章節 1: Chapter 1-Never Thought This Day Would Come
Cynthia Lancaster never imagined their reunion would be like this: Albert Wilson, unconscious and clinging to life, while she fought to save him.
Her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted the IV, her mind flashing back to all the times she had wished him harm. She'd cursed him, even fantasized about a world without him. But now, staring at his fragile form, those feelings crumbled. There was no satisfaction, no victory. Only a hollow ache.
Today marked the end of his treatment. One final session, and his life would no longer hang by a thread. For Cynthia, it meant freedom—a chance to leave this chapter behind and return to Australia with her daughter, Olive. The thought should've brought her peace, but instead, it felt like a storm brewing on the horizon.
In the bedroom, Olive lay sprawled on the bed, her tiny form dwarfed by its size. Cynthia placed her hat and oversized sunglasses aside, revealing a face both serene and striking. Her flawless skin defied the years, and no one would guess she was a mother to a four-year-old.
"Olive, be good," Cynthia said softly, kneeling beside her daughter. "Once I finish treating your uncle, we'll leave. For good."
Olive's dark eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Mommy, why is Uncle sleeping so much? Is he a prince waiting for a kiss?"
Cynthia's lips twitched into a faint smile. "No, sweetheart. He's just... tired. Now, sit here and wait for me, alright?"
Olive nodded solemnly, clutching her stuffed rabbit. "Okay, Mommy. I'll wait."
But as Cynthia turned to prepare the medication, Olive's curiosity got the better of her. By the time Cynthia returned, Olive had climbed onto the bed, her tiny hand reaching out toward Albert's face.
"Olive!" Cynthia's sharp tone froze the girl in place. "Get down from there!"
Olive pouted, her large eyes brimming with tears. "Mommy, you always tell me to be a lady. Why are you yelling at me?"
Cynthia sighed, kneeling beside the bed. "You're right. Mommy shouldn't have shouted. Now, please, come down."
"But the bed's so big! I'll stay on the side. I won't squish Uncle," Olive protested, stubborn as ever.
Cynthia gave up with a weary smile. "Fine. Just stay still and don't touch anything, okay?"
Olive beamed triumphantly, propping her chin on her hands as she observed Albert with rapt fascination. "Mommy, I think this uncle is more handsome than Hardy."
Cynthia snorted, carefully unwrapping the bandages on Albert's back. "And why's that?"
"Because his nose looks like Olive's!" she declared, poking Albert's nose with her small finger.
Cynthia froze. Her eyes darted to Olive, then back to Albert. The resemblance was undeniable, and it sent a shiver down her spine.
"Olive," Cynthia said, her voice strained, "are you saying you think you're pretty?"
"Aren't I, Mommy?" Olive's lower lip trembled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Cynthia sighed, brushing a hand through her daughter's curls. "Of course you are. The prettiest girl in the world."
Satisfied, Olive returned to her vigil. But the silence didn't last.
"Mommy, Uncle opened his eyes!" Olive cried, her voice shrill with excitement.
Cynthia's head snapped up, her heart leaping into her throat. Sure enough, Albert's eyes fluttered open, unfocused but unmistakably aware. For a moment, their gazes locked. His lips moved, forming a single, hoarse word:
"Cynthia..."
Time seemed to stop. Panic surged through her as she realized he wasn't supposed to wake up yet. Not now. Not like this.
"Mommy, why is Uncle calling you?" Olive's innocent question broke the spell.
Cynthia acted on instinct. She scooped Olive off the bed and set her down on the floor. Grabbing the emergency syringe, she injected Albert with the sedative, her hands steady despite the chaos in her mind. His body relaxed, and his eyes closed once more.
Cynthia exhaled shakily, her heart hammering in her chest. She hastily rebandaged his wounds, then picked up Olive and fled the room, the image of Albert's piercing gaze burned into her memory.
It wasn't supposed to happen this way. But now, the past she'd fought so hard to bury was clawing its way back. And this time, there was no running from it.
n the corridor outside, Cynthia's steps faltered. She leaned against the wall, clutching Olive close. The little girl rested her head on her mother's shoulder, her tiny arms wrapping around Cynthia's neck.
"Mommy, is Uncle okay?" Olive whispered, her voice laced with concern.
Cynthia swallowed hard, her throat dry. "He'll be fine, sweetheart. He just needs rest."
"He called you 'Cynthia.'" Olive's curious tone was soft but persistent. "Why did he say that?"
Cynthia's chest tightened. How could she explain a history too complicated for a child's innocent mind? "That's just... an old name someone used to call me. Nothing important."
Olive accepted the answer with a small nod, but her wide eyes remained thoughtful.
Cynthia straightened, her resolve hardening. There was no room for hesitation now. She needed to finish what she'd started—close this chapter for good. Turning, she walked briskly down the hall, her heels clicking against the polished floor.
Behind her, in the stillness of the room they'd just left, Albert's fingers twitched. Somewhere deep in his drug-induced haze, her voice lingered, pulling him toward the surface like a beacon.
章節 2: Chapter 2- The Daughters of the Lancaster Family
Rumor has it that the Lancaster family has three daughters. Each one unique, yet equally mesmerizing in her own way.
The eldest, Maureen Lancaster, is the epitome of grace. With her gentle demeanor, she is the perfect wife and mother—a woman of pure elegance. Marrying her is a dream come true for any man who seeks peace and prosperity in his life.
The second daughter, Grace Lancaster, is a powerhouse. Strong, capable, and calculating, she is the force behind the Lancaster empire. Marrying her guarantees a life of efficiency and success—any man who lands her is ensured decades of effortless triumph.
The youngest, Doreen Lancaster, is the most elusive. A beauty like no other, she captivates every room she enters. Seductive and daring, she is the current darling of the fashion industry. Yet, despite her many admirers, she has remained resolutely unmarried, her heart a fortress no man has breached.
"Maureen Lancaster married five years ago. Her husband, Wendy, is the owner of a renowned architectural design firm. Together, they share a son, and their life appears flawless, as though carved from the dreams of a perfect family," the rumors whisper.
Grace Lancaster, the second daughter, is no less impressive. She runs the entire Lancaster empire with an iron fist. Two years ago, she married her childhood sweetheart, Vincent Danny. Theirs is a marriage not just of love, but of convenience—an alliance between two powerful families. Vincent's father, a prominent prosecutor, ensures their union is not only seen as the perfect match but a political and business partnership that can shake the foundations of the city.
Yet, despite the success of her two older sisters, Doreen Lancaster remains unmarried. Her fierce pride and untamed spirit have deterred many suitors. Her beauty has lured countless wealthy heirs, sons of influential officials, and powerful military figures, but none have been able to convince her to take the leap into the "grave of marriage."
Today, the Lancaster family gathers in the estate, their faces grave, a heavy air hanging over them. In an unusual display of vulnerability, there is even a hint of shyness on Doreen's otherwise aloof expression. Why? Because Albert Wilson, the vice president of the prestigious investment firm "BGIG"—and one of the most sought-after figures in the financial world—is coming for a visit.
The Lancaster family can no longer afford to waste time. Beneath their grand facade, the empire is crumbling. Grace Lancaster and William S. Lancaster are the only ones who know the painful truth. Years of bad investments and financial disasters have left the Lancaster family teetering on the edge of collapse.
If they can secure an alliance with "BGIG," the Lancaster empire could rise from the ashes like a phoenix. This is their hope—fragile and desperate.
But for Doreen Lancaster, the stakes are higher. Her heart races like a startled deer as she anticipates Albert Wilson's arrival. The man is a legend in both the legitimate world and the shadows of the underworld. At just twenty-six, he is both the vice president of "BGIG" and a key figure in the feared criminal organization "BlackRock." His cold, calculating demeanor has left many women entranced, and his reputation as a shrewd businessman precedes him.
Doreen had once seen him at a cocktail party—just a fleeting glance, but it was enough to captivate her. His faint smile, distant yet knowing, caused her prideful heart to falter, and she wondered if she could be one of those rare women who could capture his attention.
Rumor has it that Albert Wilson doesn't waste his time on things that don't serve his interests. For women, it's the same. He rewards those who bring him business opportunities or personal pleasure with extravagance—luxury cars, estates, jewelry. But those who don't serve his needs? They don't even deserve a second glance.
So if he's interested in forming a marriage alliance with the Lancaster family, it must mean he's after her, doesn't it? After all, her sisters are already married. Could it be that Doreen Lancaster has caught the eye of the most powerful man in the city? Could she, the youngest and most elusive of the Lancaster sisters, finally be the rare gem he seeks?
As she thinks about this, her smile brightens, nearly impossible to suppress. She can already imagine the power and status she'd gain from such an alliance. Her heart pounds with excitement, and she dares to hope that today might be the beginning of something monumental.
A light knock echoes through the hallway, pulling Doreen from her thoughts.
The Lancaster estate, a mansion of decaying splendor, now hosts a visitor whose mere presence sends ripples of tension through the air. Standing outside the grand, weathered doors is a man in a silver-gray suit. His tall, commanding figure is the perfect blend of elegance and intimidation. A burgundy tie complements his attire, adding to his aura of untouchable luxury.
Albert Wilson stands before the Lancaster Estate, his piercing gaze scanning the familiar surroundings. He narrows his eyes at the imposing nameplate beside the door: Lancaster Estate.
A faint scowl crosses his lips, quickly replaced by a practiced calm. He inhales deeply, steadying himself. When he opens his eyes again, the mask of composure is firmly in place.
A cold smile curves his lips as he reaches for the doorbell, his fingers brushing against the smooth surface with deliberate grace. The chime rings out, and soon, William S. Lancaster is hurrying to greet him, accompanied by his two sons-in-law.
Albert offers a polite, distant smile, his eyes quickly appraising the men around him. But as he steps inside, his attention is immediately fixed on one person—Doreen Lancaster.
It's not the warm greeting of the family that draws his attention, but the youngest daughter. Her gaze, bright with a mixture of admiration and longing, meets his. Doreen, ever the elusive beauty, doesn't bother to conceal her fascination with him.
Albert leans back casually against the plush sofa, his long legs crossing in a pose that speaks volumes of his effortless arrogance. His voice is smooth, almost mocking, as he speaks.
"Miss Doreen Lancaster," he says, his words carrying a subtle, seductive allure. "I remember meeting you at a party. Your beauty was impossible to forget."
A surge of surprise runs through Doreen, followed by an unmistakable joy. Her eyes sparkle as her lips curve into a shy smile.
William S. Lancaster is nearly grinning ear to ear, his excitement barely contained. Grace Lancaster, however, looks less than pleased. A flash of anger darkens her features as she watches Albert's exclusive attention on her younger sister.
Albert Wilson doesn't spare a glance for anyone else. The tension is palpable as his gaze remains fixed on Doreen. She, the youngest and most enigmatic, is his sole focus. It is clear to all that the rumors about Albert Wilson's ruthlessness and pragmatism are true. He doesn't waste time on anything—or anyone—that doesn't serve him.
And yet, here he is, pouring all his attention onto Doreen Lancaster.
Grace Lancaster clenches her fists, seething. She knows exactly what this means—Albert Wilson is playing his game, and she is no longer in control.
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