Ivan's straightforward confession led Lia Aiken to decline Lena's invitation after leaving Valence Group. She chose not to return to the hotel with her father, but instead took a car alone to her senior's gallery.

She appeared calm on the surface, but her heart was in turmoil.

Charlotte Lewis had visitors, so Lia did not disturb her but found a corner to sit by herself.

Only after Charlotte sold a painting and turned around did she notice Lia.

"Lia, when did you arrive? You're so quiet, I didn't even notice," Charlotte approached her with concern and asked, "Didn't Lena pick you up? Why isn't she here?"

Lia raised her eyes to look at Charlotte and asked, "Senior, do you have time now?"

Charlotte nodded, "Wait a moment, I'll order two takeouts first. What do you want to eat?"

"Anything, I'm not picky." She didn't have the luxury to be picky.

After ordering takeout, Charlotte fetched Lia a drink, sat opposite her, handed over a bottle of beverage, and asked with concern, "Is your dad giving you a hard time again? And Lena?"

Lia silently drank a few sips of the beverage and gently asked Charlotte, "Sis, do you know Lena's true identity?"

Charlotte blinked but shook her head, "I only know she's our junior, quite compatible with me, and extraordinarily talented in painting. I did ask her about her family, and she only mentioned having several brothers, though only one was biological, the rest were cousins. However, those brothers adored her. It seems she never mentioned her last name."

Having known each other for years yet not knowing the junior's last name, Charlotte found it incredible now that she thought about it.

But Lena didn't say anything. Her judgment of character was good. Although Lena didn't reveal her last name, her character and quality were excellent, so Charlotte didn't bother probing further. She wasn't checking family trees; as long as the junior matched her vibe and character, it was enough.

"Her last name is Horne."

Lia was surprised that Charlotte didn't know Lena Horne's true identity.

After hearing this, Charlotte merely uttered "oh," and Lia knew she hadn't associated Lena with the Horne Family, as many people bear the last name Horne. Lia further explained, "Lena is the daughter of the Horne Family; her cousin is the Valence Group's CEO, Ivan Horne."

"What?"

Charlotte looked stunned.

"Lena is a daughter of the Horne Family? How is that possible..." Charlotte recalled Lena's modest dress but couldn't deny her quality, suddenly leaving her speechless.

Lena?

Charlotte connected the dots regarding the Horne Family's second wife's name incorporating the word '梅', recalling that the men of the Horne Family are known for spoiling their wives. Marcel Horne and Ruby Bluen's love story is as renowned as Glades Horne and Julia Bluen's. Given Lena's name, it indicated she was the daughter from the second family.

"Sis, I feel Lena has set me up, and it's quite a setup." At this point, Lia couldn't help but see the truth clearly.

Recently acquainted junior showed such eagerness to advise her, strongly suggesting a trip to G City for leisure, once she decided to go, the junior mentioned her brother was coincidentally on a business trip there, pledging to ask him to take care of her.

All along, it was meticulously planned for her to fall into the trap.

It was hard to imagine that the little girl had such a crafty mind to set people up.

It's likely Ivan too was caught in this setup.

But thankfully, Lena had informed Ivan beforehand, otherwise meeting Ivan in a foreign place could have led to serious misunderstandings. Now, he's openly expressing his affection, regardless of the short acquaintance, genuinely confessing to her, catching her off-guard, and astonishingly realizing his liking for her.

Yes, upon initial contact, she sensed Ivan's good impression, which was also due to her not sharing her father's stance. In reality, initially, Ivan suspected her.

"Lena set you up? How so? Why would that girl set you up?" Charlotte was unaware of Lia and Ivan's matter, as Lena had been frequently visiting the gallery to help and paint, yet said nothing about Ivan and Lia.

Lena felt that things weren't clear yet, thus refrained from spreading word. Ivan has too many admirers, and lia's background isn't solid. Exposing this might incite his fervent admirers to conspire against Lia.

Jealousy can be extraordinarily mad; countless people have their humanity eclipsed by jealousy, committing unforgivable deeds.

Lia drank deeply from her beverage again and expressed, "She paired me with Ivan."

It turned out successful, though she hadn't agreed to be Ivan's girlfriend yet. Lia knew she didn't resist the idea; Ivan's warmth when he liked someone could be alluring enough to intoxicate her, and she had felt intoxicated on several occasions.

Charlotte exclaimed again, "Ivan is indeed a good man, but he's so enigmatic and hard to fathom. He is a renowned figure in our city, akin to a trendy young celebrity, with fans and admirers galore. Lia, you and he might not match, don't blindly follow Lena's lead; Lena's still a child, thinking Ivan is approachable, but that's because she's Ivan's sister."

Lia raised her gaze directly at Charlotte, saying, "Just before, Ivan confessed to me, wanted me to be his girlfriend, quite seriously. I know he isn't pretending."

No need to pretend, as he can have any woman he wants.

Charlotte was frozen, staring blankly at Lia.

Lia knew her senior also found it unbelievable, so she sighed and continued, "Sis, my feelings are conflicted. I can't discuss it with Lena; she'd surely side with Ivan. You've been through this, so I came to you for advice. I just can't fathom why he'd like me when numerous women from prestigious families couldn't catch his eye."

In Ivan's presence, Lia hadn't questioned the reason nor the suitability, but in front of her close senior, she was absolutely open, her emotions unveiled.

"I indeed wish to be his girlfriend; it just feels a bit too quick, a bit unbelievable."

Lia drank a couple more sips of the beverage.

Finally, Charlotte came back to her senses, also realizing why Lia felt set up by Lena. This entire scenario from start to finish, wasn't it orchestrated by Lena?

"Lia, you're a decisive young woman, merely constrained by your father because of your mother all these years. Since you've already made up your mind, I won't persuade you otherwise. Don't worry about how fast things are evolving; feelings are peculiar. Some who know each other from childhood never become partners, while others fall in love at first sight. That's why the term 'love at first sight' exists. Ivan wouldn't toy with a girl's heart; it's true. But countless women admire him. Should you be with him, you'd have to prepare for endless rivals. Nonetheless, I trust Ivan can protect you."

The men of the Horne Family aren't just doting, they're extremely commanding.

Who dares to bully a woman married into the Horne Family?