Ryan said sarcastically, "Is that all you want? To climb the social ladder?"

I met his gaze calmly. "I just want to repay what I owe you as soon as possible."

He avoided my gaze and, with a complicated look, told me the room number before closing his eyes to rest.

He didn't say another word for the rest of the journey. When we arrived, I went straight to the penthouse suite to find Daniel Carter.

The room was pitch dark. Just as I reached to turn on the light, a deep voice came from the shadows, carrying a hint of amusement. "Who sent you?"

I thought about the debt I owed Ryan over the years and pushed aside my urge to run. I took two steps forward and stood my ground.

After a long, appraising silence, he said coldly, "Get out. Tell your boss not to get any ideas."

Before he finished, he grabbed me and dragged me toward the door. Just as I was about to be thrown out, I blurted, "Wait, hold on!"

His grip faltered, and he switched on the lights. When he saw my face, his voice trembled slightly. "Natalie, why are you here? Has Ryan mistreated you?"

His eyes held a tenderness I had never seen before.

For the first time, Daniel didn't send me away. After hearing the full story, he ordered his men, "Tell Ryan that the girl he sent is mine."

When Ryan heard this, he destroyed the priceless collectibles he had spent a fortune on. He wanted to take me back, but he dared not defy his uncle's authority.

All he could do was rage helplessly among the ruins of his collection.

After spending the night at Daniel's, he had his men send me home.

As soon as I arrived, I found Elena waiting by the lounge door, holding a birthday cake. She sneered coldly when she saw that Daniel's men had brought me back. "You're really something else."

I didn't respond. I simply stared at the cake and murmured, "Is this from Ryan?"

Without waiting for an answer, she walked away and lit the candles with a mocking smile. "Dream on. It's from me."

When she noticed my confusion, she smirked and said, "My parents died instantly in that crash. Do you know what your father said? He said that Nat's birthday cake had not yet been bought. Your birthday date is etched into my memory, and I have never forgotten it."

Before I could react, she threw the lit candles onto the curtains.

Within seconds, smoke filled the room.

Before I lost consciousness, I saw Ryan rushing in. He grabbed Elena and ran away without looking back.

Before leaving, he glanced at me and said, "Wait for me. I'll be back soon."

…

By the time Ryan returned, the fire had died down.

He searched the entire area, but he couldn't find me. He kneeled beside the ruins, looking lost and broken.

Just then, Daniel arrived, holding a woman in his arms.

Whispers spread through the crowd. Though her face was hidden behind a veil, her figure was unmistakably stunning.

After all, Daniel was known to keep his distance from women.

Panicked, Ryan stepped forward and reached to lift the veil, but Daniel's icy glare stopped him.

His hand froze mid-air before he nervously asked, "Uncle Daniel, who is this?"