My coldhearted ex demands a remarriage

Chapter 899:

This man had always looked out for her. To her, he had meant more than even the Hinks couple. More than anyone else in the world.

Alethea had grown into high society, had been pursued by countless wealthy men, but none of them had ever moved her. Not even Kristopher. The man that most women idolized? He had never captivated her for even a moment.

Because her heart had always belonged to someone else. To him. She didn’t even know his name. She never thought that after so many years, she would meet him again.

She hadn’t even noticed how her breathing had quickened. She hadn’t even greeted the Hinks couple. Her entire focus was on him.

The Hinks couple, oblivious to her reaction, smiled warmly. “Alethea,” Mr. Hinks said, “come meet Mr. Kyson Webster.”

Alethea quickly regained her composure. Putting on her best demeanor, she greeted her parents first. “Mom, Dad.”noveldrama

Then, turning to Kyson, she stepped forward and extended her hand. “Hello, Mr. Webster. You look familiar. Have we met before?”

Inside, her heart was screaming. She wanted to ask him directly—”Do you remember me? Do you remember that orphanage? Do you remember the little girl you once protected?”

But reason held her back. If she showed too much emotion, not only would she startle Kyson, but she might also displease her parents. Kyson rose to his feet and shook her hand lightly, polite and distant. “I heard from your father that you studied abroad, Miss Hinks. I’ve given lectures at various universities—perhaps we crossed paths there.”

He released her fingertips just as quickly as he had taken them.

Alethea lowered her gaze, staring at her empty hand, as if she could still feel the warmth he had left behind. A wave of disappointment washed over her. She had waited so many years for this moment, for a chance to reconnect. And yet, Kyson didn’t remember her at all. Still, she forced a small smile, stepping back toward her parents and taking her seat. “Perhaps,” she murmured.

But she knew the truth. She had never attended university lectures or club events. She had spent her years studying relentlessly, sacrificing her social life because she had something to prove.

The Hinks family had chosen her not out of kindness but because she resembled her adoptive father’s late mother.

But as she grew older, the resemblance faded. And with it, so did her adoptive father’s affection. She had felt it—the way his gaze had grown colder, how he had become more distant. She understood then that if she truly wanted to be part of the Hinks family, she had to become valuable.

The Hinks couple couldn’t have children, so the only way she could secure her place permanently was by being indispensable as their only heir.

And so, she worked twice as hard as others. She poured herself into her studies, mastering not just academics but every refined skill a wealthy heiress should have—music, chess, calligraphy, painting, horseback riding, skiing, and golf.

She had learned the hard way that kindness was a weakness. Back at the orphanage, she had tried being kind—only to be bullied for it. She wouldn’t make that mistake again.

Meanwhile, her parents were deep in conversation with Kyson, discussing their latest philanthropy project. Like most wealthy families, the Hinks didn’t believe in blindly donating money for a good reputation.

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