Chapter 1 Unexpected Rescue of the Richest Man
Houston was a city that witnessed its fair share of events. On this particular night, the clock struck two in the morning, casting an eerie stillness over the deserted streets. Claire Mitchell, a young woman on her takeout delivery route, found herself waiting at the intersection, patiently counting down the seconds until the traffic lights turned green. And then, in an instant, chaos erupted before her eyes. A car, recklessly running a red light, collided with a truck, sending both vehicles spiraling out of control. The car tumbled and flipped, its once sleek exterior now a twisted mess of metal and shattered glass. The air was tainted with the acrid scent of gasoline, a chilling reminder of the imminent danger. Instinct kicked in for Claire, overriding any fear or hesitation. She abandoned her electromobile and sprinted towards the wreckage, propelled by an unwavering determination to rescue anyone trapped inside. Positioning herself near the driver's seat, Claire gently patted the bloodied face of the unconscious man, desperately urging him to wake up. "Hey, come on. We need to get out of here before the car explodes!" But there was no response from the injured man, his body limp and unresponsive. Claire's heart raced as she realized the severity of the situation. She knew she had to act swiftly. With a surge of adrenaline, she climbed into the mangled car, her hands trembling as she fumbled to release the man from his seatbelt. Panic set in when she discovered his leg wedged tightly, trapping him in his precarious position. Desperation crept into the man's voice as he weakly pleaded for salvation. "Please... save me." Claire strained against the unyielding grip of the wreckage, her muscles straining with each futile attempt to free him. The smell of gasoline grew more potent, a haunting reminder of the impending catastrophe. Time was running out, and Claire grappled with her own fears. She knew that failure could cost her not only the man's life but also her own. And then, amidst the chaos, the man's voice pierced through the darkness, offering a glimmer of hope. "I'll give you... 100 million dollars." Claire's eyes widened at the mention of such an astronomical sum. Her gaze darted to the logo on the car, a symbol of wealth and power. The allure of money mingled with the stench of gasoline, tempting her to take a risk she had never imagined. But in that moment, as she stood at the precipice of a life-altering decision, Claire knew that the true measure of her character lay in her response.It was an exquisite red Ferrari, a symbol of wealth and opulence. The man behind the wheel was undeniably affluent, dressed in designer attire that spoke volumes about his status. But appearances can be deceiving, for it's not material possessions that define a person's character, but their actions. Battered and covered in blood, the man fought to open his eyes, desperate to etch the woman's face into his memory. But the crimson liquid obstructed his vision, blurring the world around him. "Get it," he managed to utter, his voice strained and weak. Claire couldn't afford to waste a second. She hurriedly unlocked the trunk, searching for the jack that could save them. With trembling hands, she wedged it between the seat and the center console, freeing the man from the wreckage. As they took a few steps away, a thunderous explosion shattered the silence. The force of the blast sent them sprawling to the ground, leaving the man unconscious. Fear gripped Claire, draining the color from her face. She clutched her chest, trying to calm her racing heart. "Phew, that was close," she breathed, relieved to have escaped the car's fiery fate. Determined to help the injured man, she carefully secured him to an electric scooter with a rope tied to the delivery box. Mounting the vehicle, she sped towards the nearest hospital, the wind whipping through her hair. At the payment window, the cashier inquired, "What's your name?" "My name is Clai-," Claire began to reply, only to be interrupted by the cashier's recognition. "Ah, you're our director's daughter. Your name is Evangeline, right?" Yonna, her twin sister, shared her looks and stature. Yet, their destinies diverged drastically. From the moment they were born, Claire was taken away, sold multiple times before finding her adoptive parents. However, a month ago, tragedy struck when her adoptive parents were involved in a catastrophic accident, leaving them gravely injured. The mounting medical bills threatened to bankrupt the family. It was then that her biological parents resurfaced, offering a lifeline of hope for her adoptive parents' treatment.Claire found herself in a predicament, faced with the daunting task of donating her bone marrow to the youngest son of the Miller Family. The catch? Claire bore an uncanny resemblance to Evangeline, the epitome of grace and elegance. Xiomara Scott, Claire's biological mother, made it clear that she believed Claire's existence would tarnish Evangeline's impeccable reputation. Despite the humiliation and the weight of her adoptive parents' lives hanging in the balance, Claire made the selfless decision to comply with the demand. Late at night, when she prepared to face the unknown, Claire didn't even bother with makeup, knowing she wouldn't be recognized. It was during this time that fate played a hand, leading her to her biological father's hospital. In a twist of events, Claire assumed Evangeline's identity and used her name to charge a hefty fee for the life-saving operation. Exhausted from the emotional rollercoaster, Claire returned to her modest rental apartment. As she washed her clothes, she discovered a mysterious black ring nestled in her pocket. Intrigued yet fatigued, she placed it on the table and surrendered herself to the comfort of her bed, hoping for respite. But peace was elusive. A few moments later, a persistent knock echoed through the room, shattering the silence. Claire, still groggy, questioned the identity of the visitor. With hesitant steps, she shuffled towards the door, only to find Evangeline standing there, her face etched with anger. "Why are you here?" Claire managed to utter before Evangeline's palm collided with her cheek, the sting reverberating through her being. "Claire, have you lost your mind? Have you forgotten everything I warned you about?" Evangeline, with her statuesque figure and cascading black hair, possessed an ethereal beauty. Her delicate features were enhanced by a touch of powder, giving her an air of nobility. She exuded an aura of confidence and grace that drew people in like a moth to a flame.The disparity between Claire and Evangeline was striking, as Claire stood there in her worn-out pajamas and slippers, while Evangeline exuded an air of opulence. The tension between them simmered, ready to ignite. In a fit of rage, Claire's hand connected with Evangeline's cheek, the sound reverberating through the room. "How dare you!" Evangeline cried out, her voice filled with both shock and anger. Claire, nursing her stinging hand, looked at Evangeline with a mixture of defiance and resentment. "I won't be your punching bag," she declared. "I may have been forced into this situation to save my adoptive parents, but I refuse to be a victim. I won't let you bully me just because you're stronger." Evangeline's cheeks reddened, her anger fueling her words. She jabbed a finger at Claire and accused, "You brought a stranger into my father's hospital late at night. What if word gets out? Why are you so unreasonable?" If it hadn't been for someone tipping off her father, Evangeline wouldn't have known about the incident at all. Claire let out a bitter laugh, a mix of self-deprecation and sadness. It dawned on her that their paths were divergent, their fates entwined yet distinct. Even though they shared the same face, she couldn't reveal her true identity. Just then, Evangeline's phone rang, slicing through the tension. She answered the call and her eyes fell upon the black ring lying on the table. It seemed oddly familiar... "Mom, what's going on?" she asked, curiosity lacing her voice. "Oh my dear, when did you save Mr. Jenkins? Why didn't you tell me? This is a big deal! Just now, someone from the Jenkins Family contacted us, requesting a meeting in a week."
Chapter 2 Being Mr. Jenkins's Benefactor
On the other end of the line, Xiomara's voice trembled with excitement. "Mr. Jenkins?" she called out. Evangeline's gaze fell upon the ring resting on the table. It triggered a memory of Mr. Jenkins wearing it at the social gathering they had attended together. The significance of the ring became evident - it had been passed down through generations in the Jenkins Family. In a sudden realization, Evangeline connected the dots - Claire had been at the hospital yesterday. It must have been her who saved Andrew Jenkins. The pieces fell into place, and Evangeline couldn't help but feel a surge of astonishment. She had unknowingly become Andrew Jenkins' savior, a stroke of luck far more extraordinary than winning the lottery. "Mommy, I need to attend to something urgent. We can talk later," Evangeline spoke, concealing her elation. While Claire was distracted, she discreetly pocketed the ring and approached her. With unwavering confidence, Evangeline leaned in and whispered, "If anything like this happens again, your adoptive parents won't be so lucky." And with that, she stormed off, her anger palpable. Claire had intended to sleep for a while upon her return at midnight, but she couldn't find solace in slumber. Her encounter with Evangeline weighed heavily on her mind. She hastily grabbed a mask to conceal her face and made her way to the hospital to find the man. A reward of a staggering 100 million dollars awaited her - a sum that came at the cost of her own life. But when she arrived at the hospital, the nurse informed her that the man had awoken during the night and left without leaving any contact information behind. "Liar! Bastard!" Claire seethed with rage. "That 1,000 dollars was supposed to sustain me for two months!" It seemed that men were destined to deceive, she concluded bitterly.With a heavy heart, Claire recounted the misfortune that had befallen her. She had lost a thousand dollars, and to add insult to injury, the platform had deducted over a hundred dollars for her failure to deliver the takeout. It was a devastating blow, particularly since she had been working tirelessly, delivering takeout during her free time to make ends meet. The money she had earned from two days off had vanished into thin air. Claire felt an overwhelming sense of despair. The world seemed so complex and unforgiving, and she couldn't help but feel like an innocent bystander caught in its web. Determined not to let this setback define her, Claire resolved to work even harder in the coming days. After finishing her day job, Claire would embark on a part-time gig delivering takeout. Her adoptive parents were in the hospital, and she made it a point to send them meals whenever she could. It was during one of these nights, while at Shades Club, that something unexpected occurred. Claire and her colleagues, all dressed in security uniforms, were stationed in the monitoring room. Frustration welled up within her as she vented her grievances. "If I hadn't saved that ungrateful bastard, I wouldn't be surviving on just two meager meals a day. Hunger has become my constant companion, and I'm wasting away." Ever since the car accident, her adoptive father had remained in a coma, while her adoptive mother devoted herself to his care. While Evangeline's parents covered the medical expenses, Claire still had to bear the burden of daily expenses. The thousand dollars she had saved up for the man's operation had been depleted. Philip Barnes, one of Claire's colleagues, couldn't help but inquire, "Claire, don't you even know his name or what he looks like?" Claire shook her head, a mix of frustration and helplessness etched on her face. "I remember his appearance, but he was unconscious at the time. How could I possibly know his name... he, he... do you see..." Suddenly, Claire's eyes widened as she pointed towards a figure on the surveillance video. "That's him! That's the man!" In a fit of anger, she slammed her hand on the table. "You heartless bastard, I've finally found you." Determined to confront him, Claire stood up and stormed out of the room. "Claire, wait!" Philip called after her, reaching out and gripping her wrist. He looked at the person on the monitor in disbelief. "Are you absolutely sure that's the man?" Claire's resolve hardened as she met Philip's gaze. "I would recognize him even if he turned to ashes."Claire turned on her heel, ready to make her exit, but Philip swiftly positioned himself in her path. "Claire, calm down," he urged, his voice laced with concern. "His name is Andrew Jenkins, heir to the esteemed Jenkins Family, one of the four great families in Houston. He's known for his cold and ruthless nature, and he's a formidable fighter." "Andrew Jenkins?" Claire couldn't help but gasp, her eyes widening in recognition. The club they were in was renowned as the top spot in Houston, frequented by businessmen and celebrities alike. Naturally, she was familiar with Andrew Jenkins's name and reputation. "What kind of person is he?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued. "If repaying your kindness is within his capabilities, it should be a simple task for him. If he doesn't seek you out, it means he has no intentions of fulfilling his debt. Claire, your life is more valuable than a mere thousand dollars. Let it go, just as you did something kind." Claire hesitated, momentarily lost for words. Philip's reasoning made sense, yet she couldn't shake off her unwillingness to give up. After leaving the surveillance room and consulting her colleagues, Claire discovered that Andrew was in Box 908. With patience as her ally, she waited until the clock struck one in the morning, and finally caught sight of Andrew, dressed in a sleek black shirt, emerging from the box and stepping into the elevator. Seizing the opportunity, she followed suit, determined to confront him. The lower floors of the Shades Club were occupied by bars, while the hotel suites resided above. As the elevator ascended, Claire stole a glance at Andrew, who towered over her by at least half a head. The scent of alcohol clung to him, and his handsome face bore an unusual flush. Every now and then, his slender fingers tugged at his tie, as if he were feeling overheated from the effects of his intoxication. "Which floor are you headed to?" he asked abruptly, his tone icy. Claire cast a quick glance at the illuminated button panel before responding, "The 38th floor." Without uttering another word, Andrew fell silent. A soft chime signaled their arrival.As the elevator doors parted on the 38th floor, Andrew stepped out, followed closely by Claire. But just as he took a few steps forward, he abruptly halted, causing Claire to accidentally collide into his back. "Oh, I'm so sorry," she stammered, her voice trailing off. Before she could complete her apology, the man in front of her swiftly pivoted and seized her by the throat with his massive hand. His voice dripped with coldness as he demanded, "Tell me, who the hell are you?" Pain shot through Claire's body as her oxygen supply dwindled. Desperately, she tapped on Andrew's hand and gasped, "Let me go... I can't breathe..." Andrew's brow furrowed upon hearing her voice. With a flicker of recognition, he removed the security cap she had been wearing. He inquired, "You're a woman?" Claire worked at the club, disguising her true identity by altering her voice and concealing her face as a man. Aside from the manager and the security department, very few knew her secret. "Yes, yes," she managed to utter. "Tell me, who sent you here?" Andrew pressed on. "I... I just wanted to..." Claire attempted to explain, but her words were swiftly cut off by Andrew. "You wanted to be my woman?" he interjected. He had long suspected that the small security guard standing before him was up to something sneaky, especially since he had felt the effects of a drugged drink earlier. Sure enough, it was this woman who had spiked his drink and harbored intentions of seducing him. Claire's airway was nearly crushed, her thoughts filled with curses for this heartless man who repaid kindness with revenge. "Be... be your..." she struggled to curse him, but before she could finish, he released his grip on her throat. Collapsing to the ground, Claire clutched at the floor, gasping for air and coughing uncontrollably. It was only then that she realized all the rooms on the 38th floor were private, adorned with opulent designs and an air of exclusivity. It appeared that Andrew had already sensed that something was amiss with her.
Chapter 3 Giving Birth to a Baby for the Jenkins Family
"Do you know what I despise the most?" The man's eyes were bloodshot, his breath heavy. Coughing and gasping for air, Claire could barely manage to speak due to the tight grip on her throat. "If you insist on inviting trouble, I suppose I can assist you." With a firm grasp on her arm, Andrew dragged her into the bedroom like a hapless chicken and tossed her onto the bed. "Hey, wait... what do you think you're doing?" Claire was taken aback. There was a genuine fear of Andrew lingering within her. With one hand, he loosened his tie, while the other pressed a button on the remote control. The bedroom curtains closed, enveloping the room in darkness. In the obscurity, the sound of fabric being torn filled the air as Andrew destroyed Claire's clothes. "You bastard, let me go!" Despite her Taekwondo skills, Claire found herself helpless against Andrew's relentless advances. "So, you even had the audacity to use the medicine. And now you want to fight back..." "What? I came here to... ask for money." Claire resisted, but as her delicate fingers grazed Andrew's skin, she couldn't ignore the heat radiating from his body. Medicine? She quickly grasped the situation, but it was too late to escape his clutches. Under his control, tears streamed down her face. Andrew grew irritated by her cries and forcefully stuffed his tie into her mouth. "You're far too loud." That night, the man was consumed by madness. Claire lost consciousness multiple times, only to awaken in tears. Damn it. Was Andrew simply too strong, or was the medicine too potent? Claire cursed Andrew silently in her heart. ... The following day. Noon had already passed when Claire finally regained consciousness. As she sat up in bed, her entire body ached as if she had endured a severe beating. Her body felt sticky, causing her to collapse in sheer exhaustion. Surveying the bedroom, Claire took in her surroundings.Andrew was nowhere to be found, and clean clothes were neatly placed at the head of the bed. Claire, feeling a mix of confusion and anger, decided to take a quick shower before confronting Andrew for an explanation. As she stepped out of the bedroom, her gaze fell upon a stranger sitting on the living room sofa. The man introduced himself as Dominick White, Mr. Jenkins's special assistant, before Claire could even utter a word. "Where's that bastard Andrew? He slept with me and then disappeared. Is he denying what happened?" Claire spat out in frustration. Dominick was taken aback by her outburst. The audacity of ignorance, he thought to himself. Choosing not to engage in an argument, he simply pointed towards a box of medicine on the table and said, "Boss gave you two options, Miss Mitchell. Either take the contraceptive pill and leave Houston, or face the consequences. The choice is yours." The mention of her name sent shivers down Claire's spine. It was evident that Dominick had done his homework. Fear began to replace her initial anger as she realized the ruthlessness of Andrew's actions. Her arrogance quickly dissipated, and she hesitantly replied, "Well... I... I need to see Andrew. I saved his life, and this is how he repays me?" Dominick smirked, clearly unimpressed. "I've heard enough of your lies. Do you really think Boss will believe you?" "I am telling the truth. That day..." Claire started to explain, but Dominick cut her off. "Miss Mitchell!" he snapped impatiently. "If you refuse to comply, don't blame me for my actions." A bell chimed, signaling the arrival of the elevator. Claire anticipated that it would be Andrew, but instead, an elderly woman with white hair stepped out, exuding an air of dignity. She was accompanied by two attendants. Dominick bowed respectfully and said, "Riley Jenkins." Riley Jenkins entered the room, her gaze piercing through Dominick. "What are you doing?" "I am simply handling some private matters for Boss," Dominick replied honestly.Riley Jenkins gestured towards the box of contraceptive pills resting on the table, her tone dripping with disdain. "So, your little secret is all about getting rid of the Jenkins' great-grandchild?" Claire's eyes widened in confusion. Great-grandchild? She followed Riley's gaze and found herself staring at the box of medication. The pieces started to click together in her mind. Could it be that the "grandchild" Riley mentioned was actually inside her own body? No, wait, was it something left behind by that guy from yesterday? "This is what Boss wants," Riley continued, her voice laced with arrogance. "Hmph, if he has any doubts, tell him to come talk to me directly." Riley turned around and approached Claire, her stern expression transforming into one of kindness. "You must be Claire." Claire had no fondness for Andrew or Riley Jenkins, but she maintained a polite facade nonetheless. "How can I assist you, ma'am?" "You may appear ordinary, but you possess a silver tongue." The term "ma'am" brought a smile to Riley's face. Claire naturally had fair skin, so she deliberately darkened it. Her eyebrows were thickly drawn, and she adorned her face with numerous freckles. At first glance, she seemed quite plain. Riley affectionately held Claire's hand. "Claire, I'm growing old. All I want is to have a great-grandchild. I've done my research on you. Your parents are in the hospital, and you work part-time to support your family. You're a good girl. If you're willing to bear a child for my family, I'll agree to any conditions." Claire's eyes widened, and she swiftly pulled her hand away from Riley's grasp, as if she had been shocked. "No, no, ma'am. I understand your desire for a great-grandchild, but this is your family's affair. It has nothing to do with me." What was the madam thinking? She couldn't possibly bear a child for the Jenkins family when she had slept with Andrew. What kind of person did Riley think she was? This was all happening too hastily!
Chapter 4 Pretending to Be Andrew' Girlfriend
In a quaint western restaurant, the air was thick with anticipation. Evangeline had arrived thirty minutes prior, her heart fluttering with nerves. And then, like a vision, Andrew walked in. Dressed in a sleek silver-gray suit that seemed to dance with the light, he exuded an irresistible charm. Evangeline's breath caught in her throat as she took in his handsome features. She had seen him on television before, but seeing him in person was an entirely different experience. He stood tall and lean, his broad shoulders and narrow waist giving him an air of regality. Yet, there was a coldness about him that kept people at a distance. Evangeline pushed aside her emotions and rose from her seat, offering a polite nod. "Mr. Jenkins, you're right on time. I arrived early," she said, her voice steady despite the rapid beating of her heart. Andrew took a seat across from her, his gaze briefly meeting hers before drifting away. "What would you like to eat?" he asked, his voice cool and detached. Evangeline had taken great care with her appearance, adorning herself with a limited edition Gucci diaMitchell earring, a delicate necklace, and a stunning Dior dress. Yet, Andrew's eyes seemed to dismiss her as just another woman flaunting her wealth. It stung, but she refused to let it show. "I'm not picky. Whatever you want is fine," she replied, masking her disappointment with a smile. With a flick of his wrist, Andrew summoned the waiter, who promptly appeared at their table. He ordered the two most expensive individual meals and a bottle of red wine, a silent reminder of his status and wealth. "Since you're the daughter of Graham Rivera's Company, why were you in the suburbs that night?" Andrew leaned back in his seat, crossing his legs as he fixed his dark gaze on Evangeline. Unbeknownst to her, he had conducted his own investigation into her background after their initial encounter. The information he had discovered only added to the intrigue surrounding her. Evangeline felt a knot form in her stomach, her fists clenching nervously. She forced a bitter smile and replied, "To be honest, I took up the job as a delivery girl at my father's insistence. He wanted me to experience hardship, to see if I could endure it."And he can decide whether or not to hand over the company to me," Evangeline recited the words she had heard countless times before. When Andrew requested a meeting with her a week later, she confided in her parents about the situation. They had anticipated this question from Andrew and had taken precautions accordingly. They discreetly dispatched someone to review the surveillance footage of Claire's visit to the hospital with Andrew. That was when they discovered Claire's true intentions. To avoid arousing suspicion, Evangeline had genuinely worked as a delivery person for an entire week. It had been a grueling experience for her. "Your father is absolutely right. Training is invaluable," Andrew concurred, appreciating Graham Rivera Miller's approach. "Yes, I too believe in my father's methods," Evangeline replied, her voice filled with conviction. "Give me your account details, and I will instruct the finance department to transfer $100 million to you tomorrow," Andrew abruptly mentioned money, leaving Evangeline bewildered. "What?" she exclaimed, struggling to comprehend the sudden topic of conversation. "That day, you risked your life to save me. This money is your reward," Andrew explained. "No... there's no need," Evangeline hesitated, though the allure of a $100 million reward was undeniable. However, her interest lay in Andrew, not his money. Shaking her head, she kindly declined, saying, "Even if it were someone else in danger that day, I would have done the same. And in that scenario, nobody would have hesitated to save you." "If you don't want any reward, you can have your father directly contact my special assistant. For the company's projects, I will prioritize Graham Rivera's Company," Andrew proposed. Graham Rivera's Company belonged to Evangeline's father. With a subtle smile gracing her delicate features, Evangeline responded, "Thank you for your generosity, Mr. Jenkins, but I truly don't require it." Just as she finished speaking, Andrew's phone suddenly rang, interrupting their conversation. "Sorry, I have to take this call," Andrew apologized, reaching for his phone. It was Dominick on the line."What's wrong?" Andrew asked, his voice laced with concern. "Boss, I messed up. I failed to complete your task. Miss Mitchell was taken back to the mansion by Riley Jenkins," Dominick confessed, his tone filled with remorse. Dominick spilled everything over the phone, leaving Andrew puzzled. "Why would grandma suddenly go over there?" "I have no idea," Dominick replied, equally perplexed. The whole situation seemed fishy. How could Riley Jenkins be so well-informed? Suddenly, a thought struck Dominick. "But according to Riley Jenkins, she wants you to marry Miss Mitchell." Andrew's face contorted into a frown as he responded coldly, "No way." With that, he hung up the phone and stared thoughtfully at the screen. Sitting across from him, Evangeline couldn't help but feel her heart race as she admired his handsome face. It took her a while to compose herself, reminding herself of her mother's advice to remain calm in order to win Andrew's affection. Following her mother's words, Evangeline seized the moment and said, "I'm just glad to see you safe and sound." Andrew raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Glad?" Evangeline nodded, feigning innocence. "Yes. Whenever I help others, it brings me a sense of satisfaction." She painted herself as a benevolent soul, always lending a hand to those in need. In Houston's upper-class circle, Evangeline was known as the epitome of beauty and talent. Despite the Miller family's lower status among the city's elite, Evangeline's charm had brought them significant business opportunities. Just as their conversation continued, a knock on the door interrupted them. The waiter entered, ready to serve the dishes. "Mr. Jenkins, shall we start our meal? I apologize for any inconvenience. I'm scheduled to visit a welfare home in the suburbs at half past one, and I wouldn't want to keep the children waiting."The Miller Family spared no effort in crafting a flawless image for Evangeline. They insisted on her early exposure to music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and urged her to engage in charitable activities to further enhance her reputation. However, when the opportunity presented itself, Evangeline decided to visit the welfare home to showcase her "advantages" to Andrew. It was a chance to feign goodness and win his favor. Andrew, however, sensed something amiss about the seemingly unsophisticated woman before him. Dominick's words echoed in his mind, prompting him to inquire directly, "Since Miss Miller is so adept at helping others, could you do me a favor as well?" Curiosity piqued, Evangeline asked, "What kind of favor?" "I want you to pretend to be my girlfriend," Andrew revealed. "Girlfriend?" Evangeline's heart skipped a beat. The surprise overwhelmed her. It seemed that her mother's tactics had worked. She took a moment to compose herself, setting down her chopsticks before responding, "What exactly do you mean, Mr. Jenkins?" "My family has arranged a marriage for me, but I'm not content with their choice. I'm asking you to play the role of my girlfriend. Once it's done, you can make any demands you wish." "Why me?" Evangeline concealed her excitement, feigning composure. "You can decline, of course," Andrew stated, glancing at her nonchalantly. Evangeline hesitated. She knew she needed to appear calm, but her emotions were running wild. "Since Mr. Jenkins has requested my assistance, how could I refuse?" Being Andrew's wife had been her dream. Now, with the opportunity to stand by his side, rejecting it would mean losing everything. Little did she know that the moment she agreed, a smile would likely grace Andrew's face. He wondered if Evangeline was any different from the women who sought to be with him. Andrew couldn't help but question whether her saving him had been a mere coincidence or a meticulously calculated scheme.
Chapter 5 Giving Birth to a Child for Andrew
In the opulent living room of the grand Jenkins's Mansion, a sense of unease hung in the air. Claire, held captive against her will, needed an excuse to escape this suffocating environment. "Granny, it's getting late. I must go to the hospital to bring food for my parents," she pleaded, hoping to gain her freedom, even if just for a moment. Riley Jenkins, a seemingly benevolent figure, responded with unexpected kindness. "Fear not, my dear. I have already arranged for your parents to be taken care of at the private hospital of the Jenkins. They are in good hands." Claire's brows knitted together, suspicion clouding her face. She rose abruptly from her seat, her voice tinged with accusation. "Granny, you took my parents without my consent. Is this some twisted attempt to manipulate me?" Rather than reacting with anger, Riley Jenkins smiled warmly, revealing a hidden agenda. "Ah, my dear, this is merely the hand of fate guiding you and my grandson, Andrew. You must understand that Andrew is of marriageable age, yet he has never shown interest in any woman. Desperate times call for desperate measures, so I resorted to administering a love potion. Initially, I had Yara Sain in mind as a match for him, but destiny had different plans, and it brought you into his life. Fortunately, you are a good-hearted girl." Claire's mind raced as she finally grasped the reason behind Andrew's drugging. In her previous life, she had a connection with this man! Words began to form on her lips, but before she could speak, an elderly steward with silver hair entered the room. "Riley, Mr. Jenkins has arrived," he announced. "Let him in," Riley commanded, her voice carrying authority. The door swung open, revealing Andrew Jenkins, impeccably dressed in a silver-gray suit. His gaze locked onto Claire, his eyes filled with intensity, before shifting to his grandmother. "Grandma," he acknowledged, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and concern. "You finally decided to return?" Riley grumbled, unable to hide her delight at Andrew's presence. She gestured towards Claire, ready to make introductions, but Andrew cut her off. "Grandma, there is no need to rush things."Allow me to present my girlfriend to you," Andrew Jenkins announced, his words catching Riley Jenkins off guard. The mention of a girlfriend surprised him, and Claire Mitchell's reaction was even more profound. The depth of her distress was evident, as she held onto her virginity with unwavering determination, only willing to part with it if Riley knew more about her grandson. "Please, come in," Andrew gestured towards the door, inviting his girlfriend inside. All eyes were fixed on the entrance, observing a woman in a water blue pleated dress and high heels, her head slightly bowed. There was something strikingly familiar about her figure, although they couldn't quite place it. "This is Evangeline Miller, my girlfriend," Andrew introduced her to Riley, unaware of the impact his words had on Claire. The mention of Evangeline's name caused Claire's mind to go blank, leaving her stunned and speechless. As she stared at Evangeline, the feeling was mutual, their eyes locking in surprise. They both shared the same question swirling in their hearts - why was she here? "Isn't this the talented and beautiful girl from Houston, the daughter of the Miller family? How did you manage to convince her to pretend to be your girlfriend?" Riley's words held a hint of admiration, acknowledging Evangeline's allure. "Hello, Granny Jenkins," Evangeline greeted politely, maintaining her composure despite the tension in the room. "A week ago, I was in a car accident, and Evangeline saved me. When she rescued me from the wreckage, I gave her the ring that has been passed down through the Jenkins family. Grandma, you know the significance of this ring," Andrew explained, raising Evangeline's left hand to reveal the black diamond-shaped ring she wore. Claire Mitchell's eyes fixated on the ring, and in an instant, her memory resurfaced. It all made sense now - the ring she had found in her pocket after saving Andrew Jenkins that fateful day.Andrew Jenkins had miraculously ended up in her pocket when he was rescued. But the next day, when Evangeline Miller appeared, the ring vanished into thin air. It left her puzzled, wondering where it could have gone. It seemed that Evangeline Miller, cunning as she was, had already known that Andrew Jenkins was the true owner of the ring and had shamelessly stolen it. Claire Mitchell couldn't contain her frustration any longer. "That ring is..." she began to say, only to be interrupted by Evangeline Miller, who feigned surprise at Claire's presence. "Claire, what a pleasant surprise to see you here," she said, gripping Andrew Jenkins's wrist tightly. "This is the man I told you about, the one I risked everything to save." Evangeline introduced Claire to Andrew, spinning a tale about how they had become friends while she was out delivering takeout to experience life. Claire couldn't help but feel disgusted by Evangeline's audacious lies. For a brief moment, Claire contemplated exposing Evangeline's true nature, tearing off her hypocritical mask for all to see. However, she knew that without the ring, her only evidence of saving Andrew, and the recorded name and video from the hospital, it would be futile. Evangeline had clearly orchestrated this deception, likely tampering with the surveillance footage to cover her tracks. If Claire were to confront Evangeline now, even if her facade crumbled, she would have no concrete proof of her heroic act. It would only land her in more trouble. It was wiser to bide her time and observe from the shadows.Andrew Jenkins's piercing gaze bore into Claire Mitchell, his long and narrow eyes filled with intrigue. The unexpected encounter left him speechless. "Andrew, what a small world! I never anticipated running into you here. Did you know Claire?" Evangeline Miller questioned, her memory recalling Andrew's mention of an arranged marriage by his grandmother. Could it be that Claire Mitchell was the person Andrew spoke of? The connection between them seemed unlikely, leaving Evangeline feeling unsettled. Ignoring Evangeline's melodramatic theatrics, Claire turned to Riley Jenkins and said, "Grandma, it seems Mr. Jenkins here already has a girlfriend. I don't have any reason to stay. I'll take my leave." Claire wanted to gauge Riley Jenkins's response before proceeding further. With Andrew's formidable presence and the constant threat posed by the Miller family, she had to tread carefully. As Claire made her way to leave, Riley Jenkins rose from her seat and firmly grasped her hand. "Hold on, my dear. Don't be impulsive. Stay for a while." Riley guided Claire to a nearby chair and then turned her attention to Andrew. "You, you damn fool. Come with me!" "Yes, grandma," Andrew responded dutifully, his eyes conveying a silent message to Claire before disappearing behind the closed door of the inner room. Unable to contain her anger any longer, Evangeline stepped forward and hissed, "Claire Mitchell, you wretched woman..." Before she could utter another word, Claire swiftly raised her hand and delivered two resounding slaps to Evangeline's face. "Is that all you can do? Spew venomous words like a gossiping snake? Oh, and let's not forget your talent for playing the innocent victim. Isn't that right, pretending to be a pure white lotus?" The room fell silent, the weight of Claire's words lingering in the air.
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