Earlier, on the phone, the music was deafening, and the atmosphere joyous. Everything seemed fine.

But Valerie felt uneasy. She thought, "Just because everything is fine now doesn't mean it will be fine tonight. Katherine and Dylan are still there tonight, according to the trip schedule. I dare not take any chances!"

"Keep driving," she told her colleague.

Dylan's wife was furious. From the backseat, she reached for the steering wheel.

The driver broke out in a cold sweat. Disturbing a driver was a big no-no. He slammed on the brakes. The car jolted violently before breaking down. Valerie quickly got out and lifted the hood. Even for sales professionals, fixing cars was challenging.

The two colleagues looked at each other helplessly.

"Valerie, the car won't start. Why don't we call the dealership and get a replacement car?" one suggested.

Another said, "We know where the reception is. Why don't we call the police?"

"You're crazy! There's no evidence. Even with the love potion, we can't be sure Mr. Hart took it to Vorner. The police won't intervene. Even if they did, if Dylan doesn't act, he might retaliate with counter-accusations, claiming slander."

This made sense. Valerie grew increasingly disheartened. Seeking police help now was unreasonable, she thought.

"It's too late for another car," she said. "I'll take a taxi to the high-speed rail station."

Valerie checked for high-speed rail tickets to Yomez. Plenty were available—good news. The bad news? They were stuck near the Kranson City expressway, a desolate spot. She tried booking a taxi using a ride-sharing app, but after a long wait, was unsuccessful.

Amid her anxiety, Valerie didn't notice two cars descending a nearby mountain road.

Inside, Sophia chattered, urging Matthew to marry soon. She'd found her "savior" and would arrange a meeting.

Suddenly, the car stopped abruptly.

Sophia was startled and furious. "You rascal! Why did you stop? Are you trying to scare me?" she demanded, slapping Matthew's shoulder.

"Grandma, I'm sorry," Matthew said, apologizing before opening her door. "I need to take care of something. Please take the MPV back."

Sophia was speechless.

"Grandma, please," Matthew repeated, his tone brooking no refusal. Stunned, she got out as Matthew closed the door and drove away in his black Land Rover.

Watching him go, Sophia gritted her teeth. "Damn brat! I was just urging him to meet that girl, and he kicks me out! This is outrageous!"

Little did Sophia know, Matthew had spotted a familiar figure at an intersection. It was Valerie.

He drove closer.

"What happened?" he asked.

Valerie, shocked by the familiar voice, forced a smile. "Mr. Grant…"

Matthew glanced at her broken-down car. She was on her phone, seemingly seeking help. But her usual composure was gone. A car breakdown shouldn't cause this much anxiety.

He saw two men— her colleagues, he guessed. And a woman with a hostile expression.

In a serious tone, Matthew asked, "Is there anything I can help with?" He suspected she was in trouble.