Chapter 175: The Gaze of the Powerful
Tears slipped down Owen’s cheeks. His face, filled with despair, looked as though he could already see the downfall of the Saunders family.
“Hah,” Yunice let out a cold laugh. “How many surgeries do you even perform in a year? Let’s be honest. You and Elsie were never good in the medicine industry. Now you want to use your injuries to cover up your own incompetence?”
“You…!” Owen’s fragile pride shattered. Enraged, he raised his hand to strike her. But Yunice grabbed a porcelain cup from the table to defend herself.
Before they could clash, Lily threw herself between them, sobbing uncontrollably. “Stop it, both of you! Elsie’s passed out. We need to get her to the hospital!”
Owen flung her off angrily, scooped Elsie into his arms, and left the Powell mansion in a panic. Yunice had arrived with the Saunders family, but she left alone.
As she stepped over the threshold of the Powell mansion, fresh finger marks still visible on her neck, she expected to see Gill waiting outside. Instead, it was Taylor’s people.
“Ms. Saunders, Ms. Taylor would like to invite you for coffee. Would you honor her?”
Yunice looked toward the luxury car. The window lowered, revealing Taylor’s face, its red lips in icy elegance. They locked eyes. Yunice had dealt with Taylor before and knew something of her character, so she nodded.
At a high-end café in Silverburgh, just one pot of coffee cost thousands. Taylor casually ordered a few desserts, then glanced up at Yunice while passing her the menu.
The first time she met Yunice was at Virtue Hall, during an argument with Dr. Rylie. Back then, Gan Paul had introduced her as a friend’s little sister. She had worn plain clothes and had a small, porcelain-pale face. She was an unremarkable girl, clean like a glass of water. That was Taylor’s first impression: simple and forgettable.
The second time was at the Powell family banquet. She wore a princess dress and stood beside Wyatt, catching a two-meter-long macaw with ease. That’s when Taylor saw the strength beneath the surface.
Today was the third meeting, and this time, what struck her was Yunice’s calm. Her clothes were still simple. Her long black hair was neatly tucked behind her ears, making her… a man.
There was only one likely culprit. Taylor frowned. She once had a good opinion of Owen, thinking him a refined gentleman. Turns out, he was just another abuser.
Maybe I’m cursed to attract trash, like all those in power. Taylor did not bother to look discreetly when she was curious. Instead, she stared openly. Most people would squirm under such a gaze. Yunice? She sipped her coffee without flinching.
A faint smile touched Taylor’s eyes. “You remind me of someone I know.”
At those words, Yunice’s eyes flickered, but were barely noticeable. Taylor truly thought Yunice resembled Dr. Rylie. Both quiet, calm, and unshakeable. And even though Yunice had no idea why she had been summoned, she did not question it. Taylor appreciated that. She did not want to reveal her illness or mention Dr. Rylie at all.
Stirring her coffee with the spoon, Taylor said, “Sorry to disappoint, but I still plan to marry Paul.”
Yunice’s brow furrowed deeply. She set her cup down and looked at her seriously.
Taylor continued, “I can tell that you put on that whole show today just to open my eyes to what the Powell family is really like, hoping I’d back off.” Her gaze sharpened. “Was that Wyatt’s idea?”
Yunice knew that suspicion came naturally to the powerful, but Taylor had clearly overthought it. She replied, “My relationship with Wyatt isn’t as close as you imagine. He doesn’t need me to act on his behalf. And Paul’s character is indeed garbage. That much doesn’t need scheming.”
Taylor suddenly laughed. Yunice blinked, unsure which part she found amusing.
“I did see one thing clearly,” Taylor said. “You really do despise Paul.”
Then, her smile vanished. She extended a hand toward Yunice. “Ms. Saunders, I look forward to having you as a rival.”
Yunice was stunned. “You really plan to marry him?”
Taylor said, “Whether your warning came from kindness or calculation, I appreciate it. But let’s be honest. How many young men in Silverburgh can match my family’s power? Every household…”
In that moment, Yunice felt like she had been schooled.
Taylor declared boldly, “Jackson is already fading. Paul is unfit to lead. If I can carve out power in the Powell family and rise to the top, that will be my real accomplishment.”