My brother died. He died in the brutal winter, his body never found. The night Liam died, the internet was ablaze with news: Billionaire Crime Boss Proposes to Blackwood Heiress, Celeste Blackwood. Fireworks painted the city sky, dazzling and extravagant. Hundreds of private jets had flown in the freshest roses, followed by the purchase of a ‘Heart of the Ocean’ diamond worth hundreds of millions. All because the spoiled Blackwood princess, Celeste, had, in a fit of pique with the crime boss Dominic Vance, publicly announced her “poor” boyfriend on social media. So, the crime boss had spent a fortune to win back his ‘princess.’ In the end, Celeste was “touched” by Dominic’s grand gesture. They reconciled, a ‘fairytale romance’ celebrated across social networks, showered with blessings. And my brother, the princess’s “poor” boyfriend, became the sole sacrifice. Accused and vilified by countless strangers. Unable to endure the cyberbullying, Liam begged Celeste to clear his name. Instead, she had her men break his limbs, shatter his teeth, and cut out his tongue. He was thrown into a dark, forgotten basement, left to starve to death, then his body was dumped off a cliff. The ‘prince and princess’ love story concluded with the “poor” medical student’s dreams shattered, leading to a “fragile” suicide off a cliff. The internet cheered, celebrating his demise. Knowing the truth, I immediately smiled and signed Celeste’s multi-million dollar settlement. Everyone called me cold-blooded and heartless, saying I was just like my brother, profiting from his tragedy. I just smiled at their gossip and whispers. No one understood my hatred, and I didn’t expect anyone to avenge us. Before I had power, I could only lay low, forcing a smile. True atonement requires feeling the same pain you inflicted. I took the millions in compensation and went abroad. Plastic surgery, skin grafts, liposuction, breast augmentation, even intimate reconstructive surgery. I dedicated myself to learning every skill I needed. I endured hundreds of procedures for a flawless face. I could go three days and nights without rest, mastering a new language. In two years, I transformed myself into a completely different person. A perfect, flawless face, a devilishly sculpted body, possessing both innocence and allure as if born with it. Far more beautiful than Celeste Blackwood. For these two years, I’d been like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, observing Celeste’s every move. Every post, every news article, I could recite by heart. I watched her flaunt her global limited-edition bags and jewels, watched her receive Dominic Vance’s extravagant proposal. Each piece of information fueled my deepening hatred. It made me crazy like wanting to kill them. Why did they get to invade my life like demons? Why did she get to live such a dazzling, bright life while my brother died so tragically? I wouldn’t forgive. One day, I would make her crawl at my feet, begging for mercy. Dominic Vance, the crime boss, was her greatest asset. I would make her lose his protection entirely. I would use every means to make Dominic abandon her, despise her. I would personally break every one of her wings. My chance to get close to Dominic came quickly. They had barely announced their engagement when a fierce argument erupted. That very night, Celeste posted photos on social media of herself abroad, partying with male models. Their usual cat-and-mouse game: she’d run, he’d chase; she’d throw a tantrum, he’d coax her back. No matter how outrageous or over-the-line Celeste’s actions were, Dominic always bowed his head first, seemingly cursed to reconcile with her. It didn’t matter. Even if he was cursed, I would cure him of his ‘sickness’ (Celeste), making him my puppet and mine alone. 2. After repeated scouting, I finally caught Dominic at home. I bribed the apartment complex security, then, in a form-fitting strapless dress, clutching my design portfolio, I rushed to his front door. Just as Dominic stepped out to throw trash, I feigned a stumble and collided directly into his arms. A light rain began to patter, water droplets clinging to my hair, making my smooth, fair calves look even more alluring. “Oh! Oh my gosh, I’m so, so sorry!” I flustered, but precisely because of it, my chest was heaving, a torrent of unspoken desire, an infinite temptation. “Who are you?” Dominic’s brows furrowed. He was wearing only gray shorts, his eight-pack abs perfectly sculpted, a clear testament to his impressive physique. “I’m so sorry, I’m a design student, here to pitch my interior design graduation project. I didn’t expect such heavy rain…” “Do you happen to have any interior design needs?” The rain had soaked my light-colored dress, the black lace beneath now barely concealed. Dominic stared at me for a few seconds, his frown deepening, then nodded: “I actually do need some work done recently. Come in, I’ll just change first.” A surge of triumph filled me. I stood awkwardly in the living room, waiting for Dominic to change. “Alright, let’s see these interior designs.” Suddenly, a playful voice sounded from behind me, and someone grabbed me from behind, holding me tightly. His voice sent a shockwave through me, and fear clawed its way up from my gut. Julian Blackwood. Celeste’s brother. The man I would never forget, even in hell. “Let’s see if the art is prettier or the artist.” His hand grew increasingly bold, moving from my waist down to my thigh. “Sir, please don’t. I’m just here to sell my designs.” My voice trembled, soft and weak. “Dressed like that, aren’t you just out to sell yourself? Why play innocent now?” Julian eyed me up and down, a look of contempt on his face, as if I were a piece of meat on a butcher’s block. “Apologies, my friend is a bit out of line. I’ve just seen your designs, they’re quite good, we can use them. My assistant will contact you.” Dominic emerged from his room, taking control of the situation. “You… you really want to use my designs?” I gazed up at Dominic, my expression utterly pathetic. My eyes, glistening with unshed tears, unintentionally revealed my fair, tender neck. “Yes.” “Who do you think Dominic Vance is? Would he lie to you?” Julian clapped Dominic on the shoulder, his eyes still leering suggestively at me. “Then… then could you perhaps pay a deposit?” I acted as if Julian had scared me, trembling as I offered my SnapChat code. Dominic glanced at me, said nothing, and scanned my code to add me. After adding me, I fled Dominic’s mansion as if my life depended on it. Back in my dingy rental, I scrubbed my body relentlessly. Until my skin was raw and red, I finally collapsed into a crying heap. My face could be surgically altered, my skin grafted, but memories couldn’t be erased. The countless moments of torment exploded in my mind. I wanted to flay Julian alive, feast on his flesh, drink his blood. Two years ago, fresh out of college, I was delivering a contract for my boss when I stumbled upon Julian assaulting a young woman. Even though I quickly retreated, Julian found an excuse the next day to call me back. For the sake of my job, I went. But he forced me to kneel and lick his shoes. When I refused, he felt disrespected, and that’s when my torment began. 3. He sabotaged my career, blacklisting me from the industry. He took humiliating photos of me and sent them to my parents, which triggered my father’s asthma attack. My mother, rushing my father to the hospital, got into a car accident, and they both died. He also used his connections to sabotage my brother’s competition. He told me if I didn’t submit, Liam would be next. I was terrified. I couldn’t bear it. I crawled on the floor like a dog, licking his shoes, using my head to open his beer bottles. A bottle shattered against my head, blood pouring down, washing away all my dignity. Liam, discovering what happened, was both heartbroken and furious, but mostly helpless. He knew the Blackwood family was powerful, so he sought help from Celeste. But he didn’t know that the Blackwood siblings were nothing but wolves in human skin, utterly depraved. My brother, in the end, died by Celeste Blackwood’s hand! My tightly clenched fingers turned bluish-white from the force. Endless hatred consumed my soul. I would make them pay a blood debt! Five days after adding Dominic Vance on SnapChat, I finally found another opportunity to approach him. “The castle I built for you is being renovated tomorrow, my little princess. Are you coming over?” Dominic sent this message, tagging Celeste. Immediately after, I received a message from his assistant: a meeting to discuss the renovation plans tomorrow. Clearly, the arrogant Celeste wouldn’t be satisfied with such a mundane apology, and my chance had arrived. I deliberately wore a light-colored, deep-V bodycon dress. Sprayed with an alluring perfume, subtle yet undeniably provocative. When I arrived at the address the assistant had given, I purposely tugged at my neckline, feigning urgency as I walked in. Celeste, as expected, wasn’t there. But Dominic was also nowhere to be found. Just as I was about to leave, I heard a sound. I walked toward it and found Dominic, clearly drunk, collapsed in the basement wine cellar. “Celeste, haven’t I been good to you? Why did you leave me?” I leaned closer to hear what he was saying. “Mr. Vance, you’re drunk.” I bent to help him, my soft cleavage perfectly positioned at his eye level. “You smell so good.” Dominic pressed his entire face against me. I feigned a recoil, shrinking back. Dominic’s large hand grabbed me, pulling me into his embrace. “Celeste, feel this. Don’t you love it?” Dominic guided my hand across his abs. His other hand wasn’t idle, beginning to caress me. “Celeste, your body’s gotten even better.” Dominic’s body grew hotter, and my hand ventured deeper. “Mr. Vance, I’m not… please, no, no…” My words were met with a bite mark on my collarbone. My refusal only seemed to excite Dominic further, like a tireless wolf, taking me again and again. Celeste, you’d never imagine. The man you love most was with me, tirelessly praising me, saying it felt better than before. Even exhausted, he couldn’t bear to take his hands off me. Celeste, you and your brother brought such pain to my entire family. I will make you repay it a hundredfold! First, I’ll steal your man, making you feel the sting of abandonment. Especially from the one you love most – wouldn’t that be fun? As dawn broke, I lay beside Dominic, sleepless through the night. Gazing at him, I traced his outline in the air with my hand. He was so handsome, a pity he was blind to fall for a demon like Celeste. “Celeste.” His voice, hoarse from sleep, spoke her name. Before even opening his eyes, his hands began to wander over me again. “Celeste, you’ve really kept your figure well.” Dominic started to nibble my ear. “Mr. Vance…” 4. I murmured, like a kitten. I couldn’t help it; my voice was hoarse from screaming last night. But it served my purpose perfectly. “Who are you?” Hearing my voice, Dominic instantly woke up, pushing me away with a jolt. Unprepared, I tumbled to the side. He looked at me with a hint of anger: “It’s *you*?!” “Mr. Vance, I’m so sorry. I came over yesterday to discuss the design plans and saw you on the floor. I just wanted to help you up, but you…” I paused, my expression utterly pathetic. “My strength was too little; I couldn’t push you away.” I apologized weakly, inadvertently exposing the bite marks and large bruises on my body. “I… I’m so sorry…” Looking at the disarray of the room, especially the crimson stain on the bedsheets, Dominic’s gaze completely changed. He looked at me with a hint of remorse. I didn’t answer, just sobbed softly. But I knew he was watching me. No man could accidentally take a girl’s virginity and feel no remorse. Especially not Dominic Vance. Perhaps his guilt would be my best weapon. “Mr. Vance, I know you didn’t mean to. What happened between us was an accident. Even though I’ve never been in a relationship and would want a boyfriend like you, I know your heart belongs to someone else. I won’t delude myself. Your hiring me as a designer is already a huge help; I’m very grateful.” Tears streamed down my face; I kept my head bowed. I picked up my clothes from the floor, haphazardly pulling them on, then walked out without looking back. After that day, my bank account kept receiving transfers. I knew it was Dominic’s compensation, but I couldn’t accept it, or my act would be for nothing. I transferred the money, every last cent, back to Dominic’s assistant. “Please tell Mr. Vance I’m very grateful for his kindness. Meeting him already feels like a blessing from above.” After sending the message, no more transfers came, but I wasn’t after money; I was after the “big fish.” For half a month after that night, Dominic made no further moves. Celeste’s address abroad kept changing, meaning they hadn’t reconciled yet. It was time for me to add some more drama to this play. One stormy night, I knocked on Dominic’s door again. My white blouse was now soaked through by the rain, subtly outlining the pink lace bra underneath, clearly revealing the “scenery.” I dragged a huge suitcase, its black color making me appear even more delicate and fragile. Like a lost little bunny, I said pitifully. “Mr. Vance, my landlord suddenly sold the apartment, and I haven’t found anywhere else yet.” “You’re the only person I know here. I’m so sorry to bother you, if it’s inconvenient, I…” I hadn’t finished speaking when I sneezed. I looked up at Dominic, a little embarrassed. My pale face, with a nose red from the cold and cheeks flushed, made me look like a helpless, harmless kitten seeking shelter. “Come in.” “Could I use your bathroom?” I looked down at my semi-transparent top. “I’d like to change.” It was a request he couldn’t bring himself to refuse. “Go to the guest room.” Dominic averted his gaze and turned away. But I saw the way he gulped. “Thank you, Mr. Vance!” I quickly showered and stood before Dominic, holding my wet underwear and bra. “Mr. Vance, do you have somewhere I can hang these to dry?” “Just hang them in the guest room. You can stay here tonight; tomorrow I’ll have my assistant find you a place.” Dominic quickly lowered his head, but his reddened ears betrayed him. 5. “Thank you, Mr. Vance!” I thanked him, my voice sweet. Because I wasn’t wearing a bra, my loose white shirt clearly outlined the curves of my breasts. It was this barely concealed “scenery” that had made Dominic’s ears flush red. Dominic’s master bedroom was upstairs; he lived alone, and the door was currently shut tight. I carried a cup of hot milk and approached Dominic’s bedroom door. “Celeste, isn’t it time you came back now?” “Dominic Vance, I told you, I have a new boyfriend. Unless you personally fly abroad to bring me back, and hold a press conference to apologize in front of the whole country.” “Aren’t you afraid I’ll find another girlfriend?” “No, I’m not! How dare you! Without me, where would you be today, Dominic Vance?” Celeste had always been the little princess of her family. With a doting brother, she was perpetually pampered and haughty, believing everyone in the world should kneel and adore her. Even though she was madly in love with Dominic, treating him as her life, she still used such trials and humiliations to test his sincerity. Dominic, in his early thirties, had become an industry titan in just a few years, thanks to his college romance with the Blackwood heiress. Celeste had given up her chance to marry into another wealthy family for Dominic, and had used all her resources to help his career soar. Such a deep connection, even if Dominic no longer needed the Blackwood family, remained his deepest emotional attachment. But even the strongest bonds can’t withstand repeated erosion. “Bang!” A crashing sound came from the master bedroom. My chance had arrived. What man wouldn’t want a doting and compliant wife? I deliberately dropped the hot milk, the sound of breaking glass attracting Dominic’s attention. “What are you doing here?” He was blaming me for eavesdropping! “I’m so sorry, Mr. Vance, I just wanted to bring you a cup of hot milk. I have nothing else to repay you with, and seeing you still awake so late, I just wanted to do what little I could.” I bowed my head low, almost to the floor, my voice growing softer with each word. “Thank you for your trouble,” Dominic’s tone softened with a hint of apology. I gently shook my head, preparing to turn and leave. “Did you hear anything just now?” Dominic’s voice came from behind me. “Actually, I think Miss Blackwood must love you very much!” After a few seconds of silence, I turned to face his intense and handsome face. “Only when someone loves deeply do they resort to such methods, repeatedly testing their place in your heart.” “You have no dating experience, yet your theoretical knowledge is solid.” A faint smile touched Dominic’s lips. “Women are all like that, but sometimes excessive testing can also hurt the other person, just like you’re hurting now, Mr. Vance,” I said, a gentle smile on my lips, soft as moonlight. “Then tell me, what’s a good way to resolve this?” He seemed intrigued, stepping out of the master bedroom to stand beside me. “I think if Miss Blackwood also experienced the same pain, if she felt exactly what you’re feeling now, she’d surely never cause you headaches again.” My heart pounded furiously. I wasn’t sure where Dominic’s bottom line was regarding Celeste, but I had to take this risk. “Are you saying, like Celeste, I should deliberately find a girlfriend to make her jealous?” Dominic’s tone suddenly sharpened. I felt nervous, unsure if it would work. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Vance, I overstepped,” I quickly lowered my head, biting my lower lip, then looked up at him. “So, will you help me?” 6. Dominic asked. My heart swelled with relief! I’d won the gamble! “If it’s for you, Mr. Vance, then I’m willing.” I blinked my eyes, like a docile kitten. Celeste, the thought of you soon experiencing this pain, it’s truly exhilarating! The next day, my Ins account was flooded! “Bitch, how shameless can she be? Steals someone’s boyfriend and then goes public!” “She does have some looks, maybe Mr. Vance just wants a change of pace.” “She can’t even compare to one of Celeste Blackwood’s toenails! She’ll be dumped by Mr. Vance sooner or later!” First thing this morning, Dominic had publicly announced his new girlfriend on social media. He had actually adopted my suggestion. I woke up in the Vance residence that morning, Dominic already gone. His assistant knocked on the guest room door. “Miss Miller, Mr. Vance arranged a villa for you in the suburbs, for you to stay at temporarily. We should get going, otherwise, Miss Blackwood might get upset if she finds you here.” “Okay, please wait downstairs for me.” As I answered the assistant, I secretly tucked my freshly laundered underwear and bra from last night under the guest room pillow. Celeste Blackwood would be upset? Good. I would find a way to make her furious! The assistant took me to a remote villa in the suburbs. “Miss Miller, this is Mr. Vance’s private villa. He said you could stay here temporarily as compensation for your help. If he needs you again in the future, he’ll let you know.” The villa looked like it hadn’t been lived in for a long time; dust covered the furniture. I lay on the sofa and opened Celeste Blackwood’s Ins again. She had deleted all posts related to Dominic from her social media. “Don’t be sad, Princess Celeste, your fans will always love you!” “Yeah, what right does that bitch Aria Miller have to compare herself to our Princess Celeste?” “Can no one seriously dox this disgusting woman? She’s so annoying!” There were thousands of comments from fans, but Celeste, who always interacted with them, hadn’t replied to a single one. It seemed the heiress was truly heartbroken. Dominic had merely announced a new girlfriend on Ins out of spite, and she was this devastated. I really wanted to know what would happen if she found out Dominic had slept with another woman. Would she explode? I sent a photo of my underwear and bra, drying in Dominic Vance’s home, to Celeste. “Who are you?” Celeste replied instantly. “How do you have pictures of my house?” Her chat window kept flashing. I ignored all her messages. Celeste Blackwood, this is just the beginning. Don’t worry, I’ll slowly take everything from you: your money, your love, and your arrogant pride! As I expected, Celeste couldn’t sit still. The day after Dominic announced his new girlfriend on Ins, she immediately returned home. Celeste didn’t even drop her luggage before rushing to my villa. With her were Julian Blackwood and several burly bodyguards. Those siblings were demons! They always reveled in tormenting others! Now, with a “justifiable reason,” they certainly wouldn’t miss such a golden opportunity. I was tied to a chair in the villa, my cheeks already slapped dozens of times. “Hmph! I thought Dominic Vance would find some woman of substance, but it’s just this disgusting trash!” Celeste hurled the underwear I’d left at the Blackwood family residence onto my face. “You think a few good looks give you the right to steal what’s mine?! You don’t deserve him!” She forcefully yanked my hair, forcing my head back to meet her gaze. My face contorted in agony. I had to live. I had to get my revenge. “You’re just relying on that face, aren’t you? I’ll scratch it up now, let’s see how arrogant you can be then!” 7. Celeste snatched a knife from a bodyguard, intending to disfigure my face. “I’m going to carve ‘home-wrecker’ all over your face, so everyone who sees you knows exactly what you are!” Celeste’s smile was utterly twisted. I watched the blade draw closer, unable to stop my trembling. From the moment I decided on revenge, I’d imagined countless scenarios like this. She cared so much about Dominic; she wouldn’t let any woman who got close to him off the hook. This path was always treacherous. Since I’d have to face it sooner or later, why not now? “You’re doing this to me purely out of jealousy. You’re jealous that Dominic loves me.” I sneered at Celeste. I couldn’t beg. My brother had knelt before the Blackwood siblings, only to receive the worst possible outcome. Devils don’t care about the lives of ants! I would provoke her, deceive her. Once she was convinced Dominic loved me, I would execute my carefully laid plan! Hearing my words, Celeste flew into a rage, her fists and feet assaulting me. “Jealousy? What kind of pathetic dog are you! You think you’re worthy of my jealousy?” “You’re nothing but a replacement! Dominic would never genuinely love you!” Celeste screamed. A sarcastic smile played on my lips. “But yesterday, when Dominic held me, he kept saying he loved me. He even said I was far more beautiful than you.” Celeste heard my words, trembling with fury. “Celeste, calm down. This woman is just trying to provoke you. She knows she’s not getting out alive, so she’s trying to get a quick death. Don’t make it easy for this bitch.” Julian Blackwood grabbed Celeste’s hand. “Did you hear that? Dominic said she had a better body than me! I’m going to kill her!” Celeste tore her hand from Julian’s, her eyes filled with venomous malice, screaming as she swung the knife at me. I twisted my body to the side, dodging the sharp blade. She believed it. She believed Dominic had slept with me, believed Dominic loved me! “Dominic and I have been together for a long time, many times. He said he likes me, he loves me! We made love fiercely in *your* house.” I had to add more fuel to the fire. Celeste took the bait. She began to scream furiously, even collapsing to the floor in her rage. “Did you hear that? Did you hear what she said? I’m going to kill her! I’m going to kill her right now, immediately!” Julian Blackwood cracked his knuckles, striding towards me. “Go ahead, kill me. Then I’ll become Dominic’s eternal love, always living in his heart. He’ll never forget me.” Hearing my words, Julian paused. Julian was different from his sister; besides being a demon, he was also a shrewd businessman. He was weighing the pros and cons. He feared Dominic truly loved me. He couldn’t afford to have another woman permanently lodged in Dominic’s heart. That would be a huge threat to the Blackwood family’s standing. Celeste was still raving, screaming and running towards me. This time, Julian intercepted her. “Don’t stop me! I’m going to kill this woman!” “Celeste, listen to me. What if Dominic really did fall for this woman? If we kill her, she’ll just stay in his heart forever. That’s not good for anyone.” A glint of cunning flashed in Julian’s eyes as he spoke. “Besides, killing her would be letting her off too easy.” “Then what should we do?” 8. Celeste stopped screaming about killing me. Between her eyebrows, alongside the fury, was a hint of sorrow. It seemed she truly believed my words. “Who would love a tattered rag?” Julian Blackwood’s lips curled into a mysterious smile. I was bound hand and foot and thrown into the back of Julian Blackwood’s luxury car. Celeste, meanwhile, drove off in another car in the opposite direction. “You might fool Celeste, but you won’t fool me, you bitch!” Julian suddenly spoke. “Mr. Vance really has fallen in love with me.” “You’re nothing but his plaything. That’s how it is in our rich world; every man has a few trinkets around. A passing fancy, tossed aside once he gets bored.” Julian’s tone was smug and utterly shameless, as if he were boasting. “Even if I’m a plaything, I’m his favorite plaything. You’ve never seen how he looks at me, so how can you be so certain?” “Fine! We’ll see how Dominic Vance treats you in a bit.” Julian brought me to a private party. He had someone change me into a sheer black negligee; one wrong move and I’d be exposed. Julian eyed me up and down. “Your body is quite good, indeed. I wonder if your screams will be just as delightful later.” “Bring her up.” Two burly men dragged me upstairs; I had no chance to resist. Earlier, on the way, while Julian went to the restroom, I’d used his phone to send Dominic a distress text. Now, all I could do was hope Dominic saw it. There were about ten men at the table, all over fifty, bald and pot-bellied. From the moment I walked in, I felt like prey. “Gentlemen, tonight, I, Julian Blackwood, am treating you all, and I’ve brought a rare beauty. You can enjoy yourselves to your heart’s content.” Like merchandise for display, I was placed in the center of the round table for everyone to scrutinize. “A beauty indeed.” A greasy hand began to caress my thigh. My stomach churned with revulsion. I backed away a few steps, trying to escape that hand. “Still trying to dodge, are we? I’m giving you too much credit!” The hand moved from my leg to my face. My cheek stung with a fiery pain. Retreating didn’t solve my predicament; it only pushed me further into the lion’s den. A man with yellowed teeth embraced me from behind. “Oh, come on, Mr. King, don’t be so rough! You’ll scare my little beauty.” “Here, drink this.” He held a glass of liquor to my lips. I turned my head away, not wanting any contact with the foul-breathed man. That only piqued his interest. He poured the drink down my collarbone, then began to follow the path of the liquid with his lips. “Mr. Li really knows how to have fun!” The group began to egg him on. My constant attempts to pull away angered “Mr. Li.” He grabbed my wrist. “Don’t play hard to get! Do you want to die?” Julian Blackwood watched it all with a playful smirk, then suddenly spoke: “Mr. Li, don’t be angry. Aria has many talents. How about she performs a striptease for everyone?” “Great idea!” The others echoed. I glared at Julian, wanting to devour him alive. He had once again thrown me into such a humiliating situation. “If you refuse, I’ll kill you now. Then I’ll tell Dominic Vance you died during a group game.” He whispered in my ear, his tone dripping with certainty. I couldn’t die. I had to get my revenge. I had to see the Blackwood siblings dragged to hell! 9. “Excellent suggestion, Mr. Blackwood! A striptease is only good if she strips completely!” A man nearing seventy declared. Tears of humiliation welled up, unstoppable. “Haha, this woman’s even hotter when she cries. Let her cry and dance!” “Why not just strip now? I can’t wait.” “No, no, taking it off piece by piece is much more exciting.” One man said, setting up a camera, its lens aimed directly at me. They pushed me to the center of the round table, their disgusting hands like whips. Each strike flayed me, leaving my skin raw and bleeding. “Strip, strip, strip!” The men’s chants grew louder. I was a lamb to the slaughter. This feeling was worse than death. I could only pull down my dress zipper, my movements stiff, as I began to dance. “What’s all the commotion about?” Dominic Vance had arrived. He stood in a black suit, exuding a refined, elegant aura. To me, he was like a savior descending. The tightly coiled spring in my heart finally snapped. All strength seemed to drain from my body, and I collapsed onto the table. “Help Miss Miller down,” Dominic’s tone was firm, brooking no refusal. His gaze held a hint of apology as he looked at me. “Mr. Vance, what brings you here?” The greasy men instantly began to bow and scrape, fawning as they cleared the main seat. “So, you’re the ones who wanted my girlfriend to perform a striptease?” Dominic stood tall, his presence powerful enough to silence everyone in the room. “Mr. Blackwood, why didn’t you tell us Aria was Mr. Vance’s girlfriend?” The greasy man’s face flushed crimson. Caught between two powerful figures he couldn’t afford to offend, he could only grin and bear it. Dominic draped his jacket over me. He took my hand and led me to sit in the main seat. “Since you all enjoy stripteases so much, go ahead. You perform for us!” Dominic’s gaze swept over every person in the room. “Starting with Mr. Li.” The men exchanged nervous glances, looking from one to another, but no one moved. Dominic’s brow furrowed slightly. “My patience is limited. I’ve long considered acquiring your companies. If not for Mr. Blackwood’s guarantee, I doubt any of you would be here today.” “Right away, right away!” Mr. Li stood in the center of the round table, beginning to strip off his clothes piece by piece, gyrating awkwardly. The scene was utterly grotesque, yet no one dared to laugh. Then came Mr. King, then the man with the camera. They each took their turn performing the striptease, offering apologies before they were finally allowed to leave. Dominic took my hand, ready to depart. Julian Blackwood exhaled a puff of smoke, saying to Dominic, “Dominic Vance, be careful. This woman isn’t as simple as she seems.” He sounded like he was warning Dominic, and perhaps warning me too. Had he seen something? Only Dominic and I remained in the car. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? After I got your message, I searched every bar and club in the city, one by one, until now. But thankfully, it’s not too late. What would you have done if I’d arrived later?” His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his voice laced with apology, regret, and anger. I bit down hard on my lip, my mouth filled with the taste of blood. “What could I have done?” “Miss Blackwood is your fiancée. Would you really fight with her over me?” My voice trembled uncontrollably, and then I lowered my head and wept. Dominic sighed deeply: “You’re right. I can’t argue with Celeste over you. I’ll give you a sum of money; you can go live somewhere else.” “If I go somewhere else, will Miss Blackwood really let me go?” 10. My crying made my voice sound a little hoarse. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my flesh, my hands and body covered in blood. He knew Celeste Blackwood’s character better than I did. He knew that even if I fled to the ends of the earth, Celeste wouldn’t let me go. “I’m scared!” After a moment of silence, I turned and threw myself into Dominic’s arms, my voice soft. His body stiffened; he didn’t embrace me back. But I knew he must be feeling guilty. How could he not feel remorse, having accidentally brought such humiliation upon an innocent girl? Guilt is the beginning of betrayal. Celeste, the man you love is about to fall completely in love with me. “Mr. Vance, I’m truly terrified.” I whispered, sobbing in his arms. No man could resist a vulnerable little rabbit crying in his arms, her nose red. I looked up and kissed the corner of his mouth. “Sir, I’m scared. Please don’t send me away, okay? I just want to stay by your side.” I leaned my mouth close to his ear, whispering my plea: “Please, don’t send me away. I’ll do anything you want.” I unbuckled my seatbelt and straddled him, sitting on his lap. I started to cry and gently kiss him at the same time. The atmosphere in the car grew increasingly heated, and soon, sparks flew, and things escalated quickly. It wasn’t until faint dawn that he took me to another residence. “You can stay here for now,” His voice was calm, completely different from how he’d been in the car last night. “Will you come to see me?” Dominic’s silence was my only answer. The spoiled princess Celeste Blackwood and Dominic Vance reconciled once again, becoming another celebrated couple. But I knew the cracks couldn’t be mended. There were fissures between them, and Dominic’s heart no longer belonged entirely to Celeste. The plan to steal everything Celeste loved was now truly beginning. I began to diligently refine my aesthetic sense, studying design to elevate my skills. I used the money Dominic gave me to enroll in the best design classes. The Blackwood family had made its fortune in interior design. Arthur Blackwood and his wife were formidable figures in the industry. Alas, their son and daughter inherited none of their talent, showing no aptitude for design or art. At this moment, I was browsing a notice seeking a designer to be hired at great expense. During this time, I had been consistently updating my portfolio on social media. Coupled with Dominic Vance’s public announcement of me as his girlfriend some time ago, my account had gained a modest following. The tone of the comments section began to shift. “I think Aria’s designs are really good, she has genuine artistic talent.” “Am I the only one who thinks Aria is much prettier than Celeste Blackwood, and more elegant, better suited to be Dominic’s girlfriend?” “Exactly, her designs perfectly blend artistry, aesthetic appeal, and practicality!” While my social media comments and follower count still couldn’t rival Celeste’s, this was enough confidence for me to submit my resume to Blackwood Industries. I sent my latest design proposal, “The Vance Collection,” to Blackwood Industries, deliberately hinting at a combination of Dominic’s and my own names. The email received a swift reply. Arthur Blackwood, Celeste’s father, personally called me, expressing his admiration for my work and hoping I could come to Blackwood Industries for a more detailed discussion. Arthur Blackwood’s office was large, and I sat on a soft leather sofa. Arthur Blackwood, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, exuded the air of an artist. “Mr. Blackwood, I believe Blackwood Industries’ target clients are primarily the wealthy. The affluent appreciate differentiation. We can leverage differentiation while incorporating some vibrant, flamboyant elements. This will strongly appeal to younger client demographics.” A faint smile played on my lips, making me appear poised and elegant. “Miss Miller is absolutely right. I’ve reviewed your designs, and they possess a strong appeal to younger generations, which is precisely what Blackwood Industries needs right now. I’m very impressed.” Arthur Blackwood’s eyes were full of admiration for me. He pushed an employment contract across the table. “I hope Miss Miller will accept this contract and allow us to collaborate with sincere cooperation.” The compensation outlined in the contract was exceptionally generous. “You shameless bitch, what are you doing here?” Celeste Blackwood burst in, fuming.
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