Category: English

The day Eleanor was recognized by her birth family and returned to their lavish mansion, I was packing my bags. She saw me and frowned. “Put that down. I’m only taking Ian and Mia. You can stay in the run-down part of town for now. I’ll send you five hundred a month for living expenses, and I’ll let you see Mia.” I nodded calmly. After all, I already knew she’d only take her first love and my daughter. In my previous life, I had clung to her, desperately following her to the mansion, making a scene. I thought I’d finally have a good life, but Ian, her first love, falsely accused me of theft. Then, my own daughter pushed me from the 18th floor. Before I fell, Mia screamed at me: “I don’t want a thief for a dad!” When I opened my eyes again, I was reborn. My phone buzzed with a text from a top-secret national research agency: “Alex, congratulations on your recruitment. Please note, you are not allowed to contact anyone outside for five years after joining.” I moved out of our old house and found a hidden apartment. But that very night, my front door was kicked open. Eleanor stood in the doorway, her white suit soaked through by the rain, her face dark and stormy. Behind her stood Ian, holding an umbrella, and my daughter, Mia, whom he held by the hand. Ian spoke, his voice laced with feigned indignation, “Alex, I know you’re upset, but you can’t just steal my mother’s keepsake. It’s the only thing I have left of her!” I felt like a lightning bolt had struck me, my blood running cold. I knew. This was the exact same scenario as my previous life. Trembling, I tried to stop them, but the bodyguards were already ransacking the apartment. Soon, a bodyguard pulled a necklace from the bottom of a box. Eleanor held up the necklace, the disgust in her eyes almost enough to kill me. A chill ran through me. I understood instantly. It was Ian again! Eleanor’s voice was sharp. “Caught red-handed, Alex. We were once married, so I’m giving you a chance to confess!” Confess? I looked up, a humorless laugh escaping my lips. “I’m not guilty. Confess to what?” Eleanor’s anger flared. She shouted towards the door, “Then help him confess!” Two burly men entered, gripping me tightly on either side. One of them pressed hard on the back of my neck, forcing me to bend low before Ian. “Get on your knees and confess!” Eleanor’s icy voice came from above me. I clenched my jaw, resisting with all my might. “It wasn’t me! Eleanor, I won’t confess!” But the bodyguard’s hand was like a vise, forcing my head down, slamming it into the ground. *Thud!* My forehead hit the rough concrete floor, a sharp, burning pain erupting. Eleanor commanded, “Apologize.” “I… didn’t…” I struggled to get the words out. *Thud!* Another blow. This time, the force was greater. I felt warm blood trickling down my forehead. Mia’s tearful voice piped up, “Dad, just confess, please. I’m scared…” My daughter’s plea twisted my heart in agony. She didn’t know. Every “Dad” she uttered was a thousand cuts to my broken heart. In my previous life, when she’d tricked me onto the rooftop and pushed me off, I died never understanding why my daughter, whom I’d loved for ten years, wouldn’t believe me, but instead believed a man who wasn’t even her blood relative. Eleanor’s voice was full of scorn. “See? Even your daughter is ashamed of you.” *Thud!* The third blow. My vision blurred. Blood and sweat mixed, dripping onto the cold ground. Ian feigned concern. “Eleanor, that’s enough… Alex might just be confused for a moment…” “Confused? I say he’s stubbornly unrepentant!” The bodyguard pressed my head down again. I mustered my last ounce of strength, lifting my head to glare at Ian. “I’m innocent!” Eleanor was utterly enraged. “Still talking back! Keep going! Until he confesses!”

Just then, Mia suddenly rushed forward and kicked my shoulder hard. “You’re a thief! I don’t want you as my dad anymore! Mia doesn’t like you anymore!” The kick wasn’t hard, but it froze me completely, making me forget to struggle. My own daughter, While I was being falsely accused of theft, while I was being forced to confess, she not only disbelieved me but came forward to deliver another blow. So this is what it feels like for your heart to die. Eleanor seemed startled by her daughter’s action too. She waved her hand, and the bodyguards released me. I slumped to the ground, blood continuously streaming from my forehead. She walked up to me, rain dripping from her hair. “Alex, for Mia’s sake, if you just admit your mistake and apologize to Ian, I’ll let it go.” I looked up, through my blood-blurred vision, staring intently at her, And at Ian, who stood behind her, wearing an innocent expression, and at my daughter, who looked at me with a stranger’s eyes. I smiled, blood oozing from the corner of my mouth. “I… did nothing wrong.” “And I will *never* apologize to Ian!” Those last three words, I directed at Ian, each one firm and clear. Eleanor erupted in fury. “You’re impossible! Drag him outside and make him kneel! He won’t get up until he confesses!” I was roughly dragged into the yard and thrown into the icy mud. The torrential rain poured down, washing over the wound on my forehead, a chilling, piercing pain. From behind, I heard Ian’s gently insidious voice. “Eleanor, it’s raining so hard. Maybe let Alex come inside…” And Mia’s innocent question, “Mommy, when will this thief confess?” Followed by Eleanor’s cold reply, “He brought it on himself.” A thief? Brought it on myself? The physical pain was nothing compared to the agony in my heart. The voices faded, and I completely lost consciousness. The smell of disinfectant was acrid. I regained consciousness amidst a sharp pain. Above me, the hospital’s stark white ceiling. As far as my eyes could see, several expressionless bodyguards stood. They surrounded my hospital bed like immovable pillars. “Awake?” An icy voice reached me. I struggled to turn my head and saw Eleanor standing by the bed, her face so dark it looked like it could rain. She held the necklace in her hand, her eyes devoid of warmth, filled only with scrutiny and disgust. She held up the necklace. “Alex, I’m asking you one last time, where did you hide Ian’s mother’s *real* keepsake? This one is fake.” Fake? My eyes widened in shock. I understood instantly. Ian! How utterly twisted he was! He used a fake item to solidify my theft charge. Whether I confessed or not, he had a backup plan waiting for me! The real necklace was probably long hidden or disposed of. He wanted not only to ruin my reputation but also to ensure I’d never recover! I opened my mouth, my throat dry and hoarse. “I didn’t!” My heart ached as if an invisible hand was squeezing it tightly, making it impossible to breathe. Why? Why, even after being reborn, could I not escape this fate of being framed? Why must I still bear this fabricated charge? Eleanor stared at me, seemingly judging the truth of my words. Moments later, her last shred of patience snapped, replaced by deep disappointment and ruthlessness. “It seems you won’t tell the truth unless I get a little tougher with you.” She took a step back and coldly instructed the bodyguards, “A thief doesn’t deserve his hands. Since he won’t hand it over, break his fingers, one by one. He’s in the hospital anyway; he won’t die.” I violently opened my eyes, staring at her in disbelief. She was going to… break my fingers?!

No! I couldn’t let that happen! I struggled, but the bodyguards held me down firmly. I couldn’t be without my hands! The national research institute! My future! I needed these hands to operate precise instruments! Without them, everything I had would be ruined! “Eleanor! You can’t!” I screamed, hoarse. “I didn’t steal! I didn’t…” But she merely watched, impassively, as if observing a silent film that had nothing to do with her. A bodyguard stepped forward, roughly grabbed my left hand, and squeezed my index finger. “No!” *CRACK!* A crisp sound of bone shattering echoed. The agonizing pain made my vision go black; I nearly passed out. It hurt! But this pain was less than a thousandth of the agony in my heart. I looked at the woman I had poured my heart out to and loved for ten years, at her beautiful profile, Now, I only felt disgust. I hated her! I hated myself even more! Why was I so blind back then, to fall for this woman who couldn’t tell right from wrong, this cold and heartless woman! To protect her fragile pride, I had hidden my top-tier university degree, even willing to give up my career for her. Ten years of devotion, ten years of youth, all for this outcome today! I truly regretted ever loving her! *CRACK!* The second finger was broken. “Ah!” I convulsed with pain, cold sweat instantly soaking my hospital gown. Eleanor stood there, expressionless. The third. The fourth… Excruciating pain surged like a tide, wave after wave, almost consuming my consciousness. I bit down hard, absolutely refusing to admit to that fabricated charge. One, two, three… The bodyguard grabbed my right hand. My future, my dreams, shattered inch by agonizing inch before my eyes. *CRACK!* When the ninth finger was brutally snapped, I no longer had the strength to even scream. My life, too, seemed utterly broken at that moment. But my dignity was not crushed. I had not confessed to theft! Eleanor looked at my pathetic state, frowned, and her face turned pale. She suddenly turned to the doctor. “Reattach them.” With that, she almost fled in haste, without another glance back at me.

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Two months pregnant, I saw a post from Hunter, my husband, on SnapChat. The photo showed Hunter with his arm around Scarlett, his assistant, holding up a red lace bra. “My boyfriend is too passionate; he ripped my bra! Good thing he bought me a new lace one!” I silently hit the like button. Then, I systematically destroyed every single baby item we owned. The last one was burning just as Hunter’s call came in. He sounded panicked, rushing to explain: “Audrey, the company’s new lingerie design needed promotion. Scarlett and I were just acting… if you like it, I can get you one…” “No thanks,” I said, my hand instinctively caressing my still-flat belly. “Advertising, right? I get it.” After hanging up, I unearthed my long-forgotten palette. Hunter, this time, I’m truly done with you. Outside, the snow fell thick and fast. Hunter returned, and I’d already booked my abortion for two days later. Seeing I wasn’t waiting for him as usual, his face instantly soured. “Why didn’t you come to meet me?” “It’s snowing so heavily, weren’t you worried I couldn’t get back?!” He grumbled, kicking off his snow-caked shoes. Slush and mud seeped into the carpet, leaving dark stains. Normally, I’d meticulously wipe his shoes with a towel, then brew him some hot tea to ward off the cold. But now, “I just don’t feel like it!” Hunter’s expression froze. His Adam’s apple bobbed twice. “What about my coffee then?” “Forgot.” “Forgot?!” A deathly silence hung in the air. “Audrey, what’s gotten into you now?” “Is this all because of those photos?…” He moved to grab my hand, but I subtly pulled back, pretending to adjust my teacup. “New products need buzz, I told you that. I was just promoting them.” “Don’t keep using your pregnant mood swings to pressure me. I can’t handle it…” “You’re overthinking it.” I calmly cut him off, my legs, curled under the blanket, instinctively recoiling. Pellets of snow slapped against the window, reminding me of the blizzard two weeks ago. He’d worn the same frown then. “The company’s new product is launching soon. You don’t need to drag me to a prenatal check-up.” Then, he’d gently explained to Scarlett on the phone, “I notice every single one of your efforts. Don’t worry, no matter what the future holds, I’ll be there for you every step of the way.” But that day, I’d walked home alone through the raging snowstorm. Hunter pressed his fingertips to his temples, leaving a red mark. Finally, he pulled a cheaply packaged item from his briefcase. “La Perla!” “The exact same color and style!” He tossed the bra in front of me, wearing a “don’t be ungrateful” look. “Satisfied now?” I stared at the bra, nestled in the most basic plastic bag from a convenience store. The gold-foil logo was crooked, half-missing. It was starkly different from the one he’d given Scarlett. Yet, I still calmly said “Thank you,” and went back to scrolling on my phone without looking up. Hunter’s brows suddenly furrowed. He grabbed my arm. “I’ve satisfied your vanity, so why the sour face?” “Scarlett is wearing this exact line, it’s trending everywhere online right now! People are fighting to get their hands on it! And this is your attitude?” What else did he expect? “What else should I do?” “Bow down? Or just transfer the money to you?” The flowing air instantly solidified into dead silence. I didn’t want to argue anymore. I tossed the blanket aside and walked directly to the bedroom. Behind me, I heard the crash of Hunter kicking over the tea set. But I truly couldn’t think of a way to express gratitude to him. To accept a fake item as an excuse for his “promotional necessity” betrayal. Then, under the guise of “vanity,” he dismissed all my grievances and disappointment as unreasonable pregnant sensitivity. It was so incredibly pointless. I changed into clean clothes and headed for the front door. Hunter’s angry shouts followed me to the entryway. “Where are you going in this blizzard? You’re pregnant, what if something happens?” I fastened the last button of my coat, a bitter smile tugging at my lips. “So you do remember I’m pregnant, Hunter…” I slipped on my shoes. “Do you remember the last time you left me at the hospital?” “I was thinking the same thing!” “In a blizzard, and pregnant, what if something happens?!” “And what happened?” I spread my hands, then walked out the door without looking back. As the security door closed, I heard the sound of a cup shattering on the floor. But I didn’t rush back in a panic like before, to clean up the mess, or to pacify him with a forced smile. Instead, I straightened my back and stepped into the waiting taxi. The flying snow lashed against the window, and a long-forgotten lightness bloomed in my chest. Before I married Hunter, I was a well-known painter in my circle. Later, because he said “I need you,” I abandoned my cherished passion. My palette was put away, and my paint-stained brushes soaked in turpentine. But now, I could finally, uninhibitedly, chase my passion again.

The scent of turpentine hit me. The students chattered, crowding around me. The gallery owner was the first to step forward, handing me a paintbrush. “I knew it. You couldn’t stay trapped in that golden cage forever.” I took the brush and sincerely said, “Thank you!” In the three years I was married to Hunter, I truly made him my entire world. From the smallest task of managing the household to the biggest sacrifice of shielding him from life’s storms, I gave up the most vibrant passion of my life. Thankfully, I finally realized that love alone cannot be everything. After finishing my last painting, I returned home late at night. The dim light elongated Hunter’s desolate silhouette. I didn’t notice his expression, only the mess in the living room. He’d been drinking. This was the first time in three years, outside of company events, that he’d drunk alone at home. I suppressed my shock, placing my painting supplies by the door. He rushed over and grabbed me. “Where were you?” I didn’t answer, just took off my shoes. “I asked you, where were you?!” His voice unconsciously rose. He saw my paint-splattered clothes, then his face registered a sudden understanding. “Audrey, Audrey, are you serious? So intent on fighting with me that you run away, and you know oil paint is bad for the baby, you know how much I hate the smell of it, but you deliberately went to a gallery to spite me! When are you going to grow up?” I stared at his pale face, momentarily speechless. Finally, a cold scoff was all the answer I gave to his questions. “What do you mean?” He grabbed me from behind. “Is it still about that bra?” “I already explained it, it was for a new product launch. Besides, I bought you the same one. What more do you want?” Dried paint pricked uncomfortably under my fingernails. I indifferently pulled my hand free. “Yes, what more do I want?” “Are you done talking? Because I’m going to sleep.” He suddenly kicked over the shoe rack. Wooden clogs clattered against the wall. Plaster dust mixed with the turpentine scent. “Always with that deadpan face!” “You have a perfectly good life, but you insist on getting involved with those crazy artists, Audrey. What exactly does our marriage mean to you?!” His hysterical accusations were as grating as the cold wind howling outside the window. But I still said nothing. In the face of his illogical arguments, I always believed silence was my strongest weapon against his twisted logic. That night, the crisp pop of a can opening sliced through the stillness of the night. I sat on the bed, staring at my phone, listening to Hunter’s deliberately hushed voice from the living room. “When will she ever be like you?” The next day, I opened my bedroom door. Hunter was slumped over a pile of empty cans, his head drooping. A mountain of cigarette butts leaned precariously in last night’s spilled alcohol. Normally, I’d quietly clean up the mess and carefully create an escape route for both of us. Even if my heart ached with injustice, I’d use the gentlest smile and actions to paint this argument as just another ordinary part of life. But now, I walked straight past the cans and out the door. Before closing it, I heard Hunter’s low growl, “If you’re so capable, then never come back!” And that’s exactly what I intended. Since quitting my gallery job three years ago, I hadn’t picked up a brush for outdoor sketching. Now that I had the chance, I wouldn’t betray this turpentine-scented freedom. Holding Mr. Davies’s letter of recommendation, I signed up for the Perrotin Gallery exhibition, three days away. “It’s a long journey; you’ll be gone for a while. Are you really not going to discuss it with him?” Mr. Davies’s voice crackled through the phone. I traced the unfinished “Morning Mist on the Seine” on my screensaver. It was a sketch from three years ago, for my Perrotin application, a path I’d stopped walking for Hunter. But now, “No need to discuss. We’re getting divorced soon.”

When I got home, Hunter stood in front of the mirror, dressed in a tailored suit. He held an Italian handcrafted comb, meticulously smoothing back the hair at his temples. The sharp, slicked-back style enhanced his handsome, chiseled features. “I have a work dinner tonight,” he said without looking up. Then, he pulled out his phone, a smile playing on his lips, and walked out the door. That smile was identical to the one in Scarlett’s latest photos. Carefree, tender, with an undeniable doting affection in his eyes and the curve of his mouth. I remembered three years ago, he’d smiled at me that exact same way. On a snowy street, he’d wrapped my trembling shoulders in a thick coat. Then he’d wound a scarf around my neck, layer after layer, and said with a smile, “See? This way, my little painter won’t freeze into a snowman.” But now, he warmed someone else’s winter with that same smile. The starlight in his eyes no longer belonged to me. I knew he was going to see Scarlett again. Ever since Scarlett appeared, he’d often come home late or left early. I felt insecure, trying every way to hold onto him. But in the end, all I got was his exasperated, “Can you stop being so annoying?” That evening, on a whim, I opened my social media. I saw a photo Scarlett had posted. Hunter stood beside her. They both held the same bottle of champagne, smiling brightly in front of a giant champagne tower. The caption read: “Wherever you are, it’s always brilliant.” Below it was Hunter’s heart emoji. “It’s never lonely with you around.” Once, I would have cried hysterically, then screamed and demanded answers like a madwoman. “Who exactly is your wife? Have you ever considered my feelings?” But now, I quietly closed my phone and slept until dawn. In the early hours, I was jolted awake by a violent slamming door. Hunter, reeking of alcohol, ripped the covers off me. “I said I had a work dinner, but I didn’t say I wouldn’t eat anything, did I?!” “Audrey, are you so heartless and uncaring now that you can’t even bother to prepare me a late-night snack? How can you be so cold?!” His chest heaved violently, catching me off guard. In the past, whenever he went out for work, no matter how late, I would painstakingly prepare a table full of snacks. Worried about his stomach, I’d even warm milk. But each time, he’d push it away with a frown, then post photos of gourmet late-night meals shared with others on social media. I rubbed my sleepy eyes, speaking as calmly as possible. “You didn’t say you were coming back to eat. You always eat out at these work dinners. I can’t exactly chase after you asking if you’ve eaten, can I? Wouldn’t that make you seem weak? Besides, Scarlett was there.” In the past, every time I questioned him, it would provoke his impatience. He hated all my texts and questions, especially when he was with Scarlett. So, upon hearing my words, his tightly furrowed brow instantly smoothed. “That’s not what I meant. Isn’t preparing a late-night snack what you *should* do? And being with Scarlett? That’s purely for the new product launch, don’t be silly.” I nodded, a knowing expression on my face. “I’m not being silly. I just want to sleep.” With that, I pulled the covers over my head, no longer paying attention to his expression as I had before. But his intense gaze lingered on me for a long time. That night, the living room light stayed on. The next day, I woke up early. After washing up, I walked straight to the entryway to change my shoes. Hunter sat at the dining table, arms crossed. I knew he was waiting for breakfast, but I didn’t give him a chance to speak. I closed the door without looking back. The wind was biting cold. I pulled my coat tighter and walked into the hospital. A cool liquid flowed into my veins. In that moment, there was no sorrow, no sadness. Only a numb calm. As they say, a broken heart isn’t a sudden storm; it’s the slow, steady drip of countless disappointments wearing away what was once burning passion. On the way back, Hunter texted. He said the new product had successfully launched, and he was throwing a party at home. He asked me, for the sake of our marriage, not to make a scene. It was the first time he’d spoken to me in such a pleading tone, and the first time his words carried an almost imperceptible tremble. The ridiculous thing was, none of it was for me. But I still agreed. Not for Hunter, not for anyone else, but to use this opportunity to bring a definitive end to this fractured relationship. It was bad timing. The moment I opened the door, I saw Scarlett sitting in *my* spot. She was holding *my* wine glass, laughing and drinking with Hunter.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “314003”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #狼人Werewolf

On our fifth wedding anniversary, I drank the hot milk Brendan handed me and slipped into a deep sleep. When I woke up, a chilling sensation ran across my scalp. In the mirror, I saw my head was shaved bald, with a childish drawing of a turtle scrawled across my forehead. Sofia, the scholarship student I’d sponsored, held the clippers, laughing hysterically. “Her head is so round, like an egg!” Brendan stood beside her, his gaze doting on Sofia. “Sofia’s practicing her hairstyling. She just used you for practice, that’s all. Your hair will grow back, don’t be so dramatic.” I touched my slick, bald head, staring at this vile couple who found amusement in humiliating me. Practice, huh? Well, when they’re living on the streets, they can practice on homeless people. Brendan’s smile froze on his face. Sofia, the student I’d sponsored for three years, was still cackling beside him. “Don’t be mad, Brendan said you’re the most generous person ever.” She shook the electric clippers in her hand, still clinging to strands of my hair. I ignored her. My gaze landed on Brendan. “Brendan, five years of marriage, and this is how you surprise me?” He scowled, his tone dripping with impatience. “Audrey, that’s enough. Seriously.” “It’s just some hair, it’ll grow back.” “She didn’t do it on purpose. She just wanted to give you a trendy new look.” “Look at you, can’t even take a joke.” Sofia chimed in, fanning the flames: “Exactly! And your skin is so fair, a shaved head really makes your features pop, honest!” She even pulled out her phone, trying to snap a picture of me. “I’ll help you post it on social media, all your friends will say you look so cool!” I stared at her, enunciating every word. “Put the phone down.” My voice was calm, but it made Sofia freeze. Brendan felt embarrassed. He grabbed my arm, pulling me roughly towards him. “What’s your problem with Sofia? She’s just a student! Why are you scaring her?!” His grip was strong, and my scalp hit the buttons on his chest, sending a jolt of pain through me. I didn’t struggle. I let him hold me. I just lifted my head and looked at him. “Brendan, the sleeping pills in that milk, the dosage wasn’t small, was it?” “How long was I out?” He flinched, his eyes darting away. “Sleeping pills? Don’t be ridiculous.” “You’ve just been really tired lately, you slept soundly.” How sweet. He could talk about drugging me so casually. I nodded, acknowledging his words. Then, right in front of them, I picked up my phone, aimed it at my bald, turtle-decorated head, and took a high-definition photo. Brendan exploded. “Audrey, what the hell are you doing?!” He lunged forward, trying to snatch my phone. I took a step back, slipping the phone into my pocket. “Don’t touch me.” “I think this look is quite memorable.” “After all, it’s your fifth-anniversary gift to me.” I turned and walked into the walk-in closet, locking the door behind me. I heard Brendan’s enraged pounding on the door and Sofia’s sweet, pleading voice from outside. “Brendan, don’t be mad. She’s probably just overthinking things.” “It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have used her for practice.” I didn’t listen. From the safe, I retrieved my ID, birth certificate, property deeds, and my prenuptial agreement. My dad, fearing I’d be taken advantage of, had hired the best legal team to make everything crystal clear. My company shares, the properties under my name, and my savings before marriage had absolutely nothing to do with Brendan. Yet, the startup capital for his company? That came from me. The spacious apartment we lived in? It was under both our names, but I paid for the down payment and the renovations. I gathered my things, stuffing them into an inconspicuous backpack. Then, I changed into a new outfit and put on a hat. I opened the door. Brendan and Sofia were lounging intimately on the sofa. Seeing me emerge, Brendan immediately stood up, looking a little uneasy. “Did you come to your senses?” “Just delete the photo, apologize to Sofia, and we can forget this ever happened.” I looked at him, as if he were a complete stranger. “Apologize?” “Alright.” I walked up to Sofia. She cowered in Brendan’s arms, looking at me timidly. “I…” *Smack!* A crisp, resounding slap. I put every ounce of strength into it. Sofia’s face instantly swelled, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. She clutched her cheek, staring at me in disbelief. Brendan was stunned too. When he finally reacted, he shoved me away. “Audrey, what the hell is wrong with you?!” I was pushed against the wall, my back aching. But I stood firm. “That slap was for me. Thank you for showing me that the person I was sleeping next to was a piece of trash.” I didn’t look at them again, walking directly towards the door. Brendan roared behind me: “If you walk out that door, don’t ever come back!” I didn’t stop. I pulled open the door, turned around, and smiled at him. “This head with a turtle drawn on it doesn’t quite match your glittering doghouse.” “Don’t worry. I’m not just leaving; I’m going to make sure you roll out of here too.”

I booked a suite at a downtown hotel. The first thing I did was call my private lawyer. “Daniel, prepare for a divorce. I’m filing.” Daniel sounded a bit surprised on the other end, but his professionalism kept him from asking too many questions. “Understood, Ms. Lin. What materials do you need me to prepare?” “Everything. Asset division, and I want to sue Brendan for assault.” “Assault?” “Yes.” I sent him the photo I took last night. There was silence on his end for a full minute. “Ms. Lin, I understand.” “Don’t worry, I’ll handle this.” I hung up, then looked at my absurd reflection in the mirror. The turtle on my forehead was drawn with an oil-based marker. Water didn’t wash it off; it just smudged, making it look even uglier. I used makeup remover, scrubbing bit by bit. My scalp was red and raw by the time I finally got it off. Looking at my bald head, I didn’t cry. Tears were the most useless things in the world. What I wanted was for them to pay. The next morning, I went to the bank. “Hello, I’d like to freeze all my bank cards, including all supplementary cards.” After finishing my business, I had just walked out of the bank when Brendan’s call came through. “Audrey, what is this?! Why did you shut down my cards?!” “Sofia picked out a bag, and the card wouldn’t go through! Do you know how embarrassed she was?!” I chuckled softly. “Oh? Is that so?” “Well, she should be even more embarrassed now.” “Because from this moment on, if you spend one cent of my money, it has to be with my permission.” “You!” Brendan was too furious to speak. “Audrey, don’t forget, half the company is mine!” “Is it?” I said slowly. “Are you sure you want to go over the company’s accounts with me?” “The five million dollars you started your business with? That was my money. According to our prenuptial agreement, it’s a personal gift from me, and I have the right to revoke it at any time.” “The company’s cash flow and accounts, every single transaction is clear. How much money did you spend on your little mistress, how many luxury cars and watches did you buy for yourself? If we really investigate, what do you think you’ll get from the company?” On the other end of the phone, only heavy breathing remained. Brendan was speechless. All these years, he’d grown accustomed to living lavishly, accustomed to my unconditional support. He’d forgotten that everything he had was built upon my contributions. “Audrey, what exactly do you want?” “Nothing much.” “Just want you to experience what it’s like to be broke.” “You love to practice, don’t you?” “Now, it’s my turn.”

My second target was Sofia. A lowlife who claimed to be a struggling student, shamelessly spending other people’s money. The university she attended, Harvard University, a prestigious institution. I had initially decided to sponsor her because of her excellent grades. Thinking back, it was truly ironic. I went directly to the Harvard University President’s office. Without an appointment, I was stopped by the secretary outside. “Ma’am, do you have an appointment? The President doesn’t see guests without one.” I smiled at her. “Tell your President that Audrey Lin from Lin Corporation is here to report one of your students for moral misconduct, being a mistress, and defrauding scholarship funds.” “If he doesn’t see me, these details will be on the Harvard University forum and the front page of every local media outlet in the next minute.” The secretary’s face paled, and she immediately rushed into the office. Less than thirty seconds later, the door opened. A middle-aged man with a receding hairline came out, a forced smile on his face. “Oh, Ms. Lin, please come in, please come in!” I walked into the office and sat on the sofa. The President himself poured me a glass of water. “Ms. Lin, what were you just saying about…” I took a stack of documents from my bag and dropped them on the table. “President, I won’t beat around the bush.” “For three years, I’ve been individually sponsoring a student in your Foreign Language Department, Sofia Jiang.” “These are the sponsorship proofs for each year.” I pointed to the first document. “And this is her annual poverty application, stating that both her parents are unemployed and in poor health, with a younger brother in school, and the entire family relies on meager income to get by.” The President nodded: “We know Sofia, an excellent student, one of the university’s top prospects.” “Excellent student?” I chuckled. I pulled out a second stack of documents and slapped them on the table. These were what my private investigator had dug up overnight. “President, take a look. This is the ‘excellent, top prospect’ scholarship student you speak of.” “A Hermès Birkin bag, costing fifty thousand dollars. A Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklace set, well over twenty thousand. And this watch, a Patek Philippe, retailing for over a hundred thousand.” “She also owns an apartment near the university, with a monthly rent of five thousand dollars.” “Excuse me, how can a family living on welfare afford all of this?” He picked up the photos, his hands trembling. “This can’t be. Is there some misunderstanding?” “Misunderstanding?” I pulled out my final trump card. A photo of Brendan and Sofia kissing in my bed, captured by my home security cameras. “President, this man is my husband. Sofia used my scholarship money to sleep with my husband, live in the apartment I bought, and then turned around to humiliate me.” “Is this how Harvard, a century-old prestigious university, educates its students? Teaching them how to break up families, how to be a shameless home-wrecker?” My voice wasn’t loud, but every word was like a hammer, striking the President’s face. Sweat beaded on his forehead. “Ms. Lin, please calm down. Please calm down. The university was completely unaware of this matter. We will absolutely handle this seriously and provide you with a satisfactory explanation!” I stood up. “I don’t want an explanation. I want results.” “Harvard University’s regulations, regarding students who defraud scholarships and engage in misconduct, I’m sure you’re more aware than I am, President.” “Expulsion, and a campus-wide announcement.” “I expect to see the announcement tomorrow. Otherwise, I can’t guarantee where these photos and documents will end up.” I put on my hat and turned to leave. Sofia, aren’t you most concerned about your reputation and future? I’d like to see what kind of future a home-wrecker expelled from a prestigious university can have.

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I was escorting classified research data back to our national headquarters with my husband. As we were about to board the plane, he suddenly claimed he’d left important documents at the hotel and urged me to fly back ahead of him. I smiled, watching him get into the car, then immediately opened my phone’s shared location. He didn’t go back to the hotel. Instead, his route changed, leading him to a secluded villa in the suburbs. I hailed a cab and followed. When I arrived, I saw a woman holding a child standing at the villa’s entrance. “Arthur, you’re finally back! Our daughter and I have missed you so much.” Arthur took the child, then pressed a deep kiss onto the woman’s lips. “Chloe, I’ve missed you two to death. Home is wherever you are.” Just then, my phone rang. It was the National Security Agency, asking why I hadn’t boarded on time. I looked at the couple embracing not far away, my voice cold and steady. “Because Arthur Evans, Deputy Director of Satellite Technology Research, is conspiring with a foreign agent to sell classified national data.” “I request military assistance for his apprehension.” 1、 Not long after I hung up, Arthur’s phone started ringing. I don’t know what the person on the other end said, but the smile instantly vanished from his face, replaced by a flicker of panic in his eyes. He quickly handed the child back to Chloe and rushed to leave. Chloe, unaware of what was happening, clutched his hand, looking tearful and vulnerable. “Arthur, where are you going? Didn’t you say you’d spend the evening with me and our daughter?” Arthur was in no mood to explain. He shook off her hand and got into his car. He headed back to the airport. When he realized I hadn’t taken the flight home either, he started calling me frantically. I ignored him, my gaze fixed on the two National Security agents in front of me. Captain Miller, one of the agents, looked at me with a serious expression. “Cassidy Sterling, your accusation is extremely grave. If you’re fabricating this, you’ll be held legally liable.” I nodded solemnly, speaking each word with precision. “I will take full responsibility for every word I’ve said.” “Arthur and I had one sole mission: to transport core technology back to the nation.” “One night, I forgot to shut down my laptop. The webcam happened to record him putting sleeping pills in my milk, then secretly leaving the hotel room after I’d fallen asleep.” “That’s when I realized he’d been sneaking out to the suburbs every night, not returning until almost dawn.” “This USB drive contains that surveillance video and Arthur’s movements after leaving the hotel each night.” I placed a USB drive on the table. Captain Miller and his colleague exchanged a look, then immediately asked, “Is the institute’s core technology currently in Arthur Evans’s possession?” I nodded, then shook my head. “To prevent any leakage of the core technology, Arthur and I each held half of the data.” “I can guarantee that no one apart from me knows the data I’m responsible for, but I can’t say the same for Arthur.” Captain Miller’s breath hitched. He grabbed the USB drive from the table and immediately stood up. “We need to verify the information and evidence you’ve provided. For now, you can’t leave this conference room. I hope you understand.” I nodded calmly. Back at the airport, Arthur, unable to reach me, was in a complete panic. He decided to return to the hotel to find me. But as soon as he stepped out of the airport, he was surrounded by a dozen fully armed SWAT officers. Ten machine gun barrels were uniformly aimed at his head. His face instantly drained of color from fright, and he nearly collapsed. “You’re Arthur Evans, right? Please come with us!” Before he could speak, two officers had already cuffed his hands behind his back and escorted him into a vehicle. Arthur was brought back to the embassy’s secure facility. I turned my head and met his gaze directly. His pupils constricted sharply, then he immediately roared at me. “Cassidy Sterling! What the *f*ck is wrong with you?!” “I’m your husband! How could you accuse me of such a thing?!” I said nothing, merely looking at him with cold detachment. Husband? Half an hour ago, he was holding another woman, calling her his wife. If he truly saw me as his wife… How could he have been abroad with his mistress and illegitimate daughter while I was hospitalized after losing our baby? Whether he truly sold national secrets or not didn’t really matter to me anymore. All I knew was that I would get revenge for my child, who almost got to see the world. Now, the game of revenge officially begins! 2、 Less than half an hour later, Captain Miller had already tracked down Chloe. He even learned that Chloe had given birth to Arthur’s illegitimate daughter. Captain Miller sat back down opposite me, holding the discovered files. “Cassidy Sterling, how much do you know about your husband Arthur’s affair? Are you accusing your husband out of revenge?” Meeting his sharp gaze, I instinctively tightened my grip on the teacup. But my expression remained composed, and my tone was calm. “I did know about his affair when I was pregnant, but I would never jeopardize my own future to get revenge on him.” “I discovered something was wrong when I was looking for evidence of his cheating.” “What was wrong?” “His mistress is a foreign national, with deep connections overseas.” Of course, this information wasn’t something I had dug up. Chloe had actively told me, wanting to show off and provoke me. Her sudden appearance had completely shattered all my illusions about love and family. Captain Miller’s brows furrowed. “Based solely on that, you’re accusing him of conspiring with a foreign agent and selling national secrets?” My eyes suddenly welled up, and my voice carried an easily detectable tremor of sorrow. “It’s a private matter I don’t want to discuss publicly, but it concerns national security, and I can’t hide anything.” “Everyone thought I had a miscarriage because I accidentally fell at home. But actually, I saw Arthur and that woman’s SnapChat messages, and the surge of anger triggered my preterm labor, leading to the miscarriage.” My words were half-truths, half-lies. I had indeed seen Arthur and Chloe’s SnapChat messages. But I had already miscarried by then. I said this only to draw everyone’s attention to those messages. As expected, Captain Miller immediately countered, “What was in the SnapChat messages?” “Aside from some flirtatious remarks, the woman’s most frequent questions were about Arthur’s work details.” Here, I paused before continuing. “My maternal grandfather, Grandpa Sterling, was actually the first Director of the Federal Intelligence Agency, and my paternal grandfather, Grandpa Vance, also served in the agency. Growing up around them, I’m quite sensitive to certain types of information.” Captain Miller looked at me in surprise. And this was my trump card. With both my grandfathers vouching for me, who would dare question that I was intentionally framing Arthur out of personal vendetta? When Captain Miller spoke again, his tone was much more respectful. “Cassidy Sterling, rest assured, we will continue our in-depth investigation.” “We will never wrongly accuse an innocent person, but we will also never let a guilty one go, especially those who threaten national interests and security.” I nodded, subtly prompting him. “The SnapChat messages have probably been deleted by Arthur, but he has an encrypted folder that even I couldn’t access. It might contain what you’re looking for.” Not long after Captain Miller left, a commotion erupted outside the conference room again. It turned out Chloe had also been “invited” to the embassy for questioning. Her eyes were filled with terror. Upon seeing me not far away, she suddenly lunged at me like a madwoman. After being restrained by the security officers, she screamed at me. “Cassidy Sterling, you bitch! What have you done to Arthur and me?!” I curled my lips, my eyes full of scorn. “Nothing much. I just returned to you what you and your precious Arthur did to me and my child.” “Oh, and didn’t Arthur say home is wherever you are? I’m just making that happen for you, aren’t I?” The color instantly drained from Chloe’s face. After a long moment, she shrieked. “You venomous woman!” “No wonder no one loves you!” “No wonder Arthur found even touching you disgusting!” A month ago, her words might have hurt me. But now, the harsher they cursed, the happier I felt. Because they were panicking! 3、 Due to the gravity of the situation, Arthur and I were secretly flown back to the country. However, his wrists bore a pair of silver handcuffs that mine did not. After all, I was the “informant,” and he was the “suspect.” As for Chloe, since she was a foreign national, some procedures hadn’t been completed, so she had to temporarily remain at the embassy. On the plane, Arthur constantly tried to find an opportunity to speak with me, but he was always prevented from coming close. Watching his frustrated and anxious expression, a sense of satisfaction welled up inside me. Arthur, are you already scared? This is just the beginning! After the plane landed, Arthur was placed in a secure interrogation room for further questioning. And I, being a “key protected individual,” was checked into a designated hotel. Soon, Captain Miller arrived with Director Stone, the current Director of the Federal Intelligence Agency. Director Stone wore his uniform, his eyes sharp as an eagle’s, his presence intimidating. His first words upon seeing me were: “You’re Grandpa Sterling’s granddaughter?” I nodded. Hearing this, his tone softened slightly. “I believe Cassidy Sterling wouldn’t lie.” “However, we’ve conducted an initial interrogation of Arthur, and he firmly maintains it’s merely a moral failing, not treason, and that your accusation is purely out of anger and jealousy.” “Chloe also claims she and Arthur were just in a normal relationship and never inquired about his work. She says those questions in their SnapChat messages were just normal curiosity from an ordinary person about a classified agency.” “Normal relationship? Curiosity?” I scoffed derisively, then pulled out my phone and opened my photo gallery. “Arthur has brought Chloe into our classified departments multiple times without proper authorization.” “Chloe repeatedly expressed her envy of my position to Arthur, saying she didn’t want to be a stay-at-home wife and wished for a respectable job like mine.” “So, he planned to use his position as Deputy Director to forge a resume for Chloe, fast-tracking her into our department as an intern assistant.” “I found the forged resume and the employment offer letter on his computer.” “But in an agency like ours, hiring foreign nationals is strictly prohibited.” At my words, Director Stone’s eyes clouded over. He slammed his hand on the table. “Absolutely preposterous!” Unlike the anger evident in the two men opposite me, I remained perfectly calm. It was as if the person being investigated had nothing to do with me. “We will verify everything you’ve said.” Director Stone sighed softly. “Your grandfather was an exceptional FIA officer. If he were still alive and knew the immense distress his granddaughter had endured, he would be heartbroken.” I shook my head, stating earnestly, “In the face of national interest, my personal honor, humiliation, and emotions are completely insignificant.” “Personal grievances aside, Arthur truly is a brilliant satellite engineer. I even hope he’s been wrongly accused, so he can continue his contributions to our nation’s satellite program.” Though I said this, deep down, I knew better than anyone. Foreign relations were already a sensitive issue. And Arthur had attempted to use his authority to recruit a foreign national into a classified department. Even if they couldn’t find concrete evidence of him selling national secrets, this alone was enough to ruin his career completely. He destroyed my home, killed my child, and now I would destroy what he valued most. It was fair, wasn’t it? Director Stone looked at me with a newfound respect. “Cassidy Sterling, please get some rest. We’ll notify you of any developments.” I stood up to see them out. Just as we reached the door, I seemed to recall something and quickly added, “I just remembered something. Chloe mentioned that her adoptive father is a high-ranking official in another country.” “I’m not entirely sure what he does, but you might want to investigate that angle.” My brow furrowed, as if trying to recall a subtle detail from everyday life. Director Stone’s pupils suddenly constricted, his eyes instantly freezing over. “Cassidy Sterling, we will investigate the lead you’ve provided as quickly as possible.” “If Arthur truly committed treason, even if he’s a satellite genius, we’ll have zero tolerance!” I gazed out the window. The rain was gradually easing. The storm in my life was finally about to stop.

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My name is Noah Edwards. I met a poor girl, Piper Welch, while providing legal aid in the countryside. She was beaten and abused by her brother, David Welch, and almost died. As a lawyer, I couldn’t stand by and helped her file a lawsuit. After winning the case, I helped her get a cleaning job at the law firm. A few days later, she suddenly got pregnant and then disappeared. I thought she had found a home, but a year later, she came back with a child, accusing me of raping her and demanding a huge amount of child support. I thought she was making it up, but the DNA test proved I am the child’s biological father. In an instant, I became a beast condemned by everyone. My girlfriend Maya Brown broke up with me. My parents couldn’t handle the shock and committed suicide. I was even pushed from the 18th floor by someone claiming to be righteous. Even until my death, I couldn’t understand why she gave birth to my child. Yet she smoothly inherited all my and my parents’ assets, citing the reason that children born out of wedlock also have inheritance rights, and started living a wealthy life. When I opened my eyes again, I had returned to the time when she was being abused and beaten. ***** “Help!” As I entered the village with the legal team, Piper cried and knelt before me. She clutched my pants, trembling and pleading, “My brother wants to sell me, please save me!” Before she finished speaking, David’s rough curses came from behind. “How dare you run away! I’ll break your legs!” In a daze, it hit me that I had been reborn. In my previous life, I was deceived by Piper’s pitiful story and insisted on helping her sue David despite my colleagues’ warnings. Later, I even helped her get a cleaning job at the law firm. But she was ungrateful and delusional, convinced that I had fallen for her. She not only claimed publicly that I was pursuing her but even tried to seduce me, wearing a revealing slip dress while I worked overtime. Shocked, I immediately rejected her firmly and warned her to behave. After being rejected, she flew into a rage, left the law firm, and threw out the words, “I will make you regret this.” Not long after, I heard from colleagues that they saw her at the hospital, pregnant and going for a check-up. I assumed she had started a family and didn’t pay further attention. But less than a year later, she suddenly showed up at the law firm with a child, accusing me of raping her in front of a group of reporters, claiming the child as evidence. At the time, I just thought she was slandering me and didn’t take it seriously. But she took the child for a paternity test, and the results showed that the child was indeed mine! I was stunned on the spot! I tried to prove my innocence, but no one believed me in the face of the DNA report. I was fired from the law firm, blacklisted in the industry, bombarded with online insults and curses, and some even came to my house to scold me in person. In the end, I was placed under investigation. Maya broke up with me after learning about this. My parents both committed suicide amidst the overwhelming online abuse and their disappointment in me. Meanwhile, Piper started streaming and became an influencer. With tears in her eyes and a trembling yet firm voice, she said to the camera, “No girl would use her innocence to falsely accuse a man.” “If possible, I also want everyone to see the innocent me.” These two sentences, paired with her reddened eyes, instantly ignited empathy across the internet. Everyone wanted me dead. Half a month later, I was released. But I was pushed off the 18th floor by so-called “justice seekers” and died tragically on the spot. Meanwhile, Piper became a major influencer through streaming and hired a lawyer to inherit all my assets as my child’s guardian. Thinking of this, I hate her so much. I glanced down at Piper, who was still crying, abruptly shook off her hand, and said coldly, “Sorry, we have no right to interfere in your family matters.” She seemed surprised by my ruthlessness, grabbed my pants, and lunged at me again. “I really have no other choice. Can you bear to see me beaten to death?” Her eyes were filled with the same fear as in the previous life, desperately hoping to find shelter from me. But I didn’t spare her another glance. “If you’re afraid of dying, call the police. I’m not a cop!”

In this life, I didn’t clash with David over Piper’s matter. The legal aid work ended smoothly, and I left the village that very day. But the next day, as soon as I arrived at the law firm, I saw Piper in a janitor’s uniform, standing by my desk, staring at the trash can as if lost in thought. I was instantly shocked and furious. I took a few steps forward and questioned, “What are you doing here?” “I… I am…” she stammered, her face turning bright red. Before she could finish, Leon Stewart, the lawyer who’s always been against me, suddenly spoke up, “Noah, you just stood by and watched Piper get abused by her brother without helping. Now I kindly asked the boss to let her come back as a janitor, and you’re still not happy?” Leon is my biggest rival at the law firm. He has always been jealous of my superior skills and better performance. In my previous life, when Piper falsely accused me, he was the first to stand up and curse me, leading the charge to pressure the boss to fire me. Thinking of this, I let out a cold laugh. “If you’re so enthusiastic, why not just marry her and take her home as your wife?” “You!” Leon was so furious he couldn’t speak. Piper’s face also turned red. “Noah, don’t misunderstand, Leon and I really have nothing going on! I always…” “Your business has nothing to do with me,” I interrupted her impatiently and turned to leave. Back in the office, I slowly calmed down. Leon being so eager to help Piper probably means he wasn’t innocent in what happened in my previous life either. But there’s one thing I could never figure out. How could the child Piper gave birth to in my previous life be mine? Piper and I hardly ever spoke, let alone had any intimate contact. How did she conjure up a “child of mine” out of thin air? Could it be that she drugged me and had a relationship with me? The more I thought about it, the more confused I became. I simply bought a few mini cameras online and installed them in my office and the areas Piper frequents in the law firm. This time, I’m going to keep a close eye on her and see exactly how she does it! In the days that followed, Piper continued working as a cleaner at the law firm. Through the surveillance, I discovered many details I had never noticed in my previous life. It turns out Piper had her eyes on me from the very first day at the law firm. She started spreading rumors about us having an affair and went around asking if I had a girlfriend. After finding out I had a beautiful girlfriend, she actually blocked me at the restroom door, crying and questioning, “Noah, how could you do this to me? I like you so much, why would you date someone else? Do you think that’s fair to me?” I was completely speechless. “Are you crazy? What does it have to do with me if you like me? If you’re delusional, go to the hospital and get treated!” “Besides, my girlfriend and I have been together for almost three years. Who do you think you are to accuse me?” “You!” Piper was left speechless by my retort and ran out sobbing. After holding it in for two years, finally letting it out felt so relieving. I was just about to pack up and leave work when someone suddenly hugged me from behind. I thought it was Piper again and instinctively raised my hand to push away. Instead, I heard a playful whine, “What are you doing, babe?” I was stunned and realized it was Maya. I quickly said, “Sorry, babe, I thought it was someone playing a prank again.” Maya and I are in a long-distance relationship, but she always loves to surprise me by showing up unexpectedly. In my previous life, she also showed up unexpectedly at this time. Reunited after so long, we couldn’t hold back and ended up having sex in the office. I even had to rush out to buy condoms. Thinking of this, I suddenly froze. I finally understood what had happened in my previous life. The trash can from my previous life was cleaned by Piper!

Maya is an outgoing and open-minded girl. After months apart, her eyes were filled with longing and desire for me. She eagerly pushed me into the office, took off her coat, and pinned me on the sofa, slyly saying, “Come on, let me check if you’ve been sleeping with someone else lately.” If it were before, I would have immediately gone along with her. But at this moment, I had a strong suspicion that needed to be confirmed, so I stopped her. I deliberately closed the office blinds and locked the door. About half an hour later, I pretended as if we had just finished making love and left the law firm with Maya. In the car downstairs, Maya asked me with some confusion, “What are you up to? Locking the door and doing nothing… Wait! Who’s that creep? Why is she rummaging through your office trash can?” It’s Piper. My phone is connected to the surveillance in my office. At this moment, Piper is rummaging through my trash can. My heart sank suddenly, and a guess flashed through my mind. While I was puzzled, my office door was pushed open again, and Leon walked in. Turns out he was working overtime at the firm tonight too. He walked up to Piper with a smug look and mocked, “See? Noah’s girlfriend is both beautiful and rich. How could he possibly be with you?” Piper’s eyes were filled with hatred. “What’s the point of saying this now? Back then, you took me away from my brother and promised I’d become Noah’s woman!” Leon snorted coldly. “I said you’d have Noah’s child. His family assets are worth tens of millions of dollars, and his parents are renowned entrepreneurs. As long as you have his child, you can live a wealthy life.” Piper said dejectedly, “But he’s ignoring me now. How can I have his child?” A disgusting scheme surfaced in Leon’s eyes as he whispered, “Having a child isn’t the only way.” “All you need is to get the used condom from him and his girlfriend, extract the residual semen, and use IVF technology. You’ll naturally have his child.” “By then, using the basis that illegitimate children also have inheritance rights, your child will inherit their entire fortune.” Hearing this, a greedy gleam flashed in Piper’s eyes. Then, she nodded firmly. “Alright, let’s do it this way.” Seeing this, I only felt a chill down my spine, coldness rushing from my feet to the top of my head. I finally understood how that child came to be in my past life. It turned out Piper, with Leon’s help, stole the used condom I had. Just like that, without me knowing, she got pregnant with my child! Oh my God, it’s absolutely disgusting! Those two beasts had been plotting against me from the very beginning! No wonder I was deceived so badly in my past life! I turned off the surveillance. Maya was utterly shocked. “How did you come across such disgusting people?” After watching the surveillance, she completely understood their intentions and felt so disgusted she almost threw up. I said, “They’re not human at all, they’re animals!” I let out a cold laugh, turned off the phone surveillance, and recalled the tragic ending of my past life after Piper succeeded, hatred surging within me. A meticulous revenge plan quickly took shape in my mind. In the following days, I deliberately flaunted my love with Maya at the law firm. During the day, we were inseparable, and at night, we deliberately stayed in the office being affectionate, showing no restraint whenever we ran into Piper. Piper’s jealousy gradually turned into resentment. Seeing the timing was right, I had someone follow David and discovered a club he frequented. I used some means to obtain the condom he used during prostitution and quietly threw it into the trash can in my office. When I saw Piper’s excited expression on the surveillance as she picked up that condom, my whole body was filled with the thrill of revenge!

My name is Taylor Gibson. In my previous life, my sister Evelyn Gibson secretly swapped her son Miles Fowler with my child James Snyder. Twenty-five years later, Miles became a street thug, while James became a young CEO. He bought me a villa, took me traveling around the world, and brought me endless glory. But Evelyn barged into the company with a paternity test, only to be mercilessly thrown out by the security guards. “Mr. Snyder said, even if you’re his biological mother, you didn’t raise him, and he doesn’t want to see you.” In her breakdown, she ran me over with her car and killed me. When I opened my eyes again, we were back on the day the children were swapped. This time, Evelyn held her child tightly, smiling boldly and smugly. She said to me, “From now on, you can be the mother of a thug. The mansion and endless money are all mine!” She was so excited when she said this, her voice was loud, leaving everyone in the room stunned. My husband Emmett Snyder stood next to me, and upon hearing this, he instantly got angry. “Who are you calling a thug? Watch your words!” I looked at the soft and gentle child in my arms, dazed. I was reborn, reborn on the day Evelyn swapped the children. In my previous life, Evelyn coveted Emmett’s and my family fortune and secretly swapped our son. Emmett and I are both high earners, and our family is much better off than theirs. She had been at odds with me since childhood. She planned to swap the children so I would raise hers for free while she vented her anger by mistreating mine. Once her son inherited our wealth, she would present a paternity test to him. In the end, their family would reunite and share the riches. Unfortunately, reality was far from as perfect as she imagined. Twenty-five years later, James truly achieved success and became the CEO of a company worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Emmett and I moved into a mansion and traveled the world with the huge sum of money he gave us. Miles, raised by her, turned into a street thug, and their relationship was nearly broken. Evelyn, unwilling to give up, took the paternity test to find James but was thrown out by the company security. James refused to acknowledge her as his mother and instead spoke harshly to her. In a breakdown, Evelyn drove her husband Victor Fowler’s bus into my car, and we both died. I just never expected to be reborn because of it. At this moment, seeing Evelyn proudly holding her child, I realized she was reborn too. Facing Emmett’s scolding, Evelyn did not back down. Spoiled by her parents since childhood and doted on by Victor, she had long developed an arrogant and domineering personality. Maybe it was the rebirth and her child that gave her confidence. She sneered, “Your genes are bad, your child will only grow up to be a thug, and you won’t let people speak the truth?”

She continued, “My child will be different in the future. He’s destined to become a big boss and make lots of money. “Taylor, as your sister, I advise you to have another child while you’re still young. “Otherwise, if your child really becomes a thug in the future and beats you up, no one will care.” Hearing her mocking words, my nails dug deep into my palms. If it weren’t for her constantly beating and scolding Miles, even forcing him to drop out of school and work during middle school, how would he end up homeless, refusing to return home? The day Evelyn was hit and killed was also the day I discovered the truth about the child swap. The child I had raised for twenty-five years was suddenly revealed not to be my biological one. At that moment, my mind was in chaos. I wanted to question Evelyn, the hospital’s director back then, and, most of all, James. But what I wanted most at that time was to find Miles, my biological son, the child who had been abused by Evelyn for years. But before I could meet him, I was hit and killed by Evelyn. Hearing Evelyn still mocking, Emmett rolled up his sleeves and stepped forward to hit her. My parents, Stefan Gibson and Vivian Gibson, hurried forward to stop him. Victor sneered, full of disdain. “Evelyn just made a few jokes, do you really have to take it so seriously? Having relatives like you is embarrassing.” Before he could finish speaking, the hot-tempered Emmett punched him hard in the face. When he was about to throw another punch, I stopped him. “Let it go, Emmett.” Living another life, I just want to make it up to my poor child. As for Evelyn, I have my own ways to make her pay; there’s no need to rush. That night, we completed the transfer procedures. While packing in the ward, I heard whispers from behind the curtain of the next bed. Evelyn lowered her voice but couldn’t hide her joy. “I’ve been reborn, trust me, our child will be a big boss in the future.” At first, the three were skeptical, but Evelyn spoke so detailedly that they gradually believed her. After all, anyone would be tempted by the chance to live in a mansion for free and achieve financial freedom. Stefan and Vivian took turns holding James, as if cradling a rare treasure. Victor slapped his thigh with joy, his tone full of pride. “My son is still the best!” When my child was mentioned, Evelyn sneered, “Taylor’s son will just be a little thug in the future.” Stefan frowned. “Then let’s interact with them less in the future. It’ll be trouble if they get tangled up with us.” Vivian agreed, “We must enroll James in a top school in the future. We can’t let him be led astray by Taylor’s son.” I stood outside the curtain and heard their discussion loud and clear. Does Evelyn really think James can succeed all on his own? In my previous life, I always wondered how Emmett and I, both hardworking and motivated, could have a child like James, so cold and selfish. He has no feelings for Evelyn, his biological mother. If I didn’t hold most of the company’s shares, he probably wouldn’t even bother with us. Big mansions, world trips—don’t even think about it. But now, I just wish to stay as far away from them as possible. I let out a cold laugh, splashed a glass of water at them, ignored their startled cries, and turned to leave the ward. This is the first gift I gave to Evelyn.

With the previous experience, my work at the company has been smooth these past few years, and my promotions have skyrocketed. Outside of work, I spent all my time with Miles. In my previous life, under the oppression and abuse of Evelyn’s family, Miles learned to smoke and drink early and got into fights at school. Evelyn never reflected on her problems; she only scolded Miles for lacking ambition. Teenage Miles became increasingly gloomy and violent, no longer obeying Evelyn’s discipline and often staying out all night. But if that home hadn’t broken his heart, how could he have placed his emotions on those street thugs? I don’t ask for my son to be wildly successful in the future; I just hope he can have a happy and carefree childhood. In this life, with Emmett and me by his side, Miles no longer has the hostility from his past life and looks just like any other happy child. His personality still resembles Emmett’s—quiet and cool-tempered. But maybe because I spend the most time with him, no matter how aloof he seems to others, he relies on me deeply. He often holds my hand, asking me to take him out to play, or clings to me to teach him to study. This weekend, as usual, I took him to the mall to buy new clothes. Looking at the clothes in the mirror, he suddenly raised his head and asked me, “Mom, I don’t know why, but I always feel like life now is so good it doesn’t seem real.” “Last night, I had a dream where you and Dad disappeared. A woman tied me to a chair and hit me. I bit her, and she slapped me.” “It was clearly a dream, but it felt so real, like I actually experienced it.” He widened his round eyes, looking confused. I gently touched his head and softly reassured him, “Since it was just a dream, it’s already over. Don’t be afraid.” “If you have a nightmare again, come to your dad and me right away. Don’t keep it to yourself.” He’s still young after all. Hearing my words, he nodded, held his new clothes, and smiled again. But while he was changing clothes, I saw someone from afar through a few rows of shelves. It’s James. In my previous life, he lived a privileged life with Emmett and me, growing up spoiled from a young age. In this life, he ended up with Evelyn’s family. Although life isn’t as comfortable as in the previous life, judging by his attire, he hasn’t suffered. He was holding Victor’s hand, but the person beside him wasn’t Evelyn—it was a younger, prettier woman. They walked over, chatting and laughing, looking like a happy family of three. Through the shelves, I heard James’s tender voice clearly. “My dad is handsome and gentle, and he really likes you. “Will you be my mom? I promise to be good from now on!” The woman laughed and asked him, “What about your mom?” James paused and said, “My mom is ugly and mean, always forcing me to study. She’s nothing compared to you.” Victor was beside them, looking down at his phone as if he hadn’t heard anything, occasionally glancing up with a smile in his eyes. He didn’t mind at all that his son was speaking ill of his wife. At this moment, Evelyn was probably at home preparing dinner for the father and son. Seeing James like this, I wasn’t surprised at all. Because in my past life, he did the exact same thing. At that time, Emmett opened a boxing club in the city and hired a few young women as secretaries. These young girls charmed James with just a few words. After coming home, he beat and scolded me, even humiliated me in public, wanting a younger and prettier woman to be his mom. Now, in a different family, he’s still cold and selfish. And Victor, clearly, didn’t mind and couldn’t resist the temptation. I looked away, took out my phone, and secretly snapped photos of Victor interacting intimately with that woman. When Miles came out of the fitting room and I was about to leave with him, I suddenly heard a sharp scream. “I’ll kill you, you homewrecker!”

My name is Stella Burton. After being reborn, I rushed to the hospital immediately and asked the doctor to help me abort the boy in my belly. In my previous life, I was married to my husband Joseph Griffin for five years without having any children. Suddenly, I was found to be pregnant with twins. However, the doctor told me the fetuses were too large, and I had to reduce one, or my life would be in danger. While I was struggling with whether to have the surgery, I suddenly heard the boy’s voice from my belly. He said in his heart, “Mom, quickly get rid of my sister. She’s been absorbing my nutrients in the womb and is about to drain me to death.” “She’s not my real sister at all. She’s Freya and Dad’s child, transferred into your womb using dark magic. When she drains me to death, you’ll treat her as your own daughter, and by then, all the family assets will be theirs.” Hearing this, I immediately went to the hospital and aborted the girl, keeping the boy. But on the day I gave birth, the child in my belly struggled desperately, punching and kicking me inside, causing me to bleed to death. Before I died, I heard his thoughts again, “This stupid woman actually believed me and aborted her own daughter. Hurry up and die, don’t stand in my way of seeing Mom and Dad.” When I opened my eyes again, I saw Freya Williams sitting in front of me, suggesting I quickly undergo a fetal reduction surgery. She said, “Stella, your body is too weak. Keeping both children could be life-threatening. It’s better to undergo a fetal reduction surgery as soon as possible.” Hearing the familiar voice, I suddenly opened my eyes and saw Freya earnestly persuading me to reduce the pregnancy. I was startled, jumped up, and took several steps back before steadying myself. “Are you okay, Stella? It’s all my fault for being too blunt.” She walked around the table to help me, a flash of disdain in her eyes. I took a few deep breaths to calm down and shook my head. “It’s not your fault, it’s my problem. This fetal reduction thing is too big, I can’t make a decision right away.” She said, “I understand you, but think it over. Delaying too long isn’t good for your health. Please give me an answer soon.” Walking out of the clinic, I ran as if a ghost were chasing me. I didn’t stop until the smell of disinfectant faded. Then I found a small shop by the roadside, bought a bottle of mineral water, and drank more than half of it in one go, finally regaining my composure. At that moment, I heard the voice of the child in my belly again. “Mom, please save me. My sister is sucking me dry, taking all the nutrients. I have nothing left.” Hearing this voice, I finally confirmed that none of this was a dream but reality. I was actually reborn. In my previous life, Joseph and I were married for five years without getting pregnant. At this point, he mentioned a friend of his who was an obstetrician and had a miraculous remedy that could help with conception. It was because of this that I met Freya. After taking the remedy Freya gave me, I quickly became pregnant with twins. Our whole family was thrilled, and I trusted her even more because of it. But I never expected that a few months later, during a prenatal checkup, she told me my body was too weak to handle two babies. If I insisted on giving birth, not only would the babies not survive, but my life would also be at risk. When I heard this, I felt deeply guilty. Every child was my treasure, and I couldn’t bear to lose any of them. While I was struggling, I suddenly heard my son’s voice from inside my belly. He told me that Joseph and Freya had been having an affair for a long time, and because Freya didn’t want to go through the hardship of childbirth, she used dark magic to transfer the babies into my womb. At first, I didn’t believe it, until I hired a private detective to investigate. After seeing their hotel records, I was finally convinced. Now, forget about keeping one—I don’t want to have any of them. I just want to divorce Joseph as soon as possible. But at this moment, my son spoke from inside my belly again, saying he couldn’t bear to leave me. He also said that after I divorced Joseph, he would stay with me and not acknowledge Joseph. In the end, I still went to the hospital for surgery and kept my son, but I didn’t expect this to be the beginning of my nightmare. It wasn’t until the moment I died that I realized it was all Freya’s scheme. The boy in my belly wasn’t my son at all but a demon. What’s even more hateful is that I actually killed my own daughter with my own hands. This time, I will protect her no matter what and never let anyone harm her!

After leaving the hospital where Freya was, I called a car and asked the driver to take me to another hospital. At the hospital, the doctor conducted a thorough examination. The results were the same as Freya said: my body couldn’t handle a twin pregnancy, and I had to reduce the fetuses, leaving only one child. I barely hesitated and said, “I want the daughter, abort the boy.” I heard the boy’s voice. “Mom, don’t you love me anymore? Why do you want to abort me? Aren’t I your baby?” “Don’t abort me, the sister is the bad woman’s child! Mom, you’re mistaken!” Hearing what I said, the boy in my belly immediately reacted, kicking and punching me as if he wanted to break through my stomach. The doctor looked at me in shock. “Are you really sure you want to keep the daughter?” I lifted my shirt, revealing my restless belly, and said coldly, “Look at this boy. Since the day I conceived him, he hasn’t behaved, tormenting me all day, not treating me like his mom at all. The daughter, on the other hand, is well-behaved, quiet, and caring—she’s my little angel.” As soon as I finished speaking, the commotion in my belly instantly calmed down. That little guy didn’t dare to make a move, afraid I might abort him. He apologized to me, “Mom, I’m sorry. I love you. Please don’t abandon me. I just really want to come out and see you.” I let out a cold laugh. Is he in a hurry to meet his real mom? As for me? I’m just a temporary vessel for him. The doctor said, “Alright. As long as you’ve made up your mind, go for a check-up first.” Before the surgery, it’s necessary to confirm my physical condition. The doctor asked me to undergo a few tests first. Because I was in a hurry to have an abortion, I spent the whole day running around the hospital’s examination rooms, doing tests and collecting results. The doctor looked at the test results and said, “Your physical condition is quite good. I can schedule the surgery for the day after tomorrow.” Hearing this, my tense heart finally relaxed. Just two more days, and I can escape the tragic fate of my past life. But just then, a cold voice suddenly rang out. “What surgery?” My whole body stiffened, hair standing on end, as I turned around in disbelief. Two people were standing outside the office, Joseph and Freya. “Why are you here?” I blurted out, my heart suddenly racing. Joseph walked in with a grim face, snatched the test report from my hand, and shouted angrily, “You’re going to abort my child?” “Stella, why didn’t you come to me if you were planning surgery? Luckily, you ran into a doctor I know today, or what if something went wrong?” Freya quickly stepped forward, apologizing to the doctor with concern, “Sorry for the trouble.” Cold sweat instantly drenched my back. I pinched my thigh hard and threw myself into Joseph’s arms, crying. “It’s not that I want to abort the baby. Freya said my body couldn’t handle twins and that I had to reduce one. I just couldn’t bear it, so I wanted to consult another doctor.” “Stella, I’m doing this for your own good. How could you not trust me!” Freya stomped her foot angrily. “And I heard from the doctor that you want to abort the boy? Joseph is an only child—do you want to end their family line?” I pretended to be startled and hid in Joseph’s arms. “That’s because you said the girl absorbed double the nutrients and is stronger, while the boy is weak and would be unhealthy after birth, so it’s better to abort him now.” Joseph frowned at me. “You should have discussed this with me before making a decision. How could you come to the hospital alone for surgery? Let’s go home first.” Now that both of them are here, I can only go with them. The surgery will have to be reconsidered later.

Back at home, upon hearing about the fetal reduction, Joseph’s parents, Richard Griffin and Esther Griffin, also rushed over. Richard slammed the table and said, “The boy absolutely cannot be aborted. The Griffin family’s bloodline must be preserved.” I sat on the sofa, wiping my tears nonstop, looking fragile and helpless. “I don’t want this either. They’re all my children, and I can’t bear to lose any of them.” “But if the child born in the future has health issues or even can’t have children, the Griffin family’s bloodline still won’t be preserved.” “Let’s abort the boy now and keep the girl. After a couple of years, when my body recovers, we can have a healthy boy. Wouldn’t that be more secure?” As I spoke, I quietly raised my eyes to observe their expressions. Sure enough, upon hearing what I said, Richard and Esther both showed a thoughtful expression. “No! The boy must not be aborted,” Freya jumped in to stop. “Stella, your body is already weak. Who can guarantee you’ll conceive again after this? Don’t worry, with me here, I’ll definitely help you nurse your body back and ensure you give birth to a healthy child.” To strengthen her argument, she added, “Don’t forget, you couldn’t conceive for years back then. It was with my help that you got pregnant with twins right away.” “Exactly! Keep the boy, let Freya help you recover, and everything will be fine,” Richard said, slapping the table and making the decision for me. Everyone believed what she said, except for me. But they all forgot, I’m the one who’s pregnant. As long as I don’t want to, no one can take away my child. I suddenly looked up and asked, “No, I can’t bear to lose either of these two children. Freya, since you can help me recover, can you help me keep both?” She said, “That would be very difficult. Continuing a twin pregnancy poses a huge risk to you and could endanger your life, which wouldn’t be worth it.” I said, “It’s okay. I’m willing to trade my life for theirs, as long as both of them can be healthy.” Freya and Joseph exchanged a glance without agreeing immediately. I guess they’re out of ideas too and will discuss a plan behind my back. “If I can’t even protect my children, what’s the point of living?” With that, I suddenly stood up and made a move to rush toward the balcony. This time, no one dared to act rashly, and Freya had no choice but to reluctantly agree to help me recover. A few days later, she came to my house with a big bag of medicine, urging me to take it every day, warning that skipping even one day could be life-threatening. I took a sharp breath and nodded firmly. “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely follow through.” To thank Freya, Joseph invited her to stay for dinner. After dinner, he drove her home, while I went back to my room, lay on the bed, and carefully examined the bag of medicine. At that moment, the little boy in my belly started guiding me on purpose again. “Mom, you must take your medicine properly, so my sister and I can both survive. We both really want to see you soon.” These words made me realize there was definitely something wrong with the medicine, and I absolutely couldn’t take it.

My name is Bradley Lynch. In my third year after graduation, while pretending to be a waiter at a restaurant, I happened to run into my classmates having a gathering in a private room. Seeing me in a waiter’s uniform, they burst into laughter. My former rival Nathan Warren called me a loser, pulled out fifty dollars, and told me to lick the food crumbs off his shoe. He said, “Lick my shoe clean, and this fifty-dollar tip is yours!” Even my ex-girlfriend Diana Hunter mocked, “Bradley, I never thought that after three years, you’d end up looking so pathetic. Good thing I broke up with you back then—I wouldn’t want to be a poor guy’s girlfriend.” To force me to kneel and lick the shoe, Nathan and a few classmates pinned me down and even made me bark like a dog. Diana clapped and laughed, saying, “Bradley, you really look like a dog when you kneel.” Later, the restaurant manager Kayden Fisher hurried over. Seeing me, he turned pale with fright. “Mr. Lynch, are you okay?” With blood all over my head, I pointed at everyone in the private room and said, “Today, no one is leaving this room.” ***** On the plane, my assistant suggested, “Mr. Lynch, tonight is your father’s birthday. How about surprising him by dressing up as a waiter to deliver his birthday cake?” I said, “Sure, let’s make my dad happy.” Right after getting off the plane, I went with my assistant to a popular restaurant owned by my company. With a few of my innovations, this restaurant has topped the dining charts for three consecutive years. Countless influencers and celebrities come to visit, and business is booming. As soon as I changed into the waiter’s uniform at the restaurant and was about to rehearse, I suddenly heard a commotion at the entrance. Turning around, I saw a group of young people laughing and chatting as they walked in. “This really is the city’s top restaurant, it looks so luxurious!” “Yeah, thanks to Mr. Warren treating us, we got the chance to come to such a high-end place.” “Come on, he’s not treating us, it’s clearly all for Diana.” Hearing the name “Diana,” I was momentarily stunned. That was my ex-girlfriend’s name. Then, I suddenly turned around, instinctively looking toward the crowd, and unconsciously called out her name. The crowd paused and quickly looked my way. Sure enough, standing right in the center was my ex-girlfriend, Diana. And the one called “Mr. Warren” was none other than Nathan, who used to oppose me in everything back then. I felt a bit emotional; after all, it had been three years since I last saw her. I was about to step forward to say hello when Nathan blocked Diana. “Isn’t this Bradley Lynch, the guy who was always top of the class back then? Why are you working as a waiter now?” He stared at my waiter uniform with a face full of disdain. I quietly looked at him. Back in school, Nathan always targeted me because he was jealous of my good grades and good looks. Three years after graduation, he still hasn’t changed and continues to target me everywhere. I sighed helplessly, “I’m not a waiter, this restaurant is…” Nathan interrupted me, “Why won’t you admit it? Do you also think it’s embarrassing?” He deliberately interrupted me in front of Diana, and his mocking tone made the other classmates present laugh at me as well. I didn’t expect this group to still be so childish after all this time since graduation. I took a deep breath and explained, “You misunderstood, Nathan. I’m not a waiter, I’m just wearing the uniform temporarily.” I thought I had explained clearly, but laughter erupted from the crowd. Diana’s friend Ruby Reed stepped forward, pushed me aside, and mocked, “You’re such a good actor, huh? Temporarily wearing a waiter’s uniform?” “You’re clearly just scared to admit how miserable you are now because Diana’s here, right? After all, when she dumped you back then, you begged downstairs for three days!” Hearing Ruby’s words, I instinctively looked at Diana. She glared at me with disgust, then affectionately linked arms with Nathan. She said, “Bradley, you’re not planning to cling to me again, are you?” “Stop dreaming, Nathan is my boyfriend now.”

Hearing this, my face instantly darkened. Back in school, Diana told me more than once that she despised Nathan because he always took advantage of his family background to toy with women. He kept cheating and even forced several girls to have abortions. Such a scumbag has now suddenly turned into Diana’s boyfriend. The once innocent girl by my side has turned into what she is now. I didn’t want to say much and turned to leave. Nathan stopped me. “Don’t leave, Bradley. Aren’t you a waiter? Perfect, today I’ll assign you to serve our private room!” Before I could react, he rudely dragged me into the private room. He sat carelessly on the chair, putting his legs up on the table. He pointed at me and said, “Come on, Bradley, clean my shoes first. Let me see how good your service skills are.” The others covered their mouths, snickering, even Diana and Ruby stood together mocking me. I held back my anger and said coldly, “Nathan, if you’re here to eat, you’re welcome. But if you’re here to cause trouble, please leave immediately.” “What are you pretending for? As a waiter, what right do you have to ask me to leave? Do you think you’re the owner of the restaurant?” Nathan laughed loudly, full of mockery. Ruby immediately shrieked in agreement, “Exactly, Bradley. Nathan is giving you face by letting you clean his shoes. In my opinion, you should use your mouth to lick his shoes clean! These are limited edition leather shoes—you couldn’t afford them even if you worked your whole life!” “Yeah! You should lick them!” “Make him lick them clean!” As soon as Ruby finished speaking, a chorus of jeers erupted around. Some people even rushed over, pinned me down, and pushed my head toward Nathan’s shoes. I was completely furious. “Let go of me! I’m the owner of this restaurant. Are you crazy to treat me like this?” “Owner?” Nathan sneered, his eyes full of disdain. “Look at yourself—daring to call yourself a restaurant owner?” Then he signaled to those people, and they immediately applied more force. One of them even knelt down and pressed my head onto Nathan’s shoe. I was surrounded by them in utter embarrassment, with mocking and ridiculing faces all around me. Ruby glanced at Diana and said sarcastically, “Diana, what were you even thinking back then? How could you fall for a poor guy like Bradley?” “Good thing you dumped him after graduation, or how would you have the chance to marry someone as rich and handsome as Nathan?” As she spoke, she even winked at Nathan. Diana’s expression changed, and she immediately swayed her slim waist as she sat in Nathan’s lap, possessively saying, “What nonsense are you talking about? How could Bradley compare to Nathan?” Then, she looked down at me and said, “Bradley, it’s been three years, and I didn’t expect you to end up like this. Good thing I broke up with you back then—I wouldn’t want to be a poor guy’s girlfriend.” I was utterly shocked to hear this. So, she broke up with me not because her family was sick and needed care, but because she cheated on me with Nathan?

I stared at Diana in disbelief, my face pale. “Is what she said true?” Diana looked displeased. “So what if you know? You’re broke and miserable, of course I wouldn’t want you!” With that, she grabbed the water glass on the table and splashed it in my face. She snorted coldly. “Look at you now, all pathetic. You can’t even compare to my boyfriend!” After speaking, she turned and kissed Nathan, her face full of sweetness. Nathan grinned even more smugly and pushed Diana aside, squatting in front of me. He whispered, “See that? Money is everything. Even your goddess has to bow down to me.” “You beast!” I roared angrily, struggling to get up, but the other classmates pinned me down even tighter. Nathan stomped on my face and crushed it hard. He said, “Lick my shoes clean, and this fifty-dollar tip is yours. Otherwise, don’t even think about leaving this room!” “I am the president of Lynch Group. Who do you think you are to make me clean your shoes?” I raged, glaring at him fiercely, directly revealing my identity. I thought they would stop messing around after hearing my identity, but instead, they exchanged glances and burst into loud laughter. “You just said you were the restaurant owner, and now you’re the president of Lynch Group. Do you have delusions? How shameless can you be?” “The president of Lynch Group is worth billions. Why would he be working here as a waiter?” “Looks like that glass of water wasn’t enough to wake you up. Let me give you something stronger!” One of them had a malicious glint in his eyes, let out a cold laugh, and turned to the restroom in the private room. Seconds later, he came back holding a basin of dirty water scooped from the toilet and poured it all over me. I was instantly soaked from head to toe. They immediately burst into laughter, pointing at me as if mocking a homeless person. I couldn’t take it anymore. I used all my strength to break free from them, took out my phone, and dialed Kayden’s number. “Bring people over right now…” Before I could finish speaking, Nathan snatched my phone and smashed it underfoot. He sneered, “You still dare to call for help? Are you planning to bring a bunch of waiters to back you up?” I stared at his hateful face, my soaked body trembling uncontrollably. I wanted to lunge at him and hit him, but the others pinned me down again, forcing me to kneel on the ground. Nathan’s smile was nauseating, his greasy face full of malice. He squatted in front of me, smiling as he said, “If you want me to let you go, sure. Just bark like a dog a few times and shout, ‘Bradley is Nathan’s dog,’ and I’ll let you go. How about that?” “Spit! In your dreams!” I spat at him fiercely, my eyes filled with hatred, wishing I could tear him apart at that moment! He wiped his face and sneered at me. “Ungrateful! Today I’ll make you understand that your waiter job is worth less than my dog!” He suddenly stood up and commanded, “Do it!” Hearing that, they immediately started shoving my head into the toilet. Even more disgusting, someone actually unbuckled their belt, trying to pee on my head!

Led by Ruby, several female classmates took out their phones to record videos, and some even started live streaming on the spot. They smiled at the camera and said, “Today, we’re bringing you an exclusive live stream—taking a bath in the toilet with urine!” Viewers were drawn to the absurd and bizarre scene, and the livestream quickly attracted a huge audience. Some viewers with twisted tastes even started sending gifts like crazy, hoping to see clearer footage. The girls became even more excited and started cheering louder. “Hurry up and pour it! Show everyone this amazing scene!” “Mr. Warren, you’re amazing! Just over one meal, you helped me gain thousands of followers!” Not far away, Diana covered her nose in disgust and leaned on Nathan’s shoulder, saying, “Darling, he’s so dirty, it’s disgusting!” My head was shoved underwater, and I almost suffocated several times. I wanted to fight back, but they outnumbered me, and I couldn’t move at all. Just then, there was a sudden urgent knocking and shouting at the private room door. “Mr. Lynch? Are you in there? Open the door quickly!” Ruby impatiently shouted, “Mr. Lynch isn’t here! Get lost! We’re having a reunion and having a great time!” The people around me had already torn my clothes to further humiliate me. “Bradley is actually wearing an Armani white shirt! Where did he get this fake? The quality’s not bad.” “Wait, how does he have money for such an expensive watch? That’s a classic Patek Philippe!” “Could he really be the owner of this restaurant?” In the crowd, someone gradually sensed something was wrong and instinctively stepped back. Nathan let out a cold laugh, his eyes filled with disdain. “A fake watch scared you all like this? Pathetic!” He took off my watch, tossed it out the window without a glance, then turned around and ordered the others to continue. Just then, the door to the private room was suddenly slammed open, and Kayden burst in with security guards. Seeing this, he exclaimed in shock, “Mr. Lynch, are you okay?”

My name is Ashley Easterlin. As a recognized top student, I took the SAT twice. The first time, I got accepted into Harvard University. The second time, I got accepted into Yale University. Though I’ve consistently scored above 1500 on the SAT in every exam, both acceptance offers were revoked without exception as soon as the admissions offices saw my name. I thought it was because of background checks that both schools revoked the admissions. But my parents, Gideon Easterlin and Lydia Easterlin, are honest farm workers who live quietly and responsibly. Until my third SAT attempt, I still scored over 1500. I applied to Stanford University, thinking this time it was a sure thing. But the interviewer, who was initially excited to conduct my final interview, froze upon seeing my name and immediately decided that Stanford University couldn’t accept me. I just couldn’t figure it out—what’s wrong with my name? Why, despite my excellent grades, do all universities refuse to admit me as soon as they see my name? ***** “You are this year’s top scorer, Ashley Easterlin.” “Stanford University will not admit you. We can’t take a student like you!” The interviewer checked my application materials right in front of me and finally shook his head. My joy turned to disappointment, and a sense of helplessness overwhelmed me. I desperately wanted to know the reason and couldn’t help but ask him, “Why can’t you admit me? I clearly have the best grades!” “At least let me know the reason!” In response to my question, the interviewer just gave me a faint glance. He said, “A student like you won’t be accepted by any school!” I tried hard to figure out the meaning of this sentence. But no matter how hard I racked my brains, I couldn’t find the answer. Devastated, I collapsed to the ground, trembling and holding my head as I sobbed uncontrollably. My mind was filled with confusion. Why did I achieve nearly perfect scores three times, yet no school was willing to accept me? The first time, my SAT score was 1500, and I got into Harvard University. Just when I was eagerly waiting for the admission letter, I was informed that my acceptance had been revoked. I couldn’t believe it and immediately called the admissions office. But when they heard my name, Ashley Easterlin, they didn’t investigate further and simply said Harvard University wouldn’t admit me. The second time, my SAT score was 1540, and I got accepted into Yale University. I thought Yale University would definitely accept me. But the result was the same, I still wasn’t admitted. When I called again to inquire, they didn’t admit me after hearing my name. I couldn’t figure it out. My scores kept improving, so why wouldn’t Harvard University and Yale University admit me? I thought it was because of a background check issue, so I specifically looked into whether Gideon and Lydia had committed any crimes. But the result showed that our family has been clean for generations. Besides, Gideon and Lydia are honest farm workers who usually keep to themselves. I couldn’t find the truth and refused to accept fate, so I resolutely took the SAT for the third time and reapplied to schools. This time, I still achieved an almost perfect score. Thinking about my previous experiences, I didn’t choose to apply to the schools I had applied to before but instead applied to Stanford University. With this score, I can easily get into Stanford University. When I met the interviewer for the final interview, I confidently thought that this time I would definitely get into college. Unfortunately, the interviewer rejected me once again. When he saw my name, he was certain on the spot that Stanford University wouldn’t admit me. I still wasn’t admitted. After being rejected three times, I was utterly desperate. Gideon and Lydia, seeing me sobbing uncontrollably, also shed tears. “How could this happen?” “Ashley has such good grades, how could no university accept her?” They couldn’t believe the result either.

Lydia, with red eyes, knelt directly in front of the interviewer. She pleaded cautiously, “Please, let my daughter go to school. We’ll find a way to gather whatever amount it takes!” The interviewer ignored her. Lydia simply started kowtowing. Her forehead was bruised, and she grabbed the interviewer’s pant leg. Her voice choked, “My daughter is waiting to go to college! Her father and I have worked on the farm all our lives. Our biggest wish is to support her education so she can have a better life and not suffer like us. Please!” Gideon also knelt down. He hunched over, took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, and handed one to the interviewer. He said, “I may not be educated, but I know my daughter’s grades are top-notch, and she will definitely get into college. “If she doesn’t go to college, her future will be ruined. I’m begging you to help!” Gideon smokes only the cheapest cigarettes to support my education. Watching Gideon and Lydia, who had never bowed to anyone, humble themselves like this for me, my heart ached deeply. Although our family is ordinary, Gideon and Lydia had never endured such humiliation despite all their hardships. At this moment, he was kneeling and pleading for me to go to college. Unfortunately, none of this worked. The interviewer was not moved at all. He said, “Don’t do this, we will not admit Ashley.” Gideon thought his sincerity wasn’t enough and even grabbed a sleeve to shine the interviewer’s shoes. He polished the shoes while begging, even kowtowing again. Even so, the interviewer remained unmoved. “Stop pretending to be pitiful here, it’s useless. We won’t admit a student like Ashley.” The interviewer’s tone was firm. But no matter how much Gideon and Lydia pleaded, the interviewer refused to pay us any attention. After the interviewer left, Stanford University revoked my admission. I, the person involved, was completely baffled. I desperately searched for reasons within myself. What do you mean by a student like me? What exactly did I do wrong? In my memory, I never did anything wrong. Since childhood, my grades have been good, my conduct upright, and I’ve been a role model for other students. Gideon and Lydia saw me looking dazed and came over to comfort me. Gideon patted my head and said, “Ashley, it’s okay. If this school doesn’t want you, you can apply to another one. There are so many universities in the country; one will definitely accept you.” Lydia wiped away my tears and agreed, “Ashley, your grades are so good, how could you not get into college? No matter what, we’ll do our best to help you fight for it!” They’ve gone quite gray because I failed to get into college three times. After the first rejection, they willingly paid for my tutoring. They told me not to worry, they would always have my back. After the second rejection, they hired a tutor for me at a high cost. They worked multiple jobs, trying every way to earn money to support me. They have always given to me unconditionally. The reason my SAT scores kept improving was all thanks to their dedication. But the third chance our family waited for still fell through. At this moment, I feel deeply indebted to them. I looked at their aging faces and rough hands, choking up as I apologized, “Dad, Mom, I’m sorry. It’s my fault for letting you down again.” “I’m the burden, I’ve been holding you back.” They, of course, didn’t blame me and just told me not to overthink. That night, I tossed and turned in bed, replaying every detail in my mind. Stanford University has already rejected me, so I can only rely on the other schools on my application list. The first two times I applied, I was too confident about Harvard University and Yale University, so I didn’t apply to any safety schools, and they both rejected me. This time, I also applied to other universities. Although my grades are enough to easily get into Stanford University, I also applied to other lower-ranked universities. I was so afraid of being rejected by even these that I applied to the universities with the lowest requirements. I thought, if the Ivy League and top schools don’t want me, maybe regular universities will, after all, I’ve always been top of my class. Sure enough, I still found hope. When a regular university sent out admission notices, my name appeared on the provisional admission list. The school heard that the top student in the city applied to them, and the next day they sent people to my home with great fanfare to welcome me. We looked at the crowd at the door, and smiles finally appeared on our faces. The school leader warmly approached, shook Gideon’s hand, and said, “Having a top student like your daughter at our school is truly a great honor!” “You two have truly raised a wonderful child. Rest assured, once your daughter joins our school, she will be a priority, with resources tilted in her favor.” Hearing these words, Gideon and Lydia’s eyes lit up. Lydia tightly held my hand and happily said that I had finally succeeded. Gideon also straightened his back, his face full of pride. The atmosphere was harmonious and joyful. The school leader quickly took out the prepared admission letter for me and even asked us to take a group photo together. He opened the admission letter with a beaming smile. “Ashley Easterlin, upon approval, you are granted…” He was reading and suddenly paused.

He stared at the admission letter, completely frozen. Two minutes later, he looked up at me, his voice trembling slightly, “Ashley Easterlin? Are you sure your name is Ashley Easterlin?” I looked at his expression, and my heart sank with a bad feeling. Just as I was about to answer, Gideon responded first. The school leader staggered upon hearing that. He suddenly raised his hand, silencing the crowd, and the room instantly fell quiet. Seeing this, Gideon and Lydia panicked a little. The two turned to look at me, but I didn’t look at them. My eyes were fixed on the school leader’s lips. The next second, he coldly said, “Sorry, our school cannot admit you. I will immediately report to the admissions office to revoke your application.” In an instant, I felt dizzy. Fortunately, Gideon and Lydia caught me in time. I looked at the school leader and asked him calmly, “Sir, please give me a clear reason.” “Your school has already admitted me, so what gives you the right to revoke it now?” My hanging hand clenched tightly, my nails digging painfully into my skin. I swore to myself that no matter what, I would uncover the truth today. Gideon and Lydia chimed in, “Exactly! You’ve already admitted our daughter, how can you just change it like that?” “Even though we haven’t had much education, you can’t do this. You must give us an explanation!” The neighbors watching nearby whispered among themselves. They all knew about my high SAT scores but no school was willing to admit me. They were indignant, suspecting if I had offended someone. Otherwise, with my grades, every school would be competing to admit me. Facing our questioning, the school leaders still said little. He would only say, “No school would be willing to admit a student like you.” I kept asking, but got nothing. As soon as the school leaders left, my family became the village’s gossip, mocked and ridiculed. “Ashley is just a money-waster, right? She tried for three years, but no school wants to admit her. It’s a total waste of money!” “You should give up on her going to college. Let her work and earn money! She’s just a girl and will get married sooner or later.” “Exactly, let her work and earn back the money spent on her all these years!” Hearing what everyone said, Gideon and Lydia were so angry they almost rushed up to fight them. Lydia grabbed a broom and started chasing people out, her voice sharp. “Get out now! Stop being an eyesore to our family!” “Our family matters are none of your business. If you dare talk nonsense again, I’ll tear your mouths apart!” Gideon said with a cold face, “Even if I have to work several jobs, I will make sure my daughter goes to college!” Seeing our family’s firm stance, those people had no choice but to leave while cursing. I looked at the returned file again, unable to figure out what was wrong with my name. Why did the schools that admitted me revoke it after seeing my name? I can’t figure it out, and I’ve pulled out quite a bit of my hair. Gideon and Lydia looked at me squatting on the ground with bloodshot eyes, feeling both heartbroken and anxious for me. Gideon smoked, helpless and frustrated. Lydia was afraid I might hurt myself and kept trying to comfort me. But at this moment, my mind is filled with failure after failure. Could it be that Gideon and Lydia worked hard for me most of their lives, only to end up with nothing? Suddenly, a light bulb went off in my head—I thought of vocational colleges. I suddenly looked up. “Dad, Mom, I still have one last chance!” “One week later, the vocational college admission results will be out. Maybe I can get in.” Hearing this, Gideon and Lydia also breathed a sigh of relief. I thought to myself, vocational colleges are the most basic schools, even the lowest scorers can get in. Besides, I got the highest score—there’s no way I won’t get in, right? Our whole family pinned all our hopes on the vocational college. After all, my grades are good. As long as I get into vocational college, I can continue to improve my education later. Our family anxiously waited for a week, and finally, the admission letter arrived. We held the admission letter, hugged tightly, and cried tears of joy. Early the next morning, Gideon went to the street to buy some treats to celebrate. Lydia bought me two new outfits, saying I couldn’t look shabby when I went to college. Our family sat together, happily eating and celebrating. I said with great anticipation, “Dad, Mom, when I start working in the future, I’ll definitely buy a big house and bring you to live there so you can enjoy life!” Gideon and Lydia smiled with joy. Lydia said, “Our biggest wish is for you to be safe and sound, and not to endure hardships like us in the future.” “I believe you will achieve great things in the future.” But I never expected the principal of the vocational school to personally come to my house and ask for the admission letter. Thinking of the previous ordeal, my face turned pale instantly, and my legs went weak. I instinctively wanted to hide the admission letter on the table. But he was faster, and when he opened the admission letter, I cried. When he saw “Ashley Easterlin,” his face instantly darkened, and he took back the admission letter right in front of us. He said, “Ashley, sorry, this admission letter is void. You can’t attend our school.” I don’t understand why it’s still like this. After the principal left, I locked myself in the room, devastated. “Ashley? Ashley?” I murmured my name as if entranced. Then, I rummaged through the entire room, frantically searching for my ID card. I need to see for myself, what curse is on my name? I pulled out my ID card and saw the name on it. In that moment, I suddenly understood something!

My name is Jane Petrov. Our whole family can hear my mom Fiona Petrov’s thoughts. I found a new job with good pay and benefits. But she worried deeply, thinking, “My daughter has low education and lacks ability. How could she get a new job by selling her body?” My dad, Ivan Petrov, heard it and firmly refused to let me work. He went to the company and caused a scene, getting me fired right after I started. Furious, I decided to move out and temporarily stay at my boyfriend Nash Fowler’s place. Fiona outwardly supported but secretly tried to stop me. “What should I do? Her boyfriend has been married for years and even has kids. Is she trying to be a mistress? If she really moves in, she’ll definitely get beaten to death, and she’ll disgrace our entire family.” To stop me, my brother Alex Petrov even broke my legs with a stick and locked me at home, leaving me to fend for myself. My wounds became infected and inflamed, and I wanted to go to the hospital. Fiona sighed inwardly, “This child is so rebellious, insisting on leaving this home. Her legs aren’t even that serious. If she goes to the hospital, she’ll definitely climb the wall and escape.” Now, no one was willing to care about me, leaving me to die in pain in the room. Even until my death, I never knew who was the one that killed me. When I opened my eyes again, I realized I could hear Fiona’s inner thoughts too. “Congratulations, you can come to complete the onboarding formalities tomorrow.” On the other end of the phone, the HR’s voice was crisp and cheerful. I stared blankly at the phone screen, checking the date—I had actually been reborn. “That’s awesome! It’s so hard to get into this company. You have to treat me to a meal today to celebrate.” My good friend Anna Sanchez held my arm, her face full of excitement. She was right. This company truly offers excellent benefits. I went through five rounds of interviews and took a whole month to get the offer. But I just couldn’t feel happy now. Because in my previous life, when I shared this news with my family, before I could even celebrate, their expressions suddenly changed. They scolded me for being shameless for money and firmly refused to let me work at that company. Faced with the hard-earned opportunity, I chose to secretly report to work. But Alex actually came to the company, caused a huge scene, and took me back. I was also fired. Now that this opportunity has come back to me, I must seize it no matter what. Thinking of this, I immediately said, “I have something to do today, so I need to leave first. Please don’t tell anyone about my new job, especially my family. I want to surprise them.” Anna saw my serious expression and understood the importance of the matter, so she immediately agreed. After parting with her, I went straight home. As soon as I walked in, Alex came up and said, “Did you find a new job? How long have you been unemployed? You can’t keep relying on Mom and Dad forever.” I sneered and said, “I’ve only been unemployed for two weeks, and you can’t stand it? What about you living off Mom and Dad’s pension and playing video games at home for two years after graduating college?” After graduating from college, Alex didn’t find a job and stayed home playing games for two years. It wasn’t until last year that he joined a gaming company. He couldn’t argue with me. Just then, Fiona came over. He started complaining to her, “Mom, her words are so hurtful.” Fiona has always treated everyone fairly at home, never showing favoritism. Just when I thought this time would be no different, I heard a familiar voice.

“She’s already this age, got fired from her job, and still can’t find a new one. Might as well get married early.” I looked at the owner of the voice, Fiona, but her lips were tightly closed, and she said nothing. “My $8,000 monthly pension isn’t even enough for my son to spend. She must have savings, and she needs to bring it out.” I was startled, realizing that this voice was actually Fiona’s inner thoughts. I thought, “How can I hear her inner thoughts? And wasn’t her pension $4,000? When did it become $8,000?” All along, she kept complaining to me about being broke, saying her pension was all spent by Alex, leaving her without even grocery money. Feeling sorry for her, I transferred her several thousand dollars every month. Now it seems she was lying to me. “Jane is just resting at home for a few days, what are you talking about? Apologize to her right now,” Fiona said to Alex. Alex seemed to hear her inner thoughts too and obediently lowered his head. “I’m sorry, Jane. I’m just worried about you. What if you still can’t find a job?” Fiona comforted me, “Don’t listen to him. Even if you can’t find a job, the family will support you. I’m heading to buy groceries now. The supermarket has discounts at this time. Though I have to compete with a bunch of old folks, it’s worth it for the deals.” If it were before, hearing this would have softened my heart, and I would have transferred money to her right away. But now, I want to test her a bit more. So, I nodded. “Then hurry up, or the groceries will be gone soon.” Fiona’s inner voice sounded again, “What’s wrong with this girl today? It’s so hot, I really don’t want to go out.” I pretended not to hear and went back to my room. Now I can be sure, in my past life, it was her inner voice that spread rumors about me, causing me to lose my job and even my life. But this time, I can hear her inner voice too. At dinner, Fiona asked again if there were any new job offers contacting me. I nodded. “I just got an email, I can start work tomorrow.” Fiona said, “So soon? Didn’t you say there was no news this afternoon?” I said, “I was going to tell you, but I got interrupted.” Ivan nodded with satisfaction. “That’s good. Work hard at the new company, get along with your boss and colleagues, and don’t get fired again.” In my previous job, I was harassed by a partner during a business dinner. I angrily scolded that creepy guy on the spot, but the company demanded I apologize. I refused, so I was fired. I told them what happened, but they only cared about what I would do after losing my job, not whether I was hurt or felt wronged. Fiona’s inner voice sounded again, “Ah, what should I do? Jane has low education and lacks skills. How could she find a job so quickly? She probably used improper means.” “After all, at her last company, she was fired by the boss for fooling around.” Sure enough, the next second, Alex and Ivan’s expressions turned a bit strange. “What kind of company is that? I heard it’s really hard to find a job nowadays. You found one so quickly, are you sure you weren’t scammed?” Alex asked. I clicked my tongue impatiently. “When I didn’t have a job, you complained about me staying home all the time. Now that I found a job, you’re saying I got scammed? What exactly do you want me to do?” Ivan said, “I also think it’s not very reliable. You should reconsider and find another one.” Although he said I should reconsider, he actually meant he didn’t want me to go. Luckily, I was prepared and directly took out the materials I had ready. I said, “This is my new company’s information. See for yourselves, they even collaborate on several national-level projects. Such a great opportunity, once missed, it’s gone.” “And Dad, don’t you always talk about your friend’s kid working in a public institution? My company is way better than that.” Ivan took the materials and carefully flipped through them, his frown gradually easing. What he cares about most is his pride, and now that I’ve joined the new company, he can show off to his friends. He finally nodded. “Hmm, not bad. Do your best.” He glared at Fiona. She lowered her head, not daring to speak. I pretended not to notice, smiled, and said, “Definitely, this time I definitely won’t get fired.”

No matter what you do, you need money first. Now that my job is finally settled, everything else will be easier. The next morning, afraid something might go wrong, I got up at dawn, changed clothes, and left home straight away, waiting outside the company early. I didn’t breathe a sigh of relief until I finished the onboarding process. In the following days, using “too busy with work” as an excuse, I didn’t go home for several days and took the chance to quietly rent a place, preparing to move out. This time, I didn’t alert anyone and moved little by little each day, like a hamster. During this time, Nash was also helping. In my previous life, I was confined at home with broken legs, and he couldn’t reach me. He asked around for news about me and even considered reporting to the police to find me. But I didn’t live to see him rescue me; I was already dead. I didn’t tell him about what happened in my previous life, only said that I had fallen out with my family and needed his help. I only told them I was moving out after I had almost finished moving everything. This time, I deliberately didn’t mention Nash, only said it was because home was too far from the company and commuting was inconvenient, so I rented a place near work. Fiona thought, “She doesn’t have to say it, I already know. She’s probably moving out to live with her boyfriend. So shameless.” Her boyfriend already has a wife and kids, yet she’s sunk so low as to become the other woman. Absolutely shameless. If the wife comes knocking, our family’s reputation will be completely ruined.” Ivan and Alex instantly glared at me, their eyes almost burning two holes in my face. Fiona continued in her heart, “Having a daughter who’s a mistress, what’s the point of living? I might as well be dead. It’s so humiliating!” Fiona kept badmouthing me in her heart, making up lies about me. Hearing it, I just wanted her to shut up. I really can’t understand why she’s so fixated on spreading dirty rumors about me. I even doubt if I’m really her biological child. Ivan, furious with veins bulging on his forehead, raised his hand and slapped me. He shouted angrily, “You shameless thing! Are you moving out just to mess around with men outside?” I covered my face and said incredulously, “Dad, what are you talking about? Don’t you know what kind of person I am?” “There are barely any people of the opposite sex in my WhatsApp. Who could I possibly mess around with?” I handed my phone directly to him, letting him check it freely. Fiona sneered inwardly, “I don’t even need to guess; she must have already deleted all the chat records. There’s nothing to find.” “Anyone with eyes can see the necklace on her neck. Such a big diamond, I’ve only seen it on TV. How could she afford it? It must have been given by another man.” Ivan yanked off my necklace and angrily questioned, “Did you buy this yourself? How can you be so shameless? How have I been teaching you all this time?” I retorted, “This was a gift from my boyfriend! How does accepting a gift make me shameless?” “Boyfriend? Well, you admitted it yourself! Don’t blame us for accusing you now!” Alex said eagerly. I pretended to look utterly confused and said, “What are you even talking about? You all knew I was dating someone. Dad, he even asked me to give you a fishing rod. Alex, that game console you wanted before, he gave it to you too. Have you forgotten?”