Chapter 3

Lydia POV

In this moment, I breathed a sigh of relief.

"I did meet him."

I was a bit uncertain.

"But I'm not sure what his reaction will be. Adrian is unpredictable, his thoughts so composed they're hard to read, but undeniably, he's very gentlemanly."

After all, my appearance today was quite abrupt and forward.

But without being abrupt and forward, how else could I have a chance to get close to Adrian?

The butler knew my current situation was dire. After careful consideration, he offered a suggestion.

"Miss Reed, why not choose a different target? Adrian is cold, arrogant, and unfathomable. He's a powerful figure beyond our ability to control. It won't be easy to hook him. This kind of person is beyond our reach."

The butler suggested I should lower the difficulty for myself.

I shook my head.

"If I really want to overcome my current predicament, I need exactly Adrian's power and authority. The difficulty may be high, but I still want to give it a try."

I wasn't actually certain, I could only approach it with an experimental attitude.

After all, the more composed and reserved Adrian was, the higher the danger coefficient.

He was like a predatory king, with everything under his control, possessing a chilling coldness.

The butler was helpless and fell silent.

I continued with my instructions.

"Keep tracking Adrian's movements. I need to constantly infiltrate his circle and make him notice me."

After leaving the party, I returned to the Reed house. In just the few days I'd been away, the villa had been nearly emptied.

"What's going on?"

I couldn't believe the scene before me.

I didn't have long to wonder. My father was already moving antique paintings and scrolls from the study....

I quickly approached him.

"Dad, what happened? Why has everything here been moved out?"

"I sold this place."

"What right do you have to sell it! This villa is my mother's property, left to her by my grandparents."

Marcus didn't take my anger seriously.

"You still have the nerve to ask what right I have. If you'd been willing to date Mr. Henderson last time, would the Reed family have been reduced to selling the villa?"

It was better when Marcus didn't bring up that incident. Once he mentioned it, I flew into a rage.

"Mr. Henderson, that old geezer, is about your age, isn't he? You wanted me to be with him? What were you thinking!"

"Lydia, I was doing this for your own good..."

"For my good, you should have had Clara marry that old creep, not set your sights on me."

Marcus's face looked quite bitter.

"Lydia, I know you have some prejudice against your stepmother and sister, but they love you..."

"I've already reached my limit tolerating you bringing those two bitches into our home. Now you want to sell the only thing my mother left behind? Aren't you afraid of divine retribution?"

"You cheated on my mother, had a bastard daughter outside who's already grown, and now you want to take her inheritance too. If you had any shred of humanity, you wouldn't touch this villa."

My attitude was clear-I absolutely would not compromise.

Marcus's expression was equally determined.

"It's already sold. The contract is signed. Tomorrow the buyer moves in..."

"Who the hell did you sell it to!"

I couldn't help clenching my fists.

"Lydia... we need to solve the Reed Corporation's current difficulties."

"No matter what excuse you give, no one is touching my mother's villa. Especially not you."

With that, I turned to leave. I knew I wouldn't get any real answers from Marcus. I could only investigate myself.

"Lydia, where are you going? Stop right there. Can't you show some consideration for my feelings!"

Marcus's voice was full of helplessness.

I used to be too considerate of Marcus, which is why I tolerated him bringing his mistress and daughter home.

My stepmother and stepsister were diligent and kind in front of Marcus, but behind his back, they schemed and harmed me at every turn.

Now they'd even set their sights on my mother's inheritance.

The butler rushed to report the situation to me.

"Miss Reed, I heard the villa was sold to Mr. Damien Cross. Tomorrow, Mr. Cross will be moving into the Reed house."

"Him? Why would Damien Cross want to buy our villa?"

I knew Damien Cross, the man the butler mentioned.

We'd crossed paths once before. This man was a tyrannical rogue, his methods utterly shameless and despicable.

The butler shook his head.

"I haven't investigated the specific circumstances yet. Should I go dig around for information first..."

But I couldn't wait.

"Never mind that. Help me check Damien Cross's schedule. I need to see him immediately."

Two hours later, the butler handed me an invitation to a party Damien Cross would attend:

"Tonight's party invitation. Damien Cross is confirmed to attend. You can make contact there."

I gripped the invitation tightly. After dressing up elaborately, I headed to the party venue.

I changed into a sexy, daring dress.

The moment I entered the ballroom, I spotted Adrian.