" Master, do you need me to investigate her?" Sensing Lorenzo's great displeasure, Julian hesitated before asking.

Quickly, he reached out to turn on the warmer in the car, so he wouldn't end up freezing.

By her, Julian was referring to Venessa, whose identity they had yet to figure out.

She could be sent by their enemies, even though she appeared innocent.

Lorenzo's eyes darkened more, and he thought for a moment.

" No need. Fate will decide if she will cross my path again and become relevant."

*****

As the lights began to fade, a Porsche drove towards a high-end apartment. In the right side mirror, Venessa could be seen resting her head on her arm, which was propped up on the car door. She stared absentmindedly at the street, appearing lost in thought. It seemed she was troubled by something, with how her brows were furrowing and relaxing at the same time.

Noticing her like this, Ethan decelerated the car and pulled over next to his apartment. After turning off the engine, he patiently waited for Venessa. He knew her well, having been childhood friends, and understood that if she didn't want to share her feelings, no one could force her to do so.

Although millions of questions raced through his mind, desperate for answers, he remained silent. Hopefully, she would eventually confide in him.

After what feels like eternity, Venessa lowered her eyelids and readjusted her position in the car, noticing they had arrived at Ethan’s apartment. Glancing at the man beside her, she could see he was expecting her to explain the whole situation, but what could she say?

Everything that happened today was something she would never want to recollect in this lifetime!

Venessa refused to utter a word but reached out to open the door of the passenger seat. As she got out of the car, Ethan also did the same, and they both went into the apartment quietly.

Soon, the two friends sat lazily on the couch in the living room, drinking to their hearts ' content. While Venessa thought being drunk was the only way to escape the pain thumping her chest, Ethan wasn't entirely in support, recalling that Venessa had never been the type to love alcohol.

However, he silently accompanied her for the night.

Ethan sighed, his honey brown eyes never leaving Venessa. He could guess perhaps they were the only ones passing out their night in this manner.

The next day broke out with the weather a little bit cloudy. It didn’t rain, but the damp ground slightly aroused one’s curiosity. The air carried some mists, sending out chills to every house in the city.

It was mid afternoon when a loud ring broke through in Ethan’s apartment, startling Venessa from her sleep. Groggily, she extended her right arm to pick up her phone without paying attention to the caller ID.

‘’ What is it?’’ Her voice came out raspy due to her subconscious state, and she frowned, rubbing her head to relieve the hungover headache.

‘’Venessa, can you ever be thoughtful? Everyone is already present at your grandfather’s birthday banquet, only you appear to be missing! I won't be surprised if your grandfather is disappointed in you once again!’’

What she heard over the phone call woke her up completely as she facepalmed herself! Gosh!

‘’ Today is Grandpa’s birthday banquet?’’ She murmured, but it came more like a question.

Venessa never thought her mind could skip an event like that! Regardless of what had happened yesterday, she still felt guilty for forgetting and not being prepared in time for her grandfather’s birthday.

Indeed, could she ever be more thoughtful? This might be another reason for her parents to deem her useless, considering it was her mother who had to remind her.

Quickly, Venessa tidied up and dashed out of the apartment, ignoring Ethan, who called out to her.

An hour later, a familiar thin figure emerged from a taxi that had come to a halt in front of a lavishly decorated mansion.

Her gladiator heels made soft but pressing footsteps toward the entrance, and her ponytail swung back and forth behind her.

Venessa knew she was entering an environment that had caused her much childhood trauma and fear. She would have never dared to return if it weren't for today's occasion. At least she could say her grandfather was the only one who had truly cared for her until now.

She understood that she couldn't hide from her fears forever. If she refused to face them now, she would always be a coward.

Yesterday's events made Venessa realize she truly had no family. If that was the case, then there was no reason to hold back any longer.

'' Venessa! I wasn't expecting you to show your face here again......"