The conference hall on the first floor of the Swan Hotel was bustling.News of the Hart family holding a marriage recruitment for the disfigured Isabella Hart had long become a topic of gossip in certain Washington circles.The requirements were "good health and no bad habits," with a promise of an apartment, a shop, and family protection.But insiders knew the Harts just wanted to get rid of this "burden" as soon as possible.Arthur Hart—the family head and Isabella’s grandfather—sat in the main seat.His gray beard stuck up, and his fingers tapped impatiently on a sign that read "Candidate Interviews."Isabella’s parents, Richard Hart and Martha Hart, sat on either side of him, their expressions equally grim."Grandpa, anyone who actually comes will either be a pauper or a liar!" Ethan Martinez, Arthur’s grandson, leaned over to sneer.No sooner had he spoken than a commotion erupted at the door.Jacob Wilson—dressed in a flashy pink suit with his hair slicked back—strutted in with

"Hiss—"A collective gasp echoed through the room instantly.Her face... was covered in twisted, raised burn scars of varying shades—like land that had been kissed by fire and then cruelly abandoned.Only her bright blue eyes remained, clear as an unpolluted sky, filled with overwhelming pain and faint hope.Jacob Wilson stumbled back three steps, knocking over a waiter’s tray.The sound of shattering wine glasses was shrill.Unconcealed terror and disgust were written all over his face as he shrieked: "Monster! You’re a monster! How could I marry you? Marrying you is worse than marrying a sow!"His vicious words were like poisoned arrows, piercing the courage Isabella had barely mustered.Her body swayed violently, and the light in her eyes went out completely—replaced by the lifeless despair of ash.Jessica hurried to support her, glaring angrily at Jacob. "You bastard! Bella got burned saving someone...""Saving someone? Who’d believe that!" Jacob scoffed, cutting her off. "I think

Early the next morning, Jack wore a well-tailored light gray suit, which made his tall figure even more imposing.Isabella chose an elegant white dress, pulled her blonde hair up, and applied a light touch of makeup.Now that her appearance was restored, she was radiant—stunningly beautiful.Raymond Brown—Jack’s loyal butler and driver—chauffeur-driven them to the city hall in a black armored car.The city hall was a typical Gothic building—solemn and dignified.They waited in line excitedly, ready to register their marriage."You two make such a handsome couple—perfect for each other!" The middle-aged female clerk in charge of registration smiled and praised them as she handed over the forms.Jack was about to hand over the identification documents that Raymond had specially prepared when suddenly—Bang!The lights in the city hall flickered violently, then went out completely!At the same time, noisy shouting and the sound of breaking glass came from outside the window!"What’s goin

That afternoon, Anthony Thompson, the general manager of White’s Resort, indeed personally delivered a brand-new contract to the Hart family’s villa.Only Ethan Martinez was at home—Arthur, Richard, and Martha were all out and hadn’t returned yet.The general manager was extremely humble as he presented the contract, explaining that the amount had been increased from the original one million dollars to two million dollars.The terms were so favorable they exceeded the Hart family’s expectations."This is all thanks to Mr. Brown and Miss Hart. It’s our small apology and sincerity," the general manager said respectfully.After seeing the general manager off, Ethan stared at the two-million-dollar contract.An evil idea popped into his head.He picked up the contract and called Arthur."Grandpa, look! I’m the one who finally got the contract! That Jack—he just got lucky and knows some people. The real reason we got it is definitely the reputation you’ve built up for the family all these

Jack and Isabella had just walked out of the private room when, before they could leave the restaurant, a burst of intense gunfire suddenly rang out!"Bang! Bang! Bang!"Bullets whistled through the air, hitting the dining tables with shrill "thuds."Plates and wine glasses crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces.The restaurant’s customers screamed, scrambling under the tables to hide.The once lively restaurant turned into a living hell in an instant."It’s a gang shootout!"someone shouted, their voice filled with fear."Run!"Jack immediately pulled Isabella behind him, his body leaning slightly forward as he stared warily in the direction of the gunfire.His eyes turned sharp—like a hunting eagle.Years of battlefield experience kept him absolutely calm in the face of danger.A group of men in black jackets and baseball caps marched through the restaurant, pistols in hand, searching table by table.A ferocious skull tattoo covered each of their forearms. Cigarettes hung from