Yona's first day at Blackwater Pharmaceuticals had been exhausting in more ways than one. Between learning her new responsibilities and helping Viola plan the perfect anniversary party to impress Keith, she felt emotionally drained. As she stepped out of the building into the late afternoon sun, all she wanted was to go home and collapse into bed.She raised her hand to hail a taxi, and within moments, a yellow cab pulled up to the curb. But before Yona could open the door, a man emerged from the back seat, nearly colliding with her."Oh, I'm so sorry," he said, steadying her with a hand on her arm. "Are you alright?"Yona looked up to find herself face to face with a strikingly handsome man in an expensive suit. He had dark hair, sharp features, and an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance."I'm fine," Yona said, taking a step back to put some distance between them.The man smiled, his eyes appraising her with obvious interest. "Where are you headed?"Yona felt immediately cau

Keith stood in Larsson's study, the weight of the patriarch's offer still settling over him like a heavy blanket. The entire Kappel fortune, a place in one of the most powerful families in the country, all in exchange for marrying Cynthia. It was the kind of proposal that would make most men jump at the opportunity without hesitation.But Keith wasn't most men."I'll think about it," Keith said finally, meeting Larsson's expectant gaze.Larsson's expression soured immediately. "Think about it? What's there to think about, Dr. Cross?""Whether or not I can fall in love with Cynthia," Keith replied honestly. "I don't know if that's something that will happen for me.""Love can grow with time," Larsson argued, waving his hand dismissively. "Arranged marriages have worked for centuries—""I'm not interested in an arranged marriage," Keith interrupted. "Cynthia is wonderful – she's fun, beautiful, intelligent, and incredibly brave. But I need to be sure about my feelings before I make any

Yona arrived at the upscale Italian restaurant Marcus had recommended, her stomach churning with a mixture of nerves and resignation.She spotted him immediately – he was sitting at a table near the window, looking perfectly composed in another expensive suit.When Marcus saw her, his face lit up with genuine pleasure. "Yona! You look absolutely stunning.""Thank you," Yona said, sliding into the seat across from him. "You mentioned this place has great Italian food?""The best in the city," Marcus confirmed enthusiastically. "I'm so glad you decided to come. I wasn't sure you would after our first meeting.""Why's that?" Yona asked, studying the menu to avoid his intense gaze."You seemed very cautious," Marcus said with a slight smile. "Like you weren't sure you could trust me.""I didn't know you," Yona pointed out. "I still don't, really.""Well, then let's fix that," Marcus said, leaning forward with interest. "Tell me about yourself, Yona Richardson. What do you do?"As the even

Keith arrived at the Blackwater anniversary party fashionably late, his mood already sour from Yona's deliberate avoidance earlier.The venue was impressive – a luxury hotel ballroom decorated with elegant lighting and floral arrangements that probably cost more than most people's monthly rent.Well-dressed guests mingled throughout the space, champagne glasses in hand, the buzz of conversation and light jazz music filling the air.But Keith barely noticed any of it. His eyes swept across the room, searching for one person in particular.And then he found her.Yona stood near the far end of the ballroom, wearing an emerald green gown that made her look absolutely radiant. Her blonde hair was styled in soft waves, and even from this distance, Keith could see she was smiling. Laughing, actually, at something the man beside her was saying.Marcus Chen.Keith felt his jaw tighten as he watched them. Marcus was standing too close to Yona, leaning in as he spoke to her, his body language un

Keith felt his blood boiling at Marcus's insinuation. The way Marcus spoke about the miracle doctor being unreachable and letting people die – it was a direct attack, even if Marcus didn't know he was speaking to the miracle doctor himself. Or did he?Keith studied Marcus's face carefully, searching for any sign that the man knew his true identity. There was something calculating in Marcus's eyes, something that suggested he knew more than he was letting on."That's an interesting assessment," Keith said, his voice dangerously calm. "But I have to disagree. There's no way these doctors your company is bringing could do half of what the miracle doctor does.""Bold claim," Marcus replied with a smirk. "Have you met these doctors? Seen their work?""Have you met the miracle doctor?" Keith countered. "Seen what he can actually do?""I've heard the stories," Marcus said dismissively. "Rumors and legends. Meanwhile, our doctors have documented cases, peer-reviewed research, actual evidence