Walter showing up at the Brooks home wasn’t a surprise.

“What did you tell him?” Jada asked.

“I said you were staying with a friend,” Mr. Brooks replied. “Didn’t say who. He didn’t believe me at first, but when I left for work, he finally left too.”

“Good. Thanks for covering for me, Dad. I’ll handle the rest.”

Mr. Brooks hesitated, then said carefully, “Jada, I saw a supercar parked near the house this morning—the same one Ms. Quinn drove to the country club last night. Whatever Mr. Grant’s reasons are, he’s still an engaged man. Not a good choice until that’s resolved.”

Jada smiled. Even her father could see the problem—yet Walter himself acted like it was nothing.

She’d been blind to have given years of her heart to a man like that.

“I know, Dad,” she said softly. “Don’t worry. I won’t let myself get hurt again.”

After hanging up, Walter’s call came through again. She locked the screen and went downstairs.

Caius had already left for work. The estate was quiet except for the house staff.

“Breakfast is ready in the kitchen,” the housekeeper said warmly.

Jada thanked her and went to eat.

The food was light and healthy—good for recovery.

She suddenly thought of Caius last night and murmured, “Mr. Martino really is disciplined—his meals are so healthy too.”

The housekeeper chuckled. “He’s not really that disciplined. This is for your sake.”

Jada’s brows lifted. “Oh? He didn’t always eat this way?”

“Not at all. Before you moved in, he skipped breakfast most days.”

Jada narrowed her eyes. “I see.”

The housekeeper sighed. “It’s better this way. You can’t burn out your body just because you’re young.”

Jada didn’t comment further, lowering her head to finish her porridge.

Grant Holdings was an old-money powerhouse, rooted in San Francisco for generations. Its businesses spanned real estate, hotels, luxury brands, jewelry—countless subsidiaries.

By contrast, Quinn Enterprises was a rising star, built on Mr. Quinn’s sharp market instincts.

At its peak, Quinn Enterprises collaborated heavily with the Grants, earning a place at the very top of San Francisco society.

But as Mr. Quinn aged, his drive waned. With Walter’s obsession with Sophia Quinn, their two companies maintained tacit cooperation, but Quinn Enterprises slowly turned conservative and began to falter.

After Sophia’s death three years ago, Quinn Enterprises became almost paralyzed with caution, losing ground to newer competitors.

The engagement between Carmen and Walter was meant to leverage Grant Holdings’ influence to restore Quinn Enterprises to its former height.

Brooks Materials Inc., compared to the other two families, was much smaller—its building materials business easily replaceable. A single shift in partnership from Grant Holdings could devastate them.

Over a year ago, the real Jada had been harassed at a private gala, rescued by Walter, and began to fall for him.

At that time, Sophia had been dead nearly two years, and Walter was still single.

Jada used every connection she had to get closer to him.

She never confessed her feelings—only tried to make him happy. Once, she even made him laugh.

Carmen saw that moment and, out of jealousy, tampered with Jada’s car.

Jada never knew. The crash left her in a coma for months—and when she woke, Sophia’s soul had taken her place.

Because of Carmen’s sabotage, Brooks Materials lost several contracts and nearly went bankrupt.

It wasn’t until Sophia—as Jada—approached Caius and used his hidden influence to secure major deals that the company was saved.

Later, Jada used that foothold to approach Walter, who fell for her completely, giving Brooks Materials more contracts and elevating their status dramatically.

Now, they had even secured a place as a key supplier for the Bayview Resort Development project.

Jada was appointed deputy lead and given a small private office on the 19th floor of Grant Holdings’ headquarters.

Though she had no background in building materials, her years of corporate experience made her more than capable.

Just as she finished reviewing a file handed to her by her assistant, Nina Shaw, the sound of high heels approached.

The office door was thrown open.

Carmen stood there, her face twisted with fury.

“To get close to Walter, you really will do anything, won’t you?” she spat.

“Pretending to be a dead woman to seduce him—shameless!”

“You’re out of line, Director Quinn!” Nina said sharply.

Carmen sneered. “And you—once Sophia’s loyal lapdog, now just someone else’s pet. Selling yourself for a paycheck—disgraceful.”

“You’re lying!” Nina’s eyes reddened. “I never betrayed her!”

“Go,” Jada said softly, pulling Nina aside.

“But—”

“I can handle this.”

When the door closed, Jada turned back to Carmen, smiling coldly.

“You accuse me of copying Sophia,” Jada said lightly. “She’s been dead three years, and you’re still this insecure—so sure you’ll never beat a ghost in Walter’s heart?”