Six years later.
At the exit of Heidelberg High-Speed Rail Station, a slender young woman stepped out gracefully. She wore a light blue minimalist dress and a sunhat with lace trim. Her fair skin glowed in the sunlight, and her every movement exuded elegance and nobility.
This woman was Claire.
Trailing beside her were two adorable little ones, walking hand in hand.
The boy wore French-style denim overalls and a crisp white shirt. His features were unbelievably striking, his skin so fair it seemed almost translucent. A white sunhat sat askew on his head, and one hand casually tucked into his pocket. He walked with an air of cool detachment.
The girl had thick, silky black hair and large, almond-shaped eyes that sparkled with mischief. When she smiled, two irresistible dimples appeared, making onlookers want to pinch her cheeks.
The trio instantly drew the attention and admiration of passersby.
"Hello, uncles and aunties! I'm Adam! I'm Hilary!" the two little ones chirped cheerfully as they greeted everyone like tiny celebrities.
Claire frowned slightly.
These two had been the center of attention since birth. No matter where they went, they drew eyes like magnets. It was just like someone else she knew, born to shine. No matter how hard she tried, low profile was simply not an option.
Six years ago.
After she was pushed into the sea, a crashing wave swept her back onto the shore. Luckily, someone her grandmother sent arrived in time to rescue her.
But what she never expected was that night, she became pregnant.
With triplets.
Ten months later, in the Heidelberg Maternity Hospital, she successfully gave birth to Adam and Hilary. But just as she thought it was over, another wave of pain hit.She delivered a third baby, who, heartbreakingly, didn't survive.
To leave behind this sorrowful city and give her children a fresh start, she took them and moved to Nocta.
Now, her grandmother already eighty-five was gravely ill. She had asked to see them one last time.
Her grandmother was the last elder in the world who truly cared for her. Claire immediately brought the children back without hesitation.
Suddenly, her eyes widened in disbelief.
If she weren't seeing it with her own eyes, she wouldn't have believed it.
Not far ahead, a tall man in a tailored suit was walking straight toward her.
Even after six years, she recognized him instantly—Gilbert Watson.
His features were sharp and cold, his presence commanding. One hand tucked nonchalantly into his pocket, long legs striding confidently, his aura was even more intense than she remembered. Time had only refined his charm. Every movement radiated the charisma of a mature man.
Claire's heart skipped a beat, and her breath caught in her throat.
What rotten luck was this?
To avoid drawing attention with her stunning children, she had intentionally gotten off the plane early in City B and taken the train to Heidelberg. She thought the high-speed rail station would be less glamorous, more ordinary. Yet, the moment she stepped out, she ran right into the one man she hoped never to see again.
"Adam." Her heart jumped, face draining of color as she reached for her son.
Adam was the spitting image of Gilbert. If Gilbert saw him today, he'd figure things out in no time.He was sharp, calculating, and never missed a detail.
And the Watsons were the pinnacle of high society. There was no way they'd allow their bloodline to remain unclaimed.
If he found out, he'd fight her for custody.
Adam was her everything. She couldn't lose him.
But it was already too late.
Adam, with one hand casually in his pocket, strutted forward on his short legs, straight toward Gilbert.
Father and son, walking toward each other, their postures eerily identical.
There was no denying it. They were cut from the same cloth.
Even their effortlessly cool swagger was unmistakably inherited.
Claire's face turned deathly pale.
Gilbert Watson was walking forward when his sharp gaze suddenly landed on a small, adorable figure approaching him directly. The boy carried himself with a cool swagger that was uncannily similar to Gilbert's own demeanor. A flicker of doubt crossed his eyes just as he was about to take a closer look.
"Daddy!"
A sweet, childish voice called out, and a beautiful little girl, around five years old and dressed in a pink princess dress, ran toward him with her arms wide open.
"Linda."
His gaze immediately shifted to her. A rare warmth appeared on his otherwise cold and stern face as he took large strides toward her, spreading his arms.
"Daddy, I missed you so much! Did you miss me?"
Linda threw herself into Gilbert's arms, wrapping her little arms around his neck and planting a kiss on his cheek.
...
Claire finally relaxed.
That was close!
She quickly pulled Adam to her side and gently pushed his sunhat lower to shield half his face.
They were safe.For now.
But her heart was a stormy sea, waves crashing violently.
The way Gilbert embraced that little girl, his face filled with tenderness, stung her eyes more than she could bear. Her mother's swollen, pale face on her deathbed suddenly flashed before her eyes. The helpless grief, the silent despair, all came rushing back. Claire clenched her fists tightly, her jaw rigid with suppressed fury.
"Gilbert."
A soft, affectionate voice called out behind him.
Claire turned slightly and saw Emma approaching. She wore a sleeveless top, a dark green maxi skirt, and walked with elegant flair, her eyes brimming with longing as she looked at Gilbert.
"Mommy," the little girl chirped sweetly.
"Mhm," Emma smiled, gently ruffling the girl's soft hair.
So, Gilbert had come to pick up his wife and daughter.
What a perfect picture of domestic bliss.
Disgusting.
Claire's eyes reddened, as if seared by hot iron.
Six years ago, in that terrifying moment when she was shoved into the sea, her panicked, wide eyes had caught a glimpse of a hideously twisted face—demonic, vengeful, unforgettable.
Emma Miler.
That vile, shameless woman rotten to the core was still alive and thriving! Why hadn't the heavens struck her down with lightning?
"Your Majesty Mommy, are you okay?"
Just as Claire teetered on the edge of rage, ready to rush forward and tear that woman apart, Adam tugged on her hand, his small face filled with concern.
In an instant, Claire snapped back to reality. A chill crept up her spine.
How could she be so reckless?
She was no longer alone. She had two precious children to protect.
Over the past six years, countless moments of pain and rage had tempted her toward revenge. But every time she looked at her two little darlings, the hatred in her heart softened.
She had survived. She had come back to life. Her heart, however, had died long ago. There was no room left for love, not for a man as heartless and ruthless as Gilbert.
The past must be left behind. Making money and raising her children well, that was what truly mattered now.
She turned swiftly, grabbed each child by the hand, and walked away in haste.
"Linda, let's go home," Gilbert said, turning around with Linda in his arms and heading toward the high-speed rail station exit.
As he turned, a graceful figure flashed past his line of sight.
Gilbert froze.
That silhouette looked so familiar… It was just like her.
"What's wrong, Gilbert?" Emma clung to his arm, puzzled.
He blinked, then looked ahead again.
But the woman was gone.
"Nothing."
He replied coolly, pulling his arm out of Emma's hold, carrying Linda as he headed toward his Rolls-Royce.