Abandoned as a child and orphaned by murder, Kathryn swore she'd reclaim every shred of her stolen birthright. When she returned, society called her an unpolished love-child, scoffing that Evan had lost his mind to marry her. Only Evan knew the truth: the quiet woman he cradled like porcelain hid secrets enough to set the city trembling. She doubled as a legendary healer, an elusive hacker, and the royal court's favorite perfumer. At meetings, the directors groaned at the lovey-dovey couple, "Does she really have to be here?" Evan shrugged. "Happy wife, happy life." Soon her masks fell, and those who sneered bowed in awe.

Chapter 1 Saving A Life Beyond the city limits of Wrille, a thunderous splash erupted as something plunged into the river, breaking the spell of midnight quiet. Kathryn Palmer lingered beside the bank, and a wave of cold water hit her without warning. A subtle metallic scent crept through the night air. Her instincts pricked up-she had come across this scent before. That was the unmistakable scent of blood. Someone had plunged into the river, and whoever it was, they were hurt. Before long, muffled voices broke the darkness, drifting her way. "Keep looking!""We can't afford to miss a single clue!""Don't let him make it out alive!" A rush of hurried footsteps approached. Kathryn shot upright, meaning to leave, but a hand clamped around her ankle in a plea for help. "Please... anything you want, just help me..." The stranger's voice barely rose above a whisper. His grip slackened as he slipped from consciousness. In her mind, Kathryn decided that fate never placed a healer in someone's path by accident. If this stranger had landed at her feet, then saving him must be her task. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a small vial, tipped a pill into her palm, and carefully slipped it between his lips. Every second, the footsteps thundered nearer. Glimmers of torchlight cut through the darkness. Holding her breath, she let herself sink into the river's embrace, pulling the stranger along. Not long after, men dressed in black prowled along the shore, eyes sharp and searching. But the surface rippled softly, betraying nothing. Finding nothing, the men scattered, empty-handed. Once the riverbank was quiet again, Kathryn dragged the stranger out of the water and back onto solid ground. Ice-cold water numbed her skin as she fought the cold, shivering and sneezing but pushing onward. A quick check told her the man's pulse was steady-he was still hanging on. She didn't pause for even a breath before starting CPR. Moments seemed to slip away until, with a sudden jolt, the man convulsed, coughing up great gulps of water. A gentle hand hovered over his nose, and when Kathryn felt the faintest breath, relief rushed out of her lungs. As the mist drifted off, silver moonlight poured over the scene. The stranger's face became clear: strikingly handsome, almost too perfect. Movement caught her attention. The stranger shifted again. His eyelids fluttered open. He saw a girl crouching beside him. The moonlight revealed a black crescent tattoo on her collarbone. With what little strength remained, Evan Knight struggled to look up, wishing for a better view of the girl's face. But fatigue overwhelmed him. Eyes slipping shut, he fell unconscious once more. Kathryn showed no sign of panic. Another pill found its way between his lips. Moonbeams slid across his drenched form as she checked for wounds. Blood pooled at his waist-a deep gash, but not one meant to kill. Fainting was simply his body's way of coping with the loss. She ripped open the soaked shirt, cleaned the wound, and sprinkled powder to stem the bleeding. A smirk tugged at her lips when she finished. She couldn't resist reaching out to pinch his impossibly handsome cheek. "Two of my rarest pills, just for you. Hope you're worth the trouble." Certain that he'd pull through, Kathryn gathered her things and turned to go. But something stopped her-his earlier words echoed in her mind. Her gaze wandered back to him, pausing on the pendant draped across his chest. Moonlight set the crimson gemstone ablaze. The piece was unique-impossible to forget. "You said anything I want. I couldn't care less about promises. But I do enjoy unusual little treasures." Leaning in, she closed her hand around the pendant. "You owe me your life. I'm just collecting what's fair. Now we're even."

Chapter 2 One Condition In the morning, Kathryn was already stepping out of a cab in downtown Wrille. She made her way straight to the Summit Hotel and checked in without lingering. Once inside the modern, fully furnished suite, she slipped out of her coat and flung it onto a nearby chair. She headed straight for the tall window that stretched from floor to ceiling. The view beyond was everything she'd been away from-soaring buildings, packed lanes, the steady chaos of the city. She hadn't seen any of it since the day her world shattered. She was only six when her mother was murdered, and she got thrown into the mountains. Her own family had done that to her. Had it not been for the kindhearted couple who stumbled across her, she wouldn't have lasted a week. The wilderness would've swallowed her whole, leaving nothing behind. But she was still here. And she wasn't just back to visit. She'd returned to settle the score and take back what had always been hers. A jolt of awareness pulled her back from her spiraling thoughts. She reached into her pocket and pulled out the pendant she'd taken from the injured man. She raised it, letting the sunlight catch its edges. Now that it was clean, the gemstone sparkled with a kind of arrogant brilliance-cold, clear, and obviously worth a fortune. There was something about the way it rested in her palm that made it magnetic. Kathryn's fingers refused to let it go. She grabbed a thin black cord, slid the gem through, and looped it around her neck. Stepping in front of the mirror, she gave herself a quick once-over. It didn't look half bad. In fact, it suited her. She decided to keep it on. After tucking the pendant beneath her shirt, she picked up her phone. With practiced ease, she masked her IP address before opening her news app. The homepage lit up with updates, but one headline practically jumped out at her. "Palmer Heiress Anna Palmer in Critical Condition-Family Offering Massive Rewards for Blood Donors." That got Kathryn's attention. She tapped the article without a second thought. According to the report, Anna had been in a serious car crash. She'd lost a lot of blood, and the hospital was struggling to find Rh-negative blood donors to save her. The Palmers had thrown money at the problem, but despite the massive reward, almost no one had shown up to donate. Kathryn's lips curved into a smirk she didn't bother hiding. Talk about the stars aligning. She had braced herself for a long, uphill battle just to sneak her way back into the Palmer family's circle. Instead, the perfect opening had landed right at her feet. With the article still fresh in her mind, she shut off the app, leaned against the couch cushions, and closed her eyes to collect her thoughts. That blood type the doctors were scrambling for? It just happened to match hers. If she wanted to secure her footing in Wrille, she needed a title-one that couldn't be erased or dismissed. With her decision firmly in place, she slipped into her coat and stepped out without hesitation. This wasn't just a return. She was going to make the Palmers crawl. They'd have no choice but to beg her to return-not in private, but in front of the entire world-as the rightful heiress to everything they tried to steal. Outside Wrille General Hospital, Rhett Palmer had just gotten out of his car when a figure stepped into his path. He stopped cold. And there she was. The color drained from his face the moment their eyes met. His whole body stiffened like he'd just walked into a ghost. "You..." he said, barely getting the word out. Kathryn held his gaze with a quiet confidence, her smile soft but deliberate. "What should I call you? Mr. Palmer... or would 'Dad' be more fitting?" The question hit Rhett like a punch to the gut. He opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came. Kathryn didn't flinch. Didn't take a step back. She let him take in every inch of her face. The longer he looked, the harder it was to deny what stood before him-a mirror of her mother. If there was even a sliver of remorse buried inside him, now was the moment for it to surface. Neither of them moved. The air between them stayed thick with the weight of recognition. When Rhett finally found his voice, it came out in a whisper. "Is it really you... Kathryn?" Not a flicker crossed Kathryn's face. "Do you want to run a DNA test, or are you going to trust your instincts, Dad?" Rhett's hands trembled. "There's no need. You've got your mother's face... just like when she was your age." That pulled a short, bitter laugh from Kathryn's throat. He had the nerve to bring up her mother now? After all these years? Had he not abandoned them for wealth and status, her mother wouldn't have died the way she did. And now he had the nerve to bring up the very woman he left behind without a second thought? "I'm Rh-negative," she said, her voice clipped and cold. Then she turned on her heel and strode into the hospital without waiting for a response. Rhett hesitated for a moment, stunned by the emotional whiplash. Then he snapped into motion and followed her. They stopped just outside the ICU. Inside, surrounded by wires and machines, a girl lay motionless on the bed. Her skin was pale, her body limp. She was barely clinging to life. Kathryn's voice cut through the quiet. "I'll donate. But only on one condition." She didn't look at Rhett. Her eyes were locked on the girl inside the room. Then a slow, unreadable smile touched her lips. "You'll restore my status as part of the Palmer family. And you'll make it official. I want the entire world to know." Rhett's jaw tightened, a shadow falling over his face. "Kathryn... if you're just looking for a home, I can buy you a place of your own. But coming back to be a member of the Palmer family... that's complicated." He didn't have to spell it out. Kathryn already knew. Even if he bent, the rest of the Palmer family never would. "If your family refuses to meet my condition, then Anna Palmer can face death on her own," said Kathryn as she turned and walked away. Panic overtook Rhett. He lunged forward and caught her by the arm. "Wait-please. Don't go, Kathryn. I'll speak to them. I swear I will."

Chapter 3 A Curse Eventually, the Palmer family made the decision to let Kathryn come back. Not long after, Kathryn caught wind of the backlash-the choice had sparked a serious confrontation between Rhett and his current wife, Rebecca Palmer. Later that same day, Kathryn completed her initial blood donation for Anna. Because Anna had lost a dangerous amount of blood, several more transfusions were scheduled for the upcoming days. To ensure convenience and comfort, the hospital arranged for Kathryn to stay in one of their VIP suites. Out of nowhere, her phone vibrated. She reached for it and glanced at the screen. A message from her friend, Lindsay Simpson, had just arrived. "The Knight family's heir, Evan Knight, is searching the entire city. He's looking for a woman, around twenty, with medical knowledge and a black crescent tattoo on her collarbone." With a light-hearted tone, Kathryn replied, "That's odd. Sounds like me." Lindsay's response came almost instantly. "I'm not kidding! What if he's actually looking for you?""That's impossible. I've never even met the guy.""Are you absolutely certain you didn't tick him off somehow? Try to remember." Kathryn rolled her eyes at the screen, amused and annoyed by Lindsay's imagination. "I haven't even been back in Wrille for long. It's probably just some weird coincidence. Don't stress," Kathryn responded. Lindsay didn't send anything after that. Their exchange ended without further discussion. Still feeling a strange sense of unease, Kathryn opened her internet browser and ran a quick search. As soon as she typed in Evan's name, the screen showed a single, bold line: "Evan Knight, twenty-eight years old." That was all the information provided. Kathryn sat staring at the screen, her expression unreadable. Why so much secrecy? Driven by curiosity, she retrieved her tablet from her suitcase, inserted a USB stick, and began typing commands rapidly as lines of code streamed across the screen. Before long, the cascading lines of code vanished, replaced by a stark, black-and-white messaging interface. "Hey, help me look into someone.""Who is it?" Without delay, Kathryn replied, "Evan Knight.""Understood. Give me three days." Receiving that confirmation, Kathryn closed the window and powered off her tablet. At the same moment, Lakeside Villa, nestled in one of Wrille's most elite neighborhoods, shone brightly from every corner. "Any updates?" Evan stood tall by the large bedroom window. Despite the bandages and bruises, his commanding presence had not dulled in the slightest. A cigarette rested loosely between his fingers, its tip flickering softly in the dim light. Standing nearby, Kayce Wilson kept his gaze lowered. "Nothing so far, sir." Evan's eyes narrowed, and he pressed the cigarette into the ashtray before speaking with quiet authority. "Keep looking.""Understood." Kayce reached into the inside pocket of his coat and produced a gold-stamped envelope, offering it with both hands. "There's something else you should see." Evan's gaze shifted to the envelope, and a shadow of confusion crossed his face. "Who sent it?""It's from the Palmer family. They're hosting a banquet to welcome Rhett's illegitimate daughter back home, and Mr. Andrew Palmer specifically asked for your presence.""Asked, or demanded?" Evan asked, one corner of his mouth lifting in a cold, amused smile. Kayce paused briefly before asking, "Would you like me to send a refusal?" These sorts of invitations were usually tossed aside without a second thought. If Andrew, the head of the Palmer family, hadn't personally insisted, Kayce wouldn't have gone to the trouble of handing over the invitation face-to-face. Evan reached for the envelope, his gaze darkening with curiosity. Whoever this illegitimate daughter was, she must have made quite the impression. For the Palmer family to pull this level of effort, she had to be something else. He abruptly changed his mind. "No. Tell Andrew... I'll attend." On the day of the banquet, the skies were clear, with sunlight stretching across the city. Kathryn left the hospital and steered her car toward the mountainous outskirts. The path was steep and twisted, yet she drove with the confidence of someone who knew every bend. Eventually, she arrived at a secluded, unnamed grave-her mother's resting place. No marker stood there, only a lumpy patch of earth hidden beneath layers of untamed weeds. Without the countless visits she'd made over the years, even she might have missed it. Kathryn lowered herself onto the ground and began pulling the grass away with care. Each motion was slow and deliberate, as though she feared disturbing the silence of the grave. After some time, she bowed deeply and rested her forehead against the chilled soil. She remained completely motionless. It wouldn't be long now. Her mother was finally close to receiving the justice she had been denied. Eventually, Kathryn rose to her feet and turned away, not once glancing back. The banquet was scheduled for later in the day. Once back at her hotel, she changed into a formal dress and called in a makeup artist to handle her appearance. By the time the preparations were complete, the sky had already begun to darken. She was slightly behind schedule. Her phone screen was filled with missed calls-over twenty from Rhett. Still, Kathryn moved at her own pace. After heading downstairs to retrieve something, she made final arrangements and got ready to leave. Meanwhile, at the Palmer family's estate, the guests waited expectantly for the mysterious "long-lost daughter" to finally show. Minutes dragged by, yet the person of honor remained absent. The sound of hushed voices began to stir throughout the venue. Rebecca, more displeased than anyone else, wore her frustration openly. She never did bother concealing how she felt and said, "The second I saw the date, I knew she had bad intentions. Of all days, she went and picked her mother's death anniversary. She's doing this to stir the pot, no question about it!" Her face twisted into a scowl, and her tone cut like glass. "Isn't it suspicious? Right after Anna's car crash, the whole city ran dry of Rh-negative blood. And just like that, she showed up? That girl's a curse. As long as she's here, peace won't stand a chance in this house." Each word landed with biting precision. Rhett sat silent, his head lowered. A vein throbbed visibly at his temple. At that moment, a disturbance broke out at the entrance.

Chapter 4 Always Eager To See What The Family Offers All eyes swiveled toward the entrance as soon as the doors swung open. Kathryn appeared, draped in a sleek black dress that hugged her figure, its surface catching the light with tiny sparkling crystals. Her hair was gathered high in a graceful twist, a few wisps trailing artfully around her face. She exuded confidence and radiance, a presence impossible to ignore-unyielding and unforgettable. The moment Rhett spotted her, relief washed over his features. "Kathryn, you're here at last." Rebecca's demeanor shifted instantly, her face frosting over with cold contempt. There was no mistaking it-Kathryn looked just like her mother. Both of them, mother and daughter, were born temptresses. Rebecca's glare sliced through the air, brimming with old hatred she could barely contain. Why didn't fate take her too, all those years ago? But it wasn't just Rebecca staring daggers. Kathryn returned her gaze, silent but deadly, eyes filled with a burning promise of retribution. If she had the chance, she'd settle the score right here and now. Rhett, clearly feeling the rising tension, cleared his throat and tried to smooth things over. "Kathryn, come meet my wife. Rebecca, this is Kathryn..." Kathryn ignored Rebecca entirely, denying her even a passing glance. To her, Rebecca was nothing but the woman who broke up her parents' marriage and drove her mother to her grave. Kathryn let her eyes drift over the hall, taking in every detail. There were only a handful of Palmer family members and some staff. Not a single figure from the city's upper crust had shown. It was exactly as she'd anticipated. The Palmers' agreement to throw this banquet had come far too easily. Kathryn could see through the ploy-a thinly veiled attempt to put her in her place. After all, they had made it public that Kathryn was Rhett's long lost illegitimate daughter, returning to claim her name. No matter how influential the Palmer name might be, no one with a true reputation to uphold would be willing to attend a party for an illegitimate daughter. Still, Kathryn knew how to play the game just as well. With a quiet, mocking laugh, she snapped her fingers and said over her shoulder, "Bring them in." A moment later, several attendants marched in, each bearing massive arrangements of stark white funeral lilies. They lined the lilies up in two crisp rows, their ghostly blooms glowing harshly beneath the chandeliers. All the color drained from Rhett's face. Rebecca's features twisted, anger contorting her beauty into something feral. Every fiber in her body screamed to wipe the smug satisfaction off Kathryn's face. But Kathryn only basked in the tension, a lazy, satisfied smile curving her lips as she surveyed the shocked room. "A small present for the occasion. I hope it sets the right mood." Rebecca retorted, "Kathryn Palmer, you have gone too far!" Rhett scrambled to intervene, managing a shaky grin. "We also prepared something for you, Kathryn. Why not take a look at your welcome gift?" Kathryn's smile sharpened, almost daring him. "Naturally. I'm always eager to see what the family offers." Rhett wasted no time ushering Kathryn out of the hall. The second they were gone, Andrew and Martha Palmer, Rhett's parents, barked orders at the staff to clear out every last lily. Rebecca was still seething, her usually flawless features contorted with fury. Julie Palmer, Rhett's sister, tried to soothe her sister-in-law. "Don't give her the satisfaction. All she wanted was to provoke us, but we made sure she wouldn't have the last laugh." Julie glanced over at her parents, her expression turning sly. "Dad, Mom, you two handled this masterfully. Limiting the invitations to only a select few? Now those who didn't get invited are convinced Kathryn snubbed them on purpose. And the few who did get invited-all those big names-will feel insulted and stay far away." She paused, the beginnings of a frown tugging at her lips. "But, Dad, why insist on inviting the Knight family's heir?" Andrew let out a bitter chuckle. "Evan isn't someone to underestimate. Once he realizes I burned a precious favor just to bring him here because of Kathryn, he'll hold a grudge. He's got a long memory and a nasty temper. With the way he operates, Kathryn will never get a foothold in Wrille." Julie's lips curled into a sneer. "Let's see how long she can stay so arrogant."

Chapter 5 Evan Knight Rhett personally accompanied Kathryn back to her assigned room. The space was neither lavish nor cramped-just big enough to be polite, but it was clear the bare minimum had been done to make it feel welcoming. Her thoughts drifted to those pictures Anna had once flaunted online, every shot dripping with luxury-designer everything, opulence in every corner. What a joke, Kathryn thought, as she glanced around at the plain furnishings in front of her. She poured herself a generous glass of red wine, stepped onto the balcony, and stared out at the city as twilight crept across the sky. "Mom, I hope you're watching. All of this is for you," she murmured quietly. Then, the faint sound of gossip caught her attention-two women below, their voices drifting upward. "Can you believe what she did? She insisted on a banquet, and not a soul attends. Talk about humiliating herself.""Please, what do you expect? She grew up without a mother to teach her things. In high society, being an illegitimate child is a stain. Even if those rich people wanted to show the Palmers respect, they wouldn't risk their reputations by backing an illegitimate child." Kathryn's expression didn't flicker. She strolled to the edge of the balcony, tipped her glass, and let the wine rain down over the two women's perfect hair. A chorus of shrieks erupted as the women scrambled, staring upward in disbelief. They met a gaze that radiated cold composure and the kind of warning that made their skin crawl. Kathryn's tone was low and deadly. "Let me hear anything like that again, and you won't live to regret it." The women dropped their heads, bowing in apology without hesitation. Whatever resentment they might nurse in private, neither dared to defy her now-not when she wore the Palmer name. It was one thing to gossip in secret, but crossing her openly was another matter entirely. With that, the episode faded into the background. Meanwhile, the garden sparkled with lights and elegant decorations, every detail set for the so-called grand banquet. But, as expected, the place was almost empty. Just twenty minutes before the event's official start, a handful of guests finally wandered in, drawn more by whispers of a big shot's possible attendance than any real allegiance to the Palmers. Small groups huddled across the lawn, glasses in hand, conversations light and shallow. A sleek black Bentley glided up to the gates, the crowd's idle chatter fading at the sight. The door swung open, and a tall figure emerged-every inch of him commanding attention, authority in every stride. A hush swept the gathering as someone said, "That's Evan Knight." Every head turned as one, and an electric energy swept through the crowd. Rhett rushed forward, his posture rigid with apprehension. "Mr. Knight, welcome. It's an honor to have you here," he said, his tone betraying his nerves. He could hardly believe Evan had actually shown up. After all, Evan's appearances at social gatherings were so rare they bordered on myth in Wrille. Yet here he was, standing at the Palmer family's estate for an event meant for an illegitimate daughter. Right then, Kathryn emerged. She moved across the lawn, her gown gleaming with black crystals that caught and scattered the garden lights, drawing every eye in the place. It was as if she walked beneath her own private spotlight. The crowd fell silent, attention snapping toward her. Even the most jaded onlookers, those who'd come just to gawk at a scandal, found themselves unexpectedly awed. Whispers that she was plain, rural, and crude had clearly been lies-because the woman before them radiated beauty and quiet self-assurance. She was the very opposite of what gossip had painted her to be. As Kathryn let her eyes wander across the gathering, they came to rest on Evan. He stood just a short distance away, close enough for her to take in every detail. It was a striking face. Sharp features, calm eyes... and something about them felt oddly familiar. She racked her brain, trying to recall where that face had appeared before. Suddenly, it clicked-the intel brief she'd glanced at just minutes earlier. It had included a photograph. The man in the image was Evan Knight. He was the city's most coveted bachelor, heir to the vast Knight fortune, the youngest CEO to ever take the reins of Knight Group. Lately, it was rumored he'd been mobilizing all his resources, scouring Wrille for a mysterious person-someone with a black crescent-shaped tattoo on collarbone. Was it possible she was the person he'd been searching for? But for what reason? She had only just set foot in Wrille. When would she have crossed his path? Rumor had it that Evan projected the image of an untouchable, polished businessman. Yet everyone in the know whispered that his reach went far deeper. A single command from him could mobilize an army. So what did a man like that want with her?

Chapter 6 Drugged "Don't just stand here like a statue. It's time to greet our guest." Andrew had already drifted over to Kathryn, his tone edged with irritation as he urged the young woman, before striding purposefully toward Evan, not even waiting for her to respond. Reluctant to stir up drama in front of a crowd, she kept close behind, letting him take the lead. A smile, practiced and polished, spread across Andrew's face as he raised his wine glass. "Evan, it's been ages since I last saw you. You must have been just a boy then. Amazing how time disappears." A single, indifferent sip was all Evan offered. His gaze never fully landed on the old man, and his voice was as chilly as the autumn breeze. "Your memory hasn't faded at all, Mr. Palmer." A forced grin tightened the creases in Andrew's face. His bony hand clapped down on Kathryn's shoulder with a weight that felt more like a warning than affection. "My granddaughter insisted I invite you. Her own sister might still be suffering in the hospital if I didn't reach out. All I want is a little family peace. I hope you'll excuse the trouble, Evan." Kathryn kept her expression neutral, though inside she was almost entertained by the act unfolding. Only a skilled manipulator could play the pitiful patriarch so convincingly, all while wielding guilt as a weapon. Across from them, Evan's eyes flicked to Kathryn, catching the faintest trace of a smirk she hadn't meant to show. A small, amused lift of his brow gave away his thoughts. "Is that how it is? I see your elder granddaughter is quite the handful-definitely not as docile as her little sister." Kathryn's mouth curled, a flicker of humor in her eyes. With a heavy sigh, Andrew said, "They're both family, you know. Kathryn's always had a wild streak. Anna, she's the gentle one." A sharper smile lit Kathryn's face, almost daring. "Wild streak is one way to put it. I used to scale trees just for a taste of wild peaches. I guess big-city living hasn't tamed me yet. I might bring the whole house down if you're not careful." Her tone brightened mockingly. "They say I grew up like a stray, no etiquette, no rules. I hope everyone here can put up with my country ways." Her remarks landed with a jolt, sending a ripple through the crowd. Several guests shot each other knowing looks, some covering their mouths to hide faint grins. Andrew let out a tense cough, fighting embarrassment. "Kathryn," he blurted, "your grandmother will be waiting for you in the study later. She'd like to speak with you privately." Kathryn's fingers tightened on her wine glass, just for a heartbeat. She knew what a summons to the study meant. Yet she flashed an agreeable smile. "Absolutely. I'll head there soon." There was no illusion-tonight was only the beginning. The old man would do whatever it took to keep her down in Wrille. Lowering her gaze, Kathryn withdrew into silence, her mind whirring. A gust swept through the garden, and she hugged herself, the sudden chill seeping through her dress. And then-warm fabric settled across her shoulders, still holding the heat from its owner. Kathryn stiffened and glanced up. Evan was already gone, his phone pressed to his ear, another glass of wine in hand as he drifted into the crowd. "Was that... did Evan just cover her with his jacket?""Wow, she just got here and already has caught Evan's attention? She must be something else..." The murmurs sliced through the evening, sharp and unmistakable. Every Palmer heard it loud and clear. The family had braced themselves for Kathryn's embarrassment tonight. Instead, they stood embarrassed, feeling every darting look and raised brow from Wrille's upper crust. Their expressions soured one after another, but surrounded by watchful eyes, they forced their lips into brittle smiles. From that moment, nobody dared make another sly comment to Kathryn. Not after seeing Evan's small gesture. Even those still seething with contempt for her hid it behind pleasant words. So Kathryn moved easily through the garden, draped in Evan's coat. No one dared cause her trouble, at least for now. Several guests even seized the chance to introduce themselves, eager to win her favor. Before long, a discreet servant approached, bowing and quietly inviting Kathryn to join Martha in the study. Kathryn offered a light excuse and quietly slipped away from the crowd. Meanwhile, Evan was starting to sense something was seriously wrong. Inside the lavish study, he found himself completely alone. The room should have felt pleasantly cool on this autumn night, yet sweat trickled down his temple. He said nothing to the screen. On his laptop, the subordinate delivering a report paused, clearly rattled by Evan's growing silence. Evan's hands curled into fists. With effort, he sucked in a shaky breath, fighting back the dizzying waves of heat pulsing through his body. A pressing contract from the company demanded his signature, and he hadn't hesitated when the Palmers suggested this private study as a temporary workspace. But midway through his work, an uneasy sensation crept in. Something was off. His body wasn't reacting normally. He'd been... drugged. No matter how many times he loosened his tie, the heat inside him only worsened. What went wrong? Had it been the wine? Or was there something in the air? As soon as he typed the final line, he slammed the laptop shut, the sound echoing through the quiet. His knuckles pressed white against the lid. Aches rolled through his muscles, making every movement feel heavy. For a moment, he swayed, then forced himself upright, desperate to get out before he lost control altogether. Both ends of the hallway had their windows thrown open, the chilly air swirling in from outside. Evan braced himself against the wall, forcing slow, deliberate breaths as he tried to clear his head. The fresh air brought only the faintest relief. Kathryn, headed for Martha's study, paused at the landing. Up ahead, Evan's imposing figure was unmistakable. Heat flushed across his cheeks, painting them a stark, feverish red, while the rest of his face had gone pale beneath the lights. One look was enough for Kathryn. Someone had slipped him something-and whatever it was, it was strong. If she left him here, he'd end up at the mercy of whoever had set this trap. Her hand brushed over the coat still draped across her shoulders-his coat. She didn't hesitate. Striding forward, she reached for his arm. "You're coming with me." Evan's reflexes kicked in. He pulled away sharply, a hard edge in his gaze. The air between them turned frigid as he spat out, "Is this what the Palmers have come to? They didn't even wait for him to collapse before sending someone to drag him off!"

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You never thought you’d see her again—not after the way they cast her out, not after the lies they spread about the ‘wild child’ who didn’t belong. But now, Kathryn stands in the garden of the Palmer estate, draped in black crystals and quiet fury, while the city’s elite whisper behind their wine glasses. You watch as she silences two women with a single pour of wine from the balcony, as she walks past the funeral lilies she brought as a ‘gift,’ as she locks eyes with you—Evan Knight, the man she saved from the river, the man now swaying in the hallway, drugged and burning up.

You try to pull away when she grabs your arm, snarling, 'Is this what the Palmers have come to?' But she doesn’t flinch. 'No,' she says, voice low and steady. 'This is what happens when someone tries to hurt what’s mine.'

She pulls you toward a hidden door beneath the staircase. 'You’ve been dosed with a synthetic stimulant—fast-acting, designed to mimic heatstroke. If you don’t cool down in the next twenty minutes, you’ll start seizing.'

You stumble against her, your body betraying you. 'Why help me? We’ve never even met.'

She smirks, guiding you down the dim corridor. 'Oh, Evan… we’ve met. You just don’t remember.' Her fingers tighten on your arm, her voice dropping to a whisper 'But I do.'

She stops at a door, glancing over her shoulder. 'Now, are you going to let me save your life again—or are you too proud to admit you need me?'