Selene pressed her lips together, trembling.

“I... I...”

But no words came out.

The air in the room grew suffocating, thick with tension, while Jaxon’s piercing cries continued to echo.

Virelle only found it irritating.

Without another glance, she reached into her bag, took out a document, and handed it to Grayson.

“Right. This is the request form to upgrade my grandfather to a VIP ward. Sign it.”

Virelle’s cold demeanor left Grayson momentarily stunned.

“Virelle, do you really have to force me to sign this right now? Our son is still crying, can’t you comfort him first?”

The look in his eyes carried disappointment, as though he were staring at a heartless mother.

Virelle merely gave a faint, indifferent shrug.

“Isn’t Selene already comforting him?”

“Besides, you promised to move my grandfather to a VIP ward. Are you planning to go back on your word?”

“If you don’t have the ability to do it, then you shouldn’t have promised in the first place.”

Her sarcasm ignited Grayson’s temper. He snatched the document from her hand and signed it without even glancing at its contents.

Virelle watched him intently.

The moment she saw his signature fall onto the divorce agreement she had slipped beneath, her breath caught in her throat.

Her gaze trembled slightly, her lips parting.

It was over.

At last... it was truly over.

“Is that enough now? Go comfort our son. He’s crying himself hoarse.”

Grayson shoved the document back to her, frowning in irritation.

But Virelle remained indifferent.

“I told you, Selene is already comforting Jaxon.”

“If you want, go comfort him with her. After all, you are his father.”

“Stop pushing your responsibilities onto me all the time.”

With that, she turned and walked upstairs.

Behind her, Grayson stared after her in a daze.

There was something off about Virelle today.

As if she had completely become a different person.

…

After going upstairs, Virelle did not allow herself any idle time. She quickly sorted through and packed the items she had already sold, preparing to send them to their new owners.

As for the things that were outdated, no longer trendy, or difficult to sell, she tossed them all into another box. Naturally, she had no intention of taking along anything Grayson had given her once she left.

While carrying the boxes downstairs to arrange for express delivery, she unfortunately ran into Grayson.

“What is it, Virelle?”

Grayson frowned at the cluttered boxes in her arms. The moment he caught sight of the handbags, shoes, and clothes he had once bought for her inside them, his expression darkened with displeasure.

Virelle, however, was only momentarily stunned before quickly replying,

“Oh, just some old things.”

“I don’t use them anymore, so I’m planning to donate them to an orphanage, for people who actually need them.”

After saying that, Virelle no longer bothered to care about Grayson’s reaction. Brushing past him coldly, she walked straight ahead.

That evening.

Virelle had originally intended to continue handling the paperwork for selling the apartment, but Grayson forced her out of the house to attend his mother’s birthday party, Talia Mercer’s.

“We need to look like a happy family, Virelle.”

“Besides, if you don’t go, then don’t blame me for refusing to pay your grandfather’s fifty thousand dollars in hospital fees and medication costs this week.”

Grayson no longer bothered to pretend, openly threatening her instead. Virelle’s hands clenched tightly.

At that point, those expenses already amounted to nearly all the money she had managed to save and earn from selling her belongings. If Grayson refused to cover them, she would practically be left with nothing if she had to pay for everything herself.

In the end, it was only a party. She could just endure it as if she were deaf to everything around her. Gritting her teeth, Virelle finally agreed.

What she didn’t expect was that Selene would be going along as well.

When they arrived at the Rose residence, the lights blazed brilliantly, and the banquet hall was already crowded with guests.

Still sulking at Virelle, Jaxon let out a cold snort and ignored her completely, walking straight toward a maid and ordering her to take him upstairs to play.

Virelle didn’t react. She simply placed the gift she had prepared on the table and was about to hand it to Talia. But the moment she parted her lips.

“Selene, it’s been so long since you last visited me. I’ve missed you so much.”

Talia walked past Virelle as if she didn’t exist and went straight to Selene, taking her hand with warmth and affection.

Under her enthusiastic welcome, Selene smiled sweetly.

“Aunt, I’ve missed you too.”

“I knew today was your birthday, so I prepared a gift for you.”

Talia’s face immediately lit up with delight. She picked up the gift box and opened it without hesitation.

Inside was a diamond necklace from a well-known domestic luxury brand.

“How beautiful, Selene. You always choose gifts so thoughtfully, exactly to my taste.”

“Unlike some people. Married into this family for years and still doesn’t know what I like. Every gift is wrong.”

“Truly an eyesore.”

Talia let out a cold snort.

“And such a dull personality. Never even come to visit me or keep me company.”

Virelle stood there, silently enduring the gazes, the scrutiny, and the criticism directed at her.

Talia had always been like this, openly showing her dislike.

The gift Virelle brought hadn’t even been opened, yet it had already been dismissed.

Virelle let out a cold laugh inwardly.

If it had been before, she would have been hurt, and would have tried every way to win Talia’s favor.

But now, she remained silent, offering no reaction at all, as if none of it had anything to do with her.

Grayson watched her calm, detached demeanor, his brows knitting slightly as an instinctive unease crept in.

Something about Virelle... felt off.

Yet before he could say anything, she had already turned and walked out.

…

The night breeze drifted through the garden, carrying a chill, while the golden light cast a solitary shadow of Virelle.

“Virelle, your shamelessness truly broadens my horizons.”

The sharp click of high heels echoed from behind, blending with a woman’s scathing voice.

Virelle turned around, her gaze meeting Selene’s eyes, filled with hostility and malice.

“Despised by your mother-in-law, rejected by your son, neglected by your husband, and you can still endure it.”

Selene let out a cold laugh as she stepped closer, her lips curling as she looked Virelle up and down.

“Why are you still clinging to this failed marriage? For money?”

She laughed mockingly, tilting her head to one side.

“Or is it because of that sickly grandfather of yours?”

Virelle did not respond. Her hand hanging at her side had already clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned pale.

Her fingers stiffened further, her ears ringing the moment Selene mentioned her grandfather, yet she still forced herself to endure it.

There was no need to get angry at someone so shameless.

Seeing Virelle remain silent, her face paling, the smile on Selene’s lips deepened. She covered her mouth as she giggled, even giving a taunting wink.

“Don’t blame me for being harsh, but that sickly grandfather of yours is already very weak. Even with treatment, he won’t live much longer.”

She shrugged, her tone light and careless.

“You might as well give up on treatment and let him die sooner, so he won’t be such a burden...”

Smack.

A sharp sound rang out, cutting off Selene’s words.

The air seemed to congeal.

Selene’s face snapped to the side, the burning sting on her cheek driving her into a frenzy.

“You...”

“Shut up.”

Virelle’s voice was ice-cold, her gaze sharp as a blade.

“A shameless person like you has no right to mention my grandfather.”

Selene glared at her, her eyes blazing with hatred. She stepped forward, eyes wide, yet in the next instant, something shifted.

The malice vanished, replaced by panic and frailty.

“Virelle, I’m sorry, I misspoke. Please don’t be angry with me...”

Her eyes reddened as she reached out, as if to take Virelle’s hand in apology, but Virelle had already stepped back coldly.

At that exact moment.

Smack.

A resounding slap landed across Virelle’s face, her ears ringing as though something had exploded inside her head. Her cheek burned as if scalded, the faint metallic taste of blood spreading across her mouth.

Virelle slowly lifted her head.

Grayson stood before her, his chest rising and falling with anger.

“Virelle, you’ve gone too far. How could you raise your hand against Selene?”

“Apologize to Selene. Now.”

Virelle looked at him, her expression shifting from stunned disbelief to quiet despair. She stood frozen for a few seconds before letting out a faint laugh.

“Apologize? Grayson, you haven’t even asked what happened, and you’ve already decided I’m at fault?”

“Do you even know what Selene said about my grandfather...”

Her voice was hoarse as she tried to explain, but Selene had already thrown herself weakly into Grayson’s arms. Tears streamed down her face, her body trembling as though she had suffered immense injustice.

“Grayson, don’t blame Virelle. It’s all my fault.”

“I was only asking about her grandfather’s health. I didn’t expect her to get angry.”

Selene choked out each word, her tears soaking into Grayson’s shirt, making his gaze grow even sharper.

“Virelle, you’ve gone too far.”

“What else is there to deny?”

“Apologize to Selene. Now.”

So it was like this again.

Every time Selene stirred up trouble, a few tears were enough to make everything Virelle’s fault.

Virelle was already tired of explaining.

Her heart turned cold as she lifted her gaze to the two people in front of her.

One always fragile, the other always protective, a scene so familiar it almost made her laugh.

“Apologize?”

Her voice came out dry, before curling into a mocking smile.

“Grayson, I told you before, Selene was the one who insulted me first.”

A trace of ridicule flickered in her eyes.

“Besides, I slapped Selene, and you slapped me back. That makes us even.”

“If you want me to apologize to Selene, that’s fine.”

“You apologize to me first.”

Her provocation completely ignited Grayson’s anger, driving him into a rage.

“Good. Very good, Virelle.”

He roared.

“Maids!”

The maids appeared immediately, her expression serious as she received his order. His voice remained icy.

“Lock Virelle in the storage room.”

“Without my permission, no one is allowed to let her out.”

In an instant, the blood in Virelle’s body seemed to freeze. Her face turned deathly pale, her breathing constricted as though being strangled.

Her lips trembled, turning faintly purple, her breath caught in her throat.

“Grayson, you can’t do this, I...”

Her voice turned hoarse, but the maids had already stepped forward. Their hands were like iron clamps, gripping her tightly, leaving no room for escape.

“Grayson, don’t...”

“Ah, I feel dizzy, Grayson.”

Selene suddenly cried out, her body going limp as she collapsed. Grayson immediately abandoned Virelle and turned to catch Selene.

Then, seeing Selene trembling and complaining of weakness, he hurriedly lifted her into his arms and rushed inside, without sparing Virelle even a single glance.

Virelle’s heart went still. She stood frozen like a statue, her eyes stinging.

The maids pushed and dragged her toward the storage room. She struggled, but couldn’t break free.

Tears blurred her vision, yet she forced herself to take a deep breath.

Virelle, don’t cry over that bastard anymore.

Bang.

The door slammed shut behind her, and darkness crashed down.

“Young mistress, young master said you should stay here and reflect on your mistakes.”

“When you realize your fault and admit it, we’ll let you out.”

In the darkness that seemed to swallow everything whole, Virelle heard the cold voices. She stood there blankly for a few seconds before her breathing began to falter, as if something were lodged in her chest, cutting off the air.

Her body gave out, and she slid weakly to the floor, gasping in panic.

Her heartbeat pounded heavily, so violently she felt as if her chest might shatter.

“H-help, someone...”

She shrank back, curling into herself, her voice as faint as a whisper of wind.

Memories surged like a rising tide.

A winter night, a pitch-dark room, her small figure curled on the floor.

No one came. No one saved her.

Only distant laughter from outside, mingling with her own panicked sobs.

Virelle hated the dark.

And even more than that, she hated the feeling of being abandoned.

“Help...”

Virelle slammed into something with a loud crash.

Fragments shattered across the floor, some slicing into her hand with a sharp sting. Blood was probably flowing, but she couldn’t even see it, only a bone-deep cold spreading through her body.

Something wet smeared across her palm, stinging enough to make her frown.

Her vision blurred. In her panic, Virelle forced herself to crawl forward, searching for a way out, yet she could no longer tell which direction she was moving in.

All around her, nothing but suffocating darkness.

“Help... is anyone there... please...”

Her ears rang as dizziness and nausea surged over her, leaving her body weaker with every passing second. Her voice trembled, hoarse and broken.

The sound echoed back at her, but there was no reply.

The darkness seemed to devour her inch by inch, like a monstrous thing closing in.

Her hands groped blindly, her nails scraping harshly against the floor, producing a grating sound. Pain spread through her body, and suddenly, her vision went black.

Her consciousness began to fade, the sounds around her drifting farther and farther away.

And then, everything was swallowed by complete darkness.

When she woke again, light had already flooded the entire room. Virelle blinked, staring at the familiar bedroom, unable to tell what she was feeling inside.

“Virelle, you’re awake? Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?”

Grayson’s voice sounded from above her, prompting Virelle to tilt her head. He was sitting by the bedside, looking at her with a complicated gaze.

And within it... there was even a trace of worry and heartache?

Virelle mocked herself inwardly at the fleeting thought.

How could he possibly feel worried and heartache for her? Perhaps even if she had died in that pitch-dark storage room, he wouldn’t have cared in the slightest.

“The doctor said you’re afraid of the dark. The fear, combined with your injuries not yet healed, is why you fainted.”

“I’m sorry, Virelle.”

Grayson’s voice grew hoarse, lowering in tone. Virelle turned her head toward the wall, offering no response. Her eyes were hollow and empty, as if devoid of any emotion.

“However, it was also because you hit Selene first. I only wanted to teach you a lesson.”

“If you had apologized and made peace with Selene back then, things wouldn’t have ended up like this.”

Virelle closed her eyes, as if she hadn’t heard anything.

There it was, this was Grayson’s true voice. No matter what happened, she was always the one at fault.

Her fist clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned pale. Virelle bit down hard on her lip to stop herself from lunging forward and slapping him.

“But don’t worry, Virelle. Selene is kind-hearted, she’s already forgiven you.”

Seeing Virelle remain silent, Grayson assumed he was right and continued in a gentler, coaxing tone. However, at that moment, Virelle opened her eyes and looked straight into his.

The corner of her lips curled into a mocking smile.

“I will never need forgiveness from a shameless mistress.”

“If you’re here just to say things that make me sick, then get out.”

Virelle’s voice was hoarse, yet it was the first time she had openly lashed out at Grayson. After a few seconds of stunned silence, irritation flashed across his face as he abruptly stood up.

“Very well, Virelle! You still refuse to admit your mistake, don’t you?”

“Fine. Stay at home alone these days and reflect on yourself!”

“Until you realize your fault, don’t contact me.”

Grayson roared in anger, his low, hoarse voice echoing through the quiet room. He strode straight toward the door, bang.

It slammed shut in front of Virelle.

...

In the days that followed, Grayson truly disappeared. However, Virelle still knew where he was through the photos and videos Selene sent.

He had taken Jaxon and Selene traveling around the world, capturing pictures together like a perfect family.

Grayson held Selene in his arms, smiling sweetly, while Jaxon clung to his hand, wearing a bright, cheerful smile Virelle had not seen in a long time.

In other photos, Grayson kissed Selene in public, while Jaxon stood beside them, clapping.

And more...

Virelle scrolled through them, her expression unchanged. She quietly turned off her phone, not bothering to reply to any of those messages.

Instead, she focused solely on taking care of her grandfather before his surgery.

These days, with Grayson and Jaxon away from home, Virelle felt even freer to sort through and sell her belongings. Even though the apartment had been successfully sold, and the money had already been transferred into her account.

It was not much, but enough for her and her grandfather to live comfortably once they arrived in Solvang.

Virelle transferred all the money into a newly opened bank account before calmly walking into Grayson’s study.

Being locked inside the storage room before had caused the hatred in her heart to surge uncontrollably. At first, Virelle had only wanted to leave. But now, she wanted to destroy everything Grayson had.

Ever since founding the company, Grayson had hated dealing with paperwork and financial documents, believing they were nothing but a waste of time, so he had always left everything to Virelle.

Because of that, she had discovered several financial loopholes within his company through contracts, invoices, transfer records, and other financial documents.

And she had also uncovered suspicious transfer receipts that didn’t match the accounting books, large sums of money sent to unfamiliar recipients, as well as the fact that Grayson had been secretly siphoning money out of the company.

Quietly saving all the evidence onto the USB drive she had plugged into Grayson’s laptop, Virelle calmly slipped the USB back into her pocket.

To be even more cautious, after returning to her room, she uploaded every file onto the cloud and encrypted them carefully.

The corners of her lips curled upward slightly. These things... Virelle intended to use them as the blows that would destroy that bastard Grayson the moment she left.

At last, Virelle finished packing the very last of her belongings, moving everything she intended to bring into her grandfather’s hospital room, ready to leave at any moment.

...

Until one day, while Virelle was at the hospital with her grandfather, Grayson suddenly appeared.

Without warning, he pulled her into an embrace, his manner affectionate as if nothing had ever happened.

“Grandpa, today is Virelle’s and my wedding anniversary.”

“May I take her out on a date?”

Grayson’s smile was unusually sweet, his gestures gentle like those of a refined gentleman. Virelle wanted to break free, but with her grandfather present, she had no choice but to endure.

Endure it to the point her skin crawled.

“Of course.”

“You two should spend more time enjoying yourselves together. Don’t worry about me.”

Virelle’s grandfather smiled kindly as he gently nudged her toward the door, his eyes filled with unmistakable joy.

Not wanting to ruin his good mood, Virelle forced herself to appear happy and clenched her teeth as she went out with Grayson.

The moment they reached the hospital lobby, she yanked her hand away.

“Grayson, what do you want?”

“Who allowed you to come to the hospital?”

Virelle glared at him, her eyes full of vigilance. She wanted to leave, but her wrist was seized tightly.

“Virelle, who said you could run? Didn’t I say we’re going out to celebrate our anniversary today? Let’s go.”

Grayson forcefully dragged her into the car and locked the doors. As Virelle panicked and pounded against the window, the car had already sped off like the wind.

It eventually stopped in front of a nightclub.

The sense of unease intensified, Virelle’s heart pounding faster. Her face turned pale as she struggled, yet she was easily overpowered when Grayson grabbed her wrist and dragged her inside.

The blaring music slammed into her ears, like heavy hammers striking her body again and again. The stench of alcohol mixed with cloying perfume clogged her throat, making her stomach churn with nausea.

And those gazes, like blades gliding across her skin.

Her heels scraped harshly against the floor, producing a dry, grating sound as Virelle was hauled forward by Grayson.

“Let me go.”

Her voice was hoarse, nearly breaking apart.

Bang.

The door behind them slammed shut, completely cutting off the outside world. Grayson pressed close, a cold laugh escaping his throat.

One hand pinned Virelle in place, while the other turned to open the cabinet. His voice dropped into a coaxing murmur, as if Virelle were still the obedient puppet she used to be.

“Put it on, darling. Be good.”

A lace dress, so thin it could barely conceal anything, was shoved into her hands, making her shudder as if burned. The dress slipped from her grasp and fell to the floor.

She stood there, stunned, her lips trembling.

“What do you mean, Grayson?”

As realization dawned, Virelle lifted her head, her voice dry and hollow.

“This time, how much are you planning to sell me for?”

Grayson merely chuckled softly, a chill settling into the sound.

“Don’t put it so harshly, darling.”

“It’s just that the company still isn’t stable, and I need more money to keep it afloat.”

He spoke as though it were the most natural thing in the world, gently stroking Virelle’s hair, his warm breath brushing against her face.

“Help me out a little, will you?”

“Tonight, there will be billionaires and CEOs bidding for a night with you. Make sure you serve them well.”

Virelle’s mind exploded with a loud crash, her suspicion was right.

She ran upstairs, yet still forced herself to remain calm as she looked at Grayson.

“Get a hold of yourself, Grayson.”

“If you really force me to do this, then I don’t mind dragging you down to hell with me.”

Virelle let out a cold laugh, staring straight into Grayson’s eyes.

“What do you think will happen if the public finds out your disgusting true nature? Forcing your own wife to serve other billionaires in exchange for benefits?”

“Have you prepared yourself to face the wave of backlash from the public and your business partners?”

Grayson’s smile stiffened, his bloodshot eyes darkening. He grabbed Virelle by the hair and yanked her head back harshly.

“Bitch, are you trying to threaten me?”

His gaze turned icy as he sneered.

“Too bad your methods are pathetic.”

“You think anyone would believe the words of a woman like you?”

“No matter how much news you try to expose, I’ll bury every single one of them.”

“Let’s see which one of us gets destroyed first.”

Grayson showed no sign of being affected by Virelle’s threats. Instead, he reached out and gripped her jaw tightly.

“Be good. Just drink this glass of wine, and everything will be fine.”

The wineglass moved closer and closer, Virelle’s mouth being forced open. She turned her face away, struggling and thrashing frantically.

“Get away from me!”

She screamed sharply, kicking Grayson hard.

“Get the hell away from me!”

But she could not escape.

The icy rim of the glass touched her lips, the cold liquid seeping against her skin. Virelle tried to struggle again but failed, leaving her with no choice but to shut her eyes in despair.

At that exact moment.

Bang.

The door was kicked open violently.

Thud.

The punch landed squarely on Grayson’s face before he had any chance to react.

“She already told you to get lost, are you deaf?”

A low, razor-sharp voice rang out above Virelle’s head, slicing through the chaotic air.

Before Virelle could even comprehend what was happening, thud.

Grayson, who had been restraining her just a moment ago, was now sprawled across the floor, gasping in pain.

The force gripping her wrist vanished, and as Virelle staggered, nearly collapsing, her weakened body was caught by a firm hand, pulled into a chest that was unfamiliar, yet warm.

A faint trace of mint lingered in the air, bringing her an inexplicable sense of comfort, as though the tremors in her heartbeat were being gently soothed.

This scent.

She lifted her head, only to meet Dominic’s darkened gaze.

“Grayson, using the woman by your side to trade for benefits is not something a gentleman would do.”

Dominic spoke slowly, his tone laced with mockery.

Grayson clenched his fists and pushed himself up, his expression instantly darkening.

“Dominic, this is my family matter.”

His voice carried undisguised sarcasm.

“I thought you didn’t like meddling in other people’s business?”

Dominic merely let out a cold laugh, his voice calm yet chilling.

“But I do enjoy punishing men who are vile and disgusting.”

“The bid tonight is canceled. If you dare pull something like this again, I have ways to make your company collapse even faster.”

He enunciated each word with deliberate force, then coldly grabbed Virelle and pulled her away.

Virelle didn’t know what happened after that, she only saw a group of men rush into the room, followed by Grayson’s agonized, miserable screams echoing behind her.

By the time she came back to her senses, she was already seated inside Dominic’s car. The door was shut tight, as though it had completely sealed her off from the outside world.

The car began to move.

Her body was still trembling in waves, her breathing uneven, as if she still couldn’t believe any of this was real.

“Mr. Ashcroft, I...”

“Are you alright?”

Dominic sat calmly beside her in the back seat, lifting his gaze to look at her. The passing streetlights cast shifting shadows across his face, making his eyes appear even darker, more unfathomable.

Virelle nodded, lowering her eyes slightly in quiet gratitude, but then, as if something crossed her mind, she looked up again.

“Why... did you save me?”

Dominic let out a soft sound, leaning back against the seat, his posture lazy as he spoke.

“Well, my secretary had an appointment with his friend at that nightclub, and he happened to see you being dragged inside by Grayson, looking panicked.”

“And then, he found out that Grayson was going to organize a bid for your one night.”

Dominic spoke as if it were nothing of importance, yet Virelle shook her head faintly.

“That’s not what I mean... I mean, why did you save me?”

Her voice was hoarse, trembling slightly.

“And why are you treating me so well?”

She wasn’t so self-assured as to believe Dominic loved her at first sight, doing all of this just to protect her.

Besides, in this world, there is no such thing as kindness without a price.

After all, just as Grayson had said, Dominic didn’t seem like someone who had the time, or interest, to interfere in other people’s affairs, let alone help those around him.

“Because...”

Dominic’s gaze darkened, a fleeting trace of something distant and unfocused passing through his eyes.

“You look like someone I once loved, my white moonlight.”

“So, I suppose I just instinctively wanted to protect you.”

She had heard words like this before from Grayson, yet hearing Dominic admit it with his own mouth still left Virelle more surprised than she expected.

She stood there in a daze for a long moment, her lips parting slightly as if to say something, yet every word seemed to lodge in her throat, refusing to come out.

“Enough about me, tell me about you.”

“Why did you get involved with Grayson, and how did you stay with a bastard like him for so long?”

Virelle blinked, memories flickering through her mind like fragments of an old film, and she began telling Dominic about her relationship with Grayson, a love that had been difficult, yet once carried its own sweetness.

“To be honest, Grayson wasn’t always like this.”

“When we first met in Solvang, he was very gentle...”

Dominic’s ears rang the moment she mentioned Solvang, his gaze wavering as his hand clenched tightly, his breathing seeming to stall.

Solvang...

A vague memory surfaced in his mind, and Dominic suddenly drew a sharp breath, staring at Virelle with urgency.

“You used to live in Solvang?”

His gaze sharpened abruptly, making Virelle startle, a slight tremor running through her, though she still nodded.

“Yes, I have lived in Solvang since I was little. I only moved to Washington later, to get treatment for my grandfather.”

Dominic’s pupils dilated, his breathing growing more uneven, his voice turning unsteady.

“How long did you stay in Solvang...”

Buzz, buzz, buzz.

The sound of Virelle’s phone rang out, cutting the conversation short. Not quite catching Dominic’s question, she could only apologize awkwardly as she took out her phone.

Seeing the caller ID display her grandfather’s attending physician's name, Virelle hurriedly answered the call.

“Miss Ashen, your grandfather’s condition has suddenly worsened...”

Virelle’s heart clenched violently, the sensation as if her entire world were collapsing in an instant. A sharp ringing filled her ears, drowning out everything else, and the phone nearly slipped from her grasp.

Then, she heard her own voice, unsteady and distant.

“I understand. I’ll be at the hospital right away.”

After ending the call, Virelle turned to Dominic, her body trembling uncontrollably, panic written all over her face. He immediately understood, his tone decisive as he signaled the driver.

“Turn around. Head to the hospital now.”

Only then did he speak softly to comfort her. Virelle nodded, yet she heard nothing at all, as though every sound had dissolved into a dull buzzing inside her head.

Her eyes burned, and hot tears fell one by one onto the back of her hand.

By the time they arrived at the hospital, everything unfolded so quickly that Virelle had no time to think.

She listened as the doctor explained her grandfather’s condition, signed the consent form for emergency surgery, and.

“The surgery fees must be paid immediately, Miss Ashen.”

Virelle froze, quickly taking out her phone to calculate how much money she had at that moment.

Only one hundred thousand dollars.

“Doctor, I can pay half...."

“I’ll cover it.”

Seeing the panic and helplessness on Virelle’s face, Dominic stepped forward on his own initiative and followed the doctor to handle the payment procedures. Virelle lifted her head, her reddened eyes turning toward him.

Then hurried after him in confusion.

“Mr. Ashcroft, I’ll pay you back as soon as I have enough money.”

After all, she and Dominic were still practically strangers. The fact that he was willing to help her already meant a great deal to her.

Dominic turned to look at her, calm as though he were speaking about something insignificant.

“Don’t worry, Virelle.”

“Your grandfather’s surgery is the most important thing right now. Besides, this amount of money means nothing to me.”

“There’s no need to pay me back. Just consider it my good deed for the day.”

Dominic said gently as he led her to the waiting seats.

Thanks to Dominic covering the surgery fees in time, Virelle’s grandfather was immediately taken into the operating room. As the doors to the emergency ward shut tightly, Virelle’s strength gave out, and her body slid helplessly down onto the chair.

She buried her face in her hands, tears falling endlessly, her heart aching to the point of suffocation.

Dizziness and helplessness engulfed her, as if she were being dragged into a bottomless abyss. Her breathing felt constricted, as though an invisible force was crushing her chest, leaving her unable to breathe.

Why...

Why had everything turned out like this? Just this afternoon, her grandfather was still in stable condition.

“Ms. Ashen, please don’t worry...”

Buzz, buzz, buzz.

Dominic’s voice was cut off by the sudden ringing of his phone. He stood up and stepped into the hallway to take the call.

When he returned, his expression had grown serious.

“Ms. Ashen, I truly want to stay, but there’s an urgent matter at the company. I need to leave for Australia immediately to handle it.”

Dominic spoke with a hint of apology, and only then did Virelle slowly lift her head, her reddened eyes looking at him with quiet fragility.

“It’s alright, Mr. Ashcroft. You should go.”

“Anyway, thank you so much. You’ve helped me a lot.”

After Dominic left, Virelle was once again alone, waiting outside.

Every passing second felt like torture.

She had no idea how much time had gone by.

She only knew that by the time her tears had nearly run dry, her throat had become so parched she could no longer produce a sound, her entire body trembling uncontrollably.

Only then did the doors of the operating room finally open.

“Ms. Ashen, the surgery was very successful.”

That simple sentence made the heavy weight pressing on Virelle’s heart finally lift. She couldn’t hold back her tears, but this time, they were tears of relief and joy.

…

In the days that followed, Virelle never once left the hospital. Although the surgery had been very successful, her grandfather’s health remained extremely fragile.

He could not endure any kind of shock, nor was he in any condition to take a flight or move to Solvang.

The plan to leave would have to be postponed for now.

Virelle revealed none of her emotions. Every day, she carefully looked after her grandfather’s weakened health, chatting with him and telling him stories about her recent life, about her happy marriage with Grayson.

Of course, it was all fabricated.

Sometimes, when her grandfather fell asleep, Virelle would sit by the bedside, quietly watching his snow-white hair and the deep lines etched across his face.

And she would wonder whether this deception of hers was right or wrong.

Was she truly doing the right thing?

And when his health improved, if she told him the truth, would he be able to withstand such a shock?

Her mind buzzed painfully, and she didn’t dare to think any further.

...

Virelle had thought the worst was already over. But something even more vile came crashing down on her.

Somehow, a video of Virelle entering a hotel room, followed shortly by Dominic, was leaked.

And then came a flood of videos showing Virelle in intimate situations with multiple men, as if she were a promiscuous and depraved woman. Every single one of them, Virelle knew, had been fabricated using AI.

However, the news spread like wildfire, and countless messages filled with insults and harsh accusations flooded in.

Even the comments under her Instagram posts were nothing but malice.

And there was no shortage of messages proposing to her, asking how much it would cost to sleep with her for a night, as though she were nothing more than a commodity to be priced and purchased.

Virelle knew exactly who was behind this, Selene, retaliating for that slap the other day.

Forcing herself to remain composed, she turned off her phone and walked into her grandfather’s hospital room as if nothing had happened.

She planned to tell him everything and then leave with him, taking along the divorce certificate that had been delivered that very morning.

“Grandpa...”

As Virelle stepped into the room, she immediately sensed that something was off.

Her grandfather was holding a phone, the faint glow illuminating his aged face, making the lines upon it seem even deeper. His frail, withered hand pressed against the bed as he slowly stood up and walked toward her.

Virelle had never seen him like this before.

“Virelle, my dear daughter... Grayson forced you to do those things, didn’t he?”

Her grandfather’s voice was gentle, yet it sent a chill through her entire body. Her face turned pale, her mind exploding into chaos.

He knew.

“Grandpa, I...”

“You lied to me... and told me you were happy, didn’t you?”