Chapter 5

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

In those seventy-two hours, I barely slept.

Secret communications with Leo. Final compilation of evidence. Covert positioning of personnel. Every detail reviewed again and again... I had to ensure nothing could go wrong.

On Adrian's end, preparations for the "adoption celebration" that would decide "my" fate seemed to be proceeding at full speed.

He acted more "attentive" than usual, occasionally asking about my "mood," dropping hints about the importance of a complete family.

But beneath my consistently cool demeanor, the anxiety and impatience in his eyes grew harder to conceal.

The morning of the fourth day, the sunshine was blindingly bright.

Adrian sat across the breakfast table, suited and polished, his smile flawless—but deep in his eyes lurked a hint of excitement at imminent liberation, and something barely perceptible and cold.

"Darling," he set down his coffee cup, his tone as casual as discussing weekend plans, "I've arranged a little trip for you. A hot spring resort outside the city. Peaceful surroundings, perfect for relaxation. The driver's already on his way. I'm sending you there for a couple of nights to unwind. When the celebration's over, everything... will be better."

When he said "everything will be better," he looked at me meaningfully, as if bestowing final mercy.

His plan had begun. So mine could too.

I laughed coldly inside while outwardly displaying a hint of weariness and hesitation.

"Does it have to be today? I'm a bit tired..."

"That's exactly why you need to relax." He rose, circled around, and placed both hands on my shoulders, his pressure gentle yet unyielding. "Listen to me. Go. When you come back, I'll give you a... completely fresh start."

A completely fresh start. Using my death to buy their family reunion of three.

I lowered my gaze, hiding the icy glint in my eyes, and nodded slightly. "...All right."

An hour later, a black sedan pulled up to the villa entrance.

Adrian personally escorted me to the car, closing the door for me. Through the window, he waved at me, his smile so tender it was nauseating.

The car pulled away from the villa and merged into traffic. I watched that gilded prison shrink in the rearview mirror until it vanished.

The car drove steadily for about half an hour before entering a relatively deserted stretch of road.

Then I pressed a preset speed-dial on my phone.

A few minutes later, an unremarkable gray sedan emerged from a side road and blocked our path. My driver had to brake hard, then got out cursing to see what was going on.

Two people exited the gray car, their movements swift and efficient.

Before the driver could even cry out, a precise chop to his neck dropped him, and he was dragged into the roadside woods.

Leo emerged from the passenger seat. He looked somewhat more weathered than six years ago, but his eyes were still sharp as an eagle's.

"Miss," he nodded at me and opened the rear door.

I quickly got out and into the gray sedan's back seat.

Someone was already there—a woman, unconscious, hooded, wearing a beige suit.

It was Eleanor.

Following my instructions, Leo had "invited" her over during a gap in Adrian's protective surveillance.

I studied the unconscious Eleanor coldly, then nodded at Leo's female assistant.

Understanding, the assistant produced professional tools and materials. Working quickly, she outlined, applied, and set... Soon, a "scar" appeared above Eleanor's left eye—nearly identical in position, shape, and color to my own.

Meanwhile, I put on Eleanor's clothes.

Now I was Eleanor—Eleanor disguised as Margaret.

"As planned, take her to the 'destination.'" My voice was flat, emotionless.

Eleanor would take my place, heading to the "hot spring resort" Adrian had arranged for me, and... what came after.

"Yes, miss." Leo and his assistant transferred the prepared Eleanor to the black sedan's back seat, where another trusted driver took over. The car continued toward the outskirts of the city.

And I got into the gray sedan, heading toward the celebration Adrian had prepared.