When Mia Moore called, Cecilia Ye was busy sketching a playful bunny as practice. On the paper, the chubby white rabbit's ears and cheeks were dusted with pink, its eyes half-closed and red as it lifted a sunflower—a scene too cute for words.

Mia Moore was a girl Cecilia Ye had met at the art studio. Compared to Cecilia Ye's gentle and quiet demeanor, Mia Moore was lively and uninhibited, her vivaciousness impossible to contain. The two complemented each other perfectly and became fast friends.

"Yaoyao, you're back? Weren't you going on a two-month sketching trip?" Cecilia Ye answered the phone, her face lighting up with rare excitement.

"Yep! I finished my painting ahead of schedule and came back early. Be honest—did you miss me terribly?"

"Mm..." Cecilia Ye had almost no friends; Mia Moore was easily her best.

They ran into each other at the mall. It had been a while—Mia Moore's hair, once waist-long, was now cropped to her shoulders, making her look even sharper and more striking.

As soon as she saw Cecilia Ye, Mia Moore engulfed her in a giant hug. "My dear Cecilia, Mommy missed you so much!"

Cecilia Ye playfully knocked her on the head. "Nonsense. Watch your manners."

Mia Moore dodged away, pulling a mischievous face. "So, how's it going with your little hubby?"

Mia Moore knew about Cecilia Ye's marriage. When she first found out, she'd been utterly shocked—they were the same age, after all!

A bitter smile tugged at Cecilia Ye's lips. "We're getting a divorce."

"What?! Did he bully you?"

"No, it isn't that. The woman he loves has come back. You know he's been carrying a torch for her for years."

"But you've loved him for so many years too! Ugh, what a jerk!"

Cecilia Ye gently tugged Mia Moore's sleeve. "Don't say that. He told me about it before we got married. I agreed to it myself."

Mia Moore shot her a look of exasperation. Seeing Cecilia Ye's dejected expression, she looped her arm through hers. "Fine, fine. Just get the divorce. Next time, you'll find someone even better—take your pick!"

Cecilia Ye let out a laugh despite herself. Having a friend like this was wonderful.

"Come on," Mia Moore said, pulling her forward, "today, we're shopping to your heart's content—whatever you like, you get. Let's have fun!"

"Alright, alright. Thanks for being my shopping buddy today, Yaoyao."

They made it up to the sixth floor, their hands full of bags. For the first time, Cecilia Ye realized just how exhausting shopping without restraint could be.

Looking for a nearby café, they found seats and flopped down, momentarily too tired to move.

*

Meanwhile, in his office, Xavier Foster answered a call.

"Mr. Fu, Miss Bai... took Madam's puppy out."

Xavier Foster's expression darkened. He asked sharply, "Where did they go?"

"I don't know. She said she'd be back soon, just taking it out for a walk—seems like she went to the mall nearby."

"Alright," Xavier Foster replied, hanging up.

A flicker of anger rose in his chest. He snatched his keys and drove toward the mall.

At that same moment, a woman emerged from the mall's first-floor elevator, cradling a creamy white puppy in her arms. It was none other than Vivian Belle, holding little Zoey Zhang.

Word had it that Cecilia Ye was Zoey Zhang's owner. Vivian Belle thought, Maybe I'll just leave it somewhere later. With all these people here, if it disappears, who's to blame?

Every last thing of Cecilia Ye's—Vivian Belle was determined to throw out of the Fu household, one by one.

The elevator stopped at the sixth floor; after wandering briefly, Vivian Belle decided to grab something to drink.

Zoey Zhang, unfamiliar with her scent, squirmed uneasily in Vivian Belle's arms, desperate to break free. Annoyed, Vivian Belle gave its ear a vicious tug.

The little dog whimpered—a sound that would have caused an uproar at the Fu house, where Zoey Zhang was treated with utmost care, all because Xavier Foster had brought him home. Zoey Zhang had never experienced such roughness and, with a burst of strength, leapt from Vivian Belle's grasp.

Tiny legs bouncing, the puppy slipped through the crowd. Vivian Belle, startled, gave chase. She did want to abandon it, but not in front of this many people watching.

Nose twitching, Zoey Zhang seemed to catch a familiar scent. It whimpered—its little master must be near.

The café door swung open. With quick instincts, Zoey Zhang darted inside, scanning the room with eager black eyes. When it spotted someone by the window, its tail wagged furiously in joy.

Before it could dash to her, someone picked it up by the ears.

Its little legs flailed in midair, whimpering pitifully.

Cecilia Ye was listening to Mia Moore share anecdotes about her sketching trip when the dog's distressed cries interrupted her. Wait—that sounded just like Zoey Zhang.

She turned and saw Vivian Belle holding a small dog by its ears, glancing over in their direction.

Vivian Belle curled her lips in a sneer. "Heh, so you found your cheap little master, you mutt."

She tugged the dog along and sauntered over to Cecilia Ye's table.

The puppy struggled, stretching its tiny paws toward Cecilia Ye, the heart-shaped bell on its collar jingling.

Cecilia Ye's heart ached as she reached out for Zoey Zhang, demanding, "Vivian Belle, what do you think you're doing? Who said you could take Zoey Zhang out like that?"

Vivian Belle only lifted the dog higher, a smug smile on her face as it squirmed in the air. "And who else could let me into the Fu house, let alone take it out?"

Cecilia Ye's disbelief was plain to see. So, it was Xavier Foster who had allowed this?

He had actually entrusted their Zoey Zhang to this woman.

No matter what else she felt, Cecilia Ye only wanted to rescue Zoey Zhang from Vivian Belle's hands.

Mia Moore quickly sized up the situation. In two strides, she clamped down on Vivian Belle's wrist.

"What are you screeching for, drama queen? If it's not your dog, let go!"

Vivian Belle, wincing in pain, swung her hand to strike, but Mia Moore tilted her head aside, Bai's nails barely grazing her neck and leaving a thin red scratch.

Zoey Zhang seized the chance, biting down hard on Vivian Belle's wrist. The instant she let go, he bolted for Cecilia Ye.

Crouching, Cecilia Ye swept Zoey Zhang into her arms. Seeing the torn spot near his ear, her eyes grew red with anger and pity.

She also noticed the scratch on Mia Moore's neck—her face went cold, suddenly carrying the same intimidating look Xavier Foster wore when furious.

Vivian Belle clutched her wrist, furious, and lunged to kick the puppy in Cecilia Ye's arms.

But this time, Cecilia Ye truly lost her temper. She yanked Vivian Belle to the ground.

"Vivian Belle, haven’t you always claimed I push you? Well, since Xavier Foster trusts whatever you say, why not do it for real today? What do you think—what will Xavier Foster do to me?!"

Cecilia Ye’s rage made Vivian Belle shrink back, unease flickering in her eyes.

By now, a crowd had gathered, craning their necks to watch the drama unfold.

But Vivian Belle, sore from the scuffle and her hand bleeding from the bite, tried again to kick Cecilia Ye.

A tall figure stepped in, blocking Cecilia Ye. Vivian Belle’s foot landed squarely on his leg.