Alan leaned in, his tall frame casting a shadow over her. He hooked a finger under her chin, his eyes glinting with mockery. "What? Cat got your tongue? Want me to say it for you? You stripped naked and climbed into my bed at fifteen, practically assaulted me."

Jessica locked eyes with him, her gaze sharp and defiant. The shocked gasps from around the room stabbed at her ears. Fifteen, already crawling into a guy's bed-how shameless did she seem to everyone now?

Her lashes fluttered, heart stung. If he hadn't suddenly shown up back then with some woman on his arm, saying she was his fiancée, would she have done something that crazy?

He was already twenty-five at the time. Weren't guys supposed to have needs? He spoiled her like she was the only one in the world. Other than her being too young... she couldn't think of any reason he'd leave. She just wanted to prove that whatever that other woman could give him, she could too.

Now, she understood. He meant to humiliate her like this-make sure everyone knew exactly what kind of "cheap" girl she was.

She pulled away, shaking off his hand. Turning to Daniel, she gave a bitter smile. "Yeah... I was reckless and stupid. Guess I was just that cheap, right?"

She was laughing, but it wasn't funny-it was the kind of laugh that made your chest ache. Daniel gripped her hand tighter. "No. You were just a good girl who fell for the wrong guy."

Her heart clenched. Someone had once said that to her, too-that she was a good girl.

Alan's face went cold, jaw tight, lips spitting out just two words: "Clear out."

His bodyguards immediately started ushering everyone out of the room.

Daniel stood up, placing himself in front of Jessica. "Mr. Knight, you two aren't together anymore. A real man doesn't throw a woman's past back in her face like this. That's just common decency."

Alan gave a cold chuckle. "So you're saying I lack class, huh? Well, I don't need your lecture on manners. You-get him out of my sight."

"What are you trying to do? Forty-eight hours in interrogation wasn't enough for you? I can report you for this!" Daniel didn't budge from in front of Jessica.

"Go ahead. Try it if you dare." Alan had clearly had enough. With a wave of his hand, a few bodyguards grabbed Daniel and tossed him out without hesitation.

Jessica stayed put, grabbing a glass of wine and plopping her feet up on the coffee table. Leaning into the couch, she said lazily, "Say what you gotta say, dear ex-brother-in-law."

Alan's foot came down hard toward her leg. "Feet down. Sit properly."

He'd spent fifteen years shaping her into a perfect, obedient girl-a little princess. And now, in just a few years, she'd turned into this defiant mess right in front of him.

Jessica quickly pulled her leg back, and the man's foot hit nothing but air. She didn't even glance his way, just took a slow sip from her drink. "Alan, I'm not the same Jessica you used to know."

Alan's brows knotted tight. That move of hers-sharp, quick-yeah, she must've learned some serious self-defense. He kept a bit of distance, trying to keep his tone calm. "So, who've you been with these past four years?"

Someone had given her a fake identity, taught her how to fight, wiped every trace of her past clean-whoever it was, they weren't average. And Alan was sure it wasn't Richard-he'd been combing the globe for her all this time too.

Jessica paused for a second. Shouldn't he be asking how she'd survived the blast?

"A stranger helped me out. Took me in. Got me patched up." She lowered her gaze slightly, hiding whatever flashed in her eyes.

Helped her, huh? Alan's eyes flickered with too many tangled emotions. His lips pressed into a hard line, holding everything in tightly.

"Who was it?" His voice had turned cold and sharp, almost instinctively assuming it was a man.

"Not your problem." Jessica tossed back the drink in her hand.

Alan's hand shot out and smacked the glass from her fingers, face dark with anger. "Who said you could drink? Who the hell is he?" What else did he teach her? Damn it, who took her away?

Jessica stared at the broken glass scattered on the floor-it didn't sting anymore. She'd gotten over the fragile part of herself long ago.

She turned her gaze on him, eyes sharp. "Alan, what, you mad that I made it out alive? You gonna go kill the guy who saved me too?"

"Yeah! He deserves it! And so do you! Ever stop to think why he picked you?"

Jessica let out a cold laugh. What, was she so worthless that nobody should've saved her?

"At least he didn't want me dead!"

Alan froze. His lips moved slightly, like he wanted to say something, but he held it back-barely.

A long beat passed.

"So, why come back? Revenge? Or you planning to spill the 'truth' from back then?"

"What if I told you Chloe helped me find those kidnappers-would you even believe it?"

"She's dead. And that's on you. Nothing can change that."

Jessica's expression darkened. He'd dodged the real question again. She scoffed, "You don't believe me, so why bother asking? I came back to find out how my parents really died. Did you have anything to do with it?"

Alan flinched, his deep eyes sliding away from hers.

The room went so quiet, even the sound of breathing felt out of place.

Alan didn't say a word, but silence pretty much meant confirmation.

Jessica's hands clenched tightly, her lips trembling. "Alan, I never should've fallen for you. I never should've arranged that fake kidnapping for your fiancée. I just wanted to stage a scene, that's all! I had no idea Chloe brought in one of your enemies. I didn't mean for her to die! I already paid for it with my life four years ago. Besides, if she hadn't died, you wouldn't have ended up with Chloe. So I owe you nothing! But my parents-I will get to the bottom of what happened to them. When I do, it'll be life for a life."

Alan let out a low, cold laugh. "Jessica, you'll never be able to pay back what you owe me. As for your parents, stay out of it. I'll give you an explanation. For now, get the hell out of Helvaria!"

Her return and sudden meddling wasn't something he saw coming. He wasn't afraid she'd come back out of revenge or anything, but this matter was off-limits to her. Did she even understand what danger meant?

Jessica frowned. So, no matter what she did, she could never repay what she owed him? Was he still so attached to his late fiancée that he couldn't even tolerate sharing the same air with her? Was that why he wanted her gone so badly?

The tense moment was cut off by a sudden ringtone blasting through the room. Alan answered.

"Alan, thank god! Ethan said you're okay. Where are you? I was so scared something had happened-"

Chloe was terrified Alan would dig into the past with Jessica.

"I'm fine, wait for me," Alan replied shortly and hung up. Without sparing Jessica another glance, he strode out of the room.

Jessica stared at his retreating figure and let out a dry chuckle. Just moments ago he was all caught up brooding about his ex, and now he was running off to his new girl like nothing happened. Men really do switch up faster than flipping a page. But if he loved his ex-fiancée that much, why didn't he seem bothered at all about Chloe being involved with those kidnappers?

"Jessica! Are you alright?" Daniel rushed inside.

"I'm fine. I'm Richard's sister-he wouldn't dare lay a hand on me." Her voice was calm. "Daniel, in Helvaria, there are two people you can't afford to mess with. One's Richard, the other is Alan. I'm the person Alan hates the most. Being with me automatically puts a target on your back. He might spare me, but you? He won't hold back."

"You think I'm scared that easily? Come on, I'll take you home."

Jessica didn't argue. She'd already made up her mind to quit. She knew Daniel didn't even qualify to be Alan's pawn-no way she was dragging him into this mess.

The next morning, warm sunlight streamed into the bedroom. Jessica rubbed her temples groggily and stretched out her hand, catching a sliver of sunlight shimmering like a dream.

A scene flashed in her mind-ten-year-old her sitting on a man's lap. He gently combed her long hair, kisses occasionally brushing her cheeks.

"Alan, why do you like me?"

"Because you're my girl."

"So, kissing means you're in love?" The girl looped her arms around the man's neck, her face all innocent as she gently pressed her lips to his.

The man froze for a second. The next moment, his lips brushed softly over hers. "Jessie, you gotta love me forever, okay?"

Jessica's hand clenched instinctively, but no matter how tightly she gripped, she couldn't hold onto even a hint of warmth. Her chest ached. She tapped her forehead a few times-those memories buried for four years had come flooding back the minute she saw Alan again. So much for pretending she was over it.

Her phone rang. No caller ID, but she knew who it was-the man who gave her a second chance at life.

"Alice, where to today?" The guy on the line sounded laid-back, almost like he was just making small talk.

"Heading home. Gotta get back what's mine."

"Alright then. Got a little surprise for you," he replied, voice carrying a hint of mischief.

"What kind of surprise?"

"You'll see when you get there."

Jessica hung up, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. A surprise, huh?

It was late autumn. The rose vines twisted along the iron fences had long withered, leaving only bare branches. Red-frosted ivy clung to the walls of the villa's main house.

Jessica wasn't too familiar with the Southern estate. She'd grown up with the Knights, barely spending any time here.

As she stepped into the villa, the staff stared at her in stunned silence.

On the living room couch, a man and woman were locked in a tender embrace, heads pressed close-it almost looked like a painting.

Wow. Great timing-really. Jessica hadn't expected this. So Alan didn't believe a word she said. Not surprising, was it? He hated her. Of course he'd trust the woman he loved over her.

The sudden intrusion clearly caught them off guard. Though still leaning on each other, they were no longer quite so close.

Alan's face showed nothing but cold detachment.

Chloe's face was flushed red with anger. Her voice held no warmth. "Jessica, what are you doing here?" She'd just gotten Alan into that rare sweet mood-and now Jessica had ruined it.

Unbothered, Jessica sat down boldly on the couch across from them. "What, I can't come back to my own house now?"

Chloe's expression stiffened, clearly at a loss for words. No matter how long Jessica had been away, this was still her home. Chloe was just the cousin who moved in later. Sometimes, even she forgot that part.

"I mean... just saying... you could've let me know first so I could have the staff get a room ready for you."

Jessica scoffed, cold and sharp. "Chloe, do I need you to arrange anything for me in my own home? Acting like you run this place now, huh? Someone, get my room cleaned up."

She said it without hesitation, but clearly, things didn't go the way she intended-because the staff just walked in and looked right at Chloe.

Jessica had barely ever been back. The maids and attendants all worked for Chloe now. Of course they weren't going to take orders from her.

Chloe lifted her chin smugly. "Jessica, you just got back. Let me handle the arrangements for you. Someone, go prepare a room for her!" Her tone was like she was ordering a maid around.

Jessica narrowed her eyes, her voice cold. "You all work for the Southern family. If you don't take orders from me, then get out now! You're fired!"

The servants glanced uncertainly at Chloe.

Chloe tossed her hair carelessly. "Jessica, you don't need to take it out on the staff just because you're mad at me. They're officially hired. Fire them without cause, and you'll have to pay double compensation. Got that much cash lying around? Plus, there's a whole crew here-you think you can replace them all overnight?"

Jessica clenched her fist so tight her nails dug into her palm. She was the legitimate daughter of the Southern family, yet she had no say, no wealth. In the four years she'd been "dead," Chloe had taken over everything.

She looked up and caught Chloe's mocking gaze, and next to her, Alan's unreadable eyes. They were both just waiting for her to trip, to make a fool of herself. She suddenly felt just as powerless as the day she'd faced that bomb. This situation was a mess-without Alan's support, and with her brother gone, coming back with a name wasn't enough to change anything.

She'd already gone to the law firm to reinstate her identity, but that would take a few days. Until then, everything that was hers was still out of reach. Rushing things would only make them worse.

Suddenly, noise erupted outside-sounds of scuffling, shouts. A group barged in: sharply dressed men in black, followed by women in crisp maid uniforms.

Chloe's bodyguards stumbled in, bruised and clearly overpowered. "Ms. Southern, we don't know who those people are. We couldn't stop them!"

Chloe instinctively backed into Alan's arms, eyes wide with panic. What the hell was going on?

Even Alan looked briefly surprised-clearly, this wasn't part of his plan.

A composed, efficient-looking woman walked straight over to Jessica. "Miss Bennett, I'm Grace Wright, your new housekeeper. These are your personal bodyguards and household staff. From now on, whatever you need, we're here to handle it."

Jessica blinked. "Wait, I didn't hire you guys..."

"That's right," Grace replied with a professional smile. "The Count arranged everything a month ago. We were instructed to report to you today, Miss Bennett."

Jessica's lips curved up slightly-so that was his gift. It hit her that he was kind of like a genie from a magic lamp, always showing up with exactly what she needed when she was in a bind.

Alan stood off to the side, face dark as storm clouds, a chill flashing through his eyes.

"And these documents-everything's been handled by the lawyers. Miss Southern, your legal identity has been fully restored. As per your parents' will, all properties under the Southern family's name in Halden, along with 40% of Southern Group's shares, are now officially in your hands. Chloe was only granted temporary rights in the event of your presumed death. That's now void," one of the lawyers announced.

Taking the documents, Jessica blinked her big, bright eyes. "Then let's cut a check and fire every single servant hired by Chloe. Not one stays."

"Understood." Grace gave a nod and soon had all the servants cleared out. Of course, they were paid to the last cent-nothing shady.

Everything happened so efficiently Jessica couldn't help but feel a rush of satisfaction.

"Grace, my cousin's an adult. Southern family has no obligation to keep supporting her. Cancel all her bank cards. From today onward, not a dime more from us!"

Chloe's face turned pale at those words. She'd never had a real job in her life. Without the Southern money pipeline, she was flat-out broke.

"You've got no right, Jessica! I was adopted by your aunt!" she shouted, panic slipping through her voice. How was she supposed to keep up her high-maintenance lifestyle without the funding?

"Chloe, let's get this straight-adoption is for minors. Unless I'm wrong, you're four years older than me. You're 24 now. Exactly why would the Southern family still need to support you?" Jessica tapped the rolled-up papers against the sofa arm with a rhythm, every gesture calm but intentional. Yeah, this was exactly the reaction she'd planned on.

She was gonna make Chloe pay back every bit of the past.

Clinging to Alan's arm now, Chloe's voice had cooled down. "You're not seriously kicking me out, right, Jessica?"

The earlier panic seemed to have faded-she wasn't so worried anymore. Even though the wedding didn't happen yesterday, she still thought of herself as Alan's future wife.

He had come over last night and told her that as soon as the deal with Sultan blew over, they would rearrange the wedding. And this very morning, he'd returned to be with her-not even asking her any questions about the past. She didn't know whether Alan doubted Jessica out of revenge, or simply trusted her more. But what she did know was-he loved her.

And if Jessica ended up tossing her out, wouldn't that just give her a reason to finally move into Alan's place? The thought flashed through her mind. After all this time dating, he'd never invited her to stay over. Not even once.