After getting pregnant by accident, I dragged my suitcase to the door, ready to run. The moment I opened it, a stream of text floated before my eyes. [Why are you running? If you run, you’re dead!] [Raven Smith has no brain. She’s carrying the only bloodline of the Morrison family and she dares to hide?] [After the male lead Matthias Morrison’s car accident, his fertility was damaged. The child in Raven’s belly is the Morrison family’s only heir.] [Once Raven runs, the child will be taken by Juliet White. Juliet will marry into the Morrison family with a ready-made kid and rise to power through her son.] I froze mid-step. Half a minute later, I kicked my suitcase back into the walk-in closet. Clutching the pregnancy test, I stormed into the top floor of Morrison Corporation. Matthias Morrison was in a meeting. I pushed open the conference room doors and slammed the report in front of him. “Matthias Morrison, I’m pregnant. It’s yours.” The conference room fell so silent you could hear a pin drop. Dozens of eyes turned to stare at me. Matthias sat at the head of the table, his black shirt buttoned all the way to the top, his eyes cold and indifferent. Three years ago, a car accident nearly took his life. After he survived, the Morrison family’s private hospital issued a diagnosis. Matthias Morrison would have extreme difficulty having children. The Morrison family had been passing down a single heir for thirteen generations. The old matriarch of the family, Lillian Morrison, was so anxious she consulted every renowned doctor. She even secretly arranged blind dates for him, but he coldly sent them all away. So when I threw out this pregnancy test, the faces of the executives in the room were even more spectacular than mine had been when I first saw those floating words. Matthias picked up the report and looked at it for two seconds. “Miss Raven, please leave.” I choked. “You don’t believe me?” He looked up at me, his gaze utterly devoid of warmth. “What do you want?” That sentence hurt more than a slap to the face. I, Raven Smith, the pampered youngest daughter of the Smith family, had been spoiled and arrogant since childhood. I’d certainly done plenty of outrageous things. Like chasing after Grayson Jones for ten years. Like getting drugged at a party and, trying to make Grayson jealous, accidentally pushing myself onto Matthias Morrison instead. And then, after waking up, crying and cursing him for taking advantage of me. Matthias never explained. He just draped his coat over me and had his driver take me home. Half a month later, I found out I was pregnant. My first reaction was to run. After all, if my parents saw this report, they’d tear apart both the baby’s father and me. But the floating text said if I ran, I would die. The child would be taken by Juliet White. Juliet White was the original novel’s female lead—pure and resilient, gentle and kind. She would become the apple of Matthias Morrison’s eye. And I was just cannon fodder paving the way for them. More text floated by. [Raven, cry now! Cry hard—Matthias responds to softness, not force!] [Don’t back down. She’s the only one who’s ever gotten pregnant with Matthias Morrison’s child.] [Juliet has already been earning favor with Lillian. Wait any longer and you’ll lose both the husband and the child!] I pinched my palm, my eyes reddening. “Matthias Morrison, you sleep with me and then deny it?” Someone in the conference room sucked in a sharp breath. Matthias’s eyes flickered slightly, as if suppressing something. I walked around the table to his side and pressed his hand against my lower abdomen. “You don’t have to believe me… but you need to take care of me first.” Matthias’s fingers stiffened. I looked at him, my heart pounding painfully. His gaze lingered on my face for a long time. “Meeting dismissed.” Everyone immediately lowered their heads and filed out. The door closed. He withdrew his hand and pulled out his phone to dial an internal line. “Send the head of obstetrics and gynecology up here.” I had just started to relax. The conference room door suddenly opened again. A woman in a white dress stood in the doorway, holding a food container. “Matthias, did I come at a bad time?” The floating text exploded instantly. [Juliet White is here!]

Juliet White looked very wholesome. White dress, black hair, soft eyes. Standing next to someone as cold as Matthias Morrison, she really did seem like a ray of light. She saw the pregnancy test in my hand, and her eyelashes trembled. “Miss Raven, are you feeling unwell?” I hid the pregnancy test behind my back, my tone stubborn. “What’s it to you?” Juliet’s face paled. “I’m just concerned.” Matthias asked her, “Who let you come up here?” Juliet bit her lip lightly. “Lillian asked me to bring you soup. The doctor said your stomach hasn’t been well lately.” Matthias’s expression grew even colder. “Put it down and leave.” “Matthias, Lillian also said she wants you to come back to the old mansion tonight.” The text scrolled rapidly. [Here it comes—Lillian is going to set up Juliet and Matthias.] [Juliet saved Lillian’s life. Lillian loves her now.] [If Raven acts up even a little, Matthias will find her annoying.] I immediately moved closer to Matthias. “You can’t go tonight.” Matthias looked down at me. “You think you can control me?” I tilted my face up. “I’m carrying your child. Of course I can control you.” Juliet’s face grew even paler. Matthias looked at me, his expression calm, as if examining a contract full of loopholes. “Raven Smith, you’d better understand the consequences of lying to me.” I was afraid of him. But I was more afraid of dying. I straightened my back, trying to appear righteous. “Then check now.” Ten minutes later, the head of obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Riley, arrived at the CEO’s lounge with equipment and nurses. Blood draw, urine test, ultrasound. I lay on the bed, my skirt covering my lower abdomen, my palms covered in sweat. Matthias stood by the window, his back straight. Juliet didn’t leave. She stood outside the door, looking in through the half-open entrance. The examination ended. Dr. Riley held the test results, her expression very complicated. “Mr. Morrison, Miss Raven is indeed pregnant.” Matthias froze. Dr. Riley continued, “Based on the gestational age, the timing also matches up.” I immediately sat up. “Did you hear that?” But Matthias kept staring at Dr. Riley. “Can the father be confirmed?” Dr. Riley looked uncomfortable under his gaze. “Invasive testing isn’t recommended in early pregnancy, but non-invasive prenatal paternity testing can be arranged later.” The smile on my face stiffened. “Matthias Morrison, you still doubt me?” He said nothing. Juliet suddenly walked in, her voice as gentle as water. “Miss Raven, don’t be angry. Matthias’s physical condition is special. It’s normal for him to be cautious.” I grabbed a pillow and threw it at her. “Who the hell do you think you are?” Juliet stumbled back half a step, her eyes instantly reddening. Matthias frowned. My heart ached. I immediately threw off the blanket and got out of bed. “Fine. I’m leaving.” My foot had just touched the floor when my lower abdomen suddenly cramped. I bent over in pain. Matthias stepped forward in one stride, scooping me up, his voice urgent. “Doctor!” I gripped his collar, tears rolling down uncontrollably. “Don’t touch me.” Matthias’s body stiffened. The next second, the sound of a cane tapping on the floor came from outside. Lillian had arrived. As soon as she entered, her eyes went straight to my belly. “Who’s pregnant with my Morrison family’s child?”

Lillian was in her seventies, with a full head of silver hair and a very straight spine. Matthias was holding me. I wanted to get down. He tightened his arms. “Don’t move.” Lillian walked quickly to the bedside. “How many weeks?” Dr. Riley immediately answered, “Around six weeks.” Lillian’s hands trembled. “Really pregnant?” Dr. Riley nodded. Lillian’s eyes suddenly reddened. Juliet supported her, saying softly, “Lillian, don’t get excited yet. The child’s paternity still needs to be confirmed.” The joy on Lillian’s face froze. She looked at Matthias. Matthias placed me back on the bed and pulled a thin blanket over my legs. “It’s early pregnancy. Risky tests can’t be done.” My heart gave a small jolt. The man who had just doubted me was now protecting me. Lillian frowned. “Matthias, this concerns the Morrison family bloodline.” Matthias’s voice was cold and low. “Her body concerns a human life.” The room fell silent. The text drifted slowly by. [Matthias is protecting her now. Juliet is panicking.] [In the original novel, Lillian trained Juliet as her grandson’s wife. Now Raven has barged in pregnant.] [Raven, don’t get cocky. The Morrison family branch members are about to fight for inheritance rights.] Lillian sat down beside my bed and held my hand. “Raven, what do you want to eat? Where do you want to live? The old mansion has dedicated nutritionists and doctors.” I was about to say whatever. But Juliet spoke first. “The old mansion is quiet, suitable for pregnancy. I can keep Miss Raven company. I actually studied nursing.” I sneered. “You keep me company?” Juliet nodded. “I’m afraid you won’t be comfortable alone.” I looked at Matthias. “I’m not going to the old mansion.” Lillian’s expression soured. She asked why. My eyes reddened, my voice immediately softening. “I’m scared.” “Scared of what?” I pointed at Juliet. “Scared of her.” Juliet’s face stiffened. Lillian was also stunned. I lowered my head and touched my lower abdomen. “As soon as she came in, she talked about confirming the child’s paternity. Then she wanted me to go to the old mansion. What if I fall asleep and something happens to the baby?” Juliet hurriedly explained, “Miss Raven, you’ve misunderstood me.” I shrank into Matthias’s embrace. “See? She’s glaring at me again.” Juliet: “…” Matthias looked down at me, a hint of amusement seeming to flash in his eyes before he quickly suppressed it. Lillian looked at Juliet, her expression cooling somewhat. “Juliet, you should go back first.” Juliet’s lips turned pale. “Lillian.” “Go back.” Juliet left carrying the food container. As soon as the door closed, Lillian immediately changed her expression, gripping my hand. “Raven, you can live wherever you want.” I looked at Matthias. “I want to live at his place.” Matthias’s brow furrowed slightly. Lillian immediately nodded. “Fine, live at his place.” Matthias said coldly, “I didn’t agree.” Lillian tapped her cane heavily. “You shut up.” I almost laughed out loud. Text floated by. [Step one of rising to power through her son: Success.] [Too bad the Smith family hasn’t made their move yet.] The next second, my phone rang. My mom’s name appeared on the screen.

I didn’t dare answer. Matthias glanced at me. “Afraid of your family?” I spoke stubbornly. “Who’s afraid?” The phone stopped for two seconds, then rang again. This time it was my dad. If I didn’t answer, the Smith family would storm straight to Morrison Corporation. I took a deep breath and pressed answer. My mom’s voice was shrill and terrifying. “Raven Smith, where are you?” I glanced at Matthias. “Shopping.” “Shopping all the way up to the Morrison Corporation top floor?” My scalp tingled. Did Grayson Jones snitch… Sure enough, my mom’s next words confirmed it. “Grayson said you went to find Matthias Morrison with a pregnancy test.” I held the phone away from my ear. She continued yelling, “You’re pregnant?” Lillian’s ears were sharper than anyone’s. She immediately leaned in. I closed my eyes. “Yes.” Silence on the other end of the line for three seconds. My mom started crying. “Have you lost your mind? How old are you? What’s going on between you and Matthias Morrison?” Before I could speak, Matthias took the phone. “Mrs. Smith, I will take responsibility.” My mom on the other end went quiet. Then my dad’s voice came through. “Matthias Morrison, let Raven come home.” Matthias looked at me. I immediately shook my head. He said into the phone, “She’s not in a condition to travel right now.” My dad laughed coldly. “You have no right to keep my daughter.” Matthias’s expression was indifferent. “If she wants to leave, I won’t stop her.” I immediately grabbed his sleeve. “I’m not leaving.” The sound of a glass shattering came from the other end. My mom’s voice shook with anger. “Raven Smith, you just wait.” The call ended. I buried my face in the blanket. I was done for. Lillian patted my hand. “Don’t be afraid. The Morrison family will protect you.” I looked at her wearily. “You wanted me to go to the old mansion and verify the child just a moment ago.” Lillian was rendered speechless. Matthias cleared his throat lightly. “Come back to my place first.” I knew he lived in a luxury home. But when the car drove into the exclusive villa district, I couldn’t help but gasp. My mood improved instantly. “Matthias Morrison, your place is actually pretty suitable for pregnancy.” He loosened his tie. “The master bedroom is yours.” I sat on the sofa holding a cushion. “Where will you sleep?” “Guest room.” I frowned. “If you’re too far away, what do I do if I get hungry in the middle of the night?” Matthias looked at me. “Where do you want me to sleep?” I pointed at the master bedroom’s king-size bed. “The bed is very big.” His eyes darkened. “Raven Smith, don’t provoke me.” I immediately shut my mouth. That night, I woke up hungry and padded barefoot to the kitchen looking for food. The refrigerator was full of premium ingredients. I didn’t know how to cook any of them. I dug out a box of strawberries and had just bitten into one when Matthias’s voice came from behind me. “Why aren’t you wearing shoes?” I was so startled the strawberry fell to the floor. He walked over, lifted me onto the kitchen island, and knelt down to wipe my feet. His movements were very gentle. I looked at his lowered brows and eyes, my heartbeat going out of control for a moment. Text suddenly appeared. [Friendly reminder: Grayson Jones is downstairs.] [He brought the Smith family with him.] The doorbell rang.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “407884”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster

I’m a top-tier Hollywood star, the youngest Oscar-winning actress, and the apple of the eye of the Fletcher family’s billionaire heir. He not only opened a talent agency specifically to manage me alone, but even humbled himself to become my assistant out of love. The entire entertainment industry knows that crossing me means crossing the Fletcher family. However, no one expected that in the latest S-tier production film, my role as the female lead that was already a done deal would be stolen by an unknown D-list actress. People placed bets overnight on how long it would take for Charles Fletcher to blacklist that actress named Nia across the entire internet. But instead, what came was an official announcement from Fletcher Family Media: [Welcome our company’s second signed artist, Nia] [In the future, Miss Nia will walk hand in hand with the Fletcher Group.] The entire industry was shaken, mocking me for falling out of favor, forcing a dignified Oscar winner to play second fiddle to a newcomer. On set, watching Nia’s terrible acting, I coldly gave her a stage slap according to the script, but Nia fell to the ground in tears, accusing me of using my position to settle personal scores. Charles ordered people to pin me to the ground, and had the crew add a hundred slapping scenes for me. By the end, I had been slapped until my right ear went deaf, my face swollen almost beyond recognition.

By the fiftieth scene, my right cheek was swollen high, looking terrifyingly grotesque. Blood kept flowing from my nose and mouth, dripping onto my clothes and the ground. The director’s voice trembled slightly, “Mr. Fletcher, shouldn’t we stop here?” “If we keep going and something happens…” “What’s the rush?” Charles curved his lips, he walked over, slowly crouched in front of me, lifted my chin with his hand, and gently wiped the bloody filth from my face, “Bella, I know you’re angry with me for replacing you as the female lead.” “But now everyone knows that Nia is the second person the Fletcher family wants to promote. You deliberately targeting her on set will make me look bad.” “Be good, apologize to Nia, and this will all be over.” I raised my head with difficulty, looking into Charles’s eyes, “I did nothing wrong.” “That scene just now, I stage-slapped her. I didn’t even touch her.” Nia immediately covered her face and started crying, “Since Miss Bella says it was a stage slap, then it was a stage slap.” “I understand, I’m just a newcomer, Miss Bella is an Oscar winner. I deserve to endure some grievances…” “Charles, please don’t make things difficult for Miss Bella. She’s just being professional, she definitely didn’t mean to target me.” I stared at her tear-stained face, couldn’t help but want to laugh. During the scene earlier, she couldn’t even cry, but now she was acting so convincingly. Charles frowned, “Unrepentant. Do you really think you’re some high and mighty Oscar winner?” His tone turned cold, “I could make the first one, I can make a second one too.” He looked at me, “Nia says you’re professional. Since you’re so professional, give the whole crew a demonstration.” “The remaining fifty scenes, continue.” My breathing caught, my heart felt like it was being squeezed tight. Back when I was still a small-time actress, when I accidentally scraped my skin during wire work, Charles was so distressed, warning the director that if I got hurt again, he’d dismantle the entire set. Now, because of one baseless provocation, he wanted me to endure a full hundred slaps. The slaps fell again, a heavy metallic taste filled my mouth. I looked toward Charles. His expression was indifferent, like he was watching a play that had nothing to do with him. By the eightieth scene, there wasn’t a patch of unmarked skin left on my face. “Baby, still won’t admit your mistake?” Charles looked at me with amusement. I pulled at the corner of my mouth, but said nothing. Charles’s eyes darkened further, “Continue.” At the hundredth scene, Charles called for a stop, and walked up himself. He raised his hand high. That hand had once held mine, wiped away my tears, and traced my features over and over again in the deep of night. “Baby, this last scene is to teach you that I don’t like women who make their own decisions.” The force of his palm struck heavily across my face. My right ear rang with a loud buzz, and then I couldn’t hear anything at all. My consciousness gradually blurred. Someone grabbed my hair and lifted my face. The camera focused on my wretched appearance. Charles’s indifferent voice came through, “Post this video online as my debut gift to Nia.” “What about Miss Bella… should we deal with her?” Charles’s gaze swept over coldly, and the person hurriedly lowered their head. “Stop trying to guess what I’m thinking. Today is just to teach her a lesson, so she doesn’t think she can do whatever she wants just because I spoil her.” “However, Bella will still be the Fletcher family’s only lady.” “Oh, and find the best medicine. I don’t want scars left on that face.” Hearing this, I laughed coldly. Then my consciousness completely fell into darkness.

When I woke up again, I was already lying in bed. My face felt cool, clearly medicine had been applied. I looked around, recognizing this as the luxury apartment Charles had bought for me near the set to make filming more convenient. My phone kept buzzing beside me. As soon as I opened it, messages flooded in like a tidal wave. Number one on trending: [Bella Acts Like a Diva on Set and Gets Taught a Lesson] [Bella Slaps Newcomer] [Nia Breaks Down in Tears on Scene] I clicked on the video. It was the scene where I stage-slapped Nia. Edited to remove the beginning and end, only showing the one second where my hand moved toward her face. Then it cut to me being pinned to the ground, slapped a full hundred times. The caption read: [Oscar winner Bella bullies newcomer on set, gets harshly punished by righteous people] The comment section had already broken twenty thousand. “Serves her right, I’ve heard she has a terrible temper.” “What’s so great about being an Oscar winner? Bullying newcomers is shameful.” “I heard she slept her way to the top. She’s been throwing her weight around, and now she’s hit an iron plate.” “Bully girl, ugly freak, get out of the entertainment industry!” I scrolled through one comment after another. An overwhelming wave of hate comments. Normally, Fletcher family legal would have stepped in by now, but now there was only silence. I smiled self-mockingly. At 3 AM, another trending topic shot to the top. #Fletcher Family Media Supports Nia# I clicked in. It was an official statement from Fletcher Family Media, a still of Nia from the show, with only one line of text: “Pearls should not be covered in dust.” Immediately after, Charles’s personal account liked and reposted this statement. The comment section erupted again. “Oh my god, Mr. Fletcher personally got involved. Has Bella completely fallen out of favor?” “It’s about time she was replaced. I’m sick of looking at Bella’s old face.” “Finally someone has noticed our wonderful Nia!” I smiled bitterly. Pearls covered in dust… When Charles and I were at our best, he withstood enormous pressure from his family, insisting that his company would only sign me. He always stayed by my side. He once held my hand, his eyes determined, “Bella, pearls are never covered in dust. I will definitely take you to the top.” I didn’t disappoint his expectations either. I won three major Best Actress awards in one sweep, made his company incredibly profitable, proving his judgment was right. Now, he used those same words on another woman. Charles, you really are sparing no effort to prove that you’re the one in control of this relationship… Just then, someone pushed the door open. Charles walked in carrying a bowl of hot food, “Bella, you’re awake?” I said nothing. He sat down beside me, coaxing like one would an unreasonable child, “I made you some food. The doctor said you need to take good care of your face. I’ve canceled all your upcoming schedules.” “Be good, open your mouth.” His movements were gentle, looking at me affectionately, as if he were a completely different person from the man who had arrogantly slapped me. Too bad I could smell on him the exact same perfume that Nia wore. I knocked the food out of his hands, “Charles, are you done with your act?” “Don’t touch me with your dirty hands that have touched someone else!” Charles was caught off guard and burned his hand. The smile faded from his face, “Bella, you’re too uptight.” “Haven’t I been with you long enough? Look around the industry—who stays faithful to one woman?” His tone softened as he reached out to touch my face, “Stop being angry. I just think the girl is kind of interesting, just playing around. She’s no threat to you.” Just playing around. Those words were like a knife stabbing deep into my heart. I turned my head away from his hand, “Get out.” Charles’s hand hung in mid-air, his eyes turning cold. “Bella, have I spoiled you too much? Do you really dare to order me around like an assistant?” He stood up, “Fine, I’m giving you a way out and you won’t take it. I’ll wait for you to come crying and begging me later.” Watching Charles’s retreating back, my heart suddenly felt empty, aching faintly. After a long while, I reached up to wipe the tears from the corners of my eyes, took out my phone, and scrolled to a number. The call connected. “Mr. Simon Brandt, I agree to the arranged marriage with you.”

On the other end of the phone, Simon’s cool voice came through, “Miss Bella, you’ve made up your mind?” “Yes, I’ve decided.” “Alright, confirm the time and I’ll come to Los Angeles to pick you up.” Inexplicably, I actually detected a hint of excitement in Simon’s voice. Putting down my phone, my thoughts drifted back three years. I’m the only daughter of the Anthony family in Manhattan, New York. My family arranged a marriage alliance with the Brandt family to help me better inherit the Anthony family in the future. I didn’t want to marry a stranger, even though I knew he was of good character, one of the rare clean-living men in high society circles. I came to Hollywood in Los Angeles alone to break into the entertainment industry. But without my family’s support, I couldn’t move an inch in the entertainment world. I could only do bit parts, playing extras without even any lines. During one audition, I was almost taken advantage of. It was Charles who saved me. He not only helped send the producer who harassed me to prison, but also helped me land the first role of my life, though it was just a supporting role. When Charles decided to personally become my assistant, it shocked the entire industry. Everyone speculated he was just acting on a whim, that he’d get bored and move on. But he persisted for three years. My food, clothing, housing, and transportation were all his responsibility. All endorsements and film contracts were personally selected by him and presented to me. Every time I joined a crew, he would push aside all other matters to stay by my side wholeheartedly. Originally, I planned to finish filming this movie, then come clean to Charles about my identity. But I never expected this to happen… Since I’d decided to go home for the arranged marriage, I decided to withdraw from the entertainment industry. I opened my laptop and typed out my retirement statement. But I hadn’t sent it yet. I wanted to finish filming one last movie before leaving. The redness and swelling on my face hadn’t completely subsided yet. As soon as I stepped onto the set, everyone’s eyes swept over to me. There was mockery, pity, and more than anything, schadenfreude. I lowered my head and quickened my pace toward the makeup room. “Miss Bella.” I stopped. A crew member blocked my way, wearing a professionally polite fake smile. “That makeup room, Mr. Fletcher has instructed that it’s for Miss Nia from now on.” He gestured to the side, “Miss Bella, you can use that one over there.” I followed where he was pointing. Next to a pile of miscellaneous items at the far end, a broken door stood half-open. Inside were dusty prop boxes and discarded light stands. I said nothing in the end and walked in. But I waited a long time. The time for my next scene was approaching, but my makeup artist still hadn’t arrived. I got up to find someone, only to see my makeup artist standing next to Nia, touching up her makeup. I froze. Only then did Nia seem to remember something, covering her mouth as she giggled, “Oops, I forgot to tell Miss Bella.” “Charles gave me your makeup artist too. From now on, she’s my personal makeup artist.” “He said my face is precious and needs the best makeup artist and the best cosmetics.” She tilted her head and glanced to the side. Immediately someone threw several paper boxes at my feet, spilling out cheap foundation and eyeshadow palettes. “Charles also said Miss Bella is getting on in years, so just make do with whatever.” Nia looked at me with eyes full of malice. I looked down at the pile of items. Charles knew I had sensitive skin and could only use specific cosmetics. He used to have people test the ingredients even if I switched brands. I stood up and walked toward the studio. “Miss Bella, you haven’t put on makeup yet!” I didn’t look back, only said coldly, “I’m not doing it.” Immediately people started slandering me. “Acting like such a diva.” “Still being difficult even now. No wonder Charles dumped her.” But Nia’s smile remained unchanged. “It’s fine. Once she sees the new script, she won’t be so arrogant anymore.” I walked into the studio. The next scene was supposed to be between me and the male lead. I calmed myself and went through the script, but the actor playing the male lead never showed up. I was about to find someone to ask when I saw the director walking toward me furiously. “Bella!” He grabbed my hand and dragged me outside. “What are you doing slacking off here? We’ve been calling you forever. Are you deaf?!” “Director, isn’t the next scene supposed to be between me and the male lead?” He waved his hand impatiently, “All those scenes have been cut.” “Your next scene,” “is a drowning scene.”

I stood there stunned. When I was young, I accidentally fell into water and nearly drowned. Ever since, I’ve been terrified of water. Once water rises above my chest, I start having heart palpitations. After Charles learned about this, every contract he signed for me included the same clause: prohibiting any form of drowning scenes. “Is there a mistake?” My voice was tight. “This scene isn’t in my script.” The director rolled his eyes. “This was specially added for you by Miss Nia.” “She said she was worried you’d feel you didn’t have enough scenes and feel unbalanced, so she kindly added some screen time for you.” “Charles knows about it too.” Charles… My heart sank to the bottom. This was the largest indoor pool at the studio. I stood by the pool’s edge, my whole body already soaked through. “Cut!” The director shouted. “No good. Bella, that expression just now was wrong. Too fake. Do it again.” I was pushed into the water again. “Cut! Your struggling is too exaggerated. Who drowns like that? Again.” Pushed down again. Climbed up again. “Cut! Not enough emotion. Your eyes need to show despair!” “Cut! Your body is too stiff. Again.” I hung on the pool’s edge, soaking wet, hair plastered to my face, gasping for breath. “Maybe the pool isn’t deep enough, that’s why Miss Bella can’t make it look real.” Nia tilted her head, suggesting innocently, “Why don’t we switch to the deep end? That way we can capture that desperate feeling of drowning.” My heart dropped. “I’m not going to the deep end!” But no one listened to me. Two hands reached from behind, gripping my arms on either side. I struggled desperately as my body was dragged forward, until below me was an unfathomably deep blackness. Nia walked up behind me. She leaned close to my ear, her voice very low, “Bella, Charles is mine. Go die.” She pushed hard. My body fell backward. In that moment the world flipped before my eyes. Water surged toward me from all directions. My body was sinking. Water pressed against my lungs from every side. I kept my eyes open, watching the water’s surface grow farther and farther away. My consciousness began to scatter. My eyelids grew heavier and heavier, my body lighter and lighter. Just as I was about to close my eyes, a pair of arms wrapped tightly around my waist, pulling me out of the water. I struggled to open my eyes and saw the person before me. I was dazed. “…Charles.” “Hahahaha did you guys see how she looked just now?” “Like a drowned rat, so funny.” “And she’s supposed to be an Oscar winner? Can’t even do a simple drowning scene.” Nia clung to Charles’s arm, laughing so hard she was bent over. “Charles, look how scared she was. Your idea was so fun.” Charles laughed too. I stared at him blankly, suddenly feeling cold all over. Charles approached me. “See that? Without me promoting you, you’re nothing.” “In this industry, anyone can step on you.” He crouched down, leaning close to my face, his manner intimate. “As long as you admit your mistake, I can act like none of this ever happened. You’ll still be Bella, still the Oscar winner everyone adores.” He was waiting for me to bow my head. Nia also walked over, opening her mouth falsely, “Miss Bella, I’m not trying to break you and Charles up. I’m here to join this family.” “Don’t be hostile toward me.” I lifted my head and spat right in both their faces. Nia screamed. Charles was furious. “Bella, have you lost your mind!” He turned and left with Nia. That evening, the production’s official account posted a statement. “Actress Bella refuses to follow production management, repeatedly acts like a diva, seriously affecting filming progress. After deliberation, the production has decided to immediately terminate cooperation with Bella. All filmed content will be deleted.” Attached was an image of the termination letter from the production, stamped with a red seal. Immediately after, Fletcher Family Media reposted this statement. “Resist problematic artists. No one is above the rules.” I instantly became a pariah everyone wanted to attack. All endorsements and film contracts were terminated. While Nia, stepping on my corpse, gained countless fans and a good reputation. On my phone, I received a text from Charles. [As long as you beg me, I can suppress all the negative public opinion against you.] I knew Charles was forcing my hand. He was betting that without him, I had no way out. I stared at the retirement statement I’d already drafted on the screen. My finger hovered over the send button. 3, 2, 1. I pressed it. Within seconds, the comment count began to skyrocket. One hundred, one thousand, a hundred thousand, ten million…

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “407883”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster

The day I miscarried and hemorrhaged, my parents rushed to the hospital through heavy rain and got into a car accident on the way. I lay on the operating table and signed their surgery consent forms with blood-stained hands. I couldn’t save the baby. I couldn’t save my parents either. The man whose calls I couldn’t get through posted a celebratory Instagram post. 【Congratulations to Mia’s dog for working hard all night and finally becoming a mother.】 I weakly liked the post, and he immediately sent me a text message. “Unlike it.” I sent him my hospital location. “Come to the hospital. I need to talk to you in person.” “I have something important to do, I can’t make it! Get your parents to go with you for the prenatal checkup. They’re free anyway.” “Your so-called important matter is delivering puppies for her dog?” “How did you turn into such a jealous woman just from being pregnant? You’re even jealous of a dog?” I had no strength left to argue with him. Since he wouldn’t come, he could talk to my lawyer instead.

By the time I finished handling my parents’ funeral arrangements, it was already the next evening. I dragged my exhausted body through the door. The carefully tidied house had become a complete mess. Jason was rummaging through things with his head down, carelessly tossing items onto the floor. Like he was used to it, confident that someone would always clean up after him. Hearing the door, he didn’t even look up, his tone tinged with dissatisfaction. “Where have you been all day on the weekend? I even had to order takeout for lunch.” I froze. So he didn’t come home last night either. These past two years, he’d always been like this. When Mia’s apartment light broke, he could get up in the middle of the night to fix it for her. But he’d forget to lock our door properly, letting a drunk stranger stumble in and giving me nightmares for an entire month. When Mia’s dog was about to give birth, he could refuse to accompany me to my prenatal checkup. But he’d take a week off work to stay with her, even though that was supposed to be the vet’s job. Getting no response, Jason finally looked at me, surprise flooding his eyes. “Your face is so pale. Is the baby giving you trouble again?” I stepped back, avoiding his hand reaching toward my abdomen, my tone flat. “I called you seventy-six times yesterday. Why didn’t you answer?” Jason’s hand hung in midair. He frowned at my words. “Hermione, are you interrogating me?” “Mia and I are childhood friends. Her dog Snowball is different from the other pets in her shop—she’s raised it since it was small. They have a deep bond.” “Snowball was giving birth and Mia was worried sick. I had to help with the delivery. At such a critical moment of life and death, how could I have time to answer your pointless calls?” “It’s just a prenatal checkup. Plenty of pregnant women go by themselves. At worst, you had your parents. They’re free anyway. What difference does it make if I’m not there?” Looking at his self-righteous expression. I really wanted to ask—what about my parents? That car accident was terrible. Dad had no vital signs by the time he reached the hospital. Mom was rushed into surgery for emergency treatment, but her injuries were severe and complex. Jason’s colleague said that only if Jason performed the surgery himself would there be any chance of saving her. He said he was too busy to answer my calls, yet when I liked that Instagram post, he immediately ordered me to unlike it. Afraid Mia might read too much into it. “Are you really just childhood friends?” “But Jason, I saw you kiss her.” At the very restaurant where he’d proposed to me. Even sitting in the exact same seats. In my mental haze, I didn’t see the motorcycle speeding toward me. Although the driver braked in time, the tiny life inside me that was barely three months old was still lost.

Panic flashed through Jason’s usually calm eyes. “Mia was too worried about Snowball, so I took her out to relax. She had a few too many drinks and…” His tone softened slightly. “Alright, let’s not talk about this. Next checkup, I’ll definitely go with you.” Here we go again. Using a lame excuse to brush me off, then offering a consolation prize, as if nothing had happened. But Jason, you’ll never need to accompany me to another prenatal checkup. “No need. Let’s get divorced.” Jason froze, then spoke angrily, humiliated. “Hermione, do all you journalists like to blow things out of proportion? I told you it was an accident. Is this really necessary?” “Besides, you’re just doing odd jobs in the TV station’s logistics department now. You’re almost thirty, pregnant, and other than me, who else would want you?” “I work myself to the bone at the hospital every day for this family, not to come home to your unreasonable tantrums!” He stormed toward the door. As he passed the entrance, he suddenly noticed a document peeking out of my bag. The words “Death Certificate” were clearly visible. Jason turned back, confused. “Who died?” Jason was about to pull it out for a closer look. But his phone suddenly rang. Mia’s helpless, choked voice came through. “Jason, one of the puppies seems to be choking on milk, and I still have customers in the shop. I’m completely overwhelmed.” “It’s not going to die, is it? I’m so scared…” Jason’s face filled with concern. “Don’t cry. I’ll be right there.” With that, he rushed off without looking back. He even forgot to lock his study, which he normally never let me enter. As if possessed, I walked in, only to be stabbed in the eyes by what was under the desk. That year, I was the station’s most promising new reporter, assigned to interview the old director. But the old man was arrogant and turned me away. After several days of working overtime, I had low blood sugar and fainted in the garden. Jason was the one who saved me. He said the old director was stubborn and wouldn’t change his mind once it was made up. I hung my head in disappointment. The next second, an orange candy was pushed into my mouth. Jason winked at me playfully. “But I admire people who work hard, so interview me instead.” Later I learned he was the city’s youngest medical professor. So many people wanted to interview this genius heartthrob of the medical world but couldn’t, yet he made an exception for me alone. That’s how Jason and I became connected. Later, we each got busier and busier. Jason looked at me with difficulty. “Hermione, I know becoming a top reporter is your dream.” “But the elders in our family need someone to care for them. Could you resign? I promise I’ll treat you well for the rest of my life.” And I knew equally well that becoming an outstanding doctor was his dream too. So I compromised. I didn’t resign, but transferred to the relaxed logistics department. At least that way I could stay close to the work I loved. On many sleepless nights, I’d trace my reporter’s badge under the lamp. Every time Jason caught me, he’d feel incredibly guilty and promise over and over that he’d treat me well. But now, that reporter’s badge I treasured so much was being used by him to level a table leg. I used Mia’s birthday to open his safe. On top was a thick kraft paper envelope. Inside were all kinds of photos of the two of them together. Hugging, kissing, walking hand in hand on the beach. There were also receipts for him buying Mia a house, funding her business startup, paying for renovations. Even though the shop lost money every month, he kept subsidizing her.

The words on the envelope’s cover were in Jason’s handwriting. “Forever willing to forge ahead through thorns for your dreams.” I stared at those words for a very long time. My mind flashed through these five years of caring for his parents, doing laundry and cooking, cleaning the house. I thought of the envy and heartache I felt watching my former colleagues full of passion, working overtime preparing interview manuscripts. Suddenly I laughed out loud. So he did know how to protect someone’s dreams after all. I photographed everything and put it back in place, finally making my decision. “Hello, Ms. Kelly. I heard the station is selecting someone to go to Central Asia as a war correspondent, and no one has signed up yet.” “If you don’t mind, I’d like to go.” Kelly paused, then said happily. “Great! I thought it was such a shame when you applied to transfer to logistics. This is a rare opportunity. It might be a bit dangerous, but your resume will be completely different when you return.” “Prepare yourself well then. You’ll be leaving in the next few days.” Hanging up the phone, I started packing. There was nothing left in this house that I cared about. Except for the sweater Mom had knitted for me before she died—I had to take that. She’d knitted me plenty of clothes when I was young, but later I grew up and Mom grew old, her eyesight not what it used to be. I didn’t want her to strain herself, so I told her not to knit anymore. After I got pregnant, I suddenly became very sensitive to cold. Mom secretly knitted me a sweater anyway. Her eyes were red from straining them, but she waved it off casually. “Homemade ones are warmer. I picked out good yarn.” “You care about the child in your belly, and I care about my child too.” I was both touched and heartbroken. I’d never brought myself to wear it. But now, that sweater was gone. Remembering the scene when I came home, I was about to call Jason to ask. But then I saw Mia had posted on Instagram. “Hehe, I just mentioned the babies were cold since they were just born, and someone brought over sweaters~ Thanks on behalf of the babies, Daddy~ Of course, this mommy’s alteration skills aren’t bad either, if I do say so myself.” So Jason had gone to celebrate those puppies’ birth with her. In the picture, they had their heads together, bodies pressed close. Each held three puppies in their arms. And I recognized at a glance. The ‘dog clothes’ those puppies wore were altered from the sweater Mom had knitted for me. When I pushed open the pet shop’s glass door, I happened to catch Jason and Mia eating cake with the same spoon. Jason had severe germophobia. At home, his dishes had to be disinfected and stored separately, and serving utensils had to be used when sharing food. Once, after cleaning the house all day, I was exhausted and parched, so I drank from his cup. He didn’t say anything at the time, but that night, the cup appeared in the trash. Afterward, Jason explained to me that it was an occupational habit from working at the hospital. Turns out it depends on the person. Seeing me, Mia raised an eyebrow and smiled sarcastically. “Hermione’s here? Jason and I have never drawn boundaries since childhood—I hope you don’t mind.” “Jason, what did I tell you? There’s no way she’d divorce you.” “After all, a woman who failed in her career and can only rely on handouts from her husband—without you, how would she support her child and take care of her parents? She followed you all the way here. She’s really clingy.” “Sigh, compared to her, I’m just too thin-skinned. Guess I’ll just have to keep being a strong independent woman~” Jason affectionately pinched her nose. “Fine, you’re the smartest, okay? You’ve been clever since childhood.” Then he looked at me, as if forgiving a child who didn’t know any better.

“Alright, Hermione. Since you came to make peace, I’ll pretend I never heard about the divorce.” “Go home and clean up the house first. These puppies were just born and their condition is unstable. I need to stay with Mia for a few more days to observe them.” Listening to these two people talk, I found it laughable. One being a mistress so righteously. One whitewashing his affair so sanctimoniously. I ignored Jason and smiled sarcastically. “Since Miss Mia is so capable, stealing another woman’s man is one thing, but why did you conspire with my husband to steal my clothes?” “Dare I ask what kind of ‘strong woman’ you are? The mistress kind?” Several female customers who were selecting pet supplies looked at Mia in surprise. “So this handsome guy isn’t your boyfriend? But you were using the same spoon… that’s not very appropriate, is it?” “Yeah, I just complimented you two on being a good match and you didn’t deny it. Turns out he has a wife?” Mia’s face flushed red as she was cornered. Seeing her like this, the women curled their lips in disdain, put down the items they’d already selected, and hurried out. Mia’s eyes reddened as she complained to Jason pitifully. “Jason, is Hermione deliberately here to sabotage my business?” “I just thought that sweater was warm and soft, perfect for the puppies. She’s already spent so much of your money—what clothes doesn’t she have? Why does she have to slander me like this?” “Those were all my regular customers. How will they see me now? Can I even keep doing business?” Jason tenderly wiped her tears, then turned to glare at me angrily. “Hermione, I’m the one who took the clothes. Why are you taking it out on Mia? It’s not like it’s worth that much money. When did you become so petty?” “You’ll gain weight later in your pregnancy anyway and won’t be able to wear it. Just have your mom knit you another one.” “It’s not like it’s made by some international master craftsman. Why are you treating it like it’s so precious?!” Looking at his condescending expression and the disdain in his eyes. I couldn’t help but slap him across the face, roaring. “Yes, what my mother made IS precious! Because she can never knit me clothes again!” “While you two were being all lovey-dovey, and you’d rather accompany her dog through labor than answer my calls for help, my parents died!” Jason’s eyes flew wide open. He instinctively released Mia. “What did you say? How could…” Before he could finish, Mia suddenly shoved me hard. “How dare you hit someone?!” “It’s just a crappy sweater! Who cares? I’ll give it back to you!” She stripped the clothes off the puppies and viciously threw them into a litter box the employee was about to take out. “Saying your parents died—I just saw your uncle and aunt at the supermarket this morning!” “I just can’t stand women like you who use pregnancy to lie and manipulate, making scenes and doing everything possible to control your husband. You’re a parasite, a disgrace to women everywhere!” The litter box hadn’t been cleaned yet. The clumped feces stuck to the sweater, giving off a foul smell. Mom’s love had ultimately been ruined beyond recognition. “I didn’t mean to, I didn’t know the boss would…” The employee was frightened by my bloodshot eyes, looking completely helpless. Anger and hatred burned my internal organs. I turned toward the instigator and raised my hand high. But before my palm could land on Mia’s face. Jason’s slap struck me. It made a crisp sound in the quiet shop.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “407882”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster

In the fifth year of our marriage, Lucas knelt in the pouring rain, begging me to save him. He said his company had lost a financial gamble and owed five hundred million dollars. If I mortgaged the century-old manor my parents left me, it would save his life. To avoid dragging me down, he proposed a fake divorce. My heart ached so much my whole body trembled. J ust as I was about to sign with the property deed in hand, I accidentally saw a message he sent to his first love: “That idiot Sophia has taken the bait. Once I get my hands on the manor, I’ll tear it down and build a French château with a rose garden as our wedding house.” So there was no bankruptcy, no desperate situation. He just wanted to bleed me dry to pave the way for his first love. I let out a cold laugh, turned around, and knocked on the door of his uncle—the terrifying billionaire of the Blackwood family: “Mr. Blackwood, I heard you need a legitimate Mrs. Blackwood?” Lucas knelt in the pouring rain for three full hours. Lightning tore through the night sky, illuminating his pale, haggard yet still handsome face. I rushed out with an umbrella, my body trembling with heartache as I desperately tried to pull him up from the mud. “Lucas, have you lost your mind? Your stomach condition can’t handle getting soaked in the rain!” He gripped my hand tightly in return, his eyes bloodshot, his voice so hoarse it seemed to be dripping blood: “Sophia, I’m finished.” “The company’s financial agreement failed, and the cash flow is completely broken. A five-hundred-million-dollar hole—if I can’t fill it within three days, I’ll face criminal charges for economic crimes. I’ll go to prison!” I felt like I’d been struck by lightning, my mind going blank. Five hundred million? Lucas only owned a subsidiary under the Blackwood Group. How could he suddenly owe such a staggering debt? He suddenly pulled me into his embrace. Rain mixed with his tears fell ice-cold onto my neck. “Sophia, I’m sorry. I’m useless. I couldn’t protect our home.” “The lawyer said the safest option is for us to divorce immediately. I’ll bear all the debts alone and absolutely won’t drag you down.” He lifted his head, his eyes filled with heartbreaking despair and deep affection. “But Sophia, I don’t want to go to prison… Can you help me? If you just temporarily mortgage that century-old manor your parents left you to the bank, we can get the last bit of lifesaving money. Once this blows over, I swear I’ll redeem it!” I froze. That century-old manor on the hillside was the last keepsake my parents left me before they died in a car accident. It held all my childhood memories, every tree and blade of grass, and the shrine with my parents’ ashes. Five years ago, when Lucas proposed to me, he swore in the manor’s rose garden that he would spend his life protecting me and the manor. But now, he was asking me to mortgage it. “Lucas, that’s where my parents…” My voice trembled. “I know! I know it’s your life!” He suddenly broke down, pounding the ground as muddy water splattered. “If there were any other way, I’d rather die than ask you this! Sophia, are you going to watch me die?” Seeing him in such pain, my heart softened. Five years of marriage—he had always been gentle and considerate toward me. How could I watch him go to prison? “Alright.” My eyes reddened as I nodded through tears. “I’ll mortgage it. We’ll go handle the paperwork tomorrow.” Lucas’s body shook violently. He pulled me into a tight embrace, the force nearly breaking my ribs. “Sophia, thank you, thank you… I’ll repay you for the rest of my life, even if it means working like a slave.” In that moment, I truly believed we were going through a life-and-death trial together. Until that night. Lucas developed a high fever from the rain and fell into a deep sleep after taking fever medicine. His phone slipped into the gap between the bed and the wall, the screen constantly lighting up. Worried it might be an urgent matter from company executives, I picked it up to check. Just one glance made me feel like I’d fallen into an ice pit. On the screen was a message from “Victoria White.” “Lucas, did you sign the divorce papers? That manor from the Hayes family has such a great location. I want to tear it down and build a French château with a rose garden as our wedding gift. You promised me that once I returned to the country, you’d give me the best of everything.” I stared at those lines of text, my blood instantly freezing, my whole body cold as ice. Victoria White. Lucas’s first love who went abroad and whom he could never forget. My fingers trembling, I opened their chat history. I scrolled up. The more I scrolled, the more my heart felt like it was being sliced apart, shattered into fragments on the ground. “That idiot Sophia has already taken the bait. Tomorrow we’ll handle the divorce and mortgage.” “I made the fake five-hundred-million account very clean. Damien won’t notice. Once the money is laundered into the offshore account, I’ll take you far away.” “I’m sorry you had to wait so many years, Victoria. Once I get the manor, that plain-Jane Sophia will have no more use.” Every sentence, every word was like a poisoned blade stabbing viciously into my heart. So there was no failed gamble. No five-hundred-million-dollar debt. No desperate situation. This was a carefully planned scam from beginning to end! He not only wanted to trick me into leaving with nothing, but he also wanted to take my parents’ last legacy to build a new house for his first love! I didn’t cry. When the pain reaches its extreme, tears won’t flow. I calmly took out my own phone and photographed these chat records, page by page, all of them. Then I put the phone back in its place and turned to look at Lucas sleeping peacefully on the bed. His brow was relaxed, and the corners of his mouth even carried a faint smile. He was probably dreaming about marrying Victoria White in a French château. I tugged at the corner of my mouth, revealing a cold smile uglier than a ghost’s. Lucas, you want to use my life to please another woman? Fine. I’ll see who ends up dead with nowhere to be buried.

The next morning when Lucas woke up, I was already sitting on the sofa, holding the divorce agreement in my hands. He froze for a moment. Wild joy flashed in his eyes, but he quickly covered it with guilt and pain. “Sophia, you didn’t sleep all night?” He walked over, wanting to touch my face with concern. I turned my head to avoid him and said flatly, “Let’s go to the law firm. The sooner we finish, the sooner you can deal with the debt.” Lucas’s hand froze in midair, then he sighed. “I’m sorry for putting you through this, Sophia. Once I get through this crisis, I’ll definitely remarry you in a grand ceremony.” I looked at his deeply affectionate face, my stomach churning with nausea. At ten in the morning, we went to the law firm and signed the divorce agreement. As we walked out of the law firm entrance, Lucas’s mother, my former mother-in-law Dorothy Lane, was already waiting beside a black Maybach. The moment she saw me, she immediately put on an anxious expression and rushed over to grab my hand. “Sophia, I know you’ve been wronged! But Lucas is at a critical moment of life and death. Did you bring the property deed for that manor? Quick, let’s go to the bank right now to handle the mortgage!” The greed in her eyes was practically overflowing. I pulled my hand back and looked calmly at this mother-son pair. “Dorothy, I can’t mortgage the manor today.” Dorothy’s expression changed instantly, her voice rising sharply: “Why not?! Sophia Hayes, are you going back on your word? Do you want to watch Lucas die?!” Lucas panicked too, grabbing my shoulder: “Sophia, what’s going on? Didn’t we agree?” I watched their frantic expressions, sneering inwardly. “Lucas, you forgot—that manor is a national first-class historical protected building. According to the latest regulations, this level of asset mortgage requires a thirty-day public notice period and review by a third-party asset evaluation agency. Otherwise, the bank simply won’t approve it.” This was the policy I’d looked up last night. Lucas froze, his face turning pale: “Thirty days? Why does it take so long? I can’t wait thirty days!” “There’s no way around it. That’s the regulation.” I looked at him innocently. “Unless you can find someone with special privileges to smooth things over at the bank. But I’m a woman without power or connections. I can’t do that.” Dorothy stamped her feet in frustration: “What are we going to do! Lucas, don’t you know a lot of people?” Lucas gritted his teeth, his eyes flickering. Of course he knew people, but he didn’t dare use the Blackwood family’s connections. Because the five-hundred-million debt was fake to begin with—if it alerted the real power holder of the Blackwood family, he’d be finished. “Fine, thirty days it is.” Lucas took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the darkness in his eyes. “Sophia, during this time you must cooperate with the evaluation agency. Don’t let anything go wrong.” “Don’t worry.” I smiled faintly. Not only would I cooperate, I’d prepare a big gift for them. After parting with them, I took a cab directly to a top-tier private investigation agency. I had just walked into the lobby when I stopped in my tracks. In front of the floor-to-ceiling window of the VIP reception room stood a man. He wore an impeccably tailored black haute couture suit, his tall figure upright like an unsheathed sword. His hand casually toyed with an antique watch. His profile was as cold and chiseled as a sculpture, radiating an aura of authority that warned people to stay away. Damien Blackwood. Lucas’s uncle, the true helmsman of the Blackwood Group. In the entire business world, no one didn’t fear the name Damien Blackwood. He was ruthless and decisive. At twenty-five, he took over Blackwood Industries and within just five years doubled its empire. Lucas didn’t even dare breathe loudly in front of him. I hadn’t expected to run into him here. As if sensing my gaze, Damien turned his head slightly. Those deep, cold black eyes locked precisely onto my face. He showed no surprise, merely stopped toying with his watch. “Sophia Hayes.” He spoke, his voice low and magnetic, carrying an inexplicable pressure. I took a deep breath and walked forward: “Damien.” “You and Lucas are divorced.” He used a statement, not a question. My heart skipped a beat. How did he know? We’d only finished the paperwork less than two hours ago. Damien looked at me, the corner of his mouth curving into an extremely faint cold smile: “For his fake five-hundred-million account, you’re even planning to hand over your parents’ legacy. Sophia Hayes, is your brain filled with water?” I jerked my head up, staring at him in shock. He knew! He actually knew everything! Damien strode toward me on his long legs. He was a full head taller than me, his aggressive presence instantly enveloping me. He leaned down slightly, his eyes sharp as they bored into mine: “What, got sold out and you’re still planning to help count the money?” I bit my lower lip hard, meeting his gaze, my voice cold and hard: “Since Damien knew it was a fake account, why didn’t you expose him?” “The Blackwood family has too many branch families. Occasionally we need a few clever fools to liven things up.” Damien’s tone was casual, as if discussing trash. “Besides, that’s your husband, your money. Why should I care?” Yes, why should he care? In Damien Blackwood’s eyes, Lucas and I were nothing but insignificant ants. I took a deep breath, suppressing the bitterness and anger in my heart, looking at him without backing down. “What if I don’t want to be the fool who gets sold?” Damien raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly interested in my response. He pulled a black gold business card from his pocket, his slender fingers holding it as he handed it to me. “Tonight at nine, penthouse suite. Figure out what you want, then come knock on my door.” With that, he turned and left, leaving only a cold, retreating figure. I looked down at the business card in my hand. Its edge was sharp, almost cutting my finger. I knew this was a dangerous transaction. But to get revenge on Lucas and Victoria, to protect my parents’ manor, I had no other choice.

At nine o’clock that evening, I stood punctually at the door of Damien Blackwood’s suite. Taking a deep breath, I pressed the doorbell. The door opened quickly. Damien had just showered. He wore a black silk robe, the collar slightly open, revealing a large expanse of firm, hard chest muscles. Water droplets slid down his sharp jawline and disappeared into the depths of his robe, exuding a fatally sexy and dangerous aura. He held a glass of whiskey in his hand, his deep gaze sweeping over me. “Come in.” The suite’s main lights weren’t on. Only the city’s neon lights from outside the floor-to-ceiling windows filtered in, light and shadow interweaving. I stood nervously in the center of the living room, watching as he walked to the bar, poured another glass of liquor, and pushed it toward me. “Want a drink?” “No.” I got straight to the point. “Damien, what do you need me to do for you to help me?” Damien let out a soft laugh, carrying his glass as he walked up to me, looking down at me from his superior height. “Sophia Hayes, what makes you think I’ll help you?” “Because Lucas touched the Blackwood family’s money.” I looked directly into his eyes. “Although his three-billion-dollar hole is fake, he misappropriated project funds from Blackwood subsidiaries to set up his scheme. Damien hates most when people play tricks under your nose. You need an excuse to legitimately clean house.” A flash of appreciation appeared in Damien’s eyes, but it vanished in an instant. He suddenly reached out, gripping my chin and forcing my head up. The man’s fingers carried an icy temperature, the force immense, making it hurt. “You’re a bit smarter than I expected.” His voice was low, carrying dangerous allure. “But to clean house, I have a hundred methods. Why would I choose the most troublesome one to cooperate with your revenge game?” I was forced to tilt my head back, breathing rapidly. His breath completely enveloped me. That intense male hormones and superior’s authority made me almost unable to think. “Because…” I gritted my teeth and steeled myself. “Because you hate Victoria White.” Damien’s eyes instantly turned cold, the surrounding air seeming to freeze. I’d bet correctly. Victoria White’s father had once been a senior executive at Blackwood Group. He was sent to prison by Damien himself for embezzling company funds. Victoria had been abroad these years, constantly using the Blackwood family name to swindle and deceive. Damien extremely detested this woman. “Continue.” He released his grip, coolly uttering one word. I rubbed my reddened chin and quickly said: “Lucas plans to officially announce his takeover as CEO at next month’s Blackwood subsidiary anniversary gala, and simultaneously announce his engagement to Victoria White. If on that day he’s thoroughly disgraced in front of all the city’s elite, Victoria will also become a complete laughingstock. Isn’t that the scene Damien most wants to see?” Damien looked at me quietly, emotions I couldn’t understand surging in those unfathomable black eyes. After a long while, he suddenly smiled. That smile was cold, cruel, yet carried a trace of fatal attraction. “Sophia Hayes, when a dog bites you, not only do you want to kill the dog, you want to skin it, pull out its tendons, make it into a specimen for exhibition.” He turned and walked to the desk, picked up a thick document, and tossed it in front of me. “This is all the evidence of Lucas misappropriating public funds, forging debts, and purchasing private islands abroad for Victoria White.” My whole body shook. I immediately rushed over and opened the file. Every transfer, every forged contract—all clear and shocking. Lucas, how ruthless you are. For one woman, you not only wanted me to lose everything, but you also wanted to climb up by stepping on my bones and blood. “This is just a deposit.” Damien walked behind me, his warm breath spraying on my ear. “To get the more lethal cards, you need to pay a price.” “What price?” I turned my head, but unexpectedly crashed into his deep eyes. We were extremely close—so close I could see each of his distinct eyelashes. Damien’s gaze slowly moved down, landing on my lips, his voice hoarse beyond measure. “Become my woman.” My pupils contracted sharply. I instinctively stepped back. “Damien, what kind of joke is this?” “I never joke.” Damien pressed forward step by step, pinning me against the cold floor-to-ceiling window. “Sophia Hayes, if you want to trample Lucas underfoot, you need someone who stands higher and more stable than him. And I am your only choice.” He reached out, his slender fingers gently caressing my cheek, his eyes deep as the sea. “What’s wrong? Unwilling? Or do you still have lingering feelings for that waste?” “No!” I blurted out, my eyes full of hatred. “I wish he were dead!” “Very good.” Damien’s lips curved with satisfaction. He lowered his head, his thin lips brushing past my earlobe. “Then prove it to me. Go back and continue playing your devoted ex-wife. Keep them stable. When the time is right, I’ll personally bring you out of the game.” I leaned against the glass, my heart pounding like thunder. I knew I was making a deal with the devil. But as long as I could send Lucas and Victoria to hell, I was willing to fall into the abyss. For the next two weeks, I displayed astonishing acting skills. Every day I made soup for Lucas, showed concern about his “debt” progress, and even proactively contacted the evaluation agency, appearing eager to mortgage the manor. Lucas believed me completely and became increasingly gentle and considerate toward me, as if we’d returned to our honeymoon phase. Until that afternoon when I went back to our former marital home to retrieve some forgotten documents. Just as I unlocked the door with my fingerprint, I heard flirtatious laughter coming from the living room. “Dorothy, this sofa set is too dark. I want to change it to cream white. And those floor-to-ceiling window

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “407881”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster

Before the school stage play performance, my daughter Betty came home clutching a dingy cardboard costume, secretly wiping tears in the corner. I asked her what role she was playing. She mumbled quietly, “A trash can.” Her teacher posted the program schedule in the group chat, explaining: “Every child is important. Trash cans are also part of urban civilization.” But when I clicked on it, I discovered that the school board chairman’s daughter was playing the princess, and the PTA president’s son was playing the prince. And my daughter’s name was placed at the very bottom of the “Background Props Group.” My daughter’s teacher messaged me privately: “Mrs. James, don’t be too fussy. Your family hasn’t really contributed much to the class.” I looked at the contract on the table that I’d just signed and smiled. That cardboard costume was hastily thrown together from delivery boxes. Square and boxy, painted with a layer of gray, with the words “Trash Can” crookedly stuck on the chest. My daughter Betty stood in the entryway, fingers twisting the hem of her clothes, eyes red as if she’d just been crying. She’s seven years old this year. Usually she’d feel bad for half a day if her dress hem got a little muddy, but now she clutched that dirty cardboard costume, trying hard to act like it didn’t matter. “Mom, Samantha said this role is important too.” Her voice got smaller and smaller. “Everyone needs to protect the environment, so we need trash cans.” I crouched down and took the cardboard costume from her arms. The gray paint wasn’t completely dry yet and got all over my hands. I suppressed my anger and asked her, “Didn’t you say before that you were going to play the little artist with a paintbrush?” Half a month ago, she practiced her lines in front of the mirror every night. “I’m going to paint the sky blue and paint every child into springtime.” One line, she’d practice seriously more than ten times. She even showed me her sketch. Rainbows, stages, balloons, and a group of children standing in the center. She said the teacher praised her drawing as the best and would let her be the opening little artist for Children’s Day. Betty lowered her head. “Samantha said Christiana is more suitable for the little artist.” “Her dad is the school board chairman. The principal said she has to stand in the center.” I picked up my phone and opened the class group chat. The program schedule had just been posted: “Childlike Hearts Toward the Future.” Princess: Christiana. Prince: Mendez. Little Artist: Christiana. Flower Team: PTA members’ children. Background Props Group: Betty, Trash Can. I stared at that line for a long time. My phone buzzed again. Teacher Samantha sent me a private message. “Mrs. James, I know you might feel a bit uncomfortable, but children need to adapt to the group.” “Many parents contributed money and effort for our class’s Children’s Day activity this time.” “You’re usually busy with work, don’t participate in the PTA, and don’t really contribute to the class. The teacher can only consider everything comprehensively.” “The trash can role also has great educational significance. Please don’t let your child misunderstand.” I looked at the words “contribute” and almost laughed out loud. Three hours ago, SUN School had just sent someone to my office to sign the sponsorship contract for the entire Children’s Day event with me. Stage, lighting, live streaming, photography, balloons, interactive gifts. Total price: eight hundred sixty thousand dollars. The contract’s Party A was James Entertainment under my name. The school representative had nodded and bowed, saying this Children’s Day gala was an important window for showcasing the school’s arts education achievements, and hoped we could cooperate long-term. I only made one request at the time. Make sure all the children happily celebrate Children’s Day. The representative smiled and said, “Don’t worry, Ms. James. Our school has always put children first.” Now it seemed they valued not children, but the parents behind the children. I didn’t immediately reply to Samantha. I placed the cardboard costume on the table and asked Betty, “Did anyone laugh at you during rehearsal today?” Tears immediately fell from her eyes. “Mendez said I was just there on stage for them to throw waste paper at.” “He also stuffed his finished yogurt box into my costume.” “Samantha saw it and said it was part of the performance effect.” My fingers clenched bit by bit. Betty hurriedly wiped her tears. “Mom, can I not go tomorrow?” I hugged her. “Go.” Her body stiffened. I gently stroked her head. “But not to be a trash can.”

Early the next morning, I took Betty to school. The stage had already been set up on the playground. The main backdrop featured the rainbow and balloons from Betty’s drawing. Even the little sun in the lower right corner that was slightly crooked was exactly the same as in her draft. But the signature on the backdrop read: Christiana. I stood at the edge of the playground, staring at those words, and suddenly understood. Betty hadn’t just had her role stolen—her artwork had been stolen too. Samantha saw me, and a flash of impatience crossed her face. “Mrs. James, parent viewing doesn’t start until this afternoon. You can’t go backstage right now.” I smiled. “I’m here to help my child change clothes.” Samantha glanced at the clean white jacket in my hands. “Didn’t we already distribute the costumes?” As she spoke, she pointed to the cardboard on the ground nearby. That gray trash can costume had been carelessly thrown in a corner, with footprints from several children next to it. Betty instinctively hid behind me. Samantha frowned. “Betty, what are you hiding from? Didn’t you agree yesterday that you’d cooperate with the teacher today?” Her voice wasn’t loud, but it was enough for several nearby parents to hear. PTA president Rachel walked over. She wore a champagne-colored suit with a volunteer badge pinned to her chest. “Samantha, you can’t spoil children. If they don’t understand, you have to teach them.” She glanced at me and smiled lightly. “So many of us parents have been working tirelessly. Which child hasn’t followed the arrangements? Some people don’t contribute money or effort, but when it’s time to go on stage, they complain about the role.” “How can there be such a good deal?” Her son Mendez was standing nearby wearing his prince costume. Hearing his mother backing him up, he immediately made a face at Betty. “The trash can is here.” “Later I’ll throw paper balls at you. You’d better catch them.” Betty’s face went pale. I turned to look at Mendez. “Who taught you to talk like that?” Rachel’s expression darkened as she pulled her son behind her. “A child making a joke, and you, an adult, have to make a big deal of it?” Samantha also spoke up. “Mrs. James, today is Children’s Day. Everyone’s happy. Please don’t make the atmosphere awkward.” I asked her, “Can a child be happy being called a trash can?” Samantha’s brow twitched. “It’s just a role name.” “Besides, environmental protection themes need someone to play the trash can. Betty has a quiet personality, so she’s more suitable.” I took out my phone and opened a screenshot of the original program schedule Betty had shown me last night. “Then why did it originally say Betty would play the little artist?” Samantha’s expression changed. “Program adjustments are normal.” Rachel crossed her arms and sneered. “Mrs. James, I advise you not to make a scene.” “This school isn’t run by whoever has the loudest voice.” “Christiana’s father is the school board chairman. Our family handled the gift procurement for this Children’s Day. Other parents also contributed to class activity fees.” She looked me up and down. “And you?” “Besides dropping off and picking up your child on time, what else have you done?” “You don’t contribute resources but want your child to have center stage. Isn’t that teaching your child to freeload?” I suddenly laughed. “So children’s roles are assigned based on parent contributions.” Samantha immediately interrupted. “I didn’t say that.” But Rachel didn’t think she’d said anything wrong. “Pretty much.” “That’s how society works. Letting children understand early isn’t a bad thing.” “Children with resources get more opportunities. Children without resources learn to cooperate. When she grows up, she’ll thank us for letting her adapt to society early.” She said it so righteously. Although Samantha didn’t respond, she didn’t refute it either. I looked down at Betty. She was clutching my hand, her little face deathly pale. I crouched down and smoothed the stray hair from her forehead. “Did you hear that?” “It’s not that you’re not good enough.” “It’s that they’re dirty themselves and call their disgustingness ‘reality.’” Betty stared at me blankly. Rachel’s expression turned ugly. “Who are you calling dirty?” I stood up. “Whoever feels guilty knows who I’m talking about!”

Samantha, probably afraid I’d keep making a scene, reached out to pull Betty. “Go change first. The performance is about to start.” Betty took a step back. “Teacher, I don’t want to play the trash can.” Samantha’s expression completely turned cold. “Betty, what did the teacher tell you yesterday?” “Group activities can’t have problems because of one person.” “Your mother doesn’t understand, so you have to not understand too?” Tears welled up in Betty’s eyes. Mendez quietly laughed nearby. “If you don’t perform, you won’t get a Children’s Day gift.” Rachel lightly patted Mendez’s head. “Mendez, don’t talk nonsense.” But her face clearly showed indulgence. Just then, the backstage curtain was pulled open and a little girl in a white gauze dress ran out. Wearing a crown on her head and holding a paintbrush in her hand—it was the school board chairman’s daughter, Christiana. She saw Betty and wrinkled her nose. “Samantha, why hasn’t she changed into the trash can yet?” “After I finish painting the rainbow at the opening, I need to throw the waste paper in.” “If she doesn’t stand there, where am I supposed to throw it?” Children speak without restraint, but some children’s malice never grows from nothing. Samantha quickly coaxed her. “Christiana, don’t worry. It’ll be ready soon.” She turned to look at me and lowered her voice. “Mrs. James, please don’t make this difficult for me.” “The school board chairman and principal will be here soon. We can’t mess up the program.” I asked, “Who set the program?” Samantha didn’t answer. Rachel clicked her tongue impatiently. “What exactly do you want?” “It’s just a role. If you’re dissatisfied, why didn’t you join the PTA in the first place?” “Our family alone advanced tens of thousands for gift procurement for this Children’s Day.” “Christiana’s family donated a dance studio to the school.” “What right does your child have to compete with them?” Just as I was about to retort, Principal Antoine walked over with several administrators. He was all smiles. “Why is everyone gathered here?” Rachel immediately went up to him. “Principal Antoine, it’s nothing serious.” “A parent is dissatisfied with her child’s role assignment and is making a scene here.” Samantha also added in a low voice. “Mrs. James isn’t cooperating with the school’s work and is interfering with the program.” Principal Antoine looked at me, his smile fading a bit. “Parent, today is the school-wide Children’s Day performance. City officials will also be here.” “If you have any issues, we can communicate after the event.” “Please don’t disrupt normal order right now.” I looked at him. “What if the problem is your order itself?” Principal Antoine’s face darkened. “Parents need to watch what they say.” “Our SUN School has been running for many years. We prioritize children’s comprehensive development above all.” Rachel sneered nearby. “Principal Antoine, don’t waste words on her.” “Some parents are like this—they don’t support the school normally, but make a big deal out of everything.” “We can’t indulge this kind of attitude.” Samantha, as if finding a backer, reached for the trash can costume on the ground. “Betty, go change.” Betty didn’t move. Samantha’s voice rose. “Betty!” “If you don’t change, today’s entire class program will be delayed because of you.” “When your classmates blame you, don’t come crying to the teacher.” Betty was so scared she trembled. I gripped her shoulder. “No need to change.” Principal Antoine frowned. “Security, please escort this parent to the waiting room.” Two security guards were about to step forward. My phone rang. The caller was my assistant. “Ms. James, the lighting team has completed final testing, and the live streaming link is also set up.” “The school is urging us to send the final payment confirmation.” I looked at Principal Antoine and pressed speakerphone. “Don’t send it yet.” My assistant paused. “What do you mean?” I said, “Notify the on-site execution team. James Entertainment is withdrawing all stage, lighting, live streaming, photography, and gift sponsorship for this Children’s Day performance. Now!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “407880”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster

For generations, my family has produced high-ranking females who bring good fortune and bear top-tier beast cubs. But after marrying Lion King Emmett for seven years, I showed no signs of pregnancy. During those seven years, his mother treated me like a slave, and the entire tribe mocked me as a useless woman who couldn’t produce an heir. Until that day when Emmett brought back a delicate white rabbit female. He drained a bowl of my heart’s blood in front of everyone and kicked me off Sin Beast Cliff, where bodies are never recovered. “You’re useless trash occupying the Chief’s wife position. Go feed the vultures!” I thought I was dead. But when I opened my eyes, I found myself staring into a pair of dark green, sinister vertical pupils. The legendary bloodthirsty, one-legged psychotic Leopard King was coldly watching me. Later, when divine punishment struck the Lion Tribe and decimated their numbers, Emmett knelt at the cliff’s edge, begging me to return. I looked down at him from above, my pregnant belly protruding: “Get lost. Don’t wake the little black leopard in my belly.”

Wind swept across the Beast Platform like knives. Two strong lion males pinned me against the sacrificial post. My wrists were slashed open, blood dripping down the rough stone grooves into the stone bowl below. Drip. Drip. My blood was almost drained. My whole body trembled from the cold. “Emmett…” My cracked lips moved as I looked toward the man standing on the high platform. The man I’d loved for seven years, served for seven years, and even sacrificed my heart’s blood to cure. He wore the crimson tiger fur I’d sewn with my own hands, looking majestic and imposing. But in his arms, he held a petite, delicate white rabbit female. “Don’t call my name. It disgusts me.” Emmett looked down at me with only revulsion in his eyes. His mother, the tribe’s old witch doctor, hobbled over with her cane and picked up the stone bowl filled with my blood. “Bah! Useless trash who can’t bear children!” The old witch doctor spat a thick glob of phlegm at my feet. “Seven years! Eating our Lion Tribe’s food, drinking our Lion Tribe’s water, and not even a shadow of a cub! Today, draining a bowl of your blood to nourish Grace’s bloodline is the last bit of value you have!” Grace leaned against Emmett’s chest, saying timidly, “Emmett, she’s lost so much blood. Will she die? I’m scared.” Emmett tenderly covered her eyes. “Good girl, don’t look at this filthy thing. Trash like her isn’t worth pitying even if she dies.” Filthy thing. I laughed. Seven years ago, he knelt before my father, swearing he’d treasure me like his own eyes for life. Seven years later, I’d become the filthy thing in his mouth. “Emmett, what did you promise my brother?” I gritted my teeth, staring at him intently. When I mentioned my brother, Emmett’s expression changed, guilt flashing in his eyes before quickly turning to anger. “You dare mention your brother? If he hadn’t traded his eye to make me marry you, you think I’d want a useless woman who can’t bear cubs?” Emmett suddenly drew the bone knife from his waist, pointing it at my nose. “Today, I announce before the entire tribe — I’m stripping Sophia of her position as Chief’s wife! From now on, whether she lives or dies has nothing to do with our Lion Tribe!” The entire crowd cheered. “Should’ve gotten rid of her long ago!” “Exactly! Occupying the position without producing cubs, she’s caused our Lion Tribe’s fortune to decline!” “Throw her off Sin Beast Cliff! Let her die!” Sin Beast Cliff. The tribe’s forbidden land, where poisonous mist lingered year-round at the bottom, filled with disabled, crazed beasts abandoned by the tribe. Fall down there, and not even bone fragments would remain. Emmett walked up to me, his gaze as cold as if looking at a corpse. “Sophia, for old times’ sake, I’ll personally send you off.” With that, he lifted his foot and kicked hard into my chest. Searing pain struck. My body flew like a kite with a cut string, plummeting straight into the bottomless abyss. Wind howled in my ears. I closed my eyes. If there’s a next life, I’ll never be anyone’s stepping stone again.

Pain. Piercing pain. I thought I’d be smashed to pulp or poisoned to death by the toxic mist at the cliff’s bottom. But I wasn’t. I hung on a massive dead tree, its branches piercing through my thigh, blood gushing out. Everything around was dark, the air thick with pungent rot and intense wild beast scent. This was the bottom of Sin Beast Cliff. I gritted my teeth and pulled my thigh off the branch bit by bit. “Hiss–” I gasped in pain and fell heavily onto moss-covered rocks. Before I could catch my breath, several pairs of eerie green eyes suddenly lit up in the darkness. Hyenas. The lowest scavengers at the cliff’s bottom. They’d caught the scent of blood and were drooling as they closed in on me. I fumbled for a rock and gripped it tightly, staring them down. Even if I die, I’m taking one with me. Just as the lead hyena prepared to pounce — “ROAR!” A low, hoarse beast roar carrying terrifying pressure came from nearby. The pack of hyenas fled whimpering with their tails between their legs, as if they’d seen some terrible monster. I looked toward the sound. A tall shadow emerged from the thick fog. It was a man. Or rather, a half-beast. His upper body was bare, muscles coiled, covered with horrifying crisscrossing scars. Most striking was his right leg — below the knee, empty. He leaned on a crude black bone crutch, approaching me step by step. He walked up to me, looking down from above. In the faint light, I finally saw his face clearly. An extremely wild, handsome face, but with a claw mark on his left cheek so deep bone showed through, destroying the beauty and making it exceptionally fierce. He had dark green vertical pupils. A black panther. I recognized him. Dante Blackwood. Once the greatest warrior of Beast Mountain, chief of the Black Panther Tribe. Five years ago, while resisting the beast tide, he lost a leg and his face was ruined. Betrayed by his tribesmen, he was pushed off Sin Beast Cliff. Everyone thought he was dead. I never expected he’d survived and become the overlord of this cliff bottom. “Lion Tribe scent.” He spoke, his voice like sandpaper, ice-cold. He lifted my chin with his crutch, looking at me like garbage. “Are those above throwing down trash like you now?” I bit my lip and said nothing. I didn’t want to explain or beg for mercy. He stared at me for a few seconds, seeming to find me uninteresting. He withdrew his crutch and turned to leave. “Wait!” I don’t know where I found the strength, but I lunged forward and grabbed his good leg. His body stiffened. He looked down at me, killing intent flashing in his eyes. “Let go.” “No.” I held on tight. “Take me with you. I can work. I know herbs. I can sew beast hides.” I knew that at this cliff bottom, an injured female like me wouldn’t survive the night. Dante was my only chance at survival. He sneered. “I don’t need trash.” “I’m not trash!” I raised my head, looking straight into those terrifying vertical pupils. “I just can’t bear children, but I can help you live better at this cliff bottom!” He narrowed his eyes, seeming to assess my value. After a long while, he kicked me away. “If you can keep up, come. Die halfway, and it’s your bad luck.” With that, he walked away without looking back. I gritted my teeth, covered my bleeding thigh, and limped after him.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “407879”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster

In my last life, my coworker Leslie begged me to switch shifts with her. “Olivia, I have a date with my boyfriend tomorrow. Let me work today, and you cover for me tomorrow!” I nodded and agreed. I just never expected that Leslie would give the wrong medication that very night, causing the patient in Room 3 to die from respiratory failure. The next day when I covered her shift, the family of the patient in Room 3 suddenly burst into our office. Before I could react, Leslie shoved me into the crowd. She held up the shift schedule in her hand. “She was on duty yesterday. The patient died because of her mistake!” The furious family members tore at my clothes and struck my head. I died on the spot. After I died, I learned that the boyfriend she mentioned was actually my husband! They even took the compensation money the hospital gave me and chose to travel abroad. When I opened my eyes again, Leslie was clinging pitifully to my arm. “Olivia, I have something I need to discuss with you.”

The warmth on my arm made me shudder instantly. I couldn’t help but let my gaze fall on Leslie. She shook my arm and acted cute toward me. “Olivia, please do me this favor.” “Tomorrow is my one-year anniversary with my boyfriend. We already made plans.” She blinked her eyes, looking very innocent. “I know you’re the nicest person in our department. You definitely won’t refuse me, right?” I suppressed the hatred in my heart and gently pushed her hand away. “I’ll agree to it.” “That’s great, Olivia! I knew you were the best.” “But I have one condition.” I interrupted her words rather coldly. In an instant, the enthusiasm on her face vanished completely. Her voice even became somewhat dissatisfied. “What condition, Olivia?” As I spoke, I turned and took out a piece of paper and a pen from the drawer. “I need you to write down the specific time, the reason for switching shifts with me, and then sign your name.” “Then you need to hold this paper and let me take a photo of you.” As soon as I finished speaking, Leslie screamed. “Olivia! You’re going too far!” She bit her lip tightly, her tears threatening to fall. “We’re coworkers. I just want to switch shifts!” “Do you really need to make things so difficult for me?” I raised my eyebrows and pretended to put the paper away. “Since you don’t want to switch, then forget it.” As I said this, I deliberately glanced at her. She became visibly anxious. Seeing that I really didn’t intend to switch shifts, she hurriedly came over again. She gritted her teeth. “Fine, I’ll write it.” Without another word, I handed the paper to her. “Then write it.” The moment she spoke, I knew she absolutely had to switch this shift with me. After all, this was the only way she could get me killed. In my last life, Leslie came to me near the end of my shift asking me to switch with her. Looking at her harmless appearance, I agreed without hesitation. “Okay, I’ll cover for you the day after tomorrow.” I just never expected that my casual agreement would bring disaster upon me! The next day when Leslie covered my shift, she carelessly gave the wrong medication to the patient in Room 3. The patient immediately went into respiratory failure, but she just stood there helplessly at first, not even pressing the emergency bell. Only when the patient was on the brink of death did she pretend to perform a few chest compressions. The person died in the hospital, but she hid it from the family and lied to the hospital until the next day when the patient’s family came and discovered the abnormality. I had just entered the office when a large group of people suddenly rushed through the door. They angrily asked, “Which one of you was on duty yesterday?” I was confused and looked at Leslie beside me. I never expected her to quickly pull out our shift schedule from the drawer. Then she viciously pointed at me. “It was her! She was on duty yesterday.” “This is our shift schedule. You can look at it if you don’t believe me.” I didn’t even have a chance to speak before a man grabbed my hair. “You killed my father. I’ll beat you to death!” Everyone rushed forward, pushing me to the ground, stomping on my head with their feet one after another. “Olivia?” “I’m done writing. Take a look.” Leslie’s voice pulled me back from my thoughts. I took the paper from her. It clearly stated the reason she wanted to switch shifts, the date, and her name. I nodded with some satisfaction. “Okay, now hold up that paper and stand over there so I can take a photo.” Leslie’s face looked somewhat unpleasant, and her tone became much colder. “Olivia, you’re going a bit too far.” “I already wrote it out for you, and now you want me to take a photo. Don’t you trust me?” I laughed coldly. “Yes. If you don’t want to switch shifts, then you don’t need to take the photo.” “I’m going home now.” As I spoke, I started putting on my coat. She quickly came over to pull me back. “Okay, okay, don’t be angry, Olivia. I’ll let you take the photo.” She held up the paper with a resentful expression and stood in the distance, letting me take that photo. I looked at my phone with satisfaction. “Okay, then I’ll leave tomorrow to you.”

When I got home, my husband Manuel had made a whole table full of food. He thoughtfully took my coat from me. “Olivia, it must have been a hard day. Hurry and eat, the food’s getting cold.” I sat down without ceremony and forked a piece of meat into my bowl. “Why did you make such a feast today? Is there some good news?” Manuel, who was about to sit down, showed a flash of unnaturalness on his face. He licked his lips. “I just felt you’ve been working too hard lately, and since I had the day off today, I wanted to reward you.” Then he laughed dryly twice. “How is it? Does it taste good?” I played along with him. “It’s delicious. I really hope I can eat your cooking every day from now on.” His fork paused slightly as he picked up food, not daring to respond. This meal was eaten with both of us harboring our own thoughts. “I’m going to take a shower first.” As I spoke, I left my phone on the table, gave Manuel a few instructions, and went into the bathroom. When I came out, the dining table had been cleaned up. He was also dressed and ready to go. Seeing my confused expression, he spoke with frustration. “The company called in the middle of the night saying there’s a problem with a contract. They want me to go redo it now.” Then he came over, hugged me, and kissed me. “Olivia, you’ll have to sleep alone again tonight.” I smiled and teased him. It wasn’t until the door closed that I could no longer hold back that nauseating feeling and ran straight to the toilet to vomit. If I didn’t know his true face, I would have been moved to tears by his affectionate act long ago. We’d been married for a year and a half. He’d been cheating for a year. In my last life, he was the one who orchestrated Leslie switching shifts with me. “I know that patient in Room 3 you’re watching over.” “His son is a famous hothead in this area. A maniac.” “Do you want to be with me?” Just a few short sentences made Leslie kill someone. And I took the blame for them. After I died, the hospital downplayed the incident. As compensation, they gave Manuel a large sum of money. As soon as Manuel got the money, Leslie quit her job. Later, the two of them sold our marital home, got their visas, and went abroad. Thinking about how the two of them lived the good life with my blood money, my hatred completely erupted. Early the next morning, I went to the bank. To show his sincerity, Manuel had given me his bank card. “Olivia, now that you’re marrying me, I need to give you a complete sense of security.” “You can see all the spending on this bank card.” I trusted him one hundred percent. In all our time married, I never once looked at his phone or checked his transaction records. He also knew I was someone who didn’t like prying into others’ privacy, so he dared to say such things. Looking at the spending records printed out by the bank, I almost laughed until I cried. In just one month, he’d checked into the Harmony Hotel near the hospital fifteen times. The most recent time was last night. There were also purchases of lingerie and various sex toys. Looking at the spending records, I logged into his cloud storage with my phone. Inside, I found a large number of intimate photos of him and Leslie. I downloaded these photos one by one. Everything was ready. I just had to wait until tomorrow! In the evening, Manuel called me. “Olivia, the company has overtime again. I won’t be coming home today.” “Okay.” Compared to him, I didn’t want to see his disgusting face even more.

Early the next morning, I got ready and went to the hospital. Just like in my last life, as soon as I took off my coat, a large group of people gathered at the office door. And Leslie emerged from the back door of the office with a completely unconcerned expression. She raised her eyebrows at me, but her eyes held deep hatred. The patient’s family members were shouting for us nurses to pay with our lives. “You bitches killed my father!” “Who was on duty yesterday?” I quickly spoke up. “Leslie, what’s going on?” “Did something happen during your shift yesterday?” As I spoke, I stared directly at Leslie. The family members naturally heard my words. They followed my gaze and grabbed Leslie. “Was it you, you bitch, who was on duty?” Leslie panicked a bit but still shouted, “It wasn’t me! It wasn’t me!” “We have a shift schedule!” A woman in the crowd spoke up. “If it wasn’t you, then who was it?” “Since you weren’t on duty, then who was?” Leslie quickly broke free from the crowd and then suddenly pushed me. “Her! She was on duty.” She quickly pulled open the drawer and took out the shift schedule. “If you don’t believe me, you can look!” “Look at whether it was Leslie or Olivia on duty yesterday!” Because she was too frightened, her speech became somewhat garbled. The lead man looked at the shift schedule, read out the time, and then read out my name. He angrily threw the shift schedule in my face. “You bitch, how dare you frame someone else!” I covered my head and shouted that it wasn’t me. “It really wasn’t me! Leslie switched shifts with me yesterday!” “I have evidence, evidence that can prove it!” My voice was shrill and piercing. The entire office instantly became quiet. The man was breathing heavily. “Fine, what evidence do you have?” Just as I was about to take out my phone, Leslie suddenly knelt down before me. “Olivia, why are you framing me?” As she spoke, tears fell from her eyes. “Is it because I came here and stole all your spotlight?” I was completely confused by her words. “What are you talking about?” She apologized to me. “I know it was a mistake for me to come here as an intern.” “You’ve been targeting me at work, mocking me openly and secretly.” “I can let all of that go!” She turned and pointed. “But now you’re indirectly responsible for killing a patient!” “Do I have to take the blame for this kind of mistake too?” People always sympathize with the underdog, including the angry family members now. My breathing became rapid, and then I quickly pulled out my phone. “I also have a photo of you begging me to switch shifts yesterday. I don’t understand why you’re trying to frame me now!” The patient’s family members glared at me menacingly. There was even a man in the crowd holding a fruit knife. Just as I took out my phone to prove my innocence, I was shocked to discover that the photo on my phone was gone! “How can this be?” I muttered helplessly. At this moment, Leslie, who was kneeling on the ground, looked arrogant. At an angle only I could see, she mouthed words to me. “Wait to die.” The family members lost patience. “Do you have the damn photo or not?” “Don’t try to deceive us! If I find out you’re lying to us, you better prepare to die!”

I became somewhat panicked, and the sweat on my forehead increased. Leslie had already stood up from the ground. “Olivia, when you make a mistake, you need to admit it.” “You can’t keep using me as your shield!” As soon as she finished speaking, I laughed. Then I showed my phone to the group of fierce-looking people across from me. “I found it.” I found it on my Instagram. “Look, isn’t this her in this photo?” “If you can’t see clearly, I have a close-up of what she wrote.” As I spoke, I swiped left. “Look.” “It’s true that my name is Olivia, but Leslie switched shifts with me yesterday.” “The reason she gave was that she wanted to go on a date with her boyfriend.” “It’s all written here, clear as day.” The man with the knife could no longer contain his emotions. He pushed through the crowd and grabbed Leslie to his side. He casually patted Leslie’s face with the knife. “Damn bitch, I fucking hate it when people lie to me.” With that, he put away the knife and punched Leslie in the stomach. Leslie cried out in pain, and tears fell from her eyes. Looking at her pained expression, my mind was filled with my experiences from my last life. A group of them surrounded me, punching me again and again. When I fell to the ground, they even stepped on me with their feet to vent their anger. Just as the man was about to strike again, the man holding my phone shouted, “Wait, don’t hit her yet.” I felt uneasy. I saw him glaring at me ominously. “This person just said you often bully her.” “How do we know you didn’t force her to write this?” At this moment, Leslie grabbed onto this lifeline and desperately shouted, “Yes, she forced me to write it.” The man seemed to have decided I was the bad person and pressed me step by step. Until I had no way to retreat and was hiding in the corner. “Tell me, what reason do you have that we should believe you?” Another man punched Leslie again. “Don’t waste words with this woman.” “Just beat them both to death!” Just as the man’s fist was about to come down, I quickly cried out. “I have a witness!” “I was home yesterday! My husband can vouch for me!” As I said this, I inadvertently glanced at Leslie in the distance. Her eyes suddenly brightened. But the man was unmoved. “Why should we believe you?” “You’re not trying to stall for time and secretly call the police, are you?” At this time of day, everyone in the hospital was busy with their own tasks. Plus, my office was in the most inconspicuous location, which is what caused the tragedy in my last life. I quickly shook my head. “No.” As soon as I finished speaking, the office door was pushed open. Standing in the doorway was Manuel. He looked at the room full of people and couldn’t help but panic. The man standing in front of me also recognized him. “Manuel, we’ve known each other for quite a while. She’s your wife?” Manuel walked over quickly. “What’s going on here? She’s my wife, Olivia.” “I’m just going to ask you one question. Was she home yesterday?” he asked again. Manuel didn’t dare make eye contact with me for a long time. He hesitated for a long while before finally saying, “No, I didn’t see her at home yesterday.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “407878”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster

There are two famous good-for-nothings in New York’s high society. One is me, Celine, who only knows how to eat, drink, and have fun. The other is my childhood friend Tony, the heir to a fortune who has autism and congenital heart failure. But my eldest brother is the mafia boss that strikes fear into everyone’s hearts, and my second brother is the wealthiest billionaire in New York. Tony’s eldest sister is the undefeated queen of the legal world, and his second sister is a medical genius who can bring people back from the brink of death. During a casual conversation: “Raising one waste is still raising, might as well pair them up—easier to take care of.” So Tony and I got married just like that. Until my eldest brother asked us to attend a banquet on his behalf. At the banquet, the heiress Eve Blanchett insisted, based on a similar silhouette photo, that I was the mistress who wrecked her relationship. I explained good-naturedly: “You’ve got the wrong person. I’m married. This is my husband.” Eve exploded instantly, raising her hand to hit me. “Married and still out here hooking men?” Tony instinctively blocked me, taking the slap for me. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. She sneered: “Oh, and he’s an idiot too? Can’t even tell his wife’s cheating, and he’s still protecting her?” “A shameless woman and an idiot—what a perfect match.” She waved her hand, and several bodyguards lunged at us. “Beat them both!” I looked at Tony with distress and immediately called my eldest brother. “Someone’s bullying me.” After all, they didn’t know that messing with us two wastes could be fatal.

“Still making phone calls? I bet whoever you’re calling is just another man you’re sleeping with!” Eve snatched my phone and smashed it hard on the ground. “What, one idiot husband isn’t enough for you? How many sugar daddies have you taken on behind his back?” I stared at my phone on the floor and took a deep breath. “Miss Blanchett, I’ll say this one last time.” “You have the wrong person.” “Leave now with your people, and I can pretend nothing happened.” Eve burst out laughing. She turned to look at the guests watching the spectacle. “Did you all hear that? A mistress who sells herself is telling me to leave?” Laughter rippled through the crowd. “Miss Blanchett, mistresses are pretty arrogant these days.” “Exactly! Even brought an idiot husband as cover. Now I’ve seen everything.” Eve stepped closer in her four-inch heels. She raised her hand, her nails nearly poking my nose. “In New York, I am the law.” “Beat them!” The bodyguards clenched their fists and charged at me. I instinctively closed my eyes. The expected pain never came. Tony was holding me tightly in his arms. “Don’t… hit Celine.” He spoke slowly, his words unclear. He had severe autism and didn’t know what was happening. But he only knew he couldn’t let me get hurt, so he held me tight. The bodyguards’ fists kept landing on his back. Thud! Thud! Each muffled sound hammered at my heart. “Tony!” I struggled desperately to break free from his embrace. “Let go of me! You have a bad heart, you can’t take hits!” Tony stubbornly shook his head. His face turned deathly pale, but his arms around me didn’t loosen even a fraction. “Celine… doesn’t hurt.” “Won’t let Celine hurt. I’ll block it.” He forced out a smile to comfort me. This idiot! He was trembling from pain himself, yet he was still worried about whether I was hurting! “Stop! Stop it!” He had a heart condition and couldn’t withstand this kind of beating. My eyes turned red as I whipped around to glare at Eve. “Stop! If you keep hitting him, he’ll die.” The servants around us whispered among themselves. “Those clothes look real. This girl’s demeanor doesn’t seem like a mistress either.” “Shh, do you have a death wish? Miss Blanchett is furious right now. Who dares cross her?” Eve’s butler wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and reminded her quietly. “Miss Blanchett, that gentleman’s complexion doesn’t look good. He seems to have a heart condition.” “If someone actually dies…” Eve backhanded the butler with a slap. “Shut up!” “An idiot pretending to be precious?” She pointed at Tony, her eyes contemptuous. “Forget one life—even if there were ten more, I could afford the compensation!” “Drag this pair of adulterers to the main hall!” “I want all of New York to see what happens when you try to steal from me!” The bodyguards roughly dragged Tony and me toward the main hall. Tony gripped my hand tightly, his fingers ice cold. His chest heaved violently, fine beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead. I struggled desperately, my heels scraping harsh sounds across the floor. “Don’t touch him! He has a heart condition!” “You’ll kill him!” Eve walked ahead without even turning her head. “Then let him die.”

Tony and I were thrown onto the red carpet of the banquet hall. Eve walked toward the stage in the center of the hall. “Everyone, quiet please.” The entire venue fell silent instantly. All eyes focused on Tony and me. Eve snapped her fingers. The massive LED screen behind her lit up instantly. On the screen was a blurry photo of someone’s back. The woman in the photo wore a white haute couture dress. She was getting into a black Maybach. Eve pointed at the screen, then at me. “This woman is the slut who seduced my husband in this photo!” “Married and still out hooking up with men, using an idiot husband as a shield.” “Does she think everyone in New York is blind?” “Everyone look—does she look like her?” I happened to be wearing a white dress today too. But anyone with any sense could tell that the fabric and tailoring of my dress were leagues above the one in the photo. My second brother Henry had it specially air-shipped from Paris for me. But in this hall, no one dared tell the truth. “That dress is identical, even the hairstyle is similar. It must be her.” “Truly shameless times we live in. Looks pure on the outside, but so slutty inside.” “That idiot is pitiful too. Getting cuckolded and still counting money for someone else.” Those vicious comments flooded over me. Tony was already extremely sensitive to bright lights and noise. The surrounding clamor and stares made him cover his ears in pain. “Celine…” He curled up on the ground, his breathing growing more rapid. His lip color visibly drained away, turning blue-purple. I broke down emotionally and threw myself over to him, holding him in my arms. “Tony! Look at me! Deep breaths!” My hands trembled as I searched his pockets. He always carried his emergency medication and portable oxygen pump. The oxygen pump was a device that my second sister Wendy personally developed specifically for Tony’s heart condition. Just as my fingers touched the medicine bottle. Eve had already walked down from the stage and stomped hard on the back of my hand with her heel. She snatched away the medicine and oxygen pump. “Want this to save his life?” Eve tossed the oxygen pump in her hand. “Beg me.” “Get on your knees and admit you’re a mistress, and I’ll give it to you.” “Celine… don’t beg her…” He struggled to get out a few words. “Eve Blanchett!” I raised my head and stared hard at her. “My eldest brother is Theodore Brown, New York’s most famous mafia boss!” “If you dare touch a hair on his head, the Brown family will never let you go!” Eve froze for a moment, then burst into hysterical laughter. “Theodore Brown?” She laughed until tears came out. “Have you been reading too many novels?” “If you’re Theodore’s sister, then I’m God’s daughter!” “You don’t even do your research before lying! No one from the Brown family is here tonight!” True, my eldest brother hadn’t originally planned to attend the banquet tonight. I was just bored playing around New York and heard the Blanchett family banquet would be lively, so I brought Tony along to join the fun and get a free meal. Seeing my silence, Eve laughed even more mockingly. “What? Can’t keep up the lie anymore?” She tilted her chin up. “If the Brown family were really here, my father would have cleared the venue to welcome them!” The butler looked at Tony’s increasingly terrible condition and couldn’t help stepping forward. “Miss Blanchett, the oxygen pump can’t be interrupted. He really doesn’t look good.” Eve’s smile vanished instantly. She glared viciously at the butler. “I said if he dies, I’ll pay!” Right in front of everyone, she smashed the oxygen pump hard on the ground. With a loud crash, it shattered to pieces. “No!” I broke down emotionally and lunged forward, but two other bodyguards held me down firmly. Eve grabbed my hair and forced me to look up. “Does it hurt?” “Then be good and kneel down. Apologize to all of New York on livestream!” “Admit you’re a shameless mistress. Admit you seduced my husband!” “As long as you kowtow and admit your mistake, I’ll be merciful and have someone send this idiot to the hospital.” Tony struggled to open his eyes. He shook his head at me. “Celine… don’t kneel.” But how could I not kneel? This was Tony, who I’d grown up with since childhood. Just as I was about to kneel. Outside the tightly closed heavy mahogany doors of the banquet hall, there was suddenly a deep, muffled bang.

Bang! Bang! One after another. “Miss Celine, are you in there?” Everyone stared at the door in terror. My eyes lit up instantly. It was my eldest brother’s agents planted in New York. They’d come! I struggled free from the bodyguards’ grip and screamed toward the door at the top of my lungs. “I’m here!” My heart leaped with joy as I shouted hoarsely. “I’m here! Save Tony! Save him quickly!” Eve’s expression changed, then she showed even more contempt. “Your lover actually has some backbone? He really came?” She straightened her wrinkled skirt, laughing coldly. “But a bunch of underground thugs who can’t see the light of day dare to crash my Blanchett family’s party?” “They really don’t know what’s good for them!” She picked up her walkie-talkie, her voice low. “Security team! Riot squad! Everyone mobilize!” “Beat those thugs outside to death! Break their legs!” “Activate Level One lockdown protocol. Lock down all electromagnetic doors!” “Not even a fly gets in today!” With her command, metal shutters around the banquet hall crashed down. Completely sealing off all sounds from outside. The heavy doors were locked tight with several steel chains. The sounds of fighting and door-breaking from outside gradually became faint. The hope that had just ignited in me was ruthlessly crushed by these doors. “No! Open the door! Open it!” I rushed frantically toward the door, pounding on the shutters with my fists. My knuckles scraped raw, blood dripping, but I felt no pain. “Tony can’t wait!” “Open the door!” Eve walked up behind me, grabbed my collar, and threw me to the ground. “Scream! Keep screaming!” She looked down at me from above, savoring my despair. “See that?” “This is your backup? Pretty weak~” “In New York, if I don’t want someone to get in, they’ll have to kneel outside no matter who they are!” She pointed at Tony, who had fallen into semi-consciousness on the ground. “He’s dying, isn’t he?” “This is all your fault!” “If you’d just admitted you were a mistress earlier, if you’d just kowtowed and admitted your mistake, how would he be suffering like this?” “Now the door’s sealed. Your kneeling is useless!” I looked at Tony’s purple lips, tears bursting from my eyes. I had never hated anyone this much. Even when I encountered those passive-aggressive socialites before, I just laughed it off. Because I had four siblings protecting me. I didn’t need to fight or compete. I just needed to be a happy little princess. But now my most important Tony was about to die in front of me. And I was powerless. “Eve…” I stared hard at her, my voice hoarse. “If anything happens to him today, I’ll make your entire Blanchett family pay with their lives.” Eve laughed loudly. “Oh my, I’m so scared~” Just then, the butler rushed in. He looked somewhat panicked, lowering his voice to say something in Eve’s ear. Eve’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Aiden’s here?” Hearing that name, a glimmer of hope ignited in my heart. As long as he came forward to clarify, to prove I didn’t know him, to prove the person in the photo wasn’t me. The misunderstanding could be cleared up! Tony could go to the hospital! “Aiden!” Eve immediately went to greet him, her eyes reddening. “Look at this woman. She actually dared to come to my banquet and cause trouble!” “She even brought an idiot to disgust me!” Aiden’s gaze swept across the entire venue, finally landing on me. I forced myself to stand up and pointed at the photo on the big screen. “Mr. Aiden!” “Tell her quickly that I don’t know you at all!” “The person in the photo isn’t me!”

Aiden pushed up his glasses. His gaze swept back and forth between me and the big screen. As long as he said he didn’t know me, this farce could end. However, Aiden remained silent. He lowered his eyes, avoiding my gaze. When he looked up again, his face wore an expression of pained heartbreak. “Miss Celine.” He sighed, his voice gentle yet cutting. “I already told you we could never be together.” “Why do you keep pestering me?” “Even… even chasing me to my wife’s banquet to cause a scene?” My eyes widened, my whole body turning cold. “What did you say?” My voice trembled. “Are you insane? I’ve never even seen you before!” But Aiden no longer looked at me. He turned around and held Eve’s hand. “Eve, I’m sorry.” “She kept pestering me. I was soft-hearted and didn’t completely reject her.” “But I swear, you’re the only one in my heart.” “I’ll handle this. Please don’t be angry, okay?” Eve’s face twisted with rage. “Bitch!” Eve whirled around and kicked me hard in the stomach. Caught off guard, I was sent flying and crashed heavily to the ground. My internal organs screamed with pain, making me convulse. “What else do you have to say?” Eve shrieked, completely losing her mind. “My husband admitted it! You still dare argue!” I clutched my stomach, cold sweat pouring down. I looked at Aiden’s evasive eyes and finally understood. Of course he knew I wasn’t the woman in the photo. Because he wanted to protect the woman he loved. So he didn’t hesitate to push me out as a scapegoat! “Aiden… you’ll die a horrible death…” I stared hard at him. A flash of guilt crossed Aiden’s eyes, but he quickly recovered his cold indifference. “Pick her up.” Eve’s voice was ice cold. “Make her kneel!” Several bodyguards immediately rushed forward, pressed me to the ground, and forced me to kneel toward the big screen. Eve pointed at Tony, who lay motionless on the ground. “Drag him to that display platform!” That platform had an extremely strong electromagnetic field set up to display floating jewelry. “No!” My eyes widened as I shouted and struggled. “He has an implanted defibrillator in his heart! Strong magnets will cause cardiac arrest!” “Please! Spare him!” Eve turned a deaf ear. The bodyguards dragged Tony next to the display platform. As soon as he got close to the platform, the monitoring patch on Tony’s chest emitted a piercing alarm. His body began to convulse violently, his eyes rolling back. “Tony!” I screamed with all my might, my voice breaking instantly. Eve walked up to me and raised her hand. Slap! A resounding slap landed on my face. My cheek swelled instantly, and I tasted blood at the corner of my mouth. Eve rubbed her wrist, her eyes vicious. “This slap is to teach you how to be human.” She raised her hand again. Slap! “This slap is for your shamelessness.” The monitoring patch’s alarm grew more and more shrill. I watched Tony’s face gradually lose its vitality, my heart turning to ash. I bit my lip hard, staring at her intently. “You’d better pray you can kill me today. Otherwise, you’ll regret being born into this world.” Eve laughed loudly. “Regret? I don’t know if I’ll regret it, but I’ll make you regret being a mistress.” “Let’s see what you’ll use to seduce men without this face.” As she spoke, she took a knife from a bodyguard. The blade gleamed with cold light, aimed straight at my cheek. Just as the knife was about to cut my skin, I closed my eyes. Bang! The shutters were torn apart by force. “You dare touch my sister?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “407877”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster

Seven years together. At our engagement gala for the company’s anniversary, my fiancé Ethan Brown put that priceless ten-million-dollar heirloom pink diamond on my best friend Chloe’s finger—right in front of all the city’s elite. He said it matter-of-factly: “Chloe’s depression is acting up. She feels insecure. It’s just a ring. Be reasonable and I’ll buy you another one next time.” My best friend hid in his arms, her smile openly mocking. Looking at this pair of shameless scumbags, I didn’t compromise like I used to. I calmly took the microphone and publicly announced the cancellation of our engagement. Then I turned and walked toward his most formidable rival seated below—the powerful mogul Ethan Brown feared most, Xavier Holt. “Mr. Holt, need a Mrs. Holt? How about me?” Ethan Brown, since you gave the ring to someone else, my groom should change too. The tenth anniversary gala of Brown Corporation was also the day Ethan Brown would publicly announce our engagement. I wore a starry evening gown I’d spent half a month designing myself, standing on stage with a heart full of joy, waiting for the man I’d loved for seven years to put the wedding ring on my finger. But when the attendant carried that rare pink diamond onto the stage, Ethan walked right past me. He went straight to Chloe, who stood at the edge of the stage clutching her chest, swaying as if about to collapse. Before all the guests’ shocked eyes, Ethan didn’t hesitate to take Chloe’s hand and slip that pink diamond—the symbol of the Brown family matriarch’s status—onto her ring finger. The hall fell deathly silent. I stood frozen, feeling like all the blood in my body was flowing backward. Ethan turned his head, lowering his voice with his usual tone of entitlement: “Summer, Chloe almost fainted backstage just now. The doctor said she has severe depression and desperately needs security right now.” “She was crying, saying no one loves her, no one cares about her, that she can’t go on living. How could I just stand by and watch her suffer?” “Today’s just a ceremony. Be the bigger person and don’t throw a tantrum. It’s just a ring. Tomorrow I’ll have my assistant take you to pick out a bigger one.” Chloe leaned against Ethan’s shoulder, tears still clinging to the corners of her eyes, but her lips curved into a smug arc. In a voice only the three of us could hear, she cooed: “Summer, if you really feel you can’t save face, that valet at the door is pretty cute. Want me to have him play along with you? You’re not picky anyway.” Looking at this disgustingly coordinated pair, I suddenly felt nauseated. I remembered seven years ago, when Ethan had just started his business and was so poor he couldn’t afford to eat. I gave him all my living expenses. I survived on crackers for a month and ended up in the hospital with a bleeding ulcer. He sat by my hospital bed with red-rimmed eyes and swore: “Summer, if I, Ethan Brown, ever let you suffer even the slightest grievance, may I die a horrible death!” But now, the person humiliating me most, trampling my dignity into the ground, was him. I took a deep breath and met Ethan’s warning gaze. “Didn’t you say it yourself? It’s just a ceremony.” Ethan’s brow furrowed tightly as he grabbed my wrist: “Summer Lynn, what are you trying to do? I’m warning you, there are lots of media here today. Don’t you dare embarrass me!” “Embarrass you?” I couldn’t help but laugh coldly. Who exactly was the one being embarrassing? Seeing this, Chloe immediately tugged timidly at Ethan’s sleeve: “Ethan, this is all my fault. I shouldn’t have been scared. Summer has every right to be angry. Go comfort her. I’ll just give the ring back to her…” As she spoke, she pretended to remove the ring, but “accidentally” her eyes reddened. Ethan immediately pulled her protectively behind him, his eyes full of heartache. When he looked at me again, his gaze held only disappointment and disgust. “Summer, Chloe is already this sick, and you have to make a scene with her today of all days? Where’s your kindness?” Watching him shield Chloe, that part of my heart that once burned hot for him turned completely cold. I didn’t lose it. I didn’t become hysterical. I simply shook off his hand calmly and walked toward center stage.

I snatched the microphone from the host’s hand. The harsh electrical feedback instantly drowned out the murmuring crowd. I looked at the sea of people below, my voice cold and clear, every word deliberate: “Distinguished guests, members of the media, I apologize for interrupting your evening.” “Here and now, I, Summer Lynn, formally announce the dissolution of my engagement to Mr. Ethan Brown. From this moment on, whether he marries or stays single, whoever I marry—we are completely unrelated!” The moment those words left my mouth, the hall erupted. Ethan’s face turned iron-blue. He strode over, trying to grab my microphone: “Summer! Have you lost your mind? Do you even know what you’re saying!” I dodged to the side, my gaze passing over him to land directly on the man seated at the VIP main table below. Xavier Holt. A top business mogul, head of the Holt Financial Group, and Ethan Brown’s greatest nemesis in this lifetime. Today he wore a custom-tailored black suit, lounging lazily against his chair back, playing with a wine glass in his hand. Those deep, narrow eyes watched the farce on stage with an amused, mocking expression. I lifted my gown and walked down the steps one by one, going straight to Xavier Holt. Every eye in the hall followed my movement. Even breathing seemed to stop. I stood before him, looking down at him, a brilliant smile curving my lips. “Mr. Holt, I hear your grandmother’s been pressuring you about marriage lately?” “How about me? Need a Mrs. Holt?” Ethan rushed down from the stage, shouting in exasperation: “Summer! Get back here! You’re usually such a reasonable person—why are you making a spectacle of yourself today!” “Of all people, you go to Xavier Holt? You think he’d even look at you!” I ignored the barking behind me, only staring intently at Xavier Holt. The air seemed to freeze. After a long moment, Xavier let out a low laugh, the sound devastatingly seductive. He set down his wine glass and stood up deliberately. His six-foot-two frame immediately created an overwhelming sense of presence. He leaned down slightly, warm breath falling on my ear, his voice low and certain: “Alright.” Then, in front of all the guests, he reached into his suit jacket and pulled out a dazzling blue diamond ring. It was the “Heart of the Ocean,” which had sold for three hundred million at a Sotheby’s auction not long ago. Xavier knelt on one knee, took my hand, and slowly slid the blue diamond onto my ring finger. “Miss Lynn, I’ve had this ring prepared for quite some time.” “Now that it’s on your finger, I, Xavier Holt, won’t be taking it back.”

After agreeing to meet Xavier tomorrow, I took a cab back to the penthouse apartment Ethan and I shared. I pushed open the door. In the entryway hung wedding photos we’d just taken a few days ago. In the photo, Ethan held me from behind, smiling with deep affection. I still remembered him solemnly whispering in my ear that day: “Summer, once the tenth anniversary gala is over and your status is established, we’ll go register our marriage immediately!” Those promises still echoed in my ears, yet the person had rotted through completely. I looked coldly at that photo, then walked forward and yanked it from the wall without hesitation, smashing it hard on the floor. The sound of shattering glass was especially jarring in the empty living room. I found a suitcase and started packing my things. Clothes, laptop, design drafts. Anything Ethan had bought, I left behind. About half an hour later, the door’s electronic lock beeped. Ethan walked in carrying an elegant cake box, with Chloe following behind him, holding a beautifully wrapped bouquet of red roses. Seeing the shattered wedding photo glass all over the floor, Ethan froze. His brow furrowed instinctively, his tone carrying a hint of superior irritation. “Summer, have you had enough of this tantrum? We’ll have to get the photo reprinted tomorrow if you smashed it.” I zipped up my suitcase, my voice completely flat: “No need to reprint it. Just clearing out the trash.” Ethan clearly didn’t catch the deeper meaning in my words. Or rather, he was so confident in my seven years of love that he didn’t believe I would actually leave him. He strode over and set the cake box on the dining table. “Alright, stop sulking. Come eat something.” His tone was gentle, as if nothing had happened—employing his usual tactic of humiliating you first, then offering some trivial gesture of kindness. “Chloe specially went to that popular bakery in the south district and waited in line to buy you mango mousse. You used to love this place, didn’t you?” I released the suitcase handle, pulled out a wet wipe, and carefully cleaned my fingers before turning to look at them. Chloe held out the roses, her face showing careful, flattering concern. “Summer, don’t be mad at Ethan about tonight.” “It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have been scared because of my condition.” I didn’t take the flowers, just quietly watched her hypocritical face. “You’re right about one thing—you shouldn’t have. After all, stealing someone else’s fiancé is pretty shameless.” Chloe’s eyes immediately reddened. Her hand holding the flowers froze in midair as tears started falling, and she looked to Ethan for help. Ethan’s face immediately darkened. He pulled Chloe behind him and looked at me accusingingly: “Summer, that’s enough!” “Chloe already humbled herself to apologize to you. How long are you going to keep this up?” He took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, his tone condescending. “Fine, you were wronged at the gala tonight. But she waited in line for two hours to buy this mango mousse. At least take a bite, won’t you?” As he spoke, he opened the cake box himself and cut a piece to hand to me. A thick, sickeningly sweet mango smell hit me in the face. Looking at that piece of cake, I suddenly felt utterly absurd and couldn’t help but laugh. Ethan frowned, his expression confused: “What are you laughing at?” I looked into his eyes and asked, word by word: “Ethan Brown, do you still remember that I’m allergic to mango?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “407876”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster

I married my best friend Ethan Cole’s sister, Frost. I was addicted to her for three years, but ever since she gave birth to our daughter, she refused to share a bed with me. When she had needs, she’d rather take care of it herself than come near me. I once suspected something was wrong with me. When I was drinking with Ethan to drown my sorrows, I complained about it. The next evening, I saw Frost pin Ethan against the wall. “You know I’m in love with you! I already did what you told me to—I married Zachary, even gave him a daughter. And now you want me to be intimate with him too? Do you really not care if I live or die?!” Our daughter was wiping away tears beside them. “I like Uncle Ethan too. I want Uncle Ethan to be my daddy.” The veins on Ethan’s forehead bulged as he pulled them both into a tight embrace. “Frost, you’re in my heart too. I want to raise Emma as well. But we’re siblings on the same household register. What would people think if I married you?” “Besides, Zachary saved your life during that earthquake. You married him. You two should just live a good life together from now on.” “Emma, be a good girl. Your daddy gave you his kidney. You need to honor him from now on, understand?” Frost covered his mouth forcefully. “Isn’t giving him a child enough?!” “I can stay married to him, but letting him touch me is impossible. Except for you, I won’t let anyone touch me.” So my wife wasn’t frigid after all. Her body would only submit to another man.

I didn’t want to see or hear what came next. I walked home alone, lost and hollow. My chest hurt so badly I swallowed several painkillers. I barely made it through the night. At dawn, I contacted a lawyer to draft a divorce agreement. The lawyer asked me, “Do you want to fight for custody? Your daughter is only six years old. The chances of custody going to the mother are very high.” I didn’t know. I had poured everything into Emma, but she didn’t want me as her father. I could only tell the lawyer, “Let me think about it.” The front door burst open. Frost came home with our daughter. I was about to bring up the divorce when my daughter suddenly wrapped her arms around my leg. Her innocent little face was full of pleading. “Daddy, Uncle Ethan’s company suddenly got scammed out of fifty million dollars. It’s about to go bankrupt. Can you sell the house and lend him the money?” These weren’t words a six-year-old should be saying. Seeing I didn’t react, Frost’s usually cold and distant face showed a panic and nervousness I’d never seen before. “Please, Zachary. If you help, I’ll do anything you want.” I lowered my eyes, not looking at her, my heart bitter. “You’ll do anything? Then if I ask you to give me another child, would you agree to that too?” “Yes!” My nails dug into my palms. I went to the bedroom and took out the property deed. “But think carefully. I’m down one kidney. I can’t work overtime or do physical labor. This house is the last safety net for you and Emma.” Frost didn’t hesitate for a second. She grabbed the deed and left. She mortgaged the house and spent days by Ethan’s side. I didn’t interfere. I just took my daughter to the hospital for another checkup. The doctor said she was very healthy after receiving my kidney and could live normally from now on. Leaving pediatrics, I stopped by nephrology for my regular checkup. I’d had to come every six months since donating my kidney. The doctor looked at my lab results, his brow furrowing tighter and tighter. “Mr. Spencer, you’re down to one kidney, and now this one is showing signs of mild failure. Your creatinine levels are elevated, and your urine protein is abnormal. You absolutely cannot overwork yourself, drink alcohol, or do strenuous exercise from now on, or you might need long-term dialysis.” My heart sank, but I kept my expression neutral. “Do I need medication?” “I’ll prescribe a course of out-of-pocket drugs. Three thousand dollars a box, taken continuously for three months. Your constitution was never very strong to begin with, and with all the stress lately…” The doctor sighed. “You must rest.” I walked out of the consultation room with my report and asked my daughter, “If Mommy and Daddy get divorced, who would you want to live with?” “Mommy.” My daughter answered without hesitation, looking at me happily. “Daddy, are you going to divorce Mommy? Then Mommy’s wish will finally come true.” A bitter taste filled my mouth. I notified the lawyer to give up custody. As I left the hospital, I spotted Frost’s car at the entrance. She looked at me with surprise. “Are you not feeling well? Or is Emma sick? Why didn’t you call me? I could have come with you.” I said flatly, “Emma’s checkup. Nothing serious. Aren’t you supposed to be with Ethan? What are you doing at the hospital?” Frost was silent for a moment, her eyes showing something like guilt. Then she pulled out an appointment slip. “I came to ask about IVF.” “You said you wanted a child. I’ll keep my promise.” For Ethan’s sake, she really was committed to preserving her chastity. She could give me a child through IVF, but she wouldn’t sleep with me. I tore the appointment slip in half. “Never mind. I thought about it. Emma doesn’t want a sibling anyway. Let me change my request.” Frost visibly relaxed. “That’s great. What do you want instead?” I handed her the divorce agreement where I’d given up custody. “Just sign this. That’s all I’m asking you to do.” Frost flipped straight to the last page. Before signing, she was about to look at what was written on the previous pages. The next second, her phone rang. “Frost, did you get the fever medicine? I think my temperature’s up to 102.” “I’ll be right there. Let me ask the doctor about precautions first, then I’ll come over.” She soothed the man on the other end while rapidly signing the agreement. My daughter was clamoring to see her uncle. Frost took her and left, telling me to get a cab home myself. So she didn’t come to the hospital for IVF after all. She came because Ethan had a fever.

I followed Frost to Ethan’s hospital room. I stood at the door like some shameful voyeur, peering through the gap. I could see everything inside clearly. Frost’s face wore the gentle smile I hadn’t seen in so long as she bent down to take Ethan’s temperature. Her movements were delicate, like handling fragile porcelain. After checking his temperature, she turned to pour water, tested its warmth, then counted out two pills from the medicine box and placed them in Ethan’s palm. Ethan lounged lazily on the sofa. He took the pills but didn’t swallow them right away. Instead, he pulled Frost into his arms and kissed her forehead. Frost smiled and pushed him away—that smile I’d never seen at home. The corners of her eyes curved, her lips turned up, looking like a girl acting coquettish. She held the water glass to Ethan’s lips and watched as he obediently swallowed the pills before nodding with satisfaction. I stood outside the hospital room, the cold wind in the corridor blowing through me. My heart felt frozen. After donating my kidney to my daughter, my health had deteriorated. Fevers of 104 degrees were common. She had never treated me with such tenderness. She would never smile at me like that. Never speak my name with honey in her voice. She would only call “Zachary” in that flat tone, like addressing a casual neighbor. She wouldn’t take my temperature or feed me medicine—she’d just tell me to take fever reducers, then sleep in a separate room. The difference between love and indifference was so painfully obvious. I pocketed my phone and turned to leave. Back home, I opened my mobile banking app to check if last month’s salary had been deposited. The kidney failure medication cost three thousand dollars a box. I needed to scrape together the money. The number on the screen made me freeze for a full ten seconds. Balance: $87.42 I checked the transaction history again. Besides the money transferred to Ethan for his “company emergency,” there were several recent purchases: Department store shopping $32,000, phone store $9,900, luxury boutique $21,000… all charged to my credit card. I collapsed onto the sofa and called Frost. It rang for a long time before she answered. “What is it?” Frost sounded impatient. “The credit card charges—was that you?” “Oh, I bought Ethan a suit and a phone. He has to meet with investors. He can’t look shabby.” “But you used my money. It’s almost seventy thousand dollars.” “You’re a grown man. Why are you so petty?” Frost’s tone was like scolding an unreasonable child. “Ethan’s company is going bankrupt. He needs decent clothes for business negotiations.” “Your medicine? Just borrow some money from your parents.” Ethan’s voice came through the phone, lazy and casual: “Come on, Zachary, don’t be so stingy. When my company recovers, I’ll pay you back tenfold.” I hung up and called Frost’s father. “Dad, my kidney is failing. The medication costs…” Her father was silent for a long time, then sighed. “I know you’re struggling financially, but your mom and I aren’t well-off either. We just helped your brother-in-law pay his mortgage a few days ago. We don’t have much left.” “We can give you two thousand at most. That’s it. You’ll have to figure out the rest yourself.” My phone vibrated. It was a transfer notification from Frost’s father. I sat in the empty living room. Sunlight streamed through the window onto me, but I felt no warmth at all. My phone vibrated again. A collection notice from the bank. I stared at the words “minimum payment due” on the screen and suddenly felt like a complete joke. The next day, I went out in my old jacket. Passing a street corner, a homeless man sat on the ground with a paper cup in front of him. I instinctively reached into my pocket and found only two coins. As I bent down to drop them in, a passerby looked at me with pity and also threw two dollars into the cup. I crouched on the curb, staring at those two coins, and laughed for a long time. I laughed until tears choked out of me.

Frost’s social media feed had become all about Ethan. Every caption was a prayer for his recovery, for his company to overcome its difficulties. In the photos, my daughter always nestled against Ethan, as if they were the family of three. I called a cleaning service to clear out everything I didn’t need. The clothes and gaming console she’d given me, the necklace and watch I’d given her, the stuffed animals and toys I’d bought for my daughter. The cleaner kept asking if I was really sure I wanted to throw it all away. I never changed my mind. After everything was tossed out, Frost came home. She stared at the empty house, her face full of shock. “Why did you throw everything away?” “The house is being sold anyway. We won’t need any of this. Why are you suddenly back?” Frost’s first words were a complaint. “Today is Emma’s birthday. Mom and Dad reserved a private room at a restaurant. Did you really forget?” How could I forget my own daughter’s birthday? It’s just that Frost’s parents didn’t like me. Every time, it was just the two siblings taking my daughter. There was never a place for me. When we entered the private room, we found a strange young woman already sitting inside. Frost’s mother beckoned to Ethan to sit down. “Ethan, look at your sister’s kid—she’s already six years old, and you still don’t even have a girlfriend. How can that be?” “This is my colleague’s daughter. You young people should get to know each other. If you’re compatible, get engaged quickly. I’m still waiting to hold a grandson.” Frost’s face immediately turned ugly. She gripped her daughter’s hand tightly, her eyes reddening. “Mom! You want a grandson—isn’t Emma right here? Why are you forcing Ethan to marry someone he doesn’t love!” “What nonsense. Who says he doesn’t love her? Feelings develop over time, just like you and Zachary. Didn’t you two have a good life after marriage?” “What I want is a grandson. What you gave birth to can only be considered a granddaughter from your side of the family.” Frost broke down crying: “That’s because you don’t know how miserable I’ve been since getting married!” “And I specifically let my daughter take my last name. She’s a Cole child. If Ethan agrees, I’ll let Emma call him Daddy!” My daughter crisply called out “Daddy.” Smoothly, as if she’d practiced it a thousand times. My heart felt crushed by a boulder. The surgical incision from the kidney donation throbbed with phantom pain, but I knew it was all in my head. What really hurt was my heart. Frost’s father, who had been silent, finally rebuked her. “You are you, and your brother is your brother. What does it mean for your daughter to call your brother Daddy?” “Sit down and eat properly. Stop making a spectacle in front of this young lady.” Tears streamed down Frost’s face. She turned to leave but didn’t notice the server entering with a stew. The server stumbled several steps from the collision, and scalding soup splashed everywhere. In that critical moment, both Frost and my daughter lunged toward Ethan. And I, forgotten where I stood, was drenched head-on with boiling water close to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. My skin burned with searing pain, like being roasted over a fire. After struggling for a few seconds, I lost consciousness. I don’t know how long passed before I heard voices. My eyelids felt sewn shut, but my ears could still hear. It was Frost’s mother’s voice. “Zachary, are you awake?” I felt someone grasp my hand—rough, warm hands. “The doctor said you have second-degree burns on your face and body. It’ll take months to heal. Mom feels terrible for you, but…” She paused, her voice becoming cautious. “We parents can see what’s going on between Frost and Ethan.” “But Ethan is the only son of the Cole family. You can’t ruin his reputation.” “You’ve already married Frost and had a daughter. Just turn a blind eye. Men need to be magnanimous.” I wanted to speak, but my throat felt stuffed with cotton. Frost’s father’s voice joined in, low and stern. “That’s right. Ethan said when you’re discharged, he’ll give you some money. You can find a woman on the side.” “As long as you don’t divorce, we’re still one family.” “Dad knows you’re being wronged. But think about it—Emma is still young. She can’t be without her mother.” “If you really divorce, you definitely won’t get custody. You’re in kidney failure. You can’t even support yourself.” Tears seeped from beneath my bandages, rolling over my burned skin. It hurt like being cut with a knife. But I couldn’t tell if it was the wound that hurt, or if my heart hurt more.

When I woke again, my daughter was leaning over my bed, her round eyes staring at me. I was about to comfort her that I was fine. But my daughter sighed regretfully. “Daddy, you slept for so long. I thought you died.” “If you had died, that would have been great. Then Mommy could be with Uncle Ethan.” “They’re in the living room talking right now. Mommy is crying so sadly.” My heart was torn open by her innocent tone. Enduring the pain throughout my body, I pushed open the bedroom door. Frost’s voice stabbed sharply into my skull. “Ethan Cole, let’s come clean to Mom and Dad. So what if they know we like each other!” “I can’t accept another woman being by your side. I’ll go crazy.” “As long as you’re willing to leave with me, I can even leave Emma behind. We’ll go somewhere where no one knows us!” Ethan flatly refused. “That won’t work. Have you thought about Zachary? Zachary is my best friend and your husband. I can’t let him lose both of us.” “Then why did you force me to marry him!” “Do you know that I used to feel guilty toward Zachary, but every single second of being married to him, I’ve hated him. You’re the one who made him lose us!” A pathetic groan escaped my throat. The bandaged area slammed hard against the door frame. Ethan’s expression changed drastically. He rushed over to support my shoulders. “Zachary, you’re awake. Does it hurt? Frost and I were just rehearsing a script. The screenwriter sent it earlier saying the emotions weren’t full enough, so we were practicing.” I wiped the cold sweat from my forehead and forced a smile. “Is that so? I heard everything just now. I thought you both did very well.” Ethan helped me back to the hospital bed and gave a few instructions to “rest well” before hurriedly leaving with Frost. The moment the door closed, soft laughter drifted from the hallway. She was laughing, as if those words had never been spoken. I lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. The wound started hurting again. It felt like fire burning beneath the bandages, but I didn’t even have the strength to cry out in pain. The door cracked open. Emma’s little head poked through. When her round eyes confirmed I was alone, she swaggered in. “Daddy.” She stood by the bed, clutching a pink hair clip in her hand—the one Ethan had given her last week. “What is it?” My voice was so hoarse it was barely audible. Emma climbed onto the chair by the bed, her legs swinging back and forth. She tilted her head and stared at me for a while before suddenly asking, “Daddy, when are you moving out?” I froze. “Uncle Ethan said his new house is ready. It has a bigger yard where we can have a dog. Mommy said she’s moving there too.” Emma counted on her fingers. “Grandma said after that, I can see Uncle Ethan every day.” “Daddy, can you move out quickly? Once you’re gone, we can live in the big house.” Her tone was as light as discussing tomorrow’s breakfast. There was no reluctance in her eyes, only pure anticipation. “Emma,” I tried to reach out to touch her face, “if Daddy leaves, no one will tell you bedtime stories.” “Uncle Ethan will!” She proudly lifted her chin. “Uncle Ethan tells better stories than you.” I withdrew my hand, my fingertips trembling slightly. Emma jumped off the chair and ran to the door. Then she turned back and seriously reminded me: “Daddy, when you leave, take all your stuff with you. Mommy said not to leave anything here. It takes up space.” With that, she ran off. The patter of footsteps in the hallway grew fainter and fainter. I slowly closed my eyes. Takes up space. So in her eyes, even my existence was superfluous. The string that had been stretched taut finally snapped in that moment. I fumbled under my pillow for my phone and sent a message to the lawyer: “Process the divorce agreement as originally drafted. I don’t want a penny. Just make it fast.”

My face and body were wrapped in bandages. I stayed home for many days without going out. I thought Frost would be thrilled. She could brazenly cling to Ethan without worrying I’d find out. But she didn’t. Instead, she stayed home taking care of me. She’d wake early in the morning to make chicken soup, then call me to eat after I woke up. She’d patiently help me apply medicine, and when the wounds were exposed, she’d even have our daughter blow on them gently. I couldn’t understand what she was trying to do. Until I discovered she had transferred our last bit of savings to Ethan as well. Frost could never give me any emotional response. The better she treated me, the more it meant she was hurting me. But fortunately, I didn’t need that money. The seven years I’d been married to Frost were probably the poorest seven years of my life. I just quietly urged the lawyer to process the divorce paperwork. Every night after I went to bed, Frost would quietly leave by car. She thought I didn’t know, but I was awake every time. Even Emma knew. Emma asked me, “Daddy, aren’t you angry that Mommy goes out?” I just shook my head with a smile. I knew where Frost went. The year Emma was born, we had exchanged GPS locations—just a small feature that was easy to forget. Now every day I could see her location appearing at Ethan’s house. That evening, Frost’s mother called about a family dinner to celebrate Ethan’s company “overcoming its difficulties.” I wanted to refuse, but Frost gently persuaded me: “The bandages are off your face. It would be good for you to get out. Besides, Emma wants you to come.” I knew Emma didn’t want me there, but I still put on my cleanest shirt to cover the scars on my neck. At the restaurant’s private room, there was Frost’s father and mother, Ethan, Frost, Emma, and that blind date woman from last time. The atmosphere was much better than before. Ethan wore his new suit, looking spirited as he poured drinks for everyone. Emma wore a pink princess dress today with two little buns. Frost had done her hair. Frost’s mother suggested having Emma pass around cookies to the elders. “Come on, Emma. Start with Grandma.” Emma helped pass around a plate of cookies and walked over, saying sweetly, “Grandma, please have cookies.” Frost’s mother beamed with joy. “Now serve one to your uncle.” Frost’s mother pointed at Ethan with a smile. Emma walked up to Ethan, and suddenly called out crisply: “Daddy, please have cookies.” The entire room fell silent for a moment. The sound of knives and forks dropping on the table was particularly clear. Frost’s mother paused, then smoothed things over. “This child, why are you calling people the wrong names?” Emma said seriously, as if she’d rehearsed it many times, “Mommy said Uncle Ethan is my new daddy. Daddy is moving out soon.” Everyone’s eyes turned to me. My hand holding the water glass was trembling. Scalding water splashed out and burned the back of my hand, but I felt nothing. I looked at Frost. She was looking down at her phone, the corners of her mouth slightly upturned with a trace of smug satisfaction. Ethan, on the other hand, acted magnanimous, pulling Emma close and kissing her cheek. “Emma is such a good girl. Uncle Ethan will be good to you from now on.” Then he looked up, meeting my eyes, and said with a smile: “Zachary, don’t take it to heart. Kids are young and don’t understand.” I opened my mouth, wanting to say something. Frost’s mother across from me sighed, looking at me with an expression that said “why are you so stubborn”: “Zachary, the child made a mistake. Don’t take it personally.” I lowered my head, looking at the water glass in my hands. The water reflected my face—half covered with red marks from the burns, like an ugly birthmark. I suddenly felt a bitter taste in my mouth. More bitter than kidney failure medication. I set down the water glass and said quietly, “She’s right. I am moving out soon.” Then I stood up, grabbed my jacket, and walked out of the private room. Behind me came Emma’s cheers: “Yay! Old Daddy is finally leaving!” Then Frost’s soft laugh, Ethan’s “Come on, let’s keep eating,” and Frost’s mother’s “Don’t worry about him. That’s just his temperament.” I stood outside the restaurant entrance. The night wind poured into my collar, blowing against the scars on my neck—painful and itchy. My phone vibrated. It was a message from Frost. “It’s better that you left. With you there for Emma’s birthday, everyone felt awkward.” I didn’t reply.

My injuries improved day by day. The lawyer finally contacted me. “Mr. Spencer, your divorce certificate has been processed. I’ll send it to you by courier.” I immediately stopped him. “Don’t send it by courier. I’ll pick it up in person.” I couldn’t wait even one more day. Two thin pieces of paper—what I’d been desperately waiting for. I gave Emma the one that belonged to Frost. “When your mommy comes home, show her this document.” Just as I was about to leave for the airport, I suddenly received a call from Ethan. “Zachary, come quick! Something happened to Frost!” I arrived at the bar where Frost was. After asking many people, I finally found the second-floor public restroom. I saw Frost’s thighs wrapped around Ethan’s waist. She was continuously rubbing and kissing the man’s neck, trying to unbutton his shirt. Her voice was sickeningly sweet as she murmured. “Ethan, do you know how happy I’ve been these past days with you? It’s like a dream.” “Accept me. Let’s be together forever.” In the open space, Ethan spotted me immediately. His voice was gentle and coaxing. “What about Zachary? He’d risk his life for you. He’d be devastated to hear you say this.” Frost’s voice carried a sobbing tone. “I don’t care about him. Do you know, when I gave birth to our daughter, I wanted to strangle her?” “I can’t accept that Zachary and I have a child together!” “If only he hadn’t saved me back then. We’d still have a chance to be together, wouldn’t we?” I’d heard these words so many times I’d lost count. Besides feeling sorry for my daughter, I couldn’t summon a single emotion. Ethan called me over. “Zachary, don’t listen to Frost’s nonsense. She drank something spiked just now. She’s confused.” “Take her aside and help her with the antidote.” He said this, but his hands made no motion to push her away. He just watched as Frost’s hand gradually reached for his belt. She even waved her hand to slap me. “Don’t touch me. I don’t want you. Get away.” I laughed. “The antidote, right? Fine, I’ll help you both.” The moment I finished that sentence, before I could make any move, several people in uniforms suddenly rushed up the stairs. “Zachary Spencer? Someone reported that you’ve been domestically abusing your wife long-term and threatening to harm your wife and daughter. Please come with us to the station for investigation.” Two officers grabbed me from both sides, twisting my arms behind my back. “I never abused anyone!” I struggled and shouted. Frost suddenly “sobered up,” tears streaming down her face as she rushed to the police: “Officers, it’s him! After he was disfigured, his temper got worse and worse. He hits me constantly.” “Today he got drunk and said he’d take our daughter with him to die. I was terrified, so I called the police!” She cried hysterically, her shoulders shaking, looking like someone who’d been victimized for a long time. I stared wide-eyed at her performance, unable to say a single word. What broke me even more was that my daughter Emma appeared from nowhere, tugging at Frost’s clothes, tears in her eyes as she told the police: “Police officers, my daddy hits my mommy and said he’d kill me.” She said it so naturally, without a single stammer. I crouched down, trying to touch her face. “Emma, when did Daddy ever—” “Don’t touch me!” Emma screamed and dodged, hiding in Ethan’s arms. Ethan looked pained as he told the police: “Officers, I’m her brother. My sister hasn’t had a single good day since marrying him. Today he got drunk and followed us here to cause trouble. We really had no choice.” Under Ethan and Frost’s accusations, I was handcuffed and taken to the police station. I sat in the interrogation room for two hours while a young officer kept repeating the same questions. “Do you admit to domestic violence?” “I didn’t do it.” “Your wife and daughter both identified you. Neighbors also reported hearing arguments from your home.” “Arguments don’t equal domestic violence.” “Then how do you explain the bruises on your wife’s body?” I froze. Frost had bruises on her body?

After staying in the interrogation room for 24 hours, when I walked out of the police station, I felt like I’d been through another lifetime. Ethan’s car was parked at the police station entrance. He got out and walked toward me.He patted my shoulder, his voice as warm as a true brother’s. “Zachary, just revise the property division in the divorce agreement. Give the house and savings to Frost.” “Then I’ll have them drop the case. Otherwise, as a domestic abuser, you can forget about ever seeing your daughter again.” The night wind blew through me. I was chilled to the bone. “You’re the one who called the police.” I said. Ethan didn’t deny it. He just smiled. “Zachary, I’m doing this for your own good. Look, your health isn’t great. Wouldn’t living alone be easier? The assets are useless to you anyway. Give them to Frost and Emma, and they’ll remember your kindness.” I looked at him. At this man I’d once considered my brother. The streetlight stretched his shadow long, like a twisted vine. I signed the case withdrawal agreement. The house went to Frost. The savings went to Frost. Custody of my daughter went to Frost. I left with nothing. Ethan drove away with Frost and Emma. As they passed me, Frost rolled down the window and said flatly, “Smart choice.” Emma pressed against the car window and made a face at me. I stood at the police station entrance, clutching that thin divorce certificate. The night wind blew, and the paper’s corner dug into my palm. It didn’t hurt. I’d already endured worse pain than this. The streetlight stretched my shadow long and faint, like ink that could dissolve at any moment. I remembered the day three years ago when we got our marriage license. Frost didn’t smile once. When the clerk said “congratulations,” she just hummed in response. I thought she was shy at the time. Now I understood—that was the politeness of someone completely indifferent to another person. My phone vibrated. I looked down. It was a voice message from Frost’s mother. I hesitated for two seconds before opening it. “Zachary, Mom knows you signed the papers today.” Her voice was low, as if hiding from someone. “Mom wants to tell you something from the heart—it’s actually better that you’re leaving.” “Your face and neck are covered in scars. Emma’s still young. If she sees them too much, she’ll have nightmares.” “Don’t come to the house anymore, and don’t come see the child. Let her slowly forget you. It’s better for her.” My hand holding the phone trembled. My throat felt blocked by something. I wanted to say: Mom, those scars are from donating a kidney to save your granddaughter. Those scars are from protecting your daughter when boiling water scalded me. But I said nothing, because I knew it would be useless. The voice message finished playing. The screen lit up again—Frost’s mother had recalled the message. A few seconds later, she sent a new one: “Zachary, Mom sent the wrong message just now. Take care of yourself while you heal.” I didn’t reply. I looked up and saw a 24-hour fast food restaurant across from the police station, warm yellow light glowing through the glass windows. Inside sat a family of three. The parents were wiping their child’s mouth. The child laughed and burrowed into the mother’s arms. I watched for a few seconds, then reached into my pocket for my phone and removed the SIM card. I bent down and threw it into a storm drain by the road. When the card fell, it made no sound at all—like a complete and utter silence. I straightened up and hailed a cab. “Where to?” the driver asked. “Airport.”

The car started moving. Through the rearview mirror, I watched the police station gate grow smaller and more distant, finally becoming a point of light that disappeared into the night. Outside the window, this city’s thousands of lights were like a silent river. I sent no messages. I made no calls. Not because I feared they’d ask me to stay, but because I knew too clearly—no one would ask me to stay anyway. So be it. From today on, Zachary Spencer had no more weaknesses. After flying back to New York, I checked into the best hospital. No information leaked out. My grandfather’s people cleared the entire floor. Even the nurses had to sign confidentiality agreements before being allowed in. It wasn’t the Spencer family being ostentatious—I just didn’t want anyone to know where I was. Especially not the Coles. Top dermatology experts came to consult on my case, making sure not a single scar would remain on my body. It wasn’t about vanity or saving face. It was because even the slightest trace proving Frost’s existence made me feel sick. The expert team conducted three consultations. Each time they took dozens of photos and used instruments to scan every inch of burned skin. Professor Smith, who led the team, was a national authority in burn treatment. After examining my wounds, he frowned for a long time before finally saying: “Mr. Spencer, your burns weren’t treated promptly enough at the time. Some areas have already formed scar tissue. To remove them completely will require at least three laser surgeries.” I said, “Do it. I’ll pay whatever it costs.” Professor Smith nodded, then hesitated and asked, “These scars… how did you get them?” I didn’t answer. He probably read something in my expression and didn’t press further. On the third day of hospitalization, I underwent a comprehensive physical examination. When the results came out, the attending physician called me to his office with a grave expression. “Mr. Spencer, your current physical condition isn’t very optimistic.” “You’re down to one kidney, and that kidney’s function indicators have been steadily declining. If we don’t find a suitable kidney source soon, within three to five years, you’ll likely need long-term dialysis.” I sat in the consultation room, looking at the kidney anatomy diagram on the wall, and suddenly felt like laughing. I gave my daughter a kidney, and now even my remaining one was failing. The doctor continued, “The good news is we’ve registered you in the national organ donation system.” “With Mr. Spencer Senior’s network, we could find a matching kidney source within three months at the fastest. However…” He paused, looking at me. “However what?” “However, you need to prepare yourself mentally. After kidney transplant surgery, you’ll need to take anti-rejection drugs for life. You can’t overwork yourself, can’t exercise strenuously, and your immune system will be much weaker than a normal person’s.” “Moreover, a second kidney transplant carries much higher risks than the first.” I was silent for a long time. The sunlight outside was beautiful, shining on the white sheets, so bright it hurt the eyes. I remembered three years ago, lying on the operating table at another hospital. Before the anesthesia was administered, I looked at Frost one last time. She stood outside the operating room with no expression on her face. Before the operating room doors closed, I wanted to say something to her, but the anesthesia had already kicked in. My mouth wouldn’t open. When I woke up, there was a four-inch scar on my side and one less kidney in my body. Frost sat by the bed. When she saw me wake up, the first thing she said was, “The surgery was quite successful. Emma is in the ICU for observation now.” No “does it hurt.” No “thank you.” As if I’d just gone to donate blood—perfectly natural. “Mr. Spencer?” The doctor called me. I came back to myself and nodded. “I understand. Schedule the surgery as soon as possible.” As I walked out of the consultation room, I stood in the hallway for a long time. My phone rang. It was a message from my grandfather: “Rest up properly. Don’t think about useless things. The Spencer bloodline doesn’t fall down so easily.” Looking at that message, my nose suddenly stung. Right. We don’t fall down so easily. I’d already fallen once. I wouldn’t fall a second time. The doctor also said my current physical condition was too poor. Surviving on just one kidney, there would come a day when it exceeded its capacity. But fortunately, I waited less than three months before finding a suitable kidney source. The day I came out of the operating room, the old man had been waiting in my hospital room for half a day. As soon as he saw me, his face darkened. “Do you know what you did wrong?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “407875”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster