Emily Carter stood by the river, gazing at the glowing city lights on both sides, a brilliant smile blooming on her lips.
It’s been a while.
C City was still as dazzling as ever, a dreamland for the rich and powerful. If anyone asked who had the most money and influence here, the answer would be obvious: the Carters—C City’s business royalty.
The current leader of the Carter family? None other than Alexander Carter—the man who topped every financial headline and was practically worshipped in the corporate world.
His legend had even reached abroad. Ruthless moves, sharp instincts, and killer business strategies made Alexander a myth in the making. No surprise he pushed the Carter Group to new heights in just a few years.
Naturally, women were lining up, desperate for a tiny piece of his attention.
And every time he showed up at a party, drama followed like his shadow. Yet to this day, not a single woman had been officially acknowledged by him. The man was as cold and distant as ever. Untouchable.
Still, that didn’t stop anyone from dreaming about becoming Mrs. Carter one day.
But tonight? Emily Carter wasn’t buying it.
She wasn’t just here for the sparkling city night or the luxury. She was coming for Alexander—the man everyone else only dared to admire from afar.
Emily leapt onto the speedboat, firing up the engine.
Her target was clear: the Carter Group’s luxury cruise ship anchored mid-river.
Her jet-black hair whipped in the wind, and her sleek custom-tailored black outfit made her look like a lethal beauty straight out of an action flick. Nothing could stop her now.
The wind roared past her ears, and she moved like a shadow slicing across the water.
She knew every inch of this—wasn’t just about the C City headlines. Six years ago, she was family.
And tonight, that man she was going after… wasn’t just some cold CEO. He was the man who had been part of her life for over a decade. Her little uncle.
There was more between them than she’d admit—but she wasn’t losing him again.
Emily steered straight for the ship. The boat didn’t slow down even a bit.
Just as she was about to hit the hull, the ship’s aft came to life, lowering a narrow boarding ramp made for speedboats.
Perfect timing. She smirked.
With one last burst, she raced forward and slipped inside the cruise ship.
“Whoa, whoa, what do you think you’re doing?! You could’ve gotten seriously hurt! Come here, are you alright?!”
Jumping off the boat, Emily threw her arms around the older man. “Uncle Yun, you’re still the same after all these years—always fussing!”
She chuckled, eyes getting misty in spite of herself. To hide it, she joked, “Thanks for the help. If that grump tries docking your pay, I’ll definitely fight him for it!”
Uncle Yun wiped at his eyes too, laughing. “Nonsense! Young Master Alexander’s always treated us well. What matters is you’ve finally come back! Just don’t pull something like that disappearing act you did six years ago, understand?”
As he spoke, his eyes welled up again.
Emily felt a pang in her chest as she nodded, a little choked up. She gently pointed upwards. “So… what floor are they on?”
“First floor, the main hall—you used to love that place. I’ll take you.”
She nodded and leaned over to wipe away the tears at the corners of his eyes. “Careful, or the kids downstairs will start teasing you.”
Only then did Uncle Yun give her a teary little grin.Emily took the elevator down to the first floor. Everything looked almost exactly the same as when she left—same decor, same arrangements. It was all still gleaming and extravagant, but to her, it no longer felt like home. Time had moved on, and so had she.
Led by Uncle Yun, she walked through the grand hallway without anyone daring to stop her. Head held high, she marched across the plush velvet carpet, striding under the glow of the crystal chandeliers without missing a beat.
She wasn’t the least bit nervous. This walk reminded her of the first time she stepped into this place—bold, certain. But now, there was something more—calmness, a quiet strength that six years had carved into her.
Finally, her glossy black heels came to a stop before the doors to the main hall.
The tall, deep red doors were pushed open. Inside, a charity auction was already underway. The lighting was low and dreamy, muffled, adding an air of mystery.
As Emily appeared at the entrance, it was like an angel of the night had suddenly stepped out of the shadows.
Heads began to turn, drawn by the light spilling through the widening gap in the doorway. Her silhouette became clearer with every inch.
Alexander suddenly tensed up. That figure—he knew it instantly. It had to be her.
Emily glanced around, then smiled faintly and strode confidently toward the stage where Alexander stood.
There was a wicked glint in her eyes, something dangerous yet mesmerizing, as she closed the distance between them.
"Mr. Carter, it’s been a while," she said with a bright, composed smile. "Or should I be calling you ‘Uncle’… or maybe ‘brother-in-law’?"
Her smile was radiant, but Alexander’s eyes had already begun to darken with rage, like a storm about to break out.
Six years ago, she had disappeared after seducing him. Now she just shows up like nothing happened?
The moment her words landed, everyone snapped out of their daze. Gossip spread like wildfire. Even the media, who had been stunned by her dramatic entrance, suddenly lit up, cameras flashing like crazy.
“She said brother-in-law? Wait—is she that…”
“The one who supposedly caused her sister’s death? That adopted girl from the Carters?!”
“No way, she’s still alive? I thought she killed herself!”
“Wasn’t she whisked away and kept as someone’s mistress?”
“I heard…”
Voices buzzed behind her like a swarm of bees. But Emily didn’t flinch, didn’t even turn her head.
She let out a soft, mocking laugh. Rich ladies in these circles were as gossipy as ever—just what she expected.
Even Alexander, usually calm and calculating, couldn’t tune out their voices. It was like Emily had become his Achilles’ heel—one rumor about her, and he couldn’t keep his cool.
Just as he looked ready to blow, Emily suddenly reached out and grabbed his hand.
Her fingers were freezing, touching his burning wrist. His whole body stiffened.
Leaning in slightly, she kept that same smile as she whispered low so only he could hear, “I know the whole truth about back then. Don’t you wanna hear it?”
Alexander’s eyes turned cold in an instant. She really came back just to say this? She must have a death wish.
His voice dropped dangerously. “When did you come back?”
“If you want answers, come with me,” Emily said with a sudden grin. “My speedboat’s waiting just below deck.” Her eyes sparkled with challenge. “Unless... you're scared?”
