Carmen's delicate features suddenly tightened as she frowned. "What are you implying?" she asked sharply.

He couldn't possibly think she was the type of woman who would sleep around indiscriminately, right? Yet the memory of her bold actions from the previous night, how she had brazenly flirted with Jayden Montgomery, made her question her own motives. Could she blame him for underestimating her?

Jayden watched the rollercoaster of emotions flicker across her face, barely parting his lips to speak. "Is it really that hard to understand? Let me demonstrate."

With that, he leaned in, his lips brushing against her neck before trailing down to her collarbone…

Carmen felt a wave of anxiety. But as Bo's words echoed in her mind, insisting she'd never find a man better than him, a fierce determination took over. She wrapped her arms around Jayden with newfound resolve, mirroring his movements by kissing his enticing throat and whispering in his ear, "Jayden, I've never been with Bo. You're my first."

Jayden's eyes sparked with intrigue. Was this her first kiss too?

In the next instant, he lifted Carmen, carrying her towards the bedroom. Though he wasn't often involved with women, he was far from celibate. He liked her, and she had come to him willingly. He wasn't about to let her slip away.

Inside the bedroom, clothes began to drop away one by one as the intimate mood intensified. Carmen found herself nervously licking her lips, captivated by the sight of Jayden standing before her—his tall frame, toned legs, and chiseled chest.

Suddenly, a ringtone broke the romantic ambiance, coming from the phone Carmen had casually discarded on the nightstand. Jayden's dark eyes flickered with annoyance.

Seeing her sister Sarah's name flashing on the screen, Carmen instinctively reached for it, but Jayden's firm hand intercepted hers and tossed the phone aside.

His voice was low and sultry against her ear, "I don't like interruptions when I'm busy."

"Jayden, I…" Carmen began, but her words were silenced by his irresistible kiss.

With each soft, lingering kiss, Carmen slowly surrendered to the moment…

An hour later, Jayden slipped into the bathroom, leaving Carmen sprawled on the bed, legs still trembling. Despite her exhaustion, the memory of their time together brought a blush to her cheeks. It hadn't been the rough experience she had feared—rather, it was tender, attuned to her emotions, guiding her to new heights of pleasure. She felt a sense of joy she'd never known before.

"Riiiiing!"

The phone on the floor rang again, insistently. Carmen pulled herself from beneath the covers, stumbled, but ignored the pain in her legs as she reached for it. Over forty missed calls—each from her sister, Sarah. Lost in the world with Jayden, she hadn't heard them earlier.

Taking a deep breath, Carmen dialed her sister back. "Sarah, why are you calling so late? Is something wrong?"

Her voice came out ragged and strained, catching her off guard.

"Carmen, where are you right now?" Sarah's voice on the other end quivered. "Did you… did you really go to a hotel with someone?"

Carmen hesitated but quickly realized that Lilly Hicks must have tattled to her sister, trying to sabotage her chance with Jayden. Had she answered her sister's calls earlier, she wouldn't have had her moment with Jayden, giving Lilly what she wanted.

Oddly, Carmen felt thankful that Jayden had tossed the phone aside. The experience had been a joyful revelation. She didn't feel like she had lost anything.

Sleeping with Jayden Montgomery was the aspiration of many in their social circle, and she had achieved it effortlessly.

"Sister," Carmen decided not to conceal the truth any longer. "I'm at a hotel with my boyfriend. No need to worry."

Jayden emerged from the bathroom just in time to hear her words. From his vantage point, he could see the graceful curve of her back and the elegance of her form, stirring something deep within him.

Her allure made him want more.

But he didn't want her first time to be marred by a negative aftermath. He tamped down his urges, returning to the bathroom again to cool off.

On the call, Sarah's voice cracked with emotion, "Carmen, since you split from Bo, there haven't been any other men. Why did you lie to me? Don't you know how important a woman's honor is? You might regret this forever!"

"Sarah, I'm sorry." Carmen's eyes teared up as she struggled to keep her voice steady. "I know lying was wrong, but I had my reasons. And I don't regret tonight. I'll take responsibility for my choices."

After hanging up, Carmen realized her whole body was trembling. Her family was everything, something she couldn't disregard. She knew her sister couldn't understand her decisions and was disappointed, but there were paths she had to walk, decisions she had to own.

"This card has five million dollars. You might need it," Jayden spoke in his deep, alluring voice from behind her.

Carmen turned to face him, stunned by the view—Jayden standing there with just a towel around his waist, his fit body gleaming in the light.

But her eyes quickly locked onto the credit card he held out, and her face drained of color. Her heart felt pierced by a painful thorn.

She had thought his gentleness in bed meant she was special to him, but now he seemed to see her as just another woman he'd bought.

They were all the same, she realized. Jayden's practiced moves indicated he did this often.

Yet, remembering her original reason for seeking him out, Carmen forced a thin smile. "Mr. Montgomery, I'm not here for money."

If Jayden could help her uncover the evidence of Winfrey International's plan against her family's company, it would bring justice for her father.

"Then why are you here?" Jayden's gaze chilled.

So she did have an agenda.

Carmen noticed the sarcasm lurking in his eyes but boldly held his gaze. "Jayden, I heard you work with Winfrey International. Could you possibly…”

“No,” Jayden cut her off sharply, "Five million—not enough?"

Did she intend to involve another man?

Carmen felt her heart constrict slightly. Perhaps she had overestimated herself. After a moment, she answered evenly, "If Mr. Montgomery won't assist, I won't press. As for the five million, keep it for yourself."

Momentarily forgetting her vulnerable state, Carmen dressed nonchalantly, radiating self-assurance.

Before leaving, she dug into her purse for some hundred-dollar bills and tossed them onto the bed. "But you were great. Consider this a tip."

With those words, she walked out without a backward glance.

Carmen Pierce left the hotel without a backward glance. Jayden Montgomery watched her disappearing figure, then looked at the hundred-dollar bills scattered on the bed, a complex expression flashing across his face. Despite the hardships her family was facing, she had rejected his five-million-dollar offer without hesitation.

Was her interest in him merely a tactic to sway a major player like Vanguard Inc.? She seemed different from the girl he used to know.

By the time Carmen made it out of the hotel, her legs still trembling, it was already 1:00 AM. Gazing at the empty street, her emotions broke free, and she crouched down, sobbing softly.

What she'd thought was a transaction of intimacy had turned into nothing but degradation. Under the dim streetlight, her shadow stretched out, long and alone.

"Young lady, why are you sitting here crying all by yourself? Did something happen?" asked an older woman, a street cleaner, as she approached, unable to ignore Carmen's distress.

Through tear-filled eyes, Carmen looked up at the woman, her voice thick with emotion, "My father was wrongfully imprisoned, and now my sister and I are barely holding on. Everyone just wants us to fail. I feel like I'm about to break."

For the past year, Carmen had kept up a brave front for the world, but she was suffocating under the pressure. Confiding in a stranger might be the only way she could truly express her despair.

The woman offered comforting words, "Life is full of challenges, dear. No one's life is perfect, but every hardship is a chance to grow and move forward. Stay strong. It will get better."

Since the troubles began, those around Carmen either mocked or abandoned her. She never expected a stranger to offer the encouragement she so desperately needed. Maybe, she thought, kindness still existed in the world.

Wiping her tears, Carmen nodded firmly, "Thank you, ma'am. I will get through this."

Indeed, every challenge was a stepping stone. If her first attempt to win over Jayden had failed, she'd find other ways to succeed. If all else failed, she'd win him over in other ways. She could tell he was intrigued by her.

By the time Carmen hurried back to her rented apartment, it was already 2:00 AM. She opened the door to find her sister, Fiona, sitting on the couch. Fiona wore a thin camisole, her typically lively face looking pale, and her eyes were red and puffy, as if she'd been crying.

Carmen hesitated briefly before approaching her sister, asking softly, "Fiona, what brings you here?"

"Who was that guy?" Fiona asked, her voice gentle yet firm. Despite their current situation, she always remained composed, never raising her voice with Carmen.

But as Carmen met her sister's disappointed gaze, she felt a pang of guilt, like her heart was being crushed.

"Jayden Montgomery," Carmen admitted, not intending to hide anything.

Fiona's expression grew more serious, "Carmen, do you know what kind of man Jayden Montgomery is? Getting involved with him could bring you unforeseen trouble."

Carmen replied calmly, "Fiona, I found out that the person who framed Dad has connections with Montgomery Enterprises. I need to get close to Jayden to uncover the truth for Dad."

Fiona interrupted, her eyes brimming with tears, "But Carmen, I don't want you to sacrifice your happiness. You deserve to find a man who truly loves you, to lead a peaceful life. That's my wish and Dad's wish too, you understand?"

"True love?" Carmen scoffed, as if it were a joke, "What is love worth? How many unfaithful lovers have there been throughout history? Just like you and Ben Castleton..."

The room went silent for a moment. Fiona trembled slightly, recalling how she once thought marrying Ben would be her lifelong happiness, only to be left disgraced.

How could she judge Carmen when she had no right to?

"I'm sorry, Fiona..." Carmen regretted her words, realizing she had hit her sister's sore spot.

"Carmen, you're right," Fiona said softly, "But because of my own unhappy marriage, I don't want you to go down the same path. Jayden Montgomery is not someone you should get involved with. Promise me, don't continue this relationship."

Carmen dodged the subject, "Fiona, I'm tired. I need a bath."

With those words, she turned and left, unwilling to burden her sister any further. She had chosen this path, and she would see it through, no matter how tough it got.

Suddenly, her phone, resting on the coffee table, buzzed with an incoming message.

"Carmen, please, listen to me..." Fiona called out, picking up the phone. As she did, an automatic video began to play.

It showed her husband, Ben Castleton, involved with another woman.

Suddenly, Carmen Pierce felt a sharp pain in her abdomen, and a warm liquid began to trickle down her legs.

"Help me, Carmen..."

In the bathroom, Carmen, already feeling uneasy, was startled by her sister’s urgent cry for help. She rushed out immediately. Seeing the steady flow of blood pouring from her sister's legs, she shakily picked up her phone and dialed emergency services: "This is 911, right? My sister's bleeding badly. Please come quickly to Liberty Street in Southside."

Four o'clock in the morning.

In the maternity ward.

Carmen sat by the hospital bed, watching her sister, who had fallen into an exhausted sleep. The doctor’s words echoed relentlessly in her mind: "I'm sorry, but we couldn't save the baby."

Tears welled up in Carmen’s eyes. The child her sister had tried so hard to keep was gone. Was this fate?

Hesitating, Carmen took out her phone and dialed Nathaniel's number. After a few rings, a woman’s sweet voice answered on the other end: "Who is calling at this hour? Don’t you know Nathaniel and I are trying to sleep?"

Carmen hung up without saying a word. That jerk Nathaniel wasn’t good enough for her sister!

When her sister finally woke up, it was already nine o'clock the next morning.

The first thing she saw upon opening her eyes was Carmen, dozing beside her. She couldn’t help but call out softly, "Carmen?"

Carmen immediately sat up straight at the sound and, pretending as if nothing had happened, smiled and said, "Sis, you’re awake. Are you hungry? I’ll get you something to eat."

She intended to wait until her sister was emotionally stable before telling her about the miscarriage.

But her sister calmly asked, "Carmen, is my baby gone?"

Carmen had expected her sister to be heartbroken and devastated, but she didn’t shed a single tear.

"Don’t worry," Carmen whispered in comfort, "you’ll have more children in the future."

With a bitter smile, her sister replied, "Future? Nathaniel and I don’t have a future."

The baby had been the only link left between her and Nathaniel. Now that the child was gone, how could there be a future?

Her sister's calmness made Carmen uneasy. "Sis?"

"Carmen, can you help me find a lawyer?" her sister suddenly changed the topic.

Carmen frowned. "Why do you need a lawyer?"

Her sister lowered her gaze, hiding her emotions. "It's time to divorce Nathaniel."

Carmen was taken aback. She had tried countless times to persuade her sister to let go of the marriage, only to be met with resistance. And now, suddenly, she wanted a divorce? Was it because of the child they lost?

But Carmen chose not to question further and simply nodded. "Alright. I’ll find the best lawyer for you!"

In the past, her sister had done everything she could to take care of and protect her. From now on, Carmen would be her sister’s strongest support!

As Carmen stepped out of the maternity ward, she spotted two familiar figures not far away. It was Ellianna Moreno and Bo Montgomery, her former fiancé and her ex-best friend.

Carmen had no intention of engaging with them and turned to leave.

But Ellianna, with a sweet voice, called out to her, "Carmen, what are you doing at the hospital? Are you feeling unwell?"

Carmen stopped in her tracks and turned around to look at the woman before her, who pretended to be gentle and concerned, masking her true nature.

Ellianna used to act all innocent and caring, making Carmen believe she was a genuine friend. Only later did she realize the kind of deceit that lay beneath that façade—the same friend who had been secretly involved with the unfaithful Bo Montgomery all along!

With a cold smirk, Carmen replied, "This is the maternity ward. What do you think I’m doing here?"

"Are you pregnant?" Bo’s expression darkened, and his gaze became sharper.

He and Carmen had been together for over two years, and he had never even kissed her. And now, barely a year after their breakup, she was pregnant? Had her former elegance all been an act?

Ellianna’s eyes briefly flashed with something unreadable, but she maintained a look of concern. "Carmen, I haven’t heard about you having a boyfriend. Whose child is it?"

Suddenly, Ellianna feigned shock, covering her mouth. "You didn’t... get involved with someone wealthy, did you?"

Carmen’s eyes were cold as she swept her gaze over Ellianna, her red lips curving upward slightly. "Does it concern you?"

As she spoke, Carmen’s refined and captivating face exuded an untouchable superiority, no longer bearing any trace of the fallen heiress she once was.

Ellianna clenched her fingers tighter, her gaze darkening. She had waited so long for Carmen’s downfall, to finally step over her. Yet Carmen had found herself a wealthy patron? Did she think a rich old man would impress Ellianna?

Ellianna struck a pose as if they were still the best of friends. "Carmen, how could you do something so beneath you?"

Carmen chuckled lightly. "Even at my lowest, I’m better than those who rummage through garbage—or rather, steal garbage."

The emphasis on "steal" was drawn out deliberately, making Bo’s face darken instantly.

Did she just imply he was trash?

Unperturbed, Ellianna reached into her designer purse and pulled out an invitation, handing it to Carmen. "Next Friday is Bo and my engagement party. We hope you’ll come."

Carmen took the invitation with an expressionless face and a seductive smile. "Rest assured, I’ll be there promptly."

And with that, she walked away, her every step proud and unyielding under their meaningful gazes.

Watching Carmen's retreating figure, Ellianna deliberately teased Bo, "Bo, I didn’t expect Carmen to be a kept woman. How could she stoop so low?"

She kept her eyes on Bo’s to see his reaction.

Bo casually wrapped an arm around Ellianna’s waist, unfazed. "Ellianna, I no longer have any ties to her. You said you weren't feeling well, remember? Let’s go see the doctor."

Seeing her desired reaction, a satisfied smile played on Ellianna’s lips.

Elsewhere, Carmen thought she would feel sad or upset by seeing Bo and Ellianna. But she didn’t. Instead, they left her feeling disgusted and nauseated.

Leaving the hospital, Carmen headed straight to a law firm. She hadn’t anticipated running into Jayden Montgomery and Reece Morrison on her way out. They had just stepped out of a sleek, black Mercedes, flanked by two bodyguards in black suits.

Jayden, still wearing the same black trench coat from last night, exuded an air of command and resolve, displaying no emotion as he strode purposefully in her direction.

There was no denying that the man carried a formidable presence that demanded attention.

No wonder people in the city referred to him as the "Grim Reaper."

Carmen contemplated whether to greet him, but Jayden didn’t spare her so much as a glance as he passed her, heading into the law firm, his demeanor cold as if she were a stranger.

Carmen forced a smile, feeling a twinge of bitterness.

What was she expecting, really? Apart from the night they had shared, weren’t they merely strangers?

Before entering the law firm, Reece gave Carmen a curious glance. Not because of anything else, but because of her excessively beautiful face.

If the Pierce family hadn’t lost everything, he couldn’t imagine what sort of man would be worthy of such a remarkable woman.

Unfortunately, the Pierce family had fallen, and their glory was no more.

"Jayden," Reece queried with a hint of mischief as he caught up with Jayden’s stride, "what did you think of that girl just now?"