"Here, have a drink."
Betty handed Anna a juice can before plopping down beside her on the park bench outside the studio.
Anna blinked at the gesture, a little surprised. A young girl she had just met was being this thoughtful—helping her through the audition without hesitation. Her lips curved into a soft smile as she popped the tab open.
The first sip of the energy drink felt like salvation.
Grrr~
Her stomach betrayed her with a loud growl.
Heat rushed to her cheeks.
"Are you hungry, Big Sis?" Betty asked anxiously, her gaze flicking to Anna's hands pressing against her stomach.
Anna hadn't realized how reckless she'd been, skipping breakfast. Now the ache gnawed at her, and though embarrassed, she gave a small nod.
"There's a café nearby. Do you want me to grab something for you?" Betty offered instantly.
Anna chuckled at her eagerness. "Are you always this kind… or is this just payback for me saving you?"
Betty grinned. "Both. But honestly? I kinda like you, Big Sis. You're… cool."
Cool.
Anna shook her head with a soft laugh. She'd never once thought of herself that way—always overshadowed, overlooked. But if this bright-eyed girl thought so… maybe she could accept it as a compliment.
"By the way, Betty, how old are you?" Anna asked, curious.
"Eighteen," Betty replied without hesitation.
Anna's brows lifted. She had guessed as much, but hearing it out loud tugged at her heart. Working at such a young age, while she herself had wasted years trapped in obedience, made Anna feel oddly useless.
"How do you manage both work and school?" she asked gently.
Betty shook her head with a small smile. "It's not that hard, Big Sis. I've been doing it for a while now. To fund my studies, I have to work. After all…" Her tone dipped, quiet. "…I'm an orphan."
The words silenced Anna.
A pang of guilt struck her chest. Here was a girl carrying burdens heavier than her own, and yet smiling so brightly. Anna opened her mouth to comfort her, but Betty was quicker.
"Don't feel bad for me," she said with a cheerful laugh. "I'm a strong girl."
Anna's lips curved faintly, admiration flickering in her eyes. She hadn't realized how much time had passed sitting there with Betty. She had lived her whole life in gilded cages, never really stepping outside, never making true friends. Yet with Betty, the conversation flowed easily, like sunlight breaking through a storm.
When Anna finally glanced at her phone, the screen made her blink. Time had slipped away.
And yet… she didn't want to go back.
Not to that suffocating room. Not when she had spent her second life doing nothing but counting invisible flies.
Setting her thoughts aside, Anna scrolled through her phone, searching investigator listings she might—just might—be able to afford.
Her chest sank when she glanced at her savings again. Pathetic. At this rate, even the cheapest ones would laugh in her face.
"Sis, are you looking for an investigator?"
Betty's curious voice made Anna freeze. She lifted her gaze slowly, meeting the girl's bright eyes.
After a moment, Anna gave a curt nod. "Yes. But…" She exhaled, disappointment lacing her tone. "With my savings, I doubt I'll be able to hire one." With that, she pressed the phone screen dark, as if shutting down the bitter reminder.
Betty bit her lip, watching the shadow that crossed Anna's expression. Her brows drew together before she suddenly leaned forward.
"I know someone who can help you. For free."
Anna's eyes snapped toward her, suspicion flickering. She studied Betty carefully, waiting for the smallest crack in her confidence.
But the girl's gaze held steady.
"You know an investigator?" Anna asked skeptically.
Betty shook her head. "Not exactly an investigator…" Her lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "But someone who can help you all the same."
Anna's heart skipped a beat.
"Betty Han, your lunch break is over. Get back to work!"
A sharp voice carried from the studio doors. Betty flinched, then quickly fished a small notebook from her pocket. Tearing out a page, she scribbled a number across it and pressed it into Anna's hand.
"You can think it over, Big Sis. When you're ready—call me."
She flashed a quick grin, gave a hurried wave, and dashed off toward the building. Even as she slipped inside, Betty turned once more, lifting her hand high to wave at Anna again.
Anna couldn't help it—the corners of her lips curved into a smile. She glanced down at the note still warm in her palm, Betty's neat handwriting scrawled across it.
"Kids these days," Anna murmured with a soft chuckle. "They're way faster than us."
For the first time in a long while, her heart felt a little lighter.
Tucking the note carefully into her pocket, she rose from the bench and headed out of the park, the ghost of her smile still lingering.
***
Back in his office, Daniel set aside the last signed file and leaned back in his chair. His gaze flicked to the sleek watch on his wrist.
Lunchtime.
Almost instantly, his thoughts strayed to Anna.
Should I call her?
The idea hovered for a beat before he scoffed under his breath and dismissed it. The memory of her refusing the meal he'd sent—and the way she'd accused him of poisoning it—still grated at him.
Why should he bother?
His jaw tightened as he leaned forward again, shuffling the papers on his desk with more force than necessary. He told himself, for the hundredth time, that she wasn't worth his attention.
And yet, the question lingered.
Shouldn't he at least check on her?
The hesitation alone irritated him. He wasn't a man who wavered. He didn't second-guess himself. And Anna Bennett—his so-called wife—wasn't supposed to be the exception.
She was just a pawn in his game. Nothing more.
Getting distracted by her was the last thing he needed.
And still… his hand twitched toward his phone.
Knock. Knock.
Daniel quickly set his phone aside, his gaze shifting to the door just as Henry stepped in.
"Boss, Mr. Bennett is here to see you."
Daniel's expression hardened. "Send him in."
Moments later, Hugo Bennett entered, his posture stiff yet composed. "I apologize for coming uninvited."
Daniel's lips curved faintly, though his eyes stayed cold. Uninvited, yes. Unexpected? Not at all.
"Please, have a seat, Mr. Bennett," Daniel said smoothly, gesturing toward the chair across the desk.
Hugo settled into it with the air of a man forcing calm, his gaze weighing Daniel carefully. "I went through the proposal you sent me the other day," he began, his tone measured. "And I must say—you are very thoughtful, Mr. Clafford."
The corner of Daniel's lips twitched upward. "Wasn't that already decided? Then why the surprise?" He leaned back in his chair, arms resting on the armrests, fingers steepled together.
Of course he knew Hugo's game. Daniel wasn't a man easily flattered, nor fooled by shallow courtesy.
But he played along.
Hugo gave a slow nod, acknowledging the jab. "Yes… but this isn't only about proposals." His voice dipped, heavier now. "I'm here to ask about my daughter. About Anna."
For a fleeting moment, Daniel's composure faltered. Just slightly. But the mask snapped back in place almost instantly.
"What about her?" His tone was curt, direct.
Hugo exhaled, his expression tightening with restrained unease. "Yesterday, I wasn't able to properly express my sincere apology for the… misunderstanding." He chose his words carefully, emphasizing the last word. "But I hope you understand this has no bearing on our business."
Daniel's jaw flexed, his eyes narrowing with interest.
'A father who worries about business before his daughter. Typical.'
"And what makes you think I would hurt her?"
Daniel's voice was low, his eyes narrowing until his gaze pierced straight through Hugo.