To celebrate Eira finally getting through the tough times, John grinned and said, "There's a new bar just up ahead. The bartender there's got some serious skills-wanna check it out?"

They hit it off instantly and set off for the bar.

It was still early, so the place wasn't packed yet. Still, the moment Eira walked in, heads started turning.

She took off her sunglasses and casually hooked them onto her collar, glancing around with some interest. "Not bad," she commented.

John immediately straightened his back a little. "Of course it's not. It's owned by a friend of my brother's. Back during renovation, they even asked him for input."

Sneaking a quick look at her expression, he added, "Pretty sure you mentioned to my brother once that you wanted to open your own bar someday. Some of the design ideas in here? Totally yours."

Eira didn't pick up on the hidden meaning in his words. She just nodded. "Ah, that explains why it feels kinda familiar."

"Yeah, you can bet my brother remembers everything you've ever told him."

As he led her inside, he started telling her how panicked his brother had been the whole time she was gone.

Eira chose a seat by the bar, tapped a drink on the menu, and finally replied, "We grew up together. If he hadn't been worried, now that would've been strange."

Hearing that, John was momentarily speechless. He mumbled under his breath, "Why can't you see it?"

Right then, the bartender walked over, and Eira's attention was drawn to the overly dramatic flair moves he was pulling.

Resting her chin on her hand, she watched the show with a small smile. "One more throw and the alcohol's gonna be all in the air, not in my glass."

The bartender froze for a split second, then quickly toned it down.

He poured the drink into a highball glass, added a fresh mint leaf on top, and slid it to her with a flourish. "Give it a try."

As he spoke, he slipped off his gloves and pulled a business card from the drawer, sliding it across the table toward Eira with a hint of meaning in his eyes.

"If you like the drink... I do private mixing too~"

Eira just took a small sip. That familiar heat spread across her tongue, making her eyes narrow slightly in satisfaction.

She didn't bother responding to the flirty offer. Just raised her glass a little before leaving the bar.

Their booth was on the second floor.

But just a few steps up, John's phone rang. He motioned for the attendant to take Eira upstairs first.

By the time he walked into the room, there were already a few half highball glasses in front of her-each with a little leftover liquor still swirling at the bottom.

John slid into the seat across from her and shook his phone. "Just heard back from the higher-ups. They're not ready to go public with the news about the Johnson girl's return yet."

"What the-"

Before the words even left her mouth, someone suddenly yanked open the private room's door.

A young man in a cap and mask rushed in, breathing hard, while two bar staff tried and failed to hold him back.

John looked annoyed as he glared at the intruder. "Who are you?"

The man didn't answer right away. Instead, he pulled off his mask with one swift motion, revealing a ridiculously good-looking face lit up with excitement.

"Sis, I finally found you!"

Even the staff froze when they realized who it was. Wasn't this the insanely popular star from just a while ago? Ethan Taylor?

Eira clearly recognized him too. She motioned for the staff to leave, then smiled. "How'd you even know I was back?"

She remembered the last time she sent Ethan to Stellaris Entertainment. Back then, he'd only come up to her shoulder-now, in just a few years, he looked completely grown-up.

That starry-eyed kid chasing dreams had become a global celebrity in no time.

Ethan didn't blink as he stared at her, then hurried to sit next to her, full of emotion. "My manager told me you might announce a comeback. But why didn't you tell me yourself?"

John rolled his eyes hard and shot back, "You're so busy being famous that we can barely see your shadow. How would you have time for this?"

"Yeah, not talking to you. Zip it," Ethan snapped back, not even looking at him. His gaze softened again as he turned to Eira. "I want to help you, sis."

Eira knew there was no stopping him, so she gave in. "Alright, but no posting my photos anywhere. I don't want to spark gossip."

"Got it, everything you say goes!"

Meanwhile, in the car, Alexander sat quietly flipping through some documents.

His brows knit tight as he recalled how Eira had spoken earlier at the civil office. Something about her felt different, unsettling almost...

A sudden ringtone cut through his thoughts.

He answered, and a gentle female voice came through.

"Alex, the hospital suddenly told me today that my attending physician was reassigned. A new doctor came in to change my dressing... I'm scared...""

"I'm worried my hand won't heal right, and that I'll never play the piano again."

Sophia Clark's voice trembled with unshed tears-it tugged at the heart.

Something flickered in Alex's eyes. He gripped the phone tighter and said in a low voice, "I'll be right there."

Just then, from the passenger seat, Daniel suddenly burst out.

"Mr. Brooks! There's a new lead-someone said the Johnson family's eldest daughter is still alive, though it's only a blurry image. Not confirmed."

"Is it credible? Look into it!"

Alexander lowered his head, glancing at the message on his phone. His gaze lingered on the attached photo for a few seconds before his brows slowly knitted together.

Back when he first started leading the Brooks Group and was getting crushed by every major company in Oceanvein, if it hadn't been for Miss Johnson stepping up to help, there's no way the company would be what it is today.

He had always meant to thank her face-to-face, but before he even had the chance, she'd mysteriously vanished without a trace.

For the past two years, he never stopped quietly searching for her...

Now, the news that Eira was still alive had blown up the internet, sitting at the top of the trending list all day.

Meanwhile, over at Johnson Group.

William Johnson was staring hard at the photo in his hand. Others might not recognize her, but he knew that face better than anyone.

Only, he was sure-Eira couldn't possibly be alive!

He was seated in the conference room, pretending to listen, but his mind had wandered off entirely, not registering a word from the presenter.

At that very moment, Eira stepped through the doors of the Johnson Corporation in a knee-length sapphire dress and eight-centimeter heels, each stride crisp and commanding.

Before long, the sharp clip-clop of heels echoed down the hallway outside the top-floor meeting room.

William's face twisted in displeasure as the sound reached his ears, and he cut off the speaker mid-sentence. "Who the hell is stomping around..."

"Uncle, long time no see."

His voice lodged in his throat. Eira stood at the doorway, giving him an easy wave.

His face turned ghost-white. Two years ago, he'd seen that girl's body with his own eyes... How could this be happening?

Forcing himself to stay composed, he wrinkled his aging face into an expression of joy and forced out some tears. "Eira, you're really alive? This is... This is amazing! You have no idea how hard I've been looking for you these past two years!"

"When your parents passed, one after the other... I couldn't sleep a wink those nights from worrying."

His voice started to tremble with emotion like it almost moved him to tears.

Eira looked at him, fake concern plastered all over his face. Her own heart was cold as ice, but she kept it off her expression. "Really? I thought about you a lot too, Uncle."

"Oh dear, that's touching enough. Don't be too upset though-your parents... well, they're gone, but I'll take care of you from now on."

He smiled gently, an almost too-tender look in his eyes like he was genuinely heartbroken.

Eira's hand tightened slightly at her side, but her tone stayed calm. "Then I'll have to trouble you."

Seeing that, William relaxed a bit.

No matter how he looked at it, even if she somehow survived, she couldn't pose much of a threat.

And if she ever did... well, he'd deal with it.

Eira's lips curved into a soft smile. "Uncle, you've worked hard these past two years. Back when my parents were still around, they always said the company would eventually be handed over to me. I didn't expect things to be delayed this long. Now that I'm back, you can finally take a well-deserved break."

William froze for a second, caught completely off guard. His face went stiff.

She was testing him, plain and simple.

The fact that something happened right when she was about to take over the company? Way too much of a coincidence. So much so, that Eira couldn't help but suspect something.

"So, what do you say, Uncle?"William took a deep breath, forcing down the anger bubbling inside him. He managed a strained smile as he said in a calm tone, "Eira, you're joking, right?"

"I get that young people have energy and drive, but you've been gone for two years. You have no idea how the company runs now. Maybe it's better to take some time, ease into things?"

"No need. I pick things up fast."

Eira curved her lips into a soft smile, eyes twinkling, but the tone of her words was anything but gentle. "Let everyone know-I'm taking over as CEO right now."

*****

Just as Alexander walked into the hospital room, the sound of soft sobbing drifted out.

He pushed the door open, frowning as he asked gently, "What's going on?"

The moment Sophia saw him, tears trickled down her cheeks, soaking into the blanket and leaving a dark patch. The sight was enough to stir some sympathy.

In a meek voice, she said, "The doctor told me... apparently it was Grandma Brooks who had my previous doctor reassigned..."

As she spoke, she glanced at her wrist, where a long, visible scar cut across her pale skin.

Alexander's face darkened instantly, tension clinging to every inch of him. "I'll call my grandma."

"No, don't," Sophia sniffled. "Don't let this mess up things between you and her just because of me."

"Oh, right... Is Miss Johnson okay?"

The moment she brought up Eira, Alexander let out a cold laugh. "What do you think? If she hadn't pushed you, you wouldn't have gotten hurt in the first place."

Sophia shook her head slightly, pretending to defend Eira. "Don't blame her. You two were married. It's understandable that she'd get the wrong idea about me. After all, back then, you and I hadn't really..."

"We're divorced."

Sophia coughed a bit and looked up at him with tear-filled eyes. "It's... it's not because of me, is it? Is that why you two split up? I- I..."

She bit her lower lip to keep herself from choking up. Her face was streaked with tears, delicate and pitiful.

Alexander stared at her, caught off guard by that fragile expression-

He never liked women crying. It grated on his nerves.

Eira always knew what he didn't like and never pushed it.

Even when she felt wronged, she'd just lower her head and silently let the tears splash onto the polished floor, never saying a word.

Suddenly, he felt arms wrap around his waist tightly. He looked down to see Sophia's sorrowful face, snapping him back to reality.

"Alex?"

That voice made him come to his senses.

He was zoning out, stupidly. The girl in front of him was Sophia, the one who once risked everything to save him-

Not that infuriating woman Eira.

With a furrowed brow, he shoved aside the unease, gently patting Sophia's head.

"It's not because of you. Just focus on getting better."

Sophia clung to him even tighter, burying herself into his chest with a subtle smile.

'Finally got that b*tch out of the way. That glass stunt really paid off.'

Her voice suddenly softened into a fragile whisper. "Alex, what if I can never play piano again? I... I might as well be dead. Just forget our childhood promise, okay?"

Alexander gently patted her back. His shirt was damp with her tears, and he could feel the chill against his skin.

His eyes drifted toward the white wall in front of him, his dark gaze slowly clouding.

After what felt like forever, Sophia finally heard the words she'd been waiting for-

"It's not off the table. I'll marry you, just like we agreed."

Alexander said it casually. Then he noticed Daniel standing outside, pointing at his phone.

He released Sophia gently, offering a hint of apology. "Something's come up at work. I'll swing by later."

As soon as he left, Sophia quickly wiped the tears off her face. The sorrow vanished, replaced by excitement.

Everything was happening way faster than she expected.

Moments later, a nurse slipped in and softly said, "Miss Clark, the photos turned out great."

She brought up the pictures on her phone, smiling. "You and Mr. Brooks look like you were made for each other."

In the photo, Sophia was nestled in Alexander's chest, while he looked down at her with a gentle gaze.

She gave a satisfied nod and sent the photo out.

Once the nurse left, Sophia ripped off her bandages without care, revealing hands marked by faint scars.

Playing the piano was her livelihood. No matter what, she wouldn't really risk damaging her hands-not even for Alexander.

These scars were plenty convincing.

Outside the hospital, Daniel hurried to open the car door as Alexander stepped out.

Alexander got in, smoothed his coat beside him, and rubbed his temples. "Did you dig anything up?"

Daniel's tone turned serious. "News just hit the internet-it's true. The Johnson family's eldest daughter is back."

Even though it wasn't brand new info, Daniel still looked stunned.

Two years ago, Eira vanished. Everyone in Oceanvein knew. Rumors even said she was dead.

Seems like Alexander was the only one who never gave up.

Alexander's fingers tapped the armrest slowly, his eyes dark and unreadable. "Keep an eye on the Johnsons. Bet things won't stay quiet for long."

"Got it," Daniel replied, turning to watch the road ahead.

The car glided through shifting patches of light and shadow, casting patterned reflections on Alexander's calm, brooding face.

"What's Eira been up to these past few days?"

Daniel felt a chill run down his spine. "Mr. Brooks, she's completely off-grid. She hasn't even returned to the villa."

That in itself was strange. Eira had always been gentle. Her world revolved around Alexander. But now? Not only had she asked for a divorce, she'd vanished without a trace.

Hearing that, Alexander's expression darkened further. His eyes were like frost. "Didn't think she could be this persistent."

*****

At that moment, Eira was sitting at the head of the Johnson Group conference room table, her voice cool and commanding.

"If you've got something to say, lay it out. I'll deal with it one by one."

She swept a steady glance across the table at the shareholders.

In the silence, a newly appointed shareholder couldn't hold himself back. He pointed at her, scowling, "You're just a woman, and you think you can claim the CEO seat? That's just greedy!"

"This company isn't your playground. I'm absolutely against it!"

Eira smirked, clearly unimpressed, her voice full of disdain. "This seat was always mine. I'm not taking it-I'm reclaiming it."

"I don't care who you think you are. As long as I'm here? Not happening!"

"Oh? That so."

Unfazed, she motioned toward the door. Instantly, the bodyguards outside stormed in and dragged Caspian Wells out without hesitation.

"Anyone else got an issue?"

Eira toyed with the pen in her hand, her tone icy. "If it's something that's actually good for the company, go ahead."

Her words shut the room down. No one dared speak.

At the side, William looked like his face had been through five different paint jobs.

He hadn't expected his niece to come back after two years and flip the table like this.

Lucky for him, he wasn't caught off guard. He'd planned ahead...