"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.

Suddenly, a strong hand grabbed Sophia's wrist just in time-

"Ouch, let go of me!" she squealed, wincing from the pain. She looked up and saw a tall man step in front of Samantha, firmly holding onto her wrist.

The anger in Sophia's eyes instantly froze when she saw him.

Seriously, how could someone look this good?!

He was well over six feet tall, dressed in a perfectly tailored cream-colored dress shirt that subtly hinted at a sculpted six-pack beneath. His face looked like it was carved by the gods-sharp brows, deep eyes, a chiseled nose, and lips with the kind of refined curve that made people stare.

But what truly made him stand out was the way he carried himself-like someone born into privilege. His expression was cool and detached, his presence so commanding it made people instinctively fall silent.

Who was he? And why did he have to be so ridiculously attractive?

Sophia's heart started racing. She stared at him, dazed, forgetting all about the pain in her wrist.

"You think this is the Perkins household and you can do whatever the hell you want?" Alexander frowned slightly, his voice low and unreadable, clearly annoyed.

"I..." Sophia's heart skipped a beat, thinking he was speaking to her. Just as she opened her mouth, she was cut off.

"Funny. You know it's not your house, but think you can butt in anyway?" Samantha didn't even look up as she neatly adjusted her sister's clothes, snapping back with zero hesitation.

"Wait, I-" Sophia's face dropped when she realized Alexander wasn't even talking to her. It was that woman. That awful woman.

"This is the Perkins Mall. Creating a scene here-what are you even thinking?" Alexander ignored Sophia completely, locking his gaze on Samantha with contempt in his eyes.

Samantha scoffed coldly. "How are you so sure I'm the one making trouble? Ever think it might be someone else? I don't back down when I'm wronged, that's just not me."

Sophia tried to step in, wanting to explain, but once again, Alexander didn't spare her a glance.

He looked past her, face impassive, and warned Samantha, "Pull one more stunt like that, and next time, I might not stop someone's hand in time."

"Oh, save your breath," Samantha snapped, rolling her eyes. "It's not like you showed up out of concern for me. Looks like you're more worried about someone else getting hurt."

Alexander: "..."

Sophia immediately stepped closer, faking a pitiful look. "She hit me first!"

She put on her best damsel-in-distress act-but got nothing. The man's face was like ice, his voice even colder. "Caitlin, go home. Keep stirring trouble and you'll find out exactly what that means."

When Sophia heard him say "go home" to that woman, it felt like a knife had gone straight through her.

That awful woman-she couldn't possibly be... his family?

Sophia's chest tightened, anxiety twisting her insides. No. Please, not that. Don't let her be his wife. Anyone but her.

Still being held by Alexander, Samantha yanked her hand away, glaring at him. "Alexander, how did you even know I was here? Were you following me?"

"You honestly think I need to stalk someone? Please. Mrs. Perkins strutted into the Perkins Mall all on her own. What-do you think my people just sit around twiddling their thumbs?" Alexander let out a cold laugh, his presence alone making every employee in the room tense up.

Mrs. Perkins...

So she really is his wife?

Alexander, the CEO of Perkins Corporation, worth billions and ridiculously good-looking-who would've thought he'd marry a woman that brash and overbearing?

Sure, Caitlin wasn't someone easy to mess with-Sophia could admit that much. But so what? When she wanted a man, she got him. No questions, no competition. She had never lost before, and she didn't plan to start now.

Alexander was hers. End of story.

Over by the racks, Alexander and Samantha were still in a standoff, completely ignoring Sophia's existence.

"Come home with me," Alexander said, reaching for Samantha's hand again.

"I've got legs, I'll walk myself," she fired back, dodging his hand and walking away like he wasn't even there.

Watching the two of them leave one after the other, Sophia's lips curled into a chilly smirk. Their relationship didn't seem all that solid after all.

Once they were gone, the store's employees couldn't help whispering among themselves.

"Wow, Mr. Perkins is seriously hot."

"Right? Rich and hot? He must've rescued a puppy and solved world peace in a past life."

"Nah, I'd say Mrs. Perkins is the one who did. Marrying Mr. Perkins? She's won life."

"Oh come on, Mrs. Perkins is stunning, has a killer body, and she's a featured designer for Aurelune. She's definitely on his level, maybe even above."

Hearing all this, Sophia's face instantly darkened. Her anger spiked as she shouted at them, "Shut up! That woman doesn't deserve Alexander at all. Mrs. Perkins? What a joke. Just wait-I'll bring her down sooner or later."

Back at the villa, Samantha ignored Alexander entirely and headed straight for the upstairs floor.

"Stop right there," Alexander ordered.

Samantha paused, leaned against the staircase railing, and glanced down at him. "What, still not done arguing? Didn't get enough drama at the mall? You got so much energy, why not hit the gym? I'm wiped, I'm not playing along anymore."

Alexander couldn't stand the way she looked down at him from above. The sharp edge in her gaze, the way she stood so confidently-it made him feel like she was actually looking down on him.

"Where were you tonight? Whose car did you get into? Why did you even go out?" His eyes were dark with a chill that sliced clean.

"You chased me all the way to the mall, right? So you should already know the answers. Now you wanna hear it straight from me? What, hoping I confirm your little suspicions?" Samantha's eyes sparkled with amusement as she looked at him.

Alexander's face turned a shade darker. "..."

With his frosty glare fixed on her, Samantha walked down the stairs slowly. The outfit she wore hugged her perfectly, exuding this queen-like energy that actually sent a strange ripple through Alexander's chest.

Caitlin, standing right in front of him now, was drop-dead gorgeous. Sexy, powerful, untouchably confident-she had a presence that made you want to look up, not down.

He'd never met a woman quite like her.

Her beauty was so potent, her gaze alone could make a man unsteady. That timid, quiet version of Caitlin from before? She didn't even exist anymore.

She hadn't just changed-she'd obliterated her past self.

Watching her come closer, Alexander couldn't help but remember the moment he'd kissed her-how sweet her lips tasted. And somehow, he wanted it again.

His throat bobbed visibly.