His Destructive, Toxic Love

The painting was unmistakably of Eliza.

Casper mentioned its special significance to someone, but who could he mean? The assistant was utterly perplexed.

Eliza, however, seemed to get it right away. The so-called significance was just a casual comment from Nova, saying how much she liked it. Not wanting to make things difficult for the assistant, Eliza softly said, "If Mr. Casper likes it, let him have it." Then, she turned and walked away.

The assistant's lips twitched as if she wanted to say something, but she stayed silent. Eliza stepped out of the gallery and tightened her red scarf against the biting winter wind. Her heart felt heavy and damp. Online rumors were buzzing that Casper and Nova were set to get engaged in three months. Three months - not too long, but not short, either. Still, it gave her something to look forward to.

By the time Casper left the exhibition, Eliza was long gone. Dillon called him, revealing they had made progress in the investigation involving Eliza and Aaron's supposed hotel rendezvous. Back at the office, Dillon laid out all the details for Casper.

"All the journalists got the same message, claiming your wife and the Martin family's medical heir were secretly meeting in a hotel, complete with the room number. Both Ms. Eliza's and Dr. Martin's phones had similar messages. This seemed to be a deliberate plan."

Such an act had to be the work of either a business rival or someone wanting to wreck his marriage. Either way, it had caused damage to him and Welton International.

"Have we found the person who sent the messages?" Casper asked.

"The number used was a burner sent through a company that deals in such services. The person arranged it online, and we're tracking them down," Dillon replied, confident in their progress. "Mr. Casper, I'll find them soon."

"Alright."

Returning home that evening,

Casper found Eliza curled up on the

couch, engrossed in her drawing tablet. Her long hair fell loosely around her face, highlighting her luminescent skin with a touch of melancholy. The TV was on, playing some mindless romance series. She didn't notice his return.

Marian stepped forward to take his coat. "Sir, shall I start dinner?" "Please do," he replied.

After changing his shoes, he walked over to Eliza. She was sketching a cocktail dress, its lines flowing gracefully like a painting. Eliza's talent was truly remarkable. Given the right opportunity, she could become an outstanding artist. He realized he had underestimated her.

He knew about her interests, which he had previously dismissed as frivolous, like playing the harp, which he found utterly annoying. He was aware she had won many awards during her university days, but he had never seen any of her artwork at home.

After saving her work, Eliza turned off the tablet, and her heart skipped a beat when she saw Casper. She had thought he would spend the day admiring the painting with Nova.

"Not bad," he commented on her recent sketch.

"It's a cocktail dress for Renee and Daniel's wedding anniversary," she explained.

โวก

Casper raised an eyebrow. Wedding anniversary? He and Eliza had never celebrated such an occasion. No, they had never really celebrated anything. He used to seldom come home hating her excitement and the way she'd fill the room with flowers. He had always loathed her But why... did he suddenly feel a sense of regret?

"No, they've planned a private getaway, just the two of them. They're not even taking the kids. This dress is just a minor detail in their plans," she replied.

"Did they invite you?" he asked.