As night settled over Florence, the city's shimmering lights captivated Lyla Greene from the car window. She eagerly rolled it down, relishing the fresh air after feeling trapped in Cameron Carlson's mansion for far too long.

Cameron drove in silence, occasionally glancing at Lyla through the rearview mirror. She seemed lost in a perfect daydream, free from burdens, worries, or animosity. Her eyes held a longing for the outside world, a side of her that Cameron found spellbinding.

"Why are you staring at me?" Lyla suddenly asked, sensing the intensity of his gaze. Her cheeks warmed as she turned to meet his fiery eyes.

Thrown off by her question, Cameron felt a twinge of guilt at being caught. He awkwardly looked away, clearing his throat to hide his embarrassment.

"When we get to your family's home, follow my lead. If you get too emotional and cause a scene, you're on your own—don't say I didn't warn you," Cameron said, his voice returning to its usual aloofness.

Lyla simply shrugged, turning back to the window. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," she muttered under her breath, clenching her fists and closing her eyes, trying to shut out the world outside.

Despite Cameron's swift driving, they arrived at the Greene family's residence to find the driveway crowded with luxury cars. They waited a couple of minutes for a parking spot. Unfazed by the valet's lack of recognition, Cameron courteously opened Lyla's door, inviting her out of the car with a rare tenderness that made her wary. Hesitantly, she placed her hand in his.

As she was drawn into Cameron's familiar embrace, his scent disoriented her, and her breath caught.

"Mrs. Carlson, keep it together—this isn't our bedroom," Cameron teased, nibbling playfully at her ear. He delighted in provoking Lyla, enjoying the unease it caused her.

"Let go of me!" Lyla demanded as the crowd around them began to grow. Not wanting to draw attention, she tried to pull away and head toward the house.

"Mrs. Carlson, wait—you forgot something," Cameron said, pulling her back and wrapping an arm around her waist with a mischievous grin.

"Cameron, what are you doing? We’re in front of everyone!" Lyla protested. But before she could finish, Cameron kissed her. She was taken aback; he was kissing her in front of everyone.

"Because I want everyone to know you're my Lyla," Cameron murmured, brushing her nose playfully. "You've been away from home since marrying me, and now you're back without even wearing your wedding ring. Your father would be disappointed if he saw."

From his pocket, Cameron produced a small, ornate box. He opened it to reveal a dazzling diamond ring, slipping it onto her finger amidst the crowd's gasps.

"Cameron, what is this?" Lyla's eyes widened, bewildered by the sudden attention. This was the first time he had given her a ring, let alone one so extravagant.

Facing his determined gaze, Lyla realized he had planned this from the start. She knew better than to question him further; he might do something even bolder. Silently, she dropped the subject, allowing Cameron to lead her by the hand into the house.

Cameron's presence created a stir at the Greene family gathering. The guests were awestruck, eagerly approaching him. As the head of Pure Wing, the famous jewelry empire, Cameron Carlson was renowned for his sharp business skills and striking good looks, making him the most sought-after bachelor. His arrival had single-handedly elevated the event to its peak.

Thanks to Cameron, Lyla also found herself in the spotlight.

"Jude! If you want to leave, go, but I won't," Lyla declared, ignoring Jude Holmes' pleas. She hurried to Emerie Adams, drawn by the strong scent of blood. Kneeling beside the woman, she gently lifted her, horrified at the blood-soaked face. "Emerie, wake up! It's Lyla. You hate me, don't you? Here I am. Get up and yell at me!"

Lyla didn't care about past wrongs; she just wanted Emerie to wake up. As cruel as Emerie had been, Lyla couldn’t bring herself to harbor resentment.

"Lyla..." Emerie groaned in agony, Lyla's voice piercing through her haze.

"Yes, it's me! Don't move, just talk to me. The ambulance is on its way," Lyla cried with relief at the response. Her mind was singularly focused on saving Emerie.

Emerie's barely-there consciousness didn't stop her from expressing bitterness, "Lyla, you must be happy now, seeing me like this."

"Emerie, stop it! We don’t have to fight anymore. You're my sister, no matter what. Please, just hold on," Lyla begged, tears flowing freely.

"You're a fool..." Emerie murmured, touched by Lyla's sincerity. As she lay there, she couldn't help but feel the warmth from their shared past—something she hadn’t felt since her parents' tragic accident.

"You don’t hate me? After everything?" Emerie asked, her defenses crumbling.

"I've never hated you. I understand your pain and resentment. Let’s be sisters again, okay?" Lyla pleaded, clutching Emerie tighter as her strength waned.

"I'm sorry for everything. I deserve this," Emerie confessed, her voice fading as she surrendered to her fate.

"I have a son... just six months old. He... he's innocent. Promise me, Lyla, go to the orphanage, look after him. Don't let him know about me," Emerie begged with what little strength she had left.

"I promise, I will," Lyla assured, her heart breaking for the child Emerie would leave behind.

"Thank you... And one last thing... Chaim... it wasn't..." Emerie struggled to speak, desperate to reveal the truth about Chaim Greene’s death. But before she could finish, a violent cough wracked her body, and she passed away in Lyla’s arms, leaving her words unspoken.

"Emerie, no! Wake up!" Lyla screamed, holding the lifeless body. Emerie's death felt like the world collapsing around her.

"She’s gone," Jude observed from a distance, knowing Lyla's compassion would drag her into deep grief.

From afar, Cameron watched Lyla through the car window. This woman, who had been absent from his life for days, was crying. And he was the reason for her pain.

Lyla felt darkness closing in. Cameron knew about Keily, their child, but what would he do?

Sitting by the bed, Lyla watched the sleeping Keily, gently stroking his head. She had protected him with all her heart, understanding all too well the challenges he had faced since birth.

At times, Lyla blamed herself, wishing she had been stronger to reject this fate. But in the quiet moments when Keily whispered "Mommy" in his sleep, her resolve to protect him strengthened.

"Mommy, help... the witch... bad people," Keily murmured, stirring anxiously, causing Lyla to worry about his nightmares.

"Keily, what's wrong?" Lyla whispered, leaning closer to hear him better.

"Lyla, we should leave with Keily now," Jude urged, having heard enough to know the danger Keily faced, especially from Destiny Holmes.

"But where can we go, Jude? He knows Keily is with Skyler. Where else can we hide?" Lyla asked, her voice laced with fear.

"We don't have to stay in Italy. Let’s go back to Florence," Jude suggested after much thought.

Lyla decided not to head to the police station, knowing Cameron wouldn’t stay there overnight. Even if he were in trouble, he’d find a way out.

She arrived at Cameron's villa, the door unlocking automatically as if expecting her. Shaking her head at the elaborate surveillance, she laughed dryly.

"Mrs. Carlson, you're here. The master just returned," Lennox Hill greeted her, relieved by her return. He had been worried since she left abruptly.

Lyla smirked at the thought of Cameron escaping yet another sticky situation. Her initial concern morphed into amusement at how she might tease him about it later.

Lennox led her to Cameron’s study. Knowing Cameron wouldn’t refuse Lyla, Lennox departed without informing him of her arrival.

Upon entering, the sharp smell of smoke hit her, making her cough. Cameron stood silhouetted against the window, lost in thought.

"Surprised to see me back so soon?" Cameron asked, turning toward her after putting out his cigarette.

"Impressed the law can't keep you. Maybe it's time you returned to your own planet," Lyla teased, opening a window to let out the smoke.

The fresh air invigorated Cameron, stirring a fleeting desire to embrace her. But he restrained himself, maintaining the distance between them.

"I'm not going anywhere, because you're here," Cameron said, a rare moment of vulnerability catching them both off guard.

Surprised, Lyla turned to see him, momentarily doubting her ears. Embarrassed, Cameron shifted his attention to his desk, hiding his face from her view.

The Greene family dinner was a grand event—a perfect opportunity for attendees to widen their commercial networks. At this gathering, Cameron Carlson was undeniably the star of the show, surrounded by people eager to strike a business deal. He navigated the crowd smoothly, confidently keeping an arm around Lyla Greene’s waist.

All of a sudden, a woman appeared at Cameron's side, taking everyone by surprise. The attendees watched the striking couple as though afraid to miss something extraordinary. All eyes were on Lyla, captivated not only by her connection to Cameron but also by her own stunning beauty. Speculation about her identity buzzed through the room.

Cameron rarely made appearances at public events, and when he did, it was never with a woman on his arm. It was known that his relationships never lasted more than a few days. Lyla felt the weight of the crowd’s stares, uncomfortable and tense, while Cameron remained at ease, casually introducing her to others.

"Mr. Carlson, who might this be?" came the bold question from Don Williams, a thin man and well-known gossip, owner of a prestigious media company. He started as a tabloid journalist, notorious for digging up celebrity secrets, and his skills were as sharp as ever.

"Can't you tell? She's my wife!" Cameron announced, showing off the ring he had recently placed on Lyla's finger.

A stunned silence fell over the room, quickly turning into a buzz of excited chatter. No one had expected Cameron to announce his marriage so suddenly. The ring on Lyla's finger was the most exquisite in the Pure Wings collection—a 25-carat gem called The Wanderer, known for its flawless oval shape and pristine clarity. Its purchase had made headlines when Cameron paid a fortune for it at auction.

"Mr. Carlson married—when did this happen?" Don, ever the opportunist, pressed for more, sensing a scoop.

Cameron raised an eyebrow at Don, then chuckled, "That's not your business, Don. I'd like to keep our private life private. Today’s a special day, and announcing our relationship to the world also makes things clear for the Greene family."

Don’s curiosity spiked further when he glanced at Lyla and gasped. A year prior, he had covered a shocking wedding in Haven City—it was impossible not to recognize the woman now beside Cameron as Lyla Greene. "Mrs. Carlson, you…”

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us for the joint celebration by the Greene and Thompson families. Today also marks the hundredth day of Master Thompson’s son, Alexander Thompson. Your presence is an honor! Please enjoy your time, and forgive any lapses in hospitality. Our young mistress has a few words to share; please lend her your attention," the Greene family’s butler announced, interrupting Don’s inquiry.

As the butler stepped aside, a woman with exquisite makeup took the stage, ready to express her gratitude. But upon spotting someone in the crowd, her smile froze. Her graceful fingers trembled, and her eyes narrowed threateningly.

Lyla saw Emerie Adams on stage, her expression as if she had swallowed a bitter pill. The sight was both ironic and distasteful, prompting Lyla to turn away with disdain. Emerie’s eyes scanned the crowd, finally landing on Lyla with visible shock. This woman? Hadn’t she been in a car accident long ago?

Emerie's composure cracked as she gripped the microphone tighter, her perfectly made-up eyes darkening with stormy emotions. She recognized the woman in the spotlight instantly. Lyla Greene, you’ve outdone yourself!

Practically escorted offstage by the butler, Emerie's façade slipped when in private. She hurried to a secluded corner, dialing a number with trembling hands, her eyes blazing with fury.

“Tell me the truth—did you kill her or not, you worthless fool? Spill it!” Her glossy lips, an innocent shade of pink, spewed words laced with unrestrained rage.

“You should have warned me. She’s back! What do we do now? I didn’t go to such lengths to eliminate her only for you to fail. You still think you can blackmail me over the child’s identity? Think again!” She slammed the phone down, her face a mask of fury. Lyla Greene, why won’t you die! How is it she always seems to have endless luck, with remarkable men drawn to her from childhood to the present? I painstakingly sabotaged her wedding, stole her childhood sweetheart, and yet, she still manages to captivate the world’s most exceptional man?

Emerie leaned against the balcony rail in defeat, her eyes fixed on the woman embraced by the seemingly untouchable man. Her fists clenched with frustration.

Lyla stayed beside Cameron, her gaze distractedly scanning the crowd. She wanted to pay respects to her father, Chaim Greene, but with Cameron’s watchful presence, slipping away unnoticed was impossible.

"Before you see your father, meet your lovely stepmother, my Cinderella," Cameron whispered, feeling Lyla's restless energy. He tightened his grip on her waist and led her toward the staircase.

“Changed your mind?” Nora James inquired from the backseat, observing Cameron’s furrowed brow in the rearview mirror. Her anger flared again.

“No! Lennox is on his way to bring her to you,” Cameron replied, his gaze fixed on the distraught woman, the sight piercing his heart.

“Will she be there when he arrives? Cameron, if you're truly unwilling, I won’t force you. I've lost an eye; who can I blame?” Nora longed to shove Lyla off the bridge herself but restrained her wrath, knowing Cameron would eventually comply, even if it took time.

“I get it.” Nora’s words only deepened Cameron’s resolve. He started the car, driving toward Lyla with a screech.

Suddenly, a deafening screech pierced the air as Cameron halted inches from Lyla. He jumped out, gathering the distraught woman in his arms, cradling her protectively, his grip encircling her waist, shielding her stomach. Cameron buried his head in her neck, inhaling her scent, a mix of soft fragrance and deep sorrow. It often haunted his dreams, unsettling him.

Only by holding Lyla did Cameron truly feel her presence.

Tears nearly obscured Lyla’s consciousness, and the sudden upheaval left her dizzy before she fell into a warm embrace...

Lyla raised her head in panic, blinking to see clearly. Unable to believe she’d swiftly fallen back into his grip, she instinctively tried to push Cameron away.

“Don’t move, don’t say a word. Come with me, Lyla. I’ll protect you—I’m sorry, don’t hate me!” Cameron sensed her resistance, noticing Jude Holmes approaching. He pulled Lyla’s arm and scooped her up, ready to usher her into the car.

“Let me go, let me go!” Lyla struggled fiercely, desperate to break free from this man who had upended her peace, clinging to the car door in defiance. Yet escaping his grasp was a daunting challenge.

Cameron swiftly locked Lyla inside.

“Cameron, release her!” Jude shouted, catching up just as Lyla was secured inside. He rushed forward, grabbing Cameron and landing a punch.

Cameron anticipated the blow, only lightly brushing his bruised lip—a familiar, fiery pain. His gaze remained lowered, yet a chilling aura emanated from him, causing Jude to pause momentarily.

Without warning, Cameron retaliated, his punch precise and forceful enough to send Jude reeling.

“A murderer, with time for someone else’s wife? Don’t you hear the sirens? Focus on your own escape, unless you want me testifying against you!” Cameron’s words cut deeper than his fists. Jude stood frozen, stunned by the heavy accusation.

As Cameron smirked cynically, he ignored Jude, swung the car door open, and drove away swiftly.

“A murderer... a murderer... I’m not, I’m not... I’m not a murderer!” Jude, deeply shaken, glanced at Emerie lying prone on the ground before fleeing the scene in his car.

~

Cameron drove recklessly, running several red lights.

“Cameron, even if you ran someone over, no cop would stop you. Is this childish attempt to rid yourself of her worth it?” A text message from Nora jolted Cameron from his thoughts. He glanced in the rearview at Nora’s impassive face, his lips pressed in irritation.

Cameron was uneasy. Were all traffic enforcers so spineless, or had someone warned them already?

“What do you want from me? Why do this to me?” Lyla’s voice trembled with hysteria. She was done—this man kept disrupting her life without pity, unsettling her existence.

“To do what? Tell me what you think I’m doing. Lyla, I’m blinded, and you feel no guilt? When you hit me with that ashtray, did you ever consider I’m an old woman?” Nora took the offensive, aware that Lyla’s protests would sound like excuses to Cameron—this injury was self-inflicted, and she wanted to frame Lyla, manipulating the situation shamelessly.

“Ha! As vile and deceitful as ever, Nora James!” Only when Nora spoke did Lyla notice the bandaged eye. She heard the intended manipulation in Nora’s words to gain Cameron's sympathy, yet found no energy to counter.

Lyla knew arguing with Cameron would yield no results. Whether she spoke or stayed silent, the outcome was unchanged. Why waste energy?

“Quiet!” Cameron snapped at Lyla’s insolence, alarmed by her indifference to Nora’s ire. Was she unafraid of death?

Cameron’s harsh command chilled Lyla. She cast him a sardonic glance, then closed her eyes, withdrawing. She realized any resistance was futile—they wouldn’t spare her.

She misjudged him as a blindly devoted son, unaware of his deeper motives.

Cameron's car maneuvered through a deserted industrial complex, desolate and eerie.

This was Nora’s plan, ensuring their actions remained unseen...

“No, not England… We return to Haven City!” Jude declared, resolved. He had long considered this—returning to Haven, where neither Cameron nor Destiny Holmes would expect. Crucially, a peculiar doctor resided there. With Keily, perhaps the child could grow healthily.

Jude’s words unnerved Lyla. She sat stunned at Keily’s bedside, speechless, as Jude looked entirely serious about returning. She wasn’t prepared.

“You mean ignoring business rivalries?” Lyla asked, incredulous. She doubted Jude would relinquish his vendetta against Cameron. The two had clashed in business for years—since she joined the company. The recent scandal was Jude’s perfect chance to oust Cameron.

“Forget those compared to you and Keily—it’s nothing!” Jude paused, surprised Lyla would mention the company now. He hadn’t truly abandoned his rivalry with Cameron, but the struggle seemed pointless.

Skyler Lopez had informed him that Cameron was soon to be ousted from Pure Wings. Without Cameron, defeating it held little value.

“Thank you, Jude. Having you as a friend reassures me!” Lyla smiled, grateful yet guilt-ridden toward Jude. She owed him so much she couldn’t repay…

“Lyla…” Jude sensed rejection again. Lyla’s simplicity masked clarity—a declaration of friendship defining their bond. Jude couldn’t ask for more. He’d known from the start it was impossible, but he persisted despite the inevitable outcome.

“Sorry for the trouble. Perhaps I’ll consult with Skyler, see his thoughts on returning to Haven. Honestly, I’m anxious about it,” Lyla suggested, shifting the focus away from Jude’s heartache.

“Skyler?” Jude's face shadowed at Lyla’s mention of Skyler—a man with a sinister streak Lyla seemed unaware of.

“Yeah, actually, Skyler’s Keily’s godfather. I never told you!” Lyla admitted, embarrassed by her omission.

“No problem—go ahead. I’ll watch Keily.” Jude shrugged, feigning indifference, as he patted Lyla’s shoulder reassuringly.

With a smile, Lyla left to find Skyler, needing to consult her savior from Haven. If returning, she sought Skyler’s counsel.

“Seems you missed the morning news, remaining so composed around me. Normally, you’d push me to hell by now!” Lyla noted, disliking the awkwardness between them and eager to break the tension.

“I saw it. You’re here for my signature on the surgical consent, right?” Cameron guessed Lyla’s purpose. Her seeking out Nora seemed natural, despite her skepticism of explanations Cameron could scarcely provide.

“So you know—how will you handle me?” Lyla asked, unsurprised at Cameron’s awareness. His reach always seemed boundless. She scoffed, watching him engrossed in documents.

“I’ll treat you well—don’t overthink. I have critical matters to resolve first. Once handled, I’ll explain everything from twenty years ago.” Cameron sighed, glancing at her before speaking softly.

“No need—I don’t want your kindness! I wonder how you left the police station so quickly—what did you use as bail?” Despite Cameron’s sincerity, Lyla’s heart stayed guarded, her words defiant.

“Don’t test my limits, Lyla. I promised you answers soon. Ensure the truth you find is reality before acting on it.” Cameron knew she provoked him knowingly, yet felt frustrated and helpless.

“Sign for the surgery; without it, she can't be questioned. I handle disputes directly, not through shady dealings. For clarity, I ask those involved,” Lyla replied, sensing Cameron's entanglement but avoiding further engagement. Her visit aimed to secure his signature for Nora's procedure.

“That’s my concern. I’ll handle it. After signing, I might leave for a bit—I trust you won’t exploit the situation. I know you loathe her and me, but believe you won’t take advantage. Please care for her.” Cameron put down his pen, regarding Lyla earnestly.

“Thanks for your trust. Your whereabouts aren’t my concern. As you see, the doctor requires a relative's signature. I’m unrelated, so another caregiver is needed.” Lyla felt their exchange was laced with tension, knowing their tangled past weighed heavily on every word.

“Mrs. Smith, how have you been lately?” Cameron Carlson entered the room with Lyla Greene at his side, a mischievous glint in his eye. He was expecting quite the show.

Before him stood the woman who had once claimed to be Lyla's stepmother. She appeared poised and elegant, but beneath that facade lay a greedy and cruel heart—something Lyla had fully realized a year ago.

“Mr. Carlson?!” Mrs. Smith was momentarily stunned by the sight of the commanding man before her. The way Cameron addressed her as Mrs. Smith briefly puzzled her, but realizing he was indeed speaking to her, a delighted and ingratiating smile quickly spread across her face.

“It’s truly an honor for the Greene family to have you here. May I ask who this is?” Mrs. Smith was always keen to climb the social ladder, especially with someone of Cameron Carlson’s stature. She was so thrilled at the prospect of getting close to him that she initially failed to notice the woman standing quietly at his side.

When she finally took in Lyla Greene, who stood there quietly with her head slightly bowed, Mrs. Smith felt a strange sense of familiarity yet couldn’t quite place her face.

“Mrs. Smith, it’s been a while. How have you been?” Lyla remarked, a slight, cold smile playing on her lips as she raised her head with a touch of disdain. She looked at the woman, whose well-preserved appearance hadn’t changed much over the past year, though every part of her wanted to unleash a torrent of accusations. But at Cameron’s subtle nod, Lyla kept her composure.

Seeing Lyla again after a year, Mrs. Smith’s jaw dropped—almost as if she could swallow a bread roll whole. The woman before her was elegant, exuding a noble air, leaving Mrs. Smith staggered into silence, barely able to breathe.

The wrongdoings she and Mr. Greene had conspired in surged through her mind like scenes from a movie. She had thought Lyla Greene was gone for good; yet here she stood, more perfect than ever. And, most importantly, Cameron Carlson, a man who could change destinies, was right beside her like a dark angel.

“Mrs. Smith, are you alright?” Cameron waved a hand in front of her face, showing nothing but disdain for the woman who, moments ago, had been overly eager to establish a connection with him but now looked as if she’d seen a ghost. “Are you just so thrilled to see an old friend?” he mocked, making no effort to soften his words.

“Lyla... it’s really you!” Mrs. Smith stammered, her hands trembling with disbelief. How could Lyla be alive and able to stand beside Cameron?

“Mrs. Smith, didn’t you claim that Lyla Greene no longer existed? Did you forget the satisfaction of erasing someone’s identity from the family records?” Lyla sneered, glancing at Cameron as she took a deep breath. She raised her left hand, showcasing the massive diamond ring Cameron had just put on her finger. “I am Mrs. Carlson now, not Lyla Greene!”

Upon seeing the ring, Mrs. Smith was left speechless with shock. Known for her passion for jewelry, she was aware of this ring’s history and value. She could hardly believe that Lyla had the nerve to wear it—a piece worth nearly the entire Greene estate.

“Mrs. Smith, wasn’t Lyla Greene erased from the Greene family registry a year ago? You must have thought highly of her to keep her in your memory all this time,” Lyla whispered into Mrs. Smith’s ear with icy sarcasm.

“It’s really you, Lyla...” Mrs. Smith, clearly no fool, now realized that the person before her was indeed Lyla Greene. But hadn’t Emerie Adams claimed she had died in an accident?

“A year ago, that highway crash stirred quite a commotion. But, unfortunately for you, I met her before it happened. Naturally, my woman had to come with me! I don’t like traffic jams, so we dodged such a bloody mess!” Cameron continued, leaving even Lyla unaware of just how bloody the assassination attempt had been.

Cameron would never let her know the lengths he had gone to before their meeting. Whether it was making the accident more tragic or sending the culprit directly to hell, he took every measure. In this world, no one but him had the right to harm her.

Drawn close to Cameron’s chest, his familiar scent suddenly felt foreign to Lyla. She couldn’t comprehend what Cameron was saying—what accident, what tragedy?

She wanted to ask what had happened, but Cameron’s grip on her wrist stopped her, leaving her in quiet obedience.

“...” Mrs. Smith grew increasingly panicked at Cameron’s words. “It wasn’t me, I didn’t do it, it has nothing to do with me!” she insisted, caught like a deer in headlights, shaking her head vigorously.

She regretted not being bold enough to personally visit the accident site back then. Now Lyla was back, returning with such conviction. If she ever dared to move against her again, it would be almost impossible—not only because Lyla now had an admirable status but also because she had changed.

Mrs. Smith could sense a transformation in Lyla, who was no longer the weak and helpless woman from a year ago. She had become somewhat enigmatic, and Mrs. Smith couldn’t decipher her intentions.

“So, Mrs. Smith, what are your plans now? As far as I know, the Greene estate is under your control, isn’t it on the edge of collapse due to excessive spending? Hosting a party while managing such a mess must have been quite the juggling act for you!” Cameron looked disdainfully at the flustered woman, his eyes alight with scorn. “However, I’ve been thinking about investing in real estate. If you’re interested, you can come talk to me. It’d be a shame for the Greene legacy to crumble. Do give it some thought!”

As he tightened his hold on Lyla’s hand, Cameron kept her growing hatred in check, effectively blocking Mrs. Smith’s escape routes.

“I still need to introduce my wife to others, so we’ll excuse ourselves. Thank you once again for your invitation!” Having delivered a memorable welcome gift to Mrs. Smith, Cameron turned with a look of disdain and led Lyla away.

Watching the pair leave, Mrs. Smith felt so intimidated that she almost lost her balance, realizing she needed to find Emerie Adams quickly and inform her of this news. It was all too terrifying—even for someone as ruthless as her, the thought of facing the returning Lyla Greene was daunting.

In the dim lighting, an eerie atmosphere enveloped the surroundings as Lyla Greene found herself thrust onto the ground. It took a moment for her to realize that this place was anything but ordinary—an abandoned industrial district with shadowy streets, shrouded in an unsettling ambiance. As she raised her head, she met Cameron’s cold gaze. The towering figure now stood before her, looming with a menacing presence.

“Lyla...” Watching her pale, crumpled form on the ground, Cameron longed to hold and protect her. Yet, the piercing gaze from behind didn’t allow for any emotional revelation—Nora James was closely watching his every move. Should he hesitate any longer, Nora would surely make good on her promise to personally end Lyla’s life.

If that happened, Lyla Greene would truly have no hope left.

“Lyla, I’m sorry, please forgive me!” Cameron knelt down, reaching out to touch her cheek. However, understanding some of the underlying truth made it all the more difficult for him to proceed.

“Ha! Is there any point in this fake apology now? Cameron, didn’t you bring me here to destroy me? Are you going to make a speech before doing it? Are you scared of retribution?” Lyla moved away from his touch, her eyes filled with contempt. Her face, ashen and furrowed with pain, bore testament to her silent endurance. Being thrown from the car earlier hadn’t hit any vital spots, but her body, already frail, couldn’t withstand much more.

“It’s not like that, Lyla, I...” Cameron wished to tell her that he was compelled to act this way—that it was...

“I don’t want to wait any longer. I’m exhausted. If you won’t act, I have no qualms about calling my own people!” Cameron’s phone buzzed again before he could continue. Reading the latest message, he found it succinct yet dripping with threats and commands.

Nora James kept a vigilant watch over the pair on the ground. She was eager to see when Cameron would act, curious to determine whether she held more significance in his heart than Lyla Greene, the daughter of a loathed adversary.

Upon receiving Nora’s message, Cameron’s face darkened. After a moment of hesitation, he grabbed Lyla’s hair forcefully.

“One day, you’ll understand!” Cameron uttered his words with a sorrow-laden tone, the depth of which wasn’t easily grasped. He hoped—but also dreaded—that Lyla would realize his purpose. Perhaps after this ordeal, he would never be able to win her back, but presently, there was no other recourse.

This was the only way to ensure her safety.

Cameron gripped Lyla’s neck and lifted her from the ground with fierce determination, showing no mercy.

Lyla knew that once Cameron found her, he wouldn’t let her live easily. Yet, she hadn’t anticipated such cruelty; he had never cherished her, and she had grown used to it—her heart had grown numb.

“Cameron... you’d better make it quick. Don’t give me a chance to fight back, or maybe the one who dies won’t be me!” Lyla seethed with unmasked hatred. Her heart had long gone cold, and if not for her child, she might have already ended him.

“Don’t worry, I’ll never give you that opportunity—ever!” Cameron seemed to have entered a state of detachment, his predatory instincts on full display, as if Lyla were his marked prey, unable to escape.

“Lyla Greene, this is my last demonstration of inevitable calamity!” Cameron took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment. Then, reopening them swiftly, his clenched fist targeted the most vulnerable part of Lyla’s body.

That part harbored a fragile life, unable to withstand even slight turmoil.

“Ah!” The sharp cry echoed as pain overwhelmed her, causing Lyla’s face to contort in disbelief and agony.

His fist lingered there, precise and unyielding.

Lyla’s body crumpled uncontrollably under the onslaught of pain, rendering her utterly powerless. The man truly sought to destroy her, and with her, the beloved treasure she cherished most.

“Why... why?” She lay prostrate on the ground, her voice barely a whisper, as the chilling air and the scent of blood engulfed her senses.

That smell frightened her—a recollection of torment that had plagued her, hurting both body and soul. The feeling of something being ripped away made Lyla weep with anxiety.

“Why! Why didn’t you just kill me! Why hurt my child?” These words drained every ounce of her strength, her resolve tinged with bitterness and wrath.

Cameron gazed at the woman writhing beneath him, pained by her suffering. He knew the depth of her nightmares.

“Lyla Greene, you coward, dreaming again that I abandoned you?” The voice of a child, though youthful, carried an incongruously mature tone. He pushed open the door, hands in pockets, and leisurely made his way to Lyla’s bedside, slipping off his shoes before climbing up next to her.

“Honestly, you’re an adult. Why are you still having nightmares? Don’t cling to me—I’m about to start school and won’t have time to take care of you! You’re so high-maintenance!” He fetched a pristine handkerchief, his pale, dainty hands brushing over Lyla’s forehead.

“Keily!” Lyla gazed at the handsome and adorable boy before her, unable to restrain the flood of emotions, pulling him into a tight embrace as if holding onto her entire world, afraid he might vanish at any moment.

“Hey, Lyla, are you trying to smother your own son? I can’t breathe!” Struggling against the suffocating embrace, Keily clutched the handkerchief, wiggling his small hand over Lyla’s head in an attempt to escape her grasp.

“Keily, promise Mom you won’t leave her, okay? You’re all I have. Don’t leave me...” Lyla hadn’t fully awakened from her dream. For five years, this nightmare had haunted her. This child was everything to her, yet his health...

“Mom, you need to be more mature! Where would I go? All these years, moving from place to place, I’ve stuck by you, haven’t I? What’s going on in that head of yours, refusing to settle down with Dad Skyler, dragging us through the elements instead? Aren’t women supposed to want stable lives? Why are you so different?” Keily acted every bit the little adult, nearly driven to frustration by Lyla’s frequent relocations.

“Keily, how many times has Mom told you that we can’t keep bothering Dad Skyler! We owe him so much already, debts that can’t be repaid in this lifetime, so we should try to live independently and not trouble others, okay?” Hearing Keily mention Skyler, Lyla finally regained some clarity, shaking her head to dispel the lingering nightmare as she gently grabbed Keily’s slender arm, speaking earnestly.

“Alright, alright, I know! Isn’t it because he likes you and you don’t like him? That’s why you keep dodging him, right?” Keily teased, sticking his tongue out playfully. He knew his mom all too well. These past five years, the circumstances of their lives forced him to grow up quickly, but his mischievous spirit always shone through.