When she had most wanted revenge on Chase Lockwood, Adrian Preston had agreed to marry her.

When she had used herself as bait to lure William into making a move, he had promised to protect her.

When Shayla Quinn was in danger, Mia had rushed in alone. She hadn’t been afraid, because she knew Adrian would definitely come.

He had taught her how to shoot, guiding her hands.

He had given her the confidence to stand up to Vivian Lynch.

At their grand wedding, everyone had watched the newlyweds kiss passionately on stage, while Adrian was secretly kissing her.

’How could I have been so stupid? I couldn’t see the pattern in his actions.’

’It was all so obvious, but I always thought he was just acting out of a sense of duty—because I was his wife, and that was all.’

She’d suspected Shannon Preston, she’d suspected everyone else, but she had never once considered that the secret might revolve around her.

Before she knew the truth, Adrian had been nearly perfect in her eyes, flawless.

He was a hero to many, and he was her great hero, too—the one who had saved her from her darkest hour.

She had been proud of his profession, feeling a sense of honor by association.

Because of him, she’d come to appreciate the hardships faced by the families of public servants and felt for every one of them who sacrificed their personal lives for the greater good.

She had donated all the money she won from her bet with Vivian Lynch to a charitable foundation, wanting to do her small part.

’Why did I have to find out the truth? Now I’m trapped in this dilemma.’

’But if I’d never found out, I’d just be a fool for the rest of my life.’

"Mia? Mia... why aren’t you saying anything? Did something happen?"

Shayla Quinn’s anxious voice came through the phone.

Mia Kane quickly collected herself and said casually, "It’s nothing. I have something to take care of. I’ll take you out to eat another day."

She hung up without even waiting for Shayla to reply.

She clutched her phone, her emotions in turmoil.

Adrian Preston hadn’t moved into the villa, so she was still living alone.

Shannon Preston had been forcibly sent back to the country and was now being made to choose a marriage partner.

She had gotten along fairly well with the maids before, but now they all watched her with fear and trepidation, terrified that she would try to run away and they would all be finished.

Mia sighed. Even though these people were strangers to her, she couldn’t gamble with their lives and livelihoods.

’A small voice in my heart tells me Adrian isn’t capable of it, but I can’t be sure. I don’t dare gamble with other people’s lives, so I can only stay put in Argent and put aside any thoughts of leaving for now.’

When she went to her studio, Owen Sinclair noticed how pale she looked. She clearly hadn’t slept well, and her eyes were bloodshot.

"What’s wrong? Did you and Adrian have a fight?"

"Owen, do you know Adrian well? What kind of person is he really?"

"I mostly spent time with him when we were kids. He’s a good guy..." Owen Sinclair couldn’t bring himself to speak ill of Adrian.

After knowing him for so many years, he could say Adrian’s character was impeccable; he was a true gentleman.

Owen told her a lot of stories about Adrian’s childhood. He’d absolutely doted on his sister and was an incredibly warm person who was always gentle with others.

But then, he was brutally kidnapped at the age of ten. After that, he became a bit strange, though there were no major issues.

Later, Adrian went abroad to study, then returned to attend the police academy. After graduation, his whereabouts became unknown.

No one understood why a young master from a wealthy family, born with a silver spoon in his mouth, would insist on doing something so dangerous. He could easily get himself killed.

No one understood Adrian, including Owen.

"Honestly, if I had his status, I wouldn’t do something so dangerous. If he dies, the Preston Family will have no heir, and there’ll be no one to inherit their massive fortune. Even I have to admire Adrian’s courage. He’s willing to risk it all; he really goes all out."

Mia froze for a moment.

’I suddenly realize I don’t know Adrian at all.’

’It seems I only know the superficial things. Why did Adrian put on a disguise—and such a good one that it fooled everyone? What on earth has he been through?’

’I don’t believe a perfectly normal person could have such a sudden, drastic change in personality.’

"Do you know the details of the kidnapping at the birthday party?"

"That, I don’t know."

Mia could only suppress the questions in her heart. She picked up her phone, wanting to call Adrian.

’Would Adrian tell me?’

She rubbed her temples and gave up on the idea.

She cleared her mind of distracting thoughts and focused on her work.

She had several custom designs to work on. The daughter-in-law of a real estate tycoon had commissioned a set from her, and she had just finished the design sketches. She needed to discuss them with Mrs. Lawson.

She called Mrs. Lawson to arrange a time and place.

"I happen to be free today. I’m at Lockwood Manor. You can come here."

"Lockwood Manor?"

"That’s right. I’m having tea and chatting with Mrs. Lockwood. Is there a problem?"

"In that case, I’ll come by another day. Please let me know when you’re free, Mrs. Lawson."

"I told you, I’m only free today. Are you deaf or something?"

Mrs. Lawson’s attitude instantly turned nasty.

Mia let out a frustrated breath.

"Fine. I’ll be right there."

Mia agreed.

She had met this Mrs. Lawson before. She and Adrian had attended her father-in-law’s birthday celebration.

Mrs. Lawson was good friends with Vivian Lynch. When she had first come to commission a design, Mia had been suspicious, but there was no reason to turn down business.

’Now, the trouble is finally starting.’

Mia went over, bringing her toolkit and design sketches.

Mrs. Lawson was playing mahjong with Vivian Lynch and two other ladies.

A maid led her inside.

"Please wait a moment. The ladies are playing mahjong. You can wait until they’re finished."

"Alright."

Mia waited outside the mahjong room.

There was no chair and no tea, so she was left to just stand and wait.

After standing for a while, her calves began to ache.

She glanced at the time. She had already been waiting for half an hour.

She knocked on the door, hard.

But the people inside turned a deaf ear, and the sounds of shuffling tiles and cheerful chatter continued.

’They definitely heard me. They’re deliberately making this difficult.’

Mia’s patience finally ran out. She opened the door and walked right in.

Mrs. Lawson’s expression changed immediately. "I’m still in the middle of a game! What are you doing coming in here? You’ll ruin my luck! Get out!"

"Mrs. Lawson, how many rounds do you have left?"

"I have twelve rounds left. It’ll be over soon..."

’Twelve rounds? And she had the nerve to say it would be over soon.’

Mia’s face turned cold. She strode forward and flipped the mahjong table.

The four of them froze for a few seconds. The first to react was Vivian Lynch. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

"Mia Kane, what are you doing?! Have you no manners? Look at you! Is that how a proper lady is supposed to act?"

"Shut up! I’m not here for you today."

Mia shot back. Vivian’s mouth fell open, furious, but she didn’t dare say anything more.

Every time she’d tried to cause trouble for Mia, she’d hit a brick wall. She was starting to get a complex about it.

"Can’t we... can’t we talk this out? Why did you have to go and flip the table? I was about to win! I had a pure suit..."

Vivian’s voice trailed off. After Mia shot her a glare, she fell completely silent.

"Mrs. Lawson, are you free to look at the design sketches now?"

"You... I’m not free now! I don’t want to see them anymore!"

"Mrs. Lawson, my schedule is very full. If we can’t complete this on time because of you, then so be it. The deposit is non-refundable, so I’ll assume you are forfeiting the commission."

"In that case, I won’t disturb your game any longer. Take your time."

Mia gave a fake smile and turned to leave.

Unexpectedly, Mrs. Lawson grabbed her hand.

"You apologize to me! You ruined our game! You need to apologize!"

"In your dreams!"