Talia opened the driver’s side door, sat down, fastened her seatbelt, and took out her phone to make a call. "Help me access the Grant Group’s internal business files." Talia Rhodes’ eyes were cold, and her slender, fair fingers lightly tapped the steering wheel rhythmically. "Also, find a reliable private investigator for me. I want to investigate Ethan Grant." After hanging up, Talia casually tossed the phone onto the passenger seat, pressed the accelerator, and the car pulled away. Dusk set in, and the city lights began to illuminate the night. During the evening rush hour, the roads were completely gridlocked, and the black Rolls-Royce Phantom was buried in an endless line of traffic. The traffic jam was enough to unsettle anyone. Just then, the phone rang, and Talia picked it up to take a look. It was a call from Adrian Jennings. Since their breakup, Talia had kept Adrian’s number but it hadn’t appeared in her call history for a long time. Initially, Talia didn’t want to answer, but on second thought, his call might be about Jasmine, so she hesitated for a moment before picking up. Her tone was distant and cold, "Hello, what is it?" "The police just called to say they are negotiating with Aridia’s authorities to come up with a plan to rescue Jasmine." Talia’s heart skipped a beat, her breath quickening, "Do they have any confidence?" Adrian paused, his cool voice came through the phone, "On that point, the police can’t make any guarantees." Talia Rhodes knew this all too well. But when it involved her sister’s life, she couldn’t help but ask. After a moment of silence, Talia asked again, "Is there anything else?" Adrian paused again, his slightly hoarse voice coming through the phone, "Talia, I..." Talia instinctively felt that what Adrian was about to say had nothing to do with Jasmine, and she said, "If there’s nothing, I’m hanging up." "Wait," Adrian quickly spoke, "Talia, I’m sorry about what my grandmother said to you at my house earlier. I apologize on her behalf." She raised her eyes to look through the car’s windshield at the endless line of cars ahead, her eyes unfocused. She wouldn’t believe it herself if she said she wasn’t affected by Mrs. Jennings’ words. The person on the other end of the line was silent too. It seemed like he was waiting for her response. The air felt a bit stifling. Talia slightly rolled down the car window to let the air circulate. The cold wind from outside came in, easing the stifling feeling in her chest and allowing her to breathe normally again. A moment later, Talia heard her own voice sounding deliberately light and unconcerned. "No need for that, I never planned to marry you anyway." After speaking, before Adrian could reply, she hung up immediately. It was already 9 PM by the time Talia reached the Rhodes family villa. Shawn Rhodes was at the hospital with Lillian Young, and Jasmine was also not there, making the large villa feel desolate and empty. The Rolls-Royce Phantom drove into the underground garage. Talia parked the car, took the car key, and took the elevator to the first-floor living room. The housekeeper was mopping the floor in the living room. Seeing Talia return, she smiled slightly and greeted her, "Miss Rhodes, you’re back. Have you had dinner?" Talia nodded, remembered Lillian at the hospital, and asked, "Has Aunt Lillian had dinner? Did someone bring her food?" The housekeeper replied, "Yes, sir hired a cook to prepare meals at the hospital." "I see," Talia turned around and headed upstairs, "Auntie, you should rest early too." Back in her room, Talia stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, zoning out for a while. Thinking about her sister’s current situation made Talia feel both gloomy and pained. Adrian said the police were already working on a plan to rescue Jasmine. She wanted to call and inquire about the situation, but considering the time, she held back; the police were likely off-duty and resting by then. Talia spaced out for a moment, then suddenly thought of something and was moved to open a storage box. Inside was a painting. Talia Rhodes’ eyes filled with pain as her trembling hand reached for the painting. This painting was done by Jasmine Rhodes. It depicted their happy family of four. Shawn Rhodes and Lillian Young stood on either side, with Talia and Jasmine in the middle, hand in hand, portraying happiness and harmony. Talia’s slender, fair fingers gently caressed the painting, her fingertips paused at Jasmine’s spot. Almost instantly, tears welled up in Talia’s eyes, "Jasmine... my sister..." Dripping onto the painting. ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵⁂𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⁂𝓷𝓮𝓽 Jasmine had given Talia this painting right after she returned from Mirehaven. At that time, Talia was rather dismissive and aloof towards her clingy little sister. But her sister never distanced herself due to Talia’s attitude; instead, she became even clingier, more obedient, and sensible. Her sister was truly the most adorable, sensible, and lovely child in this world. Talia’s eyes were wet, her eyes red-rimmed. During the day at the Jennings’, she had tried hard to control her emotions; now at home, she no longer needed to hold back. Heart-wrenching pain surged through, and tears fell like a broken string of pearls, unstoppable. Talia buried her face in her hands, lowering her head in pain, "Jasmine..." Ethan Grant had a phone conversation with Selina Hughes, realizing he had been used and had almost indirectly harmed Talia Rhodes, he felt deep regret and guilt. He called Talia several times, but she didn’t pick up any of them. Vivian Coleman noticed his low spirits and came to comfort him, only to be pushed away. Ethan Grant’s office. Vivian fell to the ground, her gaze lowered to a spot on the floor, a glint of cold light passing through her eyes. Talia Rhodes, you forced me into this. That evening, Vivian logged into her short video platform account and started a live stream. Vivian used to upload videos of herself playing the piano on the platform now and then, garnering quite a few followers. By the time she had returned to the country, her account already had over a million followers. Lately, Vivian had attracted even more followers by posting a series of short videos titled "Sweet Daily Life with My CEO Boyfriend." In her recent videos, she frequently revealed glimpses of Ethan Grant’s luxury cars, mansion, high-end tailored suits, well-defined hands, or his tall and lean silhouette... And in each appearance, Vivian would show her face, wearing exquisite makeup, dressed in luxury brands, carrying designer bags, presenting herself as a socialite and heiress. The netizens were quite taken by this. Each time she posted a video, many viewers would leave comments under it. "As the sky cracks open, the servant makes their shining debut!" "Where’s my sugar daddy taking me now? Switch back to the countryside channel." "Finally understand why the villain wants to destroy the world." Along with a meme of apathy. "Love flows to those who don’t need it, and so does money." "Don’t force yourself into circles you can’t fit in. — Yours, Phone." "Sign me up for this script in my next life." "The watershed of life is the amniotic fluid." "Internet violence, this is the real deal!" "Miss, do you need a pet?" "Oh my god, this is a true earthly wonder! Creatrix, I need a word with you." "I shall take a loan to sue my face!" "Though the CEO boyfriend hasn’t revealed his face, he seems handsome just from his back and hands. Babe, you’re doing well." "So sweet and happy, wishing you everlasting joy!" "Perhaps your boyfriend needs another girlfriend?" Similar comments could fill the screen for days, with tens of thousands to millions of likes and comments on each video showing off her love and luxurious lifestyle. Vivian loved the feeling of being the center of attention and flourishing in wealth, gaining over five million fans through her association with Ethan Grant and by showcasing her opulent life and romance. That night, Vivian logged into her short video platform account and started a live stream. Vivian, ever impeccably made-up, was crying piteously on the screen. Numerous viewers sent messages asking about her well-being, "Good evening, recently I’ve been feeling very conflicted because there’s been a bit of trouble between Mr. Grant and me..."