"For the past three years, I’ve been in Crestfall, so it’s not surprising that I keep tabs on certain people," Hans Montrose’s eyes locked onto her, "Anything connected to you, I make it my business to know."

"So, is this your way of imposing your plans on me again?" Melody Thorne looked at him, hurt by the situation, yearning for the simplicity of the past rather than this complicated mess.

"Is your goal still the same, pushing me to marry you? You should see clearly now, I have a child with Jared Quinn. We can never be together, so why are you forcing this?"

Hans Montrose’s eyes revealed a ruthless determination as he looked at her, struggling to let go, the desire to fight for what he wants growing ever stronger.

"This time, I don’t want you to marry me, nor do I need you to do anything. I only ask that you leave Jared Quinn for a month and spend that time with me. I promise nothing will happen during this month."

Perhaps this is the essence of unrequited love, the more elusive it is, the more one desires it.

"Do you still have any credibility?" Melody Thorne stared at him, "Why must it be me?"

"I just need one month."

Melody Thorne turned and walked toward the room, worried that Jared Quinn and Hans Montrose might run into each other, hesitating whether to believe his words.

Jared Quinn would surely be furious.

Especially over a month.

Hans Montrose watched her back, coughing lightly. Suddenly, his complexion changed dramatically; he covered his mouth, the blood he coughed up within his palm was disturbingly vivid.

Three years ago, when Hans Montrose stepped aside for her to marry Jared Quinn, he already knew his time was limited. As life drew closer to the end, he yearned for the company of the person he loved, perhaps to avoid a lonely demise.

He wanted to be a lasting presence in Melody Thorne’s heart, hoping she’d occasionally think of him. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Only after her silhouette vanished did Hans Montrose turn and leave.

In the room, Harold Chapman and Jared Quinn had finished discussing their business. As Melody Thorne returned, Harold Chapman rose and exited, everyone worn out from the past few days.

"I’ve widened the search scope; if he’s still alive, we’ll find him even if we have to dig three feet deep," Jared Quinn wrapped his arms around her from behind.

Melody Thorne’s eyes were complex with emotion, certain Hans Montrose wouldn’t deceive her. But if Hans knows where he is, he’d hide him, leading Jared Quinn’s people to fruitless pursuits.

She’s hesitating about agreeing to Hans Montrose’s proposition while unsure how to broach the subject with Jared Quinn.

"Jared Quinn, you haven’t tended to company affairs in a long time. Given grandfather’s age, I’m worried it’s too much for him," Melody Thorne offered an excuse to speak.

Jared Quinn sneered against her fragrant neck, "Been here so long, why bring this up now?"

Melody Thorne felt guilty, "Because grandfather is getting older, and I’m worried. Maybe you should check on him, help manage the company matters, and then come back."

Jared Quinn held her tighter, his unseen eyes dark and mysterious like a deep, ancient abyss, bending to nip at her small ear, "That’s a good idea."

"You’re agreeing?" Melody Thorne was a bit stunned; she hadn’t expected him to agree so readily.

"Isn’t this what you wanted?" Jared Quinn teased, nibbling on the rim of her ear.