"You. You. All of you, get back to your work immediately. Stop staring."
Chef Wan's voice cut through the kitchen like a blade. He stepped out with a calm but commanding expression.
The maids immediately lowered their heads and returned to their tasks, too afraid to make another sound.
Chef Wan then walked over and placed a bowl of abalone soup in front of Reina.
"Madam, I prepared the brunch according to the Marshal's instructions. If it doesn't suit your taste, please let me know," he said politely, offering a gentle smile.
Reina picked up the spoon and took a small sip.
"It's good. The soup is delicious," she replied with a slight nod before continuing her breakfast in silence.
A moment later, her iPhone buzzed on the table.
She glanced at the screen.
A message from him.
My dear. Meet me at the Public Affairs Building at 3 o'clock. We need to register our marriage today.
Read: RUI
Reina stared at the message, her heart stirring with a strange, unfamiliar feeling.
When did she even save his number?
She frowned slightly.
He must have done it himself.
Registering at the Public Affairs Building meant one thing—they were about to become legally married.
After finishing her meal, a butler entered the room.
"Madam, I am Butler Dime, your chauffeur for today. Are you ready to leave?" he asked respectfully.
"Yes," Reina replied, standing up.
She walked out of the living room and, for the first time, truly took in the mansion she had been staying in.
Through the glass doors, a vast garden stretched before her eyes.
Hydrangeas bloomed in neat arrangements, while rows of sakura trees stood proudly along the stone pathway leading toward a massive iron gate far in the distance.
A large swimming pool shimmered under the sunlight, and beside it stood a pavilion connected to a garden overflowing with flowers.
The entire estate was enormous—silent, private, and clearly belonged to someone of immense power.
Only the elite or nobility could own land like this.
"Hello, Madam Griffin."
A voice interrupted her thoughts.
A woman in a professional suit appeared beside her.
"Who are you?" Reina asked.
"I am Odette. From today onward, I will be your assistant, assigned by the Marshal. If you need anything, you may instruct me directly."
Reina studied her briefly.
Odette looked ordinary at first glance, but her posture and presence carried the discipline of someone highly trained.
"Oh. Alright," Reina replied.
"The car is ready, Madam. Shall we go?" Odette asked.
"Yes."
An executive black Bentley pulled up in front of them.
Odette opened the door for Reina, who stepped inside. Odette then sat in the front passenger seat.
Butler Dime started the engine and drove smoothly out of the courtyard.
As the car left the mansion grounds, Reina looked out the window.
The estate stretched endlessly. Only after passing the gate did she realize the mansion was built on a mountain slope.
This mountain was famous in the city—often mentioned in national news, yet restricted from public access.
Only those with government authorization were allowed anywhere near it.
After a long descent, the car finally reached the city highway.
At an intersection, they slowed for a red light.
Suddenly—
A silver Mercedes swerved aggressively into their lane.
"Dime, watch out!" Assistant Odette shouted.
But it was too late.
The Bentley jolted violently as the front bumper collided with the rear of the Mercedes.
The impact shook the car.
"Madam, are you alright?" Odette asked urgently.
"I'm fine," Reina replied calmly.
Butler Dime quickly got out to inspect the damage. The Bentley's headlights were shattered, and the front bumper was heavily dented.
He returned to the car.
"Madam, it's not safe to step out. I'll handle this," he said.
Reina nodded slightly and turned her gaze toward the other vehicle.
But before Dime could approach the Mercedes, a sharp knock hit the Bentley's window.
He lowered it.
"Are you blind? How do you drive like that?" a woman's angry voice snapped.
The familiar voice made Reina's expression darken slightly.
She looked toward the window.
And saw her.
Liya.
The moment Liya saw Reina sitting in the back seat of the Bentley, her expression shifted—from shock to disbelief, then quickly to jealousy and contempt.
"You?" Liya's voice rose sharply. "Why are you here?!"
Her eyes scanned the luxury car, unable to accept what she was seeing.
Reina remained calm, unbothered.
"Unexpectedly, it's you," Liya spat. "Why are you still alive? Did you deliberately crash into me to stop Tosyiba and me from getting married today?"
Her tone was sharp, almost venomous.
Assistant Odette and Butler Dime both stiffened with anger at her words.