The next day, Adriana arrived at the law firm early in the morning.
She analyzed the scene from last night, wrote up a report, and then went to Carson’s office.
Carson’s face was still swollen, though better than yesterday. He was still not shy about speaking his mind. He casually remarked, “Did you not sleep well? Why do you look so awful?”
Adriana handed over the report. “I’ve seen the scene. There’s some evidence I need to retrieve from the Public Security Bureau. Do you have a way to help me access the remains?”
Carson read through the report, his face turning even darker than yesterday. “Wait… How do you know the details about how women are forced— Hold on a minute, don’t tell me you recreated the scene? Who did you reenact it with? A man or a woman?”
“Deputy Director Carson, you’re focusing on the wrong point…”
Carson tossed the repo
Adriana suddenly gained a whole new understanding of the phrase “barely make do.”Carson led the way to a Michelin one-star Japanese restaurant in New York City — the only truly authentic Japanese restaurant in the area. All the ingredients were flown in directly from Japan, and both the chefs and waitstaff were Japanese.The décor perfectly reflected the Japanese artisanal spirit — subtle, exquisite, and upgraded to be even more pleasing to the eye.Adriana smiled politely, though she was crying inside. “Deputy Director Carson, you have excellent taste.”“You’ve only discovered less than one percent of my good qualities.”Yes, yes, except for the scummy parts, Adriana muttered inwardly.Carson was clearly familiar with the place. The waiter immediately recognized him and respectfully led them to a private room, speaking Japanese as he introduced the new seasonal dishes.Carson responded fluently in Japanese, relaxed and casual, as if he were hosting in his own living room.Meanwhile,
A standard lunch with a bill showing $13,000 spent.Adriana was starting to seriously worry about herself — the speed at which she made money couldn’t keep up with the way it was disappearing. Yesterday, she lost her shoes and clothes. Today, she was out of food money.As they stepped outside, Carson casually grabbed her wrist and led her forward. Adriana was stunned.“Wait — I haven’t paid the bill yet! Hold on a second.”“What bill? You think I’d actually make you pay when you’re having lunch with me? I’m a member here — it’s directly debited from my card.”Hearing that she didn’t have to pay, Adriana felt a mix of relief and increased anxiety. Asking Carson for help at work was one thing — it could at least be framed as professional cooperation. But accepting his generosity in private settings blurred the line between personal and professional, and that unsettled her.“I owe you for this meal. Next time, it’s on me.”“So much effort just to avoid owing me a favor?”“You want the tr
In just a few days, Adriana had grown afraid of Carson. Quick on her feet and even quicker with her words, she worried that, at this rate, the entire upper class of New York City would soon know about their affair.Carson said, “As far as I remember, Anna doesn’t seem like the type to actively pick fights. And it’s true that I don’t like her character, but it’s not so bad that it’s outrageous—unless you two have a deep grudge.”Carson was also a little intimidating. As a lawyer, he had the ability to analyze situations beyond the surface, cutting straight to the core with seamless precision.But Adriana didn’t feel that her relationship with him was at a level where she could share personal details. Once again, she changed the subject. “Deputy Director Carson, are we still going to the Public Security Bureau? Are you still looking at the evidence?”She clearly didn’t want to continue the conversation, and since it seemed to invade her privacy or touch a sore spot, Carson decided not t
When it came to the details of her work, even with her closest friend, Adriana couldn’t say too much. She took a bite of a snack, savoring the sweet and spicy flavor, and said, “It’s difficult and challenging. My opponent is particularly strong, so I have to work even harder.”Snow didn’t fully understand the intricacies of Adriana’s industry, but she could still offer her support from the sidelines.“Let me tell you about something particularly disgusting. Do you remember Ray’s lover?”How could Adriana forget? The spectacular drama that unfolded during their camping trip on the mountaintop was still fresh in her mind. “Did you guys fight?”“Fight my foot! After what happened last time, I’ve learned to control my fists when I get angry.” Snow huffed. “What I wanted to tell you is—she got dumped by Ray. Just a few days ago, she was acting all high and mighty, as if she was about to become a young lady of status. But now? The producers, the director, and even her own agent have been sc
Snow was so angry she stomped her foot and cursed again. “See? That’s Calvin’s brilliance — he sells you out and you still count the money with a smile! Adriana, ten million is nothing to him! Look at you — satisfied with scraps. It’s stupid!”Adriana patted Snow’s back, trying to calm her down. Her eyes curved into a smile. “You’re all my own, my dearest friends. But right now, what I need is money. Besides Calvin, who else is handing me ten million? Where else am I going to earn that?”Snow’s eyes filled with tears as she wiped them with the back of her hand. “You… Clarke’s precious daughter, used to buying cars and watches without blinking — wasn’t eight or ten million just pocket change to you? Oh, my Adriana, how did you fall this far for a man?”“Okay, okay,” Adriana said soothingly. “What’s wrong with accepting it when the money’s already in my hands? Do you know how many people would envy me?”“You traded your heart for it. Can you really put a price on that?” Snow’s voice cra
Learning that Jessica had not eaten breakfast yet, Adriana ordered two cups of coffee and two sandwiches.Sitting by the window, the morning light flowed through the sky, shining on the woman’s tear-stained, red eyes and the tip of her nose. The more Adriana looked at her, the more pity she felt.Probably due to woman-to-woman empathy, Adriana softly said, “Do you want to eat something first?”Jessica drew out a piece of paper to wipe her eyes, rubbing them even redder, her shoulders gently rising and falling.“You heard that, didn’t you?”Adriana didn’t want to hide it. It was better to lay things out clearly.“I just happened to be passing by, I wasn’t intentionally eavesdropping,” she said.Jessica revealed a trace of embarrassment, which was soon replaced by self-deprecation.“I didn’t expect you to see me like this — at my lowest. You must be laughing at me, right? A few days ago, I even went to you and begged you to let him go. I didn’t expect him to let me go first. We’ve been
Just three simple words, no signature.Adriana took the slightly wilted bouquet from her desk and handed it to the receptionist. “Please throw this one out for me. Thanks.”Then, with a bright smile, she took the fresh bouquet from Carson’s hand, held it up to her nose, and took a deep breath.“These smell amazing. I really love today’s flowers.”Carson’s expression darkened, but he turned around and instructed the receptionist, “Go back to work.”The receptionist sensed that the atmosphere wasn’t right and quickly busied herself, hugging the flowers and slipping away.Carson shut the door and stared at the roses with eyes that could pierce through walls.“Who sent them?”Adriana carefully placed the flowers on her desk, gently fiddling with the petals. The smile on her face didn’t waver.“A person who shall not be named.”“Suitor? Boyfriend? You have a boyfriend?”It occurred to him that he had never actually asked Adriana about her relationship status. Could she already be married t
Selena originally wanted to ask Jessica to have lunch at noon but was rejected. Holding back her discomfort, she went downstairs and unexpectedly found Jessica alone. Despite the discomfort still lingering in her heart, she approached her.Jessica no longer looked at the car that had driven away. Instead, she took Selena’s arm and laughed, “Having lunch with Lawyer Clarke was just to talk business. It’s only with you that I can truly relax and be myself — we’re real friends.”Selena snorted softly. “You and Lawyer Clarke can’t even be compared. She’s pretty, but she definitely knows how to play her cards. You didn’t see the way Deputy Director Carson looks at her — completely bewitched, like a fox spirit has hooked his soul. I’m only saying this because I care about you, so don’t be mad. I’m mad on your behalf.”Adriana might have said she had no feelings for Carson, but who could guarantee what would happen in the future?Who could guarantee that Carson wouldn’t keep up his long-term
Miles away in New York City, Calvin sat in his office. In front of him, a high-definition computer screen displayed a live video feed from Manchester.The brightest spot in the frame was Henry’s villa, where a silent orgy was unfolding.Across the road, by the woods, Adriana sat on the ground, trembling, curled into herself like a fragile rag doll that might break at the slightest touch.Calvin’s heart clenched, a sharp pain tearing through him, so deep it left him numb.“Adriana, listen to me.”Adriana slowly lifted her head, her gaze fixed on the villa.“Mr. Calvin, we have only an employment relationship,” she said, her voice distant. “So please, call me Lawyer Clarke.”She stared straight into the camera, as if forcing her cold, pained eyes into Calvin’s field of vision, making sure he saw the bitterness, the accusation in them.Calvin had never felt such deep regret and self-reproach.How had he even thought of letting Adriana take this case in the first place?Back then, she had
The man was holding a glass of red wine, his dark hair standing out.He had his back to the window and was talking to someone, looking subdued yet at ease.“Bring me the picture you take.”Lewis flipped through a few photos, some close-ups and some taken from afar. “Here.”Adriana held the binoculars and focused her gaze on the photo. In terms of body type and overall presence, the two were exactly the same person.When she looked at the photo alone, Adriana hadn’t felt anything off, but now, facing the three-dimensional, living person, an overwhelming wave of oppression crashed over her. It was as if an invisible hand was squeezing her throat, suffocating her.She was stunned for half a second before speaking. “Are you sure it’s him?”Lewis didn’t understand the dazed look in her eyes and answered carefully, “These past few days, while I was tracking him, this was the only person Henry met with mysteriously. Every time they met, they were extra cautious and chose a highly secretive l
Calvin smiled but didn’t laugh. “It was a matter of expediency. Miss Clarke, you said so yourself. What? Were you planning to lecture me about the law in that moment? Sue me for indecent assault?” He leaned back slightly, his tone casual. “Go ahead. I’ll wait for your lawyer’s letter.”Adriana was furious, shooting him a vicious glare.Calvin glanced at the time. He had to leave for London soon, and Karl’s plane was scheduled to arrive at the airport in a few hours. “Consider it a medical expense. I didn’t do anything else. You didn’t lose out.”Adriana’s hands trembled as she pressed her fingers to her temples. She was seriously afraid she wouldn’t be able to resist punching Calvin’s handsome face.“When it comes to being a shameless rogue, you’re at a textbook level,” she snapped. “If you ever wrote a book called How to Train a Hooligan, it would be a bestseller worldwide.”Calvin smirked. “How can an exclusive skill like mine be outsourced?”Adriana’s mouth twitched. She had alread
Tonight, Adriana walked slowly to the bedroom by herself without asking Calvin for help, but as she lay on the bed, she felt immense pressure and shame.Calvin went to take a bath. He would certainly see the dirty clothes inside. And his question—if someone had come and she said no—was no different from saying, No, I am wearing nothing inside.As a divorced woman, what hadn’t she experienced? What hadn’t she seen?She shouldn’t have been shy, shouldn’t have acted with such delicate posturing, but the word ex-husband was there, easily breaking down her defenses.Adriana pulled the covers up, wrapping herself tightly from head to toe.Not long after, a freshly washed Calvin walked in. He blow-dried his hair, and his body radiated heat from the bath, raising the temperature of the room.Adriana pretended to be asleep, but her toes were already tense, curling one by one, her arches about to straighten out.Last night, she had been so exhausted and hurt that she slept soundly until morning
Whether Marshal was being an alarmist or simply preparing for the worst, Calvin considered his words carefully. But deep down, he knew Adriana was not that kind of person.Was she really lying in wait, plotting to bring down Grand Empire to avenge her family and Clarke Group?That soft, stubborn woman—was she really capable of such a grand scheme?Calvin shook his head. No. Adriana wouldn’t do that.“Do your job. The rest is out of your hands.”Marshal knew better than to push any further. He had already said enough to warn his boss without overstepping. “Understood, President. I will cooperate with Lawyer Clarke on the lawsuit.”After hanging up the phone, Calvin found himself unable to settle. Marshal’s words—scandal and debt—kept echoing in his mind.At first, when he had finally cut ties with that “scheming woman,” he had felt an overwhelming sense of relief. But now, when he recalled her reddened eyes and unsteady footsteps as she left his office that day, something within him st
The attending physician nodded. “Mr. Calvin, the patient has awakened. Would you like to see her?”Calvin gave a slight nod and stepped forward.In the ICU, Anna slowly opened her eyes. Blood loss had left her face pale, her lips devoid of color. Her pupils were unfocused at first, taking a long moment to adjust. When she finally saw the group of doctors in white coats standing beside a familiar figure, the pain in her body seemed to momentarily fade. A faint smile appeared on her lips.“Calvin…”Before she could say more, Calvin interrupted her. “The doctor said you’re still weak and shouldn’t exert yourself. If you have something to say, save it for later.”Anna’s eyes welled up with tears, touched by his concern.To be able to trade an injury for Calvin’s care and affection—it was worth it.“Alright, I’ll do as you say.”She was obedient, soft, like a submissive woman in the throes of deep love.Calvin frowned slightly before turning to speak with the doctor.The doctor explained A
Before the Blake family arrived in London, Calvin had someone watch Anna closely at the hospital and instructed them to contact the doctor immediately if there was any change in her condition.Even the usually straightforward Alex sensed his resistance this time. After dinner, he considered heading to the hospital’s VIP room. Knocking on the door, he called out, “Calvin?”Calvin, reading a document, glanced slightly toward the door. “Something wrong?”Alex gently closed the door, not daring to get too close. He sat on the farthest couch, yet even from there, he could still feel the icy air surrounding Calvin. “Anna hasn’t woken up yet. You’re worried about her, aren’t you?”Calvin shot him an icy look.It clearly meant: Which one of your eyes saw me worrying?“And?”Alex continued, “Anna likes you a lot and cares about your feelings. She almost died trying to save you today. Aren’t you two engaged? She’s your fiancée, right? That means she truly loves you.”What Alex called true love,
Adriana buried her chin into the pillow, her spine tingling with an eerie chill, as if countless unseen eyes were watching her. Lying in the room Calvin had booked, she felt an unsettling sense of restraint, as though she were sitting on pins and needles.“I’ll listen to you and won’t do anything foolish,” she murmured.Maxwell patted his daughter’s head, the warmth of his touch cutting through the distance between them. “You’re my daughter, and I’ve never let you suffer any injustice since you were a child. Now, even though our family can’t provide you with the same material security as before, as long as I’m here, I won’t let you be wronged again.” His voice grew more serious. “We’re not afraid of anything else—we’re afraid that Calvin will deceive you with sweet words and take advantage of you. He’s too cunning, too unpredictable. Even I could be outmaneuvered by him, let alone you.”His unwavering concern, layered with tenderness, broke Adriana’s last shred of composure. Tears wel
As soon as she finished speaking, Anna blacked out, slipping completely into darkness.Calvin looked down and saw her covered in blood. His brows furrowed into a deep, cold line. “Anna, wake up!”The woman in his arms remained unresponsive, unconscious from severe blood loss. Her face and lips had turned frighteningly pale.Rushing to the nearest hospital, Calvin watched as Anna was wheeled into the operating room. He stood outside in the corridor, his expression frozen, his presence as cold as zero degrees.During the tense wait, Calvin contacted his subordinates in the UK, issuing orders with unwavering authority. “Calm the situation at the construction site immediately. The one who attacked her—send him to the police station first. Wait for my further instructions.”Meanwhile, Alex had struggled to pacify the rowdy crowd, but a new group of men arrived from behind and quickly dispersed them.He didn’t fully grasp how it happened, but within half an hour, the mob had dispersed on it