Five years later.
In the principal's office of a prestigious kindergarten in the city.
"Look at how your child has treated my son! What if he ends up disfigured?!" A heavily made-up woman rolled up her sleeves and lunged at Vanessa but was stopped by the principal beside her.
"Calm down! Calm down! Let's talk this over civilly!"
Vanessa squatted down, looking at the little girl in front of her, and gently asked, "Tell Mommy what happened."
The five-year-old girl, with ponytails and a fair, round face full of grievances, said, "Today, when we were playing a game, Adrian lifted my skirt... and tried to touch my feet. Mommy, you said that girls' feet shouldn't be touched by others..."
Vanessa's eyes turned icy. "Did he touch you?"
The little girl shook her head. "I hit him when he reached out..."
Vanessa gave a thumbs-up to the little girl. "Well done! If you encounter something like this again, do the same as today, understand?"
The woman beside her scoffed and turned to the principal. "Did you hear that? She admitted it! My son’s face was scratched by her daughter, and this matter must be handled seriously! Otherwise, no one leaves today!"
"And how do you explain your child lifting a girl's skirt?"
"That's just kids playing around! What's the big deal? Besides, she was wearing shorts underneath, right? I think she was hoping someone would see!"
The woman finished speaking sarcastically and picked up her child. "It's okay, Adrian. Mommy's here. Today, I will make those two little brats apologize! Let's see who dares to bully you again!"
The child, puffing up with pride, joined in, shouting, “Apologize! Apologize!”
“Indeed, like parent, like child. Your kid was in the wrong first, and instead of correcting him, you, as his mother, cover for him and call them little brats while wanting to hit someone? Ha! Do you really think this is your family’s territory?”
Vanessa turned her gaze to the principal. “My request isn’t much. Just an apology, and we can put this matter behind us.”
“Apology? That’s laughable! My son just lifted a skirt, and now his face is scratched like this. What if he ends up with a scar or an infection? You think I’m going to let him apologize? Dream on!”
Vanessa’s eyes glinted with anger, her face set in a cold smile. “If I remember correctly, your family is currently negotiating with Cortex over that piece of land in the south of the city, right? Seems you have quite the advantage.”
Mrs. Marwood felt a chill creeping up her spine at the look in Vanessa’s eyes. “What do you mean?”
“Nothing much. Just that the bird ready to be caught might fly away,” Vanessa said, pulling out her phone and sending a text message.
Before Mrs. Marwood could grasp Vanessa’s meaning, her phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, she felt a sense of foreboding.
“Hello, dear?”
“What have you been doing out there today?! Cortex just said they will never cooperate with the Marwoods again!”
Mrs. Marwood's face changed drastically. "Why?"
"They sent me to ask you! Why? I want to know why too! Get back here now!"
Although Mrs. Marwood did not put her phone on speaker, the voice on the other end could still be heard by everyone in the room.
Vanessa hadn’t expected her assistant to be so efficient. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and she smiled like a cunning fox. "Well? What do you think?"
Mrs. Marwood stared at her, incredulous. "Who are you?!"
"The priority now is to go home and figure things out, not to ask such foolish questions," Vanessa kindly suggested. As for the apology, she could wait a few more hours.
Mrs. Marwood gritted her teeth in anger, but all she could do was leave with her child.
The principal looked at Vanessa with a hint of curiosity, about to speak when a teacher hurried in and said, "Mr. Mone, there's a parent looking for you."
"Take them to see Mr. Sullivan first."
"The visitor is from the K Group."
The principal cast an apologetic glance at Vanessa.
Vanessa understood and turned to leave, taking the child with her.
Just as she was about to hail a taxi at the corner, a Maybach slowly pulled up nearby.
The car door swung open, revealing long legs stepping out.
Luca, dressed in a well-tailored black suit, appeared with a cold expression, standing tall and exuding an air of aloofness that pushed people away.
Then a child came out, clinging to the man's hand.
Vanessa's body stiffened as her gaze fell on the child. This was his and Beatriz's child? Hatred surged in her heart, but she quickly forced it down, managing to return her expression to normal.
Luca, holding the child, was heading to the kindergarten when he looked up and saw a familiar figure.
That person was also looking at him.
Their eyes locked, and the atmosphere around them instantly froze.
Luca's breath caught, and a wave of emotions surged in his heart, but he quickly returned to his usual demeanor.
"Mommy, this uncle looks a bit scary."
Vanessa averted her gaze and bent down to pick up the little girl. "It's okay, don’t look at him. We're going home."
Treating Luca like air, Vanessa walked past him, but a hand grabbed her.
"Are you not going to give me an explanation?"
A smile that didn't reach her eyes appeared on Vanessa's face as she asked knowingly, "Who are you?"
Luca furrowed his brow, his tone laced with anger. "You didn't die."
"Surprised?" Vanessa leaned closer to his ear and whispered softly, "Too bad you didn't get what you wished for."
After saying that, she ignored Luca and turned to leave.
Luca was stunned for a second, watching Vanessa's figure disappear around the corner. He quickly chased after her.
He was only a second too late; by the time he caught up, she was already gone.
A surge of anger rose within him, and he turned to grab the child standing by the car and lifted him inside. He took out his phone and called his assistant.
"Find out who took Vanessa away five years ago."
***
In the taxi, Vanessa smirked as she watched Luca leave, a fierce determination flickering in her eyes.The pain she had endured five years ago would be returned to them a hundredfold!Suddenly, the little girl tugged at her shirt and called out worriedly, “Mommy, what is going on?”Vanessa quickly suppressed her emotions and turned to face her, a gentle smile on her lips. “Oh, nothing. What do you want to eat today, Isla?”“I want spaghetti, with shrimp and meatballs!”Vanessa chuckled and pinched the little girl’s tummy. “You little glutton, you already have so much meat on you!”The little girl puffed up her cheeks, turned her head away, and pretended to be angry. "Mommy is bad!""Hahaha! Okay, okay, Isla has no meat on her tummy!" Vanessa continued to tease her."Oh no, Mommy, stop laughing!" The little girl complained, grabbing her hair in frustration."I won’t laugh anymore; let’s go home and eat."That night, after putting the child to sleep, Vanessa got up to tidy up.The livin
Beatriz observed Luca’s expression, unable to discern his emotions, and immediately continued her probing. "Forget that for now. I'm here today to discuss whether we should change Ezra's school. I’m worried about him being in the same kindergarten as Vanessa's child." With a loud ‘bang,’ Luca slammed the folder shut, a flash of anger flickering in his eyes. "Get out." Meeting his gaze, a chill spread through Beatriz's heart. She remained still and continued, "Vanessa and Daxton are not good people. How can their child be any better? I heard that she even got into fights with other kids in kindergarten, and I..." "Have you said enough?" "This is the truth! Five years ago, she betrayed you and slept with Daxton, colluding to deceive you. These..." Luca's dangerous gaze wrapped around Beatriz like a snake, his thin lips parting slightly. "Get lost." Realizing that Luca was genuinely angry, Beatriz smartly chose to leave, secretly breathing a sigh of relief. Although she had angered
Catching the hint of sarcasm in Vanessa’s tone, Beatriz's eyes flickered with anger."Well, I’m quite looking forward to seeing what President Saxon can come up with that’s better than Ness’s proposal."Her tone seemed calm, but internally, Beatriz was burning with rage."Next, please."Vanessa prepared her materials, stood up, and walked to the front."Let me introduce myself, I'm Vanessa Saxon from Cortex Group." She pulled up her PowerPoint presentation and continued, "Everyone, please take a look. This is the design draft we created after our company conducted a field investigation..."Before she could finish, she was interrupted: "I thought President Saxon's design draft would be something fresh. There's nothing innovative at all; it’s overly complicated. If we proceed with your proposal, it will be costly without any appealing features. Isn’t that just a facade?"Vanessa smiled slightly, "But compared to other companies, we place greater emphasis on the building's value retentio
Luca was startled to realize that Vanessa’s strength was comparable to his own staminaThe car was parked not far away, but the people behind were closing in. In the heat of the moment, Luca gave Vanessa a push. “Go start the car.” “Got it!” Vanessa sprinted towards the car like the wind, fishing the keys out of her pocket as she ran. Meanwhile, Luca spun around, raised his right fist, and swung his arm. The first attacker groaned in pain, stumbling back a step. Following his gaze, Luca saw another man charging from the side, brandishing a club. Unfazed, he took a calm step back, slammed a punch into the man’s gut, then kicked him hard in the groin. In less than a minute, two out of seven were down. “Oh wow, not bad at all, huh?” The remaining attackers, undeterred, swarmed Luca in unison. Even though two fists couldn’t match the power of many ha
At 1 a.m., the two of them crossed paths at the stairwell. Mariah casually waved the slip of paper in her hand, glancing around her surroundings. “So, you knew my place was bugged?” Vanessa gave a slight nod. “You went through all this trouble. What do you want to say?” “There might be issues in the stock market,” Vanessa replied calmly. Mariah remained silent, her sharp eyes studying her closely. “Evidence?” Vanessa spread her hands. “None. I only pieced it together on my way back today. Your company announced two major projects at the press conference, but neither of them succeeded in development. Doesn’t that sound like a stock manipulation scheme? If you check the data, you’ll see VH’s stock has been surging and is likely to keep climbing.” Mariah stood still, her gaze locked on her, as though trying to decipher her true intentions. “This information,” she said coolly,
*Morning News*"...Reports have surfaced about a significant financial gap in VH Group. Just recently, the company was promoting a new project. But is VH Group truly thriving as it appears on the surface, or has it already become an empty shell?" "Now, let's connect with our reporter on the scene..." ‘Click.’Vanessa turned off the TV and stretched lazily before heading toward the bathroom to wash up.When breakfast was ready, Isla emerged from her room, rubbing her sleepy eyes. The little girl, wearing a white nightgown, whined softly, "Mommy... I’m hungry."Vanessa walked over, scooped her up, and smiled. “Come eat. Do you want to go somewhere fun afterward?”Since returning to the country, Vanessa had been busy with work and rarely found time to spend with Isla. Now, she wanted to make it up to her whi
“I am looking for you.” Luca glanced at her coldly, then accelerated the car, as if venting his emotions. In the backseat, Isla was frightened and tightly nestled in Vanessa’s arms. “Mr. Kensington, there’s a child in the car. Please drive safely,” she said, furrowing her brows and holding Isla close, her tone carrying a hint of anger. Only then did Luca glance back at Isla and gradually reduce his speed. “Let’s talk.” Seeing how scared Isla was, Vanessa didn’t want to spend another second with him. “We have nothing to discuss.” “Are you sure?” He teased her, adding, “Don’t you want to talk about Mariah or her?” Vanessa tightened her hold on Isla and exclaimed, “Isla is my child; she has nothing to do with you!” “Vanessa, you’re still the same as you were five years ago.” “What do you mean?” Vanessa tensed, her heart racing. Did she inadvertently reveal that Isla was his c
Beatriz was taken aback and quickly pushed her away, retreating as she said, “What are you talking about? I don’t understand!” Vanessa gave a slight cold smile. “Since you don’t understand, I won’t bother explaining further,” she said, preparing to roll up the window and drive away. Halfway through, she suddenly remembered something and added, “By the way, I believe you know that both our companies successfully entered the second round of the bidding. See you then.” With a casual smile and bright eyes, she rolled up the window and drove away. Left behind, Beatriz stomped her feet in anger. “This is what you’ve forced me into, Vanessa!” With hatred in her eyes, she had originally just wanted to keep Vanessa away from Luca, perhaps letting her off the hook, but now it seemed this woman couldn’t be spared! ...HM Group’s President Office.“Is the recent news about VH your doing?” The short, plump man gl
It was unclear how much time had passed when a beautiful melody drifted into Senna’s ears. This song…“Sis, don’t sleep anymore. Please wake up, okay? I miss you so much. Sis, it’s been so long since you sang me to sleep. Do you still remember this song? You used to sing it to me all the time. Please wake up, sis. I’m so worried about you.”The familiar voice echoed in her ears—it was Tobias’s voice. Could it be… that she had died and met Tobias in heaven?“Sis, wake up! Open your eyes and look at me! It’s me, Tobias. How could you be so cruel and leave me behind?”Tobias’s voice grew increasingly sorrowful, choked with tears. Big, warm drops of his tears landed on Senna’s face.“Tobias…” It really was his voice. Senna’s eyes flew open, and the moment she saw that familiar little face so close to hers, tears gushed uncontrollably dow
But, the butler warning came too late. The sharp blade plunged mercilessly into the old master’s abdomen."You old bastard," Astrid sneered, her voice dripping with venom. "Three years ago, you promised me that if I got rid of Senna, I would marry into the Voss family as the young madam. But you went back on your word—I tolerated it. And now, when Magnus’s people are hunting me down, you want to cut ties with me? Since I’m doomed anyway, I’ll take you down with me. HAHAHA!""Old Master!"Blood spurted out as Astrid pulled out the knife. The butler’s face turned ashen with terror. Without hesitation, he raised his gun.Bang!The gunshot rang out.Astrid’s crazed laughter was abruptly silenced. A bullet pierced her forehead. Her wide, crazed eyes froze in place as her body collapsed to the ground, lifeless, her expression frozen in disbelief."Old Master, are you alright? Someone call for help!
Daring to commit violence in Rosewood Manor, Astrid had already prepared to risk everything. After escaping, she headed straight to Voss Manor—because at this point, the only person in the world who could protect her was the old man.Inside Voss Manor, the old man was studying a chess board, frowning as he realized he had backed himself into a dead end. He sighed softly. “Fated.”“Master.” The butler entered with Astrid.Disheveled and panicked, Astrid collapsed to her knees in front of the old man, sobbing. “Grandpa, I did as you wanted! This time, Senna is surely dead! I helped you get rid of her! But Magnus won’t let me go—he’ll kill me, he’ll tear me apart! Grandpa, what do I do now?”The old man frowned, glaring at the butler in displeasure. “Can’t you see I’m busy? Why bring her here? Get rid of her.” To him, she wasn’t even worth as much as a dog.
Magnus’s gaze lowered slightly. He wasn’t wrong.After the car accident, his legs had been injured, but not to the extent of being crippled. He had faked it deliberately—to make the old man feel guilty, to show him what it was like to lose control.He was the eldest grandson of the Voss family. His father had died young, caught in a revenge killing. His mother, unable to bear the loss, chose to end her life by jumping into the sea, leaving him behind. Devastated, the old man pinned all his hopes on Magnus, raising him with an iron hand, demanding perfection. And he delivered, becoming the ideal heir—until Senna appeared.Senna’s mother had been divorced by the Thorne family for alleged infidelity. A daughter born of such a woman was nothing but a disgrace in the old man’s eyes. He couldn’t tolerate her ruining the successor he had spent decades grooming. And when Matthias died, it became the spark that ignited the traged
Before Magnus could turn around, a brutal punch slammed into his face, sending him staggering back two steps. He grunted in pain and was about to retaliate when a small head peeked out from behind him.A pair of large, round, jet-black eyes blinked at him, filled with curiosity. The chubby little face scrunched up in confusion before a childish voice spoke, "Huh? Uncle... He looks just like my dad..."Magnus's raised fist froze mid-air.His gaze locked onto the little boy, who was the spitting image of himself as a child. He was too stunned to speak."That's right! He’s the bad dad who nearly got you killed, and now he's hurting your mom! Because of him, you’re about to lose your mother!"With seething anger, Caius pulled the child forward, pointing at Magnus in accusation."I'm losing my mom?"The little boy repeated the words twice as if trying to process them. Then, his face suddenly changed.Panic-stricken, he b
The venomous voice sent a shiver down Senna’s spine. She was about to jump off the swing when a sudden, forceful push sent her flying forward. She let out a startled scream as she crashed to the ground.Just as she struggled to get up, a sharp, searing pain stabbed through her abdomen. Her face instantly turned deathly pale."You should’ve died three years ago! Why are you still alive?" Astrid sneered, dressed as a maid to sneak in. She gripped a wooden stick, her face twisted with hatred. "If it weren’t for you, I would be an award-winning actress by now. My endorsements would be endless! You ruined my career—was that not enough? Why did you have to ruin my marriage too?"As she raised the stick, she suddenly caught a whiff of something metallic—blood. Looking down, she saw crimson liquid trailing down Senna’s leg. She froze for a second before her fury erupted."You wretched woman… you're pregnant again?!"
After returning from the old master's place, Astrid spent the entire night unable to sleep. She couldn't believe she had been deceived—no, she refused to believe it was true. Magnus was so wealthy; why would he bother scheming for her shares? Compared to his vast fortune, her shares were insignificant, a mere drop in the ocean.The next morning, she rushed to the headquarters of Voss Group. Everyone in the company assumed she was the future president’s wife, so no one dared to stop her.She barged straight into Magnus’s office, watching as he reviewed and signed documents. Taking out her compact mirror, she carefully touched up her weary face, ensuring there were no flaws before putting on a bright smile and knocking gently on the door.“Magnus.”Magnus glanced at her. Despite her meticulously refined appearance, he still found her face utterly displeasing. His voice was cold, devoid of any warmth.&ldquo
The better Magnus treated her, the more terrified Senna became. His enigmatic behavior left her unable to grasp his true intentions. What was he plotting?Three years ago, how had he deceived her, stolen her heart and body, only to throw her into prison, kill her younger brother, and force her to drink that glass of abortion medicine? The pain and hatred he inflicted on her were like a brand, burned deep into her soul.No, she couldn’t waver. She had to avenge herself. In one week, he would meet his end.“Senna, I’m heading back to the company first. Once I finish my work, I’ll take you out for a walk.” Magnus reached out, gently brushing his fingers through her hair as he spoke in a low voice.Senna set down her spoon, her voice cold as ice. “I don’t want to go out.”“If you don’t want to, then we won’t. I’ll come back tonight and have dinner with you.” Magnus took her hand and brought it to his lips, pressing a soft ki
At dawn, the storm finally subsided. Senna opened her swollen eyes and found herself lying against the man’s broad, solid chest.Her heart sank instantly.She had actually allowed herself to weep uncontrollably in the arms of her enemy last night—and even cried herself to sleep. How could she have sought comfort in the warmth of the man who had wronged her? She shouldn’t have.Senna clenched her fists slightly, berating herself over and over.Magnus was still asleep, his arm wrapped tightly around her waist—not so forcefully as to hurt her, but firm enough that she couldn’t break free.Senna raised her head slightly and looked at his closed eyes and strikingly handsome face. Her gaze narrowed, a sharp, murderous glint flashing through her eyes.The man who had framed her and caused her brother’s death was right in front of her. This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for revenge.