Born into a prestigious family, she should have lived a life of luxury. Instead, fate pushed her into a life of hardship and suffering. When her long-lost family finally found her, it wasn’t salvation—it was a nightmare. Betrayed, disfigured, and locked away in a dark basement, she endured endless torment until hatred consumed her, and she died with nothing but vengeance in her heart.

But fate had other plans. Reborn from the ashes of her past, she returns with fire in her soul and a mysterious key that unlocks a space of supernatural power. Once again, she is cast aside—but this time, she refuses to be a victim. Those who once trampled on her will pay the price.

From this moment on, the world will remember her name. In the medical world, she rises as the mysterious prodigy doctor. In the business world, she becomes the unstoppable genius. And in this life—she will rewrite her fate.

Chapter 1 The Jade Key

“Lillian, make sure the jade key stays safe,” a frail woman on the hospital bed, clutched her daughter Lillian Sinclair’s arm, her voice trembling with desperation. “Leave the Sinclair family, go to Kingston, find Sebastian Whitmore…”

“Mom!”

Lillian jolted awake. Darkness engulfed her surroundings, the air thick with a pungent stench of decay. Her terrified gaze gradually turned cold. She wrapped her thin, twig-like arms around her legs, the movement causing a rattling clatter. Heavy iron chains bound her ankles and neck. Her tattered clothes barely clung to her emaciated body, which was stained with dried blood and countless scars.

She was nothing more than skin and bones; if not for the faint rise and fall of her chest, one could easily mistake her for a corpse. She had lost count of how many years had passed in this lightless, hellish basement. Day after day, she was greeted only by the bites of mosquitoes and rats, and endless torment.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed from the entrance. Moments later, the basement door creaked open, allowing a sliver of light to pierce the gloom.

Lillian narrowed her eyes subconsciously, with a sneer on her lips.

Here it comes again, will I be whipped or poisoned this time?

Several men in black came in, dragged her from the corner roughly and skilfully, and threw her on the ground like garbage.

The sound of high heels came from far away, and finally, the pair of high heels, studded with luxurious diamonds, stopped in front of Lillian’s bloody hands, raised one foot, and stepped hard on them.

“Ugh!” A muffled groan sounded.

Vivian Prescott raised a delicate eyebrow, a seductive smile playing on her lips as she gazed at the battered figure on the ground. With a mocking voice, she said, “Lillian, how does it feel to live a life worse than a dog’s?”

The figure on the ground slowly lifted her head, revealing a face so horrifying it sent shudders down the spine. Her face was barely recognizable, with barely a spot of smooth skin. It was covered in red scars, like worms squirming across her skin, grotesque and horrifying. The cheeks, pockmarked and wrinkled, resembled those of a hideous monster.

Lillian stared at the gorgeous woman, letting out a raspy laugh. Her voice, rough like broken glass, was painfully shrill.

Gritting her teeth, she spat out each word, full of hatred. “Fine! I’ll appreciate your kindness for the rest of my life. I’ll never forget it.” Her fiery red eyes locked onto the woman, brimming with a hatred so deep it seemed to burn through to the soul.

Vivian remained unfazed, her lips curling into a sweet smile. “Welcome! I’m only doing my duty. After all, I am your stepmother. By the way, your father has made it clear that if you hand over the jade key your mother left for you, he’ll let you walk out of here. You’ll return as the esteemed Miss Sinclair. So, take my advice, don’t be stubborn, with Sinclair Group thriving, wouldn’t that be beneficial for you as well?”

Lillian let out a cold, mocking laugh, her gaze chilling. “You think you deserve my mother’s belongings?”

It’s this very woman who wears a mask of gentleness and kindness, but underneath, she’s the one who killed my mother! She turned me from the young lady of the Sinclair family into this pitiful creature – neither fully alive nor dead!

“Let’s see. Without my mom’s medicine, how long will the Sinclair Group keep shining? Hahaha…”

Her laughter, rough and broken, filled the damp space, making her scarred face appear even more horrible. Yet, amidst the madness, a single tear slid down her cheek, silent, filled with unspeakable sorrow.

“Lillian, don’t be ungrateful, you should know that if the Sinclair Group falls, it won’t do you any good either!” Vivian’s expression darkened, her eyes brimming with hatred. “Hand over the jade key, and I’ll let you walk free. Otherwise, you will never be able to leave here!”

Vivian was running out of patience; she had to retrieve the jade key before anyone else discovered it. Only then could she truly take control of the Sinclair Group.

The existence of the jade key was discovered by Vivian accidentally.

She found a notebook among Catherine Dawson’s personal belongings, on which was written Catherine’s own handwriting, the jade key can unlock the Apothecary King’s secret formula. With it, one can dominate the world of medicine.

She hadn’t fully grasped the significance of those words, but she knew one thing: Catherine’s unparalleled medical skills had to be connected to the jade key. But no matter how thoroughly she searched through Catherine’s belongings and every place she had been before her death, the jade key was nowhere to be found.

So she was convinced that Catherine must have given it to her daughter, Lillian. Yet despite all the torture and every method she had used, the key remained elusive. The very thought of it made Vivian grit her teeth in frustration and rage.

“Mom, how did it go? Did she talk?”

Chapter 2 I Won’t Let You Die

A soft, delicate voice rang out just then. A woman in her twenties walked through the doorway, bearing a striking resemblance to Vivian—at least seventy percent alike.

She had a pure, innocent face and wore a pale blue dress. Her figure was tall and slender, her presence fresh and graceful.

“No. This little b*tch still refuses to talk,” Vivian said coldly, staring down at the woman on the floor in a pathetic heap.

No matter how much she tortured her, Vivian couldn’t understand why this woman still refused to hand over the Jade Key.

Just like her mother—cheap and stubborn!

Chloe looked at the woman lying on the ground. A cold gleam flickered in her eyes as she sneered, “Why bother? If you’d just give up the Jade Key already, you could save yourself a lot of pain.”

Lilian looked up at them, her smile twisted with spite.

When she was six, her mother died in a car crash. Her father brought home a stepmother and her illegitimate daughter, who was barely half a year younger than her. Years later, she accidentally discovered that the crash had been carefully planned—by her stepmother.

When she was eight, she was kidnapped and sold into the mountains by human traffickers—also arranged by her stepmother.

At eighteen, she was rescued and brought back to the Sinclair family, only to be ruined again by that “loving” stepmother and “perfect” little sister, her reputation destroyed.

At twenty, acid was poured on her face while she slept. Her beauty—gone.

At twenty-three, they locked her in this filthy, pitch-dark basement, torturing her in every way imaginable—just to keep her alive.

Lilian knew why they wouldn’t let her die. It was for her mother’s keepsake—the Jade Key.

Thinking of this, her eyes burned with rage, but she let out a shrill, chilling laugh. “Heh… Go ahead. If you’ve got the guts, kill me!”

“What kind of nonsense is that? Why would we kill you?” Chloe chuckled, but her eyes were full of mockery. “I was hoping to invite you to my wedding with Nathan next month. Oh, and he asked me to tell you—he never loved you. He only pitied you. So don’t get the wrong idea.”

Lilian thought her heart had long since turned to ash.

But the moment she heard Nathan’s name, her chest ached like it had been punched.

He was getting married? To the stepsister who had ruined her life?

Memories surged forward like a flood. Her mind filled with images—every single one of them held the face of that gentle, graceful man. He was the one who had once brought warmth into her life. The one who had promised to protect her forever…

So it was all a lie? What a joke.

Two silent tears rolled down Lilian’s scarred face. A broken laugh rasped from her throat.

Chloe seemed satisfied with the reaction. “Mom, let’s go. We’re not getting anything out of her today. We’ve got all the time in the world.”

The basement door slammed shut, plunging the room back into darkness and silence.

Lilian pushed herself up with great effort. She reached into her mouth and pulled out a thin thread.

Bit by bit, she drew it out. At the other end was a piece of blue jade, shaped like a blue spider lily in full bloom.

Vivian would never guess that the key they’d scoured the world for was a piece of blue jade.

Lilian stared at it in her palm. Tears streamed endlessly down her cheeks as she whispered hoarsely, “Mom… I can’t go on anymore. I failed to avenge you. Please don’t blame me.”

She had found a lighter and half a bottle of liquor in the basement—left behind by the men who had tortured her.

Using the last of her strength, she set the basement ablaze. As flames roared to life around her, she drove the Jade Key into her own chest.

Her mother was dead. That key was her mother’s most precious possession. It was also Lilian’s last stand.

Even if it killed her, she couldn’t let it fall into the hands of those cruel women.

If she had another chance, she would make them pay. Blood for blood.

The fire roared, devouring everything in its path.

No one saw the blinding blue light that suddenly burst from Lilian’s chest.

Through the sea of flames, a tall, imposing figure emerged like a god, carrying a frail, scorched body in his arms.

Right before Lilian blacked out, she saw a man’s face.

It was blurry. She couldn’t make out his features, but she could tell from the outline—he was handsome.

He kissed her forehead gently, murmuring, “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I came too late.” His low voice was full of regret, sorrow, and guilt…

Who are you…?

Lilian wanted to ask, but she never got the chance.

The man’s deep black eyes reflected the blaze around him. He stared at her lifeless face, something bloodthirsty flashing in his gaze.

“Sweetheart, I won’t let you die. Just wait for me…”

Chapter 3 Rebirth

It hurt. It hurt so much.

Lilian awoke with a pain that tore through her like a blade. Confused, she wondered,

Wasn’t I already dead? How am I still here?

She jolted upright and instinctively looked at her hands.

They were small—childlike. Filthy, yes, but perfectly intact.

Panicked, she reached up and touched her face. Her skin was smooth and soft. There were no twisted scars, no disfigurement.

The shock snapped her fully awake. She looked around and suddenly realized: this was the very place where she had been imprisoned the year she was kidnapped—when she was eight years old.

Could it be… I’ve been

reborn? Reborn on the day I was kidnapped at eight?!

At this point in time, she hadn’t yet been sent to her adoptive parents. She hadn’t yet begun the nightmare of beatings and starvation. Her voice was still hers. Her face, unscarred. None of the tragedy had happened yet—there was still a chance to change everything.

But first, she had to escape.

Yes. She had to get out of here. She had to rewrite her fate.

Lilian stretched her limbs and climbed off the bed. She crept cautiously to the window to assess her surroundings.

Thankfully, no one was guarding the room. The only barrier was a chain locked on the door.

They must have assumed a drugged eight-year-old wouldn’t wake up so soon. So they’d let their guard down.

The room was small, but there were two windows. One, near the door, faced the front yard. Through it, Lilian could see the traffickers playing cards outside. That route was out of the question.

Her eyes shifted to the second window.

It was open—but high. For an eight-year-old, it might as well have been a cliff. Still, if she could climb out, she could escape this place for good.

Lilian made up her mind. She took a few steps back, inhaled deeply, and sprinted forward, leaping with all her might—her hands caught the edge of the window frame!

No time to think. She scrambled up the wall, using both hands and feet.

Suddenly, the door creaked open.

A man spotted her instantly and shouted to his companions, “Shit! That brat’s trying to escape!” He dashed toward her, reaching out.

“When did she wake up? Damn it! After her—now!”

Lilian panicked. The height didn’t matter anymore. She clenched her jaw and jumped.

She hit the ground and ran. No hesitation, no second thought.

She ran like her life depended on it—because it did.

This time, I won’t let tragedy win!

She tore down the mountain path, not knowing where she was headed. All she knew was that she couldn’t let them catch her again.

If she could just get away from this village, she could survive. Her life could finally be different.

But the footsteps behind her grew louder. Her legs were trembling.

She reached the summit—and froze.

A cliff.

Below, she could hear the crashing of waves. The ocean.

Lilian gave a broken, bitter smile.

“Damn brat!” one of the men cursed. “I lose money gambling all night, and now I gotta chase you down too? I’ll skin you alive!”

Three or four men had caught up. They were gasping for air, but seeing the cliff ahead, they relaxed. They stood their ground and started hurling insults.

Lilian turned to face them, her eyes cold.

She took one step back. Then another. Her legs shook.

In her previous life, her adoptive father had abused her cruelly. He had slammed her head into water barrels, nearly drowning her several times.

Those childhood traumas left her terrified of water. Even though she used to swim, she never dared to touch water again.

But now… she had no choice.

“You little b*tch! You dare glare at me? Get over here!”

A man lunged, fingers nearly brushing her arm.

Lilian’s eyes turned fierce. Without hesitation, she spun around—and leapt off the cliff.

“Damn it! She actually jumped! How the hell are we gonna explain this to that woman?!”

Another man stepped forward and looked down at the raging sea. He snorted, “She wanted her dumped in some dirt-poor hellhole, somewhere she’d never escape. Well, she’s dead now—she’s not going anywhere.”

“No one says a word about this. Got it? We don’t need trouble.”

As far as they were concerned, jumping into the sea was suicide. There was no way that girl could’ve survived.

But down below—

Lilian hit the ocean like a stone. The impact nearly knocked her out, but she grit her teeth and held on.

The waves swallowed her whole, awakening every nightmare she had of drowning. But her will to live kept her afloat. She forced her rigid limbs to move, paddling desperately through the water.

She didn’t know how long she had been swimming. She only had one thought—

Stay alive! I have to stay alive!

At last, she saw land.

Her arms aching, her lips pale, she swam toward it with everything she had left.

And at that very moment, far away at Kingston Ravenwood Manor, a man who had been in a coma for months suddenly opened his eyes.

As if sensing something deep within his soul, Sebastian whispered under his breath, “Sweetheart…”

Chapter 4 A Girl Grown

When Lilian awoke again, she found herself in an unfamiliar room.

A large wooden bed, wooden desk and chairs—all with a touch of antique charm. The old-fashioned furniture was slightly worn, and the white walls were faded and peeling.

Just then, the door creaked open and an elderly man walked in. His hair was white, but his eyes were bright with energy. He looked at her kindly and asked with concern, “Sweetheart, you’re awake. How do you feel?”

Lilian quickly sat up and responded, “Thank you, I feel much better. May I ask… were you the one who saved me?”

“I found you by the sea. I’d say it was fate,” the old man said with a warm smile. He sat down beside the bed and reached out to check her pulse. Calmly, he added, “You’re fine now, but the cold entered your body. You need to be careful, or it might leave lingering effects.”

“I will, thank you,” Lilian replied, a wave of warmth rising in her chest from the old man’s sincere concern. “May I ask your name?”

Sensing her unease, the old man smiled. “No need to be so formal. I am Leonard Harrington. You can call me Grandpa. What’s your name? Where’s your family?”

A flicker of coldness flashed through Lilian’s eyes before her tone turned flat. “I don’t have any family. My name is Lilian. No last name.”

Leonard looked at the small girl in front of him with surprise. She was no more than seven or eight, yet her pure eyes carried a depth of sorrow and despair that no child should ever know. Her tiny frame clearly showed signs of long-term malnourishment.

“Why were you drifting in the sea?”

Thinking of everything that had happened, Lilian lowered her voice. “I don’t remember.”

Seeing the sadness in her eyes, Leonard didn’t press further. Instead, after a pause, he said gently, “Would you like to stay here and become my apprentice? I’ve lived in seclusion for many years. That I found you must be fate.”

Lilian looked up at him, wide-eyed. “I… can I?”

“Of course you can. If you agree, then starting today, you’ll be my only apprentice. I’ll teach you everything I know about medicine. Would you like that?” Leonard asked kindly.

Medicine?

A spark lit in Lilian’s eyes.

Her mother had once been a master of medicine. The Sinclair family owed its glory to her skills. But in the end, her mother had met a tragic fate.

Now this path had opened again in front of her. Was this destiny?

In her previous life, she had achieved nothing. Her end had been total destruction.

But now—reborn with this second chance—how could she say no?

This time, she had to become strong. She had to make the people who destroyed her mother—and her—pay.

Lilian looked seriously at the old man. Still seated on the bed, her young voice hoarse with resolve, she said, “Sir, thank you.” Then she lowered her head and gave him a deep, resounding bow.

“Good, good,” Leonard chuckled and gently helped her up. His eyes were full of affection. “Since you’ve agreed, from today forward, you are my apprentice. From now on, your name is Lilian Harrington. Stay by my side and learn well.”

“I won’t let you down, grandpa!” Lilian said firmly.

Six years later.

Beneath a towering tree in the courtyard, a girl in athletic clothes pounded relentlessly at a wooden training post.

Every punch, every kick—sharp, precise, practiced.

“You’re up early again, training?” Leonard asked warmly, pride glowing in his eyes as he watched the tireless girl.

“Grandpa!” she called back, turning with a smile that could dazzle the world.

She looked about fourteen or fifteen, dressed in a white tracksuit. Her long black hair was tied neatly into a ponytail.

Her features weren’t the overly cute or flashy type, but she had her own unique charm—ethereal, serene. Her beauty was captivating.

Most striking were her deep, star-like eyes—brilliant and unforgettable.

After the workout, a fine sheen of sweat glistened on her forehead. A healthy flush warmed her pale cheeks. She radiated youthful energy.

“Why are you up so early?” Lilian looped her arm through his, her clear voice still holding a trace of childish innocence.

Leonard reached out to wipe her sweat gently. “I saw your backpack. Are you planning to head down the mountain?”

At his words, a flicker of steel flashed through Lilian’s eyes. She lowered her voice. “I’ve spent years hiding in the shadows, laying the groundwork. The foundation is ready. Now it’s time to start building upward.”

Though she had studied in seclusion for years, she hadn’t let go of opportunities to make money.

She used the fees earned from healing patients to invest in the stock market, drawing on memories from her previous life to amass a fortune. Now she could begin to make her moves.

And it was time to find that person, too…

Leonard looked at the blossoming young woman before him. While other girls her age still clung to innocence, Lilian was already planning her future.

When she had told him about her past—her lineage, her pain—Leonard knew she would one day return to confront the Sinclair family. That was why he brought her along on every house call, taught her how to build connections, and trained her in every skill he could offer, including martial arts. He only wanted her to be safe.

Now, watching her grow step by step, seeing how determined and capable she had become—his heart ached with love, but also swelled with pride. She was becoming a force to be reckoned with, all through her own strength.

“No matter what you do, I’ll support you. Just remember—no matter what hardships you face, this will always be your home. I’ll be here waiting.”

Lilian looked at him, her eyes instantly rimmed with red.

In the past six years, she had mastered all of Leonard’s medical knowledge. Her skills in alchemy had sharpened. Her internal energy was now immeasurable.

In her last life, it was her heart’s blood that had accidentally activated the Jade Key—and that had triggered her rebirth.

Within the Jade Key lay a hidden realm, one that had given her even more power…

She was no longer the weak, helpless girl of her past life.

And it was all thanks to the man before her—his rescue, his guidance. Without him, she wouldn’t even know where she belonged.

“This time when you go down the mountain, stop by Ravenshire and visit the Carter family. Check on Madam Elena,” Leonard said, reluctant to part from her. “There are many powerful people in Ravenshire. Maybe someone there can introduce you to Sebastian.”

Chapter 5 Saving a Lord

Lilian’s pupils shrank the moment she heard Leonard’s words.

So everything she had secretly been doing—Leonard knew. And he had remembered it all.

Over the past few years, while she worked tirelessly to grow stronger and plan her next steps, she had never forgotten her mother’s final plea.

She had been only six back then, too young to understand why her mother wanted her to leave the Sinclair family—the family that had given her life and raised her.

But once the nightmare began, and she tried to escape, it was already too late…

Now, with a second chance, she had begun investigating Sebastian.

That was when she realized just what kind of man he was.

According to the rumors, Sebastian’s mother had been the daughter of an earl, while his father’s family belonged to one of the most powerful aristocratic houses in Kingston.

For personal reasons, Sebastian had inherited his maternal grandfather’s title and taken over Austine Financial Group, seizing control of the foreign financial world.

The empire he built from the ground up now dominated the entire country.

The name Sebastian didn’t just represent immense wealth. It meant supreme power—a man everyone longed to know.

She didn’t understand how her mother had known someone like him, or why she had wanted Lilian to bring him the Jade Key. But one thing was certain: a man like that could be her greatest ally.

Whether it was fulfilling her mother’s last wish or advancing her own goals, one of her missions now that she had come down from the mountain—was to find him.

“Thank you, Grandpa,” Lilian said, giving him a final bow.

“Silly girl, what are you doing? Get up,” Leonard said, hurrying to lift her. Like a grandfather reluctant to let his granddaughter go, he repeated his advice again and again. “I know you carry a lot of resentment in your heart, but I hope you can still live happily. If you let hatred take over your life, you’ll lose all your joy.”

“I understand, Grandpa.” Lilian choked back her emotions as she said her farewell and turned to head down the mountain, toward Ravenshire.

Ravenshire was surrounded by vast forests and mountain ranges. Lilian took a less-traveled route through Blackwood Mountains, planning to gather rare medicinal herbs along the way and store them in her space for future use.

Blackwood Mountains was blanketed in towering trees, its landscape breathtaking and rich with rare herbs.

After two full days of hiking deep into the mountains, Lilian had collected quite a bounty.

As night fell, she followed a winding mountain path and eventually found a hidden cave nestled in a hillside. Planning to rest there for the night, she stepped inside.

But the moment she entered, the thick stench of blood hit her, and her brows knitted tightly.

The cave was dim. In the shadows, she could just barely make out a figure slumped against the rock wall.

Lilian pulled a night pearl from her pack. Instantly, the cave lit up like day.

There, leaning against the stone, was a man. His face was pale, eyes shut tight. His clothes were torn in several places. He looked battered and disheveled—

And yet, even in this state, he was impossibly handsome.

A lock of black hair fell over his forehead, hiding his right eye. His long legs were carelessly stretched out, but his posture remained elegant, noble.

Then Lilian noticed the blood around his abdomen, and her frown deepened.

She approached quietly, crouched beside him, and reached out to unbutton his shirt.

Suddenly, a sharp gust of energy whipped toward her. Lilian barely dodged the attack.

Before she could recover, the injured man sprang to his feet and launched a kick at her.

“Hey!” she snapped, locking eyes with his cold, sharp gaze. “Are you crazy? I was trying to help you, and you repay me like this?!”

The man froze mid-motion, breathing hard. “Who sent you?”

Lilian rubbed her sore arm from his earlier strike and huffed, “You’ve got a serious persecution complex. I was trying to save you, and you attack me? You’re unbelievable.”

Sebastian studied her for a moment, then relaxed. Confirming she meant no harm, he finally collapsed back against the wall, exhausted.

Now that she was sure he wouldn’t lash out again, Lilian slowly walked over and muttered, “I’m treating you, so no more sneak attacks.” Then she undid his shirt—and gasped.

The wound was deep, likely caused by a blade. She could see bone, and it was still bleeding heavily.

To be this badly injured and still manage to attack someone… he’s seriously impressive.

She glanced at his pale face, then said solemnly, “This has to be cleaned immediately. I don’t have any anesthetic. It’s going to hurt.”

Sebastian opened his eyes slightly. His dark, bottomless gaze locked onto her. “Do it,” he rasped, weak but commanding.

Lilian curled her lip. Even now, he acted like some high-and-mighty lord. If she didn’t have professional ethics, she would’ve left him to die.

She checked to confirm the wound hadn’t damaged any vital organs. Then she pulled out a small knife and purified it with spiritual cleansing water.

Just as she was about to begin, a long-fingered hand clamped tightly around her wrist.

She looked into his icy gaze and assumed he was scared of the pain. She calmly said, “Relax. I’m pretty good at this. You’ll be fine.” With that, she pried his hand away.

With clean, efficient movements, she removed the necrotic tissue and flushed the wound thoroughly with spiritual water.

From start to finish, the man didn’t make a sound. He just clenched his fists, his entire body tense.

It was clear how powerful his endurance was.

Lilian couldn’t help but look at him with a touch of admiration.

Chapter 6 She’s Investigating Him?

After tending to the wound, Lilian pulled a ceramic vial from her backpack and sprinkled powdered medicine over the gash.

At last, the man spoke in a hoarse voice, “Why are you carrying medicine on you?”

Unbothered by his suspicion, Lilian answered casually, “I study medicine. This is my own formula—purely herbal, no side effects. So stop being so paranoid. It’s safe.”

A moment later, warmth radiated from the wound. It stung and itched intensely, making it nearly impossible not to scratch.

Lilian caught his pained expression and warned, “Don’t even think about scratching it. You’ll risk infection. Your hands are covered in bacteria right now. If it gets worse, that’s on you.”

Her warning made the man immediately pull his hand back, though his clenched fists betrayed how much he was enduring.

Lilian watched him suffer, a cold smirk curling on her lips.

Hurt me, did you? Of course I’d get you back for that.

Once she was done, she stood, stretched, and glanced at him with a lazy air. “Consider yourself lucky you ran into me. Otherwise, you’d be dead by now.”

Without another word, she turned and left the cave.

Sebastian cracked open his eyes and watched her leave, thoughtful. Then he closed them again, conserving his strength.

A while later, Lilian returned, now carrying a wild pheasant.

Seeing the man resting quietly with his eyes half-closed, she silently set up a spit near the cave wall and lit a fire with her lighter.

The firelight cast a warm glow across the cave, cozy in the cold night. Lilian used a small knife to clean and gut the bird, then rinsed it with purified water, rubbed it down with lemon, and began to roast it.

Soon, the entire cave was filled with mouthwatering aroma. The seasoning was simple, but that made the flavor even more authentic.

Sebastian opened his eyes and stared at the girl. Her actions were casual, efficient. Her eyes shimmered—sometimes calm, sometimes indifferent, sometimes cunning. They seemed to shift with every breath.

He couldn’t figure out how a single girl could hold so many sides. One moment mischievous, the next composed enough to handle everything with ease.

And strangest of all—there was something eerily familiar about her…

Once the pheasant was done, Lilian tore off a piece and started eating.

Catching him staring, she finished chewing and said with full confidence, “You’re injured. You can’t eat meat.”

But when the man kept staring at her with a hungry, beast-like intensity, she found herself in an awkward position—eating or not eating both felt wrong.

In the end, she sighed, tore off a drumstick, and handed it to him. “Your body really can’t handle oily food right now. This is the limit.”

Then she pulled out an apple and offered it to him. “Full of vitamins. High in nutritional value. Perfect for someone recovering.”

Sebastian stared at the apple for a moment, then reached out and took it without thinking. He bit into it.

He had to admit—it was the best apple he’d ever eaten. Crisp, sweet, intensely fragrant.

Seeing that he was eating quietly, Lilian said nothing more and returned to her roasted pheasant.

In the stillness of the night, the crackle of burning wood echoed clearly. Now and then, a distant animal cry rang from the forest.

Sebastian leaned against the stone wall, eyes fixed on the fire. Its glow lit one side of his face, leaving the other in shadow, giving him a wicked, devilish charm.

Then he looked over at the girl, curled up nearby, asleep without a care in the world.

Maybe even he hadn’t expected to one day share a cave with a stranger like this.

But he had to admit—the girl, though young, had an extraordinary beauty.

Her delicate features, pale skin—and especially those eyes. They were like the brightest star in the night sky, impossible to look away from.

The quiet cave held a strange and wordless warmth.

Almost without thinking, Sebastian reached out and gently pulled her blanket higher. As he withdrew his hand, he accidentally knocked over her backpack.

The zipper hadn’t been fully closed. A few pages of printed documents spilled out—black text on white paper.

Sebastian’s pupils contracted sharply.

She’s… investigating me?

Chapter 7 Little One, We’ll Meet Again

Sebastian’s gaze deepened as he stared at the sleeping girl.

Who is she? Why is she investigating me? Could she be connected to the people who tried to kill me?

No—impossible.

Her eyes were clear and pure. Her presence radiated innocence. This little one didn’t have the ruthlessness of a killer.

If she truly had anything to do with his enemies, she’d had more than enough chances to finish him off. Why bother saving him at all?

In those brief seconds, a thousand thoughts flashed through Sebastian’s mind.

It was rare for anyone to capture his interest, and now—by pure coincidence—it turned out this girl was interested in him, too. Curiosity surged. He almost reached out to wake her and ask everything.

But when he looked at her peaceful sleeping face, he couldn’t bring himself to disturb her.

The faint scent of medicine lingered in the cave. As he followed her steady breathing, Sebastian slowly drifted off to sleep himself, deciding to question her in the morning.

And in that quiet moment, a strange thing occurred—soft blue light shimmered from both of their chests, pulsing gently, like a pair of phoenixes calling out to one another…

At dawn, sunlight spilled into the cave. Sebastian snapped awake.

It took a second to recall the events of the night before. He immediately scanned the cave—but the girl was gone.

He frowned. Not even a trace.

When did she leave? And how did I not notice?

He looked down and spotted a small ceramic vial by his side. The one she had used on him.

Of course—it could only have been left by her.

His lips curled into a faint, helpless smile. “That heartless little thing.”

Just then, footsteps sounded at the cave’s entrance. Sebastian’s expression immediately returned to its usual cold aloofness. He said sharply, “Come in.”

A tall man in black stepped into the cave and dropped to one knee. “Mr. Sebastian, I arrived too late. My delay placed you in danger. Please punish me.”

Sebastian stood, his shirt wrinkled and bloodstained, his appearance a far cry from his usual polished self.

Even so, nothing could dim his innate air of nobility.

“Hm.” Sebastian responded absently.

Foster remained kneeling, waiting for his judgment.

But nothing came. Curious, he finally glanced up—and froze.

Sebastian was staring blankly at the tiny medicine bottle in his hand… and smiling?

Foster was stunned.

Was the cold-blooded Mr. Sebastian… smiling at a bottle?

Then he noticed the bloodstains and quickly said, “Sir, you’re injured. I’ll have the hospital prepared immediately—”

Sebastian glanced down at his abdomen. The terrible wound had already scabbed over and was beginning to heal. The recovery was shockingly fast.

He knew how bad that injury had been. It should have taken weeks to mend—yet the healing had already begun.

He thought back to the girl’s skilled hands, her mysterious medicine…

She’s no ordinary healer.

His curiosity about her only grew.

He tucked the little bottle into his pocket and looked around the cave.

“Seal off this place. I don’t want anyone else to find it,” he ordered.

For some reason, he couldn’t bear the thought of anyone else stepping foot in there.

“Yes, sir,” Foster responded immediately.

…

In Ravenshire, a lavish estate basked in the afternoon sun.

Sebastian stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of his study, one hand in his pocket, the other swirling a glass of red wine. The liquid shimmered like blood against the crystal.

Every movement carried the elegance of European nobility.

The disheveled man from the cave was gone. Now he wore a tailored black suit with gleaming diamond cufflinks. A one-of-a-kind Patek Philippe graced his wrist, understated yet unmistakably luxurious.

A voice, smooth and magnetic, rang out: “What did you find?”

Behind him, Foster answered solemnly, “We’ve confirmed—it was the Claria family.”

“The Claria family…” Sebastian’s eyes darkened. A sneer twisted his lips. “I was going to leave them a way out, but they insist on provoking me again and again. How exhausting.”

“What are your orders?” Foster asked respectfully.

Sebastian took a slow sip of wine and replied calmly, “If they’ve thrown away their last chance, there’s no reason to let them live.”

“Understood, sir.”

Golden light spilled in through the windows, casting his profile in a shadowed glow. Sebastian’s voice was soft and cold. “There’s one more thing. Find out everything you can.”

Foster waited.

“There was a girl in that cave. She must’ve entered the forest in the last few days. Black tracksuit, backpack, about fifteen or sixteen years old,” Sebastian said quietly.

Foster froze, then nodded. “Yes, sir. I’ll find out who that little—” He caught Sebastian’s icy stare and quickly corrected himself, “—that young lady is.”

The study door shut with a soft click.

Sebastian reached for the ceramic bottle on the desk—the same one Lilian had left behind.

He traced its delicate curves with his fingers, as if remembering something.

A sly smile tugged at his lips.

“Little one… we’ll meet again.”

Chapter 8 The Carter Family of Ravenshire

After leaving Blackwood Mountains, Lilian followed her mentor’s instructions and made her way to the Carter family estate in Ravenshire.

The Carter family held a prestigious position among Ravenshire’s elite. Their influence was such that even the slightest move could send tremors through the upper echelons of society.

The current head of the family, Simon, had held high office for many years but was known for his unusually low profile. What truly made people envy him, though, was his deep devotion to his wife. Their love story had become the stuff of legend.

It was said that Simon spent all his spare time with his wife, turning down countless social invitations. No matter how many sought to win his favor, he simply wasn’t interested.

The gate to the Carter Residence was made of ornately carved wood—lavish, yet tasteful. At the sight, Lilian couldn’t help but silently admire their sense of style.

She followed the butler through the gates and into the courtyard, which was laid out in an elegant, balanced fashion. Even in the smallest details, Lilian could see thoughtful touches clearly made with the lady of the house in mind.

Inside the main residence, Simon awaited them.

He wore a gentle smile and gave off an air of kindness, though a trace of authority lingered between his brows—the quiet dignity of someone long accustomed to power.

Simon was familiar with Leonard’s medical prowess, and he had also heard whispers of Lilian’s rising reputation over the past few years.

Still, this was the first time he’d met her in person.

When she walked in, poised and calm, her eyes as clear and still as a lake, Simon found himself impressed. “Miss Zongzheng, at last, you’re here.”

“Mr. Simon. Sorry to keep you waiting.” Lilian gave him a polite nod, her smile measured and professional. Without wasting words, she got straight to the point. “Let’s skip the pleasantries—take me to see Madam Elena.”

Simon was momentarily stunned, then burst into hearty laughter. “You’re a lot like Leonard.”

He genuinely admired her directness. After being surrounded for years by sycophants and flatterers, Lilian’s frankness was refreshing.

At his signal, a servant wheeled out Madam Elena—and Lilian couldn’t help but be taken aback.

Even seated in a wheelchair, and despite being past forty, Madam Elena had a quiet brilliance in her eyes, a serene detachment from the world that commanded respect.

“You must be Miss Lilian,” Madam Elena said with a soft, apologetic smile. “I’m sorry you had to come all this way for my useless legs.”

Although surprised by Lilian’s youth, Elena trusted her husband’s judgment and voiced no doubts.

“No need to be so formal,” Lilian replied. “Treating patients is my duty. It’s no trouble at all.”

She stepped forward and took Elena’s pulse. In moments, her diagnosis was clear.

Just as Simon opened his mouth to ask about it, the butler returned, looking slightly awkward. He leaned in and whispered, “Sir, Mr. James has arrived… and brought a guest. Looks like a doctor.”

Lilian had sharp ears and heard every word—but she chose to wait and observe.

Simon frowned, but before he could respond, the guests arrived.

Lilian turned to see a stylishly dressed man walk in. Though not young, he had aged well. This must be Simon’s younger brother-in-law.

Behind him was a refined-looking young man in glasses, carrying a medical kit.

So that was the doctor. Lilian studied him a little more closely—he looked familiar.

Then it hit her. Not long ago, while researching at the city library, she had seen an interview with him. He was a renowned neurology specialist from Kingston.

“James, what brings you here? And this is…?”

Simon’s expression grew noticeably cooler as he noticed the guest.

“Ah! This is Dr. Larry, Kingston’s top neurology expert. He’s also the private physician for the Whitmore family. Every time I tried to invite him before, he was busy, but today I finally caught him after a seminar and convinced him to come.”

As James spoke, Larry merely nodded slightly, his eyes carrying a touch of arrogance.

At the mention of Kingston and the Whitmore family, a flash of sharp awareness passed through Lilian’s eyes.

Kingston? The Whitmore family?

This man… is he connected to Sebastian?

Chapter 9 Making a Bet

Upon hearing this, Simon felt embarrassed.

He had originally asked Leonard to come out of retirement, and Leonard had sent his disciple to treat his wife, which Simon was already grateful for.

Although the girl was indeed a bit young, her reputation in recent years had been built on her medical skills. She had just arrived, and now James was bringing another doctor, which made it seem as though Simon didn’t trust her abilities.

Elena felt apologetic too. She held Lillian’s hand and gently patted her hand to comfort her.

Though Simon was displeased, he still felt the need to show respect to his brother-in-law, so he said, “James, I’ve already invited a traditional medicine doctor. If your friend doesn’t mind, why not sit down and have some coffee?”

James was taken aback for a moment, then laughed dismissively, “Simon, you’re too old-fashioned. Who still believes in traditional medicine these days?”

“Traditional medicine? How could traditional medicine treat Mrs. Carter’s condition?” Larry also laughed, pushing up his glasses. He glanced at Elena and coldly added, “I’m afraid her leg’s condition is not something that can be treated by a few needles for show.”

“Yeah, Simon,” James continued, “Where’s the traditional medicine doctor you invited? Let’s hear how he plans to treat it.”

Lillian’s expression immediately became colder. She didn’t mind James inviting someone else to treat Elena. After all, he was Elena’s brother, and as long as the illness could be cured, she couldn’t object.

But their attitude toward traditional medicine was disrespectful, their words dripping with disdain and superiority, which made Lillian very displeased.

Simon’s face turned awkward, but he didn’t respond to them. Instead, he sincerely apologized to Lillian, saying, “Ms. Harrington, I’m sorry, James meant well, wanting to cure my wife. Please bear with any offense.”

James froze in shock and exclaimed, “Simon, the traditional medicine doctor you’re talking about is not this young lady, is it?”

Larry also looked incredulous. They had expected that someone of Simon’s status would have invited an elderly doctor for traditional medicine, or at least someone they could recognize, and then maybe they would show them some respect and let them try treating the patient.

But the young girl standing before them was only in her teens! They found it hard to believe that she was truly a doctor, let alone the traditional medicine expert Simon had personally invited.

“Yes,” Simon nodded, not wanting to say much more.

James had indeed been rude, and Larry was a bit arrogant; neither of them liked the situation.

“Dr. Larry, since you think traditional medicine can’t cure Mrs. Carter’s illness, what do you plan to do?” Lillian, undeterred by their opinions, smiled faintly and calmly asked.

Larry didn’t expect Lillian to take the initiative. Seeing her so composed, he toned down his disdain a bit.

“Mrs. Carter’s leg injury is a result of a car accident, leaving her muscles weakened and unable to support her, causing her to be unable to walk. In essence, it’s muscle atrophy,” Larry said with confidence. “This year, we’ve developed a new drug that’s already in use. The seminar I attended today was about this drug, and I brought some along. Just one injection, and it will work immediately.”

James nodded repeatedly from the side. Simon and his wife’s eyes brightened, clearly impressed, as Larry had correctly described the cause and symptoms.

Unexpectedly, Lillian gave a slight smile and said, “You’ve got the cause and effect mixed up.”

Everyone was stunned.

“Mrs. Carter’s leg was indeed caused by a car accident,” Lillian explained, “But the root cause is not in the leg, it’s in the brain.”

Lillian calmly continued, “Mr. Simon, did your wife ever have brain surgery? Did she experience chills after the operation?”

“Yes, she had surgery. Because the caregiver wasn’t attentive, she did get sick after recovery,” Simon answered.

Lillian nodded. “Before the surgery, her brain nerves were already compressed, causing slight damage. Afterward, she caught a chill, and it invaded her body, causing stagnation in her blood and leading to muscle atrophy in her leg. Mrs. Carter’s illness can only be cured with acupuncture and traditional medicine. Modern medicine won’t work.”

“Heh!” Larry couldn’t help but scoff. “Spouting nonsense at such a young age isn’t good. Has traditional medicine really run out of practitioners, or do even young girls like you now dare to deceive people?”

“If you don’t believe me, how about we make a bet?” Lillian wasn’t angry, just smiling as she asked.

“A bet? How do you want to bet?” Larry wasn’t about to back down.

“If your medicine can cure Mrs. Carter, I’ll apologize and admit that traditional medicine is inferior to modern medicine. How about that?”

“Sure,” Larry said with a smile, convinced it was a one-sided bet. In his mind, if he couldn’t cure Elena, there was no way she could either.

Curious about her motive, he instinctively asked, “And if I lose, what condition do you have?”

“The Whitmore family,” Lillian’s condition surprised everyone. “If you lose, you must introduce me to the Whitmore family.”

Chapter 10 Victory and Recognition

Larry’s eyes widened in surprise. “The Whitmore family? What business does a young girl like you have with them?”

“That’s my concern,” Lillian replied coolly. “So, do we have a deal?”

Larry hesitated. The Whitmore family wasn’t just any wealthy household—they were practically royalty in the financial world. Even as their private physician, he couldn’t casually bring strangers to meet them.

But looking at this overconfident girl, he smirked. There was no way she could cure what he couldn’t. “Fine. It’s a deal.”

“Then please, Dr. Larry, go ahead.” Lillian stepped back gracefully, gesturing for him to proceed.

Larry confidently prepared his injection. The new drug was cutting-edge technology, developed by the world’s top research teams. He had complete faith in its effectiveness.

As the needle went in, Elena winced slightly. Within minutes, color returned to her pale legs.

“Look! There’s already improvement!” James exclaimed excitedly.

Larry smiled smugly at Lillian. “See? Modern medicine works with precision and speed. Unlike your so-called traditional methods that take forever with no guarantee—”

His words were cut short as Elena suddenly cried out in pain. Her legs began trembling uncontrollably, and she gripped the wheelchair arms so tightly her knuckles turned white.

“Elena!” Simon rushed to his wife’s side.

“It hurts… it burns…” Elena gasped, tears streaming down her face.

Larry’s confidence evaporated. He quickly checked her vitals, his face growing paler by the second. “This shouldn’t be happening. The clinical trials showed no such side effects…”

“Step aside,” Lillian commanded, her playful demeanor replaced by sharp authority.

Without waiting for permission, she pulled out a set of silver needles from her bag. Her movements were swift and precise as she inserted them at specific points along Elena’s legs and lower back.

“What are you doing?!” Larry protested.

“Saving her life,” Lillian replied curtly. “Your drug triggered a severe reaction because you failed to consider the cold qi trapped in her meridians. The sudden stimulation is causing her nerves to fire chaotically.”

Her hands moved like lightning, placing needle after needle with surgical precision. Within moments, Elena’s trembling subsided, and her breathing steadied.

“The pain… it’s fading,” Elena whispered in amazement.

For the next twenty minutes, Lillian worked in focused silence, adjusting the needles and monitoring Elena’s responses. Finally, she removed them one by one and stepped back.

“Try standing,” she said simply.

Elena looked uncertain, but with Simon’s support, she slowly pushed herself up from the wheelchair. Her legs wobbled initially, then held firm.

Step by step, she walked across the room.

“I can walk…” Elena’s voice broke with emotion. “Simon, I can walk again!”

The room erupted in amazement. James stood slack-jawed while Larry stared at the scene in disbelief.

“How is this possible?” Larry muttered. “The muscle atrophy was severe. Even with treatment, recovery should take months…”

“Because you were treating the symptom, not the cause,” Lillian explained patiently, her earlier antagonism gone. “The cold qi blocked the connection between her brain and legs. Once I cleared the blockage and stimulated the correct nerve pathways, her muscles remembered how to function.”

She turned to Larry with a slight smile. “Traditional and modern medicine each have their strengths. Perhaps instead of dismissing what we don’t understand, we should learn from each other.”

Larry’s face flushed with shame. He had been so arrogant, so dismissive, and this young girl had not only proven him wrong but shown more grace than he deserved.

“I… I apologize,” he said quietly. “You’ve opened my eyes today. And about our bet…”

“I’ll hold you to it,” Lillian said firmly. “But not to gloat. I genuinely need to meet someone from the Whitmore family.”

Chapter 11 An Unexpected Reunion

Three days later, Larry kept his word. He arranged for Lillian to visit the Whitmore estate in Ravenshire, though he could only guarantee she’d meet with the estate manager, not Sebastian himself.

“The young master is rarely in Ravenshire,” Larry explained as they traveled in his car. “He maintains residences across the globe and his schedule is unpredictable. But Mr. Harrison, the estate manager, has served the Whitmore family for decades. If anyone can help you reach Mr. Sebastian, it’s him.”

Lillian nodded, clutching her bag containing the jade key. After six years, she was finally getting closer to fulfilling her mother’s last wish.

The Whitmore estate was even more impressive than the Carter residence—sprawling grounds with meticulously maintained gardens, a blend of classical architecture and modern security. It spoke of old money and new power combined.

As they entered the main hall, Lillian heard a familiar voice that made her freeze.

“Harrison, have the analysis results from the medicine come back yet?”

That voice… it couldn’t be.

A tall figure emerged from a side room, and Lillian’s breath caught. It was him—the injured man from the cave. But now, instead of torn clothes and blood, he wore an impeccably tailored suit that emphasized his commanding presence.

Sebastian’s eyes locked onto hers, and a slow smile spread across his face. “Well, well. My mysterious little savior.”

“You’re… Sebastian Whitmore?” Lillian managed to say, her usual composure shaken.

“In the flesh.” He walked closer, his dark eyes never leaving her face. “Though you seem to already know quite a bit about me. Care to explain why you were carrying around my information in that backpack of yours?”

Larry looked between them in confusion. “You two know each other?”

“We’ve met,” Sebastian said smoothly, then addressed Lillian directly. “Though she left before we could be properly introduced. Rather rude, don’t you think?”

Lillian regained her composure quickly. “You were stable and your people were coming. There was no reason to stay.”

“No reason?” Sebastian stepped even closer, close enough that she could smell his expensive cologne mixed with something uniquely him. “You save a man’s life and don’t even leave your name. How am I supposed to properly thank you?”

“I don’t need thanks. I would have done the same for anyone.”

“Anyone?” His smile turned dangerous. “Somehow I doubt you carry detailed files on just anyone. So tell me, little one, what exactly do you want from me?”

Lillian met his gaze steadily. This was it—the moment she’d prepared for. “My mother asked me to find you. Her name was Catherine Dawson.”

The change in Sebastian was instant. His playful demeanor vanished, replaced by an intensity that made the air feel charged. “Catherine… you’re Catherine’s daughter?”

“You knew her?”

Instead of answering, Sebastian turned sharply to Harrison. “Clear the room. Now.”

Once they were alone, Sebastian studied her with new eyes. “You have her eyes,” he said softly. “I should have recognized… but it’s been so many years.”

“How did you know my mother?”

Sebastian was quiet for a long moment. “She saved my life once, when I was young. I was dying from a rare poison, and every doctor had given up. Catherine was only sixteen, but she cured what no one else could. I owed her a debt I could never repay.”

He moved to a wall safe, entering a complex code. “I tried to stay in contact, to help her however I could. But she was proud, independent. She insisted she needed nothing. Then one day, she simply vanished. I searched for years…”

“She married into the Sinclair family,” Lillian said bitterly. “And they killed her for her medical knowledge.”

Sebastian’s hands stilled on the safe. When he turned back, his expression was lethal. “The Sinclairs… of course. I should have known.” He pulled out a thick folder. “I never stopped investigating her disappearance. Everything I found is here.”

Lillian took the folder with trembling hands. Inside were photos, documents, medical records—a comprehensive investigation into her mother’s life and death.

“She sent me to find you,” Lillian said quietly. “She wanted me to give you this.”

She pulled out the jade key, its blue surface catching the light. The moment Sebastian saw it, something shifted in his expression.

“The Azure Phoenix Key,” he breathed. “She actually had it all along.”

Chapter 12 The Truth Unveiled

“You know what this is?” Lillian asked, surprised by Sebastian’s reaction.

Sebastian’s eyes remained fixed on the jade key. “The Azure Phoenix Key is one of a pair. Legend says they were created by an ancient master of medicine and martial arts. Each key holds incredible power, but together…” He pulled out a chain from beneath his shirt, revealing an identical key in red jade. “Together, they unlock something extraordinary.”

Lillian gasped. The red key was the same shape as hers—a phoenix in flight—but where hers was blue like the deepest ocean, his glowed like fresh blood.

“Where did you get that?” she whispered.

“It was left to me by someone important,” Sebastian said carefully. “Someone who told me that one day, the holder of the blue key would find me. I never imagined it would be Catherine’s daughter.”

He held out his hand. “May I?”

Lillian hesitated, then placed her key in his palm. The moment the two keys touched, they began to glow. The light grew brighter, pulsing in rhythm like a heartbeat.

Suddenly, images flooded Lillian’s mind—memories that weren’t her own. A young woman with her mother’s face, working alongside a man whose features were hidden in shadow. They were creating something, infusing their power into two pieces of jade. She saw them separate the keys, each taking one.

“Protect this with your life,” the man said. “One day, our descendants will need what we’ve hidden.”

The vision faded, leaving Lillian breathless. Sebastian looked equally shaken.

“Did you see—?”

“Yes,” he confirmed. “But what does it mean? What did they hide?”

Before Lillian could respond, alarms began blaring throughout the estate. Harrison burst through the door. “Sir! We’re under attack. Multiple hostiles breaching the perimeter.”

Sebastian’s demeanor shifted instantly to combat mode. He pressed the red key into Lillian’s hand. “Keep both keys safe. Harrison, get her to the safe room.”

“No,” Lillian said firmly. “I’m not hiding.”

“This isn’t a debate—”

His words were cut off as windows shattered. Black-clad figures rappelled into the room, weapons drawn.

Sebastian moved like lightning, disabling two attackers before they could react. But more kept coming.

Lillian didn’t hesitate. She pulled out her needles, throwing them with deadly accuracy. Each one found its mark, paralyzing attackers where they stood.

“Impressive,” Sebastian noted, even as he fought off three more assailants. “But there are too many.”

He was right. For every attacker they stopped, two more seemed to appear. They were being overwhelmed.

“The keys!” one attacker shouted. “Get the keys!”

So that’s what this was about. Someone else knew about the paired keys.

Lillian made a split-second decision. She pressed both keys together and channeled her inner energy into them, just as her meditation training had taught her.

The keys responded with blinding light. Power surged through her body, more than she’d ever felt before. The jade space she’d accessed since her rebirth suddenly expanded, and she could feel new knowledge flooding her mind.

“Get down!” she commanded.

Sebastian hit the floor just as Lillian released a wave of energy. It rippled outward like a sonic boom, sending attackers flying. Those closest to her collapsed unconscious; others scrambled to retreat.

In moments, the attack was over.

Lillian swayed on her feet, drained by the massive energy output. Sebastian caught her before she could fall.

“What did you just do?” he asked, his voice filled with awe and concern.

“I don’t know,” she admitted. “But I think… I think the keys just showed me a fraction of what they can do.”

“Sir!” Harrison reappeared, followed by security teams. “The remaining attackers are fleeing. Should we pursue?”

“No,” Sebastian said thoughtfully. “Let them go. They’ll report back to whoever sent them, and now we’ll know we’re ready.” He looked down at Lillian, still supporting her weight. “Though I think we need to have a much longer conversation about these keys and your mother’s legacy.”

Lillian nodded weakly. There was so much to process, so much to understand. But one thing was clear—her life had just become far more complicated than simple revenge against the Sinclair family.

Chapter 13 New Alliances

Over the following days, Lillian remained at the Whitmore estate, recovering from the energy expenditure and working with Sebastian to understand the keys’ power. They discovered that when used together, the keys could enhance healing abilities, boost martial arts prowess, and even open a shared space filled with ancient medical texts and formulas.

“Your mother was a guardian,” Sebastian explained one evening as they studied in his private library. “Just as someone in my family line was. They were tasked with protecting this knowledge until the right time.”

“But why us? Why now?”

Sebastian pulled up encrypted files on his computer. “Because someone else knows about the keys. The attack wasn’t random—it was organized, professional. My intelligence network tracked similar activities around your mother before she died.”

Lillian’s blood ran cold. “You mean…”

“The Sinclairs might not have acted alone. Someone fed them information, pushed them to target your mother.” His expression darkened. “Someone who’s still out there, still searching for the keys.”

A knock interrupted them. Harrison entered with a grim expression. “Sir, we’ve intercepted communications. The Sinclair family is hosting a major business gathering next week. Our sources indicate they plan to announce a breakthrough in medical research.”

Lillian’s hands clenched. “They’re using my mother’s research. They must have found some of her notes.”

“Then perhaps it’s time to pay them a visit,” Sebastian suggested, his smile predatory. “After all, I’ve been meaning to expand my business interests in their territory.”

“You mean…”

“A hostile takeover, perfectly legal and utterly devastating. While you reclaim your birthright and expose their crimes.” He leaned forward. “But you’ll need to be ready. They won’t recognize the little girl they tortured, but Vivian is clever. One slip and she’ll know who you are.”

Lillian nodded firmly. “Then we’d better prepare.”

The next days were intense. Sebastian brought in experts to refine Lillian’s appearance—subtle changes that enhanced her natural beauty while ensuring she looked nothing like her eight-year-old self. They created a new identity for her: Lillian Harrington, protégé of the legendary Dr. Leonard, already making waves in the medical community.

“Your reputation precedes you,” Sebastian noted, reviewing the files. “Even without revealing your true abilities, you’ve built an impressive network. The Sinclairs will be eager to court someone with your connections.”

“Good. Let them think they’re the hunters,” Lillian said coldly. “They’ll learn too late that they’re the prey.”

To be continued…

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