"I know this is difficult for you, but perhaps it's best to pull the band- aid off quickly," Kaden suggested as he rose to leave.

Marlene quickly stood, wrapped her arms around his waist, and bit her lip. "I agree. I'll have my lawyer draft the contract tomorrow. Just make sure you treat me right."

Kaden's expression softened, and he turned to embrace Marlene tightly. "Don't worry, I will."

Marlene was decisive and supportive, eager to back her future husband. She had the contract drawn up swiftly, signed it without delving into the minutiae, and sent it off to Kaden, anxiously awaiting his commendation.

Kaden greeted her with a joyful hug and presented the large diamond ring as a symbol of their enduring love.

Marlene was overjoyed, convinced that her complete commitment was justified, and that Kaden was indeed the only man who truly deserved her undivided devotion.

But as she left Kaden's office, two men in black swiftly urged her into their car.

Before she had a chance to decline, they drove her directly to Lilah.

At that moment, Lilah was engrossed in learning acupuncture from Miranda, who had chosen Hadley as a practice subject. Hadley, who had been grappling with insomnia, nightmares, and painful periods, trusted Lilah enough to lie down and let her commence the treatment.

Lilah maintained her composure outwardly, but internally, she was fraught with anxiety. Everyone knew Hadley detested pain, and Lilah feared a potential scream-fest that could turn exceedingly awkward.

"Don't worry, if you follow my instructions, it shouldn't hurt much," Miranda reassured, her voice steady yet soothing. She urged Lilah on, "Come on, hurry up. Someone's waiting for you outside."

Lilah stepped out and peered down from the second floor, just in time to see Marlene being pushed inside the house.

Indeed, it was Marlene stirring things up. Given the rashness of the act, it had to be her doing.

"Make it quick, sharp, and precise, like this," Miranda instructed, demonstrating her point by picking up a needle and effortlessly stabbing it into a vase near the room entrance, shattering it.

Even Lilah, who was adept at martial arts, was taken aback by Miranda's skill.

Suddenly, Hadley turned over and swiftly fell into a deep sleep. Lilah was speechless.

Miranda observed Hadley's peaceful face as she slept, and tenderly covered her with a blanket. "Let's just leave it at that for now and go handle that idiot outside."

Marlene, growing impatient after a lengthy wait, reflected on her own impulsive actions, feeling somewhat anxious.

She straightened up, striving to mask her inner turmoil as Lilah descended the stairs. Their eyes met, and Marlene couldn't conceal her envy.

"Miss Marlene Phillips, aren't you going to explain yourself?" Lilah took a seat on the sofa, a slight smile playing on her lips, radiating a calm confidence.

Marlene scoffed dismissively. "There's nothing to explain to you."

It seemed that Lilah had already anticipated Marlene's words; thus, she was unperturbed. "If you choose silence, then you must admit you're guilty. Is it not just for me to skip the formalities and have you sent straight to prison?"

Marlene was taken aback and turned to stare at Lilah as if she had just heard the punchline of a bizarre joke.

"You want to sue me over these petty squabbles? Why must you escalate things so dramatically?" She scoffed at Lilah's penchant for making mountains out of molehills.