Phoebe sat on the bed, hugging her knees. Now, only two paths lay before her—either surrender herself to Elliott or leave.
Deep down, she knew that while she held affection for Elliott, she could never forget William Rockefeller. She stared at the cryptic note in her hand, her thoughts drifting back to the past—her first meeting with William, their bond, their love. Then she recalled Elliott's devotion, his patience, his fierce protectiveness, the way he had sworn to shield her at all costs.
With a sigh, Phoebe rose and began dressing, packing her belongings. Fate will decide, she thought. If it is not yet my time to perish, we will meet again.
Outside her room, Simon, Lucas, and Grace waited anxiously. When Phoebe emerged with her luggage, they were stunned—how could she leave at such a critical moment, after all her earlier vows?
Phoebe approached Simon. "I will save him," she said. "Prepare what you must, Grand Physician. But I have one condition."
She glanced at Lucas and Grace, then sighed. "You must keep this from him. Let him never know it was I who saved him. And you must conceal my identity—especially from the disciples of your Beggar Sect."
Lucas frowned. Why such secrecy? Did they not care for each other? Phoebe seemed to read his thoughts and smiled faintly. "I once loved a man deeply," she explained. "But he was a libertine, never without women at his side. His sweet words grew hollow, and I distanced myself—yet he had already taken me as his wife." She paused, exhaling sharply, and noticed Lucas and the others tense.
"That day, I followed my husband to his lover's residence. Two other women arrived, seeking vengeance. Just as they were about to storm inside, Elliott appeared. Only then did I learn he was the lady's retainer. Words turned to blows..."
A soft laugh escaped her as she recalled how Elliott had playfully taken advantage of the chaos during the fight. "Later, I chased him into a cave. He seemed to understand me completely—he recited a poem I will never forget. It unraveled years of bitterness in my heart. Faced with such tenderness, I was moved."
Her voice turned bitter. "Days later, we wandered the streets of Wuxi—only to cross paths with my former husband. Men being men, they clashed instantly. I hesitated—one was my past love, the other had stirred my soul. In the end, I sided with the man I once loved... and that is why Elliott lies wounded now." Tears choked her words.
She had wronged Elliott deeply. The others finally understood.
Lucas suddenly remembered—rumors of a martial clash in Wuxi had reached him, but he had been too focused on seeking Simon's aid to investigate.
After a moment, Phoebe steadied herself. "My true identity may shock you. And my bond with Elliott... it can never be. After I save him today, I must leave. Never speak of me again."
They didn't understand—until her next words struck them like thunder.
"The martial world knows me as Phoebe, but my Daoist name is 'Jade Void Wanderer.' I am of the Rockefeller family—William Rockefeller's wife, the Duchess Duan."
Lucas and the others reeled. This was beyond belief. "Then you are... Henry Rockefeller's mother?" Lucas asked hoarsely.
Phoebe nodded. It was surreal—she appeared no older than twenty-eight, nearly thirty, yet she had a son as grown as Henry. A twisted fate indeed.
Lucas exhaled sharply. "You have my word. Even if I die, Elliott will never learn of this."
Grateful, Phoebe turned to Simon. "Let us begin."