Upon seeing the Vance family car, Adrian and Euphemia, who’d been standing on the porch looking down on Kylie, immediately rushed forward. Euphemia put on a look of surprise and flattery, and a shrewd glint flashed in her eyes. “Why are you here, Jim? Did Mr. Vance send you to pick up Iris?” Jim didn’t bother to spare her a glance. Instead, he picked up Kylie’s luggage and walked toward the trunk. Kylie was briefly stunned and quickly followed up. “Why are you here, Jim? Did anything happen to Mr. Vance Senior?” “No, he’s doing well.” Jim placed the suitcase into the trunk and respectfully continued, “Mr. Vance has sent me here to take you to Hythe Villa, Mrs. Vance.” Iris was furious to hear that. “You must be mistaken! She’s no Mrs. Vance, and there’s no way Samuel would let her enter Hythe Villa!” Hythe Villa was Samuel’s private villa, and Iris had just been there a handful of times. Samuel owned countless properties. Even if he wanted to arrange for Kylie’s accommodation, there was no need for it to be in Hythe Villa. A country bumpkin like her wasn’t worthy of stepping foot inside. But Jim completely ignored Iris and opened the back seat door. Then, he gestured to Kylie. “Mrs. Vance, please.” Kylie got into the car feeling slightly uneasy but trusting that Jim wouldn’t harm her. Standing outside, Iris furiously stomped her feet. “Jim, Hythe Villa isn’t a place just anyone can enter. I’m warning you; you’re just a housekeeper of the Vance family, and you have no right to make decisions for Samuel. “If I find out later that this isn’t Samuel’s decision, the first thing I’ll do is fire you once I become Mrs. Vance!” Jim smiled. “Perhaps you should wait until you actually become Mrs. Vance before making such statements, Ms. Dale.” “How dare you!” Iris’ face was flushed with fury. The Bentley drove off and left the Dales in a cloud of exhaust. “Pah! He’s just a damn watchdog of the Vances. Who does he think he is to act all high and mighty?” Euphemia spat angrily. Then, she turned to Iris and said, “Remember this, Iris. Once you become Mrs. Vance, the first thing you must do is fire him.” “Of course!” Iris gritted her teeth. Kylie was a huge obstacle on her way. If not for Kylie, she’d already be the lady of the Vances by now. Samuel was every woman’s dream, and a country bumpkin like Kylie would never deserve him. Though Samuel had never shown physical intimacy with Iris, the latter shuddered at the thought that he and Kylie were now living under the same roof. What if Kylie seduced him? No way! Iris vowed to figure something out and get rid of Kylie, the nuisance, as soon as possible. … The Bentley veered through the city as neon lights flashed past, and the shifting glow in the car stirred Kylie’s increasing anxiety. She maintained her composure and asked, “Thank you for helping me out, Jim. Is this the way to Hythe Villa?” “That’s right, Ms. Clark.” After leaving the Dale residence, he’d reverted to addressing her by “Ms. Clark” instead of “Mrs. Vance.” Sensing her nervousness, he chuckled. “Don’t be afraid. Mr. Vance isn’t a bad person.” Kylia responded with a hum and a smile that barely reached her eyes. Samuel didn’t love her, and he must likely hate her for their forced marriage. He sure wasn’t a bad guy, but he certainly wouldn’t show her any warmth. Even so, she decided to move into Hythe Villa. Living under the same roof would give her more chances to understand the current Samuel and uncover the truth about the past. What exactly had happened? Why didn’t he recognize her? How could he believe Iris was the girl from back then, just because of an emerald bracelet? Soon, the car entered a villa complex. Samuel was sitting in the living room and frowned when he saw Kylie enter behind Jim. His expression instantly turned cold. A heavy tension filled the villa. Following behind Jim, Kylie cowered away and tried to minimize her presence as much as possible. “Why is she here?” Samuel asked. His gaze swept over the suitcase behind her, and a mocking sneer appeared on his lips. Was she that desperate to climb onto his bed? Kylie met his gaze and quickly explained, “Jim isn’t to blame. I was kicked out of the Dale residence and had nowhere to go. He brought me here because he was worried about me. I’ll leave now.” She spoke cautiously and tried to make her words as concise as possible. Samuel’s face filled with impatience as he coldly ordered, “Get out!” “Mr. Vance…” Jim wanted to speak up on her behalf, but before he could, Samuel cut him off. “I respect that you’re an elder, Jim, but you’re prohibited from Hythe Villa if this happens again. Do you take Hythe Villa for a shelter, and think everyone is allowed to enter? “Have someone replace the carpet at once. It’s filthy.” Dragging her suitcase out the door, Kylie stiffened slightly at his words. Just then, Samuel’s phone rang. He immediately answered after seeing the number. “Iris.” His voice was filled with the gentleness that loving couples would have. His well-defined facial features lit up with a smile. “Get the car ready.” Whatever Iris had said, it made him hang up quickly. He grabbed the coat tossed over the armrest and hurriedly walked out. … Winter in Seaville was harsh and icy, with temperatures especially low during the night. Kylie shivered as she dragged her suitcase into the yard. The next second, everything went dark, and she passed out.