Chapter 12

Grandfather was obviously excited as he stood at the door looking at his granddaughter who looked so much like his daughter. Tears streamed down his face.

“Grandpa, I came back to see you. Why are you crying?”

Layne wiped away his tears and snorted coldly. “You haven’t come back for three years. Every time you do, you never bring good news. Did your husband bully you?”

He continued to rant, “I told you before that your personalities don’t match up. The Lawrence family is worlds apart from the Foley family; a suitable marriage is about matching backgrounds.”

“Your mother was deceived by that bastard George which led to her tragedy.”

Thinking of her daughter made Layne feel sad again. Though his granddaughter Cheyenne was so outstanding, she also outstanding like her mother. It wasn’t fair!

Years ago, Cheyenne was determined to marry Kelvin, even though she knew he didn’t like her. She pursued him relentlessly like a moth to a flame.

They’d been married three years, but he was still very cold to her. Even if it’s just raising a dog, there should be some emotional connection. But in Kelvin’s eyes, she was worth less than a dog.

“Grandpa, you’re overthinking things. It’s not like that. I’m fine; I just miss you,” Cheyenne said with a sweet smile to ease his worries.

“Don’t try to fool me. I knew what nonsense you were spouting even before you opened your mouth,” Grandpa replied bluntly.

“Ahem… Grandpa, you’re an educated man. Watch your language!”

Realizing his mistake, Grandfather nodded apologetically and said, “You’re right; as an educated man, I should watch my image.”

“Okay then! Look what I brought for you – cotton candy! Let’s go inside and sit down; my tired feet are killing me.” With that said, Cheyenne helped Layne into the room with one hand while holding the cotton candy in the other.

The house had a traditional courtyard design but modern appliances and new style decorations inside – simple yet luxurious and elegant at the same time.

Cheyenne sat across from her grandfather as he took out the bamboo stick from his cotton candy before squishing it into his mouth all at once, much to Cheyenne’s surprise.

“It’s so sweet but too little,” Layne commented after taking a sip of tea.

Cheyenne was somewhat speechless.

“Did you really get divorced?”

“Mhmm.”

The old man first smiled, then furrowed his brows. “Cheyenne, do you have any plans for the future?”

“I don’t know.” Cheyenne played with the porcelain cup in her hand and extended a hand to make it spin on the table.

“You got married too early. You were only 18 when you married him right after getting into college. In my opinion, it’s better for you to go back and continue your studies,” said the old man.

Study?

But she was already 21 years old this year.

Almost everyone her age was already in their third year of college or starting internships… Cheyenne felt a headache just thinking about going back to school now.

“But what about my age?”

“That doesn’t matter. You’re my granddaughter, so if you want to continue studying, it’s just a matter of a few words,” replied the old man confidently.

“Okay.”

Layne suddenly brightened up as he had an important task for Cheyenne to complete.

After spending the night at Grandfather’s place, Cheyenne drove back to Akloit after lunch. She had just laid down when she received a call from her good friend, Kate Zamora.

As soon as she answered, all she could hear was her friend’s high-pitched scream. “Cheyenne, I heard you’d been divorced! Congratulations!”

Cheyenne raised an eyebrow at this. “You’re congratulating me on my divorce?”

“Well yeah! What’s so great about that poker-faced man? You’re a beautiful woman with plenty of charm. My brother likes you a lot. If you’re interested, you can be my sister-in-law and I wouldn’t mind.”

Kate Zamora had been Cheyenne’s best friend since elementary school until they went to college and separated. As the youngest daughter of the Zamora family, Kate lived a life naively and romantically without much knowledge of how things worked in reality.

As for Eddie Zamora, Kate’s brother, he was a gentle and refined young man whom Cheyenne felt it would be inappropriate to pursue given her status as a divorced woman.

“But I do mind having such an airheaded sister-in-law like yourself,” Cheyenne teased.

“Fake friendship confirmed,” Kate replied with amusement.

Knowing that Kate wouldn’t get angry with her teasing remarks, Cheyenne didn’t hang up. As expected, Kate continued speaking in hushed tones, “Cheyenne, tomorrow night I have a date with a handsome senior who invited me out for drinks at a bar. Do you want to come along?”

“I’ll pass. You’re dating a handsome guy. Why should I be a third-wheel?” In truth though, she had more important plans for tomorrow night than going out drinking with them.

“Alright then, I’ll ask you out next time.” With some regret in her voice and pouting lips, Kate hung up on her call.

The next day, at 7 PM, the city lights came on and everywhere was a colorful display of lights. Amidst the sea of lights, the crown-shaped lamp stood out and caught everyone’s attention.

The Crown Hotel in Akloit was undoubtedly the most luxurious hotel around.

On the top floor, a grand banquet for high society slowly began. In this world of luxury clothing and jewelry, one woman stood out in her striking red dress.

She wore a strapless long gown that revealed her beautiful back and fair skin. Her wavy hair was braided into two sections which were put up in a bun behind her head. She looked stunning.

A purple glittery butterfly mask covered most of her face except for her petite nose and rosy lips. Men passing by couldn’t help but stare at this breathtaking beauty while she sat lazily on the sofa with one hand propping up her cheek and lips curved into a slight smile.

“Excuse me, Miss, may I have the pleasure to sit with you?” A man of about thirty years old approached with a gentle inquiry. His gaze couldn’t help but drift towards Cheyenne’s chest.

“Whatever.”

Her voice was pleasant too, he thought. It might sound even better when she moans underneath him later.

After a while, a waiter carrying drinks approached. The man waved his hand, signaling the waiter to wait for a moment.

He ordered two glasses of red wine, handing one to Cheyenne. “To thank you, I’ll raise a glass,” he said.

As he quickly handed her the glass, a pill slipped from his fingertips and fell into the wine.

The man thought he was skilled enough that no one would notice. Little did he know that Cheyenne had grown tired of this clumsy trick.

She chuckled softly as she picked up her own glass and swirled it gently. The liquid inside was as red as blood, almost blinding.

With a gentle exhale, she spoke, “Raging, it contains a certain amount of Rohypnol. Users experience dizziness and hallucinations while their skin feels like it’s on fire. Am I right?”

The man’s face turned pale as he got tongue tied. “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.”