Julian's private jet took me back to the estate on Long Island. This time, it wasn't the penthouse, but the former main residence of the Vance family—which he had already purchased. "Get out." He opened the car door for me. I looked at the familiar Gothic architecture before me, my heart a mix of bitter flavors. "Why bring me here?" "Selena likes peace and quiet. The penthouse is too noisy," Julian said indifferently. So, it was for her. Even moving house was for her. Walking into the grand hall, the butler approached to take my luggage. "Miss Elena, your room is in the West Wing." The West Wing. That was the guest area. The master bedroom was in the East Wing. "Julian," I called out as he was about to head upstairs. He stopped and turned sideways. "What is it?" "Who exactly is Selena?" Julian was silent for a few seconds. "Ten years ago, I was ambushed by hunters and critically wounded. It was she who saved me, feeding me her own blood. Because of that, she was left with a chronic condition and her body has always been weak." "A savior?" I smiled mockingly. "Just a savior?" Julian's eyes grew stern. "Elena, I don't want you targeting her out of jealousy. Selena is innocent and fragile. She cannot withstand your methods." "Jealousy?" My fingernails dug into my palm. "You're overthinking it. I'm getting married soon." "Ideally, yes," he said coldly. "There is a 'Night Banquet' in two days, a welcome party for Selena. You will attend." "As what? Your ex-bedwarmer?" "As a representative of the Vance family." Julian turned and walked upstairs. "Don't embarrass me." The banquet two days later was breathtakingly luxurious. The entire supernatural elite of New York was there. Vampires, high-ranking warlocks, werewolf diplomats... A huge banner hung in the center of the hall: "Welcome Back, Lily of the Night." Selena wore a white gown encrusted with crushed diamonds, walking down the stairs on Julian's arm like a true princess. Julian wore a deep black tailcoat, suffocatingly handsome. He looked down at Selena with a focus I had never received. "Look, that is a true couple," two female vampires whispered nearby. "Isn't that Elena following behind? I heard she got dumped." "Serves her right. A crude hunter, how could she be worthy of Lord Julian." I picked up a glass of red wine and downed it in one go, trying to suppress the bitterness in my heart. "Elena!" Selena saw me and called out in surprise, pulling Julian over. "I'm so glad you could come," she smiled sweetly. "Julian said you moved out, and I was worried it was because you didn't like me." "You think too much," I said flatly. "I just don't like sharing a roof with others." Selena's eyes instantly reddened, looking at Julian like a frightened deer. "Did I say something wrong..." Julian immediately frowned, shooting me a warning glance, then took out a handkerchief to gently wipe a tear from the corner of Selena's eye. "Ignore her, she's in a bad mood." "But..." Selena sniffled. "I want to be friends with Elena." "There will be chances later." Julian coaxed her gently. "Go look over there, I had them prepare your favorite Blood Roses." Watching their retreating backs, I felt like a clown. I turned to go to the garden for some air, but was blocked by several drunk werewolves. "Yo, isn't this the stray cat of the Vance family?" The leader reeked of alcohol. "Heard you're marrying that lunatic Gabriel in the North? Why not play with us brothers first?" "Get lost." My hand went to my outer thigh but found nothing. Damn it, no weapons allowed at the banquet. "Don't act so high and mighty," the werewolf reached for my shoulder. Just as I was about to fight back, I suddenly saw Julian standing on the terrace, watching coldly. A sliver of hope ignited in my heart. *Help me, Julian.* But he merely glanced over, then turned away. Because Selena had cried out from over there: "Ouch, my foot!" Julian immediately rushed to Selena, sweeping her up into his arms, checking her ankle nervously, completely ignoring me surrounded by wolves. In that moment, my heart completely shattered into dust. I grabbed a crystal vase from a nearby table and smashed it hard onto that werewolf's head. *Crash!* Blood splattered. The werewolf screamed and fell. "Crazy bitch!" The other werewolves roared and lunged. I didn't retreat. I grabbed a dining knife, my eyes as fierce as a lone wolf. "Come on! Who wants to die!" Perhaps the resolve in my eyes scared them, or perhaps the commotion finally attracted security. The werewolves scattered, cursing. My hand was cut by the glass, blood dripping from my fingertips. But I couldn't feel the pain. After the banquet, I waited for a car at the entrance. Julian walked out supporting the "sprained" Selena. "Elena," Selena said weakly. "I'm so sorry about earlier. My foot hurt so bad that Julian couldn't attend to you. You aren't hurt, are you?" She looked at my bleeding hand, a flash of imperceptible delight in her eyes. "Won't die," I said coldly. "That's good," Selena leaned in close, whispering so only I could hear, "You see, in this world, only the beloved have the right to be fragile. And you... can only lick your wounds like a wild dog." Just then, an out-of-control black sedan roared toward the curb. "Look out!" Julian reacted almost instinctively, violently diving toward Selena, shielding her underneath him as they rolled to safety. And I stood there, dazed, watching the blinding headlights approach. *Bang—* A massive impact sounded, and my body flew out like a kite with a cut string.