Vespera opened Raymond's message: "On Friday, I'll be accompanying Mr. Reid to a meeting at the Amara Hotel. Ms. Gildon, perhaps you could deliver the suit there." Vespera blinked. "What does that even mean?" A flood of questions overwhelmed her. Dominic wanted another meeting, at a secluded hotel—so isolated that any disturbance would go unnoticed. She wondered, "What exactly does Mr. Reid want?" But she refused to overthink it. This wasn't about fear or missed opportunities; she simply couldn't understand this man. She had no interest in anything beyond her career. After considering it, she decided to handle it as he did—by ignoring it for now.

In the parking garage, Raymond sighed, pocketing his phone. He knew there was no need to force things, but sensed Dominic wanted more. Gerard had told him Vespera had applied to be Dominic's secretary. There must be a misunderstanding. So, he'd arranged this meeting; a face-to-face encounter could clear things up. But Vespera was just as stubborn.

The Bentley pulled away, passing a Ferrari parked roadside. Inside, Luke sat motionless, his calls and messages ignored. His patience was fraying. Moments later, the Lanton Residences resident list, which he'd obtained, arrived on his phone. He was shocked, not just to see Vespera's name, but to see the penthouse listed under Dominic Reid, heir to the Reid family.

Luke had heard rumors of Dominic's return. The Reids ruled Halewick from the shadows, shrouded in mystery. Family members rarely appeared publicly. While not in Dominic's circle, they'd met once—at an event when Luke was fifteen or sixteen. Dominic had been aloof, distant, untouchable, like polished marble. Now, Vespera had secretly bought an apartment directly beneath his penthouse. Was this a connection, or mere coincidence? Luke's thoughts drifted back to their encounter on the golf course.

Two hours later, Vespera left Lanton Residences. Spotting the familiar Ferrari, she slammed on the brakes. Luke sat inside, smoking, his sharp features framed by white tendrils of smoke. His expression was terrifying. Vespera's mind raced, formulating a plan. She stepped out, opened his passenger door, and slid in, taking the initiative. Her voice was cold and direct: "What are you doing here? Are you following me?"

Luke removed his cigarette, grabbed his phone from the dashboard, and tossed it onto her lap. "Explain this." Vespera saw the Lanton Residences resident list. Without hesitation, she returned the phone. "I've worked hard. What's wrong with buying a place? I paid for it myself. Not a cent of yours."

Luke's gaze darkened, unmoved by her attempt to change the subject. "Vespera, don't play games. Is this about money? Why buy that apartment, and why hide it?"

She replied, "I didn't think it was necessary. I wanted a home that truly belonged to me, my name on the deed. Is that unreasonable?" She remembered the Munoz family's accusations of gold-digging and the resulting prenuptial agreement.

Luke stilled, then let out a bitter laugh. "Have I ever been stingy? The jewelry and gifts—don't they surpass an apartment?"

She remained silent. He pulled out his wallet, tossed a handful of black and gold cards onto her lap. "Buy property. Buy as many as you want. Put your name on every one until you're satisfied."

Vespera offered a faint smile. "How generous, Mr. Munoz." Perhaps she should focus on the money, ignore his betrayals, and become the unfeeling woman who only takes his money. It wouldn't be the worst option. But deep down, she knew she couldn't accept a dead-end life.

She picked up his fallen wallet, carefully replacing each card. "I'm not in the mood to buy anything. When I am, I'll ask you for the money." She returned the wallet. As she pulled her hand away, he caught her wrist, turning to look at her. "Do you not trust me anymore?"

She thought, "You're just realizing that now?" Finding him infuriating and ridiculous, she offered a bright, carefree smile. "Trust? What does that matter? As long as you're happy, right?" She withdrew her hand.

Her phone rang. She wondered if Raymond was calling because she hadn't replied. Luke noticed her hesitation. "You ignore my calls, and now you hesitate to answer someone else's?"

She pulled out her phone. The screen lit up: "Mrs. Munoz," Luke's mother. Luke's expression softened. "Answer it."

Vespera knew why she was calling. The deadline approached, and Felicia was likely checking to ensure she wouldn't back out. She answered, "Hello, Mrs. Munoz."

"We need to meet and update the agreement," Felicia said. "Your lawyer can handle it with mine."

"Vespera, you raised your price from ten million to fifteen million. Now you're acting difficult? You need to come in person. I'm at the Amara Hotel. It's quiet—no risk of running into anyone."

Vespera remembered Raymond's message. "Amara Hotel?" Dominic was meeting someone there. She wondered why everyone was gathering in the same place.