Chapter 517

Darkness enveloped Corey as Libby approached with a coat. "Mr. Hampton, drive safely," she said. Silent, he took one last glance at Gemma lying on the sofa before leaving, his heart heavy.

Only when the car engine started did Gemma stir, her sobs quiet and sorrowful. Libby quickly comforted her. "Is it the pain again, Miss Hampton?"

Gemma raised her tear-streaked face. "I'm not in pain," she whispered, her voice filled with regret. "I just wish I hadn't pretended to sleep. I could have spent more time with Corey."

During his drive, Corey felt an unexpected urge to find the song Alicia had performed. He learned that during Lilliana's peak popularity, she had lip-synced; the vocals and lyrics were actually Alicia's. As Alicia's soft, familiar voice filled the car, Corey, despite not being a music enthusiast, found himself deeply admiring her talent. The song's captivating melody and vocals made clear both its role in Lilliana's rise and the source of Lilliana's resentment after her own fame faded.

As Corey descended the mountain, sunlight streamed through the car windows, blurring city lights and moonlight. He watched the flickering lights in the high-rises, each representing a home. The song's lyrics echoed softly: "Gaze at the bright moon above, and see the city lights below." Yet Corey knew maintaining his own home required far more effort than most.

Back at the company, Corey found Yolanda already back from the hospital. A ribbon concealed the severe marks on her neck. She tossed a USB drive at him. "This is from my client. Enjoy it," she said, her pale face and eerie smile unsettling.

"What's on it?" Corey demanded, having no patience for riddles.

"What do you think?" Yolanda snapped, applying lipstick. "Don't tell me you've forgotten our recent project? It's from those corrupt men. Stunning robots. They're utterly enchanted by them."

Corey plugged the drive into his computer. The video showed upgraded robots with expressions and voices strikingly resembling Caden's mother, but the portrayal was offensive and distorted, a far cry from the dignified woman she was. Disgusted, he closed the video.

"Is this just for my eyes?" he asked.

"I've already sent a copy to Joy Mansion," Yolanda said harshly. "Caden's grandmother has probably seen it by now."

A hint of amusement flickered in Corey's eyes at her ruthlessness. "Just imagining how that old woman feels thrills me," Yolanda continued, "To see her treasured daughter debased like this. It must be crushing her heart."