Meeting him...

When Leigh entered the elevator, her eyes met his deep green gaze, which spoke volumes of his authority.

She trembled instantly at his penetrating stare, not wanting to be scrutinized by him. She avoided his gaze and pressed the button for her floor.

But she could still feel his eyes on her back. Why was he staring at her? Was this man so free to gawk at strangers? Wait a minute, did he recognize me? No, no way. I've changed my appearance. He can't recognize me, she assured herself.

Her palms started sweating from nervousness. No, this is not possible, not now, she thought to herself.

Unknown to her deep thoughts about him, the man gazed at her intently. His delicate brows furrowed. She walked like her. Why did she give me familiar feelings?

The elevator door opened!

Leigh hurriedly exited, walking faster to put distance between them. The man's presence felt suffocating. She didn't want to remember him or any of his memories. They were buried deep inside her mind.

~~

At night, while everyone slept peacefully, a young girl ran madly through the forest. She didn't care about the dangers lurking within—be it dangerous animals or even crueler people.

Behind her, large fire sparks illuminated the air. In the distance, a mansion on the hill burned as if it were part of the fire itself. The flames touched the sky, casting an amber glow. But the spectacle didn't deter the girl's steps. She had to reach him. He was her last hope—for herself and her parents.

"Uncle, I have to talk to him. It's urgent, please call him," the young girl pleaded with tears streaming down her face. Her small, red face was flushed from running.

But the middle-aged man in front of her remained unmoved, his expression blank.

"Young Miss, please don't waste my time. The young master has refused to meet you. He doesn't have time for you. He has more important things to do. You should leave now," he said sternly.

"No, how can I leave?" she thought.

"Bring her to me," commanded the authoritative voice from inside the manor.

"Yes, Old Master. Young Miss, my master has called for you. Please come in," said the butler.

A ray of hope glimmered in her dim eyes as she entered the mansion to find an old man sitting majestically on a large chair. Her smile faded instantly.

"Why are you making noise here in the middle of the night? My grandson does not have time for all this. What do you want, little girl?" the old man demanded.

"I need his help. My family—"

"Little girl, you know our family cannot interfere in this. We are on opposite sides. My grandson also cannot do anything. After all, he is the heir of our family, and it will put him in a complicated position," said the old man.

"But he promised me," insisted the young girl.

"Little girl, you are so naive. Didn't your parents teach you to never trust a man's word? Their words can change at any time," lectured the old man.

"I don't believe you. What if you are lying?" the girl said, determination shining in her eyes.

"Let me show you something," said the old man.

After seeing the video, reality slapped her hard in the face. All her hopes were shattered in a mere second. Not a single sound came from her mouth.

Suddenly, she turned around to walk out of the mansion. She didn't want to face this.

"Wait a minute," called the old master.

She stopped in her tracks without turning back.

"You have come so far in the hope of my grandson. I cannot send you away empty-handed. Let me do you a favor," the old man said with a sly expression.

Thud...

Leigh woke up immediately, breathing heavily. Her face was pale as she noticed the window open, causing a book to fall to the ground.

After rearranging the book, she walked to the bathroom to wash her face as sleep eluded her once again.

After seeing her reflection in the mirror, which looked entirely different from the daytime, she didn't show any emotion. But seeing the pale condition of her face because of someone else only made her angrier.

She loathed the fact that it still made her feel helpless. Unable to control herself, she punched the mirror, causing it to shatter into tiny pieces. Blood flowed from her right hand continuously, but it didn't hinder her movements. After enduring so much, this pain was nothing to her. She was no longer a sheltered princess who would cry her eyes out.

Her eyes were empty, like a lifeless doll.

She dialed the unknown number again and said, "Send me all the files right now."

She spent the entire night in front of her laptop without any break, uncovering all the dirt on the Millers. She compiled all the data into a file with evidence of their illegal crimes. She planned to send it to the government.

It would give her a big advantage in her plan.

After all, she couldn't let them know about her, or even get a hint of her survival. She would smoothly execute her plan in the shadows of the government.

Her lips tilted upwards with a smile...

"Mr. Miller, wait for my surprise. You will taste your own medicine soon."