### FLASHBACK ###More than six years ago in Sweden.Adrian had just turned twenty-one. He loved skiing. Abner King, Adrian's grandfather, bought a vacation home in Sweden because of his love for the sport.The vacation house was a four-story brick mansion settled at the top of the hill. At least once a year, the entire King family visited this vacation home. Adrian had just returned to the hilltop from checking the trail to ensure there was no unwanted debris. He looked up at his grandfather, who stood by the second-floor balcony, and Adrian waved, "Ready for the show, Grandpa?"Adrian's grandfather, Abner King, stood ready with his video camera, symbolizing his unwavering support and pride in his grandson's skills. "Ready when you are, Adrian!" He called out, his voice filled with encouragement. With a confident smirk on his face, Adrian put on his ski helmet and goggles. He hopped in place to check if his skis' were in good condition. After that, he turned to his grandfather and

### FLASHBACK CONTINUATION ###"In jewelry, one must make an impression," Adrian said during his presentation. "Stores must be located strategically at prime locations. Sales reps must be trained to know the quality of jewelry pieces. They must be presentable and know what best to recommend to clients..."When Adrian presented his marketing plan to the class, he received praise. It was great! However, his methods were traditional and only applicable to big companies, but what if you are still a start-up company?'Shops? sales reps?' Riley rolled her eyes while listening. 'I guess he is that rich.'Riley already knew that Adrian had spoken to the professor about working solo. Thus, she was off the hook for what she was about to do. She was determined to beat him at his own game. Adrian might be a business major student, but jewelry was her forte. When it was Riley's turn, she dressed in style and wore fashion jewelry. To encourage participation, she distributed fake paper money to the

Back to the present. At King's Enterprises Headquarters. Adrian held his chin high as he moved his wheelchair into the conference room. There was an ongoing commotion, and he knew why. "This is the third project the ACE Construction Firm has taken from us.""Well, the same company owns a metal factory. It's understandable how they could offer a lower bid." "It isn't just the bid!" Adrian's father, Anthony King, said. "From what I have gathered, the ACE Construction Firm offered to redesign the Megaworld Entertainment Plaza. They found a fault in the initial design!""They gained favor because they went above and beyond their service!" Anthony added. "Why didn't we see that? Huh? Didn't we hire the best engineers? That is a hundred-billion-dollar project we lost!""Fredrick, Brett? Answer me!" Anthony questioned.Just then, Adrian appeared before them. His calm expression silenced everyone. He found his place, and Clint sat beside him. Then he asked, "I thought the meeting was at ei

"Ri, is this hospital safe?" Renee asked while Riley was sketching another jewelry design.Riley raised a brow and asked, "Of course, Mom. Why did you ask?"Renee frowned and said, "I - I." She leaned back in her hospital bed and resumed, "Don't want another heart attack."Riley's mother spoke better now, but her voice was still weak. Hearing her mother's concern, she sat on the bed next to Renee and reassured, "We are in a new hospital, Mom. It's a safe and secure environment. No one from Brian's mistress will disturb us. And you have Miranda and Loraine, who are always here for you."Miranda and Loraine were Renee's caregivers. They took turns tending to Renee, especially when Riley was not around. "No one can enter?" Renee asked. "Yes, mom. Adr - I mean, I had given them specific instructions not to let anyone else enter your room," Riley revealed. "Rest assured, the hospital has stringent security measures in place. Only the necessary medical staff are allowed to see you."Renee

Riley was stunned by Adrian's reply. She asked, "What?" "You see, two weeks after my surgery, my grandfather informed me of a package from Japan that had arrived in Halliport. I remembered you," Adrian recounted. His voice was calm, and he spoke unhurriedly. "So, when Brian called me next, I told him to give you one box of chocolate.""I told him the truth, that I rescued you from drowning," Adrian revealed. "But I forbade Brian from telling you it was me. I wanted to tell you personally.""However." Adrian sighed and explained, "Days later, I fully understood the gravity of my situation. I could no longer play basketball. I can't join marathons and that - that I might be stuck in a wheelchair all my life.""I lost interest in everything, Riley. So, when Brian and I next talked to each other, I told him to stop giving you chocolates and never tell you how I saved you. I told him I did not know when I could return to Halliport," Adrian informed. "Perhaps his actions were meant to cover