Avery had stood silently for a long time, listening to Perry's conversation with his father. The words cut her deeply. Lilian had almost become Perry's wife. The thought filled Avery with jealousy so sharp it burned. In her heart, she wished Lilian would disappear forever. Perhaps then she could be the lucky one to capture Perry's heart.
Gathering her courage, Avery straightened her shoulders and looked at Perry with what she believed was a charming smile. "Mr. Perry," she began softly, "I don't really believe you can't like any other woman except my sister. You never gave others the chance to prove their worth. After all, I don't think my sister is an expert in that… you know."
She kept talking, trying hard to appear seductive, oblivious to the disgust etched on Perry's face. He sneered sarcastically. "And who do you think I would like besides Lilian?" His voice was sharp, his disdain clear. Perry hated even thinking that this promiscuous woman was related to Lilian.
Avery, either blind to his contempt or pretending not to see it, pressed on. "Well, any woman could do. Even myself. I'm more experienced than my sister."
Perry's eyes turned cold. "Even if you were clean, you would never be my type." His gaze swept over her, scrutinizing her from head to toe. His voice dripped with irritation. "Your type is only fit to be used by dogs and horses."
Avery flushed with humiliation. She admitted inwardly that Lilian surpassed her in beauty, but she wasn't unattractive. If Lilian was considered drop‑dead gorgeous, Avery believed she should at least be considered beautiful. Yet Perry's words cut her deeply, leaving her embarrassed and bitter.
---
Soon after, President Morgan Jerome returned to the country. He dispatched his men, along with Perry's, to search every nook and cranny, leaving no stone unturned.
Time passed quickly. A week went by, and still there was no news of Lilian. It was as if she had vanished from the surface of the earth. Perry became unapproachable. Everyone in the villa avoided making the slightest noise, for he was easily irritated.
When Lilian had been around, Perry rarely left his room, but whenever he did, his face was bright, blooming with unprecedented happiness. Now, everything had changed.
More than ten employees had been dismissed. Any woman Morgan sent to Perry was chased out of the room, naked, shivering, and crying. Doctors and nurses were kept on standby, for Perry drowned himself in alcohol repeatedly. In his drunken rage, he threatened to kill everyone in the villa if they failed to bring Lilian back to him.
---
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Lilian had taken refuge in a cottage. It wasn't too small—large enough for three people to live comfortably—but she remained indoors from the moment she arrived.
She sat quietly in her room, working tirelessly on her company's plans. She searched for suitable locations for luxury goods and services—high‑end retail, fashion, and jewelry—as well as a health and wellness center.
After a week, the neighbors began to wonder about her. Who was this mysterious woman who never stepped outside?
---
One afternoon, as Lilian was engrossed in her work, the doorbell rang. She froze. Who could that be? No one knew her here, and she knew no one in this place. Could Perry have found her? Fear gripped her. Her heart pounded as she searched for an escape route.
The bell rang again. Lilian's chest tightened. Another thought crossed her mind. Could it be my benefactor? He's the only one who knows I'm hiding in Los Angeles. I promised to repay him…
Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself and checked the security camera. A beautiful young girl stood outside, unfamiliar to Lilian. She looked like a college student, perhaps preparing for university. Lilian frowned, uncertain of her intentions.
The bell rang a third time, snapping Lilian back to her senses. She decided to hear the girl out. Opening the door, she found the girl turning away, disappointed.
---
The girl's face lit up when she saw Lilian. "Hello! My name is Elsie Clinton, but you can call me Elsie. I'm studying business administration and management at the University of California. I'm in my final year."
Lilian nodded, forcing a polite smile. Elsie seemed lively and jovial, her enthusiasm infectious. Though Lilian felt uncomfortable with the sudden visit, she didn't want to dampen the girl's spirit. "Hello, nice to meet you, Elsie. Just call me Lilian."
Elsie's smile widened. She extended her hand. "Nice to meet you too, Lilian." She held out a medium‑sized box. "We're neighbors. I've waited days for you to come out, but you stayed indoors. As a neighbor, I thought I should give you a proper welcome. This is homemade pizza—I made it myself."
---
Lilian hesitated, but she didn't want to waste the girl's good intentions. She accepted the box with a smile. "Thank you, Elsie. That's kind of you, though it wasn't necessary."
Stepping aside, she invited Elsie in. "Come in, please. Have a cup of coffee."
Elsie entered happily, her eyes wide. "Wow, Lilian, your cottage is nicer than mine!"
Lilian chuckled, placing the box on the coffee table. She walked to the coffee dispenser. "Do you want plain, or milk and sugar?"
"Mix it all," Elsie replied cheerfully.
Lilian prepared tea for both of them, and they sat together, chatting for a long time.
---
At first, Lilian tried several times to send Elsie away so she could continue her work. But Elsie didn't seem to notice her subtle hints. Out of politeness, Lilian allowed her to stay.
As their conversation deepened, Lilian discovered surprising similarities between them. Elsie was only two months younger than her. Slowly, Lilian realized she didn't find Elsie repulsive. She began to open up, accepting her presence.
Over time, they blended naturally into each other's lives. Elsie helped Lilian with her company plans, and often went out to buy things they needed for the house. She also came to understand that Lilian was hiding from someone very powerful.
Despite her fears and betrayals, Lilian found comfort in Elsie's friendship. Against all odds, they became best of friends.