Ceryl's Comeback in Woodspine Heights Free Preview

Winter had arrived at Woodspine Heights, and the cold night wind cut like a blade against one's cheeks.

On a narrow path, a young girl wearing a thin, beige linen robe walked into a dilapidated inn on the city's outskirts while carrying a square suitcase.

After a day and night of traveling, Wendy Clark finally returned from 600 miles away in the countryside.

Despite the winding journey, her fair little face still radiated delicate and pure beauty.

Originally, she should've arrived home in the afternoon. However, because her family organized a birthday party to celebrate her stepsister's twentieth birthday at home, her father arranged for her to stay in this remote inn temporarily, fearing that she would embarrass their entire family.

Twenty years ago, her mother passed away due to excessive bleeding during childbirth, and from the moment she was born, she was abandoned and sent to live with her grandmother in the countryside.

If it weren't for the Clarks' hard-earned connection with the Willoughbys and their plan to arrange her marriage with the scion of the Willoughby Family, it was unlikely her father would even remember he still had a daughter who was thousands of miles away.

Word is that the Willoughby Family's scion is terminally ill and doesn't have many years left to live. At that, Wendy smirked cynically. Well, aren't they just turning me into a widow by marrying me off at a time like this…

The inn had seen better days; even the door creaked when it was pushed open.

The moment Wendy switched the lights on, a plump rat leisurely scurried past her. The young girl remained calm and composed, setting down her luggage before going to freshen up.

Once she tidied herself, she took a medical book out of her suitcase and began reading while sitting on the bed.

Lost in her reading, she suddenly heard a rustling sound from outside the door, but she paid little attention to it, assuming it was the same chubby rat from earlier.

Lo and behold, the already unreliable door slammed open with a bang the next second, and a tall, slender man in a black trench coat staggered in, clutching his chest.

Wendy immediately threw on her clothes and got off the bed, concealing a silver needle in her right palm as she cautiously approached the man lying unconscious at the entrance. A pool of fresh blood had already formed beneath him.

Wendy assumed he was no good man. Well, anyone would think so when a heavily injured stranger barged in unexpectedly into one's space in the dead of night, but at the thought of her grandmother's words about the compassion of a healer, she ultimately decided to save the man after a moment's hesitation.

It was a little tough, but she eventually managed to drag him onto the bed.

Using the silver needle to stop the bleeding and swiftly bandaging the wounds, this kind of injury posed no challenge to her. Within half an hour, the man's breathing became stable.

Wendy breathed a sigh of relief at that, and her gaze fell on the man's face.

Even in his unconscious state, his pale complexion still failed to conceal his exquisitely beautiful features.

In a daze, the man's eyelashes trembled slightly, and a faint herbal fragrance wafted into his nose, making his tightly furrowed brows finally relax.

The last thing he remembered before losing consciousness was a glimpse of a girl with braided hair, her features indistinct.

…

The next day, as the morning light filled the empty and desolate inn, Patrick Willoughby opened his eyes. Apart from the worn-out furnishings, there was no one in sight.

He glanced toward the wound on his chest. It had indeed been bandaged, and from the way it was dressed, it was evident the young woman from the night before was competent.

There was still a faint medicinal scent emanating from the gauze covering his chest.

Turns out last night wasn't a dream. A lady had indeed saved me. However, when he looked around, the girl was nowhere to be found.

Patrick got out of bed, and as he did so, his attention was drawn to an acupuncture doll at his feet. Did she leave this behind?

While he was lost in thought, the dilapidated door pushed open, and a man dressed in black approached Patrick worriedly. "Apologies for my late arrival, Mr. Willoughby! The people who attacked you last night have all been apprehended!"

However, it was as though Patrick didn't hear him at all. His attention was still on the acupuncture doll in his hand. When he sniffed it, he could smell the faint identical herbal smell.

The lady from last night must've left this behind.

"Find out the name of the woman who stayed in this room last night." Patrick's gaze grew deep and determined. "Do it now."

"Yes, sir!" Ray obliged and immediately went to the front desk, asking the innkeeper for the surveillance footage.

Oddly enough, all the surveillance footage from last night until this morning had been completely erased.

Furthermore, inns like these weren't legitimate and did not require any official IDs for check-in, so not a single clue could be found.

Patrick furrowed his brows slightly upon learning of the result, and a hint of disappointment flashed across his eyes.

He couldn't understand why, but the stranger from last night reminded him of a certain little girl from his past.

I have to find her no matter what!

Wendy left the inn bright and early, and at this point, she had walked several miles with her suitcase until she finally caught up with the bus heading into the city.

After taking her seat, she double-checked that the surveillance had been completely erased before putting her tablet away with an eased mind.

She had made a decision when she set out from the inn.

The man from last night is evidently no average Joe when he could be hunted down in such wilderness. Grandma also often reminded me when she was still alive that I should never be too conspicuous and must be cautious at all times. Hence, I should stay far away from people like him.

She didn't want any trouble either when she had something pressing awaiting her in Woodspine Heights.

Moreover, there was a major event awaiting her at the Clark Residence.

The Clark Residence, when looked at, exuded a joyful atmosphere.

The entire town of Woodspine Heights knew that the Clarks were marrying off their eldest daughter.

Ceryl Clark, Wendy's stepsister, wore nothing but grimness on her face when she saw Wendy, the bride, all dolled up.

This is outrageous! How can a country bumpkin like her look so radiant and capture everyone's attention after putting on makeup?! Hmph, if the days of (the) scion of the Willoughby Family weren't numbered, this country bumpkin wouldn't have gotten the chance to marry into the city!

She huffed and sneered. "You're a jinx. Whoever gets close to you will be bound to be unlucky! Thanks to you, your mother died twenty years ago, and I bet you'll also kill your man soon!"

However, Wendy was unfazed, making nothing of Ceryl's snarky remarks as she calmly adjusted the hem of her wedding dress and stood up from the chair.

A faint, indifferent smile appeared on her fair face as she passed by Ceryl and whispered, "Is that so? Then you should be careful, my dear sister."

"You!" Ceryl's eyes widened, her face turning red with anger.

Who do you think you are to act so smugly?! You'll end up a widow even if you marry into the purple! Let's see how an ugly duckling like you can remain smug.

Jealousy burned beneath Ceryl's eyes as she bore into Wendy's slender back.

That cursed wench! How can a country bumpkin also have an attractive back?!

The bridal car came to a stop in front of the Clark Residence, and Wendy's stepmother, Libby Sutton, went up to Wendy while holding hands with Wendy's father, Oliver Clark, advising her to obey her husband after getting married.

Wendy nodded obediently in response.

"Am I the only one going, though?" A hint of confusion flashed across Wendy's crystal-clear eyes as she was about to board the car.

At that, Libby quickly made an excuse, saying, "There are so many guests at home. You should go ahead of us. Your father and I will visit you another time."

With that, she urged the chauffeur to drive.

Rumors had it that the scion of the Willoughby Family had a poor mind and a short life, but he had a hot temper. The last thing Libby wanted was to get involved in any trouble.

Wendy understood at once. This woman sure is heartless. She sends me into the lion's den that is the Willoughby Family while she and her daughter steers clear of it. Huh, how interesting. Let's see how terrifying this unapproachable scion of the Willoughby Family is.

Meanwhile, Libby heaved a sigh of relief as she watched the bridal car disappear into the distance.

Ceryl, on the other hand, finally ambled to her mother's side when she saw the jinx had left. "Hmph, as expected of a country bumpkin. Look at how happy she is even when she is to marry a short-lived idiot."

So what even if she's pretty?!

A trace of joy flickered in Libby's eyes as she said, "If it isn't that she's an oblivious country bumpkin, she wouldn't be worthy of the short-lived Willoughby either. The way I see it, they're a perfect match! I sure have a good eye, right, dear?"

She shook Oliver's arm to share the credit.

The man nodded in agreement. It indeed was thanks to Libby's brilliant idea that the whole plan ended so perfectly.

Now, not only were they in-laws with the Willoughbys, but his precious younger daughter didn't have to suffer either. It was indeed a win-win situation!

The bridal car drove for a long time before finally arriving at the luxurious Indigo Sanctuary in the affluent neighborhood.

The large mansion was eerily quiet with not a soul in sight, and Wendy waited in the bridal chamber until midnight, but the groom never showed up.

Tired of waiting, she took off the heavy jewelry and changed out of her wedding gown, having no intention of waiting any longer.

I'm famished!

Since returning to the Clark Residence bright and early that morning, she was immediately taken away for makeup and dressing. The servants didn't even bother to offer her a glass of water, let alone a meal.

After sneaking out of the bridal chamber and down the stairs, she searched for the kitchen and finally found it after a long while.

It was pitch black when she found it, with only slivers of moonlight filtering through the windows.

She traversed cautiously in the dark to find a silhouette approaching her from the left wall just as she opened the fridge.

The thieves in Woodspine Heights sure are audacious. To think they'd even dare break into the mansions in the affluent neighborhood, she mused.

At that, Wendy calmly closed the door and took a bite of her bread. Sensing the approaching presence behind her, she smirked and swiftly jabbed the silver needle from her palm into the man's neck.

With a muffled groan, the man collapsed onto the floor.

She turned the lights on at once and was stumped when the warm lighting immediately illuminated the dashing face.

What the heck?! It's the guy I saved last night! But what is he doing here?!

Outside the kitchen, Eric Winters, the butler, was patrolling with several subordinates.

Lo and behold, strange noises came from the kitchen as soon as they reached the living room. They hurriedly investigated it to find his employer lying unconsciously on the cold, hard floor.

Shocked, Eric rushed over to the man at once. "What's going on? What happened to Mr. Patrick?!"

Mr. Patrick? Huh, to think the man I saved last night happened to be Patrick, the short-lived Willoughby!

Wendy wore an unruffled expression on her face as she took a big bite of her bread, savoring the taste of wheat on her tongue. Soon, she felt the emptiness in her stomach being partially filled.

"I don't know. Maybe he passed out from starvation," she said before walking out of the kitchen, heading back upstairs.

Eric gazed blankly at the slender figure but couldn't care for anything else at the moment as he quickly beckoned at the several subordinates, saying, "Quick! Take Mr. Patrick back to his room."

In the second-floor bedroom, Patrick sank deep into the white sheets, and his chestnut-colored tousled hair rested on his thick, dark eyebrows. Even in his sleep, the man remained outrageously handsome.

In a daze, the familiar scent of medicine once again filled his nostrils.

Meanwhile, a notification sounded by the bed. Wendy glanced at the screen to find a text message from Nightshade. 'Miss Clark, there will be an auction for the medical canon tomorrow evening at the downtown exhibition hall. Will you be going?'

'Of course!' She swiftly typed out the response and sent it.

After putting her phone away, Wendy propped her chin up and gazed curiously at the man on the bed.

You have to admit that he's pretty good-looking. Too bad he's lacking in the health department, though.

Just as she was captivated, the man suddenly opened his eyes.

Their eyes met, and his alert gaze locked onto Wendy's innocent face.

"Who are you? How dare you enter my bedroom?!" Patrick squinted his long, piercing eyes, his voice bone-chilling.

Wendy quirked a brow in response and answered matter-of-factly, "I'm your bride, of course."

My bride? Patrick frowned with displeasure. Huh, so it's her. A woman who can sell herself away to resolve a company crisis.

"Get out." His voice clearly conveyed his annoyance. "You're not allowed to set foot in this bedroom anymore."

At that, he felt his sore neck. He vaguely remembered someone stabbing his neck with a needle in the kitchen last night, causing him to pass out.

It must've been this damn woman!

However, Wendy remained unmoving, looking puzzled. "Where am I supposed to sleep, then?"

"There's a servant's room downstairs," replied Patrick with zero patience.

"Oh, okay," Wendy answered benignly, her fair and delicate face showing no signs of unhappiness as she got up and grabbed her little luggage, heading out without even looking back.

She didn't care about marrying him anyway, so it didn't matter which room she lived in. After all, having a roof over her head was always better than having none.

"Wait," Patrick called out to her almost involuntarily as the lingering scent of herbal medicine around his nose reminded him of the girl who had saved him last night.

Wendy stopped in her tracks but couldn't be bothered to turn around and look at him.

"Did you save a man last night?"

Wendy was taken aback. Does he know it was me?

That said, she recovered very quickly from her stupefaction. She hadn't forgotten her grandmother's admonition, which was to never reveal her medical knowledge to anyone.

"No, you've been mistaken. I don't do charity, so why would I save someone?"

Patrick furrowed his brows upon hearing her blunt denial, and a hint of nervousness flashed across his head, leaving only restlessness shimmering in his raven-black eyes. "Get lost, then."

At that, Wendy snorted impassively and dragged her suitcase out of the room.

Well, how pragmatic of him. Then again, he seems very different from the rumored ill-tempered and short-lived guy.

She had checked his pulse earlier, and it indicated a strong vitality. Apart from some energy depletion due to last night's injury, he was completely fine.

Huh, it looks like Libby miscalculated this time after plotting for so many years. I wonder how they'll react if they find out their precious Ceryl has missed out on such a wealthy and attractive man. This is getting fun…

Wendy reorganized her belongings after moving to the servant's quarters, only to be stunned when she saw the exquisitely carved Citrine pendant lying in the compartment.

Before her grandmother passed away, she had repeatedly urged Wendy to find the owner of this pendant, for only he could unlock the most crucial secret in the medical canon.

This was also her main purpose for returning to Woodspine Heights this time.

Before returning, she had conducted numerous searches on the global network for a man named Orion Ford, investigating his whereabouts. However, there was only one final result—he died in a car accident three years ago.

How am I to find a dead man?!

It had always baffled Wendy that her mother's medical canon's secret would require an outsider to unravel.

At the same time, Ray, who had been summoned, drove to the villa at the fastest speed and entered Patrick's study. "Sir!"

Patrick stood by the window, dressed in gray silk pajamas with gold trimmings. Upon hearing Ray's voice, he looked in his direction, slightly squinting. "How did it go?"

"We've gathered a dozen or so genius hackers as you've ordered." Ray appeared troubled. "But no one can recover the lost footage…"

Patrick slowly turned around at that, his face enveloped in displeasure. "Genius? More like idiots! What good are they as hackers when they can't even restore surveillance footage?!"

Ray was stupefied. He hadn't expected Patrick to be so concerned about the matter, and he certainly didn't expect him to lose his composure over a woman.

Is this still the imposing and indifferent Mr. Willoughby? He hasn't fallen in love with that woman, has he? Or why would he be so persistent and go to any lengths to find her?

While he was lost in thought, Patrick's voice traveled to his ears. "Since they're a useless bunch, go find Moriarty. Someone who can single-handedly defeat the world's top hackers must have some skills."

Moriarty?

Once reminded, Ray instantly remembered the said person.

Moriarty was the code name of the legendary hacker, and his position in the hacker world was paramount. However, no one has ever seen him in person.

Patrick crossed his arms and took two steps forward, wearing an unusually determined expression. "Listen, I now command you to spare no expense in finding this person!"

Looks like Mr. Willoughby is determined to restore the inn's footage with no room for negotiation.

Ray nodded in acknowledgment and replied, "I will contact him at once!"

After the door was closed, Patrick let out a gentle sigh and turned to the floor-to-ceiling window.

Hazy images flashed in his head as he gazed at the bright lights in the courtyard.

Though he didn't manage to see the face of the young woman who saved her the other night, he couldn't shake off the inexplicable sense of familiarity.

It was as if he had run into the little girl he had missed so much.

After a moment of silence, he slowly pulled out the Citrine pendant he kept close to him at all times, his dark eyes filled with a deep gaze.

"Are you still alive, Kiddo?"

Just then, the phone in his pocket vibrated. He checked it to find it was a message from Ray. 'By the way, sir, the auction of the medical canon is tomorrow night. Will you be attending?'

If Ray hadn't reminded him, he'd really have forgotten about the important event.

The medical canon was the only thing the little girl's mother left behind and her only cherished possession. So, he would spare no expense to acquire it even if she was nowhere to be found now.

'Yes!' He typed at once.

At this moment, he wasn't Patrick, the influential figure who dominated Woodspine Heights, but Orion, the one who had once vowed to protect the little girl for a lifetime!

Three years ago, a deliberate car accident claimed the life of Orion Ford, the prodigy who controlled the entire Shieast economic market. But who'd have thought that his soul would be reborn into Patrick Willoughby, the affluent scion of Woodspine Heights?

Now, not only would he have to find Kiddo but also find the culprit who killed him and reclaim everything that was his!

The following day, Wendy had stirred and finished washing up when the warm sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains into the narrow servant's quarter.

When she arrived at the dining room and saw the table full of exquisite breakfast, she naturally walked over and sat opposite Patrick, who quirked a brow grimly in response as a hint of irritation flashed across his eyes.

Rude much?! Did I give her permission to eat at the same table as me? Looks like she's not only driven by personal gain but has no shame at all, either!

But, of course, Wendy was oblivious to Patrick's rich inner thoughts.

She kept her head down and took a bite of the delicious sandwich. With her taste buds satisfied, her mood naturally improved.

Though she had a good feeling that a certain someone was staring at her with displeasure, as the saying goes, out of sight, out of mind, she could just ignore him.

Ping!

The phone placed on the table suddenly vibrated, and Wendy took a plain gander at it.

'Miss Clark, we've received a big order. Someone is offering 7.5 million for you to restore a recording. What do you say?' Wendy read expressionlessly while eating her sandwich.

With her mind occupied on reclaiming the medical canon, she couldn't be bothered about trivial matters like this. So, she would turn it down even if she was offered ten million.

'I say no,' Wendy replied.

Almost instantly, Patrick's phone rang too.

"Sir, we just received Moriarty's reply. He has turned us down with no room for negotiation," said Ray with a hint of helplessness.

Even he was stumped that someone would reject a sky-high offer of 7.5 million. Not only that, the rejection was outright, without any consideration! Imagine how humiliated Mr. Willoughby must feel.

At that, Patrick turned grim with seething anger. To turn down 7.5 million… Huh! "They sure don't know what's good for them!"

Wendy was tilting her head back and taking a sip of milk when Patrick cursed. She took a curious glance at him in response and sniggered when she saw his grim face.

How interesting. I wonder who is so audacious to piss this man off. But why do I feel even happier now? At that, she took a big bite of her sandwich.

Indeed, a good mood, a good appetite! And I have to say he's got an excellent chef. Even the sandwiches are delicious.

Patrick, on the other hand, became even more irritated after hanging up the call.

He lifted his gaze impatiently and couldn't help feeling annoyed when he saw the woman in front of him eating so nonchalantly.

Does this woman really think this is now her home?!

Patrick lost his appetite in an instant, and as he walked out of the dining room impassively, he said to Wendy, "You deal with going home today yourself. I have no time for that."

"Okay!" Wendy nodded plainly while licking the milk at the corner of her lips contentedly.

She had no intention of returning to the Clark Residence anyway, so she didn't care if he wanted to go with her or not.

If anything, she needed to start preparing for the auction in the evening and ensure the flawless acquisition of the medical canon.

Meanwhile, Patrick grabbed his car keys and headed out after doing a quick change. He had to personally attend the auction this evening.

Wendy happened to have come out in white sportswear when the black Maserati passed by the front of the villa.

Seeing the slender figure of the woman ahead, he smirked sinisterly when he recalled her nonchalant attitude from earlier in the morning, and he deliberately stepped on the accelerator as he passed her by.

The tires rushed through a puddle, splashing the water everywhere.

"Ah!" Wendy exclaimed in fright. Despite dodging reflexively, her pristine sportswear was still splattered with dirty water.

You son of a freaking b*stard! Wendy gazed at the speeding Maserati with clenched fists and gritted teeth while noting down the license plate number.

At that, she swiftly pulled her tablet out from her backpack and snorted with displeasure.

Like to screw with me, do you? Very well, I'll show you who does it better!

Wendy operated the tablet skillfully and quickly located Patrick's vehicle using the tracking system she had developed.

In a matter of seconds, she successfully hacked into the car's navigation system, and after a series of actions, she smirked in satisfaction.

Done! Screw with me? This'll show you who's boss!