C4 What a Coincidence!

In the video, the frail, white-haired elderly woman languishing on the hospital bed was Juno's grandmother, and the very reason she had returned to the Fowler family years ago.

Juno's complexion turned ashen as Calen's words echoed in her ears.

"Just one word from me, and the hospital will remove her oxygen tube. Why should the Fowler family waste money on a bastard like you? Without our generosity, do you think you'd be living this comfortable life?"

Her gaze was fixed on the phone screen, where the elderly woman appeared as gaunt as a skeleton.

"You all are truly vile," Juno said, her voice quivering. After a long moment of shaking, she collapsed back onto the bed, drained.

"Get dressed properly. I'll be waiting for you downstairs," Calen said as he pocketed his phone and added a menacing threat before leaving, "Don't try any more tricks. You and your mother are both trash meant to be used by others. You'd better recognize your place!"

Juno had become numb to such insults, but they had never cut as deeply as they did now.

To the Fowler family, she was a shameful illegitimate daughter to be hidden away.

But what was the truth?

She was a full two years older than Calen, the rightful heir to the Fowler family, yet her identity had been twisted to conceal the family's disgrace.

Fu Houguang, desperate to elevate his status, had colluded with the Fowler family matriarch to label her an illegitimate child, all to secure a marriage with the Gao family's sole heiress.

For years, she bore the stigma of being an illegitimate child, enduring scorn and disdain, particularly after the new Mrs. Fowler learned of her status, ensuring not a single day passed without misery.

She had suffered in silence for twenty years to secure her grandmother's medical care, keeping this nauseating scandal with the Fowler family under wraps. But now, they were plotting to sell her off?

Juno sat on the bed for a long time before letting out a bitter laugh.

She was unsure whether she was scoffing at the Fowler family's heartless selfishness or her own helplessness and naivety.

—

"This reception is a private affair hosted by Director Nichols. The guests are all influential figures. You wouldn't have this opportunity if it weren't for my connections," Calen said, gingerly tending to the wound on his face in the rearview mirror, wincing with each breath. "Director Nichols is already displeased about last night. You absolutely cannot let him find out you're not a virgin, or you can kiss that six hundred thousand goodbye. Understand?"

Juno, seated in the car's backseat, regarded him with an indifferent gaze. Upon witnessing Calen's disheveled appearance, she let out an abrupt laugh before turning to look out the window. "What's the matter? Want me to conjure up another facade for you?"

"You're new to this game, so wise up. Men are after the thrill of conquest," Calen retorted, unfazed by her mockery. He swung the car door open with a sneer. "Countless people yearn for a spot in a wealthy man's bed and never get the chance. If it weren't for our shared bloodline, you'd have no hope, even on your knees begging."

Juno remained silent for a moment before following him into the nightclub, tugging at her skirt to cover more of herself.

Inside, the patrons flaunted their bodies with abandon, their actions bold and unrestrained. Juno could detect the faint, pungent scent of alcohol and smoke lingering in the air, prompting an involuntary furrow of her brow.

Calen, on the other hand, was quick to act, greeting the occupants of the private room with obsequious smiles and eagerly distributing his business cards.

No sooner had Juno entered the room than she was scrutinized by dozens of unwelcoming stares, treated as if she were merchandise up for auction. Suppressing the urge to flee, she forced herself to stand her ground.