CHAPTER 12: CHAPTER 12: NOW SHE ONLY WANTS TO LIVE FOR HERSELF

A man like Declan Pierce, once he appears in one’s life, he becomes the most vivid and unforgettable mark of the years; it’s impossible to forget after just one meeting.

What’s more, she and Declan Pierce used to be arch-rivals, even Professor Truman once jokingly remarked that they were equally matched, kings who wouldn’t meet...

Now, Declan Pierce’s tall and graceful figure drew closer, his tailored dark suit accentuating his already sharp, chiseled features like a Greek sculpture, exuding an almost unapproachable divinity.

Compared to seven years ago, Declan Pierce’s demeanor was calmer yet more dangerous, like a bottomless vortex, silently capable of devouring everything.

Tanya Sinclair only wanted to flee now.

Running into her former nemesis at her lowest point, and that person was doing obviously well—could anything be more awkward and embarrassing?

With her current appearance, if Declan recognized her, given how much he disliked her, he would probably laugh at her even in his dreams...

"Apologize to this... ’blind’ lady," Declan’s voice rang out again.

Hearing this, the tension in Tanya’s mind relaxed a bit.

Good, Declan hadn’t recognized her!

After all, seven years had passed, she had lost a significant amount of weight and was wearing sunglasses, so it was perfectly normal for Declan not to recognize her.

Declan’s peripheral vision lightly swept over Tanya’s hand grasping the blind stick, visibly relaxing.

He curled his lips wordlessly, his eyes increasingly amused.

Tsk, still so easy to deceive.

Though the sleazy man was reluctant, seeing Declan’s intimidating aura along with his one arm still being held by Janne Hayes, seemingly about to be twisted off, he had no choice but to swallow his pride.

"I’m sorry, miss. I drank too much and offended you. Please forgive me."

Declan casually remarked, "If you’re drunk, find a place to lie down."

"Yes, yes..." the sleazy man answered repeatedly and fled in a panic.

"Thank you, gentlemen." Tanya deliberately changed her voice, speaking in a strained tone, "May I ask, where is the elevator?"

Declan did not respond immediately, his eyes cast down as he examined Tanya, barely frowning.

So thin.

The sunglasses almost covered two-thirds of her face, leaving only a pointed chin visible, its pallor under the light showing veins beneath the skin, much like a porcelain doll that might shatter with a touch...

Just as Tanya was feeling unnerved by Declan’s gaze and planning to slip away, Declan moved his lips.

"Janne, escort this lady downstairs."

"Yes."

"Just to the elevator is fine," Tanya quickly added, desperate to escape Declan’s proximity.

As Tanya’s silhouette vanished around the corner with Janne accompanying her, Declan retracted his gaze, the warmth in his eyes fully dissipating.

With his hands in his pockets, he leisurely strode forward with long legs.

At the end of this corridor, beyond an antique screen, lay an open terrace.

The battered sleazy man stood at the terrace’s corner, talking grittingly into his phone, calling for backup.

"...Damn, bring more guys over. I need to release this pent-up anger today! Some pretty boy came out of nowhere trying to play the hero in front of me!"

The image of Tanya’s pitiful demeanor flashed in his mind, prompting a sleazy grin, and his other hand couldn’t help but itchily rub across his crotch, "Leave some guys at the street corner, bring that chick back for me! That little blind girl’s got a real figure, her voice is nice too, for sure will be more exciting in bed..."

As he was speaking enthusiastically, footsteps suddenly echoed behind him.

’Tap—tap—tap—’

Each step pressed clearly on every nerve in the silent night.

The sleazy man turned around to see Declan’s figure appearing behind him, like a ghostly reaper.

The overwhelming presence made him shudder.

Declan held a cigarette between his fingers, white smoke swirling around him, blurring his expression, but those black eyes shot out a frightful ferocity.

"Didn’t understand what I said?"

The sleazy man swallowed fearfully, instinctively wanting to run, but just as he lifted his foot, two guards in black behind him kicked brutally at his knees.

’Boom—’

The sleazy man’s knees hit the ground, bones cracking; just as he was about to scream, his mouth was sealed.

Declan approached slowly, looking down with eyes cold and indifferent, as if viewing a corpse.

"Pull out all his teeth for me."

Leaving his words behind, Declan turned and walked to the edge of the terrace.

From this position, he could see a corner of the main entrance.

He silently watched the slender, solitary back of the woman, tapping her stick to navigate, as she boarded a business car and left.

"Tanya Sinclair..." Declan murmured the name, a chill dissipating from his brow. He gazed at the car driving away, and after a long silence, he whispered, "Long time no see."

The sound was so soft, it was torn to fragments by the night’s wind on the terrace.

...

When Tanya returned to the villa, Vincent Hawthorne had not yet come back.

The garden was now filled with transplanted yellow roses, swaying gracefully under the moonlight.

She saw Aunt Lewis’s figure waiting at the entrance; as soon as Tanya appeared, Aunt Lewis discreetly took a few photos with her phone before nonchalantly approaching her.

"Madam, you’re back."

Tanya nodded casually and instructed Aunt Lewis to prepare a bath.

"Alright, madam," Aunt Lewis agreed with a smile but rolled her eyes dramatically, even in Tanya’s presence.

Aunt Lewis didn’t respect her as a madam. According to Vincent Hawthorne, Aunt Lewis had been with the household for two years, and likely considered Cindy Lynn as the real lady of the house.

Tanya didn’t care; after all, she wouldn’t hold the title of Mrs. Hawthorne for long.

After Aunt Lewis had drawn the bath, Tanya soaked in the hot water, massaging her legs’ pressure points.

She calculated that with just two more needle treatments, her legs would fully recover, and she could return to work!

Tanya had just dressed and stepped out of the bathroom when she heard a commotion downstairs; she walked to the window and saw Vincent’s car driving in.

As he exited the car, Vincent was visibly startled upon seeing the garden full of yellow roses.

Just by looking at his back, Tanya could imagine his expression, shocked and angrily.

She didn’t care in the least, even feeling a slight satisfaction.

In the years she loved Vincent, she put him first in everything, almost forgetting her preferences.

Now, she should live for herself!

Her gaze fell softly on Caden and Joy playing nearby.

She picked up her blind stick again, heading downstairs. Just as she reached the living room, Vincent strode in.

Tanya remained gentle as always, "Vincent, you’re back."

Vincent looked displeased, his first words an angry question, "Why did you pull out all the tulips in the garden? And without even talking to me about it."

Internally, Tanya chuckled coldly.

He was this angry simply because she removed his beloved Miss Lynn’s favorite flowers?

Tanya blinked innocently, throwing the issue back, "I called you this morning, didn’t I, about wanting to have the garden tidied up? Didn’t you say I should decide on matters at home?"

"..." Vincent was speechless.

He had indeed said that on the phone, but he hadn’t expected Tanya to uproot all the tulips and replace them with yellow roses!