Cleopatra gently brushed off Noah's hand with an awkward smile. 'Noah, we're over, and I don't want to see you again," she said firmly, trying to stay composed despite her heart racing at the sight of his once-familiar face.

But disappointment was written all over Noah's face. 'Cleo, we had a past together. You can't just forget it that easily," he said, his tone almost pleading.


Cleopatra only gave a slight nod, offering a faint yet meaningful smile, then blended into the crowd of club-goers, trying to slip away from Noah. She moved quickly, weaving between people dancing and laughing, until she finally reached the exit.

As soon as she got to her car, Cleopatra opened the door hurriedly, startling Peter, who was on the phone with his wife. Seeing his boss in a panic, Peter immediately ended the call without a second thought and turned toward Cleopatra.

'Go now, Peter. Now!" Cleopatra said urgently, glancing back at the club doors as if Noah might appear at any moment.


Peter nodded without asking questions and promptly started the car, driving out of the club's parking lot. As the car sped away, Cleopatra glanced back through the rearview mirror, looking toward the club entrance. A moment later, she saw Noah's figure searching the area, a disappointed expression crossing his face as he realized Cleopatra had vanished.

Cleopatra took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but the image of her encounter with Noah lingered in her mind. She had never expected to see him again, especially in the midst of her current troubles. It was as if Noah was a ghost from the past, returning to remind her of vulnerabilities and pain she'd long buried.


Peter glanced at Cleopatra through the front mirror, curious but maintaining his professionalism. Cleopatra only stared blankly ahead, silent. Deep down, she knew this meeting with Noah was the last thing she needed. In her situation, she couldn't let her past resurface and shake her—especially when she had already lost so much control.

The car moved swiftly through the quiet night, leaving the nightclub fading in the distance. Cleopatra could only hope Noah's presence was just a coincidence, though her instincts told her this might not be the last time they would meet.

When she finally arrived home, Cleopatra saw someone standing at the door, arms crossed—Anthony Curse Blake, her uncle Theodore's son. With a mocking look and a smug smile on his face, Anthony shook his head.

'Seriously, Cleo? Coming home at this hour doesn't reflect very well on a CEO," Anthony sneered, giving Cleopatra a sharp look.

Cleopatra crossed her arms, meeting Anthony's gaze with a sarcastic smile, unflinching. 'And in my opinion, minors shouldn't meddle in adult affairs," she retorted with an equally mocking tone.

Anthony's face reddened, insulted. 'I'm not a minor, Cleopatra. At twenty, I'm old enough to understand how a CEO should behave. My father—"

'—Your father?" Cleopatra interrupted sharply, making Anthony pause for a moment. She took a step closer, her face mere inches from his. 'Listen, if I find any proof that your father had a hand in my father's death, then you and he will get to enjoy life behind bars together. Who knows, it might be the perfect family reunion."

Anthony's face grew tense. They locked eyes in a heated stare, neither backing down. Cleopatra's gaze was fierce, while Anthony struggled to maintain his composure, though his discomfort was evident.

'I'm certain my father wasn't involved in James's death. Don't throw around baseless accusations, Cleopatra," Anthony warned, though his voice was weaker than he intended.

Cleopatra simply scoffed, her smirk widening. 'Sure, Anthony. Let's see who's right."

Finally, Anthony gave up, realizing he wouldn't win this argument. With a look of irritation, he turned and walked past Cleopatra without another word. She watched him leave, her expression cold, devoid of any sympathy. Deep down, she knew this was only the beginning of a much larger battle.

Cleopatra stood on the porch, waiting until the roar of Anthony's red Lamborghini faded into the distance. Her gaze was sharp, almost stripping away the luxury surrounding her cousin. With a faint, nearly inaudible sneer, she muttered to herself, 'That luxury car should have been mine. Uncle Theodore must be using company funds to spoil his son. One day, I'll make sure every penny he stole from me is returned."

Filled with schemes, Cleopatra glanced at Peter, who was waiting faithfully by the car. She nodded toward him, giving a brief command, 'Peter, you may go home now. Take tomorrow off."

Peter looked at her, furrowing his brow. 'A day off, Miss Thompson? Is something going on?"

Cleopatra gave a faint smile and raised an eyebrow, deciding to share a hint of her plan. 'I have a date with Louis tomorrow. So, take a rest, Peter." She offered a meaningful smile, watching her assistant's reaction.

Peter hesitated for a moment, his lips slightly parted as if wanting to advise Cleopatra. However, realizing that speaking up might cost him the rare chance for a day off, he held back. He simply nodded obediently and said, 'Understood, Miss. I'll head home now." He quickly left, leaving Cleopatra standing alone on the porch of her large estate.

Cleopatra looked around, savoring the silence of the night that had started to blanket her father's grand ancestral home, a property steeped in her family's history. She walked inside, closed the door, and stood in the entry hall for a moment, feeling the weight of responsibility piling onto her shoulders. In a soft murmur, she said to herself, 'Now, where should I begin?"

Cleopatra moved toward the living room, sinking into the plush sofa and glancing around. 'This big house feels so empty. Wouldn't the sound of children fill it up? Hah, don't kid yourself, Cleo; you'll never have a family. The home you imagine... is just a hope now. I should focus on finding my father's killer instead of dreaming of a family."