I am a calico cat that has gained human consciousness. Scraping by in the entertainment industry for cat treats. One day, I transformed back into my original form and fell asleep in the snow. When I woke up, I found I had been shipped to Miami! The whole world was posting missing person notices. My agent: [Where is my precious artist!] My handful of fans: [Where is my sweet daughter!] The A-list actor: [Where is my huge wife!] A random netizen mixed in: [Found a stray cat on the prairie today, so pitiful! The North is too cold, so I sent her to Miami!] Accompanied by a beautiful photo of yours truly. When the A-list actor saw it, he gave a devastating reply: [She’s not spayed, is she?] Me??? 1 Who can understand the despair of doing absolutely nothing, waking up from a nap, and finding yourself transported from the prairie to Miami!!! The striking snowscape had turned into blue skies, white clouds, and blooming flowers. In the baking heat, I comfortably rolled over to expose my belly. The airport staff member stroked me while confirming over the phone. “Mr. Smith, your kitten has been at Miami International Airport for two days now. Please come and claim her as soon as possible.” I stretched my cat neck to eavesdrop. Judging by the voice, the person on the other end was a young man. Upon receiving the call, his first concern was: “Have you fed the cat?” The staff member affirmed. “Yes, she’s doing very well right now. When can Mr. Smith come to pick up the cat?” The young man on the other end breathed a sigh of relief. “Find a good spot and let her go. She’s just a stray. “I was afraid the North was too cold and she wouldn’t adapt, so I sent her to stray in Miami. “Sorry for the trouble.” Stray cat??? Who are you calling a stray cat??? Besides, a stray cat doesn’t necessarily want to change locations to stray! But the call was hung up early. Leaving me and the airport staff member staring at each other in confusion. 2 After feeding me, the staff member released me into the university district. This place is terrifying. I am a calico cat with unparalleled beauty. Everyone who sees me has to pet me a few times. Can’t hide. Being kissed all over by a pretty girl leaving lipstick marks—positive review. Being lifted high by a handsome college boy—positive review. Being fed cat treats and canned food—positive review. Being chased for mating by an unneutered orange tabby on campus—negative review! An eighty-thousand-word negative review! He’s not even a tenth as handsome as Scarface! I finally found a place without security cameras to transform into human form and buy a phone. It took a herculean effort, but I just couldn’t log into my social media. I’m crying, why does logging into a new device require a verification code! I haven’t memorized my agent’s phone number yet. Fortunately, I managed to call my old phone and explain the whole situation. My agent, Lily, clucked with laughter. “Little kitty, is Miami nice? “Suitable for straying?” I have manners, I don’t swear, I just repeatedly questioned, “Do you not love me anymore?” After laughing, Lily slowly spoke: “Wait for me to find someone to pick you up.” During the long wait, how could I not play on my phone? I registered a new account and went surfing the web. Clicking in, I occupied three of the top five trending topics. Mom! I made it! The first one was: #D-list Actress Mia Goes Missing.# At this level, they really didn’t need to specify that clearly. The second one: #Mia’s Agent Offers Hefty Reward for Information.# Boo hoo hoo, I knew Lily was the best, she was actually willing to empty her savings for me. Clicking in, it’s only two thousand bucks. Pretend I didn’t say anything. Who started the rumor about a hefty reward? It’s not even as much as the “Generous Reward for Lost Dog” flyers on telephone poles. The third one was: #Mia’s Acting Explosion Highlights.# Boo hoo hoo hoo, Mom, even a nobody like me has personal edit videos now. I secretly liked all the posts praising me. When I backed out, I finally had time to notice the exploding number one trending topic. #A-List Actor Searching for Wife.# When did the A-list actor get a wife? Hiss, let’s watch the drama. But clicking in. The A-list actor posted twenty tweets in three days. Every single one revealed the despair and heartbreak of losing his wife. [Where is my huge wife? Why did she disappear!] [Hefty reward for my wife! One million for clues!] [Wife! My wife! How can I live without my wife?] … A very sad story, if only the attached picture wasn’t a photo of me. When did I start dating the A-list actor, how come I didn’t know? Slapping my forehead, I got it. I’ve read short stories; there are many like this. They take my photo to date the A-list actor online. The subsequent plot: the A-list actor finds me. We accidentally fall in love. Hiss, I didn’t expect the A-list actor to have these thoughts about me. I told you everyone loves a little kitty. However, I already have a man. A handsome sugar baby who isn’t stupid but has lots of money. A 6’1″ rich kid who would use a massive mansion just to dry fish for me. Young people have great stamina; they can really toss you around in the middle of the night. Why would a cat look for a human? Then I have to mention my ex, a tabby cat who looks exactly like Brad Pitt— Scarface. We dated for half a year; touched little paws, rubbed little cheeks. But one day, Scarface ran off with a tortoiseshell cat prettier than me. Survival of the fittest, judging cats by their looks. Nature is truly cruel. From then on, I sealed my heart, deciding not to touch tomcats anymore. Instead, I’d touch men who have reproductive isolation from me. No babies; can pick it up and put it down. If I don’t love him, I’ll leave. 3 The A-list actor kept calling me his wife. With such certainty. So there were a bunch of inexplicable leaks on Twitter. Digging for clues about me and the A-list actor. Digging and digging, and there wasn’t a single photo of us together. Nor any clues. Netizens explained: [This is called avoiding suspicion.] Me: You can do that??? Among them, I saw a very interesting tweet. From a helpful netizen: [Found a stray cat on the prairie today, so pitiful! The North is too cold, so I sent her to Miami!] Accompanied by a super gorgeous photo of yours truly. Kind person, even if you attach a beautiful photo of me. I still can’t forgive you for banishing me to the frontier! But the food in Miami is pretty good. Chew chew chew. Eating an empanada. Then a bowl of ceviche. Eating while clicking open the comment section. Listening to a chorus of “hahahahaha”. But the most striking was the A-list actor’s comment: [She’s not spayed, is she?] What are you doing??? The helpful netizen who shipped the cat: [Oh my, if you didn’t remind me, I would have forgotten. I’ll find someone to catch the cat back and get her spayed right now.] Motherf***er??? I shivered. Good thing I ran fast. My premium genes just don’t want to breed. If I did, they would definitely be the most beautiful kittens in the world. I absolutely cannot be spayed. Suddenly I really miss Scarface. If he hadn’t run away. I should have had a litter of kittens by now! Fickle dog of a tomcat!!! Boo hoo hoo hoo hoo! Tears rolled into the soup one by one. It’s salty, doesn’t taste good. Someone took away the ceviche in front of me. I looked up, ready to scold. And realized it was the subject of my gossip, the A-list actor. He held a tissue, trying hard to be gentle, but his hand still wiped my tears heavily. “Why are you crying?” The tears were absorbed by the tissue, a damp patch. I pouted, feeling wronged. “Why are you here? “Also, I didn’t date you online. “They must have stolen my photos.” The A-list actor’s handsome face froze, and he only spoke half a minute later. “Do you not recognize me anymore? Daisy?” Daisy? My name when I was still a cat. I looked up and saw a trace of familiarity on the A-list actor’s face. My mouth was faster than my brain. “Scarface?” I didn’t wait for the A-list actor’s reply. A familiar voice exploded behind me. “Sister, so this is the person you were thinking about even in my bed?” Ah!!! Why is my sugar baby here too!!! Also! When did I ever call out “Scarface” in his bed? My life is over! Terrified! Trembling! There was the sound of someone taking a seat beside me. My sugar baby stretched out a long arm, and I was completely enveloped in a warm embrace. Breath fell on my ear. My sugar baby’s words continued. “I don’t know what kind of centuries-old grudge Mr. A-list actor has with my sister? “But right now, the one she chose is me. “I suggest you stop posting those misleading tweets, Mr. A-list actor.” A trace of loneliness flashed through Scarface’s eyes. But quickly, Scarface reined in his emotions, tilted his head forty-five degrees, revealing his most impeccable profile angle, lowered his voice, and spoke slowly with his most charming vocal cords. “Don’t speak too soon. “Some things aren’t as simple as you think. “I believe my wife Daisy must love me; we just had a little misunderstanding. “When we clear up the misunderstanding, you’ll be kicked to the curb. “You can only watch my wife and me be affectionate. “Just you wait and see.” Still handsome. But slightly greasy. Sure enough, lingering attachment to an ex is like a pile of loose sand. You don’t even need the wind to blow. Look a few more times and it all scatters. Younger guys are still more refreshing. So, I left with Leo, my sugar baby. Leaving nothing behind. Just like when Scarface left me with that tortoiseshell cat. Back then, two pairs of cat paw prints in the snow, walking very far away. Now, there is no snow, no paw prints. And no heartbreak either. 4 Leo didn’t ask me why I was here. Nor did he ask about Scarface. The villa in Miami, not for long-term living, had no nanny. Leo remained silent, just focused on deveining the shrimp. Preparing to make my favorite spicy braised shrimp. Remembering that sentence, “Sister, so this is the person you were thinking about even in my bed?” I felt anxious and uneasy, leaning over to rub against Leo. “Baby, have you finished your senior thesis?” Leo’s hand trembled, and he was pricked by the shrimp head, drawing blood. A bead of blood seeped out, but Leo didn’t care, just looked up and stared into my eyes. “Sister, I’m a junior this year.” A junior? Then what nonsense was I just spouting? Who will save a little kitty who only likes to sleep in the sun, but is now about to shatter. If I had known, I would have just played dead in the living room. The cold villa had nothing. I could only suck on Leo’s injured finger, drawing away the surface blood. Then went out to buy iodine swabs and Band-Aids. A cartoon cat head Band-Aid, sticking it on, was like my original form protecting my little sugar daddy. “No pain, no pain.” “Blow on it and it won’t hurt anymore.” Coaxing a man too seriously makes it easy to get yourself wrapped up in it. At noon the next day, rubbing my waist that had been tormented by the younger guy last night, I opened Twitter. I was preparing to DM my favorite celebrities, recording Leo’s preferences, to be the most qualified canary. No, canary is food. Then, I’ll be the most qualified little sweetheart. Humming a little tune, preparing to surf the web. Then, my heart tightened. Sure enough, Twitter had my legend again. #A-List Actor and College Boy, Mia Two-Timing.# #Miami Diner, Mia One Woman Battles Two Men.# I told them not to act like paparazzi. Clicking in, it was a photo of me held in Leo’s arms, talking to Scarface. Great angle, even better timing. Looking like a pair of flaunting adulterers and a pitiful, abandoned man. The comment section was full of heartache for Scarface. [Boo hoo hoo hoo, the A-list actor is too pitiful. Finally found this bad woman, and the bad woman cheated.] [No wonder Mia isn’t popular.] [Those who betray true love should swallow a hundred needles.] There were even some unbearable ones. … Soon, Scarface came out to explain. [I’m sorry, when she went missing, I was just too anxious and didn’t think it through. Mia and I had already broken up, and I didn’t know she had a current boyfriend. It was my lack of consideration, please don’t scold her anymore.] The comment section ached even more. Calling me an ungrateful woman. The words got uglier and uglier. My heart felt stuffy and uncomfortable. But I also knew netizens were furious right now. Even with sensible netizens around, replying now wasn’t the best choice. Finally, I just threw my phone aside and admired the flowers in the wind on the balcony. When Leo came back, I was hugging a pot of flowers, crying a river. My face flushed red from crying. Leo noticed my phone screen, looked away, then pulled me into his arms, coaxing me softly. “Sister, don’t cry. “He’s not worth you being so sad over.” It’s not for Scarface. What I’m sad about is why I didn’t do anything, yet these humans hate me so much. I’ve always been a law-abiding good cat, even helping old ladies cross the street. It’s not like I helped an old lady jaywalk. Crying and choking, unable to explain, I cried myself to sleep in Leo’s arms. In my daze, someone was gently patting my back, saying something about love or not. Right, love. I want lots and lots of love.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “391015”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

After my rebirth, I ignored every call from my mob boss husband. I deleted every text without reading. I spent my days in bars with my best friends, surrounded by eager young men wagging their tails. When I stumbled home drunk for the eighth time, Dominic Vance was blocking the front door. “Where did the guy who bought you drinks touch you tonight?” I giggled, eyes blurry. “My hand. Where else? The dice cup won’t shake itself.” A storm brewed in his eyes. He ordered the henchman behind him: “Go. Find that man. Chop off his hand.” I scoffed and walked past him. “Whatever!” In my past life, we were married for eight years. Known as the “Queen of Cheats,” I won back the Canaan underground casino for him. I walked with him from a desperate outlaw to the uncrowned king of the underworld. But after achieving success, he became infatuated with a new card shuffler at the casino. Her name was Lily White. Sold into the casino like cargo, clean and fragile as a blank sheet of paper. Dominic placed her in the VIP shuffling room, personally teaching her how to deal and read chips. Until I discovered in the casino’s internal system that my marital status had been changed to “Divorced.” Dominic dismissed my confrontation with indifference: “Lily has no one. Giving her a title will stop people from bullying her.” “Everyone knows you’re the Boss’s wife. Why do you care about a label?” I broke down, rushed into the shuffling room, and slapped Lily in front of everyone. That night, my brother Sam, who risked his life for Dominic, was dragged back. His legs were broken in front of me, and he was thrown into the alley behind the casino. “Ava, this is your lesson for touching Lily!” I knelt on the ground begging him to stop, until my brother’s face lost all color and he died in front of me. I felt a rush of heat below, a tearing pain in my abdomen, and then darkness. When I opened my eyes, I was back on the day I discovered my status had been changed. This time, I didn’t cry or question. I secretly sold all my private jewelry and bought plane tickets. I just wanted to take my brother and escape this hellhole named Dominic Vance. 1 After discovering the anomaly in my status, I took my documents to City Hall to verify. “Ms. Ava Hayes, the system shows your marital status as divorced.” Hearing the clerk’s voice, I confirmed that everything from my past life was real. The date was processed on my birthday. Considering how busy Dominic was, I had booked the highest revolving restaurant in Canaan that day and ordered fireworks. I waited from sunset until the early hours of the next morning, but he never showed up. It turned out he was busy signing another paper, completely erasing my existence. Breaking free from the memory, I returned to the casino and saw Dominic’s black Maybach parked by the road. In my past life, I collapsed and rushed forward to question him. Afraid Lily would see, Dominic kicked me into a corner before the girl in the passenger seat could get out. This time, I immediately dodged into the shadows of a pillar. The car door opened, and Dominic got out first. He walked around to the passenger side and opened the door himself, a patience and attentiveness I had never seen before. A girl in a pale blue dress stepped out timidly. She stood helplessly beside the gleaming car, looking out of place. It was Lily White. Dominic took off his suit jacket and draped it over her thin shoulders, wrapping his arm around her waist as they walked toward the casino entrance. “Dom…” Lily stopped hesitantly. “I have nothing, only you… I really can’t afford to gamble…” Dominic turned and pulled her tightly into his arms, his voice filled with a certainty and gentleness I had never heard: “What are you afraid of? From now on, you are the mistress here. Besides you, no one else is qualified!” “If you don’t like it here, I’ll find a quiet place for you later, maybe build a resort…” The henchmen who used to bow respectfully behind me and call me “Sister-in-law” were now bowing to Lily, their voices loud and fawning: “Hello, Sister-in-law!” They surrounded the frightened deer-like girl and walked into the magnificent den of devils. I pressed my hand hard against my stomach. Only after they went in did I stumble away. Wiping away tears, only cold resolve remained in my eyes. I went to the hospital alone and scheduled an abortion. The doctor looked at the ultrasound screen, frowning: “Ms. Hayes, your constitution is special. You haven’t conceived in seven years. If you abort this time, you may never get pregnant again.” I smiled self-deprecatingly. “I’m already divorced. I don’t want the child to be born without a father.” The cold liquid pushed into my veins, and my consciousness gradually faded. In a trance, I saw the old Dominic pressing his ear to my belly, laughing that this kid would definitely be a gambling master and he had to teach him to read cards from a young age. He called fortune tellers to pick the luckiest name. He held me and promised that once he found a successor, he would take me and the child away from the casino to travel the world… In the end, all the warmth shattered into dust when he told Lily, “Only you are worthy of being the casino’s mistress.” After regaining consciousness, I dragged my hollowed body into my brother Sam’s ward. Fortunately, Sam was only slightly injured this time and would recover quickly. In my past life, my brother was beaten to death in front of me. In this life, I wouldn’t be foolish. I contacted people in the black market and bought two tickets to a third country for three days later at a high price. If we went through regular channels, Dominic would probably find out immediately. I called my only confidant, gave him a sum of money, and asked him to secretly discharge my brother. After doing all this, I finally relaxed. I hailed a taxi and gave an address some distance from the villa. This was my habit. The casino had many enemies, so I prevented anyone from finding my exact address. As soon as I got out of the car, a man covered my mouth from behind and dragged me backward! I struggled desperately to break free, but before I could run a few steps, another person slashed my back with a sharp weapon! Pain exploded instantly, warm blood soaking my clothes. No need to guess, it was Dominic’s enemies. The casino had swallowed so much territory that the line of people wanting him and those around him dead could stretch to the pier. I tried to reach for the knife in my bag, but my arm was twisted behind my back, and my phone was smashed to pieces. “Damn it, be quiet!” The man choking me dragged me toward a van on the roadside. Just as I was about to despair, the familiar black Maybach turned in from the main road. It was Dominic’s car! I mustered my last bit of strength, screaming hoarsely, struggling to attract the attention of the people in the car. The car clearly paused and slowed down. He saw me! But in the next second, the Maybach accelerated without hesitation, speeding away from the intersection. Through the window, I saw Dominic pull Lily in the passenger seat into his arms, shielding her eyes from looking this way. As if outside the window was not his wife being dragged away to be tortured and killed, but just a dirty farce unworthy of staining her eyes. All struggle and hope were instantly drawn from my body. Pain and cold swept over me, and darkness swallowed my last shred of consciousness. When I woke up, I was lying in a private ward. The door wasn’t closed tightly, and low voices leaked in. “Dom, the Madam is badly hurt this time. If she finds out about Miss Lily…” It was Dominic’s private doctor, Ken. Before he could finish, he was interrupted by Dominic’s cold voice: “Watch your mouth. Your job is to cure her, nothing else!” “Ava has been in the game for so many years. What ruthless methods hasn’t she seen? She’s a master herself.” “Lily is different from her. She’s clean as a blank sheet of paper. She can’t fight Ava.” He paused, his voice lowering even more: “If she makes a scene when she wakes up, bring her brother over. He’s her only family left; she can’t ignore him.” I gripped the sheets, biting my lower lip until the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth. The night I helped him take down Canaan’s biggest casino, he promised me: “Ava, from now on, no one in Canaan’s underground can touch a hair on your head.” The same words, the same protection, but the person he wanted to protect had changed. I, whom he once treasured, became the dangerous person with malicious intent he needed to guard against. Footsteps approached. I closed my eyes, pretending to have just woken up. “Awake? We found out. It was done by the Thai guy whose hand was crippled for cheating in the casino last time.” Dominic threw a document in front of me. “Sign this settlement agreement, and they agree to give up management rights in the East District.” The East District was the last relatively clean area in Canaan, near the sea, with no casinos or gray industries. I remembered what he said to Lily: “Find a quiet place for you to build a resort…” So my injuries were traded for the chips to build a golden cage for his new love. I asked hoarsely: “Dominic, when did you make this deal?” Was it the moment he saw me being dragged away, or long before, when he decided to pave the road for his beloved with my blood? He frowned, clearly displeased with my questioning. I twitched the corner of my mouth and stopped asking. The answer didn’t matter anymore. Perhaps to appease me, he stayed here for the next two days to handle business. But his phone never left his hand. While eating, he would take photos and send them to the other side, showing a gentle smile I hadn’t seen in a long time. I looked at his profile, vaguely remembering eight years ago. The first time I met him wasn’t in a casino, but in a dark alley. He was caught cheating, surrounded by seven or eight men with machetes, about to lose an arm. I had just won a large sum of money, intervened to save him, and brought him back to my apartment. Later, my father back home owed a huge gambling debt and was driven to death by drug lords. I was taken to pay off the debt, a poison needle hovering over my vein. It was Dominic who rushed in with his men at the critical moment and saved me. By then, he had taken over a small casino, making me the invisible “Queen of Cheats” behind the Golden Sparrow table. Helping him swallow one casino after another, draining one opponent after another. I knew my hands were already stained with unwashable filth and blood. But even if the whole world thought I was dirty, he shouldn’t! After leaving the hospital, Dominic used business as an excuse and never appeared again. I was leaving tomorrow. Taking advantage of Dominic’s absence, I returned to the top floor of the casino and took my passport and several important ID documents from the safe. When I walked out of the elevator, my legs went weak, and I stumbled forward. The expected fall didn’t happen; a pair of thin hands caught me in time. “Are you okay?” The voice was soft, carrying a cautious kindness. I looked up and met Lily’s clear eyes. She was wearing a casino dealer’s uniform, but she still looked out of place. She didn’t know me, thinking I was an ordinary gambler who had lost all her money and was despondent. “I’m fine, thanks.” I straightened up, wanting to leave quickly. But she didn’t let go. Instead, she pulled me toward the employee lounge: “You look pale. Come rest in the back for a bit!” For some reason, I didn’t refuse. She poured me warm water and took a pack of dried mangoes and bread from her locker. “Eat something. Don’t be too sad about losing money. Go home early, your family must be waiting for you!” Seeing I didn’t speak, she hesitated, then took a few bills from her uniform pocket and stuffed them into my hand. “This is for your cab fare… I can’t help you with the ticket home though.” My throat felt blocked. I wanted to tell her to stay away from Dominic. That man had no heart. His gentleness was poison wrapped in honey. But I swallowed the words. If she knew my identity, she would definitely break up with Dominic. Then I would be the culprit. With only one day left, I couldn’t gamble with my life and my brother’s. I accepted Lily’s kindness, thanked her, and turned to leave quickly through the back door. Just as I stepped over the threshold, a cold object pressed against my temple. A gun barrel! I instinctively looked back. Lily was already lying on the hallway floor. Before I could react, the butt of a gun slammed into the back of my neck, and I blacked out. When I opened my eyes again, Lily and I were tied up in an abandoned warehouse. Lily sobbed softly: “Who are you? Why did you catch us…” A man with a scar on his face slapped her hard. “Because of your fiancé Dominic! He swallowed my territory in the West District and cut off my income!” So it was the West District gang. That territory was recently acquired by Dominic using my settlement agreement. Luckily they didn’t know me, but Lily, who Dominic had been parading around recently, became the target. I quietly moved my wrists, using a micro-blade hidden under my manicure to cut the rope. Living on the edge for years, I always kept a backup plan. Scarface thought I was just a gambler too and spat at me: “Bad luck for you, getting mixed up with this woman. Call your family, bring five million, and I’ll let you go.” Lily cried like a pear blossom bathed in rain. “Miss, I’m sorry I dragged you into this. But don’t be afraid, my fiancé is very powerful, he will definitely come to save us!” Mentioning Dominic, trust shone in Lily’s eyes. I didn’t speak, speeding up the cutting of the rope. Scarface’s call didn’t seem to go through. He kicked over an oil drum in rage: “Damn it! Dominic isn’t picking up? Looks like I need to send him a big gift to wake him up!” He picked up a dagger from the ground, his lecherous gaze wandering over Lily: “I saw you go to the hospital. Pregnant with his seed, right? Perfect. I’ll cut that little bastard out and show Dominic!” My heart sank. So she was already pregnant with Dominic’s child. Lily froze in terror, her face pale as paper: “No! Please… don’t hurt my baby!” Several men nearby laughed lewdly and reached for her. At that moment, I snapped the rope, sprang up like a leopard, and slammed my elbow into Scarface. With my other hand, I grabbed the dagger, quickly cut Lily’s ropes, and shielded her behind me. “Damn it! Kill her!” Scarface clutched his jaw, roaring in fury. Five or six men immediately surrounded us, wielding iron bars. Even though I knew how to fight, I was freshly injured and facing so many desperadoes; I soon fell into a disadvantage. Iron bars slammed into my body with the sound of wind. The pain almost brought me to my knees. I could only use my body to withstand the increasing blows, protecting Lily tightly in the corner. Scarface obviously lost patience. He cocked his gun with a click, aiming the black muzzle at me. “Bitch, you want to die!” Just as he pulled the trigger— A deafening noise came from the warehouse door! Dominic rushed in with his men, and gunshots erupted instantly. Like an enraged lion, he charged straight at us, pulling Lily into his arms: “Lily, don’t be afraid, I’m here.” Lily whimpered in his arms. Overwhelmed by fear, she fainted completely upon relaxing. Dominic gently carried her to the car and settled her properly. Then, he turned and walked toward me. “Ava!” His voice was laced with icy chill. “Why are you here?” I supported my aching body, met his scrutiny, and forced a cold smile: “Are you suspecting me?” Before I finished, he slapped me viciously across the face! The force knocked me to the ground, blood filling my mouth. “I knew you always wanted to scheme against Lily, to drive her away, didn’t you?” I spat out the blood, my voice hoarse: “I didn’t.” He grabbed a dying thug from the ground, pressing the gun to his head: “Say it. Who hired you?” The thug trembled, looking at me with fear, as if grabbing the last straw, and screamed: “It was… it was she who found us! She gave us money to teach that woman a lesson…” My heart sank into an ice cellar, blood freezing. Dominic sneered and pulled the trigger without hesitation. He tossed the body aside, squatting down and stepping on my hand. Pain tore through my heart. His tone was almost a sigh: “These hands… used to be so obedient. Why use them to harm the person I love most now?” He pulled out a cold dagger. “I told you, Ava, don’t touch my things lightly!” As the words fell, a cold light flashed! My breathing stopped abruptly! The dagger pierced my palm fiercely, pinning it to the cold concrete floor. “Ah—!” I convulsed in pain, black spots dancing before my eyes, almost fainting. The despair of impending death made me scream: “Dominic! I shouldn’t have saved you from that alley eight years ago! Shouldn’t have helped you become the King of Canaan!” He personally buried the last bit of affection between us. He snorted disdainfully, stood up, and left the warehouse with his men without looking back. Only when numbness slightly replaced the piercing pain did I use my movable left hand to dig out a micro-locator from my bra and press it with trembling fingers. My confidant arrived quickly. Seeing my state, his eyes reddened instantly. He carefully pulled out the dagger. My right hand was a bloody mess, devoid of feeling. My voice was weak but carried unprecedented resolve. “Start a big fire. Help me erase everything here.” “From now on, there is no Queen of Cheats Ava Hayes in Canaan!” 2 Dominic guarded Lily in the VIP ward until she woke up. “Dom…” Her voice was weak, filled with lingering fear. Dominic held her, wiping the sweat from her forehead: “I didn’t protect you well. I let you get hurt.” Lily shook her head gently, as if remembering something: “What about the lady who was tied up with me? How is she…” Dominic’s eyes darkened, avoiding her question: “You’re too kind. I won’t let you get hurt again.” He patted Lily’s back soothingly until she fell asleep again uneasily. Then he ordered his men: “Clean out the hilltop villa completely. Throw away everything that shouldn’t be there. Lily will move in after she’s discharged.” The henchman nodded and handed over a document: “This is the compensation agreement for Sister Ava you ordered. As per your instructions, two casinos and 20% equity have been transferred, enough for her to start over.” Dominic grunted: “Send it to her. Make her sign it.” In his view, this was a great kindness and closure. Ava had been with him for eight years; she should know her place. However, a day passed with no response. Phone calls and messages to Ava sank like stones in the ocean. He called the villa housekeeper: “Where’s the Madam? Hasn’t she returned?” “Madam hasn’t been back.” Dominic felt a trace of uneasiness amidst his irritation. Besides his side, where else in Canaan could accommodate Ava Hayes? The henchman reminded him: “Dom, could Sister Ava still be in the hospital? She was badly hurt last time…” Dominic then remembered that two days ago, he had pierced Ava’s hand with a dagger. He suppressed the strange feeling in his heart and ordered: “Find out which hospital she’s in. Send the stuff over and make her sign.” The henchman took the document, turned to leave, but was called back. “After finding her, send two smart ones to watch her. She has a fierce temper; she might use dirty tricks on Lily.” “If you notice any unusual movement, control her brother first. If necessary, let her brother suffer a bit. She knows the stakes.” Late at night, Dominic went to the top floor of the casino. This used to be his and Ava’s love nest. Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows was Canaan’s most prosperous night view, neon lights flickering, a galaxy inverted. Ava once pointed to half the lights below, smiling and saying this was their empire. He pulled off his tie irritably and threw it aside, but faintly heard a sound from the bedroom. She’s back? Right, where else could she go besides here? Given Ava’s temper, coming back quietly was definitely not a compromise. She either wanted to turn the world upside down or was hiding a more ruthless move aimed directly at Lily. His eyes suddenly turned cold. He stepped forward and pushed open the bedroom door. The neon light from outside outlined a slender figure. Dominic’s eyes froze instantly: “Who let you in here?” Lily trembled violently. She was holding a delicate press-on nail, her fingertips shaking slightly. “Dom…” She was like a frightened deer, voice trembling, “I just wanted to come in and look… the brothers at the door said no one lived here, don’t blame them…” Dominic’s gaze fell on the nail in her hand. Ava made that herself. Thin as a cicada’s wing, but hiding a secret mechanism inside, capable of easily slicing open skin or even thin sheet metal. Not just these nails, but Ava’s earrings, hair accessories, even a lipstick could hide deadly traps. The Queen of Cheats was never just a title at the gambling table. He looked at Lily’s eyes filled with uneasiness, and the hostility in his heart suddenly dissipated. He stepped forward and gently pulled her into his arms: “I don’t blame you. It’s just that the things here belonged to my late wife. If you like, I’ll have someone custom-make some for you.” Lily looked up, tears of emotion welling in her eyes. It seemed she hadn’t chosen the wrong person. If he could be so deeply affectionate to his late wife, he would definitely be a good husband and father. In the early morning, the urgent ringing of a cell phone woke Dominic. The henchman’s voice was filled with anxiety and panic: “Dom, Madam is gone! We searched all the hospitals in Canaan, nothing! But you’d better look at Madam’s previous medical records…” “Madam seemed to know about the divorce long ago. She even checked the records at City Hall.” Lily was woken by the smell of smoke. She came to the living room and saw cigarette butts all over the floor. “Did something happen at the casino?” she asked softly. Dominic came back to his senses but didn’t stub out the cigarette as usual. “Nothing.” His voice was terribly hoarse. “Just a small matter at work. It’s handled.” He hadn’t realized his eyes were bloodshot, exhausted beyond human likeness. His men told him Ava had an abortion at a hospital. That day was the day he took Lily to the casino. While he was bringing another woman into the empire they built together, declaring a new mistress, she was lying alone on the operating table, killing their child? How dare she?! The dawn outside turned white, illuminating Lily’s flawless face. Completely different from that woman covered in blood who dared to dispose of his child privately. This is fine. We’re divorced anyway. Ava leaving on her own saved a lot of trouble. “It’s okay.” He extinguished the cigarette. “Wait for me to take a shower.” He turned into the bathroom and dialed his henchman: “The scum in the East District, don’t leave a single one. Keep it clean. Throw the trash to feed the sharks at the port.” Lily moved into the villa, becoming the nominal new mistress. Dominic ordered countless expensive dresses and jewelry, and even arranged a leisurely and respectable position for her in the casino. But he felt an unspeakable exhaustion growing. Every time he dealt with the blood and storms outside and returned to Lily, facing those dust-free eyes, he felt split in two. One half was the ruthless Yamaraja of Canaan’s underground, whose word was law. The other half masqueraded as the successful businessman she imagined. He suddenly thought of Ava. Only in front of Ava could he be the real Dominic. She wouldn’t be afraid; she would plan for him, cleanly sweeping away obstacles. A gilded invitation lay on Dominic’s desk. The Southeast Asia Annual Casino Summit, inviting the King of Canaan and his wife to attend. In the past, Dominic wouldn’t have batted an eye. With Ava by his side, any gambling game was just another performance adding to their glory and capital. But now… he couldn’t remember how long it had been since he really sat at a gambling table. Years of obsession with expanding territory and handling shady business had made his skills rusty. Playing a few rounds with Lily occasionally was just coaxing a child. Dominic began habitually returning to the casino’s top floor alone late at night. Seeing the old items, he seemed to see Ava’s dashing figure again. Initially, he did save her from the drug lord and gave her shelter. Later, she won key games for him, swallowed opponents, her hands stained with blood without complaint. Between them, it was never one-sided charity and protection, but mutual reliance licking blood off a knife, tacit understanding and support in the dark. Without Ava, there would be no Dominic today! But why did he change? Was it because her hands were stained with blood and no longer clean? Or was he bored with the dependence and petty temper she showed later? But why did he feel it was natural, even pitiful, when the same dependence and fragility appeared in Lily? His heart felt like it was fiercely gripped, pricked with dense pain. He stood up abruptly. No.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “391014”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

The new department supervisor loves to play favorites. The “nepo babies” come in late, leave early, yet somehow get full attendance bonuses every month. Those without connections are forced into unpaid overtime and docked $500 for being late just once. In meetings, he constantly throws shade at employees from modest backgrounds: “Winter really shows the wealth gap. A rich person’s coat is worth ten of your polyester rags. You’ll freeze or get shocked by static.” “Don’t blame society for being cold; blame yourselves for being born into the wrong families.” I was away on a business trip. When I finally returned to the office, the supervisor docked my pay just because I walked in wearing a pair of knockoff Converse. When I found out he transferred my $15,000 performance bonus to a new hire carrying a Louis Vuitton bag because he thought I was “too low-class” and “damaged the company image,” I laughed. Who do you think you are? Snob. I’m a hidden shareholder with ten years in this company. Do you really think a clown like you can sanction me? 1 Fresh off a business trip, I stepped into the office only to be halted by a stranger. He bent over with exaggerated disgust, pointing at my shoes. “What on earth are those?” I looked down at my feet, about to speak, then realized something was off. “Who are you? Don’t you have work to do instead of analyzing people’s footwear?” The man’s expression went blank. He asked who I was. Just as I opened my mouth, my colleague Leo rushed over and tugged my sleeve. “Arthur, this is our new supervisor.” “Supervisor, this is Arthur Reed, our company’s top salesman. He’s been on a long business trip and just got back today.” The supervisor looked me up and down, nodding perfunctorily. “Business trip? Or did he just close a couple of deals and use ‘business trip’ as an excuse to slack off?” A bit of a reach, but sure, that happens. I actually appreciated the new supervisor’s diligence. I smiled. “Supervisor, the company has strict policies. Business trips are all tracked and documented. You don’t need to worry about that. When did you start? What’s your background? Where did you work before…” I slipped into interview mode. Watching the supervisor’s face change, I realized I asked too much. Can’t blame me, though. This department hasn’t had a supervisor in ages. The last few were slick old-timers full of office politics. I quietly got rid of them all. Seeing a new face after so long, I couldn’t help myself. “Heh… funny guy. A totally average employee wearing totally garbage knockoff shoes, actually caring about my resume.” The supervisor joked with Leo. Then he turned to me. “The General Manager has my resume. Should I have him send it to your office?” 2 The smile froze on my face. “No need, supervisor,” I said dryly. I turned to go inside. But the supervisor blocked my path. “Hey, what’s your name again? Oh, Arthur Reed. Did I say you could leave?” I stopped but didn’t turn around. In the bullpen, my colleagues were winking furiously, anxious for me. The supervisor walked around to face me. Arrogantly, he asked: “You haven’t answered my question. What are those things on your feet?” “Did the company institute a dress code while I was gone?” I countered. He paused, then let out a cold laugh. He ignored me and walked away. Leo immediately dragged me into the stairwell. “Why are you wearing those shoes? Don’t you usually wear designer brands?” “What’s going on?” I asked. “Why is the new guy so passive-aggressive?” Leo sighed, checked for eavesdroppers, then whispered: “He’s sick. A massive snob! While you were gone, he made our lives miserable!” “His favorites do whatever they want. Those without connections work unpaid overtime.” “And he judges everyone by their clothes. If you dress cheap, you’re ‘low class.’ He targets you, insults you, calls you poor and says your parents are poor.” I was shocked. People this brain-dead exist in the workplace? Who hired him? Leo urged me, “Go home and change into your expensive stuff. He hates you right now. Watch your back.” I sneered. Unbelievable. I wore these cheap shoes because my good ones got soaked on the trip. I’m brand loyal, and there wasn’t a store nearby, so I bought a cheap pair to make do. But if he’s such a snob, how did he miss that my suit is a custom piece worth $50,000?! “Do you guys have recordings of this?” I asked Leo. “Give me the evidence.” Leo covered my mouth. “What are you doing?!” “Don’t talk crazy! Anyone in a key position here has connections. How can you even think about fighting him?” “You’re the top salesman, making six figures. Don’t risk it for a jerk like him. just keep your head down.” Keep my head down? Not my style. I’ve been a hidden shareholder for over ten years. I was here when this company was nothing. I watched it grow. I poured my heart into it. Let’s put it this way: the only person with more shares than me is the Chairman. He wanted me to be General Manager, but I declined because I lack the patience for management. I just have money and a silver tongue. I’ve seen ten supervisors come and go. They had their flaws, but this kind of extreme snobbery? That’s a first. I’m going to see what he’s made of. 3 I returned to my desk. Before I could even get comfortable, the supervisor marched in with a beautiful woman, clapping loudly. “Everyone, stop what you’re doing. Let me introduce a new colleague, Bella. Give her a round of applause.” A smattering of claps echoed through the office. A colleague whispered near me: “See that LV bag? That snob supervisor is going to put her on a pedestal.” Just as he finished, the supervisor looked around and pointed directly at me. “Bella, you sit there. Good sunlight, great view.” “Arthur Reed, pack your stuff immediately. Find somewhere else to sit.” Bella smiled and thanked him, walking straight toward me. “I can’t move,” I said instantly. Bella stopped, looking awkwardly at the supervisor. The supervisor’s face twisted. “Arthur Reed, are you disobeying a direct order from your superior?” 4 That’s a heavy accusation. I explained: “I injured my leg as a kid. It can’t handle cold or dampness. I need the sunlight.” It wasn’t a lie. I fell while hiking as a child. Medical care was spotty back then, and it never fully healed. Even in summer, I wear a thick knee brace. Cold makes it ache like hell. The supervisor stared, incredulous. “Can’t handle the cold but you wear knockoff shoes? Stop pretending to be something you’re not.” “How fragile can you be? More fragile than a little girl? Are you a man, Arthur? Refusing to give up a seat?” “Supervisor, my spot has sun too. I’ll switch with the new colleague,” Leo jumped up. “No,” the supervisor barked. “I want him to move! Arthur, are you moving or not?” 5 The atmosphere solidified. Bella whispered, “Never mind, I can sit anywhere.” The supervisor waved her down, keeping the pressure on me. “Move. Or don’t.” “Can’t move,” I enunciated every word. Leo sighed in disappointment and hung his head. Other colleagues looked at me with pity, as if I was making a huge mistake. The supervisor scoffed. “Great. Top salesman indeed. Got personality. Rebellious, huh?” He turned his back and made a call. “Manager Zhou, it’s Rex. We have an employee named Arthur Reed who’s being extremely arrogant and insubordinate. What should we do?” He spoke loudly, casually addressing the General Manager. Showing off his connections to everyone. The pity in my colleagues’ eyes deepened. Leo winked at me frantically, signaling me to quit while I was ahead. I ignored him and went back to work. Rex finished his call and ordered: “The GM wants to see you. Go on, Mr. Top Sales. If I can’t manage you, maybe he can.” 6 Aside from the Chairman, no one knows my identity. But it doesn’t matter. As a ten-year veteran, I know the GM. I can lodge a complaint and see where he stands. And I’m genuinely curious who this Rex guy is. In the GM’s office, he sighed before speaking. I was disappointed. “What’s wrong?” The GM put down his pen. “Arthur, you’ve been here so long. How could you disobey an order?” “Manager, I’m not disobeying. You know about my leg.” “I know, but the new guy needs to establish authority. I don’t want you in the crossfire.” I smiled dryly. “Manager, whose guy is he?” The GM frowned. “Arthur, how can you ask that?” Then he sighed again. “Look, just know he has backing. Asking won’t change anything.” “We have a good relationship, and you carry the sales numbers. Do me a favor, don’t fight him.” “I’ll get you a personal heater for your leg. Let’s just let this go. Being stuck in the middle is hard for me.” 7 I guessed the situation from the GM’s words. Back in the bullpen, everyone stared. I silently packed my things. Rex sneered. “See? That’s right. Listen to advice. Go on, Bella, take your seat.” Bella let out a contemptuous laugh and walked up to me quickly. “Senior, I heard you’re the top sales rep. Please teach me. Oh, right… I’m curious, is the status of a top rep really this low?” I paused, looking at Bella suspiciously. Based on her earlier “I can sit anywhere,” I thought she was just a timid newbie afraid of offending a veteran. Turns out she’s a “nepo baby” too. Seeing Rex crush me so easily, she instantly grew a backbone. I smiled and nodded. “Sure, ask anytime.” Bella’s lips curved slightly. She gave a mock-polite bow. Then she pulled out the chair and sat down hard. “Wow, this chair is comfy. Senior Arthur, you’re not taking this chair, are you?” Her voice was loud. A declaration of status to the entire department. 8 The department was dead silent all morning, save for typing sounds. The group chat was exploding. [Arthur, are you stupid? Fighting him won’t end well!] [Hey, do you think Bella is sleeping with the dog supervisor? So arrogant on day one!] [Working under this trash… why bother? Quiet quitting time!] I replied: [Don’t be negative. I bet he’s gone within a week.] [The Prophet speaks! Arthur’s predictions have come true before. Hope this one does too!] It will. Let’s see how long he can dance. … In the afternoon, a delivery guy brought an AC unit/heater. He asked for me, saying the GM sent it. I pointed to the spot next to me. “Install it there.” My colleagues’ expressions were priceless. “Whoa, looks like Arthur has the GM’s favor too! Personal AC!” “I believe the prophecy now! Hahaha!” They taunted Bella with their looks. Bella glared at me venomously and went straight to the supervisor’s office. Moments later, Rex arrived. The workers were unpacking the unit. “Wait. What is this?” Rex marched over. The worker said the GM ordered it for me. Rex immediately barked: “No! Who approved unauthorized equipment in my department?” “I have a layout plan! Do you think this is a flea market? Doing whatever you want?” “Arthur Reed, you think you’re big? Snitching to the GM to get an AC? I’m fining you $1,000!” 9 The office erupted in noise. The workers stopped, calling the GM. The GM arrived, frowning, and pulled Rex aside. We could see Rex throwing a tantrum, waving his arms. The GM just kept sighing. After a full thirty minutes, the GM waved his hand helplessly. “Fine, take it back. Don’t install it.” Just as the workers moved, I stood up. I walked over to the GM. “Manager, I gave you face by moving desks.” The GM looked helpless. “That guy is stubborn. I really can’t do anything.” “No, you might have misunderstood. I said I gave you face by moving. Now, you don’t need to worry about this.” I turned to the workers. “Install it!” 10 “I dare you!” Rex stormed back, shocked. “Arthur Reed, are you born defiant? Do you not understand English? I said no!” “You don’t listen to the supervisor, now you don’t listen to the GM?” “No discipline. I think people like this should be fired,” Bella rolled her eyes and commented blandly. I asked, “Are you qualified to speak?” “What did you say?!” “You’ve been here one day. Do you have a say? What, is your background strong too?” I emphasized “too.” Rex panted, turning to the GM. “Manager, you see this? How can we manage a guy like this? Just fire him!” “I can’t make that call,” the GM said. “The Chairman specifically ordered that any personnel changes regarding Arthur must go through him.” “Oh? Interesting. Fine, if that’s the case, I’ll make the call.” Rex pulled out his phone and put it on speaker. “Hello, Cousin… uh, Chairman Zhao. This is Rex. We have an employee named Arthur Reed who insists on installing an AC at his desk because of ‘leg pain’…” [Install it! You don’t need to ask me about this, isn’t the GM there? Just install it. Two if one isn’t enough. His leg was injured.] The Chairman cut him off before he could finish. Not only validating me but implying Rex overstepped. Why call him when the GM is right there? 11 The office went deathly silent. My colleagues’ eyes were wide. Bella looked like she swallowed a fly. “What are you waiting for? Install it,” the GM broke the silence. He coughed and said to Rex: “Rex, follow the chain of command next time. This is a warning.” The GM strode away. Rex gritted his teeth and retreated to his office, defeated. Bella’s arrogance vanished. She didn’t dare look at me. In the group chat: [Arthur’s “Install it!” was so cool!] [Even the Chairman protects Arthur. That dog supervisor is toast!] 12 The AC was installed. That afternoon, Rex issued a memo. Department staff must wear formal attire. Strict brand requirements. Minimum cost per outfit: $10,000. This sparked outrage. $10,000 is a huge sum for most people. Many considered quitting. I messaged the group: “Wear whatever you want. He’s targeting me. I’ll take the heat.” The next day, I wore the most basic suit imaginable. Rex, as predicted, blocked me at the door.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “391013”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

For eight days, I lay in a hospital bed, alone. For eight days, my husband lay in my best friend’s bed, tangled in her sheets. On the eighth day, I was finally discharged. As I walked out of the hospital entrance, I saw him. My husband, Caleb. He was standing across the street, outside the mall, holding another woman’s hand. That woman was my best friend of ten years, Chloe. They were laughing, chatting, holding shopping bags. I stood there, frozen, watching them for three full minutes. They never saw me. 1 “Babe, I have to go on a business trip. Probably a week.” That was eight days ago. Caleb’s last words to me. That same day, I found out I was two months pregnant. I hadn’t even had the chance to tell him. I thought I’d surprise him when he got back. The surprise never came. What came instead was bleeding that wouldn’t stop. At 3:00 AM, I took an Uber to the ER alone. “Caleb, I’m bleeding. Where are you?” Silence on the other end for two seconds. “I’m out of town, didn’t I tell you? Just go to the hospital.” “Can you come back? I’m scared.” “I… I’m in the middle of negotiations, I really can’t leave. Don’t worry, it’s probably just something you ate.” I hung up. Alone to register. Alone to wait in line. Alone for the exam. The doctor’s face was grim. “Threatened miscarriage. It doesn’t look good. We recommend admitting you for observation.” I signed the papers. The room was a double. The woman in the next bed was heavily pregnant. Her husband brought breakfast every morning, soup at lunch, and stayed every night. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. I texted Caleb: “I’m hospitalized. Threatened miscarriage.” He replied: “What? Is it serious? Drink plenty of water, rest well. I’ll come see you as soon as I’m done.” I waited. Day one, he didn’t come. Day two, he didn’t come. I called again. “Caleb, when can you come back?” “Soon, soon. This project is tricky. Just two more days.” Day three. The woman next to me went for a checkup, her husband by her side the whole time. When they came back, he was showing her ultrasound photos on his phone. “Look, honey, the baby is kicking.” She smiled so sweetly. I turned my head, staring out the window. My baby never waited for his father to come see him. Day four. Early morning, I woke up in agonizing pain. The nurse hit the call button. The doctor rushed in. “It’s bad. We need to operate immediately.” I grabbed the nurse’s hand. “My husband…” “Have you contacted family? We need a signature for the surgery.” My phone rang. It was Caleb. “What’s wrong? Calling in the middle of the night.” “I need surgery. Can you come sign the papers?” “What? What surgery?” “Miscarriage.” Silence on the other end. “I… I really can’t make it back in time. Can you ask the hospital if there’s another way? Or can you sign it yourself?” “Sign it myself?” “Yeah, talk to the doctor, it should be fine, right?” I didn’t speak. The nurse looked at me, her expression complicated. In the end, I signed it myself. Before the surgery, the nurse asked, “Family?” I said, “Business trip.” She sighed and didn’t ask again. The surgery was quick. When I woke up, the room was empty. The woman next to me had been discharged. Before leaving, her husband draped a jacket over her shoulders. “Careful, walk slowly.” I lay there, watching them walk away. My phone rang. Caleb. “How was the surgery? You okay?” “It went fine.” “That’s good. Rest well, I’ll try to get back in a couple of days.” I said okay. After hanging up, I realized my pillow was soaked. Day five. Day six. Day seven. He didn’t come. He barely even called. Occasionally a text: “Busy today, talk later.” I didn’t want to fight. I didn’t have the energy. My body was weak. The nurse said to rest, avoid drafts, avoid cold food. I ordered takeout alone, went for checkups alone, signed my discharge papers alone. Day eight. I was discharged. Standing at the hospital entrance, I called Caleb. “I’m out.” “Oh, out already? Go home first, I should be back this afternoon.” “Where are you?” “Still out of town, wrapping things up.” “Oh.” I hung up. And then I saw him. Right across the street, at the mall entrance. He was wearing the blue shirt I bought him. Next to him was Chloe. He was holding her hand. They were laughing and talking. Chloe leaned on his shoulder, acting cute like a little girl. He whispered something in her ear, and she playfully hit him. I stood there, frozen, watching for three full minutes. They didn’t see me. I turned around and hailed a cab. “Driver, nearest hotel.” I didn’t go home. 2 The hotel was quiet. I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. My mind replayed that scene over and over. Caleb holding Chloe’s hand. Chloe leaning on his shoulder. They were shopping. And I had been lying in a hospital bed for eight days. I picked up my phone, scrolling through my chat with Chloe. The last message was from two weeks ago. She said: “Busy lately, rain check?” I said: “Okay.” Chloe was my college roommate. We’ve known each other for ten years. Longer than I’ve known Caleb. She introduced me to Caleb. Back then, she said: “This guy is reliable, you should give him a shot.” We dated for two years, married for one. At the wedding, Chloe was the maid of honor. She even cried, saying she couldn’t bear to let me go. I held my phone, not knowing who to call. Caleb? Ask him why he lied? Chloe? Ask her when she started sleeping with my husband? I didn’t call either. I was afraid I couldn’t handle the answers. After lying there for a while, I got hungry. I went downstairs, bought some porridge, and sat in the lobby eating slowly. My phone rang. Caleb. “Babe, are you home?” I paused. “Yeah.” “Good. My flight is tonight, should be home around nine or ten.” “Okay.” “Did you eat? Should I bring you something?” “No need.” He sounded relaxed. “Alright, see you tonight.” I hung up. Flight tonight? So where is he now? With Chloe? I didn’t go looking for answers immediately. I was too tired. Body tired, heart tired. I went back to my room and slept. When I woke up, it was evening. I checked my phone. Caleb texted: “Almost there, what do you want to eat?” I didn’t reply. A while later: “At the gate, open up.” Still didn’t reply. He called. “Babe, are you home? Why aren’t you opening the door?” I said, “I’m not home.” “What? Where are you?” “Hotel.” “Hotel? Why?” I was silent for a few seconds. “Today, at the hospital entrance, I saw you.” Silence on the other end. A long, heavy silence. I continued, “Weren’t you out of town? Why were you shopping?” He took a deep breath. “Babe, listen to me—” “With Chloe.” “…” “You were holding her hand. You were shopping.” Caleb didn’t speak. I could hear his breathing, slightly rapid. “Caleb, what is your relationship with her?” “Babe, it’s a long story…” “Take your time. I have time.” He went silent again. I waited. After about half a minute, he spoke. “Let’s meet first, I can’t explain over the phone.” “No.” “Babe—” “I don’t want to see you right now.” “Then what do you want?” I thought about it. “First, tell me what is going on with you and Chloe.” He sighed. “It’s really a long story.” “I’m not afraid of long.” “…” Silence again. I hung up. I didn’t want to listen to his circles. If I want answers, I’ll find them myself. I opened Chloe’s Instagram. Latest post was three days ago, a photo of her nails. Caption: “New style, cute?” Caleb liked it. I scrolled down. A week ago, afternoon tea photo. Two coffees, two cakes. Caption: “Rare moment of leisure.” In the photo, I could see a man’s hand across the table, wearing a watch. That watch, I gave it to Caleb. Last year for his birthday, I saved three months’ salary to buy it. I stared at that photo for a long time. Kept scrolling. Two weeks ago, movie ticket stubs. Two tickets. Caption: “Second time, still good.” I remember that movie. I wanted to see it too. I asked Caleb, he said he didn’t have time. Turns out he saw it with her. Three weeks ago, four weeks ago, a month ago… More and more. Every few days, there was a post. Photos didn’t show faces, but there were always traces. A pair of men’s chopsticks, a man’s jacket, a familiar hand. And during all these times, Caleb told me—business trip, overtime, busy. I put down the phone. The room was quiet. Quiet enough to hear my own heartbeat. I suddenly found it laughable. I was hospitalized for eight days, hoping every day he’d come. He said he was busy, I believed him. He said soon, I believed him. Turns out he was shopping, drinking coffee, watching movies with another woman. That woman was my best friend. I sat up, went to the bathroom, washed my face. The person in the mirror was pale, eyes bloodshot. I looked at her and really wanted to ask: How can you be so stupid? Phone rang again. Caleb. I answered. “Babe, don’t be mad. I’m coming to find you now, let’s talk.” I said, “No need.” “Where are you? I’m coming.” “I said, no need.” “What do you want?” He sounded anxious. “You can’t just ignore me like this.” I laughed. “Caleb, I was in the hospital for eight days, you didn’t come once. Now I don’t want to see you for one night, and you’re anxious?” He froze. I hung up. Turned off the phone. I’m going to sleep tonight. The rest can wait until tomorrow. 3 Early the next morning, I woke up. Turned on my phone. Notifications exploded. Caleb called dozens of times, sent dozens of texts. “Babe, where are you?” “I know I was wrong, come out and talk, okay?” “Don’t do this, let’s talk face to face.” “If you don’t answer, I’m calling the police.” The last one was at 3 AM: “I’m waiting at the gate, when are you coming back?” I didn’t reply. There were also messages from Chloe. “Hey girl, haven’t heard from you lately. Let’s grab food when you’re free.” “You there?” “Are you mad at me?” I looked at her messages, feeling disgusted. “Mad at her?” When she slept with my husband, did she think I might get mad? I didn’t reply. I wanted to know more. I logged out of WeChat and opened Caleb’s cloud photo album. We shared an account; he didn’t know I had access. Usually, I couldn’t be bothered to look. Today, I looked. I sorted by date. The most recent was yesterday, the one at the mall entrance. Selfie of Caleb and Chloe, heads touching, smiling sweetly. I scrolled down. Three days ago, at a restaurant. Five days ago, at the movies. A week ago, at a hotel. Yes, a hotel. Photo taken by Chloe. She was in a bathrobe on the bed. In the mirror behind her, Caleb’s reflection. He was wearing the pajamas I recognized. I kept scrolling. Two weeks ago, three weeks ago, a month ago, two months ago… More and more photos. Beach, park, restaurant, movies, hotel… The earliest one was last October. Caleb and I got married last August. So, two months after our wedding, they were together. Wait. No. I scrolled further back. Earlier photos. Last June. We weren’t married yet. A photo in a cafe, Caleb and Chloe sitting together. Chloe leaning her head on his shoulder. Last June. We were planning the wedding. Chloe helped me pick the dress, helped with makeup. She said: “You’ll be the most beautiful bride.” I believed her. I kept scrolling. March last year, January last year, December the year before… The photos went back, uninterrupted. The earliest one was September the year before. I met Caleb in August the year before. Chloe introduced us. She said: “This guy is reliable, give him a shot.” September the year before. Caleb and I had been dating for one month. At that time, Chloe was already with him. I stared at that photo for a long time. In the photo, Chloe had her arms around Caleb’s neck. Caleb was laughing, saying something. Background was an amusement park with a Ferris wheel. I knew that park. It was Chloe’s favorite place. She took me there. She said: “Someday I want to take wedding photos here with my husband.” I thought she hadn’t found that husband yet. Turns out, she found him long ago. He was my husband. I put down the phone. The room was silent. I heard my own breathing, heavy and fast. I remembered many things. When Chloe introduced Caleb, she said they were just friends. At the wedding, Chloe was the maid of honor, smiling and helping the whole time. After marriage, Chloe often asked me out, asking how things were with Caleb. I said great, she said that’s good. Now I know, she wasn’t caring about me. She was checking if I found out. I suddenly felt nauseous. Ran to the bathroom, dry heaved over the toilet for a long time, nothing came out. My body was still weak. Only four days post-surgery. I held the wall to stand up, rinsed my face. The person in the mirror had red eyes. I took a deep breath. Don’t cry. Can’t cry. I have things to do. 4 I saved all the photos from the cloud to my phone. Then I opened his email. I knew the password; it was my birthday. Some work emails, nothing special. I checked “Sent”. Scrolled a few pages, found one to Chloe. Subject: “Babe, Weekend Plans” Content: “Saturday prenatal checkup, I’ll go with you. Sunday look at nurseries?” Date was last Friday. Prenatal checkup? Nursery? I froze. Chloe is pregnant? I scrolled down. Found another one, a month ago. Subject: “About the Baby” Content: “Babe don’t worry, I’ll take responsibility. Once things are handled with her, we’ll be together officially.” “Her” is me, right? “Handled” means what? Divorce? I kept scrolling. Two months ago. “Babe, you’re pregnant, I’m so happy. We’re keeping this baby.” Two months ago. She was two months pregnant then. Plus this month. Chloe is three months pregnant. Three months. While I was hospitalized, she was three months pregnant. I was hospitalized for a miscarriage. She went for a prenatal checkup because she was pregnant. Caleb chose to accompany her. Not me. I sat on the edge of the bed, almost dropping my phone. I remembered the scene at the hospital entrance. Caleb holding Chloe’s hand, laughing. Chloe leaning on him like a little girl. I didn’t know then that Chloe was carrying Caleb’s child. And I once carried one too. That baby is gone. Never got to see his father. I buried my face in the pillow. Finally cried. Not from grievance. From absurdity. I lay in the hospital for eight days, hoping for Caleb. He said busy, I waited. He said soon, I believed. Turns out he was accompanying another woman to prenatal checkups, picking out cribs. That woman was three months pregnant. My baby had been gone for four days. I wanted to ask him: Are you human? But I knew it was useless. He’d say “I had no choice,” “It’s a long story,” “Let’s talk.” Useless. Nothing matters anymore. I wiped my tears, sat up. Done crying. Time for business. I organized all photos, emails, chats into a folder. Called my college friend. She’s a lawyer. “Hey, Eve? What’s up?” “I want a divorce.” Silence for a second. “What happened?” “Caleb cheated. With Chloe. Chloe is three months pregnant.” “…Wait, Chloe? That Chloe?” “Yeah, her.” “Holy sh*t.” Silence. “Do you have proof?” “Yes. Photos, emails, chats.” “Good. Send them to me, I’ll look over them.” I said okay. Hung up, sent the folder. Then I opened my notes app and made a list: House: Bought before marriage, down payment by my parents, mortgage paid by me. Car: Caleb’s pre-marital property. Savings: $40,000 in my account, unknown in his. Wedding gift money: $20,000, my mom kept it, didn’t give it to me. Joint property: Appliances, furniture, less than $10,000 total. The house is the big one. As long as I keep the house, nothing else matters. Eve replied quickly: “Evidence is solid. Cheating is confirmed, you can claim damages. House is pre-marital property, no problem.” I breathed a sigh of relief. Just as I was about to reply, phone rang. Caleb. Thought about it, answered. “Babe, where are you? I’ve been looking all night.” “Hotel.” “Which one? I’m coming.” “No need.” “Babe, listen, I can explain that day—” “No need to explain.” He paused. “What do you mean?” “I know.” “Know what?” I paused. “Chloe is pregnant, right? Three months.” Silence. “You guys were together before us, right?” “…” “You chose to go to her checkup instead of seeing me. Right?” “…Babe, listen to me—” “I said, no need to explain.” My voice was calm. “Caleb, I want a divorce.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “391012”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

I went undercover as an intern at my brother’s company, hiding my identity. But after three months of hard work, HR informed me I failed the probation period. They were also withholding my entire salary. “The reason?” “You took 3 days off.” I looked at the HR manager, amused. “First, it was bereavement leave. My grandfather passed away.” “Second, I followed every legal procedure.” “Third…” I turned to look at another intern who started with me, Chloe Davis. “She took off three times this month just for period cramps.” “Why did she pass probation?” HR looked at me with disdain. “This company belongs to her family. Why do you think?” “Besides, period cramps can be excruciating. It feels like dying.” “You just had a grandfather die. What gives you the right to take leave?” 1 On the last day of my internship, I was called into the office of HR Manager Linda Fox. “Sarah, your application for full-time employment has been rejected.” Hearing this, I wasn’t surprised. “Additionally, because your excessive leave during the internship severely impacted workflow, per company policy, your entire salary for the three months will be deducted.” I finally couldn’t help but laugh out loud. “Manager Fox, I need an explanation.” My reaction seemed to anger her. She sat up straight, her narrow eyes glaring at me sharply. “Explanation? What explanation do you need? It’s written in black and white: leave cannot exceed two days. How long were you gone?” “Three days,” I replied calmly. “First, I took bereavement leave for my grandfather. That is a legally protected right.” “Second, I submitted all necessary documentation and received approval from my department head.” “Third…” My gaze moved past her to the figure outside the office, laughing charmingly with colleagues. “Chloe Davis, who started with me, took leave three times in three months for period pain. Seven days each time, totaling 21 days. Why did she pass probation smoothly?” Linda scoffed, leaning back lazily in her chair. “Sarah, did you lose your brain during the internship? You’re comparing yourself to Chloe?” “Didn’t you ask around? Do you know whose family owns this company?” “Besides, Chloe’s cramps are life-threatening. It could affect future generations. And you?” She scanned me up and down, her lips curling in contempt. “You just had a grandfather die, right?” “Old people die eventually. Is that such a big deal to take three days off? So dramatic.” I lowered my eyes and didn’t argue further. Amidst her endless chatter and biting sarcasm, I silently reached into my pocket. My finger slid along the side of my phone and pressed the lock button. Before the screen went dark, I clearly saw the bright red, ticking timer of the voice recorder. Good. All the evidence is here. 2 Holding my water bottle, I walked back to my desk in the Marketing Department, expressionless. The bustling office quieted instantly. Everyone’s eyes focused on me like spotlights. Some pitied, some were curious, but most were gloating. I could hear whispered gossip buzzing like flies. Ignoring everyone, I walked straight to my seat and started packing. Keyboard, mouse pad, a mug I used for three years, and a few professional books. When I picked up the proposal for “Project Starlight,” my fingers paused. This plan, which cost me countless sleepless nights, had become the brightest highlight on Chloe’s resume. I remembered clearly how my direct supervisor, Tom Wilson—a middle-aged man with a receding hairline who lived by the motto “less trouble is better”—handed this proposal to Chloe in front of the entire department. He praised her “exceptional talent and promising future.” And me, the actual creator? I got a dismissive, “Sarah participated too. Keep working hard.” All this happened because everyone firmly believed Chloe was a relative of the Chairman. “Oh my, Sarah, what are you doing?” Chloe sashayed over to me, looking down with feigned surprise and syrupy sweetness. “Why are you packing? Did Manager Fox say something harsh?” “Please don’t take it to heart. She has a sharp tongue but a soft heart.” She reached out to hold down my box, but I dodged sideways. Too lazy to look at her, I continued sweeping clutter into the box. Feeling ignored, her voice took on a tone of victorious boasting: “But don’t be too sad. Just because this company didn’t work out doesn’t mean others won’t. How about this? In a few days, I’ll ask my relatives to look out for you and introduce you to a good job. How does that sound?” I finally stopped, looked up at her, and said nothing. Uncomfortable under my gaze, she puffed out her chest anyway. I picked up the box, stood up, and walked away. “Sarah!” The receptionist, Jenny, ran over, grabbing my arm, her eyes red. “These people are too much! It’s bullying!” Jenny was the only person in the company who treated me as a friend. I patted her hand, slipped the voice recorder into her pocket, and whispered, “Keep this safe for me.” She froze, then nodded heavily. I didn’t look back. Hugging the box, I walked step by step toward the elevator. Passing the huge glass wall, I could see the faces inside, each harboring their own schemes. The elevator doors closed slowly, cutting off all sights and sounds. 3 Three days later, it was the company’s New Employee Welcome Gala. I hadn’t planned on going. A fired employee attending her own welcome party sounded like a joke. But Jenny’s calls nearly blew up my phone. “Sarah, are you really not coming? Just come keep me company, I’m so bored alone.” “Come on, come on! The food is free anyway, don’t waste it!” Looking at my pale face in the mirror, the refusal on my lips was swallowed back. Maybe I should go. To see how Chloe accepts everyone’s congratulations as the victor. Before I could decide, an unexpected call came in. It was my brother, Ethan. “Sarah, where are you?” His voice was familiar, slightly tired but steady as always. “Home. Ethan, aren’t you on a business trip in Europe? Finished so early?” “Changed plans, just landed.” He paused, a hint of a smile in his voice. “I have a surprise for you tonight. To celebrate our Sarah’s successful employment, I prepared a gift.” My heart sank. “What surprise?” “Not telling you yet. Get ready, wait for me to pick you up.” Before I could ask more, he hung up. I stared at the dark screen, an ominous feeling rising in my chest. Meanwhile, at the Starfall Hotel ballroom, the scene was lavish and bustling. Ethan, in a perfectly tailored suit, attracted everyone’s attention the moment he stepped in. His appearance froze the air for a few seconds. No one expected the elusive big boss to attend a small new employee welcome party. Ignoring the executives trying to chat him up, his cold gaze scanned the room, searching for someone. Once, twice. He frowned slightly. Sarah wasn’t there. His gaze finally landed on the reception desk, on a familiar figure—Jenny. He knew Jenny. Sarah had mentioned she was her only friend at the company. Ethan strode over with his long legs. “Hello, Mr. Vance!” Startled, Jenny nearly knocked over her champagne. She stood straight, greeting him nervously. “Where is Sarah?” Ethan got straight to the point. His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried undeniable pressure. “S-Sarah… she…” Jenny’s eyes panicked instantly, dodging his gaze. “She… she’s not feeling well today, so… so she didn’t come.” Ethan stared at her, unconsciously twisting the ring on his finger. “Not feeling well?” He repeated, tone unreadable. “I spoke to her on the phone minutes ago. She didn’t say she was unwell.” Jenny’s face turned white instantly. Her lips trembled, unable to utter a word. Her reaction explained more than any words could. Ethan’s heart sank. He realized something was wrong. 4 Just as Ethan’s patience was running out, the ballroom lights dimmed, and a spotlight hit the center stage. The host enthusiastically announced the start of the New Employee Welcome Gala. Then, HR Manager Linda Fox, wearing a brand-new suit, walked onto the stage beaming. Enjoying the attention, she cleared her throat and spoke in a dramatic cadence: “Good evening, leaders and colleagues!” “Today is a day for celebration. Our company has injected fresh blood once again.” “After three months of strict evaluation, a group of outstanding interns has emerged to become official members of our family!” Polite applause rippled through the audience. Ethan sat in the VIP corner, his grip on the wine glass tightening, his cold gaze locked on Linda. “Now, I will announce the list of employees who successfully passed probation!” Linda’s voice pitched up, unable to hide her smugness. She picked up the cue card and began reading. “Tech Department: Mark Johnson, Leo Smith…” “Admin Department: Emily Brown…” With each name, small cheers and applause erupted. Ethan’s face darkened inch by inch. The pressure around him dropped so low that executives wanting to toast him stayed away. “Finally,” Linda dragged out the word, building suspense, her face piled with a fawning smile. “I want to grandly introduce the pride of our Marketing Department. Not only did she contribute several excellent ideas during her internship, but her performance was far ahead of everyone else. She is our company’s future star—Miss Chloe Davis!” The spotlight instantly swung to Chloe in the audience. Wearing a designer cocktail dress, she stood up elegantly, waving to colleagues around her, her face wearing the reserve and pride of a winner. The loudest applause of the night erupted. On stage, Linda continued her lavish praise: “Miss Davis’s excellence is obvious to all. Her joining will surely bring new vitality to Vance Group! Let’s welcome Chloe Davis officially joining us with another round of applause!” Thunderous applause. Ethan’s gaze swept over Chloe without pausing, returning to Linda’s face. He listened quietly. Until Linda closed the cue card and said “That concludes the list” with a smile. He never heard the name he wanted to hear most. Sarah. His sister, Sarah’s name, was not on the list. Amidst the endless applause, Ethan stood up, face frosty. He slammed his wine glass onto the table. The thud was muffled in the noise, but it made those nearby jump. Striding forward, ignoring everyone, he walked straight toward the brilliantly lit stage. The crowd parted automatically. The applause faded. Everyone looked at the unsmiling big boss in confusion, wondering what he was doing. Linda, immersed in her perfect hosting, turned to find Ethan’s freezing face inches away. Her smile froze. She stammered: “M-Mr. Vance, you…” Ignoring her, Ethan reached out and took the microphone from her stunned hand. The feedback screech pierced through the speakers. The entire hall went dead silent. His cold eyes swept over every confused face. His voice, amplified, rang clearly through the hall: “Where is my sister, Sarah?” 5 Those six words hit everyone like a sledgehammer. People applauding moments ago froze, faces full of disbelief. Sister? Mr. Vance’s sister? Which Sarah? Instantly, everyone’s eyes swept the room like searchlights, looking for the unnoticed, forgotten figure. But that corner was empty. Linda’s face went from red to white, then white to green in a second. Her hand holding the cue card shook like a leaf in the wind. She opened her mouth, throat blocked, unable to speak. How could she be Mr. Vance’s sister? That plainly dressed intern who never argued and let me bully her? In the audience, Chloe’s triumphant smile froze. Her designer dress seemed to lose its luster. She stood there stiffly, as if doused in ice water. Seeing Linda silent, Ethan turned his icy gaze to her. “Manager Fox, are you deaf? I asked you, why isn’t Sarah on the list?” The “Manager Fox” made Linda tremble. She forced a smile uglier than crying and stammered: “M-Mr. Vance, is there a mistake? We don’t have an intern named Sarah becoming full-time… Oh, there was one, but she… she…” “What about her?” Ethan pressed, voice colder. “Failed the assessment?” “Yes, yes! Failed!” Linda nodded frantically, grasping at straws. “She… she took excessive leave, seriously violating company rules, so… so…” “Excessive leave?” Ethan sneered, dropping the room temperature another few degrees. “How many days? For what?” “Th-three… three days…” Linda’s voice shrank, eyes darting, afraid to meet Ethan’s. “Because… family issues…” “Family issues?” Ethan’s voice spiked, sharp as a blade. “Since when did Vance Group culture become so cold-blooded? Is a funeral in an employee’s family just ‘issues’ to you, Manager Fox?” Funeral?! The audience exploded. Whispers spread like a tide. “Sarah took bereavement leave?” “Omg, fired for bereavement leave? That’s inhumane!” “I remember Chloe took three sick leaves this month…” Hearing every word, Linda broke into a cold sweat. She knew she was done. In desperation, she pointed at Chloe in the audience, trying to divert the fire: “Mr. Vance! It’s not my fault! I… I was doing it for the company! Miss Davis… Miss Davis is your…” She didn’t finish, but her fawning look said it all. She thought Chloe was someone to Ethan, so she sucked up to her, even firing an innocent intern. “My what?” Ethan’s gaze finally landed on the pale Chloe, filled with scrutiny and disgust. Chloe trembled under his look, stepping back instinctively. Linda, mind blank, just wanted to push the blame away. She almost screamed the truth: “I thought Miss Davis was your fiancée, our future boss’s wife! She said her family owned the company! Manager Wilson said so too! I just… I just wanted to clear obstacles for the boss’s wife, that’s why I fired that annoying Sarah! Mr. Vance, I did it for you!” These words hit like a thunderbolt, stunning everyone. Guessing the boss’s mind? Future boss’s wife? Clearing obstacles? The hall was terrifyingly quiet. Everyone looked between the icy Ethan, the panicked Linda, and the teetering Chloe. A carefully prepared welcome gala turned into an absurd farce. And the core of this farce was an intern everyone thought they could bully. Ethan listened expressionlessly to Linda’s incoherent explanation, eyes deep as a bottomless well. He said nothing more, slowly turning to look at the entrance. As everyone held their breath, guessing what the young CEO would do next, the ballroom doors were pushed open from the outside. 6 All eyes focused on the opening doors. I walked in. Behind me was Jenny, clutching my arm tight, palms sweaty. The noisy venue was now quiet enough to hear breathing. Hundreds of gazes—shock, confusion, schadenfreude, disbelief—covered me like a net. Ignoring everyone, I walked straight through the crowd toward the brightly lit stage. People instinctively made way. I saw Tom Wilson, looking at me with a complex expression, lips moving soundlessly. I saw colleagues who used to mock me to please Chloe now lowering their heads, afraid to meet my eyes. On stage, Linda looked like she’d seen a ghost, color draining from her face. “You… how are you here? Who let you in!” she shrieked, voice twisted with fear. I didn’t answer. I walked onto the stage and stood beside my brother, Ethan. Ethan said nothing, just gave me a reassuring look. That was enough. Linda was still screaming hysterically: “Mr. Vance, don’t listen to her! She’s just a disgruntled fired intern here to make trouble! Security! Where is security!” I took my phone from my pocket and, under everyone’s gaze, pressed play. Next second, Linda’s familiar, acerbic voice echoed through the speakers to every corner of the hall. “The reason?” — That was my calm question. “You took three days off.” — Linda’s contemptuous answer. … “She took off three times this month just for period cramps. Why did she pass probation?” “This company belongs to her family. Why do you think?” When this sentence played, the audience gasped. Everyone’s eyes shot like knives toward the teetering Chloe. The recording continued, Linda’s voice even more vicious: “Besides, period cramps can be excruciating. It feels like dying.” “You just had a grandfather die. What gives you the right to take leave?” “Just had a grandfather die.” These words hit everyone’s heart like a hammer. The hall was deathly silent; whispers vanished, leaving only Linda’s harsh voice echoing. Linda broke down completely. She lunged to grab my phone but was blocked by Ethan’s bodyguards. The recording didn’t stop. It even captured Tom Wilson’s voice, timidly reporting to Linda how he seamlessly attributed my “Project Starlight” proposal—result of three all-nighters—to Chloe. The truth was revealed nakedly, cruelly, undeniably. Chloe’s scam, Linda’s bullying, Tom’s cowardice, and the ugly faces of the sycophants were all exposed. I saw Chloe’s legs give out under the contemptuous stares, collapsing to the floor in disgrace. The male colleagues who once fawned over her now looked at her with disgust. The recording ended with a sharp static noise, leaving the hall in a silence more terrifying than before.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “391011”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

After my parents died in a bankruptcy scandal, they left my brother and me with a million-dollar debt. To pay it off, he became a “haunted house tester,” sleeping in stigmatized properties to prove they were safe. I took gigs as an extra, playing corpses on TV sets. For five years, we worked ourselves to the bone, never daring to take a day off. Yet, the debt remained. At the end of the year, with just $13,000 left to clear the balance, I gritted my teeth and signed up for a high-risk clinical drug trial. When it was over, I dragged my exhausted body and the cash to find my brother, eager to share the good news. Instead, I walked in on him on the phone: “Mom, Dad, Ava is doing great. You guys enjoy your vacation in Europe.” “She’s learned her lesson about spending money. We can end the punishment next year.” It turned out my parents weren’t dead. The family wasn’t bankrupt. These five years of hell were just a punishment for my “spending habits.” The smile froze on my face. My stomach churned violently, and I vomited a mouthful of fresh blood. 1 “Think carefully. Once you sign this contract, we are not responsible for any adverse reactions.” That was the warning from the pharmaceutical company rep during the drug trial. She emphasized that the contract was legally binding. After drinking the drug, I would be observed for five hours. If nothing happened then, even if I dropped dead later, I couldn’t sue them. At the time, all I could think about was having a debt-free New Year with my brother, so I signed without hesitation. But now… Looking at the cash in my hand, I felt a wave of bitter irony. I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth with my sleeve. I pushed open the door. My brother, Ethan, hurriedly hung up the phone. He turned around and immediately saw the blood on my shirt. “What happened?” His face paled as he rushed over. He grabbed my shoulders, checking for injuries. I pushed his hands away, my voice steady. “Prop blood from the set.” “Oh, thank god. I thought you were hurt.” He sighed in relief. Then he saw the money in my hand, his eyes narrowing. “Where did you get this?” “Ava, you didn’t steal it, did you?” My heart sank. I suddenly realized I didn’t know him at all. Steal. Is that what he thinks of me? I clenched my fingers, waiting a moment before whispering: “The director gave it to me. Year-end bonus.” He frowned, still suspicious. “A bonus in cash?” “Do you want it or not?” I looked at him with annoyance. “Didn’t you say we have $13,000 left on the debt? This is exactly enough.” “If you don’t want it, I can give it back.” He was silent for a moment, then took the money. “I’ll pay it off tomorrow.” He changed the subject. “What do you want to eat? I’ll cook.” I looked around the room. A 300-square-foot studio apartment. One closet, a bunk bed, and a tiny bathroom. No kitchen, so we chopped vegetables on the coffee table. The $20 electric skillet had been used for five years. The cord had burned out twice, patched up by Ethan with black electrical tape. I suddenly asked: “Ethan, aren’t you tired?” He smiled back at me. “Not really. My job is pretty easy, actually. Just sleeping in houses.” “It’s you I’m worried about. These past few years… you must be exhausted.” What I really wanted to ask was: Aren’t you tired of pretending? The family has billions in assets. We could be living like royalty. But to punish me, you chose this life. Aren’t you tired? Unfortunately, he didn’t catch my meaning. So I decided to be more direct. I looked him in the eye. “Ethan, do you think I love spending money?” I still didn’t understand why they thought that. Even though we were wealthy, I never cared for luxury brands. I never bought anything over a few thousand dollars. In our circle of rich kids, I was practically a monk. Ethan’s face stiffened. “Why ask that? You’re much better now.” “What do you mean ‘now’? What about before?” I pressed on. He frowned. “When Mom and Dad were around, you really didn’t know how to save.” “They were self-made, started from nothing. Even I have to think before spending.” “But for your birthday, you pestered them for a gift worth over ten grand. Don’t you think that’s excessive?” I stepped forward, emotional. “Our family has billions! I can’t buy a $10,000 phone?” “Then what is the point of making money?” His face darkened. “Listen to yourself. It’s just a phone. Doesn’t a cheaper one work just as well?” “You’re just vain, always comparing yourself to those trust fund kids. That’s why you always want things.” “Haven’t you lived just fine these past five years with nothing?” I stared at him in disbelief, my blood running cold. In his eyes, was I living well these past five years? Playing a corpse every day, begging the director for extra scenes just to earn an extra $50. Lying in mud, in sewage ditches. Staying motionless for ten, twelve hours at a time. I developed chronic joint pain and severe cramps. My old rival, Chloe, seeing me down and out, used her connections to torment me on set. And I couldn’t even fight back. Just because I wanted a good New Year with my brother, I became a human guinea pig for a drug trial, and I still don’t know what it did to my body. Is this life really good? My stomach cramped again. I vaguely remembered Chloe’s words: “Idiot, you brought this on yourself.” “I’m going to follow you. Whatever set you’re on, I’ll be there. My family has money, I can invest and get myself in anywhere.” “For the next five years, you’re going to suffer in my hands!” I shivered, goosebumps rising on my skin. Five years. Why specifically five years? Did Chloe know something too? My gut told me there were more secrets my brother and parents were keeping from me. I clenched my fists, suppressing the urge to scream. “Okay. I’ll change.” Ethan put down the vegetables, patting my shoulder with relief. “That’s my girl. Eat by yourself later, I have to go to work.” I nodded. After eating, Ethan left for work. I tied up my hair, put on a mask and a hat, and quietly followed him. He left our rundown neighborhood and made a call by the roadside. Within five minutes, a black Maybach pulled up. He got in. I hailed a taxi and followed. Thirty minutes later, he entered a high-end steakhouse. I waited five minutes, then went in and sat at a table behind him. I was too nervous to look up, so I didn’t see who he was with. But when I heard the voice, I froze. “Ethan, I’ve been messing with Ava just like you asked. I’ve been doing a great job lately!” It was Chloe! “Good. Only by suffering outside will Ava learn that money doesn’t grow on trees.” Ethan’s tone was calm, as if discussing the weather. “In return, I’ll send more business to your family.” “Ava can’t know about this yet. When Mom and Dad come back after New Year’s, I’ll tell them.” My breath hitched. My heart nearly stopped. A waiter asked for my order. I dared not speak. I pointed randomly at the menu with a trembling hand. I signaled him to leave quickly, afraid Ethan would notice. Chloe’s voice was sickeningly sweet: “Ethan, you told Ava you’re testing haunted houses, but you have to detour home every night. Aren’t you tired?” “Why didn’t you go abroad with your parents back then?” My heart was in turmoil again. So the haunted house job was a lie too. While I thought he was suffering in spooky houses, he was going home to our mansion. So for five years, I was the only one suffering? Ethan sighed. “Ava is my sister. I couldn’t leave her alone in the country.” “Besides, even though the company moved operations overseas, we’ll move back eventually.” He sounded nostalgic. “The five-year punishment is over in a blink of an eye. Time flies.” Fast? I laughed bitterly inside. These five years, every day was torture for me. Playing a corpse isn’t easy. Under Chloe’s instructions, I was always put in the dirtiest, hardest spots. Rain or shine, I couldn’t move. My body broke down. But in their eyes, it was just a lesson. Hilarious… “Chloe, thanks for your hard work these five years. This is a gift for you.” The conversation continued. Ethan handed Chloe an exquisite gift box. Chloe opened it and gasped. “Such a beautiful bracelet!” My heart plunged into hell. That was the bracelet I asked my parents for five years ago. They refused, saying it was too expensive. I didn’t need it, so I forgot about it. Now I realize, maybe that bracelet was the trigger for my five-year sentence. But why? We were billionaires. Why was asking for a bracelet a crime punishable by five years of hell? Why could Chloe, whose family had far less money, easily get what she wanted? Was I a bad kid? Was I disobedient? I was always good. I never rebelled. Why did I have to suffer like this?! My emotions broke the dam. I couldn’t hold it back anymore. Bang! I slammed the table and stood up. Everyone in the restaurant looked at me. Ethan turned around, his face instantly draining of color. “Ava? Why are you here?” “Is it fun? Is lying to me for five years fun?” I ripped off my hat and scarf, rushing over to grab his sleeve. “How am I a spendthrift? Why did you torture me like this?!” Panic flashed in Ethan’s eyes. He looked around, embarrassed, and grabbed me. “Too many people here. Let’s talk outside.” “You’re the one who should be ashamed!” I shook off his hand, eyes red, screaming hysterically. “You and Mom and Dad conspired to lie to me! You said we were bankrupt, in debt! You said you were sleeping in haunted houses!” “But the truth? They’re vacationing abroad, and you go home to the mansion every night! I’m the only one suffering!” My breakdown worsened, tears flowing freely. “Ethan, why? Tell me why!” “Please tell me, with billions in assets, what does buying a $10,000 phone matter?!” Ethan’s face darkened. “So that’s why you asked me those questions this afternoon. You heard my call with Mom and Dad.” He grabbed my wrist again. Harder this time, trying to drag me out. A waiter ran over to stop me. “Miss, you haven’t paid! It’s $800!” Ethan froze, frowning at me. “Why did you order such an expensive meal? Do you still not know how hard it is to make money?” Stares from all directions landed on me. Ethan deliberately waited. Until I was pale with embarrassment, he finally paid the bill. Outside, Chloe added fuel to the fire. “Ava, your parents and brother mean well. It’s for your education. Don’t be ungrateful!” “What does it have to do with you!” A nameless fire burned in my chest. I broke free from Ethan and slapped Chloe across the face. She screamed and covered her cheek. Slap! The next second, Ethan’s hand struck my face. “Is this how you act?” “Ava, where does this entitlement come from? Where is this temper coming from?” “Do you think I had it easy these five years? If I weren’t worried about you, I would have been abroad with Mom and Dad!” My mind went blank. My ears rang. I couldn’t even hear what he was saying anymore. I stood there for a long time, then nodded resignedly. “Give me back the $13,000 I gave you.” That was money I earned with my life. He glanced at me with disdain and made a call. Moments later, someone brought out my bag of cash. I wiped my tears, picked up the money, and prepared to leave. Ethan watched my back, about to speak, but Chloe stopped him. “Let her go. Let’s see where she can go!” I closed the door on them and walked back to the slums with my money. I took out my key to open the door, but a hand grabbed my wrist. “Miss, this apartment has been sold. You can’t go in.” “Sold to a Mr. Vance?” I didn’t even look up. “Yes. How did you know?” I smiled self-deprecatingly and walked away with my money. Two steps later, the piercing pain in my stomach returned. I went to a nearby hospital. While waiting for results, I went to pay the fees. But as soon as I handed over the cash, security guards pinned me down. My head was spinning, I had no strength to fight. In my daze, I heard words like “counterfeit money” and “call the police.” Soon, the police arrived. The officer frowned at me. “Miss, these bills are fake. Where did you get them?” I was in shock. I fumbled to pull out the contract from my pocket. “I don’t know! I earned it from a drug trial job!” “This has nothing to do with me!” He looked at the contract, his frown deepening. “You were likely scammed. This company is a criminal front.” “Did they draw your blood?” My pupils constricted. I nodded mechanically. The officer sighed. “The drug might be fine, but the needles…” He couldn’t finish the sentence. A bad feeling rose in my chest. Just then, the test results came out. The doctor handed them to the police officer. “Stage 3 blood disease. Those scammers are vicious!” Retrch— I couldn’t hold it back anymore. I vomited black blood and collapsed, unconscious. Before my eyes closed, I heard the officer shouting: “Contact the family! Hurry!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “391010”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

The night before my wedding, I walked in on my fiancé and my sister having sex. When the truth came out, everyone urged me to step aside. My mother said, “Since Chloe and Caleb love each other, just let them be together. Be the bigger person, give Caleb to your sister.” My father added, “Enough, Sarah. We’re all family. Don’t be so petty.” Even my fiancé just kept his head down, silent. I didn’t scream. I didn’t fight. That very night, I packed my bags and left New York. Before I walked out the door, my mother threw her final threat: “If you leave today, we are disowning you. Don’t ever come back! We won’t care if you live or die. Don’t expect us to collect your body if you die out there!” I didn’t look back. “Fine. Consider me disowned.” After that day, the wedding went on as planned. Only the bride had changed. I didn’t return home for six full years. … Until six years later, when I returned to New York. After the military commendation ceremony, I ran into Caleb Vance again. “Long time no see, Sarah Miller.” I was walking out of the base when a familiar male voice stopped me. I looked up and met his eyes. Six years hadn’t aged him; he looked even more handsome. White shirt, dark jeans, a black trench coat. His hair was cut short and sharp, his posture straight as he quietly watched me. “Long time no see,” I replied with a polite smile. Caleb seemed stunned by my calm tone. After a moment, he spoke slowly, “Mom and Dad know you’re back in New York for the ceremony. They prepared dinner at home. Come back and eat with us tonight.” “Mom and Dad”—he meant my parents. I nodded. “Okay. It’s been six years. It’s time to go back.” Seeing my agreement, he turned and led the way. An hour later, my modified Jeep pulled up to the entrance of the Happiness Gardens complex. The rugged vehicle looked out of place in this old, worn-down neighborhood. I stepped out, looking toward what used to be home. Six years. The old alleys were gone, replaced by high-rise apartments. The corner store was now a chain supermarket. The willow tree at the intersection had vanished. I walked forward, surrounded by strangers. Even Mr. Sun, the old neighbor, had moved away. Finally, I reached unit 502 in Building 3. I rang the bell. The door opened. My mother stood there in a grease-stained apron. Her once-black hair was now streaked with gray. She froze when she saw me. I broke the silence. “Mom.” She snapped out of it, staring at her youngest daughter—standing tall in a crisp military uniform, radiating confidence. Her voice trembled. “Sarah… you’re back. Come, come in.” Compared to her nervousness and excitement, I remained calm. I changed into slippers and walked inside. The once dark and cramped living room was now spacious and bright. The sofa was clean, the coffee table uncluttered, and fresh lilies bloomed in a vase. The only thing that hadn’t changed was the display cabinet flanking the TV. It was still filled with my sister Chloe’s awards, from childhood to adulthood. Just then, my father walked out of the kitchen carrying a plate of roast chicken. He smiled awkwardly when he saw me. “You’re back. Dad saved the drumsticks for you today.” Growing up, whenever we had chicken, the drumsticks were always Chloe’s. There were two drumsticks, but both went to her. I replied, “No thanks. The military has strict dietary regulations right now. I can’t eat outside food. I’ll just sit for a bit.” A flicker of embarrassment crossed my father’s eyes. Hearing the commotion, Caleb and my sister, Chloe Miller, came out of the kitchen. Chloe wore her hair in a low bun, gold-rimmed glasses perched on her nose. Dressed in a white knit sweater and a camel trench coat, she exuded a mature, feminine charm. When she saw me, her gaze shifted unnaturally. Dinner was awkward. I barely ate two bites. I sat at the table like a stranger, listening to the four of them talk about people I didn’t know and things I didn’t care about. When they were almost done, I checked my watch and stood up. “It’s getting late. I should go.” My mother immediately spoke up. “Aren’t you staying? We haven’t seen you in so many years. Stay the night, let’s talk.” I asked calmly, “Is there a room for me?” Our old home had three rooms. One for my parents, one for my sister, and one rented out. I slept in the living room. My mother seemed to recall the past, embarrassment flashing in her eyes. “In this new apartment, Mom saved a room just for you.” “The sheets and covers are brand new. I just washed them.” Facing her olive branch, I simply shook my head. “No need. The military arranged housing for me.” I picked up my coat and turned to leave. 1 The next day, I spent the morning visiting a few local scenic spots. In the afternoon, as I was leaving the temple, I received a call from my mother. I hesitated for a moment before answering. “Sarah,” her voice came through the receiver, “you didn’t eat much the other day. Was the food not to your liking?” “Your dad booked a table at a nice restaurant for tonight. Let’s have dinner together, okay?” In my memory, my mother had never spoken to me with such a pleading tone. It was always demands and accusations. Thinking of the gray in her hair, I agreed. “Okay. I’ll be there.” I hung up and headed to the restaurant. When I walked into the private room, I paused. Besides my parents, Caleb, and Chloe, there was a stranger—a man. Seeing me enter, my mother quickly stood up and pulled me to sit next to her. I asked, “I thought this was a family dinner? Who is this?” Chloe spoke up. “Sarah, this is a colleague from Caleb’s Go club. He’s single.” “He’s a 6-dan professional Go player. Very talented and hardworking.” “We thought we’d take this chance to introduce you two. If you settle down early, Mom and Dad can rest easy.” My father added, “It doesn’t have to work out. Just making a friend. When you come back to New York, you can hang out.” As soon as he finished, the man smiled at me. “Miss Miller, hello. I’m Jason Rivers. I heard you’re in the military. Female soldiers are impressive. Can I get your number? Let’s get to know each other.” I understood immediately. They set me up on a blind date. Six years of no contact, and the first thing they do is try to arrange my marriage. I looked at Jason sitting opposite me. Average looks, thin build. His entire outfit cost less than one of my necklaces. I spoke slowly. “Mr. Rivers, since this is a blind date, let’s get straight to the point.” “Do you own property within the Second Ring Road? Did you drive here? What car? Is it fully paid off? Do you have savings? How many figures? Any debt? And… as a professional player, how many championships have you won?” Jason was stunned by the barrage of questions. He stammered, unable to speak. The others at the table were equally shocked. “Uh… I just remembered I have something to do at the club… I’ll go first.” Jason stood up awkwardly, grabbed his coat, muttered a goodbye, and fled. After he left, Chloe looked at me with displeasure. “Sarah, how could you be so blunt? Who asks questions like that? You scared him off. Who will dare to date you now?” I remained calm. “Isn’t asking about conditions the point of a blind date?” I swept my gaze over everyone, finally resting on my mother. “Mom, do you know how much I make a year now?” My mother murmured something unintelligible. “I’m a Major General now. The salary isn’t astronomical, but my savings are a hundred times his. Money isn’t an issue.” “The Jeep I drove home cost a million dollars. I have five properties in New York and three in Shanghai.” I pointed to the necklace around my neck. “And this… Chloe, your lifetime salary probably couldn’t buy it.” Leaving them in shock and Chloe with an ugly expression, I stood up. “I remember Mom once said: a woman’s class is determined by her husband’s class.” “Mom, Dad, Chloe… arranging a man who is clearly beneath me… what exactly are you trying to do?” “Is it really for my own good? Or can you just not stand to see me doing better than you?” I didn’t want to say more. I turned and left. Some time later, my phone rang again. It was Caleb. “Sarah, do you want ice cream today?” It was our secret code. Years ago, when we were secretly dating in high school, we used this code to meet up without teachers knowing. After we officially got together at eighteen, we kept using it. Whenever we fought, if one of us said this, it meant they wanted a truce. Caleb held his breath, waiting. “No! Don’t call me asking these questions. We should keep our distance.” “I don’t want people misunderstanding that I’m messing with a married man.” I hung up immediately. Just as I was about to turn off my phone, a WeChat message popped up from Chloe. [Sarah Miller, you still hate me, don’t you?] [You said all that today on purpose, right? Showing off how well you’re doing? Trying to make Caleb regret it?] [If you don’t have those intentions, then get married soon. It’ll give everyone peace of mind.] I didn’t reply. I turned off my phone, tossed it aside, and started packing for my return to the Shanghai base tomorrow. 2 Daxing International Airport. I dressed low-key, wearing sunglasses and a mask as I arrived at the terminal. From a distance, I saw my parents, Caleb, and Chloe standing there. Maybe due to blood ties, my parents recognized me instantly. “Sarah!” I frowned. “Why are you here?” “Chloe said you’re heading back to Shanghai today. We came to see you off.” My mother looked awkward. “About yesterday… we didn’t think it through. It won’t happen again.” My father added, “Yes, come home often.” They were always like this. Make a mistake, promise never again, and then do it again next time. Caleb looked at me, wanting to say something. “Sarah…” I checked my phone and interrupted him. “You didn’t need to come. Someone is picking me up.” Chloe’s tone was sharp. “You haven’t been back in six years. You have no friends here. Who’s picking you up?” As soon as she finished, a voice called out from behind me. “Mama!” They all looked. A little white dumpling of a girl was running toward me. Behind her followed a man in a dark blue pilot’s uniform. The little girl threw herself into my arms. “Mama, Papa and I flew a plane to pick you up!” They froze. I bent down, picked her up, and planted a big kiss on her soft cheek. “Was Annie good at home? Did you listen to Papa? Did you miss Mama every day?” Annie wrapped her arms around my neck and nodded vigorously. “I was good! I listened to Papa! I missed Mama every day!” Watching my daughter, my heart melted. Chloe recovered first. She frowned at the child in my arms. “Sarah Miller, is this really your child? When did you get married?” I didn’t hide it. “Four years ago.” My mother couldn’t help but ask, “Why didn’t you tell the family about such a big thing? Who is the father?” Just then, the man in the pilot’s uniform stepped forward. He took my arm and addressed them. “Mom, Dad, hello. I’m Sarah’s husband, Liam Chen. I’m a captain for New City Airlines.” “Because of Sarah’s job, we kept the marriage private. I apologize for not visiting sooner.” He took the child from my arms. “Annie, these are your grandparents, uncle, and aunt. Say hello.” Annie waved her little hand. “Hello Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle, Auntie.” “I’m Annie Chen. I’m three years old.” My parents hurriedly responded. “Oh, hello, hello. Annie is so well-behaved.” “Grandma didn’t prepare a gift. Next time you come to Beijing, Grandma will cook something good for you, okay?” Annie nodded. “Okay!” Caleb’s eyes were glued to me, not missing a single expression. But my attention was entirely on my child and Liam. I didn’t even look at him. Chloe watched my family of three, and her tense shoulders finally relaxed. My mother reached out to hug the child, but I spoke up. “It’s getting late. We have to go.” My mother retracted her hand awkwardly. “Alright, go ahead. Text us when you get home.” Liam nodded. “We will. Mom, Dad, take care.” “Annie, say bye-bye.” Annie waved. “Bye-bye Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle, Auntie.” We turned and walked away. Back in Shanghai, my work at the base continued to be busy. Two weeks later, my assistant told me a man was looking for me at the base. I was surprised to see Caleb. “What are you doing here?” Caleb hesitated. “Can we talk alone?” My assistant sensibly left. Once we were alone, Caleb looked at me. “Sarah, I’m going to divorce Chloe.” “I admit it. I regret it.” I froze. “Caleb Vance, do you know what you’re saying?” He nodded earnestly. “Sarah, I regretted it a long time ago.” “Back then, I was arrogant. I thought as a genius Go player, my partner should be equally ‘excellent.’ I thought I should choose someone on my wavelength.” “So I chose your sister. At first, we were in sync. We thought alike, worked with the same intensity. Even our personalities were similar.” “We were happy. But gradually, I got tired. She wouldn’t comfort me when I lost a match like you did; she’d analyze my mistakes. She wouldn’t bow her head first in a fight; I always had to be the one to apologize.” “I started missing how it was with you. But I had no reason to find you. It was my choice. I had to live with it.” “I was ready to accept my fate. But then you came back.” “I thought I forgot you. But seeing you in that uniform… I found that feeling again. That’s when I knew. I regret it.” He exhaled deeply. “I meant to say this the day you left Beijing, but… there was an accident.” “Sarah, will you give me another chance?” I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Caleb, are you crazy?” “I’m married. I have a child. Give you a chance? If you have problems with Chloe, solve them yourself. Don’t drag me into it.” “Don’t ever say these things again. I’m happy now. I don’t want trouble, I don’t want to reminisce, and I don’t want to be misunderstood.” “Leave. Pretend you never said this, and I never heard it.” “I have work to do.” I walked past him. He grabbed my wrist. His eyes were red, voice hoarse. “Sarah, can you really not forgive me?” Under his pleading gaze, I slowly pulled my hand back. “Caleb. Let go.” I shook him off and walked away. Caleb stood there, watching me leave, a mist filling his eyes. The old Sarah would have been heartbroken to see him shed a single tear. Now, she only had impatience. 3 That night, I was in the car with my husband and daughter, heading back from dinner at my mother-in-law’s. I fell asleep against the window. A sharp ringtone woke me. It was Chloe. I answered quickly to not wake Annie. “What?” Chloe’s accusatory voice came through. “Is Caleb with you?” I frowned. “No.” Silence on the other end. Then: “I checked his flight records. He flew to Shanghai yesterday. He didn’t go see you?” “Sarah Miller, you came back just to steal him, didn’t you?” I was shocked. “Chloe, you and Caleb are truly a match made in heaven. You both say the most insane things.” “He did come to find me today. Said a bunch of nonsense and left. If you want him, call him. I don’t want to be involved in your messy marriage.” “My daughter is sleeping. Bye.” I hung up. Liam, driving, asked, “Your sister?” “Yeah,” I said. “Caleb came to the base today. Said he regrets everything, plans to divorce her, spouted a lot of weird stuff.” Liam’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. “And… what do you think?” Hearing the tension in his voice, I smiled. “I kicked him out, of course. What does his regret have to do with me? Captain Chen, can you have a little more confidence in yourself and me? Am I that fickle? Plus, our daughter is so cute. I’m not giving up this happy life.” Liam’s lips curved up. But he sighed deliberately. “But Caleb is a genius player. I’m just a pilot. No fame, less money. Am I embarrassing you?” I pinched his cheek. “Hubby, you underestimate yourself. With a face like that, what are you afraid of? Don’t worry, your wife is rich. I can support you forever. Just let me keep you.” Liam laughed, grabbing my hand and kissing my palm. “Okay. I’ll happily be a kept man then.” 4 Caleb returned to his Beijing home late at night. A single floor lamp lit the living room. Chloe sat on the sofa, phone in hand, the screen light casting shadows on her face. “You’re back?” Her voice was calm. “Yeah.” Caleb bent to change his shoes. The winter chill clung to him, but his heart burned from the conversation with me. “Where did you go?” Chloe put down her phone, eyes following him. “…Shanghai.” He hesitated but told the truth. The air solidified. “To see Sarah?” Her voice dropped. Caleb didn’t speak, a silent admission. He poured a glass of water, fingers trembling slightly. “What did you go to her for?” Chloe stood up, anger finally seeping into her voice. “Didn’t you chat enough at the restaurant? Or did you need to continue in Shanghai?” “Chloe!” Caleb turned, slamming the cup down. “Can you stop talking like that?” “How should I talk?” She stepped closer, red veins visible behind her glasses. “Should I smile and ask if you had fun with my sister? Ask if you reminisced about the past?” “Enough!” Caleb took a deep breath. “Chloe, let’s get a divorce.” The living room went dead silent. Chloe looked like she’d been punched. Shock, then disbelief and pain. “What… did you say?” Her voice was barely a whisper. “I said, let’s divorce.” Caleb looked away. “Our problems aren’t new. I thought if I worked hard, we could make it. But I was wrong. We… aren’t right for each other.” “Not right?” Chloe repeated, then laughed bitterly. “Six years, Caleb. Now you say we’re not right? Who said we were a perfect match? Who said it was destiny?” “I was wrong back then!” Caleb’s voice rose, eyes reddening. “I was naive. I thought matching personalities and careers meant love. But life isn’t a game of Go! I want warmth, tolerance, someone I can lean on! Not a referee who points out my every mistake!” “Yes, you’re excellent, a top lawyer. But you give me more pressure than warmth! When I lose, you analyze my errors instead of comforting me! When we fight, I always have to bow first! You’re always so calm, so correct! I’m sick of it!” Chloe stared at him, as if seeing him for the first time. She opened her mouth but no sound came out. “I regret it,” Caleb let the tears fall, wiping them angrily. “Chloe, I regret my choice. seeing Sarah so happy, seeing how much her husband and child love her… I can’t help but think, if I hadn’t been so vain, if I hadn’t been blinded by ‘compatibility’… would the person standing beside her, being treated so gently, be me?” “So,” Chloe’s voice rasped like sandpaper, “you want to divorce me because of her?” Caleb was silent for a few seconds. He nodded, then shook his head. “Not entirely. But… seeing her made me realize what I really want. And it made me realize… there’s no love left between us. Only habit.” Chloe didn’t speak. She lowered her head, shoulders shaking. Caleb thought she was angry. But when he prepared to continue, he heard a soft, suppressed sob. He froze. Chloe… was crying? The Chloe who was always calm, composed, never showing weakness… was crying like a child. Silent, but devastated. It was the first time he’d seen her cry. Caleb’s heart clenched. The harsh words died in his throat. “…Chloe?” She didn’t look up. She wiped her face hard. When she spoke, her voice was hoarse. “I’m sorry.” Caleb was stunned. “I’m sorry,” she repeated, finally looking at him with red eyes. “I… didn’t do enough. I only thought about us being excellent… I forgot to ask if you were tired.” Tears flowed again. “Caleb, don’t… don’t mention divorce now, okay? It’s almost New Year’s. Mom and Dad are old, they can’t take it. At least… wait until after the holidays?” She was begging. Looking at this fragile stranger, Caleb’s mind was a mess. Anger and resolve receded like the tide, leaving only confusion and… pity. He nodded. “Okay. Before New Year’s… I won’t bring it up.” Chloe seemed relieved, yet heavier. She looked at him deeply, then turned to the bedroom. “Rest early.” That night, they lay in the same bed, separated by an invisible, icy river. In the dark, Chloe spoke. “Caleb.” “…Yeah?” “Let’s have a baby.” Caleb stiffened. “Maybe… with a child, everything will be different.” Her voice was soft, hopeful. “We’ll be more like a family. I’ll learn… to be a good mother, and a better wife.” But in Caleb’s mind, the image of the little white dumpling in Shanghai airport surfaced. Her smile, her voice calling “Mama.” And the overflowing tenderness in Sarah’s eyes when she looked at him. That was the love and family he imagined. “…No,” he heard himself say dryly. “Not now. I… I’m not ready.” Beside him, Chloe’s breath hitched. After a long time, a faint sigh. “Sleep.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “391008”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

I kidnapped Chloe Vance, the wife of the new tech mogul, Caleb Vance. And I expected a hefty ransom from him. “You might be disappointed,” Chloe said. “Caleb doesn’t love me anymore.” Her tone was too calm. So calm that I didn’t believe a word she said. After all, Chloe lived in a basement with Caleb for five years. She worked three jobs a day to support his startup. When Caleb finally made it big, the first thing he did was give her the wedding of the century. They were in love. Everyone thought so. I used her phone to call Caleb. On the thirteenth attempt, he finally picked up. Hearing my demand, Caleb laughed. “Chloe’s getting creative, hiring actors now? Tell her to behave. As long as she doesn’t cross my bottom line, she’ll always be the envy of everyone as Mrs. Vance.” He hung up. Chloe looked resigned. “You won’t get any ransom from him.” Then, her tone shifted: “But I can give you twenty million dollars.” Her request was simple: Help her fake her death. … Three days later, Chloe’s “body” was finally found. I stared at the pale-faced man on the TV screen, curious. Didn’t he say he didn’t love her? Then why is he crying? 1 After calling Caleb nine times with no answer, frustration bubbled up inside me. My stomach chose this moment to protest. I opened Uber Eats, planning to order something first. Scrolling for a while, I was about to place an order when Chloe, who had been silent behind me, spoke up. “Don’t order from that place. It’s not sanitary.” I turned to look at her, frowning. Bound to a chair, Chloe didn’t seem scared. Seeing me look at her, she twitched her lips: “Try the clay pot rice on the bottom left. I used to deliver for them. It’s clean and tastes good.” I paused. I didn’t reply, but I hesitated. A minute later, I backed out and ordered the clay pot rice she recommended. While waiting for the food, maybe out of boredom, or maybe because this woman in expensive clothes but with a down-to-earth vibe intrigued me, I asked casually: “You used to be a delivery driver?” “Yeah,” Chloe said. “I covered this area and the East Side.” I was surprised. Then I remembered. I had read about this in a finance magazine. As the wife of Caleb Vance, the new tech darling, the public was always curious about Chloe. They envied her investment skills, envied her luck. A media outlet even did an exclusive interview with her. After that interview, fewer people said Chloe was just lucky. Because what Chloe did for Caleb, few girls could do. They met in college, fell in love. After graduation, Caleb didn’t look for a job. He holed up in his room writing code that seemed to have no future at the time. Chloe bore all the living expenses. She lived in a basement with Caleb for five years. She worked three jobs a day just to earn a little more to support Caleb’s dream. Facing the reporter, she smiled shyly: “Because I love him, I don’t feel tired.” “Caleb is amazing. See? He didn’t let me down.” The camera panned to the audience. Caleb sat in the corner, eyes red. Staff said Mr. Vance pushed back an important meeting just to be there because he was afraid his wife would be nervous. Caleb seemed worthy of Chloe’s love. After achieving success, he gave Chloe the wedding of the century. At the wedding, he rubbed Chloe’s rough hands and promised with a trembling voice: “One thing will never change in this life.” “That is Caleb Vance loves Chloe Vance.” Everyone knew how much they loved each other. Including me. So, I planned a kidnapping. I kidnapped Chloe, expecting a high ransom from Caleb. 2 Chloe tried to lie to me at first. She said: “Sorry, you might be disappointed.” “Caleb doesn’t love me anymore.” I didn’t believe her clumsy lie. Because she was too calm. Calm like she was talking about what she had for lunch. This calmness made me certain she was lying. … The clay pot rice Chloe recommended was indeed good. I ate every last grain. After finishing, I looked at Chloe hesitantly. Her voice was soft: “Don’t worry about me, I’m not hungry.” Chloe was definitely the most cooperative, gentlest hostage… Since she said she wasn’t hungry, I didn’t push it. I picked up her phone and dialed Caleb again. No answer… No answer… Still no answer. suppressing my annoyance, I dialed the thirteenth time. Still a long busy tone, but just as it was about to disconnect automatically, someone picked up. “Hello?” It was a woman. I looked at the call screen in confusion. Confirmed I didn’t dial the wrong number. “Where is Caleb?” “You are… Chloe?” The woman didn’t seem familiar with Chloe, barely recognizing her voice. Sound of light footsteps. She seemed to have moved to a more open area with the phone. “Mr. Vance is asleep.” She said: “What do you need?” I asked her: “Who are you?” “Me?” The woman laughed as if hearing a great joke. “Do you even need to ask? Chloe, we just met this morning. We didn’t speak, but you should remember me.” “I’m Vivian, Mr. Vance’s… mistress.” My eyes widened. Three seconds later, I slammed the phone down. For a moment, I thought I was being played. Did they team up to trap me? But thinking about it, I dismissed the idea. I’m just an ordinary woman; they wouldn’t notice me. … Caleb has a mistress. This twist disrupted my plan! I started to re-evaluate what Chloe said earlier. Caleb doesn’t love her anymore. If it’s true… Caleb might not care about her safety and call the police the moment I ask for ransom. Once the police are involved, I’m in trouble. But, how is this possible? How could Caleb stop loving Chloe? After the confusion passed, I turned to look at Chloe. The room was quiet. Chloe wasn’t far from me. She heard everything the woman said on the phone. Her expression didn’t change much, but sadness floated in her eyes. “You might not know,” she said. “I was kidnapped by you on my way to handle a scandal for Caleb.” 3 Sitting in front of Chloe, I asked my question: “Why doesn’t he love you anymore?” Chloe paused. After a long time, she said: “Maybe because he loved me too much.” What kind of answer is that? Chloe explained in the next second. “Back when we were struggling, I delivered food, handed out flyers, set up street stalls.” “I fell off my bike countless times, got harassed by drunks. But the worst was when city management flipped my stall, and scalding oil splashed on my arm.” She moved her arm, revealing a glimpse of a狰狞 (hideous) scar on her wrist. “I lay in the hospital for three days. Caleb guarded me for three days.” “Later, when life got better, he never let me in the kitchen.” “Every time he saw the scars on my body, his eyes would turn red.” “He would feel guilty, hate himself for succeeding too late, for making me suffer so much.” “But…” Chloe’s tone shifted, her voice turning bitter. “Successful people generally hate these negative emotions.” “They enjoy flowers, applause, admiration. Looking back at the past wretchedness… it feels unbearable.” “Equally unbearable is the suffering I endured as his wife. Caleb gradually stopped touching my scars. Seeing them made him frown, subconsciously avoid them. Even during intimacy, he would turn off the lights…” “One afternoon, he suggested I get scar removal surgery.” “He used to hate himself. Now, he started hating these scars.” I frowned listening. I thought Chloe was delusional. “Is this called loving you too much?” I sneered. “This is called loving the new and loathing the old. It’s the inherent bad nature of men.” “Once they have money, they like young, pretty, smooth skin.” “Disgusting.” My merciless ridicule stunned Chloe. She didn’t get angry; instead, she laughed. “You’re right.” “I was deceiving myself.” 4 While I was thinking of a plan, Chloe suddenly seemed full of desire to talk. She told me about her first meeting with Caleb. “I got really good at riding an e-bike for deliveries later, but when I started college, I couldn’t even ride a bicycle.” “I bought a bike in a second-hand group. The seller was Caleb. He brought the bike to my dorm and taught me hand-in-hand.” “I wasn’t a fast learner, but he was very patient.” “The summer afternoon was hot but quiet. That afternoon made us familiar, and we became friends.” … Chloe rambled on, looking nostalgic. She talked about how they got to know each other and fell in love. I wasn’t interested. So I tuned most of it out. Chloe’s tone changed: “So the first time I found out he cheated, I went crazy.” My hand scrolling through the phone paused. I looked up at her. Chloe: “I questioned him like a madwoman, blamed him. Even went to find that woman.” “Compared to her, I was indeed old and faded. Looking at her young, pretty face, I felt like a clown…” “Caleb comforted me, said it was just an accident. He said he was set up while drunk, it wasn’t his intention.” “He asked me to forgive him.” “But such forgiveness… within a year, I forgave him four times.” “By the fifth time, I was very calm.” “Or you could say, I got used to it.” “I paid to buy the photos from the paparazzi, diligently cleaned up his mess. I also negotiated with greedy women, paying them to shut up.” “Three years after Caleb’s success, we went from a loving couple to business partners.” “He was very satisfied with my ‘sensibility.’ He thought I compromised for the position of Mrs. Vance.” She paused. I looked up at her: “And in reality?” Chloe blinked, a bitter smile on her lips: “It was just… unwillingness to let go.” Buzz—Buzz— While speaking, the phone vibrated. Someone was calling. I glanced at Chloe’s phone. It was Caleb calling back. I glared at Chloe, signaling her not to speak. Walking to the window, I pressed answer. “What do you want?” Caleb’s voice was tired, cold. I hesitated for two seconds. Remembering his past with Chloe, I decided to gamble. I got straight to the point: “Chloe is in my hands.” “If you don’t want her dead, have five million in cash ready at the location I specify by 7 PM, otherwise…” “Oh, then kill her.” Caleb interrupted me. I froze for two seconds, looking back at Chloe in shock. Her face was expressionless, but I could feel her sadness. I closed my eyes, steadying myself. “What did you say?!” Caleb sounded amused: “Don’t take me for a fool.” “Is Chloe right next to you? Tell her for me, stop playing these boring games. As long as she behaves, she will always be the envy of everyone as Mrs. Vance.” “I’m in a meeting. Whatever it is, we’ll talk when I get back.” I snapped out of it, hurriedly shouting: “Wait!” But Caleb had already hung up. I gripped the phone, body stiff. Chloe suddenly apologized to me. “Sorry, I… once faked an illness to get him to come back for my birthday.” “He was very angry then. Now he’s convinced I’m a liar.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “391007”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

For six years, the company’s Office Admin, Sarah, has given me the worst holiday bonus gifts. While others walk away with King Crab legs and luxury gift baskets, I’m left with a styrofoam cooler full of rotting fruit. When I confronted her, she sneered, “Trash gets trash.” I didn’t argue. I kept my head down for six years, silently climbing from an invisible nobody to the Lead Project Auditor. Then came the Annual Core Bidding Meeting. I flipped through a proposal— The legal representative of the bidding company was none other than the “perfect husband” Sarah had bragged about for six years. I picked up my red pen. Under “Corporate Credit Rating,” I wrote a single digit: “0.” 1 The message from the Admin Department popped up in the company-wide Slack channel, and the office erupted. @everyone: Year-end bonuses are ready in the breakroom! Imported Cherries + Seafood Deluxe Boxes. Please line up by department~ 🎉🎉🎉 Leo, sitting next to me, jumped up, eyes shining. “Anna! The company really splurged this year!” I didn’t say a word. I closed my report on the Cold Chain Logistics project and stood up to join the line. The breakroom was packed like a subway car at rush hour. The sound of tape ripping and excited chatter mixed with the faint scent of the ocean. Distributing the gifts was, as always, Sarah. She didn’t check a list. Her eyes scanned the crowd with the precision of a facial recognition scanner. When she saw the male colleagues, especially the managers, her eyes crinkled into crescents, her voice dripping with honey: “Dave! You worked so hard! Your department is number one in sales, you deserve the best!” She pulled a box of dark, ruby-red cherries and a heavy seafood gift box from the neatly stacked front row. through the clear packaging, the spiky legs of King Crabs and massive Tiger Prawns were clearly visible. When it was Leo’s turn, Sarah’s smile got even sweeter. “Leo! The CEO praised your Tech team’s project three times in the meeting!” She stood on her tiptoes, grabbing a visibly larger box from the top shelf and shoving it into Leo’s arms. “This is the biggest one! I saved it just for you!” Leo grinned from ear to ear. “Thanks, Sarah! You’re the best!” “You deserve it,” she winked. “We’re counting on you for next year too!” Her affectionate tone was like a honey-coated razor, slicing through the fake harmony in the air. The line moved, and soon, it was my turn. I placed my badge gently on the table. In that instant— The smile on Sarah’s face vanished as if someone hit the delete button. She didn’t even look up at me. She bent down, reached into a deformed, dusty cardboard box by her feet, and pulled out a container of cherries. The top layer was withered and dark; some had split open, staining the packaging with dark red juice. Then she walked to the seafood section, used the toe of her shoe to hook a plain white styrofoam cooler from the very back, and slammed it down in front of me along with the rotten cherries. Thud. The cooler was dented in one corner. On the lid, written in black sharpie, was the word “SAMPLE.” The whole process took less than five seconds. Smooth, decisive, practiced. Whispers rippled around me: “Look, Sarah’s ‘annual show’ is back.” “Six years now, right? Anna really has patience.” “It’s not patience. Sarah just plays favorites.” “Look at the guy behind her, the new VP’s assistant. Sarah looks ready to empty the warehouse for him.” I didn’t look up. I simply reached out, calmly picking up the box of rotten cherries and the broken cooler. As I turned to leave, I heard Sarah’s voice pitch up again, sugary sweet: “Mike! You’re here! This one is the fullest, I hid it just for you!” I carried my things through the crowd and into the hallway. Leo was waiting for me around the corner, looking like he wanted to say something. He looked at the pathetic “bonus” in my hands, opened his mouth, then sighed. “Anna, why do you put up with this? She’s just shallow. She only cares about immediate benefits.” “Fighting her just hurts you,” he leaned in, lowering his voice. “If you ask me, just compliment her, buy her a boba tea. Next year she’ll give you the good stuff.” “It’s easier to deal with the devil than his minions.” I stopped. My fingers tightened slightly, leaving white marks on the plastic bag. I didn’t look at Leo. My gaze went past his shoulder, through the glass partition, back to the breakroom. Sarah was bowing attentively, helping the VP’s assistant organize his boxes, her smile blindingly bright. I withdrew my gaze, my voice calm. “I’m not putting up with it.” Leo paused. “I’m waiting.” Before he could process that, I turned and carried my boxes back to my office. Six years. Sarah, your show is about to end. Now, it’s my turn on stage. 2 It wasn’t a deep hatred between us. Not really. It barely counted as a feud. What really made me decide to fight her to the end happened during my second year at the company. That was the coldest winter of my life. My mom was diagnosed with a severe illness. The surgery costs crushed me like a mountain. I worked days, took freelance gigs at night, and spent weekends at the hospital. For three months, I slept less than four hours a night. A week before Christmas, Mom was finally discharged. But the follow-up treatments and meds required money I was terrified to calculate. After paying the final hospital bill, I stared at the number on my banking app for a long time: $13.68. The year-end bonus wouldn’t come until January. How to survive the holidays became my biggest problem. So that year, the company’s holiday bonus wasn’t just icing on the cake. It was a lifeline. Rumor said there would be rice, oil, and seafood. I thought, at least Mom and I could have a decent Christmas dinner. On distribution day, I stood in line, thinking about the $13.68 in my account. I planned to use it for vegetables if the bonus wasn’t enough. It was my turn. I placed my badge on the table, hearing my own heart pound. My face was pale, dark circles heavy under my eyes, lips cracked. She glanced at me. No sympathy, just a slight curl of her lip. A silent, utter contempt. She took a plastic bag from under the table, threw in a small bag of rice and a tiny bottle of oil. Then she went to the seafood freezer. Others got whole fish, whole lobsters. She dug around for a while, picking out a few broken crab legs, some shrimp fragments, and the smallest fish she could find, tossing them into the bag. The bag bulged, the thin plastic revealing the pathetic contents inside. My face burned hot. Blood rushed to my head, ears ringing. Shame washed over me like ice water. Maybe exhaustion broke my reason, or maybe the $13 in my pocket made me desperate. I gathered my courage, voice trembling with a plea I despised: “Sarah… could you… swap this for a normal one? My mom just got out of the hospital, she needs nutrition…” My voice was small, but she stopped. The room went quiet. Sarah looked up, eyes arrogant. “Oh, is your family special?” She lifted her chin, scanning the silent room, showing off her power. “Company benefits are for everyone, not just you! Don’t want it? Leave it! People are waiting!” Boom. The string in my mind snapped. Humiliation turned into red-hot needles, driving into my bones. I saw people look away, some with pity, others exchanging glances with Sarah, enjoying the show. Every look was a knife. I shook uncontrollably. I wanted to scream, to smash that bag into her face! But I didn’t. My mom was waiting at home. I needed that rice, that oil, even those broken crab legs. I didn’t say another word. I picked up the pathetic red plastic bag and walked away quickly, head down, under everyone’s gaze. The bag was too thin. A sharp crab leg pierced it. The hole opened and closed as I walked, like a mouth laughing silently. That night, I made porridge with the rice and soup with the seafood scraps. Mom ate happily, saying, “The company treats you so well.” I smiled and nodded, throat choked with cotton. The wind howled outside. The last bit of naive hope for “fairness” or “humanity” in my heart was crushed that winter, along with that beggar’s handout of a “bonus.” It was replaced by a clear, cold, hard thought: Dignity is never won by begging or yielding. Some debts must be collected, with interest. And Sarah… We have a long time ahead of us. 3 After that winter, I never spoke to Sarah unless it was work-related. Even when our eyes met, we looked away coldly. I threw all my energy into work. I devoured the hardest industry analyses, taught myself supply chain systems, and spent countless nights building models and running data. I once stood before the Director of Operations with a thick stack of reports, my voice calm: “We aren’t failing to penetrate this market; our method is wrong.” He frowned at first, then listened in silence. Finally, he said, “Try it.” I took on the high-end fresh food cold chain project that no one wanted. I built the partnership network from scratch, running to ports, squatting in warehouses, monitoring temperature controls personally. When partners were difficult, I smiled and accepted all demands, then returned with a flawless plan that shut them up. When my team complained it was too hard, I never explained. I just stayed up late optimizing routes. Gradually, the complaints stopped. More people followed. Year four: the first test order passed, and the client signed a long-term intent. Year five: we won the “Cold Chain Innovation of the Year” award at the industry expo. Year six: the company established the Fresh Supply Chain Division. I became the head. Reporting directly to the CEO. People who used to call me “Annie” now respectfully called me “Director Anna.” Even Leo stood straighter when he saw me. “Director Anna.” The pity in his eyes had turned into absolute caution. At the executive table, my words carried weight. I was the “problem solver” in the boss’s eyes, the sharpest nail in “Project Dawn.” My world had turned upside down. But in one corner, time seemed to have stopped. Behind the reception desk, Sarah’s attitude toward me was the same as six years ago. She could still pick the smallest, most battered box for me out of a mountain of gifts. Rotten fruit, broken boxes—like a label of humiliation I couldn’t tear off. Her smirk never changed because of my promotion. In her little game of power, I was frozen as that trembling newbie from six years ago. She even started bragging loudly about her husband in front of me: “My husband just got promoted to VP! His logistics company is a huge supplier for our group!” “He’s reliable and well-connected. If we need logistics, one word from me is better than all the effort some people put in—” After speaking, she’d glance at me. A light look, but it cut like a dull knife. Every time, I took the box calmly and walked away. No arguing, no anger. The ice lake in my heart never rippled. Because I knew— Every time she bragged, she pushed her husband’s company one step closer to the cliff. And I didn’t have to wait much longer. 4 The opportunity came fast and direct. A week before the fiscal year-end, Director Lee called me into his office. “Anna, phase one of ‘Project Dawn’ finished a month early. The board is very happy.” He handed me a file, unable to hide his excitement. “This is the plan for phase two next year. We need to integrate more efficient logistics partners to handle the order explosion.” I took the file. The paper edge was sharp against my fingertips. “You’re leading the bidding process.” Once the tender was announced, proposals flew into my office like snowflakes. My team filtered them down to three. I had to pick one. I brewed a black coffee, closed the door, and shut the blinds. First: Swift Logistics. Stable plan, but expensive. Second: JD Express. Strong systems, but inflexible. Third: Rapid Transit Logistics. I opened the cover. The company profile was beautiful, printed on glossy paper. Every line screamed “Strength” and “Connections.” Under “Core Team,” the photo of VP Chen took up half the page. Forty-something, slightly overweight, a slick smile. Resume: 15 years in logistics, deep connections, long-term partnerships with major groups. Last line, family info. Spouse: Sarah Miller. Current Front Desk Supervisor, Admin Department. I stared at that line for ten seconds. Then I leaned back and closed my eyes. The office AC hummed like a sleeping beast. My mind wasn’t filled with anger or excitement, but a cold clarity. It was as if six years of suppressed memories snapped into place, forming a complete map. That cold winter. My mom’s pale face. The laughing hole in the plastic bag. $13.68. Her contemptuous smirk. And every year, the arrogance in her eyes as she handed me trash. And every time she shouted “My husband’s company,” “My husband’s connections,” “Better than some people.” The triumphant look she threw my way. Turns out, the prey I was waiting for wasn’t Sarah. It was the mountain she stood on to step on others. And now, the lifeline of that mountain was in my hands.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “391006”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

Before the company’s annual holiday party, we had a raffle. I won the grand prize three times in a row: “Dinner with the CEO.” I immediately traded this “garbage” to a supplier. In exchange for two crates of premium King Crab. The HR manager, Jenny, looked at me with heartbreak: “Riley, do you even want to advance in your career? Do you want to make money?!” I comforted her: “Even corporate slaves have principles. I can’t earn dirty money that makes me ‘unhappy’.” Jenny looked behind me, eyes wide with horror: “C… C…” Me: “See? As long as you understand!” I turned around and locked eyes with the CEO, Ethan Sterling. 1 It wasn’t just him. Standing behind him were the stiff-backed General Manager, the Vice President, and a row of department heads who didn’t dare breathe… Awkwardness washed over me. I didn’t know how much of that conversation they heard. Trying to hide the evidence, I subtly used my foot to kick the styrofoam box of King Crab further under the table. But the box was huge. It got stuck halfway, one corner still stubbornly exposed. I squeezed out a professional smile: “G… Good afternoon, leaders!” Ethan didn’t speak. He just nodded at me, his expression indifferent. His reaction was so flat it gave me the creeps. Did he… not hear me just now? He didn’t get angry. But his executive assistant glanced over the desk and frowned at the styrofoam box by my feet. Clearly thinking fresh seafood didn’t belong in the office. Before the assistant could scold me, the silent Ethan suddenly spoke. His voice was low and magnetic, emotionless: “You won?” My scalp tingled. I nodded: “Yeah!” Ethan raised an eyebrow. His gaze circled my face before landing slowly on the two boxes: “Is that… your prize?” I could feel my manager, Mr. King’s murderous gaze burning a hole in my back. But there was no hiding it now. “No.” I took a deep breath and answered honestly: “I traded for it. King Crab.” Ethan didn’t let me off the hook. He pressed on: “What was your original prize?” I shrank back, my voice getting smaller: “Um, a coupon for… dinner with…” “Oh?” Ethan’s tone lifted. “How many?” I held up three fingers, gesturing shakily: “Th… three.” The silence in the room was deafening. Behind him, the GM and VP gasped. They looked at me like I was a warrior about to be executed. Trading three “Dinner with the CEO” coupons for crab? Whose feral child escaped the asylum?! The assistant frowned deeper, about to speak. But Ethan suddenly twitched the corner of his mouth. He took a step forward, looked down at my precious crab boxes, and said with a mix of disbelief and disdain: “Three tickets, and you only got two boxes?” I froze, instinctively replying: “Huh? These are top-tier female crabs, full of roe, really expensive…” Ethan’s lips seemed to hook up for a split second before flattening again. A look of “you can do better” flashed in his eyes. Finally, he gave me a cool glance and delivered his verdict: “A bit little.” Leaving those three words behind, he put one hand in his pocket and walked away with his long legs, not looking back as the crowd swarmed after him. 2 The entourage left in a grand procession. But the atmosphere got weirder. Trying to ease the tension, I turned to the pale-faced Jenny: “When he said ‘a bit little,’ did he mean I should go ask for two more boxes?” Jenny looked at me like I was insane and dropped one sentence: “Tuck your tail and hide tonight!” I honestly couldn’t tell if “a bit little” meant what I thought it meant. Just as I was debating whether to text him to test the waters, someone knocked on my cubicle wall. “Riley, come to my office.” Mr. King stood in the aisle, holding his thermos. His slightly puffy eyes looked at me with “pity.” In the office, Mr. King took a slow sip of tea, spat out a leaf, and sighed deeply. “Riley, I’m so disappointed in you.” He shook his head, speaking earnestly: “It’s good for young people to have personality, but you can’t be brainless. You think joking with the boss in public makes you special? In the boss’s eyes, that’s disrespectful. That’s lacking boundaries.” I retorted: “I wasn’t joking, and he wasn’t mad.” “Not mad?!” Mr. King raised his voice, interrupting me with a “you’re so naive” look: “A man of his status wouldn’t argue with a junior employee on the spot! That’s called class! But just because he didn’t explode doesn’t mean it’s over.” “Didn’t he say ‘a bit little’? He’s pointing at me, saying the people I manage are shallow and unpresentable.” He put down his cup, leaned forward, and looked serious: “You caused me huge trouble, but as your direct supervisor, I can’t watch you ruin your future over this.” “Just now, to save you, I swallowed my pride and begged Admin to get you a seat at the main table for tonight’s gala.” I froze, instinctively rejecting: “What? Main table? Can I not go…” Sit with Ethan? I can’t eat freely then. Torture! And Admin is weird. Usually, they make Mr. King wait three days for a reimbursement. Why are they so nice now? Giving a seat at the big boss table? Seeing my attitude, Mr. King frowned, looking heartbroken at my “inability to be helped”: “Why are you so ungrateful? Half the company would kill to show their face at the main table! I risked my old face to get you this chance to redeem yourself, and you don’t want it?” He stood up, patted my shoulder, and gave me a speech that gave me goosebumps: “Comrade Riley, the workplace isn’t your home. If you mess up, show the right attitude!” “Tonight, sit next to the boss. Be smart. Pour wine, make toasts. Find a chance to sincerely apologize and smooth over the crab incident.” “As long as the boss drinks your toast, this page is turned. Understand?” Looking at Mr. King, moved to tears by his own generosity, I swallowed my refusal. Fine. Admin already changed the seating. Refusing now is useless. 3 The gala started with festive excitement, but I felt like I was in a different dimension. I stiffly sat at the very end of the main table. Ethan sat at the head. Three VPs separated us. The VPs were laughing nervously, trying to please him, but his expression remained impassive. He toyed with his wine glass, his eyes occasionally drifting to the plate of boiled shrimp in front of me that no one dared touch. I pretended not to notice, counting the peanuts on my plate. What are you looking at?! Want me to peel shrimp for you? Keep dreaming. Just as I was about to sneak a bite of cold appetizers to pad my stomach, Mr. King at the next table started winking at me furiously. He was like a human LED screen, broadcasting on loop: Go! Toast! Do you want to get fired? I played blind. Mr. King got anxious. During a quiet moment, he suddenly stood up with his glass, shouting loudly: “Chairman Sterling! Riley was insensible today. She’s young and impulsive, and she offended you. She’s thin-skinned, but she regrets it deeply.” Every eye in the room focused on us. I almost choked on a peanut. Mr. King gave me no chance to react. He took charge, smiling fawningly: “Riley, why are you spacing out? Hurry up and toast the Chairman, apologize to him!” Great. He put me on the spot. Under everyone’s gaze, I took a deep breath, picked up my glass, and stood up helplessly. “Ch… Chairman Sterling.” I looked at Ethan, trying to look sincere: “I was immature today. I toast this to you. Please… drink as you wish.” Ethan looked up at the glass I extended. His brow furrowed visibly. “Manager King.” Ethan didn’t take my glass. Instead, he slammed his own cup heavily onto the table. Thud. The sound made Mr. King flinch. Ethan, who had just been clinking glasses with the VPs, looked straight at Mr. King and lied without blinking: “I’m allergic to alcohol.” 4 At this point, even an idiot could see Ethan was unhappy. Very, very unhappy. Ethan didn’t wait for Mr. King to react. He threw his napkin on the table. “Carry on.” He dropped a cold command to the GM and walked out. In that moment, Mr. King, who hadn’t even drunk yet, turned dark red. He turned around trembling, popping two heart pills, afraid he’d pass out. Once he caught his breath, he pointed a shaking finger at me, too angry to speak, and stormed off. Watching his furious back, I sighed internally. I really wanted to tell him: Old King, is it possible he just didn’t want me to drink? But I didn’t dare. I was afraid if I said it, Mr. King would have a stroke on the spot. 5 The gala ended late. When I got home, Ethan pulled me into a “deep exchange” of marital affection, leaving me severely sleep-deprived. Passing the pantry, I remembered he probably skipped breakfast, so I grabbed him an iced Americano and a whole wheat sandwich. Coincidentally, Mr. King saw this as he walked in. Watching the assistant take the coffee from me, he wore a gratified smile that said, “I knew you were ambitious.” I ignored him and went to my desk. Just as I settled down to slack off and write a proposal, my phone buzzed. “Bring me lunch later, and a coffee.” Seeing the message from “Manager King,” my brain short-circuited. I replied: “Are you talking to me?” Instant reply: “Who else? You’re the freest in the group.” I laughed in anger. I had the most cases in the group, and he called me free? Ethan didn’t even order me around like this. Who did he think he was? I typed furiously: “Can’t do it. I’m here to do planning, not be your maid!” He didn’t expect the usually submissive sheep to fight back. He exploded, tone rude: “Didn’t you bring it for the Chairman? What, my rank isn’t high enough to order you?” I took a deep breath, deciding to help regulate Mr. King’s blood pressure: “That’s my husband. What, you want to join our marriage?” Silence. I looked up through the glass partition. Mr. King stared at his phone for a full ten seconds, head tilted. He slowly took off his glasses, rubbed his temples, and gave me a look that was incredibly complex and heavy. Then he waved me over: “Riley, come to the small conference room.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “391005”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel