Early autumn, the residual heat of summer had not completely faded, and the entire capital was shrouded in waves of stifling heat.

Chloe Collins idly watched two small birds outside the window fluttering their wings and fighting.

When she saw one of them get knocked down by the other and pecked near the window, her red lips revealed a slight curve, and her fair face displayed a lazy and charming beauty.

"Chlo-Chlo."

Turning her head, a forty-something-year-old male doctor walked in through the door with an apologetic smile.

"Sorry for the long wait."

"It's fine." After a brief reply, she walked over and sat down.

The male doctor held her series of test results in his hand, looking at them repeatedly with a complicated expression, hesitating to speak.

"Mr. Green, just tell me the results directly, I can bear it."

Albert Green asked, "Have you been feeling unwell recently?"

"My heart occasionally feels uneasy and aches."

Albert Green nodded solemnly, and then said, "According to the test results, your various physical indicators are not too optimistic. If left untreated, at most five years, I'm afraid you'll end up like your mother..."

Albert Green didn't finish his sentence.

But Chloe Collins understood that "like her mother" meant death.

Her mother had passed away two weeks ago from an incurable disease.

Unfortunately, she inherited this "illness." Although everything was normal now, her body functions would quickly decline once she turned 25. At first, she would rely on medication, and eventually, she would have to rely on a ventilator to live, in a worse state than death.

Initially, her mother believed she had some incurable disease. It wasn't until three years ago that she learned the truth from her close friend Emma Foster.

Many years ago, the two of them had jointly researched a new medicine, but it could not be marketed due to unknown side effects and other reasons.

Her so-called close friend gave this medicine to Chloe's mother in secret due to a personal grudge. At that time, Chloe's mother was already pregnant with her.

On her deathbed, Emma Foster finally confessed the truth to Chloe's mother.

Upon learning the truth, Chloe's mother immediately formed a small medical research group to develop an antidote. Ironically, this process required Emma Foster's help.

Although Emma Foster was a morally flawed person, she was an exceptionally talented doctor and a core member involved in developing that medicine. With her participation, it would certainly speed up the development of the antidote.

But she died.

With no other options, Chloe's mother had to rely on Emma Foster's past experimental records to look for clues.

But despite looking for a long time, she couldn't find any.

Chloe's mother took the burden on herself until she revealed everything to Chloe just before she died. She told Chloe that the experimental records were likely to be at the Fosters' house and Chloe must find them.

She also told Chloe that the matter was significant and should be kept secret. Apart from a few insiders, nobody else should know to avoid further complications.

Before Chloe could ask any more questions, her mother could no longer hold on.

Afterward, Chloe went to the Fosters just as her mother had arranged and met Master Foster.

Master Foster owed Chloe's mother a favor and agreed to take care of Chloe.

"You have been at the Fosters' house for five days, have you made any progress?" Dr. Green asked with concern.

He was a close friend and former colleague of Chloe's mother and one of the insiders in this matter.

Chloe Collins raised her eyelids lightly, "Not yet."

"I heard that last night, you were kicked out by the Fosters. Are you okay?"

Chloe Collins smiled faintly, revealing a hint of unruly spirit, "Do I look troubled?"

"I meant emotionally, weren't you... hurt?"

Chloe Collins seemed unconcerned, casually drinking a cup of water, her tone as light as the water, "Are you worried that I'm being bullied and ostracized there?"

Dr. Green: "According to my information, that's true."

Chloe Collins shrugged, a faint smile on her lips, "Whether they like me or not doesn't matter as long as I can stay. One can't be too greedy, right?"

Dr. Green's eyebrows relaxed, and he let out a sigh of relief, "It's good that you think this way. After all, they don't know the inside story. It's only natural for them to reject a stranger suddenly living in their home."

"By the way, when I came in just now, I saw a young man waiting for you at the doorway. Who is he?"

Chloe Collins played with a pen, speaking indifferently, "Alexander Foster's assistant."

"Alexander's man? What is he doing here? He's the coldest towards you at the Fosters' house. He doesn't even want to look at you. Why would he send someone to find you?"

Chloe Collins replied with an icy tone, "Master Foster forced him to take me back. He let his assistant pick me up."

Dr. Green's expression loosened, "Alexander is young and talented and Master Foster's most cherished grandson. If Master Foster can order him to pick you up, it proves that Master Foster genuinely wants you back."

Chloe Collins did not continue the conversation but said, "Speaking of Alexander, there is a strange thing."

Dr. Green: "Hmm?"

Chloe Collins' expression slightly serious, "Whenever I'm close to him, the uncomfortable symptoms in my heart instantly disappear."

Dr. Green raised an eyebrow, "That's indeed strange. Is it because of some special perfume he's using?"

Chloe Collins shook her head, "He doesn't use perfume."

Dr. Green pondered, "Then it's his unique scent. Everyone has a unique scent. Maybe his scent has some magical effect. Just like an air freshener, for you, it's a human air freshener."

Chloe Collins stopped twirling the pen in her hand, smiling faintly, "Mr. Green, I'm not joking."

"Neither am I. But, are you sure it wasn't just a coincidence?"

Chloe Collins thought for a few seconds, her eyes downcast, "I do need to confirm that."

"Yes, if it happens more than three times, it means he's indeed useful."

Chloe Collins pondered for a second, then stood up, "I have to go."

......................

As soon as the door opened, a man waiting at the doorway immediately followed, his face serious and tense, clearly nervous.

"Miss Collins, Alex asked me to take you over. He's handling some business now, and he'll personally take you back later."

"Please don't be angry. Last night, Miss Cherry misunderstood you. I heard that Master has scolded her. Please let bygones be bygones and come with me to the car."

Chloe Collins' footsteps suddenly paused. It wasn't because of the assistant's words, but rather... her heart felt uncomfortable again.

Only after the tight feeling in her chest passed did she continue walking forward, her expression indifferent, "Where is he?"

The assistant hurriedly said, "He's at the Victoria Hotel's first-floor restaurant, having a blind date."

"Take me there."

"Sure, sure!" The assistant let out a big sigh of relief, finally succeeding in picking her up.

Soon after, Chloe Collins arrived in the restaurant.

Her gaze swept over countless tables, quickly focusing on an exceptionally handsome and distinguished man.

She walked towards the man unhurriedly, her gaze like a cheetah that had locked onto its prey.

A woman sat across from him, her eyes twinkling like stars, her red lips opening and closing as she spoke.

It seemed like this blind date was halfway successful, at least the woman seemed to be quite satisfied with him.

Chloe Collins didn't rush to call him, but naturally pulled out the chair at the table behind him and sat down.

A waiter came up and she casually ordered a cup of coffee.

A gentle, feminine voice came from the table behind, "In my spare time, I like to paint. I'm not that talented, but I've held several exhibitions. I heard Mr. Foster likes to collect paintings. Can you help me see, how's my painting?"

The voice was soft and sweet like a piece of candy. Chloe Collins could hear the desire and confidence in it.

Desire for praise.

Then, she heard the man reply-

"Ugly."

The woman's voice faltered, "Uh... Sorry, what did you say?"

"If this painting represents your current level, I advise you not to hold any exhibitions. Other than making a fool of yourself, the only use it has is to add some comic relief to other people's dinner conversation."

The man's voice was cold and quiet, filled with a casual indifference.

The woman was annoyed, "Mr. Foster, what do you mean? You've never given me a smile, and you act as if you don't care about anything I say. That's fine, but painting is one of my strengths, and you're actually belittling my work. Do you know that this painting won an award and many people want to buy it, but I won't sell!"

A shallow chuckle brushed past Chloe Collins' ear as the man leisurely replied, "If you won an award, it means your competitors were weaker than you, and if someone wants to buy it, it can only mean his eyes don't work well."

"You! You never had any interest in me, did you?!"

"Not too foolish."

Chloe Collins leisurely tasted the coffee in her hand, the corners of her mouth lightly curving up in a faint smile.

The woman suddenly fell silent, clearly angry.

Just when Chloe Collins thought she would grab her purse and leave or splash water on Alex, she heard the woman's voice again-

"If that's the case, why did you sit with me for so long?"

"Waiting for someone."

"Waiting for someone? Don't make excuses. You've been sitting for so long, where's the person? Heh, I think you should stop defying your grandfather. We are both of marriageable age, so we should just get engaged and married according to our families' arrangements. In Grearon, who else besides me is a match for you?"

The woman's voice was no longer so tough, but carried a hint of hope instead.

It was obvious that she had really set her sights on this man.

Unexpectedly, the man replied, "The person has already arrived."

Chloe Collins' eyebrows lifted slightly as the words came out.

"Heh, really? Where?" The woman didn't believe.

Then Chloe Collins heard the sound of a chair sliding, and the next second, she saw the man standing in front of her.

The man's looks were incredibly dazzling, especially those eyes. Although they were full of coldness and alienation, they were no match for his inherent charm which seemed to carry hints of affection, making him very attractive. As he stood up, all the women in the restaurant threw adoring glances at him.

His indifferent gaze landed on Chloe Collins' face, "Let's go."

"Wait!"

Not giving up, the woman walked over, gave Chloe a cold glance, and asked Alexander Foster, "Who is she? What is your relationship with her?!"

The man looked away coldly, with no intention of answering her.

But she blocked his way, forcing him to answer.

Chloe Collins remained silent, enjoying the show with a serene heart.

Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her left chest, causing her eyebrows to furrow in pain.

She quickly looked up, focusing her gaze on the man.

It was time to confirm.

"Hey."

The man turned his head at the sound, looking at her indifferently.

Her red lips curved up, "Do me a favor."

Without any hesitation, she reached out, grabbed the man's wrist, and pulled herself into his arms.

Her arms circled his waist and her face rested on his shoulder.

He hadn't sprayed any perfume, but his body exuded a unique scent, which was a bit like a mixture of milky and minty fragrance.

Chloe Collins had smelled countless scents, but never before had a scent given her body such complete relaxation.

Slowly, the pain in her chest disappeared, and her breathing became steady.

A surge of warmth spread through the man's sturdy body, wrapping her in a cocoon.

She opened her eyes, seeing the woman's heartbroken departure.

"Held me long enough?" A slightly cold male voice sounded by her ear.

Chloe Collins let go of him, her expression devoid of any bashfulness that should have been present in such a situation, very calm, "Just helping you reject her, don't overthink it."

With that, she walked toward the exit.

The man behind her showed a hint of emotion other than indifference for the first time, his eyes slightly darkened.

Don't overthink it? Heh.

......................

Both of them got in the car, sitting in the back with a distance between them that could fit another person.

Chloe Collins was still thinking about the change in her body just now, quite shocked. She had lived for eighteen years and had never encountered such a strange phenomenon before.

She sent a message to Albert Green, "Confirmed, not a coincidence."

[Albert Green: If conditions permit, confirm it two more times. If the pain disappears without him nearby, it means he has nothing to do with it.]

[Chloe: It's not the same. On my own, it takes at least three minutes for the pain to ease gradually. But when close to him, it disappears immediately.]

[Albert Green: Just confirm it two more times, no harm in it.]

[Chloe: We'll see.]

Ending the chat, she started playing a game to pass the time in the car.

Alex didn't pay any attention to her either, focusing on the computer in his hand, occasionally answering a brief call.

The assistant felt that the atmosphere was too cold and wanted to say something to ease it.

So, after Alex finished a call, he took the opportunity to speak up, "Young Master, I got the news. The eldest young master has gathered people on his side and is ready to start researching a new product. We must hurry."

"What's the rush?" Alexander Foster didn't care.

Assistant: "Young Master, actually, I think that Miles White only exists in rumors. If there really is such a genius perfumer, how could he not even show his face? I've heard of talented people who are unrecognized, but not those who intentionally hide their abilities."

Recently, Master Foster wanted to hand over his company to one of his grandchildren and posed a challenge: whichever grandchild could achieve the highest sales of Redolence perfume in the country for the next quarter would inherit the company.

The eldest grandson quickly took action, gathering a team to develop new products. On the other hand, Young Master Alexander seemed in no hurry, instead seeking a perfumer who may only exist in rumors.

"Just drive." Alexander responded coldly.

The assistant pursed his lips, not daring to say anything more.

While they were talking, Chloe Collins didn't even bat an eyelid, swiftly defeating a small boss in her game. But when the assistant mentioned Miles White, her fingers paused for a moment.

Interest flickered in her eyes.

The next second, she was engrossed in the game again.

Alexander closed his computer at that moment and asked the assistant for a bottle of water.

The assistant quickly handed the water, relieved to see that the young master was still gentlemanly enough to care for a girl by offering her a drink. The atmosphere wouldn't be cold now.

He glanced back and saw Alexander unscrewing the bottle cap, then smiled. See, his young master wasn't cold at all; he even helped a girl uncap the bottle.

The next second, he saw in the rearview mirror that Alexander was actually bringing the water to his own lips, taking a graceful sip without touching the bottle mouth.

The assistant's expression cracked.

Alright, he thought too much.

Just then—

"Thirsty?"

Assistant listened attentively, making sure it was his young master's voice!

The "Cold-faced Yama" of the Fosters, actually caring for someone?

Did he hear it wrong?!

Chloe Collins, without as expressive a face as the assistant's, was also taken aback for a second.

She looked at the water being handed to her, then glanced at Alexander, wondering in her heart.

If she remembered correctly, this was the third time he had spoken to her since she entered the Foster residence.

Such a cold person, asking her if she was thirsty?

She slightly raised her eyelids, stared into his dark pupils for a few seconds, and then took the water gracefully, "Thanks."

Tilting her head back, she took a sip, and a clear stream of water flows into her mouth. A droplet splashes onto her chin, sliding down her perfect curve and onto her delicate collarbone.

With a single drink, she exuded the elegance of someone drinking wine.

Just as she was about to put the cap back on, Alexander reached out, took the water, and capped it himself.

Suddenly, her phone vibrated, drawing her gaze away.

[Medical staff: Do you have any books suitable for intermediate perfumers? I'd like to borrow a few.]

[Chloe: I'll send them to you tomorrow.]

[Medical staff: OK! No wonder you're my most charming little junior sister O(∩_∩)O.]

Chloe Collins glanced at the time and then said, "Stop at the intersection ahead."

"Huh? You're not going back to the Foster residence?" The assistant was surprised.

Alexander also cast a sidelong glance at the girl.

She had already unbuckled her seatbelt, "I have some personal matters to deal with. I'll go back later."

"But... Master said he wanted to see the young master personally bring you inside the house..."

"Stop the car." The man gave a light command.

The assistant could only obey, watching as Chloe Collins got out of the car.

Turning back to Alexander, he said, "Young Master, will Master blame you for being incompetent if he doesn't see Miss Collins?"

Alexander's expression was indifferent. "I've already picked her up. Whether she goes back or not is her own choice. Turn around, go to the company."

Assistant: "Alright."

"Wait."

The assistant quickly turned and waited for the command.

"Give me some water as well." The man ordered.

The assistant was puzzled, but after seeing the dead skin on his own lips in the mirror, he suddenly understood!

His young master had obsessive-compulsive disorder, and when he saw something uncomfortable, he wanted to change it.

He didn't like to see dry lips, among other things.

So usually at work, he would carry lip balm to prevent dryness and peeling from causing any discomfort to his boss.

It seemed like Chloe Collins' lips were also a bit dry?

So, was his boss doing that earlier just to make himself feel better?

The assistant couldn't help laughing but then thought that this was indeed his boss's style.

Suddenly caring for a woman was way too far-fetched.

In the back seat, Alexander's phone rang again.

"Grandpa."

"You little brat! What's the matter with the blind date? How did you make her cry again?"

"Take care of your health first; don't be too angry. No need to rush."

"Bah! If I die, it'll be because you've angered me! You tell me, how many girls have you made cry this month?!"

"Only those who truly love me can understand me; those who don't understand my words will be made to cry." His voice flowed out.

"Bah! Stop spouting nonsense! I'm asking you, the girl said you already have a girlfriend. What's going on? Where is she? Where did you hide her?"

Alexander switched the handkerchief in his hand and continued listening, "She's talking about Chloe Collins."

"Wh-, what?! You bastard! Chlo-Chlo is only a senior in high school! How could you do this?! Are you planning to cultivate her, huh? Isn't that it?"

Alexander responded with a faint smile, "Does it mean that if I'm dating someone, you won't arrange blind dates for me anymore?"

"Yes!" The old man said angrily.

Alexander: "Well, then you can assume that I'm cultivating her."

After getting off the car, Chloe Collins arrived at the Collinses' residence.

The servant who opened the door saw her and exclaimed in shock, "Yo-Young Miss?"

She glanced at him and walked straight in.

As she passed by, whispers immediately arose—

"What the hell, why did the Young Miss come back now, and wasn't she arranged to live with the Fosters by her former stepmother?"

"I heard from a friend who works there that Young Miss stole something last night! So she was kicked out overnight!"

"Really? That's so embarrassing, does coming from a prominent family make her a thief? If Mr. Collins knew about it, he would definitely go mad!"

"What's so strange about that, don't forget, Young Miss was sent to the mountain to live when she was a child and hardly came back. She must have learned all the bad habits there, thievery is just a minor issue, there are many other bad habits!"

"Well, if you don't know her, you'd think she's a noble lady, but if you know her, she's just a village girl without any knowledge or ability, she wants to take anything good she sees, no wonder she was kicked out by the Fosters."

"Speaking of which, the Young Miss is really pitiful, it's bad enough that she couldn't be raised at home when she was a child, and now she has to call her own aunt 'stepmother' and let her cousin enjoy her resources. Such bad luck!"

"Who let the new Madam conceive Mr. Collins's child? The former Madam has been bedridden for years and can't have any more children. Mr. Collins is just a normal man, and the new Madam gradually developed feelings for him under the guise of taking care of her sister."

"In my opinion, there aren't many good-hearted stepmothers. If the Young Miss comes back to live here, the Collinses' won't have any peace!"

"Shh — the Madam and Young Miss are back!"

A mother and daughter entered the doorway, and the gossipers dispersed at once.

Rosalind Taylor was best at reading people's faces and knew something was wrong at a glance.

"What happened?"

Servant: "Madam, Young Miss has returned...she went to the former Madam's room."

Rosalind's face changed suddenly.

The girl beside her also became nervous and whispered to her, "Mom, I heard that Cousin was kicked out by the Fosters last night. She is not going to move back here, is she?" Her tone was full of disdain.

She had just started living a good life and couldn't let Chloe Collins ruin it. She was the only Young Miss in this house!

Rosalind's eyes showed her thoughts, and she patted her daughter's hand and said, "Don't panic, I'll check it out first."

Mother and daughter headed for the staircase entrance together.

Just at that moment, they met Chloe Collins coming down the stairs.

Chloe had her hands in her loose pockets, looking down condescendingly at Rosalind, "Where are my mother's things?"

Rosalind hid her disdain and showed a friendly smile, "Chlo-Chlo, why didn't you tell your aunt beforehand that you're coming back? I would have had someone prepare a meal."

Chloe's eyes were unfocused, but her voice was still calm, "Can't you understand what I'm saying?"

Rosalind's face changed slightly, and she finally said, "As you know, I'm pregnant with your father's child. The baby will be born in a few months, and it's best if the baby's room is closer to ours. So, I asked someone to clear your mother's room. Otherwise, it would be a waste to leave it empty."

Raine Nolan looked at Chloe Collins's shabby clothes and sneered sarcastically, "Exactly, Cousin, my mom is now married to dad and is the mistress of the Collinses. She has the right to make decisions about small matters like this. Besides, your mother is dead, she doesn't need a room anymore."

Heh.

Chloe Collins smiled, but her beautiful eyes overflowed with a chilling coldness, "I'll ask one last time, where have the things been moved to?"

Rosalind didn't know what she was up to but was inexplicably shuddering under her gaze. She only said, "The storage room, but those things..." Before she could finish, Chloe Collins had already left.

Rosalind's eyes turned dark, and she cursed in her heart what an unlucky thing Chloe was.Raine Nolan was puzzled, "Mom, didn't you say Auntie's stuff carried bad energy and you threw them away ages ago?"

Rosalind Taylor's face darkened slightly, "It's your dad's reluctance, making me keep them in the storeroom."

Raine was immediately worried, "So, Dad still has feelings for Auntie?"

"He spent more than a year pursuing my sister back then, so of course there are feelings. But, now that she's dead and can't threaten me, there's no need to worry."

"Will he bring Cousin back to live with us then?"

Rosalind sneered, "Rest assured, if he wanted to, he would have done so long ago, why wait until now? Your dad despises her; he won't bring her back."

"Why does he despise her?"

"Stop asking so many questions; she certainly won't threaten your position."

Rosalind's eyes and brows lifted with pride, "Although you're a stepdaughter, you excel in all aspects, bringing glory to the Collinses. Chloe Collins may be a child of the Collins family, but she was sent to the mountain as a child and grew up with the habits and temperament of a mountain dweller. In plain words, she's just a country bumpkin, far from your level."

Raine breathed a slight sigh of relief, thankfully.

She didn't want to return to the days of being looked down upon!

Her biological father had once been quite wealthy but went bankrupt suddenly, and their family fell into decline. Fortunately, her mother divorced and took her out, and now she remarried into the top of the pyramid of the wealthy Collins family.

She couldn't let anyone steal her current glory!

Giving a thought, she laughed and picked up two bags in her hands, asking Rosalind, "Mom, which outfit should I wear? I'm attending a very big auction tonight, attended by all the important people. I can't lose face in my outfit."

Her voice was much louder than before, clearly audible both inside and outside the house.

Rosalind laughed, "My daughter looks good in anything she wears, any outfit would steal the show."

At that moment, Chloe Collins came out with an extra backpack in her hand than before.

Without a glance at the mother and daughter, she stepped forward gracefully with her long legs.

"Chlo-Chlo, do you want to stay for dinner?" Rosalind asked, pretending to be sincere.

Raine couldn't help but lift her chin proudly, her eyes filled with arrogance, "That's right, Cousin, my award-winning piece will be auctioned off, and the money raised will be donated to charity. Dad was very happy when he heard and praised me for being capable."

"I remember you used to love to blend fragrances too, but Auntie didn't let you learn, what a pity. We both enjoy blending fragrances, and I won an award; you must be happy for me too, right?" She shouted these words to Chloe Collins' receding figure.

Chloe walked to the doorway without responding from beginning to end.

Raine was secretly delighted, thinking that Chloe must have been too ashamed or upset to stop and listen.

Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind, and her face tightened, "What did she take away? Could it be something valuable? Mom, go check quickly."

Rosalind waved her hand, "What valuable things could be in the storeroom? Just some old items; she can take whatever she wants. But... it's strange that she's been so good, not making a fuss."

She headed for the staircase entrance, "No good, I have to go up and check."

Raine quickly followed her.

As soon as they opened the door to the newly refurbished room, both were scared into screaming.

The once lovely and spacious nursery was splattered with blood-like liquid, like a crime scene!

A few bloody handprints on the wall spelled out the words: House of Death!

This implied that whoever lived there would die.

Rosalind's legs went weak, and her lips trembled with anger, "My carefully arranged... all ruined!"

At the same time, Chloe Collins, who had reached the doorway, nonchalantly flung the backpack onto her shoulder with a smirk and rebellious eyes.

She wouldn't let two pieces of trash benefit from what she didn't want.