Chapter 3

Cyrus didn't return for half a month.

He was betting I'd show up with a black card and a luxury car, just like before.

After all, every time before, I couldn't bear to see that face disappointed. A face so much like Sebastian's. So I'd compromise. No limits.

But he miscalculated this time.

I had no time for him.

News from the Ashford family was becoming increasingly definite. Someone had spotted a figure resembling Sebastian at a private sanatorium abroad.

I mobilized all of the Sterling family's underground networks to investigate, staying up entire nights monitoring for updates.

Right at this critical juncture, the Sterling family faced a crisis.

My grandfather, who had doted on me most, suffered a sudden cerebral hemorrhage and was rushed into the ICU.

The doctor issued a critical condition notice, telling me to prepare myself mentally.

That day, thunder and lightning crashed. I stood outside the emergency room, my entire body ice cold.

Before losing consciousness, Grandfather kept calling out. "Viv... find someone... to take care of you..."

I knew Grandfather feared I would be alone.

I wanted to put his mind at ease.

Even if it was fake, I needed to let him see, to tell him I had someone.

I dialed Cyrus's number.

First attempt, rejected.

Second attempt, rejected again.

Third attempt, finally answered.

Deafening engine roars and cheers came through the receiver.

Cyrus was at the racetrack.

"Make it quick, I'm busy." His voice was arrogant and cocky.

"Cyrus, come to First Memorial Hospital." I tried desperately to keep my voice from shaking. "Grandfather's critical. He wants to see you. Just come now, and I'll buy you that limited edition supercar you wanted."

Silence on the other end for a second, then Meadow's shrill scream erupted.

"Ah! Cyrus! I want to try that drift! Take me, please!"

Cyrus clicked his tongue, then said impatiently, "Vivienne, you're really going all out to trick me back, aren't you? Even lying about the old man dying? Ever heard of the boy who cried wolf?"

"Meadow's in a bad mood today. I need to take her for a drive to cheer her up. Go play the dutiful granddaughter yourself. Don't bother me."

The call disconnected.

In that instant, my knuckles turned white gripping the phone.

I never imagined a person could be this rotten.

Half an hour later, the emergency room lights went out.

The doctor pushed out a gurney covered with a white sheet and shook his head at me.

I didn't cry.

Tears seemed too superfluous in this moment.

I simply quietly took out my phone and sent an order to the financial director.

"Cancel all supplementary cards under Cyrus's name. Revoke his residential rights at the Westhill Villa. Now. Immediately."