Brenda Miles walked into Perry's villa. The workers were stunned to see Lilian seemingly return willingly. Some even cursed her silently in their hearts, blaming her for the trouble she had caused them before and now daring to come back. Yet none of them spoke aloud. They hid in corners, watching as "Lilian" knelt on the ground before Perry, begging for forgiveness.
Brenda Miles shed tears profusely, her voice trembling as she pleaded. "Perry, please… I'm so sorry. Please forgive my foolishness. I… I was wrong."
Perry, who was gulping wine directly from the bottle, paused for a moment. He frowned slightly, scrutinizing the figure kneeling before him. His frown deepened. Yes, the face looked so much like Lilian's, but something was off. This woman was nothing like his Lilian. Is this person trying to impersonate her?
Just as his anger began to rise, a commotion erupted at the door. Perry turned to see his assistant Fred Colton and two bodyguards struggling with another Lilian, dragging her toward him.
Everyone froze in shock. Brenda's heart raced, her hatred for Lilian skyrocketing as she fumed silently. She dared not reveal her anger. Avery, who was also present, watched carefully. She saw Brenda kneeling and, with one glance, recognized her as a fake. Avery Macdonald had known Lilian Asienwegher for two decades. She knew her like the back of her hand. All she needed to do was master Lilian's voice — and she had.
Avery sneered inwardly, glaring at the other impostor with contempt. Brenda, meanwhile, looked at Perry and saw that his eyes never left the second Lilian. She knew instantly that he never doubted the latter. Still, she refused to give up. She turned to Fred and asked, "What's going on here?"
Avery sneered again in her heart but kept her composure. She looked at Perry, whose eyes already revealed his acceptance of her, and reminded herself to act carefully. She imitated Lilian's charming, calm smile, then deliberately addressed Fred. "Assist…" She paused, pretending to slip, then forced a smile. "Master, can you see? The person you're looking for is here — not me."
Perry's heart stirred. He looked at the girl struggling to escape, his emotions mixed. He was certain this was his Lilian. He could never mistake her voice.
Even Fred believed the latter was real. They had caught her sneaking at the train station, planning to leave the country. From the start, she protested, refusing to admit she was Lilian. Only after they got into the car did she confess, begging them to let her go. But now, seeing someone willing to take her place, she continued pretending, hoping to fool Perry.
As everyone wrestled with their thoughts, Brenda's voice broke the silence. "Yes, she is right, Perry. I'm Lilian Asie—"
Perry cut her off. He no longer wanted to listen to this fool. He walked past Brenda straight to Avery, hugging her tightly. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, sobbing happily as he inhaled the intoxicating scent he knew so well.
"This is my Lilian," he thought. "She is finally back in my arms. I will cherish her, protect her, and never scare her away again."
His voice choked as he whispered in her ear, "Lilian, I missed you so much. Please don't leave me again. I won't make you sad or hurt you anymore."
Avery stood stiffly in Perry's embrace, secretly delighted with her brilliant plan. She told herself that by the time Perry realized she was a fake, he would already have fallen in love with her, married her, and had children with her.
Summoning her strength, she pushed him away. Brenda screamed and shouted in frustration. Avery looked at Perry coldly and said, "Please, Mr. Jerome, have respect for ladies."
Perry did not get angry. Instead, he smiled, nodded, and raised his hands. "Okay, I will listen to you." His eyes softened. "Let me take you to your room to rest."
Avery reluctantly followed him to the elevator. They ascended to the eighth floor, where Perry opened the master bedroom. Without hesitation, he scooped her off the ground and carried her straight to the bed. Avery lightly hit his chest, but Perry felt no pain. Instead, he laughed heartily, feeling tingles in his chest. He cuddled her in his arms and kissed her passionately.
Just as his hand reached beneath Avery's clothing, she quickly grabbed his fingers. "I need to take a shower," she said firmly.
Perry sighed, reluctantly letting go. But as soon as she stepped into the bathroom, he followed.
---
Inside, Perry's eyes fell on the small mole beneath her right breast. He froze. This is unquestionably Lilian, he thought. He had been with her for months and knew every part of her body. Seeing the mole confirmed his belief.
Avery smirked inwardly. She knew Perry was familiar with Lilian's body and believed that once he saw the mole, he would be convinced she was Lilian Asienwegher. She allowed him to continue, confident in her deception.
But to her surprise, as soon as Perry pushed himself inside her, he paused. He did not move for several seconds. His expression shifted, as though something was wrong. Then, shockingly, his arousal faded. His earlier erection shrank, wilting like a withered flower.
Avery's face turned pale. Is this the reason Perry Jerome never touched other women since meeting Lilian Asienwegher? she thought. Hatred filled her heart. She cursed Lilian silently. How much influence do you have over him?
When Perry stood up, Avery tried to remain calm, hiding her panic. "What happened?" she asked softly.
Perry looked at her casually, smiling faintly. "I have some things to do right away. Go ahead and shower." Without another word, he walked out of the bathroom.
Avery sighed in relief. Perry had not suspected her. She convinced herself that since he mistook her for Lilian, his lack of reaction was only a matter of the heart. As long as he was not impotent, she believed she could still win him.