Adam tightened his grip on Carly''s hand. "How could I not?"


    Carly smiled warmly, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush.


    At that moment, the grand doors of the hotel swung open, and Celine walked in, apanied by Perry.


    "Celine, Mr. McCormick is already waiting for us. Let''s go," Perry said.


    As Celine took a step forward, she suddenly froze. Her eyes fell on two familiar figures.


    Perry followed her gaze and saw Adam and Carly, hand in hand, sharing an intimate look.


    Perry smirked. "Well, well, Mr. Alvarez certainly knows how to make the most of his time. Last night, he carried you home, and tonight, he''s here having a romantic dinner with Carly. He''s quite the expert at juggling women."


    Shaking his head, he added, "Never would''ve guessed Mr. Alvarez was such a yer."


    Celine kept her eyes on the couple as she answered, "No. Mr. Alvarez isn''t the type to y games."


    Perry nced at her.


    "He has always loved Carly. She''s the one he truly cares for, the one who holds


    his heart. That doesn''t make him a yer," Celine added.


    "Alright, Celine. Let''s go."


    "Okay."


    Celine averted her gaze and followed Perry inside.


    Meanwhile, Adam and Carly remained unaware of Celine and Perry''s presence.


    Letting go of Carly''s hand, Adam picked up his knife and fork, cutting into his steak with grace.


    "So, Carly, do you remember our first meeting in that cave?" he asked casually.


    Carly''s hand faltered slightly as she locked eyes with him. "Adam, why are you bringing that up now?"


    "It was the first time we met. I''ve never forgotten it. Have you?"


    Carly''s eyes flickered with a hint of unease. "Of course not."


    1''


    "That forest was incredibly remote," Adam continued. "You told me back then that you were on a trip with your parents but got lost and identally wandered into the forest. That''s when you found me and brought me to the cave.


    "You treated my wounds there, but by morning, you were gone. Later, you told me


    your parents came looking for you and took you away. That''s what happened, right?"


    Carly nodded. "Yes, exactly."


    But the truth was far different. That day, Carly had just celebrated her birthday


    when Celine made a desperate call to Lucy for help.


    At that time, Celine was living a miserable life in the countryside, trapped under Hayden''s oppressive control. It was then that Carly and Lucy first learned of Celine''s suffering.


    Instead of feeling sympathy, Carly had felt a strange thrill. She insisted that Lucy


    take her to the countryside, eager to witness Celine''s hardship firsthand.


    That was how she found herself in the forest, trailing Celine from a distance, silently observing everything that transpired between her and Adam.


    She witnessed it all-every detail, every moment.


    And that was also why the story Carly had crafted was so perfect. Over the years, Adam had never doubted it.


    Adam set down his knife and fork, his eyes locking onto Carly''s. "Carly, where''s the emerald ne I gave you all those years ago?"


    Carly''s breath caught in her chest.


    This was the one thing she couldn''t fabricate.


    Because the emerald ne had never been hers.


    It had always belonged to Celine.


    Panic surged through Carly, her heart racing. "Adam, I—"


    "Carly," Adam cut in. "I''ve been asking to see that ne for years, but you''ve alwayse up with some excuse to avoid it. Could it be that you don''t have it after all?"


    His voice remained indifferent as he continued, "Because if you don''t, how can


    you prove you''re the woman who saved me?"


    Carly''s heart hammered in her chest. Was Adam really doubting her?


    This ne was the only thing standing between her and total ruin. If he found


    out the woman in the cave wasn''t her, she would lose everything.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!