Chapter 1

Lucy sat on the couch in her nightgown at Tate Manor, waiting for Hayden to come home. In her youth, Lucy (not Lary) was a stunning beauty from Josema, adored by Aaron, who pampered her like a queen. After marrying Hayden, who took over and expanded Aaron’s business, Lucy became the gracious lady of the house. She had taken good care of herself, still possessing grace and charm despite the years.

That night, a housekeeper opened the door. Hayden had returned. Lucy’s face brightened; she hurried to greet him, helping him remove his suit jacket. "Honey, why did you come home so late?"

Unlike Aaron’s steady, reserved personality, Hayden had been a handsome and charismatic man in his youth. As he grew in power, his charisma only intensified.

Hayden replied, "I had a business engagement tonight."

Lucy caught a familiar scent of perfume on his jacket—her new secretary's. Frowning, she asked, "Honey, were you with that secretary again?"

Hayden, clearly irritated, raised an eyebrow. "Lacy, stop being paranoid. Carly is upset because Dr. C wouldn't—er—so you should spend your time comforting her. I’m tired; I’m going upstairs to rest." He started to leave.

But Lucy quickly called out, "I know how to get Dr. C to treat Carly."

Hayden stopped and turned back, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and smiling. "Lucy, you’re amazing. You never disappoint me." Hayden knew just how to flatter her, appealing to the romantic side of Lucy, who was deeply connected to her Josema heritage.

Lucy leaned into him, teasingly. "I have one condition: You have to fire your secretary."

Hayden laughed. "No problem. I’ll fire her tomorrow." He swept Lucy up in his arms. Her body melted into his embrace as she looked up at him, her smile mischievous. "But didn’t you just say you were tired?"

Lucy’s robe slipped open, revealing lacy lingerie. Hayden grinned. "Look at you, being so tempting. How can I resist?"

Lucy playfully hit him. "You’re such a bad boy."

He laughed. "Don't you like it?"

Chapter 10

The next day, Celine received a call from Lucy. Lucy’s voice was warm and motherly. "Celine, we wronged you last time at the hospital. I’ve prepared a meal of your favorite dishes. Come home for dinner."

Rabin, eavesdropping in the kitchen, poked her head out. "Celine, don't go. She’s just Hayden’s lapdog. Even at her age, she’s still acting like a lovesick teenager. She's beyond saving."

Celine remained calm. "I’m busy." She was about to hang up when Lucy said, "Celine, your father left a bottle of Château Lafite wine for you. He wanted you to drink it when you were older. I’ve brought it out. Come back and drink it with me!"

Celine hesitated. Lucy knew exactly how to manipulate her.

When Celine arrived at Tate Manor, Hayden and Carly were absent. Lucy had prepared a lavish spread, with a bottle of Château Lafite on the table. Aaron had written "Château Lafite" in his clumsy handwriting. He wasn't highly educated, but he had built his wealth from scratch, unlike Hayden, a university graduate.

Celine gently traced the words. She remembered when Aaron adored her. She was his everything.

Lucy seemed in high spirits, her complexion glowing. She opened the bottle, pouring two glasses. "Celine, let’s make a toast."

Celine’s voice was cold. "How did my father actually die?"

Lucy shook, nearly spilling the wine. Her gaze flickered. "Celine, your father… he died of illness. You wouldn’t understand even if I explained it. You’re not a doctor!"

As she stood, Samson appeared. Celine frowned. "Who are you?"

Samson, middle-aged and refined, eyed Celine lasciviously.

Lucy smiled coldly. "Celine, this is Mr. Stone from the hospital. He knows Dr. C, and he can arrange for her to treat Carly."

Celine eyed Samson suspiciously. She smirked. "Oh?"

Lucy dropped the pretense. "Celine, all you have to do is sleep with Mr. Stone once, and Carly will be treated." Celine realized her mother was asking her to sleep with a man to save Carly.

Chapter 10 (continued)

Celine felt a wave of heat. Something was wrong. She looked at the Château Lafite and realized Lucy had drugged her. What else was her mother capable of?

Celine’s eyes reddened. She stared at Lucy, feeling only disappointment. She had no idea what she had done wrong, why she had never been loved.

Lucy, avoiding her gaze, turned to Samson. "Mr. Stone, she’s yours now."

Samson eagerly licked his lips. "Nice to meet you, gorgeous. Let’s see if you’re as sweet in bed as you look!" Lucy left the room.

As soon as she was gone, Samson collapsed, knocked out by potent medicinal herbs Celine had administered. Celine’s face burned. The drug had hit her hard.

She fumbled for her silver needles, but they were missing—she must have left them at the villa. She hurriedly returned, entering the master bedroom to search, but they were gone. Perhaps Sofia had thrown them out.

Celine wasn’t used to drinking, and the wine’s aftereffects hit hard. Her head swam; rational thought slipped away, overwhelmed by the heat in her body.

Familiar footsteps sounded outside. Had Adam returned? Celine’s eyes lit up. The door creaked open. The moment Adam stepped in, her burning body collapsed into his arms.