Chapter 7: Underneath the Surface

The Vince Villa was bathed in the cool night air, carrying a faint scent of jasmine — Elara Vance's favorite. Yet, she had strictly instructed Mrs. Lee to keep the fragrance subtle, almost undetectable. Sitting by the wide floor-to-ceiling window with a cup of herbal tea in hand, Elara's mind was miles away.

Today had been a whirlwind. The power handover at Vince Industries had been ruthless and swift. Cleaning out the puppets of Damian Blackwood and Celeste Dubois drained her mentally, but every move was under her control. Her father's legacy — her birthright — was now firmly in her grasp. The treasure chests filled with gold bars, jewels, and priceless relics she reclaimed were the solid foundation for her comeback, proof of the fierce woman she once was in her past life.

But nothing rattled her more than the brief encounter outside the vault earlier that day.

Silas Crawford.

Staring out at Jinghai's dazzling skyline, Elara's emotions twisted into a knot. In her past life as Song Zhiwei — the legendary "Wei Jie" — she had many connections with Silas. He was her business partner, confidant, and quietly, her unseen protector. He was the boy she met after her puppy bit a stranger at the jade market, who talked with her for over an hour and then told her firmly, "You will be the most powerful jade merchant one day." Back then, she thought his favors, the helpful tips, and the special Christmas gifts were just good luck or friendship. But now she realized he had always been guarding her from the shadows.

She never knew how deeply he cared — so much so that even after her death, he came back to Jinghai to arrange her funeral and placed a double in Myanmar to keep the peace. That knowledge twisted her heart painfully. She owed him more than she could ever repay.

Seeing him today, he looked like the Silas she remembered — powerful and imposing — but his pale face and dull eyes betrayed his fragile health. She even noticed the slight hitch in his breath. He was seriously ill, dependent on complex medical gear to survive, and incredibly sensitive to smells. As "Wei Jie," she had always been careful to avoid any scent around him. That's why today, at the vault, she couldn't help but remind the staff about keeping the air clean — an instinct born from genuine concern.

Where was Silas living now? Was he well cared for? Was his condition worsening? Questions swarmed in her mind like weeds. She knew with his status and fortune, servants and doctors wouldn't be lacking. But his kind of illness demanded meticulous, heartfelt care — not just routine nursing. And with his ruthless father Qin Huaiyuan and stepmother Wang Ziru eyeing the family fortune, Silas was in more danger than anyone knew.

Elara set down her tea and moved to the window, eyes locking on the glowing cityscape. A bold plan was forming in her mind. She couldn't ignore Silas Crawford's plight. Out of old debts, loyalty from her "Wei Jie" days, or simply because she never left anyone hanging — she had to act.

Besides, Silas was a powerful ally. His name alone commanded respect in Jinghai. Though she now controlled Vince Industries, Damian and Celeste's leftover factions and other rivals lurked in the shadows. Aligning with Silas would cement her position and give her a strategic edge in the battles ahead.

More than that, she felt his loneliness and helplessness in the grip of his disease — a pain only someone who had stared death in the face could understand. She wanted to help, to make up for the past.

Pulling out her phone, she found Silas's contact — the same number saved from her past life as Wei Jie, strangely still in her current self's memory. The original Elara never called it before, but now she typed a message carefully:

"Mr. Crawford, this is Elara Vance. Today at the vault, I noticed your sensitivity to scents and hope I didn't trouble you. If your current residence isn't ideal for your health, Vince Villa is spacious, quiet, and has fresh air — perfect for rest and recovery. You're welcome anytime."

After a moment, she added:

"If you have any special medical needs, please let me know. I'll do my best to arrange everything."

She hit send, a rare flutter of nerves rising in her chest. She knew this message would catch Silas's full attention — her knowledge of his condition, her willingness to help — it was unexpected and sure to spark his curiosity.

Meanwhile, in another lavish Jinghai mansion, Silas Crawford toyed with a flawless imperial jade ring. His face was still pale, but a new spark flickered in his eyes.

Since that brief encounter at the vault, he couldn't stop thinking about the woman — her gaze, her understanding of his illness, her aura that mirrored the "Wei Jie" he once lost. Was it really her?

He might mistake a face, but never a soul.

He coughed painfully, the old wound reopening in his heart. Wei Jie's sudden death haunted him like a shadow. He blamed himself for failing to protect her. Now, this woman named Elara Vance — carrying Wei Jie's soul, and her legacy — was here. Was this fate giving him a second chance to right the wrongs? To protect her once more?

His phone lit up. An unknown number. But the message made him sit up straight.

Elara Vance.She reached out to him! She knew about his sensitivity to smell, his need for a quiet, comfortable place, and even offered medical support. No ordinary person would know these details.

Clutching his phone until his knuckles whitened, Silas's heart raced wildly. She was alive. Right here.

He replied without hesitation:"Miss Vance, thank you for your kindness. If it's convenient, I'll come over now. My medical team will follow shortly."

No second thoughts. This was destiny calling.

Elara raised an eyebrow upon seeing his swift reply. She expected interest but not such immediate acceptance. It confirmed his condition was dire — and his curiosity and trust in her genuine.

"Of course, you're always welcome at Vince Villa," she texted back. "I'll have Mrs. Lee prepare the room."

She stood and went straight to Mrs. Lee."Mrs. Lee, clean and prepare the easternmost room upstairs to the highest standard. Mr. Qin — no, Mr. Silas Crawford — will be staying tonight."Mrs. Lee hesitated but quickly nodded, trusting Elara's judgment.

Within an hour, a discreet black Maybach rolled through the villa gates, followed by vans carrying Silas's medical equipment.

Elara waited at the door. Under the night sky, Silas stepped out — slender despite the entourage of bodyguards and aides. A soft cashmere coat, a black mask covering his face, only his deep eyes visible.

He approached Elara, and though masked, she felt the mix of curiosity and warmth in his gaze.

"Miss Vance, thank you for your hospitality," his voice was low, tinged with exhaustion.

"Mr. Crawford, please come in," Elara smiled, stepping aside. She noticed his careful, unsteady steps.

Inside, Silas inhaled deeply, checking the scent of the air. No harsh perfumes, no overwhelming odors. Approval flashed in his eyes.

"This environment is excellent," he said, a hint of relief in his tone.

"I'm glad you like it," Elara said. "Mrs. Lee has prepared your room. Your medical team has arrived too. Would you like me to show them where to set up the equipment?"

"That would be appreciated," Silas nodded.

Led by Mrs. Lee, Elara guided Silas and his medical staff to the second-floor room. Spacious and bright, everything was chosen with care — natural materials, no harmful gases, pure cotton sheets smelling faintly of sunshine.

The team quickly unpacked and installed the machines. Elara watched quietly, occasionally asking about the devices — she was no stranger to them. As Wei Jie, she had seen Silas use these before.

Supported by his assistant Qin Yuchuan, Silas sat by the bed, eyes fixed on Elara and the bustling medical crew. His gaze was intense — curious, nostalgic, and quietly grateful.

"Miss Vance," he suddenly said, "you seem to know more about my health than I expected."

Elara met his deep eyes without hesitation or explanation. She moved to the bedside, handing him a cup of warm water.

"Mr. Crawford, some things take time," she said softly, her words carrying a meaning only they could understand.

Silas's fingers brushed hers briefly. Even through the mask, Elara felt that familiar, heart-wrenching presence.

"Maybe," he whispered. "But being here… already means a lot. This air eases the tightness in my chest." He drew in a deep breath, testing his own words.

Elara's heart softened. She knew his chest pains and breathing struggles were constant. Even a moment of relief was a blessing.

"Rest well," she said gently. "If you need anything, tell Mrs. Lee or me."

Leaving them to their space, Elara exhaled deeply. Silas Crawford living under her roof meant their fates were now intertwined tighter than ever. The future was unknown — but this was just the beginning.

Back in her room, her thoughts swirled. Silas's arrival wasn't just a powerful ally gained after conquering Vince Industries. It awakened something deep inside her — a bond beyond life and death. The regrets of Wei Jie's past life, the responsibilities of Elara Vance's present, and her growing care for this fragile man — all surged together like a dark current beneath her calm surface.

Outside, Jinghai's night still glittered bright. Somewhere in this city, two souls carrying past memories and hidden secrets were about to start a new chapter under one roof.