Category: English

Just because the female intern got drunk at the company team building event, my husband took advantage of my business trip to bring her home. He made Tiana wear my lingerie and used up all the condoms in the house in one night. After receiving an alert from the security camera on my phone, I immediately sent the footage to the company’s group chat with 500 people. “Is Mr. Huo so frugal that he can’t even afford to book a hotel room?” I commented sarcastically. Liam was so caught up in the moment that he thought it was a private message. He replied without even stopping his actions: “You’re just a tool I married to please my family. Do you really think you’re Mrs. Huo? If you know what’s good for you, hurry up and buy more condoms!” The group chat fell silent, everyone secretly watching our confrontation. I let out a cold snort. Since he treated me like a tool, I’d show him the consequences of angering this “tool”! 0 I immediately withdrew all resource support for the Huo family and terminated all cooperation with them. Five minutes later, Liam called me furiously. “Mia, what’s the meaning of this? I just made a mistake in the heat of the moment. Do you have to make such a big deal out of it?” “And what’s with you posting that video in the company group chat? Tiana is just a young girl. How can she ever show her face at work again?” The usually dignified and composed Liam was now angrily shouting and listing my faults for the sake of an intern, without mentioning a word about how his infidelity had hurt me. Even through the screen, I could almost feel his spit flying at my face. I replied calmly, “You have five minutes to get that woman out of my house.” “Oh, and she can keep that lingerie set. I find it disgusting now.” Five minutes later, Liam sent me a video. The stained bedsheets had been changed. The bedroom was clean and tidy. Both the lingerie and Tiana had disappeared from the Huo residence. Satisfied, I notified the Zhou family: “The cooperation will continue as usual.” Then I sent him another video, showing all the contracts with the Huo family’s profits reduced by 10%. “Liam, this is just a warning. If you really piss me off, do you think you can still comfortably sit in your current position?” Feeling unsatisfied, I found photos of several shirtless foreign models with six-pack abs and sent him some intimate selfies with them. “If you think drunk sex is no big deal, then I don’t mind starting a second spring of my own.” The “typing…” indicator on the chat window showed for a long time, but no message came through in the end. I knew he was suppressing his anger, but I no longer wanted to cater to his emotions. Back in the day, Liam was a notorious playboy in the city, a regular at bars. His ex-girlfriends could form a line twice around the city. But ever since the Huo family announced the arranged marriage, he cut off contact with all other women and knelt outside my house for six months through wind and rain. He said he was foolish before and only realized what true love was after meeting me. Combined with what he said in the group chat, I now understood that the Huo family wouldn’t let those shady ex-girlfriends of his into their home. He only married me to please his family. For two years after our marriage, he did indeed behave himself and didn’t fool around. Every day he just went between the company and home, either accompanying me or working overtime. I thought he had truly settled down, but I didn’t expect Liam to start preying on women close to home, moving his flirting grounds from bars and nightclubs to the company. Looking back now, all those promises and vows were nothing but bullshit. This time, stopping the cooperation and withdrawing resources was just to teach him a lesson. The next day when I returned from my business trip, I just wanted to go home and catch up on sleep. But I received a call from the company manager. There was an order that needed Liam’s signature, but he had gone out early in the morning with Tiana. I had no choice but to head to the company. After signing the papers, Liam still hadn’t returned. I took out my phone, about to call him, when a payment notification popped up on the screen. “Your Black Card completed a payment of $328,260 at Loro Piana at 9:30 AM.” My brows furrowed. This store only sells high-end women’s jewelry. Using my card to buy jewelry for another woman? Interesting. Leaving the company, I took a cab straight to the brand store. Through the display window, I saw Tiana excitedly putting on that necklace, hooking her arm through Liam’s and happily giving him a kiss on the cheek. Seeing her delighted expression, Liam affectionately pinched her nose. Liam was always extremely serious about work and would never skip work without reason. He only took one day off each year on my birthday. But now he ignored company business just to take an intern shopping. I walked into the store with a gloomy face. Seeing me, Tiana immediately let go of Liam and smiled ingratiatingly with a shrug: “Mrs. Zhou, what brings you here?” I glanced at her cheap act with disdain: “Do I need to report to you where I go? I should be the one asking – as an intern, can you just skip work whenever you want?” Tiana didn’t dare speak, looking guiltily towards Liam. He steadied his expression: “I brought her here. She’s not adjusting well to the company, so I brought her out to relax a bit.” Then he patted Tiana, telling her not to mind and to go back to the company first. Tiana was about to leave when I stopped her sternly: “The necklace is mine. Take it off! Wearing someone else’s lingerie is one thing, but you like secondhand jewelry too? Addicted to mooching off others?” She froze for a moment, lowering her head in embarrassment as her face turned bright red. I pointed at the necklace around her neck and looked at Liam: “An intern is worth such an expensive gift? Liam, did you not hear what I said yesterday?” Liam looked impatient: “That’s enough, Mia. You already humiliated Tiana at the company yesterday. Can’t I make it up to her a little?” I couldn’t help but laugh: “Make it up to her? So this is the extent of Mr. Huo’s abilities – using his wife’s card to please other women.” “A $300,000 necklace – is she even worthy of it?” Confusion flashed in his eyes. After checking the card in his hand, he realized he had used the wrong one. Having lost face in public, he immediately became enraged, the veins on his hand almost popping out. “Mia, if you’re upset, take it out on me. Don’t bully a young girl. Besides, if you hadn’t humiliated Tiana so badly, would I have done this?” “It’s just a damn necklace. I’ll pay you back double, okay?” 0

I crossed my arms and smirked coldly: “Liam, you think it’s just about the money?” “This brand is exclusively for our high-end clients. What status does an intern have to wear the same jewelry as our VIP customers? What will the clients think?” I looked down condescendingly at Tiana, who was hanging her head silently: “Some people just don’t know their place. They think sleeping with the boss will let them climb the social ladder. Hah, a common whore can never become a phoenix.” Liam’s face darkened, angrily throwing the black card at me: “That’s enough, Mia! Even if Tiana made a mistake, she’s just a young girl without all those ulterior motives you’re imagining. These past few months, she worked so hard on company orders that she was hospitalized with a bleeding ulcer. As her boss, it’s only right for me to reward her. You have no right to interfere!” Liam was like a rooster on steroids, stubbornly refusing to back down in front of me. Of course, he’s the big hero in Tiana’s eyes now. How could he lower himself to be henpecked? I let out a cold snort, bending down to pick up the card and patting his face: “Liam, don’t forget whose status gave you access to this black card. Don’t act tough with me. Remember my warning.” Ignoring his iron-gray face, I glanced at Tiana, who looked like she wanted to bury her head in the ground: “Since Miss Ruan is so capable, as Mr. Huo says, then the company’s orders will be up to you now.” Liam was furious to the extreme, quickly pulling Tiana away. Watching their retreating figures, I immediately called the purchasing department: “Change the brand for the clients’ exclusive jewelry. I find it inauspicious.” Just as I hung up, I received a message from a business partner: “Mrs. Zhou, this isn’t very sincere of you. It’s bad enough you didn’t come to lunch, but you sent Mr. Huo with some green girl instead. Don’t you take me seriously?” I smiled and replied: “That’s my husband’s new mistress. Old Zhang, bring out all your lecherous old men who like to get handsy and drink. I’ll give you an extra 5% profit next time.” Seeing the “OK” gesture he sent back, I leisurely found a spa and started getting a massage. I was about to doze off when Liam’s calls started bombarding my phone. As soon as I answered, his piercing roar came through. I had to lower the volume. “Mia, you’re deliberately targeting Tiana, aren’t you?” “Old Zhang refused to sign unless Tiana fed drinks mouth-to-mouth to over a dozen men. It was bad enough that they groped her all over, but then they wanted to take her to a hotel, saying all her orders were obtained by sleeping around!” “They even insulted me, saying I’m a kept man who can’t even properly leech off a rich woman, and that I should go be a male model instead!” “This must be your doing behind the scenes. I never thought you’d stoop so low!” I comfortably turned over: “They’re just talking nonsense. How can you take it seriously?” “Or… did they hit the nail on the head?” The other end was so angry his breathing became rapid: “What nonsense are you spouting! If it weren’t for you, this order wouldn’t have fallen through. Tiana cried her eyes swollen. Are you satisfied now?” I couldn’t help but smile: “I just wanted you to see your true place. Without me, you’re nothing.” Liam was so angry he was speechless, abruptly hanging up the phone. I opened the video Old Zhang sent me, watching the whole thing with satisfaction before forwarding it to the company group chat. “Intern Tiana is incompetent. She engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior during negotiations, violating company policies. She is hereby terminated effective immediately.” HR received the directive and immediately removed Tiana from the work system. I thought Liam would behave after this lesson, but I didn’t expect him to be even more outrageous than I imagined. A few minutes later, HR called me nervously: “Mrs. Zhou, something terrible has happened. Tiana has been promoted!” “Promoted? She had a baby?” “No, promoted to Vice President!” 0

“What?” I was so shocked I flipped over and sat up on the massage bed. “Who authorized this?” “It… it was Mr. Huo.” I unconsciously gripped my phone tighter. I had just announced Tiana’s termination in the group chat, and he immediately promoted her to VP. This was an open declaration of war against me. A few minutes later, Liam indeed published Tiana’s promotion announcement on the company website. He even assigned his personal bodyguard to chauffeur Tiana to and from work from now on. In Tiana’s newly posted moments, she was wearing high-end jewelry and a custom gown, smugly drinking my prized vintage wine with Liam. The whole company was gossiping that Liam was going to kick me out and install Tiana in my place. I clenched my fists tightly. Since Liam was determined to push her, he couldn’t blame me for not giving him face. Half an hour after Liam’s announcement, I immediately convened the board of directors and revoked Liam’s authority over personnel appointments. Then I restructured the company departments, completely sidelining Tiana. You want to be VP? Then be a figurehead to your heart’s content! I assigned all the difficult clients and challenging orders to Tiana to handle. Let’s see if that empty VP title can make clients respect you. After doing all this, I felt as exhausted as if I’d fought a battle. I went home and fell into a deep sleep. Tonight was my father’s 60th birthday banquet. Usually, I would bring Liam along to celebrate with him. But this year, I didn’t want to bring him anymore. On the way to the Zhou residence, I had just finished selecting a gift when I received a call from the housekeeper. “Miss, Mr. Huo and Miss Ruan have already arrived. The master asked me to check why you haven’t come yet?” My hand holding the gift box froze for a moment, anger immediately surging in my heart. This pair of scumbags wasn’t satisfied with disrespecting me at the company. They actually had to make trouble in front of my father. I called the driver to rush back to the Zhou residence at top speed. As soon as I entered, I saw Tiana sitting close to Liam in my seat. This bitch’s intention to take my place was clear as day. My father didn’t know about what had happened at the company these past few days. He still thought Tiana was my good friend and even smiled at her cheerfully. I immediately darkened my face and walked straight behind Tiana: “Get lost. Who do you think you are to attend my family’s private dinner, let alone sit in my seat?” She looked embarrassed, glancing at Liam for help. Liam tried to suppress his displeasure as he looked at me: “Mia, Tiana is just here with good intentions to wish your father happy birthday. How can you speak to her like that?” He let out an angry huff, but this was at the Zhou residence, at my father’s birthday banquet. As a junior, he couldn’t argue with me for Tiana’s sake. He could only swallow his emotions and pull out a chair from the side for Tiana to change seats. “Hmph, completely unnecessary.” A rat paying New Year’s respects to a weasel – obviously up to no good! I ignored him and had the servant bring a new chair. The one she sat on was too dirty for me. Many prominent figures had come today. I didn’t want to make the scene too awkward, so I planned to settle accounts with the two of them after the banquet was over. When I went to the restroom midway through, I overheard Tiana complaining resentfully on her phone. “Who does Mia Zhou think she is? She’s just relying on having a good father. If I had her family background, I’d definitely be no worse than her!” “Look at her arrogant attitude, with her nose in the air. Hmph, I’ll teach her a lesson today!” My heart sank immediately. I rushed out of the bathroom, but Tiana had already disappeared. Back at the banquet, I saw her obediently pouring tea into my father’s cup. After filling the teacup, she took advantage of everyone’s small talk to discreetly drop an inconspicuous white pill into the cup. My heart plummeted. I quickly stepped forward to stop her. But before I could open my mouth, I saw my father pick up the teacup and drain it in one gulp, even praising Tiana on the side for being so thoughtful. “Dad, don’t drink it! There’s something wrong with that tea!” 0

I shouted as I rushed through the crowd. The living room instantly fell silent, all eyes turning to me. But it was too late. My father had just put down the cup when his face contorted in pain. He clutched his chest and collapsed to the ground. The guests were terrified. Some of the more timid ladies even screamed. I panicked and hurried to help my father sit up, but his whole body was limp. His throat was red and swollen, his face turning purple as he was about to suffocate. “Liam! Call an ambulance quickly!” I frantically wiped the tears from my face, instinctively calling Liam’s name in the chaos. Then I turned to Tiana, who still hadn’t put down the teapot, and snarled through gritted teeth: “You bitch! What poison did you put in my dad’s cup? If anything happens to my father, I’ll make sure you pay!” Seeing me cursing at Tiana, Liam put down the phone he had just taken out and pulled her behind him protectively: “What nonsense are you spouting, Mia? Tiana saw your dad was thirsty and just poured him some water out of kindness. How dare you falsely accuse her like this?” “Besides, the old man was fine just now. How do we know this isn’t some act you and your dad cooked up to bully Tiana in front of everyone? The Zhou family is really going too far!” “Apologize to Tiana right now and clear her name, or don’t even think about going to the hospital!” This was absolutely ridiculous. I was about to explode with anger! My father’s pulse was already very weak, his face turning blue. Every second of delay increased the danger. I suppressed my fury and fumbled to take out my phone to call 911 myself. The surrounding guests also started criticizing Liam: “What kind of son-in-law are you? Your father-in-law is in this state and you’re not rushing to save him!” “Exactly! Something this serious happened and he’s still siding with that woman to scold his own wife. Talk about having his priorities backwards!” “The man is about to die. Can’t you deal with other issues later? Get him to the hospital first!” Faced with everyone’s disapproval, Liam’s expression grew increasingly unsightly. But he still maintained an all-knowing attitude: “Can’t you all see? The old man is just putting on an act to help her. He’s always been in good health. How could he faint from just drinking some water? He’s clearly faking it!” Tiana also defended herself pitifully: “Mrs. Zhou, I know you dislike me, but how can you mistreat your own father just to frame me? If you leave now and something happens at the hospital, I won’t be able to clear my name.” “That’s right,” Liam chimed in. “Mia, tell your dad to stop acting. It’s getting obvious.” My emotions had reached the breaking point. I was almost consumed by rage. With all my strength, I slapped Liam across the face, making him stagger back two steps. “Liam, you beast! If I hadn’t seen her slip in the poison with my own eyes, you would have let my dad die at your hands!” “My dad’s face is turning purple. Are you blind?!” Hearing my hysterical outburst, Tiana showed no guilt at all. Instead, she looked smug. Liam, after being berated by me, finally lost his temper: “Fine, Mia. You’re still in denial…” “Enough!” My eyes flashed with murderous intent as I furiously called the security to drag him away. The ambulance arrived just in time. I quickly sent my father to the hospital: “Liam, we’re getting a divorce! If anything happens to my dad, I’ll make you two scumbags pay with your lives!”

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When the monster tortured me to death, my dad, Captain Miller, a top-tier detective, and my mom, Dr. Davis, the city’s chief medical examiner, were busy cheering on my sister, Chloe, at her competition. To get back at my dad, who had once put his brother behind bars, the criminal cut out my tongue. Then, using my own phone, he dialed my dad’s number. My dad snapped just one line before hanging up: “Whatever it is, your sister Chloe’s competition is what matters most today!” The criminal sneered, a dark chuckle escaping him. “Looks like I grabbed the wrong one. I thought they’d care more about their *biological* daughter!” At the crime scene, my parents were horrified by the gruesome state of the body, raging at the killer’s cruelty. Yet, they didn’t recognize the person lying there, so horribly mutilated, as their own flesh and blood. …… My body was found in an abandoned, unfinished building. The construction workers were retching, one hand clamped over their mouths, as they dialed 91

My parents rushed over from Chloe’s victory celebration. Detective Bell, the forensics expert, frowned deeply, motioning for them to put on masks. My dad was one of the best criminal investigation captains, and my mom was the top medical examiner in the city. Even for them, seasoned veterans of countless crime scenes, seeing the body made them falter. The oppressive summer heat had caused the body to bloat horribly, her face caved in, a pulpy, bloody mess where features used to be. It was impossible to make out any features. Her body was covered in injuries, and her head was barely clinging to her neck by a thread of flesh. A sickening, putrid stench, the foul odor of advanced decomposition, hung heavy in the air. Mom closed her eyes for a moment, took a deep breath, and put on her gloves, beginning the preliminary examination. Her gaze held a rare flicker of pity as she looked at my body. In life, I had never once received such gentleness from her. I watched nervously as she removed the blood-stained ring from my hand. I’d made several identical rings, planning to give them to my family. But when Chloe’s didn’t fit, my parents had flown into a rage at me. “I knew you had bad intentions! You just wanted to bully your sister!” “Aubrey, even if you are our biological daughter, Chloe has lived in this house for eighteen years. She will always be more important than you!” Even though their angry words still rang in my ears, I clung to the belief that my parents still loved me. They had to recognize the gift I gave them! But Mom merely signaled her assistant, Maya, to put the ring into an evidence bag, her face utterly expressionless. I shouldn’t have hoped. My parents never had a place for me in their hearts. Not even for their biological daughter. My brother, Liam, used to tell me that Mom and Dad adopted Chloe because they couldn’t find me after I was abducted, and that *I* was their truly beloved daughter. But after I came home, there was no longer a place for me in the house. I felt like an intruder, a cuckoo in someone else’s nest. After surveying the crime scene, Dad sighed and asked Mom, “What’s the situation with this body?” Mom pulled off her gloves, rubbing her furrowed brow. “The victim is estimated to be around 20 years old. Preliminary assessment suggests the cause of death was a slit throat. She likely suffered prolonged torture before dying.” “The brutality is extreme, and the social impact will be terrible. We need to crack this case quickly before public opinion explodes,” Dad said, lighting a cigarette and taking a deep drag, looking troubled. Even in death, I was nothing but a burden to them. Detective Bell warned, “The killer hasn’t been caught yet. Remind your family to be careful. You have two girls at home; it’s best they don’t go out at night.” Mom irritably waved a hand. “Chloe is always obedient. As for Aubrey, I can’t control her.” Detective Bell was an old classmate of my parents, so he knew our family situation well. Dad lightly massaged his right shoulder. Detective Bell noticed his action and asked, “Still bothering you, Miller? Your shoulder?” Dad waved it off. “It’s nothing. Just some pain relief patches Aubrey bought…” As he spoke, he froze. The unruly daughter they complained about was the one who genuinely cared for their well-being. Detective Bell patted Dad’s back. “Go easy on Aubrey. She is your biological daughter, after all.” Dad shook his head. “A couple of days ago, Chloe had a tennis match. She kept saying she wanted Aubrey to come watch. But Aubrey? She played dead after I called her. Chloe was so disappointed that Aubrey didn’t show up, she only got third place because she was worried about her sister.” “Aubrey hasn’t been home for days. Who knows where she’s died out there. Guess that’s what you get when they’re not raised by your own hand. Just useless.” Hearing my parents’ accusations and complaints, I felt a bone-chilling cold. Mom, Dad, it wasn’t that I didn’t want to come home. I just… couldn’t anymore. That ‘thankless creature’ you called me died the very day you were cheering on Chloe at her tennis match. My body was right there, in front of your eyes. During the case discussion, after Mom’s autopsy report, the police officers present looked grave. Because of the horrifying state of my death, facial identification was impossible. The abandoned building where my body was dumped wasn’t the primary crime scene, significantly increasing the difficulty of the investigation. Dad assigned officers to search the area around the dump site for suspicious individuals. “Please conduct another autopsy, Dr. Davis, see if there are any new findings. Get the DNA samples to the lab as quickly as possible.” With that instruction to Mom, Dad hurried out with his team. My parents seemed more concerned about the corpse itself than they ever were about me. Mom used to stroke Chloe’s beautiful hair, telling her how being a forensic pathologist was a noble profession, giving a voice to the dead. I watched Chloe nod in agreement, but when Mom turned away, Chloe would discreetly wipe her hair as if disgusted. That time, I slapped Chloe, and Dad punished me by shaving my head. And now, Mom touched my hair on my corpse with a pained expression, softly saying, “To die so horribly… how heartbroken her family must be.” I gave a self-deprecating smile. My family should be happy about my death, I thought. Perhaps only Liam would be sad for a moment. Mom’s gloved hand moved across my back. There was a large patch of burn scars there, from when I was abducted. When I was first brought home, as I changed clothes, Mom looked surprised, then slightly disgusted. “How did you get that on your back? It’s repulsive. Don’t scare Chloe.”

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A low whimpering sound reached my ears from a secluded room in the warehouse. I gestured for my subordinate to pull open the door. The sight inside made my pupils shrink. *This* was the shipment! More than twenty women, barely clothed, were huddled together, their eyes wide with terror, fixed on me. Their hair was matted and wild, and their faces and bodies were bruised to varying degrees. The worst off lay motionless on the ground, silenced forever, fresh marks of brutal torture still marring her body. Seeing this, I remembered what Duke had called “handling.” A shiver of ice crawled down my spine, despite the summer air. My name is Asher. My fiancée, Skylar, and I had known each other for over a decade, practically growing up together. My second year of college, I confessed my feelings to her, promising to marry her, to love her, to make her happy for the rest of her life. At twenty-four, after a beautiful engagement ceremony, we officially tied the knot. That night, she gave me everything. I just held her close, listening to her murmur “I love you” over and over again. At twenty-five, she went on a trip with her friends, while I was buried under work, scrambling to get a company plan off the ground. That was the biggest regret of my life. A week after she left, I lost contact. Soon, more than forty-eight hours passed. Frantic, I contacted the local police department. I sent them the little information I had, and they told me to wait for news. Three days later, I couldn’t bear it anymore. I bought a flight to where she’d been traveling. I had barely stepped off the plane when my phone rang. It was the police. My eyes were fixed, unseeing, on the computer screen. In the surveillance footage, she was being dragged into a van by several men. That had been five full days ago. The officer tried to calm me, telling me not to worry, that they were investigating the matter thoroughly and had already identified the van. His words offered a small flicker of relief. A week passed. I received a message from her phone. It was a video. She was naked, violated by a group of men, trapped in a dimly lit room, her body and face a canvas of wounds. A deafening roar filled my head, and my legs gave out, sending me crashing to the floor. My face contorted in agony, but my eyes remained glued to the heartbreaking scene. Passersby recoiled from my distraught state, hurrying away. I burned their faces into my memory, etching them deeper than my own name. I didn’t go back to the police. Nor did I contact anyone else. I spent a fortune, but finally bought the information I craved. I quit my job, leaving my family and friends without a word. Alone, I headed for the borderlands.

This year marks my third year in the borderlands. Looking at the man and woman kneeling on the ground, I knew I was about to get blood on my hands again. I hated the feeling. Duke had ordered me to ‘handle’ this man and woman. Apparently, their only crime was having an affair. I didn’t bother to think twice. The faster it was done, the better. I dealt with the man quickly and cleanly. But the woman stared at me with wide, tear-filled eyes. Perhaps her tears reminded me of Skylar. In the end, I let her go. The woman whispered a trembling “thank you.” My heart remained unmoved. I didn’t look at her, just walked back to my room. I’d caught a chill last night, and my head felt heavy. I lit a cigarette, leaving the lights off, just sitting there, silently gazing out the window. This was a lawless place, home to the world’s most vicious criminals and its poorest people. I lived in this environment, day in and day out. I almost forgot why I joined this outfit in the first place… No! I wouldn’t forget! Never! I narrowed my eyes. The nicotine stimulated my nerves, making me feel much clearer. My phone vibrated on the table. I picked it up and put it to my ear. “Sterling wants to see you.” Just a few words, but I couldn’t help but tremble. I hung up the phone and laughed, a rush of excitement. The head of the syndicate wanted to see me. The ruthless leader who dealt in all kinds of dark trades, whose hands were stained with countless lives! I was escorted into his office, keeping my head down. The man stood there, his back to me. His corpulent frame, surprisingly, still exuded a formidable presence. He was the most vicious gangster in this dark territory. He turned, waving a hand. Immediately, two men rushed forward and attacked me. Heavy blows landed on my gut. Even with years of training, my body still struggled to cope. My abdomen cramped with sharp pains, and I felt something clawing its way up my throat. I couldn’t help but cough twice, blood mixed with bile splattered across the floor. Sterling raised a hand, and the two men stopped beating me. He walked toward me, step by step. “Do you know why I called you here?” His voice was thick, muffled. I said nothing, just glanced at the corner. A woman was kneeling there. It was the same woman I’d let go earlier that evening. I smiled, looking directly at Sterling. I knew he wouldn’t kill me. “You’re smart. Different from the others.” Sterling took a drag from his cigarette, then tossed a towel at my face. “But being too smart isn’t always a good thing.” Sterling turned and waved his hand, signaling that I could leave. Still silent, I gave him a slight bow, then exited the room. Standing in the hallway, I thought for a moment. Maybe I should have just killed him then. I stood there, staring at the gun in my hand, lost in thought.

Three days had passed since I met with Sterling. I hadn’t left my room. I just sat there, waiting quietly. On the fourth day, Duke knocked on my door. He walked in, carrying a bottle of whiskey and some food. Duke was my first boss when I joined the syndicate, essentially a crew chief, as they called it. Over the years, Duke had cleared countless obstacles for Sterling, earning his coveted position as a ‘manager’ within the organization. “Duke.” I stood up to greet him, but he waved me back down. He said nothing, just poured the whiskey. The liquor nearly overflowed the glass, and I couldn’t help but murmur a warning. Duke grinned. *Wham!* A glass landed in front of me. I looked up, meeting Duke’s deep gaze. “This drink is to congratulate you. You’ve got a shot at moving up.” My heart was calm, but I feigned surprise. During our casual chat, I gradually learned the situation. The head of the syndicate’s trade division had run off with a massive shipment of goods, defecting to a rival faction. Sterling’s orders were clear: retrieve the merchandise and eliminate the defector. To be honest, Sterling’s approach surprised me a little. Duke seemed to read my thoughts. He’d always held me in high regard. “It’s a good thing you let that woman go. I should have told you she was Sterling’s ‘sister’ – a plant, a test from Sterling himself. But I couldn’t. It was Sterling’s command.” He seemed annoyed as he spoke. If I hadn’t taken the initiative to spare Sterling’s ‘sister,’ I might be talking to a corpse right now. “You should know what to do,” Duke said meaningfully. “Be swift, finish it quickly. If you can’t bring the goods back, destroy them. Save yourself unnecessary trouble.” I nodded, already strategizing in my mind. After a few more drinks and a final warning, Duke left the room. I lay on the bed, my fingers tracing the cool metal of my gun. I didn’t sleep a wink. I was well-acquainted with this kind of mission, and I started preparations first thing in the morning. Even though Caleb had defected to another organization, the shipment hadn’t been moved yet. And among those who followed him, we had our own informers. I read the message, then closed my phone. Caleb was still scheduled to visit the warehouse where the goods were stored this afternoon. It might be his last visit; he planned to move everything today. I got into the van, taking a deep breath to steady myself. Surprisingly, I felt a little nervous. Fortunately, the operation went smoothly. Caleb was taken out almost the moment we stormed the warehouse. Even if we lost a few of our own in the crossfire, their lives meant nothing to me. After clearing the scene, I took two men with me to find the shipment. Duke had told me to destroy the goods if we couldn’t take them. A low whimpering sound reached my ears from a secluded room in the warehouse. I gestured for my subordinate to pull open the door. The sight inside made my pupils shrink. *This* was the shipment! More than twenty women, barely clothed, were huddled together, their eyes wide with terror, fixed on me. Their hair was matted and wild, and their faces and bodies were bruised to varying degrees. The worst off lay motionless on the ground, silenced forever, fresh marks of brutal torture still marring her body. Seeing this, I remembered what Duke had called “handling.” A shiver of ice crawled down my spine, despite the summer air. I remained impassive, deep in thought. The subordinate next to me looked at the women, then at me. Their eyes silently questioned me. A daring plan quietly formed in my mind. I smiled. Then nodded to them both. The two men with me, their eyes gleaming with greedy, depraved intent, seemed to understand my silent cue and moved toward the women. *Bang! Bang!* Without hesitation, I shot them both from behind. They died never knowing why I’d turned on them. Hearing the shots, the remaining few who could still move immediately ran toward me. I gave them no chance, firing several more shots and taking them down. One was lucky, not hit in a vital spot, his face twisted in pain and terror. I squeezed the trigger a few more times; the magazine was empty. I tossed the gun to the ground and pulled out my usual dagger. I plunged the knife into his heart, my expression blank, my eyes as calm as if I were reading a book. A book filled with sin and gore.

I returned to the syndicate, standing before Sterling. I coolly reported the outcome of the operation. Caleb and all those who defected with him were eliminated. The few men I brought with me had also unfortunately perished. As for the shipment, of course, I told them it had all been destroyed. Sterling listened to my loud report, his expression impassive, only a fleeting frown crossing his face at the news of our lost men before he returned to his usual composure. “Not bad.” Sterling just tossed a badge at me. I’d seen that badge before, pinned to the former manager, Caleb. Its meaning was crystal clear. I silently took the badge, then looked up at Sterling. This was just the beginning… I remained impassive. That night, I returned to my new place. My old, cramped room had been replaced by a sprawling, luxurious apartment. It was the standard perk for a manager. Duke still came to see me, giving me a quick rundown of things. Then he pulled a thick wad of cash from his bag. Seeing my eyes widen at the sight of the money, he clapped me on the shoulder, satisfied. Anyone who chose to live this life, to claw their way through this underworld, was chasing the same few things. And I, a seemingly insatiable money-grabber, was exactly the kind of person they thought they could control. Only, he didn’t know that after he left, I threw the entire wad of cash into the trash without a second glance. I only had one purpose for being here. It was the reason I was willing to abandon a comfortable life and a high-paying job to come to this place. They had no idea I was a patient, calculating madman. I took over Caleb’s work, rarely touching the bloody stuff myself. Sitting in front of the computer, staring at the colossal sums of money flowing in and out, the endless invoices, I finally grasped the sheer scale of the syndicate’s operations. They were involved in almost every dark transaction imaginable. I searched through the computer, scrolling through photo after shocking photo, searching. Finally, I found what I was looking for. A beautiful young woman’s photo. Her smile was gentle, like a delicate narcissus. My right hand trembled slightly as I scrolled through the woman’s information. It listed her merchandise number and details. “She’s alive,” a calm female voice said behind me. My hand instinctively shot to my hip, only to be stopped by a pair of delicate, pale hands.

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When the police arrived, I had already dismembered my wife and hacked off my son’s legs. I sat amidst a pool of blood, casually carving up my wife. The gruesome murder of my wife shocked the entire nation. Everyone condemned me as a monster, yet I couldn’t be immediately sentenced to death. Because I had hidden my one-year-old grandson. No one knew if he was dead or alive. Under intense police interrogation, I demanded a nationwide live broadcast. “Dad… why? Why did you do this?” My son, Milo Hayes, dragged his severed legs, struggling to crawl towards me. Just then, I brought the axe down, severing my wife’s head. Blood splattered into his wide-open mouth, and he let out a horrifying shriek. Tonight was supposed to be my thirtieth wedding anniversary with my wife. Milo had meticulously decorated the mansion, even replacing the carpets with new ones. The decorative flowers on the walls hadn’t even wilted, but the pristine white carpet was already completely drenched in blood. At the peak of her happiness, I plunged a knife into her abdomen. Twenty consecutive stabs. Until her last breath, her beautiful eyes tragically questioned me, “Why?” When the police stormed into the mansion, I had already chopped my wife into unrecognizable pieces. Even my salt-and-pepper hair was dyed crimson, dripping with blood. A dozen guns were pointed at me. I calmly lowered the axe and obediently extended my hands, letting them cuff me. From the moment I committed the murders, I had no intention of hiding anything. The mansion’s front door was wide open, blood spilling onto the street. The area around the mansion was sparsely populated, but not entirely empty. I saw my neighbor dart past the entrance, but I didn’t stop them. BANG! The fluorescent lights flickered on, their harsh glare stinging my eyes. “Name.” “Victor Hayes.” “Why did you kill them?” “…” Detective Miller, the officer interrogating me, stared with undisguised disgust. “Please take our questions seriously. We have gathered overwhelming evidence for your murder charges. The case is closed. Your struggle is futile!” I remained silent, eyes closed, leaning back in the chair. It had been years since I felt this relaxed. The police’s intense questioning sounded like a lullaby to me; I was actually starting to feel drowsy. He asked several more questions, but I offered no reply. Not until he finally asked, “Where have you hidden your one-year-old grandson, Leo Hayes?” I opened my eyes and grinned maliciously. “Guess?” Detective Miller’s face darkened, absolutely furious. I had no doubt that if it weren’t for laws prohibiting torture, he would have lunged at me. “Victor, do you have any heart?! That’s your beloved grandson! You’ve raised him since birth! The child is so young, he knows nothing, he’s done nothing wrong!” See? I’ve committed murder, yet these cops can only cycle through their interrogation tactics, unable to inflict any real harm. I wasn’t in a hurry at all. I just watched the officers hustle in and out with stacks of files, knowing they’d never find my grandson. As a renowned philanthropist in the city, the news of me murdering my wife and mutilating my son instantly dominated the headlines. No one dared believe I could commit such a monstrous act. To outsiders, I was a devoted husband, a loving father. My social media was filled with snippets of my wife and child, and I frequently donated to charities supporting people with disabilities. But the truth was, I did it. I didn’t even spare a one-year-old child. Online communities started digging deep into my past, searching for any signs of cruelty. I feigned ignorance of all this, still refusing to answer the police’s questions. Just as our stalemate continued, a young, energetic officer burst into the room. “Detective Miller, urgent news!” Detective Miller took the paper. After a single glance, his expression turned grave, and he sharply met my gaze. “You’re not Victor Hayes. Who are you?!” I sneered. After interrogating me for so long, they finally figured it out.

“Who *are* you? Why do you look exactly like Victor Hayes? Where’s the real Victor Hayes?” I replied calmly, “The car accident three years ago. That’s when I became Victor Hayes.” “Three years ago?” Detective Miller flipped through his files. “April 21st, three years ago, Victor Hayes was involved in a car crash on Highway 301. The vehicle caught fire. His driver, Arthur, was pronounced dead. Victor Hayes was unharmed…” “You’re Arthur.” Detective Miller stated, certainty in his voice. I simply smiled, neither confirming nor denying. “We’ve checked. You had no deep-seated animosity towards the Hayes family. Quite the opposite, they treated you well. High wages, Victor himself would often share good liquor and cigars with you. Eleanor even tried to set you up with women, seeing you as a lonely single man.” “So what was your motive for murder? Was it simply pure envy of their wealth and happiness?” “You’ve successfully assumed Victor Hayes’s identity, living a lavish life without anyone suspecting. You’ve been living the high life. I don’t understand why you killed Eleanor. If it was just to tie up loose ends, you made no effort to clean the crime scene.” I replied, “Officer, you have a lot of questions. If you want the truth, I have a condition.” Detective Miller frowned. “Remember your current status. A criminal has no right to make demands.” “Then you’ll never know where the child is.” It had been a day since the child disappeared. A one-year-old has no chance of survival on their own, so the police had no choice but to compromise. “I want Milo to live stream himself kneeling before me.” It was a strange demand. Detective Miller went out to send someone to negotiate with Milo. He would agree. Because when I cut off his legs, I also crushed his manhood. That child was his only remaining heir, his only hope for a family. He had to compromise for him. Milo, still not out of danger, was wheeled into the police station. He started the live stream, then painfully crawled off his wheelchair, scuttling like a dog to my feet, kowtowing repeatedly. “Please, I beg you! All the mistakes are ours! If we ever offended you, just kill me! Please, don’t harm my son!” Seeing his pathetic, disgraced state, a smirk of satisfaction played on my lips. The live stream comments were filled with insults against me. Some even threatened to dox me and dig up my entire past. Milo’s eyes burned with hatred as he looked at me, his lips bitten raw. “I’ve kowtowed. Now will you tell me where my son is?” I looked down on him, sneering, “When did I ever promise I’d tell you just because you kowtowed?” “You! You son of a bitch! I’ll kill you!” He lunged at me, his face contorted with rage through the iron bars, as if he wanted to tear my flesh with his teeth. I burst into laughter. Detective Miller couldn’t stand it. He tapped his baton against the bars, warning me. I stopped laughing and told Detective Miller, “Agree to one more thing, and I’ll tell you exactly where the child is.” Detective Miller’s face was grim. “Don’t waste our police resources and time. We don’t have time to play games with you. No matter how much you stall, you can’t change your death sentence!” I shrugged. “Fine by me. Then the child can join me in the grave.” “No, no, no! Detective Miller, agree to his terms! My son can’t be harmed!” Milo grabbed Detective Miller’s pant leg, snot and tears streaming down his face.

“I want you to investigate the truth behind the death of a little girl named Lily Arthur, who died on the train tracks ten years ago.” Detective Miller’s sharp eyes narrowed. “Arthur? What’s your connection to this girl?” “She was my daughter.” I closed my eyes, a vivid image of the little girl’s innocent smile appearing in my mind. Our conversation was still live-streamed. After hearing my daughter’s name, online users immediately started researching what happened back then. Lily’s death had even made the news. Reports stated that a six-year-old girl, unsupervised, wandered onto the train tracks and was crushed by a speeding train. Over a dozen trains. Her small body was pulverized into the damp earth, her blood painting the tracks with a thick layer of crimson rust. I still remember that day. Seeing Lily’s mutilated remains, my hair turned white overnight. I spent a week, from dawn till dusk, slowly searching for Lily along those tracks. A tiny finger, a fragment of liver… Each time I found a piece, I felt both a surge of joy and overwhelming sorrow. My Lily was the prettiest little girl; I couldn’t let her leave incomplete. But a large part of my Lily was still missing. My Lily was so obedient. After school, she’d dutifully wait by the school gates for her dad to pick her up. But that day, someone lured her away. Detective Miller, following my lead, reopened the investigation. The case had originally been classified as a tragic accident caused by a child’s mischievous play. He initially only gave the files a perfunctory glance, but unexpectedly, he discovered inconsistencies. The railway surveillance only showed snippets of Lily being run over by the train, but there was no footage of her arrival. He exerted considerable effort trying to locate the surveillance footage from the first train that hit Lily ten years ago, but too much time had passed. That specific train had even been decommissioned by higher-ups who deemed it ‘unlucky’ after the incident. But any intelligent person could connect the dots: Lily’s death had to be linked to the Hayes family. This provided a clear motive for my revenge against them. While the police were bogged down with endless applications and procedures just to get information, skilled hackers among the online community had already uncovered crucial clues. The hackers and the police approached the investigation from different angles. The hackers started by looking into Lily’s school, using big data to sift through surveillance footage from around the school ten years ago, pinpointing clips that showed Lily’s face. Finally, they found a blurry video. In it, three or four teenage boys were leading six-year-old Lily towards a secluded area. The hackers used advanced techniques to enhance the faces, and one of the boys bore a striking resemblance to Milo Hayes. Once the video was released, it ignited a firestorm online. [I *knew* Arthur had a grudge against the Hayes family! Otherwise, why would he be so brutal?] [Holy crap! So Milo led the little girl onto the tracks? He’s responsible for her death, indirectly, right?] [Then Arthur’s revenge against the Hayes family makes sense. But why kill the others? Milo was the one involved!] [But it’s been so long, and Milo wasn’t even an adult back then. He didn’t directly kill the little girl. The chances of him being sentenced are slim, right?] [I guess that’s why Arthur cut off his legs.] Milo, who had just returned to the hospital, was cuffed by police who had seen the video and ‘invited’ him back to the station.

“Milo, can you explain why you took Lily?” I stood outside the one-way glass, gazing at the pale Milo. The officers guarding me couldn’t help but cast pitying glances my way. Milo’s eyes darted nervously. “I-I was just playing a prank, that’s all! It was so long ago, and besides, I didn’t kill her…” BANG! The interrogating officer slammed his hand on the table, making Milo jump. “Was it *really* just a prank?” Milo tried to regain some composure. “Of course! I was just a kid back then, didn’t know any better. If I’d known this would happen, I’d never have done it, not even if you killed me!” The officer sneered, slamming several printed SnapChat group logs onto the table in front of him. “Then explain *this* group chat, will you?” Milo stiffly lowered his head. When he saw the chat logs, he started trembling uncontrollably. “N-no, this isn’t me! You’ve got it wrong… You’ve got it all wrong!” Never underestimate the power of internet sleuths. They will go to any length to uncover the truth. They dug up Milo’s entire life history, from childhood, even exposing his school bullying and academic fraud. Someone even hacked into Milo’s account and unearthed a SnapChat group he’d long since left, buried deep in his archives. A [CANNIBAL] group! I didn’t know what a [CANNIBAL] group meant. I turned my bewildered gaze to the officer beside me, my voice hoarse. “Officer, what… what does a [CANNIBAL] group mean?” The young officer kept his head down, avoiding my eyes. I gripped his arm tightly, my handcuffs rattling. With tears in my eyes, I asked him, word for agonizing word, “Tell me. What does that mean?” The officer’s voice was barely a whisper. “Some people have a condition called pica, where they crave non-food items like dirt or paint chips. And then there are others…” He paused, then continued, “…who crave human flesh.” Tears streamed down my face. A chilling answer began to form in my mind. “So, what does this have to do with my daughter’s death?” “You said your daughter’s body was missing a part. That part… was eaten by them.” The hackers… The group they found had remained active for ten years, never disbanding. It contained a chilling archive of cannibalistic videos. And ten years prior, a few young teenagers, driven by morbid curiosity, joined this ‘cannibal’ group.

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Just before my wedding, my fate mate, my Alpha fiancé, Fabian, stripped me of my wedding dress—our wedding dress—and handed it to his mistress, Yolanda Porter. Not only that, but he locked me in the dressing room like some rabid wolf he needed to contain. “Yolanda has a terminal illness.She just wants to experience being a bride before she dies.” I lunged forward, my wolf howling inside me. Alpha’s strength pressed against mine, his dominance forcing my muscles to lock. My claws twitched, itching to break free. “You bastard!” I snarled, my breath ragged. Fabian barely blinked. Instead, he let out an exasperated sigh, shaking his head . “She’s dying, and you can’t even show a little compassion?” His tone dripped with disappointment, as if I were the villain here. “You’re only losing a wedding, but Yolanda… Yolanda is losing her dreams and her life.” I was adjusting the hem of my dress when Alpha Fabian walked in. My white gown shimmered under the dressing room lights, the fabric hugging my figure perfectly. In just a few minutes, I’d walk down the aisle and officially become Luna of the Silver Claw Pack. Everything was perfect. Until I saw his face. “Salena, I…” Fabian’s voice wavered—and that was odd. I turned, smiling, reaching for his hand. “Why is the Alpha more nervous than the bride? Don’t tell me you’re going to cry from excitement later.” Normally, he’d roll his eyes and smirk, maybe pull me in close and whisper something entirely inappropriate for a pre-wedding conversation. But not this time. His usual sharp, confident aura was replaced by something… hesitant. “What’s wrong?” My stomach tightened as I smoothed my dress. “Did something happen at the wedding?” When I tried to step past him, he grabbed my wrist, stopping me. His fingers were warm, but his grip was tight—like he was afraid I’d disappear if he let go. I frowned. “Fabian?” A long pause. Then, finally, he met my gaze. “Salena, Yolanda… she’s terminally ill.” My breath hitched. Yolanda Porter. His childhood friend. His beautiful, always conveniently present childhood friend. The same Yolanda who had spent years lurking in the background, reminding everyone how she and Fabian grew up together, how they understood each other in a way I never could. The same Yolanda who had smiled sweetly in public and sabotaged me in private. She had been my biggest thorn, never missing a chance to remind me that I wasn’t worthy of the Silver Claw Pack’s Luna. But I had won. I had Fabian. And now— I swallowed hard. “She’s sick?” Fabian nodded, jaw clenched. “She doesn’t have much time left.” A strange mix of emotions twisted in my chest. Guilt? No—why should I feel guilty? Jealousy? Maybe. Fear? Definitely. Because I knew that look in Fabian’s eyes. I’d seen it before. “I only see her as a sister,” he’d told me a hundred times, exasperated, brushing off my concerns. It wasn’t until his birthday this year, when Alpha Fabian proposed to me, that Yolanda finally faded from our lives. “Yolanda has a terminal illness?” I blinked up at Alpha Fabian, my fingers instinctively tightening around the fabric of my wedding dress. My wolf stirred, sensing the tension radiating from my mate, but I didn’t panic. Not yet. “That doesn’t mean you need to rush to the hospital right now, does it?” I asked, trying to keep my voice even. “The wedding starts in ten minutes—” Fabian cut me off, his voice urgent. “Yolanda is already here. She said…” A pause. I folded my arms. “What did she say?” He exhaled, rubbing his temple. “She said she’s never been in a relationship her whole life and wants to experience being a bride… before she passes away.” Silence. The kind that made my wolf growl low in warning. Sadness filled Fabian’s dark, stormy eyes, his tone so reverent it was as if Yolanda had ascended straight into sainthood. Meanwhile, I sat down, slowly, like a queen lowering herself onto her throne, staring at him. “Don’t tell me she expects you to ditch our wedding and take her to a bridal shop?” Fabian shook his head. I sighed in relief. For a moment, I thought the little green tea snake had finally grown some self-awareness. Then, Fabian opened his mouth again. “There’s no time to go outside. Salena, why don’t you lend your wedding dress to Yolanda?” A bolt of lightning crashed through my brain. I stared at him. Did my Alpha mate just get possessed by sheer stupidity? “What, is she not going to survive until tomorrow? Or have all the bridal shops in the city suddenly gone out of business, leaving her no options but to take the dress right off my back?” “Salena.” Fabian’s face darkened, his eyes filled with disappointment—like I was the unreasonable one. “Yolanda is already so pitiful. Why would you curse her like that?” I laughed in disbelief, standing so fast my chair scraped against the floor. “Alpha Fabian, did a door slam on your head? Or did you hit it against the packhouse walls for fun? She’s terminally ill, and you think lending her my wedding dress is going to cure her?” I placed a hand over my chest dramatically. “What, is my dress some kind of divine elixir? More effective than a healer? Will she ascend straight to the Moon Goddess in couture?” My wolf was practically snarling inside my mind, tail flicking in rage. “Yolanda has spent years using these little tricks to pull you away, and I let it go before. But today is our wedding day—do you understand what those words mean?” My breath was shaky, but my tone was firm. Fabian, however, wasn’t listening. Instead, his expression grew even colder. “Salena, I never expected you to be such a heartless person.” And then he looked at me—no, through me. Like I was nothing. Like I was a burden instead of his mate. My wolf fell silent. And just like that, the bond that once made my heart race with love… felt like a chain tightening around my throat. Chapter 2 “Fabian.” The air was thick with tension, our standoff silent but charged. My wolf, restless inside me, paced in my mind, ears pinned back. Then, the door swung open. Yolanda stepped in, her long hair cascading over her frail shoulders, her lips trembling as crystalline tears shimmered in her wide, doe-like eyes. She looked like the Moon Goddess herself had personally crafted her to inspire pity. Her voice was soft, weak, as if merely speaking was draining the life from her. “Don’t fight with Salena because of me,” she murmured. “It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have… shouldn’t have gotten sick and then clung to life instead of just… dying right away…” I blinked. Did she really just say that? Fabian gently covered her mouth, like she was the most precious thing in the world. His eyes were brimming with so much raw tenderness . “Don’t be afraid,” he said, voice low, soothing. “No matter what happens today, no one will stop me from granting your wish.” A growl rumbled deep in my chest. My wolf was furious, tail flicking in agitation. Fabian turned toward me then, his towering figure casting a shadow over me. Alpha presence rolled off him in waves, oppressive and suffocating. “Salena, I advise you to show some kindness.” I crossed my arms. “And what if I say no?” Fabian paused, his jaw tightening. Then, without another word, he turned and took Yolanda’s hand, leading her out. For a second, I thought he had finally come to his senses. I was wrong. He returned. And this time, he locked the door behind him. My wolf’s ears flattened. “Salena, don’t blame me for this.” Something in his tone—a chilling finality—sent a sharp spike of alarm through me. I shot up, ready to run, but he was faster. His Alpha reflexes kicked in, his grip iron-tight as he spun me around and pinned me against the vanity. My wolf snarled, but Fabian’s strength overpowered mine. “Are you insane?! Fabian, let me go!” My frantic struggles meant nothing. I felt the zipper of my wedding dress sliding down, scraping against my skin like a brand. “Stop!” I cried out, pain flashing through me as his grip dug into my waist. My wolf whimpered, but Fabian didn’t let go until the dress—my dress—was completely gone. When he finally released me, I crumpled onto the floor, my arms wrapping around myself. My meticulously styled hair was now a wild mess. My body—bare, vulnerable—felt like a broken relic of what should have been my happiest day. Fabian, breathing heavily, held my wedding dress in his hands like a damn trophy. His voice was cold. “Does it hurt? You brought this on yourself.” I stared up at him, my wolf silent—too shocked to even growl. Then, I spoke. “Alpha Fabian, we are done.” His brows furrowed. I pushed myself up, chin high, and let my next words tear through the bond like claws through flesh. “I, Salena Carlson, reject you, Fabian Parkinson, as my mate.” The rejection hung in the air. For a second, he simply blinked at me, as if he hadn’t heard right. Then, irritation flickered across his face, and he let out a short, humorless laugh. “Stop acting out. I’ll make it up to you with another wedding.” He turned to leave. “But today, Yolanda’s dream must come true.” My vision blurred, my heart hollowing out as he disappeared. Then— Click. The sound was quiet. But the moment I heard it, my blood ran cold. I rushed to the door. Locked. I pounded on it, but no one answered. A bitter laugh escaped me. He really did it. I turned back, my gaze landing on a white T-shirt draped over a chair. Desperate for something to cover myself, I grabbed it and pulled it over my head—only for the collar to get stuck. Frustrated, humiliated, trapped—I could do nothing but fall onto my knees and cry and cry. “Tsk. Looking this miserable?” A deep, smooth voice cut through my despair. I lifted my tear-streaked face, my breath hitching. The moment I saw the man leaning against the doorframe, casually elegant in a crisp white suit, I knew trouble had arrived. Alpha Halbert. Fabian’s archrival. The Moon Goddess really had a twisted sense of humor. His eyes, sharp and mischievous, flickered with amusement as he took in my ruined appearance. My makeup was a mess, my hair tangled beyond saving—I probably looked like a rogue that had lost a fight with a tornado. His lips quirked, but for just a moment, his teasing faltered. Then, his voice dropped to a sultry whisper. “Want to get some payback?” My wolf’s ears perked up. I narrowed my eyes. “What are you doing here?” Everyone knew Alpha Halbert and Fabian had been close once, back in college—before something ripped them apart, turning them into bitter enemies. No one ever talked about why. “I don’t recall inviting Alpha Halbert.” Halbert, unfazed, simply raised a brow and took a slow, deliberate step forward. His scent—crisp pine and the kind of danger that lured people in—drifted over me, sending a shiver down my spine. My wolf stirred, intrigued. “Are you sure you don’t want to come with me?” His voice was smooth, tempting. “Opportunities like this don’t come twice.” He extended a hand toward me. My wolf growled softly, uncertain. Before I could even decide, Halbert moved. In a blur of movement, he pulled me to my feet—so effortlessly it was like I weighed nothing. His strength was undeniable. Then, before I could protest, he lifted a pristine white handkerchief and wiped my face clean. His touch was gentle, careful, as if he were handling something delicate and breakable. His golden eyes assessed his work before giving a small, approving nod. “Much better.” I blinked, momentarily stunned. Then, his grip tightened around my wrist, his warmth steady, grounding. “Let’s go.” His voice was quiet but firm. “Revenge is best served fresh. Bottling it up will only hurt you in the end.” For the first time since this disaster started, I didn’t feel alone. Chapter 3 “Fabian Parkinson, for richer or poorer, will you stay by Yolanda Porter’s side, never to part?” The officiant’s voice rang out over the crowd. Onstage, Alpha Fabian gazed at Yolanda with a tenderness so nauseating it made my wolf bare her teeth. “I do not.” The words ripped through the ceremony like a thunderclap. Gasps filled the air. Every head in the room snapped toward me. I saw it then—the exact moment realization dawned on Fabian’s face. His smile froze, his fingers twitching against Yolanda’s hand. “Where’s security?” Fabian growled, voice low and commanding. “Escort the troublemaker out.” Halbert, standing beside me, handed me the microphone with an amused smirk. I didn’t even look at Fabian. Instead, I turned up the volume to max and let my voice ring across the hall. “Everyone, I am Salena Carlson. Tonight’s bride, Salena Carlson.” Chaos erupted. A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd like wildfire. The sharp rustling of guests flipping through their invitations was almost comical. Fabian’s expression darkened, his jaw clenching so tight it could snap a bone. “Hey, she’s right! The invitation says the bride is Salena!” “Then who the hell is the woman onstage?” “Fabian’s wedding was so rushed, I didn’t even question it. But this…?” The murmurs grew louder, sharp whispers turning to judgmental glares. Yolanda’s fake innocence cracked, her wide doe eyes filling with crocodile tears. Fabian tightened his grip on her hand, his voice low but authoritative. “Everyone, there was a typo on the invitation.” His lips curled into a forced smile. “This is the real bride.” A laugh burst from my throat before I could stop it. “A typo?” I drawled, arching a brow. “Right. And let me guess—my name embroidered on the wedding dress? Also a typo?” More gasps. A few guests exchanged pointed looks. Fabian’s pathetic attempt at damage control had done nothing but pour gasoline on the fire. “The venue? The photography? The décor? Paid for with my money.” I pulled out my phone and, with a single tap, projected the receipts onto the massive screen behind the altar. “13.14 million.” I smiled, slow and deliberate. “Alpha Fabian, will that be on your credit card or by check?” Silence. The air was thick with tension, the scent of unease rolling through the room like a storm cloud. Fabian’s gaze flickered toward the doors, searching. Probably for security. “Don’t bother looking.” My smirk widened. “The security staff? Paid for by me. They don’t answer to you.” Fabian’s nostrils flared, frustration rolling off him in waves. And then, because the universe loved giving me more reasons to hate her, Yolanda decided to play her final card. “Salena, I know you have issues with me.” She sniffled, stepping forward. “It was wrong of me to borrow your wedding, but I have a terminal illness.” She paused for dramatic effect, gauging the crowd’s reaction. And just like that, a few whispers started up again. “She’s dying, though…” “Maybe Fabian was just trying to be kind.” “Is Salena really this heartless?” Yolanda lowered her gaze, trembling ever so slightly—but not before I caught the flicker of satisfaction in her eyes. I felt my wolf bristle beneath my skin, a growl curling low in my throat. Oh, this little actress wanted a show? Fine. I’d give her one. I swatted Yolanda’s hand away, my wolf thrumming beneath my skin, urging me to rip through her pathetic act. “Oh, a terminal illness?” I arched a brow. “What’s the diagnosis? Which hospital declared it?” Silence. “Funny how someone on death’s doorstep has enough energy to steal my multimillion-dollar wedding and act like she deserves it.” Yolanda stumbled back, clutching her chest, her breath turning shallow. Her wide, watery eyes flitted around the room, as if searching for sympathy. Cue the dramatic coughs. She hacked so hard that her pale face turned ghostly, as if she might crumple to the floor at any moment. And, right on cue, Alpha Fabian was there in an instant, shielding her with his broad frame, his scent sharp with irritation. “Salena.” He growled my name like a curse. “You’ve only lost a wedding, but Yolanda—she’s losing her life.” His voice dripped with righteous fury, like I was the villain here. “How can you stoop so low as to bicker with someone who’s dying? Where’s your compassion?” I stared at him. For a brief moment, I remembered the man I once loved—the one who whispered promises under the moonlight, who swore I was his forever. Now?

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Just because she lost a game of Truth or Dare, my wife was passionately kissing her assistant in my car. The moisture even soaked my son’s car seat. The male assistant sent me the video, and I immediately forwarded it to my wife. “Going broke, Seraphina? Cheating in *my* car now?” She sent a voice message back, her tone laced with drunken charm. “This was an arranged marriage, Julian. Did you actually think I was *your* wife? It was just a dare! Are you seriously that petty?!” I scoffed. It was time to make her understand. You do something you shouldn’t, you pay the price. I immediately halted the Miller Group’s major overseas deal, scheduled for signing next week. The next moment, my wife, Seraphina Miller, started bombarding my phone. But my secretary, Sarah, blocked every call. “I’m sorry, Ms. Miller, Mr. Thorne is currently in a meeting.” Playing the silent game? I could play too. Not long after, Seraphina stormed into my office, heels clicking furiously, and slammed her palm onto my desk. “Julian, have you lost your mind? That was a $300 million deal! You’re going to destroy my company over a stupid dare?!” Seraphina, who always carried herself with such elegance and composure, was now acting like a raging lunatic, all for another man. I put down my report and looked at her enraged, contorted face. “You have fifteen minutes, starting now.” Ten minutes later, Seraphina sent a photo. The Maybach’s interior was back to pristine condition, undergoing a professional cleaning. I immediately notified my overseas department, “Proceed with the signing as planned.” Then, I sent Seraphina a photo. Her cherished designer gown was trampled on the floor, and her beloved custom-made shoes were soaking in a filthy mop bucket. “Seraphina Miller, this was also a dare. Remember my bottom line. This is just a warning. Cross me again, and the consequences will be beyond what you can handle!” Silence from Seraphina’s end. I knew she was furious, probably boiling with rage. But I was even angrier. Our family alliance had been orchestrated by her back then, and it was *her* who rejected the option of us leading separate lives after marriage. For six years, we went from a formal, polite relationship to one where we truly supported each other. Especially after our son was born, I poured all my energy into our family, ensuring both the Thorne and Miller families flourished and prospered. I thought we would stand by each other until we were old and retired. But she shattered our happy, stable life. That brief pause on the $300 million deal? It was just a warning shot.

That day, Seraphina didn’t come home for the first time. The next morning, I walked straight into the Miller Group, taking the internal elevator directly to the executive floor. It was completely empty outside. Our assistants should have been on duty. I hadn’t brought mine today, but where was *her* assistant? Loud laughter drifted from her office, seeping through the blinds. I caught a glimpse of her assistant, Kai, holding a hairdryer, solicitously drying her hair. Seraphina lounged casually in her office chair, chatting and smiling with him. Seraphina used to be very strict about personal space. No one, except me, was allowed to linger in her office for long. But her tenderness towards Kai now felt like a sharp blade piercing my heart. Even more glaring was the cold glint of the high-end watch on Kai’s wrist. That was clearly the watch she had carefully chosen and bought abroad as my birthday gift! Kai was just an intern assistant; he couldn’t afford a single screw on that watch even if he sold everything he owned! I pushed the door open. Kai dropped the hairdryer as if electrocuted, forcing out a sycophantic grin. “Mr. Thorne, what brings you to the Miller Group offices?” I looked at him coldly. “I’m a director and general manager of the Miller Group. It’s not for an intern to tell me where I can be!” “Go fetch HR. I want to ask her if the company’s hiring standards have fallen this low.” Kai looked to Seraphina for help, and she gestured for him to step out and let things blow over. Just as Kai was about to leave, I spoke, my voice chilling. “Take off the watch!” He froze, his hand covering the watch, looking pitifully at Seraphina. I stared intensely into Seraphina’s eyes. “Explain this. Why is my birthday gift on *his* wrist?” “The order receipt for that watch is still in my drawer!” Seraphina’s expression turned impatient. “He’s my assistant. He reflects on me.” “Just because you insisted on cleaning the car he sat in, making him look bad, what’s wrong with me giving him a watch to keep up appearances?” “Your assistant’s wardrobe, wasn’t that also bespoke that you shelled out for?” I scoffed. “My assistant is a man who earns his pay through his own merit. That good-for-nothing, why does *he* deserve it?” I pointed a finger at Kai. “Is it because he knows how to ‘serve’ you?!” Seraphina’s face instantly turned ashen, and fury boiled in her eyes. “It’s just a watch! Consider it compensation for his ‘suffering’!” “I’ll get you a better one for your birthday, alright?!”

I sneered. “A limited-edition watch? Who is *he* to even be seen with something like that?” “Seraphina Miller, people should act in accordance with their standing.” I took a step closer, my voice icy. “Mrs. Thorne wears limited-edition jewelry, custom-made gowns, and global limited-edition heels. That’s only natural.” “But for Ms. Miller to enter the exclusive world of haute luxury… money alone won’t get you in.” Seraphina exploded in rage. “Julian Thorne, we have important work to discuss! Assistant Kai has put in tremendous effort for this deal, please leave immediately!” She actually dared to yell at me for that useless piece of trash. I chuckled coldly. “Then let me see Assistant Kai’s *real* capabilities!” In a fit of pique, Seraphina hurled her bag at Kai and stomped out. Kai shot me a smug, sleazy grin, then scurried after her. Before the sound of her heels completely faded, I made a call. “As planned, have Mr. Thompson give them a proper welcome.” Then I ordered a coffee and sat by the floor-to-ceiling window. I’d only taken a couple sips when Seraphina called. Her voice was so shrill I had to pull the phone away from my ear. “Julian Thorne, you despicable schemer!” “Mr. Thompson publicly ripped up the contract, calling Kai a gold-digger who ‘sucks up’ to rich women!” “He even mocked me, saying I slept my way to the top, always wanting more and more!” “You orchestrated this! I must have been out of my mind to marry you!” I calmly set my cup down. “People will say what they want. How can I control that?” “If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear.” Before I could finish, Seraphina screamed hysterically. “The deal’s off, Kai ran off humiliated—are you satisfied?!” My lips curved upward. “Satisfied? I’m just putting things back where they belong.” Seraphina, seething, hung up. I called Ms. Davies from HR and had every trace of Kai purged from the company records. At this point, I felt I had given Seraphina enough dignity and leeway. As long as she behaved herself and returned to being Mrs. Thorne, we could continue. But I never imagined she wouldn’t cherish the chance I gave her.

That day, Leo had a fever of 101.3°F and was particularly clingy. I stayed home, giving him IV fluids and playing with him. Seraphina, in her heels, was about to leave again when Leo called out in his tiny, milky voice. “Mommy, don’t go!” She hesitated for a moment, then finally sat down. Seeing Leo’s contented smile, I felt confident that giving her that chance earlier had been the right decision. But her jarring ringtone tore through the tender moment. Kai’s voice, laced with tears, rang out. “Ms. Miller, someone’s following me! Everyone online is calling me a sugar baby, a bootlicker, and a home-wrecker!” “Is Mr. Thorne trying to drive me to my death? Ms. Miller, please tell Mr. Thorne I won’t go near you again. Please beg him to let me go!” I didn’t even lift an eyelid, continuing to play with Leo. Kai being harassed was expected, but it wasn’t as bad as he claimed. Seraphina, however, reacted as if she’d been stepped on, slamming her phone onto the coffee table. Leo, startled, burst into tears. Instead of comforting our son, she pointed a finger at me, ranting like a wild banshee. “Julian Thorne, that’s enough! I’m sick of your smug, manipulative face!” “Kai’s already gone, why won’t you leave him alone?” “I married you, Julian Thorne, I didn’t sell myself to you! What right do you have to control everything I do?!” My patience snapped. I pointed outside. “If you want to argue, get out! Don’t scare our son!” She scoffed. “Julian Thorne, you want to hurt him? Well, I’m going to protect him!” With that, she ignored Leo’s cries and stormed out, slamming the door shut! I watched her retreating back, my gaze darkening. She’s truly lost her mind! After putting Leo to sleep, I opened my laptop. The scandal of Kai’s illicit affair and sudden promotion, which had been all over the internet that morning, had mysteriously vanished by afternoon. For that useless piece of trash, Seraphina had actually used the company’s PR team! Utterly pathetic! I tried to ignore it, but then I noticed Seraphina had issued an official company statement. The statement lauded Kai’s exceptional professional abilities, sternly rebuking malicious rumors and threatening legal action. A message from Ms. Davies from HR simultaneously landed on my phone: Seraphina had officially appointed Kai as Operations Manager, granting him an independent office on the executive floor and副总经理 (Vice President) level privileges. My assistant also sent me photos from Kai’s SnapChat, snaps of him looking ridiculously smug about his newfound ‘success.’ He was decked out in custom-tailored suits, proudly displaying that gleaming watch. I looked at the messages on my phone and let out a cold laugh. Seraphina Miller, if you insist on promoting this parasite, don’t blame me for showing no mercy! After dealing with everything concerning the Miller Group, I rushed home, only to find Leo gone! I anxiously questioned Maria, the nanny, who stammered, “Ms. Miller came back… and took the young master with her…” The rage in my heart could no longer be suppressed. After learning from my assistant that Seraphina was at the amusement park, I rushed there without delay. But I saw Seraphina and Kai whispering intimately ahead, completely unaware of Leo stumbling and struggling to keep up behind them. His little face, flushed with fever, was slick with sweat, and he pleaded in a teary voice. “Mommy… slow down… it hurts… wait for me…” Kai’s lips curved into a malicious smirk, and he casually extended his foot. *Thump!* Leo fell heavily to the ground, stunned for a moment, then burst into uncontrollable wails. Seraphina instinctively reached out to help, but Kai suddenly spoke, feigning hurt. “Ms. Miller, is the little master perhaps annoyed with me? Did he intentionally fall to fake cry?” Hearing this, Seraphina abruptly withdrew her hand and looked at Leo with a scolding expression. “Uncle Kai was kind enough to play with you, and you’re faking a fall? Why are you so naughty?” I lunged forward like an arrow released from a bow, scooping up Leo, who was now sobbing uncontrollably. Rage threatened to consume me. Seraphina’s expression flickered, and she rushed to explain, “Kai said I shouldn’t have left Leo when he was sick, so he suggested I bring him to the amusement park to make it up to him…” I looked at her coldly. “What can a two-year-old child do at an amusement park?” “Watch you two pathetic excuses for a couple put on a show? Or get deliberately tripped by him?” The air was dead silent. Kai’s smug smile froze on his face. Seraphina’s pupils constricted abruptly, and then her face hardened with anger. “Julian Thorne, you’re so ungrateful! We were…” I held my shaken son and cut her off. “Seraphina Miller, we’re getting a divorce!”

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To leave an heir for my childhood friend, who was terminally ill, my three-month pregnant wife ignored my pleas. She went ahead with the surgery, taking out our baby, just to make room for his. Afterward, she just said blandly: “Julian doesn’t have much time left. Why argue with a sick man? I promise you, once I’ve had Julian’s baby, we can have another one together.” Everyone thought I was completely infatuated with my wife, convinced I wouldn’t refuse, that I’d eagerly step up and be a total doormat. But this time, I decisively signed the divorce papers. The very next day, I bought a plane ticket and left the country. I saw my ex-wife again two years later at a high school reunion. The moment I walked into the private room, she shoved her two-year-old child into my arms, a haughty look on her face. “Liam, you’ve been throwing a tantrum for two years, aren’t you over it yet? Just apologize to me publicly, and I might give you a chance to take care of our mother and child!” Everyone stifled their laughter, saying I’d hit the jackpot, a “two for one deal.” But I just casually flashed the wedding ring on my left hand. “No thanks. I already have a wife and kid of my own. No need to be a pathetic sap!”

The moment the words left my mouth, everyone in the room froze, their shocked gazes fixed on me, before erupting into snickers. “Oh, come on, Liam! Who doesn’t know you loved Scarlett more than life itself? When Scarlett had kidney failure, you gave her one of your own kidneys! Would someone like you really marry someone else?” “Exactly! Can’t you think before you speak? That’s so ridiculous, who’d believe it?” I sneered inwardly at their chatter. No wonder they were shocked; I *had* loved Scarlett desperately once. When she was diagnosed with kidney failure, I didn’t hesitate, giving her one of my kidneys. Now, every time it rains, my left side aches with a dull, constant throb. I always gave her the sweetest part of the watermelon, and knowing she didn’t eat dragon fruit seeds, I’d meticulously pick out every single one with a toothpick. Because I loved her, I even tolerated her going on dates with my childhood friend, Julian, again and again. I tolerated her tying Julian’s tie right in front of me, gently wiping his mouth. As long as she came home, as long as she still remembered me, her husband, that was enough. Everyone knew I was blindly devoted, and they all instinctively assumed I was just talking out of anger earlier. Coming back to reality, Julian, who had been quiet, picked up a bottle of wine from the table and came over to me, saying casually, “Liam, I know you’re still upset about what happened two years ago. It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t been diagnosed with a terminal illness, Scarlett wouldn’t have had to get rid of your baby just to leave an heir for me. Since everyone’s here today, I’ll down this bottle as a public apology to you!” He chugged the bottle, the burning alcohol making him cough repeatedly. Scarlett immediately couldn’t sit still. She handed her child to a colleague nearby, rushed forward, snatched the bottle, and said, angry and heartbroken, “Julian, are you crazy, daring to drink this much? Even if your condition has been under control all these years, you’re still a patient!” After comforting Julian, Scarlett shot me a haughty glance and said coldly, “Liam, you’ve been throwing a tantrum for two years, that’s enough! Julian and I just did IVF; we didn’t actually have sex. You’re still being petty about such a small thing, after all this time? Is it really necessary?” Everyone started murmuring. “Liam’s so stubborn! It’s a two for one deal, he actually came out ahead!” “Plus, Scarlett’s been looking for him all these years. He left for two years, and she looked for him for two years. It’s time to move on from the past.” So, taking out our baby to have Julian’s was just a “small thing” in Scarlett’s eyes? But what surprised me was that Scarlett had actually been looking for me? Why would she be looking for me? Lost in thought, I heard Scarlett continue, talking to herself, “Alright, Liam. Little Julian is at an age where he needs a lot of care. Since you’re back, you can take care of him from now on. Even though he’s not your biological son, you’re his nominal father, and you should be responsible for him.” I actually laughed. Two years later, Scarlett was still high and mighty, ordering me around as if it were her right. But I wasn’t the Liam she could manipulate so easily anymore. Ever since Scarlett got rid of our baby two years ago, my heart died for her, and I decisively left the country. And what I said earlier wasn’t out of anger; I truly was married with a child. After I left, I found a new job. Not long after, I met my wife, Vivian. She helped me through that dark period. Soon, we got married and even had a beautiful daughter. Just thinking about my wife and daughter, a wave of warmth washed over me. Snapping back to reality, I coldly refused, “No thanks. I have my own child to take care of. As for your ‘Little Julian,’ let his biological dad take care of him.” Hearing that, Julian’s eyes welled up. “Liam, I know you resent me for causing your child to be aborted, which is why you won’t take care of mine. I want to raise Little Julian myself, but my body won’t allow it… I’m trusting you, that’s why I’m asking you to take care of him. Little Julian is very well-behaved; he doesn’t cry or fuss, so he won’t be too much trouble. Please, I’m begging you, take pity on me, a father, and take care of Little Julian…” Julian made a show of kneeling towards me. Scarlett quickly helped him up and comforted him. Then she turned, giving me a cold glance. “Many people would beg to take care of Little Julian, but I wouldn’t let them. It’s an honor for you to take care of him; don’t be ungrateful!” Her gaze landed on my clothes, and Scarlett scoffed. “Liam, you must not have had it easy these past two years abroad, huh? You didn’t even bother to wear decent clothes to a class reunion. At this point, don’t be so snobby when you’re broke. If you take good care of Little Julian, I can give you ten thousand a month in spending money. That’s way more than you’d make working a regular job.” Julian, acting like the man of the house, added, “That’s right. You take good care of Little Julian, and Scarlett and I won’t treat you badly. With us, you won’t have to wear cheap knock-offs at least.” It was then that everyone noticed my casual attire. Instantly, mockery erupted. “How did Liam fall so low? He doesn’t even have decent clothes!” “If only he’d known this would happen. I heard Scarlett’s company soared after he left. If he hadn’t left the country out of spite, he’d be living a life of leisure now.” I just smirked. They had no idea. The clothes I was wearing weren’t cheap knock-offs. They were custom-made by a master designer, pure silk, worth hundreds of thousands. Seeing me smile, Scarlett thought I’d agreed to take care of Little Julian. She pulled out her phone, ready to transfer money to me. “Here’s ten thousand. Go buy some decent clothes later, so our Little Julian doesn’t catch your cheapness.” But as soon as she sent the message, she received a glaring red exclamation mark!

Scarlett’s eyes widened. “Liam, you blocked me?!” I found it amusing. I had already blocked and deleted her two years ago. Was she just realizing it now? Scarlett’s pride took a hit. She told me to add her back right away. But I said coldly, “Just an ex-wife, what’s there to add? Besides, my wife doesn’t let me add other women. She gets jealous.” Seeing me repeatedly refuse to give her face, Scarlett finally got angry. “Liam, are you done acting? I’ve given you an out. If you insist on making a scene, we’ll get a divorce!” In the past, Scarlett would threaten me with divorce whenever she was slightly displeased, forcing me to give in. She thought she could manipulate me as always this time. But I just sneered. “Scarlett, did you forget? We already got divorced two years ago.” At that, the entire room fell silent. Scarlett was stunned for a moment. “Divorce? When did we get divorced?” Then, as if something clicked, she sneered, “I know! This is your little game, isn’t it? Playing hard to get? You’ve certainly grown more cunning in two years!” I rolled my eyes in exasperation. “Scarlett, didn’t you see the letter I left you two years ago?” Scarlett looked confused. “What letter?” Before I left the country, I’d left Scarlett a letter. Inside the envelope, there wasn’t just the wedding ring I’d taken off, but also a signed divorce agreement. I’d made her sign that divorce agreement the day she insisted on getting rid of our baby, despite my pleas. She’d always been dismissive of me, signing without even looking. She probably hadn’t bothered to properly check the contents of the envelope two years ago. That’s why she didn’t know we were already divorced and thought I was just throwing a tantrum. Thinking of this, I scoffed, then pulled out my copy of the divorce agreement, which had been made in duplicate, and shoved it in front of Scarlett. “Scarlett, the envelope I left you back then contained the signed divorce agreement. I made two identical copies; this is the other one. Look closely. We’re already divorced.” Scarlett’s beautiful eyes widened. She was about to say the divorce agreement was fake, but when she saw her own signature clearly on it, she froze. “This… this really is my handwriting? How? I clearly never signed…” “No, you did sign. Remember the document I handed you that day you scheduled your abortion procedure?” My reminder made Scarlett finally realize that what I’d had her sign that day was the divorce agreement. Her face turned ashen. Everyone else was surprised too. “Liam really filed for divorce? His infatuation finally wore off?” “If they’re divorced, why is he back? I bet he still can’t let go of Scarlett.” Hearing that, Scarlett lifted her chin, confidently believing I still had feelings for her. Little did she know, my main reason for returning to the country was to accompany my wife and daughter. Vivian was coming back for a business gala, and our daughter wanted to visit Adventureland during her vacation. I just happened to receive the reunion invitation right after we arrived, so I decided to drop by. I was about to shatter Scarlett’s fantasy when her phone rang. It was her assistant. “Ms. Scarlett, we just got word that Ms. Vivian from the Sterling Group is back in the country with her husband and child. They’ll also be attending the business gala tonight. The board wants us to add a seat and make sure they’re well taken care of. The board specifically emphasized treating Ms. Vivian’s husband exceptionally well, as Ms. Vivian is fiercely protective of her husband. If we keep him happy, future collaborations will be guaranteed.” I only then realized that the host of this business gala was Scarlett’s company. After Scarlett hung up, everyone started fawning over her. “Scarlett, the Sterling Group is a leading national corporation! Your company actually managed to partner with them; your future is limitless!” “I heard all the big names in business will be at this gala. Can you help us old classmates make some connections?” Scarlett cast a triumphant, condescending glance at me. “Liam, are you regretting divorcing me out of spite now? If you agree to take care of Little Julian, I might consider remarrying you…” I sneered inwardly. The Sterling Group? That was my wife’s company. And I was the husband they wanted to win over. Without waiting for Scarlett to finish, I cut her off coldly, “The Sterling Group wouldn’t even *look* at your company.” Julian, who hadn’t spoken for a while, scoffed and shot me a disdainful look. “How would *you* know?” I articulated each word clearly, “Because I *am* Ms. Vivian’s husband.” At that, everyone thought I’d lost my mind, staring at me like I was an idiot. Julian even burst out laughing. “If you’re Ms. Vivian’s husband, then I’m her father! Who doesn’t know Ms. Vivian adores her husband? She once publicly splashed out three hundred million to buy him a watch! Ms. Vivian’s husband is incredibly valuable, worth hundreds of millions. How could a hick like you impersonate him?” “Look at yourself! What part of you is anything like Ms. Vivian’s husband?” I leisurely rolled up my sleeve, revealing the diamond-encrusted gold watch on my wrist. “Are you talking about *this* watch?”

Everyone was stunned. “The news about Ms. Vivian making headlines buying that watch was everywhere! That watch looks exactly like the one Liam’s wearing!” “So… Liam really is Ms. Vivian’s husband?” Julian’s eyes flashed with jealousy and malice when he saw the watch on my wrist. The next second, he took advantage of my distraction, yanked off my watch, and said sarcastically, “Liam, how dare you try to fool everyone with a fake watch! How could you impersonate Ms. Vivian’s husband?” “Don’t get me wrong, this fake is pretty good, but a fake is always a fake. It can’t be the real thing. Scarlett is about to partner with Ms. Vivian. Are you trying to ruin Scarlett by impersonating Ms. Vivian’s husband right now?” I glared at him coldly. “Who told you this watch is fake? This watch is the real deal! Give it back!” But Julian refused, deliberately tucking the watch into his pocket. I stepped forward to grab it back, but he stumbled to the ground, his eyes red as he looked at me. “Liam, I can’t believe you hate me so much. Not only did you push me, but to get back at me, you’re dragging Scarlett down too. Since that’s how it is, I’ll just leave with Little Julian, so we don’t bother you…” Julian started whining, trying to leave. Two years, and he was still using the same old playbook. And Scarlett fell for it every time. This time, she protected him as always, snapping at me. “That’s enough, Liam! Julian is a patient; are you trying to kill him?” “You were in the wrong first! You impersonated Ms. Vivian’s husband; are you trying to ruin our company’s partnership? Two years, and you’ve become so malicious!” Meeting Julian’s challenging gaze, I scoffed inwardly. He wasn’t sick at all; his terminal illness was fake, and his medical records were forged. I had told Scarlett before, but she didn’t believe me, accusing me of making baseless accusations instead. Even now, she still didn’t believe me. I couldn’t be bothered to argue, assuming Scarlett would continue to lash out at me as in the past. But she sighed helplessly. “Alright, Julian seems to like this watch, so just give it to him as an apology. Let’s drop this whole thing. I’ll pretend I didn’t hear anything earlier.” That watch was a special gift from Vivian. Give it away? No way. I snatched the watch back, saying coldly, “This is a gift from my wife. You have no right to touch it!” The sharp watch strap cut Scarlett’s finger, drawing blood. Seeing I wouldn’t back down, Scarlett’s face darkened. “Liam, it’s just a cheap watch. If it weren’t for me giving you an out, do you really think we’d care about it?” “Julian, it’s just a watch! I’ll buy you a more expensive, better one, and make *some people* regret it!” I ignored them, turning and leaving the private room. Afterward, I went back to the hotel where we were staying to rest. In the evening, I freshened up and headed to the business gala. Before leaving, Vivian sent me a message, telling me that Adventureland’s show had just ended, and she was bringing Ellie over. She told me to go in first and wait for them. Knowing my wife and daughter liked cake, I took a plate of mini cakes, planning to find a seat and wait for them. The moment I turned, I ran into Scarlett and Julian, both dressed elegantly for the event. Seeing me, Scarlett’s eyes flashed with disdain. “What are you doing here? What, did you come to beg me to remarry you? You were so tough earlier; turns out you’re just talk!” Seeing me holding a plate of cake, Julian scoffed, “Liam, you’re not a server here, are you? I heard servers here only make four thousand. That’s not even as fast as taking care of our Little Julian!” Scarlett, too, wore a haughty expression. “Liam, if you beg me, I might make an exception and let you take care of Little Julian, for old times’ sake.” I said calmly, “Don’t misunderstand. I’m not a server. I’m here to wait for my wife and daughter.” Julian, however, looked as if he’d heard the funniest joke in the world. “Liam, only Ms. Vivian is bringing her child to this gala today. You’re not going to try and say you’re Ms. Vivian’s husband again, are you?” “But I am.” Hearing me say that, Julian crossed his arms and sneered. “Liam, you’re addicted to lying! How dare you talk nonsense and try to claim connections at such an important event? And you’re even wearing that fake watch!” “If Ms. Vivian and her husband found out about this, we’d all be in serious trouble!” Before I could react, Julian rushed forward, ripped the watch off my wrist, and smashed it hard on the ground. The sharp watch strap cut my wrist, drawing bright red blood. Before I could even cry out in pain, Julian shoved me to the ground, grabbed a nearby cake plate, and smashed it onto my face, snarling, “I’ll teach you a lesson for Ms. Vivian, you imposter!” Cake splattered all over my face, the sticky cream clogging my nostrils, nearly suffocating me. I reached up to wipe away the cream, but Julian pressed his hard leather shoe heel onto my hand, grinding it repeatedly. Excruciating pain shot through my entire body. I could almost hear my bones shattering. When the people in the hall realized I was an imposter, they all started laughing at me. Scarlett just watched, her expression cold. At that moment, someone in the crowd shouted, “Ms. Vivian’s here!” Everyone immediately looked towards the entrance. I waved my arms, trying to get Vivian’s attention. But Scarlett grabbed my hand and whispered, “Liam, stay put! I know you deliberately chased me here because you’re jealous. If you don’t cause trouble, after the gala, I might consider remarrying you, and I can even have another child for you…” She tried to pull me up, but I pulled my hand away in disgust. Vivian still noticed me. Holding Ellie, she walked towards me, her brows furrowed. “What happened?” Julian’s face was full of flattery. “Ms. Vivian, this man is a fraud, impersonating your husband! I’ve already taught him a good lesson for you!” Scarlett echoed, “Yes, Ms. Vivian, you don’t need to bother with him.” The next second, Ellie let go of Vivian’s hand and ran towards me. Seeing my pathetic state, her eyes welled up with tears. “Daddy, why is your face covered in cream? And your hand, it’s bleeding…”

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My husband and I were on a business trip in Paris when he suddenly got a call from his childhood friend, Chloe Davis. She told him she was being abused by her husband. Blake booked a flight that very night, leaving me alone in Paris. Later, at the contract-signing gala, I was drugged and brutally attacked by executives from the opposing company. They dragged me into a room, assaulting me until I was left with multiple fractures and internal injuries. After 24 hours fighting for my life in the ICU, I looked at my phone. Dozens of missed calls from Blake. I called him back, only to hear his accusatory voice on the other end: “Aurora Hayes, what’s taking you so long to close a deal?” “Chloe’s been abused, she’s really unstable. I have to stay with her. Just sign the contract and come back yourself.” My voice was raw, rasped out: “I was assaulted by those bastards.” His tone immediately bristled with impatience. “It’s just a contract. What could possibly happen? Don’t start with your drama here.” “I usually tolerate it, but with Chloe like this, how dare you try to compete with her for attention!” The police sent him my injury report. But all I got back was a cold, automated reply: “I’m unavailable right now. Will contact you later.” I never thought he could be so heartless. Since the contract was signed, there was no need to keep this man around anymore.

Three months later, dragging a leg that still wasn’t quite right, I opened the door to our home. Chloe Davis stepped out of the master bedroom, wearing a silk slip. Seeing me, the smile on her face froze for a second. Then, it melted into an expression of pity: “Aurora? Why didn’t you say you were coming back?” “What are you doing here? Where’s Blake Harrison?” I cut her off, my voice hoarse from disuse. “Oh, Blake went to get me some fruit.” Chloe caressed her slightly swollen belly, her eyes deliberately sweeping over my flat stomach. “I haven’t been feeling well lately. The doctor said the pregnancy isn’t stable.” “He was worried about me being alone, so he had me move in. It’s easier for him to take care of me.” That’s when I noticed her belly. By the looks of it, she was only two or three months along. That perfectly aligned with the time I’d spent recovering abroad. Could it be… “Whose child is that?!” I demanded immediately. The moment my words left my lips, Chloe immediately dropped to her knees. “Aurora, please don’t be angry. Blake and I are just friends, don’t misunderstand.” “Blake only took me in out of kindness after I was abused and had nowhere to go. If you don’t like it, I’ll leave right now…” She spoke, her eyes reddening, as if she’d suffered the greatest injustice. Blake happened to walk in with a bag of fruit. Seeing the scene, he didn’t hesitate, rushing forward to shove me aside. “Chloe! You’re pregnant, how can you be kneeling?!” He turned his head, looking at me as if I were a hardened criminal. “Can’t you see Chloe’s pregnant?! How could you make her kneel? You’re absolutely vicious!” I hadn’t done anything. She’d knelt on her own. But in Blake’s eyes, it was all my fault. He didn’t even ask where I’d been for three months or how I was doing. “Blake, Aurora… she seems to have misunderstood us.” Chloe buried her head in his chest, her shoulders subtly shaking. Blake’s face instantly darkened. “Misunderstand? What’s there to misunderstand?” “Aurora Hayes, let me tell you, Chloe is pregnant with my child. If you dare to bully her, I swear I won’t let you off easy!” I laughed. How could a man be so self-righteous about his affair? “Blake Harrison, this is adultery. She’s the other woman—” “You have the nerve to say that!” he roared, cutting me off. “If you hadn’t been playing around abroad for three months, how would I have ever touched Chloe? She wouldn’t be pregnant with my child!” I couldn’t believe he could utter such disgusting words. He was actually pinning the blame for his infidelity on me. I’d been drugged and left for dead at a Paris client dinner, enduring hellish torment, all for his career. And he, meanwhile, had been sleeping with another woman in our home, getting her pregnant. In that moment, my disappointment in him reached its absolute peak.

Chloe cried even harder in his arms: “Blake, don’t scold Aurora. It’s all my fault…” “No, it’s not your fault. It has nothing to do with you,” Blake said, comforting her softly. I took a deep breath, pointed at Chloe, and told Blake, “Get her out of my house.” “Aurora Hayes, don’t go too far!” Blake’s anger reignited. Chloe immediately pulled on his arm. “I’ll go, I’ll leave right away. Don’t fight because of me.” She started to walk out, but suddenly her legs buckled, and she cried out, about to fall. Without thinking, Blake darted forward and caught her. His arm slammed hard into my chest, shoving me ruthlessly to the ground. My head hit the floor with a sickening thud, and the world spun. I heard Blake, holding Chloe, anxiously call out, “Chloe, are you okay? Is the baby hurt?” He didn’t even glance back at me. I lay on the cold floor, staring up at the crystal chandelier we had chosen together. Suddenly, I felt like the three months I’d spent fighting for my life in the ICU had been an absolute farce. The intense pain made my vision swim. I struggled to get up, but my bones felt shattered, leaving me utterly immobile. Blake carefully settled Chloe on the sofa, fussing over her with water and leg rubs, as if she were a precious artifact. “Blake, quickly check on Aurora. She seems to have fallen quite hard.” Chloe prompted him feebly from his embrace, her eyes casting a triumphant glance at me. Only then did Blake reluctantly walk over. “Stop faking it. Get up.” Faking it? The police in Paris sent him my injury report. It clearly stated: “Multiple fractures, ruptured organs, severe concussion.” He knew. He just didn’t care. It took all my strength to lean on the edge of the coffee table and slowly stand up. He didn’t even offer to help me. “Blake Harrison, this is my parents’ house. Please leave immediately, both of you.” Blake instantly flushed with rage. “Aurora Hayes, will you be reasonable?” “Chloe is a pregnant woman, with no family here. Where do you expect her to go? How can you be so heartless?” I looked at his face and suddenly smiled. “Yes, I am heartless.” “Not only do I want her out, I want you out too, Blake Harrison. We’re getting a divorce!” The word “divorce” hit like a bomb, freezing the air in the living room. Blake’s face turned ashen. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so strong it felt like he was trying to crush my bones. “Say that again?” “I said, we’re getting a div—” *Smack!* A stinging slap landed hard on my face. My head snapped to the side, my ears ringing. “Aurora Hayes, I’m warning you, don’t test my limits!” “Even though Chloe is pregnant with my child, you’re the only one in my heart. Once her baby is born, you can raise it.” “It’s not like you can have children anyway.”

His gaze fell to my stomach, where a life once bloomed. But to push Blake away from an oncoming car, I fell in that accident. When I woke up, the doctor told me I would never be able to have children. At the time, Blake had gently cared for me until I emerged from the shadow of losing our child. He even got a vasectomy. He told me, “Aurora, I won’t let anyone else carry my child but you.” Turns out, it was all a lie. A malicious glint flickered in Chloe’s eyes. She walked over, feigning concern as she pulled Blake’s hand away. “Blake, don’t be like that…” Her gaze, however, fell on a painting in the corner of the room. It was my father’s last work, the only keepsake my parents left me. “Oh, this painting is beautiful! Is it an original?” Chloe sounded like she’d discovered treasure, reaching out to touch it. “Don’t you dare touch it with your filthy hands!” I snapped, my voice sharp. Chloe flinched, startled by my outburst, and looked at Blake, wronged. “Blake, I… I just wanted to see it.” Blake lovingly wrapped her in his arms, then glared at me. “What’s wrong with looking at it? It’s just a worthless painting, isn’t it?” “Chloe likes it, so I’ll give it to her!” “You wouldn’t dare!” My blood boiled instantly. “Watch me.” Blake sneered, telling Chloe, “Chloe, look all you want. If you like it, take it.” With Blake’s silent permission, Chloe’s boldness grew. She walked up to the painting, extending her hand with its bright red nail polish, and lightly dragged a finger across the face of the main figure in the artwork. I watched, horrified, as a glaring white scratch appeared on the precious canvas. “No—!” That was the last memory my father left me, the most precious treasure in my world. Now, it was ruined. Ruined by the man I loved most and the woman I hated most, working together. I rushed over, kneeling before the painting, stroking the wound. Tears streamed down my face, and my heart shattered completely in that moment. “It’s just a painting. Is it really that big of a deal? I can always buy you another one.” “Buy? With what?” Seeing my endless tears, Blake lost his patience. “You’re acting crazy. Crying over a broken painting like this.” “I think you’re just intentionally trying to keep Chloe from staying here…” He checked his phone, seeing a newly received message. The next second, his face instantly turned dark. Lewd, disturbing audio blasted from his phone. He glared furiously at me, then slammed his phone down in front of me. The screen was playing a video. It was footage of me being drugged and assaulted in Paris. In the video, my clothes were disheveled, my eyes glazed over, surrounded by several men whose faces were blurred. They were touching me inappropriately, and I seemed to not resist. The video had been maliciously edited, with the beginning and end cut out, leaving only the most suggestive clips. My original struggles and screams were replaced with seductive music. My pained, distorted expressions, in the dim light, were twisted into a perverted scene of supposed pleasure. My brain buzzed, turning blank. This was my deepest nightmare, a hell I would rather die than revisit. How did Blake get this video?! “Aurora Hayes! You absolute slut, how could you do something like this behind my back?!” My lips trembled, but not a single word came out. How could I explain? Say it wasn’t real? Say I was framed? Would he believe me?

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I woke up to my boss handing me half a billion dollars. In a rush of adrenaline, I blurted out, “Hubby!” He just chuckled, a glint in his eye. “Only half a billion and you’re calling me ‘hubby’? What if it was five billion, would you marry me then?” My eyes widened. “Is that even an option?” **1** Early that morning, a text notification jolted me awake. Still half-asleep, I picked up my phone, then practically shot up from bed the moment I saw it. My bank account. Half a billion dollars. The sender? My boss, Damon Thorne. Was my boss kidnapped? Did he lose his mind? Why would he randomly send me half a billion? My hand trembled as I dialed Damon Thorne’s number. The second he picked up, my nerves got the best of me, and I stammered, “B-b-b-boss… hubby…” The moment the word left my lips, I wanted to bite my tongue off. Just because half a billion landed in my account didn’t mean I could abandon my principles and call my boss “hubby.” There was a long silence on the other end. “What? I just gave you half a billion and you’re calling me ‘hubby’ already?” Me: “…” My bad, sir! My bad! “Five minutes. I’m waiting downstairs.” Classic domineering CEO vibe. I rushed downstairs. A Rolls-Royce was parked by the entrance—the same car I’d helped him choose. I stood in front of the car, bowing slightly. “Good morning, Boss.” Inside, a man with sharp features and an undeniable aura of power sat. He gave me a cool glance, then his thin lips parted. “Get in.” My heart hammered in my chest as I cautiously slid inside. “Starting today, until midnight on the 10th of next month, you must spend all half a billion dollars I’ve given you.” His words were concise. Me: “?” He added, “Don’t ask why. Just spend the money. If you fail to complete the task…” His eyes narrowed slightly. “You’ll have hell to pay.” I instinctively touched my neck, a shiver running down my spine. Half a billion dollars! This wasn’t just a few thousand. I was just an average person; I’d never seen so much money. How was I even supposed to spend it all? I had absolutely no clue. “Can I buy a house?” I asked cautiously. He shook his head. “No. Property purchases are invalid.” “Then, stocks?” “Stock purchases are invalid.” “What about—” My boss seemed annoyed by my questions. He simply tossed a document at me. I opened it and my face just fell. It was full of legal jargon, but the gist was clear: “I cannot use this half a billion to generate personal assets, nor can I donate it…” This was impossible! “Boss, what am I supposed to do then?” Damon was ruthless. “I’m only responsible for giving you the money. The rest is up to you.” He gave me a month off from work. My sole task for that month was to spend all half a billion. Not a single cent could be left in the account. I sent a SnapChat to my best friend, Chloe, asking for help: *Hey, girl, how do I spend money?* *Spend what money? You’re the kind of person who only has five bucks and change in your account, can’t even get extra cheese on your bagel!* I paused for a moment: *Actually, I probably have enough money to buy every bagel shop in the world now. Chloe, calm down. I need to tell you something. I have half a billion dollars.* Chloe: *What kind of dream are you having in broad daylight?* I screenshotted my bank balance and sent it to her. Five minutes later, Chloe replied. *Alright, smarty pants, you’ve learned to Photoshop. And it’s not April Fool’s Day, sis.* *I’m not lying! I really have half a billion.* Chloe rushed over to my place. After calling the bank and confirming I wasn’t joking, her eyes looked at me differently. Her eyes practically screamed, “Sugar Mama, feed me!” “There’s a job for you. Are you interested?” I asked. I raised my hand. “I’ll pay you this much.” Chloe: “Five thousand a month?” I replied, “Five million a month.” Chloe nearly fainted. When she came to, she grabbed my hand. “Girl, from today on, you’re my breadwinner, my lifeline!” **2** I immediately transferred five million to Chloe and had her sign a contract. Because every dollar I spent, and how I spent it, had to be accounted for. After Chloe left, I was about to take a shower and get into bed to figure out my next spending strategy when Damon called. “How come you only spent five million today?” *Only!* “Boss, I’ll try harder tomorrow.” He was silent for a moment, then patiently asked, “What did you do today?” I dutifully explained everything. His tone on the other end seemed to relax. “Looks like you haven’t become completely brain-dead from following me around all these years. You know how to think outside the box. Keep it up.” The next day, Chloe excitedly called me. “I’ve thought of a great way to spend money!” “What is it?” “Rent a yacht.” Have you ever been on a luxury yacht? I have. With my boss. He was invited to some yacht party, and I went with him. Looking at the incredibly lavish yacht, my mouth hung open wide enough to fit a golf ball. I casually asked my boss, “How much does a yacht like this cost?” He replied indifferently, “Probably over a hundred million.” If buying a yacht cost over a hundred million, how much would renting one cost? The yacht manager looked me and Chloe up and down, a hint of disdain in his eyes. “Our yachts, even if we rent them out, have a strict vetting process.” “What’s the vetting process?” Chloe asked cautiously. The manager snorted. “Minimum capital verification of ten million dollars.” I handed him my phone. The yacht manager’s face instantly went green. His attitude did a complete 180-degree turn. “Oh, my! You’re clearly a young lady from a prominent family! Such elegance! You want to rent a yacht for a birthday party, right? I can arrange it for you.” I waved him off. “No need. What’s your highest daily rental fee?” “Three hundred thousand a day.” “That’s too little. How about five hundred thousand a day, and I’ll rent it for ten days?” The yacht manager looked incredulous. “Five hundred thousand?” “Do you think it’s too little? Then I’ll add another hundred thousand a day.” The deal was smoothly closed. After signing the rental agreement, I held the contract, deep in worry. “Spending money is exhausting.” Chloe gave me a thumbs-up. “I used to think you were timid and meek, like a frightened little bird. I never expected you to be so domineering when spending money!” I didn’t want to be. Last night, I had a nightmare. I dreamed I hadn’t spent the half a billion in a month, and my boss was looking at me with a sinister glare, holding a cleaver, saying he’d chop me into a million pieces if I didn’t spend the money. I woke up crying. Then I checked my bank balance and cried even harder. I had to speed up my spending. The moment I transferred the money, my boss called. “What have you done?” Ugh. I suspected my boss had nothing better to do all day than watch my account. “N-nothing, I promise. I’ll spend the money strictly according to the rules in the contract. Don’t worry.” I told Chloe to contact our high school classmates to prepare for the party. Chloe contacted a bunch of people, but they all thought I was joking. Chloe asked me what to do. I pondered for a moment. “Just tell them that everyone who comes will get a one hundred thousand dollar gift envelope.” Chloe didn’t understand my logic. She was supposed to be my assistant. I explained, “It’s my birthday today. They’re coming to my birthday party. If they give me a fifty-dollar gift, I should give them something back, right?” Chloe gave me another thumbs-up. “Your way of thinking is truly bizarre.” The next day, looking at the overwhelming crowd, I twitched my lips. “I remember our class only had fifty people, right? Isn’t this a bit too many?” **3** Chloe laughed. “It’s fine if they’re from the same school!” I nodded. “Whatever. The more, the merrier. One more person means I can spend another hundred thousand. Worth it. Count the number of people, and we’ll hand out the gift envelopes later.” Chloe thumped her chest. “With that humble-bragging tone, consider it handled!” That evening, the yacht was brightly lit and buzzing with activity. I stood on the deck, holding a glass of champagne, gazing into the distance, and sighed deeply. “I used to only think making money was hard. Now I realize spending money is even harder.” A sarcastic voice drifted over. “A country bumpkin, no matter how dressed up, is still a country bumpkin. What are you trying to prove?” That familiar voice. I turned around and saw my high school nemesis, Tiffany Woods. Tiffany came from a wealthy family and was always the center of attention in class. She looked down on “poor people” like me, so she’d bully me constantly. Sometimes she’d corner me in the restroom, sometimes she’d rip my test papers, sometimes she’d throw my backpack in the water. I always—endured it. Because my mom used to say, “Child, our family has no backing. We came from the countryside. Just bear with it. Studying hard is the most important thing.” What could I do? When I couldn’t bear it anymore, I just endured it more. But my endurance only led to Tiffany’s bullying escalating. How did Chloe invite that menace? “What’s wrong? Did you win the lottery?” I eyed her. “Yeah, are you jealous?” I subtly looked her over, then casually remarked, “Your bracelet looks pretty expensive, doesn’t it?” She preened like a peacock. “Of course! This bracelet is a limited edition.” My bad, I had one too. Just the genuine article. Of course, I rented it. But the cost of renting it for one day was enough to buy that bracelet. My heart squeezed, like taking a sip of soda straight from the fridge. A sharp pang hit me, then a wave of pure relief. But then I thought, this isn’t my money. Why should I feel a pang? I deliberately rotated my wrist. “Ugh, why does my hand feel so sore?” Chloe appeared at just the right moment. “Oh my god, why are there two identical bracelets?” Chloe’s loud voice attracted a crowd. I put on an innocent act. “I don’t know! Maybe mine’s a fake? When I flew on a private jet to pick it up a while ago, the sales associate told me it was one-of-a-kind in the world.” Chloe and I played along. “You know, high-end knock-offs are getting really good these days!” Everyone’s eyes weren’t blind; they could tell the real thing from the fake at a glance. Under everyone’s scornful gazes, Tiffany ran away with her tail between her legs. I figured she wouldn’t dare show her face in public for a long time. Spending several million to get my revenge was definitely worth it. As for why I was wearing *that* bracelet? Coincidence? No way. If I hadn’t done my research beforehand, I wouldn’t have gone to such lengths for this stunt. The way she humiliated me back then, I was going to make her embarrass herself in front of everyone now. “Smiling so happily? Did you find some money?” A familiar voice came from not far away. That voice. My scalp tightened. Damon Thorne emerged from the shadows, looking at me with a half-smile. “You spent millions renting a bracelet just to show off?” Oh, crap. Was he here to settle accounts? Didn’t he say I could spend the half a billion however I wanted? Why was he coming back to haunt me now? “Good evening, Boss.” He glanced around, a slight curl of his lips. “So this is how you spend money, Riley Morgan. I’m impressed. You used to be so timid and frugal, and now with half a billion, you’ve completely let loose.” My tongue slipped. “It’s all thanks to you, Boss!” He shot me a side-eye. I quickly corrected myself. “No, no, Boss, I’m just diligently spending money to meet your expectations!” He looked at me quietly, then said, “Just be careful with that bracelet. Don’t scratch or bump it. And remember to return it when you’re done.” “Yes, sir!” Seeing that Damon wasn’t leaving, my smile became a little strained. “Boss, it’s getting late?” **4** He nodded. “I know.” You know? Then why aren’t you leaving? Do you want me to invite you to stay the night? “So, Boss, good night?” I was already hinting so obviously. My boss let out an exaggerated yawn. “It is late. Take me to my room.” I was completely petrified. “You’re staying overnight on the yacht?” He smiled. “What’s wrong? I contributed fifty dollars for your birthday, and I even brought a gift. Don’t I have the right to stay overnight on the yacht? Oh, and don’t forget to send me my hundred thousand dollar gift envelope later.” I wanted to cry. Goodbye, my cute younger guys. I had planned to party all night with them. Now, they had all turned into sea foam. “Why do you look a little disappointed?” Damon watched me with amusement. I gave a dry laugh. “Haha, not at all, not at all! Boss, it’s an honor to have you at my birthday party!” “Flatterer.” He rolled his eyes at me. I rented the yacht for ten days, but I couldn’t party all night, every night. Because I had to spend money quickly. After Chloe handled the yacht arrangements, she followed me onto a private jet, loaded with bags. It was Chloe’s first time on a private jet, and she was as excited as a giddy ape. I, however, had grown accustomed to it. Before, I was serving my boss. Now, others were serving me. For the first half of my life, my travels were limited to company team-building trips. Bali, Maldives, Provence—to me, they were just names associated with money. But now, we chartered a private jet and visited every place we wanted to see. We enjoyed the highest level of luxury. We stayed in presidential suites. We ate gourmet food. But after all the fun, a deep sense of emptiness settled in. I don’t know if you’ve ever felt this way. When you were a kid, you craved ice cream. You’d think about it constantly, even study incredibly hard to get a perfect score just to earn it. But once you finally had it… It just felt… average. I lay on the soft bed and asked Chloe, “How much money have we spent so far?” “All in all, about twenty million.” I covered my face and sighed deeply. “Why is spending money so hard?” Damon also came to check on my progress. And he didn’t just call; he came in person. I couldn’t sleep that night, planning to use the moonlight to seriously brainstorm how to spend more money. But then, my boss already occupied the best spot. Seeing his tall, slender figure, I froze. “B-b-b-boss?” He turned around, moonlight falling on him. In the shadows, his dark eyes seemed to absorb the night, making his emotions unreadable. “I’m only thirty. Not old yet.” he said. “You’re not… stalking me, are you?” He said indifferently, “I’m not that bored. I’m here on a business trip, and I thought I’d observe your spending progress. But your spending speed is really too slow. You have less than twenty days left, and you still have over four hundred million to spend.” My head ached. I couldn’t hold it in anymore. “Boss, why do you insist on giving me half a billion and making me spend it in a month, with so many rules? Are you playing some kind of game?” He pursed his lips. “Don’t ask too many questions. In short, the money I gave you is clean. Spend it without worry.” Well, that put my mind at ease. He was so rich, half a billion was probably a drop in the ocean to him. “Boss, spending money is so tiring.” I complained to him without thinking. His eyes seemed to hold starlight, and he wasn’t as strict as usual. “You seem to be having a lot of fun spending it.” “Think bigger.” He patted my shoulder. “Besides having fun, you can do other things.” A thought sparked in my mind. “Boss, do you mean I can get some boy toys—” His eyes instantly became extremely dangerous, his voice like it was forced out through gritted teeth. “You can try.” I instinctively shrank my neck. I was just joking. Why did he look like he was about to chop me up and feed me to dogs? What was he so jealous about? But his words gave me an idea. Eating, drinking, and playing—even if I burned through money, it would be too slow. Why didn’t I invest in a movie? A single investment of several hundred million. Wouldn’t that be fast? The next day, I headed back, bringing my party-crazed best friend with me. Knowing I wanted to invest in a movie, Chloe was a little worried. “Didn’t your boss say this half a billion couldn’t generate personal assets?”

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In the midst of a zombie outbreak, my girlfriend insisted on delaying our evacuation. All for the sake of her cowardly, useless childhood friend to catch the last rescue helicopter. This was the final evacuation operation after the zombie outbreak, and our only chance of survival for our group of survivors. Seeing that her friend wasn’t coming, I had no choice but to knock my girlfriend unconscious and carry her onto the plane. Her precious childhood friend ultimately died in the zombie horde. I, however, managed to survive thanks to this opportunity and lived a happy, peaceful life with my girlfriend in the safe zone. But on the eve of me taking control of the district and preparing to lead the human army in a counterattack… My girlfriend drugged my water and threw me into a horde of zombies. She stood on the wall, sneering: “If it weren’t for your selfishness, Jake should have had a chance to live too.” “The pain he suffered, you must experience it yourself, and pay for it with your life!” Given another chance at life, I returned to the day my girlfriend insisted on delaying the evacuation. Since she’s so eager to live and die together with her childhood friend… I’ll send her to feed the zombies along with him!

“This is our last chance to evacuate. If we don’t leave now, we’ll all die here!” Several team members were shouting themselves hoarse trying to persuade Mia, who was blocking the exit with her body. “Jake hasn’t arrived yet. What’s wrong with waiting just five more minutes?!” Mia’s face was cold as ice, refusing to budge an inch. “You want to risk all our lives just to wait for him?! Mia, don’t be so selfish!” The team members were anxious to the point of panic. Someone who couldn’t stand it anymore rushed forward to pull her away. But in the next second, Mia raised her gun and fired. The bullet grazed past everyone’s scalps, instantly causing a chorus of shocked cries. “Are you crazy?!” Faced with everyone’s condemnation, Mia snapped back: “You’re despicable! Shameless! Selfish!” “Jake hasn’t arrived yet, so no one’s getting on that plane today! You cowards who are afraid of death, how can you bear to abandon a comrade at the critical moment? Do you even deserve to live?” Hearing this, the deputy commander looked at me with a troubled expression: “Alex, the military chopper is about to close its doors. If we delay any longer… I’m afraid we might…” I smiled slightly, gesturing for everyone to calm down. Then I walked over to Mia’s side and gently put my hand on her shoulder: “Mia’s right. Our team has always upheld the principle of never abandoning anyone. Although Jake didn’t make it to the meeting point on time, how can we just leave him behind?” Hearing these words, everyone present was dumbfounded. They couldn’t believe I would say such a thing. “Captain, what… what are you saying? How can you side with Mia just because she’s your girlfriend?” “Shut up!” Mia raised her gun and fired another burst into the air. “Alex has spoken. We must wait for Jake to arrive before evacuating together. Why are you all talking so much?!” Armed with the truth and my support, Mia was unbearably smug at this moment. She leaned close against my shoulder and said in a soft voice: “Alex, I knew you were different from those guys. You always stick to your principles no matter what.” I smirked and patted her head. “Jake and I are brothers who’ve been through life and death together. How could I possibly abandon him?” But Mia didn’t know that I actually didn’t need to squeeze onto this helicopter at all. As a top virologist, I only needed to make one phone call, and the military would send an armed force and a private plane to pick me up at any time. And in my team, except for Mia and Jake, everyone else was a top talent in their field. If it weren’t for wanting to bring the weak and incompetent Mia along to evacuate in my previous life, I could have easily chosen a safer private plane and gone to the camp with my teammates. In this life, I want to make her pay the most brutal price for her stupid and selfish decision. Let her be dragged down to hell along with her precious childhood friend, whom she kept thinking about but who repeatedly almost caused the team’s downfall. Seeing that no one dared to rebel, Mia became even more smug. And so, time ticked by minute by minute, as the dark mass of the zombie horde gradually approached in the distance. Until Jake finally arrived late. “Mia, I knew you’d wait for me!” Jake was panting heavily, his eyes full of excitement. Given his physical condition, it was almost a miracle that he managed to run from the east side of the city to the helipad. Mia let out a long sigh of relief and smiled. However, at that moment, a deafening explosion came from the distance — the last line of defense had been breached by the zombie horde.

The rescue helicopter also closed its doors at this moment, flying away from the helipad with some of the evacuees on board. The team members left behind cursed loudly in anger. “Mia, you f*cking psycho! You’ve cut off our last chance of survival!” “And that good-for-nothing! Why the hell did you have to run back home to grab a guitar the night before evacuation? Who were you planning to play for, the Grim Reaper?!” A chorus of curses filled the helipad. Jake was so frightened his face turned ashen. “I’m… I’m sorry, this guitar is my most treasured possession. I didn’t think it would delay everyone’s evacuation…” Seeing the hateful glares from everyone around, he quickly hugged his guitar and hid behind Mia. The team members were also quite dissatisfied with me at this point, giving me looks of disapproval. “Alex, you’ve led us through life and death situations so many times before. We trusted you as our leader, but how… how could you be so foolish?” I put on a guilty expression and patted the team members’ shoulders: “This time it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have let emotions cloud my judgment. But there’s no use talking about this now.” “Don’t panic everyone. I know of a temporary shelter nearby where we can take refuge for now.” Mia, arm in arm with Jake, snorted disdainfully: “Bunch of cowards. Isn’t Alex still here? He’s the one who’s led us through three zombie hordes before. So what if we missed this evacuation? There’ll be another one next time.” Hearing this, the team members became even more furious. But given the current crisis, they had no time to waste words arguing with Mia. Half an hour later, our group finally reached the temporary shelter. As the heavy blast doors slowly closed, the roars of those zombies were shut out. “Finally safe…” Everyone let out a long sigh of relief, collapsing to the ground in exhaustion. But at this moment, one team member suddenly cried out: “This is bad! I just received news that today was the last batch of evacuation helicopters. The military… the military is abandoning this area!” “Does that mean the military’s evacuation operation is completely over and we’re trapped in this godforsaken place forever?!” The team members’ faces turned pale, their voices trembling. At this point, Mia dismissively pursed her lips: “Look at how pathetic you all are. The shelter’s food supplies are sufficient to last us at least three months. Even if the military doesn’t come to rescue us, we can always migrate on our own later.” I opened the military communication device and skillfully entered the password: “Everyone, don’t panic. I’ve already contacted the military high command. They’ve promised to send special forces to pick us up in three days. Let’s all rest up and adjust our condition these few days.” Hearing this news, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Mia was also beaming with joy, holding Jake’s hand excitedly: “Jake, that’s great! We’ll be rescued in three days!” Seeing the two of them cheering jubilantly, the team members’ faces all darkened. “Alex.” The deputy commander lowered his voice and pulled me to a corner, “Is the number of rescue spots you applied for from the military enough? Including those two, we have a total of eight people.” I nodded slightly: “That’s right, but I only applied for seven spots.” Hearing this, the deputy commander first looked confused, then seemed to understand something. He probed in a low voice: “Then doesn’t that mean one of us won’t be able to get on the plane?” I glanced at Mia, who was feeding water to Jake, a cold smile tugging at my lips. “Don’t worry, your spots are secured. As for this extra person, we’ll see how she chooses when the time comes.” We exchanged knowing looks, while the oblivious Mia was gently wiping the sweat from Jake’s forehead: “Jake, don’t worry. I’ll make sure you get to the safe zone safely.” Watching this scene, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of anticipation. When the new round of rescue arrives, how will Mia choose? Will she keep her promise to Jake as she swore? Or will she expose the ugliest side of human nature when faced with a life-or-death decision?

With rescue on the way and ample supplies in the shelter, Mia completely let her guard down over the next few days. She started wasting resources recklessly with Jake. Using purified water from the water purifier to wash clothes, taking antibiotics meant for emergencies as health supplements, and even dismantling electronic equipment for batteries to power a music player. Until the evening of the third day, just half an hour before rescue was due to arrive. Mia suddenly barged in, interrupting my meeting with the team members. “Alex, give me the serum quickly.” She ordered bluntly. I frowned and looked up: “What do you need the serum for? Has someone been infected?” But Mia’s answer made everyone’s jaws drop. “No! But Jake has a fever. It’s up to 102°F now. I gave him fever reducers but they didn’t work!” “Stop wasting time and give me the serum. I need to inject it into him.” I slowly stood up, my voice turning cold: “Do you know what this serum means? I spent three years developing it. It can stop the zombie virus from spreading within five minutes of infection.” “Although it’s still in the experimental stage, it’s humanity’s last hope right now, and I only have one dose left.” “Oh come on, I know!” Mia waved her hand impatiently. “But the anti-virus serum can kill all viruses, right? Jake is in a lot of pain right now. Stop dawdling, will you? Hurry up!” The entire meeting room suddenly fell deathly quiet. The deputy commander couldn’t bear to watch anymore and slammed the table as he stood up: “Mia, did you lose your mind? You want to waste such precious serum on a mere fever?!” “What do you mean waste?!” Mia shrilly retorted. “Jake has always been weak. What if the fever causes complications? Besides… isn’t the serum meant to save people?” Seeing that I remained unmoved, Mia’s eyes suddenly turned vicious. She actually raised her gun and aimed it at my forehead. “Hand it over. Don’t make me do this!” “Mia, have you gone crazy? How could you…” Just as a teammate was about to step forward to stop her, he was nearly shot by Mia. Looking at this woman I once loved deeply, I suddenly felt incredibly absurd. In my previous life, I had escaped death so many times to protect her. And now, she was actually threatening my life for the sake of Jake. As unwilling as they were, my teammates had no choice but to hand over that sole dose of serum. We watched helplessly as Mia injected it into Jake.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296974”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic