"Grandma, I'll leave now then." Selena smiled softly. "I'll come to see you again. Get well soon."
"Take care, dear." Grandma held Selena's hand, then turned to Daniel. "Go and drive her back."
Selena gasped, glancing at Daniel before shaking her head quickly. "It's fine. I can go back myself. You stay with Grandma."
She stood up, waved, and left. As soon as the door closed, Grandma turned to Daniel — fury written across her face.
"I told you not to dwell on these things, didn't I?" she frowned.
Daniel leaned forward, eyes on the floor. "I didn't make any move," he murmured. "She came to me herself."
Grandma sighed softly. "It's all in the past now. And even if it was her family, she's innocent. She was just a child back then." She paused, her voice lowering. "You never knew the whole truth, did you? Back then, our two families were very close. I still doubt it was really them."
Daniel trembled in rage, his fists curling as his eyes turned red. "I still remember that night — the night that snatched away my world." He drew in a sharp breath, trying to calm himself. "I heard it myself. If not her father, then who else could it be?"
Grandma looked at him steadily. "I don't care what you do, but you can't hurt Selena." Her tone was firm, commanding. "She has nothing to do with this."
Daniel exhaled slowly and stood up. Without looking back, he walked to the door and held the handle tightly. "My wedding is next week," he said after a pause. "With… Selena."
"It's good," Grandma replied quietly. "But mark my words — you cannot hurt her. And if you do, you're no different from the murderer you despise."
Daniel slammed the door behind him and left. Grandma took a deep breath and lay back on the bed.
---
Outside, Selena stood before the hospital gate. Her face was dull, her fingers numb.
Daniel came out moments later and saw her standing there, motionless. He waited for a while, trying to read what was wrong, but she didn't move.
"Go and ask her if she needs a ride back," he told his secretary.
The man nodded and walked up to her. "Miss, do you need me to drop you home?"
Selena blinked, pulled back to reality. "No, it's okay. I can go back myself. No need to trouble you." She smiled faintly and walked away.
The secretary looked back at Daniel, who stood calmly — though something uncertain flickered behind his composed face. After a brief moment, the man shook his head and left it at that.
---
When Selena reached home, she took a quick bath. Then, lying on her bed, she dialed Mika.
"Is it done?" her voice was calm, serious.
"Done! By tomorrow, the entire forest will be on fire."
The corner of Selena's lips curled into a smirk. "I'm just excited to see the outcome," she said, her tone almost playful.
Mika laughed and hung up.
Selena sat up, moved to her desk, and switched on her laptop. Her fingers hovered briefly before typing into the search bar —
'The business tycoon Daniel Knight's secret sweetheart…"
A look of satisfaction spread across her face as the screen flooded with headlines and images. Photos were everywhere, though her face wasn't visible.
Daniel Knight's first controversy had just begun.But it's not my fault, she thought. It's just part of my plan.I'm simply curious to see Helena and Isabelle's faces when they find out it's none other than me.
---
Across the city, Daniel stood before his office window, gazing out at the skyline. His secretary rushed in, slightly out of breath.
"What is it?" Daniel asked without turning.
"Sir, photos of you and Miss Selena are all over the internet." The man handed him a tablet. "It's already among the top five searches this month. It looks like someone is trying to frame you."
Daniel scrolled through the posts, his face unreadable. After a moment, he handed the tablet back.
"It's not a big deal," he said quietly. "I'll be announcing the wedding sooner or later anyway."
The secretary nodded and left.
Daniel picked up his phone and called Selena.
Her voice came through low and sharp. "Is there something, Mr. Daniel?"
"You know it well, don't you?" he asked directly.
"You promised to help me out. It's just the first show — are you shocked already?"
"I was planning to announce it soon," he sighed. "My secretary will pick you up tomorrow afternoon. We're going to try on wedding dresses."
He paused, setting his glasses on the table. "Grandma might come along. Be careful with your words."
Selena froze. Wedding dress? she thought. Why does it feel so real?
"Are your ears working?"
"Uh— yes, yes." She uttered. "But maybe I can't tomorrow." Daniel kept quiet, waiting for a valid reason.
"Actually, I haven't told my grandpa about it yet." She said, hesitantly. "I need some time to manage that... I am sorry."
"Hmm fine." He murmured.
She hung up and stared at her reflection in the mirror.
Dad… I'm getting married, she whispered. Her face turned pale. If you were here, you'd be so happy, right?
The room grew quiet — a heavy, aching silence.
A knock broke through it.
"Selena, come out for dinner."
"Coming!" she called back, rushing out.
At the dining table, her heart pounded. She glanced at Edward and whispered, "Grandpa… I've got something to say."
Edward looked up, waiting.
She lowered her head, fingers twisting together. "I… I've found someone." Her voice trembled. "I've found a husband."
Edward's expression turned serious. He sighed. "I told you, you should focus on your happiness. Are you sure about this?"
Selena nodded lightly.
"If you're happy, I won't worry," he said softly. "But promise me, ask yourself what you really want — not the company, not your father's name, but you."
Her eyes glistened. "Thank you… but I'm sorry, Grandpa."
"You don't need to apologize. Just make sure you're happy."
"No," she whispered, almost biting her lip, "I mean… the groom…"
She hesitated, her voice barely a breath.
"The groom… is Daniel Knight."