Days passed with me locked in my room, taking showers, eating meals, and sneaking hidden video calls from the bathroom to check updates. There was nothing new about Mr. Anderson—just the same chairperson of Anderson Group of Companies. My father was busy convincing the board to hand my inheritance to Nicolai, who had joined the company a year ago. His focus was always elsewhere, but he followed my father diligently, ensuring he remained blind to Adeline’s true actions. At least he didn’t know about my mother or any of Adeline’s plans. That gave me some ease, even if I shouldn’t have wanted it.

After ending my call with Jina, I leaned against the bathroom counter, my fingers tapping against the cool surface. I needed something to do before I lost my mind.