Sandara followed the police to the station.The meat from their farm-and the meat served at the hotel-had already been sent out for testing. Whether there was really a problem or not, they all had to wait.

Outside the station, a sleek, obsidian‑black luxury car rolled to a stop.

The hotel manager and his secretary hurried over, standing stiffly beside the door. Neither dared to open it without permission.

The tinted window lowered.

A man's perfectly sculpted, cold features came into view.

"Mr. Addams, the farm's representative is here," the secretary said.

Skylar's dark eyes flicked toward the station.When he looked away, his voice dropped to an icy chill. "If the issue came from their meat, cut ties immediately."

The manager and secretary instantly understood.

He wasn't giving the other side a chance. Just straight to the chopping block.

"Yes, Mr. Addams," the manager said quickly.

The window rolled back up, and the car pulled away.

Minutes later, the food‑safety scandal blew up online.

Every headline pointed fingers at Wellington Farm.

Marketing accounts fanned the flames, claiming Summit Hotel only bought meat from the Wellington family out of charity-and now the farm had "repaid kindness with poison," dragging the hotel's reputation through the mud.

Sitting in the station, Sandara's phone lit up nonstop.

The results weren't even out yet, but everyone already assumed she was guilty.

A cold glint flashed in her eyes before she looked up with a fearful expression.

"T‑This... this news... w‑was it you?" she stammered, voice full of hurt.

The manager kept his tone calm. "Miss Wellington, I've been right here with you, waiting for the test results."

Sandara lowered her head as if she'd just been scolded-small, timid, helpless.

She twisted her fingers, opened her lips like she wanted to explain... then shut them again.Her pretty eyes reddened, welling with tears-the kind of tears that made people feel like they were bullying a soft, harmless girl.

The manager quickly looked away. He needed his job. Sympathy wasn't going to pay his bills.

He stood. "Officers, I still need to handle the aftermath at the ER. May I leave?"

"You may," one officer said, not looking up from the computer. "We'll call you when the results come in."

"Thank you."

The manager straightened his suit and got ready to go.

But Sandara seemed to gather a burst of courage."M‑Manager... the results aren't even out yet... and you're already pushing the blame on our farm... that's not right..."

She didn't get to finish. The manager turned back and shot her a cold look, and she instantly shrank, lowering her head again.

His guilt sharpened.She wasn't wrong-they were making her the scapegoat.

But conscience wasn't something he could afford right now.

"Miss Wellington, you misunderstand. The truth will come out. We didn't spread anything," he said quickly, then practically dragged his secretary out before he felt worse.

Once they were gone, Sandara's eyes narrowed.

She wasn't stupid. For public opinion to flip that fast, someone powerful had to be pulling strings.

Interesting.

She sat down again, slipping back into her obedient, frightened act.

An officer walked over, saw her scrolling through the hateful comments, and sighed.He'd thought she was just a scaredy‑cat.Now he actually felt bad for her-she'd barely returned to the country and was already getting crushed by capital.

When no one was watching, Sandara quietly switched to Messenger.

Sandara: Ryan, pull the kitchen footage from Summit Hotel. I need to see where the problem actually came from.Ryan: Already on it. The second I saw the news, I started digging. Gimme a minute.

A few minutes later-

Ryan: Found it. Someone in the kitchen definitely poisoned the broth.Sandara: Poisoned it? Seriously? What kind of hatred is that?Ryan: I checked the guy. Worked in the hotel kitchen for thirteen years. Fired recently for messing up a dish. Probably held a grudge. Want me to upload the footage?Sandara: No hurry. Right now everyone wants my head. Sigh... Haven't been cursed out in years. Honestly? It's boring.

Ryan sent a speechless emoji.

Sandara: By the way, that Addams Corp president who offered a huge amount for medical treatment-he's tied to Summit Hotel, right?Ryan: Yeah. Summit Hotel belongs to Addams Corp. The guy in charge is Skylar Addams.Sandara: Then reject him.

Her eyes darkened. She never forgot a grudge. If he wanted help, he would get nothing.

Ryan: Got it.

Sandara locked her phone.

Five years ago, she had been forced to help five ex‑fiancés fake their deaths.That's how the "fiancé‑killer" rumor began.

But on her wedding night, her real husband had jumped to his death.And the label stuck.

Abroad, she'd finally found peace.But the second she returned, everything crumbled around her again.

A sudden wave of reporters stormed in. Cameras flashed. Microphones shoved into her face.

"Miss Wellington, is it true your farm's meat sent over a hundred guests to the hospital?"

"N‑No... no... it wasn't..." Sandara backed away, overwhelmed.

"You do realize how serious this incident is, right?" another reporter pushed.

Tears pooled in her eyes. Facing the swarm of cameras, she choked out,"It wasn't our farm's meat... it wasn't... it wasn't..."

The officers nearby stepped in, unable to watch her pale, terrified face any longer. They shoved the reporters back out the door.

Sandara hid her face in her hands-and then burst into tears.

Wow... it had been a while since she acted a crying scene with this much emotion.

She cried helplessly, heartbreakingly.

Journalists outside pressed up to the glass, livestreaming her breakdown.

The more she cried, the more convinced the public became that she was guilty and full of regret.

"It really wasn't our farm's meat... It really wasn't..."

She slowly lowered her hands, revealing her tear‑stained face.Her eyes were red, lashes wet-she looked painfully fragile.

Ryan couldn't take it anymore.Her face was gorgeous-and she was crying like someone's beating her.

His hand slipped.

He accidentally uploaded the surveillance footage online.

Meanwhile, Sandara kept up her performance like a pro.Every tear, every expression-perfect.

She was actually pretty satisfied with her acting... until she noticed all the reporters' phones start ringing at once.

One by one, they answered.And their expressions completely changed.

They stared at her, stunned.Guilt began to replace the disgust they'd shown earlier.

Sandara paused, confused.

The officers had seen the leaked footage too.Recognizing the culprit, they rushed out immediately to make arrests.

The hotel manager saw the video and knew something was very, very wrong.He called up the chain of command in a panic.

At that moment, Skylar was with his daughter when his assistant rushed in.

"Sir, the hotel surveillance was leaked. It clearly shows someone poisoning the broth."

"Find the person responsible and hand them over to the police," Skylar said with a frown. "Such a trivial matter, and they dare disturb me?"

The assistant hesitated, then took a breath.

"Uh... boss, that farm girl everyone felt sorry for online... now that the truth's out, people are blasting the hotel instead."

"Attacking us?" Skylar let out a cold laugh.

His hotel?Being targeted online?Who would dare?

He controlled the entire public narrative.

The assistant showed him the video.

Skylar glanced at the crying girl on screen-shaking, helpless, miserable.

"Her acting is convincing. If she enjoys putting on a show..." His voice dropped to an icy hush."...then that farm can disappear permanently."

***

The CEO wasn't leaving anyone alive.

First, he used the farm as a scapegoat.Now that they were innocent, he still wanted to crush them.

Even after all his years under a ruthless boss, the assistant felt a rare pang of guilt watching the girl sob like her world had ended.

Little Cara, who had been quietly reading, suddenly looked up.The moment she saw the girl on the screen, her eyes went wide.It was the weird aunt who had hugged her at the airport!

Cara's tiny reaction immediately caught Skylar's attention."Cara, do you know her?" he asked, gently lifting her into his arms.

Cara glanced at him... then turned away, silent."Cara..." he murmured.

He would give anything for her to say a single word. Just one.

Thinking of the healer who had rejected them made his blood boil again."That doctor-any progress locating them?" he asked, voice cold."...No, sir," the assistant replied awkwardly.

His phone rang. He stepped out to answer."Hello-?"

"I'm Dr. Eclipse. The one who refused your request."

The assistant's eyes widened.Thinking the healer had changed their mind, he blurted, "Doctor Eclipse-!"

"If you want me to treat your daughter, tell him to apologize publicly to the girl in that video. Sandara Wellington."

"...What?"

Lightning seemed to strike his skull. Make the heartless CEO apologize? Impossible.

"You have thirty minutes. I won't repeat myself."

Then Ryan-posing as Dr. Eclipse-hung up.

The assistant panicked, trying to call back, but the number was virtual.

No way out. He had to report every word to the CEO.

"Apologize?" Skylar's expression instantly darkened.

His assistant froze, terrified.

Skylar glanced at his daughter.The icy look in his eyes softened slightly.

Ever since she lost her voice, he had searched everywhere for a cure.Even all his power and wealth couldn't fix her.And now, this miracle doctor-Dr. Eclipse-was their only hope.

"Fine," Skylar said suddenly.Compared to his daughter, nothing else mattered.Apologizing? He'd do it. Even if it meant giving up his entire fortune.

The assistant froze. The CEO... actually agreed.

Police Station.

Sandara was about to leave at her usual slow pace when a black luxury car rolled to a stop in front of her.

She froze.

The assistant jumped out immediately, opening the door respectfully.

Skylar stepped out-long legs first, tall, powerful frame, a face almost too perfect to be real.

"Oh my God... that's the CEO of Addams Corp, right?" a sharp-eyed reporter gasped.

CEO? The hotel's big boss?

Seeing him walk toward her, Sandara panicked and took a few steps back.

Skylar frowned at her attempt to hide.He stopped two steps away, his dark gaze locking on her fair, delicate face.He could see the fear in her eyes.

Skylar inhaled slowly. "Miss Wellington... I'm sorry."

Every reporter froze.The CEO of Addams Corp-here at the police station-personally apologizing?

What the...?

Wasn't he supposed to be cold, ruthless, the type who crushed anyone in his way?And now he was publicly apologizing?

"Me?" Sandara blinked, innocently. "You're apologizing to me?"

"Yes."

"But... why?" She looked confused.

"The hotel's mistake today dragged your family's farm into trouble," he explained.

"Dragged us?" Sandara tilted her head, pretending to think."Yes.""Why did it drag us?" she asked again, blinking innocently.

The reporters went silent.Was this woman really that clueless?

Skylar's eyes darkened.Even his assistant could sense he was about to lose control.

"The crisis wasn't handled properly," Skylar said, voice colder.

"Ohhh..." Sandara made a soft "O" and scratched her head. "So that's why!"

"Then why did these reporters say our farm poisoned people?" she asked, looking up at them.

The reporters froze.

Skylar's icy gaze swept over them."Every reporter who slandered Miss Wellington-see you in court."

"..."

Thunder seemed to explode over their heads.They came for gossip, and suddenly they were the ones in trouble.

"Mr. Addams, it's a misunderstanding-" they tried to explain, but his assistant quickly shooed them away.

Watching them leave, Sandara felt secretly delighted.Serves them right. Thought they could smear anyone for money? Now they were the ones being bitten back.

"Miss Wellington, satisfied?" Skylar asked.

"Huh?" She blinked, then grinned. "Mr. Addams, you're such a good person!"She even gave a big thumbs-up."Five stars!"

Childish, yes-but endearing.

Skylar told his assistant, "Call him. Ask if he's satisfied.""Understood."

But before the assistant could dial, his phone rang.

"You call this a sincere apology?"

"What wasn't sincere?!" the assistant almost exploded.The CEO came in person-how was that not sincere?!

"Put the phone on with your CEO."

The assistant handed it over.

Skylar took the phone.

"Mr. Addams, what you capitalists did today was outrageous. Here's the deal. Be that poor girl's bodyguard for a few days. Comfort her traumatized heart. Do that, and I'll treat your daughter."

"You can really cure her?" Skylar asked sharply, ignoring everything else.

"It's just aphasia. Don't worry. As long as you can coax her in front of you, I'll fix it."

Skylar looked at Sandara. "What's your relationship with her?"

"What relationship could we possibly have? I'm just a kind-hearted hero helping someone in need," came the calm reply.

Then the call ended.

"...He just hung up."

Skylar's aura darkened instantly.The air felt like a storm was about to break.

Sandara pointed forward nervously. "Um... I'll just... go first-"

"Wait." Skylar stopped her.

"...What?"

"Where are you going?"

"To the hospital. Visit my grandpa."

"I'll take you."

"Um... that's... not necessary..."

She said no, but her feet didn't move.

He walked ahead, personally opening the car door.

Sandara's lips curved slightly.Well... she'd never been in a car this nice before. Must be worth millions.She climbed in with a cheerful grin. "Then... thank you for the ride!"

Skylar said nothing.For his daughter, everything else didn't matter.

When he turned back to her, the icy coldness was gone.

"Mr. Addams, you really are a good person," Sandara said sincerely."If your kitchen staff hadn't released the security footage, our farm would've been doomed!"

"Not like your hotel manager," she sniffed, tears welling."The moment there was trouble, he dragged our farm into it... I thought the sky was falling. No matter how we explained, no one would believe us. That manager is rich, arrogant, and vicious. If he wanted us to take the fall, he'd definitely tamper with the results..."

Skylar's expression darkened further.Why did it feel like this woman... was insulting him?

"Good thing someone like you exists, Mr. Addams. Someone who would never frame helpless people like us."

His lips twitched.Her flattery felt more like humiliation.

"Mr. Addams, to show my gratitude, I'll give you a cow!" she suddenly said.

She pulled out her phone, flipping through her photo album."We have a lot of cows and pigs, but each is unique. Look-this one has a black spot on its back. And this one-its head is huge..."

Skylar stared.It was unbearably noisy.

Without thinking, he reached out and covered her mouth.

Sandara's eyes went wide.

***

Their eyes met, and Skylar froze. He hadn't expected to slap a hand over her mouth on impulse like that.The soft warmth of her lips against his palm sent a sharp jolt through him.

With her mouth covered, her pretty face somehow looked even more striking-wide, startled eyes locked on his.

Skylar pulled his hand back right away."You spit on me," he said, acting disgusted.

"Huh?" Sandara stared at him. What nonsense is he talking about?

She wiped her own lips, then grabbed his hand and wiped it with the sleeve of her jacket.

"What are you doing?" Skylar's face darkened.

"You covered my mouth, so you probably touched some of my spit. I'm cleaning it off," she said like it was obvious.

Skylar pressed his lips together, embarrassed enough to want the ground to swallow him.

Sandara kept wiping, then lifted his wrist and sniffed lightly."Mhm. Smells pretty nice," she said casually, handing his hand back.

Skylar wondered if he'd just met someone... not very bright. Maybe even a fool.

Up front, the driver and assistant exchanged stunned looks.It was the first time they'd ever seen their boss let a woman touch him-without flinching. And his expression... a mix of irritation, shock, and something like a man who'd kicked steel and refused to admit it hurt.

Weird. Completely weird.

...

At the hospital entrance, the assistant hurried to open the door for her.Sandara stepped out and thanked him politely.

But the moment Skylar's car pulled away, her sweet, harmless smile disappeared.She took out her phone.

"Hello? Did you threaten him properly? He just drove off."

"He left?" Ryan lifted a brow. "Was my intimidation that weak?"

"Obviously. Useless. Next time you need a face‑change expert, don't call me," she shot back, ready to hang up.

"Don't! My Goddess, I was wrong. I'll fix it!"

Her tone instantly softened into a sweet laugh. "Good. I'll be waiting, darling."

The word darling made goosebumps crawl up Ryan's arms.

Not long after Skylar left, his personal phone rang."Mr. Addams," a deep voice said, "seems like your daughter doesn't matter much to you after all."

Skylar's face darkened. "You're courting death."

Ryan chuckled. "If I die, no one cures your daughter's aphasia. So listen carefully. Stay by that poor girl's side. Protect her. Comfort her. Take care of her fragile little heart."

And he hung up.

Fury flashed in Skylar's eyes-sharp, cold, impossible to contain.Someone dared to use his daughter against him?

"Find him," Skylar said. "Dig through the earth if you have to. Bring me this Dr. Eclipse."

"Yes, sir!" the assistant stammered.

"If he knows my every move..." Skylar narrowed his eyes.He was either nearby.

Or-

...

In the hospital hallway, Sandara pushed open the ward door quietly.

"Mom!" Emily and Joe rushed at her, wrapping their little arms around her legs.

A real smile pulled at her lips. She crouched and kissed both kids on the cheek.

Joe leaned close. "Mom, did they bully you at the police station?"

Sandara ruffled his hair. "Your mom? No one can bully me."

On the bed, Grandpa Wellington suddenly went into a coughing fit.

"Grandpa!" Sandara hurried over.Didn't the doctor say he was fine? Why was he coughing like he was dying?

"Sandara..." His trembling hand grabbed hers. "I don't have much time... The farm... only you can take it over..."

"Grandpa, stop talking like that," she said gently.

He looked half‑dead, eyes barely open, voice thinning like he was fading away."Promise me... you'll run the farm..."

Sandara's eyebrow twitched.Here we go.

Her instincts said he was acting again.

But it had been seven years. Maybe it was time to stop running and take back what was hers.

"Okay, Grandpa. I promise. I'm not leaving this time."

"Really?" His eyes lit up immediately, all trace of weakness gone.

Sandara exhaled.Yep. Definitely acting.

"Grandpa, your acting is getting worse," she muttered, dragging a chair over.

"I don't care. You agreed. That's what matters," he said stubbornly.

"Yeah, yeah." She picked up an apple and started peeling it for him.

Just then, a doctor walked in and asked to speak to her in his office.

Sandara set the apple down. "Kids, stay here with Great‑Grandpa. Don't run around."

"Yes, Mommy!" they chirped.

...

Outside the hospital, a black luxury car stopped.The assistant stepped out and opened the door.

After a moment, Skylar got out and walked in.

"Mr. Addams," the assistant whispered, "Sandara's grandfather is on the sixteenth floor."

Skylar didn't respond. He stepped into the elevator.

When the doors opened, he walked out and spotted a tiny figure standing alone in the hallway.

His expression softened immediately.

He crouched and lifted the little girl into his arms."Sweetheart, why'd you come to the hospital by yourself?"

The girl froze, staring at the stranger holding her.

She'd only gone downstairs to buy ice cream with Great‑Grandpa's pocket money...How did she end up in a strange man's arms?

Kidnapper.

She remembered all those videos about traffickers pretending to be relatives.Even if the kid cried, the adults would say she was misbehaving.

Emily's little brain spun fast.

She didn't resist.She didn't cry.

She stayed perfectly still in the kidnapper‑uncle's arms... waiting for her chance.

Skylar pressed the elevator button, planning to take her down.

At the third floor, a couple stepped inside. The woman was complaining loudly.

Perfect.

Emily reached out a small hand-and slapped the woman across the face.

"Who hit me?!" the woman shrieked.

Emily pointed straight at the "trafficker uncle."

The woman looked ready to explode-but froze when she saw Skylar's ridiculously handsome face.

"You dare hit my wife?!" her husband yelled and swung.

The assistant caught the punch easily and shoved the man out when the doors opened.

He stumbled across the floor.

"You-!" the wife screamed. "Help! They're attacking us! Someone's gonna die!"

Skylar frowned.He tried to walk away, but she blocked him stubbornly as a crowd gathered.

Emily's eyes curved in satisfaction.Genius. Absolute genius.She'd tricked the trafficker into the mess.

"Take the child to the car," Skylar ordered. "I'll handle this."

The assistant carried her out."Stay here and be good," he told her.

She nodded sweetly.

The second he walked away-she opened the car door and slipped out.

Moments later, Skylar finished with the commotion and met the assistant outside.

"Where's the child?"

"In the car."

They opened the door.

Empty.

"Where is she?" Skylar's voice dropped, cold and dangerous.

"I-I'll check the cameras!" the assistant stammered and ran back inside.

***