A Spoonful of Sugar: Don't Beg for Love

Dianthe's temper flared at the question. She didn't care that the privacy screen only created a space between the front and back of the car, not blocking out noise. "It's all because of Rachael Lane. I saw her fo who she was and refused to give her special treatment, so she set me up."

Hesper cleared her throat. Dianthe didn't get the hint and continued. "So much happened while you were abroad. I know you're very busy. Nathaniel... Let's not talk about him. Let's talk about Matt instead. He's a quiet one; I'm sure he hasn't told you anything."

Dianthe realized that she made a mistake by bringing up Nathaniel. Even though no one knew why the Tuckers disappeared, the Baylesses, Lanes, and Tuckers had a good relationship, so they knew what Nathaniel did. She looked down with guilt.

"It's alright, it's not your fault."

Hesper was very calm, so Dianthe was relieved. "Do you remember Ehren Sulzbach? His legs work now."

"They work now?" Hesper paused and remembered that Nathaniel and Ehren were quite close. Daybreak took Professor Miles because they wanted to cure someone's legs.

The timeline fitted. Was Professor Miles treating Ehren?

Was Ehren still in contact with Nathaniel then?

Hesper thought about it but Dianthe continued.

"We're not very close. Even though we're just acquaintances, I was glad when I found out that his legs were cured, but then our families started thinking about getting us married to each other." Dianthe seethed.

"I later found out that Rachael was the one who suggested this idea to my mother. She knew I wouldn't listen to my family's arrangements, so she tried to set me up."

Hesper frowned and cut her off. "Why did you have an issue with Rachael before? I heard that she's very sociable."

"Maybe because I'm not sociable." Dianthe pursed her lips. "Why else? I never liked her since we were kids. When I thought Rachael was you, I figured that I was too much of a brat when I was little. But turns out, Rachael became worse when she grew up. I don't know if it's because she wasn't taught manners..."

Hesper shook her head. Dianthe wrinkled her nose, paused, then continued. "I heard her talking behind your back behind closed doors, saying how she would eventually take your place."

None of that surprised Hesper, but Dianthe managed to catch her doing all that, so it wasn't a surprise that she was now a public enemy.

"I even have a recording."

Hesper blinked, then the two of them cleared their throats tacitly.

"So, you're... a runaway bride?"

Dianthe hung her head like a lost puppy. "Yes, I didn't know where to go after leaving Emperion. I remembered that you were back, so I wanted to go to Lane Tower to try my luck. Didn't expect you to pick me up on the way there."

Even though she felt a little helpless, Hesper still took her in. Rickard didn't speak the entire journey and quietly played the role of a driver. After getting out of the car and watching Rickard drive away, Dianthe leaned close to Hesper's ear.

"Your driver is so hot. He looks familiar though."

Hesper coughed and felt that she had to clear the air. "That's the CEO of Duval Group, not my driver."

Dianthe immediately became nosy, but then realizing that "the CEO of Duval Group" was Hesper's asshole of an ex, her expression changed. "Don't forgive him!"