Sebastian's face went pale as the implications sank in. He straightened abruptly, his earlier amusement completely evaporated."Someone tried to kill you?" His voice rose slightly. "Who the hell would want you dead? And more importantly—has your secret identity been discovered?"The question hung heavy in the air. If Caden's enemies knew he was alive, that he'd been training under Master Aldrich for ten years, that he was the true owner of Marvelous Group—then everything they'd worked for could collapse. Worse, everyone associated with Caden would become a target.Caden shook his head firmly. "No. My secret couldn't have been discovered. Master Aldrich was extremely careful, and we've maintained absolute discretion. Only a handful of people in the entire world know my true identity, and I trust every single one of them.""Then who—""That's what bothers me." Caden leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful but tense. "This situation isn't about my secret identity. It has to b

Derek's lips curled into a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "The situation is something that couldn't be discussed over an ordinary call. Too sensitive. Too... delicate."Madison's frown deepened. "What situation?"Derek leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice even though they were completely alone in the private dining area. "It's about Vivian and that... husband of hers. Caden Pierce."The way he said Caden's name made it sound like something distasteful he'd found on the bottom of his shoe.Madison's expression remained neutral, but her fingers tightened almost imperceptibly on her clutch. "What about them?""I had a very interesting conversation with Brandon Montgomery today," Derek began, his tone taking on a gossipy quality that seemed beneath him but clearly excited him. "He's currently in jail, as you probably know. But he had some fascinating information to share about the happy newlyweds.""Get to the point, Derek.""Apparently, things are progressing quite well b

The conference hall at Montgomery Luxe buzzed with energy as Vivian stood at the head of the sleek glass table, addressing her executive team. Floor-to-ceiling windows behind her offered a stunning view of downtown Los Angeles, the afternoon sun casting golden light across the polished surfaces."As of this morning," Vivian announced, her voice crisp and professional, "Montgomery Luxe has officially signed a cooperation agreement with Marvelous Group."For a moment, there was absolute silence.Then the room erupted."Marvelous Group? Sebastian Mitchell's company?" One of the senior managers stood abruptly, his eyes wide with disbelief."That's incredible, Miss Montgomery!""How did you manage it?""This is unprecedented!"The team members broke into spontaneous applause, their faces reflecting genuine shock and excitement. Vivian allowed herself a small, satisfied smile as she watched their reactions."I know this comes as a surprise," she said once the noise died down. "Almost everyo

Sarah approached Vivian's desk with the manila envelope held carefully in both hands. Vivian barely glanced at it, her expression remaining impassive.Packages weren't unusual for her—in fact, they were practically a daily occurrence. Ever since graduating from Princeton and taking over as CEO of Montgomery Luxe, Vivian had been inundated with gifts from suitors and various men trying to win her favor. Expensive jewelry, designer items, elaborate flower arrangements—she'd received them all and had long since stopped being impressed by such transparent attempts at courtship."Just place it down," Vivian said with a dismissive wave, her attention already returning to her father and aunt. "I'll look at it later."But Sarah didn't move. She stood there, still holding the envelope, her expression uncertain."Miss Montgomery," Sarah said carefully, "this isn't the usual type of package you receive."That caught Vivian's attention. Her glacial blue eyes shifted back to her assistant, one eye

"Did you receive the flowers?" Caden's voice came through clear and calm on the other end of the line.Vivian glanced at the envelope still resting on her desk, her fingers hovering over it. "Flowers?""In the package. I didn't get anything too expensive—didn't want to arouse suspicion or make people ask questions about where I got the money." There was a hint of amusement in his tone. "Figured simple was better."Despite herself, Vivian felt warmth spread through her chest. The gesture was so thoughtful, so considerate of her position and the scrutiny she faced daily."I like them regardless," she said softly, her usual glacial tone thawing slightly. "Thank you, Caden. It was... unexpected.""You're welcome."A brief silence fell between them, comfortable rather than awkward. Vivian's mind drifted back to the confrontation with her father, and she found herself wanting to know the truth—Caden's version of what had actually happened that morning."Caden," she began, her voice returnin