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I didn’t have time to leave.E
I froze.
Then I turned and saw Leander standing there.
My heart settled. I took another drag from my cigarette, calm and composed, and arrogantly blew a ring of smoke in his direction. With a raised brow, I said,
“Dr. White, where’s the certificate? If you don’t deliver it soon, I’ll be tortured to death.“}
Leander, usually cold and by–the–book, didn’t react with anger. His gaze, calm and steady behind the haze, met mine.
“It looks like someone’s deliberately blocking the procedure,” he said. “But don’t worry. I’ll handle it.“}
That surprised me. When had he become so easygoing? And since when did he care about my affairs?}
He looked down at Wendell, still unconscious on the floor, then back at me.}
“What do you want to do with him?“>
I waved dismissively. “Leave him. No one will believe I did it anyway. Don’t forget–I was too weak to even walk when I arrived. Everyone still thinks I’m the pitiful, well–behaved girl.”
Leander crouched beside Wendell, checking his pulse and body with practiced hands. Then he took out a handkerchief, carefully wrapped his fingers, and plucked something from Wendell’s hair–a pearl earring.
I instinctively touched my ear. It must’ve been knocked off during the fight.”
Leander said nothing. He slipped the earring into his pocket with the same quiet efficiency as always.§
“I’ve preserved the evidence for you,” he murmured as he stood. “I’ll expedite the certificate. As for everything else… handle it yourself.“|
He passed me with barely a sound but added in a low voice, “Be careful.“}
I watched his retreating back. Something about him felt different–less rigid, less clinical. He was no longer the unfeeling doctor from the hospital.
The wedding resumed.
Despite the chaos, the guests returned to their seats with anticipation. Marco lounged at his table, sipping wine, speaking closely with Ellen. He smiled. Laughed. Not once did he look my way.
I stood holding the bouquet, waiting for the master of ceremonies to signal the next step, wondering silently–when would I strike back at the Weber Family?!
Andrew approached, face dark and brooding. I caught sight of Diane whispering to a waiter, who nodded before hurrying off.
Another scheme. What now?!
“Geneva,” Andrew said quietly, leaning close so no one else could hear. “Do you know why I brought you back?”
I blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question.
He didn’t wait. “It was because of Diane. You reminded me of her. Your eyes… they looked just like hers.“}
He smiled faintly, eyes cold. “You should feel honored. I brought you to the Weber Family because of my love for her.“>
I smiled politely but sneered inwardly. Honor? Or a curse?}
Still, I kept my voice soft and submissive.}
“I understand. I’ve always known. After marriage, I will behave. I won’t cross the line.”
Andrew’s tone darkened. “Without Diane, you would be nothing. So why would you treat her this way?“>
Ah. So Diane had already gone crying to him. But something in his voice felt heavier–more suspicious than outraged. What else was she feeding him??
No matter. They would all fall soon enough.”
The rot in the Weber Family ran deep. And it all needed to be burned away.)]
But my heart was restless. Why hadn’t I received the certificate yet?}
Then–the screen behind us flickered on.”
A video began to play.
I turned slowly. The footage showed my face looming large above a cowering Diane. I was stepping on her back, smirking with cruelty. “What are you proud of?” I sneered in the clip. “Once I marry into the Weber Family, do you think there’ll still be room for you? I’ll erase you -and take everything. Even the family’s fortune.”
In the video, Diane whimpered, “Geneva… I’m blind… I’m no threat to you. You’re angry because I stole what was yours…”
It was only a short clip, but the impact was instant.
The crowd erupted.%
“She’s a snake! Acting innocent but ruthless behind closed doors!”
“Andrew was too soft! No wonder she ended up in a mental hospital. She belongs there–she’s a lunatic!”
“She promised to give her eyes to Diane. Turns out, she was just trying to pay off her debts! What a shameless woman!”
In the audience, Diane had changed into a fresh dress. Her eyes were now covered with gauze again. The comer of her lips curled upward
12:18 PM
as the whispers around her grew.
So this was her plan.
The certificate hadn’t been issued yet. I had no proof, no protection. And now, I was being publicly crucified.
I bowed my head, trying to buy time.
“That’s not me. The video is fake. It’s edited–Andrew, listen to me-“}
Before I could finish, a second video began to play.
