d to go to the hospital. I have to bring my parents something to eat." Elizabeth, seated with the quiet dignity of a matriarch, repli

confided, "Fate, it seems, has brought Matthew the one woman who can make him finally confront his own emotions." She explained that Matthew, despite his age, had never been in a single romance, which had driven her to resort to questionable methods-even

silver-haired butler entered. "Mr. Kings has arrived." "Bring him in here immediately," Elizabeth ordered. Matthew made his ent

ng else, I'd like to introduce my girlfriend." The words landed like a thunderclap. Elizabeth was left speechless.

and sky-high heels. Veronica stared, a troubling sense of déjà vu washing over her. When Matthew sa

nclined her head politely as Matthew explained, "This woman rescued me from a car accident a week ago."

came terrifyingly clear. Tiffany had knowingly stolen the ring and claimed the heroic act as her own. And if she knew enough to steal the ring, she had probably made sure any evidence

she said, introducing her as "We know each other from a charity soup kitchen. Just a casual acquaintance." Veron

quite solve. Tiffany, for her part, played the role of the surprised girlfriend perfectly. "What are you doi

eason for me to stay. I'll take my leave." She watched the older woman's reaction, knowing she had t

rcing her back into her seat. Then she ordered, "Matthew, follow me into the study." Be

ou think you're-" Two sharp slaps cut her off, the sound echoing in the silent room. Veronica stood over her, her expression unrelenting.

" Veronica breathed, her own palm throbbing with a pain she refused to show. "Who gave you the right to call me 'sister'?" She leaned in closer. "You were smart not to contradict me just now.

feeling generous, I'll give you a discount-fifty million for my silence." She paused, letting the threat sink in. "Otherwi

million? Yo

f you refuse, you can say goodbye to

hing with a rage sh

the blood on the sheets from the other night," she stated bluntly. "Veronica was

ug had come from Elizabeth herself, he couldn't deny the strange way Veronica sometimes looked at him. "I already have a girlfriend," he argued.

Elizabeth retorted, exasperated. "That

head threatening to split. "Grandma, wha

In two months, you will marry whic

d she really go this far withou

appearance, she added, "And don't judge by looks. Her lack of conventional beauty might spare you some trouble. You kn

e the morning-after pill and knew that after 7

ened. He turned on his he

her, striding directly to Veronica. He gripped her chin, forcing her head up so he could examine the face he f

ngs villa and never look back. But then she saw the jealousy twisting Tiffany's features, and a new idea sparked.

wed. "You seem eager

lance. "If I get pregnant, I suppose I'll be stuc

she offered an ironic smile. "And I can't help it

ongue out for daring to insinuate such a thing, for provoking Matthew right

g anger, Veronica's own

smirked. "I hope you're stil

tthew!" Elizabeth excla

ca and turned to T

only to be sent away without a single private word with Elizabeth. Despite her vexation, s

replied, her attentio

ched Matthew's retreating back, and her

any, true. But she had

ust signed her o