In a corner near the staircase, Carys looked at the name flashing on her phone screen and answered despite her disgust.

"Hello."

"Carys."

Diana's voice came through cautiously, sounding unusually gentle.

"I heard Evren woke up. Are his legs really crippled?"

The doctor had only just delivered the diagnosis, yet the Norwood Family already had insider information.

Diana did not ask how the Arledge Family was treating the substitute bride. She did not ask how Carys had spent her wedding night.

Instead, she was fishing for information.

Carys's heart grew even colder.

"If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up."

"Wait!"

Diana called out anxiously.

"Help Odessa! Evren has a major project in his hands, a collaboration between Aether Dynamics and Arledge Consortium. If you can persuade him to sign the Project Transfer Agreement, Odessa will be able to marry Tristan, the Arledge Family's eldest young master. Then the two of you can even be sisters-in-law."

Carys laughed in disbelief.

"What makes you think I can help? I have no status there."

Diana patiently coaxed her.

"The moment you married into the family, Evren woke up. The entire second branch is counting on you now. Besides, he's already a cripple. What's the use of holding onto that project? He might as well give it up and help Odessa and Tristan."

Greed flashed through Diana's eyes.

Once completed, that project would generate billions in profit.

It was the very project that had secured Evren's position within Arledge Consortium.

"I can't help you."

Carys moved to end the call.

Diana's voice suddenly turned sharp.

"That old woman from the countryside has already been brought to the Norwood Family! If you don't agree, you'll never see her again."

"Are you even human?!"

Carys shouted.

"That's my grandmother! Your mother-in-law!"

If her grandmother had not raised her all these years, she would have died long ago.

Her grandmother had lived a hard life, scrimping and saving to support her education. The years of labor had ruined her health.

No matter how hard Carys studied medicine under Gideon, she could not reverse a body that had already reached the end of its strength.

And now Diana had forced the elderly woman to travel such a long distance.

Who knew how much hardship and humiliation she had endured?

"Your father died years ago. That old woman and I aren't related by blood."

Diana's voice was cold and heartless.

Carys gripped her phone so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

Her fingers trembled.

Biting her lip, eyes red, she asked quietly,

"Am I still your daughter?"

Diana fell silent for a moment before speaking indifferently.

"I raised Odessa myself. She has a good family background, elegance, and talent. If you can marry Evren Arledge, then naturally she deserves someone even better."

"I don't care whether you steal or rob. You must make it happen."

"On the day you return to visit your family, I expect good news. Otherwise..."

Her voice grew even colder.

"At her age, anything could happen to that old woman."

Then Diana hung up.

A chill rose from the soles of Carys's feet and spread through her entire body.

Even breathing hurt.

The air felt like countless blades scraping her throat and lungs.

...

After a long while, footsteps sounded near the staircase.

"Young Madam, why are you hiding here?"

India had been searching everywhere for her.

Taking Carys by the arm, she hurried toward the master bedroom.

"The Young Master woke up and immediately asked for you."

Suppressing all her worries, Carys followed India inside.

The moment Mrs. Arledge saw her, she warmly pulled her to the bedside and said to the stern man lying there,

"This is Carys. Your wife. We arranged the marriage while you were unconscious."

Meeting Evren's icy gaze, Carys lowered her head awkwardly.

He must think she was some shameless woman with no self-control.

A storm seemed to brew behind his eyes.

His brows lowered, coldness radiating from him.

"Divorce."

His voice carried unmistakable authority.

Carys stared at him in surprise.

"No!"

Jane's voice rose immediately.

"Carys is your lucky star! What if you die after the divorce? Are you still thinking about that little vixen?"

"Mother."

Having only recently recovered, his voice remained low and hoarse.

"I'm awake, but I'm still a cripple. I've already lost my inheritance rights. Why drag someone else down with me?"

Mrs. Arledge's eyes reddened.

Covering her mouth, she sobbed.

"It'll get better. As long as we find that doctor! You still have resources left. You can make a comeback. Everything will be fine!"

"Then have you asked this lady whether she's willing to spend her life as a widow?"

As he spoke, Evren looked directly at Carys.

There was something deeper hidden in his gaze.

The memory of last night's embarrassing encounters instantly resurfaced.

Carys felt as though ants were crawling all over her body.

Did he really think she was that desperate?

Mrs. Arledge looked guilty and turned toward Carys.

"Carys, are you willing to stay with Evren? Our branch may have lost influence, but I still have substantial assets. You'll never have to worry about money."

Her eyes were full of hope.

Carys pressed her lips tightly together.

Her nails dug deeply into her palms.

Diana was using her grandmother as leverage and wanted Evren's project.

Yet that project seemed to be the second branch's only hope of recovering their position.

Should she really take that hope away?

But what about Grandma?

Her silence was interpreted differently by the mother and son.

To them, it meant unwillingness.

The man on the bed looked detached and composed, as though he had already reached a conclusion.

"We'll file for divorce tomorrow."

Carys suddenly came back to her senses.

Her soft voice rang out.

"I won't divorce you!"

Ignoring Evren's terrifying stare, she gathered her courage.

"I'm already married to you. I'm willing to remain a widow."

Mrs. Arledge immediately relaxed and smiled through her tears.

"Good child. I knew you were different from those women outside."

She turned toward India.

"Let's go. We shouldn't interrupt the young couple from building their relationship."

"Of course."

India nodded and threw Carys an encouraging look.

The two women left and shut the door behind them.

Carys stood beside the bed, lowering her head as she twisted her fingers together and licked her dry lips.

Evren's sharp gaze remained fixed on her.

After a long silence, he finally spoke.

"Carys, if you want money, I can give it to you. That little dowry my mother mentioned is tied up in the stock market. She lied to you."

Carys bit the inside of her cheek.

"I'm not after money."

Images from the previous night flashed through Evren's mind.

His chest rose and fell with frustration.

"Now that I'm awake, I won't tolerate you treating me the way you did last night."

His voice turned colder.

"And if you're talking about living as a widow, that means you won't be touching a single finger of mine."

After a brief pause, his expression darkened further.

"Not even for your own amusement."

Carys's face became so red it looked ready to bleed.

Was kissing and hugging really considered "amusement"?

"I wasn't..."

Her voice was soft and quiet.

"Besides, you can't do it anyway."

"What did you say?"

Evren asked.

Carys shook her head.

Releasing her clenched hands, she finally made up her mind.

Her bright eyes were clear and determined.

"I'm confident I can heal your legs."

"Heh."

A cold laugh escaped him.

From a favored genius to a cripple, his pride had been shattered.

And now this woman kept humiliating and teasing him.

Even someone with Evren's self-control had reached his limit.

"Get out."

Carys frowned stubbornly.

"I'm not lying."

"Do you even have a medical license? Have you successfully treated anyone? What proof do you have?"

Carys shook her head.

"No. But I've treated many people in the countryside. While I was helping you wash up, I examined your Shenting point. It's..."

"Get out!"

Now she was getting annoyed too.

Walking forward, she suddenly grabbed his blanket and yanked it away.

Then she pulled off his pajama pants.

His muscular, well-defined legs were instantly exposed to the air.

Fury flashed across Evren's face.

"Carys!"

“I’ll prove it to you right now.”

Carys dragged the suitcase out from under the bed and opened it.

Seven silver needles gleaming with cold light were lined up neatly inside. She took out a long needle and inserted it into an acupoint on Evren’s leg with swift, precise force.

Tilting her head, she looked at Evren with a focused expression.

“Do you feel anything?”

That needle awakened his numb legs. A tingling sensation spread like ants gnawing at him.

Evren looked at her serious, pretty face, and darkness flashed through his eyes.

His index finger rubbed against his thumb. He turned his face away, expression faint, brows tightly furrowed.

One look was enough for Carys to know he was in pain. She twisted the end of the needle and pushed it a little deeper, saying softly, “Feeling something is good. I haven’t treated any famous people, and I don’t have a medical license. But I’m sure I can cure your legs.”

“As long as I needle you every day to drain the stagnant blood, then combine it with medicine and massage, you’ll be able to stand again in one month at the fastest, half a year at the slowest.”

Something in Evren’s heart seemed to be gently tugged.

The hostility on his restrained, handsome face faded.

“What do you want?”

There was no such thing as charity for no reason.

He was a businessman.

Carys’s hand paused, and she looked a little embarrassed.

“My grandma was brought to New York by the Norwood Family. They want the big project you have with Aether Dynamics, so that... so that Odessa can marry your brother.”

Even she, a country girl, had heard of Aether Dynamics. It was a multinational giant. Arledge Consortium dominated New York, but it was still not as massive as Aether Dynamics.

That project was a prize everyone wanted.

Carys looked at him nervously.

Her conscience was uneasy.

She felt Evren was terribly unlucky.

Not only would he lose his resources, he also had to hand over his fiancée to someone else.

Evren smiled sarcastically.

Seeing that, Carys said in disappointment, “Sorry. I went too far.”

She bent down, removed the needle, packed up the suitcase, and left the room.

Evren watched her dejected back, his eyes dark.

He reached for the phone by the bed and dialed a number.

“Luc, it’s me.”

The man on the other end sounded as if he had seen a ghost.

“You really woke up! I thought I’d have to visit your grave next year.”

Evren said concisely, “Prepare a copy of the documents for the cooperation between Aether Dynamics and Arledge Consortium. Tamper with them a little.”

“Got it.”

Luc’s tone turned serious.

“One reminder. The car accident wasn’t simple, but there are no traces left. I can’t find evidence.”

Evren’s expression was cold.

“No need to investigate. I know who it was.”

“Don’t tell me it was Tristan’s family?”

Luc cursed furiously.

“That bastard has no ability, so he plays dirty! Are you preparing those documents to give to him? Then I’ll tamper with them properly.”

Evren interrupted him.

“That’s not your concern. Look into someone else for me.”

“Who?”

“Carys...”

“Oh, your wife.”

Luc responded repeatedly.

Evren did not correct the way he addressed her.

“Look into her life and background. See whether she has any connection to the First Branch.”

After hearing that, Luc’s breathing grew rapid.

“You mean she was sent by the First Branch? Then aren’t you in danger? Do you need bodyguards around the clock...”

Evren hung up, cutting off Luc’s endless complaints.

His eyes lowered halfway. His side profile shifted between light and shadow.

Thinking of that stubborn and bright newlywed wife, his long fingers rubbed against the edge of the bed.

How could it be such a coincidence?

His legs had become disabled, and the Norwood Family sent him a substitute bride who claimed she could treat them.

That woman spun a bunch of lies just to exchange them for the project in his hands.

He never believed in free gifts falling from the sky.

Besides, her face...

In the living room.

Carys came downstairs in the wedding dress. Mrs. Arledge took her hand and said, “I brought you a set of my daughter’s clothes. Hurry and change. I’ll take you shopping for clothes and jewelry.”

“No need, I...”

Mrs. Arledge did not give her a chance to refuse. She urged Carys to change, then had the driver take them to a bustling mall in New York.

As soon as Jane entered the mall, she began shopping wildly.

“These, and this one too! Wrap them all up. Carys, you’ll look beautiful in them.”

“This is too much. Actually...”

Carys remembered Evren saying Jane’s dowry was all trapped in the stock market, and she immediately grew worried.

Even the cheapest clothes here cost tens of thousands. Back in the countryside, she would not spend that much in half a year.

She could not afford to pay any of it back.

“A woman should dress brightly and beautifully. Why be so polite with me?”

A faint light flashed in Carys’s eyes.

After sweeping through the clothing store, the two entered a jewelry store.

Yet someone blind had to come looking for trouble.

“Oh my, Jane. You’re still in the mood to shop? I heard your son woke up. Congratulations. What a pity he became disabled... Then the Arledge Family inheritance can only go to the First Branch now.”

The wealthy woman covered her lips, taking pleasure in Jane’s misfortune.

Evren had been too outstanding and had outshone too many people.

The moment misfortune struck, everyone wanted to step on him.

Jane sneered and fired back, “Mrs. Rogers, I heard your son ended up in the hospital after fooling around with women. Be careful he doesn’t die on top of one someday. AIDS, syphilis, you really need to watch out.”

“You!”

The wealthy woman was fuming.

“What about me? Even if my son’s legs are disabled, he’s still better than your son. I heard the Rogers family searched everywhere for famous doctors but still couldn’t cure his infertility. Your Rogers family... is going extinct.”

Jane’s gaze was condescending, every word stabbing Mrs. Rogers where it hurt most.

The Rogers family’s only son being incapable in that area was an open secret in New York.

Yet he loved taking medicine and messing around, constantly making a fool of himself.

Mrs. Rogers refused to back down.

“Is your son any different? We’ll find Dr. Mercerrow sooner or later. Don’t come begging me then!”

“Beg you? What a joke. Our Evren is a blessed man. Maybe Dr. Mercerrow will come to treat him on his own.”

When it came to battles between wealthy families, Mrs. Arledge was clearly better with words.

“You... Don’t forget our Rogers family still holds that land. I’d like to see how Evren handles the project between Arledge Consortium and Aether Dynamics.”

Mrs. Rogers’s face shifted between pale and livid. She grabbed her bag and left.

Hearing about the Aether Dynamics project, Carys’s eyes darkened.

Jane adjusted her expression, then turned and pointed at the glass display case on the top shelf.

“Let me see that sapphire necklace.”

The sales assistant put on white gloves and took down the jewelry box.

“You have excellent taste.”

Carys stared at the string of zeros on the price tag, feeling dizzy.

Before she could react, Jane had already put it around her neck.

The teardrop shaped sapphire pendant made Carys’s skin look snow white. Under the brilliant lights, she seemed to be wrapped in a soft glow.

“It suits you very well.”

Mrs. Arledge’s eyes were full of appreciation.

Carys shook her head and bit her lip, saying solemnly, “You’ve already given me so many things. I really can’t accept this necklace.”

“All right, you child...”

Jane looked at her with regret and placed the necklace back.

Carys took the chance to ask the question on her mind.

“What kind of person is Dr. Mercerrow?”

Why did it feel like all the rich people in New York were looking for him?

Jane linked arms with her as they walked.

“Gideon, Dr. Mercerrow, specializes in difficult and complicated illnesses. He was once a consultant for the president’s medical team. No matter the illness, once it reached his hands, he could guarantee recovery through acupuncture. But he retired when he was sixty. No one knows where he is. I only heard he took in a disciple.”

Even if they could not find the man himself, finding Gideon’s disciple would also be good.

The wealthy cared even more about health. Every family had someone who fell ill now and then. When life and death were involved, knowing a famous doctor was a form of security.

Carys nodded after listening.

Her countryside neighbor, Gideon, was also skilled in acupuncture. She had learned the method for treating blocked meridians in the legs from him.

For one instant, a ridiculous thought even appeared in her mind.

But she quickly rejected it.

Gideon’s real name was not Gideon.

They could not be the same person.

How could someone that powerful possibly stay in the countryside?

“As long as we find Gideon, Evren’s...”

Before Jane could finish, her phone began vibrating.

She let go of Carys’s hand and answered the call.

“Hello.”

Carys did not know what the person on the other end said, but she saw Jane’s gaze change instantly and her face turn ashen.

“Tell that bastard to stay right there! I’m coming back immediately!”

At the villa, India was crying her eyes out.

When she saw Carys and Jane return, she wiped her tears and said, “Madam, Tristan barged into the Young Master’s room with a doctor and drew a huge tube of blood from him.”

“Where is he?”

“Still in the room.”

Jane clutched her chest and rushed toward the stairs in a panic. Her high heel twisted, spraining her ankle. Carys quickly supported her.

“Thank you.” Jane’s voice was tight and choked.

When they reached the corridor, they saw the master bedroom door open.

A young man wearing gold rimmed glasses stood there, his narrow eyes sharp. His hair was combed meticulously, and everything on him was expensive. He smiled as he looked at them. When his gaze swept over Carys’s face, there was a hint of cold malice in it.

“So this is the country bumpkin? Someone as favored as Evren can only match with a village woman now.”

“Tristan, what exactly are you trying to do?” Jane asked coldly.

Tristan sounded pleased with himself.

“I came under Grandpa’s orders to bring a doctor to examine Evren. Second Aunt, what are you misunderstanding?”

“Now that the examination is over, please leave.”

“Don’t talk to me like that. Our First Branch has spent all these years searching for Dr. Mercerrow for Grandpa. We naturally have more clues than you.”

Old Master Arledge had suffered a serious injury in his youth. Every winter, the joints in his limbs would hurt unbearably. He had visited many major hospitals, but none could cure him. His only hope was Gideon.

Seeing Jane’s ugly expression, Tristan finally looked satisfied and smiled smugly.

“I’ll be leaving then.”

Tristan left in high spirits, the gloom of being suppressed by Evren for years completely swept away.

How could a cripple be worthy of becoming the next heir of the Arledge Family?

Jane bit her lip tightly as she watched them leave. The moment she moved her foot, piercing pain shot through her.

“Let me check your injury.”

Carys helped her sit in the corridor. Her slender, nimble fingers pressed against Jane’s ankle.

“Fortunately, the bone isn’t injured.”

No one knew exactly what she did. She only twisted it a few times with some force, and Jane was able to put her foot on the ground and walk.

Jane looked at the tightly shut door with tears in her eyes, then turned her gaze to Carys.

“He... Carys, can I ask you to take care of Evren for me? My foot is fine. He’s what matters.”

No one knew a son better than his mother.

After Tristan’s disturbance, who knew what state the room was in?

Evren was so proud. He definitely would not want his loved ones to see him humiliated.

Carys was clever and understood immediately.

She nodded solemnly.

“I’ll go in. India, please help Madam go rest.”

“All right.”

Once they left, Carys opened the door.

The room was a mess. Things were scattered all over the floor.

The man leaned against the edge of the bed, his side profile noble and unmatched. His clothes were disheveled and stained with blood. Hearing movement, he slowly turned his head.

That glance was like the sharpest blade in the world, making Carys’s back turn cold.

“Your mother asked me to clean up for you.”

Carys bent down and picked up the pillows, documents, and water cup from the floor, placing them back one by one.

The man’s low voice sounded behind her.

“Are you here to clean the room, or to clean me up?”

He had deliberately smashed those things himself. What was there to clean?

Otherwise, how would Tristan believe that he had suffered a mental collapse and could not recover?

Carys abruptly looked up, only to see his displeased face as he beckoned to her.

“I need to change clothes.”

“...Okay.”

Carys took a set of pure white cotton loungewear from the walk in closet. When she walked over to Evren, he had already spread his arms as if it were only natural.

She unbuttoned his shirt and took it off.

His body, covered in lean muscle, was exposed before her. His pale skin was almost dazzling, and her heart raced wildly.

She quickly helped him put on the top, but when she held the pants, her thoughts became tangled.

“Weren’t you very bold when you took off my pants? Why pretend to be innocent and shy now?”

His lips were very pale, almost bloodless, yet his words were cutting.

Carys froze for a moment, then gritted her teeth and viciously pulled down his pants, inch by inch.

So pale.

So firm.

Those long, powerful legs would definitely be perfect for farm work.

Evren leaned against the bed with his eyes tightly closed, looking as if he had simply given up.

Her cool, soft fingers occasionally brushed against his skin, stirring waves of shivers through him.

“Give me your hand.”

Carys wrung out a towel and wiped the bloodstains from his arm. The puncture mark was obvious, and the skin around it had turned bruised. They had drawn that much blood on purpose.

Evren’s dark gaze swept over the side of her face. He suddenly turned his hand and gripped her wrist with controlled force.

With one pull, Carys fell onto the wide bed.

Before she could get up, his upper body pressed down over her. His hot breath brushed across her cheek, and his low voice sounded near her ear.

“What benefits did Tristan give you?”

Carys’s chin was pinched between his fingers. She was forced to tilt her neck and look at him, mist gathering in her clear almond eyes.

“I don’t know him.”

So he did not believe her.

Everything before had just been him playing with her.

Only now did this proud and steady noble young master finally reveal his decisive, ruthless claws.

His right hand pressed against her soft waist, his fingertips sinking into the dip there.

Then his cool voice carried a barely noticeable hint of shamelessness.

“Do you know what methods were used to interrogate female spies in the past?”

She knew!

Either way, she would not escape being tortured and thoroughly tormented.

Carys twisted her body, trying to break free.

“You took my pants off twice. It isn’t too much for me to take yours off once, right?”

As he spoke, his fingers touched the side of her leg.

Carys was so angry her eyes turned red. She fiercely pinched the Jianjing point on his shoulder. Evren’s arm went numb, and he loosened his grip.

She seized the chance to roll off the bed, clutching her pants as she looked at him warily.

Anger.

Resentment.

“You... even if you strip me bare, you... you still can’t do anything!”

Her words came out recklessly, carrying a sob. There were still pressure marks on her cheek. Carys pushed the door open and ran out, returning to her own room in shame and fury.

Only then did the two women hiding around the corner of the corridor come out.

“Her buttons are loose.”

“Her hair is messy.”

“Her face is red. Did the Young Master kiss her?”

India gave a thumbs up and whispered in praise, “Madam, your move was brilliant. You had the Young Madam go take care of the Young Master.”

A little suffering tactic, a little pity, and feelings would naturally grow.

Jane glanced sideways at her.

“Nothing special. I know my son. He would never truly suffer a loss at Tristan’s hands unless he did it on purpose.”

Since childhood, when had Tristan ever truly gotten the upper hand against him?

“The Young Master is smart, just like you.”

Inside the room.

Evren rubbed his fingertips again and again.

Soft.

It felt like cotton candy.

He lowered his head and glanced down.

What did she mean, he could not do anything?

If he had really used his methods, would she have been able to turn over and escape?

Buzz, buzz.

The phone on the bedside table vibrated several times.

Luc was very efficient. He had compiled Carys’s life experiences from childhood to adulthood into a detailed file and sent it over.

Evren opened the investigation report casually.

Then his fingers stilled, and astonishment flashed through his eyes.