I’d just given birth when I saw Julian Albright’s stepsister, Tiffany, snapping photos of me on her phone. “Stella, you look absolutely repulsive after giving birth. Julian will probably be scarred for life just seeing you like this, won’t he?” I shrieked at her to get out. My brother, Leo, snatched her phone and deleted my private photos. But she started wailing loudly outside the hospital room. “Those were my photos! What right do you have to delete them?” Julian’s face was livid. He threw a punch that sent Leo sprawling to the floor. “Get on your knees and beg Tiffany for forgiveness, or I’ll make you pay dearly!” Leo refused to apologize. So, Julian threatened to break my brother’s hand. Gritting my teeth against the pain, I stumbled out and slapped Julian across the face. “Julian, we’re done! I want a divorce!” Julian’s face instantly swelled red. He stared at me, his eyes wide with shock and disappointment. Just then, Tiffany charged forward and slapped me hard across the face. “Stella, don’t push your luck!” I lost my footing and fell heavily to the ground. The stitches from my delivery ripped open, and agony ripped through me, sweat chilling my skin. Crimson blood spread beneath me, staining the pristine white hospital gown. “Stella!” Leo screamed, his voice raw. He struggled, crawling clumsily towards me from where he lay on the floor. But Julian’s relatives dragged him back like a dead dog. Tiffany looked down at me, her voice sharp and venomous. “Stella, how could you do this?” “This is your husband! You hit him for your brother? Did you ever truly love him?” Julian glanced at me coldly, then pulled Tiffany into his arms, comforting her. It wasn’t until the nurse brought the baby out. I struggled to lift my head and saw Tiffany holding him, standing not far away. A cruel smile curved Tiffany’s lips. “Choose your precious son, and Leo loses both his hands. Choose Leo, and from today on, this child has nothing to do with you. I’ll raise him as my own.” “Stella, choose!” My newborn child had become their bargaining chip. No one around tried to stop them. Some even looked on, clearly enjoying the spectacle. Leo was already in so much pain he was on the verge of passing out, but he still screamed at me, “Stella! Don’t worry about me! Choose the baby! Choose the baby!” Julian looked at me, drenched in blood, without a trace of pity in his eyes. “Stella, stop making a scene. Tiffany just wants justice. Pick one, and we can drop this. Otherwise, you’ll face the consequences.” My breath hitched. On one side was the child I’d carried for nine months and given birth to. On the other was the only family I had left in this world. They were both my flesh and blood; I couldn’t choose. The baby seemed to sense the tension around him and suddenly burst into tears. That weak cry pierced my heart like a needle. On the other side, Leo was desperately calling my name, again and again. My body trembled violently, and I coughed up a mouthful of blood. Everyone covered their noses and recoiled in disgust. Tiffany gloated, “No time to hesitate! Three seconds! One, two—” I reached out, wanting to touch my baby, then wanting to comfort the injured Leo. But my gaze finally landed on Julian’s face, the man I’d loved for five years. And who was now hurting me at my most vulnerable. My lips quivered. Before I could even scream an answer, my vision went black, and I completely passed out.

“Leo!” I snapped my eyes open, struggling to sit up. But a strong hand pressed down on my shoulder. I looked up, meeting Julian’s deep-set eyes. He was sitting by my bedside, a hint of exhaustion in his gaze. “Julian, where’s Leo?” I grabbed his wrist, my voice shaking uncontrollably. “What did you do to Leo? Tell me!” Julian frowned, prying my hand away, his tone calm. “You’ve been unconscious for a day. Since you didn’t make a decision, I chose the baby for you. If Tiffany hadn’t been kind enough to plead, Leo would have lost both his hands.” “What?!” I stared at him in disbelief, roaring with fury, “Julian, you piece of trash!” I tried to get out of bed, to rush to my brother’s side immediately, but he held me down firmly. “You just gave birth, you can’t move! Stella, it’s done. Making a fuss won’t change anything now. You need to take care of yourself.” “Let go of me!” I shrieked, like a cornered beast pushed to its limits. “That’s my brother! My only family! How dare you make that decision for me? How dare you break his hand? Julian, I’ll kill you!” The hospital room door burst open with a bang. Tiffany walked straight to the window, carrying a thermos. With a flick of her wrist, scalding chicken soup splashed out the window. “You ungrateful viper! Who do you think you are, to even touch anything from our Albright family, let alone drink our chicken soup?” She turned around, her face filled with disgust. “Stella, your parents died early, so no one taught you gratitude, right? Julian has been pouring his heart out for you, and what do you do? You dare to blame him for hitting your uncivilized brother?” “I should’ve just let them cripple your brother completely. It would’ve saved everyone a lot of trouble.” Tiffany pulled out her phone and slammed it onto my bedside table. The screen lit up, showing a video of Leo being held down and beaten. A bodyguard swung a wooden club at his hand, the sickening crack of bone breaking clearly audible even through the screen. Leo was curled on the ground, groaning in agony, hoarsely and despairingly calling out for his sister. My whole body trembled. A surge of pure hatred welled up inside me. I violently shoved Julian away, using every ounce of strength I had. Unprepared, Julian staggered back two steps, hitting the wall. I didn’t look back, didn’t spare him another glance. Like a madwoman, I bolted towards the hospital entrance, desperate to find my injured brother. As soon as I burst through the doors, my steps froze. My blood ran cold. At the bottom of the hospital steps, Leo was curled on the ground, his left hand hanging limply, blood soaking his clothes. His face was ashen, his brows tightly furrowed. He was still murmuring, “Stella… my hand…” I stumbled forward, my voice trembling uncontrollably. “Leo, I’m here! I’ll get you help!” One hand clutching my intensely painful abdomen, the other I painstakingly threaded under Leo’s armpit, half-lifting, half-propping him up. We leaned on each other, struggling step by step towards the hospital entrance. Just as I used my last ounce of strength to push open the hospital door, Tiffany and her bodyguards blocked the way. A cruel smile played on her lips. “Stella, you want to save your brother?” “It’s simple. Get on your knees and kowtow ten times, until I’m satisfied.” “You’re dreaming!” Leo suddenly lifted his head, his voice hoarse. “Stella, let’s go! Don’t beg her! That woman isn’t worth bowing to!” “We’ll go to another hospital! Someone will help me! Stella, let’s go!” Tiffany looked down at us, her tone arrogant and unyielding. “Let me tell you, one word from the Albrights, and no hospital in this entire city will dare to admit him.” I looked past her to Julian. He stood there silently watching, letting Tiffany freely humiliate us. I managed a bitter laugh, tears welling in my eyes, but I stubbornly refused to let them fall. “Julian, that day you proposed to me, your promises… have you forgotten them?”

My voice trembled, but each word was crystal clear: “You said you’d treat Leo like your own brother, cherish him.” “But what happened?” Julian froze, as if struck by a heavy blow. The coldness on his face crumbled instantly, a flicker of panic in his eyes. Tiffany noticed and reassuringly linked her arm through his. “Stella, how can you say that about Julian? He’s been good enough to Leo! It’s Leo who was rude and disrespected me first. He did something wrong, so he deserves to be punished!” “Don’t emotionally blackmail Julian!” Julian stepped forward, his tall frame radiating intense pressure, his eyes filled with disappointment and disgust. “Stella, I thought you were a reasonable person. I never expected you to be so biased and ungrateful!” “You don’t have to kneel. Just abandon him, and there will still be a place for you in the Albright family.” “Which is more important, your child or your brother? I think you should understand.” I scoffed, forcefully pulling off my wedding ring. With a flick of my wrist, the diamond ring hit the ground hard. It landed at Julian’s feet, like his own shattered heart. My voice was as cold as ice. “Julian, we’re finished!” With that, I gritted my teeth, supported Leo, and walked away without looking back. We tried three major hospitals, but were stopped at the entrance of each. I knew in my heart that Tiffany had already made calls. She wanted to push us into a dead end. By nightfall, I finally found a small clinic. I grabbed the old doctor who came to meet us, begging desperately, “Doctor, please, look at my brother’s hand. We’ll pay whatever it costs.” Dr. Miles frowned as he carefully cut open Leo’s sleeve. His entire arm was severely swollen and bruised. He gently touched the wound, and Leo almost passed out from the pain. Dr. Miles sighed, his voice grave. “The injury is too severe. I can only do basic first aid here. You need to get him to a major hospital as soon as possible. If you delay any longer, the fractured bone pressing on the blood vessels for too long could lead to amputation.” Hearing those words, my body swayed, and I fell heavily to the ground. “Stella!” Seeing this, Leo struggled to get up from the bed. His movements were too quick, aggravating his injury, his face contorted in pain. But he still gritted his teeth and stretched out his hand towards me. “Stella, don’t worry. I still have my other hand.” “As long as you don’t think I’ll be a burden, a cripple.” The despair in Leo’s eyes pierced me. “Leo, don’t worry, I won’t let them amputate your hand.” Suddenly, the clinic door burst open with a bang. Tiffany looked down at us. “Stella, I thought you’d found some better place. So, you’re just hiding out in this dump?” She looked maliciously at Leo, trying to provoke him. “Leo, blame your sister. She refused to kneel, and now you’re going to lose your hand.” Dr. Miles frowned. “Ma’am, there’s a patient here. Please watch your language.” “Watch my language?” Tiffany scoffed, pulling a wad of cash from her bag and tossing it on the table. “Hey, this money is enough for half a year’s rent for your clinic. Now get them out. Otherwise, I won’t just shut you down; I’ll make sure you can never practice here again.” A bodyguard stepped forward, glaring menacingly at Dr. Miles. Dr. Miles hesitated for a long time, then finally sighed, quietly putting away his reduction forceps. “Miss, I’m sorry…” The word “amputation” still echoed in my ears. I scrambled up, my knees hitting the floor hard, and began to kowtow repeatedly to Tiffany. Ignoring the blood gushing from my forehead, I pleaded in a hoarse voice, “Tiffany, please take my brother to see a doctor. Don’t let him lose his hand. I’ll agree to anything you want. I’ll be your slave, whatever it takes!” Tiffany folded her arms, a look of disgusted, cruel amusement on her face. “Begging me? Stella, did you hit your head? When did I ever say I’d take your brother to the doctor if you kowtowed?” Her words were the final straw, utterly crushing the last shred of hope in my heart. I snatched a scalpel from the nearby tray and pressed it against her throat. “Tiffany, take my brother to the best hospital right now! Get the best orthopedic surgeon! Otherwise, I’ll make you pay with your life.” Tiffany shrieked and struggled, trembling all over. “Stella, are you insane?!” “Julian, Julian, help me!” Just then, Julian burst in, ignoring everything. His eyes instantly turned red, and he roared, “Stella! You’re out of your mind! How dare you hurt Tiffany!” Before I could explain, he kicked me hard in the abdomen. I fell heavily to the ground, feeling as if every bone in my body had shattered. “Julian, look closely! She’s the one refusing my brother medical help, she’s the one trying to kill us!” “She’s clearly in the wrong, yet you keep indulging her.” I clutched my stomach, struggling to lift my head, my eyes filled with accusation. But Julian didn’t care. He meticulously checked Tiffany for injuries. When he turned to look at me, his eyes held nothing but icy disgust. “I will never forgive anyone who harms Tiffany.” He barked at the bodyguards by the door. “Break her brother’s other hand! Let her taste what it’s like to wish you were dead!” In that critical moment, I fumbled for my phone in my pocket, my trembling fingers scrambling across the screen. The moment the call connected, I used every last bit of my strength to cry for help. “Is, is this Mr. Hayes from ‘The Ark’?” My voice was shaking uncontrollably, laced with tears and pleading. “I’m Arthur and Eleanor’s daughter. My brother is about to be beaten to death, they’re going to break his hands. Please, please save us…”

Julian impatiently snatched the phone from me. “Calling for help? I’d like to see who dares to interfere with my business!” However, the next second, a commanding voice boomed from the other end of the line. “I don’t care who you are, get your filthy hands off her right now! If you dare touch her again, you’ll face the consequences!” Tiffany scoffed dismissively. “Stella, do you really think a phone call can save you? Let me tell you, even if the King of Kings himself showed up today, he couldn’t save you!” With that, she smashed the phone to pieces. Just then, Julian gave a cold command. The bodyguards raised their steel pipes again. I picked up the scalpel and pressed it against my own throat. “Julian, if you dare harm my brother again, I’ll die right here in front of you! I’ll make you live with the shadow of having driven me to my death, with no peace for the rest of your life!” “Stella, are you threatening me?” I remained silent, simply glaring at him with bloodshot eyes. Julian was startled by the hatred in my gaze and stumbled backward. As we stood there, locked in a stalemate, Tiffany snatched the steel pipe. “Stella, you can threaten my brother, but you can’t threaten me.” “You dared to lay hands on me. Today, I’m going to break both your brother’s arms and legs. I’ll make sure he’s a cripple for life.” A triumphant smile played on her lips as she advanced. A wave of regret washed over me. When Julian and I first started dating, Tiffany thought I’d stolen her brother, and she constantly tormented me. At the time, I believed true love could overcome anything, never imagining I would bring such suffering upon myself and my brother. Just then, a booming sound came from outside the door. An elderly man in an impeccably tailored, classic suit pushed the door open, his sharp gaze sweeping the room. When he saw me and my injured brother, he sternly demanded, “Who did this?” Tiffany was startled by Mr. Hayes’s commanding presence. After sizing him up, her eyes filled with disdain. “All show and no substance!” “Who are you? Another one of Stella’s poor relatives? Get out of here!” Seeing Mr. Hayes didn’t react, her confidence grew, and she haughtily lifted her chin. “Let me tell you, this is Albright territory. If you don’t know your place, don’t blame us for being impolite. You’ll regret it!” Mr. Hayes countered with a faint smile, “Oh? Is that so?” The words had barely left his lips when a flurry of urgent footsteps echoed from the alleyway. A group of well-trained men in black suits rushed in. The leader walked directly to Mr. Hayes and respectfully bowed. “Sir, everything is ready.” Mr. Hayes nodded slightly, his kind gaze falling on me and Leo. “Children, don’t be afraid. With me here, no one can touch you.” The man in black understood and immediately waved his hand to those behind him. Two medical personnel swiftly approached with a stretcher, carefully securing Leo onto it. Another man in black helped me up. “Miss Reid, please don’t worry. We will do everything we can to treat your brother.” I nodded with difficulty, a glimmer of hope in my eyes. Julian and Tiffany’s faces turned pale, frozen in place. Seeing their craven, bullying nature, my heart filled with an overwhelming sense of sorrow. I had wasted so much precious time on people like this, and even worse, I had caused my brother such severe injury. Just as we were about to step onto the helicopter lift, Julian’s hoarse voice came from behind. “Stop!” Julian stumbled over, blocking our way. “How dare you? How dare you take them? Leo made a mistake and should be punished. This is our family business, and it’s none of your business, you stranger!”

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The Campbell Group’s celebration gala was handing out dividends. My husband, Julian, and his mother, Eleanor, publicly shamed me, calling me worthless, a failure who only dragged everyone down. They even forcibly gave my nearly completed project to his first love, Seraphina. “She’s claiming to be an heir to the Davies family! Do you know how much profit she can bring the company?” I didn’t get mad. Instead, I just smiled, then handed over my CEO position to him as well. Everyone in the company thought I’d lost my mind. But they had no idea, I am the true heir to the Davies family. And no, I don’t have any siblings! “Elara, the Campbell Group owes its success today largely to you. You’ve been instrumental.” “This year’s annual bonus rightfully belongs to you.” On stage, my husband, Julian Campbell, intimately held Seraphina Hayes’s hand, directly handing her a check for five million dollars. The audience erupted in applause. My mother-in-law, Eleanor Campbell, nodded in satisfaction, and colleagues swarmed them, showering them with praise and cheers. “With Ms. Hayes leading the way, our group’s prospects in the global high-end market are incredibly bright!” “Mr. Campbell and Ms. Campbell truly have an eye for talent. Mr. Campbell and Ms. Hayes’s collaboration is flawless, a synergy many professional strategic partners can’t even match!” I stood outside the crowd, watching the festive scene, the project proposal clutched in my hand, now crumpled and wrinkled. Today was supposed to be the group’s celebration gala and dividend distribution. But just as I arrived at the company’s banquet hall, Julian received an urgent call. He claimed there was a serious security issue with our project, insisting I personally go to the port warehouse to handle it. After years of marriage, I didn’t suspect a thing at first. The banquet hadn’t even begun when I sped off to the warehouse on the outskirts of town. Enduring scorching heat pushing past 100 degrees Fahrenheit, my team and I spent an entire day on inspection. But when I rushed back to the banquet and saw Julian hand the entire bonus to Seraphina — this “special consultant” who had only joined the group less than a month ago — I understood everything. The so-called “emergency” was nothing but a flimsy excuse to get rid of me. He just wanted to hand over the monumental achievement I’d poured three years of my heart and soul into, a deal I’d almost closed, to his long-lost first love. Seraphina seemed to notice me, feigning surprise as she raised her voice: “Oh, Ms. Davies, you’re just getting here? We thought you had an important engagement and couldn’t make it, so everyone started without you. You don’t mind, do you?” She spoke courteously, but her eyes held raw provocation, and she deliberately waved the check with its prominent numbers in front of me. Julian shot me an impatient glance: “Elara, what’s with that expression? Are you expecting the Chairwoman and all these important guests to wait for you? No wonder negotiations always dragged on. You’re simply incompetent, just a burden on the whole team. Since you’re here, perfect. Just hand this exhibition project over to Seraphina to handle entirely. It’ll save us from any further mishaps.” Hearing his condescending command, I clenched my fists, a chill seeping into my heart. The project he spoke of was an exclusive commission from Middle Eastern royalty, which my team and I had prepared for three years, enduring countless rounds of competition to secure. It represented the culmination of all my professional efforts. The Middle Eastern royal family was incredibly generous, paying five million dollars just for the initial setup. But to ensure the priceless antique jewelry was absolutely secure at every stage, I pulled countless all-nighters, traveling between the Middle East and Europe dozens of times, even ending up in the hospital multiple times from sheer exhaustion. Now, with the project at its final signing stage, Julian, with just a few dismissive words, intended to steal my hard work and hand it to his first love. I couldn’t help but feel a bitter laugh rise in my throat at my years of sacrifice. Ten years ago, the Campbell Group was on the verge of bankruptcy, unable to even pay its employees. Julian took over, determined to pivot into the high-end art market. I didn’t hesitate. I quit my job at a top international auction house, invested all my savings, and started from scratch with him. But he had a business management background and knew nothing about antique jewelry. All the company’s core client resources and connections over the years were built and maintained solely by me. Every critical partnership agreement was personally negotiated by me. Every thorny problem had to be solved by me. During the initial startup phase, when cash flow was extremely tight, Eleanor refused to provide more funding, believing my family background was too ordinary. It was I who leveraged all my connections and reputation to secure crucial working capital for the group. This is what allowed the Campbell Group to be resurrected and establish itself in this field. Only then did my marriage to Julian become a topic of discussion. But in this marriage, they always saw me as the one who married above my station. My mother-in-law, Eleanor, always looked down on my family origins. She felt it was a great favor for their Campbell family to accept me. Every time we met, she would subtly imply that I relied on my husband, and as a wife, I should be content and prioritize family. At the time, I didn’t care because I truly loved Julian. I loved him enough to dedicate everything to him and this family. But I never imagined that Seraphina, simply by accompanying Julian to a few overseas social galas, could effortlessly snatch all my achievements. Julian and I had been married for ten years. Yet, in the end, in his heart, I was worth less than his first love, who had abandoned him because of his family’s financial struggles. Today, he finally extinguished the last spark of affection between us. I stayed silent for a long time before speaking softly: “Alright, I’ll do as you say.” Seraphina practically couldn’t suppress her triumphant smile, yet she feigned modesty: “Ms. Davies, I’m just a beginner in this field. A project involving royal commissions and billion-dollar assets, how dare I just take it all over? I heard you’ve been working on it for almost three years without a final signing. I only wanted to help you relieve some pressure.” Julian gently patted her shoulder: “Seraphina, you’re claiming to be a future heir to the Davies family. If you can’t handle it, no one in the group can!” Eleanor imperiously echoed: “Exactly. Your capabilities are far superior to some people who occupy a position but fail to bring any tangible progress.” I almost laughed out loud. So, the Campbell family was so eager to promote her, paying her an exorbitant annual salary, all because she claimed to be an heir to the Davies family. But I had no idea when my family suddenly acquired another heir besides myself. After comforting Seraphina, Julian turned to me, sneering: “Elara, with your background and competence, would you have the status and resources you have today if you hadn’t married me? You’ve been living a good life for so long, you’ve forgotten who you are, haven’t you? You’re making excuses about handing over a project. If Seraphina hadn’t been constantly speaking up for you, Mom and I would have already considered removing you from management!” A cold laugh echoed in my heart. Julian seemed to have completely forgotten that in the beginning, the company couldn’t even draft a decent English letter, and every high-end client was personally contacted and maintained by me. I not only contributed all the core resources but also built the entire business team and processes from scratch. Now that the Campbell family was prosperous, they not only turned their backs on me completely but also saw me as a hindrance to their “further ascension.” They continued to chatter, as if I had become the Campbell family’s greatest disgrace. I took a deep breath, and under Julian’s scornful gaze, strode towards Seraphina. Everyone’s eyes darted between us, expecting this usually docile wife to finally lose her temper. But I just smiled calmly. I pulled out a pre-prepared resignation letter from my work bag and gently placed it on the table in front of Seraphina. “Spending all day staring at those projects must be exhausting. How about I just suggest you take over as CEO of the group?”

For a moment, everyone in the room widened their eyes, staring at me in disbelief. The Campbell Group executives whispered amongst themselves, all thinking I had been overly stimulated and was starting to ramble nonsense. After all, everyone in the company knew. My selfless dedication for ten years had laid the foundation for the group in this field. “Ms. Davies, you’re the co-founder and CEO of the company. It’s just one project; please don’t act rashly and destroy years of your hard work!” Hearing this, Julian seemed to think I was trying to blackmail him, and instantly bristled with anger: “Elara Campbell, what is wrong with you? Just because I said a few words, you dare to throw a tantrum in public? You’ve truly gone rogue! Let me remind you, you’re only CEO in name; I am the Chairman of the Group!” I laughed inwardly. I was handing over the CEO position on a silver platter; he should be thrilled. Wasn’t elevating his beloved first love precisely the outcome Julian and Eleanor dreamed of? Seraphina clutched the document tightly, a flicker of irrepressible greed in her eyes. Yet, she put on a show of selflessness: “Ms. Davies, are you saying you want me to be CEO just out of anger? Please don’t misunderstand, Julian is only trying to push the project forward and have me help you out. It’s all for the good of the Campbell Group. Besides, how dare I replace you? You’re the founder of the group; the CEO position isn’t something a newcomer like me can covet. Everyone knows how much effort you’ve poured into the company over the years; this position is yours alone.” With that, Seraphina made a show of pushing the document back to me. But her fingers remained firmly pressed against the paper, afraid I might actually take it back. Watching her hypocritical face, I smiled faintly: “Why would I be angry? The group needs fresh blood to bring more international perspective, and I’m happy to see it happen. I think you taking over as CEO is perfectly suitable. After all, you are ‘an heir to the Davies family,’ aren’t you?” Julian eyed me suspiciously, then scoffed: “Seraphina, since she’s ‘voluntarily stepping aside,’ don’t refuse any longer. With your talent and family background, taking this position is only a matter of time. There’s no question of whether you deserve it or not. Everyone here today is a witness.” As soon as he finished speaking, Seraphina immediately stopped “refusing,” clutching the document tightly to her chest, her triumph and desire practically overflowing from her eyes. My heart held only cold mockery. Julian, constantly by Seraphina’s side, had no idea that a Middle Eastern royal family wouldn’t even consider the Campbell Group’s scale. This project only ultimately gained royal favor because my father secretly used the Davies family’s credit as backing. I spent an entire year, in my capacity as a Davies heir, to build this framework of absolute trust for the Campbell Group. But Seraphina, with incredible audacity, had dared to impersonate my identity and steal that trust. Even if they secured the basic contract, without the continuous backing from the Davies family, they couldn’t even take the first real step. And I had just sent a discreet message to my family, requesting an immediate withdrawal of all implicit support for this project and formally notifying the Royal Office that the Campbell Group’s partner was involved in serious identity fraud. Without me, how would they fulfill their promise of absolute security to the royal family? The jewels they believed would bring boundless glory and wealth would only become a gigantic black hole that would swallow the entire group! Moreover, Seraphina probably didn’t realize that sitting in the CEO chair meant shouldering full responsibility. For this project alone, five million dollars in upfront funds had been received. Should anything go wrong, they would not only face astronomical compensation, but also directly provoke the royal family and be blacklisted from the entire elite circle. Since they viewed me as a useless burden, I naturally had no need to remind them. The day the news of the Davies family’s withdrawal became public and this project collapsed, that’s the day the Campbell Group truly faced ruin. Julian seemed somewhat surprised that I was so agreeable, and even showed a hint of negligible “guilt.” He cleared his throat dramatically and said in a patronizing tone: “Alright, Elara, don’t just stand there. Project documents still need to be handed over, and tonight we happen to be celebrating Seraphina’s birthday. Since you’ve been somewhat reasonable today, you might as well join us.” His condescending attitude almost made me burst out laughing on the spot. If this project succeeded, the commission split would be tens of millions of dollars. Yet, he excluded me from the bonus, and now he wanted to dismiss me with a single meal. What a shrewd game he was playing! The thought of forcing fake smiles across the table with someone as hypocritical as Seraphina filled me with disgust. Just as I was about to refuse, Seraphina spoke up again, feigning sincerity: “Oh dear, when I booked the private dining room earlier, I didn’t realize Ms. Davies would be coming. I completely forgot to reserve a prominent seat for you. It’s all my fault for not thinking it through. Even though I twisted my ankle earlier today, I still need to take responsibility. Please, you take a seat, and I’ll go outside in a moment to have a server bring another chair and order some better drinks.” I knew she was deliberately trying to appear vulnerable, aiming to solidify her image as a thoughtful but suffering woman in front of the Campbell family. Sure enough, as soon as Julian heard she was injured, he immediately pulled her close, his eyes full of concern, and helped her sit down. “Seraphina, you’ve already sacrificed enough for the group. How can I ask you to handle such a minor task when such an important project depends on you?” With that, he glared at me with disgust: “What are you still standing there for? Absolutely no situational awareness, wasted your time in the business world for years. Either go arrange the drinks now, or don’t bother attending tonight!” Watching his completely different demeanor, a cold laugh rose in my heart. Julian was always like this, taking my efforts for granted, yet doting on Seraphina. In the past, when I stayed up all night for projects, they never thought to invite me to their high-end social gatherings. Now, it was as if I was begging for this dinner. Seraphina, even more emboldened, smiled sweetly and said: “Ms. Davies, I’m truly sorry to trouble you. I’ll be sure to toast you properly later, to thank you for your… ‘generosity’…” Before she could finish, I sneered, lifted my foot, and violently kicked the leather chair beneath her, sending it crashing to the floor.

The next moment, Seraphina scrambled backward, tripping over the overturned chair. I watched her struggle to get back up, unable to suppress a cold laugh: “What’s this, the elite consultant’s ankle injury healed so quickly? Impressive reflexes, are you a former gymnast?” Julian looked as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped on him, frozen in place. Then, he lovingly helped Seraphina, turning to roar at me: “Elara Campbell, have you lost your mind? Seraphina is claiming to be an heir to the Davies family! If anything happens to her, can you even afford to pay for it? I finally understand what’s wrong with you today. You just can’t stand Seraphina being more capable, more popular than you, and you’re deliberately trying to ruin everything, aren’t you?” I scoffed, my face full of disdain: “Me, jealous of someone who’s all show and no substance? And besides…” “I’ve already resigned. Don’t give me that patronizing attitude; I’m not playing along!” Julian’s face went pale with anger, but before he could say anything more, I strode out of the banquet hall without looking back. I let the commotion and Eleanor’s furious shouts fade into the distance. I tidied up my personal belongings in the office and glanced at the velvet gift box in my drawer, momentarily lost in thought. These were a pair of diamond cufflinks I had pre-ordered from an auction house. I had intended to give them to Julian as a gift for our tenth wedding anniversary. Now, it felt utterly ironic. Looking at the cufflinks, I couldn’t help but recall memories. I had noticed Julian in college. He was distinctly different from the spoiled rich kids I knew who relied on their family wealth. While others squandered their time, he was always in the library, the lab, or working several part-time jobs. I admired that pride earned through his own efforts. One day, I found his old fountain pen in the library. When I returned it to him, he paused, then tossed it into the nearby trash can. But then he asked if I would be his girlfriend. My classmates all said it was because his first love had just broken up with him, and he was simply acting out in spite of her. But I refused to believe it. I was doubly good to him, confident that one day he would be touched by my sincerity. For ten years of marriage, I remained this way. I knew he was always lukewarm towards me. But I always believed he loved me. Perhaps that was just his way of showing affection. It wasn’t until I personally witnessed his undisguised affection for Seraphina that I realized my ten years of devotion had been a lie to myself. Perhaps, from the very beginning, I was nothing more than a dispensable placeholder. Just as I was about to toss the gift into the trash, the office door was pushed open, and I bumped right into Julian and his entourage returning. “Well, Elara Campbell, weren’t you quite principled just now? Already packing up your things? Don’t be so childish, playing these sulky exit games.” In the doorway, Julian still had his arm linked with Seraphina, followed by several embarrassed executives. Ha, he wasn’t even bothering to hide it anymore. Seraphina gently tugged on Julian’s sleeve, feigning concern: “Julian, Ms. Davies might just be emotional right now. Look at the gift in her hand; maybe she specifically prepared it to reconcile with you.” Julian paused, then gave a mocking sneer: “Ha, she thinks buying something will make me change my mind? If Seraphina hadn’t talked me down today, I would’ve already had security escort you out…” As he spoke, he reached out to take the gift box from my hand. I frowned, snatched it away first, and directly tossed the velvet box into the wastebasket in the corner. “Pointless. Are you interested in trash? I suggest you break that habit of self-importance soon.”

With that, without waiting for Julian to react, I grabbed my work bag and left. I decided to head back to the Campbell villa to pack my personal belongings; it was time to definitively end this unequal marriage. But just as I was halfway through organizing, the bedroom door was violently flung open. Julian stormed in, livid, pointing at me as he snarled: “Elara Campbell, what exactly are you trying to do today? Making me lose face in front of all the executives and clients? Have you forgotten that everything you have today is thanks to the Campbell family?” Seraphina followed behind him, her face full of distress, gently persuading: “Ms. Davies, I wanted to explain a few things for you. But your behavior today was indeed a bit excessive. Is it because Julian and I have a lot of work contact that you’ve developed unnecessary misunderstandings? We truly are just professional partners. If you insist on thinking otherwise, then I… I’ll just have to withdraw from the project to avoid affecting your marriage.” Seraphina made a move to leave, but her steps were extremely slow. Julian immediately grabbed her wrist, his tone unusually gentle: “Seraphina, you’ve done nothing wrong. You’re not the one who should leave.” Then he spun to face me, gritting his teeth: “Elara, you’ve disappointed me so much. You’ve become cruel and unreasonable! If you don’t apologize to Seraphina for your disrespectful behavior right now, there’s no need for our marriage to continue!” I clenched my fists, my nails digging deep into my palms. This wasn’t the first time he had threatened me with divorce. Ever since Seraphina appeared, every time we argued because of her, he would throw out that line. Back then, like a fool, I thought it was a sign he still cared about our marriage, and I would back down again and again. I naively believed that if I just gave more, I would eventually become the irreplaceable wife in his heart. Looking back now, I was ridiculously blind. A man like this, I was better off without him! Julian saw my silence and assumed I would yield as before. He smugly adjusted his cuff, saying in a condescending tone: “Actually, I’m not completely unreasonable. As long as you sincerely apologize to Seraphina…” I cut him off directly: “No need to say more. I’m moving out. We’re getting a divorce.” Julian looked as if he’d been struck by lightning, his mouth open, unable to speak. Seraphina quickly tried to smooth things over: “Ms. Davies, even if you’re angry, you shouldn’t joke about your marriage.” I pulled out a pre-drafted divorce agreement from my file, placing it calmly on the dresser: “I’m not joking. Sign it. All asset division terms are already listed. From now on, we’re even.” Julian finally realized I was serious, pointing at me, his voice trembling: “Fine! Go then! Don’t come crying back later!” Seraphina’s eyes flashed with an almost imperceptible smugness, feigning distress: “Ms. Davies, you should reconsider. Once you leave the Campbell family, you won’t be Mrs. Campbell anymore. In this circle, who doesn’t respect Chairwoman Campbell’s influence? Without that status, how many of your former resources and connections will you have left?” I wasn’t deaf to the deeper meaning of her words. She was reminding me that a “lowly born” wife leaving a powerful family would be left with nothing. All my social prestige was dependent on Julian and the Campbell family. Julian, too, seemed to find new support in her words, his tone becoming arrogant again: “Exactly, some people just can’t face reality. You, a woman with no background, if it weren’t for our Campbell family giving you a platform, who would even notice you? The royal commission you couldn’t handle, Seraphina can easily revitalize. Once the Middle Eastern exhibition is a huge success, our group will finally join the top ranks!” I scoffed. Join the top ranks? They’d be facing total ruin! With Seraphina’s superficial connections, she wouldn’t even get the doors to the exhibits open. The Middle Eastern royal family wasn’t someone you could casually placate; the group would probably end up losing everything. As I was thinking, Julian’s phone suddenly rang. He gave me a provocative look, his face beaming with triumph: “Look, a call from the Royal Office. Once the first massive commission payment arrives, I’ll take Seraphina to Switzerland for a vacation. And you, you can go back to your tiny apartment and slowly savor the consequences of your impulsive actions!” He deliberately put it on speaker, waiting to gloat about his victory. The next second, a furious roar, mixed with Arabic and English, erupted from the phone: “You fools! You utterly deceitful swindlers! You dared to defraud the royal family with forged documents! If you don’t provide an explanation, I will use every power at my disposal to make your group disappear globally!”

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I left when my girlfriend was diagnosed with kidney failure. I even took most of our shared savings with me. Three years later, Victoria not only recovered but became a formidable figure in the city’s business world. At her engagement party to her fiancé, Leo, Victoria publicly declared her feelings for him: “The only regret I have in life is missing out on you for three whole years during my youth.” As the man who was the male lead in those three years of her youth, I was hidden in a corner of the ballroom, agonizingly watching the woman I had personally abandoned. Victoria would never know that those three years, which she considered a stain on her past, were the best, irreplaceable time of my life. Victoria’s gentle yet distant voice drifted into my ears, bit by bit. It had been three years since we last met. Back then, in the early stages of her illness, her face was gaunt and pale, her body consumed by sickness. She was a completely different person from the radiant, elegant, and luxurious woman standing before me now. The engagement party was grand, with reporters swarming in circles outside the venue. Flowers adorned every corner—a setup I had once envisioned for my own engagement to Victoria. Now, everything was as perfect as in my dreams, except the man marrying Victoria wasn’t me. A nosy reporter, sensing Victoria’s good mood, tried to dig for a scoop: “Why did you and Leo miss three years? Could it be you had someone else you couldn’t forget?” The last part was meant as a joke, but Victoria, who had been smiling moments before, instantly turned cold. Leo, holding Victoria’s delicate hand, explained with a mix of sympathy and indignation: “Victoria did have an ex-boyfriend, but that man heartlessly abandoned her when she got sick.” “That incident has always been a scar on Victoria’s heart, so please don’t bring it up again!” Victoria reassuringly patted Leo’s hand, her voice growing colder when she spoke again: “That’s ancient history. Now I’m successful, and I have such a wonderful fiancé like Leo. That man can only regret his choices!” “If it weren’t for his cruel heartlessness, I wouldn’t have hit rock bottom and bounced back stronger.” I knew Victoria too well; even when she deliberately reined in her emotions, I could still sense the hatred in her tone. Just as I was lost in thought, a colleague nudged me suddenly: “Alex, hurry and take the cake knife up there! Alex!” With my colleague’s shove, I accidentally stumbled out from the crowd. The moment Victoria saw me, her pupils constricted. Leo also gasped in disbelief: “Alex, what are you doing here?!” He clung to Victoria’s arm, his eyes filled with wariness toward me: “Why are you here? You abandoned Victoria three years ago; why are you showing up now?” “Don’t tell me you saw Victoria’s success and want to try to leech off her again? Alex, how can you be so selfish!” With every word Leo uttered, Victoria’s gaze toward me grew colder. I scrambled up from the ground, looking disheveled: “No, I didn’t. I’m just working here…” Hearing my words, Victoria scoffed, her gaze dismissively sweeping over me: “Three years, and you’ve fallen to working as a server. How pathetic.” “Alex, do you regret leaving me now?” When she spoke of the past, Victoria’s voice tightened, her beautiful eyes filled with hatred, as if she wanted to burn a hole through me with her stare. After all, to her, that was probably the most humiliating period of her life. Not only was she diagnosed with a serious illness, but I, her boyfriend of several years, ultimately chose to take our money and leave. However, what surprised her was that I managed to pull off a perfect smile: “No regrets. I earn my living with my own hands; there’s no shame in that. You should go cut the cake with Leo now.” Victoria’s anger visibly faltered for a second, seeing my calm demeanor. She used to hug me whenever her startup faced setbacks, promising me: “Alex, I will succeed. Someday, I’ll make everyone respect you!” And I would wrap my arm around her shoulder: “No matter if you succeed or not, I’ll always be by your side!” Yet here I was, after all these twists and turns, respectfully standing here, witnessing her happiness. “Alex.” Victoria’s anger turned into a sardonic smile, a mocking smirk playing on her red lips: “You truly are unrepentant!” As her words fell, Victoria shoved the three-tiered cake, knocking it over. Sweet cream and chocolate splattered all over me. Like a clown, I stood center stage, enduring the amused, mocking stares of the crowd.

The sudden incident caught everyone off guard. No one expected a beautiful engagement party to end this way. The manager rushed over upon hearing the news, apologizing profusely. But Victoria didn’t even glance at him, her eyes fixed solely on me. I used to be so proud, but now, publicly humiliated, I didn’t utter a word. Instead, I instinctively blurted out: “Victoria, I’m sorry.” Victoria felt no satisfaction from this; instead, a knot formed in her chest. “This is my engagement party, and you let someone so irrelevant in here. If you want me to drop this, you must fire him!” Hearing Victoria demand my dismissal, I abruptly lifted my head, which had been bowed: “No! I… I need this job…” “Victoria, I apologize. I shouldn’t have been here. Please don’t let the manager fire me…” Seeing my reddened eyes, Victoria gave a cruel smile, her exquisite face filled with scorn: “A heartless man like you deserves nothing!” “If you’re so desperate for money, I can introduce you to some quick-money jobs. I guarantee you’ll be raking it in!” I looked at Victoria, who was humiliating me, in disbelief. The shame and indignation choked me: “Victoria, you’ve gone too far…” Seeing my tormented expression, Victoria, who had been so overbearing moments ago, showed a flicker of panic in her eyes. She almost instinctively reached out to touch my face, just as she used to three years ago. But the next second, Leo groaned, clutching his right eye: “Victoria, my eye hurts so much…” Hearing Leo’s voice, Victoria seemed to snap back to reality. She anxiously helped Leo up: “Is your old injury acting up again? I’ll take you to the hospital right now!” As she helped Leo past me, Victoria gritted her teeth and spat a harsh warning: “Alex, everything you owe me, I’ll get back, little by little!” After Victoria left, the engagement party quickly wrapped up. To avoid offending Victoria, the manager immediately fired me. No matter how much I pleaded, the manager just waved his hands: “Alex, do you know who you offended? That’s Victoria! We can’t afford to cross her. You’d better look for another job!” Clutching a crumpled three-hundred-dollar bill, I stumbled aimlessly down the street. The cold wind made me shiver, transporting me back to the cold operating table three years ago. As my vision blurred, my legs gave out, and I collapsed on the street. When I woke up again, I was in a hospital. My sister, Lucy, helped me sit up, her eyes filled with lingering fear: “Alex, what did you do to yourself? Didn’t I say you don’t have to worry about money? I can work extra jobs; you just need to focus on recovering.” “Alex, I heard everything. Victoria is beyond awful. Are you really not going to tell her the truth?” I weakly shook my head. Since I made my decision three years ago, I never intended to look back. Three years ago, Victoria was diagnosed with severe kidney disease, and only an organ transplant could save her. But the hospital had a shortage of organ donors, and Victoria couldn’t get on the transplant list. To save Victoria, I kept it a secret from her, underwent compatibility testing, and voluntarily became a donor. I knew her. If she knew I had made such a sacrifice for her, Victoria would never accept it. So I pretended I didn’t want to be burdened by her, disappearing after she was hospitalized. In reality, I was preparing for the surgery. However, due to my unique constitution, I developed severe complications after the surgery, leading to chronic organ failure. I didn’t want Victoria to live with guilt for the rest of her life, so after being discharged, I left town for three years. Because I needed continuous treatment, Lucy and I had been living frugally all these years, even working multiple jobs. That’s why I ended up working as a server at Victoria’s engagement party. After waking up, I insisted on being discharged, despite Lucy’s protests. After all, we simply couldn’t afford a private room at a top hospital anymore. However, just as Lucy was helping me, and we hadn’t gone far, we ran into Victoria and Leo in the hallway. Seeing me, Victoria immediately frowned: “Alex, you’ve even followed me here just to cling to me? You really are shameless!” Hearing Victoria insult me like that, Lucy immediately stepped in front of me: “Victoria, what are you talking about?!” Seeing the unfamiliar girl in front of me, Victoria’s eyes darkened, and the air around her turned icy. “What’s that in your hand?” Victoria noticed the medical report in my hand and reached out her delicate hand to take it. Fearing she would see the test results, I hastily stepped back. Victoria’s hand, suspended in mid-air, froze at my action. Just then, Leo suddenly spoke: “Since Alex came out of that examination room, could that be… a men’s health report?” Only then did I notice that not far behind me was a men’s specialist clinic. “I never expected this, Alex,” Leo feigned surprise. “Even though you wronged Victoria in the past, she’s not petty. If you’d told her sooner, she wouldn’t have treated you like that yesterday, right, Victoria?” Hearing Leo’s words, Victoria’s face darkened considerably. Her eyes blazed with fury, as if she wanted to shred Lucy, who was protecting me, with her gaze. I knew Victoria was the type to get to the bottom of things. To prevent her from pressing about the medical report, I could only remain silent. Seeing my silence, Victoria bit her lip, nodding repeatedly in anger: “Alex, you are really something!” “How could a heartless man like you not suffer retribution?!” “I must have been blind to be with you for so many years!” Watching Victoria’s angry departure, my eyes grew dimmer. Leo came closer, gloating: “Alex, don’t delude yourself into thinking Victoria still loves you like she did three years ago. Now, her heart only belongs to me!” “You’re a relic of the past; you should have been forgotten a long time ago!”

I thought Victoria and I, being worlds apart now, would never meet again. But fate had other plans. Half a month later, at a diamond exhibition, I unexpectedly ran into her again. Leo, who was beside her, deliberately chose me to serve him. A moment later, he exclaimed: “Alex, are you so desperate for money? You dared to steal the engagement ring Victoria gave me!” Hearing the commotion, Victoria came rushing over. Seeing the converging stares and Leo’s accusation, I retorted with a clear conscience: “Leo, are you done with your games?! I just want a job to make a living. Why do you have to target me everywhere I go?” Leo feigned grievance and grasped Victoria’s hand: “Victoria, I didn’t… It was Alex. I asked him to keep my jewelry box safe, but when I checked just now, the engagement ring was gone!” “Alex was the only one who touched my jewelry box. Who else could have stolen it but him?” Victoria’s gaze, full of disgust, swept over me, then she directly reached out her hand: “Give Leo his ring back.” Seeing her unconditionally side with Leo without a word, my heart sank once more: “I told you, it wasn’t me!” Victoria, however, wouldn’t listen to my explanation at all. Seeing me stubbornly refuse to admit it, she sneered: “Fine, if you won’t confess, then don’t blame me for not going easy on you.” “Take off your jacket!” Victoria’s words stunned me. Seeing me frozen, Victoria took a step toward me and reached out to tear open my suit jacket: “If you stole the ring, you could only hide it on your person. If you want to prove your innocence, I’ll give you a chance!” In a panic, I pushed her away, clutching my shirt tightly: “Are you crazy… Victoria, I didn’t steal anything. You know I’m not that kind of person…” “I don’t know!” Victoria’s voice suddenly rose. “Alex, I don’t know anything about you anymore.” “Since you won’t cooperate, don’t blame me for being ruthless. You, check his jacket!” The bodyguards, receiving the order, immediately surrounded me. I stumbled to the ground in terror, frantically dodging their outstretched hands. But no matter how much I struggled, I was outnumbered. With a “rip—” sound, my shirt was violently torn from the back. Just as I was about to be left with barely any clothes, Lucy burst through the bodyguards, throwing herself in front of me to shield me. “What are you doing! Let go of my brother! Stop it!” At the same time, a bodyguard suddenly handed something to Victoria: “Victoria, the ring has been found!” Seeing the recovered ring, Victoria looked down at me, trembling on the ground: “Alex, you’re truly unscrupulous for money. This ring is priceless; if I wanted to, I could make you pay a heavy price!” Seeing me shaking uncontrollably, Lucy roared at Victoria, unable to bear it any longer: “How can you treat my brother like this! My brother, for you, even donated his own organ to you!” As Lucy’s words fell, the bustling exhibition hall suddenly fell silent. After a long silence, Victoria’s voice came out rough, almost a whisper. “What did you say?”

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On our seventh wedding anniversary, my wife, Scarlett, drove us straight off a cliff. Just before the explosion, Scarlett screamed: “Liam! I’m here to die for you!” Only then did I realize she had never truly let go of her first love, Liam. When I opened my eyes again, I was back in college. I broke up with her immediately. Eight years later. She booked out a whole bar, planning to propose to her first love. But when she saw me holding another woman’s hand, she cried and asked: “Ryan, didn’t you promise you’d only ever love me?” I saw Scarlett again in that bar. Traffic from the theater had held me up, so I missed the class reunion. I went straight to our arranged meeting spot. But I ran into old classmates. They were dancing wildly on the floor. Scarlett, with her fair skin and tall figure, stood out in the crowd. Liam had his arm wrapped tightly around her waist, and the adoration in Scarlett’s eyes as she looked at him was unmistakable. “Scarlett is a total powerhouse, isn’t she? So young and already owns several fitness clubs.” “Of course. She booked this whole place tonight just for Liam.” “This is the most luxurious bar in the city. A private party here for one night? We’re talking at least a million bucks.” The music stopped. Liam’s face was flushed, a slight pant in his breath as he stood there. The giant screen suddenly lit up, playing a video montage of Liam and Scarlett’s relationship. The crowd began to cheer, pushing Liam onto the stage. Scarlett held a bouquet of roses, her eyes full of deep affection as she asked him: “Liam, will you marry me?” Her voice was soft, yet carried an undeniable force. Someone in the crowd asked: “Didn’t Scarlett used to date Ryan? When did they break up?” The voice wasn’t loud, but it was clear enough for everyone to hear. Hearing my name, Scarlett’s eyes darkened, and her smile faltered. Liam’s expression stiffened, then he coughed lightly, took the flowers from Scarlett’s hand, and forced a smile: “Scarlett certainly has a lot of male friends, but who hasn’t made mistakes when they were young? What matters is a happy ending.” The crowd laughed, continuing to flatter them, saying how perfect they were for each other. I stood in the corner, watching their hands clasped together. Was I the “mistake” he was talking about? But he didn’t know that, in my previous life, Scarlett had pursued me. It was love at first sight for her, then she launched a fierce campaign. Who could say no to someone beautiful, wealthy, and utterly devoted to you? So I said yes. The day we made it official, Scarlett cupped my face, hesitating to kiss me. “Ryan, I’m not dreaming, am I?” “If I kiss you, will the dream end?” I smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her eyes, then leaned in and kissed her. That night, she promised me: “Ryan, I’ll be good to you my whole life.” I believed her. But she lied.

I took a deep breath, heading towards the elevator through the dim light. Some old classmates spotted me and gasped: “Ryan, what are you doing here?” “Where have you been? You look a mess!” “Don’t tell me you’re still out of a job? Scarlett’s here, you know. For old times’ sake, why don’t you ask her to hook you up with a job that pays five thousand bucks a month?” Their mockery was undisguised. I didn’t care, just smiled politely and poured myself a glass of ice water. From the moment I walked in, Scarlett’s gaze had been locked on me. Seeing me get free ice water, she seemed to relax a little, speaking coolly: “Order whatever you want. It’s on me tonight.” I replied: “Thanks, but no need.” My tone was polite, yet distant. Scarlett’s step, moving closer, halted. Half her face was hidden in the shadows, her expression unreadable. After a long moment, she let out a scoff: “Ryan, it’s been years, and you’re still so stubbornly proud.” Liam’s eyes sharpened with警惕. His fingers were still intertwined with Scarlett’s as he looked me over with a possessive gaze, a sneer on his face: “Ryan, I’m not trying to be mean, but you’re a man, you should at least tidy yourself up before going out.” “Look at you, dressed so casually, your hair a mess. Who’s going to want to be with you like that?” “I’ve got a ton of clothes I don’t wear. If you don’t mind, you can have them. Scarlett buys me so much, my closet is overflowing.” Laughter erupted from the crowd. I turned to look at my reflection in the glass. After working on set for two days straight, I was exhausted. I didn’t have the energy to bother with my appearance. Standing next to Liam, who was meticulously groomed down to every hair, I did look a bit out of place. “No thanks.” I waved her off, grabbed a fruit platter from the bar, and started eating. I was starving, so my eating wasn’t exactly graceful. Scarlett suddenly walked towards me, holding her phone out. I looked up at her, confused. “Give me your bank account details. I’ll give you three hundred grand.” “This… this happened to you because of me.” “But we’re over now. Don’t cling to the past.” “Don’t wait for me. Live your life.” Scarlett’s phone wallpaper was Liam holding a huge bouquet of flowers. Watching his bright smile, I spaced out for a moment. In my previous life, let alone a wallpaper, Scarlett’s phone had no content about me whatsoever. She didn’t even save my number, because she never needed to call me. I arranged everything for her life and work. It was clear then, whether someone loved you or not. We started dating in college and got married right after graduation. She dreamed of becoming an athlete, and I wanted to study film. Two different dreams that rarely intersected. Seeing the disappointment in her eyes, I gave in. I gave up my chance to study abroad, spending my days trailing after her, carrying a toolbox. She didn’t have professional equipment, so I worked nights to save up and buy her the best sportswear. She didn’t have a support team, so I taught myself repair skills, taking on all responsibilities for her alone. But she still lost. Her second-hand equipment could never compete with others’ latest models. Even though I constantly tried to comfort her low spirits. She still pushed me away, her eyes filled with a disgust I’d never seen before: “I’m sick of this boring life.” “If I had chosen Liam back then, I would never have ended up like this.” That sentence shattered all my hopes. I didn’t even have time to dwell on the past before we both died at the bottom of that cliff. Since fate gave us a second chance, and we both chose the lives we wanted. There was no need for any connection between us anymore. I pushed the phone back. “We have no relation. No need.”

Scarlett frowned, a tremor in her voice that was hard to miss: “No relation? What do you mean? Am I just a stranger to you?” I looked up, meeting her gaze directly, and said calmly: “Aren’t you? Our lives don’t intersect. My well-being, good or bad, what does it have to do with you?” “If you have too much money to burn, you can go help those who truly need it.” Perhaps thinking I had publicly embarrassed her, Scarlett’s expression grew impatient, and she said coldly: “Ryan, what are you playing at? Didn’t you come here just to get my attention?” Liam, seeing this, gently soothed her: “Scarlett, don’t say that. Ryan will be sad.” He turned to me, his eyes full of contempt, yet his tone was gentle: “Ryan, I’m not trying to criticize, but Scarlett is just concerned about an old classmate. How about this, I opened a clinic on South Street, and we happen to need a cleaner. It pays seven thousand a month, plus room and board. If you’re interested, you can come.” Someone nearby gasped: “South Street? That’s prime real estate! Liam must be amazing to open a clinic there.” “Ryan, you’ve met a benefactor! Hurry up and thank Liam!” I rolled my eyes, calmly ate my fruit, and refused again: “No thanks. I really like my current job.” Seeing that I wasn’t playing along, those eager to curry favor with Scarlett immediately started blaming me: “Ryan, are you crazy? Scarlett and Liam are helping you like this, and you’re not grateful? You act like you’re too good for it.” “Everyone knows your real capabilities! Don’t miss out on an opportunity just to save face.” Only after he finished speaking did Liam feign concern: “Everyone, don’t talk about Ryan like that… Maybe he really does like his current life.” With that, he put on a wounded expression. Scarlett looked at Liam, threw her arms around him, and cooed softly: “Liam, you’re just too kind.” She turned to me and said: “Ryan, I can’t believe you’re still so selfish and hypocritical.” “You’ll never amount to anything! You deserve nothing but the worst life!” I was curious why Scarlett would say such things to me. In both lives, I had never harmed her. Why, after all these years, was she still spewing venom? I didn’t want to get tangled up anymore, so I stood up, intending to go to the private room upstairs, but a female classmate blocked my way. She held a drink, approaching me with ill intent. “Ryan, I always disliked you, and now look at you. You’ve had your day.” “Come drink a few with me. Five hundred a drink, how about it?” “If you let me touch your hand, I might even add more.” I looked closely and recognized Chloe, who had confessed to me at our graduation ceremony. Back then, I was focused on securing my study opportunity and rejected her. I didn’t expect her to still hold a grudge after all this time. Everyone was laughing, and no one helped me. I frowned. Attending this gathering wasn’t my intention. If I didn’t have an appointment, I would have left long ago. The security guards were nowhere to be seen. Just as I was about to push her away, Scarlett, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly threw her glass at Chloe. Her voice was icy: “Stay away from him.” Chloe was drenched in drink. She was about to erupt but, seeing it was Scarlett, she bit her tongue and just shot me a furious glare. The glass shattered on the floor. Liam’s smug smile froze. He looked at Scarlett in disbelief: “Scarlett, what are you doing!” Scarlett ignored him, her eyes fixed on me: “This is my party tonight. I don’t want any trouble.” I took two steps back, wiping the spilled drink from my pants. “The security here is terrible.” Liam looked at me, his face red with anger: “You’re still complaining!” “Do you even know where this is? This is a place owned by the famous celebrity Genevieve. If it weren’t for Scarlett, someone like you would never get in!” At the mention of Genevieve, several male classmates got excited. “Is that the Genevieve who won all those awards at such a young age and has been on the Forbes list for five consecutive years?” “I heard she’s married, but her husband has never shown his face.” Just then, the main doors swung open. A little girl, surrounded by a group of bodyguards, walked in. The girl looked around. A butler in a crisp suit followed behind her, saying carefully: “Luna, slow down, be careful not to fall.” The old classmates instantly got excited. “To be allowed in when the place is booked out, and to have a butler following her so attentively, she must be Genevieve’s daughter!” “Oh my god, she looks just like Genevieve!” I was about to step forward when the woman who had been splashed with drink earlier blocked me again. She didn’t dare provoke Scarlett, so she took her anger out on me: “Ryan, if it weren’t for Scarlett, you wouldn’t even be worthy of seeing her! Get down on your knees and apologize right now. If I’m happy, maybe I’ll still marry you.” “Good women like me, earning five grand a month, are hard to find. Be smart!” I ignored her, watching as the girl was surrounded by everyone. They barraged her with questions; some started taking pictures. Liam lost his arrogance, replacing it with a fawning smile: “Little sis, your mom is Genevieve, right?” The girl nodded, and Liam’s smile grew even more ingratiating: “What are you doing here? Do you want some fruit? I’ll get it for you?” As he spoke, he reached out to touch her face. The girl pushed Liam away and ran towards me. Under everyone’s stunned gazes, she threw herself into my arms, sweetly calling out: “Daddy!”

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My wife, Chloe, rushed back to work even before her maternity leave was over. Out of 30 days a month, she was working overtime for 29. She’d come home well past midnight, every single night. So busy that she barely had time for our one-month-old daughter. I couldn’t take it anymore. The moment Chloe treated her colleagues to milk tea, I demanded a divorce. Everyone was stunned. “Are you out of your mind? She just bought some colleagues milk tea, and you’re divorcing her over that?” Chloe was furious. She grabbed the baby bottle and slammed it against my face. Bright red blood trickled down my forehead. But I didn’t even flinch. I slapped the printed divorce papers onto the table in front of her. “Sign it!” She knew exactly what kind of ‘tea’ she was sharing with that male colleague! Today was our daughter’s hundredth day. Chloe had thrown a lavish celebration for our daughter’s first milestone. All our friends, family, classmates, and colleagues were invited to celebrate. The lively atmosphere instantly turned dead silent because of my sudden announcement. “Declan, I’ve just been busy with work lately, unable to look after the baby.” “It’s not a big deal. We can just hire a nanny, and it’ll be fine.” “Do you really have to bring up a divorce over me treating people, in front of all these guests?” Chloe’s eyes were wide, filled with disbelief. Without even looking, she ripped the divorce papers to shreds. “Yes, I do.” I admitted openly, facing Chloe’s accusation. Everyone stared at me in shock. Everyone knew that Chloe and I had been together since high school, from innocent crushes to husband and wife. Married for five years, we had always been as loving as we were on day one. No one understood why a couple once so deeply in love would suddenly come to such a public divorce. Not even Mr. and Mrs. Vance, Chloe’s parents. “Just because Chloe bought her colleagues drinks, you want a divorce?” Mr. Vance asked, bewildered. I corrected him. “She bought them milk tea.” Mr. Vance frowned, not understanding why I felt the need to emphasize that detail. “Milk tea is just a drink, what’s the difference? When did you become so petty?” My face was calm. “There is a difference.” “You…” Mr. Vance choked on his words, glaring at me, speechless for a long moment. Seeing this, Mrs. Vance snapped, her voice low and angry. “Whether it’s milk tea or any other drink, how much could it cost?” “My daughter suffered to give you a child, and she works hard managing the company every day. Does she not even have the right to spend such a small amount of money?” Even my own mom urged me to stop making a scene. Everyone looked at me with strange eyes, whispering and pointing. But I couldn’t be bothered to explain. I pulled out another set of divorce papers and handed them to Chloe. “This divorce is happening. If you don’t want us to make a bigger mess, just sign it.” Chloe’s eyes welled up. “Declan, do you really have to humiliate me in front of all these people?” “I admit, I’ve neglected you and our daughter recently because of company issues, and I’ve overburdened your mom. But I did it for our family!” “Okay, how about this? I promise you, from now on, I’ll prioritize you and the baby, alright?” Chloe’s voice was distinctly tearful, a desperate plea. But I remained unmoved. “Declan!” Chloe started to cry, reaching for my hand. “Don’t touch me!” “You’re disgusting!” As if I’d touched something foul, I instinctively recoiled, shaking her hand off with force and stepping back two paces. My eyes held undisguised revulsion. Chloe, caught off guard, stumbled and fell to the floor. Tears streamed down her face, her eyes filled with disbelief.

I used to hate seeing Chloe cry. But now, looking at her tears again, I felt no pity, only utter annoyance. Everyone’s expressions changed, and condemnatory glares were aimed at me. Mr. Vance let out a heavy, cold snort. Mrs. Vance’s already grim face darkened further. Hymen, Chloe’s assistant, carefully helped her up from the floor, then pointed at me furiously. “Declan, are you even a man?” “Ms. Vance suffered in labor for three whole days and nights to give you a child. She had a severe hemorrhage and nearly died on the operating table. It’s only been three months, and you’ve forgotten all that?” “After giving birth, she returned to the company without even finishing her maternity leave. She manages the company by day and looks after the baby by night. She’s poured her heart and soul into this family.” “As a husband, not only do you lack sympathy, but you want to divorce her over such a trivial matter?” “Let everyone here judge – aren’t you going too far?” Hymen angrily accused me, righteous indignation in his voice. Hearing this, I just looked at Chloe, who was still leaning against Hymen. “Right, so dedicated. Rushed back to the company right after giving birth.” “I’d also like to know, who exactly is at the company that you’d abandon our child like that?” A flicker of panic crossed Chloe’s eyes. “Declan, what are you talking about?” “I did all this for our family.” “Or are you just like other men, disgusted with my post-pregnancy body, thinking I’m not pretty anymore?” By the end, Chloe burst into tears, looking utterly wronged. “Pfft! What a jerk!” Someone in the crowd couldn’t help but curse out loud. I didn’t care. “Think whatever you want. Either way, I’m divorcing you today.” Chloe froze, completely unprepared for my absolute resolve. “Declan, don’t you dare push your luck!” “What exactly has my daughter done to you to make you upset everyone like this?” “Don’t forget, you were on your knees begging me, promising to love and protect her for life, that’s why I agreed to let her marry you.” “Chloe has been dedicated these past few years. Even if she hasn’t contributed ‘merit,’ she’s certainly put in the ‘effort!’” Mr. Vance finally lost his temper, his voice sharp with anger. Chloe’s tears flowed even faster at his words. “Declan, tell me the truth. Do you have someone else?” It was like water hitting hot oil; the scene instantly erupted. “Oh my God! That’s disgusting!” “His wife just had a baby, and he can’t wait to cheat? Total scum, a complete jerk!” In an instant, everyone’s gaze shifted, all seeing me as a monster. Everyone cursed me as a cheating jerk. Mrs. Vance dramatically rolled up her sleeves. “Don’t worry, honey, Mom’s here. Let’s see who dares to bully you!” Watching their agitated expressions, my own remained calm. “Say whatever you want. I just want a divorce.”

Seeing that I was determined, Mrs. Vance slapped her thigh, wiping tears and wailing dramatically. “It’s over, it’s over! He’s been bewitched by some hussy!” “My poor daughter, why is your life so miserable? You married such a scoundrel!” Hymen was even more enraged. “Ms. Vance was truly blind to marry a man worse than an animal!” “Today, for Ms. Vance, I’m going to teach you a lesson, you ungrateful piece of trash!” With that, Hymen rolled up his sleeves and lunged at me, throwing a punch. I shifted slightly, easily dodging his attack. Turning, I grabbed his wrist, twisting it just enough for Hymen to wince in pain. My eyes were sharp and cold as I stared at him. “What do you think you are?” “A mere assistant, daring to meddle in our marriage?” With that, I released his wrist and landed a hard punch on his nose. “Ah—” Hymen clutched his nose, letting out a pained shriek like a slaughtered pig. The next second, bright red liquid seeped through his fingers and dripped onto the floor. “Blood!” Someone gasped. “Declan, are you crazy? How can you just hit someone?” Chloe shoved me fiercely, rushing to check Hymen’s injuries. The concern in her eyes almost overflowed. I sneered. “What? You feel bad for him?” “Where was all this concern when he was about to hit me?” Chloe’s breath hitched, her eyes darting away, momentarily speechless. “Besides, he deserved it. I hit him because he deserved it.” Under Chloe’s incredulous gaze, I smiled, articulating each word clearly. “Declan, when did you become so unreasonable?” “This is between us. Can you please not involve innocent people?” Chloe frowned deeply, her eyes filled with unconcealed disappointment. I couldn’t help but scoff. “Innocent?” “Ask him if he’s innocent.” Hymen’s face changed, but he quickly lowered his head. “I’m sorry, Ms. Vance, it’s my fault.” “I shouldn’t have spoken out of turn. I overstepped and upset Mr. Vance. Please don’t blame him.” Hymen looked at Chloe, his eyes as innocent as a pathetic puppy. “No, I don’t blame you. It’s my fault for getting you involved!” Chloe carefully wiped the blood from Hymen’s face, her voice so soft it could have melted. Not wanting to see them being so intimate, I slammed the divorce papers in front of Chloe. “If you don’t want him to get another beating, sign these papers now. Otherwise, I’ll beat him every time I see him.” Before my words even finished, Chloe exploded. Smack! A sharp slap landed on my face. “Are you insane? Hymen is just my assistant! What does our business have to do with him?” My cheek burned, my eardrums buzzed, and I tasted iron in my mouth.

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My nominal uncle’s first love took her own life the day I returned home. My family blamed me, every single one of them, except for Damon. He gently stroked my hair. “It’s not Autumn’s fault. Serena was just too fragile.” Later, I married him, as I’d always yearned to. Eight years into our marriage, I finally got pregnant. Overjoyed, I handed him the ultrasound report. A rare smile touched his lips. But the very next second, a searing pain ripped through me. Blood, so much blood, gushed from me uncontrollably. That’s when it hit me. He had poisoned the soup he just fed me. He had been waiting for me to die this whole time. He had never, not once, believed in me. Damon lit a cigarette, his gaze icy as he watched me. “Stop pretending. Serena suffered a thousand times more than you did back then.” I died from a massive hemorrhage. When I opened my eyes again, I was eighteen years old, standing at the grand entrance of the Hayes mansion. This time, I decided to fulfill everyone’s desires.

“Miss Autumn, do you… still need to freshen up?” Hearing Mr. Jenkins, the butler’s voice, I truly, fully realized that I was back. Snapping out of my daze, I quickly shook my head. “No, thank you. Let’s just go see Mom and Dad.” In my previous life, I was so nervous arriving at the Hayes mansion that I asked Mr. Jenkins to take me to the powder room. On the way back, I got lost, and stumbled upon Serena in a provocative negligee, sitting on a bare-chested Damon’s lap. Serena and I were both startled. She was terrified I’d tell on her and get her kicked out of the Hayes household. So that very evening, she threw herself from the third-story window. I kept my head down, hurrying behind Mr. Jenkins, even quickening my pace. As long as I didn’t pass that spot, Serena wouldn’t jump. But I hadn’t anticipated running straight into Damon. One hand in his pocket, he slowly exhaled a puff of smoke, the other resting heavily on my shoulder. “You’re here.” Just two words, but they hit me like a lightning bolt. Damon Blackwood, a close family friend I’d always called Uncle Damon, was like an adopted son to the Hayes, ruthless and aristocratic, yet detached. At this exact time in my previous life, it was my first formal meeting with him. He had just returned from overseas, wearing a perfectly tailored shirt and trousers. He’d only given me, the suddenly recognized niece, a polite nod. His gaze had been as indifferent as if he were looking at a new piece of furniture in a corner. It was nothing like this. Nothing like this intense, complex stare he was fixating on me now. It felt like an invisible hand squeezed my heart, stealing my breath. He had been reborn too. That realization shattered all my attempts at composure. I lowered my gaze, my nails digging deep into my palms. Every fiber of my being screamed to confront him, to demand answers. But rather than tearing him apart for another lifetime, I’d rather give myself a new one. I gave a gentle nod, then forced a calm demeanor, trying to move past him. He seemed surprised by my reaction, the fingers on my shoulder tightened for a fraction of a second, the pressure almost crushing my bones. But the next moment, he abruptly let go, as if I were something vile. I didn’t dare to linger, quickening my steps towards the sounds of laughter. Soon, we arrived at the brightly lit small living room. My father, Robert Hayes, was sitting on the sofa, reading a newspaper. He looked up at our footsteps. He was nearing fifty, his brows etched with the shrewdness of a seasoned businessman. My mother, Eleanor Hayes, stood by a flower stand, meticulously pruning a blooming orchid. The scene before me, was almost identical to my first time stepping into this room in my previous life. “Sir, Ma’am, Miss Autumn has arrived,” Mr. Jenkins reported respectfully. My mother turned at the sound, the gentle smile on her face not yet fully formed. It was interrupted by a faint rustle from the stairs. A soft, melodious female voice drifted down. “Damon, my head’s spinning, could you give me a hand?” I looked up. Damon had appeared halfway down the stairs, I hadn’t even noticed. His back was to the living room’s light, his face shadowed, his expression unreadable. Serena Hayes leaned against him, one hand delicately resting on his forearm. She wore a simple, off-white dress, her long hair cascading down, face pale, with a lingering hint of redness around her eyes. A picture of delicate frailty, designed to elicit pity. But as she, aided by Damon, descended the stairs step by step, her gaze subtly brushed over me, and a fleeting hint of mockery, like an ice-cold needle, pricked me deep in her eyes. She wasn’t truly weak. That look, it was clearly assessment and calculation, a condescending… confirmation. Damon carefully helped her to the living room. My father immediately rose, his voice filled with concern. “Serena, what are you doing down here? You should be resting if you’re not feeling well.” Serena gently shook her head, her gaze, however, settling on me, who everyone else seemed to ignore. Her pale lips curved slightly, “I heard my sister was coming home today… How could I possibly stay in bed and not greet her?” She paused, her gaze wrapping around me with an innocent cruelty. “Autumn, we finally meet again. This time… you really must stay, won’t you?” This time. Those two words, she spoke them lightly, but they struck my heart like a hammer. Her too. My breath hitched. She had also returned.

Serena’s words were a key, unlocking the most painful box deep within my memory. I steadied my breathing, lowered my lashes, forcing the storm raging within me back behind my eyes. This time, I wouldn’t fall into your trap. Dinner unfolded in a strange atmosphere. Serena commanded all attention, speaking softly, occasionally furrowing her brow in a way that seemed playful and sweet. Damon’s gaze barely left her. Just like in my previous life, he gently blew on her soup to cool it, his tenderness overflowing. But he fed her nourishing broth, and he fed me poison. Eight years of deep affection hadn’t earned me a shred of his true heart. My father and mother’s attention was entirely on her, offering me only a few perfunctory questions. After dinner, my mother seemed to finally remember my presence, speaking with an apologetic tone: “Autumn, your room is on the second floor, right next to Damon’s. It’ll be convenient for you to…” “Mom,” I softly interrupted, looking up amidst everyone’s surprised stares, my voice calm yet firm. “The guest room is fine. I just got home, don’t want to inconvenience Damon.” The air solidified for a moment. Damon lifted his eyelids to look at me, his eyes unreadable, cigarette ash silently falling from his fingers. He clearly hadn’t expected me to refuse so decisively, to be so eager to draw a line between us. My mother looked a little awkward: “But… the guest room is a bit simple.” “It’s fine, I’m used to simplicity.” I managed a faint smile, no longer looking at anyone. “I’ve been traveling all day, I’m a bit tired and just want to rest.” Eventually, I was assigned the smallest guest room at the end of the hallway. The room was indeed simple, but clean. I locked the door and leaned against the cold wood. Only then did I allow myself to drop all pretense, sliding wearily to the floor. Late at night, everything was silent. But a knock suddenly echoed. An alarm blared in my mind. I walked to the door but didn’t open it. “Who is it?” “Autumn, it’s me.” Serena’s voice came through the door, laced with a hint of a smile. “Can’t sleep, thought I’d chat with you.” I remained silent. She didn’t seem to mind, lowering her voice further as she continued. “Didn’t expect this, did you? We both came back. Last life, I miscalculated, really thought I’d just fall and die… Lucky you, you got to live for eight extra years.” My heart clenched, a sharp, piercing ache. “But,” She chuckled, “Damon, he took revenge for me later, didn’t he? I bet it was quite spectacular.” Her tone was filled with malicious speculation and delight. I clenched my fists, my nails digging deep into my flesh. The pain I had deliberately tried to forget surged through me again. Outside the door, her voice suddenly moved closer to the crack. “Autumn, this lifetime, Damon is mine, from beginning to end. You can’t steal him, and you don’t deserve him.” With that, her footsteps receded. But I felt a strange unease. I rushed to the window, yanking the curtains open. On the balcony of the neighboring guest room, Serena, in a thin nightgown, was standing barefoot on the narrow ledge of the railing! The night wind ruffled her long hair, and in her hand, she held a fruit knife, its blade glinting coldly in the moonlight. And on her pale wrist, a stark, crimson cut had already appeared! “Serena!” I cried out. She turned at the sound, giving me a twisted, pathetic smile. Then, she leaned back. “BANG!” My room door was flung open with brute force. Damon stormed in like a wild beast, “Autumn!” He roared, his eyes blazing with undisguised hatred. “I knew it! You came back too, and you’re still up to no good! You want to drive her to her death again, don’t you?!” He didn’t even give me a chance to explain. The next second, a stinging slap landed hard on my face. “SMACK!” The sharp sound exploded in the room. My head snapped to the side, my cheek instantly burning. My ears rang, and a metallic taste filled my mouth. The disgust in his eyes was sickeningly familiar. It was the same look he’d given me when I was dying in my previous life. Then, without hesitation, he turned and rushed towards the adjacent balcony. I clutched my stinging cheek, sliding down the cold wall, my numb heart aching violently. In my past life, I had tried to explain to Damon countless times, but he had only ever nodded, expressionless. “It’s all in the past, no need to dwell on it.” Outside the window, Serena’s weak sobs and Damon’s frantic reassurances drifted in. Soon, ambulance sirens wailed. Downstairs in the living room, lights blazed. My father’s face was ashen, my mother’s eyes red from crying. Damon left with the ambulance for the hospital. My father looked at me with exhaustion and disappointment, as if I were an unavoidable burden. He rubbed his temples, then finally spoke in a cold voice, “Autumn, things have been… unsettling around here. You just got back, you might not be adapting well.” He paused, then continued, “Liam Kingston, the eldest son of the Kingston family, is accomplished, and the Kingstons are interested in an alliance. You… should meet him. Settling down early would be good for you, and for everyone.” Liam Kingston? The notorious playboy, always surrounded by rumors? A cold despair settled in my chest. Yet, I suddenly felt a clarity, and a bitter amusement. In my previous life, they had always favored Serena, the adopted daughter. Fine. This time, I’d give them what they wanted. I lifted my swollen face, meeting my father’s gaze, my voice calm, without a ripple of emotion. “Alright, I’ll meet him.”

My meeting with Liam Kingston was arranged at a quiet, upscale Italian restaurant. I had prepared myself to deal with a flippant rich kid. But to my surprise, the man who walked through the door was refined and understated. When he saw me, he seemed even more nervous than I was, his ears tinted crimson, his eyes a little evasive, not at all like the seasoned veteran of flirtation the rumors painted him to be. “Miss Hayes… hello, I’m Liam Kingston.” He stood up, pulling out my chair for me, his movements slightly stiff but sincere. Throughout dinner, the initial awkwardness quickly dissolved. He spoke eloquently, with unique insights, knowledgeable in both art and business. Occasionally, if I looked at him a bit too long, he would blush slightly, shy as a college student fresh out of school. The rumors and reality were worlds apart. “I thought…” I began, choosing my words carefully. “You thought I was an uneducated playboy?” Liam finished my sentence, smiling wryly. “My family’s business is complex, and my father hasn’t been well. Some people… they prefer to see me as a good-for-nothing.” He didn’t elaborate, but the meaning was clear. When we parted, he stood by his car, looking at me very earnestly: “Miss Hayes, I… I like you very much.” “If you don’t object, I’ll have my parents formally propose to the Hayes family tomorrow, may I?” His directness and solemnity surprised me. Looking at his sincere and slightly anxious eyes, I nodded: “Yes.” It was late when I returned to the Hayes mansion. I tiptoed upstairs, but as I passed the master bedroom area, I heard sounds that made my cheeks burn coming from a slightly ajar door. A mix of a woman’s soft moans and a man’s heavy breathing. It was Damon’s room. And that female voice… it was Serena. My footsteps faltered. My blood seemed to turn to ice instantly, then rapidly warmed, leaving only a dull numbness. Just as I was about to quietly leave, the door creaked open from inside. Damon was only loosely wrapped in a bathrobe, his belt undone, his chest still bore faint, tell-tale red marks. He saw me outside the door, a flicker of surprise in his eyes, which quickly turned back to casual nonchalance. He gently closed the door behind him, shielding the intimate scene within. “You saw?” He lit a cigarette, leaning against the doorframe. “Serena and I are together now. Let’s just put the past behind us. This time, I’ll protect her, truly.” He exhaled a smoke ring, looking at me through the haze, his voice low. “Autumn Hayes, just give up. I apologize for the past, but please don’t upset Serena anymore.” A corner of my heart twinged, but it was quickly enveloped by a wave of coldness. I met his gaze, a calm smile on my face, and spoke in a cold voice. “Damon, you’re overthinking it. Who you’re with, what you do, it has nothing to do with me.” My composure clearly angered him. His eyes darkened. He suddenly stepped forward, grabbing my wrist, his grip so tight my bones ached. “Nothing to do with you? Autumn Hayes, who are you trying to fool? I’m telling you, Serena and I are already engaged.” He stared into my eyes, each word landing like a blow, as if to embed itself in my heart. “The wedding is in three days.” He suddenly forced a humorless smile. “Considering what we once had… if you still feel anything from back then, then come witness my happiness for yourself.” He was testing me, retaliating. He was using this method to flay the last shred of my dignity. I yanked my hand free, leaving distinct finger marks on my wrist. I stepped back, creating distance, my smile still serene. “No need, Damon. Your happiness has nothing to do with me. Let’s just go our separate ways and leave each other in peace.” With that, I turned and walked away, not looking back at his expression. The next day, my father indeed called me into his study, his face beaming as he informed me that the Kingston family had formally proposed. The wedding was set for three days later, a rare auspicious day. But then his expression clouded: “Autumn, there’s something… Serena and Damon’s wedding is also set for the same day.” “You know, Damon has been like a son to us for years, and Serena, our dear Serena, has always been a delicate flower… having two daughters get married from the Hayes household, it would be a bit much to have two grand affairs.” “So, your wedding… it would be best if it were a bit more private, simpler. Would that be alright with you?” His tone was consultative, but his eyes held no room for dissent. I gripped the beautiful invitation from the Kingston family, looking at Liam Kingston’s name, so different from what I remembered. I smiled faintly: “Of course, I have no objections.”

The night before the wedding, Serena knocked on my door again. This time, she didn’t even bother to feign politeness, a victorious, stinging smile playing on her lips, as she leaned directly against the doorframe. “Autumn, you’re getting married tomorrow. I’ve come to bring you a wedding gift.” She kept her voice low, just for the two of us to hear. “You know, lately, I’ve been having dreams… interesting dreams.” She tilted her head, her gaze like a poisoned needle. “Dreams about you having a baby once? Too bad… you couldn’t keep it. How did that feel? Pretty exhilarating?” A deafening roar filled my head. My entire body went numb. My blood ran cold, then surged back through my veins, frantic and burning, making my limbs tremble violently. I stared at her, my nails digging deep into my palms, almost drawing blood. She knew! How could she know so precisely?! “You…” My voice was bone dry. “How did I know?” Serena giggled, her eyes cold and cruel. “It doesn’t matter. What matters is, Sister, you’d better be sensible this lifetime, and stay gone in the Kingston family, don’t come back and be an eyesore.” She stepped closer, almost pressing her lips to my ear. “So what if you’re the biological one? Damon and Mom and Dad, their eyes are only on me!” “If you dare to come back, or touch anything of mine again… I won’t mind helping Damon again. Helping him… kill you with his own hands.” With that, she turned and sashayed away like a peacock displaying its plumage. Leaving me frozen at the doorway, cold all over, my stomach churning, threatening to spill its contents. That familiar despair, once again, choked me. The next day, before dawn, the Hayes household was bustling. All for Serena’s extravagant wedding. I packed my few belongings; there wasn’t much to sort through. Stepping out of the guest room, I passed the living room, and my footsteps involuntarily halted. In the nascent morning light, Damon stood before the grand floor-to-ceiling mirror in the living room, undergoing final adjustments from the tailor. He wore a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, his profile sharply defined in the soft light, still the alluring man from my memories. Memories flooded back uncontrollably. In my previous life, he had been like this too, in a well-fitted suit, walking towards me amidst everyone’s blessings. Then, there was a smile in his eyes, as he gently placed the ring on my finger. I had once believed that was the sum total of happiness, even after learning it was an eight-year-long, premeditated revenge. But in that moment, walking towards him in my white gown, the pounding heart and shy anticipation, those had been real. A dull ache, a belated one, spread through my chest. It wasn’t love, not hate, but a somber elegy for a past I’d been foolish enough to believe in. He seemed to catch sight of me in the mirror, his movements pausing slightly, then he turned around. The tailor discreetly retreated. Damon’s gaze settled on me, assessing my simple dress. His brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, then smoothed out. “Where are you off to?” He took two steps closer to me, carrying a crisp, unfamiliar scent. He suddenly raised a hand, slowly adjusting his tie, his eyes fixed on me, “Does this look good?” His voice was low, his breath caressing my face. Once, I would have flushed crimson. But now, I only felt a sickening chill. I met his gaze, forcing a calm smile. “It looks very good. Congratulations, Damon, on finally getting what you wanted, on marrying the woman you adore.” My voice was clear and steady, like I was uttering the most commonplace blessing. “I wish you and Serena a lifetime of happiness, and many children.” His pupils seemed to constrict. He stared at me, a complex emotion I couldn’t decipher churning in his deep-set eyes. He pulled at the corner of his mouth, saying nothing more, but that look, it was unnervingly heavy. I averted my gaze, no longer looking at him, and pulled my lightweight suitcase, walking step by step towards the grand entrance of the Hayes mansion. Behind me, the prosperity and hypocrisy that had held my two lifetimes of blood and tears, were finally left behind. At the entrance, a discreet yet undeniably luxurious motorcade from the Kingston family awaited. Liam stood by a car, his eyes lighting up when he saw me. He quickly came forward, took my luggage, and opened the car door for me, his movements careful, filled with tenderness. “Let’s go home,” he murmured, his ears slightly red. I settled into the car, and through the window, I took one last look at the carved gates of the Hayes mansion. Just then, another motorcade, grand and boisterous, arrived. Adorned with flowers, ribbons, and boisterous laughter – it was Damon and Serena’ grand wedding procession. The two motorcades passed each other at the Hayes mansion’s entrance. One, silent and understated, drove towards an unknown, yet perhaps peaceful, future. The other, loud and festive, rushed towards public adoration. I didn’t look back, and in my heart, I whispered. “Damon, we’ll never meet again.”

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My wife rejected the poor girl I wanted to sponsor for not being good enough. She insisted we sponsor a cheerful, handsome male student instead. The result? That student ended up in my house, sleeping in my bed. Even my daughter, who was never close to me, started to look more and more like him. I didn’t expose them. Instead, I smiled and transferred my company to that vibrant young man. It was buried under fifty million in debt. “Liam, it is all yours now.” David POV When I walked through the door, I was carrying a limited-edition Elsa dress for my daughter and an elegant necklace for my wife, Eleanor. I’d squeezed a week’s work in New York into four days and taken the red-eye flight home, all to be back for the weekend and surprise them. I pictured Eleanor’s delighted surprise, imagined three-year-old Chloe running into my arms. A smile touched my lips before I could stop it. Chloe had never been very warm with me. She didn’t look like me, either. I have hooded eyes and a strong nose-a rougher kind of face. Chloe has huge, liquid eyes, porcelain skin, and a delicate chin. When friends visited, they’d often chuckled.”Well, your wife’s genes won this round. Total upgrade.” I just took it as a joke. After all, Eleanor was famously beautiful; it was a good thing for our daughter to resemble her mother. But Chloe would only sweetly call me “Dad” when she wanted toys or pocket money. The rest of the time, she looked at me with a hesitant, almost timid gaze. Eleanor said it was because I traveled so much for work, which was why I made an effort to return early this time. I shook my head, pushing these unsettling thoughts from my mind. The master bedroom door was ajar, letting out a sliver of light. I changed my shoes, about to push the door open and give Eleanor a hug, when I heard her voice from inside the bedroom. “Chloe, look at the camera, say Daddy.” I looked up, disbelieving. Say Daddy? Wasn’t I right outside the door? Immediately after, Chloe’s tender voice rang out, filled with a joy I’d never heard before. “Daddy! Daddy, look, Mom bought me new pajamas, aren’t they pretty?” A young man’s voice came from the other end of the phone, clear and with a hint of playful teasing. “Very pretty, Chloe looks good in everything. Do you miss Daddy?” “Yes! When will Daddy take me to the amusement park?” “Tomorrow! That old geezer is gone on his business trip, isn’t he? Daddy will come play with you tomorrow.” I held my breath, peeking through the crack in the door. Eleanor was wearing a sheer lace nightgown, lying on the bed with her feet playfully propped up, holding an iPad. Chloe lay next to her, their heads close together, giggling uncontrollably at the screen. The iPad screen was large, its light illuminating Eleanor’s face, making her look radiant, a liveliness I rarely saw directed at me. And the man on the screen? I knew him too. Liam Davis. The impoverished university student Eleanor and I had been sponsoring for two years.

David POV Two years ago, I thought my company was doing well, and I wanted to do some charity to give back to society. Through a foundation, I selected several young girls from remote areas. I’d reviewed all their profiles; they were all genuinely bright kids who wanted to study but couldn’t afford it. But Eleanor vehemently objected. She threw the girls’ profiles onto the coffee table, pointing her finger at me. “David Miller, are you out of your mind? Why do you insist on choosing girls? Are you subconsciously sexist? Do you think girls are pitiful, but boys aren’t?” “I just thought that girl had better grades…” I tried to explain. “Enough! I’m not listening to your excuses.” “I’ve picked out this student named Liam. He’s an athlete, bright and ambitious, from a single-parent home – how tough is that? If you’re going to sponsor anyone, it has to be him, or else, forget the charity altogether!” For the sake of domestic peace, I compromised. For two years, Liam’s tuition, living expenses, even his so-called “social practice” fees during breaks, all came from me. I still remember the first time Liam came to our house. He was wearing the expensive sneakers I’d bought him, standing in the living room, his eyes scanning the room before landing on Eleanor, where he offered a shy smile. At the time, Eleanor had smiled and said to me, “Look at this boy, so sensible and good-looking. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Chloe could find a boyfriend like him someday?” Now it seemed, she wasn’t looking for a boyfriend for our daughter, but for herself. My heart sank, and a sudden realization struck me. Liam had large eyes and a pointed chin. If Chloe didn’t look like me, then she and Liam looked like they were carved from the same mold.

David POV “Ugh, honey,” Eleanor’s voice cut in again, dripping with irritation. “The old man’s off to New York again. Says he’ll only be gone a week this time. It’s so exhausting having to play the perfect little wife and mommy whenever he’s around.” “Just bear with it,” Liam said on the screen, blowing a kiss. “Once we’ve drained his accounts dry, we’re gone. Oh, by the way, did you ask him about that trust fund I mentioned last time?” “I did, and I’m figuring out how to get him to sign it,” Eleanor giggled. “Don’t worry, that idiot does whatever I tell him. All I have to do is bat my eyelashes, and he’ll sign anything.” “My wife is the best.” “Stop it, who’s your wife…” “You are. You’ve been my wife since four years ago.” Four years ago. My hands were trembling. Four years ago, Chloe hadn’t even been born. Eleanor and I had only been married for one year. Sometimes, when rage pushes you past a certain edge, a cold clarity takes over. I wanted to burst in, smash the iPad, and slap those two despicable people. But I knew that besides venting my anger, it would be useless. If I rushed in now, at best, I’d catch them in the act. Knowing Eleanor, she wouldn’t just throw a fit; she’d accuse me back, even use Chloe as a shield. I took a deep breath and slowly released the doorknob. I carried my luggage, retracing my steps back to the entryway, just as I’d come in. Then I slammed the door shut. The loud bang echoed piercingly in the silent night. The laughter inside ceased abruptly. I stood in the entryway, adjusting my breathing, and called out loudly, “Honey! Chloe! I’m home early!” A flurry of hurried sounds came from the master bedroom. I walked to the master bedroom door, and Eleanor emerged. She was wearing a sexy lace nightgown covered by a thick robe, with the buttons all mismatched. “Darling? Why are you back so early? Didn’t you say three more days?” I looked at her, forcing the same kind of goofy, doting smile I always wore, and handed her the gifts. “Missed you, so I hurried back. What, not welcome?” Eleanor took the gifts, visibly relieved, then wrapped her arm around mine and pouted playfully, “Of course not, it was just so sudden, it startled me. Chloe’s already asleep.” “Oh really? I thought I heard you talking just now?” I asked casually, changing my shoes. Eleanor’s body visibly stiffened for a moment but quickly returned to normal. “Oh, I was just scrolling through TikTok. Had the volume up too high.” “Is that so?” I walked into the bedroom. The iPad was already dark, placed on the bedside table. Chloe was lying on the bed with her eyes closed, pretending to be asleep, her eyelashes still trembling slightly. I walked to the bed, looking at that face so similar to Liam’s, and bit down hard. I turned around, looking at Eleanor, who stood anxiously by the door, and said gently, “Eleanor, you’ve worked so hard these past few years. This business trip, it made me realize something.” “What is it?” Eleanor asked tentatively. “I feel like our previous investments had too low a return,” I said with a smile, beginning to enthusiastically explain to Eleanor, “I plan to take out all our liquid assets and make a big investment. We should discuss this properly tomorrow.” Eleanor’s eyes lit up instantly, flashing with a greedy glint. “Oh, darling, whatever you say.” Watching her expression, I sneered inwardly, but maintained a calm demeanor.

David POV Eleanor’s favorite phrase was always. “David, you just have a bit of dirty money. If you didn’t have a sophisticated woman like me to spend it, your money would be worthless paper, utterly without class.” Eleanor had been the campus queen in college. Her family background was ordinary, but she was strikingly beautiful and studied art, exuding an ethereal, artistic vibe. I, on the other hand, was a poor kid from a rural background, who clawed his way up in the construction industry with relentless effort. Though I was now a multimillionaire, in Eleanor’s eyes, I was always a nouveau riche who couldn’t shed his provincial air. I still remember shortly after we got married, I took her to a business gala. I wore a custom suit, feeling somewhat awkward standing beside her. Friends came over to toast, praising me for my achievements and for marrying a goddess. Eleanor merely took a delicate sip of red wine, then, in front of everyone, with a half-smile, straightened my tie and said airily: “Excuse us, everyone. My husband, well, besides being lucky, everything else is really hard to describe. He’ll need a lot of guidance from you all in the future. Otherwise, with just money and no taste, he’ll just be a laughingstock.” In that moment, my friends’ smiles froze, and my face turned beet red. When we got home, I cautiously asked her if I wasn’t good enough. Eleanor sat at her dressing table, removing her makeup while nonchalantly lecturing me. “David, know your place. I had hundreds of suitors-trust fund heirs, Ivy League grads-all more refined than you. I chose you because you’re obedient. Be grateful. I sacrificed my world to elevate your bloodline.” Whenever I tried to express an opinion at home, or questioned household expenses, she would look at me as if I were trash. “What do you know? Your “poverty mindset” only understands saving. You don’t know how to live. My spa days and designer bags? They maintain my image-and reflect on you. You should feel honored. Without me, you’d be eating takeout on a job site, not living this life.” Over time, she brainwashed me. I thought she was right. My taste was bad, I didn’t understand art, I didn’t understand fashion. And she was a goddess, a celestial being, high above. Her willingness to marry me, to spend my money, was her greatest blessing upon me. To be worthy of her, I quit smoking, stopped cursing, and painstakingly learned about wine tasting and golf. I handed over all financial control to her, keeping only a small allowance each month and giving her the rest. When our daughter Chloe was born, I was overjoyed, holding her and not letting go. But Eleanor disdainfully snatched the baby from my arms, wiped her hands with a sanitizing wipe, and frowned. “Don’t hold her so much. You reek of smoke, liquor, and sweat. Don’t spoil Chloe with that smell.” “Chloe’s beauty comes from me. If she looked like you, her life would be ruined.” Back then, I thought she was just obsessed with appearances. I even foolishly smiled and agreed, thinking she was right. Now, looking back-every look, every put-down-was that really just playful banter? No, it was pure disgust.

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At my engagement party to Luke, the fake heiress Chloe tried to kill herself again. That was the last straw. I set the banquet hall on fire and vanished. Five years later, my family caught my interview on television. My older brother Daniel’s call came through. “Anya, you’re alive!” I didn’t answer. As I was about to hang up, Daniel scoffed. “Grandma’s funeral is next week. Come if you care.” After the call, my husband Ryan came in with our daughter. “I’ll take Lily to camp. You should go. Your grandmother always loved you so much.” I nodded. Five years. It was time to go back and collect every last debt. Five years changed nothing. The estate stood just as I remembered. “Where is Grandma buried?” I asked Daniel. Daniel replied. “Just come inside.” I lowered my gaze and followed him in. Daniel was seated on the sofa. A faint smile touched his lips as I finally entered. He raised a hand, pushing a glass of lemon tea towards me. “Came straight through the night? Still get airsick, I guess.” For a moment, I was lost. I remembered him years ago, bringing me from our small town to the city-my first flight, my first bout of sickness. I could still see his frown as he fixed that same lemon tea. But later, because of Chloe, everything between us froze solid. I snapped back, pushing the lemon water away. “Thanks, I don’t need it.” I stated calmly, “I don’t get airsick anymore, and I don’t like this either.” These past few years, I’d been busy building my career, constantly flying all over the world. Daniel’s pupils constricted abruptly. After a long moment, he simply uttered a low “Hm.” Silence filled the room. I broke it first. “If you haven’t decided where to lay Grandma to rest, Daniel, then let’s not waste each other’s time.” Seeing me rise to leave, Daniel stood up abruptly. “Anya, you-” “Is big brother back?” A girlish laugh, sweet as syrup, cut through his words from the direction of the garden. It was Chloe, the fake heir.

Chloe ran to the garden entrance, her back to the floor-to-ceiling windows. She didn’t seem to notice us in the living room. A gentle breeze lifted her dress, revealing a slightly rounded stomach. Was she… pregnant? I froze. Then I saw Noah, my former younger brother, anxiously following behind Chloe. “Chloe, be careful! Do you even remember you’re pregnant?” Chloe pouted, cooing, “Oh, come on, I’m not a fragile doll.” Noah shook his head helplessly. Turning around, he saw me and froze. Before Noah could react, Chloe, who had also seen me, already smiled sweetly at me. “Anya. You actually came back. I was…so happy to hear you weren’t dead!” I scoffed. “You look radiant. I can only imagine how comfortable these past five years have been for you.” Chloe’s eyes instantly welled up. She tugged on Daniel’s sleeve. “Daniel, she’s targeting me again.” Daniel frowned, but this time, he didn’t scold me. Just then, Noah excitedly stepped forward and grabbed my shoulder. “These past few years, have you been okay, all alone?” I sidestepped, avoiding his touch. “I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you, Noah. I’m doing more than okay. I’m doing great.” Noah stiffened, as if my words had burned him. Five years ago, at my engagement party, he’d smashed a wine glass and cursed. “Anya, if anything happens to Chloe, I’ll never forgive you! A cold-blooded, selfish woman like you doesn’t deserve happiness!” Now, he was feigning concern about how I was doing. I sneered. Just then, Chloe suddenly clutched her stomach, her expression twisting in pain. “Noah, my stomach hurts.” “Chloe!” Noah was instantly distracted. He scooped up Chloe, intending to call a family doctor. Daniel walked over to me. “Chloe is pregnant. The baby is from your ex-fiancé, Luke. After you ran away from the wedding, Chloe helped you complete the alliance. Don’t blame her.” She stole my fiancé, and he called it helping me. I couldn’t help but sneer. “Right. My boyfriend of many years, who then turned around and married my sister. Isn’t that an insult to me?” I looked at him, my gaze icy. “Besides, are you getting old and forgetful, or are you deliberately playing dumb? Do I really need to remind you why I ran away from that wedding?” Daniel’s face instantly turned ashen. The next day, I personally went to choose a gravesite for Grandma. She had lived a life of strict adherence to rules, and the most rebellious thing she ever did was help me leave the family five years ago. Five years prior, Chloe had once again caused a scene, threatening suicide at my engagement party with Luke. That time, I didn’t let her disruptive behavior stop the wedding. Instead, I called an ambulance and insisted the engagement continue. Noah, the brother I’d protected since childhood, glared at me as if I were his enemy. “Why do you have to provoke her? You’ve already gotten the person Chloe loves, what more do you want?” My brother, Daniel, looked at me with disappointment. “Anya, you’re too cruel. Do you really have to hold the engagement now?” My fiancé, Luke, said nothing. He simply carried Chloe away from the engagement, never once looking back at me. All the guests’ astonished gazes fell upon me. All the years of pent-up hurt and fury surged within me. I snatched a serving knife from a waiter and chased after them like a madwoman. But Grandma stopped me. “Pathetic!” she chided. “Is a fickle man, wavering between two women, worth you committing a crime for?” Then she handed me a bank card and said, “Go. Don’t come back.” I staggered, regaining my footing. When I looked up again, she had already turned away. Later, I used those three hundred thousand dollars to establish myself in a foreign country. And later still, I built my own family. As I walked out of the cemetery, I saw Luke, my ex-fiancé.

“Anya!” Luke stepped out of a black Bentley and blocked my path. “Anya, you’re really back! I’ve been looking for you all these years.” I ignored him. Luke followed me. “Don’t you remember me? We were in love for over a decade.” I stopped, unable to help but laugh. “Luke, weren’t you the one who was secretly seeing Chloe behind my back?” Luke and I truly had grown up together, childhood sweethearts supporting each other. In winter, we’d share a scarf; in summer, we’d split an ice cream. I still remember that summer night when I was seventeen, the stars were incredibly bright. And so were Luke’s eyes. “Once I get to college, I’ll work and save up to buy you a big house!” “Okay! I want a balcony where I can plant flowers,” I giggled. To save money for our college expenses, I secretly worked odd jobs at a restaurant. My hands turned white from the water, but my eyes were full of hope. Until just before the exams, Luke’s family found him. He was the true heir of a powerful family in the city, lost and now found. The day he left, he cried, holding my hand. “Anya, wait for me.” But I waited and waited. I received my college admission letter, but he never came back. We met again at a family banquet. I had become the long-lost true daughter of the family. And he, was my sister Chloe’s new boyfriend. Now, Luke was staring intently at me. “Marrying Chloe was forced. I had just returned to my family, and I wanted to secure my inheritance. Only a marriage alliance with a family of equal standing would do. But you, you just…” So fake! Now, his eyes were full of calculation; he was no longer the innocent boy he once was. Seeing that I still didn’t speak, he continued. “Anya, I’ve missed you all these years. You’ve come back alone, aren’t you waiting for me to marry you?” I couldn’t help but slap him across the face. “Luke, don’t be pathetic! Your wife is pregnant!” Luke staggered back two steps, not saying another word. I had just turned to leave when Noah came over to warn me. “Anya, he’s already married!” “Don’t worry,” I said coldly. “I have no interest in cheating men! Chloe might be desperate, but I’m not.” Noah’s face instantly flushed. He stammered awkwardly. “No matter what, you still have me as family.” “Family?” I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “Noah, in this city, besides Grandma, no one is my family.” With that, I intended to return to my hotel. But Noah still followed behind me. “Where are you staying? I’ll take you!” I warned him, “If you keep following me, I’m calling the cops!” That evening, my husband, Ryan, video called. “Sweetheart, how are things going? Lily and I miss you.” Seeing the loving expressions on my husband’s and daughter’s faces, my heart softened. “I miss you too. I’ll be home soon.” I chatted with Lily and Ryan. Midway through our conversation, he suddenly said, “You should watch out for your sister, Chloe.” “I understand.” I knew Chloe was a viper. Now that she saw me back, how could she resist striking? But I had some surprises prepared for them too, and I’d deliver them one by one.

On the day of the funeral, I planned to leave early. Just as I was about to go, I saw Chloe, arm-in-arm with Luke, and Daniel and Noah, emerging from the lounge. They clearly saw me too. Daniel walked towards me. “Where are you going?” I said blandly, “I’m leaving.” Daniel blocked my path, his brows deeply furrowed. “Where are you going? Aren’t you coming home with us?” “Home? I don’t have a home here,” I retorted. “Anya!” Daniel’s emotions suddenly flared. “Are you really willing to wander around outside rather than come home? Are you truly planning to cut all ties with this family for good, this lifetime?!” Before I could answer, Chloe cut in. “Anya, how long are you going to keep this up with us? Do you really have to mess up the family until everyone is miserable? Mom and Dad wouldn’t have wanted…” She hadn’t finished speaking when I slapped her hard across the face. “I didn’t want to hit you, but you don’t deserve to mention my parents!” The men nearby’s expressions changed, but in the end, none of them moved. Chloe’s eyes welled up with tears, feigning hurt. “Did I say something wrong?” “Oh?” I raised an eyebrow, looking at her with a smile. “Since this is my family, I’d like to ask, when are you returning the ten percent of the company shares that are in my name?” A heavy silence fell. Chloe was speechless, tears hanging in her eyes. Daniel’s face paled. Five years ago, Daniel forced me to transfer the shares my parents left me into Chloe’s name. He said Chloe was weak since childhood, and she needed the money more. “Why should I give them back to you! I won’t!” Chloe’s eyes turned fierce when she heard me demanding the shares. “Alright, I’ll make her transfer them back to you,” Daniel said to me. “No!” Chloe shrieked. But Noah stepped forward, his voice low. “Those shares were left to Anya by her parents. You should return them.” Chloe’s eyes welled up. She couldn’t understand why her doting brothers had turned on her, unmoved even by her tears. I was puzzled, too. What had gotten into them? Still, it worked in my favor. Less trouble for me. Chloe fell silent for a moment. Then, as if she’d just pieced it together, she didn’t lash out. She smiled. “Anya, so this was your game all along? Disappear, make them feel guilty, and then collect? Fine. These shares mean nothing to me. If you want them, have them.” I didn’t answer. I simply pulled a share transfer agreement from my bag. “Good. Sign it now.”

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I have a special mind-reading ability: I can hear the thoughts of anyone who doesn’t truly love me. But right before my wedding, I suddenly heard my fiancée’s thoughts: “Julian is crashing the wedding tomorrow. Is wearing these heels a bad idea if I need to run?” I didn’t say a word. The next day, I simply left the country. Later, that wedding became the talk of the town – both the groom and the bride had run away. I’ve always possessed a peculiar ability: I can hear the unspoken thoughts of those who don’t genuinely love me. Thanks to this, I can easily discern whether someone’s affection for me is fake. I’ve effortlessly detached myself from superficial friendships and remained completely unfazed by confessions from women I’d once crushed on for ages. Even when buying durian, I can hear the vendor’s thoughts and pick the one with the most flesh and sweetest aroma. Every single thought, loud and clear. To avoid constant mental chatter, I usually steer clear of eye contact with strangers in my daily life. But the first time I met Serena Davies, the entire world went silent, leaving only the crisp sound of our conversation: “Hi, mind if I introduce myself?” No thoughts. As our eyes met, I couldn’t hear a single thought from Serena. “Hello.” Throughout the time Serena pursued me, the voices in my head remained simple and pure. I believed she loved me. So, we fell in love, dated, and then got engaged. For two whole years, I never once heard her thoughts. But on the eve of our wedding, I suddenly could. Serena had been especially busy lately because of the wedding. She came from a wealthy family and had successfully taken over her father’s position, independently managing the Davies family’s financial firm. With all the wedding arrangements, we had so much to handle in advance, especially in the last two months. So, our meetings had been few and far between. But today, as we finalized the outfits, I thought this would be a rare moment alone together, and a flicker of anticipation stirred within me. When I arrived at the studio, she was already there, trying on shoes. She turned to whisper something to a staff member, then took a call, walking out while speaking, her tone heavily reassuring. I understood her workload; running a company wasn’t easy, especially since she wasn’t the only heir in the Davies family. Our eyes met in a familiar, silent understanding. But then, Serena’s voice suddenly echoed in my mind: “Julian said he’s crashing the wedding tomorrow. Flat shoes would be easier to run in.” Julian? Crashing the wedding? I froze, staring intently at her lips, confirming it was her thought. For a moment, I didn’t know how to react. Even though it was a scorching summer day outside, a chill instantly spread through my entire body, paralyzing me. I could hear her thoughts now. The implication was painfully clear. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a staff member, following her instructions, place a pair of comfortable flats into her wedding attire bag. Serena nodded at me and turned to leave. It was our usual silent agreement; she must have something important to deal with. But the words I’d just heard were real, and I never misheard. My body moved almost autonomously, following her. I couldn’t quite believe it, and hurried after her, calling out: “Serena?” I desperately wanted to read more of her thoughts, to understand what this woman, my fiancée, was truly thinking. Why, on the very eve of our wedding, had her heart suddenly changed? My call made Serena pause just before disappearing into the back seat. But it was only a brief pause. She turned, quickly offered a brief explanation, and then instructed the driver to speed away: “Sorry, an urgent client matter came up. I have to rush over.” She was lying. Right now, she was clearly thinking: “I can tell from his voice on the phone that Julian’s angry. If I don’t smooth things over, he won’t let me go home tonight again.” I’ve never been the type to stew in self-pity or become a resentful, self-pitying husband. Instead of overthinking, I prefer to take action. I immediately found an excuse to privately meet Serena’s assistant, using my mind-reading to uncover more information.

His name was Julian. He was the man Serena truly loved. Julian was an illegitimate son from a prominent family, the Blackwoods. His stepmother, Mrs. Blackwood, never truly acknowledged him, leaving him in a perpetually awkward, ‘neither here nor there’ kind of limbo. Unfortunately, Serena’s family elders opposed their relationship. Julian, with his strong pride, couldn’t bear the humiliation and left Serena, disappearing without a trace. Serena’s so-called ‘love at first sight’ for me was nothing more than a cruel trick of fate. I only caught her eye because I bore a fleeting resemblance to Julian. Now that Julian was back, she naturally had no need for a replacement like me. And Julian’s return happened to coincide with the last two months when Serena had been excessively busy. The logic was flawless, everything fitting perfectly. Hearing such a story, I couldn’t help but shake my head and chuckle with a bitter sense of resignation. Julian wanted to crash the wedding as a way to stake his claim on Serena, and also to get revenge on me for having occupied the position of Serena’s husband for so long. As for Serena, she needed this grand gesture to prove her unwavering love for Julian, to appease him, and to force the Davies family to accept him. This whole world, it’s just one massive, over-the-top soap opera. The moment I realized this, I couldn’t help but curse under my breath. That night, the lights in my apartment were still on. Even though the wedding was scheduled for the next day, I was busy packing, not a moment to spare. Two hours earlier, I had booked a first-class ticket out of the country. If Serena could have Julian crash the wedding for her, I could certainly run away from it. Thankfully, my family had already settled abroad, and this wedding hadn’t involved all the trouble of flying in relatives and friends from overseas. We’d only invited local friends we were close with. The original plan was that since both sets of parents had already met during the engagement, we would hold another ceremony abroad later, saving relatives and friends from the hassle of travel and language barriers. This plan, ironically, made my current escape much easier. I briefly shared my thoughts with my best friend, Connor. He silently took the packing box from my hands, his expression serious. I couldn’t read his thoughts, and seeing his unusual reaction, I had to ask: “Connor, are you going to stop me?” Connor just rolled his eyes, a sarcastic smirk playing on his lips. “Seriously, Alex? You think I’m gonna stop you? I’m just getting you a tougher duffel bag for all your gear.” On the wedding day, dressed in my custom-tailored suit, I stood beside Serena, greeting arriving guests. This time, Serena’s thoughts were so loud they gave me a headache: “Is Julian here yet?” “I can finally be with Julian. Three years, I’ve waited three years for Julian. He’s finally going to be my husband.” “This wedding crash, Julian will believe my heart will always love him, right?” It sent shivers down my spine, making me frown and glance at Serena several times. Yet, she maintained her gentle and elegant demeanor, showing concern for me as usual: “Alex, you don’t look so good. Why don’t you go rest in the lounge? I can handle the guests out here, and you can just make your entrance for the ceremony.” Good idea. It was almost time for me to make my exit anyway. I agreed, and as I was about to change out of my suit into casual clothes, I coincidentally ran into Julian by the door. Thanks to our similar looks and my mind-reading ability, I recognized him instantly. I gripped Connor’s arm, stopping him from lunging at the third party, and pretended to be oblivious: “You must be one of Serena’s friends, right? Please, go on in. Our wedding starts in a few hours.” Julian’s smile stiffened, seemingly displeased by my affectionate way of referring to Serena, and his words were tinged with thinly veiled sarcasm: “Alex, sorry for the ‘wardrobe malfunction’ today. If someone didn’t know better, they might think I was the groom.” Julian’s arrogant thoughts simultaneously echoed in my ear: “Laugh all you want. In three hours, your bride will be running away for me. Will you still be smiling then?”

I kept my smile, shaking my head as if unaffected. I instructed a nearby server to show him to his seat. Julian’s thoughts flared again: “Idiot. I spelled it out for him, and he still doesn’t get that I’m here to cause trouble.” As Julian walked past, Connor couldn’t help but grumble to me: “Look at that cocky attitude. I can’t stand it.” I shrugged. “He sees me as a joke right now. After all, Serena’s all prepared for him to crash the wedding. That way, they’ll get their ‘lovers reunited’ story, and he can force the Davies family to acknowledge his status right in front of me.” The wedding venue wasn’t far from the airport. I was sitting in the departure lounge, and the ceremony hadn’t even begun yet. I stared intently at the time on my phone, waiting for the farce to unfold. My phone vibrated relentlessly as Connor excitedly live-streamed updates: “Alex, he actually crashed it! He actually crashed it! Cheating and acting like Romeo and Juliet, it’s absolutely shameless.” The ceremony had barely started five minutes before Connor sent me a video from the wedding. According to the schedule, after Serena went on stage and the officiant delivered a sappy, emotional speech, it would be the groom’s entrance. Julian planned to crash at precisely that moment. Julian, deliberately dressed in a suit similar to the groom’s, strode swiftly onto the stage and snatched the officiant’s microphone. Despite the murmurs from the crowd, he rambled on, professing his love. Such audacious declarations made Serena’s eyes well up. “Serena, will you leave with me?” A gasp rippled through the guest seats. Stealing the bride on her wedding day – wasn’t that a blatant wedding crash? The worst part was, Serena nodded in agreement, her face beaming with emotion. She walked over to Julian, clasping her fingers with his: “I do.” Julian’s swollen ego was fully satisfied at that moment. He even had the audacity to deliver an “acceptance speech” to the groom, who was still behind a closed door. The gist was that he knew I liked Serena, but Serena truly loved him, and he hoped I would grant them my blessing. In the video, Serena was wearing a pair of flat shoes that completely clashed with her wedding gown, and Julian, holding the microphone, couldn’t suppress the triumph in his eyes. Julian probably couldn’t wait to see my devastated face, having already planned out what he’d say to comfort me: “I hope Alex will bless this love between Serena and me.” “Alex?” The atmosphere suddenly grew awkward. After all, the person being publicly humiliated wasn’t there, turning this “satisfying drama” into a clownish farce. “Alex?” Julian called out several times, but received no answer, until the usher finally opened the large door. Beyond it, the space was empty, save for a discarded dark tie, symbolizing the groom’s unexplained absence. The crowd erupted in commotion. Someone shouted: “Did the groom just run away?”

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After our breakup, I decisively quit my job. I was ready to leave the country when my ex-boyfriend and ex-boss, Mark, suddenly appeared at the airport, trying to win me back. He said he’d fired his assistant, Chloe, and from now on, I’d be the company’s Vice President. But just as I decided not to leave the country and was ready to go back with him, he ripped his hand from mine and called Chloe: “You win your bet. This idiot actually thought I’d keep her around.” Then he sneered at me, “Just a joke. You actually fell for it? Go on, get out of here. No one’s stopping you this time.” The colleagues present laughed at me, as if I was some pathetic puppy who’d wag its tail and come running back with a single wave of his hand. But what they didn’t know was that I wasn’t leaving the country because my new company had just finalized an acquisition. And I was about to become their new CEO. I wasn’t angry when my ex-boyfriend, Mark, smugly told me his attempt to win me back had been nothing more than a cruel joke. I just pulled out my phone to call a ride home. The colleagues standing by watched me with mocking eyes, sneering: “Skylar, Mark said he doesn’t want you. What are you waiting for? Go ahead and book your flight, just leave already!” “Didn’t you say you got a job abroad? What happened? Did they ditch you again?” Mark watched them mock me, indulging in their taunts, not bothering to stop them. This suffocating, humiliating workplace bullying had been a constant shadow over me for years. I used to argue back, feeling deeply wronged that my boyfriend, who was literally the head of the company, never stood up for me. But now? I felt nothing. It was like watching a pathetic clown show. “My business, I don’t think it concerns you, does it?” I said, my voice flat. Mark scoffed, his gaze sweeping over me with disdain. “Even now, you’re still talking tough?” “With your meager abilities, do you honestly think you could’ve lasted in this company all these years if it wasn’t for me?” “Going abroad? What a joke.” Yes, I, a top-tier university graduate, had thrown away a high-paying job most people could only dream of. I had helped him build this company from the ground up. Yet, in Mark’s eyes, I was completely useless, someone who only got where I was through his charity. I almost laughed out loud. I used to love Mark more than life itself. Even after decades of hard work, only reaching a manager role, I never complained. But then he started giving my projects to Chloe, his new assistant, again and again. He even dumped her screw-ups onto me, making me take the fall. He used it as an excuse to cut my pay and suspend me, while giving Chloe a promotion and a raise. That’s when I finally woke up. This one-sided love, sustained only by me, had to end. So I quit on the spot and broke up with him, deciding to pursue opportunities abroad. I never expected him to pull such a “joke” on me, especially when I was just about to board my flight. I didn’t feel sad or heartbroken. Just… perplexed. How blind had I been to fall for a man like him? I shook my head, not bothering to argue. “You’re right about everything. Can I go now?” I walked around Mark, heading for the gate. But he suddenly grabbed my arm, his eyes locked on me with a sneer. “You’re such an actress! Your excuse about going abroad has been exposed, and you’re still putting on a show?” “Out of respect for our past, I’ll give you an out.” “Come back with me, and I’ll let you be Chloe’s assistant.” Seeing his condescending posture, I finally understood the real purpose behind Mark’s “joke.” On the surface, it was a bet with Chloe to see if I’d be soft-hearted enough to stay. But in reality, he just wanted me to remain at the company, to be his and Chloe’s slave. I had to admit, Mark was incredibly thorough in planning Chloe’s future. He gave her promotions, raises, and even assigned someone to assist her. Meanwhile, I, who had helped him achieve his dream of being a boss step by step, saw him ruthlessly take everything from me to pave Chloe’s way. I let out a cold laugh. “Chloe isn’t even worth my time, let alone my help.” Mark’s face instantly darkened. “Skylar, it seems I’ve indulged you too much all these years, making you think you’re so important…” Before he could finish, a figure suddenly approached from a distance. “Mark!” Mark instantly softened, walking to meet her. “Chloe!” Chloe glanced at me, then smiled at Mark. “See, I knew Skylar’s talk about going abroad was just an excuse. She really didn’t leave.” Mark glared at me, his eyes full of disdain. “Some people think too highly of themselves, believing the company can’t function without them!” “Unlike you, Chloe, you’re talented and humble. Since she won’t take the opportunity, then fine. Let’s go.” Chloe, however, pulled Mark’s hand, her voice a pathetic whine. “Mark, we can’t leave yet. My watch has been missing ever since Skylar quit last time.” “That watch was my grandmother’s heirloom.” She then looked at me, pleading. “Skylar, please just give it back.” Before I could even process what was happening, Mark suddenly glared at me in a fury. “Skylar, did you actually steal something?!” I was about to deny it, but Mark coldly cut me off. “Don’t try to deny it. Are you really suggesting Chloe would lie about you?” “You don’t even have a job now, who knows if you’ve turned into a thief?” Then he commanded a few other people: “Open her suitcase, search it!” I stared at Mark in disbelief. For the past ten years, living together day in and day out, he knew my character better than anyone. Just because of Chloe’s baseless accusation, he wanted to publicly open my suitcase? Earlier, he played a cruel joke on me, and I didn’t want to argue. But this, this act of outright bullying, finally ignited my fury. Not disappointment, not heartache. Only pure, unadulterated rage and disgust. “Stop it!” I yelled, furious. Chloe, feigning innocence, said, “Skylar, why are you getting angry? Could it be… that you actually took it?” Now Mark’s gaze turned even more hateful. He signaled two people to block me, his voice cold. “Don’t mind her, keep searching!” I watched in horror as my suitcase was toppled, my private clothes spilling onto the floor. Furious to my core, I screamed for airport security. Only then did they awkwardly stop. “Didn’t find anything,” Chloe said, disappointed. “Never mind, don’t make it hard on Skylar. She’s had it tough enough.” Mark, however, shot me a venomous glare. “I bet some people stole it and sold it!” Then he turned to Chloe, his voice gentle. “It’s okay, Chloe. I’ll buy you a new one.” As they left, he coldly swept his eyes over me. “Skylar, when you’re homeless and desperate in the future, don’t come crawling back to me.” With that, he walked away with his entourage, Chloe shooting me a triumphant glance. I said nothing, but a cold laugh formed in my heart. They still didn’t know that the company’s major projects had imploded, and it was on the verge of bankruptcy and acquisition. And I wasn’t leaving the country because my new company had just appointed me as the new CEO of their company.

My new company’s headquarters were abroad, a well-known multinational corporation. Near graduation, because of my excellent grades, I had received an invitation from them. But Mark had persuaded me to stay and help him start his business, so I rejected the opportunity. A while ago, when I broke up with Mark, they immediately called me, inviting me to join. But just before I boarded the plane, I suddenly received a call. Their domestic subsidiary had decided to acquire local enterprises to integrate resources, which included Mark’s company. They had decided to appoint me as the new CEO. After I got home and put my luggage away, I arranged to meet with Ms. Smith, the head of the domestic subsidiary. I arrived at the restaurant early and waited for her. But I never expected to see Mark and Chloe there, laughing and chatting, until they saw me. Mark froze for a moment. Then he walked over, looking annoyed. “Skylar, are you stalking me?” “You were so defiant earlier, weren’t you? What, regretting it now?” Before I could speak, Chloe chimed in, chuckling. “Mark, with so many people watching, Skylar probably just didn’t want to lose face by saying yes.” “How about this? Skylar, if you apologize to Mark properly, I’m sure he’d still give you a job opportunity.” “What do you say, Mark?” Mark looked me up and down, displeased, then feigned a difficult expression. “Since Chloe is pleading for you, it’s not impossible. Drink this bottle of wine, and I’ll let you be an assistant again.” He pointed to the bottle on the table. A cold laugh echoed in my heart. Mark knew perfectly well I had stomach issues and couldn’t drink alcohol, yet he proposed such a condition. He was just waiting for me to humble myself and beg him. But he had miscalculated. “You’re overthinking it. I’m waiting for someone.” “Waiting for someone? Ha, you’re really stubborn, aren’t you?” Mark sneered. “I’ve known you for years; don’t think I don’t know your little schemes.” “You just think being Chloe’s assistant is beneath you, don’t you?” “But these days, what’s face worth?” As she was speaking, Ms. Smith, my scheduled guest, walked over. She extended her hand to me. “My apologies, Ms. Skylar, I hope I haven’t kept you waiting too long.” I completely bypassed Mark, smiling as I shook Ms. Smith’s hand. “Ms. Smith, let’s talk inside. We have a couple of flies buzzing around out here, quite annoying.” “Yes, yes, of course.” Mark stared at me in disbelief. As I was about to walk into the private room with Ms. Smith, I heard Chloe whisper to Mark, loud enough for me to hear: “Looks like Skylar’s meeting some headhunter for a job, huh?” The next moment, Mark suddenly stepped in front of me, blocking my path. He sneered. “Skylar, you’ve really gotten cocky. You’d rather find a job yourself than beg me?” “But I have to warn you, considering your past performance, I’ve already warned everyone in the industry about you. No one will hire you.” “Now, do you regret it?” He watched me with a smirk, seemingly waiting for me to turn back. But he was wrong. Mark’s meager influence wasn’t enough to threaten me. And because of my departure, and Chloe taking over all major projects, his company had already accumulated many risks and was on the brink of bankruptcy. Of this, he was completely oblivious. I said blandly, “Mark, confidence is a good thing. But I hope you’ll maintain that same attitude when your company goes bankrupt and gets acquired.” “Skylar, you–!” Mark was so furious he was about to curse me, but then he turned his attention to Ms. Smith. He pulled out a business card and practically shoved it into Ms. Smith’s hand, his tone oozing arrogance. “Mark, CEO of Sterling Group. Skylar is my former employee. She has a terrible work ethic and was just fired.” “I advise your company to choose very carefully.” With that, he shot me one last glance, linked arms with Chloe, and strutted away. Ms. Smith frowned, clutching the business card, and looked at me. “This…” “He’s just a pathetic little man. Let’s go inside and talk,” I said with a faint smile. Ms. Smith casually tossed the business card into a nearby trash can. Inside the private room, we discussed the acquisition of Mark’s company. We strategized to capitalize on the recent project failures and acquire it at a rock-bottom price. Ms. Smith then pulled out the personnel list from the original company, asking me to help create an optimization plan. I knew everyone’s professional capabilities and conduct like the back of my hand, so I promised to provide a solution as soon as possible. After talking with Ms. Smith, I went home. But as I stepped through the door, I saw Mark sitting on my sofa. With his long legs crossed, staring at me with a chilling gaze. I couldn’t help but frown. “What are you doing here?”

I glanced at the front door. That’s when I remembered I’d forgotten to delete his fingerprint after we broke up. Mark didn’t answer, just said coldly, “Who told you my company went bankrupt and was acquired?” I was busy changing my shoes, not bothering to respond. Mark’s face grew even darker. “As you wished, the company did indeed go bankrupt.” I raised an eyebrow, surprised Ms. Smith had been so efficient. She said it at lunch, and it was done by the afternoon. Mark continued. “Skylar, I don’t know how you got this information ahead of time.” “But don’t celebrate too soon.” “The company that acquired us is a huge corporation. They’ll help me deal with the previous project issues.” “I’ll still be in management.” I walked over and brewed myself a cup of tea, not at all surprised. I knew this, of course. It was because my optimization list hadn’t been finalized yet, so the original company personnel were temporarily retained. “So?” I asked calmly. Mark’s eyes were locked on me. “I want you to hand over all your old client resources to Chloe, and I’ll arrange a manager position for you in the new company.” “You should know, with the backing of the head office, Sterling Group will only be stronger than before.” “Offering you your manager role back, that’s a pretty generous offer.” I suddenly laughed. He said it with such righteous conviction, as if he was doing me a huge favor. But I knew very well that after the company’s acquisition, Ms. Smith would release the development plan I had written. One of the stipulations was that after I took office, positions would be assigned based on ability. Mark was making this demand for one reason only. He wanted to use my old client resources to help Chloe demonstrate her abilities and secure her position as Vice President. I had to admit, his love for Chloe was deep. Too bad he’d bet on the wrong person. “Mark, you’re incredibly naive.” My words instantly darkened Mark’s face. He suddenly stood up and walked toward me, step by step. His tall frame loomed over me, radiating a chilling pressure, his eyes piercing through me as if he saw straight into my soul. “Skylar, I know you’re still jealous of Chloe.” “You feel wronged, wondering why I changed toward you and was so good to her?” “But I need you to understand, our identities are different now. I’m the boss.” “And you? You’re just a woman who worked for me. A girlfriend like you simply isn’t a match for me anymore.” “But Chloe, she brought me a fresh thrill and made me feel like a man. You can’t compare to her.” Mark stared at me intently, his voice unusually gentle. “I’m giving you one night to think about it.” With that, he turned and left. I shook my head helplessly. I immediately deleted his fingerprint, then opened my laptop and sent over tomorrow’s termination list. The next morning, I officially started my new role at the company. As I entered, colleagues were buzzing, discussing the company’s acquisition. Mark, as always, was making empty promises to everyone. He claimed he was still part of management and that if everyone worked hard, things would remain the same as before. Until someone noticed me, his eyes suddenly lit up. He walked over to me, his tone triumphant, as if he’d expected me to come crawling back. “Had a change of heart? Willing to hand over the client files to Chloe?”

I let out a soft, mocking laugh and shook my head. Mark’s face fell. Before he could speak, Chloe, standing nearby, chuckled. “Skylar, why are you being so difficult?” “If you weren’t planning to hand over the client files, then what are you doing here?” “Don’t tell me you’re here to work today?” Her words drew snickers from the other colleagues. I raised an eyebrow and nodded. “I am here to work.” At that, the onlookers burst into laughter, pointing at me. “Work? More like looking for a job! Does she seriously think she can just waltz in now that we’ve been acquired?” “She must be dreaming!” “Skylar, weren’t you going abroad? How come you’re applying to our company now? Haha!” I was about to speak, but Mark’s voice cut me off, dark and stern. “Skylar, are you ever going to stop this nonsense?!” “I offered you a chance to give Chloe the client files, and you’re still being stubborn as a mule?” “Did you not understand what I said yesterday? Do you want to be unemployed?” I shook my head regretfully. “Mark, you’re the one who’s about to be unemployed. You should be making your own plans instead of wasting time.” Mark looked at me, then suddenly let out a mocking laugh. “Look at Skylar, everyone. Has she lost her mind? Telling me to make plans?” “What, I’m the former owner of this company. Do you think you can fire me or something?” “Skylar, believe me, as long as I’m here today, you won’t even find a job as a cleaner…” Just as the words left his lips, two figures walked through the company’s main entrance. They were Mr. Hayes and his assistant, sent by the head office to help me reorganize the company. Mark recognized them, his face changing instantly. He quickly plastered a smile on his face and went to greet them. “Mr. Hayes, you’re here! Has our new CEO arrived yet? I’d like to formally greet them.” Mr. Hayes merely glanced at him, said nothing, and walked straight to me, nodding respectfully. Then, he addressed the assembled crowd. “This is our company’s new CEO, Skylar!” For a moment, Mark’s smile froze on his face. He asked, unnaturally, “Mr. Hayes, you must be joking, right?” “Skylar is a useless woman, how could she possibly… ” Suddenly, Mr. Hayes pulled out the termination list I had personally compiled yesterday and slapped it onto Mark’s face. He pointed at Mark and Chloe, his voice cold. “You two are terminated. Pack your things and get out!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “328715”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #擦边Steamy #现实主义Realistic #校园School #重生Reborn #惊悚Thriller