The room facing west grew hotter as the sun began to set.
Oddly enough, the temperature inside the room at this moment was abnormally low.
Adrian stood by the window as if gazing far into the distance. His jaw tightened, his handsome face icy and restrained.
Nathan stopped a short distance behind him.
"She left."
Adrian didn't turn around, responding only with a cold grunt.
Nathan looked down at the bustling city below, subconsciously searching for a familiar silhouette. After a long while, he found nothing.
If Nathan couldn't see it, then Adrian certainly wouldn't.
"Still can't see anything?" Nathan waved a hand in front of Adrian's eyes.
Adrian replied indifferently, "Sometimes, I can make out vague shapes."
Nathan nodded, picked up a document from the table, flipped through a few pages, and said, "One of the Gray family's properties has been transferred to the Cole family's name. It seems related to Lina's situation."
Adrian's brows knit slightly, the deep eyes hidden behind his sunglasses darkening.
Ignoring the chill radiating from him, Nathan continued mildly, "I heard that Evan used his shares in Cole Pharmaceuticals as a betrothal gift. Looks like the marriage is almost settled."
The already cold room seemed to freeze over completely.
Adrian's hand tightened on the windowsill, veins bulging on the back of his hand.
Nathan tossed the document back onto the table and asked casually, "What do you plan to do?"
Adrian tapped his way toward the door with his white cane and walked out.
"Have you really thought it through?" Nathan chuckled lightly and followed after him.
Harborlight Café
Lina stirred her coffee slowly, her gaze lifting as a young woman stepped into the café.
Flat shoes, an oversized T-shirt, high ponytail, bare face—so clean and harmless that no one would suspect the malice hidden beneath.
"Miss Selina, please have a seat," Lina said calmly, pointing to the chair opposite her without standing.
Before Miss Selina could speak, her eyes reddened.
"I truly love Daniel… please, help us…"
"I'm here to help." Lina placed a file gently on the table.
Miss Selina froze.
"…You weren't sent by Mrs. Daniel?"
"I represent Lynch Daniel," Lina replied with a soft smile, pushing the file forward.
"Mr. Daniel has already been honest with Mrs. Daniel. If you sign this, the divorce proceedings will begin immediately."
Miss Selina flipped through the pages. Her expression twisted.
"Leave with nothing?"
Lina nodded.
"Mr. Daniel loves you deeply. To be with you, he's willing to give up everything he has."
"But…" Miss Selina bit her lip.
She had pursued him for money—what was the point if he left with none?
"Please turn to the next page," Lina said politely.
"There's another clause here—proof of your devotion."
Miss Selina turned the page and nearly exploded.
"I have to help him repay his debts? Are you insane?!"
"This is only fair," Lina explained calmly.
"The Daniel Group has suffered losses for years, all covered by Mrs. Daniel. Upon divorce, the debt must be repaid. As his future wife, that responsibility naturally falls to you."
"I won't pay his debts!" Miss Selina snapped. "I won't marry him!"
Lina glanced meaningfully at her abdomen.
"What about the child?"
"He needs a rich father, not a debt-ridden old man!"
Lina tilted her head, puzzled.
"But if Mr. Daniel sues, he could still fight for custody."
"The child isn't his! He has no right!"
"Miss Selina," Lina said gently, "don't let emotions cloud your judgment. Mr. Daniel believes otherwise."
"I have proof!" Miss Selina sneered.
"I met him two months ago, but I've been pregnant for over three."
"But Mr. Daniel claims—"
"He was drunk every time!" Miss Selina interrupted, standing abruptly.
"It's over. Tell him that."
She stormed into the restroom.
Lina calmly took out her phone and dialled.
"Mr. Daniel, it's settled."
"Don't lie to me—"
"You can call her yourself."
She hung up.
Minutes later, the restroom door opened.
The woman who walked out now wore a revealing off-shoulder top and thigh-high shorts, makeup flawless and seductive. If not for her loud phone call, Lina wouldn't have recognized her.
"Stop calling me!" Miss Selina snapped into the phone.
"You're an old man living off your wife. Do you really think you're worth it?"
She walked past Lina, hips swaying, and tossed the oversized shirt into the trash.
Lina placed money beneath her coffee cup and sent the recording to Daniel's mailbox.
As she left, her phone buzzed—a message from finance. Daniel's first payment had arrived.
Ten thousand dollars.
Seven years ago, it wasn't small money.
Lina decided it was time to change her image.
Gray Family Residence
In the living room, two girls chatted cheerfully.
"Sister Tia, I heard you signed another major deal. That must've earned a huge commission!"
"Not much," Tia replied modestly. "Just over a hundred thousand. And you did well in the city debate competition."
"That's thanks to the team leader," Vivian said, linking arms with her.
"I don't know why my brother likes Lina. Bad temper, no refinement, and not half as pretty as you!"
Tia smiled gently.
"She just doesn't like dressing up. She's actually quite attractive."
"I doubt she even knows lipstick shades," Vivian teased.
"Last time she used yours, it got all over her teeth!"
"She's had it rough," Tia said softly, satisfaction flickering in her eyes.
"Give her time."
"Who are you picking on?"
A clear voice echoed from the doorway.
Both girls froze.
The girl standing there wore a light, elegant dress. Her features were sharp and refined, her shoulder-length hair smooth and glossy.
She was calm—but not weak. Confident—without arrogance.
It was Lina.
"Lina?" Vivian gasped.
Lina smiled faintly.
"Who else would it be? Who were you planning to pick on?"
Tia stared blankly.
Earlier that day, she had sensed something different about Lina.
Now, she was certain—
Something had completely changed.