Night had fallen over the Sullivan estate, wrapping the sprawling property in a quiet darkness. The occasional sound of cutlery against fine china mixed with soft conversation and laughter around the dining table.

Madeline quickly settled into the lively atmosphere. Surrounded by people she had known since childhood, she enjoyed the warmth of the gathering. The familiar faces, the elegant surroundings, and the sense of belonging made her feel completely at home.

Yet despite the cheerful mood, one person stood out from the rest. Marcus sat among his family, but his attention wasn't on the meal. He barely touched the food in front of him. The calm expression he usually wore was strained, and the tension lingering around him was impossible to miss.

The reason was painfully simple. Emma was gone.

She had left with Isaiah Turner, and her sudden departure had left behind an emptiness that Marcus refused to acknowledge.

She hadn't taken a single thing, not the twenty million dollars he had offered her or the villa that would have guaranteed her a comfortable future. She walked away with nothing, as though everything he had tried to give her was something she couldn't wait to leave behind.

As Marcus remained unusually quiet, Henry Sullivan finally noticed.

"Where's Emma?" he asked. "Why isn't she here for dinner?"

The question struck Marcus harder than he expected. His fingers tightened slightly around his utensils. Lowering his eyes, he concealed the emotions stirring beneath the surface before answering in an even tone.

"We signed the divorce papers today. I'll handle the remaining procedures as soon as possible."

Henry froze in place. The glass in his hand stopped halfway to his mouth as shock spread across his face.

"Divorce?" Henry's voice rose instantly. "What are you talking about, Marcus? Why would you divorce her?"

Before he could press further, Megan Quinn, Marcus' stepmother, spoke up. A tired sigh escaped her as she looked around the table.

"Henry, I told you this would happen sooner or later. Marcus and Emma were never right for each other. Your father was the one who insisted on this marriage. That girl spent three years trapped in a relationship that never made her happy. Since she's decided to leave, maybe it's best to let her go. Honestly, this might be the best outcome for everyone. After all, you've always known Marcus never stopped loving Rose."

Henry's expression darkened.

"Marcus!" he said sternly. "Marriage isn't something you throw away whenever you feel like it. Emma is your wife. You can't just..."

A look of irritation crossed Marcus's face.

"Father, the divorce papers have already been signed. Emma has moved out of this house. This matter is over."

The sound of mocking laughter echoed through the room. Caroline, Marcus's half-sister, couldn't resist adding her opinion, "Well, that's unexpected. Who would've guessed that country girl would actually walk out? What's her plan now? Is she trying to make everyone feel sorry for her? Maybe she's going to tell the world that the Sullivan family treated her badly."

The moment those words left her mouth, Marcus's expression turned cold.

"That's enough, Caroline!"

Sensing the tension rising, Henry quickly stepped in.

"Marcus, you're rushing into this. Your grandfather's health is already fragile. Have you thought about how you're going to explain this to him? Do you really want to anger him in his condition?"

Marcus met his father's gaze without the slightest hesitation.

"I'll tell him exactly what happened. And while I'm at it, I'll tell him that Rose and I are getting married next month."

The dining room fell silent. A cold tension settled over the table as everyone absorbed his words.

Seated beside him, Madeline slowly lifted her eyes to look at him.

The determination on his face, the certainty in his voice, and the way he stood by his decision without wavering made her heart race. She couldn't stop staring at him.

Henry, however, looked as though he had been struck.

"This is ridiculous! Have you thought about what people will say when this gets out? You've been married for three years. Everyone will accuse you of abandoning your wife!"

Marcus didn't react.

"I couldn't care less what anyone thinks. I never loved Emma."

"Henry... please don't be angry with Marcus." Madeline's voice was gentle and filled with guilt. She leaned her head against Marcus's shoulder and let out a quiet sigh.

"This is all because of me. I shouldn't have come back. I'll leave for Meridan at dawn tomorrow. Marcus, you should return to Emma. I don't want to be the reason your marriage falls apart..."

Before she could continue, Marcus tightened his hold on her hand.

"Rose, stop blaming yourself. Emma and I are finished. That won't change. You've spent three years waiting for me, and I'm not going to make you wait any longer."

Outside the manor, the night wind drifted through the trees, carrying the faint rustle of leaves.

Far from the Sullivan estate, Emma, now Clara once more, was enjoying an entirely different evening.

Isaiah had taken her aboard a luxury yacht sailing across Moon River. The vessel moved smoothly through the water while dazzling city lights stretched across both banks, painting the night with a breathtaking glow.

"Ash, are you seriously trying to make me lose my mind? You brought me to the most romantic place in the entire city!" Clara laughed and glanced around at the countless couples gathered across the deck.

"Everyone comes here... I don't understand why you brought me."

A faint smile appeared on Isaiah's face.

"That's exactly the point. This is where everyone comes to show off how happy they are, and I brought you here without a second thought."

Then he let out an amused chuckle. "If you want to thank someone, thank Ethan. He's the one who promised the fireworks would start at exactly eight o'clock."

Isaiah checked the time on his watch. "Five... four... three... two... one..."

The next second, a deafening boom echoed across the river. Brilliant fireworks exploded overhead, painting the night sky in dazzling shades of red and gold. The crowd erupted into excited cheers as couples stopped to admire the breathtaking display.

Clara tried to act unimpressed, but the sight still touched her heart.

Isaiah laughed. "I have to admit, he did a pretty good job this time. Remember the weird presents he used to give you every year? Compared to those, this is a huge improvement."

As he spoke, he draped an arm around Clara's shoulders. The familiar warmth and quiet sense of protection made her chest tighten, and for the first time that day, the ache in her heart eased slightly as she leaned into her brother's comforting presence.

At the same time, a black sedan came to a stop near the dock. Marcus stepped out first, with Madeline's hand held firmly in his. A cool breeze swept across the waterfront, causing Madeline to lean closer against him.

"Marcus, look!" Her eyes brightened as she pointed toward the sky. "It's beautiful!"

Madeline possessed a natural innocence that had always drawn him in. Looking at her now, Marcus found himself making an unavoidable comparison. Emma had never made him feel that way. Three years of marriage had brought him nothing but quiet obedience and unquestioning compliance. It was nothing compared to what he felt whenever he was with Madeline.

A moment later, the fireworks shifted. Brilliant lights spread across the sky and formed two glowing words. "Happy Birthday!"

Madeline let out a soft sigh.

"This is incredible... I wonder who the lucky person is that's receiving something like this."

Marcus's jaw tightened.

Today was Emma's birthday.

And there was no need to guess who had arranged such a grand surprise.

Isaiah.

Just then, a familiar voice rose above the noise around them.

A yacht slowly passed by the dock, and the moment Marcus looked toward it, he spotted Emma standing on the deck beside Isaiah.

Madeline's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait... isn't that Emma?" she asked. "And the man beside her... doesn't he look familiar? They seem awfully close."

Marcus's expression darkened, and his grip tightened around the railing as anger surged through him. Just hours ago, Emma had been crying in front of him. Now she was standing beside another man.

As the yacht reached the dock, Isaiah helped Clara step ashore.

A commanding voice then cut through the noise.

"Emma Brooks!"

Clara froze. She knew who it was before she even turned around. Marcus was already walking toward her, his tall figure imposing beneath the dim lights.

Thirteen years of devotion had fallen apart. The only thing left behind was indifference.

"Who is this man?" Marcus demanded coldly.

Isaiah remained calm. "Mr. Sullivan," he replied. "Have you forgotten me already? We've met many times through business. If I remember correctly, we're competitors."

Marcus ignored him completely and kept his eyes on Emma.

"Answer me."

Clara met his gaze without flinching.

"We're divorced, Mr. Sullivan. What I do with my life is no longer your concern."

The words struck Marcus hard. Emma had never spoken to him like that before.

"The divorce isn't finalized yet, and you're already running into another man's arms?"

Isaiah's expression darkened, but Clara motioned for him to stay out of it. Then she turned back to Marcus, carrying herself with a confidence she had never shown before.

"If anyone knows a thing or two about impatience, it's you, isn't it? "You brought your lover into our home before our divorce was even finalized. I kept my mouth shut. So what right do you have to tell me how to live my life?"

The breeze lifted her dark hair, and a mocking smile curved her red lips. She looked breathtaking, fierce, and completely untamed. For the first time, Marcus found himself with nothing to say.

Not far away, Madeline finally spotted Marcus. The moment she saw him standing with Clara and Isaiah, jealousy flared inside her. She hurried over, but before she could reach them, she lost her balance. A cry broke through the night.

"Marcus! I hurt my foot!"

The moment he heard her voice, Marcus went to her immediately.

But by the time he looked back, Clara and Isaiah had already disappeared into the crowd.

Night had settled over Hatchbay by the time the Rolls-Royce glided through the towering gates of Yara Park. Soft lights stretched along the driveway and reflected off the polished body of the car as it made its way toward the family manor. A red carpet had been laid out before the brightly illuminated estate, giving the scene the feel of a grand welcome prepared for a celebrity's return. Waiting at the end of it stood a tall man bathed in warm light. Ethan Turner, the family's second son, made no effort to hide his eagerness. As soon as the car stopped, he strode forward, opened the door himself, and offered his hand with exaggerated elegance to the woman he had always considered the true princess of the family.

"Welcome home, Princess!" he called out, unable to contain his excitement.

Clara stepped out with effortless grace, the heels of her stilettos tapping softly against the red carpet. She had traded her sneakers for something more refined during the drive, and now she carried herself with the confidence of a queen returning to her rightful place. Light from the outdoor chandeliers brushed across her features and drew attention to the quiet confidence in her expression.

"Ax, you're looking well," she said with a small smile.

"I'm doing fine, but honestly, I don't think I've ever been this happy. You're finally home!" Ethan said as he pointed upward with obvious excitement. "Did you see the fireworks? That was my birthday present for you. And the best part is that it's already blowing up online!"

His excitement was written all over his face.

"I know," Clara replied as she folded her arms, amusement flickering in her eyes. "People are already calling you a wealthy guy with too much free time who's willing to do anything to show off. That's quite an image you've built for yourself, don't you think?"

She finished with a light clap and a laugh. Ethan, however, wasn't in the mood to joke. Dropping all pretenses, he wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. The force behind the embrace revealed just how much he had worried while she was away.

"Promise me you won't leave again, Clara..."

Clara let out a quiet sigh and gently patted his back.

"Where would I even go now? My marriage is over, and there's nothing tying me down anymore."

A trace of sadness crossed her face.

After a brief pause, she spoke again in a softer voice. "I honestly believed I could make that marriage work. I gave it everything I had... But no matter how hard I tried, it still fell apart."

Pain lingered beneath her words. Even so, she refused to let the tears gathering in her eyes spill over. The day she walked away from Tideview Manor, she promised herself she would never cry over Marcus again. A man who could betray her so easily wasn't worth a single tear.

Ethan's expression darkened, and anger flared in his voice.

"That bastard! How dare he cheat on my sister? Tomorrow, I'm having Sullivan Corporation investigated from top to bottom. And if our fourth brother finally decides to show himself, he can handle Marcus personally."

From his spot nearby, Isaiah finally opened his eyes and muttered, "Amen!"

"Ethan!"

Clara shook her head and let out a helpless laugh. "Have you forgotten that you're a prosecutor? Stop acting like some revenge-obsessed vigilante. You should learn from Ash. At least he talks about forgiveness and keeping the peace."

"Keeping the peace?" Ethan scoffed. "Our eldest brother only started acting like a saint after leaving his gangster days behind. You're asking the wrong person if you expect that from me. No matter what, I'm never letting Marcus off the hook. The Sullivans should start worrying, because they're officially on my list now."

With one brother on each side, Clara crossed the threshold of the family home. It had been years since she last walked through those doors.

Meanwhile, Walter Turner, the head of the Turner family and president of KS Group, had just received word that his daughter had returned. The news immediately brightened his face. Unable to hide his excitement, he paced around his study like a young man who couldn't sit still.

"Walter, I'm back!"

Clara's voice rang out as she entered the room with Ethan and Isaiah beside her. The moment she stepped inside, she dropped every trace of the restraint she had been forced to maintain at the Sullivan residence. Without a second thought, she flopped onto the couch, slipped off her heels, and stretched her legs out in front of her. Isaiah settled beside her and immediately began rubbing her sore feet.

"Just look at this..." Walter complained with a frown. "Is this a family gathering or some kind of public charity event?"

Despite the annoyance in his voice, his heart was anything but calm. Every reunion with Clara seemed destined to turn into an argument. He had spent years missing her, yet the moment she returned, they slipped right back into their usual bickering.

"Seriously, Dad? Has your brain already deteriorated with age?" Clara shot back, pretending to be offended. "I've been sitting like this my whole life. I didn't suddenly pick up the habit after leaving."

As her eyes wandered around the office, they eventually landed on the wall behind him. The sight made her pause.

A framed poem hung there, preserved with surprising care. She had written it more than ten years ago during the height of her rebellious teenage years. Back then, she had penned it solely to mock her father after he announced his third marriage.

"Trying to outdo a modern Henry VIII?"

"Let's hope your heart can survive it!"

"Just remember, one day you'll answer for all of this."

The words had been filled with youthful defiance when she first threw them at him. Yet after all these years, Walter had kept them.

Walter Turner, a man who had been married four times and whose personal life had fueled endless gossip throughout the city.

Back then, Clara couldn't accept his polygamous lifestyle. That disagreement eventually pushed her to leave home and join international humanitarian organizations, determined to build a life that followed a completely different path.

"Do you even realize what you're saying?" Walter snapped. "You've been gone for three years, and the moment you come back, you're cursing me and suggesting I have Alzheimers!"

"That's quite the welcome speech," Clara replied with an innocent smile.

"Dad," Isaiah said, his voice steady. "Now that Clara has returned, we need to move forward with certain plans."

The seriousness in his tone immediately drew everyone's attention.

"I've made my decision. I'm stepping down as CEO of KS Group, and I want Clara to take over my position."

The room instantly fell silent.

Clara stared at him in shock, clearly not expecting those words.

"You what?!" Walter barked, so surprised that he struggled to process what he had just heard.

Isaiah remained calm. "I only agreed to run the company for three years. That was the arrangement from the beginning, and those three years are over now. My heart was never in business. I want to return to the church and dedicate myself to becoming a pastor."

The determination in his eyes left no room for debate.

Walter's jaw tightened as he fought back his frustration.

"Fine! If you won't do it, then Ethan will!"

"Not happening!" Ethan blurted out as he quickly took a step back. "I'm a magistrate, Dad. The law doesn't allow me to get involved in running a corporation. Unless you're trying to get my career destroyed, you can forget it."

Walter felt another headache coming on. He had several children who could inherit the family business, yet not one of them seemed interested in taking it over. He was getting older, he wanted nothing more than to retire, and still the problem remained unresolved.

Clara sat up straighter, and a confident smile spread across her red lips.

"Who decided the successor has to be a son? I'll do it. I'll take over as CEO."

Walter let out a humorless laugh.

"You make it sound so easy. Running a multinational corporation isn't some game you can master overnight. You're impulsive, stubborn, and impossible to predict. The moment things don't go your way, you disappear without a word and stay gone for years. How am I supposed to trust you with the future of this family?"

His words struck a nerve. Clara lowered her gaze for a moment, unable to deny the hurt she had caused by leaving. Even now, guilt lingered in her heart.

Before she could respond, Isaiah spoke up without hesitation and defended her.

"Dad, it was Clara who pulled the company through the financial crisis four years ago. And during the acquisition of Walter Group, she worked harder than anyone. You know better than the rest of us that she has the ability, composure, and determination needed to lead."

Ethan nodded and, for once, set aside his usual joking attitude.

"You've always said talent is the most valuable asset a person can find. Well, the most capable person is already standing in front of you, and she happens to be your daughter."

Walter didn't answer right away. The room remained quiet as he considered their words. Eventually, he let out a slow breath and gave in, though it was obvious he wasn't entirely convinced.

"Fine. You want the position, Clara? Then prove you're worthy of it."

Authority filled his eyes as he continued.

"For your birthday, I'm giving you an assignment. Starting next week, you'll take charge of KS World Hotel in Savrow. You have six months to renovate it and turn it into a profitable operation. If you can accomplish that, the CEO position will be yours."

A surge of energy rushed through Clara.

She lifted her chin, and determination blazed in her eyes.

Later, after they left the study, her brothers casually slung their arms over her shoulders as they walked together.

"God tends to reserve the hardest tests for the strongest people," Isaiah said quietly.

"And as for you, you'll need to fix the mess at that hotel before you start setting your sights on anything bigger," Ethan said with a dramatic sigh.

Clara tightened her fists, and a victorious smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. "Pressure has never scared me," she declared. "If anything, it only pushes me to shine brighter."

Her brothers looked at each other and immediately understood what the other was thinking.

A second later, both of them laughed. Their laughter carried equal parts admiration and relief. "Then go prove it, Clara... Show us what the future looks like."