Casper replied, shaking his hand. He then nced over at Dillon, who stood there as calm andposed as ever. "Caroline, I heard Caleb is doing Eliza''s surgery. Do you think he''s got it under control?" Caroline''s voice carried a thread of concern. Casper wasn''t entirely sure, but he trusted Caleb''s skills. "I believe in him."


    "So, will Eliza wake up after the surgery?" Caroline asked hopefully.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    "It''s hard to say," Casper replied, trying to manage her expectations. "If she does, it would be a miracle."


    Caroline had nned to stay with Casper until the surgery was over, but her phone kept ringing with work calls. She sighed, clearly frustrated. "I have to get back to the office. If anything happens, call me," she said. "Don''t worry, I''ve got it covered here," Casper assured her.


    "I''ll go start the car," Luke said, heading out first.


    Caroline was about to leave when Casper stopped her. "Are you serious this time?"


    "About what?" she asked, looking confused.


    "I mean, with Mr. Song," Casper rified.


    Caroline gave a wry smile. "I''m in my thirties now. If I don''t get serious, I''ll end up alone. What, do you want me to be a spinster forever?"


    Casper shook his head. "That''s not what I meant."


    He nced at Dillon, then lowered his voice. "You and Dillon..."


    "What about us? Is he even in my league? He''s just an assistant. What could he possibly offer me? I''m not interested," Caroline said, her voice just loud enough for Dillon to hear. Dillon''s face fell slightly at her words.


    "I''m leaving now," Caroline said, not sparing Dillon another nce.


    Once she was out of earshot, Casper turned to Dillon and unexpectedly punched him in the chest. "Useless."


    Dillon lookedpletely bewildered, instinctively covering his chest. "Mr. Casper, what did I do?"


    "Caroline has a boyfriend now, and it''s not you. Doesn''t that make you feel useless?" Casper said, shaking his head in disappointment.


    Dillon''s eyes dropped, a mix of self-mockery and bitterness flickering in them. "Mr. Casper, you''re joking. What status do I have? How could I possibly be worthy of Ms. Caroline? You''re overestimating me.


    "It''s not about being worthy. I just thought you had strengths in other areas," Casper said, looking at Dillon''s confused face.


    Seeing Dillon''s baffled expression,


    Casper cleared his throat. "Look, you


    Even though you''ve chosen to follow me, your grandfather''s influence is still there. If you want to make something of yourself, it''s not impossible. I could even help you."


    Dillon had never considered striking out on his own. His mother had passed away early, and his uncles on his grandfather''s side were


    him Even though his grandfather adored him, the rest of the family kept their distance.


    domineering, never fully epti


    After reaching adulthood, Dillon had been by Casper''s side for many years and had grown ustomed to this way of life.

 Chapter 478

    Never indulge in impractical fantasies.


    "I''ve really enjoyed being your assistant."


    "Enjoyed it?" Casper sensed Dillon was on the verge of tears. "As long as you''re happy."


    That''s often how it is between men, a few words and the conversation ends.


    Casper could read Dillon''s emotions like a book, but he knew Dillon too well. Talking more wouldn''t help.


    He nced up at the light glowing above the operating room...


    That light symbolized hope and anticipation.


    He knew that the surgery probably wouldn''t wake Eliza up immediately.


    But he believed things would gradually improve.


    The surgery went off without a hitch.


    After Eliza was wheeled out of the operating room, Caleb filled Casper in on her condition and the progress she was making. Casper listened intently.


    He memorized every word Caleb said, not daring to forget anything.


    "Bro, during the surgery, I took a close look at my sister-inw''s condition. It''s not as bad as we feared. You need to keep the faith." Casper nodded, "I have to."


    "Oh, I just got a message from our great aunt. Caroline is bringing her boyfriend home for dinner tonight. Want to join?"


    Casper paused.


    He took it seriously.


    "I''ve already met him. I won''t go back. I need to stay with Elle."


    "Alright."


    Casper''s daily routine was simple.


    Work,e home, and be with Eliza.


    On weekends, he''d bring Brock home to spend time with her.


    A monthter.


    Eliza underwent a second surgery.


    Caleb said there was a good chance she would wake up, but the timing was still uncertain.


    It had be almost routine.


    Casper, while hopeful, kept his expectations in check.


    Sometimes, he even feared that the first thing Eliza would do upon waking up would be to leave him.


    But he wasn''t that selfish. Even if she wanted to leave, he wished her well.


    Once he epted this, he stopped dwelling on those troubling thoughts.


    Caroline got engaged.


    The wedding was set for three monthster.


    Both families had a meal together, and though the Sullivan family wasn''t as prestigious as the Welton family, their sincerity was evident. They prepared everything perfectly for Caroline''s marriage.


    Luke''s care for Caroline was also very thoughtful.


    In short... both families were satisfied.


    After the meal, Casper, worried about Eliza, returned home early.


    As soon as he walked in, the nurse ran out with teary eyes, nervously saying, "Mr. Casper, it''s bad, your wife is missing."N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Missing?


    Eliza is missing?


    How could she, aatose patient, be missing?


    "What do you mean? You''re saying... she''s gone?"


    "Yes, when was about to give her an injection, I found the room''s door open and the bed empty. She wasatose just a second ago, and the next second, she''s gone. Could it be someone took her?"


    The nurse spected nervously.


    Casper felt a tightness in his chest and hurried upstairs to check.


    The items in the room were mostly untouched, just the person was missing.


    A perfectly fine person, in their own home, how could she just disappear?


    "Mr. Casper, what do we do?" the nurse suggested.


    Casper''s pupils dted, and he turned back, shouting at the nurse, "Start searching! What are you doing standing here? Have you searched the entire house?"


    The nurse, scolded and trembling, shook her head, "Not, not yet."


    "Go find her."


    "Got it, Mr. Casper."


    The nurse ran out, and the household staff began a thorough search.


    Aatose patient, disappearing under everyone''s watch, was utterly baffling.

 Chapter 479

    Everyone was in a frenzy, searching high and low for her.


    Casper wasn''t cking off either.


    He meticulouslybed through every corner of the room and finally concluded that she had left on her own.


    Could it be that she had woken up?


    The moment that thought took root in his mind, his heart began to race uncontrobly.


    "Elle..."


    "Elle, where are you?"


    "Elle..."


    "Elle, are you awake? Pleasee out?"


    Other than the asional vehicle, the gates of the Welton Estate were always tightly shut. There was no way she could have just walked out. But where could she be hiding?


    The household staff had turned every storage room, garage, and closet upside down but hadn''t found a trace of her.


    Casper searched every bedroom, study, and both levels of the house several times, but she was nowhere to be found. Where on earth could she be?


    She couldn''t have just vanished into thin air.


    She had to be hiding somewhere.


    Back in his bedroom, he kicked the corner of the table in frustration.


    Suddenly, he heard a noiseing from the wardrobe.


    The furious man immediately calmed down, his steps bing slow and light, filled with caution and anticipation.


    Gently, he lifted his hand and flung open the wardrobe doors.


    There she was, curled up inside.


    She was tightly pressed against the wooden panel of the wardrobe, seemingly asleep, as tranquil and beautiful as she had been on her sickbed.


    He was eager to call out her name, but as the words reached his lips, he feared disturbing her and swallowed them back.


    He carefully lifted her out and gently ced her on the bed.


    She truly had woken up.


    Her awakening caught him off guard.


    Watching her sleep, his heart pounded uncontrobly.


    "You''re finally awake," he whispered, his slender fingers gently brushing strands of hair behind her ear, nting a kiss on her delicate face. "I''ve been waiting for you to open your eyes and look at me."


    Perhaps sensing his presence or simply having had enough rest, her thick, curled eyshes fluttered slightly as she slowly opened her eyes... Their gazes met.


    Reflected in her pupils was the sight of his eyes, reddened with excitement.


    He offered a gentle, serene smile, "You''re awake? Do you feel unwell anywhere?"


    Eliza''s gaze shifted slightly, looking at Casper with a hint of unfamiliarity.


    That faint trace of estrangement sent a chill down Casper''s spine.


    "You... don''t recognize me?" Please, not amnesia.


    Eliza lowered her eyshes, remaining silent.


    He grasped her shoulders, seeking confirmation again, "Elle, do you. remember me? I''m Casper, the man you despise the most, the man you''d rather die than stay with. Have you forgotten?"


    Eliza closed her eyes.


    She didn''t want to talk. She was so tired and just wanted a good rest.


    "Elle, wake up, please. Doctor, nurse,e here right now..."


    Casper was at a loss, visibly shaken and trembling.


    Eliza lifted her eyelids again, a slight frown on her forehead, "Casper, can you be quiet for a moment? You''re really loud." Casper was stunned.


    What did she just call him?


    Did she just say his name?


    She hadn''t lost her memory; she remembered him.


    He felt like crying andughing at the same time, a whirlwind of emotions ying across his face.


    Eliza thought: ... Is he out of his mind?


    Suddenly, he embraced her tightly,


    unable to hold back his tears,


    "You''ve finally awakened. You haven''t forgotten me, you still remember me. I''m so happy, I never thought a miracle would happen to me I''m truly overjoyed, so


    overjoyed..."


    His strong frame pressed down on her slender body, making her feel as if she was about to be crushed by his weight.


    Unable to bear it, she coughed lightly.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

 Chapter 480

    The man let go of her as if he''d been shocked, eyes wide with concern. "Did I hurt you?"


    "Casper, I just need some sleep."


    She felt like she''d been dreaming forever.


    In her dreams, Casper would go on and on about the little things in life and his work, every single day.


    Every. Single. Day. It was exhausting.


    She didn''t want to hear it. She wanted to tell him to stop, but no words came out when she opened her mouth.


    Finally, she woke up, but she was so, so tired.


    "How about I sleep with you for a bit? Is that okay?" he asked, looking almost pitiful, like he was bracing himself for rejection.


    Eliza didn''t even have to think. "I want to sleep alone for a bit."


    "Alright." He forced a smile, looking a bit down. "I''ll make you some food. You''ve been asleep for ages, you must be starving. I''ve learned a new recipe, I''ll cook it for you."


    He turned to leave but came back to kiss her on the lips. "You sleep. I''ll wake you when it''s ready."


    Watching him leave with such excitement, Eliza''s eyes dimmed.


    She knew that everything in her dream had actually happened.


    The words Casper had said, his expressions of longing, even the three-carat diamond ring on her finger and his proposal-she remembered it all.


    Her feelings were a tangled mess.


    She just wanted to sleep; maybe when she woke up, everything would be clearer.


    Casper rolled up his sleeves and got busy in the kitchen.


    He didn''t let anyone help, nging and ttering away, but in a methodical way.


    When Eliza woke up, he was still in the kitchen, making dessert.


    Though the rabbit-shaped dessert didn''t look much like a rabbit, and the corn-shaped one didn''t look much like corn, he seemed happy.


    Eliza stood at the kitchen door, watching him scurry around, feeling something she couldn''t quite name.


    "Hey," she coughed lightly on purpose.


    He turned saw her, and after quickly washing his hands, rushed over to support her. "Why did youe down? You should''ve stayed in bed. I''d have brought it up when i was ready."


    "I''ve been lying down for days, I''m tired of it. She sat at the dining table in front of the kitchen, looking at the three dishes and a soup. "Did you make all this?"


    oneN?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    "Yep, try it." He handed her a fork, eyes full of hope. "I made it to your taste."


    "You know my taste?" she asked, tilting her head.


    Casper looked a bit sheepish but didn''t lie. "I asked... Juan."


    Juan?


    Really?


    "So, Mr. Casper needs others to learn about me?" She frowned, disappointed. "Where''s the sincerity in that?"


    "You''re right." He admitted his


    mistake. He hadn''t done his


    homework before, but he promised to get to know her better from now


    on. "won''t do that anymore


    Casper looked like a kid who''d been caught doing something wrong.


    Eliza saw the word ''pitiful'' written all over him for the first time.


    An illusion.


    It was all an illusion.


    She didn''t eat much, but she tried every dish.


    The vors weren''t Michelin-star level, but they suited her taste, showing he''d really put his heart into it. She suddenly felt a wave of emotion.


    When they first got married, she''d bent over backward to please him, only to be met with disdain.


    And now, here he was, standing in front of her, serving her like a servant.


    It made her think of the saying, "What goes aroundes around."


    Was this the result she wanted?


    She looked down at the diamond ring on her finger and took it off. "Casper, take this back."


    "You don''t like it?" he asked cautiously.


    Eliza shook her head. "It''s not that I don''t like it, it just doesn''t feel right. Let''s find time to get a divorce, shall we?"

 Chapter 481

    He always knew that once she woke up, she''d want a divorce.


    "Please, can we not get divorced?" he pleaded, practically on his knees in front of her, holding her hands like his life depended on it. "You promised to give me a chance. You can''t just go back on that." "When did I ever promise you anything?" she shot back. "You made that promise to yourself."


    Alright then.


    Even if he had just imagined she agreed, in his mind, she had given him a chance. There was no turning back now.


    "Eat something, and if you don''t like the ring, just forget about it." He didn''t take the ring back, quickly shifting gears. "I''ll call Dr. Caleb toe over and check on you again."


    Casper made himself scarce. He wasn''t in the mood to hear Eliza''s rejection.


    When Caleb got the call, he arrived at Casper''s ce in no time t.


    Seeing Eliza awake felt like a miracle.


    She was in good spirits, thanks to not being out for too long. If she''d been in aa for a year or more, she''d probably be a shadow of her former self.


    "Wow, sis, I guess my surgery wasn''t for nothing."


    Eliza nced up at Caleb, who was grinning ear to ear, remembering how he''d trashed everyone else during the surgery.


    "Then I owe you thanks, Dr. Caleb, not just for your skills but for your fascinating lifementary."


    Caleb''s smile faltered, his lips twitching awkwardly. "Sis, you didn''t... hear any of that, did you?"


    "I heard it all." She nodded.


    "That was just me venting, talking nonsense. You can''t take any of it serious?y,¡± he whispered, leaning in close. "Especially the stuff about my brother. Please don''t tell him


    en


    "We''ll see," Eliza smirked.


    Caleb thought to himself, These two are something else.


    swn?


    Regardless, he had work to do. After drawing some blood from Eliza and running a few routine tests, he turned back to her.


    PelN?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    "I''ll need to take this blood back for testing. You need to rest for the next few days. You just woke up, so avoid any strenuous activities," he said with a cheeky grin, whispering, "Especially... that. You know my brother''s been holding back for so long... Just be careful."


    Eliza''s face turned bright red.


    Blushing, she red at Caleb. "What are you thinking? Your brother and I are getting a divorce, how could we still..."


    "The divorce is your idea. My brother''s never wanted to leave you," he muttered quietly.


    Eliza didn''t catch that. "What did you say?"


    Caleb quickly shook his head. "Nothing, I didn''t say anything. I should get going."


    After he left, she sat on the sofa for a while, her vision blurring. Rubbing her eyes, they felt sore and swollen.


    Casper came over, sitting down next to her and naturally taking her hand in his, kissing it gently. "Tired? Maybe you should rest upstairs?"


    "Casper, can you not touch me?" She pulled her hand away, shifting to the side. "I want to leave tomorrow."


    "Leave to where?" He followed her move, looking puzzled. "You''re not fully recovered yet, and you''re this eager to get away from me?"


    "It''s not about escaping, it''s..." She


    needed time to think. Casper being around was unsettling her heart, but she couldn''t just say that. "I miss Brock."

 Chapter 482

    "If you want to see Brock, I can bring him over anytime." He held her hand tightly, as if letting go meant losing her forever. "Elle, promise me you won''t leave, okay?"


    Eliza pulled her hand away, irritation flickering in her eyes.


    She was in aa because of Casper.


    All his flings, each one more trivial than thest, had left her the one deeply scarred. It just didn''t seem worth it anymore.


    "Casper, if I stay, I''ll just get hurt again. This time it was Susan, but what about next time? Your business empire is always expanding, and with it, one woman after another wille and go. Putting our past aside, do you really think I can ept the person you''ve be?"


    "Susan was a mistake, and I''ve taken care of it." He tried to assure her, knowing he could promise there wouldn''t be any more womening between them in the future. "I didn''t think it through, but it won''t happen again."


    "We..." She struggled to find the right words for her tangled emotions.


    Since their reunion three years after their separation, every sacrifice he had made yed out in her mind like an old movie reel.


    To win her forgiveness, he had let her stab him without resistance.


    To save Brock, he had willingly plunged into the sea, risking his own life.


    And to save her, he had fallen into a deep abyss, wrecking his car and nearly dying.


    To say she wasn''t moved at all would be a lie.


    Old grudges could be forgiven, but... marriage is not child''s y. That failed marriage had stripped her of the courage to love again. Maybe, in time, she could find it in herself to love someone else, but if that person was Casper, it just didn''t seem necessary.


    She was a good ex, but was she a good mother?? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    They had a child together.


    She knew a child growing up in aplete family had a better chance at a healthy development, both psychologically and physically. But she was terrified of making the wrong decision, which left her feelingpletely lost.


    "Casper, why do we have to be together? Because we have a child?


    Or because... if you don''t fix your.


    regrets, you''ll live with guilt forever?"


    Casper couldn''t pinpoint it either.


    Maybe it was love, more than anything else.


    "Maybe it''s both, but my love for you started the moment we met on that bridge."


    Eliza looked into his eyes, those beautiful eyes that were just the right size to convey an air of authority with the slightest squint.


    Did he know that during their marriage, she had been afraid of seeing him look at her like that?


    She wasn''t sure if she''d still be afraid in the future.


    Her eyshes fluttered down gently as she murmured, "I heard Goodwin''s in the south of the city has a new product. I''d like to try it." "I''ll go get it."


    Casper didn''t hesitate for a second. He grabbed his coat from the rack, took the car keys, and headed out.


    The weather was far from cooperative.


    Snow mixed with rain started to fall making the roads wet and slippery. Even the best luxury cars didn''t stand a chance against the skidding.


    From Welton Estate to Goodwin''s in the south of the city, the round trip took about an hour.


    By the time he got out of the car, his


    quickly


    hair and shoulders were quickly


    soaked by the snowy rain, and with a gust of wind, ice started to form.


    Just a few short steps, and his hair looked as though it was frosted.


    When he took out the still-warm Osmanthus Pumpkin Cake from his coat, Eliza couldn''t help but feel a bit moved.


    "Is the snow outside that heavy?"


    "It''s not too bad." He smiled gently, handing the Osmanthus Pumpkin Cake to Eliza. "It''s still warm, eat it while it''s hot."

 Chapter 483

    Pumpkin spice cake, fragrant and tender.


    Eliza picked up a piece and took a gentle bite, savoring the sweetness. "Casper, did you... did you use to brave the cold and snow to get whatever Nova wanted?" Casper hesitated. "Well...yeah, I did."


    He had indeed bought many things for Nova when she needed them, but that was when he mistook Nova for Eliza.N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    "It was a mistake on my part, seeing her instead of you," he said, a bit embarrassed. "In a way, you could say it was all for the you in my heart."


    "Tsk," Eliza rolled her eyes yfully.


    Casper quickly adopted a tender, pleading demeanor, carefully holding her delicate hand. "I know I messed up. Give me another chance."


    "Casper, considering all you''ve done over time, I''ll give you a chance, but..." She nibbled on the pumpkin spice cake, taking a slow, small bite. "...I can''t guarantee what you''ll get out of it." Casper''s face lit up with joy.


    As long as she was willing to give him a chance, he would do everything in his power to win her over.


    "It doesn''t matter, as long as you''re giving me a chance. I''ll make sure to do my best." He leaned in to kiss the back of her hand, but she pulled it away, lowering her gaze. "Don''t get too optimistic. I''m just giving you a chance; it doesn''t mean anything." "I understand," he said, smiling obsequiously.


    Suddenly, Eliza''s vision blurred as if covered by a thin veil, like an overcast sky.


    Strange.


    What was wrong with her eyes?


    She put down the pumpkin spice cake, intending to wash her face. As soon as she stood up, her vision turnedpletely dark.


    She staggered, losing her bnce. Casper noticed and quickly stepped forward, steadying her. "What''s wrong? Are you feeling okay?"


    "Casper..." she panicked, fearfully reaching out and groping the air. "...I think I can''t see. My eyes, I think I''ve gone blind."


    "Can''t see?" He waved his hand in front of her eyes, but there was no response. "How could this happen?"


    "Casper, I think I''m blind." Could she have slept too much and damaged her eyes?


    She didn''t know.


    Her heart suddenly felt anxious and confused.


    Casper''s hands tightly wrapped


    around Eliza''s trembling fingers,


    softlyforting her. "Don''t h


    afraid. We''re going to the hospital right away."


    He floored the elerator.


    The car shot forward like an arrow, heading straight for the Welton International-owned private hospital.


    Upon arrival, Casper carried Eliza, rushing through the corridor into the emergency room.


    They happened to run into Caleb.


    "Brother, what happened?" Concern filled his eyes.


    "Elle suddenly lost her sight," Casper ordered calmly amidst his panic. "Quick, get an ophthalmologist here, to the emergency room, to save her." "Right away," Caleb didn''t hesitate for a moment.


    Eliza was rushed into the emergency room.


    Falconridge''s finest ophthalmologists also arrived at the emergency room to start treatment.


    Casper pulled Caleb aside, puzzled


    "What''s wrong with my


    sister-inw''s eyes? How could she suddenly lose her sight? Is it rted to her being in aa?"


    Caleb had never seen such a case before but didn''t rule out the possibility ofplications.


    "My guess is, it might be rted to the hallucinogens she took. The side effects of those drugs could lead to retinal disease, which might have urred while she was in aa, plus she''s been lying down for so long, so..."


    Retinal atrophy, disease, and detachment were all very real possibilities.

 Chapter 484

    Casper knew exactly what was at stake.


    His biggest worry now was whether this condition was treatable. "If there''s an issue with the retina, could she actually go blind?"This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    "If it involves the cornea, then the only solution is a transnt."


    Casper''s face turned deadly serious as he stared deeply into the emergency room. He couldn''t help but feel a wave of guilt wash over him. If he hadn''t rushed into getting engaged to Susan, none of this would''ve happened. The pain Eliza was going through was entirely his fault. And Susan, the real culprit behind all this, needed to face the consequences.


    "Let''s start with treatment. If that doesn''t work, we''ll go for the transnt. We''ve got a donor lined up."


    Caleb looked a bit shocked. "Bro, you''re nning to donate your cornea to her?"


    "It won''te to that. We have someone else who''ll donate," Casper said, his dark eyes zing with determination. "And don''t let your sister-inw find out about this."


    "Got it."


    Caleb scratched his head, wondering how Casper had found a donor so easily. But knowing Casper''s resources, it wasn''t too surprising.


    After they left the emergency room, the doctor told Eliza that her eyes had indeed suffered due to the drug Susan had used, resulting in a disease. To keep her from panicking, they assured her that her blindness was temporary and she''d recover in a couple of weeks. Eliza didn''t worry too much about it, but not being able to see made life incredibly tough. She wasn''t used to Casper taking such hands-on care of her. Especially when it came to going to the bathroom; she preferred a nurse to help. When there wasn''t a nurse around, she tried to manage on her own.


    After a few nasty falls, Casper blew up at the nurses, and a few even got fired because of it. Eliza felt awful and was cold towards Casper.


    "Do you realize that now even fewer nurses will want to help me?" she said, unable to see and feeling utterly helpless. "It''s like you''re making things worse for me on purpose."


    "They were helping you, yet you still ended up like this?" He hated seeing her suffer but didn''t want to make her angrier, so he kept his temper in check. "From now on, if you need to use the bathroom, just tell me. I can help you."


    "You''re a man, and I''m a woman. Do you really think that''s appropriate?" Eliza snapped.


    "What''s so inappropriate about it? Haven''t I seen everything already? We''ve been


    her modtimate!" He thought


    her modesty was misced. He had taken time off work just to care for her. It''s just about pulling down and putting up pants. I can handle that."


    Seriously, what a thing to say.


    Was that something to casually be seen by anyone?


    "Anyway, I''m notfortable with it." She needed a female caregiver for these things. "Can you hire someone for me?"


    "No caregivers, but you''ve got a husband," he said, t-out refusing her reasonable request. He wasn''t going to let anyone else take care of her when he could. "In a bit, I''ll help you with a bath, and then you can rest."


    "Casper!!!"


    Did he really have to push it?


    She was seriously ufortable with a man seeing her naked.


    "If you insist on helping, then I''d rather not bathe."


    "Would you rather stay dirty?" He understood her difort but reminded her they had once been so close. "Elle, I''m not a stranger. Why are you making this so hard? Just trust me."


    "No," she clung to herself tightly, her vacant eyes filled with defiance. "Casper, don''t take advantage of me when I''m vulnerable. I''ll lose respect for you." "What are you saying? How is this taking advantage of you? It''s just a bath. You''re acting like it''s some sort of punishment."


    He decisively scooped her up.


    Amid her screams, he carried her towards the bathroom.

 Chapter 485

    The VIP ward was a luxury suite with all the bells and whistles. Even the bathroom boasted a jacuzzi. Welton International Hospital had only three such suites, and they cost a small fortune. Few could afford them. Eliza''s suite was being used for the first time. "Elle, this jacuzzi is reallyfy, perfect for... a couples'' bath," Casper teased, shing a grin.


    Eliza red at him, her eyes zing, "You said you didn''t want to take advantage of me? Casper, have you no shame? I only agreed to give you a chance, and if you keep this up, you''ll blow it."


    "I was just offering to help you bathe, not suggesting we share a couples'' bath," he chuckled, reaching to unbutton her clothes, his lips brushing her ear, "Ms. Eliza, you''re thinking dangerously."


    Eliza''s ears turned crimson. "I wasn''t thinking anything inappropriate. You''re the one trying to take advantage of me," she stammered.


    "If I wanted to take advantage of you, given your current state, I would have...," his slender fingers gently traced her cheek, his voice as soft as a whisper, low and husky, "...had you eight hundred times over." "Shameless." Her fair neck flushed deep red.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Heughed, triumphant, "Alright, undress and behave."


    "Get out, I can wash myself," Eliza protested. Just because she was blind didn''t mean she was okay with being exposed, "Hurry up and leave."


    "Okay, I''m leaving. Be careful," he said, turning to walk away, reaching for the doorknob.


    As the door closed with a thud, Eliza''s dim eyes twitched slightly, "Casper? Have you left?"


    "Casper?"


    "Casper, did you really leave?"


    Receiving no answer, she began to undress herself.


    And the man, who had never left his spot by the door, watched closely as her fingers moved...


    Eliza''s figure was stunning, rivaling top celebrities and models, even after having a child.


    To put it simply, it ignited a fire in him.


    An inevitable reaction urred.


    He couldn''t deny his desire for her, wanting her more than once.


    But he couldn''t act on it.


    Suppressing his desire, he stood still, carefully watching her fumble, not daring to be distracted.


    Her movements were clumsy and cautious.


    But she took each step with great care.


    This reassured him somewhat.


    Watching her carefully step into the bathtub, he deliberately made noise with the doorknob.


    "Casper?" Eliza, startled, hugged her chest, "Why did youe back in?"


    "Here to help you wash," he said, striding to the bathtub, "Need help scrubbing your back?"


    "No need." She just wanted a simple soak, worried about what he might do, "Leave, I''ll call if I need help."


    "Such a stranger." He smiled, "We haven''t even filed for divorce yet, we''re still husband and wife. No need to be so formal."


    ?????


    "Casper." Eliza was getting angry, blind though she was, she could sense his presence, "Keep provoking me, and I''ll end your chances of winning me back right now.


    "Don''t, please." He was genuinely worried, dropping the yful tone, turning serious, "I need to tell you, you''ll need another surgery on your eyes. After the surgery, you should regain your sight."


    "Oh." She knew it was only a matter of time, but the thought still infuriated her, "If you hadn''t gotten engaged to Susan, she wouldn''t have targeted me. I must have owed you in my past life to suffer this much now."


    Guilt was evident on Casper''s softened expression.

 Chapter 486

    Eliza was spot on.


    But he swore this was thest time she''d suffer because of him. "Don''t worry, it won''t happen again, never again."


    "What won''t happen?" she asked.


    "I won''t let you get hurt like this again. No more getting engaged to random women, no more keeping things ambiguous. I''ll be faithful to you for the rest of my life. I mean every word." Casper sounded pretty convincing.


    Eliza: ...??? (Confused face)


    Faithful?


    He sure knew how to pat himself on the back.


    Him, faithful to someone else?


    How many times had he been with Nova, and now he talked about faithfulness?


    "Casper, lying like that is asking to be struck by lightning."


    "I''m not lying. Besides you, I haven''t been with anyone else."


    Even kissing he barely did that with Nova.


    Sometimes, he found it really weird.


    He had seen Nova as a cherished crush.


    He was incredibly indulgent and affectionate toward her, but he never felt desire for her.


    Desire, it was about the eyes and the heart. Initially, his desire for Eliza was purely physical, but at some point, it had shifted to his heart.


    When was that?


    Maybe when he secretly saved their wedding photo on his phone.


    He smiled.


    Made a noise by ident.


    Eliza didn''t know what he wasughing at, but his im sounded like a joke. "Casper, do you even believe yourself? You, who turns into an animal in bed, would only have me?" "Believe it or not, you''re the only one." He said yfully, continuing to wash her with a towel. "I might be strong in that department, but usually, I''m pretty restrained." She didn''t believe him.


    In her tangled history with Casper, she had once thought he had a sex addiction.N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    Restrained was thest word she''d use to describe him.


    Of course, Casper didn''t bother exining further.


    These things, if you believe them, they exist; if you don''t, they don''t.


    After the bath, Elizay in the hospital bed, staring into the darkness, feeling a bit scared.


    "Casper, do you think my eyes will really get better?"


    "Of course." He looked at her dazed little face, understanding her worries, and gently held her small hand. "It''ll be fine after the surgery."


    "What''s actually wrong with my eyes? Is it a problem with the cornea?"


    Casper didn''t want to tell her the truth, so he continued tofort her. "It''s not that serious."


    Eliza didn''t push further, deciding to drop it.


    "I''m tired."


    "Then get some sleep."


    He tenderly stayed by her side until Eliza fell asleep.


    Only then did he leave the hospital room.


    Casper called Dillon, and they headed to Ronan''s ce.


    After the business ties with Welton International were severed, Ronan was kicked out of some shady deals because of his fallout with Welton International.


    While he hated Casper, he hated his own daughter''s ipetence even more.


    Fortunately, although Susan had be somewhat foolish and insane, at least she had been ''sold off.''


    Once the ceremony waspleted, he could return.


    Seeing Casper, he was a bit surprised and angry.


    But he didn''t know why Casper was


    there. "M Casper, what brings you here? quilty about business


    anding to apologize? I might not ept it."


    "Mr. Ronan, you''re overthinking. I''m here for something." Casper said coldly.


    Ronan was slightly startled.


    Here for something?


    After causing him to lose hundreds of millions, he still had the nerve to ask for something. "I don''t have what Mr. Casper wants here Please, feel free to leave."


    "Mr. Ronan, please bring Ms. Susan out. Mr. Casper has important matters to discuss with her," Dillon said, not bothering to beat around the bush.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 487

    Ronan stared at Casper, dumbfounded. "What do you mean, Mr. Casper? Haven''t you already called off the engagement? Why are you still looking for Susan? Don''t you know she''s already engaged to someone from the Snyder family in Northside?" Ronan''s face soured.


    Casper shot him a dismissive nce, a smirk ying on his lips. "Who she''s engaged to isn''t my concern. I''m here to get something from her."


    "What ''something''?" Ronan demanded.


    Dillon stepped forward, a deep frown creasing his brow. "Mr. Ronan, just call Ms. Susan out. No need for all these questions."


    "You''re here asking me for something, and I can''t even ask what it is?" Ronan snapped, his anger tinged with impatience. "Susan''s already been tormented to the point of breaking. What could she possibly have that you want?"


    "Mr. Ronan, I hope you can cooperate," Dillon said softly, rolling up his sleeves. "You know Mr. Casper''s temper. He''s not known for his patience."


    "So what?" Ronan sneered, defiance zing in his eyes. "You really think you can do whatever you want in Falconridge, like it''s your family''s yground? What happened to thew?"


    "Law?" Dillon chuckled. "In Falconridge, Mr. Casper is thew. What he wants, he gets."


    "You... you..." Ronan''s fingers trembled as he pointed at Dillon. He couldn''t win this argument or this fight, and it infuriated him. "At least tell me what you''re here to take. Otherwise, I''m not letting Susan go with you." "Her cornea," Casper said coldly.


    Ronan was stunned. He had imagined many scenarios, but this wasn''t one of them. "What? Her cornea? Why do you need that? If you take it, she''ll be blind. Who would want a blind girl? On what grounds are you taking my daughter''s cornea?" But Ronan''s thoughts were more on what use Susan would be without her sight.


    "Because she drugged my wife and made her suffer needlessly," Casper retorted, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "Not just her cornea-even if it were her life, she''d have to give it up. Otherwise..."


    He turned to face an enraged Ronan. "...if you''re willing to take her ce, I''m fine with that."


    "You... you..." Ronan stammered, knowing he couldn''t sacrifice his own eyes. Casper was being utterly unreasonable. "You don''t need to be so ruthless. The harm your wife suffered-wasn''t it your fault? If you hadn''t gotten engaged to Susan in the first ce, none of this would''ve happened."


    Casper acknowledged the truth in Ronan''s words, but being called out on it was a direct challenge.


    Ronan might not be able to bear the consequences of angering him.


    "Looks like you''re not nning to leave Falconridge, Mr. Ronan," Casper said, turning slightly to give Dillon instructions. "Book a VIP room for MORonan. Let him experience


    our hospitality to the f


    "Yes, sir."


    Ronan''s heart sank, a sense of dread washing over him. "What do you mean, Mr. Casper? Are you putting me under house arrest?"


    "You got it," Casper replied bluntly.


    Ronan was speechless.


    He hadn''t expected Casper to be so forthright.


    Powerful people never needed to mince words.


    "Please, no, Ronan pleaded, immediately lowering his tone. In Falconridge, Casper was king, and Ronan knew he had no choice but toply. "Take Susan with you, but..."


    Dillon''s eyes darkened. "Mr. Ronan, you still have conditions?"


    "No, I wouldn''t dare,¡± Ronan stammered. "I just mean, after you take Susan''s cornea, could you sendContent rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    someone to bring her pe


    Ronan''s fear was palpable. His legs felt like jelly.


    Dillon nodded. "Of course."


    Eliza''s surgery went smoothly.


    The cornea transnt was a sess.


    However, her eyes needed time to heal, so she remained unable to see for the time being.

 Chapter 488

    Casper brought Brock to see her.


    It had been ages since Eliza and her son had seen each other, and Brock clung to her, chatting non-stop.


    Eliza hugged him tightly; she missed him so much and felt a mountain of guilt. He needed love and care the most at this age, but she had been so caught up in her own troubles that she couldn''t give him the attention he deserved. "Sweetheart, have you beenfortable staying at Grandma Audrey''s?" Her voice was gentle, filled with warm concern.


    The little guy nodded. "Grandma Audrey is really nice to me, and so are Mr. Casper and Aunt ire."


    Mr. Casper? Casper hadn''t told Brock he was his father? Did he not want to acknowledge Brock?


    "Did Mr. Casper... say he''s helping to find your dad?" Eliza was eager to know what they had talked about.


    Brock''s big, beautiful eyes turned thoughtful. "Mr. Casper said he''s already found my dad, but dad is... busy... Mom, what does my dad look like? Why doesn''t he want us? Is it because I''m not good enough?"


    "No, of course not." She felt the self-me in his voice and hugged him tighter, her heart aching. "Dad left because of some issues between mom and dad. Dad definitely loves you, Brock."Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    "But..." Brock tilted his head, puzzled. "...if dad loves me, he would definitelye to see me. Why hasn''t hee to see me even once?"


    Eliza was at a loss for words. "Dad is... very busy."


    "Then he must not love me." Brock looked hurt, propping up his small face, his eyes dimming. After a moment of silence, he looked up at Eliza. "Mom, maybe you could find me a new dad." Eliza awkwardly grinned. "A new dad?"


    "Yeah, or maybe..." Brock suddenly got excited. "...Mom, let Mr. Casper be my dad! I really like him. He picks me up from school, takes me to school, and even takes me out to have fun. I really like him." Eliza was speechless. How should she tell him that Casper was his biological father? "Let me... think about it, okay?"


    "Yay, yay!" Brock seemed to take her words as a sort of affirmation. "Then mom has to really think about it seriously." "Okay."


    After Casper asked Dillon to take Brock back to the family mansion, he walked into the hospital room and sat in front of Eliza, looking quite pleased. "What did the little guy talk about? He didn''t say anything bad about me, did he?"


    "You haven''t told him that you''re his dad?"


    Eliza wanted to know what Casper was thinking. They had discussed this before; during Brock''s time with the Welton family, there had been plenty of opportunities.


    "This...?" Casper indeed hadn''t made this clear. Actually, he wanted Eliza to tell Brock herself.


    "Casper, if you don''t want to acknowledge Brock, just tell me directly. What''s the point?"


    From Eliza''s perspective, Casper''sck of action in acknowledging Brock for so long indicated his reluctance. When they got married, he didn''t want her to have children. Deep down, he probably didn''t value the child she bore at all. He could dote on and take care of him, but he wouldn''t give him a proper status. The reason for not undergoing a paternity test was probably because he fundamentally didn''t want a legally binding document, allowing him to shirk responsibility at any time. Her cherished child might not be so cherished by Casper. She understood.


    "Casper, I know Brock''s


    temperament he''s gentle, not the brightest, timid, and shy, far from the image of the son you''ve envisioned. It''s normal if you don''t like him if you don''t, no one is forcing you. But there''s really no need to make promises against your will."

 Chapter 489

    Casper froze for a second. He knew Brock was nothing like him, but he also knew why the kid was so timid.


    Ever since Eliza left a few years ago, their son had grown up without a dad around. Brock''s over-sensitivity made him cautious about everything. How could a kid with no one to back him up be expected to be bold and carefree? That was on him as a father. No matter what, he could never dislike his own child. And this was the child of the woman he loved. What was she even thinking?


    "You''ve got it wrong," he said.


    Eliza shook her head slightly, her mind seemingly made up. "I haven''t misunderstood, Casper. Let''s just leave it, alright?"


    Leave it? Leave what exactly?


    "What I mean is..." He tried to exin why they hadn''t recognized each other yet, but Eliza cut him off. "Casper, I get what you mean. Let''s just leave it. Pretend his dad is already dead, gone without a trace." Casper: ...???


    "Eliza, don''t be so stubborn. What do you mean by ''you get it''? What do you think you understand? Why don''t you ever listen to exnations and just jump to conclusions?"


    He was genuinely upset, and his tone showed it.


    Eliza, already feeling wronged, burst into tears. "What right do you have to yell at me? Just because you paid for my eye surgery? Let me tell you, Casper, I went blind because of you. You owe me, not the other way around." Angered, she reached to tear off the bandages over her eyes.


    Casper quickly stopped her, "What are you doing? Joking with your own eyes? You just had surgery, and it''s not healed yet. Do you want to go blind again? Can''t you be a bit more sensible?"


    "Not sensible?" She gave a bitterugh, his anger only proving her point. "Yeah, I must be really foolish to believe that you would willingly be Brock''s dad. You never really cared."


    "How can you say I never cared?" He couldn''t understand her usation. "If I didn''t want to be his dad, why would I treat him so well? What are you even upset about?"


    "Casper!" Eliza was nearly hysterical. He always had so many excuses. But each excuse seemed like a tant rationalization. He still wouldn''t admit that he didn''t want to acknowledge Brock.


    "Casper, have you forgotten? Back then, you did everything in your power to prevent me from getting pregnant was you, always you who didn''t want me to have children. So... you never liked the child gave birth to. Did I get that wrong?"


    Casper frowned. How had ite to this again? The past was the past, and now was now. What had he done so wrong? Just because of her assumptions, she could unjustly use him? "Eliza, people need to have a conscience."


    Ha. He dared to use her ofcking a conscience. She had too much of it, which was why, after he had saved her numerous times, she agreed to give him a chance. It seemed she had made a huge mistake. A colossal one.


    "Yes, I don''t have as much conscience as Mr. Casper, so the best thing for us is to go our separate ways."


    She groped her way off the hospital bed, ready to leave this ce. She didn''t want to stay in Casper''s hospital any longer.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Helplessly, Casper grabbed her shoulders, softening his voice, "Okay, okay, I was wrong. I shouldn''t have argued with you. Don''t get worked up; your eyes haven''t healed yet. Where will you go?"


    "If my eyes won''t heal, let them be blind. Being with the conscientious Mr. Casper, I truly feel unworthy."


    Faced with her sarcastic tone,


    Casper could onlyugh softly, trying


    to appease her, "Alright, I''m the one who''s unworthy, okay? Listen to me. About acknowledging Brock, I never intended to take it lightly. I wanted to make it a special asion, introduced by you, to me and my family. Wouldn''t that be nice?"

 Chapter 490

    Here''s his thought.


    Not hers.


    Eliza wasn''t interested, nor did she think he was serious about it.


    The best way to dodge something is to make up an excuse.


    She admitted, his excuse was pretty sincere.


    "Casper, you''ve lost your chance."


    Worst case, she could always find another stepdad for Brock; there are plenty of guys out there.


    Casper still wanted to exin himself.


    But Eliza wasn''t having any of it.


    She was ready to leave, and he just stood there, stiff as a board, until the doctor called her for a bandage change. That''s when he finally said, "Stop making a scene. Let''s get your eyes treated first. We can talk about Brock once you''re better, okay?" She didn''t respond.


    But in her heart, she only agreed with the first part.


    She could get her eyes treated first.


    As for Brock, she didn''t think there was anything left to discuss.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    While Eliza was in the hospital,


    Casper didn''t bring Brock to see her.


    A weekter, when the bandages came off and light returned to her eyes, she finally saw clearly.


    Her first call was to the preschool, making sure that, aside from herself, no one else could pick up Brock.


    Once everything was arranged,


    She nned to head back to Oak Falls.


    Naturally, Casper wasn''t going to let her make such a rash decision.


    "Have you lost your mind? What did I do to make you act like this?" He wanted them to sit down and clear the air, not be stubborn about it, "Is this about Brock?"


    "Casper, I don''t want to talk to you right now, and I don''t see the need to discuss anything." Eliza took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, trying to keep calm, "Let me remind you, without my permission, you and your Welton family cannot see Brock anymore." "Why can''t I see him? He''s my son." He said firmly.


    Eliza looked at his handsome face


    §Ö


    and scoffed, "Sorry, but he''s not your son anymore. I''ll find him a father who genuinely cares about him, unlike you."


    Wait a second.


    Did he hear that right?


    Finding a new father?


    "Eliza, we aren''t even divorced yet."


    "The divorce papers are already signed. Please, Mr. Casper, find the time to finalize it. I hope this time Mr. Casper can be generous enough to let go and bless someone else."


    en


    Watching Eliza speak these hurtful words with a cold, expressionless face,


    A wave of grievance surged in his heart.


    What does he have to do to make her happy?


    Or does it not matter what he does, she''ll always have prejudices and misunderstandings about his actions?


    "I don''t agree." His face turned cold, even a bit angry, "Thinking about finding a stepfather for my son? No way."


    "Casper, the very least one expects is honesty, and you, you have none." She red at him, angry enough to bite through his carotid artery, "Going back on your word, can''t you be a decent person?"


    "I''m going back on my word? Haven''t you? I think the most neurotic person here is you."


    Eliza: ...


    Damn it.


    Calling her neurotic?


    Then she''ll show him what neurotic is.


    Eliza didn''t know if she was really driven mad or just wanted to act out.


    She grabbed Casper''s hand, lowered her head, and bit down hard.


    She didn''t hold back, channeling the biting force of a carnivore, making the man clench his teeth in pain.


    Even so, he didn''t shake her off, letting her bite to her heart''s content until blood was drawn.


    Eliza wiped the blood off her lips, having vented half her anger, feeling much better, "The lunatic needs a rabies vine now. Goodbye, Mr. Casper."

 Chapter 491

    "Do you really need a rabies shot? I should be the one getting it." Casper winced in pain but reached out to grab her wrist again. "You''re a mom now, can you stop being so stubborn, please?" "Let go of me." Her voice was icy, her face etched with disdain as she red at him. "If you''re really a man, stop fussing over everything."


    Casper was lost for words. He genuinely had no idea how to handle Eliza. When she was in a bad mood, he waspletely out of his depth.


    "Eliza, we''ve known each other for years now," he said suddenly, his tone heavy, his deep gaze filled with sincerity and caution. "We''ve been through a lot together, haven''t we?"


    Eliza''s brows furrowed slightly. She had no clue what he was trying to say.


    The man took a deep breath, his voice softening. "Even if I''ve wronged you in the past, I''ve been seriously trying to change. I know I don''t deserve your full trust, but... can''t you give me even just a fraction of a percent, just a little bit?" Eliza remained silent. She did have her opinions about him not acknowledging Brock. But was it her fault that he always did things that she couldn''t understand?


    "What are you trying to say?"


    "What I''m trying to say is, I never didn''t want to acknowledge Brock. I never despised this child. Your thoughts aren''t the same as mine. If you really think I don''t want this child, I can show you the ns I''ve made for his future."


    Casper had made ns for Brock''s future? But could nning and acknowledgment be considered the same? Does a teacher not make ns for their students? Can those even bepared? He really loved ying the part of the deeply emotional lover.


    "Casper, I''ve raised Brock this far


    without you. Whether you care or not, I don''t mind anymore." She didn''t want to argue about this


    anymore; she was truly exhaust


    "The child is still young. He


    can findContent rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    another father figure. He doesn''t


    need any ''ns'' from you,


    Casper looked at the beautiful face of the woman in front of him, filled with helplessness. He couldn''t fight, he dared not scold, and when he tried to reason, she wouldn''t listen. He felt utterly powerless.


    Taking a deep breath, he let go of her hand. "Do you really need to misunderstand me like this? If Brock likes me, doesn''t that mean everything? If I didn''t like him, didn''t love him, I..."


    "Casper." Eliza cut him off impatiently before he could finish. "I don''t want to hear it anymore."


    She didn''t want to hear his excuses anymore. Without his name on the birth certificate, all talk of love and ns was empty. Just like a mistress who could never enter the family officially. Talking about love without giving a title was no different from ying games. She was foolish to have expected


    anything from Casper. In the end, he


    despised her child.


    Eliza returned to Oak Falls. She blocked Casper''s number and deleted all his contact information. Kind colleagues tried to set her up with new men, and from her previous refusals, she had now be open to the idea.


    During lunch, her colleague Autumn


    approached Eliza with a photo.


    "Eliza, take a look at this guy. He''s in great shape. Used to be the CEO of a publicpany, and now he''s started his own business. He''s a decent-sized boss, and most


    importantly, he''s single. A rare find."


    Single? People were very realistic these days. Why would a single man be interested in someone like her, divorced and with a child?


    "Autumn, I don''t think I''m good enough," Eliza tried to refuse, but Autumn quickly said, "I''ve shown him your photo, and I swear his eyes popped. With your beauty, what does being divorced or having a child matter? He doesn''t mind."


    Whether he truly didn''t mind or not, Eliza couldn''t tell. She lowered her eyes to the photo of the man, who looked to be in his thirties, refined and pleasant enough not to be off-putting.

 Chapter 492

    "Autumn, I..."


    "Eliza, seriously, just trust me and meet him once. If he doesn''t like us, we can just as well not like him back. He''s just a small business owner, don''t be too proud." That was the gist of their conversation.


    But, making both parties ufortable wouldn''t do anyone any good.


    "Autumn, did you tell him about my conditions?"


    "I spelled everything out clearly. Don''t worry, we''re all about honesty here."


    Eliza thought for a moment, deciding to give Autumn the benefit of the doubt, "Alright then, Autumn, you set it up. Just send me the address and time."


    "Sure, no problem."


    Autumn was very efficient.


    She had just finished discussing this with Eliza in the morning, and by the afternoon, she had already sent the blind date''s address and time to Eliza''s WhatsApp.


    The meeting ce was at the entrance of a park in Oak Falls, where the elderly gathered for their morning exercises.


    The time was set for 7 a.m.


    Perfect, it wouldn''t interfere with her work schedule at all.


    The next day.


    She arrived at the park entrance on time.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    Watching the elderly energetically practicing Tai Chi and sword dancing, a pang of envy hit her.


    Not far away, inside a dark luxury car.


    A man peered out through the heavily tinted windows.


    "Mr. Casper, Ms. Eliza... she''s here for a blind date today," Dillon, from the front seat, confirmed the intel.


    Casper''s dark eyes narrowed slightly, his expression a mix of frustration and helplessness.


    "She''s getting bolder."


    Dillon was sweating bullets.


    He thought that the guying for the blind date today was probably in for a rough time.


    Eliza nced at her watch, noting the other party was already twenty minuteste.


    For a blind date, wasting each other''s time like this seemed pretty rude.


    Without even meeting him, Eliza already had a somewhat poor impression of the man.


    She decided to wait another ten minutes.


    If he didn''t show up, she would leave.


    A man, looking a bit disheveled, jogged up to her, clearly out of breath, and immediately apologized, "Sorry for beingte. Are you Eliza?" Eliza then looked up at the neer.


    He stood against the backlight, the rising sun outlining him with a golden halo.


    He was tall, dressed in a trench coat, wearing sses; she couldn''t see his face clearly.


    Shielding her eyes, she slightly blocked the sunlight, "I am. And you are...?"


    "Hello, my name is Manuel, Autumn introduced me."


    He smiled, his sincerity as bright as the morning sun, exuding an air of intellectuality.


    Though the first impression wasn''t terrible.


    Theck of punctuality still irked Eliza a bit, "Mr. Manuel, is beingte a habit of yours for blind dates?"


    "There was some traffic on the way, I''m sorry won''t make excuses; beingte is beingte. Let me make


    it up to you by inviting you to


    breakfast as a small apology"


    The man smiled apologetically.


    Eliza decided not to hold it against him any longer.


    "There''s no need for breakfast, let''s get straight to the point." She thought, just by telling him her conditions, he would probably back off, "I''ve signed the divorce papers with my ex-husband, and I''ll soon have the divorce certificate. also have a son, you know about my job situation, no parents, and a brother who needs special care. I have a lot of responsibilities."


    Eliza exined her situation briefly.


    Yet, the man listened intently, nodding along seriously, seemingly moved by her predicament. "I''m aware of all that."


    "Since you know, that''s good. These are my conditions, this is who I am. I know you''re in a good position, and I''m prepared. Since it''s a blind date, let''s be honest. If you think we''re not a match, just tell me directlydt''s


    okay."

 Chapter 493

    The man nodded approvingly, hisplexion as smooth as marble. "Nowadays, divorce isn''t such a big deal. There are plenty of single moms out there. It shows you''re a responsible and good person. As for your brother, if it''s within my ability, I can get him the best


    treatment. I can handle all that."


    Eliza: ...


    What did he mean by that?


    Was he okay with everything about her...???


    She looked up at the tall man. Their eyes met, and he gave her a slight smile. "Maybe I should introduce myself?"


    "Oh, sure."


    "My parents are both alive, and they''re both teachers, like you. I run my own marketing firm, and it''s doing pretty well. I respect women, I''m not overly controlling, and I can handleplex situations. If you think it might work, maybe we could see where this goes?" Eliza was a bit surprised.


    Was this moving too fast?


    "Maybe... we should both take some time to think about it." She didn''t want to rush into anything.


    The man didn''t push it, saying amicably, "Sure, let''s exchange contact info then."


    After scanning each other''s WhatsApp, they each got into their own cars.


    Dillon watched as Casper''s face grew darker and colder, quickly adjusting the temperature of the air conditioning.


    "Mr. Casper, I just did a bit of digging. The guy''s name is Manuel. He owns a marketing firm in Oak Falls, and his parents are both teachers..."


    Casper didn''t seem to have the patience to listen further and interrupted Dillon, "Who he is doesn''t matter. What matters is he''s trying to make a move on my wife."


    "Mr. Casper, it was just a blind date. Whether they liked each other or not is still up in the air."


    Casper massaged his temples, finally speaking in a low tone, "It seemed like they were getting along pretty well."


    "Getting along could just be out of politeness. From what I see, Ms. Eliza... might not settle for someone like him." Dillon believed.


    With Casper in the picture, Eliza''s standards for men were likely very high.


    Yet, those who could surpass Casper were few and far between.


    However...


    If Eliza was simply looking for a stable person to share her life with, that was another story.


    Since that blind date.


    Casper had moved to Oak Falls.


    Apart from handling some business.


    for the Oak Falls branch, he visited the rehab center to talk to the


    swn yel


    doctors about Robin''s treatment.


    Meanwhile.


    Eliza had been receiving a bouquet of flowers almost daily since that day. Sometimes it would be roses, other times lilies.


    The sender was always Manuel.


    The teachers at the school envied Eliza''s good fortune.


    Divorced with a child, yet able to find a catch like Manuel.


    Only Eliza herself felt ufortable.


    "Please stop sending flowers." She sent Manuel a message with her phone.


    Just as she was about to put her phone down, an immediate reply came, "Did I cause you any trouble?"


    There was a bit of trouble indeed.


    Eliza was too polite to say it outright, "It''s unnecessary, a bit wasteful."Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    "Sorry, I hope it didn''t bother you."


    "It didn''t."


    Eliza exchanged a few words, then prepared to put down her phone and go teach her ss.


    Another m¨¨ssage quickly followed, "Ms. Eliza, I''ve given it some thought, and I feel we''re quitepatible. I''d like to continue seeing you, if that''s alright with you...?"


    Eliza wasn''t sure how to respond.


    He had made up his mind so quickly?


    "I..."


    "It''s okay, you can take your time to see how we get along, to see if I have any dealbreakers. Once you''ve fully vetted me, we can think about taking things further. I respect your decision."


    He seemed sincere.


    And he didn''t seem too bad either.


    Eliza decided to give herself a chance.

 Chapter 494

    "Alright then, let''s give it a shot... but officially dating will have to wait until my divorce is finalized."


    "Sure thing. How about I pick you up after work and we grab dinner? Just as friends," Manuel suggested, testing the waters.


    Eliza instinctively wanted to refuse. She typed out a response but then deleted it and simply replied, "Okay." "See you after work then." "Okay."


    Eliza put down her phone and stared into space, lost in thought. Since their blind date, Manuel had been sending her messages now and then just to say hi, remind her to bring an umbre on rainy days, or to drive safely. He was detailed, patient, and considerate. She didn''t know him well, but from his brief messages, she felt he was a decent guy. Not love, but certainly not dislike either. Unlike some people who couldn''t exchange a few words without starting a fight. She never liked people with bad tempers anyway.


    A mistake made once is just a step, but repeating it would mean she really had a problem. Maybe Manuel... she could give it a chance. If things worked out, she could take the next step. Perhaps once she remarried, Casper would finally give up and stop bothering her. But for now, she needed to finalize her divorce with Casper. Thinking this, Eliza picked up her phone and sent Dillon a message.


    "Dillon, could you remind Casper that next Monday, I''ming back to Falconridge? He should make some time so we can finalize the divorce."C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Dillon, holding his phone, read the message, his eyes darting around before ncing at Casper, who was staring nkly outside. His fingers trembled as he stood up and walked over, respectfully saying, "Mr. Casper, Ms. Eliza just sent me a message." Casper snapped back to reality and straightened up a bit. "What did she say?"


    "She said she''sing back to Falconridge on Monday and you should go with her to finalize the divorce," Dillon ryed honestly.


    Casper''s expression changed instantly. His hand shot out to grab a crystal ashtray, throwing it hard to the ground. His anger was unmistakable.


    He felt profoundly humiliated. Just because of someone she barely knew from a blind date, she couldn''t wait to get divorced from him. Had she forgotten how he used to treat her?


    "Dillon, tell me, since she came back pretending to be dead, in what way have I wronged her? I could even die for her, and this is how she repays me? Doesn''t she have a conscience?"


    Dillon''s forehead twitched. Having been by Casper''s side for so many years, this was the first time he saw him so indignant and aggrieved.


    "Mr. Casper, if I may speak frankly, maybe Ms. Eliza... doesn''t love you anymore."


    Casper scoffed. She didn''t love him anymore. Because she didn''t love him, she could easily end up with a man she met on a blind date? All his efforts, she wasn''t moved at all, seeing them only as his


    self redemptive acts?


    Despair and helplessness filled Casper''s eyes. Forward, he couldn''t move; backward, he didn''t want to. He was like a person standing on the edge of a cliff, swaying with the wind. No one knew if the next second would bring rebirth or a fall into the abyss.


    "Then what should I do? Let go?"


    Dillon sighed softly. It wasn''t his ce to advise someone to break up, but that was the harsh reality. If they didn''t break up, would the oue change?


    "Mr. Casper, think you should have


    a calm and serious talk with Ms. Eliza. Constant misunderstandings upon misunderstandings... even if in the end, the only resolution is to part ways, at least it would be clear and without regrets, wouldn''t it?"


    Talk? She needed to be willing to talk, for a conversation to happen. If she didn''t want to talk, he had no chance to exin at all.

 Chapter 495

    "Honestly, I don''t even know why I''ve held on for this long-maybe she was right all along."


    He seemed to make some sort of decision, finally letting out a long sigh.


    Love was never a one-way street.


    In the past, she had followed him for ten thousand steps without him ever looking back. Now, he had chased her for ny-nine thousand nine hundred and ny-nine steps, yet she wouldn''t take one more towards him. Just as she said, their personalities simply weren''t meant to mesh. Their youthful encounter had been bright and moving, like a brilliant fireworks disy. But after the beautiful explosion, what''s left but ash and chaos?


    Love isn''t eternal. Cherishing that fleeting moment of beauty is worth something, at least.


    Casper had never felt as dejected as he did now. Seeing him like this, Dillon couldn''t help but softly suggest, "Mr. Casper, why don''t you have a proper talk with Ms. Eliza? I can arrange a meeting for you." Casper remained silent.


    Holding his phone, Dillon left the room. Before he dialed Eliza''s number, he paused, thinking it might be better to speak in person.


    When he saw Eliza, she was surprised. "What... Howe... Are you here in Oak Falls, or have you been here all along?" she asked, full of suspicion.


    Dillon didn''t beat around the bush. "I''ve been in Oak Falls with Mr. Casper for a few days."


    "Casper is in Oak Falls too?" Eliza eximed.


    "Yes." Dillon remained courteous and respectful, "I came to arrange a meeting for Mr. Casper with you."


    "Is it about getting the divorce papers? Today is Friday, the earliest would be Monday; we''re toote now."


    "Do you really want to end things with Mr. Casper?" Dillon''s brow furrowed slightly, showing his sympathy for Casper, "Haven''t you been moved at all by what Mr. Casper has done for you these past days?" Faced with Dillon''s questioning, Eliza was taken aback. Was he interrogating her?


    "Dillon, you know everything that has happened between me and Casper. Do you think he''s the one being wronged?"


    Dillon openly admitted, "Mr. Casper has indeed been wronged."


    Eliza chuckled, finding it somewhat ludicrous, "I haven''t refused him chances, but what did he do? He even refused to acknowledge Brock..."


    Speaking of it really chilled her heart. He looked down on his own son simply because the child was hers. Fine then, she thought, she''d leave with her underachieving son, far away from his world. And he''s still feeling wronged?


    "...Dillon, even if Brock isn''t


    outstanding, he''s just a child. Casper


    could have acknowledged him,This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    guided him, and nurtured him into someone useful. His refusal to do is merely disdain, isn''t it? How can there be any grievance if he looks down on him?"


    Eliza grew more agitated as she spoke, her fingertips trembling.


    Dillon, seeing the woman bing more distressed, let her calm down for a while before saying, "What Mr. Casper has done for the young master, ve seen with my own eyes. If he truly disdained him, he could havepletely ignored him not bothered at all, and certainly not nned for the young master''s future. Ms. Eliza, you''ve really


    misunderstood Mr. Casper."


    Eliza didn''t want to hear about any ns. What she wanted was an attitude, a genuine acknowledgment. All those irrelevant excuses, what were they good for?


    "Alright, Dillon, I''vepletely lost hope in Casper, and I don''t see what there is to discuss. Let''s meet on Monday."


    Eliza turned to leave. Dillon quickly stepped forward, blocking her path, "Mr. Casper has truly done a lot, some things you''repletely unaware of. Apart from the issue with the young master, his actions towards you..."


    "Dillon." Eliza''s face darkened, "Are


    my


    you trying to make me feel grateful? If it weren''t for Casper, would I have had to leave my home ande to Oak Falls? If it weren''t for him, wouldn''t have to raise a child. own. If not for Casper, I could have had a good life. His kindness, his efforts, they''re all just to soothe his own guilt."

 Chapter 496

    Dillon couldn''t wrap his head around how Eliza could say something so heartless.


    "Isn''t guilt a form of love too? Without love, where does guilt evene from? Why can''t she just ept that Casper loves her?"


    "Do you really think treating him like this is the right thing to do? Something you won''t ever regret?" Dillon knew he was treading on thin ice, but he couldn''t hold back anymore. "Every time he risked his life to save you, do you think Mr. Casper was sure he''d make it out alive? Doesn''t each act of self-sacrifice cancel out some of the resentment and hurt?"


    "I have to ask, what do you think love is? If risking your life isn''t love, what is it? Ms. Eliza, I get that you''ve been through a lot, but Mr. Casper''s sacrifices for you are clear as day to me too."


    "You can''t live your whole life with hatred and misunderstandings, Ms. Eliza. Giving someone a chance is also giving yourself a chance. I''m not saying you should patch things up with Mr. Casper, but if you end things, don''t leave it messy."


    That was all he could say. Any more, and Eliza would probably tune him out.


    Eliza didn''t say anything, but her expression softened a bit.


    "Ms. Eliza, Mr. Casper is staying at his ce in Oak Falls. You know the address. He''s been having trouble sleepingtely. If you and Mr. Manuel have any energy left after dinner... I think Mr. Casper will be waiting for you."


    Eliza slowly lifted her eyes to meet Dillon''s gaze.


    Dillon gave a slight bow and left, polite but distant.


    She couldn''t deny that some of his words had struck a chord with her. She didn''t want to hate Casper; her hatred had faded when he saved her. Maybe they just hadn''t figured out how to be together. Or maybe they weren''t meant to be together at all, let alone in love. She sighed softly, a hint of sadness in her eyes.


    Manuel and Eliza had nned to meet at a hotpot restaurant. Staring at the bubbling broth, Eliza''s mind drifted back to the winter of their first year of marriage. She had followed an online video to prepare the hotpot base, bought beef and other ingredients, and set up a big spread, hoping to share a warm meal with him.


    She waited and waited. From


    evening until midnight. Watching the


    bubbling broth slowly dry up, her heart felt like it was breaking bit by bit


    It was indeed a sad memory.


    "Here, try this." Manuel handed her some food.


    Eliza snapped back to reality and smiled, "I can do it myself."


    "This is my first time at this hotpot ce. If you like it, we can bring the baby next time and have a proper introduction."


    Manuel was so sincere it was hard to find any fault in him. Plus, he said "the baby" instead of "your child," which touched Eliza. She nodded, "Sure."


    "Great, let''s eat while it''s hot." Manuel cooked for her, asking about the taste. "Do you have any ns this weekend?"C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    "I have to go back to Falconridge; the baby goes to preschool there," she said softly.


    Manuel paused, surprised. "Really? Why in Falconridge? Isn''t that inconvenient?"


    "The preschools in Falconridge are a bit better than the ones in Oak Falls," she replied casually.


    Manuel didn''t press further, just nodded, "Yeah, makes sense."


    Just then, a luxury car made a U-turn and passed in front of the hotpot restaurant where Eliza and Manuel were sitting. From their spot by the window, they seemed to be having a pleasant conversation, the atmosphere light and easy.


    l.ne


    The man in the car caught a glimpse of them, and a sharp pain shot through him. He closed his eyes,


    pressing his hand against his forehead...


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 497

    "Hey, Mr. Casper, I told Ms. Eliza you wanted to meet. I guess she''lle find you after dinner," Dillon said gently.


    Casper seemed devoid of any expectation. His face was slightly cold as he nced one more time at the man and woman in the hot pot restaurant before lifting a finger. "Let''s head back." "Yes, sir."


    The luxury car drove off.


    Inside the restaurant, the man and woman were still deep in conversation.


    Eliza didn''t eat much. Most of the time, it was Manuel talking and her listening. He rarely talked about work, focusing instead on his family and their lives. He wanted her to understand him, to understand his family. "My parents are retired; they adore kids. If our baby ends up going to school in Oak Falls, they could help with the school runs."


    "And when the baby gets older, they can help with homework too. You won''t have to worry about a thing."


    "Eliza, my family and I won''t have any prejudices against you. You can totally rx; they''ll only care about you."


    "Eliza, Eliza, are you even listening?"


    Eliza snapped back to reality. What had he been saying?


    She forced a small, apologetic smile. "I''m listening."


    "Don''t stress. My family is very inclusive. Plus, if we ever get married, we won''t be living with my parents, so you won''t have to feel any burden."


    Eliza gave a small "Oh," and checked the time on her phone. "I''m done eating, how about you?"


    "Yeah, I''m done too. I''ll go pay." Manuel stood up and walked to the counter, with Eliza following close behind.


    The hot pot meal cost 360 yuan, and Eliza insisted on splitting the bill with him.


    Manuel resisted, feeling it unnecessary. "It''s just a meal, and you want to split it? That hurts my feelings."


    "We haven''t defined our rtionship yet. If we be a family in the future, I won''t split costs with you." Eliza''s logic was sound.


    Manuel''s mood lightened a bit. "Alright, then let me drive you back."


    "No need, I drove here. Take care on your way." Eliza waved goodbye to Manuel.


    Her car moved slowly down the streets of Oak Falls. Her mind was a jumble of thoughts.


    Dillon was right. Even if they were breaking up, it shouldn''t end on a sour note.


    Alright, let''s clear the air.


    Even if there were


    misunderstandings, even if he felt wronged, she might as well hear him out all at once. If they could resolve it, great. If not, at least there''d be no regrets.


    Her car pulled up in front of Casper''s mansion.


    She got out and looked at the familiar entrance. The ck, ornately carved gate felt imposing, making her heart race.


    To her, Casper was always a figure


    of authority and coldness. Even


    when he tried to please her with a


    smile, she never felt he was


    §ÖContent ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    someone she could easily deal with.


    She thought, maybe it was because of their two years of marriage, living in constant conflict, that she still felt a sense of fear towards him.


    She raised her hand and pressed the doorbell.


    The door quickly opened automatically.


    She hesitated for a moment but then walked in.


    The courtyard was quiet, with only the asional sound of insects chirping.


    Light shone from the living room, and from afar, through therge floor-to-ceiling windows, she could see Casper sitting with his back to her, like a statue.


    Strange. She suddenly felt like turning back.


    See, in the end, she was afraid of him.


    How could love and fear coexist?


    She stood outside for a bit to calm her nerves, then gently pushed open the living room door and walked in.


    She stood at the doorway, hands hanging in front of her, tightly clutching hervender purse. "Mr. Casper."


    He didn''t stand up, but his body shifted slightly as he turned his head to look at her.


    His gaze was cold, distant, and somewhat stifling.


    Eliza''s heart clenched, and her fingers tightened around her purse.

 Chapter 498

    "Have you finished eating?" His voice was calm, but there was a faint hint of mockery in it.


    Eliza pretended she didn''t catch the undertone and just nodded.


    "So, you came over to have a serious talk with me?" He turned away, his gaze no longer on her, and his voice grew colder.


    Eliza took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart, and attempted to appear moreposed. "I think Dillon was right. Even if we break up, we shouldn''t leave things unresolved."


    He chuckled softly. "So, do you want to start, or should I?"


    Eliza couldn''t tell if hisughter was mocking her words or if he was just being dismissive of her as a person.


    She hesitated for a moment, then walked up to him and slowly sat down. "I''ll start."


    "Alright." He looked at her with an indifferent expression.


    Eliza didn''t dare meet his direct gaze and stayed silent for a while before finally speaking.


    "Our marriage was a mistake from the very beginning. In this wed marriage, I''ve endured a lot, to the point where I had to fake my own death to escape. If you want to talk about hatred, yes, I hated you enough to wish you were dead back then."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    "But after we reunited, you saved me, and Brock, time and time again. In my heart, any grievances and hatred I had towards you have faded away."


    "I admit, I thought about giving you another chance, but... don''t you think something''s missing between us? To be honest, I''ve always been afraid of you. When you''re not smiling, I can''t even look at you directly, let alone talk to you. You should know, love isn''t supposed to be like this."


    "As for Brock... I''vee to realize that his personality isn''t suited to being the heir of a business empire. You probably made that assessment a long time ago, which is why you never acknowledged him. I get it now."


    "In summary, we just aren''t right for each other-our personalities sh, and the feelings aren''t there. I''ve received all your apologies, regrets, and guilt, and I''m willing to forgive you. But we... we should part ways amicably and wish each other happiness." She kept her head down, speaking softly.


    This was the first time she had opened up to him so much.


    He was smart. Even though her words were a bit disjointed, he understood her underlying message.


    He didn''t speak for a long time.


    He just watched her lowered eyshes.


    His dark eyes were filled with pain, sorrow, and helplessness.


    She said she was afraid of him.


    That marriage had left an unbridgeable gap in her heart.


    It was his fault, and he knew it.


    "Let me tell you something," Casper said, his fingers interlocked and resting on his crossed legs, appearing naturally rxed but with a mncholy look. "When you were still unconscious, I took Brock to the old mansion."


    "He had a lot of freedom there, always exploring wherever seemed fun. I found him in the room that Shaun used to live in, and he would stay there for hours."


    "At first, I thought he had found some interesting toy in Shaun''s room and quietly went in to check. I was surprised to see him engrossed in an anatomy book."


    "He reminded me of Shaun when he was a kid, equally fascinated with biological dissection, though Brock seemed even more advanced."


    "I asked him why he was reading


    such a book and if he wasn''t scared. He said he really liked it and could understand it. He even pointed out the functions of certain nerves and bones, which shocked me.


    "I felt like I was seeing a future renowned surgeon in the making Maybe he won''t achieve much in the business world, but can you really say he''s just an ordinary person?"

 Chapter 499

    Eliza was profoundly shaken upon hearing this.


    In fact, she vaguely remembered Brock''s fascination with anatomy books and human structure diagrams. It was from the time he got injured in kindergarten. Holding him in her arms, she went to consult a doctor and saw an anatomy book on the desk. At the time, she thought Brock was just looking at it as if it were a picture book and didn''t take it seriously.


    Casper''s attentiveness was beyond her expectations. So... Was his n for Brock to pursue a medical career rather than bing a qualified businessman? It seemed she had indeed been too subjective... Thinking back, there was no need for her to be so agitated and wildly specte. She should have listened calmly to Casper''s exnation. She had to admit, she had misunderstood him.


    Her hand, somewhat conflicted, fiddled with the strap of her bag as she listened to him continue.


    "I didn''t realize you were afraid of me," he said, his voice a mix of regret and understanding. "But looking back, it makes sense. Our marriage didn''t start off on the right foot. Misunderstandings piled up, tormenting both of us. I wasn''t having an easier time than you." "There''s something I want to ask you... Can you answer me honestly?" His gaze was intense, his breath shaky.


    She looked up into his eyes. "What is it?"


    "Do you... still love me?" His voice wavered, but he needed to know her true feelings. Even if the answer was no, he needed rity.


    Eliza didn''t know how to respond. Love, or the absence of it, seemed like a false dilemma. She had loved him, it was love at first sight, an uncalcted fall. But now... She really didn''t know. It wasn''t that she found it hard to answer, but hard to describe her feelings for him at this moment. If his so-called love was a hundred percent, then in her heart, there might still be a one or even just 0.01 percent. Could that still be called love?


    He didn''t wait for her answer. His


    fingers clenched tightly for a moment before he stood up and walked over to her. His nearly six-foot three frame loomed over her, creating an intense sense of pressure. Eliza, feeling


    ufortable, quickly stood up and


    looked up...


    Their eyes met. There was awkwardness, iprehension, and emotions that couldn''t rise or fall. He just looked at her, emotions swirling in his eyes.


    After what seemed like an eternity, he held his breath and slowly extended his right hand. "It''s okay if you don''t love me, we can get to know each other again. Hi, I''m Casper, the Chairman of Welton International, thirty years old."


    He thought, if she was willing to get to know him again, maybe there was still a negligible amount of love for him in her heart. If she refused, then it meant she truly didn''t love him anymore, and he could finally let go.


    Eliza''s gaze slowly fell on his outstretched hand, its joints distinct and strong. His hand was there, waiting for her response. What response could she give him? Her hand clenched tightly. If she responded, did it mean they were doomed to repeat the past?


    Her gaze slowly lifted again, looking


    at his face. He seemed so calm, as if


    waiting for a stormlessThis is from N?velDrama.Org.


    acquaintance. Sweat filled the patm of Eliza''s hand. Her fingertips. hesitated, her heartbeat lost its direction, she really didn''t know how


    to respond to him.


    The silence ticked by. In these few short minutes, her heart was in turmoil, at a loss. The two of them stood like still puppets. He didn''t move, and she didn''t know what to do. She closed her eyes, still unable to decide.


    The man watched her. His fingertips


    slowly lost their firmness,


    disappointment creeping into his eyes again, and slowly, his hand dropped. He knew she had given her answer. But this answer, like thousands of arrows piercing


    Love


    heart, made him wish for death.


    Turning around, he walked step by step towards the staircase, his broad shoulders and waist losing their firmness, as if they could no longer bear the weight, his steps bing ethereal. Eliza slowly opened her eyes and looked at his retreating figure.

 Chapter 500

    Her fingertips pressed into her palm, and just as he stepped onto the stairs, she called out, "Casper."


    He stopped in his tracks, gripping the stair railing tightly. He didn''t dare look back, unsure of what she was about to say. "Casper, why don''t we give it a shot? Let''s see this as ourst chance. No suspicions, no old grudges. Let''s start fresh." "Hi, I''m Eliza, an art teacher, twenty-six years old."


    For the first time, she extended her hand to him. This was the oue of countless internal battles. Whether she and Casper could start anew or not, for Brock''s sake, and for thatst tiny spark of love she had left, it was worth a try. She didn''t want a future filled with regret and what-ifs.


    Casper stood there, momentarily stunned, turning slowly as if he was a rusty old machine. He looked calm but couldn''t hide the excitement and joy bubbling inside him. "Nice to meet you."


    With aposed smile, hisrge hand finally sped hers. No hugs, no kisses, just a polite handshake. Like they were meeting for the first time.


    Tall and short, their shadows didn''t ovep, but they stood in perfect harmony on a parallel line.


    On the weekend, Eliza and Casper went back to Falconridge. They stood at the kindergarten gates like any other parents, waiting to pick up Brock.


    While they waited, he suggested they take Brock on a family camping trip. Eliza agreed. Brock had rarely done outdoor activities since she was always busy andcked the means.


    Watching the kindergarten teacher leading the children out, Eliza stood on her tiptoes to get a better view. Brock, with his little backpack, said goodbye to his teacher and joyfully ran towards her. "Mommy..."


    Eliza hugged him tight, kissing his cheek. "Did you miss Mommy?"


    "I did." Brock noticed Casper, let go of Eliza, and rushed into his arms. "Mr. Casper, you came to pick me up too. I''m so happy."


    "Mr. Casper has something even more exciting nned." Casper lifted Brock into his arms. "We''re going camping."


    "I''ve never been camping before." Brock looked at Eliza. "Is Mommy going too?"


    "Of course we''re all going. We''ll ask Uncle Dillon to help us with the tent, sleeping bags, and everything else. We''ll spend the night outside. If we''re lucky, we might even see a shooting star."


    Brock was ecstatic. Hugging Casper''s neck, he kissed him. "Mr. Casper, you''re the best. It''d be even better if you were my dad."


    Casper reflexively looked at Eliza,


    who turned her face away. He chuckled and pinched Brock''s cheek. "What if Mr. Casper told you,m


    your real dad? Would you still like


    me?"


    "I would." Brock''s innocent eyes were filled with joy. "So, Mr. Casper, are you really my dad?"


    "That''s something you''ll have to ask Mommy. She''ll give you the answer."


    Brock nodded, somewhat understanding. But right now, all he wanted was to go camping. Figuring out the dad thing could wait.


    After getting Eliza and Brock in theThis is from N?velDrama.Org.


    car, Casper called Dillon. "Get a tent and some camping gear ready and sleeping bags. One for a kid and... one for an adult."


    Dillon sounded puzzled. "Mr. Casper, three people, two sleeping bags... in this cold weather..."


    "Just get two, as I said." Casper finally understood why Caroline couldn''t stand Dillon. "When the car arrives, bring them to me." "Yes, Mr. Casper."

 Chapter 501

    Casper picked out a stunning spot for their camping trip. By the time they got there, other campers had already set up their tents in all sorts of sizes. Casper was a one-man show, setting up the tent, arranging the chairs, getting the portable stove ready, andying out the food like a pro.


    Once everything was set, he took Brock out to y. Eliza settled into one of the outdoor chairs Casper had set up, soaking in the winter sun and feeling pretty good. This sort of time together was easy for her. No messy emotions, no lingering dramas. Just two parents,


    having fun with their kid.


    With her heart feeling lighter, she let herself rx, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. Then, her phone buzzed. ncing down, she saw a message from Manuel. "I''m in Falconridge now. If you''ve got time, I''d love to see the baby."


    Manuel wanted to meet Brock. But she''d told Casper she''d give things another shot with him. Eliza hesitated, unsure how to turn Manuel down. After holding her phone for what felt like ages, she finally replied, "Sorry, I''m out camping with the baby''s dad right now."


    His response was almost instant, "No worries, enjoy. Let''s catch up in Oak Falls." Clearly, he''d been waiting for her reply. A pang of guilt hit Eliza. She figured she''d talk to Manuel once they were back in Oak Falls. Even if things didn''t work out with Casper, she didn''t want to string Manuel along as a backup option. With his qualities, he''d find someone way better than her.


    Putting her phone away, she sighed gently. Casper and Brock were having a st. While they yed, Eliza whipped up a simple dinner. The campsite was perfect, with fresh air and a clear sky promising a night full of stars.


    Casper was all about spending timeThis is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    with Brock. His chats with Eliza were few and far between, and when they did talk, it felt a bit formal and awkward. As night fell, the stars were dazzling. Eliza listened as- Casper pointed out constetions to Brock. She''d never really had moments like this with Casper before, and she realized he knew quite a lot. From stars to geography, to countries, culture, and schools, Brock might not get it all, but he


    listened intently.


    Eventually, the little guy nodded off in Casper''s arms. "Can you get his sleeping bag ready?" Casper whispered softly, not wanting to wake him. Eliza nodded, fixing up the kid''s sleeping bag. "Alright, bring him over." She tucked Brock in snugly, and Casper finally stretched out his arms, stiff from holding the boy. Eliza felt a bit bad, "Thanks for all the help."


    "No problem," he said with a small smile, checking his watch, "It''s gettingte, we should probably turn in too."


    "Yeah, okay," Eliza agreed and went


    to grab the sleeping bag. But there was only one adult sleeping bag. She searched everywhere, but it seemed one got left behind, thanks to Ditton. One sleeping bag for two adults was technically possible, but definitely not happening.


    "Casper, looks like we''re short a sleeping bag You take it, and I''ll just cozy up with Brock," she suggested Casper came over, double-checking, "Yep, just the one. You shouldn''t squeeze in with Brock; it''ll be


    ufortable. You take


    too cold with the tent, It''s not


    just sleep


    outside."

 Chapter 502

    "In this freezing weather, sleeping outside is just asking for trouble. You could catch your death or, at the very least, a nasty cold." Eliza set up the sleeping bag for Casper.


    But Casper waved it off, saying, "I''ll just pile on some more nkets. I''m a man; I''ll be fine."


    Eliza gave him a skeptical look. "Are you sure about that?"


    "Absolutely. Get some rest," Casper reassured her. After arranging his nkets, hey down beside her, watching as Eliza snuggled into her sleeping bag before he finally closed his eyes. Later that night...


    Eliza was woken up by Casper''s sporadic coughing and restless tossing. The tent was anything but cozy, and the nkets they had weren''t exactly thick. Was he catching a cold? Eliza reached out gently to feel his forehead. It seemed a bit warm.


    "Casper," she called softly.


    With his eyes still shut, he murmured in response.


    "Casper, are you feeling okay?"


    "I''m fine," he replied curtly, keeping his eyes closed.


    His voice was a bit raspy, and after another cough, Eliza switched on a smallmp, her eyes falling on his pale face. "Casper, why don''t you...e and share the sleeping bag with me?" "What did you say?" He struggled to open his eyes, looking towards Eliza, his gaze heavy and slightly foggy.


    Eliza repeated herself more clearly, "I said, why don''t youe and share the sleeping bag with me? It''s pretty roomy, and it''s really cold out."


    "Oh," he mumbled, scooting closer to her.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    He looked half-alive, but his movements were surprisingly quick. Crawling into Eliza''s sleeping bag brought a chill that made her shiver.


    Nearly turning into an ice block, yet still noints from him. Dillon should''ve definitely brought an extra


    sleeping bag. If Casper fro


    would be on Dillon.


    The temperature in the sleeping bag quickly shifted from cold to warm, but Casper still clung to her tightly.


    "Do you still feel unwell?" she asked, noticing how warm his body was. He must have had a fever. "Casper, did you bring any medicine?"


    He didn''t reply, just nuzzled his face into her shoulder, half-asleep. They were way too close forfort.


    Eliza didn''t dare move. Too anxious to sleep, get too tired to stay awake. She yawned and gently turned over, only for Casper to press against her again. Assuming he was cold, she let it slide.


    el?


    The sleeping bag was meant for one, and with two adults squeezed inside,fort was out of the question Eliza''s back ached from exhaustion, and feeling ufortable, she turned again. Their faces ended up just inches


    apart.


    She awkwardly shifted back, careful not to let their noses touch. In the dim light, she could barely see his face. But his breath lingered around her, like a shadow.


    "What''s wrong?" Casper''s deep, slightly hoarse voice suddenly whispered in her ear.


    Eliza''s heart jumped. "Nothing, just... turning over." She shifted to the side, but with the limited space, she couldn''t move far.


    "Maybe I should just go," he suggested.


    Eliza quickly grabbed his arm. "Just hang in there a bit longer; it should be dawn soon."


    No point in fussing over a little difort now. They were already in this together.


    "I can tell you''re not feeling well."


    "It''s nothing," she said, biting her lip as she settled back down, her eyes blinking towards the tent''s fabric.

 Chapter 503

    Hold on tight. It''s better than letting this guy catch another cold-she didn''t have time to nurse him back to health.


    "Achoo!" The man sneezed.


    Eliza nced over, her eyes filled with concern. "Are you catching a cold?"


    "Just a bit, but I''m fine." He scooted closer to Eliza. "It''s just a little chilly."


    "I''ll check if there are any extra nkets or something," Eliza said, getting up to look around.


    Casper grabbed her wrist. "Don''t go out, it''s freezing."


    "It''s alright, I''ll just take a quick look." She insisted, but as soon as she started to get out of the sleeping bag, he pulled her back with surprising strength. She fell backward, butnded safely in his arms.


    Their faces were so close, just an inch apart.


    The closeness was awkward, their breaths mingling awkwardly-in short, it was all very awkward.


    She pursed her lips, her gaze shyly avoiding his.


    But he looked at her intently, his eyes filled with tenderness.


    Feeling the warmth of his gaze, she couldn''t help but meet his eyes.


    Neither of them spoke, just gazing at each other, their breaths intertwining. She could even hear the sound of his heartbeat.


    His face slowly moved closer, his nose brushing against hers, the atmosphere charged with unspoken tension.


    Her heart raced, she wanted to hold her breath, but her heartbeat quickened, her chest rising and falling.


    His slender fingers gently touched her lips, sending a shiver through her, causing her eyshes to flutter.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    His dark eyes scanned her features, desire and longing mingling, stirring the night air.


    Finally, his lips softly met hers.


    A delicate touch, like a dragonfly skimming the water, before he paused to look at her again.


    Her face burned red, her small hands clutching his chest, her eyes misty with emotion.


    It felt like young lovers tasting forbidden fruit for the first time.


    Wanting, yet afraid to want; willing, yet full of hesitation.


    Her slightly parted lips seemed like an invitation for him to be bold, and he leaned in to kiss her again.


    Their tongues danced, and he greedily savored her breath.


    His kisses traveled from her lips to her fair neck, finally lingering on her delicate corbones...


    He held her hand, their fingers interlocked, making her cheeks blush.


    That night, he kissed her for what felt like forever.


    line


    n¨¦


    The forey was thorough, and she seemed topletely let go, so much that in the end, her hands reached up to his neck, allowing him to take the lead.


    It wasn''t the perfect ce for romance.


    Though it wasn''t fully satisfying, it was the most willingly they had given themselves to each other.


    He looked at the fine beads of sweat on her nose and the mist on her eyshes.


    He kissed her forehead, pulling her close. "Let''s get some sleep."


    Eliza drifted off quickly.


    But Casper couldn''t sleep.


    A smug smile yed on his lips, his


    another kiss on her hair.


    and indulgence clear as he


    He finally understood what it meant to regain something precious.


    But he knew this was just the beginning.


    he


    She had only temporarily let her guard down, as she said, she wanted to give them both a chance.


    As if they were getting to know each other all over again.


    This time, he was determined to seize this opportunity, no room for failure.


    When Eliza woke up, daylight was streaming in.


    Brock was squatting in front of her, blinking his big eyes, as if seeing something amazing.


    "Hey, sweetheart," she said, propping herself up and suddenly realizing she was undressed. She quicklyy back down. "You''re already up? Where''s Mr. Casper?"


    "Daddy Casper is..." Brock pointed outside, "...making breakfast."

 Chapter 504

    "What do you call him?" How did he be Daddy Casper all of a sudden?


    Brock, with a serious look, exined, "Mr. Casper says he''s my dad, so I''m calling him Daddy Casper for now. Once I think he really deserves it, I''ll acknowledge him as my dad." A trial period, huh? That''s so typical of her son.


    Eliza couldn''t help butugh, "Sweetheart, he really is your biological dad. But it''s good you''re taking your time to decide. Not everyone is cut out to be Brock''s dad."


    The little guy tilted his head, nodding in agreement.


    "Mom, is Mr. Casper really my biological dad?"


    "He is your biological dad."


    Still not entirely convinced, the little one''s eyes sparkled with confusion. "But Brock and Mr. Casper don''t look alike at all, and he''s not as brave as Mr. Casper. Mom, are you sure you''re not mistaken?" Eliza could only stare, speechless.


    "Of course not. Brock, you''re still a kid, so it''s normal not to be as brave as an adult. But someday, you''ll be even braver than your dad." Listening to his mom, the little one nodded thoughtfully.


    He soon shed a smile, showing off his tiny, pearly teeth, "When I grow up, I''m gonna protect Mom, even from Dad. He can''t bully her." "Uh..." That was... something.


    "Mom, did Dad bully youst night? I heard you sounded like you were hurt."


    Eliza wished the ground would just swallow her up.


    Of course, he heardst night''s... incident.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    "No, no, it''s just that Mom had a bit of back pain." She fumbled, hoping to brush it off.


    The little guy frowned, reaching to touch Eliza''s forehead, "Daddy Casper was on top of you, so he must have bullied you, right?"


    Eliza: ...


    Please, let the ground open up.


    Just then, Casper came in. Noticing Eliza''s face was as red as a beet, he asked, "Why''s your face so red? Do you have a fever?"


    He reached out to touch her


    forehead, but Brock quickly stopped him, "Don''t bully my mom anymore. If you do, I won''t call you Da


    Casper: ...


    When did he ever bully Eliza?


    "I didn''t bully your mom."


    "Yes, you did," the little one insisted, eyes wide with determination to protect Eliza, which was both touching and mortifying for her. "Brock, aboutst night... it was just..."  en


    Eliza had no idea how to exin.


    She looked at Casper, hoping he''d help out.


    He lookedpletely bewildered, blinking, "What happenedst night...?"


    Eliza: ...


    Just let there be an earthquake. End it all.


    "Alright, you two go out. I need to get dressed." She pulled the covers over her head, shooing them out.


    Outside the tent, the two stood-father and son.


    Brock crossed his arms, a hint of defiance in his little face as he looked at Casper, "Did you bully my momst night?"


    "I didn''t." Casper squatted down, adjusting Brock''s cor, perplexed, "Why would I bully your mom?"


    "Butst night, I heard Mom crying


    out." Brock blinked his big eyes,


    insistin


    "She said her back hurts.


    You made it hurt, dianove


    Casper finally caught on.


    They''d tried to be discreet because of the little one, but still, he''d overheard.


    Awkward, sure, but easy to clear up.


    "Brock, let me ask you something. Do you ever feel lonely being an only child? Wouldn''t you like a brother or sister?"

 Chapter 505

    The little guy looked a bit confused for a moment, then nodded eagerly, "I want a sister."


    "Last night, your mom and I were, well, you know, working on that for you," he said, trying to keep it simple, giving the kid a look that said, trust me, it''s all for you. "That''s not being mean, that''s just putting in the effort." The little guy didn''t quite get the grown-up stuff.


    But he hated hearing his mom in pain.


    "Can we make sure mom doesn''t get hurt next time? If a sisteres from that, she might not be happy either."


    "I promise."


    He assured him that next time, the little guy wouldn''t even hear a peep.


    Poor Eliza, she was so easily embarrassed.


    She might even have some lingering awkward feelings about this.


    Eliza got herself dressed, tidied up the sleeping bag, and stepped out of the tent.


    The morning air was crisp and refreshing.


    Casper had whipped up some simple steaks.


    Brock was happily munching away.


    Thinking aboutst night''s events... she found it hard to meet Casper''s gaze.


    "Come have some," Casper said, walking over.


    Eliza murmured a response and joined him.


    Casper had already cut up the steak and eggs, handing them to her, "Once we finish eating, we''ll head back home."


    "I need to take Brock back to preschool, and then I''m off to Oak Falls," she said softly, her voice low but clear.


    Casper paused, then smiled lightly, "Alright, I''ll sort things out at Falconridge and go with you to Oak Falls."


    She felt there was no need for them to be glued at the hip.


    After everything they''d been through.


    A little space to let things simmer down was probably a good idea.


    "No, that''s okay."


    "You don''t want to go together?" He sounded a bit hurt but hesitated to push further, "It''s fine, I''ll drop you off. I''ll give you space, just don''t..."


    He trailed off, unsure if he should finish, worried it might upset her.


    Eliza looked up, puzzled by his unfinished thought, "Don''t what?"


    "Just... please don''t see Manuel again, alright?" He was pleading, not demanding.


    He sounded like a sad, wronged partner.


    Eliza paused, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.


    She slowly nibbled on a piece of bread.


    After they got back from the camping trip.


    She spent a bit of time with the little guy at the old house before taking him to preschool.


    "I''ll drive you back to Oak Falls," Casper offered.


    Eliza didn''t argue.


    She slid into his car.


    Once Casper was in the driver''s seat, he leaned over to buckle her seatbelt.


    His breath brushed past her nose, making her eyshes flutter as she tucked her chin.


    He didn''t try anything else, just started the car and drove away from Falconridge. Honestly, neither Eliza nor Casper were big talkers.


    Especially after they got married and


    misunderstandings piled to


    conversations feel like a rare.J


    Now, their interactions felt more like those of two people who''d just met, cautious and a bit tentative. Running out of things to say felt normal.


    Eliza leaned her head against the car window, dozing in and out.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Casper stole a nce at her, a small smile ying at his lips.


    Eliza''s phone, sitting next to the seat, lit up quietly.


    He reached over and saw a message from Manuel.


    His eyes narrowed instantly.


    Before, whether it was Aaron or Zach, he never really worried about them, they were just talk. But Manuel was different.


    He was someone Eliza had been set


    up with, and the fact she was opene to giving him a chance meant something.


    In other words.


    She had given both him and Manuel a fair shot.


    Who would ultimately win her heart was still up in the air.

 Chapter 506

    Casper felt the pressure hit him like a ton of bricks. Sure, he had money, looks, status, and all that jazz, but to Eliza, none of it mattered. What she wanted was something simple yet profound a rtionship where they were equals, where things felt easy and right. Manuel seemed to get that. And Casper? Well, he was just a guy with a past full of mistakes and no real edge. His handsome brow furrowed ever so slightly as he set his phone down and focused on the road ahead.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    When Eliza woke up, she grabbed her phone and spotted an unread message from Manuel. "Eliza, are you back in Oak Falls? Need a lift?" She quickly typed back, "On my way, no need to pick me up, thanks." Manuel shot back, "No worries. Just shoot me a text when you''re home safe, okay?" "Will do," she replied.


    Eliza gazed at the messages, feeling a warm glow inside. Manuel was a genuinely good guy, as gentle and polished as a knight in shining armor. If they''d met before she got married, she was sure she would''ve picked him in a heartbeat. Casper wouldn''t have stood a chance. But life had a funny way of doing things. It brought her to meet someone as wonderful as Manuel at a time when she was a bit of a mess, carrying her share of scars. Life was full of what-ifs, and hers seemed especially poignant.


    "Who was that?" Casper asked, snapping her back to reality. She locked her phone screen and said, "Just a friend." He didn''t pry and changed the subject, "Have you thought about working in Falconridge again? It might save you all the back-and-forth."


    She had tried working in Falconridge before, but things never seemed to pan out, and she''d always find herself back in Oak Falls, the only ce where life felt steady. "Oak Falls is pretty nice," she said.


    Casper was a bit taken aback but understood. "That''s fine. If you like Oak Falls, I''ll just visit more often. Oh, and Robin''s been doing bettertely. I really believe he''ll bounce back strong."


    Robin''s name always stirred up


    mixed feelings in Eliza. Casper had gone above and beyond to help Robin, making it impossible for her to ignore his efforts, even if she wanted to. But he was the reason they were in this mess to begin with. So while she appreciated his efforts, it wasn''t something she felt grateful for. "Let''s hope so," she said, a bit awkwardly.


    Neither felt much like talking, and the car ride was quiet all the way to Oak Falls. "Wanna stay at my ce?" Casper asked, testing the waters. Eliza didn''t hesitate, "No, thanks. I''ll head to my own ce."


    "My ce is spacious andfy," he tried to argue, but Eliza shook her head, "I''m just one person. I don''t need a big space."


    "Alright then," he said, resigned. He didn''t push any further, turning the car toward Eliza''s apartmentplex.


    Once they parked, Eliza got out of


    the car, "Thanks for the ride," she said. "It''s no big deal for us, right?" he said, trying to keep a friendly smile, worried hisck of expression might scare her off. Eliza managed a small smile, "Goodbye."


    "Elle," he called out hurriedly, hopping out of the car and catching up to her at the building''s entrance. He pulled her into a gentle hug, almost pleading, "Could I... maybe stay over tonight?" "It''s not a good idea," she replied firmly. Casper didn''t back down, "I promise I won''t bother you. I can cook, doundry... It''s just that staying in that big house alone gets a bit... spooky."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 507

    Afraid?


    Eliza: "Isn''t that reason a bit of a stretch?"


    "Casper, I''m really tired. You should head home," she said softly, gently nudging him away.


    He gazed at her, a mix of emotions flickering in his eyes.


    Pushing things now wasn''t the best idea.


    He bent down and gave her a light kiss on the forehead. "Get some rest, I''ll be on my way."


    She gave a slight nod.


    The door slowly closed in front of him.


    Casper stood silently for a moment before turning to leave, knowing that some things can''t be rushed or forced.


    As he reached the stairwell entrance, another man walked past him.


    Instinctively, Casper knew this was Manuel.


    Did Eliza send him away because she was meeting Manuel?


    His feelings were all over the ce for a moment.


    He stood still, his eyes following Manuel until he heard him knock on Eliza''s door, followed by the sound of it opening and closing.


    Lighting a cigarette, Casper leaned against his car, taking slow drags, his eyes fixed on that familiar window.


    Inside Eliza''s home, she was being the perfect hostess.


    "Please, have some tea," she said, handing Manuel a cup with just the right amount of warmth in her voice. "What brings you here?" "Honestly, I''ve been waiting outside your door. Saw youe back and thought I''d pop by."


    Manuel nodded, his words simple and sincere, no airs about him.


    He didn''t add anything more.


    But she knew he''d seen Casper and his car.


    He didn''t ask, but she felt she owed him an exnation. "It was my child''s father who brought me back."


    "I noticed you two seem to get along well," he said with a gracious demeanor, his face glowing with gentle warmth. "That''s great for your


    §Ù§Ú§Þ


    child."


    "Manuel, actually..." she hesitated, feeling


    mistake she''d made a colossal


    "...we''re considering...


    swno velket


    maybe trying to make it work again."


    As soon as the words left her mouth, Eliza wished she could vanish.


    Lately, she felt like her brain and emotions werepletely out of whack.


    She leaned her head on her hand, thinking maybe she should see a spiritual guru to check if she was under some weird spell. Manuel''s expression faltered for a moment.


    His initially shocked gaze quickly turned back to calm. "Is that so? Well, that''s good, especially for the kid."


    "I''m sorry, Manuel, this decision was kind of sudden. If I''d known, I wouldn''t have..."


    Eliza''s eyes shimmered with sincerity and guilt; she didn''t know how to apologize in a way that would make Manuel less upset. If he was upset, she could understand.


    It was her fault, after all.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "No worries, maybe I''m just a step


    toote. ft''s fine, you two should try to make it work. I still hope you find the person you''re looking for


    AQUAS


    Manuel''s lips curled into a gentle smile, hiding a sense of eptance and understanding.


    "I''m really sorry."


    To be honest, Eliza didn''t even know what she wanted anymore.


    She just made some decisions, thinking they were well-considered. "Manuel, if you''re okay with it, I''d really like to be friends with you."


    She didn''t have many friends.


    Besides Chelsea, there was Juan.


    But she knew asking this from Manuel was a long shot. He didn''te to her to make friends.


    "It''s okay, you don''t have to agree."


    Manuel suddenly smiled.


    He didn''t rush to give Eliza an answer, gently sipping tea from a delicate white porcin cup.

 Chapter 508

    "Rtionships between men and women don''t have to be one-dimensional; we can definitely be great friends. If you ever need help, I''m here for you." "Thank you," she replied, unsure of what else to say.


    Manuel took the rejection gracefully, without any hint of awkwardness.


    He got up, smiling as he said goodbye, "You must be exhausted. I''ll head out now. Let''s grab a meal sometime soon, and feel free to invite the baby''s father." "Alright."


    She walked him out, watching as he left, a sigh slipping from her lips.


    As she turned to go back upstairs, she noticed Casper standing by the car.


    He... hadn''t left yet?


    She paused, looking at him, "Why are you still here?"


    "I saw him go upstairs," he replied, flicking a half-smoked cigarette to the ground and gently crushing it underfoot.


    Eliza frowned slightly, "So what?"


    Deep down, she hoped Casper wouldn''t get jealous over nothing.


    That would only snuff out the little spark they had just started to rekindle. If things soured, all their talk about starting fresh would be meaningless.


    She gazed at him, instinctively stepping back as he moved closer.


    "What are you afraid of?" His tall frame naturally cast her in his shadow, but his expression wasn''t as serious as usual; it seemed to carry a hint of a smile. "Afraid I''ll blow up? Get jealous? Say something you''ll find unpleasant?" Eliza met his eyes.


    It was hard to discern if the smile in his eyes was genuine or just a tactic.


    "If you really don''t get mad over nothing, I''d say you''ve grown."


    He didn''t know whether tough or bow in appreciation.


    Either way, she wasplimenting him.


    "Thank you for the praise, ma''am. I''ll keep working on being a husband who doesn''t lose his cool over small stuff-someone who''s reasonable and calm."Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Casper''s tone was earnest and sincere.


    Eliza found his words a bit sarcastic, but chose not toment.


    "You should head back. Driving for hours must''ve worn you out."


    "Yeah, I''m a bit wiped. My hands are kind of numb, can''t drive anymore. If pushes to shove, I''ll just crash in the car tonight." He looked resigned yet easygoing.


    Eliza: ...


    She couldn''t be bothered to call him out, so she pulled out her phone, "I''ll get you a driver."


    "No need for that." He took her phone and tucked it back into her pocket. "Or, you could let me stay over tonight, and I''ll be out at dawn."


    His eyes sparkled with hope.


    Eliza knew Casper''s antics all too well.


    She could have tly refused.


    But before she could speak, Casper added, with a touch of vulnerability and plea in his voice, "I just want to spend more time with you, is that okay?"


    His voice had a tender note; he really knew how to tug at her heartstrings.


    Eliza relented.


    Since they had decided to start over, there was no need to push him away, "Alright...e upstairs with me." "Thanks, darling."


    Eliza felt a bit awkward with the endearment, "Casper, don''t call me ''darling.'' We''re not there yet." "Okay, darling."


    Eliza: ...


    Casper entered Eliza''s ce as if he owned it.


    "Are you hungry? I can whip up


    some pasta," he offered, rolling up his sleeves and heading to the


    kitchen. He couldn''t resist taket


    jab at Manuel, "That Mr. Shaw,


    showing up empty-handed every time. Not even a carton of milk or a bunch of bananas. Tight-fisted."


    Eliza just shook her head...

 Chapter 509

    Casper was ying the part of the perfect husband to a T. And a charming one at that. Eliza let out a soft sigh, unsure if starting their rtionship like this was the right move or just a step toward a deeper, darker ce. Deep down, she genuinely wanted to give them both a fair shot. But insecurity gnawed at her. She couldn''t help but wonder how long Casper''s efforts to please wouldst before he got tired of it all. And then what? Would they keep up appearances just to be good parents to their child? In the end, she realized she couldn''t quite figure Casper out.


    The table was set with steaming hot pasta, and he had gone out of his way to add two perfectly cooked eggs to her te. His own bowl, however, just had a few egg bits. Was he trying to be noble or what? She thought it was unnecessary; it''s not like they couldn''t afford more eggs.


    "Why didn''t you cook more eggs?" she asked.


    "I''m not that into eggs, so I just made two for you." He smiled, a soft, gentle curve at the corners of his lips.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    Okay, maybe she was overthinking it. The dining area was calm, and they barely spoke while eating. He finished quickly and then just watched her.


    Feeling a bit awkward under his gaze, Eliza put down her fork. "Casper, can I ask you something?"


    "Of course, ask away," he replied casually.


    "What do you think is the most important thing between a husband and wife?"


    Casper paused for a moment; he believed that a good marriage needed honesty, tolerance, and mutual understanding. But he wasn''t sure that was what Eliza wanted to hear. "What is it?" he asked.


    "I''m asking you," she said with a slight frown. "In your view, what''s the most important thing in a marriage?"


    "Love," he said.


    Eliza: ...


    To her, such a vague answer felt like he was dodging the question. Disappointment flickered in her eyes, and she lost the drive to continue the conversation. "Let''s just eat."


    "No," he quickly reached for her arm. "Then tell me, what do you think is the most important thing between a couple?"


    "I''m done." She stood up, suddenly


    not in the mood to talk about it


    anymore. Men and women often see love and marriage differently. She didn''t need him to agree with her,


    but she didn''t want to be brushed off either.


    Back in the bedroom, she sat on the bed, deep in thought. Casper came in and sat across from her.


    "Did my answer not satisfy you?" he asked gently.


    "Casper, if we were to live together again, do you think we''d get along? Would you, for the sake of ''love always hold back your temper and keep trying to please me?"


    Eliza''sshes fluttered, but she didn''t look up, doubting his patience couldst.


    "I''m not holding back anything. Isn''t a husband supposed to cherish his wife?"


    Casper didn''t see his actions as mere pandering; his kindness was something he gave willingly. When he gave, he was happy and didn''t feel any resentment.


    "How long can you keep that up? A year, two years, or..." She lifted her longshes, her gaze searching and uncertain.


    He looked at her, eyes deep and unwavering, "A lifetime."


    "A lifetime." Those words hung softly in the air, distant yet full of promise, stirring both desire and doubt.


    A flicker of worry crossed her eyes. He gently pulled her into his arms. "Let''s work on this together, okay?"


    His steady heartbeat, close to her


    ear, slowly synced with her own


    breath. She had to admit, in this moment, his embrace brought her a warmth she had never felt before.


    Her heart trembled, ever so slightly.


    "Casper, can you truly love someone?"


    "I may not know how yet, but I''m willing to learn. And I firmly believe loving you is something thates naturally to me. Trust me, okay?"

 Chapter 510

    His voice was soft but firm. Should she trust him? She wasn''t quite sure if he was just caught up in the moment or if it was something deeper. Suddenly, he released her, reached into his pocket, and handed Eliza a credit card.


    "This card holds all my savings. I''ve got some more in digital ounts, which I''ll transfer to youter. From now on, you''re the boss of this house, and I''ll just focus on earning the money."


    This was his grand gesture of sincerity. But to Eliza, it felt like a hot potato-something she didn''t want to deal with at all. When they got married, he hadn''t given her a penny, and she had done just fine on her own. Plus, she had a job now. "You should keep it for yourself." "A husband''s sry should be handed over," he insisted.


    "Where was this attitude before?" she couldn''t help but tease him. "When we first got married, didn''t you say that everything about the Welton family had nothing to do with me?"


    "That was then," he admitted, aware of how careless he had been, "Things are different now. I love you. Everything I am, everything about the Welton family, even Welton International, is yours."


    Hmph. He sure knew how toy on the charm. But she was no longer the naive twenty-year-old Eliza. Sweet words weren''t enough to sweep her off her feet anymore.


    "Casper, I don''t want your money. You should hold onto it."Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    Just in case things didn''t work out, and they decided to part ways. Of course, she kept these thoughts to herself.


    "This is our joint property. Half of it''s yours, and the other half, think of it as you keeping it safe for me, okay?"


    Casper was eager to give her everything he had. He saw it as his ultimate show of sincerity. But she didn''t see the point and had no interest in it.


    "Elle, I''ve linked this card to your phone. You can check the bnce, spend, or withdraw cash anytime through your phone."


    Eliza: ...What???


    Ding. Her phone buzzed with a notification. It was an alert for a deposit. Seeing the string of numbers, she was dumbfounded.


    "Casper, are you sure you don''t need this


    §Ö


    does so much cash flow,


    doesn''t yourpany need funds? Aren''t you worried I might just take the money and run?"


    Her words made him chuckle. His §Ö eyes were full of affection and trust, "Once it''s yours, it''s yours. Whatever you choose to do with it, I''m fine with it."


    Eliza held the credit card, opened a drawer, and put it away. For now, she''d just leave it there. At least, at the moment, she didn''t need his money. The next day, Eliza went to work. During lunch, Casper prepared a homemade meal and brought it to her at school.


    "The cafeteria food is pretty decent. You didn''t have to go out of your way," Eliza said softly, unable to hide the warmth she felt from his gesture. Casper handed her the lunchbox, his smile warm, "My cooking''s not too shabby now, and I have the time. It''s definitely better than cafeteria food."


    As they enjoyed this rare moment of warmth, Autumn turned the corner on her way to the cafeteria, spotted them and approached with a grin, teasing, "Who''s this handsome guy? Bringing you lunch?"


    Eliza''s cheeks flushed slightly, her embarrassment noticeable.


    Before she could say anything, Casper stood up smoothly, smiling and nodding to Autumn in greeting, his ease making the atmosphere feel lighter. Autumn nudged Eliza''s arm, "Who''s this? Introduce us."


    "He''s my... friend."


    Autumn gave Casper a quizzical look, a friend?


    Casper raised an eyebrow: ...friend???

 Chapter 511

    Autumn had seen it all before, so she knew exactly what was on the line with these kinds of rtionships.


    After giving Casper a thorough once-over, she gently pulled Eliza aside and whispered, "Sure, he''s got the looks of a gentleman, but there''s something about him that screams trouble. Feels like he could be the type who might get aggressive. I think Manuel is a much safer bet, don''t you?"


    Unfazed by Eliza''s subtle difort, Autumn pressed on, "So what''s his deal? Is he divorced, widowed, or still single? He seems like he''s in his thirties, right? Who set you up with him? Have you done your homework on his character and reputation? Eliza, you''ve already been through one rough marriage; you have to be extra careful this time. A pretty face doesn''t always mean a good heart."


    Eliza mustered a small, slightly awkward smile, feeling a bit cornered.


    "We''re still figuring things out, Autumn. Whether it goes anywhere is still up in the air," Eliza tried to brush off the subject.


    But Autumn was relentless, holding onto Eliza''s arm, "Getting to know him is fine, but I genuinely think Manuel is a better match for you. He''s got a great temperament, and his parents are both teachers really understanding folks. You should seriously think about it." Eliza was at a loss for words.


    Autumn''s intentions were good, and Eliza listened politely.


    "Alright, as long as you know what you''re doing. Just give Manuel a shot. It''s all aboutparing options," Autumn said, shooting a disapproving look at Casper. "Sure, he''s tall and strong, but we''re not living in the olden days where brawn was everything. Eliza, you really need to weigh your options carefully."


    "Don''t worry, Autumn, I''ve got this," Eliza reassured her.


    Finally, after wrapping up the conversation with Autumn, Eliza approached Casper, feeling relieved, "You should head back, and maybe stop bringing me lunch. I can just grab something at the cafeteria."


    "Okay."


    "Worried about folks getting the wrong idea about us?" He''d caught every word Autumn said. "If you''re ufortable, you can just tell people I''m a friend."


    Eliza paused, surprised. Was that really how she felt?


    "I just meant saying you''re a friend to avoid unnecessary questions," she exined.


    Casper saw it differently; to him, it felt like he wasn''t worthy enough to be more than a friend in her eyes.


    "Alright then, take care and eat well. I''ll be going," he said, his face showing a mix of displeasure and hurt.


    Eliza felt a pang of guilt watching him walk away. After a moment, she called out, "Casper, I didn''t mean it like that."


    "Okay."


    Once Casper left the school, he headed straight to the busiest bar in Oak Falls.


    During the day, the ce was a haven for men looking to drown their worries in booze, be it heartache, work troubles, or other burdens.


    Casper was one of them.


    He settled into a corner on the second floor, knocking back shots of red wine and whiskey, trying to numb his emotions.


    A woman, wearing way too much perfume, came up and plopped down on hisp, wrapping her arms around his neck, "Hey handsome, here alone? I am too. Mind if join you for a drink?"


    Casper, a bit tipsy and irritated, nced at her with disdain, "Who are you? Get off."


    "I''m Amy. What''s your name? We could get to know each other, no need to be so cold," she clung to his neck not nning on leaving


    AQUMS


    Meanwhile, in another corner of the bar, a camera lens was aimed at the entangled duo.


    The shutter clicked rapidly, capturing the scene, and behind the camera was a face grinning with malicious satisfaction.


    Casper was getting more and more annoyed by the woman''s persistence.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 512

    He shrugged off the situation and stood up, grabbing his jacket as he headed out the door. The woman, realizing there was nothing more to gain, spat in annoyance and left too.


    Out on the street, the man, caught between tipsiness and sobriety, sat on the steps by the roadside. He gazed at the fading ruby-red horizon, awkwardly tugging at his lips in thought. Hisrge hand ruffled his messy hair before it fell heavily to his knees. His head dipped down, lost in contemtion as the sounds of the city faded into the encroaching dusk.


    Minutester, the city was abuzz with a sensational piece of news that thundered onto the front pages of every major outlet.


    "#Welton International''s leader spotted at a barte at night, inebriated with a mysterious woman."This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    The apanying photo artfully captured Casper''s silhouette entwined with the woman under dim lighting,ter showing him alone on the curbside steps, the gentle breeze hinting at a deep, indescribable emotion. The image was both enigmatic and intriguing. This wasn''t just news to Dillon in Falconridge. Eliza, having just finished her ss, saw the notification pop up on her phone. Initially, she brushed it off as another piece of gossip. Butter, when she revisited her phone, she realized Casper was at the heart of the scandal. The photo''s angle led to wild spection: the man seemed entranced by the woman''s face, her smile as bright as a blooming flower, her hand casually draped around his neck, painting a picture of mutual attraction. Eliza frowned at the image, her eyes drifting back to the woman''s smile. From her attire, she looked like someone who frequents bars and nightclubs.


    Could this be... a setup? Hold on. Did he really go to drown his sorrows in a bar after leaving here?


    After work, she drove over to the bar from the news photo and quickly found him still sitting by the road. The dim streetlight cast a long shadow, amplifying his loneliness. She parked and walked over, her hair dancing in the cool night breeze, lending her an air of serene allure.


    The man had his face buried in his knees, unclear if he was asleep or just deep in thought.


    "Casper," she called softly.


    "Hmm?" His head lifted slowly, confusion flickering in his eyes. "You... why are you here?"


    "What are you doing here?"


    He nced around, speaking slowly as the alcohol still clouded his mind, "I... just needed a moment."


    "Let''s get you home."


    "Oh."


    He followed her obediently to the car. Inside, the only sound was their quiet breathing. Worried he might upset Eliza, Casper barely dared to breathe audibly. It wasn''t until they arrived at Eliza''s ce and he saw Dillon that the haze of alcohol began toclear.


    "What brings you to Oak Falls?"


    "Mr. Casper, we have a situation,¡± Dillon said urgently, hesitating slightly because of Eliza''s presence. Eventually, he pressed on, "Mr Casper, it''s serious. We need to talk privately."  en


    "Eliza''s not an outsider," Casper said, indicating Dillon should speak now.


    Dillon nced at Eliza, then forged ahead, "The news about you and the woman at the bar has hit the headlines."


    Drinking with a woman? He hadn''t been drinking with any woman. What was this about?


    He quickly put his hand over Dillon''s mouth, "Let''s take this outside."


    Eliza shook her head, seemingly unfazed.


    Once the two men settled in the car, Casper finally asked, still perplexed, "What headlines? Let me see."


    Dillon handed him the phone. Seeing the baseless news, Casper felt both angry and exasperated, "This is ridiculous. How does such nonsense even make the headlines?"

 Chapter 513

    "Honestly, this kind of news shouldn''t even make the headlines. I bet someone''s trying to stir up trouble. Headlines can cause a ripple effect, like how Welton International''s stock is fluctuating right now," Casper observed, his eyes narrowing.


    It was clear that this was an attack aimed directly at hispany, Welton International.


    "If that''s the case, we can''t just ignore it. We owe it to ourselves to find out who''s behind this. Get to the bottom of it."


    "Got it."


    "There''s no need to make a special trip for this," Casper said, leaning back in his chair, looking worn out. "I''ll be back in a few days."


    Dillon was just an assistant. Regardless of how serious the situation was, he couldn''t make decisions for Casper.


    After all, it was only a few hours'' journey.


    "Mr. Casper, finding the real culprit might be easy, but... Ms. Eliza, could she misunderstand?" Dillon cautiously suggested.


    They had only just patched things up.


    News like this could upset any woman.


    Casper''s love life always seemed to be a series of hurdles, each one different from thest.


    Casper let out a soft sigh, a mix of resignation and bitter amusement in his voice, "These photos are so convincing that even I''m almost buying it. How am I supposed to exin this?"


    "You really shouldn''t have been out drinking in broad daylight. Now, there''s no way to exin it away," Dillon teased.


    Casper''s mouth twitched, and he yfully swatted Dillon, "You''re giving me a lecture now?"


    "Of course not. It''s just that your luck seems particrly rough," Dillon said, showing understanding.


    "Look who''s talking." Casper gave Dillon a sideways nce. Caroline was about to marry Luke, yet Dillon acted like it didn''t bother him, "Caroline and Luke''s wedding ising up soon. Doesn''t that bug you?" Dillon''s expression faltered.


    What could he possibly feel?


    What dare he feel?


    "Mr. Casper, please don''t joke about me and Ms. Caroline."


    Casper''s gaze grew intense, knowing all too well the pain of not being with the one you love. His persistent pursuit of Eliza was all because of love.


    Dillon, too, longed for his own slice of romance.


    But some things were beyond his reach.


    Love had be less significant.


    He stayed silent.


    Casper didn''t push further, instead shifting the conversation, "Once we sort this out, I want you to spend some time in Africa."


    "In Africa?" Dillon was puzzled. Was this some kind of banishment? "Mr. Casper, did I do something wrong?"


    "We''ve secured a mining operation


    there. I need you


    to oversee it. It


    could be for a year, maybe up to five," he said, not leaving room for refusal, You''re single anyway. It''ll be good experience. When you get back, I''ll promote you to vice president."


    "I''ll pass on the VP role." He wasn''t interested. Over the years, he had grown used to being by Casper''s side. The title of vice president might sound impressive.


    Every vice president at Welton International had to y nice with Dillon, Casper''s assistant.


    If he actually became a VP, he''d have to deal with jealousy and opposition, which wasn''t what he wanted.


    "Mr. Casper, if you really want to promote me, I have a small request."


    Casper raised an eyebrow in slight surprise, "Oh? Let''s hear it."This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "If I do well in Africa and when I


    to... leave Welton International, step away from your side, start my own small business, and then...


    Maybe then, he could settle down.


    He could marry, have kids, and take care of his own, just like the Welton family did.


    "Mr. Casper, don''t worry, I''ll make sure to find a suitable sessor before I leave."


    Such a n was unexpected for Casper. Dillon had been his right-hand man for years, and though he had always treated him


    well, at the end of the day, Dillon was


    still just an assistant.

 Chapter 514

    Casper was really hoping to nudge Dillon up the corporatedder a bit more. He had ns for Dillon to take charge of a branch of Welton International. But it was clear Dillon wasn''t on the same page. "Made up your mind?" Casper asked.


    Dillon nodded, "I''ve given it a lot of thought. Even if you hadn''t mentioned Africa, I''d probably have moved on in a year or two."


    "It''s good you have your own ns. You''re not a kid anymore. It''s time to start your own venture, find a nice girl, settle down, and start a family."


    He gave Dillon''s shoulder a firm pat. There was a mix of reluctance, sadness, and worry in his gesture.


    Dillon felt a sting in his eyes and forced a weak smile, "Don''t worry, Mr. Casper. No matter where I end up, I won''t let you down."


    "I''m not worried."


    "Alright."


    Dillon headed back to Falconridge.


    Casper lingered downstairs for a bit, then made his way upstairs, feeling a knot of anxiety in his chest. The door was slightly open, like it was waiting for him. Suddenly unsure, he wondered how to exin the bar incident to Eliza so she''d believe him.


    "Maybe we should go out for a nice dinner tonight," he suggested, trying to ster on a smile and act like everything was normal as he approached her.


    Eliza nced up from her phone, sarcasm in her voice, "Mr. Casper, didn''t get your fill at the bar?"


    "Drinks... they don''t really fill you up." He mentally flipped through all the fancy restaurants he knew of in Oak Falls. "How about some Western food? I haven''t tried that here yet."


    Eliza''s eyes drifted back to her phone, ignoring his suggestion.


    He swallowed hard, moving closer with careful steps, and crouched down in front of her to exin, "Elle, about that report... it was all made up. I did go out for drinks, but I don''t know that woman." "Oh?" She gave him a sideways nce.


    He nodded quickly, "Honestly, that photo was totally misleading. I don''t know her at all."


    Eliza set her phone down and looked at him with an air of amusement.


    "So, you''re saying she wasn''t sitting on yourp or wrapping her arms around you?"


    Casper: ...


    Well, that had happened.


    He had to admit, "I was slow on the


    uptake and


    because I''d been


    t was my fault." Cons


    Thouldn''t push her away i


    That was my fault."


    "Casper, you just got to Oak Falls and this is what you do? Are you even trying?" Eliza''s face was icy.


    Casper was at a loss for words. The facts were in as day. The best he could offer was a promise to avoid bars from now on.


    "I am trying." He sounded like a kid caught in the act.


    Eliza huffed and headed for the bedroom.


    He paused before chasing after her


    "I was


    went for


    in a bit of a funk, so


    a couple of drinks. It


    "Content belongMaterial ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She didn''t respond or acknowledge him, sinking into the pillows and fiddling with her phone, lost in a trivial game.


    "Sweetheart..."


    "Elle..."


    "Mrs. Welton..."


    "I swear, nothing like this will ever happen again, okay?"


    His pleas were met with silence.


    rubbed his temples, and tossed them aside. In a swift move, he grabbed Eliza''s phone and


    Frustrated he took off his


    too.


    Before she could react, his lips were on hers.


    tossed it


    Was force really his only tactic? She hated when he resorted to this.


    "Gui... mm... you... get off."


    "I really didn''t do anything to betray you, it was truly an ident," he mumbled against her lips, trying to exin.


    Eliza pushed him away, eyes shing with anger, "So, if another woman ended up in your bed, would you just roll with it too?"

 Chapter 515

    "That''s just not possible." He pulled her close, holding her waist tight against him, "You know that''s not me."


    "I don''t know," she shot back, baffled by his audacity, "Casper, I have no idea how many women you''ve been with, but you sure do. Shameless."


    "You''re the only one for me."


    Casper had said this before.


    But Eliza wasn''t buying it.


    "I''m not a three-year-old."


    "Then you must be four," he teased with a soft chuckle, his fingers gentlybing through her hair. His lips brushed her ear, gently nibbling on her earlobe, "Baby, I''m being honest. I know I messed up, can you forgive me just this once?" She knew he''d been set up, that woman had just shown up at the perfect time.


    His words were cheesy, but Eliza felt her resolve melting.


    "So, you were upset because I didn''t introduce you to my colleagues as my partner today?"


    "A little," he admitted candidly.


    Eliza thought about it.


    In the past, with Casper''s fiery temper, he would''ve blown up right then and there.


    That he ended up sulking with a drink instead, well... that was something for him.


    "We agreed to start over, and that''s going to take time," she said, unsure if they''d ever reach that final day, "...you understand, right? I still have to live and work in Oak Falls."


    He got her uncertainty about the future.


    But... since they were starting fresh, he had no ns to let go of her.


    "So, how long do you need to figure me out? What do I have to do to prove myself, to find my way back into your heart?"


    He needed an answer, desperately.


    His arms wrapped tighter around her waist, his breath warm against her nose, gentle and tender.


    Eliza wasn''t sure when exactly it happened.


    She guessed maybe when she felt she truly knew him.


    "Casper, are you in a hurry?"


    "Yes, I''m in a hurry." He kissed her, his tongue eagerly dancing with hers, "I''m in a hurry to have you back


    with me But it. I won''t pressure you, but please trust me, I won''t do anything crazy, alright?"


    I also know I can''t push


    His kiss was soft yet carried an unmistakable urgency.


    She felt her mind fogging over under his kiss.


    She had to push him away, "Casper..."


    She panted slightly, meeting his eyes, now dark with desire, "Casper, I can trust you, but you have to trust me too, can you do that?" "You and Manuel?"


    Inside, he felt a pang of jealousy.


    But it wasn''t overwhelming; she was giving him a chance, which meant not much was going on with Manuel.


    But there was a catch-he had to keep his cool.


    He couldn''t let jealousy eat away at hisposure.


    "Elle, do you alwayspare me to Shaw in your heart?" His voice carried a hint of insecurity.


    A flicker ofplex emotions crossed Eliza''s clear eyes.


    She couldn''t deny it.


    If Casper hadn''t been her first, she''d have picked Manuel in a heartbeat.


    "Are you... feeling insecure?" she asked softly.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    "A little." Even holding her now, ready for anything, he still doubted if she''d her heart, "I admit, I''m not


    give hi


    the kind of guy women fall for easily."


    "That''s some rare self-awareness," she said with a gentle smile.


    "But I... I promise to love you right." He cradled her delicate face, his fingers softly tracing her chin, kis love@lear, "I''ll do everything can to love you."

 Chapter 516

    His kiss hit her like a whirlwind, catching herpletely off guard. Their tongues danced together, enveloped in a heady, intoxicating swirl. Her small hand pressed against his chest, eyes closed, tilting her face up to drink in his unique scent. Hisrge hand gripped her waist, and the kiss grew hotter and more intense... Somehow, she found herself beneath him. Amidst the whirlwind of emotions, she melted into his embrace. Maybe both of them wanted to hold onto this rare harmony, indulging again and again before finally stopping. Eliza drifted into a deep sleep. Casper kissed her forehead, then slipped out of the bedroom with his phone. "Hey?"


    "Mr. Casper, we''ve got some findings," Dillon''s voice came through, steady but with a hint of urgency. Casper flicked open his sleek gold lighter, a me dancing to life. He brought a cigarette to his lips, took a slow drag, and let the smoke curl around him. "Alright, what''s the scoop?"


    "Do you remember that sudden attack in Oak Falls? The one that left you seriously injured?"


    That incident still gave Casper chills. The attackers were allegedly sent by Tristan, or so it was believed.


    "Mr. Casper, after digging deep, it turns out those men were hired guns from a shadowy organization. They''re mercenaries. Tristan, or even Zach, weren''t the masterminds. They were just fall guys to throw us off the scent."


    Casper''s brow furrowed slightly as he blew out a cloud of smoke. "Are you saying that incident and this recent scandal are linked?"


    The first was a direct hit on Casper''s life. The second was just a blip for Welton International. At first nce, they seemed miles apart.


    "Yes, Mr. Casper, my research shows both plots were hatched by the same person... Ronan."Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Casper was taken aback. Ronan? What was he ying at? Considering he hadn''t left Falconridge, did he n to burn his bridges? "Is this about Susan?"


    "Not quite. Ronan knew from the start that you and Susan were never going to work out. So, during your


    engagement, he used your nameret


    grease palms at Welton


    International, skimming funds and poaching projects. The scale of it is jaw-dropping."


    Dillon had more to reveal. "The hit on you, framing others, was just a diversion. By then, he was knee-deep in shady deals. Today''s scandal was supposed to hurt Welton


    vel.


    International before he bailed on Fatconridge, but it didn''t cause much


    ofa stir."


    Casper stayed silent. If Ronan was doing this for his daughter, Casper might have understood. But all this, just to fill his pockets and run, was a p in the face. "Dillon, spread the word: Welton International won''t deal with any of Ronan''s associates. I want news of the Torres family''s downfall ASAP."


    "Got it."


    Did Ronan really think he could


    outsmart Casper? Treat him like a pushover? Casper had let him off the hook once, offering him a way out. But Ronan chose to dig his own grave, clearly biting off more than he could chew.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 517

    Casper hung up the call and took a final drag of his cigarette, watching the smoke trail off his fingertips. His phone buzzed with messages from the rehab center director, and he meticulously read through them. With Caleb''s help, he had managed to bring in a renowned psychiatrist to evaluate Robin.


    Caleb had mentioned that the doctor had a penchant for wine, hinting that to get him tomit to Robin''s case, they might have to impress him over dinner. Casper didn''t mind a drink, but after years of injuries, his body wasn''t as resilient to alcohol as it used to be. They scheduled the meeting for the next evening. Casper debated whether to tell Eliza about it. Robin''s condition weighed heavily on her, creating a gap between them that seemed impossible to bridge. Still, he hoped that seeing Robin''s gradual improvement would bring her some peace.


    The following day, Eliza felt off-kilter. She''d barely scraped together five hours of sleep. Just before dawn, Casper had pulled her into an embrace again, leaving her utterly drained. She spent her morning trying to conceal the love bites on her neck, fearing curious nces and questions from sharp-eyed colleagues.


    When the workday finally ended, she walked out of the school to find Casper''s car neatly parked by the curb. What was he doing here? Before she could approach, he was already stepping out.


    "Elle," he called, his stride confident and voice tender, "Done for the day?"Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Yes," she answered softly.


    His smile was gentle as he took her hand naturally. "There''s a dinner tonight. Come with me."


    A dinner? Eliza hesitated. She wasn''t really into these kinds of events.


    "What kind of dinner?"


    "I''ve arranged for a doctor who might help Robin. He''s visiting Oak Falls today, and we''re meeting at a nice restaurant. I''d like you to join me."


    Casper''s calm demeanor suggested


    this was nothing new for them. Eliza felt a mix of emotions. She knew Casper had been tirelessly working on Robin''s treatment. Robin''s illness had always been a silent barrier between them, and unless he fully recovered, it would remain a touchy subject.


    "Oh," she agreed quietly, getting into the car with him. They sat in silence, the only sounds were the wind outside and the steady hum of the engine. He drove with intent, while she gazed out the window, lost in the thought of them working together for Robin without any pushback or hesitation.


    The restaurant was charmingly elegant, the private room cozy yet spacious, adorned in a Western ssical style with arge round


    wooden table that seated about


    eight to ten people. Casper


    §¿§Ý


    mentioned the doctor''s name was


    Di Peels, a colleague of Galeb''s.


    Dr. Peels arrived first, hisughter booming as he extended a hearty handshake to Casper. "Mr. Casper, great to meet you. Ray says you''re quite the character in Falconridge. Looking forward to working with you."


    His words were full of praise and respect for Casper. "Dr. Peels, pleasee in," Casper said with a weing smile, disying the perfect host''s grace.


    As the room filled with guests, Eliza found herself nudged to the side. Just as she was figuring out where to sit, Casper took her hand and led her to Dr. Peels.

 Chapter 518

    "This is my wife, and also the patient Robin''s older sister, Eliza." Dr. Peels had just settled into his chair when he stood up again, extending a polite handshake to Eliza. "Mrs. Welton, you look so young and full of grace. With such beauty and positivity around, I''m sure


    Robin''s condition will improve. Mr. Casper is truly a lucky man." Eliza responded with a courteous smile.


    Once the pleasantries were exchanged, everyone found their seats. Casper was deep in conversation with Dr. Peels about Robin''s condition, but Eliza couldn''t help noticing Dr. Peels'' fondness for a drink. He wasn''t just enjoying a drink himself; he was dragging Casper Initially, Casper held his own. But bit by bit, Eliza saw him falter; his cheeks turned a deeper shade of red, and his movements and words started to falter. She wanted to step in, but Dr. Peels was in such high spirits that she couldn''t get a word in. Every time she tried to speak, the clinking of sses drowned her out as yet another round was poured.


    along for round after round.


    The liquor, though top-notch, was strong - over fifty percent proof. It wasn''t long before a few bottles were emptied. "Mr. Casper, you can really hold your liquor! In all my fifty years, I''ve yet to meet someone who can keep up with me drink for drink. I truly admire young folks like you," Dr. Peels dered before downing another ss.


    He savored the taste, unable to resist praising the drink, "Back home, we''d reach for a good bourbon, smooth and rich. You''ve got to have a few sses to really savor it." When he noticed Casper not drinking, he urged, "Come on, Mr. Casper, finish your drink. Don''t make me look bad."


    "Maybe I should drink for him?" Eliza suggested as she reached for Casper''s ss, but he gently held her wrist, "Don''t drink, you''re driving." He twisted open a water bottle, downed half of it, and then picked up the ss to finish it off.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Dr. Peels was delighted. "Mr. Casper, what a champ! It''s been a real pleasure today. Let''s have another!"


    Eliza thought to herself: Seriously, is Dr. Peels a bit of a lush? How can a doctor drink like this without worrying about his hands shaking in surgery?


    "You hanging in there?" Eliza softly tapped Casper''s arm. He was quite drunk, his eyes heavy, but he still managed a reassuring smile, "I''m okay."


    ncing around the table, everyone who drank with Dr. Peels was either passed out of had stumbled outside to be sick. The director of the rehab center, who was allergic to alcoho stepped in to smooth things over; "Dr. Reels, you''ve got quite the tolerance, but Mr. Casper and his wife are trying for a baby. Perhaps we should call it a night, and after Robin''s surgery, we can have a proper celebration. What do you think?"


    Though the baby nning was just a fib, Dr. Peels wasn''t unreasonable. "Trying for a baby, huh? Then take it easy tonight; too much drinking isn''t good." He wobbled over to Eliza and gave a deep bow, "Mrs. Welton, I didn''t know you were nning for a baby. I got carried away drinking with Mr. Casper, apologies."


    Eliza didn''t quite know how to respond. She offered an awkward smile, more pained than anything.


    "Director Sun, let''s head back and let Mr. Casper rest. Tomorrow, we''ll meet at the rehabilitation center for business," Dr. Peels finally put his ss down.


    "I''ll help you." Director Sun managed to escort Dr. Peels out.


    Eliza quickly got up to see them to


    the door, ying the good host.


    Soon the room was empty, leaving t


    only Casper sitting there, eyes closed, cheeks flushed, lost in


    §Ö


    .n


    drunken haze. It was the first time she''d seen him this far gone.


    "Casper," she called softly.

 Chapter 519

    He didn''t answer her at first. So, she gently tapped his arm and asked softly, "Casper, are you alright?"


    This time, he finally stirred. Slowly opening his eyes, which were usually so deep and clear, now looked foggy. He took her hand from his arm, brought it to his face, and nuzzled it gently, leaning against her. His head rested on her chest, his breath heavy with the smell of


    alcohol.


    "I''m sorry, I just can''t drink anymore," he mumbled as soon as he spoke.


    Eliza felt a tug at her heart, a slight pang. "If you can''t drink, then don''t overdo it. Your health is what matters."


    "I had to drink, just a bit more. I needed Dr. Peels to agree to treat Robin. I had no choice," he muttered.


    But she caught every word, loud and clear. A feeling of heartache started spreading inside her...


    Once they got home, Casper headed straight for the bathroom. He made sure to close all the doors, worried that the noise of him being sick would disturb Eliza''s rest. But how could she not hear it?Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    She slipped on a coat, went to the kitchen to whip up some hangover soup, and then popped out to the 24-hour pharmacy for hangover pills.


    Seeing all the effort Eliza had put in, Casper''s face was visibly apologetic. "You really don''t have to take care of me. I''ll be alright."


    "First, take the pills, then drink the soup. It''ll help you feel a bit better," she said, ncing at the clock. It was already past midnight. "Try to get some sleep if you can. We''ve got to go to the clinic tomorrow to discuss Robin''s treatment."


    He nodded, determined not to let this affect his responsibilities. "Don''t worry, I won''t mess up tomorrow''s ns."


    Eliza cast him a worried look before heading back to her room. Casper obediently took the pills and drank


    the hangover soup she made. Hist


    head still throbbed, and his stomach churned. Even his liver felt a dull


    ache. He curled up on the sofa and somehow made it through the night.


    Early the next morning, Casper was already out the door. Though he wasn''t fully recovered, he gave it his all and went to the clinic to discuss the serious matters at hand.


    Meanwhile, Eliza sat at her office desk, her mind miles away. Autumn came over, gave her shoulder a little nudge, and teased, "Eliza, what''s on your mind? Surely not Manuel?"


    "Autumn, what''s up?" Eliza replied with an awkward smile.


    Autumn, having some free time without sses, pulled up a chair and sat across from Eliza, starting a casual chat. "Manuel''s been abroad for a while. He called me today, saying he''sing back and has some gifts for me. Has he reached out to you?" ""No, not at all."


    Ever since she told Manuel she wanted to be with Casper, they hadn''t been in touch. He hadn''t even posted about his trip on social media, so how could she know?


    They talked about staying friends, but given the circumstances, that was impossible.


    "Autumn, Manuel and I..." Eliza


    began, wanting to exin that things. were over between them. But Autumn interrupted, "Eliza,


    rtionships take time. Manue§¥


    might not be the best, but he''s probably the best fit for you. Life is


    about finding a good match, right?"


    Eliza couldn''t argue with that. Autumn''s point was valid.


    Seeing Eliza''s silence, Autumn continued, "Manuel is solid, both in personality and in how he deals with people. We''re not asking for career support, but with him, you wouldn''t have to worry so much. A simple, burden-free life is the best kind of life."


    Eliza understood, but meeting the right person at the wrong time often leads to nowhere.

 Chapter 520

    Just as Autumn was about to dive back into her work, she heard someone call from the door, "Autumn, there''s a young man here to see you." "Thanks, I''ll be right there." Autumn got up, but before she could head out, Manuel walked in. "Autumn," he greeted.


    He wore a polite and understated smile, looking every bit the gentleman-calm and courteous.


    "Manuel! I was just talking about you with Eliza. Come on in." Autumn waved him over with a warm grin. "And you brought gifts? You really shouldn''t have."


    Manuel gave a little smile. He was holding two gifts, onerge and one small. Handing the smaller one to Autumn, he said, "This is for you. Hope you like it."


    "How could I not?" Autumn said, epting it eagerly. She noticed the more elegantly wrapped box in his hand and guessed with a yful smile, "And I bet this one''s for Eliza?"Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Manuel nodded, handing the gift to Eliza. "I wasn''t sure what you''d like, so I asked the salesdy to help."


    It was a gift box from a popr makeup brand. Eliza started to decline, but Autumn quickly took it for her. "Manuel really knows how to pick gifts. A thoughtful gift always brings joy, right, Eliza?" Autumn ced the gift box firmly in Eliza''s hands, making it clear there was no returning it now. Eliza knew she''d have to find another way to return the favorter.


    "Alright, you youngsters chat away. I''ve got some things to do," Autumn said happily as she left with her gift, not forgetting to thank Manuel, "I love the gift, Manuel. Thank you!" Manuel gave a polite smile in return.


    "Got any ns tonight?" Manuel asked Eliza.


    Eliza hesitated, unsure how to respond. Saying she was busy might seem rude, but agreeing without knowing his intentions felt risky.


    "Do you have something in mind?"


    "I was thinking dinner. If it feels awkward, you can bring your... ex-husband," he offered, still calm andposed. "That is, if he doesn''t mind."


    "He probably doesn''t have the time,"


    she said, ncing at the hefty gift


    box. "You really didn''t need to do this. How much was it? Let me pay you back."


    "It''s just a little something. Are you really going to make a big deal out of it? Aren''t we friends?" Though he smiled, there was a touch of sadness in his eyes at her reluctance.


    en


    Eliza didn''t like epting gifts without a reason. Refusing outright would seem too harsh.


    "Tell you what, let me treat you to dinner tonight."


    "Trying to even the score?" Manuel guessed her intentions easily and chuckled. "Alright, if you insist." "Deal."


    They picked a trendy bistro for dinner, known for its European charm and popr among couples Eliza chose it based on rave online reviews, not expecting the romantic vibe, which felt a bit awkward


    "Apparently, the food here is amazing. Order whatever you like," Eliza offered, handing Manuel the menu.


    Manuel casually picked a few dishes and passed the menu to the waiter. He wasn''t one to frequent such ces, which were more of a hit with thedies. "Want me to snap some photos for you?" he offered.


    Eliza was caught off guard but quickly shook her head. "No thanks, I''m not really into taking pictures."


    "Come on, youngdies usually love photos. Pass me your phone; I promise I''m good at it." Manuel reached out with an easygoing smile.

 Chapter 521

    Eliza couldn''t really refuse, so she handed over her phone. Manuel, with the phone in his grasp, deftly found the perfect angle. "Alright, tilt your head a little, yep, give me a smile. Perfect, hold it right there." He snapped a few extra shots just to be sure. Each capture was spot-on.


    It had been ages since Eliza had a proper photo taken. Even though her poses were a bit stiff, the pictures looked like they''d been shot in a professional studio. "Wow, you''re really good at this. These photos are amazing," Eliza said, scrolling through the gallery with a soft "I''ve actually never had a girlfriend," Manuel replied coolly, shing a slightly shy smile at her. "There was a time when I really got into photography and learned a few tricks."


    glow of happiness on her face. "Have you always been the go-to photographer for your girlfriends?"


    "Oh, is that so?" Eliza felt a bit awkward hearing about hisck of past rtionships.


    Manuel, however, appearedpletely at ease. He asionally snapped some candid shots of Eliza, capturing her in beautiful, natural moments. "I''ll send you the photos tonight," he said.


    Eliza nodded with a smile, "Sounds great."


    "I also brought a little something for your baby." He fished out a small red box from his pocket, "It''s a tiny silver bracelet for protection. It''s not pricey, but I had it specially blessed, hoping you''d ept it."


    Eliza was momentarily taken aback. Manuel had gone out of his way to get a protective bracelet for her child? The bracelet had a little red bell that chimed softly, a sound that was sweet but not intrusive.


    "You really didn''t have to..." she said, touched and unsure how to thank him for his kindness. "Manuel, you''re incredibly thoughtful. Thank you, from both me and the baby."Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    "No need to thank me, as long as you like it."


    Eliza cherished this meaningful gift, carefully tucking it into her bag with a serene smile on her face. During dinner, she slipped away under the guise of going to the restroom and popped into a nearby health shop to get some premium supplements for Manuel''s parents. Given his thoughtfulness, she felt it was only right to show her appreciation.


    ???


    After their meal, as they were saying their goodbyes, Eliza loaded the gifts into Manuel''s car. "These are for your parents. They''re all sorts of supplements that are great for the elderly. Please make sure they get them."


    Manuel got the message loud and clear. He didn''t turn down her gesture. "Then thank you from my parents."


    "It''s the least I could do. I''m heading out now," she said, giving him a polite wave. "Take care."


    Manuel watched her car disappear down the road before he got back into his own. Eliza felt a sense of contentment. It wasn''t just that she felt so at ease with Manuel; it was his thoughtfulness that resonated with her. Just like Autumn had said, he understood the ways


    world, and being with him d


    mean less stress. Life might not be extravagant, but it would be


    exactly what she wanted.


    If only...


    She and he... they probably weren''t meant to be. She drove back to her apartment building, her mind a whirl of thoughts. Carrying her bag, she walked upstairs.


    Opening the door, she found Casper


    sitting in the living room, a


    half-smoked cigarette in his hand. Smoke clung to the air in their small apartment, and she coughed softly, heading to the balcony to let in


    some fresh air.


    "Why so much smoke?" she asked.


    He didn''t answer, just looked up at her with eyes that seemed to weigh and measure her. "Where have you been?" he finally inquired.


    Eliza felt her heart skip, but she didn''t hide it. "I went out for dinner."


    "With who?"


    Turning to face Casper''s shadowed expression, she wondered if he already knew and was testing her, or if he was genuinely curious about her dinnerpanion.

 Chapter 522

    "With Manuel," she admitted openly.


    A subtle frown flickered across the man''s face before it transformed into a sarcastic grin. "Italian food, huh? Must''ve been pretty good."


    Eliza was caught off guard. He knew she had gone out with Manuel.


    It was clear he was just trying to stir things up. "Are you stalking me now?"


    "No need for that. Just a quick phone call and I know what''s up," he replied coolly, taking another drag from his cigarette and exhaling slowly.


    Eliza smirked slightly, "Maybe next time, I''ll bring you along."


    "You''re quite the generous one," he chuckled dryly.


    Eliza couldn''t quite grasp what his problem was. Her good mood quickly turned sour. "It''s just dinner. What''s the big deal?"


    "Eliza, it''s not just any dinner. It''s dinner with Manuel," he said, his eyes filled with confusion and a hint of reproach. "I spent the whole day discussing Robin''s surgery with Dr. Peels. I haven''t eaten a thing, and I made dinner waiting for you. Instead, you went out with him. Couldn''t you at least have given me a heads-up?"


    Eliza realized she had been a bit thoughtless.


    She was so used to her own routine, it didn''t ur to her that Casper would be waiting to have dinner together.


    Her gaze softened with an apology, "The reason I had dinner with Manuel is because..."


    She wanted to exin.


    But Casper''s stormy expression killed her desire to continue.


    Never mind.


    "From now on, don''t wait up for me. You don''t need to feel put out. We agreed not to interfere in each other''s lives."


    "So, noting home for dinner or letting each other know our ns is interference now? Eliza, don''t you get that I''m worried about you? How can you be so..."


    He nearly said "heartless," but swallowed it back.


    Eliza didn''t buy his concern.


    He was just upset she went out with Manuel, assuming they might be up to something.


    He had always been like this, suspicious.


    "Are you really worried about me, or are you just thinking I ran off to sleep with Manuel?"


    Waol


    Her words were sharp, her voice and barely audible, more like a whisper of her suspicions about Casper.


    But that was exactly what she believed.


    He had doubted her loyalty before.


    That was just how he was.


    Casper heard her, his expression darkening.


    Respect goes both ways.


    He hoped she could trust him without question, as he intended to trust her.


    But her attitude, acting unreasonable and looking for trouble, was hard for him to ept.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    "Eliza, how could you say that? When have I ever used you of such a thing?"


    "Whether er you


    the


    she replied, still softly, but


    Tony have or not, you k


    bite of anger. 4


    She kicked off her shoes, grabbed her bag, and mmed the bedroom door behind her with bare feet.


    Casper was left speechless.


    Was he not even allowed to ask?


    Did he have no right to know?


    Frustrated, he raised his foot to kick the trash can but set it down gently instead.


    Damn it, the woman he chose was driving him crazy, and yet he had to put up with it.


    "Eliza, can''t we talk instead of hiding in separate rooms every time we''re upset?" "Eliza, can''t we try to be less hot-headed?"


    "Eliza?"


    He stood outside the bedroom door, knocking.


    Inside, she had already put on her headphones, cutting herself off from the world.


    After what seemed like ages, Eliza finally removed her headphones and emerged from the bedroom.


    Casper sat on the couch, eyes red, watching her intently, not blinking once...

 Chapter 523

    known, she would''ve taken him somewhere fancy for dinner today.


    She barely nced at him before turning away. With a casual lift of her hand, she picked up the hefty gift box Manuel had left on top of the shoe cab and scanned it with her phone. The price tag was no joke. This wasn''t something a simple dinner could settle. If she''d "Did he give you this?" the man suddenly asked.


    Eliza smirked slightly, "Yeah."Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    "If you need anything, just let me know. Even if you don''t want to tell me, I''ve given you my card. You can buy whatever you need. What can''t we afford that you''ve got to take his gifts?"


    Casper, being a man, had his possessiveness. He just didn''t think Eliza should be epting gifts from Manuel.


    Eliza couldn''t be bothered to exin. Hugging the gift box, she headed back to the bedroom. Just as she was about to close the door, Casper blocked it with his hand, his tone softening, "Are you really not going to talk to me?" "With your temper, Mr. Casper, how could I dare?" she replied with a slight pout, avoiding his gaze.


    "My temper?" He chuckled, genuinely amused by the usation.


    Eliza turned on her heel and walked inside, with him trailing her, "Fine, I won''t argue. If I haven''t eaten, that''s on me. You going out to eat is your choice. Who you eat with and whose gifts you ept your call. Happy now?" "Why do you have to be so sarcastic?"


    "Then how should I be?" He was clearly frustrated, but he kept his cool, staying a respectful distance away. "I just want to know, what am I to you, really?"


    She didn''t want to get into it. She


    was used to being on her own. If she


    went out to eat and forgot to tell him, it wasn''t like she was hiding it-it just happened. He''d had a long, busy day without a meal, and deep down, she did feel a bit sorry for him. But before she could voice any sympathy, his stormy expression had already smothered her concern.


    "Whatever you think you are, that''s what you are."


    "You..." She was definitely pushing his buttons.


    He took a deep breath, turned, and walked out of the bedroom, grabbing his coat on the way out. "I''m heading back to Falconridge. Robin''s surgery is set up. Don''t worry, the sanatorium will keep tabs on everything. Plus, I''m heading to Africa tomorrow. Let''s cool off and talk when I''m back."


    Africa? Why was he suddenly jetting off so far away?


    Before Eliza could ask, Casper had already shut the door behind him. She held her phone, contemting sending him a "drive safe" text. After much second-guessing, she never hit send.


    She should''ve just swallowed her pride and exined things earlier. It wasn''t that hard. She decided she''d wait until he got back from Africa to sort things out.


    Once Casper was in Africa, he barely


    sent any messages. Eliza was


    caught up with work in Oak Falls and


    spent weekends in Falconridge ying with Brock. Sometimes she missed him and thought about checking in to see how he was doing. But, after drafting a message, she''d always delete it. This went on for about a month.


    One weekend, after dropping Brock off at preschool, she went to the hospital to get checked out. Since leaving Falconridge, she''d worked hard on her health. Her stomach was better, and her cycles were regr. But recently, she''d been feeling dizzy and nauseous, and her period was over ten days date. She and Casper hadn''t been careful.


    The thought of being pregnant had crossed her mind. After her check-up, the tests confirmed it-she was pregnant, a little over a month along, likely from that camping trip. Holding the pregnancy report, it felt like a hot potato. Eliza was at a bit of a loss.

 Chapter 524

    Eliza sat on a bench in the hospital corridor, her eyes fixed but unfocused on the TV screen in front of her, lost in a whirlwind of thoughts. Should she tell Casper? Handle it on her own? And if so, how? End the pregnancy? No way, she couldn''t bring herself to do that. She was sure Casper would want her to keep the baby.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Her phone was slick with sweat from her tight grip, and she finally mustered the courage to call Casper. Just then, the TV screen flickered to a breaking news story. "A private ne from Falconridge crashed into an African forest due to pilot error, igniting a fire and iming the lives of all three on board, including two crew members and one passenger." The footage showed the grim sight of three charred bodies. At first, Eliza brushed it off as another tragic headline. She was preupied, rehearsing how she''d share the news about the baby with Casper. Her fingers hovered, indecisive, over the call button.


    Then the newscaster announced the victims'' names: "The crew members were local Africans, Peter Lee and James, and the passenger was a Falconridge national, Casper. The ne belonged to the CEO of Falconridge''s Welton International, Casper, who was only thirty. A tragic loss."


    Eliza, on the verge of dialing, froze. Casper? His name was like a p of thunder in her mind. Was he one of those victims? A ringing filled her ears. Her body went rigid, her expression stuck in disbelief.


    After what felt like eternity, she blinked her stinging eyes and looked at her phone. This wasn''t fake news. The crash was real. How could this happen? He had cheated death so many times before, how could this be it?


    She dialed his number repeatedly, desperation crossing oceans, but no answer came. She lost track of how often she tried. With half her phone''s battery drained, her fingers trembling, she called Dillon.


    After an agonizing wait, he picked up, "Hello?"


    "Dillon, has something happened to Casper?" Her voice shook, fingers barely holding onto the phone, "Tell me the truth about the ne..."


    Dillon''s silence was a knife to her heart. Despite her hope, reality was unforgiving.


    "Dillon," she pleaded, "just tell me he''s okay, that it''s not true."


    "Mrs. Moore," Dillon finally said, "M Casper did have an ident. But


    rest assured, he made sure


    the young master will be we and


    care of." .


    Von


    Her eyes filled with tears, her lips quivering. This wasn''t what she needed to hear. She needed to know he was alive.


    "I don''t understand. Where is Casper? Is he really... dead?"


    After a pause, Dillon confirmed, "Yes, Mr. Casper was in the ident."


    The words were a death knell, extinguishing herst hope. Her phone slipped from her grasp, hitting the


    s with a tter.Cont


    She slumped onto the bench, tears flowing freely. Casper had "died" before, like when he fell off a cliff. Everyone, including her, thought he was gone, but she hadn''t felt this crushed back then. Why did it hurt so much more now?


    Her pregnancy test was blurred by tears. Onlookers, thinking she''d received terrible news, offered words offort.

 Chapter 525

    She was lost in her own world of grief, not even aware of how long she''d been crying until she finally stepped out of the hospital with swollen eyes. The sunlight hit her, and for a moment, it was blinding.


    Leaning against the wall, she shuffled along without really knowing how far she had gone until she reached the old Welton family mansion. A ck cloth, a symbol of mourning, draped over the door. That''s when it hit her-Casper was truly gone. He had passed away in a foreignnd, reduced to ashes, never to see her again.


    Clutching her abdomen, she kept telling herself to hold it together. Her steps were unsteady as she pushed open the mansion''s door, feeling hollow inside. A servant spotted her and rushed over to keep her from copsing.


    Caroline''s wedding was just around the corner. But with Casper''s sudden passing, the wedding was off. She decided she''d go to Africa herself to bring back her brother''s ashes.


    "Can I go with you?" she pleaded, gripping Caroline''s arm, tears welling up in her eyes. "I want to see him, onest time."


    "Of course, we''ll go together," Caroline replied, her voiceced with sadness. They held each other and cried.


    A few dayster, Eliza and Caroline found themselves in Africa. Dillon was there to meet them at the airport, his face somber, his ck suit a poor disguise for his grief. They traveled in silence, the air heavy with sorrow. When they arrived, Dillon led them to a room. On a table against the wally a white urn covered with a red cloth. Eliza''s eyes widened, the exhaustion from sleepless nights catching up with her. Overwhelmed, she fainted. "Eliza," Caroline said urgently, catching her before guiding her to rest.


    Back in the room with Casper''s ashes, Caroline couldn''t help but cry as she looked at his photo. The nightmare felt all too real, leaving her defenseless.


    "How could he be so reckless? That private ne was never safe."


    "He had to go to Africa to open a mine, and now look where it got him. Gone. How are his wife and child supposed to manage?"


    "Casper, you..."


    Caroline sobbed, her voice breaking, barely able to speak. Dillon, standing nearby dismissed everyone else before speaking softly, "Ms. Caroline, actually... Mr. Casper isn''t dead."


    en


    "What?" Caroline was stunned, tears halted on her cheeks, thinking she must have misheard. "What did you say? Casper isn''t dead?" Dillon nodded, "Yes."


    She looked at the urn on the table. "And this urn...?"


    "It''s part of a ruse," Dillon exined,


    following Casper''s instructions. "Mr. Casper is severely injured, with extensive burns and shattered bones. His face is the worst...Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Even if


    he recovers, he won''t be able to have a normal life. He didn''t want to be a


    burden to his wife."


    Caroline''s heart ached. How did things end up like this? Was he really prepared to never return to Falconridge, to vanish from everyone''s lives?


    How bad were his injuries? She didn''t even know what Casper looked like now. But...


    As long as he was alive, whether as a shadow or a man, he was her brother, and she couldn''t abandon him.


    "Is he really in such bad shape? Is his life at risk?"


    Dillon had brought in top international experts for Casper, and they said while it would take a long time for him to heal, his life wasn''t in immediate danger. "For now, no."


    That was a relief. As long as he was alive, that was what mattered most. Caroline exhaled deeply, her grip tightening on Dillon''s arm. "Where is he? Can I see him?"

 Chapter 526

    "I''m really sorry, but visiting isn''t possible right now. Mr. Casper''s in a critical phase of his recovery from severe burns, so we can''t allow any visitors at the moment."


    Caroline didn''t push it.


    As long as he was still breathing, they''d have their chance to see each other again.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Please make sure Casper gets the best care. As for Eliza, I''ll keep her in the dark for now."


    "Alright," Dillon nodded, then added, "Actually, Mr. Casper made ns for Eliza and their son a long time ago, even before all this happened..."


    It was rare for a man in his prime to draw up a will so early, mapping out his loved ones'' futures out of pure devotion.


    But Casper did just that.


    He was terrified that something might happen to him, leaving Eliza and their child without support.


    And then, the unexpected struck.


    "...ording to his will, Mr. Casper ensured that Eliza and their son''s future would be secure. He also wished for her to start a new life."


    Dillon handed Caroline two divorce papers. "Please give these to Eliza. It''s Mr. Casper''s way of letting go."


    Previously, Casper wouldn''t even entertain the thought of divorce.


    Letting go was, ironically, more painful than holding on.


    The more Caroline listened, the more it stung.


    Casper''s decision was undoubtedly for Eliza''s benefit, but did he ever consider if this was what she wanted?


    Was this one-sided sacrifice truly what Eliza desired?


    "If he went to such lengths for her, why not take a chance on her love for him?"


    Dillon wasn''t sure if Eliza loved Casper.


    In Casper''s heart, he couldn''t say for certain how deeply she cared for him, or if she''d continue to love him no matter the circumstances. Instead of facing potential disappointment, he chose to extinguish hope himself.


    So, he let go.


    "Mr. Casper said Eliza''s feelings were always a bit uncertain, and so many obstacles stood between them... Forcing love on Eliza would be like chaining her. He didn''t want to imprison her with a marriage certificate, tying her life to his."


    And so, he handed her the divorce papers.


    To set her free.


    Watching her find happiness from afar would be enough.


    Caroline struggled to grasp such a selfless gesture.


    She hadn''t experienced a love so deep that, even in despair, one''s heart could still carry someone else''s burden.


    "Since this is Casper''s choice, I''ll keep this secret and give Eliza her freedom."


    "Thank you, Ms. Caroline."


    Eliza woke up with tears streaming down her face.


    She''d had a terrifyingly vivid dream.


    In it, Casper was falling from the sky, plummeting. She tried to reach for him but couldn''t grasp him.


    She shouted his name, but he fell too fast, vanishing into the clouds, out of view.


    Panicked, she jumped after him...


    And then she woke up.


    Her breath came in quick gasps, her chest heaving as she looked around the unfamiliar room, quietly slipping out of bed.


    In the room where Casper''s urn was kept, Caroline and Dillon were still there.


    Seeing Eliza enter, Caroline quickly moved to support her. "Why don''t you rest a little longer?"


    "I''m okay," Eliza replied, her voice steady despite her red, tear-stained eyes, "Sis, let''s take Casper''s ashes back to Falconridge. We can''t fet him be a wandering soul in a foreignnd."


    Caroline exchanged a nce with Dillon.


    He stepped forward, "I''ll personally take Mr. Casper''s ashes back to Falconridge, don''t worry."


    "I''ll take them back myself," Eliza insisted. Now that she was here, there was no reason to leave someone else. "I believe he''d want me to bring him home."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 527

    Caroline''s heart felt heavy as she listened. Her fingers brushed against the divorce papers tucked away in her pocket, her eyes growing even redder. She gently hugged Eliza, "Alright, let''s bring him back home." Eliza returned to Falconridge with Casper''s ashes. After the funeral, she asked Dillon for a photo of Casper, got it erged at the photo shop, and hung it in her home. Caroline felt a pang of difort watching all this unfold. She had been mulling over the two divorce papers Dillon gave her for a long time before finally deciding to show them to Eliza. "Eliza, here... take a look."


    Caroline handed the divorce papers to Eliza. Eliza was taken aback, not expecting to receive divorce papers Casper had prepared well before his death, ironically dated after his ident.


    "Are you giving me this fake document because you''re worried I''ll go after the Welton family''s fortune? Don''t worry, I won''t take a dime from him."


    Caroline could see that Eliza had misunderstood. She quickly rified, "It''s not fake, it''s legit. You both signed the divorce agreement, didn''t you?"Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    It was true; the divorce agreement had been signed ages ago. But things between her and Casper had started up again. He never brought up the divorce after that. So why was there suddenly a divorce certificate? "So, you''re saying Casper and I... are officially over now, right?" Her voice was filled with pain.


    Caroline felt awful too, "I guess that''s what it means."


    "What about his will then? Is that still valid?"


    He had made so many ns for her. If he truly wanted a divorce, why go through all that trouble? It didn''t add up.


    Caroline knew it didn''t make sense


    either. But this was what Casper had left behind, and she had no choice but to follow through. "His arrangements for you and Brock still stand. He wanted you to find


    happiness again."


    Happiness?


    If he truly wanted her to be happy, he wouldn''t have been tangled up with her for so long. Now that he''s gone, he wants to y the noble card. Did he think she''d be grateful?


    She was an adult, capable of making her own decisions about staying or leaving, without needing his ns.


    "Brock is his son..." Her hand


    instinctively touched her belly, "...he can make ns for him, but I don''t need them. I won''t take the money or shares he left for me, nor will work at Welton International. Awon''t im anything that''s not mine, no is real or


    matter if this certificate, no


    not. You can count on that."


    "Eliza, I''m not worried about you going after Welton International... It was Casper''s life''s work, and whoever he wants to leave it to is up to him. What do I have to worry about?" Caroline was hurt by the misunderstanding. Eliza knew Caroline had no real power at Welton International, despite her title. The power struggle didn''t apply to her, whether she joined or not.


    She had intended to discuss leaving Welton International with Casper after they got married. But she never got the chance.


    "You can ept or reject Casper''s arrangements as you see fit; it doesn''t involve me. I won''t be the heir to Welton International if you decline anything..."


    Caroline understood Eliza''s mood right now. But she felt Eliza shouldn''t jump to conclusions about her. In her eyes, Eliza had always been reasonable, gentle, and kind-hearted, not one to misunderstand her like this. She shook her head, disappointed. "If you need anything in the future, just reach out to Dillon. I''m heading back now."


    Eliza watched Caroline leave. At


    Welton International, Caroline only


    had the authority to carry out decisions, the real power stilly with Casper. Even as a vice president, it was the same. At


    Welton International, no matter how capable a woman was, she had no


    im to inheritance. This had been the Welton family tradition for generations.

 Chapter 528

    It was just about the most unfair twist of fate.


    Eliza suddenly felt a pang of guilt over her earlier attitude. Just as Caroline was about to close the door, Eliza called out, "Sis, I''m sorry, I..."


    Caroline paused, gave a small tug at her lip, and simply said, "I''m leaving."


    She didn''t give Eliza an opportunity to apologize.


    After Caroline left, Eliza sat in front of Casper''s photo, staring at the two divorce papers in her hand. She was lost in thought for who knows how long before she finally rubbed her aching neck and wandered out to the balcony.


    Brock still didn''t know about Casper''s passing. Just when he''d found a father, he was taken away so suddenly. Eliza couldn''t figure out how to break the cruel news to him.


    Her hand gently rested on her belly, filled with pity for the child inside her who would never know their father. "Oh, you poor thing, choosing now toe into my life. It''s just so unfair."


    "But don''t worry, no matter how tough it gets, I''ll make sure you and your brother grow up okay."


    "From now on, it''s just the three of us against the world."


    She was caught up in a wave of self-pity, her eyes dull and lifeless. She didn''t want to cry anymore; tears wouldn''t bring him back, and maybe she and Casper really weren''t meant to be. Maybe it was better this way.


    *Ding dong*.


    The doorbell rang.


    Eliza took a moment topose herself before answering the door. Standing there was Juan.


    As soon as he saw Eliza, he pulled her into a hug. "How could something this huge happen and you didn''t tell me?"


    "I didn''t get the chance." Her eyes lowered slightly.


    Juan knew Eliza too well. It wasn''t that she hadn''t had the chance; she just never nned to tell him. If he hadn''t seen the news about Casper''s death while he was abroad, she would have kept it all to herself. "Why do you always have to be so strong?" he asked, dragging his suitcase inside. Before he even had a chance to set it down, he noticed the divorce papers on the table. "Divorced? When did this happen?" "Just now," she replied, tucking the papers away.


    Juan couldn''t wrap his head around it. Was this the Welton family''s doing? With their influence, getting a divorce paper to cut Eliza out of any inheritance was a breeze. But it was such a low blow. "He''s gone, and now there''s a divorce? Whose idea was this?" he pressed.


    Eliza didn''t know whose idea it was,


    and


    no


    it didn''t matter. She had


    ion of fighting for


    t


    inheritance.


    "It doesn''t matter anymore."


    Even though Juan had a million questions, seeing Eliza so drained stopped him from pushing further.


    He had always thought Casper and Eliza would eventually work things out. But then, out of nowhere, Casper was gone.


    Juan felt for Eliza deeply.


    While she wasn''t looking, he slipped an envelope stuffed with two thousand dors into her bag.


    In doing so, he stumbled upon Eliza''s pregnancy test report.


    Pregnant? Casper''s?


    Did anyone else know?


    He had to ask her.


    "So, uh, what are you nning to do next?"


    Eliza rubbed her temples and gave slight shake of her head. "I have any ns. I''ll head backAll rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    @


    Oak


    Falls in a few days." Conte


    "Are you... feeling okay?"


    "I''m fine."


    This wasn''t going anywhere.


    Might as well get straight to the point-it''s not like they were strangers.


    "I... I saw your pregnancy test


    belongs


    report," Juan said, looking directly into


    quests eyes, his


    written all over his


    Pel


    face.


    She let out a small sigh, her brows knitting together as she nodded. "I found out just before Casper''s ident."


    "Did he know?"


    "I didn''t get the chance to tell him. He left for Africa over a month ago. This baby was unexpected."

 Chapter 529

    John was sure of it. Eliza was going to keep the baby. Raising one child as a single mom was tough enough, and now she had another on the way. "Does the Welton family know about this?" he asked.


    "I''ve been wrestling with whether to tell them," she replied, clearly torn. This pregnancy was personal, but since the baby was Casper''s, it wasn''t just her business. Honestly, whether she told them or not, she''d still be the one raising the child, so what difference would it make?


    John''s brow furrowed with concern. "Why don''t youe to France? I''ll help you with the kids. It''s hard enough for one person to do it alone, and I can''t just stand by and watch."


    "Casper left enough money for them," she said, trying to sound nonchnt.


    John''s worry deepened. Was money really enough to raise a child? She had raised Brock on her own, so she knew it took more than just cash. He got it, though; now wasn''t the time to press the issue. Some things needed a gentle touch to get through to Eliza. "I''ve taken some time off work. I''ll be by your side, whether we stay here in Falconridge or head back to Oak Falls. I''m here for you," John said, patting his chest confidently.


    Eliza felt a wave of gratitude. She leaned against his shoulder, her eyes distant and sad. "John, don''t worry about me. I''ll get through this. Casper... he was never any good. I''ll get over him, right?"


    Eliza blinked wearily. "He really messed up my life."


    "He definitely wasn''t a good guy," John replied with a bittersweet smile. Forgetting someone who had left such a mark on her heart was easier said than done. It was just self-deception.


    "Then let''s hope in the next life, you meet someone who loves youpletely and grows old with you."Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    John would trade all his future luck for her happiness in the next life.


    "In the next life, I won''t run into him again," she said. No matter how much love or hate this life held, in the next, she''d steer clear of all the ces he had been. "John, I''m so tired. I just want to sleep forever." "Dream on, silly," he chuckled.


    Eliza fell asleep on John''s shoulder, and he stayed perfectly still to keep herfortable.


    When Eliza returned to Oak Falls, John went with her. The locals had no idea what she''d been through. She went about her days, working anding home, and John took good care of her, offering support and guidance. Slowly, her wounded heart began to heal.


    The doorbelt rang. John, still in his apron, event to answer it and


    to see a man sta aset


    there. Content belon Wat


    "Who are you?" John asked.


    "Who are you?" came the reply.


    Manuel gave a polite smile. "Hi, I''m Eliza''s friend. I came to check on her. Is she home?"


    "She is," John replied, spat in hand,


    fing up the man. "Eliza''s


    friend, huh? Haven''t heard of


    before."


    "I''m Manuel. I heard about her ex-husband''s troubles and got worried, so I thought I''d stop by." Manuel was the picture of politeness, leaving John no room to deny him entry, even if he wanted to. "Eliza, someone''s here for you!" he called into the house.


    Eliza emerged from the bedroom, slightly surprised to see Manuel. "Manuel?"


    "I came to see how you''re doing," he said, carrying a bag of fruit and some supplements.


    Eliza poured him a cup of hot tea and invited him to sit. "Did you hear something?"

 Chapter 530

    "Yeah, I''ve caught wind of some troubling stuff and got worried about you..." His eyes were full of concern, and he gave a slight, tense smile. "But you seem to be doing alright."


    "Those who are gone are gone, and the rest of us have to keep on living," she said, trying to smile but not quite managing it.


    Manuel nodded, his voice gentle, "If there''s ever anything you need, just say the word. I''m here to help."


    "Thanks."


    Michael had been sneaking a listen from the kitchen. Once Manuel wrapped up his polite goodbyes and left, Michael emerged.


    "This guy''s got a crush on you, huh?"


    Eliza shrugged it off, "Just a blind date."


    "A blind date?"


    No way, she actually went on blind dates? When did that happen?


    "Before I decided to give it another shot with Casper," she rified.


    Michael was floored, flopping down next to Eliza on the couch with such enthusiasm that he nearly bounced her off. "This guy seems like quite the catch. Meeting someone like him on a blind date? You''ve got some serious luck." "Lucky, but not in the ways that count," she shot back with a smirk.


    Michael chuckled, "If this guy''s cool with being a stepdad, maybe it''s worth thinking about."


    "Yeah, right."


    Eliza wasn''t having it. Even if Manuel did fancy her, the idea of him stepping in to help raise her two kids seemed far-fetched. With all his options, why would he settle? She brushed it off.


    "Hey, he might be up for it, you never know."


    "Rather than dragging someone else into this, I might as well..." Eliza let her eyesnd yfully on Michael, "...drag you into it."Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Me? An uncle? That''s hardly a burden. Just a couple of kids." He puffed his chest out, "Piece of cake."


    Eliza just rolled her eyes, "Forget I said anything."


    "Let''s eat," Michael said, heading to the kitchen.


    Eliza''s phone buzzed on the table. It was a message from Manuel. It was full of encouraging words, carefully chosen and as polite as could be. She typed back a quick thank you and left it at that.


    Michael stayed with Eliza for nearly two weeks before getting ready to head back to France. Right before he left, he handed her a bank card. "It''s not much, just for emergencies."


    Eliza hesitated, "I have money."


    "It''s not about that. This is from me.


    Take it." He pressed the card into her hand, holding it firmly. "Try to stay


    positive. When you''re ready, talk to


    Brock about his dad. He''s young and needs time to understand. And


    make sure you''re taking care of yourself, alright?" Content, belongs to


    Eliza suddenly felt a lump in her throat.


    She and Michael had grown up together. Michael was the carefree type, always goofing around, but e when it counted, he never let anyone down He was smart, good-looking, and had been a heartthrob since middle school.


    But all his affection and indulgence were reserved for her.


    To outsiders, it seemed like they were a couple.


    Only she knew that Michael''s special attention was because of his sister, who''d died in a car ident. He poured all the love he couldn''t give to his sister onto her.


    Always there whenever she needed him.


    She understood it all and cherished him for it.


    "I know, you take care too. On Mu Chu''s anniversary, I''ll go visit her and tell her how much you miss her. Don''t worry about it."


    Eliza wrapped Michael in a big hug.


    He nodded, feeling both touched and relieved, "Thanks for everything, all these years."


    "Stop being so sappy."

 Chapter 531

    Eliza waved goodbye to Juan at the airport, turning away with a heavy heart. She nearly bumped into someone as she turned around.


    "Oh, sorry!" She quickly apologized, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. As she looked up, she found herself staring into a pair of familiar eyes. "Manuel? What are you doing here? Off on a work trip?" "Not at all." He reached out instinctively, steadying her with a gentle touch. "I came here just to see you."


    Just to see her?


    Eliza blinked, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Is everything okay?"


    "I heard you''ve been feeling a bit downtely, so I thought I''d invite you for a hike." Manuel''s voice held a hint of worry, fearing she might say no. He quickly added, "I figured you might want to have a chat with Master Henry." Eliza''s mind was indeed a whirlwind of thoughts. Master Henry, a wise soul, had once offered her guidance three years ago, and hispassion and insight had left asting impact.


    With that memory in mind, she nodded internally. "Right now?"


    "Yep, we''ve got time." His lips curled into a gentle smile.


    Eliza gave a small nod, "Sure, why not."


    She desperately needed to clear her mind, not just lose herself in the routine of everyday life.


    The mountain loomed ahead, its peaksyered beautifully. As they reached halfway, a light rain started to fall, bringing a chill to the air and a hint of mncholy to the year''s end. Without hesitation, Manuel shrugged off his coat and draped it over Eliza''s shoulders. "We''re nearly at the top. Let''s keep going before the rain gets heavier."


    His voice was aforting warmth against the cold.


    Eliza nced at him, a bit reluctant. "I''m okay, really. You should wear it; winter rain can be brutal."


    She tried to return his coat, but he gently stopped her. "Cold''s no big deal for a guy."


    With that, he lengthened his stride, his stamina clearly outpacing hers. Maybe it was his way of keeping her from giving the coat back, as he widened the gap slightly between them.


    en


    Eliza had no choice but to keep up, and they reached the summit just as the rain intensified.


    The Jade Serenity Hall was alive with incense smoke. Standing under the roof, Eliza watched the smoke rise defiantly through the rain, her heart a mix of emotions. It was like each wisp held conversations of the past and whispers of the future, bringing thoughts of him again. All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    to mind


    "Master Henry''s waiting," Manuel quietly reminded her, his voice a gentle prompt.


    Eliza pulled herself back to the present and nodded, "Alright."


    She went in alone to see Master Henry, leaving Manuel outside. What was said between her and the Master? Manuel didn''t know, and he didn''t pry.


    Life was about moving forward. Staying stuck wasn''t an option. All he hoped for was that she''d find a bit more peace, a brighter outlook.


    The rain continued its relentless fall.


    Manuel and Eliza shared a simple vegetarian meal prepared by the monks.


    "If this rain keeps up, we might have to stay the night," Manuel remarked.


    Eliza gazed out at the rain, now a misty veil, and sighed softly. "We''ll see what happens."


    They sat cross-legged by a tea table outside the dining hall, listening to the rain-a soothing balm for the soul.


    "So, any ns for the future?" His tone wasced with genuine concern and a dash of hope.


    Eliza''s eyes momentarily lost focus, the rain-sprinkled breeze brushing past her ear, her thoughts scattered. "I don''t know, haven''t really thought about it."


    "Well, take your time." He took a slow sip of his tea, his eyes often drifting to her slightly mncholic face. "If you don''t want to head back to Falconridge, afraid it''ll bring back memories, I can help bring your child to Oak Falls."

 Chapter 532

    Manuel was always genuine, but she didn''t want to burden him. "Really, it''s fine," she said.


    "I just want to help," he replied, his smile warm with understanding and respect. Even with the little things, he hoped she wouldn''t see him as an outsider.


    Eliza gave a slight smile, her fingers gently tracing the rim of her porcin teacup. "Thanks, Manuel, but I can handle it myself."


    Years of living solo had made her self-reliant. Loneliness wasn''t something she struggled to adapt to anymore.


    Manuel didn''t push further. Gazing out at the misty rain, his mind wandered.


    The rain continued into the night. Eliza and Manuel stayed over in the guest rooms their mentor had arranged. Eliza found herself unable to sleep. Shey in bed, clutching her phone, tossing and turning.


    Her mind kept circling back to Casper. She hadn''t deleted his contact info, even though his number was now unreachable. Their argument before he left haunted her; it was her biggest regret. She should have exined things better. Maybe then, he wouldn''t have left in such anger.


    Rtionships are about give and take, mutual understanding. What he owed her had long been settled, yet he always saw himself as the guilty one, just like she saw him.


    It wasn''t supposed to be this way.


    Father Henry used to say, love is about letting go and finding redemption. But those two ideas sh. How can you redeem someone if you let them go? And if you let go, how do you find redemption?


    She didn''t get it. But, either way, it was toote to change things or make it right.


    The rain dripped like time slipping away, each drop trying to carry something with it. She listened, captivated by the sound...


    After Juan went back to France, Manuel became a familiar face at Eliza''s ce. He helped with whatever he could, never asking for anything in return, just being there for her. But this left Eliza feeling a bit guilty.


    ...


    "Manuel, I''m heading to Falconridge


    this weekend really appreciate everything you''ve done for metely, and I''m sorry for imposing. Everything''s under controlBelonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    you can get back to your off,"


    she said, trying to keep her tone polite but not distant.


    He nced up calmly, "Do you want me toe with you?" "No, it''s okay. It''s the baby''s father''s memorial day."


    There''s a belief that on this day, the deceased realize they''re no longer among the living. Their spirit returns for a final visit to their loved ones before moving on to the afterlife.


    She hadn''t believed in such things before. But after losing loved ones, she found herself more open to the idea.


    This final farewell was crucial for her.


    "Take care on the road," he added, respecting the gravity of the situation.


    She nodded, "I will."


    That weekend, Eliza headed to Falconridge. First, she picked up Brock from kindergarten and took him to the old family house.


    Audrey had fallen ill after the tragic news of Casper''s passing, shutting herself off from visitors. On this day, Casper''s memorial, only Caroline was organizing everything, with Dillon helping out.


    "Hey, Sis," Eliza said, holding Brock''s hand as they approached Caroline. "Thanks for handling all this. Didn''t Lukee?" Luke''s absence was ring. With the significance of Casper''s departure, it was odd not to see him at the funeral or today. Caroline held Brock close, nting a kiss on his cheek, and gave a wry smile. "He won''t be showing up."


    Eliza was baffled. She looked to Dillon for answers, but he avoided her eyes. So, she turned back to Caroline. "Did something happen?"

 Chapter 533

    "After Casper passed away, his family was quick to call off the engagement," Caroline sighed, trying hard to keep a brave face.


    "Seriously? They''re still acting like this? That''s just too much," Eliza said, wrapping Caroline in aforting hug. "Not marrying you is their loss. We don''t need folks like that in our lives." "I''m okay," Caroline shrugged.


    This marriage was more of a convenience for both families. The Sullivan family had money and clout in Falconridge, and that''s what they were after with the Weltons. Caroline just needed Luke to be obedient. She knew a marriage like that wouldn''t havested long anyway.


    Dillon had handled all the preparations for the funeral. After a small ceremony and burning what needed to go, it was a final goodbye to Casper''s life.


    Back from the cemetery, everyone sat in the living room, the silence heavy in the air.


    Dillon took a call and stepped outside.


    "Sis," Eliza said, ncing at Caroline, "do you think Casper''s spirit mighte back to visit? Mind if I crash here tonight?"


    Caroline gave a slight nod. "Stay if you want. You don''t need my permission."


    Since thest time Caroline left Eliza''s house, she''d decided not to meddle in Eliza''s business anymore. The more she got involved, the more misunderstandings it brought. Better to stay out of it.


    Eliza could sense the edge in Caroline''s voice. Last time, she''d wanted to exin, but Caroline hadn''t let her.


    "Sis, I''m sorry for saying those


    hurtful things before. I was way too emotional and not thinking straight," Eliza said, her voice softening. Caroline had always been patient with her. Despite any tensions, Caroline was the only one in the


    Welton family who ever stood up for Eliza.


    "Sis, I just can''t wrap my head around why he insisted on a divorce after the ident. Even without it, the marriage would have ended with his passing. It seemed pointless, and it''s hard not to overthink it. Please, don''t be mad."


    Caroline''s expression softened too. It wasn''t about holding a grudge, just words said in the heat of the moment that stung a bit.


    "It''s all behind us now."


    "Sis, there''s something else," Eliza said, pulling a bank card from her bag. "This card was Casper''s. Since we''re divorced, I don''t think I should keep it. Could you give it to Mom?"


    The card was special. Besides Casper''s name, it had Eliza''s too. She had the same rights to use the money as he did. It was one of the ways he had looked out for her, showing how much he cared.


    "Since he left the card for you, you should keep it. Mom wouldn''t take it," Caroline said, leaving the card with Eliza. She''d have to find another time to pass it to Audrey herself.


    When Dillon came back inside, Eliza had already taken Brock to the room prepared for her. The living room was eerily quiet.


    "Are we being too harsh on her?" Dillon asked, ncing upstairs, his voice barely a whisper.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    "This was Casper''s n, right? What does it have to do with us?" Caroline replied. At most, she was just an aplice. If Eliza ever found out Casper wasn''t really gone, her issues would be with him alone.


    "How''s Casper doing now?" Caroline asked.


    Dillon nodded slightly, a mix of emotions crossing his face. "The fracture is healing well, but the burns on his back are severe, and his face..."

 Chapter 534

    His words hung in the air for a moment, like he couldn''t quite bear to continue, but reality wouldn''t let him off the hook. "...Physical wounds will heal over time, buting to terms with an imperfect self-that''s the real challenge." "We''ve got to take it slow. At the very least, we need to keep going, keep living." It was about all they could manage right now.


    "Mr. Casper''s not doing well," Dillon''s voice dropped a notch, heavy with worry.


    Even from the sidelines, he could feel the suffocating despair. Imagine Casper, who''d been pushed to the brink, barely himself anymore.


    When someone''s lost hope, death tends to loomrge in their mind. Dillon had folks watching Casper day and night, just in case he tried something rash.


    Caroline''s eyes were full of concern. "This time, when you head back to Africa, I''ll go with you."


    "I''m nning to take Mr. Casper to Europe for treatment. If you want to see him, it''s better to go there directly. No need for another trip to Africa," he replied.


    Caroline nodded, agreeing. Since Casper got hurt, she hadn''tid eyes on him even once. It was a lie to say she wasn''t worried.


    But she was also terrified terrified of seeing someone so changed, someone whose spirit and body had both been shattered.


    The man who had always been so proud, now facing such a blow, alone and lost, must be hurting more than anyone could imagine. Just thinking about it made Caroline''s eyes well up.


    Dillon wanted to offer somefort, but he knew it wasn''t his ce, so he simply stood by, quietly supporting her.


    As night fell, Eliza couldn''t sleep.


    She sat on her bed, leaving the window slightly open so the cold night air could seep in, hoping maybe Casper''s spirit might slip through that gap.


    Even if he just brushed her hair lightly, letting her know he''de to say goodbye, that would be enough.


    But she sat there waiting for what felt like forever.


    Outside, the air seemed frozen in time, and even the seasonal chill brought her no sce.


    With a heavy heart, Eliza hugged her knees and whispered to herself, "Do you really not want to see me? I can exin about going out with Manuel that day."


    "He brought back gifts from abroad. I offered him money, but he wouldn''t take it. I didn''t want to owe him, so I thought a meal would settle things."


    "I admit, I didn''t think about how


    you''d feel. But I know it''s not just et


    about dinner-it''s about who I


    with


    ove


    and my indifference towards you."


    it


    "Casper, if you''d juste see me I''d apologize, and there''s something else I need to tell you. Would youe? If you do, I''ll share this secret with you."


    She hoped the cold wind would brush her cheeks, hoped he''d find another way to meet her and say goodbye. Whether he sensed her or it was pure coincidence, suddenly, a gust of cold wind swept through the window.


    She leapt off the bed and rushed to the window.


    The wind tangled in her hair, and she knew, it was him.


    "Casper, it''s you, isn''t it?" She felt the


    urge tough and cry at the same time, like she was losing it, but it didn''t matter now. She seized the moment to tell him, "I''m pregnant, with your child. Look at you, always leaving me with a new life when I''m at my lowest. You''re so


    irresponsible, do you realize that?"


    "You''ve turned my life upside down, you know? So... make sure you reincarnate properly, find a new life, and let''s not meet again." She knew he could hear her.


    Maybe once she got through this, she''d find a new life too.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    It was over. Everything was over.

 Chapter 535

    Eliza hadn''t shared her pregnancy news with anyone besides Casper''s unseen spirit and the Welton family. After spending a couple of days at the old Welton mansion and taking Brock to preschool, she made her way back to Oak Falls.


    Brock was too young to grasp what death meant, so she simply told him Casper had gone abroad and might not be back for a while. Back in Oak Falls, her days were a blur of monotony, her belly gradually growing. She was so slender that it barely showed, especially with her loose clothing concealing her pregnancy well.


    By the time she hit five months, she decided to take an extended leave from her teaching job, figuring she''d think about work again after the baby was born. Moving back to Falconridge seemed like a smart move; it would save her from the weekly back-and-forth of dropping Brock off. So, she busied herself packing.


    When the doorbell rang, she got up to answer it, surprised to see Manuel standing there. It had been ages since they''dst crossed paths. "Hey...what brings you here?"


    His eyes traveled from her face to her maternity dress, which highlighted her youthful glow. "I heard...you took some time off."


    "Yeah," she replied, inviting him in without hesitation. "I''m nning to head to Falconridge for a bit."


    "You''re...pregnant?" he asked, ncing again at her dress.


    Eliza felt a slight wave of embarrassment but remained open. "Yes, it''s Casper''s child."


    The words "Casper''s child" seemed to hang in the air, tender yet tinged with sadness. Manuel looked at her with a mix of emotions. "Do you really have to go to Falconridge?"


    "Brock''s there, and with the babying, I''d rather not keep traveling back and forth. It''s just easier." She offered a soft smile.


    Manuel couldn''t argue with that logic, nor could he ask her to change her ns. "When do you leave?" he asked, the question heavy in the air.


    After finishing her packing, Eliza stood up, easing a slight tension in her back. "Tomorrow, I think."


    "Actually..." he started, hesitating. "I coulde with you, help out."


    Eliza was caught off guard. Help her? Manuel didn''t owe her anything. "That''s kind, but I''m okay."


    "Why do you keep pushing me away?" He looked a bit hurt, emotions flickering across his features. "I didn''t mean anything by it."


    "}


    "It''s not about pushing you away..." she tried to exin, knowing she couldn''t give him what he wanted. "Manuel, right now, I can''t think about marriage again. I appreciate your kindness, but I don''t want to


    hotel you back."


    It was better to be clear. Nobody offers kindness without expecting something in return. She knew what Manuel hoped for, but she couldn''t give it to him.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Manuel struggled to find the right


    words. He wasn''t just being


    ve


    generous; he wanted a future with her. Her pregnancy was a shock he hadn''t expected. Their connection was brief, without a strong emotional tie. He didn''t know the full story of her and herte husband, but he guessed it was a mix of love and heartache.


    For him to step into her life and rece someone she had lost wasn''t simple for her. And Eliza wasn''t ready to take that step either. "What''s there to hold back? I''m in my thirties; I''m not worried about that," heughed, a hint of self-deprecation in his voice.


    Eliza saw things differently. Manuel


    was a great catch, and the only reason he hadn''t settled down was that few matched his caliber. And


    she, now with a child on the way,


    didn''t see how she could fit into that


    Kone


    picture.


    She didn''t want to dwell on this topic anymore; she was nearly done packing. "Honestly, don''t worry about me. Falconridge is home, and I''ve got plenty of friends there. I won''t be alone."

 Chapter 536

    "It''s only natural," he said, not worried about her ability to adapt. It was her well-being that concerned him.


    "Once you get to Falconridge, shoot me a text."


    "Okay," she said with a gentle nod.


    The next morning, Eliza was back in Falconridge. After a weekend with Brock, she was on a flight to France. One of her paintings had snagged an international award, along with a hefty cash prize, and the organizers wanted her there to ept it. Luckily, Juan was there too. Having not traveled abroad in ages, she saw this as a chance to unwind.


    ***


    In a chic little boutique, Juan was draping dress after dress on Eliza. Eyeing the price tags, she felt it was overkill.


    "No need to splurge on something so pricey. It''s just an award ceremony-such a waste."


    "This isn''t just any award; it''s the famous Twin Vision Award. You''re the only gold medalist. Going in a T-shirt and jeans? You''d be embarrassing not just yourself but the whole country."Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Juan raised the stakes so high, Eliza had noeback. Her protests turned flimsy, "Alright, let''s pick something more reasonable."


    Juan handed her a simple white dress, cleverly designed to hide her slightly rounded tummy. It had an ethereal vibe, perfectly matching Eliza''s cool and elegant demeanor.


    "Try this one on."


    Eliza had a knack for wearing clothes well. Even a dress demanding such a perfect figure looked just right on her.


    "This one''s actually nice. Let''s go with it." Juan moved to pay, but Eliza held him back, "I''ll take care of it."


    "Come on, you think I''d let you pay aftering all the way to France? Do you think I''m too broke to afford a dress? Juan, slightly miffed, tossed his card to the sales


    assistant, "Go ahead.ovel.ne


    Familiar with his ways, Eliza didn''t press the issue. In the mirror, the dress made her look like a budding starlet. "Will youe with me to the award ceremony tomorrow?"


    "I hear it''s going to be quite the event, with singers and all. Honestly, I''d love to go, but... no ticket."


    Tickets were like gold dust. Even Eliza, the award winner, only got one ticket.


    "I can call themittee for an extra ticket."


    "Well, that... could work." Juan took his card back and turned to Eliza, "Watching you grow is such a joy."


    Eliza''s journey had been a solitary one, without anyone to share in her triumphs. Used to being on her own, she viewed things with a detached calm and had no illusions.


    For such a significant award, if it


    weren''t for the rule that the prize had


    to be collected in person, she


    would''ve just had it mailed to Oak Falls. She had a cab filled with every art award, trophy, and certificate she''d earned since childhood. It was bursting at the seams. Juan hadn''t seenjt, nor had


    anyone else. With no one to share it with, it stayed an overlooked


    treasure.


    "Honestly, I''d rather indulge in some real French cuisine than collect an award. Thest time I had French food, I was in elementary school," she said, smiling faintly.


    "I promise, you''ll have your fill of French cuisine until you can''t take it anymore before you leave," Juan vowed, thumping his chest.


    Eliza chuckled.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 537

    The award ceremony was set in a hall that screamed local charm. When Eliza arrived, she was taken aback by how big a deal this event was for Sean. The ce was decked out magnificently, and she spotted many familiar faces from TV mingling around. Her seat was right up front. Meanwhile, Juan, herpanion for the evening, was seated further back because he was just part of the audience.


    Eliza felt a wave of social anxiety wash over her, leaving her slightly on edge. Her palms were slick with sweat. The hall was jam-packed, and in a dark corner of thest row, a man dressed head to toe in ck caught her eye. With a ck hat and mask, his dark eyes were like beacons piercing through the shadows.


    His gaze was sharp and intense, zeroing in on her like a hawk eyeing its prey, as she stood out in her white dress...


    The ceremony moved along with entertainment bits here and there. As her category drew near, a wave of nerves hit Eliza. She''d never been to such a grand affair before. Juan was seated far enough away that she had this unsettling feeling of reaching out for support but finding nothing to hold onto.


    When her name was announced, her heart dropped, and she made her way to the stage, clutching the hem of her dress. She tried to maintain a calm exterior, but her heart was racing so fast that her English stumbled a bit. Thankfully, she managed to keep it together without any mishaps.


    After epting the trophy and the prize check, she smiled, nodded, and headed off the stage. As she turned to find her seat, she nced casually toward the back of the venue and, unexpectedly, locked eyes with a stranger.


    Feeling a bit awkward, she quickly looked away and settled into her seat. But something about the moment lingered, and she turned back to the spot she had just looked at. Those eyes, however, were nowhere to be found.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    It was uncanny. But what could she gather from just a pair of eyes? Especially from that distance. She almost wanted to believe it was Casper''s ghost haunting that man''s body. With a sigh, Eliza rubbed her temples, aware she was being overly paranoid. Casper''s ghost wouldn''t just appear in France.


    As the ceremony wound down, Juan was off snapping photos with his favorite celebrities when he identally bumped into a man.


    "Oops, sorry about that," he said, ncing at the mysterious figure cloaked in ck. "You here for the awards too? You look like a star yourself. Mind if we snap a pic together?"


    True to his friendly nature, Juan tried to pull the man in for a selfie. But the man brushed him off and made a swift exit from the venue.


    "Well, that was rude." Juan was


    miffed no one had ever refused


    -


    photo with him before. He made a mental note to dig up some info on this guyter.


    Eliza and Juan stepped out of the venue together. Outside, luxury cars lined the street, and camera shes kept the night alive. Eliza spotted the man she had locked eyes with earlier, slipping into a sleek dark car that sped off in a sh, as if he was never there.


    His build and silhouette were eerily familiar. A bold thought crossed her mind: what if Casper wasn''t dead, and he was right here in France? But that couldn''t be-news outlets, DNA tests, and the Welton family couldn''t albe all be wrong.


    Was it just a lookalike? Or was everyone hiding something from her? But why? She didn''t want his fortune or his shares. What was the secret? Eliza''s head throbbed with unanswered questions. She couldn''t find a solid reason to convince herself that her hunch was right.


    "Why the long face? Is the prize money too much to handle?" Juan teased, his tone gentle and yful.


    Eliza rubbed her forehead, her eyes clouded with a hint of confusion. "I just saw someone who looks a lot like Casper."


    "Casper?" Wasn''t he gone?


    "Yeah, the eyes and build were so simr, but I know it''s not him." She chuckled, shaking her head as if to shake off the thought. Juan felt a twinge of sadness as he looked at her. "It''s been ages, and you''re still not over it, huh?"

 Chapter 538

    "It''s not that simple, I''m not heartless." Eliza reflected on Casper''s cruelty but couldn''t ignore his kindness. Somehow, after his passing, his good deeds seemed to outweigh the bad. She mused, maybe she was a bit unwell. Juan gave her shoulder a gentle pat, trying tofort her. "You''ll let go eventually. Isn''t that Shaw guy treating you well? Maybe give it a thought?"


    "Oh, please, I''ve got two kids. What could he possibly owe me?" Eliza closed her eyes, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.


    Juan chuckled, teasing, "Some men just love ying stepdad, and Manuel is definitely one of them."


    Eliza felt an urge to strangle him. Had his time abroad warped his logic?


    "Even if he''s up for it, I don''t want to be the bad guy," she said, giving Juan a look reserved for the absurd. "Are you into that too? You haven''t shacked up with some woman with a dozen kids overseas, have you?" "No way, I''m not into foreigners," he replied, hugging himself and shaking his head in mock disgust.


    He''d just picked up on how Manuel looked at Eliza, full of affection. A man in love epts everything about a woman. If Manuel was a decent guy, leaning on him might not be so bad for Eliza.


    "Seriously, won''t you give Mr. Shaw a chance? He seems like a stand-up guy."


    "Good people deserve good oues. Marrying me would just lead to trouble," Eliza sighed.


    Having been entangled with Casper, alive or not, her life was never going to be carefree. She''d gotten used to being on her own anyway.


    With her business done, Eliza loved wandering alone, exploring. New ces and faces allowed her to rx and shed her burdens.


    She raised her phone to capture some beautiful scenery when suddenly, a young thief snatched it and bolted.


    "Stop, thief Pregnant and unable to


    chase, she hoped someone would step in But most onlookers hurriedly avoided the scene, leaving her to shout for help.


    Just then, a tall, lean figure darted past, tackling the thief before he could cross the street, his actions swift and precise.


    Eliza rushed over, retrieving her phone with overflowing gratitude. "Thank you so much, I really appreciate it."


    He gave a slight nod, acknowledgingAll content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    her thanks, and turned to leave. Eliza quickly followed, pulling a few crisp bills from her purse. "Thanks for stepping up and getting my phone back Please, take this as a token of my gratitude."


    The man in the ck mask lifted his eyes to nce at her, silent, just waving his hand dismissively.


    "Please, don''t refuse. You''ve done me a huge favor, this is rightfully yours," Eliza insisted, pushing the bills into his hand.


    Her eyes caught sight of some


    unusual burn scars on his hand, lingering a moment longer. Noticing her gaze, he quickly and casually pulled his sleeve down, covering the scars.


    Without another word, he epted the money and walked away.


    Eliza watched him leave, thinking he resembled the man she''d seen at an award ceremony, dressed in ck with a cap and mask. What a coincidence.

 Chapter 539

    A not-so-great experience hadn''t changed Eliza''s view of the city. So, she wandered into a cozy little cafe nearby. With a steaming cup of coffee in hand, she soaked in the peaceful evening vibes. Across the street, a big screen in the square was showing the highlights of an awards ceremony, even featuring clips of her moment in the spotlight. It was kind of odd, actually. Despite the huge honor, she never seemed to feel all that excited about it. Maybe she''d been through too much in life or perhaps she just wasn''t into the whole spotlight thing. That''s why she''d only toss in a piece or two for bigpetitions every now and then. Yet, she always ended up winning-talk about lucky!


    "An Americano, please." The voice from the counter jolted her back to the present. It sounded familiar, so Eliza turned to look. And there was Caroline, her sister, looking just as surprised to see her. "Sis?"


    Caroline was momentarily flustered, but she quickly got it together. "Eliza? What are you doing... in France?"


    "I''m here to pick up an award." Running into Caroline in a foreignnd was a pleasant surprise for Eliza. "Are you here for work or just taking a break?"


    "Uh..." Caroline hesitated, searching for the right words. "A friend of mine is here, so I thought I''d drop by."


    "Oh, really? Why don''t you bring your friend along and let''s grab a meal together?" Eliza suggested, guiding Caroline to a seat. "I just got some prize money, so dinner''s on me."


    "My... friend, well, it''s a bit tricky right now, maybe another time," she replied, a bit awkwardly.


    Eliza didn''t push it. "Alright then. It''s not every day we bump into each other like this. It''s been ages since I''ve seen you."


    Caroline took this chance to really look at Eliza. She seemed healthier, her face a tad fuller, and her overall vibe was much better than a few months ago. "You... seem to be doing well?" "Yeah, not bad. I took some time off and stayed in Falconridge for a bit," Eliza said casually.


    Caroline observed that Eliza seemed to be healing after Casper''s death. "I heard there''s someone in Oak Falls who''s quite into you. How''s that going?"


    Eliza wondered where Caroline got that info. But then again, secrets were hard to keep. She answered openly, "Casper and I were set up once, but we didn''t click. We''re just friends now."This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Given Eliza''s charm and her status as Casper''s ex-wife, in Falconridge, many from the elite circles would be eager to marry her. Those not in the know might hesitate because she


    had a child, which was understandable.


    "Is it because you have a child?" Caroline offered, thinking she could take Brock back to the Welton- family. "Eliza, Brock would be treated well with the Weltons; you have nothing to worry about."


    "Sis, I''ve never thought about leaving Brock with you and mom just to chase some idea of love and family." She stirred her coffee thoughtfully "Honestly, I''m not staying single for Casper''s sake. I just don''t want toplicate things. I''m used to living solo, and handling one baby, even two, is something I can manage."


    Caroline caught the mention of ''two babies'' and looked at Eliza''s slightly fuller face again. Though still slim, she seemed different... could it be...? But she knew better than to jump to conclusions.

 Chapter 540

    Maybe it was because she was feeling a bit better.


    "You know, if you''re open to a new rtionship, mom and I are all for it. Brock is Casper''s child, and even though Casper is gone, Brock''s identity remains. He shouldn''t be a hurdle in your quest for happiness." Eliza gave a gentle smile.


    Everyone wanted her to take that next step forward.


    She just wondered if Casper, up there in the heavens, wanted the same for her.


    "Sis, how could a child ever be a stumbling block? Even if I meet someone new, he should love kids. If he can''t ept mine, why would I want to be with him? Just because he''s a guy?"


    Eliza chuckled and shook her head. She wasn''t that desperate for malepany. "I can take care of myself and my child just fine without a man." Caroline hadn''t meant it like that.


    Since Eliza had her own ideas and ns, Caroline figured it wasn''t her ce to push further.


    "Okay." Caroline stood up, getting ready to leave. "I''ll head back now. Once we''re back in Falconridge, let''s find some time to catch up properly." "Sounds good," Eliza said, standing up as well and grabbing her purse to settle the bill. "This coffee''s on me, sis."


    "Alright, thanks."


    Caroline didn''t protest.


    Her eyes lingered on Eliza''s belly, slightly rounded but not too noticeable.


    She had a hunch.


    Eliza might be pregnant.


    As for whether Casper was the father, she wasn''t sure.


    But judging by the size, it seemed about five months along.


    If that was the case, it could very well be Casper''s.


    The thought startled her, and she stumbled, bumping into a table behind her with a thud.


    Eliza quickly caught her, concerned. "Sis, are you okay? Feeling alright?"


    "No, I''m fine. I should get going."


    "Alright, see you back in Falconridge." Eliza waved as Caroline left.


    Caroline was lost in thought on her way back.


    She walked quickly, identally spilling her coffee in the bustling crowd.


    Turning a corner, she entered a quiet manor tucked away in the city.


    Dillon noticed her, looking


    her


    ders. "What''s going on?


    Something happen?"


    belongs to en.kikist


    She nced at Dillon, a bit dazed.


    Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm herself.


    "Where''s Casper?"Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    "He just got back as well, doesn''t seem to be in the best mood."


    He''d been sitting there for hours, not moving an inch.


    Dillon was worried.


    Caroline gave a slight nod. "I''ll go talk to him."


    Casper had been in France for treatment for three months now.


    But he wasn''t exactly eager about it.


    He kept himself covered up, a mask hiding his face, leaving Dillon to guess his emotions through his eyes.


    Dillon knew he was struggling and


    had been urging him to go for skin graft surgery, especially for the


    burns on his face, which would need countless operations to look somewhat decent.


    But Casper... he had refused.


    He seemed to have shut himself off.


    Spending his days by the window, quietly watching the world go by, with little interest in anything.


    "Casper." Caroline entered the room.


    Casper looked up at her, his eyes shadowed. "What''s up?"


    "I ran into Eliza at the caf¨¦. She


    mentioned she was there to


    thward... Did you know about


    an


    that?"


    She figured Casper might have known.


    He had gone out one night a few days ago.


    And that night, there was a big award event for artwork.


    "Why are you asking?" He didn''t seem keen on answering.

 Chapter 541

    "Herplexion looks way better than before." Her voice was probing, her eyes glued to his, trying to catch every little change in his expression. "And her cheeks are looking fuller, don''t you think?" "What are you getting at?" He knew she was holding something back.


    Caroline cut to the chase, "Looking at Eliza now, I can''t help but wonder if she''s pregnant."


    Casper felt like he''d been hit by a freight train. Pregnant? The news blindsided him.


    Who''s the dad? Him? Or...?


    A whirlwind of emotions shed through his eyes-shock, confusion, and even a tiny flicker of hope and panic.


    Caroline noticed that Casper was just as clueless as she was.


    "She''s starting to show a bit, probably about five months along. I''d say... this baby could very well be yours."


    His face was a mask of calm, but his eyes betrayed disbelief and a surge of excitement.


    Caroline stepped closer, her worry clear, "If she''s really carrying your child, can you just stand by and watch her raise it alone? Brock''s already four, growing up without a dad. Do you want your second kid to start lifebeled as a posthumous child?" Casper''sshes drooped, his hands, scarred by fire, clutched his masked face.


    No way did he want his kid to grow up facing discrimination and bullying. But in his current state, what right did he have to face Eliza? She wouldn''t ept him like this. He was a shadow of his former self, with no reason to show up. "What can I do?" His voice was filled with pain.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Caroline felt for him, but she couldn''t stand him shutting himself away anymore. Even if he was someone Eliza wouldn''t recognize, she needed to know he was still alive. "You should go see her."


    "See her?" He let out a bitterugh.


    "You think she''d be happy to see me like this? She''d probably wish I were dead. I''d just be a burden. She


    and cherish her, and that end


    deserves someone who can love


    person can''t be me anymore."


    Caroline couldn''t tell if he truly wanted Eliza to find happiness with someone else. She didn''t know if there was anyone treating Eliza well right now. If there was someone who''d truly won her heart, she would''ve let him in by now. But it didn''t seem like there was.


    W!


    "Do you really want her to marry someone else, taking your kids with her?" She doubted her brother had it in him to let that happen.


    Casper lowered his head, gently pulling off his mask. The side of his once dashing face, a face that had made him the talk of Falconridge, was now scarred beyond recognition.


    "Do you really think, looking like this, I have any right to stop her from marrying?" He asked, his smile full of self-deprecation and heartbreak.


    Caroline''s eyes welled up. If Casper and Eliza had been deeply in love, maybe she could ept him as he was. But...


    Their rtionship was only just starting to mend, and their feelings were still growing. She wasn''t sure if Eliza could handle seeing him like this.


    "Casper, you can get treatment. With today''s medical advances, I''m sure things can get better."


    She didn''t want him to hide away forever. He couldn''t stay in the shadows forever.


    Casper looked out the window. Maybe he really could stay hidden, watching Eliza marry, have kids, and live a lifetime with someone else. He could handle that. He had to be ready for that oue.


    "Enough, just go."

 Chapter 542

    "Casper..."


    Casper was as stubborn as a mule, and no one could change his mind.


    Caroline stepped out of his room and sank into the living room sofa, her emotions all over the ce. Dillon handed her a steaming cup of coffee and whispered, "Try not to get into it with Mr. Casper, he''s already in a tough spot." "I wasn''t arguing with him," Caroline replied, taking a sip. "I just want him to face life head-on and take care of his injuries."


    She knew his stubborn streak all too well. He''d act like he didn''t care about Eliza, but deep down, she was sure he was dying to see her. Otherwise, why would he show up at the award ceremony? "Dillon, what exactly did the doctors say about his condition?"


    "Well, Mr. Casper''s healing up decently. The fracture''s pretty bad, but it missed the vital spots. It''ll mend with time. But those burns... they''re gonna need a lot of surgery, at least three years'' worth." Three years. And that''s if he actually goes through with it. Otherwise, it''s just wishful thinking.


    "But he... he doesn''t even want to start treatment." Caroline''s voice was tinged with worry.


    Dillon knew Casper better than anyone. He''d tried every trick in the book to convince him, but nothing seemed to stick.


    "The thing is, what really weighs on Mr. Casper''s mind is Eliza. She''s the reason he''d consider getting better." But right now, that seemed like a long shot.


    "When he insisted we tell Eliza he was dead, I couldn''t wrap my head around it. Did he think he wasn''t going to make it? Or was there more to it?"Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Caroline had never gotten her head around this. Even if he wanted to spare Eliza from being dragged down, shouldn''t he have asked her what she wanted? Why make such a drastic decision? Dillon had been by Casper''s side through it all, so he had the clearest insight into his choices back then.


    "When they pulled Mr. Casper from the wreck, they almost dered him dead on the spot. He used hisst bit of strength to n for Eliza and their son''s future. The doctors weren''t optimistic, said even survived, he''d be a shell of his former self. But then, against all odds, Mr. Casper wed his way back to life and was recovering better than anyone expected."


    "Mr. Casper doesn''t regret his decision. But with his burns and scars, how can he feel confident enough to face Eliza?"


    "Ms. Caroline, you''re his sister. You know how proud he is. That crash broke him, piece by piece. Until his heart mends, it''s best not to bring Eliza up."


    Caroline was at a loss for words. Her fingers traced the rim of her coffee cup as she stared into the distance.


    "Dillon." She looked up, meeting his serious gaze. "How long are you nning on staying in France?"


    "Could be a year, maybe two," he shrugged. "Depends on how Casper''s doing. I''m here for him."


    "I think you should keep tabs on Eliza..." Caroline was also set on finding out if Eliza was expecting. "If she is pregnant, as the months go by, it''ll get harder for her to manage. Remember how tough it was for her with Brock?"


    Dillon was taken aback, "She''s really carrying Mr. Casper''s child? If that''s true, why hasn''t she mentioned it? Even if not to me, she should have told you or the olddy. Handling this alone just isn''t smart."


    Why Eliza hadn''t spoken up was a mystery to Caroline. She figured Eliza must have her own reasons.


    "I''ve told Casper about this, hoping it''ll push him to get proper treatment. So he can return to Eliza in the best shape possible and take on the role of a father."


    That was all Caroline could do. What Casper ultimately decided was out of her hands.

 Chapter 543

    Juan nced around, utterly baffled, and pointed at himself. "You... looking for me?" The woman standing less than five meters away had her gaze locked on him, unwavering. "Yes," she replied firmly, her lips slightly parted.


    Juan gave her a once-over, trying to ce her. From her sophisticated outfit and confident demeanor, she came off as a well-to-do, modern woman. An Asian face like hers was a rare sight in France. Was she the boss''s partner? Or maybe she was the boss herself? ""Who are you?" he asked, still puzzled.


    She took a step closer, "I''m Caroline, Casper''s sister." The pieces started falling into ce for Juan-it made sense now. She did have a touch of Casper''s unyielding presence.


    But what could Casper''s sister possibly want with him? "You... need something?"


    "I have a question for you," Caroline stated, closing the distance between them, her eyes clear and intense, projecting an undeniable presence.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Juan raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "You? Asking me? I don''t think we know each other, do we?"


    "I''m asking about someone we both know," Caroline cut straight to the point. "Mr. Juan, I''m here to talk about Eliza."


    Ah, so that was it. Juan chuckled lightly, "What do you want to know?"


    "Is she pregnant?" Caroline shot the question directly, no beating around the bush.


    Juan didn''t answer right away. Instead, he gave her another thorough look. If she was asking about pregnancy, she must have picked up on something. "What if she is? What if she isn''t? How does that... concern you?" His tone wasn''t exactly warm. It wasced with annoyance and dismissal.


    Caroline wasn''t deterred. "Her being pregnant doesn''t concern me, but if the child is Casper''s, then it does."


    "Huh." Juan was irked by her persistence, his gaze turning cold and impatient. "Casper''s gone. Whether it''s his or not, is he going to climb out of his grave to say something?"


    "You..." Caroline struggled to keep herposure, reading between the lines of Juan''s words. "...so, Eliza is pregnant, isn''t she?"


    "I didn''t say that. If she wants to tell


    you, she will. The past is past, and she''s divorced. She''s got nothing to do with the Welton family now. Your eagerness to know..." He scratched his chin, adding provocatively


    "l


    wouldn''t be because Casper''s


    back from the dead, would it?"


    The remark was offhand, but it hit home. Caroline felt a pang in her chest, though she kept her face neutral. Her gaze on Juan turned icy. "Is Mr. Juan''s joke supposed to be funny?" Realizing he might have overstepped, Juan dropped the smirk and rubbed his nose sheepishly. "Sorry."


    Caroline said nothing more and turned to leave, her mind made up.


    A few dayster, Eliza was getting ready to head back to Falconridge. Juan came by with an invitation. "The sponsor of your award ceremony is throwing a cocktail party and has invited you."


    "A cocktail party?" Eliza looked at the invitation, noting the date was that very night. "Tonight? That''s prettyst-minute."


    "Yeah, and you can bring a plus one." Juan was practically bouncing with excitement. "Take me with you."


    Eliza wasn''t one for social


    gatherings. She wasn''t skilled in the


    art of navigating small talk with


    strangers. "You want to go?" Sh


    handed the invitation back to Juan.


    "Perfect, you can go in my ce."

 Chapter 544

    "Not keen on going, huh?" Juan mused, thinking the party was just about singing, dancing, and unwinding. "You not showing up wouldn''t sit right, especially since you''re the only one with a gold award." "Just tell them I''ve gone back home," she said, clearly not in the mood.


    Juan scooted a little closer, "I''ve heard that estate is stunning, with unique architecture. It''d be quite an experience."


    Eliza gave Juan a sideways nce, speechless. After all, he''d lived abroad for years and was a top exec. How could he act so... pedestrian? Or maybe he had his own agenda.


    "So, you''re eager to go because..." Eliza pointed a finger at him, as if she''d cracked his code.


    He chuckled, holding her fingertip, "See, Eliza, you''re sharp. Ourpany''s hit a creative wall, and I really want to break through. That estate, from any angle, could spark some inspiration."


    Juan did have his motives. But he genuinely wanted Eliza to have a break too.


    He tried another angle, "That''s not the main thing. The party''s host is the big shot behind the awards. Your prize money came straight from him. Being the only gold winner and skipping out... mighte off a bit rude, right?" Juan had a point. Skipping would be awkward. But with her heading home tomorrow and socializing tonight... it was a drag.


    "Fine, I''ll go. Happy now?" She huffed, clearly annoyed.


    Juan pped, thrilled, "I hear the wine''s top-notch."


    The party was nothing short of extravagant. Guests kept pouring in. As Eliza, elegantly linked with Juan, walked into the estate, a man on the second-floor window spotted them.


    Dillon noticed too, turning to Casper, "Mr. Casper, you threw this party just to catch another glimpse of her, didn''t you?"


    Casper didn''t answer, but his silence


    spoke volumes. His eyes were


    distant a mix of pain and self-mockery under his silver mask, "Am that pathetic? Letting go, yet my heart still clings."


    Dillon couldn''t judge, only feeling Casper''s plight was truly heartbreaking.


    "Why not take this chance to tell her... you''re still alive?"


    "In her mind, it''s better I''m dead than alive," the man replied, his gaze vacant, voice rough and low.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    "How could you think that?" Dillon''s heart ached, "I could tell her for you."


    "No need."


    He never intended to. Eliza could find happiness with anyone else. Why drag her into a life with someone caught between life and shadow?


    At the party, the vibe wasid-back.


    Themittee chair showed up and


    had a warm chat with Eliza. People mingled, sipped wine, until the enigmatic sponsor appeared quieting the crowd.


    Eliza looked up. Tall, dressed in ck, with a ck cloak and a


    striking silver mask. His ent


    wore matching masks. He sat regally, like he ruled the


    world,


    holding destinies in his grasp Beneath his authority was an


    intense, suffocating aura


    Everyone in masks? Was it for mystery, or something else? She couldn''t quite grasp the whims of wealth. But his look was undeniably intimidating.

 Chapter 545

    After everyone exchanged polite hellos, the mood was prettyid-back. Eliza and Juan were off to the side, chatting away. "Do you have any idea who the mystery bigwig bankrolling this shindig is?" Eliza asked. "I''ve heard it''s someone loaded," Juan replied, with that air of mystery.


    Eliza rolled her eyes. That was about as helpful as a screen door on a submarine. "I mean, who is he really?"


    "How would I know? It''s my first time here too."


    Eliza couldn''t shake the feeling she''d seen those eyes somewhere before. But where?


    "Juan, don''t you think his eyes look a lot like... Casper''s?"


    Juan paused, taking a moment to peek over. "Now that you mention it, there''s definitely a resemnce."


    "So, do you think it could be Casper?"


    Juan was dumbfounded. Was she losing it? Casper was supposed to be dead.


    "Don''t be like that," he said, a chill creeping down his spine.


    Eliza suddenlyughed, "Just kidding."


    Juan wasn''t amused. "You really shouldn''t joke about stuff like that. I take things seriously, you know."


    Eliza just gave a sly smile. But her eyes drifted back to the silver mask the man was wearing. "Juan, why''s he wearing a mask anyway? How old do you think he is?"


    "With that kind of dough, he''s probably pushing at least fifty," Juan guessed.


    "That''s pretty old," Eliza nodded, her interest shifting to the little pastries in front of her. "Should we head back soon? It''s getting kinda dull here."


    "Let''s hang around a bit longer and sneak a peek at the mansion. I heard the original owner was some noble who had a fling with a princess and got his head chopped off."


    Eliza knew he was itching to explore.


    But barging in without the owner''s okay? That was a big no-no. The owner didn''t exactly seem like a chill dude, and risking it all for a bit of nosiness just didn''t seem smart.


    "Watch it, curiosity killed the cat," she warned.


    "Just a quick look-see, we''re not taking anything."


    He figured the owner wouldn''t be too uptight about it. They lingered at the event a while longer before Juan, always the adventurer, pulled Eliza out with him.


    Juan was captivated by the mansion''s design, inspecting every nook and cranny with care. "Come on, let''s check out upstairs," he suggested.


    Eliza wasn''t feeling it, plopping herself down in a chair. "You go ahead, I''ll hang here."


    "This ce is centuries old, and they say some of the original design and antiques are still around. I''m gonna snap some pics."


    And just like that, Juan was off. Eliza opened her mouth to suggest he get permission, but he was already out of sight.


    The mansion had an eerie vibe


    under the dim lights, sending a shiver down her spine. Feeling a bit chilled, she decided to head back to the party to wait for Juan.


    As she turned around, she walked straight into a human wall. The silver mask on his face was particrly creepy in the cold, dark night.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    "Ah..." She admitted she was startled, but after a second, she recognized him as the mansion''s owner. "I''m really sorry."


    She quickly apologized. As she tried to sidestep him, he grabbed her arm and pulled her back.


    He just stared at her, not saying a word. Eliza didn''t get what he wanted, so she tried apologizing again, "Sir, I identally bumped into you. I''m really sorry." Still, he said nothing, and his grip on her arm didn''t loosen.


    It hurt a bit, sure, but more than


    anything, she was baffled by his intentions. "Sir, could you please let go? I know I shouldn''t have been wandering around, but I didn''t take anything. What''s the deal with holding onto me like this?"


    She red at him, clearly annoyed. The man just lowered his gaze, still staring, yet silent as ever. Eliza wondered... Could he be mute?

 Chapter 546

    After pausing for a moment, she whipped out her phone, switched it to handwriting mode, and handed it over to him. "If talking''s not your thing, just write it down. I''m really at a loss here, trying to get what you''re saying." He took a look at the phone she offered and, after hesitating for a second, epted it.


    He scribbled a line: Is it polite to wander around someone else''s house without their permission?


    Eliza knew she was in the wrong.


    But she had just taken a little walk around the garden.


    She hadn''t ventured anywhere else.


    "I only strolled around outside. If you don''t believe me, feel free to check the security footage."


    He kept writing on the phone: And you''re still standing firm on your stance.


    Eliza: ...Was she?


    She was just sticking up for herself, that''s all.


    She couldn''t stand being med for something she didn''t do.


    "Alright, alright, I was wrong. I''m sorry, okay?" It was just an apology, not a life-or-death situation.


    Man: An apology and we''re done?


    Eliza''s eyes widened in disbelief. Was she being shaken down?


    "What else do you want? Money? I didn''t break anything in your house."


    He stoppedmunicating via the phone.


    Instead, he started leading her upstairs.


    Eliza, pregnant and aware not to struggle too hard, reluctantly pleaded, "Sir, I apologize. Could you cut me some ck? I was just curious about the garden. You wouldn''t really go to extremes, right?" Today, she felt like Juan had led her right into a trap.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    And it wasn''t just her at stake, it was two lives.


    "Please, sir, can you let me go? Give me a break, I promise I won''t do it again."


    Her pleas didn''t sway him.


    In the end, she was brought into a room.


    The room was dimly lit, but even in the low light, the room''s opulence was clear.


    He pushed her into a chair, leaning in close with his arms on the chair''s arms, trapping her.


    His silver mask glinted coldly.


    Eliza gulped, leaning back with fear in her eyes, "Please... don''t hurt me, okay?"


    He wrote on the phone again: Are you scared of me?


    Eliza nodded vigorously.


    She was terrified, absolutely petrified.


    He: What scares you about me?


    Eliza wasn''t sure. Was it the fear of him doing something terrible, or was it the chill of that mask?


    Either way, his presence made her incredibly uneasy.


    "Please, sir, can... you let me go?" Her eyes quivered, pleading softly.


    Aplicated mix of emotions flickered in his eyes.


    He gazed into her eyes, a mixture of pain, regret, and something he couldn''t quite let go of.


    Eliza sensed something.


    She dared to look straight into his eyes.


    Their eyes locked, and a wave of familiarity washed over her heart.


    It was uncanny, too simr, no, exactly the same.


    She couldn''t believe there could be another pair of eyes like his in the world.


    Eliza suddenly clutched at his shirt, "Are you Casper?"


    He caught her wrist and gently pushed her away.


    That sudden familiarity dissolved her fear, and as he turned to leave, she grabbed his shirt again, "Why won''t you say anything? Are you worried I''ll recognize you? Casper, if you''re alive, face me. Are you?"


    He couldn''t bring himself to answer.


    He avoided her desperate gaze, guilt written all over him.


    "Casper, is that you?" Eliza felt an unexpected rush of emotion, her eyes brimming with tears, "If you''re Casper, just tell me why you faked your death. What happened? Is your face is it injured under that mask?"


    face."


    reached out to


    sease, let me see your


    pushed her away.


    mask, but he caught her


    She stumbled back a few steps andnded back in the chair.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 547

    The man took his chance and slipped away swiftly. Just as Eliza was about to dash after him, a handful of folks dressed like house staff stepped in her way.


    "Ma''am, this isn''t a ce for you. You really need to leave," one of them said.


    "Where did he go?" Eliza''s voice trembled with a mix of urgency and a hint of desperation. "The guy with the mask, where did he go?"


    "Ma''am, you must be mistaken. Please, it''s best you head out now," one of the servants said, sharing a knowing look with the others. "This is a private property. For your own safety, you should leave now." They gently but firmly escorted Eliza downstairs, closing the heavy front door behind her.


    She pounded on the weathered wooden door, her voice echoing through the stillness of the night. "Casper, you coward,e out and face me!"


    "Casper..."


    "Casper, don''t hide. I know it''s you..."


    Her voice was filled with a mix of frustration and hope, longing for some sign from behind the door. But no matter how hard Eliza knocked or how loud she shouted, the silence inside was deafening. Just then, Juan came down the stairs, sensing something was off. He hurried to Eliza, concern etched on his face. "Eliza, what''s going on?"


    Eliza turned to Juan, tears glistening in her eyes, both angry and vulnerable. "Juan, the man with the mask, it''s Casper. It really is him. Help me knock on the door; he''s in there."


    She clung to Juan''s arm, her voice tired but resolute.


    Juan''s eyes narrowed in thought. He gently squeezed her shoulder, speaking softly. "Are you sure it wasn''t someone else?"


    "No, I didn''t get it wrong. It''s him, those eyes... they''re unmistakable. It''s Casper." Eliza banged on the thick door, her frustration spilling over. "Casper,e out! What kind of man runs away like this?" "Come on out, Casper..."


    Her emotions were a whirlwind, teetering on the brink of losing control.


    Juan''s heart ached for her, and he gently pulled her to the side, checking her forehead with concern. "What''s going on with you?"


    Tears brimmed in Eliza''s eyes as she shook her head, her voice choked with emotion. "The man with the mask, it''s Casper. I swear I''m not mistaken. Please, believe me."


    Juan looked at Eliza with a mix of sympathy and disbelief, wrapping her in a gentle hug.


    How could this be happening? In a foreign ce, how could Casper possibly show up? After all, he was supposed to be dead.


    "Are you sure you''re not dreaming?"


    "I''m not dreaming." Eliza was about to knock again when Juan held her back, firm but gentle. "If you''re not dreaming, then why all this talk. about dreams? Eliza, wake up.


    There''s no Casper here. Let''s just go home."


    He took her hand, trying to lead her away.


    But she pulled away fiercely. "I''m not wrong, I''m not going back, it is Casper, it really is. I need to see him."


    Eliza''s resolve was unshakeable.


    Juan had no choice but to lead her away from the mansion, feeling helpless. He''d rather believe the mansion was haunted than buy into Eliza''s seemingly wild ims. "Calm down, I''ll get you a cup of coffee," he said, walking off.


    Eliza sat there, her face etched with


    hurt and determination, feeling chilled to the bone. Even if that masked man wasn''t Casper, she needed to see his face to ept it.


    Why did even Juan, who knew her so well, think she was losing it?Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Juan returned with a steaming cup of coffee cing it in front of her "Drink up and try to get some rest. You''re pregnant, and getting this


    worked up isn''t good for you

 Chapter 548

    "Don''t you trust me?" Eliza asked Juan, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "Do you think I''m losing it?"


    Juan pressed his lips together, his gaze softening with empathy and a deeper understanding.


    "Eliza, have you ever stopped to realize that your love for Casper has never really gone away? It''s always been there, even stronger than you might think. That''s why you hold onto those little simrities, because deep down, you hope he''s still alive, don''t you?" Juan''s words hit her like a hammer, striking the emotions she had buried so deeply.


    It was like a wake-up call.


    Did she love him?


    Had she never actually stopped loving him? Was that it?


    No, she was supposed to hate him. Surely her anger outweighed her love, didn''t it?


    She just thought it was better for him to be alive than dead.


    Yes, that''s all there was to it.


    Watching Eliza''s wavering gaze, Juan knew she was wrestling with her own doubts again.


    "There''s no shame in loving someone, even if they''ve hurt you in the past. He''s tried to make things right. Can you really ignore that?"


    Eliza''s eyes flickered with uncertainty. "I..."


    "Just hear me out, Eliza," Juan urged. He wanted her to see the truth in her heart before she got stuck in a loop of self-doubt. "During those years with Casper, he did some pretty awful things, but he tried to change. Doesn''t saving you more than once count for something?"


    "A lot of it was just misunderstandings. The Casper I see genuinely loves you. If you still have even a little love for him, you''re not betraying anyone."


    Eliza''sshes fell, her heart heavy.


    Juan was right.


    She just didn''t want to face it.


    "Do you think..." she hesitated,


    fiddling


    you thith her fingers, unsure,"


    do


    he''s still alive? Those eyes


    looked so much like his. I swear it''s him, somewhere out there.


    Hearing her words, Juan''s heart ached for Eliza.


    He too wished for Casper to somehowe back.


    But that''s the stuff of fairy tales.


    "People... don''t oftene back from the dead," he said gently, trying tofort her. "Just imagine he''s


    just lost touch. He''s moved


    living happily somewhere, you''ve et


    started a family, and you''re living the life you want. Wouldn''t that be better?"


    "But... those eyes..." They looked so much like his, they really did.


    She searched Juan''s eyes for some sign of agreement.


    But...


    "Eliza," Juan said, gripping her shoulders firmly, hoping to soothe her, "get some rest. You need it, okay?" Eventually, Eliza let herself be convinced.


    Was she just seeing things?


    Probably.


    Just like Juan said, she missed him so much, she wanted him to be alive so badly that she was seeing things that weren''t there. Like those eyes.


    The meeting in France felt like a dream.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    And when it was over, Eliza returned to Falconridge to carry on with her life.


    She never expected Manuel to show up in Falconridge.


    He came with bags full of gifts,den with care and affection, leaving her a bit taken aback. "You..."


    "I got some prenatal vitamins and


    maternity dresses, plus a few


    everyday things," he said, as warmly as sunshine, his tone full of


    unspoken kindness and


    thoughtfulness. "If there''s anything else you need, just tell me, and I''ll grab it for you."

 Chapter 549

    "Manuel..." Eliza stared at him, caught off guard by his sudden kindness, leaving her a bit flustered. "...all these things..."


    "Let me in first; this stuff is really heavy," he said with a warm smile.


    "Oh, of course,e on in." Eliza quickly stepped aside, holding the door open wider for Manuel. "Why did you... buy so much for me?" "You need these things. You''re pretty far along now, and it''s hard for you to get around. I want to help out where I can."


    As a friend, his actions were top-notch-thoughtful and kind.


    But Manuel wasn''t like Juan.


    His feelings wereplex and subtle, making her feel bothforted and overwhelmed.


    "Manuel, have a seat. We can sort through everythingter." Eliza poured him a ss of water.


    Manuel nodded, took the ss, and sat down. "I''vee to Falconridge and n to stay for a while. I want to be here to look after you."


    Something stirred deep in Eliza''s heart.


    What did he mean by that?


    "You really don''t have to. You''ve got work; it''s not necessary just for me..." she started to say, trying to gently decline.


    But before she could finish, Manuel''s soft voice cut in, "I want to take care of you, and I hope to do it well. To be honest, I really want us to have a future together."


    Eliza hadn''t expected such straightforwardness from Manuel; his intentions were crystal clear: he wanted a future with her.


    But she couldn''t give him what he wanted.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Looking up, her eyes were filled with conflicting emotions. "Are you saying... you want... to marry me?"


    "Yes," Manuel replied, unwavering and sincere.


    Eliza was taken aback.


    In her mind, Manuel was a quiet, reserved person, not one to openly express his emotions. Why now, out of the blue, would he bring this up? Especially knowing she was pregnant...


    She couldn''t wrap her head around it, but it didn''t change her decision.


    "Manuel, you really are a great guy,


    truly, and I''m not just saying that. You genuinely are. If it were just Brock, my little one, and I didn''t have feelings for anyone else, I might think about being with you. But things are different now..."


    "...Now I''ve got another one on the way, and I don''t want to marry you only to have you raise someone else''s child. That wouldn''t be fair to you, Manuel. You''re truly special, and you deserve someone equally special, not someone like me."


    "Let''s just stay friends."


    Eliza thought she had made herself clear enough to make Manuel rethink his decision.


    Because, frankly, it wasn''t the wisest move.


    But Manuel just smiled gently, "How could your children ever be ''someone else''s''? Their father has passed, and I can step into that role, love them. Wouldn''t that be good for the kids?"


    He said it so naturally.


    Leaving her without a goodeback.


    But... Eliza just felt it wasn''t right.


    "No, it''s different. They belong to the Welton family, not you. You don''t have to take on that responsibility."


    A shadow of pain crept into Manuel''s eyes, "I''m willing if they''re yours. Please, don''t turn me away."


    "No, it can''t be."


    The more Manuel showed such generosity, the more she felt it was wrong to be so selfish.


    No one is born to be a martyr.


    It wasn''t fair to him.


    Eliza was trying to figure out how to get him to stop being so persistent when suddenly, Manuel sped her hand tightly. His hand was warm, reaching straight to her heart.


    "Eliza, if you had someone else, I wouldn''t interfere. But right now, you''re single, and so am I. Why not give us a shot?" A flicker of struggle danced in her eyes.

 Chapter 550

    In a sh, her mind cleared up. She tried to pull her hand away, but it was stuck fast. Manuel''s intense gaze pinned her in ce.


    "No, Manuel, I mean, with everything going on, I can''t start something new. It''s just not possible..."


    Words stumbled out, not quite making sense, but she hoped he got the gist.


    "We''re just not right for each other; there''s no point in you wasting your time."


    "I''m willing," he said, looking deep into her eyes, hoping to win her over with his sincerity. "I have noints, and I can take care of us. As long as we truly love each other, Eliza, we can make it work. The rest doesn''t matter."


    A flicker of doubt crossed Eliza''s mind. Love? But they didn''t love each other.


    They were just...patible. Or at least, they had been.


    "I..." She wanted to tell him she didn''t feel that deeply for him, but the words wouldn''te without hurting him. "...Manuel, I..."


    "It''s alright. You might not love me now, but you will, eventually. We''ve got a long road ahead, and I''m patient." He was sure he could win her over in time.


    Eliza shook her head.


    No, it wasn''t like that. She wasn''t someone who fell in love easily. And she''d long outgrown the age of being swept away by mere gestures.


    "It''s not that simple. We met at the wrong time, Manuel. We can''t ignore that. Let''s not push it."


    With a gentle touch, she moved his warm hand away.


    She stood up and walked over to the balcony. Her hand slid down to rest on her slightly rounded belly.


    Manuel noticed this subtle gesture. He watched for a moment, then blinked, pushing back his emotions, and said, "Let''s both take some more time to think about it. I got that form from Australia, especially for moms-to-be. Make sure you drink it; it''s good for the baby." He got up, leaving as gently as a whisper, "I''ll head out now ande by another day."


    She didn''t reply, just gave him a sidelong nce.


    When the door clicked shut, her body rxed, tension melting away slowly.


    She was just about to sit down when the doorbell rang again, her heart jumping. Peeking through the peephole, she sighed with relief. It wasn''t Manuel.


    ""Chelsea!"


    Dragging a suitcase, Chelsea looked worn out "You said you were heading back to Falconridge and didn''t even give me a heads-up. I went all the way to Oak Falls for nothing."


    "I just got back myself. Where''ve you been?"


    "Had some issues to sort out, went abroad for a bit." She dropped her suitcase and hugged Eliza tight, a hint of sadness in her voice, "Juan filled me in. Has it been tough?¡±


    "It''s been alright." She had grown used to a quiet life.


    "I saw Manuel as I wasing up." Chelsea had met him a few times and thought he seemed nice enough, but didn''t know him well. "Is he still after you?"


    "He... just came to check in," Eliza replied, keeping it casual.


    Chelsea''s eyesnded on the array of gift bags on the table.


    Picking up a can of form, she grinned, "Wow, he''s really thoughtful. This brand is great for pregnant women. I brought you some too."


    Chelsea put down the form.


    Digging into her suitcase, she pulled out two more cans.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "I got the blue ones forter in the pregnancy, and he got the red ones for the middle stages." Chelsea tined them up together. "But honestly, they''re pretty much the same nutritionally."

 Chapter 551

    "I''ve lost my appetite and barely touch the milk." Although her morning sickness wasn''t too bad, she just didn''t feel like eating much. When hunger hit, she''d nibble on a biscuit, and that was pretty much it for the day.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    "You can''t keep doing this, you know. Even if you can''t eat, at least drink some milk," Chelsea insisted as she opened the pack of the nutritional shake Manuel had sent over. She grabbed a cup and started preparing a shake for Eliza. "Remember, you''re eating for two now." The shake had a strong vor. Eliza felt a wave of nausea at the smell but managed to take a few sips. "I''ll drink moreter."


    "Promise me you will."


    Chelsea set the cup aside, and they sat across from each other, chatting a bit. Suddenly, Eliza''s belly started acting up, and she felt intense movements from the baby. "Chelsea, I''m not feeling so great."


    "What''s wrong?" Chelsea''s heart skipped a beat. She quickly got up from the sofa and gently supported Eliza. "Where''s the pain?"


    "My stomach... the baby''s moving a lot. You have to... get me to the hospital," Eliza said, trying to push through the pain, her voice faint and shaky, struggling to stay upright.


    Chelsea immediately called 911, her voice filled with urgency and fear. "We''ve got a pregnant woman here, she''s in bad shape. Please, send help as fast as you can."


    As they were about to leave, Chelsea noticed blood on Eliza''s pants. "Elle, you''re bleeding..." Chelsea''s heart dropped. This was serious. "Hang in there, we''re getting you to the hospital right now." Eliza was in so much pain she could barely speak, her eyes half-closed, looking vulnerable and fragile.


    The ambnce arrived in no time, and the paramedics quickly and efficiently got her onto a stretcher, racing to the hospital.


    Eliza slipped into unconsciousness.


    Chelsea paced anxiously outside the emergency room. Just then, Caleb came out of the operating room nearby, having just finished a surgery.


    He spotted Chelsea''s frantic figure and stopped in his tracks, then hurried over. "What are you doing here?" he asked.


    The sound of Caleb''s voice jolted Chelsea as if she had been snapped out of a trance. Her entire body trembled. "Huh?"


    "Are you waiting for a patient?" Caleb''s eyes shifted to the glowing sign above the emergency room door. "Is it someone close to you?"


    "Yes, it''s Eliza, she replied, gripping Caleb''s sleeve like it was her only hope, her voice quivering. "Dr. Caleb, your sister-inw, she''s... bleeding. You''ve got to save her, we can''t lose her or the baby. Please, hurry"


    Caleb was taken aback, trying to piece together the scrambled information. A baby? Bleeding? His eyes met Chelsea''s tear-filled ones. "Don''t worry, I''ll go check on her."


    Time seemed to crawl by.


    Finally, the light above the emergency room went out. Chelsea rushed to the door as Caleb emerged first.


    He took off his mask, his brow furrowed. "So, my sister-inw... she''s pregnant?"


    Chelsea hesitated but realized there was no point in hiding it. "Yes."


    "And the baby''s father... is my brother?" Caleb asked, his confusion deepening. Chelsea nodded, admitting openly, "Yes, it''s his."


    "Did she not want the baby?" Caleb''s question wasced with bewilderment.


    Chelsea shook her head, puzzled at his assumption. "Of course not."


    "Then why were there traces of abortion pills in her system?" Caleb''s tone turned serious. As a doctor, he couldn''t wrap his head around such an absurd situation. "The fetus is over five months old. Even if she didn''t want the baby, she should''vee to the hospital. Trying to handle it at home is incredibly dangerous. What were you thinking?"

 Chapter 552

    Chelsea was taken aback by the usations, her mind buzzing so loudly it was like she had forgotten how to speak for a moment. She stood there, mouth agape, and after what felt like ages, finally managed to stammer, "Who said anything about an abortion? If that was on the cards, it would''ve happened way before five months. Seriously, who''s not thinking straight here?"


    "You..." Caleb was about to fire back when Eliza was wheeled out of the emergency room.


    Eliza looked as pale as a ghost, which only deepened everyone''s concern.


    "Elle, how are you doing?"


    "Elle, don''t scare us like that."


    "Elle..."


    "She''s still out cold," Caleb interjected, unable to hold back.


    Chelsea''s face fell. After all this, was the baby okay or not?


    She marched up to Caleb, grabbed his arm, and demanded, "Is the baby alright? You didn''t perform a D&C without permission, did you? How could you be so heartless? Did you even get her consent for an abortion? We''re here to save lives, not for you to y executioner."


    Caleb was left speechless.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Was she seriouslyying into him?


    He had been working tirelessly through the surgery, and not a single thank you. Now, she was calling him a murderer.


    If he were, she''d be the first on his list.


    "Just ask the nurse," Caleb replied, determined to end this pointless back-and-forth and walked off.


    "Wait..." she called after him. How did someone like him even be a doctor? Nopassion or empathy whatsoever. The Welton family was beyond saving.


    Chelsea couldn''t help but mutter a curse under her breath.


    The nurse wheeled Eliza into the ICU, hooked her up to an IV, and gave Chelsea some instructions.


    "Press the call button when the IV finishes. She''ll need several bags," the nurse said kindly. Chelsea nodded and softly asked, "Nurse, can you tell me if my friend''s baby is alright?"


    "The baby is safe for now, but she really needs to be careful with her diet from now on. This was a close call, and she might not be so lucky next time. To be frank, even if the abortion didn''t seed, it could still have harmed the baby significantly. She must be more cautious."


    Chelsea was visibly relieved, her breathing heavy but steadier. "We''ll definitely be more careful, thank you so much." Wow.


    What kind of drama is this?


    Why is there even a mention of abortion?


    In the doctor''s office, Caleb, after much deliberation, decided to call Casper, who was far away in France.


    "Her blood tests showed traces of


    tests


    abortifacients, but it seems she


    didn''t take them willingly. She''s okay for now, and so is the baby, thankfully. Do you think someone doesn''t want your child to be born? Any idea who it might be?"


    Casper''s grip on his phone tightened, his eyes zing with anger.


    Just as he vanished from Falconridge, someone decided to target his woman.


    Did they think she was an easy target with no one to defend her?


    "By the way, are you sure you''re noting back to Falconridge? Even if you


    care you should at least t


    ke


    care of your health. Your injuries can still heal..."


    Caleb''s words were abruptly cut off by Casper, "Let''s drop this subject."


    Caleb sighed in exasperation.


    Ignoring it wasn''t solving anything.


    He couldn''t stand seeing Casper wasting away like this.


    "Brother, I''m serious. And about your wife... hey, brother, brother..."


    As the call ended with a beep, Caleb sighed helplessly.


    There was a knock on the door, and he put down the phone. "Come in."


    Chelsea walked in.


    "There are a few things I don''t quite get, and I wanted to ask you about them," she said, her tone not exactly warm, but at least calm.

 Chapter 553

    Caleb stood there, arms crossed, looking every bit the professional doctor, though he couldn''t turn down the question. "Go ahead, ask your questions."


    "You mentioned finding traces of abortion drugs in Eliza''s system. Are you absolutely sure about that?"


    Caleb paused, considering. Was she questioning his expertise, or doubting the hospital''s testing equipment? Or worse, did she think the hospital might have fudged the results? "What exactly are you doubting here?"


    "I just want to know if the substances in her body are genuinely from drugs or if it could be some weird side effect from different things interacting?"


    Those were two very different possibilities, and she needed rity.


    "It was definitely the drugs," Caleb confirmed, recalling his examination. "The only other thing in her stomach was dairy, and that''s where we found the traces."


    Chelsea''s mind reeled. Dairy? Could it be the milk she''d prepared for Eliza was tainted? But Manuel had given her that milk, hadn''t he? A chill ran down her spine as she pondered the implications. With a shred of hope, she asked again, "Could it just be that the dairy was off?"


    "Are you listening to yourself?" Caleb replied with disdain, clearly losing patience. "Do you really think a milkpany wouldce pregnancy milk powder with abortion drugs? Use your head."


    Chelsea, taken aback by the insult, couldn''t help but feel her temper re. Damn him. Always quick to belittle. Without thinking, she hurled a thick medical textbook at him. "Caleb, if you can''t even exin things to your patients, maybe it''s time to hang up that stethoscope."


    The book hit Caleb right on the forehead, drawing blood. "Ouch... What the hell, woman? You just hit me!"


    Holding his wound, he pointed at her, furious. "You''re acting like a real harpy."This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Damn him again. Calling her a harpy. Chelsea felt she hadn''t thrown hard enough. She grabbed more books and papers from the table and flung them at him. "Caleb, just wait. I''m filing aint."


    Still fuming, Chelsea stormed out of


    the office, her mind swirling with unease. If the milk powder wasn''t faulty and it wasn''t some odd


    reaction, then it was inteM


    poisoning. Which meant... Manuel?


    The realization stopped her cold, a shudder running through her. Why would he do such a thing? He always seemed so fond of Eliza.


    When she returned to Eliza''s room,


    she found her friend awake, her


    cheeks with a hint of color.


    had


    of knowing her baby was lef


    eased some of her tension.


    "Chelsea," Eliza called softly, struggling to sit up. "Could you head home and get the milk powder tested for me?"


    "You think it''s the milk powder too?"


    Eliza nodded. She hadn''t eaten anything else, just a bit of the milk, and almost lost her baby. There had to be a connection.


    "I don''t get it. Why would Manuel give me that milk?" she wondered aloud, perplexed. "We''ve never had any issues, and he seemed like such a nice guy."


    "Chelsea, please get a solid report from the testing department, fast."


    Chelsea agreed, that part was easy. But what about Manuel? "Elle, if it turns out Manuel really did this, what will you do?"


    Eliza looked lost. She couldn''t


    fathom why Manuel would sabotage her. "Chelsea, do you think he''d harm my baby just because I turned him down She wanted to believe


    Manuel had no idea about the milk''s condition.

 Chapter 554

    Clearly, this wasn''t doing much to convince anyone.


    Chelsea didn''t really know Manuel. But some folks, especially men, can be pretty two-faced. They might seem all charming and sophisticated on the outside, but deep down, they''re anything but. They act all tolerant and generous, but in reality, they''re just petty and small-


    minded. Honestly, who can really see through all that and know what someone''s truly like?


    "I think you might''ve only seen the side he wanted to show you. But what about the real him?" Chelsea pointed out, making Eliza feel a pang of sadness. Chelsea had a point. She had only seen what Manuel wanted her to see. Why was he putting on such a perfect act? "He said he''d help me raise the baby, but then he poisoned me, causing me to lose it... Chelsea, I don''t understand what I did to make him want to harm me."


    First, there was Aaron, who tricked her with his perfect act just to bring her down. Now Manuel seemed to have the same deadly agenda. What did she do to deserve this?


    From Chelsea''s viewpoint, it was clear: if he couldn''t have her, he''d rather destroy her. Men can be twisted like that sometimes, with their own brand of pettiness.


    "Elle, try not to think about it right now. Just focus on resting. I''ll get the baby form tested. And..." she hesitated, but felt she had to warn Eliza, "if Manuel shows up at the hospital, be careful."


    If Manuel was really as bad as he seemed, he''d be more dangerous than Casper ever was. Casper was openly nasty, but Manuel was like a hidden virus, deadly to anyone he touched. Eliza nodded gently, "Don''t worry."


    With that, Chelsea left to take care of things. Eliza leaned back against the headboard, feeling drained and ready for a nap. Just as she was about to close her eyes, Caleb walked into the room. "Sis."


    Eliza raised her heavy eyelids and sat up a bit, "Dr. Caleb."


    "Sis, you''re being way too formal. Just call me Caleb," he said with a faint smile. "How''re you holding up? You should stay in the hospital a bit longer. The baby''s okay for now, so try not to stress." "Does everyone in the Welton family know I''m pregnant?"


    Caleb wasn''t exactly the best at keeping things under wraps. Once he knew something, it spread like wildfire.


    He rubbed his nose awkwardly, "I only mentioned it to Auntie."This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza had figured as much. She didn''t have the energy to get upset. Even if Caleb hadn''t spilled the beans, her growing belly would''ve given it away eventually.


    "Listen... even though my brother''s gone, the Welton family''s still here for you. If you need anything, just reach out. I''ll be around Falconridge for now. If you need help with your prenatal check-ups or anything, I can sort it out."


    "Dr. Caleb, thanks for your kindness," Eliza replied, her tone neutral but polite. "No need to be so formal. We''re family," Caleb said, trying to sound upbeat. Eliza gave a slight smile, "We''re not family. Your brother... he divorced me."


    "Well... we''re still family, one way or another."


    Caleb was adamant about being family, whether she liked it or not. Eliza didn''t want to argue about it. Caleb meant well, likely reflecting the Welton family''s intentions, m alright. You go do your thing ''m going to rest."


    "Okay, you take care."


    With Caleb gone, Eliza finally dozed off. She wasn''t sure how long she slept. But when she woke up the next morning, the first thing she saw was a man''s face, up close and personal, familiar yet frightening.


    She almost screamed, her eyes widening in fear.


    "What are you... doing?" she stammered, her whole body tense with rm.

 Chapter 555

    Manuel gently lifted his hand to calm her jittery nerves. "It''s me, don''t worry."


    Eliza''s heart was pounding in her chest. It was the fact that it was him that made her anxious. He really showed up at the hospital. Was he here to check if she lost the baby? The Manuel she once thought was kind-hearted and gentle now filled her with dread and disgust. At this moment, she was genuinely afraid of him. Unconsciously, she hugged her slightly swollen belly tighter.


    "What''s the matter?" he asked, a gentle smile ying on his lips as he reached out to touch her forehead. "Did you have a nightmare? Your forehead is all sweaty. Do you want me to wipe it off?"


    "You... why are you here? How did you know I was in the hospital?" Eliza''s voice shook, betraying her fear of him.


    "I swung by your ce and bumped into your neighbors. They mentioned you weren''t feeling well and came to the hospital yesterday," he replied, his eyes still filled with that same old concern and worry. "What happened?"


    He had just been at her ce yesterday. And today, again? Was he just checking if she was eating well, if she hade to the hospital? Eliza''s gaze wandered. "Did you need something when you came to my house?"


    "I thought you might be low on fresh fruit, so I picked some up for you. But since you weren''t home..." he gestured towards the fruit he had set aside, "I brought it here instead."


    His words flowed out so naturally. Eliza looked into his eyes, but all she saw was suspicion.


    "Really?"This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Yeah," he nodded earnestly, his concern clear as day while he looked at her lying in the hospital bed. "Your neighbors didn''t fill me in on why you''re here. Are you okay?"


    "It''s nothing, just a bout of low blood sugar," she replied, her eyes locked on his face, convinced that Manuel was ying dumb.


    Before, she couldn''t outsmart Casper, and now, with Manuel, who seemed like a wolf in sheep''s clothing, she felt the same. What had the worlde to?


    Manuel didn''t buy her exnation,


    but he didn''t call her out either. He just gave a soft smile. "Eliza, is


    something bothering you? I


    mentioned changing our rtionship, but don''t feel


    ovel


    pressured. Take your time to think about it. I''m not in a rush


    Eliza closed her eyes. If mind games weren''t her strong suit, she''d go with sincerity. Her eyes welled up as she looked at the man in front of her, who appeared sincere and kind, and she let out a bitterugh. "M Manuel, a real gem, aren''t you? I''m not worthy."


    He was caught off guard by her change in tone. His expression shifted slightly. "Eliza, what''s that supposed to mean?"


    "Mr. Manuel, you''ve crafted such a wless persona. This can''t just be about wanting me to lose the baby, can it?"


    She had no idea what other secrets he was hiding. Whatever he intended to do must be more than just that. But they had only met on a blind date...


    No. Now it seemed that blind date wasn''t just a simple meet-up.


    "What''s your real reason foring into my life?"


    His brow furrowed, showing genuine confusion and surprise. "I have no idea what you''re talking about. Miscarriage, persona-Eliza, what are you saying?"


    "You don''t understand?" Eliza''s pale


    lips quivered as she ridiculed his poor acting. "You know exactly what I mean, Manuel. I almost miscarried because of the form you brought. Can you honestly say you knew nothing about it? Can you say you didn''t tamper with it?"


    He was taken aback for a moment. Those few seconds were enough to suggest he was behind it all. But he didn''t admit it right away. Instead, he feigned hurt and disappointment, letting out a small, sad smile. "Why should I admit to something I didn''t do?"

 Chapter 556

    "Stop pretending, the truth wille out soon enough." Her expression was icy, lips drawn tight as she silently seethed with anger. "Why are you so desperate to make me lose the baby? What''s your angle here?" "What do you think my angle is?" He casually pulled up a chair, settling in front of her hospital bed, legs crossed in a rxed, almostzy manner.


    His calm demeanor only confirmed what she''d suspected all along. He was the one behind the poisoning.


    Eliza''s gaze turned colder. "Are you seriously questioning me?"


    Manuel raised an eyebrow, his face asposed as ever. "Aren''t you the one suspecting me? Tell me, what do you think my motive is for wanting to harm you and your child?"


    "Manuel, we''ve got no beef. I can''t figure out why you''d want to harm me."


    She knew there had to be a reason, but for the life of her, she couldn''t see it.


    "So, you can''t think of a reason, yet you''re so sure it''s me? Is this how you treat a friend who''s been nothing but real with you, Eliza?"


    Eliza was taken aback. Was he really flipping this on her? Or just mocking her for not having a clue?


    Whatever his game was, she knew Manuel wasn''t exactly Mr. Nice Guy.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Maybe I''m just not lucky enough to be friends with Mr. Manuel." If he wouldn''te clean, she''d let the police handle it. "Please, Mr. Manuel, I need you to leave. I need to rest."


    Manuel took a deep breath, gritting his teeth as he stood up, cing his hands on either side of her, suddenly boxing her in.


    His face was so close she could feel his breath, and it made her heart race with fear. "What are you doing?"


    "Eliza, if you knew my story, you wouldn''t think I''m the viin here." He seemed on the brink of a confession.


    Eliza''s brows knitted together. "So, you''re admitting you poisoned the form?"


    "Does it really matter?" he chuckled darkly.


    "Of course it matters! You''re hurting someone innocent and you have the nerve to ask that?" Eliza shot back. "Manuel, I''ve never wronged you. Don''t you think you''ve gone too far?"  en


    Swr


    "Too far?" Heughed, a twisted, almost maniacal sound, before his eyes reddened with something like pain. "You think this is too far? For someone who''s lost everything, is it really?"


    Eliza was at a loss. What did he mean, lost everything? Wasn''t his family alive and well?


    Her eyshes fluttered in nervous anticipation of what he might do next. "How is your family gone? Your parents-"


    "They''ve been dead a long time," he growled, veins popping on his forehead. "Out of five, only one is left. Isn''t that a destroyed family?"


    Eliza was utterly bewildered. What


    was this story? Had he lied about his


    family all along? The tales of his


    parents being teachers, being an only child-were they just for show?


    She searched his bloodshot eyes for some truth.


    Then, almost crazed, he gripped her shoulders, words spilling out in agony. "Do you know who did it? Your ex-husband, Casper."


    Eliza was floored. Casper? How was he involved in this?


    "Let go, you''re hurting me," she winced, trying to pull away.


    "It hurts? Well, tough luck," Manuel''s face twisted with grief. "It was such a beautiful summer trip. Why did that boat have to sink? Why?"


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 557

    Manuel''s roar was like nails on a chalkboard to Eliza, but it also made a few things click in her mind. There was this stunning ind, a real postcard kind of ce, developed by Welton International. It was a tourist hotspot, only reachable by boat, and every summer, it drew


    in crowds like bees to honey.


    Manuel was bringing up a tragic incident that had made headlines. It all started with a boat trip to the ind that went horribly wrong due to some shoddy handling. Despite the rescue efforts that followed, all four tourists and the driver ended up drowning. The whole of Falconridge was shaken to its core back then. Turns out, those four who drowned were Manuel''s family. But what did any of this have to do with Casper?


    "So you''reying this all on Casper''s shoulders?"


    If that was the case, it painted Manuel as someone with a serious grudge.


    "Why shouldn''t I?" His fury was practically a physical force, causing Eliza to instinctively step back. "What does this have to do with Casper? No one wanted this to happen."


    "How can it not be rted? If Welton International hadn''t hired an unqualified operator, the boat wouldn''t have capsized, and my family would still be alive. So tell me, shouldn''t I hold him ountable?"


    Eliza felt a chill run down her spine. Manuel was holding Casper responsible, but why was he targeting her? When they first met, she was already nning to divorce Casper. Why go through all this trouble to get close to her?


    "Did you use our blind date as part of your n?"


    She didn''t need him to confirm it; she already knew. But did he really think using her, someone about to divorce Casper, would hurt Casper?


    "Manuel, you want Casper to lose his


    family, to make him suffer. But think about it, for someone like him with money to burn, there''s always someone new to take his mind off things He''s not going to lose sleep over an ex-wife. Even if I and the kids were gone, he''d just move on. Plus, he''s already died in a ne crash,


    and you''re stilling after me? How is that revenge?"


    Manuel''s brand of revenge didn''t add up to her. Was he so consumed by hatred that he couldn''t see straight?


    Manuelughed, a sound that sent shivers down her spine. Casper''s death wasn''t a shock to him.


    Casper''s negligence led to his family''s deaths at sea, so Manuel saw to it that Casper died in the sky.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    "The crash happened because the pilot messed up, and that pilot was in my pocket," he revealed.


    Eliza felt like the world had just crumbled around her. Her mind went nk, and without thinking, she pped Manuel hard, turning his face sharply to the side.


    "You dare hit me?" His eyes zed with untouchable anger.


    Eliza''s heart pounded in her chest, her eyes full of a hatred that threatened to tear him apart. "Manuel, you''re unbelievably cruel."


    "Cruel? I''m just giving him a taste of my pain." Even with Casper gone, Manuel''s hatred hadn''t budged an inch. He gripped her chin fiercely "And just because he''s dead doesn''t mean you and your kids


    have it


    easy."


    Tears streamed down Eliza''s face, leaving salty trails on her skin.

 Chapter 558

    Hatred and despair coursed through her as she clenched her fists tightly. "Revenge, huh? Killing Casper wasn''t enough for you? Now you''re after me and my child, Manuel? Aren''t you scared of karma biting back?" "Karma?" Heughed, more crazed than ever. "If karma were real, Casper should''ve been gone long ago. He died toote, and way too easily. No, I''m not satisfied, not happy at all." "You''re a freak. A clown." She spat at him in disgust.


    He raised his hand, ready to p her, but hesitated. "I''ll keep you around for a bit of sport. I think Casper would get a kick out of seeing you down there."


    "Manuel, you''ve really outdone yourself, putting on this ''perfect gentleman'' act. Must be exhausting, right?" Eliza mocked, her gaze turning icy. "I''m worried you''ll y yourself to death." "Don''t you worry." He gently patted her cheek. "The game''s far from over. How could I miss the fun?"


    The door mmed open.


    Chelsea walked in, instantly tensing up at the sight of Manuel looming over Eliza on the hospital bed. "Manuel, what are you doing?"


    She rushed forward, shoving him away.N?velDrama.Org content.


    Her eyes were full of concern for Eliza. "Did he hurt you? Are you okay?"


    Eliza shook her head softly.


    Turning to Manuel, Chelsea''s anger red. "Don''t push your luck, or I''ll call the cops."


    Manuel shrugged, smirking. He gestured to the fruits he''d brought. "Eliza, don''t forget to eat the fruits. They''re good for the baby."


    Chelsea''s face was a mix of disbelief and frustration.


    Once Manuel left, she turned back to Eliza. "Manuel''s a nutcase. I''ll chuck those fruitster."


    "Chelsea, did you get the baby form tested?"


    Chelsea nodded, handing Eliza the test report. "The results are in. The form was tampered with."


    "Here." Eliza handed her phone to Chelsea. I''ve got a recording of my conversation with Manuel. Take it, along with the test report, to the police."


    Chelsea looked puzzled, ncing at the phone before meeting Eliza''s eyes. "What did he say?"


    "He admitted to poisoning the


    form, and he also..." Eliza''s voice


    Sught barely a whisper, "...he also


    said Casper''s death was his doing."


    Chelsea was stunned, her mind reeling.


    How did Casper get dragged into this?


    Eliza briefly recounted what Manuel had said.


    Chelsea gasped. "To think he''d go this far, it really shows his true nature."


    If he were truly good-hearted, he wouldn''t have such twisted thoughts.


    idents happen, nobody wants that. Losing a loved one is painful, but does it give him the right to harm others?


    "Let''s call the police first. As for Casper''s situation..."


    He was gone, having died in Africa.


    The pilvolved in the crash waret seemed impossible. Conte velet


    also dead. Filing a case here


    She hoped the recording would ensure Manuel faced serious consequences.


    At least, with his intent to harm her, the police might offer her protection. Regardless, Casper was gone, and no one was left to protect her at all costs. She left it all to fate.

 Chapter 559

    overwhelmed.


    It was evening when Dillon walked into the hospital room. The sight of him instantly brought Casper to Eliza''s mind. That swirl of emotions always seemed to well up in her, making her eyes misty. She tried hard to keep her emotions in check, not wanting to seem too "Dillon, weren''t you overseas? What brings you back?" Eliza asked, a bit surprised.


    Dillon, ever the picture of seriousness, bowed slightly. "Master Ray informed me that you had an ident, so I rushed back right away. Don''t worry, I''ll make sure you and... the little one are safe."N?velDrama.Org content.


    Chelsea couldn''t help but roll her eyes. Caleb, always the bbermouth, couldn''t wait to spill the beans about Eliza''s pregnancy to everyone.


    "I''ve already notified the police, Dillon. They''ll handle my protection, so you don''t need to worry," Eliza said, managing a small, warm smile.


    "It''s not the same. I have my responsibilities, and Mr. Casper made it clear that your safety is the top priority. I won''t ck off," Dillon replied with impable politeness.


    With that, Dillon excused himself to attend to other matters, leaving Eliza to rest.


    Once outside, Dillon made a phone call. While investigating the ne crash in Africa, they''d found some leads pointing to Manuel. But Casper had been seriously hurt, and his recovery took precedence, leaving the investigation on the back burner. "Keep a close watch on him. I''m on my way," Dillon said before hanging up and heading out of the hospital.


    Back in the room, Chelsea poured Eliza a cup of warm water. "Dillon used to be Casper''s personal assistant. Having him around might be more reassuring."


    Eliza held the cup, her expression thoughtful. With Dillon''s presence, she did feel safer than with just the police. But with Casper gone, Dillon couldn''t protect her forever. True salvation, she knew, had toe from within.


    "Chelsea, I have an idea," Eliza said, her eyes filled with contemtion.


    "What''s on your mind?" Chelsea asked softly.


    "I''m thinking of going abroad. Once I have the baby, I''lle back," Eliza said, a slight worry in her voice. She had no idea what Manuel might do next, and being pregnant made her vulnerable. "We both know the evidence we have isn''t enough to keep Manuel locked up for long. The police will probably release him


    soon."


    "I get it," Chelsea said, understanding Eliza''s fears but feeling uncertain. "Where do you want to go? It''s tough being in a foreign ce..."


    "I''m thinking France. Juan is there,


    and he''ll take good care of me," Eliza replied squeezing Chelsea''s hand. "If anything happens in Falconridge, let me know. I''m also worried about Brock..."  en


    "Are you taking Brock with you?"


    "No, the Welton family will look after him. I just hate being away from bim for so long," Eliza said, knowing she''d be gone for at least six


    months. "Make sure to send me lots


    of photos and videos."


    "You make it sound like a final goodbye," Chelsea said, feeling a lump in her throat. But given the circumstances, it seemed like a sensible n.


    After chatting a bit more, Eliza, now worn out, decided to rest.


    Chelsea stepped out quietly, only to be startled by two men in ck standing like guards at the door. "Who... who are you?" she stammered.


    "We''re here to protect Ms. Eliza, arranged by Mr. Dillon," one of the men replied, his calm demeanor unshakeable.


    Chelsea took a deep breath, muttering to herself about the impressively swift arrangements.


    She nned to swing by the police station to check on the case. But as she headed out, she bumped into someoneing in, and their pen poked her right in the eye.

 Chapter 560

    "Ouch..." she winced, "...why don''t you watch where you''re going?"


    Chelsea, cradling her injured eye, shot a re with her other clear eye at the unexpected figure in the white coat. This sudden eye contact was like a spark igniting a barrel of gunpowder, instantly setting Chelsea aze with fury. "Caleb, are you blind? You bumped into me. Can''t you at least apologize?" Chelsea''s voice shot up, making sure everyone within earshot knew her annoyance.


    Caleb closed the file in his hand, eyebrows knitted and lips pressed in a thin line, clearly annoyed and resigned. "Chelsea, get your facts straight. You ran into me. Shouldn''t you be the one apologizing?"


    "I ran into you? Then howe you''re not hurt?" She pointed at her eye, struggling to open it fully. "Look at me! If I lose my sight, I''ll have to take yours as a recement."


    Caleb couldn''t figure out why Chelsea seemed like she had a personal vendetta against him, as if he''d wronged her in a past life. Every encounter with her was anything but peaceful.


    You''d think he''d dug up her family''s grave or something.


    "So, are you blind then?" He held back his irritation, turned to leave, but couldn''t resist stopping to throw a re back. "When you do go blind, I might just find a pair of pig''s eyes to rece yours."


    "You..." Chelsea was on the verge of blowing her top. She snatched her purse and hurled it at him, hitting him squarely. "Have you lost all decency? You bump into someone, don''t apologize, and then call them an animal? Are you even a doctor? More like a vet." "Yep, just for treating cases like you." He seemed to be winding her up on purpose.


    In her fury, Chelsea threw her phone.


    The phone hit him right on the spot where she''d hit him with a book before.


    Caleb was caught off guard, pain shooting through every nerve, his eyes involuntarily narrowing. Beneath the bandage on his forehead, fresh blood seeped through, a stark, shocking red. Chelsea felt a surge of satisfaction.


    "Ah, karma works fast on the wicked." She crossed her arms, a smug smile tugging at her lips. "Consider me Dr. Caleb''s karma. You don''t mind, do you?"


    Caleb, clutching his bleeding forehead, was caught in a storm of frustration.


    If it weren''t for being a man, and a doctor on top of that.


    He''d really have torn this woman apart.


    "Chelsea, just you wait. If you ever end up in my hands, I''ll make sure you understand just how formidable I am." Caleb gritted his teeth.


    Chelseaughed loudly, almost theatrically, as if to further stoke his anger. "Only kids make empty threats. You''re going to be so disappointed." Caleb didn''t bother to argue further.


    He headed to the treatment room to patch himself up.


    Chelsea picked up her purse and phone, dusting them off. "Not a single decent person in the Welton family. You better not end up in my hands either, or you''ll see what I''m capable of."  en


    In the treatment room, Caleb was attending to his wound in front of the mirror.


    A hospital intern noticed him and asked worriedly, "Dr. Caleb, how did you get hurt again?"


    "Just bumped into something." He said dismissively, carefully disinfecting the wound.


    The intern winced sympathetically. "Dr. Caleb, it''s the same spot again, isn''t it?" "Yes," he chuckled lightly.


    The intern offered an awkward smile. "Do you need a hand with that?"


    "No, it''s almost done." He applied some ointment and put on a slightlyrger Band-aid, casually changing the subject. "How''s the patient in bed 23, and the baby?"


    "Stable," the intern leaned in closer, whispering, "Dr. Caleb, do you know if the pregnantdy is having a boy or a girl?"


    "You know?" he asked, surprised.


    The intern nodded mysteriously,


    "Nick from the ultrasound


    department told me it''s a boy,


    looking very strong. No wonder the abortion pills didn''t work. He''s going to be someone significant in the future." This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Caleb: ...

 Chapter 561

    Dillon clutched his phone, dialing up Casper. For days now, he''d been knee-deep in the whole Manuel mess, piecing together the puzzle. His job? Brief Casper and wait for the next move. "Remember that ident ages ago? Manuel''s been nursing a grudge ever since. He cozied up to Ms. Eliza for revenge. And, well, there''s something else. Your ne crash? That was his doing too." "He bribed the pilot, swapped him outst minute. The new guy botched it, causing the crash. Also, I''ve noticed Manuel''s been lurking around the young master''s preschool. What do you think...?" There was a long silence from Casper''s end. Dillon waited patiently.


    Finally, Casper''s calm, deep voice came through, "I recall his family was buried at Willow Grove Cemetery, right?"


    "Yes, Mr. Casper."


    "Dig them up."


    Dillon: ...What???


    "Mr. Casper, I''m not really following you." It was a bit chilling, honestly.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    "He wants revenge on me? Wants to mess with my wife and kid? Then let''s have his family join the party."


    Casper''s voice was icy, sending chills down the spine.


    Dillon: ...


    This move would shake Manuel to his core. Sometimes, you had to fight fire with fire.


    "Mr. Casper, what next?"


    "He''ll respond appropriately." Casper flicked the ashes from his cigarette, "If he keeps being stubborn, go to Mr. Raths. He''ll know what to do." Dillon understood.


    "Mr. Casper, I''ll handle it."


    "Make sure she''s safe. No room for errors." That was his bottom line.


    Dillon got it, "You got it."


    Hanging up, Dillon gently opened the door to Eliza''s hospital room. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting dappled patterns across the room. Eliza sat quietly on the bed, knees hugged to her chest, her gaze distant as if the world around her didn''t exist.


    The sound of the door and footsteps brought her back, her eyes finding Dillon, "Dillon?"


    "How are you feeling?" Dillon moved closer, concern and respect in his eyes.


    Eliza nodded slightly, "Much better."


    "I''m here to let you know, I''ve got a handle on the Manuel situation. I''ll take care of it, so don''t stress."


    Eliza blinked, a sense of calm returning to her eyes. She nodded, a hint of relief washing over her.


    "Thank you, Dillon."


    "Of course." He looked down for a moment, then asked, "Any ns for what''s next? If you need somewhere peaceful to recover, I can help arrange that."


    "No, I''m nning on going to France." She was upfront with Dillon.


    Dillon was a bit taken aback, "France?"


    "With Manuel in Falconridge, I can''t rx. Even if this settles, what if another Manuel pops up? I can''t handle that. So, I think... it''s best I go abroad. I''lle back after the baby''s born."


    She couldn''t guess the number of enemies Casper might have, visible or not. That was her reasoning. She didn''t care if others got it. Right now, she just wanted to safely bring her baby into the world.


    "Honestly, you''d be safe at Welton Estate too," he said earnestly.


    Eliza shook her head. They were divorced; staying there didn''t make sense. With what identity, what right? Wouldn''t seeing her daily, pregnant with Casper''s child, just deepen Audrey''s sadness? It wouldn''t be good for anyone.


    "I''ve made my decision."


    The phone on the table buzzed. Eliza nced at it, seeing an unfamiliar number. She wasn''t one to pick up calls from strangers and casually ended the call.


    Dillon didn''t push, nodding, "Understood."

 Chapter 562

    In just a heartbeat, the same number buzzed again on her phone. "Hello?" she answered, her voice a mix of curiosity and anxiety.


    "Are you Casper''s wife? You better hurry and bring the cash to free someone. Show upte, and they might not be all in one piece."


    The voice was cold and threatening, sending a shiver down her spine.


    She waspletely bewildered. Just as she was about to ask questions, Caroline''s familiar voice cut through the chaos from the other end, "Why are you calling her? Luke owes you the money, go after him. Why drag me into this?" "Sis," Eliza''s heart tightened, her grip on the phone bing a vice. "Are you okay? What do they want?"This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Dillon, catching the tense exchange from Eliza''s phone, felt his own anxiety spike, his brows knitting with concern. "What''s going on?"


    "My sister''s been kidnapped. They''re demanding a ransom," Eliza said, her voice barely holding it together as she pleaded, "Please, don''t hurt her. How much do you want?"


    "Let me make this clear, no tricks. Debts need paying, in and simple. $300,000, and you''ve got two hours."


    The line went dead, leaving Eliza frozen in panic. The next moment, a text pinged with a location.


    She was at a loss, her mind racing, "Should we call the police?"


    Having been through too many of these situations with Casper, Dillon knew calling the authorities was a recipe for disaster.


    Caroline was in their hands, and as long as they were after money, they wouldn''t harm her until they got it.


    "I''ll handle this," he said, a steely resolve in his eyes.


    "Dillon, if they want $300,000, just give it to them. We can''t let anything happen to Caroline," Eliza''s voice shook,den with fear and worry.


    Dillon nodded, "Trust me, I''ll take care of it."


    Grabbing a ck briefcase, Dillon headed to the spot where Caroline was being held.


    The kidnappers, spotting Dillon alone, seemed satisfied, a smirk ying on the leader''s face. "You''re here with the cash, huh?"


    "Where is she?" Dillon asked, his demeanor calm and collected.


    The leader sauntered over, his gaze flicking from Dillon to the briefcase. "I need to see if you''ve really got the money."


    "Alright."


    Dillon stepped back, flipping open the briefcase. The neatly stacked bills gleamed under the light.


    The man nodded, signaling for his crew.


    A woman, her head covered, was led out. As the cloth was lifted, Caroline blinked at the sudden light, then her eyes widened in disbelief. "Dillon?" Her voice was muffled, and she struggled against her restraints. "Let... me go."


    "Let me set the record straight," the man said, clearing his throat like he was trying to justify his actions. "Her fianc¨¦ owes us $200,000 from Hengrui, with interest, that''s about $300,000. Luke said he gave all the money to this woman, told us to get it from her. Seems fair, right?"


    Dillon''s eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. He tossed the briefcase over, "Take the money and let her go."


    "Deal," the man said, scooping up


    the briefcase and signaling his men to push Caroline towards Dillon. "I don''t know who you are, but you''ve got guts. I''ll take the $300,000, and we''re square. Let''s move out."


    The exchange was surprisingly uneventful-no fights, no shouting.


    Dillon gently removed the ropes from Caroline''s wrists and the cloth from her mouth.


    Before he could ask if she was okay, she pped him hard across the face.


    "Why''d you pay them? You think you''re loaded or something? That debt was Luke''s, not mine. I''ve cut ties with him. Why should I pay his bills?"

 Chapter 563

    Dillon was momentarily stunned by the p, blinking in disbelief at the woman in front of him. His eyes were red as he gripped her wrist, "Caroline, have you lost it? If we don''t cough up the money, they''reing for you. What''s more important, three hundred thousand dors or your life?" "The debt is Luke''s, not mine. What can they really do to me? Are they going to kill me? You just love to jump into things, always needing to meddle. Who do you think you are?"


    Caroline was clearly upset, her words sharp but seemingly unaware of their sting. Dillon let out a bitterugh, pain clear in his eyes as he mocked himself, "Right, who am I? Just a lovesick fool."


    Caroline was caught off guard, about to respond, but Dillon was already walking away. She hurried after him, blocking his path, "Who are you mad at? Did I call you a fool?"


    "I said it myself," he stopped, a self-deprecating smile hinting at his lips as if daring himself, "Satisfied?"


    He brushed past her, heading for the car. Caroline stepped in front of him again, her voice edged with frustration, "Why are you so angry? What did I do?"


    "Miss Caroline, I''m Dillon, with no name, no power, no money, no status. I''m nothing. But to say such things to someone who came to help you, where''s your heart?"


    His eyes hid a mix of pain and disappointment as he forced a bitter smile, "From now on, I''ll stay out of your business."


    "I... I didn''t mean it like that." She bit her lip, a mix of confusion and hurt flickering in her eyes. She wasn''t blind to right and wrong, "I meant the debt is Luke''s. Even if they don''t get the money, they wouldn''t dare touch me. Paying them off is just giving in, it''ll only make them bolder."


    "You''re willing to gamble, but can I?" His fingers trembled, pointing at his heart, his lips twisting in a bitter smile, "Forget it, you wouldn''t understand."This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    "I wouldn''t understand..." She suddenly grabbed the front of his shirt, a rush of emotion rising in her chest, her eyes full of hope, "... I wouldn''t understand unless you tell me. If you exin, I''d get it."


    He gently unsped her slender wrist, pulling her hand away, "Let''s just go back."


    Dillon strode to the car. Caroline stood outside for a moment before slowly getting into the passenger seat.


    "Buckle up."


    His deep voice filled the car, straightforward yet with a hint of care. She nodded softly, pulling the seatbelt over her shoulder and fastening it securely.


    The car didn''t start right away. They both satin silence, the air thick with a mix of calm and awkwardness, as if waiting for the other to speak and break the tension.


    "Dillon."


    "Ms. Caroline."


    Their voices ovepped, and the awkwardness in the air instantly heightened. Caroline pressed her lips together, her tone softening, "I''m really grateful you came today."


    "No need," his voice was cool and distant.


    Caroline nced at him, her gaze brushing over his strong, handsome profile before she lowered her eyes, "Please, take me back to Grand River Mansion." "Alright."


    Grand River Mansion was Caroline''s personal sanctuary, where she spent most of her time. That one time, when things got out of hand


    between her and Dillon, it happened on her bed there. She reced that bed afterward.


    The car pulled up to the door. Caroline unbuckled her seatbelt, stepped out, and looked at Dillon, "Want toe in for a bit?"

 Chapter 564

    He lifted his gaze, locking eyes with her. In the depths of his eyes, a swirl of emotions flickered-hesitation, maybe, or perhaps a touch of nostalgia.


    Caroline let out a soft chuckle, "What, are you scared?"


    He switched off the car, pushed open the door, and climbed out. His tall frame loomed over Caroline, making her appear particrly petite.


    "Someone like me, stepping into a ce like this, feels a bit off, don''t you think?"


    "Do you always have to talk like that?" Caroline''s face showed a mix of disappointment and irritation. "It''s not like this is your first time here. What, do you need an apology to make it right?" "Wouldn''t dare," he replied, his tone polite yet distant.


    "Why do you always put up this formal front with me? It''s not like I''m going to eat you," Caroline quipped as she turned and strolled to the door, punching in the code. "Come on in, have a drink with me, and unwind."


    Caroline left the door slightly open for Dillon. He lingered at the threshold, torn between stepping in and staying out, a cocktail of emotions swirling inside him-hesitation, a touch of fear, and a sprinkle of nostalgia. Memories of that night, the sprawling king-sized bed, and those intimate moments danced vividly in his mind.


    Taking a deep breath, he finally walked in.


    Caroline had slipped into a silk nightgown, its spaghetti straps both elegant and alluring, her long, slender legs catching the light just right. She grabbed a couple of bottles of red wine and poured them into a decanter.


    Seeing Dillon enter, she nodded toward the shoe cab with her eyes. "There are slippers in there."


    "Got it."


    Inside, he found two pairs of men''s slippers: one worn by Luke, the other brand new and still in its packaging. Feeling a mix of emotions, Dillon opted for the new pair.


    "I didn''t expect those calls to reach Eliza''s phone. She''s pregnant, and I was really worried she''d stress out." Caroline pulled a plush cushion over and settled down. "I''ll call herter to assure her I''m fine."


    "I already spoke to her," he said.


    "Did you?" She raised an eyebrow, surprised at his quick action. "She really shouldn''t get tangled up in this mess."


    Caroline poured a ss of wine for


    Dillon and slid it over. "This wine was a special order by Luke from a famous French vineyard, meant to impress me. When the engagement got called off, I thought about tossing it, but... it''s really good wine. Would be a shame to waste it. Give it a try."


    "I didn''t expect the Sullivan family to cancel the engagement so abruptly." His words carried a hint of anger,


    taking aim at the Sullivan familyet


    cold opportunism. "I thought there was something between you two..."


    BUMS


    "What could there possibly be between us? Caroline''s lips curved into a faint smile, but there was a trace of bitterness in it. She gently swirled her wine, the red liquid dancing in the light, mirroring her tangled emotions.


    Taking a small sip, she said, "It was just that we were the ''right'' age, just a marriage without any real love, no different from anyone else."This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Her words carried a shade of sadness, self-mockery etched in her expression. She raised her ss and downed the wine in one go.


    Dillon, worried she might push herself too hard, quickly grasped her wrist. "Take it easy."


    "Dillon, it''s funny, really. All my life, I''ve never met anyone who truly loved me. Never." She filled her ss again, her lips curving in a self-deprecating smile. "Looks like I''m destined to end up alone."


    A storm of emotions brewed in Dillon''s eyes. He hesitated, the words offort on his tongue struggling to find their way out.


    "What about you?" she asked, changing the subject with a soft, yful tone. "Do you have a girlfriend?"

 Chapter 565

    Dillon had always nned on leaving Casper and starting fresh once he got back from Africa. But when things went sideways in Casper, his ns went out the window. "Nah," he replied, trying to sound casual.


    "You should find someone special, too," she said, giving his shoulder a friendly pat. There was a bit of weight to her words. "Don''t aim too high. Steer clear of older women who might cling to you. Look for a sweet, down-to-earth girl and settle down. It''s a good life." She was talking about herself when she mentioned the older women. Dillon picked up on the subtext. His expression softened a bit, "Love''s not about age, you know."


    "Age might not matter, but older women who haven''t settled down mighttch onto you. Younger gals, they''re different-simple and sincere. If you find one, treasure her." Caroline took another swig of her drink, too fast, and ended up coughing. Dillon quickly handed her a tissue. "Told you to take it easy with those drinks."


    "I''m alright." She dabbed at her lips with the tissue. "Why don''t you have a drink, too?"


    "I think I''ll head out," Dillon said, standing up, his demeanor still distant.


    Caroline stood to see him out, but she''d had a bit too much to drink and wobbled a bit.


    Dillon caught her around the waist to steady her. "Watch your step."


    "I''m fine. You take care on your way back." Caroline, a little tipsy, gave him a warm smile. "And thanks for today. I''ll pay back the three hundred thousand soon." "No need," he said.


    Caroline paused, surprised. No need to pay back? She didn''t want to owe him. "What''s that supposed to mean? Dillon, are you really that loaded? It''s three hundred thousand we''re talking about, not just pocket change."


    He knew she didn''t think much of him. Whether it was three hundred thousand or just three hundred, she''d always make sure everything was squared away. "Whatever."


    "What do you mean, ''whatever''?" Caroline, not happy with his response, grabbed Dillon''s arm. The alcohol made her sway a bit. "What''s going on, Dillon?" "Nothing," he replied, his tone as cool as ever.


    Caroline hated how detached he was with her. You''d think he respected her, but he never really looked her in the eye. Yet, he always kept this polite distance, like they were strangers.  en


    "What''s the deal with your ''nothing''?" she pressed, holding onto his shirt, wanting a straight answer. "Do you have a problem with me? I know you don''t think much of me anymore. I''m not young or pretty now, but do you have to make it so obvious? It hurts."


    Dillon: ...???This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    He didn''t think much of her? Clearly, it was the other way around.


    "You''re drunk, go rest," he said, trying to guide her inside.


    She resisted, staying put. "Exin yourself."


    "You need sleep," he insisted. Not wanting to argue over something so trivial, he scooped her up.


    Caroline gasped as he lifted her, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck. "What are you doing? I don''t need you to look after me." "You''re not a kid. Quit making a scene," he said, carrying her upstairs.


    She squirmed in his hold. "Who do you think you are, Dillon, to tell me what to do?"


    He carried her into the bedroom andid her on the bed with a firm but gentle motion.


    "I get it, I''m not worth much,


    Caroline. You don''t have to keep reminding me. Yeah, I''m not good enough for you. I never thought I was. I''m the toad, you''re the swan. We''re not meant for each other. I never dreamed of anything happening between us, so don''t worry."

 Chapter 566

    nose, her voice catching in her throat amidst the smell of alcohol. "What are you getting at? I didn''t mean it that way."


    Dillon''s words rattled off like a machine gun, filled with frustration and a hint of self-awareness. Caroline blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over. A wave of hurt washed over her out of nowhere. Her eyes began to redden as she rubbed her


    "I don''t care what you meant, Miss Caroline. You should get some rest. I''m leaving."


    Dillon turned on his heel to go. But Caroline stumbled out of bed, throwing her arms around his waist. Her face pressed against his back, she whispered through her tears, "Dillon, do you really not like me at all? Am I going to go through life without anyone ever liking me?" "I..."


    Could he even dare? Was he even worthy? He knew his ce. How could he possibly think he deserved her affection? She waited for his response, but it never came. Her grip loosened, and she let go of his waist, feeling the weight of her unworthiness. "Fine, you can go."


    She turned away unsteadily, her eyes brimming with disappointment. She looked like a vase that had just been shattered. After all, love was never meant to be one-sided. No matter what Dillon said, he was in his prime. Why would he ever fall for an older woman? Feeling drained, she waved him off. "Go on, I''m going to sleep."


    Dillon nced back at her, his heart heavy with a bitter sadness. He didn''t know how to put his feelings into words. Maybe, just maybe, he could muster some courage.


    "Caroline," he called softly, his voice tinged with pain and a hint of hope. "I don''te from a wealthy family, and I don''t earn much. I can''t offer you avish lifestyle. Would you... be willing to face life''s challenges with me?"This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    She looked at him, confused. What


    bet


    did he just say? Was he really asking her that? Her eyes shone with a glimmer of hope. She felt a shimmer of happiness-finally, someone was willing to open their arms to


    Even if it was just aforting lie.


    She smiled, her eyes filled with warmth. "Dillon, thank you, really. I know you''re just trying to make me feel better... but you don''t have to pity me. I''m not that fragile."


    Pity her? Dillon felt a sudden surge of energy. He shrugged off his jacket and tossed it aside, pulling Caroline onto the bed beneath him. "Do you really think I''m pitying you?"


    Her eyes widened slightly. "Aren''t you?"


    "That first time we ended up in bed, neither of us was clear-headed. Now, I''m fully aware, and I want... you. Are you willing?"


    Caroline sobered up a bit more with each word. She tried to process Dillon''s intentions, but it all felt a bit surreal.


    His breath grew warmer by her ear, and she looked up at him, seeing a mix of expectation and desire in his eyes. Was he serious? Or was it just a physical need? Suddenly, she felt a rush of nervousness. Her heart pounded in her chest.


    "What do you mean by ''want me''?"


    "Dillon, I know we''re both adults and


    t


    that sleeping together to release some tension isn''t a big deal, but I She struggled to find the right words. "I''m not young anymore. don''t want to y around. I''m looking for something real,


    something with a future.


    The room was filled with tension for a moment. Then, in a swift motion, his hand cradled her head. "That''s exactly what I mean."


    His lips found hers, washing away all


    her doubts with his boldness. As their desires entwined, the moonlight cast a glow on his strong back, her fingers tracing soft trails across it, leaving behind a path of passion. Their bodies intertwined, silently engulfed in the moment of growing desire...


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 567

    In the blink of an eye, Eliza had been in France for over three months. Ever since she touched down, she couldn''t shake the feeling that someone was shadowing her every time she stepped out. This sensation had intensified over thest month. Yet, whenever she spun around to catch a glimpse, there was never a suspicious soul in sight. Could it be Manuel? She wondered what he was up to these days. If he''d been let out, it wasn''tpletely out of the question.


    With these thoughts swirling in her mind, she decided to call Dillon. "Hey, Dillon."


    "Ms. Eliza," Dillon nced at Casper beside him and switched the phone to speaker mode, "What''s up?"


    "I was just curious about Manuel''s situation. Weren''t you handling his case? Any news?"


    "He''s still under police watch. No need to stress."This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    "That''s a relief."


    But then, who could be trailing her? Maybe it was all just in her head? Either way, she figured she should be more careful. With just over a month until her due date, the thought of anything going wrong was frightening.


    After she hung up, Dillon''s eyes flicked to Casper with a hint of anticipation. "Mr. Casper, Manuel''s probably not going to show up in Falconridge again. Have you thought about, well, revealing your identity to Ms. Eliza?" "And do what?" His voice was cool and indifferent.


    Dillon pressed his lips together, choosing his words carefully. "You''ve been watching over her from the shadows, which has her feeling a bit jumpy. Maybe it''s time toe clean... especially since she''s nearing her due date. She could really use someone by her side." "She''s got Juan with her," Casper replied, still detached.


    "But he''s him, and you''re you. It''s not the same," Dillon tried to reason, but Casper waved him off. "Let''s drop this."


    Dillon had to swallow his words.


    Over at Juan''s ce, Eliza was in full prep mode for the baby''s arrival. Juan had gone all out, buying a ton of baby stuff-tiny clothes, bottles, diapers. He''d thought of everything, making sure Eliza was covered.


    She sorted through each item


    methodically, conscious of the


    baby''s increasing movements,


    signaling the big day coulde at any moment, necessitating a mad dash to the hospital. "If there''s anything else you need, just let me know, and I''ll grab it," Juan said, lounging on the sofa as he watched Eliza meticulously arrange the maternity items. "Don''t be too


    nervous. I''ll be right there with you during the delivery."


    "I''ve done this rodeo once before. What''s there to be nervous about?"


    When she had Brock, she had gone to the hospital solo. It was a natural birth that left her in pain for two days and a night before the baby finally arrived. With no one to keep herpany or help her out, she left the hospital three dayster, baby in tow, catching a cab home. Even the postpartum care was something she managed on her own.


    Thinking back, she realized how tough she had been, surviving those tough, lonely days. Now, things were a whole lot better.


    Juan watched her calm, serene face


    and felt a pang of sympathy. He


    hadn''t known her situation when she was pregnant with Brock. At that time, he was knee-deep in his career, often going months without a word. He couldn''t fathom how she managed on her own back then.


    "Besides me, you''ll soon have two little guys looking out for you. Doesn''t that make you happy?" Juan''s voice had a teasing, affectionate edge.


    Eliza managed a bittersweet smile. Ever since she found out she was having another boy, her dream of having a daughter felt shattered. She often found herself gazing longingly at little girls in pretty dresses whenever she was out.


    Only the heavens knew how much she longed for a daughter. "My dream of having a daughter is shattered," she sighed wistfully.


    Juan chuckled at her expression, "If it really bugs you that much, we could always consider a sperm bank. They let you pick the gender. Just to make that dreame true."


    "Are you suggesting I''ve been around too long?"

 Chapter 568

    Eliza found herself overwhelmed, with two kids already and another on the way, she wondered how she''d manage.


    "Don''t worry, I''m here for you," Juan assured her, trying to ease her worries.


    "Can you really support us forever?" Eliza asked, as she finished organizing her things and gently patted her growing belly. "Alright then, I guess we''re all set."


    Thanks to Juan''s arrangements, Eliza moved into the hospital a good two weeks early to prepare for the birth. It could have been her imagination or just in old anxiety, but she often felt like someone was watching her in the dark of night. Every time she opened her eyes, there was nothing there. She chalked it up to pre-birth jitters.


    Despite the nerve-wracking wait, the big day finally arrived. Juan, his hands trembling with nerves, escorted Eliza to the delivery room. He was more anxious than she was. "Don''t worry, I''ll be right outside," he promised. "Okay," Eliza replied.


    The delivery wasn''t exactly smooth sailing, butpared to when she had Brock, I was a breeze. The baby''s loud cries filled the room, and Eliza felt like she''d transformed once more. In the shadows of the hallway, a mysterious figure let out a long sigh of relief. "Mr. Casper, are you sure you don''t want to take a peek?" Dillon asked quietly.


    Casper''s fingers twitched for a moment, but then he shook his head, "No, I''m good."


    The delivery room doors opened slowly, and Eliza was wheeled out, looking exhausted yet glowing with the joy of bing a mother again. She was too wiped out to move, her hair damp with sweat.


    As the nurse wheeled her down the corridor, Eliza caught sight of a tall figure she thought she recognized. Dressed head to toe in ck, he stood out in the crowd. What was he doing here?


    Then she noticed another familiar face. Dillon? What was Dillon doing with this guy? Could it be...


    "Juan," Eliza blurted out as a thought hit her, grabbing his arm. "Go check, see if that''s Dillon, and if the guy in ck is Casper?"


    "Dillon? Casper?" Juan was taken aback. "Are you sure you''re not seeing things?"


    Eliza was insistent, urging him, "They''re heading for the elevator, hurry!"


    "Alright, alright, I''m going." Juan handed Eliza over to the nurse and dashed off.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    He took the stairs down to the first floor, and sure enough, there was Dillon.


    "Hey, Dillon," Juan called out. They weren''t exactly close, but he knew him well enough. "What are you doing here? Everything okay?"


    Dillon looked a bit surprised, while Casper, next to him, pulled his hat down further.


    "And this is...?" Juan tried to get a better look at the man, "Have we met before?"


    "He''s a friend," Dillon quickly said, stepping in front of Casper to block Juan''s view. "What brings you here, Juan?"


    "Eliza''s having the baby today, so of course I''m here," Juan announced, loudly enough for Casper to hear. "Even when things go smoothly, having a baby is no small feat."


    en


    "Well, we better let you get back to Eliza," Dillon nodded and walked off with Casper in tow.


    Juan stood there, scratching his


    chin, puzzled by the whole


    encounter Eliza was having


    Casper''s child, and you''d think Diffon, being his assistant, would show


    more interest. But he hadn''t asked a single question.


    Thinking back, wherever Dillon showed up, Casper wasn''t usually far behind. And this mysterious guy, although his face was hidden, had


    all Same tall build as Casper. After


    all, not everyone is six-foot-three. Could it be Casper was alive after all?

 Chapter 569

    Juan felt a shiver race down his spine at his own spection. Could it really be? Weren''t the ashes sent back to Falconridge? But... it looked so simr. Shaking his head, Juan returned to the hospital room, his mind buzzing with questions. As soon as he walked in, Eliza looked up anxiously, "Was it Dillon?" "It was Dillon," he confirmed.


    "And the guy with him, did you get a good look?" she asked, her eyes wide with hope, hershes fluttering slightly. "Was it Casper?"


    Juan hadn''t gotten a clear view of Casper. He couldn''t say it was him for sure. But seeing those two together was definitely suspicious.


    "I think his build was very simr," Juan admitted.


    "Not just simr, identical," Eliza dered, almost certain. On the day she had her baby, this man showed up at the hospital with Dillon. If it wasn''t him, who could it be?


    "Juan, I believe the guy with the silver mask, the one who owns the estate, is Casper," she said.


    Juan was taken aback. The estate owner too? He recalled how excited Eliza had been that day. Could it really be true?


    "If Casper''s alive, why wouldn''t hee see you?" Juan wondered aloud. "Why sneak around in the shadows? There''s got to be a reason."


    Eliza shook her head, just as puzzled. "I don''t know. I''ve got to find a way to meet him."Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "What if it isn''t Casper?" Juan worried. He didn''t want her hopes to be dashed, leaving her heartbroken.


    Eliza shrugged a bit, taking it easier than he expected. "If it''s not him, I won''t be too upset. At least I''ll have closure."


    Her eyes lowered slightly, as if she was trying to convince herself to ept the inevitable. That flicker of hope felt like a dim streetlight in the dark-not bright, but enough to give her the courage to keep going.


    After leaving the hospital, Eliza


    couldn''t shake off the idea of visiting the estate


    but sean suggested waiting


    until after her postpartum recovery,


    she was too restless to heed his


    advice. She needed to see that familiar figure, to uncover the truth.


    Even if the truth wasn''t what she hoped for, she needed to know.


    Standing at the door, she pressed the doorbell repeatedly until a


    servant finally appeared, peerin


    cautiously through the crack "Who are you looking for?"


    "Hi, I''m Eliza. I''m here to see the owner of the estate," she said with a warm, reassuring smile. "Could you let him know I''m here?"


    The servant gave her a once-over, clearly skeptical about the stranger at the door. "Our master doesn''t meet with strangers."


    "I''m Eliza, a friend of his. Just let him know I''m here; he''ll want to see me," she insisted patiently.


    The servant shut the narrow door crack and disappeared. Eliza stood outside, nerves jangling, waiting.


    After an hour passed with no sign of anyone, it seemed the masked man wasn''t keen on meeting her. What was she going to do now?


    The estate was a fortress with its high walls and tight security; getting in was impossible.


    Thunder rumbled ominously overhead. Rain wasing.


    She knocked on the estate''s dark door again. If no one answered, she''d just keep knocking.


    Dillon, seeing her persistence, couldn''t help but speak up, "Mr. Casper, it''s about to rain, and Ms. Eliza just had a baby. If she gets caught in the rain and falls ill, her


    recovery might bepromised."


    Casper''s eyes clouded with emotion. He hadn''t expected Eliza to be so determined. What was there to see? Why was she so intent on the truth?


    "Mr. Casper, maybe you should just see her," Dillon suggested, his voice gentle.


    Casper remained silent, ignoring Dillon''s advice. It wasn''t that he didn''t want to see her; he just couldn''t find the courage to face her.

 Chapter 570

    He rubbed his temples, caught in an endless loop of trying to convince himself and failing. The rain came down in a sudden, noisy burst, typical of a spring day that couldn''t decide between warmth and chill. It was anything but gentle, with a coldness that seeped into your bones. Still, his heart, hard as it was, couldn''t stand the thought of her getting soaked.


    "Bring her in," he murmured softly.


    "Yes, sir," replied the servant, who then went to fetch Eliza into the manor. Dillon didn''t bother greeting her himself.


    She was alright, though her hair was a bit damp from the rain. Her thick coat had shielded her from the worst of it.


    "Where''s he at?" she asked, anxious to see him.


    The servant gestured upstairs. "The master''s on the second floor. You can head up."


    "Thanks," she said, quickening her pace, almost breaking into a run as she climbed the stairs.


    At the end of the hallway, a door was slightly ajar. Her heart was pounding, a mix of nerves, excitement, and the joy of a reunion she''d imagined a thousand times over.


    She tread softly, pausing at the door to take a couple of deep breaths before gently pushing it open. Inside, a man sat with his back to her, framed by the window. The heavy medieval chair seemed to swallow him whole.


    "Casper?" she called gently, her voice a mix of tenderness and caution.


    He didn''t respond, didn''t even flinch.


    She bit her lip but kept moving closer, her steps slow and deliberate. "Casper, is that you?" This time, her voice carried more urgency and hope.


    Finally, she was behind him, close enough to feel the rhythm of his breathing. Still, he gave no sign of acknowledging her.


    Then, the lights suddenly cut out, plunging the room into a deep, chaotic darkness. The gloomy sky outside offered no light, making the room feel even more deste and eerie.


    Eliza''s heart tightened, her breathing faster. Summoning her courage, she moved around to face him.


    As her eyes adjusted, she met his gaze, and a chill swept over her. Beneath a cold mask were those deep, familiar eyes... "You''re Casper, aren''t you?"


    She knew those eyes. Last time, she recognized him. His hasty retreat had screamed guilt.


    "Why won''t you talk? Afraid I''ll


    ????


    recognize your voice? Why didn''t you tell me you were alive? Casper, say something!" She was angry, baffled by his insistence on hiding behinda mask. "Are you really that scared I''ll know it''s you? If you wanted to end things, you could''ve just said so. Why all this drama?"


    "Say something," Eliza''s eyes glistened with unshed tears.


    He stood slowly, his steps steady as he approached her. His fingers lightly touched his shirt, undoing the buttons one by one in the dim light, each one releasing with a soft, clear click.


    Eliza instinctively stepped back, panic shing in her eyes. "What are you doing?"


    "You asked why I didn''t tell you I was alive," he said, his voice low and rough, tinged with bitterness. "I''m here to show you why."


    He turned away, slipping off his ck shirt, revealing his back under the light. It was a tapestry of scars, crisscrossed like twisted vines, ugly and shocking.


    Eliza''s eyes widened in disbelief, her hand flying to her mouth. In that moment, time seemed to stand still, the air thick with an unspoken heaviness. "Scared? Disgusted?" he asked, knowing she must be.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    He turned to face her, pointing to the mask. "Do you want to see what''s behind this? It''s a thousand times worse than my back. Is this really the Casper you want?"

 Chapter 571

    Eliza shook her head, her eyes a whirl of disbelief and sympathy. How did ite to this? What kind of pain had he endured to end up in such a state? She noticed a shift in her gaze, something deeper than simple disgust a mix of empathy and confusion about his struggles. Casper gave a wry smile, as if he''d seen thising from a mile away. "Go back, Eliza. Don''te here again." He refastened his shirt, trying to keep up a calm front, though his fingers trembled against each button. Imagining it was one thing; facing it head-on was another beast entirely. Confronting old wounds made the pain sharper, more real. Pretending to be calm and pushing down his own hurt was all he could manage.


    "Casper," Eliza said, her voice catching with emotion, "Did you deceive me because you were hurting?" Casper stayed silent, as if his throat was bound tight. How could he possibly exin?


    In the quiet, Eliza stepped back to him, her gaze searching his eyes. She wasn''t impressed with his self-sacrificing act. "You lied about being dead, snuck into the award ceremony, got my phone back, threw a party for me, and followed me everywhere even to the hospital for the birth. Casper, if you were letting go, why do all of that?"


    "Am I to understand you told everyone else you''re alive everyone but me?"


    Her heart was breaking. He''d deceived her and her alone. Why? He knew she was carrying his child; how could he leave her to face it alone? Raising her hand, Eliza pped him hard. That p held all her anger at his deceit, her own hurt, and was a reprimand for his misguided choice. The p knocked his silver mask askew.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    He said nothing, just adjusted his mask. If she wanted to hit him, fine. Noints, no resentment.


    "Casper, what are you so afraid of? Tell me." Eliza reached to remove his mask, but he quickly stopped her hand. "Don''t."


    She didn''t know whaty behind the mask, and honestly, she didn''t care. What mattered was that he was alive. Why couldn''t he see that?


    "I''m not afraid, so why are you?"


    "Elle, please. You''ll regret it, you''ll


    have nightmares. I... I''m not the Casper I used to be." He covered his face, pain etched in every word. He didn''t want his disfigured face to haunt her dreams or make her scream in fear. He admitted he couldn''t get past this hurdle himself.


    "Whether you''re still Casper or not, I need to see for myself." She insisted, trying to remove the mask, but he held it tight, refusing to budge. Eliza''s frustration bubbled over, "Are you going to wear that mask forever? Someday, you''ll have to take it off. If not for me, what about for your sons?"


    She tried to reason with him, but he pushed her away, coldly stepping out. Eliza hurried after him, blocking his path "Casper, are you even a man if you can''t face these scars? How are you going to handle the rest of your life?"


    "Leave," he snapped, unwilling to waste words.


    "I won''t."


    Today, she was determined to see him without the mask. She understood it was his shield, but he was human. No one could live forever isted behind emotional walls. "Don''t you get it?" he said, his tone icy and impatient. "Get out, do you hear me?"

 Chapter 572

    Darn it, he actually told her to get lost.


    Eliza was steaming, jumped up, and pped him again, "Go on, try yelling at me one more time!"


    "I..." His anger deted instantly from the p.


    "Casper, you think you can dodge what you owe me and just live the easy life? Think again. I''m telling you, that''s not gonna happen."


    He looked at her with a struggle, "So, what do you want from me? Do you really have to push me like this?"


    Was she pushing him?


    That wasn''t what she meant to do.


    Had she gone about it the wrong way?


    Eliza didn''t try tearing off his mask.


    But she sure wasn''t going to let him shut himself off either.


    "You''ve got plenty of staff here, and I need someone to look after me. I''ll be staying here for my recovery. You don''t have a problem with that, do you?" She tilted her head up, eyes daring him to disagree. Casper locked eyes with her for a few moments, then gave in, "No problem."


    "Great, get a room ready for me, and make sure there''s a chef and a nanny. I''ll have Juan bring the baby over."


    With that, Eliza headed downstairs.


    Just as she reached the bottom, she ran into Dillon.


    Dillon gave a slight bow, "Ms. Eliza."


    "You''re no saint either." Eliza lifted her foot and stomped hard on Dillon''s, grinding it a bit, "We''ll settle our ountster." Dillon inhaled sharply from the pain but kept a straight face.


    "Yes, ma''am."


    Eliza called Juan.


    Upon hearing the truth, Juan was momentarily speechless.


    Before long, he arrived at the mansion with the baby.


    The early-arriving nanny quickly took the baby from him.


    Juan nudged Eliza, "So Casper''s really alive?"


    "I told you."


    "Can I see him then?" He was eager.


    Eliza shook her head, "Not now. Ga back for now, I''ll call if anythinges up. He''s got some things to work through, and it''ll take time."


    "Alright."


    Juan understood it was something they needed to sort out themselves, so he didn''t press on. After a few reminders, he quickly left the mansion.


    Casper had her set up in a spacious, sunlit room.


    At some point, he''d gathered all the baby essentials-crib, toys, diapers, form, everything was in ce.


    Eliza''s recovery period was quitefortable.


    Throughout the month, she didn''t see Casper.


    But she knew,te at night when everything was quiet, he''de to see the baby, and even kissed her forehead. The baby was thriving.


    He was sturdier than Brock, looking more like Casper, full of energy.


    The first thing Eliza decided to do after her recovery was to have a heart-to-heart with Casper.


    She knew Casper wouldn''t make the first move to see her.


    After changing, she headed to his usual hangout, the study.


    Today, he wasn''t wearing a mask, but he had on that familiar ck face covering.


    She knocked on the door and didn''t wait for a response before barging in.


    "It''s been a month, have you made up your mind?"


    "Now that your recovery is over, you should head back to Falconridges Brock must be missing his mom." His voice was low and gentle but distant.


    Eliza didn''t argue, walked over, and plopped down on hisp, "Brock only misses his mom, doesn''t he miss his dad too?"


    Her hand gently wrapped around his neck, her fair skin and the subtle scent that surrounded him making his Adam''s apple bob. "What, can''t resist?"


    Her soft fingertips lightly traced over his neck, Adam''s apple, chest, abs, igniting a warmth, finally hooking onto his belt...


    His throat tightened, and he quickly grabbed her hand, "Don''t move around."


    "What, got hurt here too?" She asked, tilting her head on purpose.This is from N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 573

    He was definitely feeling a bit feverish, worried he might have a reaction. In a husky voice, he said, "Yeah, it''s just not working." "I don''t believe you, let me see."


    Eliza pulled his hands apart, determined to unbuckle his belt, while hisrge hands resisted hers. Her gaze identally drifted to the back of his hand, where a shocking burn scar caught her eye, stirring a wave of sympathy in her heart. Eliza stopped her actions and gently wrapped her arms around his waist. Her face nestled against his chest, her eyelids slightly damp, with a hint of redness, "You... how could you..."


    He was slightly taken aback. Hisrge hands hovered awkwardly, unsure whether to hug her back or not. She held onto him for what seemed like forever.


    Finally, she lifted her face to meet his eyes, the only visible part of his face. "How did your hand end up like this?"


    "I''m not really sure."


    He had been nearly unconscious when it happened. Just like his face, one hand was untouched, while the other waspletely scarred.


    She let out a deep sigh, hugging him tighter. "Casper, these scars don''t matter. What matters is that you can''t let them drag you into despair, make you lose confidence, or keep you from loving."


    "Elle..." He tried to get her to rethink, "Our rtionship... really, you deserve someone better. With everything you have to offer..."


    "Just because we''re exes now, does that mean the love is gone, Casper?" Her frustration was growing. Did he expect her to raise his two kids and never remarry? What was he thinking? "Elle..." He loved her, but the weight of that love made it hard to face himself.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "Do you really not love me anymore?" Disappointment filled her eyes, turning them red in an instant. "Casper, did you divorce me because you don''t love me anymore?"


    He couldn''t stand seeing her on the verge of tears and shook his head hurriedly, "No, no, it wasn''t that. The divorce was for you to find a better future, not because I stopped loving you."


    "I don''t buy it." She wanted him to


    break free from his self-imposed chains. "If you love me, why do you hide in darkness, Casper? By


    trapping yourself, you''re trappiel ne


    me


    too. I''m suffocating here, I''m upset,


    I''m not okay."


    Casper was left speechless.


    A month had passed. He''d tried countless times to redeem himself, but when he was with her, fear still lingered. He didn''t even know what he was afraid of. Maybe it was because he''d seen his own hideous, disfigured reflection, and that terrified him.


    "Casper, let me see your face."


    "You''ll be scared." He was terrified, terrified of scaring her.


    "Is it my fearful look you can''t handle? Or is it the disdain you dread?"


    He shook his head, afraid of both. That''s why he only removed the mask when he was alone. He had grown used to hiding behind this fa?ade.


    "You really don''t have to see it." He sighed almost silently.


    "I want to see it." Her slender fingers gently touched his earlobe, her voice soft, "Can you show me?"


    Her touch was electric. His gaze softened, full of tenderness. Eliza knew he was wavering. "I''ll just take a quick look, just one."


    As if he''d made a big decision, he nodded heavily, "Alright, have a look."


    With his consent, Eliza''s fingers hesitated. It wasn''t fear that held her back, but the concern that her heartache might show on her face, sending him into a spiral of doubt.


    She took a moment to steady


    herself before gently, slowly removing the mask from his ear. Casper''s face was half untouched the other half marked with clear burn scars. From what she could see, his face hadn''t been treated, the scars stark and telling a painful story. God only knows what he''d


    been through to end up this way.

 Chapter 574

    His hands and back were badly burned, but it was his face that took the worst of it, making it all the more heartbreaking.


    Elle''s heart ached as she gazed at his half-burned face. Her gentle fingers traced the scarred lines softly, her eyes welling up with unshed tears.


    "Does it hurt a lot?"


    He shook his head. "No, it doesn''t."


    "Did you think you wouldn''t make it, so you set everything up for us?" Her voice trembled, her heart nearly breaking.


    She had seen Casper''s will.


    He had meticulously nned every detail for her and their child''s future.


    But how could she just ept his careful and thorough arrangements?


    Casper never thought he''d pull through.


    Nor did he ever imagine he''d end up burned like this. There were so many things he hadn''t seening, like having the woman he loved in his arms now, a scene he never dared to dream of. "Elle, aren''t you scared?"


    "Scared of what?" She met his gaze. "Do you think I should be scared of you?"


    Casper couldn''t grasp why Eliza wasn''t afraid.


    He remembered how, back in the hospital, the nurses would scream at the sight of him and secretly gave him some pretty nasty nicknames.


    He assumed she''d feel the same way they did.


    "Nobody isn''t scared of me looking like this," he said quietly.


    Eliza cupped his face and kissed his injured cheek gently. "They''re scared because they don''t know you. We..."


    She hesitated, a realization hitting her.


    She was now his ex-wife.


    It seemed like they didn''t have a connection anymore.


    "...I forgot, you divorced me. Now, we... don''t have a rtionship. I take back my kiss." She started to get up as she spoke.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "Don''t, don''t take it back," he quickly held her down, his eyes full of regret, "It was my mistake. Can we get back together, please?"


    "Get back together?" She forced a smile, her delicate fingers pinching Casper''s chin, "You think you can just divorce me and then decide to get back together whenever you want? What do you take me for?"


    "My wife," he said, catching her hand and leaning in to kiss her.


    Eliza dodged him. "Casper, if you want us to get back together, you need to show me."


    "How should I show you?" He asked eagerly, almost like a confused kid.


    Eliza touched his forehead, her brow furrowing slightly. "Did that ident mess up your brain too?"


    "It''s not messed up." He grabbed her hand and ced it on his chest, "Here... it''s perfectly fine."


    Eliza felt something firm and was momentarily surprised.


    Her cheeks flushed, "Then why did you say it was broken just now?"


    "I was just messing with you. The burns are all on my back and side of my face. I don''t really know how it all happened; it was probably when the ne crashed and I parachuted into the fire."  en


    Casper recounted his ident story.


    Eliza was taken aback; she was curious about how he had miraculously survived. "You parachuted? Then how..."


    "The shockwave was massive. If I hadn''tnded in a tree, I probably wouldn''t have made it." Actually, the doctors had all but written him off, "Being alive is a lucky break, Dnever thought I''d make it."


    Being alive is definitely something to be thankful for.


    But just being alive isn''t the goal.


    Living well is the ultimate goal.


    "Casper, you should think about stic surgery to treat the scars on your face, back, and hands. I''ll be with you."


    His eyes darkened instantly. She still couldn''t stand his gruesome appearance.


    Seeing him so downcast,


    Eliza knew he was overthinking again.


    "Casper, you''re only thirty, your life is just beginning. How can you just give up like this? If you keep this up, how can I see a future with you? How can we get back together?" "I''ve embarrassed you." His voice was heavy with despair, a trace of sadness in his eyes.

 Chapter 575

    He quietly picked up the mask he''d just taken off, ready to put it back on, when Eliza snatched it away. "Casper, are you even listening to me? I''m not judging you. I just think... you could be so much more. Why not go for it?"


    He didn''t say a word, just stared nkly into space, lost in his own thoughts.


    She gently held his face, making him meet her gaze. "Weren''t you always so proud? Always thinking no one was on your level? Casper, where''s that spark? How can you be that person if you don''t heal? What woman would want to look at you like this?" "You wouldn''t, would you?" His eyes, full of sadness, seemed ready to break.


    Eliza: ...


    Could Casper really be this vulnerable?


    No, no, she must be dreaming.


    "Is that what I meant? What I meant was..."


    "Forget it." He lifted her off hisp and gently set her down, standing up to leave.


    Eliza quickly followed him. "Why do you always get it wrong? What I meant was... you should really take care of those wounds. Are those scars really that appealing?"


    "I know they''re not. No need to point it out." He pushed past her and walked out.


    Eliza: ...


    Did she say something wrong?


    Or was he just really sensitive now?


    Maybe she should''ve been more gentle.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Casper..." She jogged after him, stopping him in his tracks. "...I''m sorry, I didn''t mean it like that. What I meant is..."


    "I get it."


    "No, you don''t. What I meant was..." Eliza started to exin.


    He pushed her away again, his expression much colder. "I''m tired. I need some rest."


    Eliza: ...


    Was he mad?


    That wasn''t her intention.


    Even without a lover or friends, shouldn''t someone still strive to be their best self?


    Back in her room, Eliza mulled it over and decided to call Dr. Caleb.


    When Caleb picked up, he sounded a bit surprised and confused. "Sis?"


    "Dr. Caleb, I need to ask you something." Eliza''s tone was serious and determined.


    Caleb immediately straightened up, respectful. "What''s up, sis? Why so serious?" "Have you seen Casper?"


    Caleb was puzzled by the question.


    After thinking it over, he figured it out. Eliza must''ve seen Casper.


    "Sis, you''ve met my brother?"


    "His face... you''ve seen it, right?" she pressed.


    Caleb hadn''t actually seen face, but


    the had seen photos of t belongs to en. & Mene


    burns and heard from Dillon that things weren''t looking good.


    Without timely treatment, recovery would be harder.


    Even after a couple of years, the outlook might not be that great.


    "Sis, what do you want to know?"


    "His face... is there still a chance to treat it?"


    The face is what people notice first.


    If they could fix his face, he might be more willing to tackle the rest of his recovery.


    Caleb had been hunting for experts and cutting-edge treatments in this area.


    But it all hinged on Casper''s willingness.


    If Casper wasn''t up for it, having the best doctors wouldn''t make a difference.


    "Sis, my brother''s injuries aren''t the real issue If he agrees to treatment,


    it Won''t even take a


    years, but it''s him.


    WY


    "Can you find a specialist or doctor who''s really good at this?" Eliza needed a clear and confident answer.


    Caleb replied, "Absolutely, but the key is..."


    Eliza understood his hesitation.


    Convincing Casper to ept treatment was her task.


    "I''ll handle Casper. Please sort out


    the


    br treatment, and once my


    s healed, I''ll make sure


    properly thanks you."

 Chapter 576

    Caleb wiped the sweat from his brow, chuckling awkwardly, "No need to thank me. Just as long as he doesn''te after meter, I''ll be forever grateful." Elizaughed softly and ended the call.


    With her phone in hand, she mulled over how to convince Casper to get the help he needed. He was feeling pretty fragile and took any slight to heart. She had toe up with a solid n.


    That evening, Eliza carefully applied her makeup. She slipped into a delicate spaghetti-strap dress that highlighted her graceful figure with an undeniable allure. As she ran the curling iron through her hair again and again, a man passing by her room couldn''t help but stop and nce in.


    Just then, her phone rang.


    Eliza hit the speakerphone button. "Hello?"


    "Eliza, the blond, blue-eyed guys I picked for you today are all rocking not just six-packs, but eight-packs. They could probably crack open a watermelon-or a durian-without breaking a sweat. Hurry up, don''t dilly-dally," came Juan''s voice from the other end. Eliza leisurely put down the curling iron, "Are they really that impressive?"


    "Of course. I handpicked them myself. But remember, qualityes at a price, so don''t be stingy."


    Eliza raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "With all the money Casper gave me, why would I worry about spending a little? If they keep me happy, I''ll tip them well."


    The man standing at the door looked like he''d just bit into a lemon. Had he heard right? Was she really spending his money on male models?


    Eliza stood up, giving her sultry curls a yful toss. She picked up her perfume bottle, spritzed it into the air, and twirled in the fragrant mist. Casper''s frown only deepened. Eliza grabbed a sparkling handbag and headed out. As she walked past Casper, she acted as if he was invisible and brushed by him.


    Casper couldn''t help but call after her, "Why are you dressed like that? Where are you going?"


    "Out to have some fun, where else?" Eliza replied, not breaking her stride as she headed downstairs.


    Casper followed her down, "Fun? You just had a baby, and you''re still nursing. How can you-"


    "Who says nursing moms can''t have fun?" She kicked off her slippers and


    slipped into a pair of three-inchand


    heels, "Besides, I''ve got plenty of money..."


    She turned to face Casper, shing him a teasing smile while waving the credit card in her hand, "...courtesy of my ex-husband."


    Eliza left the manor under Casper''s puzzled and slightly annoyed gaze. Soon, she slipped into an unassuming sedan.


    Once they were on the road, she took a deep breath. She had to admit, she was a bit jittery back there, her heart pounding like crazy.


    The man driving chuckled at her socialite getup, "You went out like this, and Casper only asked a few questions?"


    "He asked, but he didn''t react much." She knew she still needed to push him a bit more. Casper was naturally possessive and got jealous easily


    Out of sight, he might pretend not to see, but in front of him? No chance.


    "Let''s head to Be Nightclub," Eliza instructed.


    Juan hadn''t expected her to be serious, "Really going?"


    BUMSProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "Of course. I left my business card on the table, Casper goes to Be and can''t find me, my whole n will be a wash." Eliza urged Juan, "Find male models who are less good-looking than him. Get a few more, just to drive him crazy."


    Juan:...


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 577

    Getting Casper all riled up was no biggie, but if he decided to take Juan down with him, that would be a whole different ball game. Juan rubbed his neck, feeling a shiver run down his spine.


    The car pulled up at Be, and Eliza sauntered in with all the confidence in the world. Inside the private room, there was a lineup of blond, blue-eyed male models, standing like they were waiting for the emperor''s nod of approval. Eliza gave Juan ae-hither gesture and whispered, "Guess who owns Be nightclub?"


    "Who?"


    "It''s Casper." She nodded towards a camera tucked in the corner. "Trust me, based on what I know about Casper, he''s probably losing it in front of his screen right now. He''ll be watching us like a hawk, so let''s put on a good show."


    Juan felt a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead. Casper was keeping tabs on them? Did that mean he already knew Juan was the mastermind here? Was it toote to make a run for it?


    "Can I just leave now?" he asked, clearly having second thoughts. He''d rather keep breathing, thank you very much.


    Eliza held onto him firmly. "No turning back now, but don''t worry, I''ve got your back."Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Are you sure he won''t off me?"


    Juan couldn''t help but feel like he''d made a colossal mistake. Why did he have to get tangled in their marital drama? Casper wasn''t exactly a saint; he could end someone in a heartbeat. Juan''s sacrifice seemed less noble and more like in foolishness. "No, he won''t. Just get on with it, or he''ll start suspecting something." Eliza nudged Juan aside.


    She loungedzily on the plush couch, crossing her legs like a queen surveying her court, exuding both innocence and allure.


    Juan decided to go all in. Pointing to the hefty watermelon on the table, he told the male models, "Whoever can smash this watermelon first, that''s who we''ll pick, and there''ll be a nice tip in it for you."


    Worried they might back out, he quickly added, "Don''t worry, we''re generous, and that watermelon isn''t as tough as it looks. First to break it, wins."


    He noticed the surveince camera shift. Yep, they were definitely being watched.


    Time to step up his game. He tossed a stack of dors onto the table. "The cash is right here, whoever''s got the skills,e and get it."


    "I''m up for it."


    "I''ll go first."


    "No, me first."


    The male models jostled for position.


    Juan gestured for them to hold their horses. "And smashing the watermelon is just the warm-up."


    He pointed to a durian next to the watermelon, shooting a nce at Eliza. "This one here deserves a little something extra."


    Eliza caught on and fished out another stack of cash from her purse, handing it to Juan.


    Clearing his throat, Juan announced, "You see, we''re nothing if not generous. Whoever can crack open this durian too, besides these tips, will be tonight''s star."


    The male models exchanged nces, eager to take on the challenge.


    "No need to rush, everyone will get a shot,¡± Eliza said with a soft smile her elegant waves of hair teased by her slender fingers, adding an air of mystery and allure.


    Behind the monitor, a man in a silver mask grew visibly darker with frustration.


    Dillon gulped, baffled at Eliza''s newfound audacity. Picking male models one by one, and with Casper''s money, no less. He was genuinely on edge for her.


    "Mr. Casper, about Ms. Eliza..."


    "She''s trying to drive me up the wall." Casper, seething and with nowhere to vent, mmed the table.


    Dillon: ...


    He figured Eliza''s n was to get under Casper''s skin. Surely, Casper was aware of that?


    "Should I go tell those male models to head out?"


    ¡°Leave? No way. I want to see what


    she''s up to. Casper yanked a chair over, mming it down before plopping into it heavily, as if a lightbulb went off in his head. "Call Roberts, tell him to swap the divorce papers for marriage ones


    "You... want to remarry?" Was this about not having a leg to stand on when it came to jealousy? Probably.

 Chapter 578

    Casper shot him a re, clearly annoyed by his endless chatter. "Just get on with it."


    "Got it."


    In the private room, the male models were sweating it out, finishing their watermelon and durian challenges. Juan caught sight of a surveince camera in the corner; it suddenly flickered with a red light. Startled, he quickly looked away. This was Casper''s silent warning. Should he make a run for it? But no, that wasn''t an option. If he bailed, Eliza would have his head. He was caught between a rock and a hard ce.


    As he was trying to figure out a way to slip out unnoticed, Eliza''s voice broke through, "You guys can drop the durian challenge. Come over and have a few drinks with me."


    "My dear, you''ve got to be kidding! You''re still breastfeeding. Have you lost your mind?" Juan hurried to snatch the drink from Eliza''s hand.Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    She deftly dodged him, whispering, "It''s just juice, don''t kick up a fuss. If Casper catches on, our n''s toast. We''ll be done."


    Juan sighed internally. Maybe he was overthinking things. But that juice really did look like whiskey. Hopefully, it would fool Casper.


    Every male model who joined Eliza for a drink found a crisp hundred-dor bill slipped into their waistband. The guys jostled and nearly came to blows over the tips.


    Suddenly, the door burst open with a loud bang. A figure wearing a silver mask strode in, capturing everyone''s attention with an icy re.


    Juan tried to sneak away on tiptoe, but Dillon caught him. "Juan, in such a rush to leave? Why not stick around for the drama?"


    "Dillon, let''s not get involved in this couple''s spat," Juan pleaded, shooting a desperate look at Eliza. "Right, Eliza?"


    Eliza nced at Casper, who was now directing his gaze at the male models. "Which one of you had a drink with her?"


    The models wilted like flowers in the heat, not daring to make a sound, all taking a step back.


    Dillon stepped forward, murmuring, "Mr. Casper, I can handle this little issue."


    Casper finally turned his attention to Eliza. "Got nothing to exin, huh?"


    "Exin what, exactly? Who do you think you are to me?" She shrugged, addressing the models, "Don''t let him scare you. I''m here to enjoy myself, and I''ve got money to burn. Whoever makes me happy today gets double the tip." Casper was seething. His voice turned icy and sharp, "Eliza, you''re spending my money to find men for fun, have you no shame?"


    Eliza casually lifted her gaze,


    smirking, "Weren''t you the one so eager to hand over the cash? And let''s be clear, we''re nothing to each other Whether I''m out looking for fun or not doesn''t really concern you, does it, Mr. Casper?"


    "Eliza,e on, just have a proper chat with Mr. Casper," Juan chimed in, pretending to be concerned, ncing at Casper. "Mr. Casper, you know Eliza is still breastfeeding. Her hormones are all over the ce. Surely you understand?" "Understand? Not in the slightest," Casper snapped, turning his fiery gaze on Juan. "You knew she was breastfeeding, yet you brought her here to drink and flirt with male models. nning to take them home too?"


    Juan shrank back, realizing he''d


    inadvertentlynded himself in hot


    water. Just as he was about to speak, Eliza''s voice cut in, soft yet firm, "Casper, you''re sticking your nose where it doesn''t belong. This isn''t Juan''s fault. You should leave him out of it."


    "Then tell me, Ms. Eliza, who should I hold ountable if not him?" Casper advanced towards Eliza, his masked face unreadable. "Do you really think your actions are justified? Or is Ms. Eliza just so desperate that she absolutely needs a man?"

 Chapter 579

    Dillon: ... (Mr. Casper, you might want to tread lightly with that one.)


    Juan: ... (Looks like your husband''s got a serious case of the green-eyed monster.)


    Eliza stared coolly at the man in front of her, then suddenly broke into augh.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "Mr. Casper, just take a look at these young guys-fresh, fit, and full of life. Don''t they look way better than your scarred-up self?" She stood up, stepped closer, and locked eyes with him. "I mean, I don''t care for them, so could it be... I''m into you?"


    She chuckled softly, "Check them out-tall, ripped, rocking those six-packs. Bet they''re something else in every way..." She sighed dramatically, "Here I am, after having a kid, it''s been ages since I''ve had any excitement. I''m just craving it." She was deliberately trying to rile him up. Her moves and nces were intentionally exaggerated and yful.


    Juan was on edge for her. He wanted to say something, but Eliza''s sharp look shut him down every time.


    "Mr. Casper, I''m all about those good-looking guys with fair skin. You''re not quite my type, so that''s a bummer. For someone who''s into looks, it''s a dealbreaker. Maybe you should head out, don''t cramp my fun."


    "Eliza." Casper''s anger was practically tangible, his fingers curling into a fist as he mmed it into the wall behind her. Blood sttered onto the pristine surface.


    Eliza shrank back, startled. Lucky for her, his fist didn''t connect with her face.


    Juan: Whoa... he''s really steamed.


    Dillon: This is gonna be a tough one to calm down.


    He shot a nce at the male models still lingering, barked, "Out. All of you." The models scrambled away. Dillon grabbed Juan by the arm, and they both left the room.


    In the dim stillness, you could hear nothing but their breathing.


    "So, you''re into the fair-skinned and handsome? Six-packs? You like them young? So, you''re saying you don''t like me?" Casper advanced, backing Eliza into a corner. Her back pressed against the wall, she stared back defiantly, "Yep, exactly. If you could pull that off, maybe I''d like you too."


    "I can''t do that." His face was


    beyond repair, and even if he dared to try surgery, who knows how it''d turn out. "Go on, find what you''re after, just keep it out of my sight."


    en


    Out of sight, out of mind. He couldn''t give her what she wanted, so how could he stop her from seeking it elsewhere?


    Eliza let out a mockingugh, "How thoughtful of you, Mr. Casper. Thanks for that."


    She hit the call button. "Send in more models, the more robust the better, especially ones who can keep up all night The tips are generous. She


    ended the call with a smilehe


    She gave her waist a rub, "Looks like I''ve got a fun night ahead. Mr. Casper, if you''ve got nothing else, you should head back."


    He clenched his jaw, simmering with unspent anger. But he didn''t budge, just stood there.


    Eliza shook her head, "Seems like you really like this room, Mr. Casper. No worries, I''ll leave it to you and find another."


    She took a few steps, then turned


    back, "Oh, by the way, this club''s yours, right? I heard thedies working here are top-notch. Don''t sell yourself short, there''s bound to be someone who doesn''t mind the boss''s looks."


    Her words were like daggers to Casper''s heart, each one more painful than thest. His voice broke, "Do you really despise me that much?"

 Chapter 580

    "Yeah," Eliza admitted softly.


    "Then why did youe back? Why show up at my estate? Why have my child if you despise me so much? Why stir things up again, Eliza?"


    He was crying now, his eyes red and tears clinging to hisshes. The pain was evident, and Eliza saw it clearly. But what could she do? Until he realized that shutting himself off would mean losing her and everyone else''s hopes, how would he change? "How was I supposed to know you''d turn into someone so... repulsive?"


    "Repulsive?" He gave a bitter chuckle. Yeah, he felt repulsive. Even he couldn''t stand himself. She was just voicing what they both knew.


    "Casper, if you''re okay, maybe you should leave. I don''t need an audience when I''m... busyter."


    Her words hit Casper like a p. He grabbed her neck and pressed her against the wall. "Eliza, how could you..."


    "How could I not?" she shot back, lifting her chin defiantly. "You''ve given me no hope, Casper. Am I not allowed to find my own happiness? You wanted the divorce, remember? Since you let me go, stop wallowing in self-pity."


    "And what if I don''t want to let go now?" His hand slid up to her chin. "Eliza, I can undo the divorce just as easily as it happened. I don''t need your approval."


    She was surprised but not shocked. With Casper''s clout, such things were easy. But was that their biggest issue right now?


    "So, Mr. Casper, are you saying you''ve swapped the divorce papers for a marriage certificate again?" She chuckled, a sly smile on her lips. "You''re using our rtionship to keep me from doing what I want, aren''t you?" "And what if I am?"


    "And if I don''t listen?" Her gaze was fierce, enough to drive him mad. "Will you break my neck?"


    "You think I won''t?"


    Eliza nodded, daring him. "Would you?"


    He couldn''t bring himself to harm her, nor could he find another way to calm her infuriating defiance. Leaning down, he kissed her. The mask between them was cold, a


    barrier. Eliza pushed him away''s


    "Can''t you take off the mask?"


    He held onto her neck, continuing to kiss her. His urge to possess here was overwhelming. Jealousy surged, making him crave her


    familiar warmth and scent. Finally,


    the mask fell away.


    His tongue pressed against hers, entwining fiercely, leaving no room for her to pull back. He held her close, pressing her against the plush sofa, breathing warmth into her mouth.


    "There are cameras..." she tried to


    push him away, but he had already


    slipped down her straps. t


    stop, grabbing an ashtray and hurling it at the camera. The shattering sound left only the


    intimate sound of their kisses in theOriginal from N?velDrama.Org.


    room.


    "Tell me, everything you just said... it''s not true..." His kisses were desperate, intense, as though he wanted to absorb her into himself.


    "Casper, if I say it''s all true, would you change for me?" She held onto his thick hair, hoping he''d change.


    He stayed silent for a long time, but his kisses only grew more intense, trailing from her lips to her neck, her corbone, conquering every inch...

 Chapter 581

    She felt like she was seeing the man he used to be all over again. His intense possessiveness almost overwhelmed her. Casper had always been in great shape; even if his back wasn''t as smooth as it once was, his chest and abs were still impressive. Even now, as he held her waist with anger, resentment, jealousy, and a raw need to assert control, he was irresistibly sexy, sending shivers down her spine.


    "Will you ever change for me?" she asked, wrapping her arms around his neck and gently biting his earlobe, her voice dripping with allure.


    He didn''t pause, his breath growing hotter. He gazed at her with eyes full of desire, watching her face flush with pleasure, bit by bit...


    Desire red up again. He pressed his hand against the back of her head, kissing her fiercely. Yet, his bites were tender, almost careful.


    Who knows how long itsted? Their sweat mingled, marking the end of their passionate encounter. He slipped off his jacket, draped it over her, straightened his clothes, and carried her out of the nightclub.


    Dillon saw him leave, quickly putting out his cigarette and approached. "Mr. Casper."


    "Drive us home," Casper instructed, his voice cool but with a hint of raspiness.


    Dillon nodded, "Yes, sir."


    The car sped back to the mansion. Casper held Eliza with one arm, her high heels and the torn strap in the other, striding inside with confidence.


    It waste. The mansion was quiet. Eliza was carried into his bedroom, a ce she''d never been before. Even half-asleep, she could sense that familiar scent.


    Casper gentlyid her down, pulled the nket over her. Her eyes, still clouded with lingering desire, looked at him through the darkness. "Have you thought about your answer yet?"


    "You pushed my buttons today just to get me to agree to treatment?" he asked, his voice rough, his breath hot.


    She nodded. He could always see right through her. Her n was to stir his emotions, but he had to choose willingly. She knew him well.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    "Yes," she admitted. "So, are you willing?"


    "Do you still love me?" he asked, his eyes filled with deep insecurity, as if even a moment''s hesitation from her would break him. "Hmm?"


    "Do you think someone who doesn''t love you would go to such lengths to help you improve? Casper,e on."


    She admitted it. Maybe she should have confessed earlier that she still loved him. Maybe she should have let go of her doubts sooner. Then, they might not have ended up here.


    SUMS


    But it''s not toote. If he was willing to change, they could still have a bright future.


    His Adam''s apple bobbed, his chest rising and falling. He opened the nket and slipped in beside her, gently stroking her hair. "Thank you, Elle. Thank you for still loving me. I promise, I''ll go for treatment. Even if it doesn''t turn out as we hope, I''m Willing to change for you


    He finally let his guard down, holding her tight. She was thrilled, knowing that, despite the tactics she used, his willingness to ept the suggestion was the best oue.


    IMS


    Her small hand gently pinched his ear. "I''ll be there with you."


    He took her hand in his, kissed it softly. "No need. I want you to see a new me when Ie back."


    "Mhm," she agreed, lifting her face to offer her lips. He entwined their fingers and kissed her. From now on, it seemed they were partners in fate.


    Their breaths mingled, the lights flickered. His lips traveled down her neck, kissing her first inch of warmth, their feelings intertwining like a delicate web...

 Chapter 582

    Early morning.


    Eliza woke up snuggled in his arms. As she stretched and turned over, hisrge hand instinctively found its way back to her waist.


    "Awake?" His voice was deep and carried thatzy morning charm.


    Eliza murmured, "I''m going to check on the baby."


    "I''ve already had the nanny feed the baby. Stay with me a bit longer." His chin, rough with stubble, brushed gently against her smooth shoulder. "Or, maybe we should think about having a third child?" "Yeah, right," she said with a yful roll of her eyes.


    She tried to push him away, but he just pulled her closer, flipping her over effortlessly. "Elle, I never actually meant to stop you from having kids, it was just that..."


    He wanted to exin all the foolish things he''d done in the past. But every time he tried, fear held him back. Afraid of saying the wrong thing, afraid of opening old wounds.


    Now, with their hearts in sync, if she wanted an exnation, he was ready to give it.


    "What is it?" she asked. She didn''t want to keep revisiting the past; it felt like trapping themselves in a loop of memories. "Casper, let bygones be bygones. I''m more interested in how you''ll act from here on."


    "I promise, I''ll be the best husband and father. I''ll do right by you and the kids."


    They''d been through the wringer together-from love to hate and back again. He''d worked hard to make things right, and finally, the storm had passed.


    "You have no idea how much I love you," he said.


    She felt his love, sure. But how deep it ran? Only time and his actions would reveal that.


    "Don''t call me ''wife'' just yet; I haven''t agreed to remarry you," she teased, knowing full well he''d probably already switched their divorce papers back to a marriage certificate. "Getting me to remarry isn''t as easy as swapping a piece of paper, Casper." "I know there''s a lot I''ve got to do. But trust me, this time, I''ll make you fall for me all over again."


    Elizaughed, "Don''t get too cocky; I''m not that easy to win over."


    "Then I''ll just have to try harder," he grinned.


    "We''ll see how much effort you put in." She raised an eyebrow, challenging him.


    He took her small hand, cing it over his heart, "This much effort, enough for you?"


    "Casper," she blushed, cheeks reddening, "have you no shame?"This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "How can I win my wife back with shame?" he chuckled, leaning in to steal a kiss.


    Sunlight peeked through the curtains, lighting up their entwined bodies their eyes reflecting the love and desire burning brightly in the morning glow.


    A weekter.


    Casper headed off to Country H for treatment, with everything arranged by Caleb. Dillon brought Eliza and the baby back to Falconridge.


    On their way to Welton Estate, Dillon took a detour to the civil affairs office, handing Eliza a fresh marriage certificate.


    "This... is for you."


    Eliza eyed the certificate, still fresh


    with the scent of ink, and her expression darkened. "Your Mr Casper sure knows how to handle things-marriage, divorce, al with a single phone call."


    "Isn''t it all because he loves you?" Dillon replied, trying to defend Casper without overstepping.


    Eliza scoffed, grabbing the certificate. "You sure know how to cover for him."


    Dillon chuckled nervously, "Let me get you settled at Welton Estate first. Mr. Casper''s instructions were to make sure you''refortable there. The ce is fully staffed so just say the word if you need anything."


    "Could you get my sister toe over? I need to talk to her," Eliza requested. Dillon blinked in surprise, stumbling over his words, "You mean, Ms. Caroline?" "Why so jittery?" Eliza asked, giving him a curious look. "Who else would I mean?" "Yes, of course."

 Chapter 583

    Dillon was on his way to pick up Caroline, clutching his phone tightly as a mix of nerves and excitement bubbled inside him. Ever since theirst rendezvous, when old mes were rekindled, he had jetted off to France the very next day, and theirmunication had been sparse ever since. Maybe it was his naturally lukewarm enthusiasm, or perhaps Caroline was just swamped with work at Welton International. Their most intimate interactiontely had been liking each other''s posts on social media. Despite having an unspoken understanding about their rtionship, they felt more distant than friends, leaving Dillon puzzled about the depth of their feelings.


    Walking into Welton International, Dillon was greeted by familiar faces he hadn''t seen in a while. Department heads who spotted him quickly came over for some small talk. He nodded politely, then headed straight for Caroline''s office.


    He knocked on the door, and a clear voice from inside invited him in. Dillon pushed the door open. Caroline didn''t look up; her secretary was leaning in close, either reviewing documents or receiving instructions. Dillon cleared his throat deliberately. The secretary, a bit taken aback to see Dillon, quickly stepped back and greeted him, "Dillon."


    Hearing his name, Caroline handed the documents to her secretary. "Alright, schedule a meeting for 3 p.m., and get to it."


    "Of course, Ms. Caroline." The secretary left with the papers.


    Dillon couldn''t help but feel a twinge of jealousy watching the male secretary leave. "Why''d you bring Nick over?"


    "Lily''s on maternity leave, and I needed someone reliable. Nick''s pretty good at his job," she exined briefly, ncing up at Dillon. "What brings you back?"


    "Mr. Casper went off to heal up, and I brought Eliza back home," he replied nonchntly.


    Caroline nodded, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "Did youe to thepany for something?"This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "Eliza wanted to see you," Dillon said, maintaining a businesslike tone.


    Caroline felt a slight disappointment; she had hoped he came just to see her. "You didn''t need to make the trip; a phone call would''ve done the trick."


    His gaze darkened; he figured she wasn''t too eager to see him after all. It made sense. He wasn''t like Drew, always ready with sweet words. Nor could he always be there to provide the emotional support she needed. People are emotional creatures, sure, but feelings need nurturing over time. A few passionate encounters might satisfy physical needs, but they don''t touch the soul.


    When things were heated between him and Caroline, they gave their all, but what about when the mes cooled? Would she still remember their needs and promises?


    "Don''t want me here?" he asked, pretending not to care. "No worries, I won''t interrupt your work. I''ll head out."


    Caroline was taken aback. What was that supposed to mean? Why wouldn''t she want him there?


    "Dillon," she called out, stopping him just in time.


    She stood up and faced him, confused. "When did I ever say I didn''t want you here?"


    "Wasn''t that the vibe?" he replied, not wanting to dive deeper, his lips curling slightly. "Okay, maybe I read it wrong. I''ll leave."


    "What are you even saying?" Caroline''s frown deepened. They hadn''t seen each other in ages, and now they were bickering on their first meeting?


    Dillon realized the office wasn''t the


    ce for an argument. "I didn''t


    mean anything by it. You''re busy,


    Ms. Caroline, so I''ll leave you to it."


    "You..."


    But before Caroline could finish, the sound of the door closing cut her off. Was he seeing someone else?


    Later, Caroline decided to leave work early and went to Welton Estate.t was her first time meeting Eliza''s new baby, and she was smitten with the little one''s lively and cheerful demeanor.


    "He''s the spitting image of Casper as a baby, just uncanny," she said.


    Eliza chuckled softly. "He doesn''t resemble Brock much."


    "You must''ve missed Brock while you were in France for so long," Casper said, holding Eliza''s hand and sitting her down. "Don''t worry Brock''s doing great. His grandma takes him to and from school, and Chelsea takes him out on weekends. The little guy''s thriving."

 Chapter 584

    "I know, Chelsea sent me some videos and photos. Sis, I called you over today because Casper gave me something to pass on to you, and I wanted to talk it over with you." Caroline was intrigued.


    What could Casper have entrusted to Eliza that needed to be passed on in such a roundabout way?


    "What''s all the mystery about?"


    "This is a document he asked me to hand over to you. You should take a look yourself." Eliza, not quite sure of the details and worried she might not exin it right, handed Caroline the leather pouch Casper had given her. Curious, Caroline opened it up.


    Inside was a lifetime appointment letter and a share transfer document.


    This was something Caroline hadn''t seening.


    In the Welton family, women weren''t supposed to have any real say in Welton International affairs. At best, they might hold a token role, work a bit, and then step back once they married into a family of equal standing.


    But Casper''s documents gave Caroline real authority and shares in Welton International.


    This was a game-changer, offering her security and independence.


    Caroline felt a swell of emotion.


    "Why would he suddenly... make such a move?"


    "Sis," Eliza held Caroline''s trembling fingers, "isn''t this what you deserve? You''ve been the backbone at Welton International every time Casper got into trouble. Whatever he gives you, it''s hardly enough. He said, starting with him, every girl and boy in the Welton family will have equal inheritance rights-whoever''s best will lead."


    Those were Casper''s own words.


    Eliza agreed wholeheartedly.


    Caroline''s eyes welled up a bit, "Honestly, I never really wanted this."


    "Of course, but sis, you''re more than capable. You can totally be Casper''s right-hand woman. You both carry the Welton name, so why should he always lead? What''s wrong with being a woman? Plenty of men aren''t as capable as women, right?"


    Eliza often felt the unfairness on Caroline''s behalf.


    But as an outsider by marriage, what could she say about Welton family matters?


    Who would even listen to her differing opinion?


    Now that Casper had brought it up himself, she was all in.


    Caroline managed a smile, slipping the documents back into the pouch. She took a deep breath, "I''m a year older than Casper. We grew up


    together, and honestly, he never


    listened to me, always shing with me. He never called me ''sister'' from childhood to now. Making such a big decision out of the blue, it''s really a bit much to take in."


    Eliza felt a twinge of emotion, thinking of Robin.


    In those years when he moved from the Henderson family back to the Pinotti family, her younger brother treated her, hister-arrived sister, with such care.


    He wasn''t like a younger brother at all, more like an older brother looking out for her.


    Sibling rtionships are tricky; they might argue from childhood to adulthood, or disagree on many things, but the family bond is hard to break.


    "Sis, he really cares about you."Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Then I''ll ept his gesture."


    Caroline wiped her eyes, not dwelling too much on it, "But I,


    reserve the right to hand the vel


    documents back anytime.


    "Just keep them safe." How could they even think of taking them back?


    The sisters-inw chatted a bit longer.


    Then Caroline got a call and had to leave.


    Eliza thought about heading back to Oak Falls to visit Robin.


    Though she hadn''t been there for a while, the hospital would keep her updated on Robin''s recovery.


    He was reportedly doing quite well.


    If he got better, she wanted to bring him home for a slow recovery.


    But with the baby still so young, she couldn''t leave just yet.


    Maybe she''d wait a bit longer.

 Chapter 585

    After a year abroad for treatment, Eliza had been holding out hope that Casper would return to her, fully healed and ready to pick up where they left off. But instead of the good news she was longing for, whispers started circting-rumors that he had be the


    precious son-inw of a wealthy overseas family. The blurry photos floating around online only muddied the waters even more.


    Caught up in these baseless rumors, Eliza sometimes felt adrift. Other times, she couldn''t help but wonder if Casper''s extended absence meant he had indeed decided to settle down abroad. His phone was perpetually unreachable, and he had even blocked her on WhatsApp. This left her worrying that maybe he''d found true love on foreign soil, especially considering the allure of the women in that country.


    In her frustration, she tossed her phone aside. Even if he wanted to end things, the least he could''ve done was tell her. His silence was driving her up the wall.


    Unable to untangle the mess on her own, Eliza called Dillon. "Casper, what the heck is going on? It''s been a year, and now this?" Her voice brimmed with frustration and anger.


    Dillon fumbled for words, trying to skirt around the issue. "Ma''am, Mr. Casper''s situation... I''m honestly not sure myself."


    "How can you not know? You''re his assistant, and you''ve been there recently, right? Did you see him?" Eliza was fed up with Dillon''s evasions.


    With a nervous chuckle, Dillon couldn''t deny that he had seen Casper. Casper was indeed tangled up in some challenges abroad, challenges that would take time to unravel.


    "Ma''am, maybe you could hang in there a bit longer?"


    "Wait for what? For him to spring divorce papers on me?" Eliza sensed Dillon knew the truth but, loyal to Casper, he was holding back. "Dillon, if you''re not going to tell me what''s happening, I''ll hop on a ne myself." "Don''t go. It''splicated and dangerous over there."


    Dangerous? Eliza couldn''t wrap her head around it. Wasn''t Casper supposed to be riding high over there, part of a wealthy family? What could possibly have gone wrong?


    "What exactly happened? Are those news reports true or just nonsense? Wasn''t he just there for treatment? Why''s everything such a mess now?"


    Faced with Eliza''s barrage of


    questions, Dillon was at a loss.


    Overseas, the power of these wealthy families dwarfed even that of presidents. Caught in their web, Casper was finding it tough to break free.


    "Ma''am, all I can say is Mr. Casper isn''t in any immediate danger. Please, just be patient until hees back safely."


    Stunned, Eliza tried to piece it together. Was the whole son-inw thing just a cover-up, and was he really caught in some uncontroble situation? Was he stranded all alone in a foreignnd? "What kind of trouble is he in, Dillon? Tell me."C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    "Ma''am..." Dillon hesitated, bound by


    Casper''s request not to spill the beans, I''ve booked a flight for this afternoon. I''ll be there soon, and I promise I''ll do everything to keep Mr. Casper safe."  en


    Keep him safe?


    "Did he mess with some mafia boss or something?" she guessed.


    Dillon paused, considering the weight of his words. If he didn''te clean, Eliza would keep digging. "While Mr. Casper was in the hospital for his injuries, he caught the attention of a tycoon''s daughter. Her family, with their considerable influence, found out who he was and have been keeping him under wraps. I think they''re trying to use him for more."


    The wedding was a ruse. Their true aim was to control Casper.


    Eliza was floored: What on earth was happening?

 Chapter 586

    Is Force and Plunder still in style?


    Is this even true or false?


    "Dillon, book me a ticket too. I''ming with you."


    "Ma''am, it''s seriously dangerous over there. You don''t need toe with me. Just wait for news back home."


    The situation''s dicey, really not the ce for a woman to be out and about. If we tick off the big shot over there, it''ll be even tougher to handle. Right now, we just have to take it one step at a time.


    But Eliza was on edge. It had been a whole year since shest saw him. She had no clue what he looked like now, and he was being held against his will. She couldn''t let it end with her having to identify his body. "No way, I have to go. If you won''t book me a ticket, I''ll do it myself."


    Unable to talk her out of it and not wanting her to go alone, Dillon gave in, "Okay, I''ll get the ticket. We''ll go together."


    "Great."Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Eliza quickly packed up and dragged her suitcase to meet Dillon at the airport.


    "Ma''am." Dillon remained as respectful as ever.


    Eliza nodded, "Let''s go."


    The ne touched down in Country H.


    As soon as they stepped out of the airport, Dillon felt a bunch of eyes on them. The tycoon holding Casper captive, Kaleb, had some serious clout and had Casper''s whole history nailed down. Meeting Casper wasn''t going to be easy. For now, they needed to find a ce to crash. No telling how long they''d be there.


    Once they got into the car, they noticed a ck car trailing them, not too close, not too far.


    "Ma''am, this isn''t Falconridge. We need to be extra careful here," Dillon said cautiously, ncing back at the car following them. "We might be under surveince."


    Eliza''s heart skipped a beat. She quickly looked back. The car had tinted windows, impossible to see who''s inside. Could these people be tied to the ones holding Casper?


    "Dillon, what''s the name of the woman who''s interested in Casper?"


    "Her name''s Minna, Kaleb''s only daughter. Word is, she''s bossy as hell, always gets what she wants. Her ex tried to break up with her and she..."


    Dillon mimicked a chopping motion with his hand.


    Eliza got it right away-dismembered. A family of hard-nosed folks.


    "Can we reach Casper?"


    "Not right now, but Mr. Casper will find a way to get in touch when he can. Ma''am, we can''t rush this-we have to go with the flow," Dillon said, giving her a look that spoke volumes.


    Eliza hadn''t expected things to be


    this tangled in Country H, if things got violent making someone vanish without a trace could happen in the blink of an eye. She was even more worried about Casper''s safety now.


    "If Casper calls again, tell him to keep Minna calm. Don''t rile her up, staying alive is what matters."


    Dillon nodded. Casper had


    weathered plenty of storms; he had


    the smarts. Dillon''s job was to. strategize. After nning, the next step would be to orchestrate a rescue, one step at a time.


    Rushing wouldn''t help. In danger, the key thing is to stay alive.


    "Ma''am, Mr. Casper''s sharp as a tack. You don''t need to worry about him."


    Eliza felt a bit foggy. How could she not worry? It had been a year since she''dst seen him, and she wasn''t even sure if his injuries had healed. Now he was in this mess. When would it ever end?


    They checked into a ce with good privacy and security. The car that had been tailing them parked a hundred meters away.


    "I''m stepping out for a bit. Stay put, alright? Don''t go anywhere," Dillon instructed, handing Eliza a phone. "Mr. Casper will contact you through this phone. Keep it with you."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 587

    From the mansion window, Eliza could spot a few shady-looking folks milling about. With her smartphone in hand, she peered out for a bit before heading back to the living room, pulling the curtains closed with a decisive yank.


    Once online, she dove into searching for intel on Kaleb and Minna. The Christianson family wielded immense power in Country H-not quite presidential, but pretty darn close. Getting tangled up with such a powerful n was like stepping into quicksand. Country H''s inte was buzzing with gossip about Minna, especially her love life. Rumors flew about her being a lesbian, allegedly having flings with countless female celebrities. Others imed she swung both ways, with a string of male stars under her wing. Lesbian? Bisexual? Either way, it was clear Minna didn''t fit the traditional mold.


    Men like Casper, with that maic charm, drew in straight women and gay men like a moth to a me. But for someone like Minna, who had a more intricate taste, the pull wasn''t as strong. So, why would she keep Casper under wraps?


    Raised as the sole heir in such a family, she definitely wasn''t the type to let love cloud her judgment. So, the online chatter about marriage alliances was probably hogwash.


    The most usible theory? Casper had some value to Minna and her family. The Christiansons were a greedy bunch, stopping at nothing to get what they wanted.


    Eliza wasn''t sure if her theory held water, but she was sure of one thing: the Christiansons nned to squeeze everyst drop of usefulness from Casper. And then what? Bump him off?


    The thought sent a shiver down her spine. If that were true, Casper knew his worth and was ying along for now. But would the family have the patience for this cat-and-mouse game? What happens when their patience runs dry?


    The whole situation was way messier than she''d thought. Eliza sank into deep thought.


    vel


    Meanwhile, at the Christianson estate, Minna w was sipping on some high-end coffee, her eyes glued to the surveince footage on her. phone. Her hand rested on a cushion while three nail techs fussed over her nails.


    Next to her, a guy in sunsses lounged on a beach chair, looking just asid-back.


    Minna nced at him, "Your family has tracked you down here. Any thoughts?"


    "Do my thoughts even matter?" He didn''t bother to look her way.


    Minna chuckled, "What if I let you go?"


    Heughed, as if she''d cracked a joke, "Do you really believe that?"


    "Casper, you''re smart. You know what I''m after. If you marry me, we could make our business empire even bigger," Minna said, her chin held high, her gaze confident. "Why let love get in the way of making a fortune, right?"


    The man turned to her, "I''m a sucker for love."Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Minna nearly choked on her coffee. What rubbish about being a romantic fool. She wasn''t buying it.


    "What''s so special about that


    woman? Skinny as a rail, even if she''s a looker, you''d be bored of her by now, right?" She waved her hand like a queen issuing amand, "Bring them all up."


    "Yes, miss."


    Soon, the attendant brought in a lineup of women, their skin practically glowing. Even if their looks were a bit cookie-cutter, they were undeniably stunning.

 Chapter 588

    "Look at them, young and gorgeous, offering everything you could ever want, skilled in every way to please a man," Minna bragged confidently. "If you''re willing to partner with me, you can have as many of these women as you''d like." These women were pros, knowing just how to wrap a man around their finger. Even the toughest guys couldn''t resist their charm. What man doesn''t like young, beautiful women? She was sure Casper was no different.


    Casper barely nced at the scantily d women before him and chuckled, "Ms. Minna, you overestimate me. I''m not as young as I used to be, and bedroom escapades aren''t really my thing anymore. My wife is more than enough for me." Minna was momentarily stunned. History showed that no man could resist a beautiful woman, unless there weren''t enough of them or they weren''t appealing enough.


    "Mr. Casper, your wife''s not here right now, so there''s no need to rush into being loyal. A man''s needs are pretty simple - money and women. I can give you both, so why the quick refusal?"


    "If I were going to consider it, I''d have done it by now, Ms. Minna. Don''t waste your time on me."


    Casper sat back, crossing his fingers and legs, his eyes hidden behind dark sunsses, making his expression unreadable.


    Minna was irritated. Ever since she had him stuck in her mansion, she''d tried to talk him into cooperating. But Casper was like a brick wall. It was getting under her skin, making her want to strangle him.


    "Aren''t you worried about offending me and never getting out of Country H?"


    "Thinking of killing me?" Casper wasn''t fazed. He had spent these days analyzing both himself and Minna, "If you wanted me dead, you''d have done it already, not wait till now."


    "Alright, let''s try another angle," Minna decided it was time to shift tactics. "I''ve heard you have a 3100-carat colored diamond of exceptional rity. If you''re willing to part with it, I might think about letting you go."


    Casper did, indeed, own a priceless colored diamond. It hade from a mine in Africa, the same diamond that had rushed him from Oak Falls to Africa back in the day. Ever since it was found, buyers had been offering insane amounts for it. But Casper never entertained the thought of selling. For Minna to thinkC0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    she could get it was a joke.


    "Sorry, Ms. Minna, I''ve already split the diamond."


    "What?" Minna''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Do you have any idea how much that diamond was worth? Why would you split it? You''ve ruined its true value."


    Casper shrugged with a rxed


    smile, "I couldn''t put a whole 3000-carat diamond on my wife''s finger, now could I? I had to split it into pieces to make jewelry she would love."  en


    Minna''s eyes narrowed. What?


    He had actually given such a diamond to a woman?


    "Are you out of your mind?"


    "It''s mine to do with as I please. I choose to give it to my beloved wife. What gives Ms. Minna the right to judge?"


    "You..." Minna, fuming, raised her hand, identally injuring herself with the manicure tool in the process. Enraged, she pped the manicurist, "Useless."


    The manicurists knelt, pleading for


    forgiveness. Minnashed out, her high heels connecting with their


    faces mercilessly. The scene quickly turned chaotic and hard to watch.


    en


    Casper stood up, hands in pockets, and casually prepared to leave the mess behind.


    Minna hurried after him, "Hold it right there."

 Chapter 589

    "Casper, did you really split the diamond?" Minna grabbed the man''s arm just as he was about to leave. "Do you have any clue how much that diamond is worth?"


    "What''s it to you?" Casper chuckled, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Just because it''s pricey, you think you can im it?"


    Minna''s confident smile wavered for a moment. Sure, the diamond''s value was enticing. But what really captivated her was its vibrant, rainbow-like colors. She had a knack for believing that anything unique in this world should belong to her. "Wouldn''t you swap that diamond for your freedom?"


    This wasn''t Minna''s first attempt to dangle freedom in front of him. Previously, she suggested trading his global steel empire at Welton International for his freedom. Before that, it was ten free trade ports.


    Casper was fed up with her offers and especially loathed the Christianson family''s insatiable greed. Getting out of there was just a matter of time. He didn''t need her charity. Not only did he n on leaving, but he also intended to settle the score for all the wrongs he''d endured.


    Did Minna really think she had him trapped? What augh.


    "No way," he replied firmly.


    Fuming, Minna raised her hand to p him, but he caught it mid-air. "I''d suggest you cool it with the tantrums. There''s only one woman who has the right to p this face, and you''re not her."


    "Are you really not scared of dying?" she spat, ring daggers at him. "No matter how powerful you are in Falconridge, this is Country H. Here, the Christianson family reigns. Cross me, and you might just vanish without a trace."


    Sure, the Christianson family wielded that kind of power. But Casper wasn''t one to be underestimated. Over time, he had learned the ins and outs of the Christianson family''s operations. True, they were one of the top financial yers in Country H, even the president had to watch his step around them.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    But what they didn''t know was that


    the president wouldn''t remain under their thumb forever; a


    counter-strategy was inevitable. Evidence of their illegal dealings had been piling up for years. The was closing in on them. The more arrogant they got, the swifter their


    downfall.


    Casper was a businessman, and there was no way he''d hand over his empire to the Christianson family. Even partnering with them wouldn''t let him walk away unscathed. So, he chose to team up with the president. Only then could he leave Country H with his head held high.


    The timing was right. He missed her.


    With a brief sigh, Casper released Minna''s hand. "Ms. Minna, maybe you should focus more on enjoying life. The world doesn''t revolve around you. You''re not a god who decides who lives or dies. My life, Casper''s life, isn''t yours to take." Casper''s indifference drove Minna to the brink of madness. If it weren''t for her father, Kaleb, and his unrealistic dreams about Casper, she would''ve wanted him gone for good.


    "Fine." She lifted her chin with the arrogance typical of someone born into privilege. "If you won''t hand it over, I''ll find another way. You''ll regret yourck of respect."


    He chuckled softly.


    ...


    When Dillon got back, Eliza was still glued to her phone, searching for all she could about the Kaleb family. She was desperate to see Casper, to know how he was doing. But from the dark clouds hovering on Dillon''s face, hope seemed distant. "What''s thetest?" she asked.


    Dillon switched off the lights in the room and motioned for Eliza to keep quiet. "I just met with the president''s team. MCasper is safe for now The president''s about to make his move, and the Christianson family doesn''t have much time left. We''ll see him soon."


    "Really?" Eliza didn''t grasp all theplexities, but the news lit up her face. "That''s amazing."

 Chapter 590

    "Mr. Casper just got caught up in a mess he should''ve avoided, but it''ll blow over soon enough."


    Eliza felt a sudden rush of panic.


    What kind of mess had he gotten himself into? And just how soon was ''soon''?


    Her heart raced with worry as she clung to Dillon''s shirt, "Are you sure he''s not in any real danger?"


    "The folks from the President''s office assured me he''s safe."


    "But can we really trust them?" She had watched too many shows where someone like Casper, stuck in the middle, ended up only one way. Dead.


    Her heart clenched with anxiety.


    The Christianson family was powerful, a force not to be trifled with. But could they really trust the President to be on the right side?


    No, she still needed to see Casper.


    "Can I see him?" Her fingers trembled slightly.


    Dillon hadn''t been able to see Casper either, leaving him unsure of what to say, "Ma''am..." he nced at the phone she was gripping, "...it''s hard to tell right now."


    If Casper didn''t reach out to them, there was no way they could get in touch with him.


    With the President closing in, chances were slim that Casper would make contact at such a crucial moment.


    No one could be certain.


    "Ma''am, all we can do is wait."


    Wait?


    But she didn''t want to wait. She couldn''t just sit around doing nothing.


    She needed to know what was going on with Casper. How was he handling things with the President?


    "Isn''t there any other way?"


    Dillon shook his head.


    Silence stretched between them.


    Eliza kept her eyes glued to her phone, willing it to light up with some news.


    But the night dragged on, and nothing happened.


    Yesterday, she had tracked down the exact location of the Christianson family mansion, and today, she was determined to go.


    As she moved to leave, Dillon caught her wrist and pulled her back inside, "Ma''am, where are you headed?"


    "I need to see Casper." She had to know how he was.


    Dillon thought it was too risky, "Mr, t


    Casper is being held at the Gold


    Mansion. If you want to see him, we


    have to wait for him


    Eliza knew this. Dillon had repeated it several times.


    But Casper hadn''t reached out yet.


    How long was she supposed to wait?


    "I can''t wait any longer."


    contact us."


    "Ma''am, Mr. Casper would worry, please try to stay calm."


    Eliza was determined to see Casper today, no matter what.


    As if by some stroke of fate, her phone buzzed on the table.


    It was a message.


    Eliza quickly picked up her phone to check. It was a meeting location.


    Her heart spared as she showed the message to Dillon, "Look, this has to be from Casper, right? He''s set up a meeting. Let''s go see him now


    Dillon nced at the location in the message.


    It was indeed from Casper.


    11


    The meeting spot was the Christianson family''s back door, a quiet entrance used by the staff.


    No crowds, no cameras.


    After confirming, he whispered, "Let''s go, I''lle with you."


    "Okay."


    Eliza was excited.


    They snuck out, dodging anyone


    who might be tailing them like they were in a spy movie, and after


    several detours, they reached the spot Casper had mentioned


    DUMS


    "Will we really see him here?" Eliza was desperate to meet him.


    Dillon scanned the area, then checked his watch, "We should."


    As soon as he said that, they heard the click of a lock turning on a small door.


    Eliza''s heart thundered in her chest.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    She focused intensely on the door, yearning to see the person she hadn''tid eyes on in a year.


    As the door slowly creaked open, her eyes widened in anticipation...

 Chapter 591

    Suddenly, Dillon yanked her to the side, pulling her into a hidden corner.


    Eliza was caught off guard. "What''s going on?" she whispered, her voiceced with confusion.


    "Shh," Dillon cautioned.


    It wasn''t Casper who appeared but a group of men who looked like guards. It was clear now-their meeting spot had beenpromised.


    Once the men left, Dillon quickly led Eliza to the car. "We''ve got to bail on this meeting. It''s too risky. Let''s head back."


    "No, I won''t go back," Eliza insisted, her voice edged with desperation. "Casper must be in danger. How else would anyone know about our secret spot?"


    That was precisely why they couldn''t linger. Dillon was set on getting Eliza to safety first. He knew Casper, even in danger, could fend for himself.


    "I''ll figure out a way to meet up with Mr. Casper, but we need to get out of here now."


    "Dillon," she said, anxiety threading through her words, her fingers trembling, "Are you sure Casper''s okay?"Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "Yes," Dillon replied, his tone firm.


    Even with his assurance, Eliza''s heart raced with worry. The thought of Casper, potentially safe but likely subjected to cruelty, gnawed at her. "Dillon, do you think Casper could have..."


    "We''ll talk once we''re back," Dillon cut in, urgency in his voice, as he guided them away from the danger zone.


    Back at their ce, Dillon gave Eliza a few quick instructions before heading out again.


    Barely had he left when a shadowy group burst through the door. Eliza darted upstairs, but they were fast. Too fast.


    They covered her mouth and nose with swift precision, and darkness overtook her.


    When she came to, she found herself in a dimly lit room, devoid of sunlight.


    "Let me out!" she yelled, pounding on the door.


    She didn''t know who had taken her, but a sinking feeling told her Minna was involved.


    An hourter, someone entered and led her out.


    1.n


    She was escorted through a sprawling garden, drenched in sunlight and filled with exotic nts that made it feel like a tropical paradise. Through the maze of greenery, she was brought into an expansive garden.


    A breeze tousled her hair, and she saw her a breathtakingly beautiful woman with a sharp,manding presence. Could this be Minna?


    "Hello, my esteemed guest," the woman said, her high heels clicking authoritatively as she closed the distance. "I''m Minna, but you can call me Ms. Minna."


    Eliza''s eyes narrowed. She didn''t need to guess why she was here. Minna had only one motive: Casper.


    "What do you want with me?" Eliza demanded. "I don''t even know you."


    "Oh, but we both know Casper, which makes us practically acquaintances, doesn''t it?" Minna replied nonchntly, as an aide quickly ced a chair for her. "Ms. Eliza, ''d like you to convince Casper to stop being so stubborn. He refuses to cooperate, and frankly, it''s hard to see why he bothers existing."


    Eliza understood the underlying threat in Minna''s words. Casper''s refusal wasn''t the issue; Minna''s insatiable demands were. "What exactly do you want him to do?"


    Minna raised an eyebrow, a sly smile


    ying on her lips. "He can either


    marry


    e or hand over his most


    prized possession. He''s stubborn, thinking I can''t touch him."


    Minna chuckled, a mix of disdain and confidence in her tone. "Who does he think he is? Anything I, Minna, desire isn''t hindered by mere disagreement."


    "Where is he? What have you done to him?" Eliza asked, her voice quivering.


    Minna shrugged, her fingers idly ying with her manicured nails. "Oh, him... He''s already paying the price for his stubbornness."

 Chapter 592

    "What are you talking about?" Eliza felt a knot tighten in her chest.


    Minna shrugged it off with a dismissive grin. "It means that was just a little p on the wrist. Next time you cross me, you might not live to regret it."


    "Minna, what gives you the right to decide his fate? He doesn''t belong to you. You kidnapped him and have him locked up here, which is illegal. And now you''re pushing your luck even further?"


    Eliza was livid, yanking fiercely against the ropes binding her hands.


    "Pushing my luck?" Minna''s smile was smug, "I''ve got a peculiar taste. I''m drawn to things others can''t have, like multicolored diamonds, a painter''s final masterpiece, rare treasures, and even... people. If they catch my eye, I want them. I''m after the world''s one-of-a- kinds."


    It was clear as day. Minna was used to getting her way.


    And Casper, unfortunately, had the bad luck to cross her path.


    "So, Ms. Minna fancies herself a collector," Eliza quipped, her tone light yet tinged with sarcasm.


    Minna merely shrugged, unfazed. She stood and strolled over to Eliza, "Not often someone calls me a collector. Come on, Ms. Eliza, let me show you my treasures. It''ll open your eyes."


    Eliza wasn''t keen on seeing her collection.


    But she had no say in the matter.


    She was dragged into a massive room.


    It was more like a treasure trove than a mere room.


    There were limited edition handbags, crowns that had graced queens, fist-sized pearls, and golden phoenix crowns.


    And then there were elegant paintings, delicate porcin vases, and intricate embroideries.


    All things Eliza had neverid eyes on before.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Amidst these prized items, Eliza was shocked to spot one of her own paintings, prominently disyed.


    This left her genuinely taken aback.


    Typically, a painting bes valuable only after the artist''s death.


    Even if her work fetched a pretty penny now, it wasn''t exactly museum-worthy.


    "This..." Eliza pointed at her painting, questioning Minna, "It''s just a cat. Why the big fuss?"


    "You like


    I


    it? This cat looks a lot


    Seeing this painting,


    o but think of my Chuchu."


    wno


    A flicker of sadness crossed Minna''s face, as if she was lost in a memory.


    Eliza: ...A cat portrait nostalgia?


    "Why not just have an artist paint your pet''s portrait?"


    "You just don''t understand." Minna brushed off the suggestion, "This is by Mona. Her cats aren''t like anyone else''s. If she''d paint one for me, I''d pay a billion."


    Eliza: ... Her art''s worth that much?


    "So, if she''d paint something you love, would you agree to anything?" Eliza nudged.


    Minna turned to Eliza, her eyes narrowing slightly, "Sounds like you know Mona?"


    "You could say that," Eliza replied, not denying it, "If I can get her to paint for you, would you let Casper go?"


    Minna chuckled, "You''re not her. How do you have any leverage here?"


    "Here''s a deal. You let me see Casper, and I''ll let you meet Mona." Eliza proposed, Minna scoffed, "You think I''d believe that? Besides, didn''t bring you here for some Mona."


    Eliza knew that.


    But if there was a chance to negotiate, she wasn''t about to let it slip by.


    "I get where you''reing from, Ms. Eliza. Now, it''s about choosing-Mona''s Chuchu or a rebellious man?"

 Chapter 593

    Minna had a personality that was all about having her cake and eating it too. She wanted it all, and there was no room forpromise.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    "In my world, Eliza, it''s simple-there are no multiple-choice questions. Don''t try to y mind games with me."


    "Ms. Minna, you''ve got it wrong. I just noticed how you light up at the mention of cats, and I felt a bit sorry for you. If you''re not interested in a one-of-a-kind portrait of Whiskers by Mona, just forget I mentioned it," Eliza said with a mock sigh. "Seems like you don''t love your Whiskers as much as I thought."


    Minna couldn''t figure out if Eliza was being genuine or just ying her.


    Whether Casper got released or not was up to her, and she wasn''t scared of what might happen.


    "I might let you see Casper," Minna conceded,ying out her terms. "But I need Mona''s painting."


    "Deal," Eliza agreed without hesitation.


    Minna took the lead, guiding Eliza down to what could only be described as a dungeon.


    The entrance was fortified with a heavy steel door, designed to keep anyone from escaping. As the door creaked open, a chill swept in, and just as Eliza was about to step inside, a guard stopped her. Minna nced at her watch, "You''ve got ten minutes. Convince him to work with me. What I''m offering is more than he could make in a lifetime."


    Eliza shot Minna a look.


    To most men, this might seem like a golden opportunity. But for someone like Casper, who was ustomed to running the show, being controlled by a woman was out of the question. Eliza was let into the dungeon.


    The damp, musty air hit her as sheid eyes on the beaten man, holding back tears.


    Casper''s heart ached at the sight of Eliza. "What are you doing here?"


    "Are you alright?" she asked, seeing his face and body covered in blood. "Why is she doing this to you? When will this madness end?"


    Casper hadn''t expected Minna''s sudden outburst that left him battered. But they were just flesh wounds, nothing major.


    "It''ll be okay soon." He pulled her into a tight embrace, concern in his voice, "Did Minna bring you here?"


    "Yes." She nodded, her hands gently inspecting his injuries. "She wants me to convince you to team up with her. Does she really want to marry you, or is she after something else?"


    en


    "None of that matters." He gazed softly at her, the face he''d missed so much, "What matters is, whatever she wants, she won''t get it from me."


    Her heart ached seeing him this way, not expecting their reunion after a year to be under such circumstances. She held him tighter.


    His blood on her hands, her heart clenched, tears threatening to spill, "To keep you safe, I''ll let you do things you don''t want to."


    "Don''t overthink it, this will all be over


    poned a gun from his


    l.ne


    pocket and pressed it into Eliza''s hand, "Take this. Hide it well, it might save your life."


    "If you give me the gun, what about you?" she protested, her mind racing for an escape n. "Keep the gun, I''ll figure out a way out." "Don''t do anything rash."


    Casper didn''t want her taking any risks.


    Minna might be unstable, but without Kaleb''s order, she wouldn''t dare kill him. Eliza, however, was a different story.


    "Listen," he said, holding her face


    and kissing her gently, "Don''t go head-to-head with Minna without a solid n. At worst, let her lock you up too. This will all blow over soon, and won''t let anything happen to you."


    "I get it." She''d already devised a n, offering Casper a reassuring look, "Don''t worry about me." Eliza wanted to say more, but before she could, a guard came in, grabbed her arm, and led her away.

 Chapter 594

    She found herself back in Minna''s treasure-filledir. Minna sat there, all calm and collected, watching her every move. "Alright then, let''s get Mona on the line."


    Minna smirked, clearly amused, eager to see how Eliza would maneuver through her web of deception. Eliza settled into a chair across from Minna and dered, "I am Mona."C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Minna burst outughing, her disbelief evident. "You honestly think you can pull one over on me that easily?"


    Eliza didn''t bother arguing. She simply dialed a number on her phone and handed it over to Minna. After the call, Minna''s attitude shifted dramatically. She even circled Eliza a few times, trying to wrap her head around the fact that Eliza was indeed Mona. "Well then, could you paint me a portrait of Chirpy?" Minna asked.


    "And will you let Casper go if I do?"


    Negotiations were underway, both sides weighing their options. Unexpectedly, Minna shot down the idea, "No way, but..."


    Eliza raised an eyebrow. "But what?"


    "...I can let you go for now, but you better make that portrait count." It was her finalpromise.


    Eliza thought it over. Refusing to leave without Casper might mean she''d never get out. Staying would only drag Casper down.


    "Looks like I don''t have much of a choice," Eliza conceded.


    "Smart move, Ms. Eliza," Minna warned. "But don''t try any funny business. I could have you back here in a heartbeat."


    "With my guy still locked up with you, what could I possibly pull?" Elizaid it all out. "You''ve got eyes on our ce round the clock, don''t you?"


    Minna chuckled, passing a photo to Eliza. "I want you to include Juicy, the little dog that was my childhood buddy, right there with Chirpy."


    Looking at the picture of the young girl with her dog and cat, Eliza saw the traces of a lonely childhood. It was no wonder Minna ended up this way. "Sure thing," Eliza agreed.


    Minna arranged for Eliza to be


    escorted home. Meanwhile,


    unbeknownst to her, the president''s forces were closing in. Kaleb was already under arrest, and the Christianson family mansion was next on their list.


    On the day Elizapleted the painting, news broke of Minna''s capture. Watching the coverage, it all felt surreal. Had they really been at each other''s throats just days age?


    en


    And what about Casper? A sudden fear gripped her-had Minna taken drastic measures before her arrest?


    Heart pounding, she turned to Dillon, "Is Casper okay? Is he safe?"


    "Mr. Casper is meeting with the president. He should be back soon," Dillon assured, visibly relieved.


    Eliza worried the president might discard Casper, just as the Christiansons had. "I can''t help but worry."


    "Ma''am, you don''t know Mr. Casper like I do. He''s always got a backup n. He wouldn''t work with someone like the president without having some leverage," Dillon exined. Eliza nodded, feeling reassured. Casper wasn''t one to jump in without a n, unlike her.


    She handed Dillon the painting. "This is what I promised Minna. Those two were her childhood pals, so let''s make sure they keep herpany."


    "I''ll make sure it gets to her," Dillon promised.


    That night Eliza tossed and turned,


    sleep eluding her. She had no idea when Casper would be back. Her eyes stayed glued to the glowing moon outside, until they ached, foreing her to look away.


    In a sleepy haze, she felt the mattress dip beside her. Before she could react, strong arms enveloped her waist...

 Chapter 595

    "It''s me."


    His voice was low and tired, a warm breath brushing against her ear, sending a gentle shiver down her spine.


    Eliza felt his breath on her skin, her small hand covering hisrger one. "You''re back?"


    "Yeah, I''m back," he murmured, nting a soft kiss on her pale neck. "Tomorrow, we''re heading home."


    "Mhm," she replied quietly, like she was in a dream.


    He gently turned her around, hands resting firmly on her shoulders. In the moonlight, she could see a faint scar on his forehead.


    "Does it still hurt?" Her slender fingers gently traced the mark. "I was so scared... scared I''d never see you again."


    "There''s no way I''d ever leave you," he whispered, kissing her forehead lightly. "It was just a bump in the road, just stretched out our time apart a bit."


    He pulled her closer, wrapping her in his arms. She could hear the strong, steady beat of his heart.


    Her arms encircled his waist. "Casper, why did you block me? You barely reached out this past year. Were you...?"


    "Absolutely not," he cut her off, knowing exactly where her thoughts were headed. "I had so many surgeries, and I wanted to get better fast so I could surprise you. I held back from contacting you. Then Minna took my phone and blocked everyone, including you." Alright, she thought. She believed him.


    Her hand reached up to touch his face. The surgeries had been sessful, and the scars on his hands and back had healed significantly.


    She kissed his cheek, her eyes soft and glistening. "Did you miss me?"


    "Missed you like crazy."


    He drew her closer, their lips and tongues intertwining. The kiss traveled from her lips to her earlobe, growing more intense with each moment.


    Hisrge hand held her slender waist, pulling her snugly against him, making sure she felt every bit of his longing. A year''s worth of yearning finally erupted into a passionate embrace...


    By morning, when Eliza woke, Casper had already packed their bags. Dillon had sorted out their flight tickets too.


    The president''s people escorted


    them to the airport. Before boarding, Casper exchanged a few words with the envoy and handed over a USB za didn''t know what was on


    drive. Eliza


    it, but it didn''t matter anymore. Leaving this ce, she knew she''d


    nevere back.


    A few hourster, the ne touched down at Falconridge Airport. Hand in hand, Casper and Eliza walked out of the terminal and into the car waiting to take them home. They made a quick stop at the old house to see Audrey and the little ones before heading back to Welton Estate.


    Their own little world.


    He carried her from the doorway, showering her with kisses all the way to the bedroom upstairs. Sunlight streamed in, casting a golden glow over them. "Casper, I need to tell you something," Eliza said, breathless from his kisses, her hand resting on his chest. "Have you heard about Dillon and your sister?"Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    "What''s up with those two?" His lips didn''t pause, continuing to trace lightly over her corbone. Eliza panted softly, "They seemed to have been together, but I heard they broke up again. Are you going to check in on them?"


    Casper paused, surprised. Together, then apart again?


    Didn''t seem like a big deal. Rtionships were like that, a series of ups and downs.


    "Let them figure it out."


    Those matters, he decided to let them handle on their own. Right now, he had more pressing issues to address. His breath, full of


    uncontrolled passion and asto


    swept over her, consuming her entirely.


    She wrapped her arms around his neck, surrendering to himpletely. The heat between them was intense, almost overwhelming. Eventually, she melted beneath him...


    Afterwards, he carried her to the bath. She nestled against him, ying with his fingers. "I haven''t been back to Oak Falls in over a year..." "Thinking about going back to Oak Falls to work?" He kissed her hair gently.


    "The school still has my job waiting," she said, her cheeks flushed as she looked up at him, unsure of what he thought.


    Casper wanted her to stay in Falconridge. With their rtionship finally on solid ground after so many ups and downs, he didn''t want to be apart from her again. "The kids are still so young." Eliza understood what he meant.

 Chapter 596

    "You''re saying you want me to stay home, watch the kids, and quit working altogether?"


    How''s that any different from making the same old mistakes? The only change now is there''s a kid in the picture.


    She pushes him away, clearly miffed. "So, you expect me to be a full-time housewife, just catering to your every whim, right?"


    Casper, caught off guard by her strong reaction, is unsure what he messed up. "What I meant was..."


    "Casper, you have no right to tell me how to live my life," she cuts him off, not in the mood for his exnations.


    He hadn''t expected Eliza to blow up like this. Sure, their child is still little. And he doesn''t want to be apart from her. There was really no need for such a blow-up.


    "I just think our baby is still young, and hey, we''re not exactly strapped for cash. What I meant is..." he tries to exin, hoping she''ll see there''s no need for her to push herself so hard.


    "I know the baby''s young, just stop talking," she interrupts, clearly not in the mood to listen.


    She gets out of bed and heads to her vanity, taking off her earrings and tossing them on the table. Casper watches from a distance, sees her frustration and misery. He knows that during their marriage, when he didn''t let her work, she felt so stifled.


    He only wanted to make things easier for her. Of course, she''s free to work. But why Oak Falls?


    "We shouldn''t get all bent out of shape over this," he says, trying to keep things calm.


    Eliza agrees but thinks Casper''s got it wrong. "Women aren''t just meant to stay home and look after kids."


    "I''m not saying you should, just that our baby''s still little, he needs you, and you wouldn''t be at ease leaving him, right?" That makes sense, doesn''t it?


    He really can''t wrap his head around what she''s upset about.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "You think I''m being unreasonable?" she res at him in the mirror.


    Casper quickly shakes his head. "Absolutely not, it''s just a mimunication."


    "I can''t talk to you."


    She doesn''t even know why she''s this angry.


    She stands to leave, but Casper quickly gets up and holds her close. "Why can''t we talk it out? Let''s just take it slow. I''m not unreasonable."


    "Casper, our rtionship now is just


    about being the parents of our child, not really a marriage. There''s no need to have this conversation. Asking you is pointless."


    Casper: ...


    Is she trying to put some distance between them? Does she mean their marriage certificate is meaningless now?


    "That''s a bit harsh," he says, keeping her in the chair. "If a marriage certificate doesn''t make us a couple, what does?"


    "I never agreed to get back together with you."


    That leaves him speechless.


    He knows he''s in the wrong here. Even with a marriage certificate, it doesn''t mean much.


    "But you''ve been waiting for me for a year. You can''t deny your feelings for me, can you?"


    Eliza can''t deny that over the past year, she''s been deeply concerned about Casper. To say there are no feelings, how could there not be?


    If she didn''t love him, she wouldn''t have flown to France to find him and persuade him to get treatment. But why does being with Casper make her feel so fragile? She dislikes this feeling. Dislikes not having her own say.


    "Casper, you... you don''t get me."


    "I do." He understands shecks a


    sense of security, even though she''s a well-known painter, it''s not enough to quell her worries. He suggests, "How about this: you work in Falconridge, and I''ll set up a studio for you, a workshop. Does that sound good? If not, I''ll create a department for you at Welton International, where you''ll call the shots, whether it''s design or ancient painting restoration."


    Eliza hadn''t thought about these options.


    But Casper''s suggestions don''t seem so bad. As she considers them, her anger starts to fade.


    "I''m just used to being in Oak Falls." Her voice softens, losing its earlier edge. Casper, no matter howe much money I have, I need a job that fulfills me. Do you get that?


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 597

    "Got


    it."


    How could he not understand? What Eliza was missing wasn''t money; it was a solid sense of security and the realization of her own self-worth.


    "Let me think about it," she said gently.


    Casper nodded eagerly. Her willingness to consider his proposal meant she was really listening to him. He let out a silent sigh of relief.


    The most crucial part was proposing to her right away. Only if she agreed to marry him willingly would they truly be husband and wife, and only then could his heart finally be at ease.


    He had already passed that dazzling diamond to the craftsman. Besides crafting a massive diamond ring, he was also having a stunning set of jewelry and a one-of-a-kind crown made just for her. This was going to take some time-probably at least six months. During that time, he would need to treat her exceptionally well.


    Back at Falconridge, Casper quickly dove into work. After the meeting wrapped up, he was going over tasks with Dillon. He had a lot to say, but his assistant seemed miles away.


    ...


    Casper''s fingers drummed lightly on the desk. "What''s on your mind?"


    "Nothing, nothing," Dillon snapped back to reality, quickly focusing on the documents in front of him. "I''ll get right on it."


    As he spoke, he fumbled with the files, trying to show he was on top of things.


    "Something''s off with you," Casper said, closing the file, his eyes sharp and knowing. "I heard that while I was away this past year, you and Caroline have been on and off. What''s the deal?" "There''s nothing going on," Dillon said, sidestepping too much personal detail, not wanting to delve into it.


    Casper didn''t press him. Instead, he pulled out an appointment letter. "The Beaconhouse branch needs someone strong in all areas toy down the groundwork. I think you''re the right fit." "Beaconhouse?" Dillon was surprised, sensing there might be more to this. "Are you suggesting..."Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "Don''t overthink it. Beaconhouse is your mom''s hometown, and your granddad''s still living there. You''ve spent so much time here with me, it''s about time you went back for a bit." Casper handed him the appointment letter. "A few months won''t be too long. I''ll have Caroline go with you, and once everything''s running smoothly there, you two cane back."


    "But if I leave, you won''t have a solid assistant here," Dillon worried aloud.


    Casper shrugged. "You''ll need to sort that out for me before you head off." "Understood."


    Before leaving Falconridge, Dillon took great care in selecting a new assistant for Casper. Yet, none seemed quite right. Casper was used to having Dillon around after all these years. Thest assistant, Faithe, hadn''tsted long.


    Dillon was cautious and meticulous in his search, but no one quite matched up.


    "Just find a temporary stand-in for now. They don''t need to match you perfectly, just close enough," Casper insisted, not wanting Dillon to dy his trip. The Beaconhouse branch was eager to get started. "Go-to Beaconhouse with peace of mind. I''m looking forward to your swift return."


    "Understood."


    From the pook of candidates Dillon had prepared, Casper chose a recent college graduate named Summer. She was attentive, smart,


    n?t


    hardworking, and presented herself well After a month-long trial, Casper was impressed and decided to keep her on.


    "Did you get that designer bag I asked for?" Casper inquired as he got ready to leave for the day.


    Summer immediately stood up straight. "Mr. Casper, it''s already in the backseat of your car, the purple limited edition. I''m sure Mrs. Welton will love it."


    Mrs. Welton? That seemed a bit too familiar for Casper''s liking. "Call her Mrs. Welton."


    Summer''s face flushed, and she quickly nodded. "Yes, Mrs. Welton will definitely love it."

 Chapter 598

    The bag was something Casper had personally picked out. Summer handled picking it up for him. He figured Eliza would appreciate it. Casper was in high spirits. After wrapping up at the office, he swung by the florist and ordered a stunning bouquet of roses. He even


    jotted down a note. Just a few heartfelt words, "Wishing my Elle happiness every day. -T."


    He felt pretty pleased with himself. A satisfied grin yed on his lips as he carefully arranged the bouquet alongside the beautifully wrapped box. Once home, he nned toe up with a clever excuse to get Eliza to open this surprise he had lovingly prepared for her. As he drove into Welton Estate, the car moved smoothly. After parking, he hummed a little tune, his steps quickening as he headed inside. Eliza was in the living room, ying with their little one, who lit up with a big, bright smile the moment Casper walked in, arms outstretched, eager for a hug from dad.


    Casper rushed over, too excited to even take off his coat, and scooped the little one up into his arms. The kid was over the moon, kicking his legs with joy, hisughter ringing throughout the room.


    "This kid, a real little tiger, have you been secretly missing me?" Casper teased with a warm, doting smile.


    Eliza''s lips curved into a soft smile as she rubbed her sore arm. "This little guy is getting heavier by the day; I''m practically bing his personal pillow," she said, a mix of sweet affection and tiredness in her voice.


    "Don''t spoil him too much. We''ve got plenty of help around here; let them take over more so you can catch a break," Casper said, his face full of genuine concern.


    A warmth spread through Eliza''s heart, and a gentle smile lingered on her face. She was about to take a seat and rest when Casper handed her the car keys. "I left my jacket in the car, on the back seat. Could you grab it for me?" "Oh, sure," she replied.


    Eliza slipped on her shoes and headed out. When she opened the rear car door, she didn''t see any jacket, but there was a purple-wrapped box and a bouquet of vibrant red roses waiting for her.


    Eliza was taken aback. The Casper she knew never really went for these romantic gestures. Lately, though, he was on a roll. Just the other day he got her a Patek Philippe watch and yesterday, a designer diamond bracelet. And now, another gift? He definitely wasn''t holding back on spending for her. But this daily gifting thing was starting to feel a bit over the top.


    ???


    She thought it was somewhat extravagant. As she picked up the card nestled in the flowers, she smiled at his mboyant handwriting, shaking her head. The size of the box suggested t was a handbag. And sure enough, upon opening it, there it was. The style and color were spot on with her taste. Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Just as she was about to pick up the bag for a closer look, she noticed a long strand of hair on it. Dark purple, almost like ck, but clearly purple under the light. It definitely wasn''t hers. Normally, a luxury store wouldn''t make a mistake like this. Whose hair could it be? Dark purple hair... It clicked. Casper''s new secretary had that exact hair color. She''d seen the secretary once and thought that kind of hair seemed a bit unprofessional for the role. Casper hadn''t mentioned anything, and neither did she.


    Had Summer opened it and


    identally left a strand behind? Or


    v


    was it on purpose? Eliza admitted she might be overthinking, but she couldn''t help it. That young secretary''s gaze at Casper was anything but innocent. As a woman, Eliza could easily spot such "innocent" desires. The yearning for money, power, and status Summer hadn''t exactly been discreet about them. Since Dillon left Falconridge for Beaconhouse, Eliza asionally caught a subtle whiff of perfume on Casper, perhaps from Summer.

 Chapter 599

    She didn''t want to overthink people''s intentions too much. So, she never questioned Casper. Nor did she bad-mouth Summer. The hair incident? She could chalk it up to an ident. But it still turned her stomach. The bag was gorgeous, sure, but it killed her vibe. With flowers in one hand and the elegantly wrapped bag in the other, she made her way back to the living room. Casper was there, ying with their child, trying to make him giggle. When he saw her with the gift he had painstakingly put together, he shed a hopeful grin, "Do you like it?" "The flowers? Absolutely," she replied.


    "I''ll make sure you get them every day from now on. I guess I dropped the ball on that before," he chuckled, a hint of guilt in his voice.


    Eliza nced up at him, her smile yful, "Did you ever send them before?"


    Casper passed their son to the nanny, moving closer with a look that begged for her approval, "Let''s not dwell on the past. What about the bag, do you like it?" "It''s alright." She didn''t want to borate.


    Eliza headed upstairs, and Casper was right behind her. As soon as they stepped into the bedroom, he pinned her against the door and kissed her passionately... That perfume smell hit Eliza again, making her feel uneasy. She pushed him away, "That stinks."


    Casper quickly went off to shower. But the orchid-like scent lingered for ages. It made her queasy, and she wouldn''t let Casper get close.


    "I showered, you know," he said, trying to cozy up to her.


    Eliza pushed him away again, "Casper, didn''t you used to hate perfume? Howe now your secretary wears such strong stuff every day, and you''re fine with it?" Casper was caught off guard, just as he was about to exin.


    Eliza grabbed his pajamas with a frown, "Take a whiff, you smell like her perfume."


    Casper sniffed his arm, only catching the scent of their familiar shower gel, nothing else. Yet, he was secretly pleased, seeing Eliza''s reaction as jealousy.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "Jealous, are we? Worried someone might steal me away?" he teased.


    "I''m worried you''ll ruin the air at


    ve


    home," she shot back, letting him go and keeping her distance. "Casper, if there''s a third wheel in our rtionship, all our efforts are down the drain."


    He knew this all too well. But he could swear he never had such thoughts.


    "I wouldn''t dare." He patted his chest, promising, "I''m all in for you, in this life, the next, and the one after that." Her gaze was intense, "You better be."


    "I promise." He held her hand, kissing it gently, "You have to trust in my love for you."


    Eliza looked deep into his eyes. His sincerity and loyalty were in to see. But what about the future? Men like Casper faced endless temptations. Once he''d won her over with no more passion of challenges, would he look elsewhere


    for excitement?


    A young and beautiful college grad like Summer, fresh into the world, naive, eager, and full of energy. How could she not catch his eye?


    Should she be ready to walk away at any moment? But why should she have to? If Casper ever betrayed her, the first thing she''d do is make him regret it. Eliza cracked a small smile.


    "Give that bag to your secretary. As a young woman just starting out, a thoughtful gesture from you, her boss, wouldn''t hurt. Don''t be too tightfisted."


    Casper was momentarily surprised.


    Sure, buying Eliza a limited-edition bag wasn''t a huge deal. But it was still nearly a seven-figure price tag


    Even as a generous boss, 9.19


    such an expensive gift to a


    J


    subordinate was over the top. What would the others think? It could lead to all sorts of rumors about their rtionship.


    "There are plenty of ways to show appreciation. Giving her the bag isn''t right," he declined.


    Eliza hadn''t expected such a t-out refusal, thinking he''d at least pretend to consider it. But he just said no?

 Chapter 600

    "Ever told her how you feel?" she asked, curiosity dancing in her eyes.


    Casper shook his head, speaking with a hint of superiority, "Absolutely not. She''s just an assistant. Why on earth would I share my feelings with her? Doing her job well is expected. If she can''t, she''s out. Do you think Welton International is some kind of pedestal for her?" Eliza rolled her eyes.


    Casper was in no mood to waste this perfect evening talking about someone so trivial.


    He leaned in, capturing her with a kiss that felt all-consuming.


    Before long, he wanted more than just the taste of her lips. His kisses traveled down her smooth neck, nibbling gently at her ear, and continued their descent.


    She gripped the sheets, arching her back, surrendering to his touch.


    The next morning, after Casper left for the office,


    Eliza sat at the dining table, leisurely enjoying her breakfast.


    A servant entered, announcing that Audrey had arrived.


    Eliza, a bit surprised, quickly slipped on her diamond-studded slippers from the plush carpet and hurried to the door, "Mom, what brings you here?"


    "I just dropped Brock off at kindergarten and realized it''s been a while since you moved back. Thought I''d pop in and check on you," Audrey replied with her usual warmth and affection. She sped Eliza''s hand, her eyes softly traveling from her face down to the kiss marks on her neck, "Is Casper at the office?"


    "Yes, Mom. Have you had breakfast? I can have the servant prepare something," Eliza offered.


    Audrey smiled, "I''ve already eaten."


    Eliza nodded, leading Audrey to the sofa, "What would you like to drink? I''ll fix it for you."


    "No need, dear. I wanted to talk to you about something," Audrey said.


    Eliza''s eyes narrowed slightly in attention, "Mom, whatever it is, I''m all ears."


    "I own a jewelrypany on the thirteenth floor of Welton International, focusing mainly on rubies and sapphires. It''s separate from Welton''s design department and it''s been dormant for a while. I want you to take over. It''s my life''s work, and I wouldn''t trust just anyone with it. But you''re my daughter-inw, and I trust you the most. Are you up for it?" Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Eliza knew Audrey had a jewelrypany.


    But she didn''t know it was right under Welton International''s roof.


    Audrey could have easily merged it with Welton International and let Casper handle it.


    Eliza was puzzled by her decision.


    "Mom, why all of a sudden..." she stammered, caught off-guard, "...I might not be the right person for the job."


    "I believe in you, and that means you can do it," Audrey reassured her.


    When Audrey married Tristan, she was all in for a happy life. But Tristan was too carefree, and she couldn''t see a future with him, so she channeled her energy into her career.


    This jewelrypany was her beacon in a long, unhappy marriage.


    It symbolized hope amidst adversity, and she wanted it to continue.


    Audrey pulled out a stack of share transfer documents, "I own all the shares, and now they''re yours. Don''t worry, I''ll provide the initial funding until thepany is stable.


    Audrey''s decision to entrust her most cherished possession to Eliza without hesitation showed her clear favoritism.


    Eliza was touched but felt a bit unworthy.


    "Mom, shouldn''t we talk this over with my sister-inw and Casper?"


    "It''s my property. Why should I consult them?" Audrey signed her name, handing the documents to Eliza, "Sign here, and you''ll officially be in charge of Crystal Clear."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


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