"Achoo!" I sneezed, and for the life of me, I couldn't have imagined that the same CEO I had called a bumpkin the other day was now dead set on taking me as his wife—at any cost.
"You alright, Clara?" Lily asked, concern lacing her voice.
"Of course. Idiot! You're the one being hospitalised here," I said, pressing a hand to my forehead. "Hmm… a little better now."
I looked down at Lily, my best friend, my only anchor through all this chaos. Without her, I shivered to think where I'd be—possibly gone. Especially after Julian abandoned me… I had felt utterly broken. A soft smile spread across my face as I glanced at her.
Lily was adorable. Her mid-length black hair framed a pale, round, almost cherubic face. Her cheeks were tinged with pink—a little reminder of the Foster family's impeccable genes. Beauty seemed to run in their blood.
"I'm fine. Stop mothering me. One mother is already more than enough," Lily laughed, opening the food box. "And what is this? Porridge?" She wrinkled her nose.
"I made an extra effort to make it taste as awful as possible," I teased.
"You're such a—"
"Isn't that why we're best friends?" I interrupted. "Because we're both awful people."
I made sure Lily finished her porridge, forcing the entire bowl down despite her protests. In the end, tears streamed down her face.
"Your cooking is horrible! I've never tasted anything worse!"
"Don't worry," I said, grinning. "Next time I'll make it even worse—just for you."
"I hate you!"
"I love you too," I laughed. "Remember, this is punishment. So you won't get careless again."
Lily had gotten drunk at Emily Bennett and Julian's engagement party and ended up in the swimming pool. If I hadn't noticed the splash in time, she might have drowned. The thought still sent chills down my spine. I frowned at her. "What's wrong?"
Her expression was conflicted, as if a storm was brewing inside her.
"If you don't want to say it, then let it be," I said thoughtfully. "You can tell me when you're ready."
"No, I must tell you today," she insisted. The truth was eating her alive, and there was no one else I would believe her. "Clara… whatever I'm about to say… promise me you'll stay calm."
"Okay," I said seriously, bracing myself.
She took a deep breath. "It was… actually Emily who pushed me that day."
My heart froze.
"I wasn't sure at first, so I asked Gu Chiantao. She confirmed it."
"Are you certain?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
"I remember someone pushing me, but I couldn't see their face. I thought I was imagining it because of the alcohol. But Keth said she saw Emily do it," Lily said slowly. She knew it would shock me.
I knew Ketherine well enough; she wouldn't lie about something this serious.
"I can't believe it." Rage flared inside me. Emily had always tried to make my life miserable, but now she was targeting the people I loved. Not this time. I wouldn't let her win.
"I could have silently tolerated it if it were me," I whispered, gripping Lily's hands, "but if she hurts my friends…"
"Clara, stop! You promised to stay calm!" Lily said, her grip firm.
"Who does she think she is? Pushing you into the pool? What if you had died? What if she tries something again?" My fear morphed into determination as I hugged her tightly.
"I know," Lily murmured, returning my embrace. "But nobody will believe us."
She was right. Especially Julian. He'd trust Emily over both our eyes combined.
"Take care of yourself, Lily. Don't stress. But know this—I won't let her, or anyone, hurt you."
"But promise me you won't do anything rash before telling me," she warned. She cared more about me than herself.
"I promise." I smiled, though the moment I stepped outside, I quickly dialed a number, knowing full well I'd already lied to Lily.
"Is this Gu Chiantao?" I asked once she picked up.
"Yes?" Her voice held a touch of curiosity.
"I'm Clara, Lily's friend. Can we meet tomorrow?"
"Of course," she answered readily, almost as if she expected my call.
I sent her the location and time. I needed evidence—but first, confirmation.
Meanwhile, Lucas Blackwood's secretary, Grace Hill, was breaking into a cold sweat.
"Quick! Quick, everyone!" she urged, scanning through endless guest lists from that night. Her handkerchief was soaked in sweat.
Her phone rang, and her heart nearly leapt out of her chest. Trembling, she answered.
"M-Mr. Blackwood?"
"You found her?" Lucas demanded.
"Not yet, sir. But we're working tirelessly…" Grace swallowed hard.
"I'm giving you one more hour." He cut the call, his hand raking through his hair in a gesture that made him look impossibly attractive—and terrifyingly dominant.
…
I was lying lazily on my couch, stuffing my mouth with French fries while a tiger tore a deer apart on Animal Planet. My long brown hair was tied in a messy bun, and even in pajamas, I was aware of the effect I had.
Then, a sound pulled me out of my indulgence.
Ding Dong!
Frowning, I glanced at the clock. 9 PM. Who on earth could it be at this hour?
Checking the monitor, I saw a man in a formal black suit, his face obscured, flanked by a subordinate holding files with reverent caution. Must be a tycoon, or someone pretending to be. Precautions were always wise.
I grabbed my revolver, sliding it into my belt, and approached the door cautiously. I had a feeling I'd seen him before… somewhere.
Opening the door, my eyes landed on him—and froze. Those chocolate-brown eyes, mesmerising and intense, were fixed on me.
"Bumpkin?" I breathed.
Grace… vomited blood.