Cordavia Country.

Five Years Later.

"Hey! Briella, do you even have a conscience? I'm the godmother of your two kids, remember!"

Briella lounged on the sofa, her dark eyes as quiet and deep as a midnight sea, fringed with a hazy elegance.

Long hair flowed down her shoulders, smooth and lustrous in natural waves.

Every glance from her seemed like ripples across still water-gentle, captivating, impossible to look away from.

Even Audrey, who saw her every day, couldn't help but admire her again in silence.

"Exactly," Briella said with a nod, "That's why you need to take even better care of them."

Audrey was holding one child in each arm, her head nearly bursting with exasperation.

"Okay, okay! I brought you a car full of gifts this time-go open them!"

Two soft, squishy bundles cheered in unison, "Thank you, Godmom!"

They bolted outside in excitement to tear into the presents.

Only then did Audrey let out a long sigh and plop down next to Briella, glaring at her.

"You-you're always slacking! Can't you take more responsibility for the company? And what about your new designs? You said they're launching next month!"

Briella dramatically collapsed onto Audrey's shoulder. "Ugh, don't push me! I've been busy with Jules's new drug research and Steven's tech testing. My head's killing me! And now you want to drain me dry too?"

Audrey: "..."

'Does she really think I still fall for this crap? How many times has she pulled this act over the years?'

"Don't try that nonsense with me. I'm not buying it!"

She pushed Briella's head away without a shred of mercy, her whole posture screaming, No manuscript, no escape.

"Fine, fine! I'll send it to you tonight!" Briella glared, her stunning eyes sparkling with mischief.

Audrey instantly dropped the act and looped her arm around Briella's pale one with a bright smile.

"I knew you'd come through for me, Briella!"

Briella sighed and rubbed her temples. "Can you change your face any faster?"

"When the boss commands, how could this humble employee dare disobey?" Audrey raised a brow playfully.

"..."

Briella stood and pulled a document from the drawer, handing it to her.

"I'm heading back to Avenlith. You'll need to handle things here like always."

Audrey sat up straight, face tense, not even reaching for the papers.

"You're not joking, are you? Isn't Avenlith your emotional landmine? For all these years, even hearing the name changes your face."

Briella lowered her eyes, hiding the cold glint that briefly flickered there. Her lips curled into a faint, devastating smile.

"I told you before-I'm going back to settle the score."

"...Alright then. I'll have Preston get things ready in Avenlith. Handle your business and come back soon."

Audrey took the folder and placed it on the table, then clasped Briella's hand tightly.

June.

At 11 a.m., a private jet touched down smoothly at Avenlith International Airport.

"Mommy, this place is kinda nice."

"Yeah! I like it just as much as my brother does!"

Briella pushed a white suitcase with one hand, holding the hand of a stoic little boy with the other. Her more cheerful twin was perched on top of the suitcase, beaming.

"Alright, when Mommy's free, we'll go sightseeing together."

People passing by couldn't help but stare in awe. That family was just too good-looking.

"Miss McKenna!"

Briella looked up and smiled when she saw Preston approaching in a tailored suit.

"It's been a while, Preston."

"Hi, Uncle Preston!"

"Hello, Uncle Preston."

Preston pinched the smiling child on the suitcase. "Still the happy one, huh?"

Then he glanced at the other one. "Still the cold one, I see."

Behind his sunglasses, a trace of amusement flickered in his eyes.

"Alright, let's go," Briella said, her tone calm.

Preston nodded, took the suitcase from her, and scooped up the little one into the car.

People nearby couldn't stop murmuring in amazement. That's gotta be a stretch limo, right? So rich!

...

The corridor in the hotel gleamed with chandeliers and marble floors.

"Miss McKenna, you'll be staying in the presidential suite at the Avenlith Grand Hotel for now," Preston said respectfully.

Briella took off her sunglasses and waved him off. "Don't bother looking for a place. This is fine. Also, stop calling me Miss McKenna. It's inconvenient."

Preston blinked, but nodded. "Got it. Skye... if you need anything, just call."

"Will do. Thanks."

After watching him leave via the elevator, Briella wheeled the suitcase into the room.

"Mommy, I'm hungry!"

She squatted down and pulled both kids into her arms. "Alright, I'll call room service. You two be good and unpack, okay?"

She got up and placed the order.

As she watched the twins run around the suitcase, her phone buzzed. She walked to the window and answered.

"You get there safely?"

"All good, don't worry."

A sharp voice came from the other end. "Tch, you're even more out of control overseas. Listen to how you talk to me now!"

Briella chuckled, "Audrey... how old are you again?"

"Hmph! Whatever! I've got another meeting. Take care of er.yourself and the kids!"

"Yeah, yeah, go work."

She shook her head and ended the call.

Soft daylight bathed her face, her lashes casting shadows on skin as smooth and pale as polished jade.

"Mommy! Someone's at the door! It must be the food!"

"All you think about is eating, huh?"

Briella walked over and flicked the little one's forehead. "And what kind of tone was that with your sister?"

The boy drooped his head. "I was wrong..."

After unpacking, the two little ones were clearly struggling with jet lag. They barely made it to bedtime before crashing right into bed after their bath.

Briella sat at the edge of the bed, her damp hair still clinging to her shoulders. She leaned down and gently kissed each of their foreheads.

"Goodnight, Moa. Goodnight, Koa."

***

The next morning, Briella stood by the window, phone in hand.

"Preston, swing by later and take Moa and Koa out for a bit. Let them have some fun," she said softly. "They're still sleeping, so no rush."

She paused, her voice turning slightly colder. "Send a driver for me. I'm heading to the Sawyer family today-it's their special day, after all."

Then, she hung up, and her lips curling slightly.

Five years.

She wondered if they still remembered the person they'd wronged.

In the mirror stood a stunning woman in a scarlet off-shoulder gown, light as feathers, sparkling like ruby under the morning sun.

On the table lay an invitation-the bright ivory card practically glowing.

At the Sawyers villa.

Luxury cars lined the street. Nearly every prominent name in Avenlith was in attendance.

Today was the engagement party for Penny Sawyer, the Sawyer family's eldest daughter, and the Ledger family's young master.

The Sawyer family wasn't particularly powerful-but the Ledger family? They were on another level.

Word had it that the Ledger heir had loved Penny for over a decade and had insisted on hosting the engagement party at her family's home.

Briella's cold gaze landed on the Sawyers gates, overlapping with memories she'd buried deep.

Her fingers traced the air as she murmured, "Time for the show to begin."

In the Sawyer villa's back garden, guests milled about in expensive gowns and polished suits, laughter and pleasantries filling the air.

"Thank you all for joining us today to celebrate my daughter's engagement to the Ledger family's young master," Emmet Sawyer said warmly, raising his glass. "Please enjoy yourselves-don't be shy!"

As he stepped off the stage, he tugged at his wife's sleeve. "Go check on Penny. The ceremony's about to start."

Mrs. Sawyer, all smiles, set her drink down. "Don't worry! Our future son-in-law just told me personally he's going to bring her down himself. You can stop fretting."

Emmet beamed. "We raised a wonderful daughter! Once Penny's married off, we won't need to worry about Paige's future either! Hahaha!"

In her room, Penny was glowing with happiness, surrounded by flattery and compliments.

"Penny, you look absolutely stunning today!"

"Of course she does! She's the star of the show!"

"Exactly! Gorgeous!"

Penny lowered her gaze shyly, playing modest. "You're all too kind."

The girls giggled behind delicate hands. "Oh my, she's blushing!"

"Alright, alright, the ceremony's about to start-we should head down."

"We'll wait for you and the young master to make your grand entrance!"

Penny's cheeks turned bright red as she gently scolded them, "Get going, you troublemakers!"

They all knew Connor would come up soon to escort her. Teasing her one last time, the girls left in a flurry of giggles, leaving her alone.

Penny carefully touched up her makeup, checking her reflection again and again.

When she heard someone behind her, she smiled, not even turning around.

"Connor, do I look pretty?"

But as she looked into the mirror, her smile froze.

"Who... who are you? I don't know you!" she gasped, brows knitting in annoyance.

This woman was too beautiful. So beautiful it made her feel sick with jealousy.

The woman in red-Briella-stood with poise, holding an invitation. Her eyes were dark as ink, glimmering with dangerous light.

"Don't recognize me, Sister?" Briella smiled faintly. "Today's your big day. I came all the way here to offer my congratulations. Aren't you happy to see your little sister?"

Penny's mind went blank.

That voice... those eyes... too familiar.

Her ears rang, her body trembling as she backed up against the vanity. The jeweled tassels in her hair jingled with every shake of her head.

"No... no, you're a ghost! You're a ghost! I-I'm sorry, okay? I was wrong to hit you, to yell at you... please, I'll get on my knees and apologize! Just don't come for me!"

With a thud, she dropped to her knees in front of Briella, her whole body shaking, face deathly pale.

Briella stepped closer, kneeling gracefully to meet her eye to eye.

"You don't seem too happy to see me," she said softly. "But for the past five years, I've thought about you every single day. And you? Did you ever think about me?"

Penny stammered, "Y-You... you and that bastard brother of yours are dead! Why are you haunting me?! You filthy little wretch! We're not family-you never were! You don't belong here!"

Her fear turned into a shrill rage.

Briella's eyes glinted, her voice low and ice-cold.

"You disgust me. Every one of you. Even the way you speak."

Without another word, she grabbed Penny's jaw and forcefully shoved the ivory invitation into her mouth.

"This is my gift," she whispered. "My brother's gift will arrive right on time too."

To Penny, it was like a demon had spoken straight into her ear.

The taste of paper made her gag. She tried to spit it out, but collapsed to the floor, her eyes fluttering shut.

...

"I now declare the engagement ceremony officially begin!"

Emmet strode onto the stage, voice booming.

Suddenly-

"Ghost! She's back! She's back for us!"

Penny stumbled onto the red carpet, a terrifying sight.

Her ornate hairpiece was falling apart, her designer dress twisted and torn. Her makeup had melted into a ghostly mask. She looked possessed.

The crowd froze in shock. No one dared step forward.

Wasn't she supposed to be the bride today?

Confused whispers spread like wildfire.

Emmet rushed down, grabbing her. "What are you doing?! Are you crazy?!"

Mrs. Sawyer and Paige rushed forward too.

"Penny, what's wrong?!"

Penny only flailed and cackled hysterically. "She's back! She's back..."

Connor's face darkened as he arrived at the scene, followed closely by his parents-both furious.

"Mr. Ledger, I believe there's been a huge misunderstanding," Mr. Sawyer said with forced calm.

But Mrs. Ledger cut in coldly, "Misunderstanding? Mr. Sawyer, we haven't even signed the marriage papers yet. Clearly, your daughter isn't ready for marriage-or stability. Let's call this off. We don't wish to be 'in-laws' with a family like yours. Connor, let's go. There's nothing more to see here."

***

The engagement party that rocked all of Avenlith ended in total disaster.

Overnight, the Sawyer family became the laughingstock of the entire city, a punchline in every café and dinner table conversation.

Inside the presidential suite.

"Well, look at you," Audrey teased through the video call. "Moving this fast? I've been keeping an eye on Avenlith even from abroad-I knew you'd take the Sawyer family down eventually, but I didn't think it would be this soon."

Briella gently set her laptop aside and, wearing a pair of white gloves, bent over an old, yellowed book. She flipped through it slowly and carefully.

"Penny was the first because she was the one who personally forced poison down my throat. I'm not letting a single member of the Sawyer family off the hook. This is just the beginning. And we both know Penny and Emmet aren't the real brains of the family."

"I know, it's Paige Sawyer," Audrey replied smoothly. "But honestly, with how pathetic the Sawyer family is now? Give me three days-hell, one day-and I'll have them stripped bare! You taking your sweet time with them is the real crime here!"

Briella didn't argue. She closed the ancient book and picked up a quill pen, quietly adding strokes to a sheet of white paper.

"I want them to watch the Sawyer family crumble before their eyes and be completely powerless to stop it. Otherwise, how could I ever face my brother's death?"

Audrey had something to say-something snarky, no doubt-but ended up sighing instead.

"Fine, fine. It's your show. But... you seriously used Duskwither? That stuff is priceless. Penny might've been scared out of her mind, but you really made her lose it with that?"

"Not entirely," Briella replied calmly. "But combined with a bit of howlgrass? That's a different story."

Audrey shot upright in her chair, eyes wide. "Wait-howlgrass? You used that just like that?! Families were fighting over it back in the day and you wouldn't give any of them a crumb! Briella, you reckless maniac! I swear you're going to give me a heart attack-"

"I'm hanging up."

"NO WAIT-!"

Briella set her pen down and massaged her temple. "Don't be so dramatic. I just finished reconstructing the lost formula for Axoryn pill. Auntie's illness isn't a problem anymore. Isn't that worth more than a little bit of powder?"

"WHAT?! You actually restored the Axoryn pill?! Briella, you're a goddess! I'd die for you-no, kill for you-"

Click.

Briella closed the laptop expressionless.

On cue, her phone exploded with messages from Audrey.

She peeled off her gloves, tapped out a single message:

[Keep talking and you'll be blocked.]

Audrey:

[I'm gone! Vanishing! Evaporated!]

-with a string of bowing emojis attached.

Briella couldn't help but smile faintly. She set the phone aside and reclined into the couch, closing her eyes.

Penny wouldn't stay crazy for long. The dose in that invitation was minimal. She had no intention of letting them off easy.

How ironic, though-turns out her body had once contained a mysterious toxin. A rare poison that could suppress facial features, even alter brain chemistry.

It was absurd. Such a precious toxin... wasted on her. Just a foster daughter.

But with treatment and recovery, her appearance had changed completely.

No one in Avenlith would recognize the former Sawyer family orphan now.

"MOMMY! We're back! Your dress is so pretty today!"

Moa was the first to rush through the door, throwing himself into Briella's arms.

Koa followed slowly behind, calm and cool as always.

Briella opened her eyes and wrapped her arms around Moa with a soft smile. "Where did you two go with Uncle Preston?"

Moa puffed out her cheeks and looked away, silent.

Briella blinked, wondering if something had gone wrong. Before she could ask-

"She spent the whole time eating," Koa said flatly, plopping down on the couch. "Didn't care about anything else."

Briella chuckled softly. Of course. Her daughter, after all...

"So what?" Moa huffed, glaring at her brother.

Koa didn't even flinch. "Just saying. Mommy, I'm going to change."

"Alright. Koa, you too. Did Uncle Preston not come up with you?"

"He said he had something to take care of," Moa replied, letting her mother steady her. "I'm gonna change now!"

Briella patted her soft cheek. "Go ahead."

Moa skipped off happily to her room.

Just as Briella stood to change herself, her phone buzzed across the coffee table.

"Skye," came a lazy drawl on the other end, "you left me hanging. We're still missing the ending formula for that new drug, and you ran off?"

Jules Keller.

Briella's brow lifted slightly. She answered with a teasing lilt, "Didn't know you cared so much, Mr. Keller."

"Tch. You and that smooth mouth," he muttered. "Seriously, when are you coming back? Once this drug hits the market, the entire medical board's gonna be howling to meet the genius behind it. I can't fend them off alone, woman."

He leaned back in his chair, legs crossed arrogantly, looking every bit the successful CEO-dark suit, tall build, clean-cut features. But those flirtatious eyes and wicked lips added just the right amount of trouble.

Briella closed her eyes slightly, her voice relaxed. "Well, since I've already dragged you in, might as well take full advantage. I've just completed the Axoryn pill's restoration. Let's launch it alongside the new drug. Think you can keep the elders off my back a bit longer?"

Dead silence.

One minute.

Two minutes.

She glanced at the screen. The call was still connected.

"...Jules, did you die?"

"Just pretend I did." His voice returned like thunder. "If I'm not dead now, I will be! Skye! You-you absolute freak of nature! You solved ten of the biggest problems in cardiac medicine in one go! What are you, huh?! Trying to hold hands with the sun?! You just love rubbing it in!"

Briella wisely held the phone away from her ear.

Experience told her... this was survival mode.

***