Outside, darkness had settled thickly over the city. After dinner, Charlotte had shut herself away in her room, busy with her latest research project.

Her phone screen lit up–a message from Evander: *It’s getting chilly tonight. Don’t turn the AC too low.*

Charlotte stared at the text for a while, fingers hovering over the

keyboard, but she didn’t reply.

Meanwhile, the Nebula Tech founder was hosting a cocktail party by his private pool. After sending Charlotte the message, Evander leaned against a high table, only to be approached by guests eager to clink glasses and chat.

One of the guests–a wealthy businessman–seemed poised to introduce him to a companion, but noticed the wedding band on Evander’s finger and quickly thought better of it.

“I heard Mr. Rayburn’s gone to the capital,” someone nearby remarked, not bothering to lower his voice. “Think he’s there to arrange a marriage with the Howard family?”

Evander took a slow sip of his drink, unmoved, the glass cool against his

lips.

“What marriage? Mr. Rayburn’s gone to the capital to look for his daughter!” another voice chimed in.

“Daughter? Since when does the Rayburn family have a daughter?”

“I heard there was one, but she was stillborn. Mrs. Rayburn lost her mind over it. With a man as devoted as Mr. Rayburn, you think he could just accept that? He’s convinced the child wasn’t really his daughter–has had people secretly investigating ever since.”

Evander set his glass down, his eyes drifting toward the small group deep

in conversation.

like a classic switched–at–birth story,” one man mused. “What

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swapped

know who the real Rayburn heiress is.” Natalie approached, stopping at his side. “Mr. Howard, we’ve noticed two

cold. “Who do they

yet.

the glass in

passed the interview. She

then, Charlotte’s phone rang–the caller ID read

Wellness Retreat.*

answered at once. Whatever the person on the other end said made her cover her mouth, her hands shaking with excitement. “Yes… I’ll be there

Hiram had woken up.

bedroom. Through the open door, she saw the medical

roaming the room. Condensation fogged the inside of his

Charlotte edged to the bedside, her hand trembling as she

but unable to form the words. Tears

nearby offered a gentle reminder. “Mrs. Howard,

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long, his body will need

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