“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.

Cameron Carlson navigated the bustling crowd with Lyla Greene by his side, soaking in the admiration and well-wishes from onlookers. Lyla, playing her part, remained composed beside him. However, amidst the throng of people, a pair of eyes remained fixated on Lyla, unwavering since the moment they first caught sight of her.

Nathan Graham couldn’t believe he was seeing Lyla again. Watching her stand next to the man who had become a larger-than-life figure in the public eye, Nathan's heart ached, and he felt almost breathless. The woman who should have been his wife was wearing a diamond ring from that man.

Nathan was deeply in love with Lyla. He loved her so much that he never entertained the thought of being with Emerie Adams. Yet, his love was never enough to win Lyla’s heart because, like him, it was fraught with cowardice. When Lyla found herself isolated and alone, Nathan not only failed to protect her but publicly announced his engagement to Emerie. Even though he knew Lyla had been disowned by her family, he didn’t dare defy their orders to assist her. Such a man might evoke pity, but Lyla couldn’t blame him, understanding that she never loved him, nor ever would.

Nathan continued to stare at Lyla, his gaze absorbing every expression. He longed to approach her, but his legs wouldn’t move.

Cameron sensed Nathan's intense gaze and turned, meeting Nathan's eyes, filled with longing for Lyla. With a smirk, Cameron possessively pulled Lyla closer, raising his left hand with the wedding band gleaming, as if to declare to Nathan unequivocally that Lyla was his. Nathan seethed at the gesture but knew better than to act on it. After all, as Emerie's husband and a father, he had no right to draw near Lyla. Yet, seeing Cameron’s arrogance, he couldn’t quell the frustration brewing inside him.

Lyla found it hard to breathe under Cameron’s protective hold. His grip on her waist was almost punishing, as if driven by anger. She didn’t understand the reason for his mood, choosing instead to remain silent, her brows slightly furrowed as she stood beside him, like a puppet.

Cameron noticed the change in Lyla’s demeanor and loosened his grip. He downed his drink in one go and gently touched her forehead. “What’s wrong? Are you uncomfortable?” His tender gesture shocked everyone around, as it was widely believed Cameron was utterly indifferent, especially to women. The onlookers were dumbfounded, questioning the validity of the rumors they had heard.

“Everyone, my apologies. My wife isn’t feeling well, so we’ll be leaving,” Cameron announced, nodding slightly before leading Lyla out of the crowd.

“Lyla, what are we doing? Where are we going now? I'm so tired,” little Keily grumbled, her tiny voice full of exhaustion and curiosity. Just off the plane, Lyla was already talking about leaving again.

“Keily, you’ve often said you wanted to meet your grandparents. Shall we go see them?” Lyla struggled to explain to Keily why they needed to return to their ancestral home so suddenly.

“But, Mom... aren’t Grandma and Grandpa really far away? I often saw you cry over their photo late at night, and I thought…” Keily trailed off, confused by the rare mention of Chaim Greene and Rivka Hayes, names seldom spoken in their home.

“Keily, though they’re no longer with us, the place they lived is where we need to go. They would want to see how you've grown,” Lyla said, her heart heavy as she lovingly caressed Keily’s head.

“Mom, you have me, and I’ll always protect you. I won't let anyone hurt you,” Keily said, sensing the sorrow in Lyla’s heart. The child nestled closer to Lyla for comfort.

“Thank you, Keily. Thank you for not blaming your mom,” Lyla whispered, gazing out the window at the drizzling night. The weather was chilly, matching her somber mood.

Returning to their hometown in the dead of night, few noticed their departure. Lyla, Keily, Jude, and Skyler boarded a flight to their destination. Only Lana refused to return, unwilling to face the oppressive memories of the past.

On the plane, silence pervaded among the adults, their faces clouded with worry, especially Lyla, whose expression was stark and somber. The longer the flight, the more anxious she became.

Keily, however, was wide awake with excitement, flitting between seats, teasing Skyler and playing games with Jude. The prospect of settling down in a stable home, as Lyla promised, thrilled her. It was a dream come true—having a place to call home, free from the shadows that had pursued them.

“Keily, aren’t you tired from all that running around?” Lyla asked as Keily, finally exhausted, climbed onto her lap, reaching for a glass of water. Lyla stopped her, aware of how dangerous it could be for Keily’s delicate heart condition to drink too quickly after exertion.

Despite Lyla’s frequent warnings, Keily’s playful nature often overpowered caution. “Mom, you’re so fussy! I’m bored. How much longer till we arrive?” Keily pouted, squirming in Lyla’s embrace.

Lyla glanced at her watch, her eyes glazing over with thought. “Not long now… we’ll be home very soon…”

After Cameron left, the guests who had been gathered around him earlier buzzed with excitement. The power of rumor and gossip was potent and unsettling. Among this crowd of businesspeople, the latest buzz about Cameron and Lyla would likely spread like wildfire by tomorrow.

"Ouch, Cameron! You're hurting me!" Lyla protested as he pulled her out of the banquet hall and led her to the garden gazebo. The secluded spot had a small fountain playing a soothing melody nearby, which eased the oppressive atmosphere.

"Lyla, I swear, you must be some kind of enchantress. A single gesture from you, and men are under your spell!" Cameron said, holding her arm, forcing her to meet his gaze directly.

The memory of Jude's lingering looks at Lyla made Cameron's insides churn with irritation. He had expressly warned Jude that Lyla was his wife, yet Jude's greedy eyes remained on her, prompting Cameron to pull Lyla away from the crowd in frustration.

If he could, Cameron would have punched Jude then and there! Though he wasn't normally a confrontational person—quite the opposite, he was usually composed—when it came to matters involving Lyla, his restraint vanished. Perhaps Lyla hadn't noticed, but ever since she moved into Cameron's estate, he had quietly dismissed all the male staff. His possessiveness over her had reached such a level that even a mere glance from another man irked him.

"What are you talking about, Cameron? Let me go!" Lyla was confused by his sudden outburst. How could this man get upset without a clear reason? Had she not lived with him for over a year, she might have thought him irrational.

"What am I talking about? Lyla, don't let me catch you giving any other man those eyes, especially your so-called ex-fiancé. If I sense anything inappropriate, I'll make sure you both regret it!" he warned, gripping her chin firmly.

"Jude? Did you see him?" Lyla finally realized the cause of Cameron's anger; he had seen Jude. Knowing Cameron, he would never tolerate encroachment on what he considered his, and she realized long ago that to him, she was a possession.

"Jude? You say his name like you're familiar. What, are you eager to see your Jude?" Cameron's anger flared as Lyla spoke.

Cameron was aware Lyla resented everyone who ever wronged her, except Jude. As she explained, Jude was a pitiable man. She didn’t love him, but she felt sympathy for him. Lyla's compassion for Jude both annoyed and disturbed Cameron.

"Cameron, enough. How many times do I have to tell you? Jude and I were never meant to be. I don't love him, and even if Emerie hadn't interfered, I doubt I would have married him!" Lyla asserted. The wedding had never been her wish, but since it was her late father Charles's desire, she had never objected.

"It better be! Don’t stray from your objective. If you get distracted by your ex-fiancé, you’ll face the consequences alone. Don’t blame me for not keeping our deal and helping you achieve your goal when our agreement ends in six months!" Cameron found solace in her words, quickly spinning a rationalization for his behavior—a justification he had used numerous times.

“Well…” Seeing Cameron calm down, Lyla ventured forward to make her request, but Cameron seemed to anticipate her.

“No way! Now isn’t the time for you to see Charles. Do you think it’s that simple to meet him? If your stepmother and Emerie weren't sure they could keep him guarded, they wouldn’t have held this event.” As Lyla bit her lip, almost pleading, Cameron felt a pang in his chest. However, now wasn’t the right time; Lyla would have to bide her time to see her father.

“What? When did this happen, and why am I only hearing about it now?” Cameron stood like a statue in the hospital corridor, icy anger emanating from him. He felt chilled to the bone.

Lyla and the child were missing. Lennox noticed something was amiss that morning. He searched everywhere he could think of but couldn't find them. Knowing he had messed up, Lennox steeled himself for Cameron's wrath before he even arrived at the hospital.

The disappearance of Lyla and the child was mysterious, but even more perplexing was the fact that both Jude and Skyler had also vanished. This was the part Lennox couldn’t quite grasp.

“You're sure Jude and Skyler are missing too?” Despite the gravity of the situation, Cameron remained composed, knowing panic wouldn’t help. If Lyla was intentionally avoiding him like she had five years ago, searching the entire world might not be enough to find her. The idea of Lyla disappearing from his life again filled him with unbearable anguish.

“Yes, this morning, the estate owner mentioned that the rooms belonging to Jude and the lady of the house had been vacated, not by them, but by Jude's assistant. Realizing something was wrong, I rushed to Skyler's estate only to find out… Skyler had already left!” Cameron, remarkably, still didn’t explode, though Lennox grew more anxious by the second.

“Lennox, deal with those reporters outside. I’m heading out! And keep an eye on her!” Cameron indicated the press gathered at the hospital entrance and Jolie in the ward, frowning as he spoke.

“Sir, are you…?” Lennox glanced at the reporters, feeling a headache coming on. Jolie had sent them; the woman was relentless. But was Cameron planning to leave?

“I’m going to find her!” Cameron’s words were straightforward but resolute. Yes, he was going to find her; he couldn’t stay here a moment longer. “How’s the investigation I asked you to conduct going?” Turning to Lennox with a serious expression, Cameron inquired.

“Do you mean… the child?” Lennox was uneasy. For some reason, Cameron’s request was proving difficult; it seemed like someone was actively covering things up. Tracing the disappearance of the child was incredibly challenging.

“Besides that, did I ask you to investigate anything else?” Cameron's patience was wearing thin, and his voice suddenly rose.

“No…” Finally, Cameron’s outburst brought Lennox some clarity. Taking a deep breath, Lennox handed over a neatly folded piece of paper from his pocket. It contained all the information he could find about the child.

“Is this all?” Cameron frowned, finding the information Lennox had gathered inadequate.

“I’m sorry, sir. I did my best!” Lennox quickly apologized.

“Forget it. Go deal with those reporters. I need some time alone!” With a dismissive wave, Cameron sent Lennox off, used to his shortcomings in handling issues involving Lyla.