Bound By Vows, Sealed In Love

"Iris, you are the only daughter-in-law we acknowledge," Caroline said softly. "Now that Caiden's back, he should stay instead of working overseas again. It would give him a chance to take on more at the company and give the two of you a little more time together."

Thoughts of Caroline's recent heart surgery tugged at Iris. She didn't want to add any more stress to her mother-in-law's life.

So she simply said, "I understand."

Caroline accepted the words at face value.

A week slipped by before Caroline called again. "Caiden hasn't been home lately, has he?"

Caroline was right.

Most days, Iris even forgot Caiden was back in town at all.

"Maybe work's keeping him busy. I've been—" Iris started to explain about her packed surgery schedule, hoping to steer the conversation away from anything involving Caiden.

But Caroline didn't miss a beat. "I heard he's heading out to Brown Manor tonight with his friends. Since you've been putting in so many late nights at the hospital, why not take a break and spend some time with friends? I'll even cover your expenses."

It was classic Caroline—subtle, tactful, and sharp as ever. Years alongside her husband at the helm of Wells Group had given her a talent for saying exactly what needed to be said, without ever coming off as forceful.

She'd learned where Caiden would be, found out Iris wouldn't be working late, and cleverly suggested a relaxing evening out without asking Iris to bring Caiden home.

There was nothing left for Iris to do but agree. "Alright."

After ending the call, Iris sent Melody a quick message. "You free tonight?"

"Nothing planned. What's going on?"

"Come out with me. I'm heading to Brown Manor."

The place was a five-story building dressed up in vintage glamour.

It used to be the house of an official with the surname Brown.

Only the wealthy and powerful ever got through those doors. Word on the street was that blowing the price of a brand-new sports car here wasn't even unusual.

"I read somewhere that no one really knows who owns this place. I'd bet there's some mysterious heir from one of those old families pulling the strings. None of Slidrora's big shots would dare to cross whoever's behind it."

Upon arriving, the two women settled into a booth in the buzzing lobby on the ground floor.

A server came over and greeted them by name.

Iris raised her brows in surprise. "First time here, and you already know who we are?"

The young man smiled, all smooth charm. "Your reputation as the top cardiothoracic surgeon precedes you. And everyone in the city's heard about your friend's skill in obstetrics. We pride ourselves on keeping track of the best in the business."

With a mischievous flick of her eyeliner-accented gaze, Melody propped her chin in her palm. "How about you bring us three of your most expensive drinks? Two for us, and one for you."

The server flashed a grateful grin. "Thank you, Dr. Wells," he said before heading off.

Melody shook her head in amusement. "Brown Manor is on another level. Their staff must memorize every big name in Slidrora just to keep the service flawless—and to make sure they never step on the wrong toes."

Iris nodded. "I get the feeling that's exactly how they operate."

"No wonder they rake in so much money here. And did you notice that server? He's a real catch!"

While Iris hadn't gone for dramatic makeup, she'd let her hair down and let the soft waves frame her face, giving her a gentle air that contrasted her usual sharpness.

She couldn't help but tease, "Why not go for it?"

Melody just wagged her finger with a laugh. "I love to flirt with sweet, well-mannered guys, but for something serious, I want someone who knows how to take charge."

"You've got to stop reading those romance novels. They're starting to mess with your type." Iris rolled her eyes, scanning the lobby.

Although she was here, she had no intention of going to Caiden.

This whole night was about putting on a show for Caroline—nothing more.

Soon, the server came back, balancing two vibrant cocktails on a tray. "Ladies, please give them a taste and let me know what you think."

As he placed the glasses in front of them, he leaned close to Iris and murmured, "Mr. Wells is in the No. 1 VIP room on the second floor."

Iris could only stare, completely caught off guard by the server's whisper.

That level of personal attention was far from what she wanted—seeing Caiden was the last thing on her mind tonight.

Their conversation hadn't gone unnoticed, though.

Out of nowhere, a shrill voice rang out. "You pathetic old woman! What, you followed Caiden all the way here? You've been harassing him since you were kids..."

Before Ariana could finish, Melody's hand darted out and tossed her cocktail right into Ariana's face.

"An old woman? She's only 24! You think you can't live that long yourself? Oh, I forgot—mistresses don't usually make it to old age. However many years you've got, that's where your clock stops."

Ariana stood there, soaked and furious, sputtering as she tried to recover. "Did you just throw your drink at me? Do you realize how much Caiden spoils me? He bought me a diamond necklace worth thirty million just because I liked it. Who do you think you are? I could have Caiden ruin you both!"

She lunged for Melody, but a server quickly stepped in, holding her back.

Iris moved to stand between them, giving Ariana a calm, measured look. "Let her go. We're going to see Caiden. I'd love to see exactly how he plans to ruin us."

Ariana tossed her hair and sneered, "Fine, let's go! Whoever chickens out first is the real loser!"

Her heels clicked up the stairs, every step dripping with confidence. There was no doubt in her mind that Caiden would take her side.

How could he not? Just the other day, he'd dropped thirty million on a necklace for her without a second thought.

Caroline had claimed Ariana was sent away from Slidrora. Yet, here Ariana was, bold as ever. It dawned on Iris that Caiden must have brought her back.

Melody caught on quickly, worry and irritation written across her face. "Iris," she whispered, her voice low.

Iris offered a steady smile and walked upstairs without hesitation.

Inside, Brown Manor was a scene from another era. Soft jazz notes floated beneath gleaming chandeliers, and the air held the richness of cedar and whiskey, wrapping the room in warmth and history.

Without missing a beat, Iris pushed open the VIP room door.

Heads turned simultaneously to see who had entered.

She spotted Caiden instantly. He lounged on a plush sofa, cigarette burning lazily between his fingers, the ember casting fleeting shadows over his eyes.

There he was, looking every bit the untouchable playboy, detached and at ease, but Iris couldn't help but recall the nights they'd once shared—moments now blurred into something dreamlike and unreachable.

Ariana was perched at his feet, her voice lilting as she called for his attention.

Normally, Melody kept her distance from Caiden. Tonight, however, she'd had enough.

Marching right in, she didn't bother with pleasantries. "Caiden, it's been so long! When did you get back? Here, let's have a drink together."

She snatched a glass off the table, then "accidentally" let it tip straight onto Ariana. "Oh, sorry! Didn't see you there on the floor. For a second, I thought someone left their lapdog in here."

Ariana sprang to her feet, indignant.

Caiden ignored the chaos, not even glancing at Melody. He tapped his cigarette, eyes never leaving Iris. "Here to have some fun?"