Carol stepped into the company, only to be greeted by an overly excited Vivian, who looked even more thrilled than she did.

"Carol, if I'd known Mr. Dawson was planning to get back at Cheryl for you, we wouldn't have bothered trying to contact the press at all! You were being too soft before, but look at him-one move and Cheryl's basically done for life."

If even Vivian believed Edward was behind it, then the rest of the office probably thought the same.

Carol didn't bother explaining. Since Edward clearly had no intention of helping Cheryl out, she might as well let everyone assume he was on her side. It'd keep unnecessary trouble off her back-why not?

The weather was downright cold, heavy clouds hanging low like they were smothering everything.

Edward had just stepped out of the family's old estate, looking visibly worse than when he went in.

For someone like him-always laid-back and cocky-it was rare to see him look like that.

He slid a cigarette between his lips, lit it casually, the flicker of flame bouncing in the fog-like smoke swirling around him, ember slowly burning.

A bright orange Aston Martin rolled up next to him. The window on the driver's side slid down, revealing Jonathan's effortlessly handsome face, full of that signature smugness.

"Went by the company to see you. Turns out you ghosted me."

With the cigarette still dangling from his lips, Edward glanced at him with a lazy posture, mumbling, "What's up?"

Jonathan leaned back, one hand on the wheel, one resting on the door. "Can't I drop by for the hell of it? Come on-thought we'd grab a drink."

Edward got in without a word.

"So, I heard you're tying the knot?" Jonathan asked.

Edward bit down on the cigarette, half-lidded eyes looking half-bored. "Who told you that? Christopher?"

"Who else could it be?" Jonathan raised an eyebrow as the car rumbled to life. "Still... kind of random, no? Who's the lucky girl?"

Edward didn't answer this time.

"What about Carol? You've been with her for years. What's your plan?"

Jonathan was pretty much the only one who dared to say it out loud-that Edward and Carol had a thing.

Edward's hair fell messily across his forehead, long lashes casting sharp shadows across his face. In the flickering streetlights, that sculpted profile of his went dead still like frozen stone.

Jonathan glanced sideways, realizing he'd stepped in it. Classic foot-in-mouth moment.

He scratched his nose, then smoothly changed the subject. "Oh, heard Jessica's coming back from Y Country. She's looking better than ever-killer looks, killer body. Shouldn't we show some respect and throw her a 'welcome back'?"

Edward's tone was slow, casual, with a half-smile, "We'll see."

Jonathan expertly turned the wheel, clicking his tongue. "Cold, man. Real cold. You remember the night she left? You drank yourself right into the ER. They thought it was alcohol poisoning."

The moment he brought it up, Edward's eyes darkened a shade. Jonathan caught the shift and quickly dropped the topic.The two of them ended up in a private room at the Royal Club, drinks flowing freely. With alcohol blurring his senses, Jonathan Lowe suddenly brought up Carol again, "You know, I used to think Carol would end up marrying your brother. I mean, the way she looked at Christopher, it was pretty obvious to me."

The moment he said that, the crystal cufflinks on Edward's wrist caught the dim light and gleamed with a sharp chill. His knuckles tensed visibly.

In the low lighting, he slammed his glass on the table with a dull thud, so heavy and sudden that it snapped Jonathan half out of his drunken state.

What's he pissed about now?

Before Jonathan could ask, Edward had already grabbed his blazer with one hand and left the room, his eyes dark as a storm cloud.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the night slipped quietly through the thin curtains. Traffic streamed endlessly over the elevated highway, winding toward the ocean-no end in sight.

By the time Edward got back from Royal Club, Carol was already asleep.

He stared at the lump under the bed covers, tossed aside his jacket without a care, climbed in quietly, and wrapped his arms around her from behind, his lips burning against her neck.

Half-asleep, Carol asked groggily, "Edward? That you?"

"Who else? Think it's Christopher?" he shot back, his tone immediately on edge. "Or... did you want it to be him?"

Carol blinked herself awake, trying to turn around, but he held her still. "Don't. Just... let me hold you."

The alcohol on his breath hit her full force, making her frown. "You've been drinking?"

He didn't answer, just kept going stubbornly. Then, almost accusingly, he nipped at her ear gently, tugging with his teeth. "Tell me the truth-have you liked Christopher all along?"

Carol sighed, "You're drunk."

Edward held her even tighter, his arms locked around her. "Answer me."

Back when she was around the Dawson family more often, she and Christopher did get along-at least until that incident... since then, things were different.

Outside, the wind howled. Inside, the tension was thick.

Late at night, people's minds slow down, and Carol had officially run out of patience after dealing with Edward's drama. She spoke without thinking, almost wanting to provoke him. "Yeah. Sure. I like Christopher. Always have. Happy now?"

Edward held her down, knees on either side of her hips, his voice as cold as a blade, "Right, I'm the reckless one. But you think Christopher's some kind of saint? He's not. He's not a good guy, and you and him? Never gonna happen."

Carol was used to Edward flying off the handle, but hearing this still stung a bit.

If there was no chance with Christopher, then what about her and Edward? That was even more of a dead end.

She couldn't help thinking-maybe this thing between her and Edward... was really gonna be over.

They had a rough night.

When Carol woke up, the space next to her was already empty, the sheets cool to the touch.

On the nightstand was a sticky note with just two words, scribbled quickly-

[Business Trip.]

Carol knew his schedule inside out. He didn't have any planned trips. Probably just stormed off again to cool his temper.

She tore the note up and tossed it in the trash without a second thought.

An hour later, just as she stepped into the office, Vivian came rushing over, lowering her voice as she leaned in, "Carol, Christopher's here. He's in Edward's office right now."

Christopher was both a shareholder and board member.

Carol's guard instantly went up. Edward had just left... and now Christopher shows up?

"Did he say why he's here?"

Vivian shrugged. "No idea."

Carol gave her a pat on the shoulder. "Can you make me a cup of coffee?"

The coffee was ready soon, and Carol walked into the CEO's office with the cup in hand.

The man sat facing away, a book in hand. His blazer was draped over the chair, just a shirt on.

Anyone unaware might've thought Christopher was the actual boss here.

Carol steadied herself, keeping her expression neutral. "What brings you here, Chris?"

Christopher turned, setting the book down. There was a soft smile on his refined, handsome face. "Not happy to see me?"

"Of course I am."

Carol placed the coffee beside him and sat down across the table, getting straight to the point. "Is something up?"

"I heard Edward's out on a trip. Thought I'd drop by to check things out."

Carol hadn't expected him to admit it that easily. No one in the Dawson family played it simple-especially not Christopher, who used his gentle demeanor to hide his real game.

He took a sip of the coffee and smiled. "You've still got it-your coffee tastes just like before."

Carol gave a faint smile. She knew he didn't show up just to compliment her coffee.

"Normally, Edward'd take you along when he traveled, but this time..."

Compared to his roundabout way of asking, Carol kept her tone light. "Guess he didn't feel like it."

Christopher looked her in the eye, like he was trying to read her mind.

Then he set his cup down, casually tossing out, "So, how's the Serenor acquisition going?"

A flicker of unease crossed Carol's eyes. So that's what he was really here for.

"Everything's on track for now."

Christopher clasped his hands on the table. "There's a good chance the project lead might change."

That caught Carol flat-footed. Her fingers clenched slightly. She instantly recalled what Michael had said yesterday...

"You sure about this?"

Christopher didn't hide it. After a pause, he admitted, "Pretty likely. Word is it's from Grandpa. He's recommended someone new."

Carol's face stiffened a little. If that were true, unless Edward stepped in to protect her, she was probably out of luck.

Turned out, Christopher came just to deliver that heads-up. But instead of leaving, he waited for her to clock out and insisted on taking her to dinner.

It wasn't easy to brush him off, so the two of them went out for Japanese food.

Carol could tell he had something on his mind, like he wanted to say something but kept hesitating. She didn't ask.

By the time they walked out, the chill of the early spring evening hit hard.

Carol was lightly dressed, so Christopher took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders... and maybe it was just her, but he seemed extra attentive tonight.

They hadn't gone far when Carol stumbled. Thankfully, Christopher caught her in time-but she ended up bumping right into his chest.

And, just a few meters away, a camera silently caught every second of it...

Edward landed in the capital at 3 PM three days later, and specifically asked Carol to pick him up.

The sky, originally sunny and clear, suddenly turned dark as heavy rain poured down like someone flipped a switch. The air felt suffocating, like being locked in a giant cage.

Carol stood by the window watching the rain: Great, just great. Clearly not a day to go out. But orders were orders-she had no choice.

She threw on a beige trench coat and drove toward the airport. Just as expected, the car gave up halfway-completely stalled. The rain had eased a bit, and she wasn't too far from her destination anyway, so she called for repair and another car before grabbing her umbrella and walking to the VIP gate.

The wind didn't do her any favors. Half her coat got soaked, and a passing car splashed muddy water onto her legs. Thankfully, she was only here to pick up Edward-not attending a gala or anything-so it wasn't a total disaster.

She stood at the VIP entrance, waiting. The heating there was barely working, and her damp clothes didn't help. She shivered.

After the plane landed, she waited another ten or so minutes before spotting Edward, sticking out like a sore thumb in a loud floral shirt-bold, cocky, and totally himself.

He didn't even glance her way, acting like she was invisible. Did she tick him off again, or what?

Just as she was about to speak, she saw the woman next to him, and even someone as composed as her froze for a moment.

A gorgeous, elegant girl had her arm looped around Edward's. Compared to Carol, who was clearly a mess from the rain, the other woman looked glowing, almost unreal.

It was obvious which of them was more in his world.

It felt like the noisy world suddenly shattered into icy silence around her.

Even after all these years, Carol recognized her in seconds.

Jessica Green, the Green family's precious daughter-and Edward's childhood friend. Back in high school, Jessica was one of the only girls in Edward and Jonathan's circle-spoiled and protected by all of them.

When Carol moved in with the Dawsons, Jessica's family had already relocated overseas, so they'd never really met.

Edward might treat most women the same, but Carol knew deep down he treated Jessica differently. Most of the women around him dressed flashy, scheming for his money. But Jessica-polished, graceful-wasn't one of those girls.

Carol stared at her face, overlapping it in her mind with the one she'd seen in the photo Edward kept in his pocket watch... They looked almost identical-especially the eyes. So that girl from his youth was Jessica?

Carol stood still, her legs rooted to the spot.

Jessica smiled gently, her eyes soft like shimmering moonlight. She stepped forward and held out her hand. "You must be Carol! Edward talks about you a lot. Hi, I'm Jessica."

Even Carol had to admit-Jessica was the definition of class.

Carol quickly gathered herself. She didn't want to seem out of place, so she reached out too. But her palm was still damp from holding the umbrella.

She hesitated for a split second, but Jessica didn't flinch. She warmly grasped Carol's hand, her smile full and genuine.

Carol forced a smile back. "Nice to meet you, Miss Green."

While the two of them talked, Edward's gaze briefly brushed over her damp coat, and his lips moved slightly like he wanted to say something.

"Come on, don't be so formal-since you're Edward's sister, that means you're my sister too. Just call me Jessica," Jessica said lightly.

Carol couldn't help glancing at Edward then.

He despised being called her "brother," even Jonathan had been warned off from calling him that.

But hearing Jessica say it? Not a flicker of annoyance crossed his face.

Yep. He definitely treated Jessica differently.The Green family was real old money-five generations of politics meant enough connections to shake up the whole capital. Jessica? A textbook elite. She and Edward were from the same world.

Carol? She was just a tagalong, barely able to catch a glimpse of that lifestyle thanks to Sophia Turner.

Jessica had it all. Carol had nothing.

Edward was never short on flings-she'd seen all types by his side over the years.

But this time... this time felt different. There was a sharp sense of threat creeping in. The gap between her and Jessica was brutally obvious, a canyon shaped by social class and birthright-something no amount of hard work could fix. If she wasn't wrong, Jessica was probably the woman Timothy had picked for Edward.

The Dawsons ruled in business. They needed the political muscle of the Greens.

So that's what Christopher had been about to say the other night.

And Edward's excuse of a "business trip"? A cover to go fetch Jessica from abroad. No wonder he didn't bring her along.

Now Edward was standing in front of her, squinting as he looked her up and down with that teasing grin of his. "What'd you do, fall into a ditch?"

She didn't answer.

Jessica stepped in smoothly, saving the awkward moment like a pro. "Some drivers clearly weren't taught manners. It's pouring and still they don't slow down. Carol, we're around the same size. I have a spare jacket-let's get you out of that wet one before you catch a cold."

She took a coat from her assistant behind her.

Carol wanted to refuse but paused. With so many eyes around, straggling behind them in that soaked, mud-stained coat would only make things worse.

People respect the way you look before they know who you are. Always have.

Fine. She'd already lost the upper hand. No point in making it worse.

"Thanks, Miss Green."

She took off her damp coat. Jessica didn't just hand her the jacket, she gently draped it over her shoulders and even tied the belt at the waist, her smile warm and soft like a big sister doting on her sibling.

Carol recognized the jacket brand-it was one of ten pieces worldwide. Limited edition.

At the parking lot, she and the driver loaded the luggage. He was used to the work, but she struggled.

As she was putting it down, her hand accidentally got caught under the luggage. Pain shot through her and she crouched down, trying not to cry out.

The driver looked worried. "Ms. Bright, are you okay? Need a hospital?"

She shook her head, forcing herself up. "I'm fine."

She went to open the backseat, but saw Edward and Jessica already settled in. Paused for a split second, then quietly shut the door and climbed into the passenger seat.

Jessica's gaze swept over her hand-subtle, but she noticed.

The whole ride, Jessica chatted away about those good old high school days with Edward.

He chuckled and nodded sometimes, clearly not minding the trip down memory lane.

Carol glanced into the rear-view mirror and met Edward's deep eyes. They were nothing like his usual playful gaze-there was something chilling about them.

It startled her. She looked away instantly.

Jessica turned to her. "Carol, where'd you go to high school?"

"Ravenscar Academy."

Jessica raised an eyebrow, surprised. "No kidding? Same school as Edward and me. What a small world."

Ravenscar Academy wasn't just any school-it was the best in the country, especially in the capital, packed with the kids of the rich and powerful.

It had taken a lot of effort on Sophia's part to get Carol in.

"Oh, you and Mr. Dawson were basically legends back then," Carol said with the kind of polite, distant smile people used for small talk.

Jessica gave her an easy smile. "Come on, Carol, don't be so formal. You're Edward's sister, aren't you? You should call him like that."

Carol just smiled without replying.

When she'd first moved into the Dawson house, she had called him that. Edward didn't like it. She assumed he just didn't want anything to do with her or Sophia.

Now, he grabbed a water bottle, twisted it open and took a big swig. "She can't call me bro," he said flatly.

Edward's offhand tone hit her like a blade to the chest.

Through the rearview mirror, Carol caught Jessica gently tugging at Edward's arm, her voice soft with a hint of coquettish reproach. "Edward!"

Jessica turned toward Carol, trying to smooth things over with a warm smile. "Carol, don't take your brother too seriously. He loves to talk nonsense."

A sting tightened her throat, like a sliver of glass lodged where she couldn't swallow. Carol clenched the fabric of her coat and forced a calm front, pushing back the ache in her chest as she spoke sarcastically, "Mr. Dawson's right. Knowing one's limits is a virtue, after all."

There was a bite to her words, a subtle defiance.

Edward stared at her profile, waiting for some trace of annoyance to sneak through. But there was nothing-just her usual calm, maybe even colder than usual.

The car felt suddenly cramped, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Even the air seemed to hold its breath.

Jessica's gaze slid between the two of them before she smiled again, without missing a beat. "I heard Carol completed her bachelor's, master's, and PhD all at MIT-majored in business administration, financial management, and public relations, right? Staying by your side as a personal assistant seems like such a waste of talent, Edward. Carol, someone like you should totally carve out your own path. With skills like yours, there's no way Ravensburg wouldn't make room for you."

Of course, she'd thought about it.

But...

Before Carol could get a word in, Edward's disdainful grunt cut her off.

"She got everything thanks to the Dawson family. After all that fancy schooling, the least she can do is work at Dawson Group to show some gratitude. Starting a business? That's not her place."

His arrogance dripped with contempt, like he couldn't stand the sight of her. Carol hadn't expected him to go that far-not in front of Jessica.

She used to give in, feeling cornered with no way out. But the pride in her bones had never truly faded.

"I've always been grateful to Raymond for raising me. But let's not forget-I got into MIT on my own."

She had no family background, but she'd always attended the best schools and received the best education.

Back when she was young, she didn't understand how Sophia pulled it off.

Now, having been part of this world for years, she understood. No shame in that. You play the cards you're dealt. If beauty helped her get ahead, then it was just another asset she knew how to use.

Sophia made sure she learned every bit of etiquette, every social cue, every 'noble' sport. After Sophia married into the Dawson family, Carol had access to even more.

"I can't give you a prestigious name or status," Sophia had once told her, "but I can make sure you get an education that puts you on equal footing with anyone."

Even if Sophia had changed, Carol never forgot that.

Edward scoffed again, his face a mask of open disdain.

"Ravensburg's full of talent. What it lacks isn't smart people-it's connections. Without family assets passed down generations, your ceiling's already fixed."

Anger flickered in Carol's eyes. This time, she didn't hold it in like usual. "And what about those wasting their days in luxury, doing nothing? Without competence to match, even the richest bloodline runs dry eventually."

Edward lazily leaned an arm on the car door and undid the top two buttons of his shirt, revealing a stretch of toned skin beneath-nonchalantly seductive, with an edge of danger. His gaze sharpened.

"That jab for me? Don't forget where you stand."

Tch.

Lost in the heat of the moment, Carol accidentally pressed down on her injured hand, and the sharp pain made her gasp.

Hearing her hiss in pain, Edward instinctively leaned forward. But just as quickly, a flicker crossed his eyes-he must've thought of something-then he nonchalantly leaned back into his seat again, lazily crossing his legs while sneaking glances at Carol now and then.

Jessica turned to Carol, full of concern. "Carol, are you okay?"

The driver chimed in to explain, "Sir, while we were moving the luggage, Assistant Bright's hand got accidentally crushed."

Edward's expression shifted in a flash, and he leaned forward, brushing everything else aside. "Let me see your hand."

Carol turned her face away and ignored him entirely.

Not wanting to hurt her, Edward didn't try to take her hand, just leaned in closer for a look.

Her hand was swollen, bruising already starting to spread.

He shot a cold glance at the driver. "Moving luggage is your job. Carol works for me-for the company-not to handle your tasks."

The driver kept his head down, not daring to speak.

Jessica's voice was soft, guilt-ridden. "It's my fault. I kept chatting with Carol and didn't even notice she got hurt."

Realizing he might've just let too much emotion show, Edward casually rolled up his shirt sleeves.

Carol responded quietly, "Miss Green, it's not your fault."

Just then, her phone buzzed.

Edward's sharp eyes caught sight of the name "Christopher" on her screen before she quickly locked it.

Jessica spoke up. "Still, we should get that looked at."

Edward seemed distracted, clearly still thinking about something else. He glanced at Carol, who wouldn't even give him the time of day, and suddenly his tone went cold. "If she still has the energy to text someone, then it can't be that bad. No need to see a doctor."

"Edward, she only got hurt because she was helping me with the bags. Don't be like this."

Jessica turned to the driver. "Take us to the nearest hospital."

When they arrived at the hospital entrance, the driver tried to make up for earlier. "Miss Bright, I can go with you."

"No need. I can manage." Carol didn't even glance in Edward's direction.

Edward frowned at being brushed off like that. He spoke to the driver, but his eyes kept drifting back to Carol. "One person going to the hospital, are all three of us supposed to just hang around and wait with her?"

Jessica kept her head down, staring at her phone in silence.

Carol pressed her lips tightly together when no one was looking. In Edward's world, Jessica always came first.

The driver, no amateur, glanced at the dynamics and suggested carefully, "Sir, maybe you could go in with Miss Bright? I'll drive Miss Green home. That'd work best for both."

"What do you mean, best for both? Do you even hear yourself? Look at who you're talking about. Why would I go with someone like her and leave Jessica behind?"

Carol didn't say a word, just undid her seatbelt and stepped out of the car.

"You two go ahead."

Jessica finally spoke up, smiling faintly. "Edward, just go in there with Carol."

"Fine! If you say so." Edward agreed, as if the only reason he was going was because Jessica asked. "Let the driver take you home. Text me when you get there so I know you're safe."

He opened the door, and a cold wind whooshed through the car.

Jessica wrinkled her nose and frowned. Through the frosted window, she watched Edward catch up quickly to Carol, walking beside her.

He took her bag right out of her hands like it was nothing.

"Miss Green, let's head back."

"Thanks," Jessica replied breezily, though her tone held something else.

Offhandedly, she added, "Edward's really something. Carol's still his sister, no matter what. Does he have to treat her like some stranger? Even his words are a bit too harsh."

The driver didn't read too much into it. "Sir's usually not like this to her. Don't know what's gotten into him today."

Jessica's soft eyes darkened ever so slightly...