On their wedding day, Gideon Gray didn't give her a ring. He gave her hell. In front of the world's elite, the powerful "Crown Prince" of the city ripped her bridal veil to shreds, his eyes burning with cold fury. "Lydia Rose, a murderer like you only deserves to be a prisoner, not my wife." Leaving her in the dust and disgrace, he vanished across the ocean for five years. Five years later— They collide at a high-society gala. But this time, Gideon isn't just cold; he’s dangerous. He pins a DNA test to her chest, his hand tightening around her throat. "You dared to steal my seed and hide my heir? Do you want me to kill you again?" He thinks he’s the predator. He thinks he’s the judge. But as the dark secrets of the Gray family are unraveled, the truth comes to light: Lydia was never the villain. She was the one he should have died for. When the world learns the true identity of the woman they once mocked, Gideon realizes he has lost everything. But as he prepares to beg for a second chance, a four-year-old girl steps forward with a wicked smile and a silver knife. "Daddy," the girl chirps, her eyes as dark and sharp as his father’s. "Mommy said she’s already picked out your urn. Which color do you want for your ashes?"

Chapter 1Night fell over the capital.In the first-floor lounge of The Velvet Lounge, neon lights flickered over the sweet scent of alcohol.The cheerful laughter of young men and women, coupled with the crisp clinking of glasses, rose and fell to the rhythm of the upbeat music, marking the start of the vibrant city's nightlife."When is that jerk Gideon finally coming back to the country? He's been missing for the entire five years you've been married. What the hell is he trying to do?"After inviting Lydia out to share the joy of her upcoming wedding, her best friend Tessa couldn't help but complain on her behalf.At the mention of the man she loved so deeply, a sharp pang tightened Lydia's chest.Yes, five years... Was he dead?No, he wasn't dead. He was very much alive.Fueled by the alcohol, Tessa angrily suggested,"If you ask me, you should just divorce him! Take half his fortune! Wouldn't it be better to find a younger guy? Men are the last thing this world lacks! Why act like a widow for him?"Just then, the noise in the bar suddenly died down as many people looked toward the entrance, where over a dozen security guards filed in, making it seem like a major event was unfolding.A guest frowned. "Who's here? Why such a huge commotion?""I heard the Heir of the Capital has returned," someone whispered, their tone laced with awe and anticipation."The Heir of the Capital is back? The dynamics of the city are about to shift..."As everyone whispered, the ambient lighting reflected off their glasses, casting a seductive glow.Soon, a tall, striking man walked in. He wore an impeccably tailored black shirt, its casually unbuttoned collar revealing a hint of exhaustion and ease that did nothing to diminish his imposing aura.An entourage followed closely behind him."Wow... It really is the Heir of the Capital!""I heard earlier that Harrell rented out the entire second floor just to welcome him back, and even invited a bunch of stunning models... Looks like the rumors were true!""He's so handsome! His build rivals a supermodel's."The man had striking features and a straight nose. Looking straight ahead, he exuded an innate sense of composure and authority as he walked toward the elevator surrounded by his entourage.Beside him walked a beautiful young woman with a radiant complexion and delicate features, looking sharp and professional in a dark blue skirt."Look! It really is Gideon!" a young girl screamed in excitement."Gideon! I've seen him in magazines, but he looks way better in person!"The name swept through the air like a gust of wind, instantly catching the ears of Lydia and Tessa.From their booth, the two friends turned their heads and caught sight of the man entering the elevator.Lydia froze. Gideon? Her husband who had been missing for five years was back?"Gideon..." Tessa rubbed her eyes, a mix of shock and disbelief on her face. "It really is him!"As the man's long legs strode directly into the elevator, Tessa instinctively stood up to chase after him, but Lydia grabbed her wrist."Tessa, don't!" Lydia's heart was in her throat, but her mind remained completely composed.Unable to pull away in time, her best friend could only watch helplessly as the elevator doors closed, leaving four bodyguards stationed outside, daring anyone to approach."Lydia, why did you stop me? Your husband..." Tessa lowered her voice, her heart racing with fury."He's back in the country, and are you seriously the last one to know? He's out partying with another woman! Aren't you going to demand an explanation?""Some things can't be explained clearly here," Lydia said calmly, slowly releasing her friend's wrist.Tessa looked at her, feeling incredibly heartbroken but powerless to help.Lydia withdrew her gaze and sank back into the sofa in disappointment. She began pouring herself a drink, swallowing down all her resilient endurance.The past flashed before her eyes like scenes from a movie.Her best friend watched her, an indescribable wave of sympathy rising in her chest. "You're still so young. Why don't you just divorce him and find someone who actually loves you?"A lump formed in Lydia's throat, pierced by her friend's well-meaning words.Yes, Gideon didn't love her."Tessa, I'm not going back tonight." Lydia took a sip of her drink, set the glass down, and looked up to ask, "Can I crash at your place?"Although Tessa didn't understand why Lydia wouldn't go home—especially since she loved Gideon and had finally waited for his return—she still nodded in agreement."Sure."She would unconditionally support whatever her best friend wanted to do.And so, Lydia didn't go home that night.She originally wanted to use her actions to tell Gideon that she had a life of her own too. She could be just as carefree and casual as he was, hoping to provoke a reaction by staying out all night.She refused to believe this man was completely devoid of emotion.At ten o'clock that night, at Belvoir Estate.The Gray family's billion-dollar mansion was brightly lit, a place Gideon hadn't returned to since their wedding.A black Volvo was parked in the courtyard, its sleek lines reflecting a deep, imposing luster.The sheer presence of the car gave the entire Belvoir Estate a suffocating sense of pressure.As the minutes ticked by, the night was destined to be permeated with a chilling aura due to Lydia's absence.The next morning.When Lydia took a cab back to Belvoir Estate and saw the black Volvo parked in the courtyard, her steps faltered, her chest suddenly tightening, and her radiant complexion paled.A second later, she quickly hurried inside!Catherine sat upright on the sofa, her makeup impeccable but her expression cold. Her gaze, sharp as a blade, swept toward the wall clock once more.She had been waiting from eight o'clock last night until seven o'clock this morning!Mrs. Gable had stood by with her head bowed all night, exhausted to the bone. She didn't even dare to breathe too loudly, as Mrs. Gray's expression was icy enough to freeze the room.She really sweated bullets for Lydia!Lydia was usually a homebody. Why on earth did she stay out all night last night of all nights?"Catherine, when did you get here?" As soon as Lydia walked in and saw her mother-in-law sitting on the sofa with a cold face, she greeted her with a bright smile. "Have you had breakfast? You're here so early."Catherine's face was as cold as frost. Her icy gaze swept over her. "Where were you last night?"Mrs. Gable's devastated expression, combined with her mother-in-law's tone, made the young woman's heart tremble. Had she really waited all night?"Catherine..." Her mind raced, and she was about to explain."You and Gideon have been married for five years." Catherine stood up and walked toward her with a hostile expression."He's back in the country. You either find a way to get pregnant and contribute to the Gray family, instead of being dead weight, or you ask for a divorce! Make room for Serena sooner rather than later!""..." Lydia found it hard to describe her feelings at that moment, preparing to say something.Catherine glared at her fiercely, stepping past her with sheer disgust. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Lydia watched her get into the car and leave.Lydia turned her head. "Why didn't you call to tell me Catherine was here?""Lydia, Mrs. Gray wouldn't let me! She kept her eyes on me the whole time!" Mrs. Gable was helpless.It seemed Gideon hadn't come back last night either. Lydia finally understood that an unloved person shouldn't try to compare themselves to others."Go buy me some medicine," Lydia said, sitting on the sofa and taking a bite of an apple.Mrs. Gable couldn't help but feel nervous. "Are you sick?"She shook her head, standing up and heading upstairs. She spoke at an unhurried pace,"I need to get pregnant with Gideon's child. How else am I going to get him into bed without using a little trick? You can't let a fleeting man like him slip through your fingers once you catch him."Mrs. Gable was left speechless.Lydia deeply loved Gideon, and her lifelong dream had been to marry him.Now that her dream had come true, why would she divorce him? So many women wanted to be Mrs. Gray!At the turn of the stairs, Lydia stopped and looked back, offering a smiling reminder. "As long as it isn't lethal, get the strongest stuff you can find. I'm leaving this to you!"PS: Add this to your library so you don't lose it, and wishing everyone wealth in the New Year!For the past few days, Gideon hadn't returned to Belvoir Estate, nor had he contacted Lydia.It was almost as if his return to the country was a facade, and their encounter that night was nothing but an illusion.But the internet was flooded with news about him. After all, the guy was like a magnet for the press—wherever he went, the paparazzi swarmed like flies.[The Heir of the Capital Returns, Business World Shaken!][Gideon Back in Action, Massive Corporate Shifts Expected! The Capital Welcomes a New Era of Royalty!][The Heir Returns, Gray Enterprises' New Strategy Revealed, Global Expansion Imminent!]Unseen for five years, the man in the news photos still exuded a refined, noble elegance. His facial features were as sharp as ever, perfectly matching the image etched deep in Lydia's memory, and still making her heart skip a beat.Staring at the photos for a long time, she found herself lost in a daze once again...The Gray family was a financial titan in the capital, the architects of a capital empire. They had built their fortune during the early twentieth century, starting with banking, managing drafts and private banks, before gradually evolving into a commercial banking powerhouse.Currently, they controlled the largest domestic and international banks and securities firms, owning multiple top-tier global investment funds.They truly held the lifeblood of the global economy, the undisputed "Kings of Capital," and the reigning champions of the city's elite families.And twenty-eight-year-old Gideon was the one holding all the power.At Gray Enterprises.The executive office on the thirty-eighth floor was grand yet understated. The massive floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the entire city, with the warm autumn sun spilling into the room.Wearing a handcrafted black suit, Gideon sat in his custom office chair, reviewing a document in his hands.With a flawless face and an outstanding aura, he was the picture-perfect elite."Mr. Gray, Lydia only stayed out all night the evening you returned, crashing at Tessa's place. Since then, she's been home every day, not stepping foot outside," his trusted assistant, Dave Hunter, reported from the side.The man's long fingers flipped through the proposal, his thin lips parting slightly. "And?""The night you returned, Mrs. Gray went to Belvoir Estate..."Gideon's heart skipped a beat as he looked up at him.Dave continued, "She arrived at eight in the evening. She didn't leave until Lydia returned at seven the next morning. Apparently... she looked furious when she left."So his mother had waited all night?Gideon signed his name at the end of the proposal. "Go on." His handwriting was exceptionally elegant, like a master calligrapher's."Shortly after that, Mrs. Gable went out to buy medicine from the doctor, asking for the most potent kind." Dave's back was slick with cold sweat. Was he even supposed to be saying this?"What medicine?" The pen paused, and the man looked up. "Is Lydia sick?" A faint, imperceptible worry tinged his slightly rushed tone.Dave was speechless. Good heavens, how was he supposed to describe this? His English teachers hadn't prepared him for this!"Spit it out, what's wrong with her?" The man closed the proposal, frowning. "Why didn't she see a doctor if she's sick? Does she usually just buy her own medicine?""It's not that Lydia is sick; the medicine is for you." Dave squeezed his eyes shut and braced himself."It's that kind of medicine! She wants to drug you. Mrs. Gable said she wants to get pregnant. Of course, this was also... Mrs. Gray's idea. If she can't get pregnant, she wants her to ask for a divorce."Gideon's face cycled through a rainbow of colors!Was he impotent?Did she really need to resort to drugging him?!"What are you standing around for? Get back to work!" Seeing him still lingering, Gideon barked in fury, feeling utterly mortified."Yes, right away..."After Dave left, he shifted his gaze to the photo frame next to his computer. The frame was made of dark walnut wood, featuring intricate carvings on its surface.The photograph captured a beautiful moment.The woman was wearing a pristine white wedding gown, its lace patterns delicate, with layers of skirts light and airy like clouds.Chapter 2Night fell over the capital.In the first-floor lounge of The Velvet Lounge, neon lights flickered over the sweet scent of alcohol.The cheerful laughter of young men and women, coupled with the crisp clinking of glasses, rose and fell to the rhythm of the upbeat music, marking the start of the vibrant city's nightlife."When is that jerk Gideon finally coming back to the country? He's been missing for the entire five years you've been married. What the hell is he trying to do?"After inviting Lydia out to share the joy of her upcoming wedding, her best friend Tessa couldn't help but complain on her behalf.At the mention of the man she loved so deeply, a sharp pang tightened Lydia's chest.Yes, five years... Was he dead?No, he wasn't dead. He was very much alive.Fueled by the alcohol, Tessa angrily suggested,"If you ask me, you should just divorce him! Take half his fortune! Wouldn't it be better to find a younger guy? Men are the last thing this world lacks! Why act like a widow for him?"Just then, the noise in the bar suddenly died down as many people looked toward the entrance, where over a dozen security guards filed in, making it seem like a major event was unfolding.A guest frowned. "Who's here? Why such a huge commotion?""I heard the Heir of the Capital has returned," someone whispered, their tone laced with awe and anticipation."The Heir of the Capital is back? The dynamics of the city are about to shift..."As everyone whispered, the ambient lighting reflected off their glasses, casting a seductive glow.Soon, a tall, striking man walked in. He wore an impeccably tailored black shirt, its casually unbuttoned collar revealing a hint of exhaustion and ease that did nothing to diminish his imposing aura.An entourage followed closely behind him."Wow... It really is the Heir of the Capital!""I heard earlier that Harrell rented out the entire second floor just to welcome him back, and even invited a bunch of stunning models... Looks like the rumors were true!""He's so handsome! His build rivals a supermodel's."The man had striking features and a straight nose. Looking straight ahead, he exuded an innate sense of composure and authority as he walked toward the elevator surrounded by his entourage.Beside him walked a beautiful young woman with a radiant complexion and delicate features, looking sharp and professional in a dark blue skirt."Look! It really is Gideon!" a young girl screamed in excitement."Gideon! I've seen him in magazines, but he looks way better in person!"The name swept through the air like a gust of wind, instantly catching the ears of Lydia and Tessa.From their booth, the two friends turned their heads and caught sight of the man entering the elevator.Lydia froze. Gideon? Her husband who had been missing for five years was back?"Gideon..." Tessa rubbed her eyes, a mix of shock and disbelief on her face. "It really is him!"As the man's long legs strode directly into the elevator, Tessa instinctively stood up to chase after him, but Lydia grabbed her wrist."Tessa, don't!" Lydia's heart was in her throat, but her mind remained completely composed.Unable to pull away in time, her best friend could only watch helplessly as the elevator doors closed, leaving four bodyguards stationed outside, daring anyone to approach."Lydia, why did you stop me? Your husband..." Tessa lowered her voice, her heart racing with fury."He's back in the country, and are you seriously the last one to know? He's out partying with another woman! Aren't you going to demand an explanation?""Some things can't be explained clearly here," Lydia said calmly, slowly releasing her friend's wrist.Tessa looked at her, feeling incredibly heartbroken but powerless to help.Lydia withdrew her gaze and sank back into the sofa in disappointment. She began pouring herself a drink, swallowing down all her resilient endurance.The past flashed before her eyes like scenes from a movie.Her best friend watched her, an indescribable wave of sympathy rising in her chest. "You're still so young. Why don't you just divorce him and find someone who actually loves you?"A lump formed in Lydia's throat, pierced by her friend's well-meaning words.Yes, Gideon didn't love her."Tessa, I'm not going back tonight." Lydia took a sip of her drink, set the glass down, and looked up to ask, "Can I crash at your place?"Although Tessa didn't understand why Lydia wouldn't go home—especially since she loved Gideon and had finally waited for his return—she still nodded in agreement."Sure."She would unconditionally support whatever her best friend wanted to do.And so, Lydia didn't go home that night.She originally wanted to use her actions to tell Gideon that she had a life of her own too. She could be just as carefree and casual as he was, hoping to provoke a reaction by staying out all night.She refused to believe this man was completely devoid of emotion.At ten o'clock that night, at Belvoir Estate.The Gray family's billion-dollar mansion was brightly lit, a place Gideon hadn't returned to since their wedding.A black Volvo was parked in the courtyard, its sleek lines reflecting a deep, imposing luster.The sheer presence of the car gave the entire Belvoir Estate a suffocating sense of pressure.As the minutes ticked by, the night was destined to be permeated with a chilling aura due to Lydia's absence.The next morning.When Lydia took a cab back to Belvoir Estate and saw the black Volvo parked in the courtyard, her steps faltered, her chest suddenly tightening, and her radiant complexion paled.A second later, she quickly hurried inside!Catherine sat upright on the sofa, her makeup impeccable but her expression cold. Her gaze, sharp as a blade, swept toward the wall clock once more.She had been waiting from eight o'clock last night until seven o'clock this morning!Mrs. Gable had stood by with her head bowed all night, exhausted to the bone. She didn't even dare to breathe too loudly, as Mrs. Gray's expression was icy enough to freeze the room.She really sweated bullets for Lydia!Lydia was usually a homebody. Why on earth did she stay out all night last night of all nights?"Catherine, when did you get here?" As soon as Lydia walked in and saw her mother-in-law sitting on the sofa with a cold face, she greeted her with a bright smile. "Have you had breakfast? You're here so early."Catherine's face was as cold as frost. Her icy gaze swept over her. "Where were you last night?"Mrs. Gable's devastated expression, combined with her mother-in-law's tone, made the young woman's heart tremble. Had she really waited all night?"Catherine..." Her mind raced, and she was about to explain."You and Gideon have been married for five years." Catherine stood up and walked toward her with a hostile expression."He's back in the country. You either find a way to get pregnant and contribute to the Gray family, instead of being dead weight, or you ask for a divorce! Make room for Serena sooner rather than later!""..." Lydia found it hard to describe her feelings at that moment, preparing to say something.Catherine glared at her fiercely, stepping past her with sheer disgust. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Lydia watched her get into the car and leave.Lydia turned her head. "Why didn't you call to tell me Catherine was here?""Lydia, Mrs. Gray wouldn't let me! She kept her eyes on me the whole time!" Mrs. Gable was helpless.It seemed Gideon hadn't come back last night either. Lydia finally understood that an unloved person shouldn't try to compare themselves to others."Go buy me some medicine," Lydia said, sitting on the sofa and taking a bite of an apple.Mrs. Gable couldn't help but feel nervous. "Are you sick?"She shook her head, standing up and heading upstairs. She spoke at an unhurried pace,"I need to get pregnant with Gideon's child. How else am I going to get him into bed without using a little trick? You can't let a fleeting man like him slip through your fingers once you catch him."Mrs. Gable was left speechless.Lydia deeply loved Gideon, and her lifelong dream had been to marry him.Now that her dream had come true, why would she divorce him? So many women wanted to be Mrs. Gray!At the turn of the stairs, Lydia stopped and looked back, offering a smiling reminder. "As long as it isn't lethal, get the strongest stuff you can find. I'm leaving this to you!"PS: Add this to your library so you don't lose it, and wishing everyone wealth in the New Year!For the past few days, Gideon hadn't returned to Belvoir Estate, nor had he contacted Lydia.It was almost as if his return to the country was a facade, and their encounter that night was nothing but an illusion.But the internet was flooded with news about him. After all, the guy was like a magnet for the press—wherever he went, the paparazzi swarmed like flies.[The Heir of the Capital Returns, Business World Shaken!][Gideon Back in Action, Massive Corporate Shifts Expected! The Capital Welcomes a New Era of Royalty!][The Heir Returns, Gray Enterprises' New Strategy Revealed, Global Expansion Imminent!]Unseen for five years, the man in the news photos still exuded a refined, noble elegance. His facial features were as sharp as ever, perfectly matching the image etched deep in Lydia's memory, and still making her heart skip a beat.Staring at the photos for a long time, she found herself lost in a daze once again...The Gray family was a financial titan in the capital, the architects of a capital empire. They had built their fortune during the early twentieth century, starting with banking, managing drafts and private banks, before gradually evolving into a commercial banking powerhouse.Currently, they controlled the largest domestic and international banks and securities firms, owning multiple top-tier global investment funds.They truly held the lifeblood of the global economy, the undisputed "Kings of Capital," and the reigning champions of the city's elite families.And twenty-eight-year-old Gideon was the one holding all the power.At Gray Enterprises.The executive office on the thirty-eighth floor was grand yet understated. The massive floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the entire city, with the warm autumn sun spilling into the room.Wearing a handcrafted black suit, Gideon sat in his custom office chair, reviewing a document in his hands.With a flawless face and an outstanding aura, he was the picture-perfect elite."Mr. Gray, Lydia only stayed out all night the evening you returned, crashing at Tessa's place. Since then, she's been home every day, not stepping foot outside," his trusted assistant, Dave Hunter, reported from the side.The man's long fingers flipped through the proposal, his thin lips parting slightly. "And?""The night you returned, Mrs. Gray went to Belvoir Estate..."Gideon's heart skipped a beat as he looked up at him.Dave continued, "She arrived at eight in the evening. She didn't leave until Lydia returned at seven the next morning. Apparently... she looked furious when she left."So his mother had waited all night?Gideon signed his name at the end of the proposal. "Go on." His handwriting was exceptionally elegant, like a master calligrapher's."Shortly after that, Mrs. Gable went out to buy medicine from the doctor, asking for the most potent kind." Dave's back was slick with cold sweat. Was he even supposed to be saying this?"What medicine?" The pen paused, and the man looked up. "Is Lydia sick?" A faint, imperceptible worry tinged his slightly rushed tone.Dave was speechless. Good heavens, how was he supposed to describe this? His English teachers hadn't prepared him for this!"Spit it out, what's wrong with her?" The man closed the proposal, frowning. "Why didn't she see a doctor if she's sick? Does she usually just buy her own medicine?""It's not that Lydia is sick; the medicine is for you." Dave squeezed his eyes shut and braced himself."It's that kind of medicine! She wants to drug you. Mrs. Gable said she wants to get pregnant. Of course, this was also... Mrs. Gray's idea. If she can't get pregnant, she wants her to ask for a divorce."Gideon's face cycled through a rainbow of colors!Was he impotent?Did she really need to resort to drugging him?!"What are you standing around for? Get back to work!" Seeing him still lingering, Gideon barked in fury, feeling utterly mortified."Yes, right away..."After Dave left, he shifted his gaze to the photo frame next to his computer. The frame was made of dark walnut wood, featuring intricate carvings on its surface.The photograph captured a beautiful moment.The woman was wearing a pristine white wedding gown, its lace patterns delicate, with layers of skirts light and airy like clouds.Chapter 3Night fell over the capital.In the first-floor lounge of The Velvet Lounge, neon lights flickered over the sweet scent of alcohol.The cheerful laughter of young men and women, coupled with the crisp clinking of glasses, rose and fell to the rhythm of the upbeat music, marking the start of the vibrant city's nightlife."When is that jerk Gideon finally coming back to the country? He's been missing for the entire five years you've been married. What the hell is he trying to do?"After inviting Lydia out to share the joy of her upcoming wedding, her best friend Tessa couldn't help but complain on her behalf.At the mention of the man she loved so deeply, a sharp pang tightened Lydia's chest.Yes, five years... Was he dead?No, he wasn't dead. He was very much alive.Fueled by the alcohol, Tessa angrily suggested,"If you ask me, you should just divorce him! Take half his fortune! Wouldn't it be better to find a younger guy? Men are the last thing this world lacks! Why act like a widow for him?"Just then, the noise in the bar suddenly died down as many people looked toward the entrance, where over a dozen security guards filed in, making it seem like a major event was unfolding.A guest frowned. "Who's here? Why such a huge commotion?""I heard the Heir of the Capital has returned," someone whispered, their tone laced with awe and anticipation."The Heir of the Capital is back? The dynamics of the city are about to shift..."As everyone whispered, the ambient lighting reflected off their glasses, casting a seductive glow.Soon, a tall, striking man walked in. He wore an impeccably tailored black shirt, its casually unbuttoned collar revealing a hint of exhaustion and ease that did nothing to diminish his imposing aura.An entourage followed closely behind him."Wow... It really is the Heir of the Capital!""I heard earlier that Harrell rented out the entire second floor just to welcome him back, and even invited a bunch of stunning models... Looks like the rumors were true!""He's so handsome! His build rivals a supermodel's."The man had striking features and a straight nose. Looking straight ahead, he exuded an innate sense of composure and authority as he walked toward the elevator surrounded by his entourage.Beside him walked a beautiful young woman with a radiant complexion and delicate features, looking sharp and professional in a dark blue skirt."Look! It really is Gideon!" a young girl screamed in excitement."Gideon! I've seen him in magazines, but he looks way better in person!"The name swept through the air like a gust of wind, instantly catching the ears of Lydia and Tessa.From their booth, the two friends turned their heads and caught sight of the man entering the elevator.Lydia froze. Gideon? Her husband who had been missing for five years was back?"Gideon..." Tessa rubbed her eyes, a mix of shock and disbelief on her face. "It really is him!"As the man's long legs strode directly into the elevator, Tessa instinctively stood up to chase after him, but Lydia grabbed her wrist."Tessa, don't!" Lydia's heart was in her throat, but her mind remained completely composed.Unable to pull away in time, her best friend could only watch helplessly as the elevator doors closed, leaving four bodyguards stationed outside, daring anyone to approach."Lydia, why did you stop me? Your husband..." Tessa lowered her voice, her heart racing with fury."He's back in the country, and are you seriously the last one to know? He's out partying with another woman! Aren't you going to demand an explanation?""Some things can't be explained clearly here," Lydia said calmly, slowly releasing her friend's wrist.Tessa looked at her, feeling incredibly heartbroken but powerless to help.Lydia withdrew her gaze and sank back into the sofa in disappointment. She began pouring herself a drink, swallowing down all her resilient endurance.The past flashed before her eyes like scenes from a movie.Her best friend watched her, an indescribable wave of sympathy rising in her chest. "You're still so young. Why don't you just divorce him and find someone who actually loves you?"A lump formed in Lydia's throat, pierced by her friend's well-meaning words.Yes, Gideon didn't love her."Tessa, I'm not going back tonight." Lydia took a sip of her drink, set the glass down, and looked up to ask, "Can I crash at your place?"Although Tessa didn't understand why Lydia wouldn't go home—especially since she loved Gideon and had finally waited for his return—she still nodded in agreement."Sure."She would unconditionally support whatever her best friend wanted to do.And so, Lydia didn't go home that night.She originally wanted to use her actions to tell Gideon that she had a life of her own too. She could be just as carefree and casual as he was, hoping to provoke a reaction by staying out all night.She refused to believe this man was completely devoid of emotion.At ten o'clock that night, at Belvoir Estate.The Gray family's billion-dollar mansion was brightly lit, a place Gideon hadn't returned to since their wedding.A black Volvo was parked in the courtyard, its sleek lines reflecting a deep, imposing luster.The sheer presence of the car gave the entire Belvoir Estate a suffocating sense of pressure.As the minutes ticked by, the night was destined to be permeated with a chilling aura due to Lydia's absence.The next morning.When Lydia took a cab back to Belvoir Estate and saw the black Volvo parked in the courtyard, her steps faltered, her chest suddenly tightening, and her radiant complexion paled.A second later, she quickly hurried inside!Catherine sat upright on the sofa, her makeup impeccable but her expression cold. Her gaze, sharp as a blade, swept toward the wall clock once more.She had been waiting from eight o'clock last night until seven o'clock this morning!Mrs. Gable had stood by with her head bowed all night, exhausted to the bone. She didn't even dare to breathe too loudly, as Mrs. Gray's expression was icy enough to freeze the room.She really sweated bullets for Lydia!Lydia was usually a homebody. Why on earth did she stay out all night last night of all nights?"Catherine, when did you get here?" As soon as Lydia walked in and saw her mother-in-law sitting on the sofa with a cold face, she greeted her with a bright smile. "Have you had breakfast? You're here so early."Catherine's face was as cold as frost. Her icy gaze swept over her. "Where were you last night?"Mrs. Gable's devastated expression, combined with her mother-in-law's tone, made the young woman's heart tremble. Had she really waited all night?"Catherine..." Her mind raced, and she was about to explain."You and Gideon have been married for five years." Catherine stood up and walked toward her with a hostile expression."He's back in the country. You either find a way to get pregnant and contribute to the Gray family, instead of being dead weight, or you ask for a divorce! Make room for Serena sooner rather than later!""..." Lydia found it hard to describe her feelings at that moment, preparing to say something.Catherine glared at her fiercely, stepping past her with sheer disgust. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Lydia watched her get into the car and leave.Lydia turned her head. "Why didn't you call to tell me Catherine was here?""Lydia, Mrs. Gray wouldn't let me! She kept her eyes on me the whole time!" Mrs. Gable was helpless.It seemed Gideon hadn't come back last night either. Lydia finally understood that an unloved person shouldn't try to compare themselves to others."Go buy me some medicine," Lydia said, sitting on the sofa and taking a bite of an apple.Mrs. Gable couldn't help but feel nervous. "Are you sick?"She shook her head, standing up and heading upstairs. She spoke at an unhurried pace,"I need to get pregnant with Gideon's child. How else am I going to get him into bed without using a little trick? You can't let a fleeting man like him slip through your fingers once you catch him."Mrs. Gable was left speechless.Lydia deeply loved Gideon, and her lifelong dream had been to marry him.Now that her dream had come true, why would she divorce him? So many women wanted to be Mrs. Gray!At the turn of the stairs, Lydia stopped and looked back, offering a smiling reminder. "As long as it isn't lethal, get the strongest stuff you can find. I'm leaving this to you!"PS: Add this to your library so you don't lose it, and wishing everyone wealth in the New Year!For the past few days, Gideon hadn't returned to Belvoir Estate, nor had he contacted Lydia.It was almost as if his return to the country was a facade, and their encounter that night was nothing but an illusion.But the internet was flooded with news about him. After all, the guy was like a magnet for the press—wherever he went, the paparazzi swarmed like flies.[The Heir of the Capital Returns, Business World Shaken!][Gideon Back in Action, Massive Corporate Shifts Expected! The Capital Welcomes a New Era of Royalty!][The Heir Returns, Gray Enterprises' New Strategy Revealed, Global Expansion Imminent!]Unseen for five years, the man in the news photos still exuded a refined, noble elegance. His facial features were as sharp as ever, perfectly matching the image etched deep in Lydia's memory, and still making her heart skip a beat.Staring at the photos for a long time, she found herself lost in a daze once again...The Gray family was a financial titan in the capital, the architects of a capital empire. They had built their fortune during the early twentieth century, starting with banking, managing drafts and private banks, before gradually evolving into a commercial banking powerhouse.Currently, they controlled the largest domestic and international banks and securities firms, owning multiple top-tier global investment funds.They truly held the lifeblood of the global economy, the undisputed "Kings of Capital," and the reigning champions of the city's elite families.And twenty-eight-year-old Gideon was the one holding all the power.At Gray Enterprises.The executive office on the thirty-eighth floor was grand yet understated. The massive floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the entire city, with the warm autumn sun spilling into the room.Wearing a handcrafted black suit, Gideon sat in his custom office chair, reviewing a document in his hands.With a flawless face and an outstanding aura, he was the picture-perfect elite."Mr. Gray, Lydia only stayed out all night the evening you returned, crashing at Tessa's place. Since then, she's been home every day, not stepping foot outside," his trusted assistant, Dave Hunter, reported from the side.The man's long fingers flipped through the proposal, his thin lips parting slightly. "And?""The night you returned, Mrs. Gray went to Belvoir Estate..."Gideon's heart skipped a beat as he looked up at him.Dave continued, "She arrived at eight in the evening. She didn't leave until Lydia returned at seven the next morning. Apparently... she looked furious when she left."So his mother had waited all night?Gideon signed his name at the end of the proposal. "Go on." His handwriting was exceptionally elegant, like a master calligrapher's."Shortly after that, Mrs. Gable went out to buy medicine from the doctor, asking for the most potent kind." Dave's back was slick with cold sweat. Was he even supposed to be saying this?"What medicine?" The pen paused, and the man looked up. "Is Lydia sick?" A faint, imperceptible worry tinged his slightly rushed tone.Dave was speechless. Good heavens, how was he supposed to describe this? His English teachers hadn't prepared him for this!"Spit it out, what's wrong with her?" The man closed the proposal, frowning. "Why didn't she see a doctor if she's sick? Does she usually just buy her own medicine?""It's not that Lydia is sick; the medicine is for you." Dave squeezed his eyes shut and braced himself."It's that kind of medicine! She wants to drug you. Mrs. Gable said she wants to get pregnant. Of course, this was also... Mrs. Gray's idea. If she can't get pregnant, she wants her to ask for a divorce."Gideon's face cycled through a rainbow of colors!Was he impotent?Did she really need to resort to drugging him?!"What are you standing around for? Get back to work!" Seeing him still lingering, Gideon barked in fury, feeling utterly mortified."Yes, right away..."After Dave left, he shifted his gaze to the photo frame next to his computer. The frame was made of dark walnut wood, featuring intricate carvings on its surface.The photograph captured a beautiful moment.The woman was wearing a pristine white wedding gown, its lace patterns delicate, with layers of skirts light and airy like clouds.