Vera endured years of emotional cruelty and physical disfigurement after a childhood incident left an experimental blemish on her cheek while saving Thorne. Despite their arranged union, Thorne repeatedly insults her appearance and conducts a brazen affair with her treacherous rival, eventually causing Vera grave bodily harm and denying her lifesaving medical authorization.
Having severed all emotional ties, Vera heals her facial scars and departs abroad to build a brilliant scientific career. Three years later, she steps into the domestic arena as a celebrated bioscientist armed with irrefutable evidence against the rivals who stole her intellectual labor. As Thorne grovels on his knees, Vera chooses independence and groundbreaking discovery over petty reconciliation.
