Chapter3

Early the next morning, before I was fully awake, I heard engines outside.

I walked to the window and saw three moving trucks parked in front of the main building. Servants and bodyguards moved back and forth, carrying suitcases and boxes of clothing. Sophia stood on the steps wearing sunglasses, as if surveying her new territory.

She looked up, saw me, and waved, smiling naturally.

"Good morning, Elena. I discussed it with my brother—it's more convenient for me to move in. The port area hasn't been safe lately. It's not safe for me to live alone."

I didn't respond, just went downstairs.

In the living room, Adrian was already dressed in a suit, listening to his subordinates report on last night's dock situation. His tone was calm, arranging everything with just a few words.

"Reschedule the southern district routes. I'll personally attend tonight's auction gala." Only then did he look at me. "Move to the east wing guest room. The master bedroom needs to be cleared out."

He spoke as if rearranging furniture.

I stood in place. "When was this decided?"

"Yesterday." He looked at me. "Having Sophia move in is more advantageous for the family."

Sophia walked over, her tone gentle.

"Elena, don't read too much into it. I'm only staying temporarily. The master bedroom is bigger, convenient for receiving guests. You never really used that study anyway, right?"

I looked at her, my expression unchanged.

Adrian continued, "You'll still accompany me to tonight's auction gala. As my assistant."

"Assistant?" I repeated.

"We need consistent external messaging." His gaze was sharp and calm. "The situation is sensitive right now. I don't want any rumors affecting the port bidding."

I nodded. "Understood."

The movers carried Sophia's wardrobe into the master bedroom. I stood in the doorway, watching my belongings being neatly packed and set aside.

Three years. It only took one morning to be replaced.

That evening, I stood at the manor entrance in a black evening gown.

Adrian stood in front of me, Sophia holding his arm.

Camera flashes converged on them in a sheet of light.

The auction gala was held at the port hall. Many underground powers would attend tonight.

As soon as Adrian appeared, all eyes focused on him.

The host approached. "Godfather, welcome."

Adrian nodded slightly, then spoke before everyone.

"Tonight, Sophia represents the position by my side. She is the family's future lady."

Applause filled the hall.

Some whispered about my position standing in the back.

Adrian turned to look at me. "Elena is the family assistant, responsible for internal coordination."

I heard my name but felt like it belonged to someone else.

Sophia leaned close to him, her voice soft. "Thank you all for your blessings."

I stood one step behind him, like a shadow.

Halfway through the gala, I started feeling dizzy.

My body hadn't recovered from last night's drowning. Combined with the stuffy hall, I had trouble breathing and felt a dull pain in my lower abdomen.

I went to the restroom, gripping the sink and taking deep breaths.

The door suddenly opened.

Sophia walked in and locked the door behind her.

"You look terrible." She leaned against the door, amusement in her tone. "Didn't sleep well last night?"

I looked at her. "What do you want to say?"

She took a few steps closer, her gaze carrying undisguised contempt.

"Did you see clearly? He acknowledged me as the future lady of the house in front of everyone. You didn't dare say a word in protest."

I didn't answer.

She suddenly turned toward the door.

"Oh, by the way." She looked back at me. "No one will notice you tonight. Just stay here."

The door closed.

I heard the key turn.

I rushed over and pulled the handle, but it was locked tight.

My phone had no signal.

Time passed bit by bit.

I knocked on the door, called for help. No response.

Past midnight, the hall went completely silent.

I heard the last footsteps leave, then total quiet.

No one came looking for me.

I hugged my knees, consciousness fading bit by bit.

Before losing awareness, I thought of only one thing.

Tonight, from start to finish, he never once asked where I was.