The sleek Bentley glided smoothly into the Alpine hillside villa district, home to the Montgomery family estate. It was the most serene and revitalizing area in the region, a preferred enclave for the city's retired elite.

The car came to a halt in front of a villa that resembled an old English manor. Leo Reed, the ever-efficient assistant, quickly exited the vehicle and opened the door for Jayden Montgomery with respect. "Mr. Montgomery, we've arrived at the estate," he announced.

Jayden, a man of striking presence with an air of quiet confidence, stepped out with an effortless grace. His appearance was like that of a celestial being descending to earth. The household staff immediately lined up in two orderly rows, well aware that any sign of dissatisfaction could lead to severe repercussions—rumors still circulated about a former servant who had been sent to a remote village in Africa.

Inside the living room, two elderly gentlemen were leisurely engaged in a chess match. "Montgomery, in my opinion, Jayden and Lilly make a great pair," one of them suggested.

Montgomery senior waved dismissively. "Let's not push Jayden into anything without his agreement."

"I'm his father. His marriage is my prerogative," declared the elder Montgomery with authority.

Lilly Hicks, sitting beside her grandfather, blushed at the implication of an upcoming engagement, her expression a blend of playfulness and feigned reluctance.

As Jayden entered, he caught the tail end of their conversation. His expression darkened, casting a shadow over the room. An intimidating aura emanated from him, reminding Montgomery senior of the power and poise that matched any in the family history.

"Jayden, perfect timing," Montgomery senior called out, trying to regain control. "I'd like to introduce you to—"

Jayden's gaze was cold as he cut in, "Not interested," making it clear he had no desire to engage with the guests.

Lilly, eager to make her presence known, quickly chimed in, "Jayden, remember me? Lilly Hicks, from last night at the Skyline Club..."

The overpowering scent of her perfume made him grimace; he cast a cool, indifferent glance her way—a look so piercing it made Lilly's heart skip a beat.

Montgomery senior, unhappy with his son's lack of courtesy, maintained his composure. "Jayden, this is Mr. Hicks, an old friend of mine, and his granddaughter Lilly, who just returned from her studies abroad..."

Jayden, unfazed, interrupted again, "I said I'm not interested in meeting your friends."

Tension thickened the air, and Lilly's face fell as she wondered why Jayden showed more interest in someone like Carmen Pierce and dismissed her so easily. She harbored a growing resentment towards Carmen.

Montgomery senior could no longer contain his temper, slamming his hand on the table in anger. "Then why did you return, if not for this?"

Jayden remained unemotional, coolly replying, "I simply came back for a watch I left in the study. And let me remind you: stay out of my personal affairs, or face the consequences."

Though casually delivered, his words carried the weight of authority and warning.

Montgomery senior's face turned a deep shade of crimson. In all his years, who dared speak to him this way? Jayden's actions in front of his old friend were a direct affront.

As Jayden ascended the stairs, his presence still echoing in the silent house, Mr. Hicks furrowed his brow. He had heard the tales of Jayden—a man who respected no one.

"I just remembered something I need to attend to at home," Mr. Hicks said diplomatically. "Come, Lilly, let's leave." Despite her desire to stay, Lilly followed, casting one last determined glance, resolved not to give up.

Moments later, watch in hand, Jayden descended the stairs as Montgomery senior returned from seeing his guests out. Their eyes met, the tension still palpable.

"Stay right there!" Montgomery senior commanded.

Jayden turned nonchalantly. "What is it now?"

"You're twenty-five; it's time you settled down. The Hicks family is a good match for us. I've arranged for you to get engaged to Lilly," Montgomery senior declared with the finality of a patriarch.

Jayden let out a dry laugh, his tall frame leaning slightly as he regarded his father. "I recall saying something when I first returned to this family that should be fresh in your mind: don't push my boundaries, or I can dismantle the Montgomery Corporation as easily as I built it. Understood?"

His voice, though calm, held a clear threat. Montgomery senior felt a sharp pang in his chest. Since Jayden's return, he had never warmed to the family. He was a maverick, yet only he could navigate the Montgomery Corporation through its crises.

Watching Jayden's retreating figure, Montgomery senior stood rooted in place, his authority challenged in his own home.

Outside the estate, Leo waited patiently, holding the car door open. "Mr. Montgomery, where to?" he asked.

Jayden settled into the car, thoughtfully tracing the edge of his watch. "To Fresh Meadows," he replied simply.

Hospital.

In the hallway, Carmen Pierce took a call from her close friend, Lorelei Bell. "Carmen, I've got the information you wanted, but..."

"But what?" Carmen asked, curiosity piqued.

Lorelei's voice was cautious. "It's just that this past is something I think Jayden Montgomery would prefer others didn't know..."

Twenty-six years ago, Mr. Montgomery Sr., on a business trip to Europe, was tricked by a competitor and ended up in bed with a waitress after drinking spiked wine. The result was a baby boy, Jayden Montgomery. However, Mr. Montgomery Sr. did not recognize the child as his.

Back then, being an unwed mother was socially stigmatized. Under pressure from her family, the waitress left the baby in a nearby village and moved away.

The infant, wrapped in blankets, was taken in by Adalynn Sanders, a kind-hearted woman from the village. Despite modest means, she raised Jayden with love and dedication.

Jayden lived up to her hopes. He excelled academically, earned scholarships through college, and went on to co-found the tech company Titan Group with Reece Morrison.

Two years ago, Titan Group resolved a high-profile international hacking incident. Though Jayden rarely appeared in public, a photo of him went viral on social media.

Coincidentally, Montgomery Industries faced an unprecedented financial crisis, leaving his family in a bind. Upon seeing the viral photo of a face remarkably similar to his own at a younger age, Mr. Montgomery Sr. quietly gathered more information and obtained a hair sample for a DNA test, confirming Jayden was his abandoned son from 25 years prior.

After discovering Jayden's expertise in finance and his rapid growth of Titan Group into a tech giant, Mr. Montgomery Sr. approached Jayden, hoping he would come back to the family business. Jayden, however, declined.

But somehow, Mr. Montgomery Sr. convinced Adalynn Sanders to persuade Jayden, who was very devoted, and eventually, he agreed to reconnect with the family—but that was as far as it went.

The relationship between Jayden and his father remained strained, to say the least.

Carmen was taken aback to learn that the sophisticated and poised Jayden Montgomery had such humble beginnings. A mix of emotions stirred inside her.

"Carmen, while Jayden is known for being ruthless and cold-hearted to outsiders, he is exceptionally kind to the woman who raised him, Adalynn Sanders," Lorelei added.

"And it seems Adalynn has taken in another boy named Musa Montgomery, now 18 years old. He's Jayden's brother, but the social elite knows nothing about this."

After a moment's thought, Carmen spoke softly, "Lorelei, can you find out where Adalynn Sanders lives now?"

Lorelei was surprised. "You're not thinking of approaching through Adalynn Sanders, are you?"

Carmen didn't hide her plan. "That's right."

Perhaps by getting close to the person Jayden cares about most, she could find a way to connect with him.

Lorelei chuckled mischievously. "Three years ago, Jayden bought a plot of land in the suburbs of West City and built a house called Tranquil Gardens for Adalynn's retirement."

After confirming her sister's health was stable, Carmen went home, changed into something suitable, and picked up a gift fit for an elder before catching a cab to Tranquil Gardens.

Unlike the grand estate she had imagined, Tranquil Gardens was expansive yet quaint, with each house just two stories high, surrounded by lush greenery and gardens full of fruits and vegetables. The breeze carried a subtle scent of fruit. The air was fresh, an ideal place for retirement.

Standing at the entrance with her gift box, Carmen quickly caught the attention of passersby. In her white dress, hair in a bun, and delicate face touched with light makeup, she exuded an elegant charm that was hard to ignore.

Without hesitation, Carmen rang the doorbell.

A few minutes later, the ornately carved oak doors opened, revealing a woman in her forties. "Miss, who are you looking for?" she asked.

"I'm here to see Mrs. Sanders," Carmen Pierce replied graciously.

The woman regarded Carmen with a hint of suspicion, noting her refined demeanor, and asked, "What brings you to Mrs. Sanders?"

Mr. Montgomery had given strict orders not to let strangers disturb Mrs. Sanders, so she was careful about admitting anyone.

"I'm Jayden's girlfriend, visiting Mrs. Sanders," Carmen replied with a warm smile.

There wasn't a trace of nervousness or hesitation in her voice; she spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world. The woman's suspicion eased, as Carmen's poise and elegance seemed a fitting match for Mr. Montgomery. She nodded, "Please wait a moment; I'll let her know."

"Thank you."

Carmen stood confidently.

A few minutes later, the woman returned and politely said, "Miss, please follow me."

Carmen followed the woman down a flower-lined path, through a colonnaded hallway, and arrived at a quaint kitchen garden.

An elderly lady with silver hair was bending over, picking tomatoes into a basket, flanked by two helpers. Her steps were steady, and she looked robust and healthy.

Carmen immediately recognized Mrs. Sanders and greeted her with a gentle smile, "Hello, Mrs. Sanders."

Upon seeing Carmen, Mrs. Sanders handed her basket to the helpers and briskly walked over, her face lighting up with excitement. "You must be Jayden's fiancée, though not yet part of the family, right?"

The elderly woman was petite, her face lined with wrinkles, but her eyes were lively, exuding warmth and kindness.

Carmen was momentarily taken aback.

She had claimed to be Jayden Montgomery's girlfriend simply to meet Mrs. Sanders, so why was she being referred to as his fiancée?

Despite the confusion, Carmen maintained her gentle and charming smile, offering the gift bag she held, "Mrs. Sanders, it's a pleasure to meet you. I brought a small gift to express my respect, hoping you will like it."

She embodied the grace and composure expected of someone from a distinguished background.

Though Carmen had a naturally independent spirit, years of guidance from her sister had taught her to carry herself with dignity and poise in important situations.

Mrs. Sanders accepted the gift bag, her eyes crinkling with delight. "Thank you for the gift; it's wonderful."

Inside was the neck massager she had been wanting recently.

Girls as considerate as this were a rarity these days. Jayden was lucky to have found someone like her.

Seeing that Mrs. Sanders was receptive, Carmen decided to seize the moment. "Mrs. Sanders, I actually came here without Jayden knowing. I wanted to learn more about his interests to surprise him."

But Mrs. Sanders chuckled and pointed behind her, "Jayden is right over there. I think you should ask him directly."

Carmen turned her head to see a tall, striking figure standing near a gazebo.

It was Jayden Montgomery!

With his hands casually tucked in his pockets, he exuded an aura of brooding intensity. His deep-set eyes fixed on Carmen, resembling an unfathomable lake.

Carmen's heart gave a slight jolt.

She had never imagined Jayden would be there.