Chapter 1 Let's Get A Divorce

The master bedroom on the second floor of the Montgomery Estate was pure, over-the-top luxury.

Clothes were scattered all over the floor, leaving no question about the intimacy that had unfolded.

On the bed, two figures lay entangled, their breaths still heavy, hearts racing together.

Today was Nora Kingsley's anniversary with her husband, Elias Montgomery. She'd gone all out—cooked his favorite meal, picked out the perfect gifts, and waited eagerly for him to come home.

Meanwhile, Elias's mother, Aubrey Montgomery, was downstairs in the living room, playing poker with a gaggle of wealthy socialites.

Everything seemed just right. But then, the peace shattered.

Nora's sister, Isla Kingsley, barged into the living room, waving a paper like it was a winning lottery ticket. "Nora! You left your fertility test results at the clinic. Here, I got them for you!"

Before Nora could even open her mouth, Aubrey snatched the report from Isla, her eyes flicking over the page. And then her face twisted.

The word "infertile" might as well have been stamped across the page in red ink.

Aubrey's expression hardened, and then—she slapped Nora, her voice dripping with venom. "You lying little bitch! You told me the reason you weren't pregnant was that Elias wouldn't touch you. But it was all bullshit, wasn't it? You can't even have kids!"

Aubrey's voice cut through the room, her disgust palpable. "So, you're the reason my son can't carry on the Montgomery name? Unbelievable."

"Aubrey, please, let me explain—" Nora started, her voice shaking, but she didn't get far. Laughter and whispers rippled through the poker circle, and not a single face showed her any mercy.

"Oh, come on, Aubrey, a family like yours needs heirs, doesn't it?" one of the women sneered.

"Yeah, if she can't give you grandkids, what's she still doing here? I mean, there's plenty of other women who'd kill for that job!" another one added with a cruel smirk.

"I mean, I've heard of women who can't have kids, but I never thought I'd actually meet one," someone muttered, followed by more snickers.

Aubrey jabbed her finger at Nora, practically shaking with rage. "Get the hell out. You're nothing but a disgrace to this family."

At that moment, the door swung open, and Elias stepped in—the most powerful man in Lakeshore, now looking like a thunderstorm about to break.

He crossed the room in a few strides, ignoring the whispers, and reached out a hand to Nora, pulling her to her feet. His gaze was ice-cold as it swept over the room. "Everyone. Out."

He didn't wait to see if they listened. With Nora held close, he turned and led her upstairs, leaving the stunned silence and judgmental stares far behind.

As he reached up to brush his fingers over the red mark on Nora's cheek, she looked at him, searching his face for a glimmer of sympathy. But instead, he said, "Let's get a divorce."

"What?" Her eyes widened, filling with tears of shock. "Is it because I can't have kids?"

Elias loosened his tie, frowning just a bit. "Not exactly. You've been taking the fall for me, I know that. But let's be real here—I don't love you. Without love, there's no point. Divorce is the only option."

The words cut her to the core.

"If you know I've been bearing this mess because of you, maybe you should be fixing it, not bailing on me with a divorce!" Nora wanted to scream about everything she'd sacrificed for him over the years, but held back.

Elias's face remained cold, his tone unflinching. "Look, you can take whatever you want—the stocks, the cars, the house. Anything."

Nora blinked, thrown by his indifference. Then she straightened, a glint of defiance sparking in her eyes. "Anything I want?"

*****

Finally, the bed stopped creaking, and both of them lay there, drenched in sweat.

Nora got up, padded barefoot to the window, and lit a cigarette.

Elias sat on the bed, glaring at her in disbelief. She'd drugged him. The obedient, gentle wife he thought he knew had actually drugged him. It was the last thing he'd ever expected.

"You said I could have whatever I wanted, right?" Nora shot back at him with a bitter smile. "So listen up. I put up with the Montgomery family's bullshit for years—for you."

Her love for him had been a one-sided, painful devotion, spanning a decade. It all started when they were young.

When he'd been in a coma, she'd stayed by his side, cleaning him, taking care of him day and night, hoping he'd wake up and see her.

She'd suffered the shame of being branded "barren." She'd thought her loyalty and love would eventually break through his walls.

But in the end, all she got was a slap in the face and a call for divorce.

Nora couldn't take it anymore.

"Nora!" Elias's voice was cold, his face twisted with fury, his eyes filled with an intense, almost violent rage.

But he was too late. Nora had planned her escape to the last detail. A plane ticket and a signed divorce paper were all she needed to cut every last tie.

*****

Four years later, on a plane, Nora felt a steady throb in her temples.

The closer they got to Lakeshore, the more intense it became, like some kind of warning that big things were waiting for her there.

She hadn't wanted to come back, but she didn't have a choice. Her beloved grandfather had fallen gravely ill, slipping into a coma. She couldn't stand by and let Isla, the treacherous fake heiress, take over the Kingsley family.

With sunglasses hiding her eyes, Nora turned to her kids, her face calm but fierce. "Alright, remember what I told you.

"On this trip, stay close to me. Don't wander off, and steer clear of any shady types. Keep away from anyone in Lakeshore's high society—they're my enemies. Got it?"

"Yes, Mommy," her three kids replied in unison.

Beside Nora sat Juniper Kingsley, a little girl in an adorable dress, her hair in twin pigtails and her big, sparkling eyes wide with curiosity. She was the kind of sweet little angel who had everyone wrapped around her finger the moment they met her.

Behind them, other voices filled the air.

Jasper Kingsley, the oldest, had this effortlessly cool vibe—always in black, radiating a calm way beyond his years.

Then there was Silas Kingsley, the second brother, sharp as a tack in his crisp white shirts and suspenders, giving off this aura of old-school elegance.

Both of them had a presence that demanded attention, an ideal blend of cool and classy. And to top it off, they both looked eerily similar to Elias.

Juniper eyed Nora with a hint of hesitation, but Jasper and Silas? They looked like they couldn't care less.

Their indifferent attitude rubbed Nora the wrong way. She shot them a glare. "Did you hear me?"

Jasper and Silas were lost in their own worlds. Jasper was buried in a finance and stock magazine, his focus razor-sharp.

Silas, on the other hand, was hammering away at his laptop, fingers flying over the keys like a pro hacker deep in the zone.

From the get-go, Jasper and Silas had been freakishly talented. Their minds worked at warp speed, and anything they set their sights on—whether it was finance, stock trading, or hacking—came as naturally as breathing.

They even spoke four languages fluently. Honestly, adults didn't stand a chance against them.

Chapter 2 Getting Lost

Nora often felt like her two boys were running the show. They were sharp, quick-witted, and always seemed two steps ahead, leaving her feeling a little overwhelmed.

Her daughter, though, didn't exactly inherit the same spark. The poor thing was always the first to doze off in class, constantly hungry, and firmly stuck at the bottom of her kindergarten class.

"Keep your distance from Lakeshore's high society. That's where the snakes are, and I'm always fussing about you anyway," Jasper and Silas echoed Nora's warnings right back at her, not even bothering to look up.

Nora sighed, sinking into her seat, feeling a weight settle over her heart. Someone was missing from her life, a piece of her family that should've been there.

She should've had four children. But when they were born, someone she trusted turned on her, snatching one of her babies and vanishing without a trace.

*****

The plane touched down smoothly. Nora stepped off with her three kids in tow.

In the arrivals hall, a crowd held signs with names scrawled across them.

One woman, looking chic and mysterious behind oversized sunglasses, was holding a sign that read "Carrie."

It was a code name, whispered about in certain circles—a medical miracle worker whose real face was a mystery, though everyone knew her legend.

Nora spotted her, her gaze cool and guarded behind her own shades. She breezed past with her kids, not giving Isla another glance.

Isla, too absorbed in her sign, didn't notice Nora, catching only a faint impression of an elegant figure gliding past her.

After leaving the airport, Nora drove straight to Lakeshore Hospital.

"Hello, Mr. Porter," she greeted, her voice steady.

"Miss Kingsley, welcome. Right this way." Davy Porter, the hospital director, knew exactly why she was here.

With personal attention, he led her through the corridors, sparking hushed murmurs from doctors and nurses as they speculated about her identity.

"Mommy, I need to go to the bathroom," piped up Juniper, dragging her feet slightly behind.

Nora glanced at her watch, impatience tugging at her. "Now?"

"Mom, I'll take her," Jasper offered, catching her look. "You go on with Mr. Porter."

Nora hesitated. "Fine." She pointed down the hall. "It's over there. Don't wander off."

"Got it, Mom." Jasper gave her a look, half-annoyed, as if to say, "You really think I'd get lost?" Then he took Juniper's hand and led her off.

For a kid fluent in four languages, finding the bathroom was hardly a challenge. Nora felt a little silly, thinking, 'Why did my son always manage to make me feel like the clueless one?'

Davy chuckled beside her.

With Jasper and Juniper off, Silas stayed by her side as she and Davy continued on to the ward.

As soon as she stepped into the room and saw the frail old man lying in bed, her eyes filled with tears.

It was her grandfather, Roderick Kingsley.

Back when Nora was a teenager, the Kingsleys had swooped in out of nowhere, claiming she was their biological daughter, accidentally switched at birth with Isla. They pulled her from her rural life and thrust her back into the glittering city.

The rest of the Kingsleys looked down on her, dismissive of her simple background. Only her grandfather, Roderick, had stood by her, cherishing her, supporting her no matter what.

When the Kingsley family revived an old marriage arrangement with the Montgomery family, it was her grandfather who had her back. Elias, the intended groom, had been in a car accident that left him comatose. Isla, the original bride, had bolted overseas to escape the marriage, and Roderick had done everything he could to stop Nora from being dragged in as her stand-in.

Back then, Nora was young and stubborn, refusing to listen to anyone's advice. The moment she first laid eyes on Elias, something inside her sparked—a dangerous pull, like a moth to a flame.

She never expected that, right after their wedding, Elias would wake up, instantly elevating her status to the celebrated "Mrs. Montgomery."

But with admiration came envy. Four years ago, Isla spread vicious rumors, claiming that Nora was infertile.

Fearing the impact on Roderick's health, Nora kept her troubles to herself and left the country. Seeing him now, frail and unresponsive, shattered her.

"Grandpa, I'm back," she murmured, gently placing her hand over his. "I'll look after you, and I'll protect the Kingsley family. You don't have to worry anymore."

Davy appeared beside her, holding a file. "Miss Kingsley, here's Mr. Kingsley's latest report. I'm afraid... despite our efforts, he hasn't shown any signs of waking up."

Nora choked down her grief, grabbed the file, and started reading it with a steady focus. The storm inside her slowly began to settle, replaced by a cold determination. "I'm taking this with me. Just... keep an eye on him, will you?" she said, her tone firm. She'd make a treatment plan herself—she had to.

Davy nodded. "Of course, Miss Kingsley."

After finalizing her plans with Davy, Nora set off to find Jasper and Juniper.

*****

Jasper waited patiently outside the restroom, glancing occasionally at his watch.

"Is Juniper still in there?" Nora asked as she approached, concern flickering across her face.

Jasper looked up from the finance magazine he'd been flipping through during the flight. "No, she's not," he replied, a little surprised himself.

Nora's worry deepened. "I'll go check on her," she said, heading toward the women's restroom.

"Juniper? You in there?" she called, her voice low but edged with concern. Silence.

Anxiety gnawed at her as she called her daughter's name again. Ever since they'd boarded the plane, she'd had this nagging feeling something was off. When no response came, she began opening each stall door, only to find them all empty.

Heart racing, she rushed back to Jasper. "Jasper, where's Juniper?" she demanded, her voice urgent.

Jasper's face mirrored her alarm. "Wasn't she in there this whole time?"

"No, she's not!" Nora's worry was bordering on panic now.

Jasper's brow furrowed. He distinctly remembered seeing Juniper head into the restroom, though he'd ducked into the men's room next door right after.

A nagging suspicion crept into his mind. 'Did Juniper come out and miss me? Maybe she wandered off, thinking I'd left her behind.'

"Ah, crap! She might've wandered off!" Jasper said, realization dawning on him.

The two of them exchanged a tense look before they split up, scanning every corner and calling her name.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the building, little Juniper wandered through the unfamiliar halls, clutching her stuffed bunny tightly.

She'd gone into the restroom only to find there were no tissues in her bag, and by the time she stepped back out, Jasper was gone. Now she was on a mission to find her mom.

'I hate you, Jasper,' she thought angrily, kicking a scuffed tile on the floor. 'You promised to wait for me, but you just left.'

She bit her lip, her voice barely a whisper as she called out, "Mommy... Mommy..." trying to remember which way she'd come.

Chapter 3 Unexpected Encounter

Juniper wandered aimlessly through the hospital corridors, her little heart weighed down by the absence of Nora.

Just as she was about to lose hope, a man in a hospital gown noticed her troubled expression and came over.

"Hey, sweetheart. Who are you looking for? Tell me, maybe I can help," he offered.

Juniper's instincts flared, and she bolted, only to smack right into someone's leg and tumble backward onto the cold, hard floor.

"Ouch," she muttered, rubbing the sore spot and peering up through the misty haze of her teary eyes.

There stood a man under a black umbrella, flanked by bodyguards in sharp, dark suits. He radiated an aura of unapproachable power.

Juniper's eyes widened as she noticed that her brothers' resemblance to this man was striking.

Elias was finishing up some business at the hospital when a tiny girl ran straight into him. Their eyes met, and an unexpected jolt ran through him—an emotion he hadn't felt in years and certainly not something he, of all people, should feel.

He knelt down, extending a hand. "You alright, kid?" he asked. His voice was like a warm blanket wrapping around her, melting away her fears.

Without thinking, Juniper reached up with her tiny arms. "Pick me up, mister... I want a hug."

"Mr. Montgomery..." one of the bodyguards started to intervene, but Elias held up a hand, silencing him. Then, without hesitation, he lifted Juniper into his arms.

She was adorable, all soft pink dress and chubby cheeks, her face sweet and angelic. Holding her sparked a strange sense of peace, something he didn't realize he was missing.

"Where's your mom, sweetheart? I can help you find her," he said gently.

He'd heard her mumbling "Mommy" over and over when she'd crashed into him.

Juniper hesitated, remembering Nora's warnings: Don't talk to strangers, and don't wander off.

But Elias didn't seem like a stranger. He looked kind. And, she had to admit, he was really handsome.

Nestling her head against his shoulder, she let out a sleepy yawn. "I can't find Mommy... and I'm so tired. Can I take a nap?"

"Hey, kiddo?" Elias's tone softened, a little stunned by how naturally this tiny girl seemed to trust him.

Before he knew it, Juniper, just three years old, had fallen asleep in his arms, completely oblivious to who he was or what kind of man she'd chosen to trust. It wasn't a first for Nora to worry over Juniper's lack of caution—she seemed completely immune to danger.

Amused and oddly touched, Elias found himself holding her close, almost reluctant to let her go.

"Mr. Montgomery," one of his bodyguards suggested, "maybe we should take her to the hospital staff. They can help her find her family."

It was the logical thing to do, but Elias wasn't quite ready to let go of the sleeping girl in his arms. He glanced down at her peaceful expression, something tugging at his heart.

"No," he replied, his voice firm but gentle. "That won't be necessary."

He couldn't help but wonder who her parents were and how they'd let her roam around the hospital without a clue about the risks. He wanted to keep them on edge, worrying for a while.

As Elias left with Juniper, Nora and her two sons arrived, only to find the place empty.

"We should check the security footage," Nora said without hesitation.

"No need, Mom. I got this," Silas volunteered, flipping open his small laptop. His fingers flew over the keyboard.

Within seconds, he pulled up the security feed. Silas traced Juniper's path from the moment they walked into the hospital, quickly locating the scene where a man had approached her.

"Holy crap... There, that's him." Silas paused the video, pointing to the man holding Juniper.

Nora leaned in to get a better look. Her heart skipped a beat the moment she recognized him.

It was Elias. The footage showed him carrying Juniper and walking away like he owned the place.

Nora's mind spun. They'd just gotten back to the country, and somehow, her daughter was already in Elias's hands.

Given their past, Nora didn't even want to think about what Elias might do if he realized who Juniper really was.

"This is on me. I'll get her back," Jasper said coolly. "Silas, bring up the footage from the exterior cameras. Let's get his car's license plate."

"Got it!" Silas nodded.

"Wait—stop!" Nora cut in, her voice firm. "I'll handle finding Juniper. This isn't something you two need to get involved in."

There was no way she could let her sons confront Elias, not after everything Juniper had already gone through.

*****

After settling Jasper and Silas in their Silver Lake Lofts, Nora left the apartment and jumped into a taxi. She quickly called her friend Nancy Hopkins, who lived out in Lakeshore.

"Nora, I'm on my way. Be there soon," Nancy said, sounding a little breathless.

She'd been busy earlier and had meant to pick them up from the airport, but when she heard they were already at the apartment, she headed straight over.

"No rush, but I need a favor," Nora replied.

"A favor? What's up?" Nancy asked.

"Juniper is with Elias," Nora said, her tone heavy.

"What?!" Nancy's voice shot up an octave. "You just got back, and now your daughter's with him?"

"It's a long story." Nora sighed, rubbing her temples. "I need you to bring her back."

"Sure, but... you know Elias recognizes me, right? If I just show up, he might get suspicious," Nancy warned her.

Naturally, Elias knew Nancy was Nora's close friend. If she showed up out of nowhere, it might set off alarms.

"I'll figure something else out," Nora replied.

"Okay," Nancy agreed reluctantly.

But Nora didn't know anyone else in Lakeshore she trusted.

As soon as she hung up, a dull ache began to pound in her head. She had other fires to put out, but Juniper was priority one.

Meanwhile, back at the apartment, Jasper and Silas were watching her from the window, quietly talking among themselves.

"Jasper, did you see how Mom's face went pale when she saw that guy on the video? Why isn't she rushing to get Juniper back?" Silas asked, confusion in his voice.

Jasper thought for a moment, then answered in a low, steady tone, "Do you think Mom's scared of that guy?"

"Looks like it." Silas nodded, his face serious.

"That settles it," Jasper said, tossing his finance magazine onto the table. He looked as calm and composed as any CEO in a TV drama. "I'm gonna deal with him myself."

Chapter 4 Still Alive

To Jasper, it seemed totally out of character for Nora to be so on edge in Lakeshore. 'What kind of person could possibly make her this uneasy?' he wondered.

The thought made Silas a little tense, but he held back. This was for their little sister, Juniper, after all.

Silas quickly flipped open his laptop and gestured toward a sleek black Rolls-Royce idling outside the airport. "There it is," he said, pointing. "License plate... all ones," he muttered, lingering on the thought.

Jasper's eyes widened as he flexed his small wrist, letting out a low whistle. "Damn, now that's some serious status."

It was obvious they were about to cross paths with someone way out of the ordinary.

*****

Meanwhile, Nora had no idea her sons were already on their way to meet Elias. If she found out, she'd probably lose her mind.

The taxi rolled to a stop outside Kingsley Group. Nora stepped out, taking a deep breath as she looked up at the building, emotions churning beneath her calm exterior.

Years ago, when she returned home, her mother, Thelma Kingsley, had treated her like an embarrassment, something to be hidden away.

It was always Isla who got taken to the big events, the important meetings—like Nora didn't even exist. Thelma acted as if she'd forgotten who her real daughter was.

Nora had promised her grandfather that she wouldn't let Isla, the fake heiress, take over the company. If it weren't for that promise, she probably wouldn't be here at all.

"Miss, may I help you?" the receptionist asked, noting the purpose in Nora's stride as she entered.

"I'm Nora Kingsley," Nora said, her voice steady.

"Excuse me?" The receptionist blinked, clearly taken aback.

"Nora Kingsley. Thelma Kingsley's daughter," she repeated, her tone firm as she stepped away from the desk, heading straight for the CEO's office.

The receptionists exchanged stunned looks.

"Did she just say...?"

"Yeah, she said she's Mrs. Kingsley's daughter."

"No way. Isn't there only one heiress?"

"I don't know. Quick, call Mrs. Kingsley and Miss Kingsley! They're in a meeting right now!"

"On it!"

Upstairs, Nora reached the Kingsley Group's conference room, where a heated meeting was underway. The agenda was a vote on who should take charge of the company.

"What's taking so long?" Thelma's voice echoed, "Roderick's still in a coma. The company's been stagnant for years. Do you want the world to think the Kingsley Group has no leadership?"

Her words made the company executives exchange nervous glances.

Nora's father had died when she was just a child. With the head of the Kingsley family, Roderick, now in a coma, Thelma was expected to take over the company.

However, Roderick had clearly stated when he was well that Thelma should not manage the business. He insisted that only a direct blood relative of the Kingsley family was allowed to lead and inherit it.

The real dilemma was that the rightful heir, Nora Kingsley, had vanished years ago, and Isla was not a biological member of the Kingsley family. This was why no decisions were being made at this moment.

"I understand your hesitation," Thelma said, casting her gaze across the room. "It's because Roderick was adamant that only a true Kingsley should run the Kingsley Group.

"But consider this: my other daughter, who came back from the countryside, what real ability does she have to run a company? Besides, she's already dead."

"What? Dead?" The shocking news had everyone looking up in surprise. It was at this moment that they realized the real heiress from years ago was gone.

Everyone was puzzled as to why the Kingsley family members hadn't even organized a funeral.

Feigning deep sorrow, Thelma took a death certificate from her bag and placed it on the table. "We didn't skip the funeral; we buried her quietly overseas."

This revelation left the room filled with confusion and worry. If Nora was truly gone, Isla was the only heiress left, and it seemed everything was falling into place for her.

Standing quietly off to the side, Isla felt a surge of triumph. Her secret schemes and vicious suggestions given to Thelma had led to this moment.

Recently, she'd heard that Roderick had been in contact with Nora before his coma, hinting at Nora's possible return. Isla knew she had to secure her position in the Kingsley family before that could happen.

"I won't let you down..." she began to say.

"But it seems no one has much faith in you," interrupted a calm voice from the doorway, catching everyone, especially Thelma and Isla, off guard.

When they turned around, their expressions changed dramatically.

'Nora Kingsley? Is it really her?' they wondered.

"Why... Why are you still alive?" Thelma and Isla stammered.

Nora laughed coldly. "Did I ever say I was dead?"

Thelma and Isla looked mortified, their eyes glued to the death certificate lying on the table. It felt like a silent reprimand, making them wish they could vanish on the spot.

Before they could respond, Nora strode into the meeting room. Gone were the days of her timid demeanor and conservative attire. Now, she radiated confidence and poise.

"What is this?" Nora asked casually, holding up the death certificate. With a chuckle, she added, "Apparently, I just passed away recently, huh?"

Thelma and Isla were at a loss for words.

"Actually, this document is..." Isla reached for it, but before she could finish, Nora raised her hand and slapped her hard.

"Ouch!" Isla cried out, the blow almost knocking her off balance. "Nora, what's wrong with you?"

Nora remained composed. "Oh, nothing. Just a reminder of the stunt you pulled three years ago at the Montgomery family home.

"And this death certificate? Mom wouldn't do something like this. This has you written all over it—a ploy by an outsider to rob the Kingsley family."

"It wasn't me!" Isla protested.

"Then are you saying Mom plotted this?" Nora sneered.

The accusation made Thelma's face pale dramatically. Before Nora could continue, she turned to Isla, yelling, "How could you do something so shameless as faking this?"

Isla was left speechless.

Nora addressed everyone in the room. "Do you truly want someone like her running the Kingsley Group?"

Her words left no room for interpretation regarding Isla's character. If Isla could even fabricate her sister's death, she was capable of something more sinister.

Chapter 5 Confrontation

The shareholders in the conference room fidgeted in their seats, clearly uneasy about the tension filling the air.

Finally, one of them cleared his throat, stood up, and ventured, "Since Ms. Kingsley has returned, perhaps we should hold off on the management discussion and wrap up today's meeting."

"Absolutely not!" Isla snapped, her voice rising as she pressed a hand to her forehead, as if physically holding herself together. "I've gone through hell to get Carrie, that medical expert, on board. Her involvement will be a game-changer for this company's image and strength. Without me, she wouldn't even look our way."

The shareholders went silent, taken aback. They knew what the Kingsley Group's reputation in pharmaceutical research meant—and landing someone of Carrie's caliber would be a massive boost.

Nora let out a cold laugh. "You? You couldn't bring her in if you tried. Let's be real, Isla—she doesn't think you're worth her time."

Isla scoffed, defiant. "Hate to burst your bubble, but she's already agreed. She'll be here in a day or two."

"And if she doesn't?"

"That's not gonna happen," Isla shot back, her voice trembling with frustration.

"Oh, really?" Nora challenged, eyes glinting. "Tell you what—if she doesn't show, you walk away from the company and never come back. How about it?"

"What?!"

"Scared?" Nora taunted, her voice dripping with mockery.

"Enough, both of you!" Thelma finally snapped, her voice ringing with irritation. "Do you really need to go at each other like this? Just stop it!"

A calm, authoritative voice from the end of the table cut through the bickering. The oldest and most respected shareholder leaned forward. "Here's what I suggest: since Nora is back, let's have both her and Isla join the company. Let them prove who's more capable of leading through their own actions and achievements."

With that, the decision to transfer the company's management was shelved.

Isla's eyes narrowed with pure fury. 'Damn you, Nora Kingsley!' she seethed inwardly.

Thelma's face was just as stormy. She hadn't expected Nora to make such a dramatic return, especially at a time like this.

In her mind, a girl like Nora—raised out in the boondocks, rushed into a shotgun marriage, and then tossed aside by the Montgomerys—had no right to show up now, acting like she belonged or had any kind of stake in things.

In Thelma's eyes, Nora was nothing but trouble.

But with everyone watching, Thelma had no choice but to keep her composure. Begrudgingly, she nodded in agreement.

As the shareholders filed out, Nora, satisfied with her victory, turned to leave. She still had more pressing matters: rescuing her daughter and wondering if that damned Elias was even treating Juniper right—or worse, if he'd figured anything out.

The thought made her skin crawl.

"Hold it!" Thelma's voice rang out as Nora reached the door. "Three years you've been gone, and that's the attitude you greet me with?"

Facing the accusation, Nora turned around, her face showing a flicker of confusion. "What kind of attitude are you expecting from me? The kind you'd have if you found out your own mother faked your death certificate?"

Thelma took a deep breath, momentarily lost for words. "I won't hold today's disruption against you, but from now on, you're not allowed back in the company."

"Mom," Nora replied casually, "I thought Grandpa was the one running things, right?"

"Your grandfather is in a coma," Thelma reminded.

"Well, no worries, he's gonna wake up," Nora said casually.

Thelma was taken aback, feeling like Nora was a complete stranger. They were like fire and water at this moment.

"Nora, slapping me is one thing, but how can you speak to Mom like that?" Isla jumped in, her voice laced with mock innocence. "While you were gone, we were so worried about you..."

"I'm guessing that slap didn't hurt too much, did it?" Nora sneered.

"What?" Isla was stunned.

Nora was done with this argument. She needed to go help her daughter.

"Can you believe her attitude?" Thelma fumed. "She doesn't act like my daughter at all."

Isla seized the moment to comfort Thelma. "It's alright, Mom. You still have me, and I'll always be here for you."

Thelma looked at Isla, comforted by her daughter who had been raised by her side. The daughter who grew up away seemed only to defy her.

"By the way, weren't you supposed to bring that medical expert over? You said everything was arranged to give the Kingsley Group a boost. So why didn't they show up?" Thelma asked.

Isla was just as baffled. She'd tried everything to get the expert on board—emails, calls, even begging.

She'd thrown a good chunk of money at them just to lock in their word that they'd show up at the company. They didn't have to lift a finger; they just needed to be there, to prove she could make this happen.

But they didn't even show up.

"I'm not sure what happened. Everything was set with them. I even went to the airport early, but they never showed up," Isla revealed.

Inviting someone with that kind of clout in the medical field is no small feat, so Thelma figured she'd better not push it too far.

She warned, "Keep in touch with them. Say whatever they need to hear, and do your damn best to get them to visit our company in the next few days. If you can't pull this off, there's not much more I can do for you."

Isla's face showed she understood that Nora was different now. After the incident at the Montgomery Residence, Nora might have returned to fight for the company.

"Alright! I'll get on it right away!" Isla replied.

*****

In the lavish living room of the Montgomery estate, Juniper was sprawled out on an expensive sofa, dozing without a care in the world.

She had no clue she might be in any kind of trouble, let alone that her mom and brothers were out there losing their minds trying to find her.

Elias sat on a nearby couch, his arm casually draped over the back, a platinum bracelet gleaming on his wrist. He tapped his fingers in a steady rhythm, waiting patiently for the little girl to wake up.

A surprisingly cold voice called down from upstairs. "Who is she?"

The speaker, a small figure with an icy demeanor, showed no emotion.

Elias didn't bother looking up. Keeping his tone cool, he answered, "Just a poor little girl I found at the hospital."

The response drew a sarcastic snort from the three-year-old, who shot back, "Do you actually feel sympathy for anyone?"

It was a clear jab, one that made Elias frown.

The child seemed uninterested in lingering and returned upstairs.

Elias's mood didn't change. Three years ago, Nora had deceived him and disappeared without a trace, leaving him both angry and humiliated.

Yet, the unfolding story turned out to be more dramatic.

Chapter 6 He's On His Way

Maisie Middleton, one of Nora's closest friends, dropped a bombshell on Elias: she was pregnant—with Elias's child. She confessed she'd had feelings for him for ages and would do anything to be with him.

Maisie had taken it upon herself to use Elias's frozen sperm stored at the hospital—with full backing from his mother, Aubrey.

Aubrey, knowing Nora couldn't have kids, saw Maisie's willingness as the golden ticket to securing an heir for the Montgomery family.

When Elias found out, he was furious. He flat-out refused to recognize the child as his own, but Aubrey didn't let up. She pressured him relentlessly, even going as far as threatening to end her own life if he didn't accept the baby.

Eventually, a DNA test confirmed it—the child was his. But Elias didn't feel a shred of warmth toward Maisie. He couldn't love a woman who'd betray her own friend just to get what she wanted.

In the living room, Elias's anger was palpable, filling the air with a tension so thick one could cut it with a knife. Every glare, every clench of his jaw made the room feel like it was about to erupt.

Meanwhile, Jasper arrived at the Montgomery Residence, ready to face off with the man his mother had warned him about.

Hiding in the shadows, he studied Elias carefully, sizing him up, getting a feel for just how much of a challenge this guy might be.

He shot a quick text to Silas: [Silas, now!]

Then, he pulled out a small remote, guiding a toy car toward the Rolls-Royce parked by the gate. The car buzzed softly as it rolled along, catching the attention of the nearby guards.

"What the hell's that noise?" one of them muttered, frowning.

"Go check it out," the other replied, eyeing the toy suspiciously.

The toy car zipped right up to the Rolls-Royce, drawing them closer.

"Stop it! Stop that thing!" one guard yelled, realizing too late what was happening.

With a sudden pop, the toy car rammed under the Rolls and a tire burst, echoing through the driveway.

The guards froze, stunned.

And as if things couldn't get any crazier, a swarm of small, glowing drones appeared, filling the sky as they drifted down towards them like fireflies out for blood.

Caught off guard, a guard shouted, "Hurry up! Inform Mr. Montgomery immediately!"

"Move! Move!" someone exclaimed.

"Everyone, shoot down those drones right now!" one of the guards ordered.

The noise outside made Elias, sitting on the living room sofa, frown slightly. He stood up and walked toward the door. Suddenly, the lights in the hall went off.

Jasper took advantage of the darkness to sneak into the living room. When he saw Juniper sleeping peacefully on the sofa, his heart skipped a beat.

He hurried to her side and gently shook her. "Wake up, Juniper! We need to leave!"

Juniper was still half-asleep and grumbled, furrowing her brows. "I want to sleep... Let me sleep."

Jasper sighed in frustration. "You can sleep at home. Come on; let's go!"

"No, no!" Juniper insisted. She wanted to stay with the charming gentleman and sleep at his house.

"Juniper, if you keep this up, I'm going to get mad!" Jasper whispered urgently, deciding to pull her off the sofa. Then he heard footsteps approaching.

Jasper's heart pounded as he quickly hid behind the sofa.

Elias came into the living room, his keen eyes scanning the dark room with a stern expression.

"Kai!" he called out.

Living in this luxury mansion in the heart of Lakeshore, Elias never imagined he'd see other kids around, let alone one bold enough to mess with his car—with a toy, no less.

So he thought it was Kai.

The sudden darkness in the hall only fueled Elias's annoyance. As he headed towards the stairs, a weak voice stopped him.

"Jasper?" Juniper called out sleepily.

"Who's Jasper?" Elias, who was about to go upstairs, paused and picked up the cute little girl from the sofa.

As he went about it, he thought to himself that if Kai were half as cute as she was, maybe he'd cut the kid some slack. Too bad the poor kid got stuck in the wrong family—with a mother who had zero shame.

This action made Jasper, hidden behind the sofa, tense up. If he had known Juniper would be so naughty, he might not have tried to rescue her.

Juniper hesitated, feeling puzzled. Jasper had been right there a moment ago, but now he had disappeared. She wondered if it was a dream.

"I wanna go home!" Juniper suddenly burst out, her voice trembling. "I don't wanna stay here. I want my mom."

Elias, trying his best to stay composed, asked, "Do you know your mom's phone number?"

"I... I don't remember. But I do know where our new place is!" she replied, nodding earnestly.

Behind the couch, Jasper froze, his heart pounding. For God's sake, Juniper, shut up! he screamed silently.

Completely oblivious, Juniper went on softly, "We live on the second floor of Silver Lake Lofts."

Jasper felt like he'd been struck by lightning. 'Oh, hell no.' Panic twisted in his gut.

"Alright, I'll take you there," Elias said, lifting Juniper in his arms. With a nod to his men, he made sure they locked the door behind him as he left.

Jasper was livid. He fired off a voice message to Silas: [That bastard's heading to our place. Stop him.]

Having a sister like Juniper was both a blessing and a curse—and right now, he was leaning towards curse.

*****

At the police station, Nora glanced at her watch before turning to the nearby officer. "Didn't they say they'd be bringing my daughter over soon?"

She'd briefly considered asking a friend to pick Juniper up, but she'd ultimately decided that going to the station and letting the police contact Elias's people was the safer option.

This way, she could avoid any face-to-face with Elias when the car pulled up.

The officer put down the phone with a frown. "I'm sorry, ma'am. That's what we told the caller, but he mentioned the kid's having a full-on meltdown. She's insisting he bring her back himself."

Nora blinked in surprise. "Tell them it's fine, really," she said quickly.

The officer shook his head. "He's already on his way."

Nora barely resisted the urge to scream. She'd drilled their new address into the kids' heads just in case they got lost, but she sure hadn't expected it to come back and bite her like this.

Chapter 7 You're Finally Back

Nora bolted out the door, her mind racing. She was afraid Elias might uncover something, or he had already been snooping around in her place.

Jasper and Silas were still back there, after all, and the thought of their eerily similar faces sent a shiver down her spine.

The thought of their similar faces sent a chill down Nora's spine. She sped off in her car, anxiety tightening her grip on the wheel.

She gripped the steering wheel tightly as she sped down the road, her anxiety pressing down on her chest like a weight.

Just as she was nearing her street, a loud "bang!" shattered her thoughts. Her car had slammed into a sleek black sedan at the corner. Both cars skidded off the road, coming to a rough stop against a tree.

People rushed over, eyes wide with concern.

"Are you okay?" someone asked, peering into her window.

"Want us to call the cops?" another voice chimed in.

Thankfully, Nora had her seatbelt on, so aside from a cut on her arm, she was mostly fine—shaken but still standing.

Dazed, she climbed out of her car, ignoring the sting in her arm as she hurried to check on the other driver.

"I'm so sorry! I was going way too fast. Are you alright?" She reached for the door, ready to help, when the shattered window slowly rolled down, and she froze.

Behind the glass was a face she knew all too well.

Their eyes locked, and her heart stumbled. He looked just as shocked, his initial relaxed expression twisting into something sharper as recognition dawned.

For a brief moment, his gaze seemed to speak volumes, like he was saying, "So, you finally came back."

Her mind screamed, 'It's him!' Nora's gaze darted around the inside of his car, searching for any sign of Juniper.

But the car was empty. Confusion buzzed in her head. 'Where's Juniper?'

A dull ache started to form at her temples as she turned to leave, only to be stopped dead in her tracks by a voice, cold and steady. "Miss Kingsley?"

The formality in his tone cut through her like a knife. During their three years of marriage, Elias had always kept this damn polite distance—courteous, respectful, like she was some guest in his life rather than his wife.

The man had manners to spare, sure, but they'd never gotten him any closer to her. And standing there now, hearing that same impersonal tone, it grated on her nerves in a way she couldn't shake.

Despite Elias's infrequent presence at home and the absence of physical intimacy, he fulfilled his duties.

He believed maintaining a proper distance was correct, not realizing that his courteousness only deepened her emotional struggle.

Before Nora could get a word in, she heard his voice again—smooth, unsettling, like a razor wrapped in silk. "Since you're back, why not drop by?"

'Why the hell would I do that?' she thought, exasperated. 'This is my house.'

His tone was polite but dripping with an edge that sent chills down her spine. He had that uncanny way of layering civility over something much darker.

"Oh, Mr. Montgomery," she replied, turning around with a practiced smile that was all teeth and no warmth. "I just got back and have a mountain of things to sort out. Maybe another time?"

Three years ago, they'd had one reckless, unforgettable night. Now, their exchanges were polished, restrained—a surface-level civility hiding a storm beneath.

Elias kept up his casual, aloof facade, but Nora knew better. That calm exterior was a warning, a signal of the tension simmering underneath.

"Just as I thought," he murmured, voice as smooth as velvet, but with that unmistakable bite. "I'm beginning to wonder if you'll pull another vanishing act, Miss Kingsley. Maybe we should set something in stone?"

'Over my dead body,' she thought, biting back a groan. But she knew that if she didn't agree, he'd keep pushing, and running would only delay the inevitable.

"Fine. But I have work to finish first," she replied, feigning indifference.

Elias's gaze darkened, clearly unsatisfied. "Tomorrow, then," he declared, as if it was a done deal. "I'll treat you to dinner."

Nora didn't bother with a response. Instead, she turned on her heel, got in her car, and drove off. Like hell she'd willingly walk into his trap.

Elias watched her car disappear down the road, making no move to follow. She was already here, in Lakeshore. There was no need to rush. She wouldn't escape him this time. But there was still the matter of the child.

He loosened his tie, leaned back against the leather seat, and sighed with thinly veiled irritation. "Let's go," he muttered.

"Yes, sir," his driver replied promptly, pulling away.

It wasn't until his car had long vanished that Nora returned, her anxiety sharpening with every step.

She hurried inside, phone in hand, calling the police station as she locked the door behind her. "You're sure they brought her back?"

"Yes," the officer confirmed. "She's safe."

"But I haven't seen her," Nora pressed, her voice barely masking her growing dread.

Even as she spoke, doubt gnawed at her. 'Has Elias already been here? Has he brought Juniper back himself?' The thought twisted her stomach into knots.

"I'll double-check for you," the officer said reassuringly.

"Thanks," Nora mumbled before ending the call, her nerves fraying.

She rushed home and threw open the door, scanning the room. Her heart stopped when she finally saw her daughter standing there.

"Juniper!" Her voice cracked, sharper than she'd intended, and Juniper jumped, wide-eyed.

"Mommy, I'm here," Juniper said, confusion written all over her little face.

"Where have you been?" Nora demanded, anxiety lacing her voice. "Do you have any idea how worried I was? I looked for you everywhere, all the way from the hospital. Jasper and Silas were worried too!"

Juniper had never seen her mother so upset, and her eyes were filled with tears. "I was scared too. I couldn't find you at the hospital."

Nora took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind in her head. "How did you get back? Did that man bring you home? Did he come inside?" She glanced at Silas for answers.

"Yeah, he brought her back," Silas answered promptly. "But he didn't come in. Sally met him at the door just in time."

Nora realized then that her assistant, Sally Snyder, who had arrived slightly later than them from abroad, had already encountered the situation.

"Yes," Sally confirmed. "He didn't enter. He just came up the stairs and stopped at the front door. I intercepted him there."

'The front door...' Nora felt a wave of relief wash over her. As long as Elias hadn't guessed Juniper's true identity, things were still under control. After all, her daughter bore some of her own traits.

"Thank you." Nora nodded.

"No worries," Sally said, her gaze steady. "I treat your kids like mine. I'll care for them just as you do. If anything ever happens, I'd do everything in my power to protect them."

Her words were sincere.

Chapter 8 Be Careful

Since the day Jasper, Silas, and Juniper were born, Sally had always been there for Nora.

In a way, the three kids had been raised by both women, with Sally by Nora's side through every late-night cry, every scraped knee, and every little milestone.

Over those three years, their connection grew into something far deeper than just family. Sally wasn't just a close friend—she was their godmother, practically a second mom.

"You're amazing," Nora said, patting Sally on the shoulder. "I can't compete with you."

After all, Nora was often tied up with work.

"Mommy, I'm amazing too, right?" Juniper piped up eagerly, wanting her mother to praise her. "When that gentleman asked for our address, I said it perfectly."

"You better not do that again!" Nora exclaimed, picking Juniper up. "Don't ever let anyone take you away again. What if they tried to kidnap you?"

"How could it be?" Juniper giggled, full of innocence. "That gentleman seemed like a nice person."

'A nice person?' Nora felt her eyebrow twitch at that thought. She considered whether an eye check-up might be in order for Juniper.

'How the hell could Juniper think Elias is a good person?' she wondered.

Though, Nora reminded herself, she had misread him once before. It's not wise to judge someone just because of his appearance.

"If you do that again, you'll be in serious trouble," Nora warned.

"No..." Frightened, Juniper quickly hid behind Silas and Sally. "Mommy is so scary!"

Nora almost laughed it off. "By the way, where is Jasper?"

Jasper was unusually quiet today, which wasn't something he would do.

Silas hesitated, trying not to worry his mom. "He got excited and went exploring Lakeshore."

"What?" Nora sighed in exasperation but decided to let it go. She had to sort things out here and return abroad soon.

*****

Meanwhile, Elias's car sped through the night. His mind was elsewhere, and even when he reached the luxury manor, he showed no intention of going inside.

Resting his arm on the car window, he tapped the ash from his cigarette and glanced up at the second-floor bedroom.

"Mr. Montgomery," the driver asked, "are you going in?"

The question brought Elias back to the present. He still had to talk to Kai about what happened outside the house today.

Kai had always stood against him, like a distant adversary. But Elias couldn't deal with that now.

"Take me to the office," Elias instructed.

"Yes, sir." The driver nodded.

In the room on the second floor, Jasper watched as the car disappeared down the street, letting out a deep sigh of relief. "I can't believe your dad finally left."

He had initially gone upstairs to see if he could escape through the window, but he was surprised to find another boy about his age when he opened the door.

For a moment, Jasper thought he was imagining things because the boy looked quite similar to him and his brother. However, this boy seemed even colder and clearly didn't get along well with his father.

It seemed Elias's son was just as intimidating as him, and Jasper was unsure about this unexpected encounter. Both boys remained silent, avoiding any loud confrontations.

"Are you going to play this game or not?" Kai asked with a stern look. "Hurry up, we're about to lose."

Jasper glanced at the night sky and checked the time. He knew he should be heading home, but something about Kai made him want to stay a little longer. The boy looked so lonely.

"Yeah, let's play." Jasper nodded.

*****

At home, Jasper's all-night absence nearly drove Silas into a frenzy. He was terrified their mom would come knocking and realize Jasper wasn't there, which would make her angry.

And finding out Jasper went to that man's place would be even worse. It might just make her lose her temper.

[When are you coming back? You've been gone the entire night. Aren't you checking the time?] Silas texted Jasper in a panic.

Just then, there was a knock at his door, and Nora's voice called from outside. "Silas, Jasper! Breakfast is ready!"

Silas closed his eyes briefly. "Got it, Mommy. We'll be up soon. You go ahead and eat."

Outside, Nora was confused. "What?"

She was wondering if she had misheard. Jasper and Silas were usually early risers, busy with their hacking and finance projects. They were so passionate about those that rarely did they ever sleep in.

'What's happening today?' Nora was confused.

"Are you feeling alright?" Nora asked again from outside. "Open the door. Let me check."

Inside, Silas was scrambling. "No, Mommy, we're fine!" he quickly replied. "It's Jasper's fault. He was up late reading finance books and got me to join him. We're just exhausted."

Nora hesitated. "That won't do. You're still little boys. You need your sleep to grow tall!"

"Exactly, Mom, can we sleep a bit longer today?" Silas asked.

Nora was speechless. She wondered how this had turned back on her.

"Alright, alright." Nora finally relented to her "sons'" pleas. "You can sleep a bit longer, but make sure you're up in time for breakfast, okay?"

"Got it!" Silas replied.

At the breakfast table, Nancy joined them and immediately turned to Nora. "He hasn't run into Jasper and Silas yet, has he?"

"Of course not," Nora replied, rolling her eyes. "It's just their first day back. Lakeshore isn't that small."

Nancy hesitated, knowing how small Lakeshore could feel. "You might come across something unexpected."

"Really?" Nora's curiosity was piqued. "Is it something interesting? Tell me more."

Nancy hesitated to reveal any more, knowing it might lead to an unexpected drama if Nora found out. It would be safer if Nora didn't know.

"Just be careful not to get too close to everyone," Nancy advised vaguely.

Nora was puzzled but shrugged it off. "Alright, finish your breakfast and hurry to work." She nudged Nancy playfully. "You must be hungry after all that mysterious talk."

Nancy sighed in mock annoyance. "I brought the breakfast, you know."

Sally couldn't help but chuckle at their playful exchange.

With her "sons" still asleep and needing to head to the hospital, Nora had to bring Juniper along.

She gave Juniper a firm warning before they left. "If you wander off with strangers again, you're going to be in big trouble. Got it?"

Chapter 9 Weakness

Juniper nodded eagerly, her face full of obedience.

*****

The three of them arrived at the hospital, where Davy had already prepared a special operating room. Nora had her own medical attire and a name badge reading "Carrie."

She clipped it to her outfit as she confidently walked toward the operating room.

On this first day back, Nora needed to perform a thorough examination and a minor procedure on Roderick. If everything went smoothly, this would set the stage for the crucial major surgery.

However, the situation was complicated. Roderick had been in a coma for some time and needed time to wake up.

"Dr. Kingsley," the director said, eager to accompany Nora inside, along with some trusted doctors ready to assist.

"Feel free to join us if you're interested," Nora replied with a welcoming smile, happy to share her expertise.

"Thank you, Dr. Kingsley," Davy replied, grateful for the chance.

As the doors of the operating room closed, the doctors inside were captivated by Nora's skills.

Techniques they had never imagined were played out right before their eyes. The deeper one ventured into medicine, the more its mysteries unfolded. Nora was indeed extraordinary.

About three hours later, Roderick was safely back in his ward.

"Dr. Kingsley," Davy said, handing Nora a cup of freshly brewed coffee. "Thank you for your hard work."

Nora noticed his hesitance. "Go ahead, Mr. Porter. I'm all ears, just another doctor here."

"Oh no, your skills are truly exceptional," Davy quickly assured her, concerned he might say something wrong and risk losing her from the hospital. "I just wondered if you might occasionally teach some classes for our doctors eager to learn from you?"

He knew not to ask too often, aware he couldn't afford it.

Nora smiled. "Sure, I can set up some sessions here at the hospital now and then. Anyone interested is welcome to join."

Davy's face lit up with pride and gratitude. "Thank you. Thank you so much!"

He realized not only was Nora incredibly skilled at such a young age, but she was also very approachable. She reminded him of someone from years ago—a teenager who had saved many lives in their hospital.

Unfortunately, Davy never saw that girl's face or got her name before she vanished. It couldn't be the same person, though. That girl had a much slimmer build.

"Are we heading back, Dr. Kingsley?" Sally asked with a hint of hesitation.

"What did you just call me?" Nora asked.

"Nora," Sally corrected herself quickly. She treated Nora as her idol, while Nora only wanted to be friends with her.

"Let's wait a little longer," Nora replied, handing her doctor's coat to Sally. "I want to spend more time with Grandpa. I need to make sure he's stable after the surgery before leaving."

"Okay, let's go together!" Sally nodded.

As they made their way to Roderick's ward, they were taken aback to find Isla angrily scolding the doctors.

"How the hell did you dare put my grandfather through exams and surgery without even telling me? I'm his family! Did anyone bother to get my permission? What did you do to him? If anything goes wrong, it'll be on you!" Isla shouted.

The doctors she was tearing into were the same ones who had just assisted Nora in surgery and helped move Roderick back to his room. They didn't even flinch in the face of her fury, staying cool and unfazed despite her outburst.

"Miss Kingsley, we have already assured you that the surgery was successful, and he's expected to recover well. You should be relieved," one doctor said calmly.

"Relieved?" Isla shot back. "Are you kidding me? I'm pissed off! Not one of you thought to tell me about the operation or the damn tests."

"I authorized it," Nora interjected.

Isla spun around, furious at her. "You authorized it? Who do you think you are, Nora? Are you out of your damn mind?"

Her words suggested Nora was an irrelevant outsider.

Nora sighed in response. "Miss Kingsley, I think I should remind you, this is my family's matter."

That simple statement left Isla speechless, a storm of emotions playing across her face. It struck her core—the undeniable truth and the very reason for her deep resentment toward Nora.

Isla glared at Nora, her chest heaving with anger. "I don't care what you've done. Get out of this hospital now! Don't ever come back!"

Yesterday at the meeting, with all the key shareholders and Thelma present, Isla had at least put on a veneer of politeness.

But now, all pretense was gone. She acted as if she ruled the hospital, shouting at Nora with authority.

"You should be the one to leave," Nora retorted, stepping forward to shove Isla aside. "I don't want to see you in my grandfather's ward."

"Nora Kingsley!" Isla shrieked, reaching out to grab Nora's clothes.

Sally quickly intervened. "Don't let her in! Do you hear me? Keep her out!"

"What's going on here?" A cold voice abruptly cut through the chaos, bringing Isla and Nora to a halt.

They turned to see Davy alongside Elias and several other notable figures from Lakeshore. Elias's eyes zeroed in on Nora with an icy gaze.

"Miss Kingsley, what a coincidence to see you here," Elias said smoothly.

The people accompanying him knew of Nora's past with Elias, casting amused glances in her direction.

Nora sighed to herself. Perhaps she should have just gone straight to her grandfather's ward.

"Yes, quite a coincidence," she replied, maintaining a polite yet reserved tone, aware of the calm facade Elias wore concealing emotions ready to erupt at any moment.

"Elias!" Isla shouted, hurrying over to him with an air of intimacy.

She went on, "Nora's gone completely off the rails. Mom made it damn clear that she wasn't supposed to see Grandpa, and even he said he didn't want to see her again before he got sick. But she's still forcing her way in and even scheduled surgery for him.

"Mr. Porter, get your security now. I insist they remember her face and never allow her near my grandfather's ward again!"

Chapter 10 Who Are You Calling?

Neither Nora nor Elias gave Isla a response.

"Elias, don't you hate her? Why aren't you saying anything?" Isla kept pushing, hoping to rile him up. "Weren't you the one who wanted her gone?"

Her words dragged Elias back to three years ago, memories etched sharply in his mind.

At that time, Lakeshore was in chaos. He had turned the city inside out to find Nora, but maybe he had underestimated her capabilities.

Under the weight of his gaze, Nora felt a wave of discomfort but refused to back down. During their marriage, she had every right to do that to him. He had it coming.

"And Mr. Porter, I've made myself clear. Why aren't you saying anything?" Isla pressured further.

Finally, Davy spoke. "Miss Kingsley, Nora is here to help Mr. Roderick Kingsley."

To Isla, this sounded absurd. "Her? Save Grandpa? Mr. Porter, that's ridiculous! If I can't do it, how could she?"

'Does she even realize how stupid she sounds right now?' Davy thought, his irritation growing. 'She's a Kingsley, for god's sake, and yet she has no clue what her own sister is capable of. Acting like a complete idiot.'

At that moment, the other doctors were also utterly disdainful of Isla.

"Well..." Davy paused, looking to Nora for confirmation. After a brief nod from her, he continued, "Because she brought in Carrie..."

The mention of this name caught everyone by surprise, especially Elias. He remembered Nora as someone who stayed home and avoided socializing. He couldn't believe she had such powerful connections.

But that was three years ago. A lot can change in that time.

Nora remained calm, unfazed by their reactions. Titles and social standing meant little to her now. "Carrie's assistant," she added calmly.

Davy held back his words and concluded, "Yes."

"Assistant?" Isla was astonished. "That's impossible!" She couldn't get such help, so it was hard for her to accept it.

Nora didn't hold back, enjoying the moment of embarrassing Isla. She nodded slightly toward Sally, who got the clue and stepped forward. "I am Carrie's most trusted assistant, Sally Snyder."

The voice was unmistakable. Isla's heart sank when she realized it belonged to the same assistant she had called to ask Carrie to return.

"Ms.... Ms. Snyder!" Isla cried out, rushing over to apologize to Sally. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to offend you."

Sally gave her a cold, disdainful look, clearly showing that Isla still had no clue who she had upset. She tossed the button Isla had ripped off earlier onto the floor. "I'm afraid I won't give you the chance to apologize."

Isla was taken aback. "No, please, let me explain. It was all a misunderstanding!"

"Please step aside." Without another word, Sally and Nora walked into the ward, shutting the door firmly behind them.

Isla wondered how things had gone so wrong. 'How could Sally be siding with Nora?' she wondered.

She doubted if Sally had made a mistake after returning to the country. Carrie wanted Sally to find Isla, but somehow Sally had reached out to Nora instead.

'That has to be it!' Isla thought.

Refusing to believe it, Isla knocked on the door. "Ms. Snyder, please, just give me two minutes to explain."

Inside, Sally rolled her eyes. She couldn't believe there would be someone as silly as Isla. Even if Isla begged for forgiveness, she'd never convince Carrie to come now.

Standing outside, her temper flaring and feeling light-headed, Isla consoled herself that there must be another way.

Certainly, Carrie had more than one assistant. Isla thought that if she could just convince someone else, she might still have a chance.

With newfound resolve, Isla stormed off, nearly colliding with someone at the corner. She immediately recognized Maisie, the heiress of the Middleton family.

To Isla, Maisie was a master of manipulation. Back then, Isla had cunningly forced Nora out of the Montgomery family by faking infertility claims, thinking it was her chance.

However, she didn't expect Maisie to announce she was pregnant with Elias's baby.

"Miss Kingsley, what's got you so worked up?" Maisie asked, her tone laced with subtle mockery.

Coming from a slightly more elite family, Maisie spoke to Isla with a touch of superiority.

Hearing this, Isla clenched her teeth. When Nora was Elias's wife, Maisie had always been eager to be in their company. Now, having given the Montgomery family a son, Maisie acted as though everyone else was beneath her.

"Oh, look who it is—Miss Middleton," Isla remarked with a chilly grin. "I just bumped into Elias. I told him he should marry you as soon as possible, and you know what he said? He told me to get lost."

Maisie felt her heart sink. Those words cut deep into her pride.

Everyone in Lakeshore knew she had a son with Elias, but still, there wasn't a single word of affirmation from him, making her almost a public joke.

"You—" Maisie began.

"Where did Elias go?" Isla pretended to search the area. "He was here just a moment ago. Did he run away as soon as he heard you were coming, Miss Middleton?"

Maisie was burning with frustration.

"Sorry, gotta go now." As Isla walked away, she looked dismissively at Maisie's waist, silently noting that it hardly seemed she'd ever had a child.

Isla briefly considered bringing up Nora's return but chose not to mention it. Then, she walked away.

Filled with anger, Maisie scanned the hallway for Elias but only saw the door to Roderick's ward. She hesitated for a second, shot it a glare, and then left.

*****

Inside the ward, Juniper was getting restless. "Mommy, when can we go home? I want to check if my lazy brothers are awake."

She sprawled across a chair, looking up at Nora with hopeful eyes. "Is Great-Grandpa going to wake up soon?"

Roderick's vitals were stable, and he was ready for his next surgery.

"Your great-grandpa will wake up soon," Nora comforted Juniper, gently ruffling her hair. "We'll head home now."

"Yay!" Juniper cheered, bouncing toward the exit. But as she reached the stairs, she lost her footing and tumbled down with a startled cry.

"Juniper!" Nora shouted, panic seizing her. She reached out but couldn't catch her. Her heart dropped, a chill sweeping through her.

"Juniper!" Nora cried out.

Suddenly, a strong hand caught Juniper mid-fall, pulling her back to safety.

The man, dressed in a sharp black suit, looked composed and youthful as he stepped into view...

Juniper burst into tears. "Mommy, Mommy! I'm scared! Pick me up!"

Nora stood frozen, her heart racing wildly as if she'd just been on a rollercoaster. Her hands were clenched into fists at her sides.

"Mommy, why aren't you picking me up?" Juniper cried louder, reaching out for her mother, trying to get her attention.

Elias's eyes narrowed as he asked calmly, "Hey, girl, who are you calling Mommy?"