Chapter 429

Celine knew it was time to take center stage. The Tate family had caused her father's death, and she intended to settle the debt they owed her. And then there was Adam. He had been desperately searching for Dr. C, hadn't he? Well, she would tell him herself.

Meanwhile, in the Alvarez Group headquarters, Adam sat at his desk reviewing documents. His pen moved swiftly across the page as he signed his name with bold, decisive strokes. Just then, Lev entered and spoke quietly. "Mr. Alvarez, there's news about Dr. C."

Adam's pen paused. He slowly looked up. "Go on."

"Sir, Dr. C's contact confirmed Dr. C will be attending the banquet tonight. Dr. C has arrived in Mercity and requested a meeting."

Adam fell into deep thought. He had searched for Dr. C for a long time. After several missed encounters and that lake incident, the real Dr. C was finally here. Tonight, he would see for himself who this legendary figure was. With a smirk, he replied, "Very well. We'll meet at the banquet."

Adam arrived at the VIP ward that morning. Lucy had called, claiming Carly's heart condition had worsened, and she needed Adam's presence. The moment he entered, he found Carly in a state of agitation.

"Adam! What happened with you and Celine last night? Why were you with her? I know she seduced you! She deliberately bought a house across from yours to tempt you!"

"Carly," Adam's deep voice interrupted her outburst. She turned to face him. "It was Celine who went to find me last night," he said.

The answer shocked Carly, freezing her in place. Then, in denial, she covered her ears. "I don't want to hear it! Adam, I only left because I went abroad! That's the only reason Celine got the chance to replace me! I don't blame you for what happened, but don't let her deceive you! She may be highly educated, but she's been a housewife for years. I refuse to believe a woman like that could ever attract you."

"She's beautiful, and she knows how to manipulate men," he admitted. "Isn't that how your relationship with her began? She must have pleased you in bed, and now you're willing to entertain her. But let's be honest—this isn't love. She's using her body!"

"Adam, the one you love is me!"

Adam's expression remained unreadable. Truthfully, Carly wasn't entirely wrong; Celine did know how to handle him in bed. Images of last night on the couch—her soft curves, the subtle shifts in her body—flashed in his mind. The thought made his throat dry. Holding her all night had been torture, yet he found himself wanting to go to her. Even he didn't understand what was happening.

Adam knew his type—he was drawn to intelligent, accomplished women with independent careers and strong personalities. Celine was a genius, but she had become a housewife and hadn't worked in years. She didn't fit his type at all. And yet, with her, everything felt different. He didn't even know when it had begun.

Carly clutched her chest, her face pale. "Adam, my heart hurts. The doctor said I can't handle stress. I don't want to hear upsetting things."

Adam pressed his lips together. "Dr. C has arrived in Mercity."

Carly fell into a momentary daze, then her eyes lit up with excitement. "Is it true, Adam? The real Dr. C is finally here?"

Just then, Sonia, Lucy, and Tracy entered the ward, their faces radiating anticipation.