Hannah swore a silent, lethal oath to uncover the truth. If the blood of her fallen comrades led back to Aaron, she wouldn't hesitate to balance the scales by taking his life as a final tribute to their memory.

Oblivious to the predatory shift in her aura, Aaron stepped out onto the salt-sprayed deck, his attention fixed on the phone in his hand.

"Report," he commanded, his voice cutting through the sound of the waves.

"Mr. Dale, the trail for the renowned doctor known as Zephyr remains cold. Those who have crossed paths with the doctor are all tight-lipped, offering nothing but that the doctor is most likely female," the caller reported.

Aaron's expression darkened into a mask of cold calculation. "Widen the net. Zephyr communicates through an assistant named Mia Clayton—pivot your focus to her immediately."

"Understood, Mr. Dale."

Time was a luxury his grandfather no longer possessed; with a failing heart, his only hope rested with Zephyr, a phantom of the medical world whose genius was the only match for such a high-stakes procedure.

The surgeon had built a legendary reputation on their uncanny ability to snatch lives back from the very threshold of the afterlife.

Scanning the horizon with an icy gaze, Aaron grew frustrated; Zephyr had been a ghost for over a year, vanishing without a trace.

Immersed in his tactical planning, he remained entirely unaware of Hannah's presence shadowed in the curve of the stairwell.

A sharp, opportunistic spark ignited in Hannah's mind. His desperate search for Mia and Zephyr wasn't just a coincidence—it was the perfect leverage.

Three hours remained before the yacht would touch the pier, leaving them suspended in the isolation of the sea.

As they neared the land, Hannah went to the deck and leaned against the railing, exhaling a long, measured breath to steady her pulse.

While the ocean breeze toyed with her hair, a storm of conflicting emotions played across her features, she looked up as Aaron approached. "Do you require transport once we dock?"

Following a brief, calculated hesitation, Hannah offered a small nod. "I appreciate the offer, Mr. Dale."

Right on cue, the insistent vibration of her phone shattered the quiet of the deck.

Hannah retrieved the device with deliberate slowness, tilting the screen just enough for the name "Mia Clayton" to flare vividly in Aaron's line of sight.

Aaron's pupils constricted instantly. Mia Clayton—the very key he was searching for. How did a woman like Hannah have a direct line to Zephyr's inner circle?

Seizing her advantage, Hannah stepped away to answer the call, leaving him hooked on the bait.

Mia's voice crackled with worry over the line. "Hannah, how's the recovery going? What was with the urgent text telling me to call you right now?"

"I'm doing a lot better. I messaged you because I need a small favor—consider it an acting gig," Hannah answered, her tone perfectly level.

Mia sounded intrigued instantly. "Alright, I'm listening. What's the script?"

Hannah adjusted her grip on the phone, subtly tilting the device until she could see Aaron's reflection hovering within her peripheral vision.

"Actually, the performance just ended," she said, a faint smile touching her lips.

The entire call had been a calculated maneuver; by having Mia reach out in Aaron's presence, she had effectively signaled their alliance without saying a word.

"If a guy named Aaron Dale reaches out to you seeking Zephyr's service, just say yes to the job," she added. "I'll fill you in on the details when I see you."

"You got it," Mia replied.

By the time Hannah ended the call, Aaron had already disembarked from the yacht.

He stood braced against a black Rolls-Royce, a cigarette caught between his lips while his right hand idly manipulated a matte silver lighter.

A practiced flick of his thumb brought a flame to life, the light catching the intensity in his eyes as the ocean wind sent the fire flickering erratically.

Hannah made her way down to join him.

Aaron tucked the lighter away and released a slow cloud of smoke. "Move out."

During the return trip to the Oliver residence, the driver handled the navigation while Hannah and Aaron occupied the rear passenger cabin.

Despite the generous proportions of the seating, Hannah retreated as far as possible toward her door, maintaining a gap wide enough to accommodate two additional passengers.

"Miss Oliver, are you and Mia Clayton close?" Aaron's voice suddenly sliced through the silence, snapping her back to reality.

She offered a slight nod. "We know each other. Why do you ask, Mr. Dale?"

"Don't read too much into it," Aaron said, his voice dropping to a chilly professional tone. "My grandfather needs surgery, and I need the 'miracle doctor' Zephyr to perform it. I've made Mia several massive offers, but she's not biting. I'm thinking you might be able to grease the wheels for me."

He took a moment before adding, "If you pull this off, we'll consider us even."

The ghost of a smile appeared on Hannah's face; everything was unfolding exactly as she'd hoped.

"I'll give it my best shot," she answered, "but I'm not making any promises."

Aaron gave a nod. "I'll be waiting for some good news then, Miss Oliver."

Hannah just gave him a casual nod back.

Aaron's eyes lingered on her, zeroing in on the calluses on her hands. They weren't just rough patches—they looked exactly like the marks left by years of handling a firearm.

"Your hands aren't exactly what I'd expect from a socialite, Miss Oliver," he remarked, trying to sound like he was just making small talk. "How'd you end up with so many calluses?"

Hannah looked him dead in the eye with a sigh. "I had to do a lot of grunt work just to stay afloat back in the day. Though I've gotta say, I didn't expect a guy in your position to have rough hands either, Mr. Dale."

She was genuinely taken aback that a billionaire tycoon like him had hands that looked like they'd seen real action.

"Just from signing way too many contracts," Aaron replied, dismissing the topic just as quickly as she had.

Hannah went quiet, and a layer of awkward tension settled over the interior of the car.

It wasn't long before the car rolled to a stop at the Oliver residence.

Hannah popped the door open. "Thanks for the lift, Mr. Dale."

Aaron watched her with a sharp, calculating look. He then pulled out a card and pressed it into her hand. "If you ever find yourself in a bind, Miss Oliver, give me a call."

"Got it," Hannah said, taking the card.

She turned on her heel and headed toward the house.

Aaron immediately pulled out his phone and made a call, his voice dropping into a cold command. "Dig up everything you can on Hannah Oliver's life before she showed up with the Oliver family."

Just as Hannah stepped near the entrance, unfamiliar voices drifted out from within the room.

Curiosity pulled her gaze forward, and when she looked inside, she spotted her family gathered together, with Kenneth standing among them.

A heavy look settled on Brett's face as he fixed his eyes on the group. "Where's Hannah?" he asked, his tone edged with urgency.

Silence stretched between Jake and Kenneth, and neither of them spoke a word.

Without hesitation, Lainey broke down, and tears streamed down her face. "Brett, this all happened because of me. There wasn't enough space on the lifeboat. Hannah tried to shove me off, but she lost her footing and fell into the sea instead. They were trying to pull me to safety, and when they finally looked back, the waves had already taken her."

Shock took hold of Brett, and his voice came out strained. "What are you saying? Are you telling me Hannah was taken by the waves?"

With her voice trembling more convincingly, Lainey continued, "This is all because of me. I should have been the one who didn't make it, not her."

"Lainey, Hannah was the one who tried to harm you, and she ended up paying the price herself!"

Moving quickly to her side, Kenneth reached out to console her, though a quiet sense of relief passed through him.

In his mind, he found comfort in the situation. With Hannah gone, Lainey would remain the only daughter of the Oliver family, and that meant his family could no longer pressure him into marrying Hannah.

Without wasting a second, Brett shifted his attention to Jake and spoke in a firm voice. "Explain everything to me. I want the full truth."

Caught off guard by the pressure in his eldest brother's voice, Jake stiffened before answering, "Brett…"

"Someone as cruel and unfeeling as Hannah being gone wouldn't be a loss. We've done everything we could, and my family has already sent out rescue boats, so whether she makes it or not depends on fate now." Impatience showed on Kenneth's face as he cut in.

A faint, chilling smirk formed on Hannah's lips as she heard those words from outside. With a steady motion, she pushed the door open and stepped inside without hesitation.

"Rescue boats? I didn't come across even one."

Hannah's sudden appearance left everyone in the room frozen in shock.

Shock flashed across Lainey's face, and the resentment in her eyes became harder to hide.

How did Hannah manage to survive this?

Why did fate seem to favor her again?

Disbelief filled Jake as he looked at her, yet the weight on his conscience disappeared just as quickly.

Relief washed over him as he realized Hannah had returned safely.

A deep breath escaped Brett as relief finally settled over him.

Across the room, Kenneth's expression shifted, and his face grew noticeably grim.

"How did you even make it back?"

Trying to appear overjoyed, Lainey pressed her lips together before rushing toward Hannah.

"Hannah, you're back at last! I truly thought I had lost you forever."

Lainey opened her arms, ready for a hug. Instead of accepting the gesture, Hannah moved aside and raised her hand without pause, striking Lainey hard across the face.

The sound of the slap rang sharply in the air, and the room fell silent as everyone stood frozen in shock.

Under the force of the blow, Lainey's face jerked to one side, and her cheek quickly flushed red as it began to swell. "Hannah, you…" she managed to say, her voice shaking.

Fury overtook Kenneth, and he hurried forward as he shot Hannah a furious glare.

"Hannah, have you completely lost control? You need to apologize to Lainey right now!"

A chilling curve formed on Hannah's lips as she looked at Kenneth like he was already finished.

Her eyes held a dangerous edge, and the killing intent in them made his body tense with unease.

"Why would I apologize to someone who tried to take my life?"

If she had still been the same person she once was, Lainey wouldn't have survived this.

A flicker of fear passed through Lainey, yet she kept one hand on her cheek and forced an innocent expression. "Hannah, what do you mean by that? I really don't understand."

Before anyone could react, Hannah lifted her hand again and struck Lainey once more, her voice filled with contempt. "Want me to be more clear? You shoved me into the sea because you wanted me dead!"

Anger took over Jake as he rushed forward to confront her. "Hannah, stop making things up! Lainey cares about you more than anyone else. She even said she was willing to die with you."

Kenneth cut in immediately, "Lainey's gentle and kind, and she would not even hurt something as small as an ant. There's no way she would push you. Apologize to Lainey right now, or you will regret what happens next!"

A mocking laugh slipped from Hannah as she looked at him with disdain. "What makes you think you have the right to command me?"

"How dare you!"

Shock flashed across Kenneth's face, and he lifted his hand as he moved to strike Hannah.

Before his hand could come down, Brett stepped in and gripped his wrist tightly, stopping him midway.

A look of clear displeasure settled on Brett's face as he stared him down. "What exactly are you trying to do to my sister?"

Irritation took over Kenneth as he pulled his hand back with force. "Lainey is also your sister, so why did you ignore it when Hannah hit her? Do you really believe anything Hannah is saying?"

With a firm and unwavering tone, Brett answered, "Naturally, I trust my own biological sister."

Hearing that, Hannah turned her gaze toward Brett, caught slightly off guard. Among everyone in the Oliver family, he was the only one who seemed to think clearly.

At that moment, she understood why he had stressed that she was his biological sister.

His words carried more than reassurance for her, and they also served as a direct warning to Kenneth that her place in the Oliver family couldn't be questioned.

Trying to reinforce his stance, Jake spoke up. "Brett, we all witnessed it back on the boat. It was obvious that Hannah fell into the water by accident."

With a mocking tone, Hannah said, "Oh, really? Then why don't you take a proper look at this?"

Without delay, she reached into her pocket, took out her phone, and started playing a recorded clip.

Security cameras had been installed on the boat, and she had already saved a copy of the footage to cloud storage ahead of time so she could use it to reveal Lainey's deception.

On the screen, it was plainly visible that Lainey shoved her first, and only then did both of them end up falling into the water.

A heavy weight settled in Lainey's chest, and panic crept in as she silently cursed the presence of cameras on the boat.

A shadow filled Brett's expression as his gaze locked onto Lainey.

"Lainey, is this really what happened?"

Even though Lainey had been taken in by the Oliver family and didn't share their blood, she had spent years living with them, and over time, they had built a strong bond.

However, if her actions were driven by selfish intent and had nearly cost the life of the family's true daughter, then such behavior would never be tolerated.

Caught off guard and unable to respond properly, Lainey lowered her gaze and refused to meet anyone's eyes. "I have no idea why it looks like that. The camera angle must have been misleading. I truly didn't push Hannah…"

Turning toward Kenneth, she silently begged him for support, and her expression showed her desperation.

With a firm grip, Kenneth tightened his hold on her hand and let out a cold scoff. "One piece of footage does not prove anything. This could easily be something Hannah arranged to set Lainey up."

A chill settled in Hannah's gaze as she looked straight at him, and her voice carried a note of clear mockery. "If you're willing to twist the truth just to defend her, then so be it. I will give you exactly what you want. I'm calling off our engagement!"

Although her tone remained steady, the weight of her words shook the entire room.

A hint of satisfaction flickered in Lainey's eyes before she could hide it.

Even Brett and Jake showed clear signs of surprise at what they had just heard.

Color drained from Kenneth's face, and anger tightened his expression as he spoke through clenched teeth. "Hannah, this engagement was arranged between our families long ago. Do you really think you can break it off whenever you feel like it?"

Two decades earlier, the Oliver and Warren families had already set this marriage arrangement in place.

For many years, before Hannah was brought back, Lainey had been the one everyone expected Kenneth to marry.

Everything shifted the moment Hannah returned, and the engagement was then given to her without question.

Over time, Edmund Warren, Kenneth's grandfather, made it clear to Kenneth that marrying Hannah was the only way for him to secure his rightful inheritance from the family.

Because of that condition, Kenneth endured his dislike for Hannah and never once thought of backing out of the marriage.

In his mind, he had already mapped out a plan. He would go through with the marriage, claim his inheritance, and then divorce Hannah so he could be with Lainey without hiding.

Before Hannah could say another word, the sound of footsteps interrupted the tension as two figures entered the room.

"What's going on here?"

The ones who had just arrived were Hannah's parents, Bruce and Alicia Oliver, who had only just returned home.

Irritation showed on Alicia's face as she looked at Hannah and spoke sharply. "You want to break off the engagement? What kind of nonsense are you causing now?"

The moment she stepped inside, she had already caught enough of their argument to understand what was happening.

Without hesitation, Lainey rushed into Alicia's arms, and she made sure her swollen cheek was clearly visible while putting on a protective act. "Mom, please don't blame Hannah. She didn't mean to hit me."

Anger surged through Bruce. "Hannah! How could you strike Lainey like that? You have gone too far! If we had known you were this cruel and selfish, we would have never brought you back!"

Silence surrounded Hannah as she looked at her biological parents.

Although they were bound by blood, she had never once felt any real care or warmth from them.

Arrogance returned to Kenneth's expression at Bruce's words, and his earlier frustration faded as he spoke with authority. "She needs to apologize immediately, and Lainey should return those slaps twice so things are settled."

A sharp, cold look passed through Hannah's eyes as she turned to him and replied without hesitation, "What if I refuse?"