Author: Momo Chan

Everyone knew I was the one Grandpa Hayes had personally chosen for a marriage alliance. Whoever married me was destined to inherit the Hayes family empire. At the engagement party, I stood in my custom-tailored suit, ready to announce the merger of the Hayes and Davies families. But my fiancée, Chloe Hayes, was holding hands with my adopted brother, Blake Miller. She pulled him to the center of the crowd, standing shoulder to shoulder with him. “Blake and I are madly in love. He’s the only man I’ll ever marry.” “Asher Thorne is far too reckless. He’s not fit to lead the Hayes company.” The engagement changed hands; my adopted brother was now the one betrothed to Chloe. Everyone in the room looked at me with pity or scorn. But what they didn’t know was that Grandpa Hayes had picked me to marry Chloe because my mother was the heir to the powerful, discreet Thorne family. One day, I would return to the Thorne family and inherit their legacy. Since Chloe had made her choice, it was time for the Hayes family heir to change as well.

Chloe gripped Blake Miller’s hand tightly, pulling him to a halt in front of everyone. Blake gasped, trying to pull his hand back. “Chloe, sweetie, this isn’t right. Your engagement to my brother was personally set by Grandpa Hayes.” “I’m in love with you, Blake. I won’t agree to marry anyone else.” She held Blake’s hand firmly, her eyes fixed on Grandpa Hayes, who sat in the place of honor. “Grandpa, my heart has always belonged to Blake. I will only marry Blake and have him as my husband.” The guests exchanged glances, filled with sympathy and thinly veiled mockery. Everyone knew that Chloe and I had grown up together, practically childhood sweethearts, and that Grandpa Hayes had internally designated me as his grandson-in-law. But now, Chloe had publicly humiliated me in front of everyone in our social circle. Chloe’s tone was absolute. “Even though Asher and I grew up together, I’ve always seen him as nothing more than a brother. I never had any romantic feelings for him.” “Blake and I are deeply in love; we confirmed our relationship ages ago. In my heart, Blake is the only man I can ever marry. No one else.” Mr. and Mrs. Hayes’s faces paled, and they anxiously glanced at Grandpa Hayes’s expression at the head table. Chloe linked her arm through Blake’s and looked over at me, a hint of sarcasm in her eyes. “Asher, you must know I don’t feel anything for you. You wouldn’t want to force a woman who doesn’t love you into a marriage, wasting your life away, would you?” “Besides, Blake and I are already together. You can’t possibly use Grandpa’s favoritism to butt in and break us apart, can you?” I glanced at them both, then bowed respectfully to Grandpa Hayes. “Grandpa Hayes, since they are clearly in love, how could I possibly stand in the way of their happiness? Let’s grant them their wish.” “I wish Miss Hayes and my brother a lifetime of happiness together.” Chloe’s face flashed with a flicker of displeasure when she heard me say that, but Blake cautiously linked his arm through hers. “Chloe, your marriage to my brother was set by Grandpa. Won’t he be upset about this?” Chloe soothingly patted the back of Blake’s hand, murmuring softly. “Of course not. Grandpa adores me. He wouldn’t get angry with me over *him*.” “Besides, you’re the true son of the Davies family, the heir. This alliance was always meant to be between our two families. Why would we care about an outsider like him?” An outsider? Only my father and Grandpa Hayes knew my true identity. My mother was the heir to the powerful, discreet Thorne family. My father and mother had initially only had a cooperative marriage, and I would inherit the Thorne family in the future, which is why I took my mother’s surname. Moreover, she thought Blake was my father’s biological son? Grandpa Hayes frowned at Chloe’s words. “Chloe, don’t be foolish. Are you certain you want to marry Mr. Miller?” Chloe firmly slipped the ring onto Blake’s finger, then had Blake seal it with a reverent kiss on her forehead. “Grandpa, I’ve thought it through. I will marry no one but Blake Miller in this life.” Grandpa Hayes looked at Chloe with disappointment. If it were simply a matter of switching engagement partners, he wouldn’t have thought much of her. But her deliberate choice to humiliate me in front of so many people today proved that she was utterly unreliable. “Fine, have it your way then.”

Once Grandpa Hayes gave his word, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. This family alliance had invited many prominent business figures to witness the event, and everyone was eager to see how it would unfold. Amidst the whispers, Chloe took Blake’s hand and faced the assembled guests to make her announcement. “Thank you all for coming today to attend my engagement ceremony with Mr. Blake Miller.” The guests’ expressions varied; no one had expected the Hayes and Miller families to make such a public switch. My father, Mr. Davies, hadn’t anticipated this either. His face instantly darkened, and mine wasn’t much better. Yet, I forced myself to stand tall, back straight, and amidst the murmurs, I raised my glass and presented a lavish gift. “Miss Hayes just switched fiancés on the spot. She didn’t give Asher Thorne any face at all.” “Didn’t Grandpa Hayes insist on Asher Thorne being his grandson-in-law? Why did he agree to the change?” “Changing partners on the day of the engagement — that’s truly embarrassing. I wonder what he did to make Miss Hayes take such an drastic step.” The guests’ discussions weren’t quiet. My father glared at Blake, and he didn’t hold back with Chloe either. “By doing this, how much gossip will you subject your brother to?” “And you, Blake, you’re not a child anymore. Acting without considering the consequences, are you trying to slap me in the face?” Blake, chastised by my father, timidly tried to take the ring off to give it back to me. Grandpa Hayes waved him off. He guiltily patted my head and said in a low voice, “Ash, don’t worry. Grandpa Hayes will handle this for you. If you’re willing, the Hayes family has several other excellent young women.” Mr. and Mrs. Hayes overheard Grandpa’s words and simply assumed he was comforting me, so they didn’t pay much attention. What they didn’t expect was for me to point to Harper Hayes, the Hayes family’s illegitimate daughter, who was watching the spectacle from a corner. “Actually, I’ve always liked Harper. I hope Grandpa can approve of our union.” Their gazes fell on Harper, their eyes darting between her and me. Harper was Mr. Hayes’s elder brother’s illegitimate daughter. After her uncle passed away, she wasn’t well-regarded at home and lived a rather difficult life. Since she was still a Hayes by blood, Grandpa Hayes didn’t want others to say the family mistreated her, so he brought her to live with him and raised her personally. My father looked at me in shock, then whispered in my ear, “Ash, Dad knows you’re upset, but she’s an illegitimate daughter. The Hayes family doesn’t value her at all.” I nonchalantly swirled my drink, raising my glass in Harper’s direction. “She didn’t choose to be an illegitimate daughter. I think she’s perfectly fine, and I’m willing to give things a try with her.” Harper’s eyes met mine, her demeanor relaxed. “Since Mr. Thorne likes me, then let’s give it a shot.” Everyone’s gazes on me grew even more meaningful. News of the Hayes family changing partners on the spot spread rapidly through the social circle. The moment the banquet ended, I received a text from my mother. In the private room, my mother, Eleanor Thorne, hugged me tightly, her eyes glinting with displeasure as she looked at my father, Mr. Davies. “Mr. Davies, how dare you let my son suffer such a humiliation?! Do you want to lose your job?” I squeezed my mother’s hand, redirecting the conversation to the important matter. “Grandpa Hayes has found me a new fiancée. Her name is Harper Hayes, and I actually quite like her.” My father wiped the sweat from his brow and sighed again. “She’s just an illegitimate daughter, a peripheral figure in the Hayes family. Why would you choose her?” I looked at my parents’ bewildered expressions and slowly began to explain. “Grandpa Hayes and Grandpa Thorne established this marriage alliance, and I am definitely going to marry a Hayes daughter.” “Although Harper is an illegitimate daughter, she’s the most capable among the younger generation of the Hayes family, and also the smartest and most composed. From a business perspective, she is the most suitable partner for cooperation.”

“Besides, since she’s an illegitimate daughter, if I marry her, the Thorne family will be her sole foundation within the Hayes family. She certainly won’t betray me.” Currently, Blake Miller was being flattered and courted by everyone in our circle. Countless people rushed to meet and connect with him. After all, a strong alliance between the Hayes and Miller families would undoubtedly elevate their respective industries to the next level. I had no time for these matters. I was focused on completing the task my mother had assigned me abroad. One day, on Grandpa Hayes’s birthday, Blake actually sent me an invitation and called me several times, leaving me no choice but to go. The moment I stepped through the Hayes family’s front door, all eyes fell on me. I showed no hint of awkwardness, smiling as I handed the gift to the Hayes family butler. “Why is Asher Thorne here? Didn’t the engagement change?” “You don’t know? At the time, Miss Hayes insisted on switching, and he, in a fit of pique, chose to get engaged to that illegitimate daughter of the Hayes family.” “Even marrying an illegitimate daughter just to get into the Hayes family—Mr. Thorne certainly isn’t afraid to go to extremes.” Just as everyone was buzzing, Chloe Hayes appeared, grandly linked arm-in-arm with Blake Miller. Unlike her usual understated and gentle attire, she was wearing a haute couture gown today, adorned with several sets of elaborate, luxurious jewelry, making her look ostentatious but also a bit tacky. And Blake? His suit alone was worth a fortune, and the watch on his wrist was comparable to the price of a luxury mansion. He spotted me there and came over, trying to sling an arm around my shoulder in a familiar gesture. “Little brother, it’s wonderful that both of us brothers can be sons-in-law of the Hayes family! For brotherly affection, I’ll definitely ask Chloe to help out your wife.” I almost laughed at Blake. Even now, he still thought I cared about marrying just *any* Hayes daughter. Chloe seemed to think the same thing. In her eyes, I’d gone to extreme lengths to try and marry her, and she looked at me as if I were something dirty. I couldn’t be bothered with these two and turned to leave, but then I noticed a jade pendant of excellent quality around Blake’s neck. This was the Hayes family’s ancestral jade pendant, always kept by Grandpa Hayes. I never expected it to be on Blake. The Hayes family heir hadn’t even been confirmed yet, so how could this jade pendant be on Blake? I pointed to the jade pendant on Blake’s neck, a hint of scrutiny in my eyes. “Where did that pendant come from?” Chloe showed a fleeting moment of guilt, while Blake caressed the jade pendant on his neck, looking slightly wronged. “Little brother, this was originally meant for you, but now that I’m the one marrying Chloe, this jade pendant naturally goes to me.” Chloe also nodded self-righteously. After all, in her mind, she was the definite heir, so letting her beloved wear the jade pendant a little early was perfectly acceptable. “This is my Hayes family’s ancestral jade pendant. I can let anyone wear it I choose. What does it have to do with you?” After saying that, she looked me up and down with disdain and stepped back. “Don’t you dare try to use this to cling to me. I will never like you. My heart belongs only to Blake.” Chloe’s voice wasn’t quiet, and several gazes around us fell on me. “Asher Thorne usually seems so refined, but I never thought he’d be so desperate to latch onto the Hayes family that he’d even try to steal his brother’s fiancée.” “They’re clearly in love. Why is he still trying to cling on?” Blake’s face flushed red, and he gently tugged at Chloe’s arm. “Don’t be so harsh on Asher, sweetie. Once he marries Harper, we’ll still be family. You’ll have to help them out then.” Chloe glanced at me, then affectionately tilted her head and pinched Blake’s cheek. “Fine, for Blake’s sake, I won’t hold it against you. But if you have any inappropriate thoughts about me, don’t blame me for being ruthless.” As the two of them were still basking in their loving display, a voice suddenly echoed from behind them. “Why would my husband have inappropriate thoughts about you, Chloe? You’re being very rude to your future brother-in-law.” Harper Hayes entered, supporting Grandpa Hayes. A faint smile played on her lips, and her eyes held a hint of challenge as she looked at Chloe. Grandpa Hayes’s gaze fell on the jade pendant around Blake’s neck, and his expression darkened.

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Everyone knew I was the woman Mr. Sterling, the family patriarch, had personally chosen for an arranged marriage. He’d decreed that whoever I married would be the one to inherit the vast Hayes fortune. At the engagement party, I wore my custom-made gown, ready to step onto the stage and announce the union between the Hayes and Peterson families. But my fiancé, Derek Hayes, had Tiffany Peterson, my adopted sister, clasped firmly by the hand. He pulled her into the center of the crowd, standing shoulder to shoulder with her. “Tiffany and I are deeply in love; she’s the only woman I’ll ever marry.” “Scarlett is too headstrong, too unruly—she’s simply not fit to be a Hayes.” My engagement was suddenly switched to my adopted sister, and everyone’s eyes on me were a mix of pity and mockery. What they didn’t know was that Mr. Sterling had chosen me because my mother was the heiress to the formidable Vance family, a discreet yet incredibly powerful lineage. Someday, I would return to the Vance family and inherit its empire. Since Derek had made his choice, the Hayes heir would naturally have to be someone else.

Derek tightly clutched Tiffany Peterson’s hand, pulling her to stand before the gathered crowd. Tiffany gasped, trying to pull her hand back. “Bro-Derek, you can’t do this! Grandpa Sterling himself arranged your marriage to Scarlett.” “You’re the one I love, Tiffany. I won’t marry anyone else.” He held her hand firmly, his fingers intertwined with hers, as he looked up at Mr. Sterling, who sat on a raised platform. “Grandpa, I’ve always loved Tiffany. I will only marry her.” The guests looked on with a mix of sympathy and ridicule. Everyone knew that Derek and I had grown up together, childhood friends, and that I was Mr. Sterling’s chosen future granddaughter-in-law. Yet here, in front of everyone in our social circle, Derek had just publicly humiliated me. Derek’s voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. “While Scarlett and I grew up together, I’ve always seen her as a sister, nothing more.” “Tiffany and I are deeply in love; we’ve been together for a while now. In my heart, she’s the only woman I’ll ever marry. No other woman compares.” Mr. and Mrs. Hayes’s faces fell as they nervously glanced at the patriarch’s expression. Derek put an arm around Tiffany’s waist and looked at me, a hint of sarcasm in his eyes. “Scarlett, you know I don’t have romantic feelings for you. You wouldn’t want to waste your life marrying a man who doesn’t love you, would you?” “Besides, Tiffany and I are already together. You can’t just rely on Grandpa Sterling’s favor and try to muscle in and break us up, can you?” I glanced at the two of them, then bowed to Mr. Sterling. “Grandpa Sterling, since they’re so clearly in love, how could I possibly come between them? Let’s just let them be together.” “Wishing my sister and Mr. Hayes Jr. a lifetime of happiness and everlasting love.” Derek’s face flashed with annoyance at my words, but Tiffany cautiously slipped her arm through his. “Bro-Derek, Grandpa Sterling arranged your marriage to Scarlett. Won’t he be upset about this?” Derek gently patted Tiffany’s hand, soothing her softly. “No, he won’t. Grandpa spoils me rotten. Why would he get mad at me over *her*?” “Besides, you’re the Peterson family’s true daughter, their heiress. This was always meant to be an alliance between our two families. Why would he care about an outsider?” An outsider? Only my father, Mr. Peterson, and Mr. Sterling knew my true identity. My mother is the heiress to the formidable Vance family. My father and mother’s marriage was merely a strategic alliance disguised as a union, and I would inherit the Vance family fortune, so I took my mother’s surname. Moreover, he thought Tiffany was my father’s biological daughter? Mr. Sterling frowned at Derek’s words. “Derek, don’t be foolish. Are you certain you want to marry Miss Peterson?” Derek firmly slipped the ring onto Tiffany’s finger, then kissed it with devotion. “Grandpa, I’ve thought it through. I will only marry Tiffany.” Mr. Sterling looked at Derek with disappointment. If it was just a change of fiancée, he wouldn’t have had much of an opinion. But Derek had deliberately chosen today to humiliate me in front of so many people, proving he was unreliable. “Fine, have it your way.”

Once Mr. Sterling spoke, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. This alliance had invited many business magnates to witness the event, and everyone was eager to see how it would unfold. Amidst the whispers of the crowd, Derek, holding Tiffany’s hand, faced the guests who had come to celebrate and announced, “Thank you all for attending my and Miss Peterson’s engagement ceremony today.” The guests’ faces were a mix of expressions. No one had expected the Hayes and Peterson families to actually swap fiancées on the spot. My father was equally stunned, his face instantly darkening. My own expression wasn’t much better, but I forced myself to stand tall, holding my head high amidst the murmurs, and raised my glass to offer a generous gift. “Mr. Hayes Jr. actually swapped fiancées on the spot? He gave Scarlett no face at all!” “Didn’t Mr. Sterling insist on Scarlett becoming his granddaughter-in-law? How did he agree to the change?” “Changing fiancées on the day of the engagement party—that’s truly embarrassing. Who knows what she did to make Mr. Hayes Jr. do something like that?” The guests’ whispers weren’t quiet. My father glared at Tiffany, showing Derek no deference either. “How much gossip will you cause your sister by doing this?” “And you, you’re not a child anymore. Acting without thinking of the consequences—are you trying to make a fool of me?” Tiffany, scolded by my father, timidly tried to take off the ring to give it to me. Mr. Sterling waved his hand, stopping her. He touched my head apologetically, his voice deep. “Scarlett, don’t worry. Grandpa Sterling will see to it. If you’re willing, the Hayes family has several other excellent young men.” Mr. and Mrs. Hayes heard Mr. Sterling’s words and simply assumed he was comforting me, so they didn’t pay much attention. To their shock, I pointed to Julian Hayes, Mr. Hayes’s illegitimate son, who was watching the drama unfold from a corner. “Actually, I’ve always liked Julian. I hope Grandpa can grant us his blessing.” Everyone’s gazes fell on Julian, flickering between him and me. Julian was Mr. Hayes Sr.’s illegitimate son. After Mr. Hayes Sr.’s passing, Julian wasn’t well-regarded in the family and had a difficult life. But since he was still a Hayes, Mr. Sterling didn’t want others saying the Hayes family mistreated its own blood. So he had taken Julian in and raised him personally. My father stared at me in shock, then whispered, trying to persuade me. “Scarlett, Dad knows you’re upset, but he’s an illegitimate son. The Hayes family doesn’t value him.” I casually swirled my glass, raising it to Julian in a silent toast. “He didn’t choose to be an illegitimate son. I think he’s quite good. I’m willing to give it a try with him.” Julian’s eyes met mine, his demeanor relaxed. “Since Miss Vance likes me, then let’s give it a try.” The guests’ gazes on me became even more meaningful. News of the Hayes family changing fiancées on the spot spread like wildfire in our social circle. As soon as the party ended, I received a message from my mother. In a private room, my mother held me close, her eyes glaring at my father. “Mr. Peterson, how dare you let my daughter suffer such humiliation? Are you trying to get yourself disowned?” I squeezed my mother’s hand, redirecting the conversation to the main issue. “Grandpa Sterling found me a new fiancé. His name is Julian Hayes, and I actually quite like him.” My father wiped the sweat from his forehead and sighed again. “He’s just an illegitimate son, a nobody in the Hayes family. Why would you choose him?” I looked at my parents’ confused expressions and slowly began to explain. “Grandpa Sterling and my grandfather made this arrangement, so I definitely have to marry into the Hayes family.” “Even though Julian is an illegitimate son, he’s the most capable among the younger Hayes generation. From a business perspective, he’s the most suitable partner.”

“Besides, as an illegitimate son, if I marry him, the Vance family will be his foundation for establishing himself in the Hayes family. He’ll certainly treat me well.” Now, Tiffany was the talk of the town, everyone flattering and trying to curry favor with her. Countless people rushed to meet and connect with her. After all, the Hayes and Peterson families were a powerful union. If anyone could get a chance to collaborate, they would surely rise to the next level in their respective industries. I didn’t have time to bother with such things. I was focused on completing the task my mother had given me abroad. One day, Mr. Sterling was celebrating his birthday. Tiffany specifically sent me an invitation and called me several times, so I had no choice but to go. The moment I stepped through the Hayes family’s front door, all eyes fell on me. I showed no embarrassment, smiling as I handed my gift to the Hayes butler. “Why is Scarlett here? Didn’t the engagement switch?” “You don’t know? Mr. Hayes Jr. insisted on switching fiancées, so she, in a fit of pique, chose the Hayes family’s illegitimate son to marry.” “To marry an illegitimate son just to get into the Hayes family… Miss Vance really is something else.” Just as everyone was chattering, Tiffany appeared, ostentatiously holding Derek’s arm. Unlike her usual low-key, gentle attire, she was wearing a haute couture gown today, adorned with several sets of intricate and luxurious jewelry, making her look gaudy and somewhat tacky. Seeing me there, she came over intimately, wanting to link arms with me. “Sister, it’s wonderful that both of us sisters can marry into the Hayes family! As a sisterly favor, I’ll make sure Bro-Derek promotes your husband more.” I almost laughed at Tiffany. Even now, she still believed all I cared about was marrying into the Hayes family. Derek thought so too. In his eyes, I was desperate to marry into the Hayes family, using any means necessary. He looked at me as if I were something dirty. Too lazy to bother with the two of them, I turned to leave, but then I noticed the pair of exquisitely crafted heirloom bracelets on Tiffany’s wrist. These were the Hayes family’s heirloom bracelets, always kept by Mr. Sterling. I hadn’t expected them to be on Tiffany’s wrist, and with at least three or four other bracelets on her arm, I hadn’t recognized them at first glance. The Hayes family heir hadn’t even been confirmed yet. How did those bracelets end up on Tiffany? I pointed at the bracelets on Tiffany’s wrist, my gaze filled with a hint of inquiry. “Where did those bracelets come from?” Derek looked momentarily guilty, while Tiffany caressed the bracelets on her wrist, a hint of grievance on her face. “Sister, these bracelets were meant for you before, but now I’m the one marrying Bro-Derek, so of course, they belong to me.” Derek nodded, his expression righteous. In his mind, he was the undisputed heir, so there was no harm in letting his beloved wear the bracelets beforehand. “These are my Hayes family’s heirloom bracelets. I can let anyone I want wear them. What does it have to do with you?” He then scanned me up and down, taking a step back with a disgusted look. “Don’t you dare try to use this method to cling to me. I won’t ever like you. My heart only belongs to Tiffany.” Derek’s voice wasn’t quiet, and several gazes around us landed on me. “Scarlett usually seems so proud. I can’t believe she’s trying to steal her own sister’s fiancé just to marry into the Hayes family.” “They’re clearly in love. Why is she still trying to cling on?” Tiffany blushed, her face coyly hitting Derek on the arm. “Don’t be so mean to Sister. We’ll be family when she marries in. You’ll have to help them out then.” Derek glanced at me, then dotingly pinched Tiffany’s cheek. “Fine, for Tiffany’s sake, I won’t dwell on it. But if you have any improper thoughts about me, don’t blame me for being ruthless.” The two of them were still lost in their tender moment when a voice suddenly chimed in from behind them. “Why would my wife have improper thoughts about you? “Derek, that’s incredibly rude, talking about your future sister-in-law like that.”

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I secretly sent Stella’s first love, the one she’d harbored for ten years, overseas. That very night, Stella kidnapped our daughter, who had just graduated high school, and hid her at a remote reservoir. A ticking time bomb was strapped to her body. Her eyes were eerily calm, as if she was just negotiating a deal. “David, you’d better tell me where Noah is. Otherwise, our daughter will be blown to bits because of you.” I screamed, losing it, “That’s your daughter too!” Stella didn’t flinch. She just glanced at the time. “You have ten minutes.” Agony ripped through me as I revealed Noah’s whereabouts, in exchange for the reservoir’s address. I ran, desperate, to the location. I saw my daughter tied up, and the rapidly shrinking countdown on the bomb— 00:00:59 00:00:58 00:00:57 My hands trembled as I frantically fumbled with the ropes. But the bomb on Chloe, it just wouldn’t come off. The sound of the countdown shrinking pounded in my ears, like a death knell. Tears streamed down my face. I wished it was me tied up there. “Don’t be scared, sweetie. Daddy will save you. Daddy won’t let anything happen to you…” Chloe’s face was deathly pale. She was crying, saying goodbye to me. “Daddy, you have to go. Don’t try to untie it. I’m so happy to have been your daughter in this life. And Mom, you can have another sibling in the future. Don’t be sad for me…” Even then, Chloe didn’t know the person who kidnapped her was the very ‘Mom’ she spoke of. Tears wouldn’t stop falling. My emotions were spiraling out of control. I called Stella, begging for help. “Tell me! Which wire do I cut to disarm the bomb?!” Stella scoffed, her voice laced with suppressed fury. “Red. Cut the red one.” The next second, the call was abruptly cut. I stared at the countdown, found the red wire, and pulled it with all my might. The red wire snapped. Then, with a deafening *BOOM*, the explosion rocked the ground. I was thrown ten feet back by the impact. Ignoring the searing pain, I opened my eyes to find Chloe, but all I saw was a bloody mess. “Chloe—!” I couldn’t understand how this happened. I cut the red wire, exactly as Stella told me. I crawled over, cradling Chloe’s mangled body, sobbing so hard I couldn’t breathe. In the last moment, Chloe had pushed me away. But now, I could only watch her lie there. I mustered every ounce of strength to carry Chloe on my back, called for an ambulance, and stumbled onto the road. I was covered in blood – some mine, most hers. The doctors and nurses arrived quickly. They gasped in horror at Chloe’s condition. “Quick, rush her to emergency!” I waited outside the operating room. The nurses tried to treat my wounds, but I refused. I prayed again and again, offering my own life in exchange for Chloe’s. But what awaited me was a critical condition notice. I fell to my knees, grabbing the doctor’s scrubs, begging him, my forehead scraping the ground. “Please, save my daughter. She just graduated high school. Her life was just beginning…” The doctor looked pained. After a moment, he said, “I’m truly helpless. In this situation, only top specialists might be able to save her.” I rushed to beg the specialists as the doctor suggested, only to find out they had all been pulled away. And the one who pulled them away was my wife, Stella. I didn’t know whether to cry or laugh. My hands shaking, I called Stella again. “Stella, Chloe is dying, she needs emergency help! You have to let the specialists—” Before I could finish, Stella cut me off, her voice icy. “David, there’s a limit to your lies. Don’t think you can use Chloe to trick me into coming home.” I pleaded, broken, “I’m telling the truth! Chloe was injured by the bomb!” Stella’s voice grew even colder. “Enough! Those bombs were fake! How could they hurt Chloe?! You’re truly a ruthless man, fabricating such lies!” The next second, the call was slammed shut. When I tried to call back, her phone was off. I collapsed to the ground, utterly shattered.

I pleaded for hours, my face smeared with blood from kowtowing, but I couldn’t get any specialists to save my daughter. Back in the ward, I looked at Chloe, her body a raw mess on the bed, and wept uncontrollably. “Chloe, I’m so sorry. Daddy is useless…” Daddy can’t save you. Chloe’s eyes slowly turned to me, her lips trembling. I leaned closer to hear her voice. “Daddy…don’t be sad…I…it doesn’t hurt…” “Mom…where is she…I want to talk to her…” “If I don’t say it…now…it might be too late…” Tears streamed down my face. I couldn’t bring myself to tell Chloe the truth. How cruel would it be for her to know that her own mother, for another man, had bombed her? She was the daughter Stella had longed for, cherished for so many years. We were once such a happy family of three. I didn’t know why things had turned out this way. I pulled out my phone to call Stella again, but it was still off. I called her assistant instead. He finally answered. I heard a voice on the other end: “Ms. Jiang, it’s Mr. David. He says Miss Chloe has something she wants to tell you.” Stella sounded annoyed, “It’s just another one of his excuses. From now on, hang up whenever he calls.” I wanted to scream that it wasn’t an excuse, that Chloe was really dying. But before I could say a word, the call was disconnected. When I turned and met Chloe’s sorrowful gaze, my heart felt like it was being ripped apart by a giant hand. “Mom…doesn’t want to talk?…Is it because…I didn’t do well on my last test…” “Daddy, please…tell Mom I’m sorry…” “Daddy, will Mom…be sad for me…after I die?” Hearing Chloe’s words, my heart ached so much I could barely breathe. Chloe had always craved her mother’s approval, studying exceptionally hard. But Stella’s heart had long since drifted away from her. I clutched Chloe’s hand, shaking my head violently. “No, darling, Mom…Mom is just busy. She doesn’t know.” “Chloe, don’t fall asleep. Look at Daddy…Just hold on a little longer. You’ll see Mom soon…” I kept calling, but the calls were hung up again and again. Broken and desperate, I could only hold Chloe’s hand, begging her to wait. But I watched as Chloe slowly closed her eyes, her hand slipping from my grasp. In an instant, the world spun around me. My vision went black, and I collapsed, losing consciousness. When I opened my eyes again, I stared at the white ceiling, momentarily disoriented. I felt like I’d had a terrible nightmare. Then I heard a nurse’s voice nearby: “Ms. Jiang pulled all our hospital’s specialists to standby, just for her beloved’s check-up. So enviable.” “But that father and daughter yesterday, they were so pitiful. I heard the girl who died had just finished high school. Oh, I guess some people are just born with different fates.” They didn’t know that the girl who died yesterday was Ms. Jiang’s own daughter. Tears slid from the corners of my eyes. I didn’t want to open them. I hated so much. Stella, you killed our daughter. I pulled out the IV needle from my hand and got out of bed. As I stepped out, I unexpectedly saw Stella, carefully supporting Noah, treating him like a rare treasure. “Stella, I told you I’m fine. You just had to make me get checked.” Stella’s voice was gentle, devoid of the cold ruthlessness she showed me. “No, it’s not enough. I’ll only be at ease after your check-up.” I watched the scene, my eyes burning. When we first got together, Stella was just as meticulous with me. If I even scraped my skin, she wouldn’t rest until the family doctor had checked me over. After Chloe was born, if she had a fever, Stella would worry and care for her all night. If Chloe coughed a few times, Stella would personally炖 (stew) her some rock sugar pear soup. She said Chloe was the crystallization of our love. I once believed we would live happily ever after. But a few years later, other men started appearing in her life. She started coming home late, and spent less time with Chloe. And now, to find out Noah’s whereabouts, she kidnapped and bombed our daughter. To give Noah a full body check, she left Chloe with no medical care, just waiting to die. Poor Chloe, even in her last moments, she was still thinking of her mother… More tears fell. The pain in my chest had begun to turn numb.

I didn’t even have the strength to confront her. I turned, wanting to leave. But Noah pointed in my direction, a timid expression on his face. “It’s… Mr. David… Why is he here? Is he trying to send me away again?” He nervously clutched Stella’s clothes, as if he was terrified of me. Stella’s brows furrowed. Her cold, piercing gaze instantly swept over me. “David, you really don’t give up, do you? You actually followed me to the hospital!” She ordered her bodyguards to restrain me. I struggled, and blood started to seep from the back of my hand. Stella saw it and sneered, “Using a pity play now?” “Yesterday you lied about Chloe being injured by a bomb, today you’re faking your own bleeding. Tell me, what’s next? Are you going to buy an urn next and set up a whole funeral service?” I sharply raised my head, my eyes burning with intense hatred. “Stella, do you have any heart?! Chloe is dead! You killed her with that bomb!” Stella froze, startled by my frantic state. A flicker of hesitation crossed her face. Noah stepped forward, frowning slightly, and spoke disapprovingly. “Stella arranged for fake bombs. How could they possibly kill little Chloe? Mr. David, if you’re going to make up a story, at least make it believable.” “I know you don’t want me near Stella, but you can’t joke about Chloe’s life.” Stella’s face instantly turned cold. “David, having a father like you is Chloe’s biggest disgrace!” I stared at Stella in disbelief. Chloe was dead, and she still thought I was lying. I wanted to laugh, but tears hit the floor first. It didn’t matter anymore. Chloe was gone. Nothing else mattered. I got up from the ground, wanting only to find Chloe. But Stella had her bodyguards firmly pin me to the ground, her words chillingly cruel. “You will kneel here and reflect. When you realize your mistake, then you can get up.” She walked away with Noah, leaving me kneeling there, surrounded by the passing crowds. I tried to stand, but every time I moved, a bodyguard would kick me in the back of the knee. I crashed onto the floor, blood already seeping from my knees. I turned, glaring at them. “Don’t you dare forget who I am. How dare you stop me?!” The bodyguards were expressionless. “We only follow Ms. Jiang’s orders.” I was forced to kneel for ten hours. The blood beneath me had already stained the floor crimson, but I stubbornly tried to get up. When they kicked me again, my body went limp, and I passed out. The two bodyguards exchanged glances, then called Stella. “He fainted after only a few hours of kneeling? He must be faking it again. He’s at the hospital, he won’t die. Don’t bother with him.” When I woke up, I was still lying on the cold floor. The bodyguards were gone. Ignoring the pain in my knees, I staggered, leaning against the wall, to the morgue. But when I saw Chloe, there was a gaping hole in her chest. Her heart had been taken!

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During the earthquake, my husband and his secretary were kissing under the debris. My hands were raw, bleeding from digging to save him. Their kiss, however, was splashed across the media, hailed as a testament to enduring love in the face of disaster. “Anya, Willow and I are trending as the ‘rubble romance’ couple. For the company’s sake, let’s get a fake divorce at the courthouse. Once this blows over, we’ll remarry.” Damon and I had kept our marriage a secret for seven years. He always said a single image was better for the company. “Clear your stuff out of the master bedroom. Willow’s moving in.” “Don’t worry, though, you can stay in the maid’s room.” I calmly packed my bags. He didn’t know this time, I was actually going to divorce him for real. At their wedding, I stepped into another man’s Maybach. “The reporters will be here any minute.” Damon frowned slightly. “Willow’s not familiar with the house, so you’ll act as a maid and look after her.” Willow gave me a playful smirk. “Oh, you’re too kind, Damon’s wife. But you’re dressed so nicely to serve me, you don’t really look like a maid, do you?” Hearing that, Damon’s eyes lingered on me. “Change your clothes.” “Take off that bracelet and give it to Willow.” The jade bracelet on my wrist was a gift from Mrs. Harrington the day Damon and I got married. She said it was a Harrington family heirloom, passed down to the daughter-in-law. I’d been abandoned at an orphanage as a child, and Mrs. Harrington took me home when I was nine. She cherished me like her own daughter, showering me with love, making up for the mom I never had. “Anya, don’t make me say it twice,” Damon said, his voice flat. I’d heard that tone before, at his birthday party. That day, Willow complimented my dress, and Damon ordered me to change. When I refused, he had someone forcibly remove my dress right there. The burn scars on my back, from saving him years ago, were exposed for everyone to see. He just covered Willow’s eyes and said blandly, “Don’t look, it’s disgusting.” I took off the bracelet and handed it to Willow. “This is a Harrington family jade heirloom, meant for the daughter-in-law. It’s only right for you to have it.” Damon seemed pleased with my obedience. His tone softened. “Anya, I’ll give it back to you after the interview.” The moment the bracelet touched Willow’s hand, she reacted as if stung, crying out that her wrist was hurting and itching. Damon immediately threw the bracelet to the ground, glaring at me furiously. “Anya, did you tamper with the bracelet on purpose?” I stared at the bracelet, now shattered into several pieces, and many memories in my heart began to crack as well. I mumbled, unable to utter a single word. Damon’s face darkened further. “I knew you wouldn’t say anything. Anya, no one needs to constantly babysit your emotions.” I used to love talking to him. But ever since Willow came into his life, I slowly stopped speaking. If he didn’t come home late at night and I asked about it, he’d complain I talked too much, that I was annoying, unlike Willow who could actually help him. When he drank too much and hurt his stomach, if I showed concern, he’d still complain I only gave hindsight warnings, unlike Willow who was more thoughtful. Even during intimacy in bed, he’d suddenly get a cold look, get up, and head straight for a cold shower, not forgetting to lecture me in between. Chapter 2 “You should watch some movies, learn a thing or two. Your moans are a total turn-off.” “Willow’s so much better at it than you.” I sat on the bed, shame creeping all over my body. “Alright, clean up the floor. The interviewers are arriving.” I picked up the shattered jade pieces and stood beside Willow. Willow and Damon sat together, a picture-perfect couple. After some routine questions, the reporter suddenly asked, “Miss Willow, when did you first fall for Mr. Harrington?” “Oh, I’m a bit embarrassed to say, with so many people watching,” Willow said, lowering her head shyly. Damon affectionately ruffled her hair. “Willow, I’m curious about that answer too.” Willow tilted her head, pondering. “Let me think… I guess it was New Year’s Day. I was working late at the office, and the power suddenly went out. I sent him a text saying I was scared, and ten minutes later, he appeared right in front of me!” Her eyes sparkled like stars. “Seeing him covered in snow, looking so worried, I knew right then and there he must love me.” The interviewing reporters couldn’t help but sigh about true love. Damon chimed in with some of their “love story memories.” I watched it all calmly, but my hands, hidden beneath my sleeves, were clenched into fists, my nails digging deep into my palms. On New Year’s Day, I had accompanied Damon back to his family estate for dinner. On the way home, after he took a call, he just left me by the roadside. No money, no phone. I walked for three hours in high heels and a thin evening gown. When I finally got home in the early hours, Damon whispered, “Willow was working late at the office today, and our house is too far away, so I let her stay overnight.” “Be quiet, she’s a light sleeper, and she just finally fell asleep.” I took off my heels, my frostbitten purple feet hitting the ground, each step feeling like walking on knives. The pain in my feet couldn’t mask the ache in my heart. While showering, I couldn’t help but let out muffled sobs, hidden by the running water. The interview ended. The director of the shoot suggested taking a few simple candid shots of Willow. Damon spoke up. “Anya, come here and assist my wife.” The director, standing nearby, then looked at me. “I never would have guessed Mr. Harrington’s maid could be so breathtakingly beautiful. I wonder if I could invite you to dinner after the shoot?” The director’s scrutinizing gaze lingered on me. I instinctively recoiled, trying to hide behind Damon. Willow smiled and answered for me. “Of course, no problem. Damon, the director worked so hard for our shoot today, why don’t we let Anya accompany them to dinner tonight? It’ll be our way of saying thanks.” Damon ignored my pleading gaze. After a moment’s thought, he nodded. My voice choked. “Damon, I don’t want to go.” His brows furrowed with irritation. “Anya, it’s just dinner.” “Can’t you see how that director was looking at me?” “Anya, if you carry yourself with dignity, no one can touch you.” Damon dropped a chilling statement. “Willow has already agreed. If you make her lose face, you know the consequences.” Damon and I used to visit the orphanage kids regularly every month. One time, Willow insisted on coming along. Chapter 3 The kids at the orphanage drew a picture for Damon and me, but left Willow out. Willow cried, saying the children didn’t like her and that she felt humiliated. That same day, Damon had the orphanage emptied, cutting off all food and water supplies, until I knelt and begged Willow, only then did he spare the children. My voice was hoarse. “Damon, let’s go get divorced right now.” He scoffed. “Anya, don’t pull that stunt with me.” Damon’s bodyguards tied me up and shoved me into the director’s car. In the private room, I was forced to drink glass after glass of alcohol until I completely blacked out. When I woke up, my stomach was churning with pain. I struggled to sit up, and Damon walked in, radiating anger. When he saw me, he paused slightly. “Why do you look so pale?” I gave a bitter smile. “Isn’t this all thanks to you?” Damon’s flicker of concern vanished, his eyes gradually hardening into a layer of ice. “Hah, I must have been overthinking it. After all, you had quite a fun time last night.” I shot back, “What are you talking about?” He threw a stack of photos in front of me. “Anya, does any man make you just throw yourself at him?” I flipped through the photos, one by one. They were all of me in different men’s arms. Memories flashed back with the pictures, and I couldn’t help but dry heave. Remembering Willow’s and the director’s glances from yesterday, I suddenly understood everything. “You should ask Willow where these photos came from.” Damon pinched my chin. “Anya, when did you become so cunning?” I struggled free from his grip. “Damon, you know perfectly well I can’t drink a single drop of alcohol.” “If you know you can’t drink, then why did you drink?” I gave a bitter laugh, tears streaming down my face. “Then why did you force me to go?” Damon’s hand, which he had extended towards me, retreated behind his back. “If you had begged me a few more times, maybe I wouldn’t have let you go.” I curled up inside the covers, muffling a quiet plea. “Just go, I’m tired.” Damon’s voice came through the blanket. “Anya, tomorrow we’ll go to the courthouse to sign the divorce papers. Willow’s worked hard cooperating with me lately. I asked her what she wanted as a reward, and that silly girl only wants a wedding.” “It’s her only wish, I can’t refuse.” Under the covers, I bit my lip tightly. The wedding I had pleaded for, time and time again, he now casually gave to someone else. After hearing Damon’s footsteps fade away, I dialled a number with trembling hands. “I want to leave.”

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I hated my mother most that year. To earn my forgiveness, she personally sent her best friend to my bed. After one night, I was hooked. Three months later, my wife got pregnant, and I forgave my mother. Four months after that, I used my business acumen to multiply their assets tenfold. From then on, I became Veridia City’s most talked-about financial wizard. Every time I made an investment, my mother, the city’s richest person, and my wife, the second richest, would personally oversee it, ensuring my success. Everyone envied me, saying I had it all. But on the day of the high-stakes deal, I leveraged 100x, and both my mother and wife were absent. My wife placed a kiss on my lips, “We’ll celebrate properly tonight…” I smiled, watching them leave. During the meeting, my opponent, seeing my mother and wife weren’t there, made malicious bids. I called their cell phones, but no one picked up. Five years of planning, all for nothing. Just as I worried something had happened to them, an anonymous video popped up on my phone— My mother was wearing a wedding dress, standing beside Arthur, the man who had driven my father to his death years ago. Their illegitimate son wore a groom’s suit, carefully embracing my four-month pregnant, delicate wife. “Double the celebrations!” someone in the video cheered, raising a glass. “Congratulations to Mrs. Sterling for welcoming her true love, and congratulations to Ms. Blackwell for marrying her fated love!” At the end of the video, my mother’s voice drifted softly: “You and Julian got a fake marriage certificate. Today, you actually legally married Leo. Who exactly is the father of the child in your belly?” Scarlett smiled faintly, responding: “Leo has been an illegitimate child his entire life. I couldn’t bear for his child to call someone else ‘Dad’.” Turns out, the child I had eagerly awaited wasn’t mine after all. I clenched my jaw, leaving the meeting. My phone kept buzzing with new messages— It was an appointment for a tubal ligation, and a line of text: “If you’re willing, your child with Scarlett will be my only descendant in this life.”

After leaving the hospital, I wandered aimlessly through the streets. The giant screen in the mall was playing a family exclusive interview from three months ago, right after my wife had gotten pregnant. My mother held up the auctioned diamond, explaining to the camera, “This ‘Heart of the Ocean’ is a gift for my future grandchild. The value isn’t important; what matters is the legacy.” Scarlett gently squeezed my hand, her eyes glistening. “Julian never truly experienced the warmth of a complete family growing up. Now, I can finally give him a real home.” The screen froze on the moment we smiled at each other. Below, the subtitle “Veridia City’s Happiest Family” scrolled by. I gritted my teeth, forcing back the burning sensation in my eyes. Just then, my phone rang. It was Scarlett. Before, whenever I heard her dedicated ringtone, I’d answer without a moment’s hesitation. But now, I hesitated for a long time. Finally, I picked up just before the call disconnected. I heard Chloe, Scarlett’s best friend, teasing her on the other end: “Scarlett finally got what she wanted! When Leo went abroad, she turned the entire Veridia City upside down looking for him. Now, to help Leo reclaim the Sterling Group, she even humbled herself to play along with that bigshot for two years.” “Ha, Scarlett still has her charm! Last time, Julian’s legs went weak from her kisses; he was practically leaning against the wall. No wonder he didn’t even need a marriage license, and willingly raised someone else’s child!” “Tsk, tsk, he’s the one who despised illegitimate children the most. Who would’ve thought he, who detested illegitimacy, ended up raising one as his own son!” “If you ask me, the real kicker is today’s scene! Leo said, ‘If my dad doesn’t get married, neither will I,’ and Scarlett convinced Eleanor to marry Arthur. Father and son both marrying into high society! Veridia City hasn’t seen drama like this in ages!” Chapter

I clenched my phone tightly, a ragged gasp escaping my throat. Then, Scarlett’s icy voice suddenly came through the phone. “Who touched my phone?” The clamor ceased instantly. “Honey? Why aren’t you saying anything? Are you not feeling well?” Scarlett’s voice was flawlessly gentle. It was as if those vicious words from earlier had been my hallucination. I opened my mouth, wanting to talk about divorce. But I suddenly realized our marriage certificate was fake; I didn’t even have the right to suggest divorce. Just then, a gentle male voice came from the other end of the line. “Baby, you’re pregnant; you shouldn’t stand for too long, your back will ache…” Scarlett clearly panicked for a moment. “Honey, I have an urgent matter here. I’ll come back to you later.” Without waiting for my response, the call was abruptly hung up. I don’t know how long I sat in the living room before I heard the villa’s front door open. My mom and Scarlett pushed the door open, their faces still beaming with fading joy. “Julian, Mom specially bought these for you from Switzerland; they’re all-natural brain-boosting supplements.” Scarlett came to me and leaned down, massaging the dark circles under my eyes. “Why didn’t we have a celebration party? Are you upset we weren’t there? I’ll ask Ms. Miller to reschedule for tomorrow, okay?” The two of them spoke enthusiastically, then froze when they saw I remained silent. Scarlett gave a barely perceptible shake of her head, signaling that the wedding news hadn’t leaked. I handed Scarlett a document. “Sign this.” My mother deliberately said with a touch of sarcasm, “My son now prioritizes his wife when signing contracts.” Scarlett didn’t even glance at it, signing her name with a flourish. “We’re one. What’s mine is yours. No need to be so distant in the future.” She smiled, returning the document to me. As she spoke, both their phones rang simultaneously. My mother patted my shoulder. “There’s an urgent company matter; we’ll go handle it in B Block.” Scarlett blew me a kiss. “B Block was expanded for you, so Mom and I can work without being too far from you.” With that, they hurried away. The two bride’s badges that fell from my pocket reminded me that tonight was their wedding night. I looked down at the document that read “Julian and Scarlett Sever All Financial Ties,” and laughed until tears streamed down my face. With this, all my investment gains were no longer connected to Scarlett. I, Julian, could love, and I could let go. After finishing the last cigarette, I dialed Mr. Davies’ number. “Mr. Davies, I need to end the share custody agreement early, and also—terminate all preferential treatment for Blackwell Corp.” 2 “Mr. Sterling, after initiating the inheritance process, 72% of Sterling Group shares will be transferred to your name within 10 days.” Mr. Davies paused, then added, “When your father passed away… he had thorough asset protection in place. Mr. Sterling marrying your mother won’t allow him to take a single cent from Sterling Group.” I grunted, then hung up. The year my father died, my mother knelt in front of the mourning hall, sobbing uncontrollably. She slapped herself repeatedly, saying her indiscretion while drunk was unforgivable to my father and me. I stayed hidden in my room all day, refusing to eat. It was Scarlett who brought me porridge, patiently spoon-feeding me until I swallowed. “Your father, up in heaven, would want you to be happy.” Those words helped me get through it. And they made me give her my whole heart. Only now did I understand the calculated manipulation hidden behind that gentleness. My phone vibrated endlessly. Photo after photo flooded in. A young Scarlett embracing Leo on a cruise ship, kissing him, fingers intertwined in the snow. Each photo was captioned “My Dearest Leo.” Turns out, my honeymoon itinerary was just a re-visitation of their old haunts. Chapter

“Bro, that hotel suite where you stayed for your honeymoon, the bedsheets still had traces of our passion on them.” “Scarlett said she felt safest sleeping by your side every night, right? Do you believe I could call her away right now?” Leo’s voice message turned my stomach. “Ugh—” Just as I finished throwing up, the door was suddenly pushed open by Scarlett. “Julian? Drunk again? I’ll make you something light right away!” She moved quickly, and soon brought in a steaming bowl of bird’s nest porridge. It was a stomach-soothing dish she’d specially learned from a Michelin chef. To learn it, her delicate fingers got three big blisters. My wife’s eyes held expectation, as if waiting for me to hug her tightly, moved, like before. Seeing my lack of reaction, she froze for a moment. Then, she skillfully massaged my temples. “Scarlett,” I suddenly spoke. “Have you lied to me about anything? If you tell me now…” Scarlett, just considering how you held onto me when I tried to jump out that window, not letting go even if I pulled you down with me… I’ll give you one last chance. “What are you talking about? You and our child are my true loves.” I watched her flawless act. It was utterly ridiculous. Scarlett carefully studied my expression, then chuckled softly. “I knew it. You always say things like this when you want me to coax you.” With that, she leaned in to kiss me. Outside the window, a sudden clap of thunder exploded. I instinctively ducked under the bedframe. It sounds ridiculous, a grown man, yet terrified of thunder. It was because my father had caught my mother cheating and fell from the building during a thunderstorm. But I hadn’t been afraid of thunder in so many years. After meeting Scarlett, I thought I’d found the security of a home. But now, tears and snot streamed uncontrollably. Scarlett held me tightly. “Don’t be afraid, I’m here.” Her embrace was still so warm, yet I shivered uncontrollably. Just then, a servant rushed in and whispered something in Scarlett’s ear. Her face immediately changed, but she forced herself to remain calm. “Can’t you see Mr. Sterling is right here!” She patted my back dismissively, her eyes constantly darting towards the door. “Sleep, I’ll stay here with you.” But after confirming I was “asleep,” she ran out without a backward glance. My phone screen flickered on and off in the darkness. The photos Leo sent were more and more explicit. Disheveled sheets, Scarlett’s alluring back, and a bunny tail accessory, wet with fluid. The last voice message was accompanied by triumphant gasps. [Bro, your wife hasn’t let you touch her since she got pregnant, has she? But she can’t resist me. We just did it three times again…] [Heard Scarlett hasn’t told you the baby’s name yet? Our baby’s name is Nia.] As he spoke, Leo revealed a tattoo on his chest, identical in location to Scarlett’s. “Boom!” My ears rang. So, on our wedding night, when I touched the “my only love” tattoo on her chest and cried, moved… the complex emotion that flashed in her eyes wasn’t gratitude, but guilt. Every time she passionately whispered “my only love,” her mind was always on someone else. For three years, I had been living a monumental lie. I sat numbly through the night until dawn. Finally, I replied to the number that had been waiting: [That child isn’t mine. You don’t need to get a tubal ligation. Let’s work together.] 3 The next morning, I was awakened by a commotion. The grand hall was filled with Veridia City’s elite, all gathered to celebrate my birthday. I froze. Chapter

I hadn’t celebrated my birthday in ten years, not since my father passed away. I looked around; all the portraits of my father, the head of the Sterling family, on the walls had been replaced with portraits of Arthur. Mr. Jenkins, the butler, said obsequiously, “The madam specifically ordered it, saying it would make young master Leo happy.” Guests buzzed with whispers. “Did you hear? All those prime commercial properties Mr. Sterling Sr. left behind have been transferred to Mr. Arthur’s name.” “Tsk, tsk, the original wife worked hard her whole life, only for it to benefit her step-son.” “Shhh! Keep your voice down. He’s the rightful man of the house now.” Arthur stood beside my mother, his tone gentle but every word a stab. “I know young master Julian dislikes me, but today is a joyous occasion. I just wish for one small thing: to serve your mother for the rest of her life, and to care for this home in place of your deceased father.” He made no mention that today was also my father’s death anniversary. Seeing my eyes bloodshot, my mother lightly smoothed things over. “Arthur is your elder now. It’s kind of him to organize your birthday. Be more generous.” Before her words even faded, Leo appeared, holding Scarlett’s hand. “Happy birthday, my prince.” Scarlett spoke tenderly, handing me a black and gold gift box. “My God! That’s the exclusive packaging for the ‘True Love’s Heart’ brooch from Castlerock Auction House!” a guest exclaimed. “A mysterious buyer bought it for an exorbitant price last month. I can’t believe it’s Ms. Blackwell!” “What sentimental princess act! Julian’s life is too good!” But I didn’t care. Highlight auction piece, sentimental princess act—I didn’t care about any of it. I only cared about the mechanical watch on Leo’s wrist. That watch had been passed down from my grandfather and had accompanied my father his entire life. The strap had been replaced seven times, the face broken three times, and he always said the repair costs were enough to buy a new one. Yet, he personally took it for maintenance every year. On his deathbed, my father passed the watch to me, saying this old object would keep me company on my future path. “Take it off.” My voice trembled as I stared fixedly at him. Leo shivered slightly, his eyes watering, and he glanced inadvertently at Scarlett. The guests were shocked by my bluntness toward Scarlett, all gasping. Scarlett’s tone was gentle, yet authoritative. “Julian, stop it. If you like this style, I’ll invite the designer to the house tomorrow and have a new one custom-made for you, okay?” But I heard nothing, only focused on charging at Leo. Scarlett seemed frightened by me. “Julian! Calm down! The doctor said your blood pressure is high and you shouldn’t get agitated!” “Ah!” Leo suddenly fell to his knees, yanking the watch off without loosening the strap, smashing it on the ground. His wrist was covered in bloody scratches, the watch face shattered. “I know you look down on my father and me! You always bullied me!” In school, he used to self-harm like this, then cry and claim I hit him. Since then, everyone thought Julian Sterling, the eldest son, was arrogant and tyrannical, always picking on others. Guests whispered amongst themselves, their eyes filled with disdain. “Julian Sterling is indeed arrogant…” “An illegitimate child is still Sterling blood; why be so cruel?” Scarlett rushed to get gauze to wrap Leo’s bleeding wrist, giving me a cold look for the first time. “Julian, apologize.” 4 But I remained unresponsive. Watching my father’s heirloom shattered on the floor, my vision blurred. Scarlett looked at me in shock, reaching out to help me. “Julian…” Just then, Leo pretended to help me up, but as he got close, he suddenly shoved me. My lower back hit a metal railing hard, and excruciating pain instantly spread through my body. Leo, however, fell into the cake, his face smeared with cream, looking utterly disheveled. “Bro, I just wanted to apologize! Why did you push me?” “Leo!”

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“Mom—” Those two, mother and daughter, had actually killed my only blood-related mother, all because Elara’s new fling was upset! She was already on borrowed time, yet she had to endure such a brutal blow. I stumbled, hoisting my blood-soaked mother onto my back, and rushed to the hospital without a moment’s delay. Only an intern doctor looked at me with a pained expression. “I’m so sorry, but a very important person’s husband got hurt – just a cut on his finger, really – and she called all the specialists over…” I gently placed my mother on a hospital bed, then, without a second’s hesitation, I bolted towards that important person’s private room. *Thud—* I dropped to my knees, utterly stripped of all dignity, my voice so hoarse it was unrecognizable. “Please, I beg you, save my mother.” I looked up, only to see Elara and Daisy standing guard on either side of Julian. They looked like the perfect, happy family. It turned out the “important person” the intern doctor mentioned was Elara. Julian leaned against Elara’s shoulder, feigning timidity. “Ryder, wasn’t stealing my mother’s keepsake enough? Now you’re even lying that your mother died? Are you intentionally trying to snatch Elara away from me?” As his words fell, Elara’s face instantly changed, her eyes blazing with fury. “Try lying to me about your mother again, and see if I don’t cancel that surgery for good!” My heart twisted with agony, I choked out my pleas, tears streaming down my face. “I’m not lying, I swear! My mother is in room 303 right now…” “Stop causing trouble!” Daisy’s cold voice cut me off. Her eyes darted around, calculating. “You’ve upset Uncle Julian so much he can’t even sleep peacefully. How about this: you lick his shoes for a minute as an apology to him, and I’ll help you beg Mom to save Grandma.” I stared, utterly incredulous. The cold indifference in Daisy’s eyes was almost identical to Elara’s. I couldn’t understand when these two had become so heartless. It was Elara who had proposed to me a hundred times before I finally believed she wasn’t just playing games. After we married, she remained devoted, showering all her tenderness on me alone. We had a beautiful daughter, Daisy, who adored me from a young age, always saying I was the best dad in the world. But then Julian appeared, and everything changed. I looked at Elara, my face ashen. She, who’d never lifted a finger in her life, was now spoon-feeding chicken soup to Julian. She didn’t even spare me a glance. I remembered my mother’s pale face. I bit down hard on my lower lip, the metallic taste of blood filling my mouth. For Mom, I would endure. I no longer hesitated, half-prostrated on the ground, I humiliatingly stuck out my tongue. Again and again, I licked Julian’s leather shoes sparkling clean. Julian lifted his head in disgust. “Don’t think for a second that this means I’ll forgive you for the pain you caused me. That was the only thing my mother left me!” Chapter 2 A flicker of smug satisfaction quickly crossed his eyes. He had a mother; didn’t mine deserve to live? The agonizing minute finally ended. Like a drowning man grabbing a lifeline, I clutched Elara’s sleeve. “Now, can we save my mother?” She yanked her hand away with a look of utter revulsion. “I’m not the one who promised you.” I turned my pleading gaze to Daisy. She looked down at me from above, letting out a sneer. “As long as Uncle Julian doesn’t forgive you, neither will we!” My mind went utterly blank, a deafening buzz filling my ears. I finally understood: these two were just trying to get even for Julian. They were making me beg forgiveness from the very person who had orchestrated my mother’s death. But I had no other choice. Like a broken automaton, I slammed my forehead to the ground, again and again. With each dull thud, I felt a warm stream run down my forehead. “Julian, I’m so sorry. Please, I beg you, save my mother…” Julian’s face twisted with a feigned reluctance. He magnanimously helped me up. But the words he whispered in my ear were pure poison. “Why would I save your mother? I want you to see with your own eyes how your wife and daughter abandon you and choose me. I deliberately swapped that dummy for your mother!”

My blood ran cold. My heart was pierced by a thousand invisible daggers. My eyes widened. I lunged at him, heedless of the consequences. Punch after punch, his face was quickly covered in blood. Elara and Daisy finally reacted, rushing to pull me away. Elara roared, “Ryder! Who gave you the audacity to hit my man?!” For the first time, I shrugged off both of them and bolted towards room 303, as if my life depended on it. Through the wide-open door of the hospital room, my mother lay, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth, her eyes filled with unspeakable sorrow. “My son, if Mom isn’t here anymore, you must take good care of yourself…” My eyes welled up with tears. I was about to rush in and take her to another hospital, but I was stopped just a few steps from the room. A group of bodyguards, without a word, dragged me away like a piece of trash. “Let me go! Let me go!” Despite my desperate shouts, the bodyguards sped up. I watched helplessly as my mother’s face grew paler and paler. Just as my vision blurred and disappeared, I saw her hand fall lifelessly onto the hospital bed. In the operating room. The moment Elara saw me, she didn’t say a word, just raised her hand and slapped me. *SLAP!*

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Everyone in the city knew Julian was utterly obsessed with Eleanor. They’d been married for eight years, but Eleanor still faced constant criticism from Julian’s family elders for not having children. Julian’s grandma, in particular, had tried to force him to divorce and remarry countless times. He stood his ground, defying her and enduring her wrath, even when it meant pushing himself to the brink of collapse. He wouldn’t give in. “Eleanor, she’s the only one for me, this lifetime.” Then, Julian’s grandma brought a girl from her hometown and practically shoved her at Julian. Her name was Brooke. With her ruddy cheeks and a thick country accent, she looked completely out of place. Julian’s disdain for her was obvious. “She’s a complete country bumpkin, not even worthy of a single strand of Eleanor’s hair.” Eleanor never even bothered to look at her. How could some naive country girl ever compare to a sophisticated heiress like her? Until two months later, Eleanor overheard the house staff gossiping: “That country girl has some tricks up her sleeve. She’s pregnant already! Julian’s grandma must be relieved now, right?” “It’s strange, though. She got pregnant on the first try.” “Mr. Julian never even looked at her properly. That little sparrow really hit the jackpot, didn’t she? From rags to riches, just like that.” **Chapter 1** Eleanor’s nails dug into her palms as she clenched her fists, her mind a blank. When she suggested divorce, Julian had knelt in the pouring rain for a full day and night. He’d said, “Eleanor, I’m so sorry. I was drunk that night, I mistook her for you…” “Don’t worry, I’ll send her away immediately!” Eleanor looked at him, shivering, his lips blue from the cold. Her heart softened. But six months later, Eleanor saw him at the hospital, accompanying Brooke for a prenatal check-up. Julian’s eyes were red as he explained, “Grandma found out she was pregnant and threatened to take her own life. I had no choice but to hide her in the suburban villa.” “As soon as she has the baby, I’ll give it to Grandma and be done with it. It won’t affect our lives, I promise.” She gave him another chance. Until three days ago, ruthless kidnappers mistakenly identified Brooke as Eleanor and snatched her. Julian, who always claimed he didn’t care about Brooke, panicked the moment he received the kidnappers’ call. “Any amount of money! Just don’t hurt Brooke!” But what the kidnappers wanted wasn’t money. It was “Mrs. Julian’s” life. Julian’s eyes were bloodshot as he grabbed Eleanor’s shoulders, begging. “Eleanor, please, you go rescue Brooke. She’s timid and pregnant, I’m scared… I promise I’ll come save you as soon as she’s safe, okay?” Eleanor snapped back to reality. His address for Brooke had changed from “country bumpkin” to “Brooke” and now “Brookie.” Without realizing it, Brooke had carved out a place in Julian’s heart. Eleanor gave a bitter laugh. “What if I don’t go?” A cold glint flashed in Julian’s eyes. “Eleanor, Brooke is carrying the heir to the Julian family. This would be your contribution to our family legacy.” “Don’t worry, I promise I’ll save you.” She sniffled, her voice trembling and breaking in two. “What if… I don’t make it back?” Julian frowned. “Eleanor! Lives are at stake! Can’t you be more understanding?” Watching his resolute expression, her heart shattered into a million pieces. Eleanor closed her eyes in despair the moment Julian pushed her towards the kidnappers. At the same time, Brooke, clutching her belly, lunged towards Julian. “Brooke!” Julian’s expression changed instantly, his voice laced with a tremor. “It’s good you’re safe…” She leaned weakly into Julian’s embrace, reaching out. “I’m so scared I won’t be able to keep your baby…” Julian’s eyes reddened instantly. He scooped her up and rushed out. “I won’t let anything happen to you! I absolutely won’t!” He ran so fast, he didn’t even glance at Eleanor, who was being shoved by the kidnappers. She stumbled and fell onto the hard concrete ground, but felt no pain. In a daze, she remembered the day Julian confessed his love to her. He’d held her close, repeating, “Eleanor, in this life, I’ll never let anyone hurt you.” Now, thinking back, how ridiculous it all seemed. Eleanor was bound at the feet and thrown into the ocean. As she sank deeper and deeper, she gradually lost consciousness. **Chapter 2** When Eleanor woke up, she saw Julian by her side. “Eleanor, you’re finally awake!” She thought he was relieved by her safe return, but his next sentence was: “Now Brooke can rest easy. You don’t know how guilty she felt.” … Eleanor pulled her hand away. “Guilty? I’m sure that’s not the only thing she should feel guilty about, is it? Like climbing into the master’s bed and getting pre—” Julian’s face instantly darkened. “Didn’t we agree not to bring that up again? I explained why we kept the baby.” Meeting her gaze, Julian softened his tone. “Brooke kept saying she wanted to apologize to you in person, but I made her keep it a secret. I was afraid you’d leave me if you found out.” Eleanor: ??? “Besides, you’re back safe and sound now. Do you really have to dwell on this?” Eleanor paused, then said with a hint of sarcasm, “Have you ever thought that if the kidnappers hadn’t chosen to drown me, but to use a knife, I might already be dead?” Julian scowled and clicked his tongue. Brooke suddenly rushed in, kneeling at Eleanor’s bedside, sobbing. “It’s all my fault… I shouldn’t have brought Mr. Julian hangover soup when he was drunk, and I definitely shouldn’t have kept his baby!” Julian immediately helped her up and sat her gently beside him, coaxing her in a soft voice. “I was the one who couldn’t control myself. How could this be your fault?” “Besides, Grandma made you keep the baby. You’re just a country girl, it’s not like you could make your own decisions.” Julian dotingly rubbed her swollen belly. “Don’t overthink things anymore. It’s not good for the baby.” Brooke’s tears turned into a smile, and she pouted, blushing, “Mr. Julian, I want to eat the roasted chestnuts from that shop on the east side of town.” Julian didn’t hesitate for a second. He got up and started to leave. “Wait patiently, I’ll go buy them for you right now.” Eleanor watched him with cold eyes, her chest aching as if a thousand-pound stone was pressing down on it. Only the two of them remained in the room. Brooke, clutching her waist, feigned to kneel again. “Mr. Julian is being so kind to me now just to ensure a smooth delivery. He only has you in his heart, I know I don’t deserve to stay by his side.” Eleanor wasn’t in the mood for her act. “Julian’s gone. You can drop the charade now.” “Julian offered you a hundred million back then to leave, but you’d rather work as a maid just to stay, and you even schemed to get pregnant with his child. I know exactly what kind of person you are.” Brooke’s expression instantly froze. Eleanor lowered her gaze. “Rotten love is like a rotten apple. I won’t take another bite.” “I’ll finalize the divorce papers as soon as possible. If you want to be the legitimate Mrs. Julian, it’s up to you to get him to sign them.” Brooke’s eyebrows twitched. “Mrs. Julian, you misunderstand. I never thought of becoming Mrs. Julian…” “I’m only giving you one chance. It’s your decision.” A moment later, Brooke bowed ninety degrees. “On behalf of the Julian family’s eldest grandson in my belly, thank you for making this possible, Mrs. Julian.” Julian family’s eldest grandson? Eleanor gave a self-deprecating laugh. “Then I wish your family of three a life of happiness.” After Brooke left, Eleanor signed the discharge papers and checked out. Returning to the house she’d lived in for eight years, she saw the photo wall in the living room, adorned with thousands of photos. There was Julian’s flushed face on the day he successfully confessed his love, and Eleanor’s tear-streaked face of joy when he proposed in Bali. Everywhere she looked were beautiful memories of her and Julian. She called the maids to take all the photos down and piled them in the yard, burning them clean. She’d once thought she would grow old with Julian, but she never imagined that an unassuming country girl could so easily shatter the vows Julian had made. From now on, she and Julian would go their separate ways. Chapter 3 Perhaps out of guilt for Eleanor, Julian had his secretary send her an invitation to the Paris Fashion Week. Going to Paris Fashion Week had been an annual ritual for her and Julian. Along with it came a red velvet slip dress and a Cartier jewelry set. While she was lost in thought, Julian hugged her from behind, his voice soft. “Eleanor, are you still mad at me?” Eleanor’s voice trembled as she replied, “No,” her eyes immediately welling up. Julian kissed her earlobe. “I knew you wouldn’t really stay mad at me. Once Brooke gives birth, everything will go back to how it was.” Eleanor wanted to ask him, could they really go back? Brooke was already a barrier between them, an uncrossable chasm. Julian’s breath against her ear grew ragged, and one hand gripped her waist, pressing her forward. Eleanor thought of him treating Brooke the same way, and a bitter taste filled her mouth. She subtly moved away. “The flight’s tonight. I’ll go pack my luggage.” Julian was left wanting more but didn’t press her. He suddenly remembered the empty photo wall upstairs and casually asked, “Eleanor, where did all the photos on the wall go?” Eleanor’s eyelashes fluttered. “They were old. I wanted to take some new ones to hang up.” Julian didn’t suspect a thing. “Sounds good. We’ll take plenty of new ones when we go to Paris.” At dawn, Julian’s car pulled up to the villa. When the driver took Eleanor’s suitcase, his eyes darted away, as if he wanted to say something but held back. She immediately had a bad feeling. Sure enough, the rear car door opened, and Brooke was sitting next to Julian. She was wearing a linen maternity dress, her ruddy cheeks giving her a rustic yet natural look. She nervously rubbed her hands, her voice humble and ingratiating. “Mrs. Julian, I… I pestered Mr. Julian to let me come. Please don’t blame him…” Before Eleanor could speak, Julian anxiously shielded Brooke behind him. “I wasn’t comfortable leaving her alone in the country. Brooke even said she was afraid you’d think she was intruding on our private time.” Eleanor’s lips curled into a smile. His gesture of protecting Brooke was so familiar. For the past eight years, whenever the Julian family elders had reprimanded her, he had always protected her the same way. The two of them, singing in unison, made it sound as if Eleanor was some sort of fearsome monster. To Julian’s surprise, Eleanor merely said, “Whatever,” and sat in the back. Her unusual behavior caught Julian off guard. He observed Eleanor through the rearview mirror. She seemed too calm, which made him uneasy. Brooke gently tugged his sleeve. “Mr. Julian, I’m thirsty…” Julian frowned. “Water’s in the drawer to your right.” Brooke froze. Ever since she’d been pregnant, Julian had taken meticulous care of her, doing everything himself. When she heard he was going to Paris with Eleanor, she’d started complaining about stomach pains early on. Julian had been very nervous, almost canceling the trip. It was she who “sensibly” consoled him, “Mr. Julian, I’m fine, don’t worry about me. Go with Mrs. Julian.” How could Julian agree? He frowned in thought for a moment. “Brooke, why don’t you come with us? It’ll be easier for me to look after you.” Only then did she reluctantly agree to join them. Eleanor hadn’t cried or made a fuss, and had simply agreed. She was originally relieved, but Julian’s expression clearly showed he still cared about Eleanor. Brooke resented it inwardly, but her face remained serene. She deliberately exposed her bulging belly as she reached for the water, tiny beads of sweat forming on her forehead. Julian’s attention was indeed drawn back to her. He quickly helped her sit properly. “You’re pregnant, how can you move around so much while the car’s moving?” He then leaned over and attentively buckled her seatbelt, adjusting the tension. Brooke seized the opportunity to kiss his cheek. “Thank you, Mr. Julian.” Julian’s body stiffened, and his eyes darted to Eleanor in the back. Seeing that she was looking out the window and hadn’t noticed, he let out a slight sigh of relief. Chapter 4 The car came to a stop, and Eleanor got out first, walking ahead. Julian carefully helped Brooke, following behind her. They walked from the entrance to the VIP lounge, attracting countless gazes. “Wow, that man is so handsome and attentive, constantly supporting his pregnant wife.” “His wife looks pretty plain, but the woman in sunglasses in front of them is a top-tier beauty!” “What’s the point of being pretty? She’s still all alone, no one loves her.” Brooke proudly glanced at the gossiping bystanders, holding her head high, acting every bit the wealthy lady. These words fell into Eleanor’s ears, every single one of them. After settling Brooke, Julian sat in the seat next to Eleanor. “Eleanor, don’t be mad at Brooke. She’s from the countryside, everything is new and exciting to her.” Eleanor ignored him. He awkwardly covered her with a blanket. “Ouch!” Brooke’s gasp came from behind. She clutched her belly, her face pale as she leaned back in her seat. “I tried to get up to grab a blanket, but I twisted my ankle… It hurts so much…” Julian’s face changed instantly. He forcefully pushed Eleanor aside. He half-knelt, gently massaging Brooke’s ankle, his movements as tender as if he were handling a fragile piece of art. Eleanor’s heart ached, remembering last year when she fell off a swing and sprained her wrist. Julian had been so heartbroken he’d cried, staying by her side almost constantly until she recovered. At that moment, she finally believed that love doesn’t die; it simply migrates. For the next dozen hours, Julian stayed by Brooke’s side. “Mr. Julian, can you tell the baby a story? He loves listening to them.” “Okay, little one, Daddy is going to tell you the story of *The Little Prince* today.” “On a distant planet, lived a little prince… In the end, he decided to return to his beloved rose.” Only when a tear fell onto her hand did Eleanor realize she was already in tears. She put on her earphones, swallowed a few sleeping pills indiscriminately, and drifted into a groggy sleep. She didn’t know how long she slept, but her throat felt like it was on fire. She struggled to get up and pour herself a glass of water, hearing laughter from the back. “Mr. Julian, who do you think the baby will look like? I hope he looks like you, handsome and dashing… not like me, a country bumpkin.” Brooke’s voice was soft and boneless. Julian raised an eyebrow and smiled. “I actually hope he looks like you—kind, soft-hearted, and pure…” Eleanor glanced at them out of the corner of her eye. Brooke, blushing, leaned against Julian. They looked like a real couple, eagerly anticipating their unborn child. The glass of water in Eleanor’s hand *clattered* to the floor, shattering into pieces. She stooped down to pick it up, but her vision went black, and she fell directly. Her palm was cut and bleeding from the shards, and the pain made her whole body tremble. “Eleanor! What’s wrong with you?” Julian picked her up by the waist and gently placed her in her seat. Jealousy flashed in Brooke’s eyes. “It’s all my fault for monopolizing Mr. Julian, but Mrs. Julian, you shouldn’t hurt yourself to get his attention.” At her words, a flicker of doubt entered Julian’s eyes. He pulled out a tissue and pressed it to Eleanor’s bleeding palm, but his words were accusatory. “If you wanted something, you could have just told me. Why pull a stunt like this?” “I came with you to the Paris Fashion Show, and I bought you the jewelry you liked. What else are you not satisfied with?” Eleanor looked over his shoulder at Brooke, who was watching her with cold eyes, not a trace of the country woman’s simplicity left. Julian followed her gaze to Brooke, who immediately put on an innocent, bewildered expression. Julian frowned. “You fell and hurt your hand. Are you blaming Brooke for that too?” Eleanor pulled back her still-bleeding hand, her words crumbling into a choked sob on her tongue. “Julian, do you really think I’m such a despicable person?” Chapter 5 Julian’s hand hung in mid-air. He realized he’d spoken too harshly. “Eleanor, that’s not what I meant, I was saying…” Eleanor shook her head, interrupting him. “We’re landing soon. Please call a doctor for me. Thank you.” The plane inevitably experienced some turbulence during landing, and Brooke shrieked, hiding in Julian’s embrace. Julian patiently soothed her, “I’m here, nothing will happen to you.” Eleanor’s heart tightened. He had said the same words to her once. That year, Julian was 22, and he rushed in front of a group of thugs who had surrounded Eleanor. He was clearly scared himself, yet he stretched out his arms to shield her behind him. “Don’t be scared, Eleanor. I’m here, nothing will happen to you.” The plane landed smoothly. A private doctor bandaged her hand. “The wound is a bit deep. It might leave a scar.” Eleanor whispered her thanks, and a flicker of distress crossed Julian’s eyes. Brooke pulled his arm, murmuring, “Mr. Julian, will I have an ugly scar on my stomach after I have the baby?” Julian chuckled softly. “I’ll find the best doctors in the world. I promise it won’t leave any mark.” Brooke smiled sweetly, “Thank you, Mr. Julian!” Upon arriving at the hotel, Brooke pestered Julian to take her sightseeing. “I’ve lived in the village my whole life, I’ve never seen such beautiful streets.” Julian immediately took her on a shopping spree in Paris, bags of luxury goods piling up at the hotel. Hermes, Chanel, diamond jewelry… Brooke linked Julian’s arm, her face innocent. “Mr. Julian, how much do these cost? Is it enough to build a house in my hometown?” Julian looked at her tenderly. “Silly girl, if you like it, I’ll buy it for you. You don’t need to worry about money. You’re the Julian family’s biggest hero, after all.” As soon as he spoke, he saw Eleanor standing around the corner. His expression stiffened. “Eleanor, why don’t you come pick something you like too?” Eleanor turned and returned to her room. Brooke’s voice drifted from behind her. “Mr. Julian, give all these to Mrs. Julian. How could a country woman like me deserve such nice things…” Julian frowned. “Don’t belittle yourself. Who says you don’t deserve them? Eleanor has plenty at home. I’ll take her shopping next time.” As night fell, Julian, citing Brooke’s discomfort with the foreign environment, spent the entire night by her side. The next day, when Eleanor arrived at the show, Julian and Brooke were already seated in the reserved spots. Julian pointed to the cramped seat next to him. “Brooke’s back hurts from sitting too long. Let her have this chair.” Eleanor acted indifferent. “I’m just here to see the show, not a public display of affection.” Julian was speechless. Eleanor had been eagerly awaiting this spring/summer show, as it featured her favorite designer. As the wedding dress collection began its walk, Brooke’s eyes widened. “Is this a wedding dress? It’s so beautiful!” Julian looked at her with soft eyes. “Do you like it?” Brooke lowered her head with a look of regret. “I do, but I’ll probably never get a chance to wear such a beautiful wedding dress in my life.” Julian seemed moved. “Who says you won’t? Which one do you like? I’ll buy it for you. After you have the baby, we can do a wedding photoshoot.” Brooke looked at him with admiration. “Really, Mr. Julian?” “But I don’t have a groom…” Eleanor cleared her throat. “Mr. Julian has already been a one-night groom, what’s a wedding photoshoot with you?” Julian’s face turned ashen. He opened his mouth and called out, “Eleanor.” Suddenly, the chandelier directly above his head *clicked* and then crashed down. Chapter 6 “Mr. Julian, watch out!” Brooke shrieked, throwing herself selflessly towards Julian. The heavy chandelier crashed onto her back, sending crystal shards scattering. Julian’s face instantly drained of color. “Brooke!” Brooke slightly lifted her chin. “You’re okay. That’s good.” After saying that, she fainted in his arms. Julian’s lips trembled slightly. He scooped her up and rushed out. “Everyone, get out of the way!” His shoulder slammed hard into Eleanor – *Thud!* She was knocked to the ground, her forehead hitting the corner of the catwalk. Blood immediately flowed. She lay on the ground, staring blankly at Julian’s receding back. Pregnant, selflessly saving someone. Brooke would never be erased from Julian’s heart now. Eleanor, helped by those around her, stood up and stumbled towards the hospital alone. Just as she reached the emergency room entrance, she ran straight into Julian. A nurse rushed over. “The pregnant woman needs a blood transfusion, but the blood bank doesn’t have RH-negative blood right now. Are there any family members who can donate?” Julian turned and grabbed her wrist. “Eleanor, you’re RH-negative. Save Brooke!” She looked at him in disbelief. He knew she was anemic. Because her anemia had been so severe once, he’d invested in building a private hospital. There was an entire medical team on standby for her 24 hours a day. But now? Julian’s voice was urgent and brooked no refusal. “Brooke was hurt trying to save me. You can’t be so selfish!” Without waiting for Eleanor to speak, he forcefully pushed her into the blood donation room. The thick needle pierced her vein, and Eleanor couldn’t help but press her hand to her chest. Her heart felt as if an invisible giant hand was squeezing it, hurting so much she couldn’t breathe. Six hundred cc’s of blood were drawn. Julian’s gaze was anxiously fixed on Brooke’s direction, completely oblivious to Eleanor’s pale face. After the blood draw, Julian finally came to his senses. “How did your forehead get hurt?” “I’m so sorry, Eleanor. I’ll have a doctor give you a full check-up and then bandage it for you.” Eleanor curled her lips in a self-deprecating smile, letting him push her into the examination room. Soon, the doctor walked out with the examination report. Julian rushed forward to ask, “How is my wife?” The doctor shook his head. “Why did you let her donate blood? Don’t you know she’s already pregna…” A nurse suddenly ran out. “Brooke’s family? She woke up and has been calling for ‘Mr. Julian’.” Julian turned and left without hesitation, not hearing the rest of the doctor’s words. “Ms. Eleanor, you’re already anemic, and you’re eight weeks pregnant! Donating blood is extremely dangerous!” Eleanor took the report in surprise. “I’m pregnant?” Her mind went blank. The next second, a warm gush flowed from her lower abdomen. She slowly looked down. Fresh blood was streaming down her inner thigh, dripping onto the floor. Before she passed out, she saw Julian gently stroking Brooke’s face. When she woke up, Eleanor was lying alone in the hospital bed. The doctor regretfully informed her, “You donated too much blood. We couldn’t save the baby.” Tears streamed from her eyes. She fiercely pounded the bed, soft whimpers escaping her throat. Eleanor insisted on being discharged, despite the doctor’s objections. She dragged her weak body back to the hotel, standing in front of the bathroom mirror, laughing and crying. She looked down at the wedding ring stuck on her ring finger, and with a harsh tug. The diamond ring *clinked* as it rolled into the drain.

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Blakely Corp.’s new diamond mine in Africa was officially launching, and my wife, Chloe Blakely, bought me a first-class ticket to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony. But here I was, tied up in a chair, bound hand and foot. Before me, a massive stage. Our business partner, Benjamin, pulled back a red cloth, revealing a huge, colorful spinning wheel. It was marked with twelve numbers, like a clock, and my wife was tied naked right in the middle. “This is our tribe’s celebration ritual,” Benjamin declared. The men, each wearing a number tag, roared with laughter. With every spin of the wheel, my wife would be subjected to whatever twisted ‘game’ the man assigned to that number had in mind. I heard Chloe scream, “It hurts! No, stop it!” I struggled desperately in the chair, trying to break free and rescue my wife. But the ropes had barely loosened when a jolt of electricity surged through my body. I realized I was sitting in an electric chair. The remote control was in Benjamin’s hand! My eyes turned bloodshot. The more I struggled to break free, the more Benjamin cranked up the current. “Benjamin! What are you doing?!” I roared. Benjamin, black as charcoal and strong as an ox, chuckled. “Why, completing our tribal ceremony, of course! Only this way will our partnership with Blakely Corp. go smoothly!” As he finished speaking, one of his men stuffed a foul-smelling rag into my mouth. The stench of the rag, the burning pain of the electric shocks, and the horrifying sight of my wife being humiliated before my eyes, made my vision blur with tears and my heart ache with unbearable agony! Benjamin watched my struggles, laughing maniacally. “Keep struggling! Use more force if you’re not afraid of being electrocuted to death!” “Take a good look at our tribe’s customs. Let us teach you pathetic outsiders how to pleasure a woman!” My throat was choked with blood, the pain immense, but with my mouth gagged, I couldn’t make a sound! I closed my eyes, unable to watch my wife being tormented further, but two men forcibly pried my eyelids open. I watched, helpless, as a huge brute of a man intimately engaged with her, violating her. “No!” “It hurts!” “Ah…” Chloe’s screams seemed to be an aphrodisiac for these men. They laughed even louder! My blood felt like it was freezing solid, my insides twisted in agony! My heart felt like it was being ripped apart, burning as if acid had been poured into it! Benjamin, in his excitement, flung the remote control from his hand. I seized the chance, tore free from the ropes, and dashed onto the stage, heedless of the danger. But what could my 5’11” frame do against a group of 6’6″ brutes?! I had just ambushed one from behind when the big man, a literal black mountain, elbowed me, sending me flying. I spat out blood, cursing from my corner. “This is illegal!” Benjamin sneered. “Don’t think just because I’m not from your country that I don’t understand your ways. I’ve mastered your language, even studied under your Professor Davies! You have a saying, ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do!’ Mr. Davies, have you forgotten your own customs?” I spat back, “To hell with your damn customs!” He strode over to my corner and kicked me in the chest with his leather shoe. “You’re on our turf now! What can you do to us?!” He dragged me back to the electric chair, tied me up again, and ordered his men to force my eyes open once more. I watched as Chloe’s body began to bruise and swell, my heart twisting in agony! I wished I could bear it all for her. I struggled frantically in the electric chair, and my phone slipped from my inner pocket. The screen displayed an email from the Chief, written in French, offering me thirty of his daughters as brides. The men couldn’t understand French. They snatched my phone, threw it to the ground, and stomped on it wildly until it was a pile of shattered fragments! I was almost insane. I lurched forward, electric chair still strapped to my back, charging onto the stage, shouting, “Chloe! I’m sorry I’m late!”

Chloe, her face flushed, paused for a moment, taking a breath mid-long, wet kiss with one of the men. “What are you doing up here?!” “You’re the audience for today!” I was utterly dumbfounded. If my wife wasn’t alive before my eyes, I would’ve sworn she was possessed. “I came to save you, my love! I’ll make these beasts pay for this, I swear!” Her body was covered in hickeys and unspeakable fluids. I had the heavy electric chair strapped to my back, and tears streamed down my face. The next second, Chloe opened her mouth and spat in my face. “You save me?” “Liam Davies, this is their tribe’s custom. What do you know?!” “Only this way can the diamond mine business monopolize the global market and make our stock prices soar!” I felt like I’d been struck by lightning. I couldn’t believe this was the woman I had loved for so many years. But seeing her surrounded by a dozen men towering over six feet, I guessed she was saying crazy things to protect me from harm. I stammered, “Chloe, don’t be afraid, I’ll find a way to save you right now!” To my shock, Chloe lifted a leg, now free of its restraints, and kicked me in the chest. “Liam Davies, do you have a death wish? Are you trying to ruin Blakely Corp.’s diamond mine business?” “This is a massive monopoly deal. Can you afford to ruin it?” “Get back to the audience! Be a good spectator!” Seeing her spout such insane remarks, I finally completely broke. “Chloe Blakely, are you out of your mind? What kind of business deal involves a gang orgy?” “You’re publicly cheating on me with a dozen men! What am I to you? A fool?” “You’re Lily’s mother! Aren’t you afraid that if this gets out, she’ll never be able to hold her head up again?!” “Liam Davies!” she roared. “This is a business rule, ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do,’ what do you know? Don’t you dare slander me and my business partners!” “Lily will understand someday. She’ll know her mother did this for the corporation, for her!” “As for you, you’re just jealous of your wife, who’s a successful businesswoman. Is that appropriate?” she demanded, her eyes red-rimmed and her voice filled with feigned hurt. I looked at her, like a used plaything, hung disgracefully on that wheel, still spewing her shameless nonsense, and I instantly burst into bitter laughter. Benjamin, right in front of me, violated her again! I couldn’t take it anymore. I swung the electric chair strapped to my back, trying to hit them, but the big brute kicked me flying again. Chloe, panting heavily, glared at me. “Liam Davies! If you dare ruin my transnational business, I’ll divorce you!” “Ah… Benjamin, I want more. Benjamin, tie him up tighter! Let’s continue!” My heart died. I was like a slab of meat, allowing them to drag me back to the audience. Benjamin picked up the remote control from the ground and turned the electric chair to its highest setting. He sneered, “Learn how to be a good audience member!” I was cold all over, a chill running down my spine. My eyes were vacant as I said, “Chloe Blakely, let’s get a divorce.” “I don’t want to be an audience member. I don’t want to continue this ribbon-cutting ceremony. Let me go back home.” “I want to go back to Lily! This place sickens me!” **截断点** Benjamin held the remote control for the electric chair, flipping it on and off, the current shocking my body repeatedly until I felt I was about to die. I heard the beast say slowly, “Mr. Davies, since you’ve come to our tribe, you must ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ Otherwise, it will negatively impact Blakely Corp.’s business.”

“Don’t your people have a saying about fate?!” “Your talk of divorcing Mrs. Blakely right now is breaking her heart. She’s doing this for the corporation!” “Since you’ve betrayed such a good woman, and the child can’t be without a father! We’ll have to be less polite! Electrocute you? That’s the easy part!” I said coldly, “You’ll pay for your actions!” Benjamin sneered, slapping my face. “Are you dreaming?” His dark face leaned in close. “Who the hell are you? A pampered pretty boy?” “Do you know who the Chief is? I work for him! Do you know who you’re threatening?! If you dare offend me, I’ll make sure you never leave this country alive?!” I scoffed. “The Chief?” “Back when the Chief was studying abroad, he practically begged my Professor Davies for his diploma. Now he’s practically begging me to take thirty of his daughters as wives!” Benjamin gnashed his teeth in anger. “How dare you insult our Chief!” He swung a punch that landed on my face. Blood gushed from my mouth and nose, and one of my molars flew out, accompanied by a violent ringing in my ears. “Beat him! Beat this cocky outsider to death!” “How dare he speak of the Chief like that?” “He’s making our tribe a laughingstock!” Fists rained down on my face, and massive size 13 boots slammed into my chest. I ached all over. “Don’t kill him!” “I don’t want to be a widow! My child can’t lose their father!” Chloe, barely clad on the stage, cooed. Only then did Benjamin reluctantly stop. She strode up to me, pinching my chin. “Liam, are you crazy? How dare you slander the Chief! This is South Africa, not back home!” “Control your mouth. I don’t want to clean up your messes!” “Do you know why they partnered with Blakely Corp. instead of the Shen Group? Because I’m better at dealing with people, better at doing business!” “You have to make it through tonight if you want to be my man, Chloe Blakely!” I stood stunned, watching everyone return to the stage and resume playing with the spinning wheel. Chloe was re-tied to the center. Benjamin continued to spin the wheel. The men with number tags stripped off their clothes, pulled out props, and put on… raincoats. Chloe’s moans and throaty cries filled the air. “Benjamin, you guys are amazing!” “I’m going to…” My eyelids were held open, forcing me to watch the repulsive scene. My heart had been run over by a tractor a hundred times. Seven years ago, I was a college student. When I chose Chloe, my billionaire mother kicked me out. She said the Blakely family was insignificant, and that I was useless and unmotivated! Yes, my mother was right! I am so damn useless! After a night of depravity, the miserable ribbon-cutting ceremony finally ended. Chloe was discarded on the stage like a used rag, drenched in sweat, moaning all night. She draped Benjamin’s suit over herself and slithered towards me like a venomous snake. I almost vomited from disgust. I said viciously, “Chloe Blakely, let’s get a divorce!” Her eyes red-rimmed, she looked at me. “Liam Davies, do you know what you’re saying?” “You want Lily to grow up in a single-parent home? Are you insane?” She picked up the electric chair remote and shocked me repeatedly, cursing, “You ungrateful wretch! I’m doing this for the corporation and for this family! How dare you disregard everything just for petty jealousy!” “It seems I’ve been too good to you, letting you get carried away!” Then, she looked coquettishly at Benjamin. “Benjamin, my husband still hasn’t learned to ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’ after a whole night. You guys need to teach him some more!”

I struggled frantically in the electric chair, resisting with all my might. The next second, Benjamin kicked me and the electric chair to the ground, then stepped on my face with his leather shoe. “Mrs. Blakely gave the order!” “Brothers, we can’t shame the tribe!” Fists rained down on my face like hail, and foul-smelling leather shoes kicked me repeatedly. Along with the constant electric shocks, I was in so much pain I nearly died. A flicker of distress finally crossed Chloe’s eyes. “Liam, as long as you apologize to them and cooperate with the smooth launch of the diamond mine, I’ll forgive you.” “Dream on! I’d die before I apologize!” I roared weakly. “Chloe Blakely, not only will I not apologize, but I’m also divorcing you!” Chloe pushed the men away, her high heel stomping on my head. “You were the one who shamelessly pursued me, willing to be my dog. Now you don’t want to be? I won’t allow it!” Benjamin fawned, “Mrs. Blakely, he doesn’t appreciate you, but we do!” “We’ll continue to teach him the rules! We’ll make sure he learns to ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’!” “I’ll make him learn from scratch!” The phrase “from scratch” was chillingly ambiguous. The men nearby began to snicker, covering their mouths. My heart sank. What were they going to do? What did “from scratch” mean? As I wondered, all my clothes were ripped off. Benjamin took a fruit knife from a huge brute. “Are you going to kill me?” Cold sweat broke out on my forehead. Benjamin sneered. “Why would we?” “You’re a VIP!” “We’re just letting you experience a unique African circumcision ritual! To help you ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’!” I struggled wildly, trying to find somewhere to hide. “You wouldn’t dare!” Benjamin scoffed. “Why not?!” With that, the men dragged me onto the stage and held me down firmly. Just as they were about to act, a voice echoed through the hall, “Stop!” I looked up and saw several of my Professor Davies’s former international students! They had received careful guidance and care from my Professor Davies when they studied his language back home. Benjamin sat arrogantly in a chair, like an NBA star. “What’s up?” One of the students said, “I saw your live stream and came right over.” “Benjamin, let this man go. I’ll give you money.” “How much do you want?” My heart warmed. Though my Professor Davies had been overshadowed by my mother his whole life, he truly had students everywhere! I used the confusion to break free from my ropes again, scrambling desperately towards the exit. The students shielded me, but Benjamin and his towering men were too formidable. We were at a stalemate. “Are you even part of this tribe? Why are you helping outsiders?” Benjamin, a large lump on his forehead from a blow, roared. Chloe suddenly walked up to me, furious. “Liam Davies, you’re determined to ruin me and Blakely Corp., aren’t you?” “Your actions are seriously jeopardizing international relations! Don’t you realize that?” I scoffed, boiling with rage. “They violated my wife, and beat me to this extent. Who’s jeopardizing international relations?!” She slapped my face, her long nails drawing blood. “That’s because you don’t respect their customs, and you’re hell-bent on ruining our business!” “And you want a divorce from me. Benjamin and the others are just feeling sorry for a poor woman like me!” “They don’t want Lily to be without a father! They’re just being helpful!” She feigned a sob, wiping away tears. “Can’t I just go back home with you? Stop being so disgusting here!” “Tell these students of your Professor Davies to leave immediately! They’re annoying!” “The private mine business in South Africa cannot go wrong! This is the result of years of my hard work! Don’t mess things up for me!” With that, she tugged at my sleeve, trying to pull me away. I shook her off. “Chloe Blakely! I said I’m divorcing you!” “Can’t you understand human language? Have the men played with you so much you forgot English?”

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Julian hated me. He hated me for usurping Blair’s life for eighteen years – Blair, the true daughter of the prominent Hamilton family. Then I died. It was a month after he forced me into an arranged marriage with Gary, a domestic abuser, just to protect Blair. The night before the wedding, I begged him on my knees, “If I marry him, will you finally forgive me?” He sneered, “Cut the pathetic act. You’re only fit to atone for your sins, for the rest of your life!” A month later, the police found my body floating in a rooftop water tank. The killer had severed my tendons, ripped out all my fingernails, and broken my leg and arm bones before tossing me into the water. But Julian, the man who had always wished me dead, went completely insane the moment he saw my corpse… “Julian, still no word from Willow? It’s been days since the wedding.” My adoptive mother, Susan, kept mumbling. “Is she still mad at us for making her marry him?” “Mom, she’s nothing but a thankless wretch! The Hamiltons raised her for so many years, and she complains about every little thing she has to give back! She might as well be dead for all I care!” Julian sounded annoyed. “Blair just called, said she had too much to drink. I’m going to pick her up.” I floated in the air, watching his retreating back with a self-deprecating smile. Of course. He still wanted me dead more than anything. He used to be the kindest brother, my protector. But ever since I turned eighteen and they discovered I’d been swapped at birth, he became convinced that I had stolen Blair’s eighteen years of life. He even believed that I, worse than an animal, wasn’t worth even Blair’s little finger. “Julian, if Willow calls, tell her I miss her. Tell her to come back and see me.” Susan sounded anxious, pleading softly. “Mom… I’m so sorry.” My voice caught in my throat. I wanted to hug her, but I couldn’t touch her. “She’s a thankless wretch, I tell you. If she doesn’t call, just assume she’s dead somewhere!” Julian’s voice was filled with pure disgust. I remembered when we were eighteen. Business rivals had hired thugs to kidnap us. He’d risked his life to draw them away, just so I could live. I still remembered him telling me before he passed out, “Willow, you’re my sister. I’ll be good to you for life.” It was during that kidnapping incident, when I was severely injured, that they discovered I wasn’t the Hamiltons’ real daughter. Now, no matter how much I tried to atone, I was still the ungrateful wretch he spoke of. My nose burned. “As you wish. I’m truly dead now. Are you happy, finally?” “Julian, I know you hate Willow, but it wasn’t Willow’s fault that she was swapped at birth back then…” Julian’s face darkened. “If her parents hadn’t deliberately swapped those two babies, Blair wouldn’t have been out there, struggling for eighteen years! Her whole family are kidnappers!” I trembled uncontrollably. “No, that’s not how it happened! Blair lied! My parents weren’t kidnappers!” The day after Blair was found, my biological parents died in a car crash on the freeway. Afterward, Blair swore up and down that my parents were kidnappers, and that they had intentionally swapped the babies back then. For eighteen years, she claimed she had suffered endless abuse in the Miller family. From that day on, Julian punished me, making me atone…

Julian left, and my spirit was forced to follow him to Blair’s birthday party. “Blair, I’m so jealous of you. Your brother is so handsome and thoughtful.” Julian smiled dotingly, and amidst everyone’s admiring glances, he pulled out a gift for Blair. “Bro, any news on Willow?” Blair whispered. “Is she still upset with me?” I scoffed. “Don’t pretend to be innocent. Didn’t you cause my death?!” Julian frowned. “She deserved to marry him. She has no right to be upset with you.” “Bro, she’s still your sister, even if her parents back then…” “Sister?” He scoffed. “Her whole family messed up our lives for eighteen years, and you’re still defending her? You’re just too kind.” Blair hugged Julian, pouting playfully. “It’s all in the past.” I stood in front of Julian, frantically trying to explain. “I really didn’t hurt you! I’ve found evidence that my parents weren’t kidnappers!” “Julian! It was her! She killed me!” But Julian couldn’t hear me. I shouted desperately, explaining over and over, until suddenly, I was just too tired. Julian had never trusted me. “Did you hear? The guy Willow married is a domestic abuser. His last wife almost lost half her life from his beatings.” “No wonder. I tell you, I saw Willow downstairs in her apartment building a few days ago. She was covered in bruises! Tsk… Serves her right. A kidnapper’s kid with an abuser, hahahaha!” “Exactly! That kind of person shamelessly tried to hook up with Blair’s brother. She used to be such a pathetic simp, clinging to Julian all day. And then she marries a guy just like that? What a cold-blooded opportunist.” “I think she should be here today, groveling and celebrating Blair’s birthday.” “Enough! Why even bring her up?” Julian was clearly annoyed. He lit a cigarette, but his gaze kept darting towards the door. Then, his phone rang. “Hello?” “Hello, this is the Coastal City Police Department. What is your relation to Willow Miller?” Julian’s heart clenched. “My sister. What’s wrong?” I looked at him and suddenly laughed. He still acknowledged me as his sister. “We received a report of a break-in at Willow Miller’s residence. We found some items at the scene and need you to come down.” Julian’s face was grim. I floated in front of him, pleading desperately, “Please, don’t go. Don’t go to my apartment.” After a long pause, Julian spoke. “I’ll be there soon.” Even though I was extremely reluctant, I still followed Julian all the way to Tangyu Manor. “Mr. Hamilton, we suspect Ms. Miller has been illegally abused.” The police led Julian to identify whips, handcuffs, ropes, and gag balls—unidentified tools of torture—at the scene. There was also a long trail of blood on the floor leading to the bathroom. The moment I saw those tools, I shrunk into a corner, trembling uncontrollably. It was a fear etched into my soul. Every single one of those tools had been used on me by that abuser. Back then, I was tied with ropes, my mouth gagged with a towel, and beaten bloody and bruised in despair. Julian’s face was dark. After a long silence, he finally spoke. “Where is she?” “We apologize, Mr. Hamilton. We haven’t been able to contact Ms. Miller or her husband yet. We suspect Ms. Miller may have been killed.” “No need to investigate further. Maybe she likes being abused.” Julian sneered. “That kind of low-life, she’d crawl all over any man she sees. These things are probably just props she set up to get our attention.” Julian simply didn’t believe I could be a victim. In his eyes, I was just a promiscuous simp, and he wished I’d drop dead.

“Mr. Hamilton, this is a human life!” “So?” Julian’s voice was cold. “This is a Hamilton family matter. I’ll find her myself and make her apologize to you for her little prank.” Julian’s eyes were dark and heavy. I knew he was truly angry. Angry that my “act” had gone too far. Suddenly, I wanted to laugh. See? Even with the torture devices laid out before him, he still firmly believed I was playing tricks, trying to deceive everyone. Even though the night before the wedding, I had knelt, begging him not to force this marriage. Even though it was Blair who had been involved with Gary, I was the one cleaning up her mess. Even though the Hamiltons had other solutions, this marriage wasn’t necessary. But what did he do? He lifted my chin with a cold laugh. “This is your chance to atone.” So many obvious truths, yet he steadfastly believed I was deceiving everyone… Even on the night I died, my last phone call was to him, but he just irritably snapped, “Then just let yourself get beaten to death. The world will be a quieter place when you’re gone.” Despairingly, I watched Gary burst into the bedroom, tie me up, beat me, abuse me, and eventually, kill me. “Riley, where’s Willow? Tell her to get back to the Hamiltons!” Riley was my only friend. For all these years, she was the only one who had ever protected me. Now, I didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye to her. “Julian, what the hell is wrong with you?! I should be asking you! Where’s Willow?! I haven’t seen her in days!” “You tell her! Tell her to get her butt back to the Hamiltons! Trying to play dead to escape her sins? No way!” Julian sounded agitated, his voice trembling slightly. He suddenly turned and looked in my direction. My body tensed. I thought he could see me. Then, he bolted out the door as if escaping. I stood there numbly, a self-deprecating smile on my face. It seemed only death would truly be atonement. It was a strange mix of luck and misfortune that I was really dead. When I caught up to Julian, Riley was still furiously yelling into her phone. “Julian, are you and your whole family insane?! Forcing Willow to marry an abuser! If anything happens to her, I swear I’ll never forgive you!” Julian let out a sarcastic laugh. “She put you up to this, didn’t she? Be careful, she’s a master at using others.” “You’re sick!” Riley cursed and hung up. In that moment, my heart felt like it had been hung and died too.

Outside, it was pouring rain. I sat beside Julian, staring out the car window. The heavy rain outside was exactly like the day something terrible happened to Blair. Julian had pinned me against the wall, his eyes cold and filled with murderous intent. “Willow, why did you get Blair drunk and make her sleep with Gary Jenkins? Are you really so malicious that you wanted to ruin Blair?!” “I didn’t! It wasn’t me, truly it wasn’t… Bro.” “Shut up! Blair tried to kill herself because of this, and she’s still in the hospital. Go kneel and apologize to her!” “No! I won’t! I told you, it really wasn’t me!” Julian didn’t listen to my explanations at all. He grabbed my arm and dragged me all the way to the hospital. At the hospital, Blair was still making a scene in her room. The moment she saw me, she rushed forward and slapped me, trembling hysterically. “Why, Willow?! I was so good to you, why would you hurt me?!” In my anger, I tried to strike back, but Julian violently shoved me to the ground. “It wasn’t me! When I arrived yesterday, you were already drunk.” I looked at them in a panic, trying desperately to explain. “It really wasn’t me.” Blair had called me to pick her up. When I arrived, only a disheveled Gary Jenkins and Blair were in the VIP room. A lace bra was even hanging on the door. Before I could react, a passing server shrieked, attracting a crowd. “But Mom, what do we do now? Everyone knows I shamelessly got drunk and hooked up with Gary. And now Gary is forcing me to marry him, or he’ll post the video online!” Blair’s eyes welled up with tears. She turned and rushed toward the corner of the table. “Don’t!” Julian rushed forward, bracing his lower back against the table corner, wincing in pain as Blair slammed into him. “I have a solution.” Everyone present froze for a moment, then heard Julian personally deliver my death sentence. “Announce to the public that it was Willow who was with Gary that day. Make Willow marry Gary Jenkins.” “No! Why me?!” I looked at Julian in a panic, hoping to hear him say that what he’d just said was all out of anger. He knew Gary was an abuser. He had beaten his previous wife into a triple-disability, and the court had only issued a flimsy domestic violence order,

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On Valentine’s Day, my husband took his ex-girlfriend and her daughter out to dinner. And I, like an idiot, waited all night in a rundown shack with no electricity in the middle of nowhere. What I got instead was the joyous news of him inheriting billions! I took my daughter, Stella, to his celebration, hoping to get some answers, but the security guards treated me like a lunatic and nearly beat me to death. His ex-girlfriend, Celeste, had been upgraded to the ‘official’ Mrs. Sterling. A doctored drink claimed my life and Stella’s. Before my last breath, I swore: Blake Sterling, you’ll pay for this! Heaven must have opened its eyes, because I was reborn with all my memories! This time, I sold off the dilapidated house and headed straight for my family’s sprawling 20,000 square foot villa estate. Just you wait, Blake Sterling! The debt from my past life, I’ll make you repay a hundredfold! “Dad, I was wrong! I want to divorce Blake!” I knelt at the entrance of Sterling Industries, dragging Stella with me, drawing countless onlookers. Thinking back to my past life, I must have been out of my mind! For a total social climber, I cut ties with my billionaire father, clinging stubbornly to him, marrying into a village, living on scraps and barely scraping by. And what did I get? He soared to success, then treated me like dirt, used me up, and then tossed me aside! Not far off, several uniformed security guards pointed at us, their faces etched with disdain. “Who are these hicks, daring to cause a scene at Sterling Industries? Security! Get them out of here!” “Exactly, look at their clothes. They look like beggars. How dare they call themselves the boss’s daughter?” I took a deep breath, ignoring their harsh comments, my eyes fixed on the revolving door in front of me. Oh, Dad, your daughter has finally seen the light! Because what’s better than love? Money, that’s what! “Stella, don’t be scared, Mom’s here!” I squeezed my daughter’s tiny hand, giving her a reassuring look. Stella nodded obediently. Though only four, she already showed signs of inheriting my and Dad’s excellent genes. She’d grow into a stunning beauty, destined to be a heartbreaker. In my previous life, this little beauty suffered far too much with me. This time, I’d make sure she became the happiest little princess! “Well, well, which heiress has fallen so low?” A snide, syrupy voice drifted over. I looked up to see Marcus, Dad’s Executive Assistant. That man, relying on being Dad’s confidant, always made sure to give me a hard time. “Marcus, long time no see.” I forced a smile, cursing inwardly: Just you wait, the moment I’m back on top, you’ll be the first I fire! “Heiress? Oh, I wouldn’t dare.” Marcus pursed his lips, looking me up and down with a disdainful gaze. “Miss Sterling, the CEO said he doesn’t have a daughter like you. Please stop disturbing him!” “Shut up!” I cut Marcus off. “I’m here to admit my mistake! I promise, I’ll listen to him from now on, no more being reckless!” Marcus paused, seemingly surprised that I would be so meek and humble. “Hmph, if only you’d thought of that sooner.” He scoffed, his tone softening slightly. “Alright, I’ll reluctantly go inform him for you, but I can’t guarantee the CEO will see you.” With that, Marcus turned and walked into the revolving door. A biting wind howled, making Stella and me shiver. But this was my crucial step to changing my destiny! Blake Sterling, Celeste, just you wait! What’s mine, I’ll take back, one piece at a time! What you owe me, I’ll make you repay twofold!

Good thing I wasn’t stupid enough to sign a prenuptial agreement back then. This time, I had to fight for Stella’s and my own survival. Stella and I stood outside the imposing gate of Blake’s mansion. The security guards eyed us like thieves, scanning us several times, confirming we were wearing cheap clothes, and growing even more impatient. “What do you want? This is private property, get out of here!” I took a deep breath, telling myself to stay calm, not to stoop to their level. “Please tell Blake Sterling that his ex-wife is here with his daughter to see him.” The guard sneered, “You say you’re Mr. Sterling’s ex-wife? There are plenty of women claiming to be his wife these days! Mr. Sterling is very busy now, he doesn’t have time for your kind. Beat it!” I had expected this. After all, the current Blake Sterling was a high and mighty heir to a fortune. How could he remember the ‘rags-to-riches’ wife he conveniently forgot? I stepped back a few paces, pulling Stella with me, and yelled at the top of my lungs: “Everyone, come see! Blake Sterling swore undying love to me back then! He promised to be good to me forever, but now that he’s rich, he throws me and his daughter aside! Is there any justice left in this world?” Blake’s mansion was in a wealthy neighborhood, surrounded by affluent residents. Hearing my shouts, people immediately gathered, curious. “Oh dear, these days, there are too many women who tried to hook a rich guy and failed, aren’t there?” “Look how shabbily dressed the mother and daughter are. They must be trying to extort money.” “Mr. Sterling is known as a good man; he dotes on his wife and children. How could he abandon them?” Listening to the whispers around me, I smirked inwardly. Blake Sterling, you acted all high and mighty, but today, I’m going to rip off your mask! I pulled out a copy from my canvas bag and held it over my head. ***截断点***

“Everyone, look closely! This is a guarantee letter Blake Sterling personally wrote years ago, all here, in black and white! If he denies it, I’ll go to the media and publicly disgrace him!” Inside the surveillance room, the butler’s face changed drastically when he saw the contents of the guarantee letter. He quickly ordered the guards, “Stay here. I’ll go inform Mr. Sterling.” Sure enough, not long after. Blake Sterling walked out of the villa, his face dark. Behind him trailed Celeste, dressed in a Chanel suit. The butler pointed at me and said to Blake: “Mr. Sterling, it’s this woman. She claims to be your ex-wife. I think she’s crazy. Should I kick her out?” Blake’s eyes were dark and menacing as he stared at me. “Look up.” I curled my lips into a smile and slowly raised my head. The moment he saw me, Blake’s face went pale. “Scarlett? Is that really you? How did you get here?” He quickly walked up to me, lowering his voice. “Didn’t I make it clear on the phone? I’ve already called the police. This won’t end well for you if you keep this up!” Five years had passed, and Blake was even more mature, more charismatic. He wore a tailored designer suit, exuding the aura of a successful man. Stella and I, on the other hand, wore cheap clothes, looking utterly miserable. “Blake Sterling, what did you promise me back then? You said you’d be good to me forever, that you’d give me and Stella a happy life! And now? You live in a mansion, drive fancy cars, yet you discard me and Stella like trash. Where’s your conscience?” Blake’s face turned ashen, but a flicker of panic flashed in his eyes. “Scarlett, it’s not what you think. Please take Stella and leave. We can settle this privately.” As he spoke, he secretly slipped a check into my hand. He gestured for me to take the money and leave, to stop making a scene. I sneered, and in front of everyone, I tore the check into tiny pieces. “Blake Sterling, do you think a few measly dollars can buy me off? I’m telling you, no way! I came here today to reclaim everything that belongs to Stella and me!” My voice was loud enough for everyone around to hear clearly, and Blake’s face grew even uglier. He gritted his teeth and threatened me: “Scarlett, what exactly do you want? I said I’d compensate you. Can’t you just calm down?” I gave a cold smile, pulling Stella towards the villa entrance. “My daughter hasn’t had a decent meal in a long time. I’m afraid she can’t wait.” “Mr. Sterling, why are you so reluctant to let your ex-wife in? Is there something you’re trying to hide?”

Of course, I knew why Blake didn’t want me inside. The mansion wasn’t just home to him now. It also housed Celeste, his late brother’s widow, whom he now publicly claimed as his wife, along with her two children. Everyone comfortably seated on the living room sofa knew Celeste was the ‘official’ Mrs. Sterling, the one Blake presented to the world as his wife. As for me, his suddenly reappearing ‘ex-wife,’ Blake naturally had no idea how to explain me. After all, he was the one who cried and begged to marry me, and now he wished he could erase me from his life. But I was here today to make him lose face. Blake stared at me with a twisted expression, probably cursing me eight hundred times in his head. Celeste’s eyes darted around, and then she suddenly walked over, taking my hand with a forced warmth. “Oh, dear sister, what are you saying? Since you’re Blake’s… friend, you’re certainly a guest here. It’s normal for him to be caught off guard when you bring your child. Don’t misunderstand, please come in and sit down.” With that, she tried to pull me towards the nearby lounge area. I coldly pulled my hand away. “You must be Celeste, right?” Celeste’s face stiffened, but she forced a smile and nodded. In my past life, I was foolish. I always thought she was so pitiful, having lost her husband at such a young age. I had no guard against her, believing everything she said. And what happened? My daughter died instantly, spitting blood, after eating a cake Celeste had given her! “No need for the lounge area. Didn’t Mr. Sterling just say guests were visiting? My daughter and I are hungry, we’ll just eat something here. And perhaps Mr. Sterling can introduce us to everyone?” “Scarlett!” Blake growled, “Are you deliberately trying to embarrass the Sterling family, dressed like that to see guests? At least change your clothes. Celeste, take her to change…” Blake froze mid-sentence, realizing what he’d said. Seeing my silence, he quickly explained. “Scarlett, don’t misunderstand. Celeste is my only relative in this family. I treat her like a sister, that’s why I call her that.” “There’s absolutely nothing improper between us!” Blake’s desperate explanation only made me sick to my stomach. The scene before my death in the last life, I could never forget it. Celeste sobbing, lying. She claimed my daughter was greedy, accidentally ate the expired cake she’d left on the dining table because she was going to throw it away. She swore that wretched child stole it, which was why she died from the poison. Blake didn’t shed a single tear for us. Instead, he tenderly embraced Celeste, his face full of affection. He gently wiped away her tears, holding her close to comfort her. He said, “If she’s dead, she’s dead. Even if she hadn’t died, I was going to marry you anyway.” “All these years, my eyes have only been on you and the two kids. There’s no room for anyone else, and I won’t allow anyone to disturb our life.” From that moment, I completely gave up. Celeste led me into a room and tossed me an old dress she’d worn, telling me to change. Blake was squatting in front of Stella. “Don’t you remember Daddy?”

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