Perry, on the other hand, did not suspect the Lilian in his bedroom. He convinced himself that perhaps his body had failed to react because he missed her too much. He reassured himself that, in time, he would surely accept her. But time after time, the results remained the same.
He consulted many doctors specializing in such matters. Most concluded that his lack of sexual interest was due to psychological issues. Perry's assistant even brought renowned psychologists from around the world. Yet, after extensive examinations and treatments, his condition remained unchanged.
Gradually, Perry began avoiding the so‑called Lilian. Sometimes, they would not see each other for over a month. He could not understand the problem. The woman had everything identical to his Lilian, yet something was missing. He even blamed his own carelessness for allowing Lilian to escape in the first place.
Avery, meanwhile, cared only about keeping her secret hidden and enjoying the luxurious life she now lived. Nothing else mattered. She planned to extract as much money as possible from Perry before disappearing, returning to her normal life as Avery without anyone noticing.
She had not truly cut off her face and replaced it with Lilian's. The doctor she hired was an expert. He created a human‑skin‑like plastic mask that looked exactly like Lilian's face. Avery glued it to her own, and even experts would struggle to detect it was fake. However, the glue would wear out within a year. If she removed the mask prematurely, it could cause tremendous, irreversible damage to her face. Avery knew she had limited time, so she intended to make a fortune before the mask failed.
---
Perry, following his father's advice, tried to win Lilian's heart again. He spoiled her, showering her with gifts, even things she never asked for. Avery was over the moon, her happiness soaring to cloud nine.
Within three months, she had amassed a fortune from Perry's monthly allowances and the golden credit card he gave her, its pin set to Lilian Asienwegher's birthday. Avery's greed grew, and she basked in the wealth and luxury.
---
Meanwhile, in Atherton City, Lilian continued her work at the luxury goods and services company. She still wore her full covering, even though the search for her had ceased. She walked into her office with Elsie trailing behind. Just as she was about to speak, her secretary entered with the day's newspaper, placing it on the desk.
"Good morning, President Asienwegher. This is today's newspaper," the secretary said.
Though Lilian did not habitually read newspapers or follow the news, her secretary updated her daily. Today, however, she wanted to read it herself, since the company's first debut had been held the previous night.
She nodded casually, picked up the newspaper, and listened as the secretary reported the day's schedule. Lilian nodded again, waved her hand, and dismissed her. "You may return to your office."
The secretary left. Lilian skimmed the article about her company, smiling with satisfaction. She flipped through a few more pages, quickly losing interest, and tossed the paper aside.
But then something caught her eye. Shocked, she grabbed the newspaper again and stared angrily at a picture on the back page. Her eyes blazed with hatred as she read the article.
---
"Another one of his games to trick young girls into destruction," Lilian sneered, her voice filled with venom.
Elsie, surprised, looked at the paper and asked, "Do you know Professor Edmund Bert?"
Lilian twisted her lips into a cold smile that did not reach her eyes. "He is one of Perry's best merchants in trafficking young university girls for auction."
Elsie staggered, nearly losing her balance, staring at Lilian with her mouth agape.
Lilian continued, her voice sharp. "He often brings the most beautiful and attractive young girls for auction. The last time I witnessed it, there were three. Among them was a stunning girl, barely eighteen, perhaps nineteen at most. She was bought for fifty million dollars. I heard that after her buyer slept with her for a day, he gave her to his horse… to violate her to death."
Elsie screamed in horror. "What the hell! Oh no, Lilian, you must be mistaken about Professor Bert, right?"
Lilian sniffed a laugh, nodding slightly, but her eyes remained cold. "Find out the address of the venue where he is hosting this so‑called seminar." She stood abruptly, her voice icy. "I won't let you get away with your crimes, Edmund."
Elsie grew curious. "So what are you planning to do?"
Lilian's tone was firm. "Let's go to the venue. You will see for yourself."
---
Elsie grabbed Lilian's hand, her voice urgent. "Lilian, wait. I found the venue, but we can't go there. Even if we try, we won't be allowed in unless we have their membership card."
Lilian replied nonchalantly, "Then let's buy it." She kept walking toward her personal elevator, not stopping. Elsie hurried after her, trying to explain.
"It's not that easy to acquire the membership card," Elsie said breathlessly as they entered the elevator. "You have to be a regular at their recreational activities for at least three months. And you must win at least three matches."
Lilian squinted her eyes. "What activities are in the club?"
Elsie quickly searched her iPhone, listing them. "Car racing, horse racing… in fact, both indoor and outdoor activities."
Lilian nodded silently, saying nothing more until they reached the car. She ordered the driver, "Take us to the mall."
Elsie looked at her curiously, then slowly began to understand Lilian's plan. The driver started the car and drove away.