If someone doesn't fight to keep you, never fight others to defend staying with them.

  Lina could barely think straight. At the thought of her baby brother drugged somewhere, she rushed out of the gallery. But now, she understood why Mr. Leur stood frozen like he just witnessed a ghost.

  "Limitless, I like it," Kaden commented, gazing at the elegant writing on the gallery storefront.

  Located at the heart of Ritan, on a street far too expensive for a gallery location, was one of the most renowned places in the entire city. Without a doubt, Lina's name spread far and wide in the continent. Within just five years, Lina was endlessly featured in almost every women's magazine. Her status rose in high society faster than she could imagine. She wasn't even some powerful politician's wife. She was just Lina—and that was more than enough.

  "She sent you, didn't she?" Kaden stated, shifting his attention to the vampire before him.

  Mr. Leur let out a small laugh, forced a tight smile, and shook his head in disbelief. So much for being discreet. He should've known nothing to get past a man like Kaden DeHaven. Leave it to him to be this indifferent. Mr. Leur, like most people, was envious of how well Kaden controlled his emotions.

  Kaden's face was a blank canvas. Even so, cold sweat trickled down Mr. Leur's back. He swallowed a lump in his throat. Kaden's presence was terrifying. The entire world was willing to bend its knee so long as Kaden stopped glancing their way.

  "I don't have time for this," Lina grumbled under her breath.

  Lina set foot onto the street. The impetuously cleaned pathway sparkled under the sunlight, a material they added within the mile. A reminder, Lina was once told, that this was a millionaire's row. Whatever that meant. Lina couldn't care less.

  Lina began to hail down another cab. She gazed at her shadow, long and taller than she could ever be. The sun beamed down at her, but then, the light was gone. Kaden walked right up behind her. His shadow overtook hers, swallowing her whole.

  All of the hair on Lina's spine rose. She could feel her fingers shake just from being in his presence. Finally, a car rolled in front of her. Lina had just tipped the previous driver his entire monthly salary with her credit card. She was willing to pay half a year's salary if the driver reached the club within record time.

  "Milo is safe."

  Lina spun around. "I don't need your help."

  "I should keep my brother-in-law in good health to appease my dear wife," Kaden slowly told her, grabbing her wrist and lowering her hand. He coldly gazed at the driver, who froze. All it took was a single look. The driver dashed off in fear.

  "You can rest assured," Kaden gently said.

  "Your touch disgusts me," Lina spat out, shoving him away.

  Kaden tightened his grip. He pressed her soft body closer to his hard one. Lowering his head, he gazed at her earnestly. Her lashes fluttered, her lips curling in irritation. He still believed she was beautiful.

  "Did you eat?" Kaden worriedly asked.

  Lina hated it. Only Kaden would ask questions with such sincerity that it nearly made her tear up. Only he would worry over her with such tender emotions?

  "You've gained healthy weight," Kaden praised her, his other hand cupping her face. "All credits to the alcohol?"

  "Don't touch me," Lina snapped.

  Lina stepped him and stormed back to her gallery. There, she saw Mr. Leur staring at them. She pressed her lips together and brushed past him.

  "I think I've seen an event more miraculous than snow in summer, Director," Mr. Leur commented when she was within the vicinity.

  Mr. Leur had never witnessed a scene like this. The coldest man in the entire city of Ritan with eyes like a blizzard was groveling before a woman. Impossible. Unprecedented. What the hell was this? How does a single woman like Lina melt a frozen heart?

  "That sculpture commission, I'll have my secretary send over the details since we're in horrible speaking terms, I assume," Mr. Leur mused, turning to her.

  "Take a seat in the meeting room. Join me for tea."

  That was what Mr. Leur loved about the Director. She was beyond personal emotions. She knew how to separate business from feelings. He loved her professionalism. He envied her elegance—not many her age possessed it.

  Director Lina showed the maturity of someone in the last few years of their lives after experiencing the world. There was something unattainable about Lina. She revealed enough amused smiles to think she liked you, but pulled away before you could truly get to know her.

  People tried again and again to get her favor. They wanted to see her rare smiles. Sometimes, it was hesitant. Other times, it was reluctant. When one rarely smiled, you'd do anything to see it again.

  Mr. Leur was no exception.

  "I'm afraid I've had enough dog food to last me the entire month. As much as I'd love to see you irritated in the meeting room, I fear for my life," Mr. Leur easily commented in a laidback mood.

  "Very well."

  Lina headed for the gallery entrance.

  "Don't you want to know who I am working for?" Mr. Leur eagerly asked her, his heart skipping with slight anticipation.

  Lina paused. Then, she slowly glanced over her shoulders. She let out a small laugh, shook her head, and then walked into the gallery.

  Mr. Leur was left speechless. Now, he understood why her list of suitors was never-ending.

  "Get in line," his female companion once told him. "If they can't capture her, I doubt you will."

  Mr. Leur wished he paid the warning with more caution. With a heavy sigh, he approached the sidewalk, only to freeze again. Revealing a shaky smile, he raised his hand in surrender. He could feel his death right around the corner.

  Kaden said nothing, his face didn't even twitch. A single look was enough for Mr. Leur to be petrified.

  "I have enough women in Ritan lined up waiting for me to pursue them than her, Chairman Dehaven," Mr. Leur dryly said. "I'll also be sure to inform my dear friend that you know."

  Kaden narrowed his eyes.

  Mr. Leur swallowed. Hard. Then, he averted his gaze and walked off, knowing no one could ever win against Kaden. But one thing was for certain…… The beast had a weakness, and it was Director Lina.