Chapter 16

The moment Samuel draped his suit over her shoulders, Kylie went rigid. Her mind buzzed as it went completely blank. She slowly lifted her gaze and met his dark, fathomless eyes. Did this mean… He believed her? But Samuel remained as unreadable as ever. His sharp, chiseled features showed nothing but indifference, and his piercing gaze—cold and detached—held not the slightest hint of warmth. "This all started because of you. So, you'll have to deal with whatever comes next. From now on, you're on your own." With that, he turned and walked away without a second glance. Kylie watched his retreating figure, feeling the tension drain from her body. Her knees gave out, and she collapsed onto the nearest couch. What an unpredictable man. … Elsewhere, Liana sat in the back of her car, staring out at the cityscape rushing past the window. The more she thought about Kylie, the more suffocated she felt—like a bone stuck in her throat. Vincent was already 102 years old. Even if he recovered, he didn't have much time left. But Samuel—he wasn't even 30 yet. He had his whole bright future ahead of him. And now, all of that was being tainted and controlled by some country bumpkin. The thought alone made her seethe. Just then, her phone rang, snapping her out of her dark thoughts. She reached for her bag, and the moment she saw the caller ID, the storm on her face cleared in an instant. Liana pressed the answer button and softened her voice. "Iris." "Mrs. Vance, I heard you're back from abroad. How was your trip?" "Don't even mention it. My whole vacation was ruined," Liana sighed, then added, "I was starting to think you would start distancing me, all because of Samuel's incident." "Of course not," Iris said quickly. Her tone turned gentle and sweet. "Even if things don't work out between me and Samuel, my relationship with you won't change. But I do worry that one day, you'll grow fond of my sister instead and forget all about me." Liana scoffed. "Nonsense. I'm not one to extend my affections just because of some flimsy connection. "You can't turn a crow into a swan, no matter how many feathers it steals. You're the daughter-in-law I've chosen, and as long as I'm around, she won't set foot in the Vance family. "Iris, you're just too kindhearted. She ruined your engagement, and yet you still call her your sister?" "Samuel is devoted to Mr. Vance Senior. I don't want to make things harder for him." Iris played the role of the understanding woman effortlessly and then changed the subject. "I was discharged from the hospital today. Do you have time, Mrs. Vance? I'd love to drop off your birthday present." Liana hadn't celebrated her birthday in Seaville this year. She found grand parties too exhausting, so she had taken a trip abroad with Wenford instead. "How thoughtful of you. You actually prepared a gift for me? I'm free now. Let's meet at our usual café." After hanging up, Liana turned to the driver. "Take me to Central Pavilion." … Meanwhile, Owen stepped out of the gym at Blue Lagoon Bay, wiping the sweat from his forehead. Frank was lounging on the couch, flipping through a magazine. When he saw Owen, he set it aside and gestured toward a shopping bag on the coffee table. "That woman from yesterday dropped these in the alley. Here are her documents and phone. The phone was busted, but I had someone fix it." "Thanks a lot." Owen picked up the phone and checked the call log. There were not many call histories. Most were unknown ones, but one stood out—there was a saved name. His eyes flickered with recognition. Lucky. He knew Celia. Back in middle school, Celia used to sneak off to the sanctuary to find Kylie. Owen had been recovering there at the time, and over the years, they'd become friends. Without hesitation, he dialed her number. He had no idea where Kylie was staying, and Celia was his only lead. The call connected almost immediately. A groggy voice came through the receiver. "Kyls? Why are you calling me this early?" "It's me, Owen." "Owen?" Celia snapped awake. She bolted upright in bed. "Why do you have Kylie's phone?" She wasn't into celebrity gossip, so she hadn't heard about the rumors surrounding Owen and Kylie. "There was an incident last night. She left her phone and documents with me. Do you know where she's staying? I need to return them." "You don't know?" Celia hesitated for a second before nearly blurting out, "She's at—" But just as she was about to say Hythe Villa, she bit her tongue. "How about this? I'll arrange a meeting with Kylie. One hour from now, Entrance One of Central Pavilion." Owen frowned. "You know I wouldn't hurt her. Why not just tell me where she is?" "I know you wouldn't," Celia admitted. "But if Kyls doesn't want you to know, she must have her reasons. Don't push it." Before Owen could say another word, Celia hung up. Then she grabbed her things and hailed a cab to Hythe Villa. She knew Samuel was rich, but seeing Hythe Villa in person still left her stunned. The sheer grandeur of it was overwhelming. As she rang the doorbell, a butler's voice came through the intercom. "Miss, may I ask what business you have?" "I'm here to see Kylie. I'm a friend," Celia said quickly. Hythe Villa wasn't a place just anyone could walk into, so the butler didn't open the gate. "Please wait while I confirm with Ms. Clark." A few minutes later, Kylie stepped out of Hythe Villa. "Celia? What are you doing here?" "Are you sick? You look awful." Celia frowned, reaching out to check Kylie's forehead. After a brief hesitation, she couldn't help but ask, "Did he… do something to you?" Kylie shook her head. "He's been good to me." Celia didn't buy it. "Come on, don't lie to me! Samuel and people like us live in two different worlds. He's used to calling the shots and holding power over life and death. "But now you're forcing him into marriage? That's like pulling a tiger's whiskers—suicidal! Why are you being so stubborn? Everyone else moves on, but you're still clinging to the past." "Celia, he treats Iris so well. I'm not the only one holding on." Kylie gave a wry smile and acted nonchalant. "Love is a strange thing. It makes people braver than they should be." "Brave? No, you're just being dumb." Celia shot her a look of frustration, but beneath it was pure, unfiltered worry. Kylie had always been like this—stubborn to a fault. Once she set her mind on something, she would see it through, no matter what. She never backed down or gave up. She was relentless. Kylie smiled and steered the conversation back on track. "So? Why'd you come all the way to Hythe Villa?" Celia grabbed her hand and pulled her toward a waiting cab. "Come on. You need to meet someone."