Ch. 1491..1500

Chapter 1491

Chapter 1491

"Hey, do you run away every time you see me now that you think you're all grown up?" Fleur complained.

"Mom..."

"You're my son, for heaven's sake! You foolish kid!" Fleur reprimanded.

Lena approached with a smile and nodded. "Hello, Mrs. Hamerton."

Fleur adjusted her hair with the arrogance of a peacock, taking five seconds before replying with a nonchalant, "Hmm, hello."

She soon noticed her hands were empty-no accessories adorned them.

Chris quickly grasped the situation and interjected, aware of his mother's scrutinizing gaze. "Mom, it's not that Lena doesn't want to wear the ring you bought her. It's just that it's too big for her slender fingers, and I thought it wouldn't match the occasion. Besides, the ring holds sentimental value for her. She's been keeping it safe in a drawer. She hardly ever takes it out!"

Fleur glanced at him and pouted. "I didn't say anything. What are you rambling about?"

"I..."

"I know. You young folks don't like the style of the ring!"

"No, Mrs. Hamerton!" Lena hurriedly explained. "I really like it..."

"Tell him to buy you a new one if you don't like it," Fleur suggested with a smile. "Buy as many as you want!"

Chris and Lena were taken aback, exchanged glances, and then smiled.

Fleur got up and grabbed Lena's hand, her eyes filled with the love she had for her daughter-in-law. "Our Lena is the best! The charity project was a success. Although Mr. Chriss planned it, you deserve credit as the assistant!"

"You're too kind, Mrs. Hamerton."

"Is she that great?" Chris widened his eyes as if looking at an alien. "I thought you didn't like "

"Who do I not like?" Fleur widened her eyes even more. "I don't like you, foolish kid!"

He was rendered speechless.

Meanwhile, Zuko observed the scene and whispered to Chris, "This runs in the family! Parents always dislike their child's partner initially, but they eventually come around."

"Lena, choose the expensive ring! Chris had quite the allowance when he was in the special forces-saved up a lot, being the penny-pincher he is. Seize the opportunity. Make him pay for you!" Fleur advised.

"Mom..."

Lena couldn't stop smiling.

Zuko approached Lena, asking her to look after Lina as he and Chris needed to entertain their friends.

"Of course," Lena agreed immediately. "Where is she?"

"In the nursing room," Zuko replied with a smile. "Sephy was hungry and fussy. Lina went to feed her. She might take a nap after."

Worried that Lina might need assistance, Lena hurried to the nursing room.

After feeding the baby, the contented little princess rested on her mother's shoulder, soon drifting off to sleep.

Lina gently patted her to encourage her to sleep. After placing the baby in the nearby bed, she stood upright to massage her shoulder.

"You must be exhausted," Lena said as she approached to give her a massage. "Being a mom is tough. How long will you carry her like this?"

"As I think about it now, not for much longer." Lina smiled. "I feel a bit sad knowing that she will grow up and won't need me to carry her."

Suddenly, the door handle moved. Lena's senses heightened, and she gestured for Lina to watch the baby as she cautiously approached the door.

Through the peephole, she saw nothing. However, the door handle moved slightly again as she turned around.

She couldn't help but call out, "Who is it?"

After a brief silence, there was a polite knock. "Are you in there, Ms. Lena?"

Chapter 1492

Chapter 1492

Lena opened the door and was surprised to find Alexander standing outside.

"You?" she exclaimed, her eyes scanning the area. "What are you doing here?"

He remained silent, his dark eyes seemingly darker in the night.

Lina stepped out, initially stunned to see him. However, she soon smiled and said, "You're the student Lena brought, right? Is this your first time at an event like this? Have you eaten?" Alexander was taken aback, unable to speak. He gazed at Lina, finding her exceptionally beautiful. He had always thought his sister was the most beautiful person in the world, but now... Then, he looked at Lena. Surprisingly, his sister was not any less beautiful. They had different types of beauty, but both possessed kindness.

"Hey!" Lena waved her hand in front of his face. "What are you staring at?"

"Nothing..." He quickly looked down, feeling embarrassed. At his age, boys often felt ashamed. He realized he had been rude and felt apologetic.

Lena pressed. "You haven't answered my question. Why are you here?"

"I..."

"This is the nursing room, can't you see that?"

Alexander panicked even more, nervously tugging at his shirt.

Lena instantly regretted her words. Perhaps a child who grew up in the mountains didn't know what a nursing room was.

She remembered how the women in the mountains nursed their babies, with no privacy, reflecting a backward society where women were seen merely as tools for bearing and feeding children. Observing Alexander's discomfort, Lina stepped forward, gently patted his shoulder, and encouraged him to stand tall. "You won't grow taller if you keep your head down all the time."

She smiled. "This is the nursing room. Mothers bring their babies here when they need to feed or change them. It's spacious and private. Since it's a very personal space, you shouldn't interrupt them." Alexander looked at her, surprised by her gentle explanation. It was the first time anyone had explained something so kindly to him.

"In the future, you'll live in Centrolis. You'll go to school and live like the other kids here." Lina continued. "There's much you'll need to learn to adapt to this environment. But I believe you're intelligent and will learn quickly."

"M-Me?" he stammered, hardly believing it. "I'm... intelligent?"

"Of course," Lina reassured him. "Why else would Lena care so much about you?"

Alexander seemed to have something to say but remained speechless.

He didn't realize that this was encouragement. A child raised with love and encouragement would grow mentally rich and have the courage to be fearless.

Meanwhile, Sephy on the bed was kicking and murmuring in her baby talk.

Lina hurriedly went over to comfort her with soothing words and pats on her back.

Alexander stared at Sephy as though she were a beautiful doll.

"Alright, stop staring," Lena intervened, blocking his view. "As she told you, mothers and babies rest in this nursing room. You can't enter because you're a boy." He pursed his lips and turned away silently.

"Wait," Lena called to him and stepped outside the room, closing the door gently.

"Do you need to talk to me, Ms. Lena?" he asked.

Chapter 1493

Chapter 1493

"Why didn't you..." Lena frowned. "Just knock instead of turning the handle?"

Alexander was taken aback.

"That's something you need to learn," Lena said seriously. "No matter where you go, whether it's to the teacher's office or your classmates' dorm, you must knock on the door first instead of opening it right away. It's a matter of courtesy. Do you understand?"

His lips moved, but in the end, he chose to hold back what he was going to say.

It wasn't him who had done that just now.

More than ten minutes ago, he had accidentally found himself in this quiet corridor while trying to escape the noise of the banquet for some fresh air. He had no idea what the room was for, only seeing someone trying to enter it in the dark.

He hadn't seen the person's face, and that person had been on high alert, fleeing after failing to open the door.

He had approached because he became concerned when he heard Lena's voice asking, "Who is it?" from inside. That's why he knocked.

"Why aren't you saying anything again?" Lena asked with concern. "Did you hear what I said?"

He nodded.

"You-"

He turned and left before Lena could finish her sentence.

As she watched him go, her mind was suddenly filled with chaos. Memories of that little boy, with snot dripping from his nose, always wanting her to carry him, would occasionally haunt her. Those painful memories felt like needles pricking at her.

Leo was only three years old when she escaped from the village. Despite being Drake's son, the child she had longed for, he couldn't escape the clutches of the devil. Drake believed it was his right to strike his son. Whenever he lost money in a bet or got drunk, he would first strike his daughter before turning to his son.

Lena couldn't bear to see young Leo being hit, so she would always shield him. The tools Drake used to hit her would hurt her deeply.

She couldn't endure such a life any longer. After planning for a long time, she finally took the step of never returning that foggy morning.

She ran like a madwoman, not daring to stop for a moment. It was only after she crossed the mountain that she finally sat by the side of the road, panting.

At that moment, she found candies in her pocket.

Wrapped in colorful packaging, two candies glistened like precious stones in the sunlight.

She knew that Leo had placed them there. The neighbor had given him the candies the day before, and he hadn't eaten them. Lena hadn't paid much attention to it at the time, but she hadn't expected him to put them in her pocket.

He didn't understand much at the age of three. He knew his sister wanted to leave and that she wouldn't take him with her. He knew he had to rely on himself from then on.

She couldn't hold back her tears any longer, so she cried by the side of the road.

Bianca had organized dinner at a popular four-star hotel.

Drake was astonished by the dishes on the table. He glanced at her, refusing to eat until the lady he had to impress began her meal. Bianca scoffed softly and looked at him in disdain. She looked down on a person like him but had to tolerate him for her current needs.

Therefore, she had to treat him to something exquisite, hoping to get him to talk.

With a sly smile, she signaled the waiter to pour him some wine.

"Eat to your heart's content, Mr. Drake. Don't hold back!

"The wine here is exceptional. I assume you've never had anything like this in the mountains? Don't worry about it. If you fancy it, I'll arrange for it to be delivered daily! How does that sound?"

Chapter 1494

Chapter 1494

Drake's eyes brightened at the news.

"Ms. Bianca..." He fumbled, uncertain where to place his hands. Surprise and greed were evident on his face.

Bianca reassured him with a smile. "It's alright. You're older than me, after all. Think of it as the young showing respect for their elders."

He licked his lips, eager to taste the city's wine.

Taking advantage of the moment, Bianca served him food and encouraged him to eat more while smiling. His tension decreased, and his true nature emerged. He consumed his meal with less grace, audibly munching on the dishes.

Bianca frowned, her disgust more noticeable.

After three rounds of wine, Drake's caution waned. He patted his chest, assuring her, "Ms. Bianca, y-you're my savior! Hehe... I'm not one for fancy words, but I'll be there whenever you need me! I won't hesitate to help!"

"Really?" That's what she wanted to hear.

"Of course!" Drake pledged, burping. "You've been so kind to me. If I don't repay you... Hic! Can I still call myself a man?"

"Alright." She smiled. "I don't actually need your help. I just have a question for you."

"Hmm?"

"Who is Krystal Harding?"

Drake shook his head, sobering up slightly.

He looked at her skeptically, heart racing. 'She doesn't resemble Krystal's foolish child. Could it be... Lena changed her name for revenge?' he thought.

Suddenly, he stood up with wide eyes, nearly flipping the table.

His actions startled Bianca, and her bodyguards surrounded him.

"W-What are you doing?" she yelled.

"You're Lena?" He gritted his teeth. "I-I should be the one asking what you're doing! You're something else, changing your identity after running away and becoming some rich family's daughter? Have you forgotten who you are?"

Bianca listened, stunned.

The bodyguards pinned him down before he could cause further chaos. The intoxicated and unruly Drake struggled, creating a scene in the private room.

The bodyguards subdued him effortlessly. One even kicked the back of his knee, causing him to kneel before Bianca.

"You fool!" His eyes blazed with anger. "You're an ingrate! I raised you!"

Bianca widened her eyes, her disbelief hard to conceal. In the midst of the chaos, she signaled her bodyguards to escort her out, leaving Drake shouting from the room. Once things settled, the bodyguards escorted the battered man out.

Bianca patiently waited for him in the adjacent room. Her composure was back, and she grinned slyly.

"Seems like you had a bit too much to drink, Mr. Drake."

Drake trembled on the floor, one eye swollen shut. He gazed at her with the other, which betrayed his panic.

"Who did you call a fool?"

"I-I..."

"My name is Bianca, Bianca Mosley. I've held this name for over two decades. What's it to you?"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" He kept apologizing. "I am sorry, Ms. Bianca. It's entirely my fault. I got confused and scared you... I'm sorry!" Bianca chuckled. "An apology won't be enough to mend this."

"What?"

Chapter 1495

Chapter 1495

"From now on, you'll answer my questions honestly. Understand?"

Drake immediately agreed. He didn't want to die in an unfamiliar place, even if his life had little value.

Bianca raised her chin, her eyes revealing a cold gleam. "Tell me, who is Krystal Harding?"

"She's a human trafficker," he admitted, unable to lie.

Bianca frowned. "Who was the woman you mentioned earlier?"

"That's her daughter, Lena Harding."

"Lena Harding..." Bianca's mind raced. "Is she the one who brought the mountain kids to study in Centrolis?"

"Yes, that's her." He nodded vigorously. "Krystal used to do business in our town, so she sent her only daughter to me. She paid me regularly."

"So, Lena is your adopted daughter?"

"Yes." His voice grew hoarse. "But she... She ran away."

"Why did she run away?"

He bit his lip and remained silent.

Bianca had a hunch. She had witnessed him brutally beating his biological son that night. What had he done to his adopted daughter if he treated his flesh and blood so harshly?

However, she had uncovered the secret she had been eager to know. Lena was the daughter of a human trafficker.

She grinned, her face revealing her cunning.

She leaned in and fixed her gaze on him, her voice dripping with malice. "Mr. Dickinson, thank you for sharing this with me. You mentioned that you'd assist me with anything I require, correct?" He looked up shakily and nodded vigorously.

"I may need your assistance in the future." She signaled her bodyguards to escort him out. "Find him suitable accommodation, the best you can!"

It was three months before the final campaign. Harold was confident of victory but remained vigilant until the results were declared. He worked diligently every day, carefully monitoring the school. After all, the school project was his brainchild, and the mountain kids' involvement had contributed to his campaign's success.

Lena also visited the school to check on the kids' progress. As she walked through the halls, she heard lively reading sessions in one classroom and peals of laughter in an art studio. Approaching the studio, she saw Toph and Arya teaching art. They were covered in paint, but their infectious laughter filled the room.

She smiled, pleased with the decision to hire them as art instructors. Their vibrant energy brought warmth to everyone.

"Hey, look who's here the perfect couple!" A voice suddenly called out from behind.

She turned to see Elijah giggling. He peered into the studio and said, "Is Toph a flame? Because Arya seems to have found her match." "What did you just say?"

"Oh, nothing." Elijah chuckled. "I meant they're a 'mermaid' couple, perfect for each other."

Lena didn't know whether to laugh or sigh as she quickly ushered Elijah out of the building.

Chapter 1496

Chapter 1496

"What are you talking about?" Lena and Elijah strolled together on the field, enjoying the sun and sporting wide smiles.

"They're a fantastic pair. Why are you calling them mermaids?!"

"Yes, it's incredible." He squinted. "Toph and Arya look perfect together, no matter how you see it. They have similar family backgrounds, both are good-looking, their families have been friends for generations, and they share the same hobby. Okay, I was wrong. I should call them a match made in heaven!"

"Hmm, that's more like it."

"Looks like he's moved past his trauma?"

"I suppose so." Lena sighed. "Life goes on, and we have to look to the future."

"That's right. We can't dwell on the past. We need to learn to save ourselves!"

She was taken aback. Elijah had simply stated the truth, but she took it hard.

She couldn't help but think back to the long period of depression she endured after fleeing the village at just over ten years old. What she had been through had been cruel for a child. She wanted to save herself too, but she didn't know how.

She bit her lip hard, the pain jolting her out of her thoughts.

It was strange-why was she suddenly reminiscing about the past? She had seemed to put it behind her.

"Hey, are you daydreaming?" Elijah turned to her.

"Nothing." She forced a chuckle. "Oh, why are you everywhere? Shouldn't you be hard at work in the office?"

"It just means we're meant to be!"

"Umm..."

"Forget it. I'll tone down the jokes. Would your soldier friend come at me with his machine gun if I upset him?" "Mr. Chriss!"

"Okay, I'll stop now!" He burst into laughter, then suddenly turned serious. "Let's get serious. My father-in-law asked me to talk to you at the school today."

"What?"

"Let's have lunch together. He'd like to thank you in person!"

The lunch atmosphere was wonderful. There was no fake politeness politicians often indulged in. Instead, it was filled with the warmth of family.

Harold was friendly and charming. Elijah and Kasey took care of Nala, and the three of them radiated joy.

Lena noticed the genuine smiles on everyone's faces. There were no reporters there there was no need for a show. Yet, she felt their happiness was heartfelt. Elijah even sweetly reminded Kasey to avoid shrimp due to her allergies.

It seemed he was slowly accepting his wife now.

Lena smiled genuinely. She loved seeing people happy.

"Here's to you, Ms. Lena."

She was taken aback when she saw Harold stand up. She hastily set down her utensils, raised her glass, and bowed.

"I don't deserve it, sir. Let me propose a toast to you," she said.

"No." He smiled gently. "You were a tremendous help to me. How could I not thank you? The school charity project played a significant role in my campaign, and the kids you brought from the mountains are crucial to the project!"

"That's right." Elijah wiped his lips and smirked. "Don't be shy with my father-in-law, Ms. Harding. You deserve this toast!"

Harold's eyes were kind. "Here's to you."

Lena smiled and finished the wine in her glass, too.

The atmosphere kept improving. Nala would come to Lena from time to time, playfully asking her to feed her.

Chapter 1497

Chapter 1497

"Don't be rude, Nala!" Kasey swiftly reached for her daughter.

"Hey!" Nala rested her head on Lena's shoulder, "I really like my aunt!"

"Haha!" Harold placed his glass down. "I must admit, they do look like aunt and niece. Both beautiful. I hope Nala inherits Ms. Harding's calm charisma in the future." Lena blushed. "You're very kind, sir."

"Nala kept telling me how pretty her aunt is. I thought-"

Elijah coughed, interrupting Harold.

Kasey realized what was happening and quickly signaled her father.

Lena, however, remained oblivious, unsure of what they were discussing.

"What did you think?"

Harold's smile froze, and he changed the topic. "Well, I still have one more campaign to handle. It would be wonderful to have an exceptional student representative."

Elijah promptly agreed. "Absolutely. There are a few students I've noticed. They're quite talented. With the opportunities they're getting now, they'll have successful futures."

"Is Alexander one of them?" Harold asked.

"Without a doubt!" Elijah confirmed.

Lena's hand, clutching her fork, trembled. "Wait, you guys know Alexander? Is he... any good?"

Oblivious to her distress, Elijah continued. "Alexander is sharp. I've spoken to him during my school visits. He's very responsible. Although... he carries an air of maturity about him, as if he's had to grow up quickly due to a challenging life."

"He's only 11 or 12, right?" Kasey asked. "Yet he appears much younger, around eight or nine. Malnutrition-it's truly heartbreaking."

Kasey then said, "What's troubling you, Lena? Please, eat more."

Lena nodded, attempting to calm her racing thoughts.

Elijah whispered to her, "Hey, this hotel may be only four stars, but it offers many specialty dishes the Hamerton Group Hotel lacks!" She mustered a smile and helped herself to a slice of cake.

After they bid farewell, Lena intended to leave on her own.

But as she reached the hotel's entrance, she spotted someone not far away. She was stunned, her mind blank.

Time had aged the man further, yet it hadn't erased the darkness that clung to him.

In shock, she took two steps back, her ears seemingly deaf to the world's sounds, her heartbeat the only audible thing.

Drake...

It was Drake.

She nearly screamed.

Staggering, she tried to follow him, but he had already entered the hotel. She stared at the spot where he vanished, her knees trembling. She retreated and leaned against the wall, her breath heavy. Hadn't she left the village far behind? Hadn't she severed ties with her past when that plane took off? Why wouldn't this man release her?

She took deep breaths, forcing herself to calm down. At that moment, she had a chilling thought about Alexander.

Could it be that...

Alexander was Leo, and Drake had orchestrated his arrival in Centrolis? Was he trying to ruin her life?

She hugged herself tightly and sank to the ground in agony beside the road. The sun blazed overhead, but she shivered as she clung to herself.

Chapter 1498

Chapter 1498

Lena wandered the streets, her steps aimless, lost in thought.

Her mind drifted back to a night from years past.

The drunk and enraged Drake had been wreaking havoc at home. She had hidden there until the chaos subsided in the dead of night. Little did she know, as soon as she returned...

He covered her mouth, stretching his filthy hand into her clothes. Fear gripped her, and she trembled. The bastard's heavy breathing lingered in her ears, the air filled with a thick, disgusting stench. As he began to undress her, she struck back, her knee connecting with his groin.

He howled in pain, and she seized her chance, pushing him away and fleeing like a mad woman. She didn't return home that night, deciding to hide in the nearby forest. Occasional animal calls punctuated the darkness. She held herself, wanting to cry but unable to.

It was at that moment she first entertained the idea of running away...

Lena's heart ached as she stood by the street. She walked into a bar, her expression blank. The colorful lights reflecting on beer foam seemed like cruel taunts.

Late at night, Lena dragged her weary body back home. The apartment was shrouded in darkness. As she entered, the lights came on automatically. She gasped!

Before her lay a living room strewn with rose petals. In the center stood an exquisite two-tiered cake, atop it a sparkling crystal box.

For a moment, she was speechless and scanned the room. Then, strong arms enveloped her from behind.

The familiar scent of Chris brought her comfort.

"Do you like it?" He nuzzled her neck but soon frowned. "Have you been drinking?"

She hesitated briefly, then pushed him away with a smile.

"Lena..."

He began to speak but held his words.

He asked with a gentle smile, "Is this... too old-fashioned?"

"Hmm?" She gazed into his eyes.

In those eyes, she was everything. They were like stars, her entire world.

"I mean the cake and flowers." He tenderly patted her head. "I'm not well-versed in these things, in making a girl happy... Even if it's old-fashioned, it's the most romantic idea I could come up with. If you don't like it, I'll try harder. I'll think of an even more romantic way to make you smile!"

Lena's eyes welled up with tears.

Chris took her hand and guided her to the cake, urging her to open the box.

Inside lay a stunning diamond ring. Its unique cut radiated a myriad of colors as if it held eternity within that one-in-a-million pink diamond.

"Chris, you..." Lena looked at him in astonishment.

"I'm proposing."

She was considerably more sober now, her heart pounding.

"It's okay if you say no," he said, smiling softly. "I know I might not succeed on the first try, and I'm willing to be patient."

Chris stared at her bright eyes with utmost seriousness, holding the pink diamond ring. "I didn't plan this proposal for long-it was a bit rushed.

"Mainly because... this diamond is exceptionally rare. Pink diamonds are scarce, and finding one of this quality is even rarer. So, I bought it as soon as I saw it."

Chris held her hands, thumb caressing the back of her hand.

He was genuinely nervous.

He took a deep breath and asked her earnestly, "W-Will you marry me?"

Tears streamed down Lena's cheeks.

After a long silence, she asked, "Chris, aren't you going to ask me why I've been drinking?"

Chapter 1499

Chapter 1499

Chris was taken aback. "You're of legal drinking age, right?" he asked Lena.

She nodded.

"In other countries, 21 is the legal drinking age. Are you already 21?" Chris inquired.

Lena didn't understand why he brought this up. Her thoughts were a blur, but she nodded in agreement. "Yes, I am."

"Then why can't you drink?" Chris wondered.

Something sent a jolt through her heart as she gazed at him. His eyes were clear, filled with love and passion meant only for her.

"You silly goose," he said softly, caressing her cheeks. "Why can't you drink?"

"I..." She hesitated, uncertain of what to say. "Don't you think a good girl shouldn't drink?"

She believed that all men disliked their girlfriends drinking at bars. She assumed all men were possessive and controlling.

She expected him to question, scold, or give her the cold shoulder if he smelled alcohol on her.

But all he said was, "Why can't you drink?"

She looked at him with innocent eyes, her mind blank.

"Let me explain," Chris said as he hugged her gently. "You're of legal drinking age, and alcohol is just a beverage. It doesn't make you good or bad. If whether a girl drinks or not is the measure of her character it's unjustifiable and ridiculous.

"Of course, I'd like to know why you drank. I want to be there for you if you're in trouble or feeling stuck. But it's up to you whether you want to share it with me. I will not force you and will always be by your side."

"Chris..."

Lena couldn't hold back her tears any longer. She longed to tell him about her troubled past, about the person who had almost ruined her life, and show him her scars.

But when the words were at her lips, she lost her courage.

She gazed at the man before her in a daze. Fueled by alcohol, she tiptoed and kissed his lips...

Chris was astonished.

He held her waist in fear she might pull away and kissed her passionately, giving in to his desire. Rationality lost its grip on him.

They moved to the bedroom, and he gently placed her on the soft, spacious bed.

Their eyes locked, desire burning in their gaze...

His hand slowly slipped under her clothing.

But at that very moment, Lena's body tensed as if shocked. Her eyes widened, her face paled, and her breath quickened. After a moment of silence, she screamed and pushed him away.

"Lena?"

"No... Stay away from me!" She curled into a ball on the bed, arms wrapped tightly around her head.

"What's wrong, Lena?"

Chris inched closer, attempting to comfort her, but she suddenly slapped him hard. "Go away, don't touch me!"

He was at a loss.

Meanwhile, the stinging pain in her palm brought her back to reality. She looked at her hand and then at him, inhaling sharply.

Chapter 1500

Chapter 1500

"Lenny..." Chris cautiously approached her after a prolonged silence, sensing something was wrong. If she didn't want to talk about it, there was little anyone could do. Anxiety gripped him, but he had to restrain himself.

The slap didn't hurt much, but he was willing to endure it if it eased her distress.

Lena curled up, unable to meet his eyes, and repeatedly apologized, "I'm sorry, Chris. I'm so sorry."

"What's bothering you today?" Chris asked.

Lena hugged her head, shoulders trembling.

"Lenny, please tell me. I can help you!"

"I need some time alone."

Chris' hand, suspended mid-air, stopped just short of touching her head. That tiny distance became an insurmountable chasm the moment she spoke.

It felt like the world's greatest distance now separated them. Chris sighed deeply, eyes filled with pain. He reluctantly got off the bed, picked up his coat, glanced back at her, and walked away.

The sound of the door locking outside crushed Lena's heart. A sudden, painful sensation overwhelmed her, and tears streamed down her cheeks.

She didn't know how long she sat on the bed. When she finally calmed down, she quietly entered the living room. The two-tiered cake sat in the center, rose petals covering the floor. Chris' gift, the pink diamond ring, sparkled.

This should have been a beautiful, romantic evening, but time could never be turned back.

With red eyes, Lena tidied up. She sliced the cake and stored it in the refrigerator. She then carefully placed the diamond ring in a drawer and lay down on the carpet, exhausted.

A chill ran down her spine, but she closed her eyes, wishing she could sleep through it all and never wake up again.

When Bianca found Drake at the hotel, he was sneaking into the lobby with a bottle of cheap liquor. She called out to him, and he froze like a thief, turning to face her with an awkward smile.

Bianca noticed the bottle in his hand, the cheap kind one would find at a street-side store. She made a disdainful sound. Old habits died hard. She'd offered Drake wine worth thousands of dollars, but nothing compared to the raw intensity of cheap liquor in his eyes.

"Some people never change," Bianca mocked.

Drake didn't take offense and just nodded obsequiously.

"Ms. Bianca, are you here for me today?"

Bianca gave him a sidelong glance and gestured to the hotel's backyard. It was quiet there, and one surveillance camera was broken. They could talk privately without being noticed. "This is..." Drake looked at the photo Bianca handed him, clearly puzzled.

"This is a photo of the eldest Hamerton heir's child," Bianca said, smirking slightly. "This child's mother is none other than Ms. Pamela Thompson, the Thompson Group's decision maker."