"No, Mom, I’m okay!" She had a relationship with Lucas Knight, and now her chest and thighs were covered with his exclusive marks, though it’s been two days, they haven’t faded yet. If the doctor came, they’d surely know, and by then, who knows how Eliana Beckett would react.

"I’m fine, just washing my face."

She quickly wiped away her tears, splashed some cold water on her face, and only then did she open the bathroom door to come out.

Upon returning, she lied, "Mom, I have my eye on something. Can you get it for me?"

Eliana Beckett always tried to meet her requests, but she was very assertive and had strong opinions. Perhaps being the mistress of the house all these years had gotten to her head, sometimely meddling in Eva Nightingale’s affairs, which she didn’t appreciate.

"What is it? Just tell me, and I’ll get it for you. After all, you’re my only daughter, and of course, I love and cherish you!" Eliana comfortingly hugged her.

A flash of a different emotion crossed Eva Nightingale’s eyes as she lied, "Mom, could you go to New York? I’ve heard there’s a grand auction happening the week after next, auctioning what’s reportedly the most priceless jewelry ever. I want it."

Eliana had kidnapped the three-year-old son of the Imperial President. No matter what, the issues between her and Lucas Knight weren’t the child’s fault. She wouldn’t hold it against the little one.

Eliana certainly wouldn’t agree to release him.

Only by sending Eliana away could Eva, who was now the head of the family with her young uncle not in Eastern Europe, have the chance to free the little one!

Fair is fair.

Eva was very clear about what should and shouldn’t be done.

"Eva, isn’t it simple? Coincidentally, President Yan is in New York, so he can bring it back for you when he returns to Z Country."

"No! Mom, I just want you to go personally. You know how much I love jewelry."

"Alright, alright!" Eliana gave in, "I’ll prepare and go next week!"

Eva Nightingale: "It’ll take a few days to go to New York and back. Mom, while you’re at it, could you find some designers to custom-make a few gowns for me? You might even depart a little earlier."

Eliana knew how much Eva adored jewelry and couture dresses.

Over the past three years, she’d never denied her a single luxury item!

After all, she was her own daughter. Eliana’s guilty conscience flared, so she immediately agreed: "Alright, alright, I’ll prepare and leave tomorrow morning. Stay well-behaved in the castle for me, and do not engage with people from the Sovereign Empire. You’ve lost weight lately, so I arranged for a new chef, and you’ll surely like the dishes they cook. While I’m away, you must take good care of yourself."

Eva Nightingale: "Thank you, Mom."

"Silly child! Why are you being so polite with Mom!" Eliana was just too loving and guilty toward her, which was why she sometimes had to be harsh. If she wasn’t a bit harsh, Eva wouldn’t be able to handle the Bennett Clan later.

Fortunately, Sebastian Yansford treated her well, like family, which Eliana noticed.

...

In the evening, at the dining table, Eva Nightingale ate a lot.

The dishes cooked by this chef were delicious.

"Madam, someone wants to see you!" As soon as she put down her utensils, the maid’s voice came.

Eliana turned her head, "Who is it?"

"Madam, the visitor introduces himself as Mr. Gong."

"Gong..." The surname made Eliana’s heart skip a beat. Gong, could it be him!

No, impossible, it’s been... it’s been eight years without seeing him! Eight whole years, she’d long forgotten that man completely.

"Mom, I’m tired, going to sleep now." Eva got up, "Good night."