"Mom, I'm moving back to the villa starting tonight."

Alexander didn't say a word until Henrietta had finished venting. Then he stood and gently helped her to the couch. "Your health matters most. If you're not feeling well, head home and rest."

"Back to the villa? Are you serious, Alexander? That woman is manipulative and dangerous! She plotted with the Jordans to scam us, and you still want to stay with her?" Henrietta had just calmed down when her son's indifferent attitude lit the fire again-her lips trembled in fury.

Samantha, sitting at the dining table, just kept eating, like their shouting match had nothing to do with her. She was in this house under her sister's name for one reason-to make sure those who'd hurt Caitlin paid the price. Even if she ended up divorcing Alexander, she'd make sure the Perkins family was flipped upside down before walking away.

Alexander looked at Samantha, who remained totally unfazed, and a subtle smirk tugged at his lips. "I'll handle her."

Henrietta's eyes widened. She was caught off guard by her son's tone. "You're defending her now? Since when? I thought you couldn't stand her!"

"Lucas, take Mom home. And let my brother know-I'm not dropping by tonight," Alexander ordered calmly, ignoring his mother's accusations.

Mixed with frustration and confusion, Henrietta was escorted out, and the silence that followed in the villa felt suffocating.

Samantha finished off her red wine and stood to leave.

"Stop right there." Alexander's voice came from the couch-cold and low.

She paused, turned to look at him with unbothered eyes, but her posture subtly shifted, on alert.

His gaze darkened, every bit of him radiating the kind of intensity that made it feel like he could crush her with it.

"I've never kept you here against your will. If you hated being in this house so much, why come back?"

She shot him a sarcastic smile. "Guess I was worried your lives were getting too peaceful. Figured I should stick around and let you all keep belittling and tormenting me."

That just fueled his rage more. He reached out, grabbed her chin, locking eyes with her like he was peering into her soul. "Tell me the truth."

"The truth? Funny," Samantha said flatly, her tone sharp. "None of you ever treated me honestly. Now you want truth?"

She shoved his hand away and raised her chin, eyes clear and defiant.

"Caitlin, what the hell is wrong with you?!"

Watching her stand there like that, so stubborn and proud-it hit Alexander, and he didn't know why it got to him like that.

She scoffed, voice dripping with mockery. "You all pushed me to the edge, then have the nerve to ask why I snapped?"

He stared at her as she continued with a steady voice, "Didn't you want the truth? Fine. The old Caitlin? You all drove her to her death. The person in front of you now-you can't handle her."

His gaze flickered.

There was something wild and fearless in her eyes-bright, beautiful, and totally untamed. For the first time in years, Alexander felt like something had slipped out of his control.

He-the almighty CEO of the Perkins Group in Lichester, with companies across the globe, an empire at his feet. Everyone obeyed him. Always.

No one dared step out of line. No one except her.

And this woman-Samantha-was the only person who'd ever made him feel powerless.

That feeling? It drove him insane.

His jaw clenched as anger flickered across his face. In a flash, he grabbed her by the arm and flung her onto the couch. His voice, cold as ice, cut through the air. "All of you-out."

Not even ten seconds later, every servant had vanished, leaving just the two of them staring each other down.Alexander leaned down, towering over Samantha. His sharp features were set in an icy chill, eyes dark and unreadable.

"Let go," Samantha said coldly.

As she reached out to push him away, he grabbed her arm tightly.

She glared at him, stunning face full of defiance. "What are you trying to pull, Alexander?"

His voice was cold and low, dripping with sarcasm. "Telling my mother I'm not interested in women? Really played it clean. Pissed her off completely. Pretty clever of you."

"If I wasn't clever, I'd have been crushed by you people long ago," Samantha scoffed, her tone full of disdain.

Her scorn made him frown hard. Alexander wasn't used to being looked down on-he was the one who did the dismissing, not the other way around.

"Alright then. Since you're so eager to tell everyone I won't touch you, I might as well prove you wrong. Can't have you going around saying I'm not interested in women."

His gaze turned sharp and in the next second, he pushed closer, pinning her arms and crushing his lips onto hers. There was no room for resistance.

But then-he met those eyes.

"You bastard, Alexander!"

Her eyes, flushed red with rage, were full of pure hate.

His body froze for a split second, then he forced himself to steady his breathing.

"Let go of me." The command was ice-cold as it came from her lips, her face twisted in disgust.

He had stepped in thinking he was taking control, that he was turning things around.

For him, women were never a problem to conquer.

But the way she looked at him, like she couldn't stand to be near him-somehow, that cut deeper than expected.

Caught off guard, he let go, and Samantha shot straight up the stairs.

Only when the door slammed shut with a bang did she finally exhale, practically cursing Alexander a thousand times in her head. That disgusting jerk. Total psycho.

She angrily stripped off her clothes, heading for the shower. Her phone lit up-a WhatsApp message from Ethan.

"Are you free? I'm outside."

Her eyes narrowed. Her fingers flew across the screen. "Sure. Coming."

It was her first day back at the Perkins' place and Ethan already messaged her-was there something he forgot to tell her?

Still puzzling it over, she opened the wardrobe and randomly pulled out one of Caitlin's outfits.

Caitlin always leaned toward muted tones-especially teal. Aside from the basic black and white, almost all her clothes were loose-fitting cotton-linen, hardly anything that hugged the waist.

Both sisters had studied fashion design, but Caitlin's aesthetic leaned soft, pastoral, almost dreamy. Samantha, on the other hand, preferred bold, curve-hugging styles that made a statement.

Their personalities were just as different.

By the time she headed downstairs, Alexander had left. She walked straight out of the house toward a Rolls-Royce parked a little ways off. The second she got in, Ethan looked stunned.

"Uncle Ethan, what's up?" she asked.

He didn't speak at first, just stared at her, gaze softening. Then he reached out, almost brushing her cheek.

Samantha instantly leaned back, raising a hand to block his. Her brows furrowed. "You're thinking about Caitlin, huh?"

Ethan flinched and quickly retracted his hand, clearly uncomfortable with his moment of weakness. "Sorry. That teal dress... it was Caitlin's favorite. She said wearing clothes she designed made her feel at ease. No matter how upset she was, they always made her feel better."

"Got it. I won't wear it again," Samantha said coolly.

Ethan felt a sudden, inexplicable ache in his chest.

"Think you can handle it over at the Perkins place?" Ethan asked while driving, clearly trying to break the awkward silence.

"It's not exactly hard. I deal with whatever comes my way," Samantha replied flatly, eyes calm and unreadable. "People take advantage when you seem easy to push around. Once they realize you're not that type, they'll back off."

Ethan's hands trembled slightly on the steering wheel. He inhaled deeply before saying, "You really aren't like Caitlin. From the moment you stepped into that house today... I've been wondering whether bringing you back, telling you everything, even letting you take Caitlin's place-was it a mistake?"

"It wasn't your decision alone. I made that choice, too," Samantha turned to look out the window. The streetlights flickered past her blank, distant face.

Ethan looked pale, his voice low and filled with pain. "If Caitlin's watching from above, she's probably blaming me for sending you into the same hell she suffered in."

Sharp determination flashed in Samantha's eyes. "For Caitlin, that house was a cage. For me... it's just enemy territory. If using the Perkins family gives me an edge to destroy those jerks who hurt her, and to take down Thomas and the Jordans who sold her out, then so be it."

Then she suddenly turned, a cold sneer on her lips. "Ethan, is that what really bothers you? That going after Thomas means going after the Jordan Empire, and now you're worried it'll cost you something?"

"SCREEEEE-"

The Rolls-Royce skidded to a stop by the curb. Ethan gripped the wheel tightly, veins bulging, jaw clenched like he was holding something back.

His voice came out low and bitter a few seconds later. "Thomas grabbed all the power for himself, kicking the rest of the family out of the company. I could've let that go. But he... sold Caitlin to a man who didn't even care for women. From the moment she married into that house, I swore I'd never forgive him."

Samantha looked at him coldly. "So why'd you even ask me to meet you today?"

"Well... here's the thing. That design collection Caitlin did-the one they stole-it just won an award overseas. I heard one of the top four companies in Lichester, the Rivers Corporation, is considering investing in her old company," Ethan explained, frustration mixed with regret in his eyes.

"The Rivers Corporation?" Samantha repeated quietly. "They want in on Caitlin's company?"

"Yeah. They started in fashion. Clothes still make up almost 40% of their business. A business associate told me the one managing their fashion line is Sophia Rivers, the only daughter of the Rivers family. After Caitlin's stolen designs won that award, she took notice and now wants to invest."

"That company's already in the hands of those backstabbing creeps," Ethan said with fury, slamming the steering wheel with his fist. "Caitlin worked her ass off to get it off the ground, only to be tricked and robbed."

He only found out much later, after starting his own trade company abroad, buried in non-stop work. It wasn't until he got Samantha's call-sobbing and barely holding it together-that he realized how badly Caitlin had been betrayed.

By the time Thomas had "sold" Caitlin off to the Perkins family... it was already too late.

When Ethan rushed back to stop everything, nothing could be done.

Caitlin was already a ghost of her former self-withdrawn, gloomy, and completely checked out, living in the Perkins household like she no longer cared if she was even alive.Ethan used to think she'd eventually get through those darkest days. He was even ready to give up his overseas job just to stay by her side. But then... the accident happened.

Caitlin was gone. That scumbag who played her? He stole her designs, won a huge award, took over her company, and now he's even about to land a giant investment deal. Ethan was losing his mind over it, but there was nothing he could do to stop any of it.

"Send me their names and photos. I want all of it." Samantha's voice was cold as ice, her stunning face cast in flickering shadows, making her look dangerously unreadable.

"Samantha, I'm really torn. I don't know if bringing you back was the right call or a huge mistake. But... I just can't help but want you to take her place and make them all pay for what they did to Caitlin!" Ethan's brows were tightly furrowed, his face clouded with guilt and pain.

Samantha glanced at him, her profile under the dim lights looking ethereal.

Her eyes were sharp and chilling. She didn't pull her punches. "Ethan, do you even realize? Your cowardice played a part in my sister's death too. You loved her, didn't you? But you stayed silent-that's your first mistake. Then you ran off to another country so you wouldn't have to face her pain-that's two. And the last straw? When she was hurting the most, you couldn't even take her away-that's your biggest failure!"

"She gave you so many chances, and every time, you blew it because you were scared. The only thing you did right was bringing me back and telling me the truth, so I can do what you never could-get revenge for her."

Her words cut Ethan like knives. He looked like he'd been punched in the gut, his whole body twisted in pain. He couldn't even defend himself. He muttered numbly, "Caitlin didn't love me..."

Samantha didn't care how much this hurt him. Her next words were straight salt in his wounds.

"She didn't love you, but called you every time she broke down? Didn't love you, but after you left, dated some loser just to fill that gap? Didn't love you, but told you all about the cold treatment and discrimination from the Perkins family? She was screaming for help, begging you to notice her pain and take her away-and you ignored it all.

"You could've saved her. Given her something good. But instead, you let her down again and again. Honestly, how are you any different from the guy who fooled her?"

Ethan froze. Color drained from his face till it was ghostly pale.

Samantha didn't say another word. She opened the door and stepped out, leaving Ethan drowning in his own misery.

She walked aimlessly through the streets, the pain for her sister weighing heavy on her chest. She didn't stop until she found herself in front of a shopping mall, filled with massive ads for global fashion brands. Only then did her mood ease just a little.

Samantha had ongoing partnerships with many of these brands. Several product lines were her work.

She strolled into a high-end department store, never noticing the word "Perkins" in the store name.

Inside a niche boutique, a "Silent Thread" collection piece caught her eye-she had designed it herself. It was displayed front and center. She picked out a sleek outfit with powerful lines, ready to change out of her sister's clothes and keep them safe.

Caitlin's outfit might've been gorgeous and soft, but it was never Samantha's style. She had never forced herself into anything she didn't like. If it wasn't her thing, she just wouldn't wear it-even if it looked amazing.

When she stepped out of the fitting room, the transformation was nearly shocking. Her tall frame and graceful curves stood out even more in the fresh, tailored outfit.

Earlier, with Caitlin's forest-style linen dress, she looked like a gentle, quiet girl. But now, staging in front of the mirror, her look screamed sharp, modern confidence. She swept up her long hair into a neat bun, and suddenly, a fierce and classy businesswoman stared back at her.

"I'll take this outfit."

Out of nowhere, a cocky voice sounded behind her.

Samantha caught a glimpse in the mirror-there stood a young woman decked out in the latest Prada, pointing arrogantly at her back.

The clerk by her side looked beyond nervous. "Sorry, Miss Rivers. That outfit is from the Silent Thread limited series, the newest release of the season. There's only one piece and maybe... maybe you missed it earlier..."

The woman scoffed, chin tilted high. "Are you blind? I told you I want the newest, most expensive stuff. Why didn't you recommend it when I was picking? Your screw-up, and now it's my fault for not seeing it?"

The clerk looked flushed and flustered, voice trembling. "Miss Rivers, it was my mistake. I'm really sorry. Maybe you could take a look at some of the other options-?"

Miss Rivers' expression darkened instantly. She exploded, "Why should I look at anything else? I said I want HER outfit! Make her take it off-now!"

Samantha couldn't be bothered. She picked up the set she'd already taken off and strolled over to the cashier.

"Hey! Stop! You!" Miss Rivers dashed over and blocked her path, barking, "That outfit's mine! Hand it over-take it off!"

Samantha rolled her eyes. "And who decided that?"

Miss Rivers whipped a shiny gold VIP card from her purse and slammed it down on the counter with a smug smirk. "Because I'm the top-tier premium customer here, I get first dibs on everything. Clerk, explain to this bumpkin how things work-tell her who really gets priority access!"

The clerk's expression froze. Miss Rivers had a reputation-a rich heiress with no patience and a short fuse. All they could do was tread lightly and try not to get burned.

She looked helplessly at Samantha and began explaining, "Ma'am, Miss Rivers' card is for top-tier members only. Requires at least a million in annual purchases, plus a five-million balance. It offers priority on all items. Please understand. If you're really interested, we can check other stores for restocks... though I have to admit, Silent Thread items sell out fast, and chances are slim. I'm really sorry."

Miss Rivers shot Samantha a smug glance, her voice dripping superiority. "Since I like this piece, obviously it belongs to me. Even if there are more later, I'm the only one getting it. Anyone trying to steal what's mine-keep dreaming."

After all, she was Sophia Rivers-the sole heir to a corporation worth billions. Ever since she was a kid, anything she wanted, she got. Even if she tossed it aside the next day, no one else was allowed to have it.

Samantha tilted her head slightly.

So this was her? The same Sophia Ethan had mentioned-the one throwing investment money at that scumbag couple?

A faint, icy smile curved Samantha's lips as she ignored the card completely. Instead, she pulled out her phone and tapped a few times. A barcode appeared on the screen.

She held it up toward the clerk.

The clerk had never seen this kind of code before and carefully scanned it. The next second, her eyes widened in shock.

"We deeply apologize, esteemed top-tier guest. This outfit is officially yours. Would you like to wear it out, or shall we wrap it for you?"

Moments later, all the staff in the boutique gathered in a neat row behind Samantha, treating her with the utmost respect."What's going on here? Top-tier member? Since when does Aurelune have so-called top-tier members? These days scammers are everywhere, don't let yourselves get played like idiots!" Sophia's voice rose with frustration as she noticed the sales assistants completely ignoring her now, their attitudes taking a 180. She was fuming, feeling utterly humiliated like she just got publicly slapped.

Samantha stood there, surrounded by the store clerks eager to help her, completely calm. She glanced over at Sophia, her eyes cold and dismissive, and said with a scoff, "Liking what I have doesn't mean you're actually capable of getting it."

Sophia's face turned red with rage, her hands clenched at her sides. She was just about to snap back when her eyes landed on the countertop computer screen. The last scanned item was still displayed: Aurelune Top Member - Internal Code 006.

As someone who ran the Rivers Group's fashion department, Sophia knew damn well what that 006 meant.

Design teams usually had codes-001 for creative director, the rest numbered according to seniority. But 006 wasn't just a number. It was special, reserved for the few rare collaborators who had equal say with the in-house team, with substantial authority in both creative and decision-making roles.

Her jaw unknowingly slackened.

Aurelune's designers were notoriously closed off. There had never been whispers of any outside partnership. That this woman-this Samantha-was listed as 006 meant she wasn't just anyone.

None of the salesgirls even glanced Sophia's way now, all focused on attending to Samantha.

For the first time in her life, Sophia-who had always been treated like royalty-was being flat-out ignored. Her pride was burning. Her stomach twisted with the kind of frustration only jealousy could twist.

Samantha had just put her in her place in front of everyone, and Sophia's skin turned blotchy from the shame and anger boiling in her.

Then her eyes spotted something near the register-a bottle of black ink, already open, sitting beside a Parker fountain pen. Her lips curled into a sneaky smirk.

While everyone was preoccupied, she silently filled the pen with ink, turned around, and suddenly flung it hard at Samantha's clothes.

A scream rang out from one of the assistants, and splatters of ink bloomed across Samantha's outfit. Sophia let out a soft snicker, clearly satisfied, yet apparently still not done-she turned back and dumped the whole bottle of ink straight onto the counter.

Half the ink spilled out and soaked into the linen outfit Samantha had just taken off.

Feigning innocence, Sophia drawled, "Oops, clumsy me. My bad."

There wasn't even a flicker of panic in Samantha's eyes over the ink. Instead, her gaze sharpened instantly-cold and piercing.

But when she saw her sister's favorite linen outfit being ruined by that spilled ink, something in her face snapped. Her eyes darkened, pupils shrinking with fury.

She stormed forward, yanked up the outfit, and then-

Smack.

A fierce slap landed clean across Sophia's face.

Sophia froze. Her hand flew up to her cheek where five red marks started to rise. "You-You hit me?" she shouted, blinking in disbelief.

This wasn't just anyone. She was Sophia, the only heiress to Rivers Group-one of the top four corporations in Lichester!

Since she was a kid, maids, chefs, nannies, drivers, even so-called friends-who dared do anything but bow to her? She'd never been touched like this her whole life!

Samantha met her gaze, that same chilling calm on her face. "Damn right I hit you. Or do you think I need to schedule an appointment?"

Even the air in the room froze over from her words. Everyone felt that tremor in their bones.

That was her sister's favorite outfit, now ruined with deep black stains. The fabric-linen-blended-was nearly impossible to restore if dyed. It was basically destroyed.

"You psycho! Do you even know who I am?! You actually dared to slap me!" Sophia screamed, her voice climbing as her fury exploded. Her heavily-lined eyes went wide with rage as she lunged forward and swung straight for Samantha's face.