Cameron Carlson and his associate, Skyler Lopez, arrived in New York right on schedule at 6:30 p.m. Cameron had just parked when he spotted Lyla Greene stepping out of a cab. Her white Victorian-style dress gave her the appearance of a fresh-faced college student. With a slight smirk, Cameron motioned for her to join him and started walking towards the hotel entrance.
Skyler trailed closely behind Cameron, hesitating as he watched Lyla approach. She seemed familiar, like a fleeting memory that he couldn’t quite place.
Lyla reached Cameron and, with a polite nod to Skyler, fell in step with Cameron as they headed into the hotel. Skyler, following behind, was beginning to perspire slightly. He was puzzled by the woman’s identity and her connection to Cameron, detecting something unusual in their dynamic that even an outsider could sense.
Inside the plush private room, the hotel manager was already waiting for them. Cameron’s esteemed status was clear, as the manager personally attended to him every time. After taking their orders, the manager respectfully exited.
Cameron lifted his wine glass, swirling the wine with elegance as he observed Lyla through the glass. The atmosphere was awkward; the three sat in an uneasy silence, each at a distance from the others.
Lyla, unsure of Cameron's intentions, was about to question him when the manager returned, accompanied by several waitstaff to serve their meal.
With the table set, Cameron dismissed everyone, leaving just the three of them. The air grew even more charged. Cameron found the irony amusing—using one rival to aid the daughter of another he despised. Was this the real essence of using fire to fight fire?
“Mr. Carlson, who is this lady?” Skyler finally broke the suffocating silence, his voice a plea for Cameron to ease the tension.
“My wife!” Cameron said offhandedly, not even glancing at Skyler as he savored his wine. “I called you here for her.”
"For her? Is Mrs. Carlson unwell? She seems perfectly fine!” Skyler’s specialty was neurological disorders like strokes and brain injuries often seen in older patients, and Lyla appeared to be in good health.
“Not her, her father!” Cameron clarified. “A year ago, he had a stroke and has been in a coma since. Can you help him?”
“Without assessing him, I can’t say for sure!” Skyler understood now but still felt uneasy. Though skilled, not every case was within his ability to cure.
“Failure is not an option. If he doesn’t wake up, neither will you!” Cameron’s chilling words, delivered with a stoic face, made Lyla tense. That was his way—one sentence could instill fear, and Skyler was visibly shaken.
Realizing Cameron’s plan was to help her father, Lyla felt a mix of gratitude and an unfamiliar warmth at the gesture.
“Mr. Carlson, you’re putting me in a tough spot. I need more details to make any promises!” Skyler protested, wiping sweat from his brow.
“Don’t worry, you’ll get the information. I’ve informed the hospital that you’re now my personal physician. Be there at 8 a.m. the day after tomorrow, or face the consequences!” Cameron tossed a card toward Skyler, his eyes glinting with a steely determination.
“Alright, you can go now. I’m dining with my wife, so I won’t keep you.” Cameron dismissed Skyler with a wave, resuming his meal as if he were shooing away an inconvenience.
Skyler wisely took the card and left, his shaking figure evoking pity from Lyla. Cameron’s disdainful gaze upon Skyler revealed his annoyance, even a hint of loathing, but Lyla stayed silent, unsure of what to say.
“Not eating? Is something wrong with the food?” Cameron was well aware of Lyla’s questions but wasn’t in the mood to answer them.
“Thank you!” After a lengthy silence, Lyla finally spoke, her voice sincere. “Thank you for arranging a doctor for my father. I appreciate it.” Lyla wasn’t one to easily express her feelings; even now, her gratitude was understated.
If someone overheard their conversation, who would believe they’d been married for a year?
“No need for thanks, you earned it! You performed well last night; keep it up!” Cameron raised his glass to her, a teasing glint in his eyes.
Lyla’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment at his words. Thinking about the previous evening made her feel self-conscious. “Cameron, can’t you be serious for once? I’m genuinely thanking you!” she replied, rolling her eyes at him before downing her wine in one go.
Seeing her blush, Cameron’s mood brightened, and he laughed. “Why be shy after the fact?” His teasing words carried an air of intimacy, making her blush deepen.
“Cameron, even if you’re helping me, I won’t tolerate your teasing!” she said, flustered, as she got up to leave.
“Teasing? In this world, why can’t the truth be spoken? I’m just stating facts!” A dinner roll whizzed past her cheek, hitting the door. Clearly, Cameron wasn’t letting her leave. “Stay and have dinner with me, Mrs. Carlson!” he commanded, not even looking her way as he continued to eat.
Lyla bit her lip, feeling cornered. This man always maintained an air of superiority, and she felt like nothing more than a pawn to him, powerless to fight back.
In the office, tension was thick. Cameron and Nora James sat facing each other, each engrossed in their documents, not exchanging a single word. Their expressions were icy reflections of one another.
Nora hadn’t anticipated that one phone call from her would bring Cameron back to sign the papers. Once he signed, the contract would take effect, marking his relinquishment of a substantial fortune.
“Have you reviewed it? If all's in order, sign it!” Nora used a taunt to push Cameron, hoping he'd proceed. Yet, she seemed to have underestimated him. Cameron was indifferent, even eager to sever ties with her.
“There’s nothing to review; I don’t want it. Giving it all to you brings peace of mind and clears any debt between us!” He uncapped the pen and signed his name with a flourish, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. Finally, a breath of relief. For years, he’d been more than generous to Nora. Her continual oversteps had eroded his patience. Knowing the truth of past events made it impossible for him to tolerate her any longer.
“Cameron, I’m surprised at how easily you’ve let this go. You pursued this for so long; surely there’s some attachment?” Nora was incredulous that Cameron would sign so readily, decisively cutting ties.
“Aunt, you never understood me. My pursuits were never just about wealth!” Putting the pen away, Cameron’s smile was faint. Had he only chased money and power, he wouldn’t have become a leader feared by all.
That was in the past. Cameron had long left that world, though his innate wildness and fierceness remained undiminished. Had someone else done what Nora had, their fate would have been far worse.
“Oh? Seems like you’ve been busy with things outside my knowledge!” Nora narrowed her eyes, standing close to Cameron as she spoke, her right hand inadvertently touching her left, where a finger once was.
“Not nearly as much as you’ve done to me, not even close!” Cameron shrugged, his smile vague and sardonic.
“Cameron, what do you mean? How dare you speak to me like this!” Nora was annoyed, unable to understand why his attitude had grown so cold over the past five years.
“You told me we’d have no ties. So now, we’re just strangers. My demeanor is my own business! If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going.” Cameron seemed eager to leave, bowing slightly to Nora before turning to go.
“If it's about what happened over twenty years ago, I maintain I wasn’t wrong! It was always Rivka!” As Cameron moved to leave, Nora’s voice rose, echoing her distress.
Lyla Greene's high-profile appearance had only lasted a day before she became the subject of numerous media reports, her mysterious background sparking speculation. Rumors circulated rapidly that she was the long-lost daughter of the Greene family, originating from the entertainment company where the gossip had spiraled out of control.
With a morning paper in one hand and sipping the coffee Mrs. Wallace had given her, Lyla walked toward the main hall. She pondered what incentives Cameron Carlson had offered to the entertainment company to portray him as a hero while casting her as a rescued Cinderella.
"All the papers have been singing your praises lately, Mr. Carlson!" Sitting in a wicker chair, Lyla tossed the newspaper onto the table, feigning indifference.
Cameron hesitated at her comment. "Why? Are you not pleased with that portrayal?"
"How could I be?" Lyla retorted with a hint of irony. "As an orphan, it’s my good fortune to have caught the attention of someone like you. But the media likely doesn't know that this Cinderella story has an expiration date—just two years." She gently placed her cup on the table and picked up the newspaper again, shaking her head.
"The newspaper states: 'Cameron Carlson, the secretive CEO, has a wife who bears a striking resemblance to the missing socialite Lyla Greene! Her real identity is that of an orphan, yet Mr. Carlson married her regardless of social status, showing his deep affection...'" Lyla read aloud mockingly, ignoring Cameron's darkening expression.
"Do you believe this?" Cameron abruptly snatched the newspaper from her and tossed it to the floor, staring intently at her.
"Believe what? That I'm an orphan without parents, or that you, Mr. Carlson, could truly love me?" Lyla stood up suddenly and laughed bitterly.
"Do you think I could be naive enough to love you?" For some reason, Cameron found himself wanting to understand her thoughts, hoping she might be as naive as some others.
"Love me? Mr. Carlson, you only love yourself. There’s no room for anyone else in your heart. Don’t fool yourself. You don't love me, just as I don't love you. This is all just a transaction!" Lyla felt a wave of injustice—not because she’d lost the status of a renowned socialite, but because she was pitied as an orphan. Most of all, she knew the man in front of her would never truly love her.
"Good, as long as you understand!" Cameron’s heart was unexpectedly tugged by her words, though he refused to acknowledge that the unease was because of her.
"Of course, Mr. Carlson. Rest assured, I won't cling to you. I’ll leave with my father as we agreed, never to show up before you again," Lyla replied, her tone casual as if discussing something that had nothing to do with her.
"Leave? Are you really indifferent to the vast Greene estate?" Cameron felt a sharp pang at the thought of her departure.
"I couldn't care less. In this world, the only thing I cherish is my father. I'll donate the Greene estate to charity, so don’t worry—I won’t hang on to you for money." Picking up the newspaper from the floor, Lyla turned to leave without a trace of hesitation.
Cameron watched her retreating figure, his fists clenched so tightly that the knuckles cracked. He would not let her slip away so easily.
"Come with me to the airport!" He stormed into her room, pulling her up from her seat.
Shortly after Lyla left, Cameron received a pivotal phone call—one that would change everything.
Lyla didn’t fully comprehend how she ended up in Cameron’s car. When she finally turned around to take in her surroundings, the road back was already out of sight.
She had no idea why Cameron was taking her to the airport, nor did she ask. Her sole concern was seeing Chaim Greene; everything else seemed insignificant.
The early morning at the airport was quiet, especially in the VIP section. It was clear Cameron was there to meet someone. Standing at the VIP entrance, Lyla noticed he was unusually tense and a bit excited—a side of him she rarely saw.
After twenty minutes, as Lyla’s feet began to fall asleep, the large door finally opened. Because it was the VIP area, only a few people emerged, all of whom appeared wealthy and distinguished.
Three more minutes passed without any new arrivals, prompting Lyla to finally question who Cameron was waiting for when a voice rang out, "Cameron!"
The voice, carrying a hint of age, came unexpectedly from a woman who seemed no older than her mid-thirties—a reminder that appearances can be deceiving.
"Aunt!" Cameron called out, surprising Lyla as he quickly embraced the woman.
Embracing Cameron, Nora James’s eyes fixated on Lyla, studying her carefully before a sharp, hostile look flashed through them, chilling Lyla to the bone.
"What are you standing there for? Go get the luggage. Here’s the claim ticket!" Cameron tossed the ticket Nora handed him at Lyla, who caught it as Cameron and Nora walked away.
Holding the luggage ticket, Lyla watched them leave, a growing unease settling in her stomach. She felt an inexplicable hostility from Nora, and Cameron's dissatisfaction with her seemed to amplify in Nora’s presence.
After retrieving Nora’s luggage with considerable effort, Lyla hurried to the airport exit, but she had underestimated Cameron’s patience. He had already left with Nora.
The fickle London weather had been clear in the early morning, but as soon as Lyla stepped outside, it began to pour. She had grown accustomed to the unpredictable weather, but the little one she carried in her arms had not.
Every time the sky turned gray, Keily would become listless, all his energy focused on battling the little angel dancing inside him, demanding all his concentration...
"Keily, sit here for a moment while I get the car," Lyla said gently, placing the well-wrapped child onto a bench. She hung a warming pack around his neck, instructing him to keep it pressed against his chest, before hurrying toward the car.
Lyla ran quickly, her heart aching for her son who felt unwell. Ideally, she should have kept him indoors, but Keily refused to miss his school’s opening ceremony, leaving Lyla with no choice.
"In such a rush, not even holding your umbrella properly? Are you not worried about catching a cold?"
A deeper shadow suddenly loomed overhead, and Lyla found herself face-to-face with Skyler Lopez's striking blue eyes. She instinctively moved aside, attempting to create distance.
"Why are you here? I told you there’s no need to trouble yourself." Lyla retrieved her car keys, quickly unlocking the car door to get inside. However, before she could get in, her arm was caught firmly, preventing any movement.
"No matter how busy I am, I must look after my dear maid! Especially since she’s now my golden goose." Skyler pulled Lyla to his side, kicking the car door closed with a flourish.
"Skyler, let go. I can manage on my own! Don’t make things difficult. There’s already enough gossip in the company. You’re only making it harder for me!" Lyla freed herself, rubbing her sore wrist, her voice low and exasperated.
Over the years, she and Skyler had maintained their distance to avoid rumors. She wanted nothing more than to live quietly with Keily, far from any entanglements, especially with men.
"Gossip? What are they saying? I’m curious to know how the company staff wastes their time gossiping about me!" Amused by her concern, Skyler didn’t press the issue. Standing with arms crossed, he wore a wry smile.
"Nothing serious. I’m just worried. I don't want Keily to be affected by it. Skyler, you're the boss, and it's inappropriate to be too close to a subordinate from the forensic department." Lyla hesitated to share the truth, knowing Skyler’s temper could lead him to fire the entire staff over hearsay. She wanted to avoid unnecessary drama. Her association with Skyler had already made her the center of attention, and she didn’t want to escalate the situation.
"Lyla Greene, you’re a tough one. What's wrong with a little familiarity? Can’t I, as Keily’s godfather, look after him? Never mind, I won’t argue. Stubborn woman!" Skyler had no choice but to concede, even after five years of finding ways to be closer to her.
Sometimes, Skyler felt foolish for persisting, but he remained undeterred.
"Please, Skyler, I’m serious. I can..." Lyla hurried after him as he carried Keily towards the car.
"Enough! Your car has no heating. Are you trying to freeze Keily? Stop arguing and get in my car. I can spare the time to take him to school!" Seating Keily gently in the backseat, Skyler glanced at Lyla before climbing in.
Lyla paused, then opened the car door and sat down. Truth be told, her car was too rundown, not suitable for Keily's health.
"Keily, isn’t your mom’s head a bit faulty, letting you ride in such a cold car?" Skyler teased, expertly steering the vehicle away from the apartment complex.
"Your head is faulty! You and your whole family!" Keily shot back, clearly displeased. Though too weak to tussle with Skyler's hair, his sharp little tongue wouldn’t let Skyler off easily.
"Okay, okay! Godfather’s head is faulty. Keily, don’t be upset. Tell your little angel not to dance around so much!" Skyler chuckled at Keily’s fierce retort, peering at him through the mirror. The boy was a striking image of another man—a startling resemblance, yet Keily possessed warmth absent in that man. Fate has a way of giving you imperfect gifts, yet ones you can never part with.
"Keily, you shouldn’t talk to adults like that. I’ve taught you to be polite and well-mannered. Have you forgotten?" Lyla chided gently, shaking her head at her son’s spirited defiance. His fierce independence made him vulnerable to conflicts he couldn’t win.
Keily’s fragile health didn’t accommodate such a temperament. Disputes with other children would only leave him at a disadvantage.
"But Godfather said bad things about you! I’m upset!" Keily pouted, clearly feeling wronged. He struggled to understand why Lyla always seemed to conform, as if accommodation was her only response.
"That’s no excuse. Besides, Godfather meant no harm. He acted in Keily’s best interest. It was shortsighted of me not to consider everything thoroughly. Apologize to Skyler," Lyla said firmly, her eyes drilling into her son, leaving him momentarily stunned.
"Lyla, do you really need to be so strict with Keily? I’m not upset, so why make a big deal out of it?" Skyler interjected, unable to bear the tension.
He couldn’t grasp Lyla's underlying concern. Alone at school, Keily couldn’t afford such defiant behavior.
"I was wrong. I'm sorry! Godfather Skyler, I shouldn’t have been disrespectful," Keily apologized, albeit reluctantly. Yet he couldn’t defy Lyla's wishes.
For a moment, both Skyler and Lyla fell silent, sensing the unease beneath Keily’s compliance.
Nora James’s words stopped Cameron Carlson in his tracks. During this time, she still dared to speak this way. If it weren’t for that diary, he would never have uncovered the truth behind everything...
Cameron had committed unforgivable acts against Lyla Greene, Chaim Greene, Rivka Hayes, and even his deceased sister—all orchestrated by Nora, while he blindly accepted it. Cameron had believed every word Nora said, holding Rivka Hayes responsible for his father’s suicide and his mother's demise. Driven by revenge, he heaped the blame onto Lyla.
Yet, when the truth was unmasked, a new reality emerged—one that revealed their wrongdoings against the Greene family and Rivka Hayes.
The diary, carefully preserved in a red box, had been discovered by pure chance after Lyla's departure. Cameron, frequenting the winery in a drunken haze, stumbled upon a room once often visited by another. The sight of Rivka Hayes’s portrait had stopped him in his tracks, the unmistakable eyes—so much like Lyla’s—haunted him. It reminded him of the first time he saw Lyla, eyes full of life, now dimmed because of him. The repeated trauma and shadows he cast over her...
Driven by hatred, Cameron had ripped the portrait down, smashing it in a fit of rage, only to discover a hidden compartment behind it. Inside lay the red box containing the diary—a box that spoke of its immense importance.
The diary held truths that unraveled everything he believed. It revealed the lengths to which Nora had gone, altering his perception of reality, challenging every assumption he had about the past. Now, faced with the contents of the diary, Cameron found himself paralyzed by the gravity of its revelations.
Lyla Greene dragged her suitcase into the villa under the scorching midday sun, feeling like she was about to melt. When she finally stepped inside, the housekeeper, Mrs. Warren, hurried to greet her, and that's when Lyla discovered that her husband, Cameron Carlson, and his aunt hadn't arrived as planned.
Mrs. Warren, who had been with the Carlson family for ages, knew the household inside out. Upon learning that the suitcase belonged to Nora James, she immediately instructed the driver to take it elsewhere.
Lyla was puzzled. It seemed Nora preferred to stay somewhere else, which wasn't unusual given the unpredictable nature of the Carlsons. Approaching fifty and never married, Nora appeared even more aloof than Cameron. The family certainly shared their cool demeanor alongside their striking looks. According to Mrs. Warren's whispered gossip, Nora had once been infatuated with a man and had done foolish things to win his love, but he never returned her feelings. Lyla wasn’t one to indulge in gossip, so she took it all in with little interest.
Exhausted and relieved she wouldn't be sharing the house with Nora, Lyla took a quick cold shower and collapsed into bed.
Meanwhile, at another Carlson estate, the mood was far from calm. As soon as Nora walked in, she hurled her purse at Cameron's face, fuming with anger.
"Who gave you the right to do this?" she snapped, pointing a trembling finger at him, her frustration evident. "Have you been enchanted by that little minx? Haven't you learned anything from what I told you?" Her anger seemed to grow, nearly making her lose her balance.
If the media hadn't plastered it everywhere, Nora might still be unaware of Cameron's marriage to Lyla Greene!
Cameron rushed to steady her but was brushed off with disdain.
"Aunt Nora, I haven't forgotten. That's exactly why I did it!" Cameron insisted, kneeling beside the sofa, worry etched on his face. After all their years together, she was his only family, and he wanted nothing more than her well-being.
"Then why marry her? Why give her the summer cottage?" Nora's frustration was clear as she pushed Cameron away again, dismissing his explanations.
"Aunt Nora, I have my reasons. The pain that man caused us will be avenged through his most cherished daughter!" Cameron's voice was full of emotion, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Nora's expression softened, a sly smile forming. Cameron, known for his level-headedness and honesty, surely hadn't lied to her. Maybe she had judged too hastily.
With a softening gaze, she reached out to ruffle Cameron’s hair. "Cameron, regardless of your intentions, it was reckless not to consult me about something this significant. You know how captivating that Lyla Greene is. Can you guarantee you won’t fall for her? You've even given her the summer cottage. Have you already fallen for her?" she probed.
"Absolutely not. I’ll never love her, not ever!" Cameron's vehement denial was immediate, as if the suggestion deeply unsettled him.
Nora paused at his intensity, then nodded in approval. "Good. Never forget how your sister and your parents died. They’re gone because of that woman! You must seek revenge, Cameron. They won’t rest in peace until you do."
"Don't worry, Aunt. I will," Cameron assured, determination evident even as he struggled with the ghostly silhouette haunting his mind.
Satisfied, Nora gestured for Cameron to sit beside her on the sofa.
"Oh, by the way, Cameron, I heard Jolie is coming over too. Her family's influential in Europe, and with their support, expanding the business there will be easier. Jolie's feelings for you are no secret. It's time to settle things with Lyla and marry Jolie," Nora suggested, her mind always strategizing to settle personal scores and expand their empire.
"I’ve told you, Aunt, I don’t love Jolie Stone. I have no interest in marrying her. Leave the business to me; I’ll lead it to success," Cameron said, discomfort accompanying the thought of marrying someone he didn’t love. Lyla’s face inexplicably surfaced in his mind.
"Why the hesitation? Is it because of Lyla? Do you not intend to divorce her? Be honest, Cameron, have you developed feelings for her?" Nora’s suspicion grew at Cameron’s reluctance, her mind racing with possibilities.
"No, I haven’t. You must trust me, Aunt. I'll never love my enemy’s daughter! Even if she wasn’t my enemy, I wouldn’t fall for her!" Cameron insisted, a wave of restlessness coursing through him. Could Lyla truly be so enchanting that any man would eventually fall for her?
"Alright, get some rest, Aunt. You've had a long flight. I have some matters to attend to, but I'll visit again in a couple of days," Cameron said, eager to end the conversation before it could drag on.
As he left, Nora watched him go, a shadow crossing her eyes. Her mind was calculating, plotting. If Cameron couldn’t do it, she would take matters into her own hands. She would ensure that Lyla Greene found no peace.
Back at the villa, Lyla found herself nodding off with a book in hand. Evening was drawing near, and Cameron hadn’t returned. She wandered the villa aimlessly, boredom creeping in.
"Ma’am, why not step out for a walk? The master lifted your restriction, didn’t he? There’s a lovely wooded area nearby. It’s beautiful, especially at night, with fireflies lighting up the scene," Mrs. Warren suggested while tending to her chores.
Intrigued, Lyla perked up. Having been confined for over a year, she yearned for fresh air, and with Cameron's recent declaration of freedom, she had no reason to stay cooped up.
Nestled on a hillside, the villa offered breathtaking views. Exiting through the main door, Lyla followed a path leading into the lush forest. An archaeologist by profession, she was always drawn to ancient and natural wonders, so she ventured into the woods without a second thought.
In the auditorium, parents and children gathered for the school’s opening ceremony. Lyla chose a seat by the window with her son Keily, as sunlight poured through, casting a radiant glow on them. Lyla, without a touch of makeup, still possessed a striking beauty that drew the attention of many fathers present.
“Lyla, why do you have to be so stunning? Those dads are practically drooling over you!” Keily commented, fiddling with a Rubik’s Cube, having noticed the admiring gazes directed at his mother. He scowled, clearly displeased.
“Keily!” Lyla felt a surge of embarrassment. Her son had a knack for saying things far beyond his years, displaying maturity unusual for his age. "Alright, I won’t mention it again. But, Mom, why didn’t you let Uncle Skyler join us for my ceremony? You know I…" Keily trailed off with a pout. It irked him to see other kids surrounded by both parents, while he only had his mother and an empty chair where his father should have been.
Hyper-aware and sensitive, Keily felt a pang of sadness at this realization.
“Keily, Uncle Skyler is very busy and doesn’t have time for school ceremonies,” Lyla said, knowing exactly what weighed on her son’s mind but avoiding the delicate subject, as it stirred a dark urge within her.
“Hmph! You’re thinking about my deadbeat dad again, aren’t you? He’s been gone for so long. Why dwell on him? I hate him!” Keily burst out, words flowing in a rush of bottled-up emotion, his small face tight with suppressed tears.
“Keily, I'm so sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you,” Lyla said, knowing Keily's rare emotional outbursts revolved around this topic. She felt keenly aware of her failings as a parent — in this case, her inability to fulfill Keily’s wish to know his father, even if just through a photograph.
“Why do other kids have dads, and I don’t? Mom, it makes me sad. I don’t want to upset you, but…” Keily sobbed, feeling the sting of injustice that came with being different at just five years old.
“Keily, I've explained this many times. You do have a dad. He just… passed away before you were born. Please be strong, okay?” Lyla said, hoping to soothe him as she watched her son’s teary face with a sinking heart.
“I'm sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to bring him up,” Keily apologized, trying to rein in his emotions, turning his head away to avoid seeing her face.
“Keily…” Lyla’s heart ached at her son’s response. For years, she had been shielding him from the truth, but he had always been sensitive to her feelings.
If Keily ever learned the truth, he might despise her for it.
Lyla frowned, reaching out to touch Keily’s cheek, only for him to subtly dodge her hand, leaving it hanging awkwardly in the air.
“Attention, please!” A sharp rap on the podium brought silence to the room. A stern voice echoed across the gathering, bringing the ceremony to order.
“Welcome to Norris Academy, our newest students. Here, you will have access to the world’s finest educational resources. Although Norris Academy was established only five years ago, its global influence is already among the best! This is all thanks to its founder!”
In any grand ceremonial event across the globe, opening remarks generally followed the same script, regardless of cultural differences.
"Our tradition at Norris Academy is to conduct various assessments before the new students begin. Norris selects the best and brightest young minds from around the world, so the assessments are rigorous! And of course, with testing comes ranking, and with ranking comes rewards!” The host raised a sealed envelope, showing it to the audience.
Inside was the list of rankings for this cohort of young students, based on their pre-admission intelligence tests.
“This year’s top rank goes to…” The host paused dramatically, scanning the audience.
“Keily Greene!” The host announced, stumbling slightly over the unusual name, while searching the crowd for the brilliant child, not yet five, who had outperformed peers several years older.
“Keily, they’re calling you. You need to go on stage to accept your award!” Lyla encouraged, familiar with such events and neither surprised nor overly excited. Keily had constantly amazed her with his achievements since birth.
Possessing exceptional intelligence, Lyla had recognized her son's extraordinary mind early on.
“These ceremonial events are always such a bore,” Keily muttered, grudgingly rising despite his distaste for the formalities.
Small in stature, he stepped up to the stage, drawing gasps of surprise from the audience. This small, strikingly unusual boy was this year’s recipient of Norris Academy’s coveted Golden Boot Award.
“Oh, what a beautiful little girl!” The host exclaimed, reaching out to touch Keily’s cheek.
“I’m sorry, but I’m all boy, sir! Maybe you should see an eye doctor!” Keily retorted confidently in fluent English, drawing chuckles from the audience with his quick wit.
Laughter rippled through the room, all charmed by the sharp-witted young boy. Despite the host’s mild attempt at bias, his audience found the lively exchange amusing.
From her seat, Lyla was both anxious and amused, her son’s cheeky wink reassuring her.
“Ah, so he’s a little gentleman! Now, let us invite the founder of Norris Academy to present this award to our charming boy! Please welcome... President Carlson!”
The heavy journal slammed shut. Cameron’s eyes, bloodshot and weary from a sleepless night, were filled with disbelief. The revelations within the pages had left him shocked — even shaken.
He had never known the truth of the past. His father’s journal recounted a harrowing tale of sins — both against a woman and an entire family. Cameron’s father had hidden his wrongdoings within this journal, leaving Cameron to blindly perpetuate the mistakes of the past. The car crash years ago had claimed four lives, among them Emerie Adams’s parents and two others, one of whom was Rivka Hayes. But who would have thought they were mother and daughter! Cameron’s supposed sister, as it turned out, wasn’t his sister at all, but Rivka’s daughter with Chaim Greene.
At that archaeological convention, Cameron's father had clung to a final hope that Rivka would return to him, despite their separate marriages. His love for her drove him to desperate pleas for her to leave Chaim and reunite with him, promising to leave Cameron’s mother in return. But it was all one-sided. Rivka had never cared for him.
In his heartbreak, Cameron’s father had turned his desperate love into a fierce hatred. He orchestrated the kidnapping of Rivka’s child, using her as leverage during the convention to blackmail Rivka into compliance.
Rivka, upon discovering her eldest daughter was alive, was overcome with emotion. Cameron’s father had stolen the child from the hospital, a fact recorded in his journal but unknown to many.
Faced with the impossible choice between reuniting with her daughter and yielding to Cameron’s father’s demands, Rivka refused to bow. Amidst their deadlock, a girl’s piercing scream shattered the silence. The girl, unable to bear the revelation, fled, realizing the man she called father was a thief who had stolen her away.
In the ensuing chaos, Rivka chased after her, but the girl vanished, prompting Rivka to drive off desperately in pursuit.
Cameron’s father followed, still caring for the child he had raised, yet horrified at the unfolding tragedy.
Rivka’s reckless driving led her up a mountain road, her maternal instincts driving her towards the isolation of the hills. Her vehicle was unsteady, and in a moment of panic swerved to avoid a figure on the road, but it was too late.
The collision was catastrophic. Emerie’s parents’ car became airborne, striking Cameron’s sister, who was tossed aside as both vehicles plunged off the cliff.
As Keily stepped off the Ferr
