"Damian, let's have a child..."

With firm resolve in her heart, Evelyn pressed her lips against his, as if making a sacrificial offering.

Half-conscious, the man instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist in response. His movements, rough and unrestrained, made Evelyn let out a soft whimper.

In this area, she had no experience, no idea how to take the initiative. Her awkward advances only seemed to excite him further, causing him to lose even more control...

An hour later, it was over.

Damian lay beside her, his face pale, sleeping soundly.

He was truly handsome.

Evelyn stared at his features, sighing with emotion yet burdened with sorrow. He was terminally ill—he wouldn’t live much longer.

In their three years of marriage, Damian often fainted, and even when he was awake, his condition remained poor. Perhaps it was his illness that shaped his personality, leaving him withdrawn and somber. Despite being husband and wife, they rarely spoke.

Her impulsive decision tonight stemmed from a conversation she had overheard that afternoon—one between Damian’s doctor and her mother-in-law, Victoria.

At the time, the atmosphere in the study had been unbearably heavy.

The doctor’s voice was grim as he informed Victoria, "Young Master Carter's condition has worsened. He may not last more than a few days."

Victoria nearly collapsed on the spot. When she regained consciousness, she broke down in tears.

"No! How could this happen? Damian is still so young! He hasn’t even had children yet—how could he possibly..." Her voice trembled with despair.

Gripping the doctor's hand in desperation, she pleaded, "Find another way! There has to be a way to save him. I don’t care what it takes—I want my son safe and sound! If anything happens to him, I won’t accept it!"

The doctor merely shook his head and sighed. "Madam, we’ve truly done everything we can."

Evelyn’s thoughts drifted back to the present as she gazed at Damian’s sleeping face, uncertain of her own emotions.

She had married him out of necessity. Her mother was seriously ill, with no money for treatment, and she, still a student, had to care for her elderly grandmother. Desperation had forced her into this marriage.

For three years, she had fulfilled her duties as his wife. Even with his frail health, she had cared for him diligently.

Now that the doctor had sealed his fate and their marriage was nearing its end, she didn’t know how else she could help him.

Perhaps the only thing she could do was leave him with a child—a final act of gratitude to the Carter family...

Drowsiness overtook her, and she drifted off to sleep.

She never expected that three days later, the Carter family would be thrown into chaos.

Damian—once declared incurable—suddenly recovered.

And on the very day of his recovery, he took control of the Carter Clan with an iron grip. He ruthlessly expelled his elder cousin, Charles, a man of great influence, banishing him overseas without hesitation.

Now, Damian was the undisputed head of the Carter family.

When the news broke, the entire city of New York was in shock. The once-ailing young master had emerged as a formidable leader, and his swift, decisive actions left everyone in awe.

When Evelyn heard the news, she could hardly believe it.

Then, disbelief turned into overwhelming joy.

She eagerly awaited Damian’s return.

That evening, the distant roar of an engine shattered the night’s silence.

Evelyn’s heart pounded as she looked toward the mansion gates.

Damian had returned.

The moment the man strode into the house, his tall figure exuded an air of dominance, like a bright, untouchable moon in the night sky. His striking features were almost godlike—sharp, refined, and breathtaking. His thin lips were tightly pressed together, radiating an aura of coldness and nobility.

Evelyn instinctively wanted to step forward and greet him.

But Damian's gaze was ice-cold as he approached her.

When he stopped in front of her, the first words out of his mouth were, "Sign the letter."

Evelyn froze. She took the document from him with slightly trembling fingers and read its contents.

A divorce agreement.

Her breath caught in her throat. She stared at the words in disbelief, struggling to process what was happening.

Looking up at Damian, she asked, "What is this… what do you mean?"

She tried to keep her emotions in check, but the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her.

Damian remained unmoved, his tone cold and detached. "You know exactly why we got married in the first place."

His narrow, almond-shaped eyes—both mesmerizing and indifferent—locked onto hers.

"This marriage was nothing more than a scheme by my cousin. You were just a pawn he used to humiliate me. Don't pretend you didn’t know. I've had someone in my heart all this time. It’s time to end this farce."

A sharp pain spread through Evelyn’s chest, like a knife twisting deep within.

She knew their marriage had been built on nothing—no love, no real bond.

But after three years, she had accepted him as her husband.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have done what she did that night…

Yet, his resolute stance left no room for argument.

There was nothing more to say.

Evelyn took a deep breath, suppressing the emotions welling inside her, and nodded.

"I understand."

It was just a three-year marriage. The Carter family had already paid for her mother’s medical treatment. She wasn’t really losing anything.

That’s what she told herself as she forced her expression to remain calm.

Without hesitation, she picked up the pen beside her and signed her name in one swift motion.

Damian’s eyes flickered with surprise. He hadn’t expected her to agree so easily.

Watching her sign the document without hesitation, a strange emotion stirred in his chest. The words left his lips before he could stop them.

"Whatever compensation you want, I’ll give it to you."

Even he was startled by his own offer.

Evelyn shook her head. "That won’t be necessary. What the Carter family has given me these past years is enough."

With that, she turned and went upstairs to pack.

That very night, she left the Carter family residence.

----

Six Years Later – England

After a long academic conference, Evelyn stepped out of the office building, exhausted, pinching the bridge of her nose.

By the roadside, a black sedan was waiting.

As soon as she got into the back seat, she instructed, "Back to the research institute."

Martina, her assistant in the driver’s seat, hesitated for a moment before glancing at her through the rearview mirror.

"Evelyn, have you forgotten? We’re flying back home today."

Evelyn blinked, then sighed as realization dawned on her.

This time, she was returning to her home country because her mentor, Philip, had entrusted her with a major collaborative project.

She let out a tired sigh. "I’ve been so swamped… Three days of back-to-back meetings, and my head is drowning in data. Professor Philip could’ve assigned someone else. I already have too much on my plate, but he just keeps adding more."

Martina chuckled. "Others would’ve loved to go, but what can they do? You’re Professor Philip’s most prized student."

No one else even stood a chance.

Martina’s voice carried a hint of admiration as she spoke.

As a graduate of the same medical school, she had always looked up to Evelyn—not just as her boss but also as a close friend. Evelyn had risen to prominence in the medical field, becoming an extraordinary surgeon whose skills were sought after by the wealthy and powerful. Many paid exorbitant sums for her services, and even more sought her connections.

But what truly set her apart were her remarkable ancient medical techniques, which never ceased to amaze.

Yet, Evelyn remained low-key. Very few outside her inner circle knew her true identity.

Thinking of this, Martina started a conversation. "You haven’t been back in years. The old lady and your aunt think about you and the children all the time. Don’t you miss them?"

At the mention of her family, Evelyn turned to gaze out the car window, watching the scenery blur past.

Miss them? Of course, she did.

Six years ago, after her divorce, she had settled her mother and grandmother before leaving the country to further her studies.

Originally, she had planned to return once she completed her education. But in her first year abroad, she discovered she was pregnant—with triplets.

Her unexpected pregnancy delayed her graduation, and later, her mentor’s appreciation of her talent led her to work on a major research project, causing even further delays.

It’s finally time to go back.

Evelyn thought to herself as she exchanged lighthearted conversation with Martina.

Twenty Minutes Later – Home

As soon as Evelyn stepped through the door, two identical little boys rushed up and wrapped their tiny arms around her.

Their soft, delicate faces beamed with joy, their rosy lips and bright eyes filled with excitement.

"Mommy, welcome home!" they chimed in unison, their voices sweet and childish.

Evelyn’s heart melted instantly.

These were her treasures.

Their nicknames were Pete and Nate.

Originally, she had given birth to triplets, but her youngest daughter had not survived. That loss remained the deepest pain of her life.

Composing herself, she knelt to their level and gently asked, "Have you packed your bags? If so, let’s head to the airport. We’re going back home to see Grandmother and Great-Grandmother."

"Okay!" the little ones answered obediently.

"Mommy, we also packed lots of tonics for them!"

"Look, we filled a whole suitcase!"

Evelyn chuckled, warmth filling her chest. "Really? Good job, my little ones!" She ruffled their soft hair affectionately.

With everything at home already packed, they quickly made their way to the airport.

A Dozen Hours Later – New York City Airport

After the long flight, most of which was spent sleeping, Evelyn stretched her stiff back as they landed.

Finally, we’re here.

As they gathered their luggage and prepared to leave, something unexpected caught their attention.

The entire airport was on lockdown.

Uniformed police officers and black-suited bodyguards swarmed the area, meticulously inspecting every corner. The sheer scale of the operation surprised Evelyn.

Martina, equally puzzled, stopped a passerby and asked, "Excuse me, do you know what’s going on?"

The passerby glanced around cautiously before leaning in and whispering, "You know the Carter family? The big one in New York City? Word is, the president’s daughter has gone missing. They’re conducting a full-scale search for her."

Evelyn froze.

The president of Carter Corporation?

Isn’t that… Damian?

She hadn’t expected to hear his name the moment she set foot back in the country.

So, he already had a daughter?

That was fast.