The next day, sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, casting bright beams across the room. Michelle tapped gently on Adeline’s door. “Adeline, are you there? I need to talk to you.” Her voice was soft, tinged with an almost imperceptible concern. The room remained silent; no response came. Frowning slightly, Michelle knocked again. “Adeline?” This time, a clear voice from inside responded, “Come in.” Michelle pushed the door open; the curtains were drawn, dimming the light inside. Adeline stood alone in the center of the room, her back to the door. From Michelle’s perspective, only her slender silhouette was visible. Taking a few cautious steps forward, Michelle whispered, “Adeline, I want to apologize…” Adeline slowly turned around, her expression icy and void, like the frost of deep winter, devoid of warmth. Michelle’s heart jolted; she had never seen Adeline with such a look. “Adeline…” she murmured, wanting to draw closer, yet hesitating. Adeline’s gaze fell on Michelle, scrutinizing her as if she were a stranger. “What are you doing here?” Her voice was soft but carried a chilling distance. Michelle suddenly collapsed to her knees, clutching at her dress, tears streaming down her delicate face and dampening the floor. “Adeline, I didn’t mean to!” Her voice shook with each word, laden with immense pain. “The things that happened… I was forced into it.” She sniffed, her shoulders trembling. Adeline looked down at her, her gaze assessing her as if she were an object of no value. She remained silent, just standing there, the atmosphere so tense it was suffocating. Time seemed to freeze, with only Michelle’s sobs echoing in the room. Michelle sensed the coldness. She bit her lip and continued, “You know, that night… I had been drinking, I… I didn’t know what was happening…” Her voice broke, lost in the memories of that frightful night—the screech of brakes, the shattering of glass, and the overwhelming smell of blood that still haunted her. Adeline still said nothing, merely tilting her chin up, looking down on her from above. “I remember it clearly…” Michelle murmured, “The headlights were blinding, I couldn’t see what was in front of me, and then… the crash.” Her fingers trembled lightly as if touching an unspeakable fear. “I was terrified, didn’t know what to do. Later… my father told me we needed someone to take the blame…” She closed her eyes, tears spilling out again. “So you chose me?” Adeline finally spoke, her voice terrifyingly calm, as if she were discussing something utterly unrelated to herself. Michelle looked up sharply, her tearful eyes begging, “Adeline, I didn’t do it on purpose! I was just… so scared! You’re part of our family, I thought… I thought you’d understand my situation…” “My situation?” Adeline scoffed, her smile laden with deep sarcasm. “Michelle, did you forget how I was sent to prison?” Michelle opened her mouth but no sound came out. She remembered it clearly: a cold night, the police knocking on Adeline’s door, while she hid in the shadows, watching as her sister was handcuffed and taken from their once-warm home. “Do you believe claiming it was unintentional will absolve you of your sins?” Adeline stepped closer, each step pounding like a hammer on Michelle’s heart. “Or did you think a few tears would make me forgive you?” She stopped in front of Michelle, towering over her. “Adeline…” Michelle’s voice trembled as she straightened up, hands clasped in front of her chest, “I’m willing to make it up to you! Really, I’ll transfer my shares in the company to you, I can even call off the engagement with Christopher, just… if you would forgive me.” Hearing this, Adeline suddenly stopped, looking down at the woman before her, her gaze taking on an inexplicable savor. “Shares? Engagement?” She repeated slowly, then laughed softly. “Michelle, do you still not understand the situation? These things mean nothing to me.” Michelle was stunned; clearly, she hadn’t expected this response. In her view, no one could refuse power and wealth, especially not Adeline. “Adeline…” She tried to speak again, only to be coldly interrupted by Adeline, “Stop thinking I’m your sister. Since three years ago, we have been nothing to each other.” The air thickened again, tension simmering between them like a taut string about to snap. Michelle clenched her teeth, a flash of malice in her eyes quickly masked. “Actually, your real reason for visiting today wasn’t to apologize, was it?” Adeline suddenly said, her words sharp as a blade. “You’re worried about Christopher, aren’t you?” The statement made Michelle freeze completely. She looked up abruptly, her face a complex mix of panic, fear, and subtle resentment. Adeline continued, “You’re afraid that he’ll be disappointed when he learns the truth, that he’ll call off the engagement. So, you thought you could cover it all up through me.” “It’s not like that!” Michelle quickly denied, but her frantic tone revealed everything. “Enough.” Adeline waved dismissively, clearly impatient. “Your little schemes are transparent to me. Save your energy and perform this poor drama for someone else.” At that moment, Michelle realized that nothing she said could sway Adeline. She took a deep breath, bit her lip hard, then said softly, “Fine… if that’s the case, then consider my efforts superfluous.” With that, she slowly stood up, wiping the tears from her face with her sleeve. But as she turned to leave, she looked back, her eyes filled with deep resentment and defiance. The moment the door closed, the room fell into a deathly silence. Adeline stood by the window, gazing at the pitch-black night sky. A cool breeze lifted the curtain, tearing open long-sealed memories—three years ago, she had naively believed in family love and romantic love. But those beliefs had been shattered by reality. Now, she had learned to keep her emotions hidden, letting no one see a hint of them. Suddenly, a soft knock broke the silence. Eden entered, asking cautiously, “Ms. Layton, are you alright?” “I’m fine.” Adeline’s response was faint, her weariness barely concealed. Eden hesitated, then asked, “What did Ms. Michelle say to you just now?” “It’s not important.” Adeline turned to face Eden’s concerned look. “These matters aren’t worth our time.” As they spoke, hurried footsteps approached from the hallway. A servant burst through the door, exclaiming, “There’s trouble! Ms. Michelle is stuck in the elevator!” This sudden news stunned both occupants of the room. After a moment, Eden was the first to react, “Ms. Layton, should we go check?” “No need.” Adeline shook her head, her tone chillingly calm. “It’s her problem, not mine.” As the servant turned to leave, she suddenly stopped in her tracks.