Chapter 1

"Alexandra, your resumé has been approved. The global record company in UK will soon send you an offer. But this means you'll leave New York and never return. Does Jaden know about this?"

When I heard my agent Carmen Windell's voice through the line, I lowered my head, my tongue full with bitterness. "Carmen, don't tell him."

"But you looked for him for ten years, quit the singing industry for your country and even took care of him for four years, pretending to be mute just to comfort him. Everyone really believes that you are mute! Alexandra, are you sure you won't reconsider?" Carmen counted all the suffering I endured for these four years for Jaden.

But I smiled and spoke with a raspy voice, "Carmen, stop talking. All of that was me being young and naive. He is no longer Jaden I was looking for."

Carmen sighed, "I understand. There are still papers we need to prepare. It'll take a week. I'll go with you myself to UK."

After hanging up, I started packing my things from the past four years at the Philemon Family villa. I found a photo album I had treasured all along, with only one photo inside.

It was me at age ten and Jaden at twelve. The memories rushed back like a tide.

When we were young, Jaden and I were neighbors. His mother was busy all the time, so we spent a lot of moments together.

Back then, Jaden had not been claimed by the Philemon Family yet. He was my 'big brother Jaden.' And I was his 'Little Oriole,' because he loved my singing most. Once, it was just me and him at home.

A sudden fire sprang up. Amidst the flames, I shrunk into his arms in fright, "Jaden, what do we do?"

"Little Oriole, run! I won't let you get hurt!" Jaden held my hand and rushed through the sea of fire.

But the fire was raging and to help me, he was crushed by a beam. He placed half of a ruby pendant into my hand. "Little Oriole, forget me! Just run!"

I shouted, "Jaden, I … I will find someone and come help you!"

After that fire, Jaden and I completely lost contact.

With a photo and that piece of ruby, I searched for him every day for ten years.

When I found him again, he had already been accepted back by the Philemon Family in New York and had become the heir, Jaden Philemon.

At that time, he had just experienced a serious car accident, leaving his legs paralyzed. He was filled with despair, even thinking of ending his life.

I found him on the rooftop of the hospital and used all my strength to pull him back.

He looked at me deeply, "Who are you?"

I gestured, "Your new caregiver. Mr. Philemon, I can't speak. See? I'm still living just fine. You can't give up like this. One day, things will get better."

From that day on, I resolutely gave up my identity as the Masked Diva and pretended to be mute and becoming his caregiver.

Four years passed and under my care, Jaden's condition gradually improved.

After his last rehabilitation session, the doctor declared that within half a month, he would make a full recovery and be able to live like a normal person.

Jaden pulled out a card, "Alexandra, you've taken care of me for four years. This is your payment."

I quickly gestured, "I don't want any payment. Taking care of you was my choice."

Jaden looked at me with a complicated expression for a while, "I understand. I'll marry you."

I didn't expect that answer. I froze, then after a long moment, replied, "Half a month from now, I have good news to tell you too."

At that time, I would tell him I had always been able to speak. That I was his lost Little Oriole he had searched for ten years.

Half a month later, Jaden made a full recovery and held a grand celebration banquet.

I waited alone until midnight, but he never came to pick me up, not even a word from him.

Until dawn, when he posted a message on his social media, "It's been ten years. I've finally found you."

The photo was of him with a woman, their fingers tightly intertwined, their faces glowing with happiness.

Just half a month ago, he promised to marry me. How could he suddenly be with another woman?

I refused to believe it and called Jaden. The first time, he didn't answer.

The second time, he declined the call. The third time, his phone was turned off.

By the tenth call, someone finally picked up, "Hello?"

I held the phone, hearing the woman's voice on the other end. My whole body turned cold. I said nothing.

"Hello? Are you there? Why aren't you speaking?" The woman on the phone called out to him, "Jaden, someone called you but won't speak. What's going on?"

Jaden laughed lightly, "She's mute. Of course she can't speak."

The woman said, "I heard she took care of you for four years, right? Without her, you probably wouldn't have recovered. I even heard you wanted to marry her just to repay that kindness. Is that true?"

Jaden said, "The Philemon Family is New York's top elite family. How could my wife be a mute? I just tricked her a bit, didn't think she'd really believe it. Now that I've found you, my wife will only ever be you …"

I couldn't listen anymore. I hung up.

On the other end, Jaden gazed at Cecilia Santoz affectionately, "My wife will only ever be you, Little Oriole."

Cecilia's eyes reddened as she snuggled into his arms and nodded emotionally, "These past four years, I went through a lot too. I even left the music industry because of it and couldn't be there for you. You don't blame me, do you?"

Jaden gently stroked her hair, "No. I will never blame my Little Oriole."

Cecilia smiled softly. Not long ago, Jaden had suddenly found her and believed she was the Little Oriole he'd searched for ten years.

She went along with it. After all, the Philemon Family was Moscow's number one wealthy family. Who wouldn't want to marry into that?

My phone buzzed. I received an offer from the global record company in United Kingdom.

I opened the email and read it carefully, then firmly tapped the confirmation button.

Jaden, since you want me gone from the stage, then I will give you exactly what you want.

Chapter 2

I spent the whole night packing everything. I burned all the things Jaden had given me over the years.

The fire crackled as it consumed the items. I held the photo taken with Jaden when we were ten, my thoughts swirling.

Suddenly, Jaden appeared behind me, "What are you doing here? What's that in your hand?"

He startled me and I almost dropped the photo into the fire.

I tried to hide the photo and quickly gestured, "Nothing. Just some old stuff."

But Jaden moved swiftly and snatched it from me. One glance at the photo and his expression changed drastically, "Why is this photo in your hand?"

Before I could explain, he snapped, "Alexandra, I've really treated you too well! How dare you mess with my things! You even tried to burn the photo I've treasured for years!"

Back then, we each had a copy of that photo. He clearly misunderstood, thinking I had his.

I looked at him anxiously, gesturing non-stop, "You misunderstood, I didn't …"

Jaden interrupted impatiently, "Enough. Stop waving your hands. It's exhausting to watch."

My face flushed red in frustration, my eyes welled with tears and I looked at him, aggrieved, stepping forward to retrieve my photo.

But Jaden carefully slipped the photo into his pocket and said indifferently, "You weren't fit to attend last night's banquet, given your current identity, so I didn't invite you. But there's an auction tomorrow. If there's anything you want, you can bid for it."

I couldn't understand Jaden. He clearly didn't care about me, so why was he doing these things?

Seeing I hadn't responded, he added, "Didn't you always want that ruby bracelet? It'll be at this auction."

“will.”I agreed without hesitation.

The ruby bracelet was a family heirloom of the Swann Family. It went missing during the fire that year when my whole family perished.

Two years ago, my father passed away. Before he died, he had been trying to find the bracelet.

Early the next morning, just as I stepped out of the villa, Jaden was already waiting by the car.

For the past four years, I had always waited for him. Today was different, something was off. Sure enough, midway through the drive, the car suddenly stopped.

Cecilia opened the door, "You must be Alexandra Swann, the one Jaden mentioned? Hello, I'm Cecilia Santoz."

I looked up. She was the woman from last night's photo on Jaden's social media.

Cecilia looked at Jaden, "Jaden, can I sit in the front? After all, Miss Swann is just a caregiver. It's not appropriate for her to sit there, right?"

I gave her a cold glance and gestured, "Sorry, I'm not going."

She said, "Oh right, I forgot. Miss Swann is mute. What a pity, I can't read sign language, so I don't know what you're trying to say."

I took out my small notebook and quickly wrote, "I'm not going."

Cecilia's face changed, "Many prominent families will be at the auction today. If they see a caregiver standing next to you, it'll damage the Philemon Family's reputation."

"Jaden, I know Miss Swann took care of you for four years and you're grateful. But I can't just watch her ruin your family's name!" she said.

Jaden's face darkened. He said firmly, "Alexandra, get out. Sit in the back."

Seeing I hadn't moved, Jaden unbuckled my seatbelt and pushed me out of the car. For the rest of the ride, I sat in the back like an extra, listening to Cecilia and Jaden laugh and talk.

At the auction, Cecilia clung to Jaden, mingling with guests.

I couldn't be bothered with them. I found a corner seat and waited for the auction to begin.

Before becoming Jaden's caregiver, I was the 'Masked Diva' who won the Golden Melody Award three years in a row with countless fans.

Today, I would use my own money to reclaim the Swann Family's heirloom, the ruby bracelet.

The auction began. The first item was the bracelet.

Starting bid was one million. Without hesitation, I raised my paddle. Five million. The crowd was shocked and turned to look at me.

Cecilia smiled at me from afar and raised her paddle, "Five point five million."

I didn't want to engage her. I was determined to win this bracelet.

My father's final wish could finally be fulfilled today.

I raised my paddle again and called out a high bid, "Eight million."

Gasps filled the room. Cecilia's face darkened. She turned and questioned me, "Alexandra, you're just a caregiver. Where did you get so much money?"

She sneered and added, "Don't say I didn't warn you. If you win the bid but can't pay, you'll be sued. Everyone in Moscow will know you're a fraud."

I looked down and wrote in my notebook, "Miss Santoz, worry about yourself. Looks like the one without money is you."

Cecilia glared at me and turned to whisper to Jaden. He had known I came today for the bracelet.

Out of gratitude for the past four years, I thought he wouldn't interfere.

But in the next moment, Jaden nodded.

The Philemon Family's assistant understood and raised his hand, "Mr. Philemon said that no matter who bids, he will double the price!"

Chapter 3

The entire auction house erupted in shock.

The auctioneer stammered in surprise, "You … you are …"

The Philemon Family assistant nodded, "Mr. Philemon gave the order. The ruby bracelet Miss Santoz desires, light the lamp and win it."

I stomped to my feet and stared at Jaden.

I grabbed him and forced him to look at me, urgently gesturing, "You promised me! You said the ruby bracelet was for me."

Jaden frowned, "Cecilia needs it more right now. Alexandra, aside from the bracelet, whatever else you like today, I'll get it all for you. Isn't that enough?"

I stomped my foot in frustration, "No! I only want the ruby bracelet! Jaden, you can't go back on your word!"

"Jaden, it's fine. Let her have it," Cecilia said tearfully. "It's the only thing my mother left me, but if she wants it, she can take it."

I stared at her in disbelief, "What are you talking about? This is clearly my family's heirloom! It went missing in the fire back then!"

I turned back to Jaden, trying to explain, "Jaden, I'm telling the truth, I really am Little …"

Cecilia shifted slightly to block me and said sweetly, "Jaden, can't you see who's lying here?"

Jaden turned his head away, refusing to look at me. Then he shouted, "Wrap it up. Give it to Cecilia."

Cecilia glanced back and gave me a small, triumphant smile.

I could no longer sit still. I turned and quickly left the auction. As soon as I walked out, the tears I'd been holding back finally fell.

I cried as I walked the streets alone. I didn't know how long I walked before I finally returned to the villa.

Jaden was already sitting in the living room, waiting. Surrounding him were stacks of exquisitely packaged antiques.

When he saw me, he frowned. "Alexandra, you ..."

But when our eyes met, he stopped mid-sentence, "You're crying? Just for a bracelet? That's not worth it."

I looked at him quietly without replying.

He sighed and pointed at the antiques, "These were all top items from today's auction. I bought them all for you."

But no matter how precious they were, they weren't that one ruby bracelet. What meaning did they hold for me?

I gave them a glance and gestured flatly, "Thanks,I don't need it. I'm tired. I'll rest now."

The next day was the Philemon Family banquet. I didn't want to go, since I would be leaving New York in just a few days.

But Jaden insisted I attend, saying he wanted the Philemon Family to get familiar with me. I couldn't resist him, so I went along.

To my surprise, Cecilia also came. She wore a custom-made gown that made her look elegant and noble.

The moment she appeared, all eyes were on her. Standing beside Jaden, they looked like a perfect couple.

I stepped aside to make room for her and stood alone in the hallway, watching the fish in the pond, waiting for the banquet to end.

"Alexandra, doesn't the bracelet look nice on me?" a woman's voice rang from behind.

I didn't realize Cecilia was behind me until she raised her hand, revealing the ruby bracelet on her wrist.

At the sight of it, my face went pale. I quickly scribbled in my notebook, "Give it to me. Whatever the condition, I'll agree."

She chuckled lightly, "Sure. Then leave Jaden forever. Can you do that?"

I nodded without hesitation, "Don't worry. I'll be gone very soon."

"Don't worry?" Cecilia sneered. "You're the last person I'd ever trust."

The next second, she removed the bracelet and she threw it into the pond.

I immediately pushed her aside and turned to catch it. But with that slight push, she fell right into the water.

"Help! Help!" The noise drew everyone's attention.

"Cecilia!" Jaden ran out of the banquet hall and jumped into the pond without hesitation.

He carried Cecilia out, both of them dripping wet.

He laid her on the ground and performed first aid. Cecilia coughed up water and slowly regained consciousness, "Jaden, don't blame Alexandra … It's my fault … I accidentally… It was her who threw the bracelet in …" Before she finished, she passed out again.

Jaden turned to me, his face filled with fury.

Before I could explain, he kicked me into the pond.

"People must take responsibility for their mistakes. Don't come up until you find the bracelet." With that, he carried Cecilia away and ordered the bodyguards to keep watch over me.

It was early March, when the cold still lingered. The icy water rushed into my nose, choking me painfully.

But I endured it all. This was my only chance to get the bracelet back. I stayed in that pond the entire night and finally found the bracelet.

But it had already broken into two pieces, shattered completely.

I stared at the broken bracelet in my hands, heart aching as if it had been torn apart.

I couldn't hold on anymore. My vision darkened and I passed out.

Chapter 4

When I woke up again, I found myself in a hospital bed, hooked up to an IV.

As I shifted slightly, I met the concerned eyes of a doctor, "Why did you fall into the water? And stay in there all night? Were you trying to die?"

I opened my mouth, only to realize my throat was in excruciating pain. I couldn't speak at all.

I tugged at the doctor's sleeve and pointed anxiously at my throat.

The doctor understood immediately. "You won't be able to talk for a few days. Your respiratory tract is damaged, which has affected your vocal cords. Don't worry, once you recover, your voice will come back."

Outside the door, I could hear nurses chatting, "Isn't that the heir of the Philemon Family? He's so gentle with his girlfriend …"

"She's so beautiful too. They're such a perfect match."

"But look at the patient in this room … So pitiful. She soaked in cold water all night and was brought in by a stranger's emergency call. And since arriving, no one's come to see her."

Bitterness filled my mouth as I leaned weakly against the bed, silently waiting for the IV to finish.

Two hours later, I shakily got out of bed and slowly stepped out of the hospital room.

As soon as I did, I bumped into Jaden. He was pushing Cecilia, who was seated in a wheelchair.

She seemed a little downcast, "The doctor said I caught a cold from the water and it might affect my voice …"

Jaden bent down and comforted her gently, "It's okay. No matter what, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life."

Her eyes welled with tears. "No! I planned to make a comeback once I found you again. I used to be the Masked Diva with countless fans … what do I do now?"

"I'll find a way to cure you. Don't worry." Jaden turned the wheelchair around and saw me standing there.

His face instantly hardened, "You made Cecilia fall into the pond and now you're following her to the hospital? Alexandra, I never knew you could be so despicable!"

I raised my hand to signed, "Believe it or not, I didn't do it."

"The truth is right in front of us, stop making excuses!" He took several steps forward and grabbed me, "Come and apologize to Cecilia!"

I took a deep breath, my eyes were red, "So an apology is enough, huh?"

He turned away coldly, "Why so much nonsense? Just apologize!"

My steps unsteady, I walked slowly to Cecilia and bowed deeply, signed, "Miss Santoz, I'm sorry."

Cecilia sniffled and looked at Jaden. "Forget it, Jaden. I'm sure Alexandra didn't mean to …"

Jaden's heart melted instantly, "Alexandra, remember, Cecilia is different from everyone else. Even if you marry into the Philemon Family, it won't change her place in my heart."

With that, he turned and wheeled Cecilia away without a backward glance.

I returned to the villa. After two days of rest, I finally recovered enough to speak again.

That's when I got a call from Carmen, "Alexandra, I've finalized things with Global Records. The day your contract is officially announced, we'll also release your new song."

I was stunned, "But I've been retired for four years. What new song?"

Carmen asked, "You remember that song you wrote yourself? I sent the demo over and a producer loved it. It's confirmed. Just send me the full sheet music and lyrics and I'll handle the rest."

That song …I wrote it right after I found Jaden again. It was filled with all the longing I'd felt for him and the joy of our reunion. I had originally planned to sing it for him at his recovery banquet.

After hanging up, I began searching the room.

Strangely, no matter how hard I looked, the sheet music was gone, as if it had vanished into thin air.

While I stood in the mess of my room, feeling frustrated, Carmen called again, "Alexandra, quick! Check the entertainment headlines! Someone stole your song and it's already been released!"

"What?"

Chapter 5

I quickly unlocked my phone and tapped on the entertainment headlines.

[Breaking News: The Masked Diva Announces Her Comeback! Reveals Her Face for the First Time!]

[Shocking News: The Masked Diva's New Song Dominates Major Music Charts!]

I stared in disbelief and immediately opened the music video that had already surpassed a hundred million views.

Cecilia's face filled the screen, her voice melodious and graceful like a nightingale. She had perfectly mimicked all of my vocal styles.

If I weren't the real Masked Diva, even I would've been fooled by her.

The song that was now sweeping the internet was none other than the one I had lost, the sheet music I couldn't find.

Back then, I didn't want to reveal my true face, so I debuted wearing a mask. Even during my peak popularity, when thousands of fans begged to see my face, I refused them all.

I never imagined this would give Cecilia an opening. She wanted to take everything from me.

Just then, another trending topic about Cecilia hit the top of the charts.

[Jaden Philemon Responds to the Masked Diva! Their Relationship is Confirmed!]

I opened the comments on Cecilia's Facebook. The top one was from Jaden.

[Jaden : Congratulations on topping the charts. Let's plan a celebration banquet.]

Seeing all this, I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Jaden, I took care of you for four years and this is what I get in return.

I gripped my phone tightly, rage burning inside me. I had to take back what was mine!

I sent a message to Jaden: [Where is Miss Santoz's celebration banquet? Can I attend? I've prepared a special gift for her.]

I didn't think he'd respond. But ten minutes later, he sent me an address.

When I arrived, the banquet was in full swing.

Cecilia sat at the center of the private room, with Jaden right beside her. They sat intimately close, their posture suggestive. My appearance brought an awkward silence over the room.

Finally, it was Cecilia who broke the silence, tugging on Jaden's sleeve and speaking pitifully, "Jaden, did you invite Miss Swann? You know she doesn't like me …"

Jaden gently patted her head, "No one will dare bully you while I'm here." Then he sat upright, interlocking his fingers like someone in power.

He asked, "You said you had a special gift for Cecilia. What is it?"

I strode forward, grabbed a glass of wine and poured it straight over Cecilia's head then flipped her off. No one expected me to do that. The room exploded in chaos.

Jaden immediately roared, "Alexandra, are you crazy!"

I ignored him, lunged at Cecilia and slapped her hard across the face.

A loud smack rang out. Jaden grabbed me and slapped me back.

I was knocked to the ground, my head hitting the coffee table. Blood streamed down my cheek.

Cecilia fled into Jaden's arms in panic, "Jaden, what did I ever do to Alexandra? Why would she ruin me at such an important event?"

Jaden's face darkened, "Someone lock her up! Until I say otherwise, no one lets her out!"

Two large bodyguards barged in, pinned me down and locked me in an airless room.

I had no idea how long I was trapped there before the door finally creaked open.

It was Cecilia. She stood tall, looking down at me with a cold smirk, "Alexandra, the former Masked Diva … Look at how pathetic you are now."

I stared her down and finally spoke, "What do you want now, Cecilia?"

"Oh, so you can still talk. But …" Her eyes turned vicious. "Didn't you say you'd given up? Why do you keep showing up in front of Jaden? I won't let you steal what's mine!"

I sneered, "You stole my identity, copied my voice, took my song and now you're accusing me of taking from you?"

Cecilia stepped forward and slapped me again.

Of course, I didn't take it lying down. I grabbed her hair and we started brawling.

But I hadn't eaten or drank anything while locked up. My strength soon gave out. I couldn't win.

In the end, she pinned me down and slapped me many times.

Dizzy and bruised, I lay there as she stood triumphantly.

She picked up a gasoline barrel and poured the gasoline around me, then lit a candle and threw it at the center of the gasoline!

The raging fire ignited violently and surrounded me.

Her twisted face was reflected in the firelight, full of hatred,"Only when a person dies will he learn to shut up!"

"You will die here today and never think of revealing the truth in front of Jaden!"

Coughing violently from the thick smoke, I struggled to escape.

At that moment, Jaden burst into the room. His eyes went straight to Cecilia.

I lifted my burned hands and grabbed the hem of his pants. Then he saw it, the ruby pendant that had fallen out during our fight.

His expression changed instantly. He picked up the pendant with trembling hands and took out the one he always wore.

Putting them together, he gasped, "This pendant … How do you have it? Who are you really?"

Chapter 6

I opened my mouth, desperately tried to make a sound, but no voice came out.

I had inhaled too much smoke, my throat was scorched and I couldn't speak.

Lying nearby, Cecilia weakly said, "Jaden … that's my pendant … Alexandra grabbed it when she attacked me just now …" She crawled toward it as she spoke, tried to claim the pendant for herself.

Jaden no longer looked at me. He yanked his leg free and turned to shove the pendant into Cecilia's hands, carrying her out of the burning room.

I watched their figures vanish into the flames. My breathing grew faint until I lost consciousness.

When I woke up again, I smelled that familiar scent of disinfectant.

I never expected to be alive. Beside me was the same doctor from last time.

"You finally woke up. You young people sure go all out, huh? Last time it was soaking overnight in a pond, this time, you charged into a fire. Did you ignore everything I told you before?" As the doctor nagged, I tried moving a little. Pain shot through my body, blurring my vision.

The doctor said, "Don't move. Just lie down. You've suffered severe burns and will need a long time to recover."

I opened my mouth to speak, only to realize my neck was tightly wrapped in bandages. I couldn't make a sound.

The doctor sighed, "You are rescued too late. The smoke severely damaged your vocal cords."

I froze in shock. How could this happen? If my vocal cords were damaged, how would I ever sing again?

I panicked and grabbed the doctor's hand, frantically gestured, "Please, doctor … save my voice! I can't lose my voice!"

"The surgery was already done while you were unconscious. I did all I could. You'll be able to speak again in time, but …" He hesitated, then added, "Your voice likely won't ever sound the same."

I was about to ask more when Jaden stormed into the room with a dark expression, "Cecilia came to see you out of kindness and you hit her? You even tried to set her on fire, didn't you?"

I stared at him blankly, my heart numb, "Did you check the surveillance? You just believe everything she says?"

"Yes! I trust Cecilia, I don't need proof! Do you know your actions nearly ruined her voice permanently? She might never sing again because of you!" He strode forward, ignoring the doctor's protests and dragged me out of the ward.

He brought me to a live press conference. Cecilia sat at the front, cried before the cameras and media.

The entire press conference was broadcast live and many fans of The Masked Diva were also present.

I glanced around and gestured, "Why did you bring me here?"

"Of course, to make you apologize to Cecilia in front of all her fans! Alexandra, the Philemon Family won't accept someone with a scandalous past! If you still want to marry me, behave nicely!" He yanked my burned hand and dragged me onto the stage.

As soon as I appeared, people began pointing and whispering, "That's her! The shameless one who tried to hurt the Masked Diva!"

"She's clearly jealous of her talent! And her boyfriend too!"

Smack! A rotten egg hit me in the face.

Rotten vegetables and more eggs followed, pelted my body.

Cecilia let out a cry and stepped in front of me, shielded me with her body, "Everyone, calm down! Please don't do this! I only held this press conference to get an apology from Miss Swann!"

I coldly glanced at Jaden and signed, "Is this what you wanted? Are you satisfied now?"

He stared coldly back and said, "Alexandra, apologize. Apologize to Cecilia in front of her nationwide fans."

I stood tall on stage, unyielding, "What if I don't? I didn't do anything wrong, why should I apologize?"

The next moment, Jaden stepped forward and kicked me hard in the knee.

I collapsed straight to the ground.

Chapter 7

The moment I dropped to my knees, the crowd erupted as if justice had been served.

"Apologize! Apologize! Apologize!"

"Apologize to our Masked Diva! Hurry up!"

I looked at those familiar faces. They had once attended my concerts, some had even shaken my hand.

Yet now, not one of them recognized me. Instead, they were helping an imposter to hurt me.

Despair swallowed me whole. I knew no amount of explanation would matter.

Jaden forced me to the ground. My wounds burst open, blood oozing out. The pain brought tears to my eyes, but I bit down hard, refusing to let them fall, not in front of these people.

Seeing I wouldn't move, Jaden shoved my head down, slamming it into the ground.

The strength between men and women was too uneven. I couldn't resist at all. He forced me to bow three times. My forehead quickly swelled and bled, the crimson staining my vision.

Cecilia grabbed Jaden's hand. "Jaden, that's enough! Alexandra is injured."

Jaden let go of me and sighed. "Cecilia, you're still too kind, just like when we were kids. That's why she keeps bullying you."

After that, I wandered away from the press conference in a daze.

Carmen had seen the livestream and rushed over. She found me on the street just before I passed out.

She took me to the hospital herself, abandoning work to stay by my side day and night.

Staring up at the ceiling of the hospital room, I felt utterly hopeless.

Carmen saw right through me, "Alexandra, I've already contacted a throat specialist in the UK and sent them your case. They're confident they can restore your voice completely."

I turned to her, eyes filled with hope, "Really? You're not just saying this to comfort me, are you?"

Carmen handed me her chat with the UK medical team, "Now do you believe me? The global record label is also ready to fully support your recovery. Your flight's tomorrow. Once we get your discharge papers, go home and get some rest."

But I didn't want to return to that cold Philemon Family villa. That was never my home.

After discharge, I checked into a luxury hotel. I just wanted one last peaceful night.

But that night, an overwhelming fatigue hit me. My eyelids felt too heavy to lift. In a daze, someone entered my room.

Jaden whispered in my ear, "Alexandra, it's just one night … it's nothing. Please help Cecilia. I promise I'll marry you afterward."

I realized I'd been drugged. I wanted to fight back, but my body wouldn't move. I could only endure.

***

When I came to my sense again, it was already the middle of the night.

A fat middle-aged man was tied to a chair nearby, wailing like a ghost.

Carmen sat beside my bed. Seeing I was awake, she played back the voice messages from the man's phone, "Cecilia, you're the Masked Diva. Of course you've got talent. But you've been gone too long, maybe the public can't tell, but I can hear the change in your voice. You want me to produce your new album? It won't be that simple."

"What do you want, Mr. Cassey? I think the Philemon Family will agree to anything."

"I think that Alexandra, the caregiver, always keeps close looks good … I heard she's still a virgin …"

Carmen toyed with the phone, "So that's it. You were being sold to this 'Mr. Cassey.' What are you going to do about it?"

I let out a cold laugh and walked up to punch Mr. Cassey in the face.

The next morning, Carmen reviewed all the evidence she'd gathered and we took a cab to the airport.

I said, "Carmen, it's time. Let's launch our counterattack."

Soon after, my phone rang. It was Jaden, "Alexandra, what did you do this time! If you keep this up, I really won't be able to protect you anymore!"

I cut him off, "Jaden, the real show's only just begun."

There was a stunned silence on the other end, "Alexandra … you can speak? Since when?"

I said nothing more. I hung up and blocked him.

I would leave all this behind for good and erase Jaden from my life forever!

Chapter 8

Jaden listened to the busy tone on the other end of the line and seethed with rage. He redialed Alexandra's number, but all he got was the same busy tone.

"Alexandra!" he growled through clenched teeth and hurled his phone to the ground.

Just moments ago, thinking everything was nearly settled, he had gone to last night's hotel suite. When he opened the door, he found only Mr. Cassey tied to a chair with a rag in his mouth.

Mr. Cassey's body was covered in bruises, clear evidence of a beating. Alexandra, who should have been in the room, was nowhere to be found.

Jaden rushed forward and untied Mr. Cassey.

"I don't believe this, your caregiver isn't mute!" Cassey spat, slapped Jaden in the face.

Cassey continued, "Your caregiver has accomplices! They beat me up and then they …"

Mr. Cassey paused here. Jaden followed his line of sight and found that Mr. Cassey's clothes had been stripped off at some point.

Cassey hastily grabbed a hotel blanket to cover himself and kicked Jaden fiercely, "Forget about Cecilia's favor, it's ruined! Your family may be powerful, but the entertainment world isn't your playground!"

"I can make Cecilia pay for what she has done in the future!" Without waiting for Jaden to respond, Cassey stormed out.

Jaden's face darkened as he phoned his assistant, "Check the surveillance footage, tell me what really happened here last night."

The assistant's panicked voice came over the line, "Mr. Philemon, Cecilia is trending, this is huge. Check your phone now!"

Confused, Jaden opened social media to find Cecilia's name at the top of every chart.

The first clip that played was the recorded deal between Cecilia and Mr. Cassey. In that moment, Jaden felt his heart stop and forgot how to breathe.

He was about to order an emergency PR takedown when a new post from an anonymous account dropped fresh evidence.

It claimed that Cecilia was a fraud and that the real Masked Diva was someone else entirely.

The internet exploded again as Masked Diva fans flooded Cecilia's social media demanding answers.

Jaden called his assistant back, voice icy, "Find out who did this, who released it!"

"Sir, I suspect … it was Miss Swann," the assistant stammered.

Jaden exploded, "Excellent. Where is she? Bring her back! I'll handle her personally this time!"

"That's the problem … Miss Swann is missing," came the reply.

"What? You're joking?" Jaden bellowed.

The assistant on the other end of the phone was sweating with panic, "No, Mr. Philemon, this is true. Miss Swann is missing."

Jaden hung up the phone and rushed home as quickly as possible.

He hung up and raced home, only to find the vast villa was empty.

He searched every corner, no sign of Alexandra.

Panic gripped his heart until he noticed a letter on the entryway table in her handwriting.

He opened the letter and read her last words; his face immediately turned pale!