“Your underwear is pink today!” My rival Jenny pulled open my collar in the classroom. Classmates started whistling and taking photos. But she just patted my shoulder: “Don’t be mad. We’re both girls—it’s just a joke~” Later, she became even more brazen! She’d pull down my pants when I wasn’t paying attention, yank up my skirt. She even unzipped my skirt right before my master’s program interview. Later, I failed that interview. Under her constant harassment, I developed depression and took my own life. When I opened my eyes again, I’d been reborn—back to the moment she was about to rip off my clothes. I grabbed her wrist hard. Her bones made a cracking sound. She cried out in pain: “Let go! That hurts!” I sneered: “You’re right—we’re both girls. So how about I strip your clothes off instead?” Her face froze. The laughter around us gradually died down. She wrenched her hand free and stepped back: “Are you crazy? I was just joking…” “You just said you were ‘messing around,’” I said calmly. “So now I’m messing with you. What’s the problem?” Her face went pale. She quickly backed up and bumped into the teacher’s desk. “I—I’ll apologize, okay?” Her eyes reddened. “It was just a joke. It’s not like it’s the first time. Why are you taking it seriously today?” I slapped her across the face. The entire classroom fell so silent you could only hear breathing. She covered her face, eyes full of disbelief: “You dare hit me?” I stared at her coldly: “This is the last time you touch me. Want to try again?” I looked around at everyone, raising my voice: “She just pulled my clothes off in public. That’s sexual harassment. I recorded it, and I’m taking it to the professor.” She looked at me in shock: “You recorded it?! You actually recorded me?” “Yes.” I nodded calmly, holding up my phone. The red dot was blinking. Everything that just happened—all recorded. From the corner of the classroom came whispered discussion. “…That was pretty messed up, actually.” “What kind of girl strips someone else’s clothes?” “And it’s not the first time?” I pulled my clothes back into place, picked up my bag, and calmly walked out of the classroom. Behind me, she called out urgently: “Claire, don’t do anything crazy,I was just messing around!” I didn’t look back. This lifetime, I’m done playing your games. That evening back in the dorm, her smiling face still filled my mind. “Don’t be mad. What’s wrong with girls being a little close?” I sat on my bed, still gripping my collar tightly. Even though I knew my clothes were fixed, I instinctively didn’t dare let go. My phone suddenly buzzed—a group message from my roommate Lisa— My hand trembled, and the video auto-played. The footage, shot from behind and to the side, clearly showed Jenny pulling my collar from behind, me stiffly covering my chest, and the whole class laughing. The group chat instantly lit up: 【Her expression is so funny】 【Pink underwear is so tacky】 【I actually think it’s kind of cute~】 I looked at the comments, my nails digging into my palms. When I didn’t respond, Lisa sent a voice message: “Come on, Claire, you’re taking this too seriously. Nobody meant anything bad by it. Jenny was just playing around.” “Didn’t you say you were mature and didn’t care about this stuff?” I couldn’t say a word. That video got forwarded to the class chat, then to the school account. A few minutes later, some influencer account pinned it to their highlights: 【#She Says It’s Not Harassment Between Girls#】 【#Pink Underwear Girl’s Classroom Meltdown#】 I became a campus “celebrity.” The video got remixed with weird sound effects and filters, turned into memes. The comments were all: 【If you dress like a slut, who’s to blame?】 【She just wants attention. Probably stripped on purpose】 【Disgusting. Stop playing victim】 I messaged the account privately asking them to delete the video. They replied with two words: “LMAO.” I went to find a professor. She first said: “Are you sure she did it ‘on purpose’? Aren’t you being a bit too sensitive?” Just as I was about to argue, she frowned at me: “The way you dressed for class today… wasn’t really appropriate.” “Those comments you clapped back at on social media—I suggest you delete them.” “Now that you’ve made this such a big deal, it’s not good for you either.” My nose stung as I held back tears. I asked: “What about the video? Shouldn’t she delete it?” She thought for a moment: “I’ll talk to her, but don’t get worked up. She’s also a girl—she probably didn’t mean any harm.” This is how it started in my previous life. Everyone kept telling me: “Don’t be so sensitive” “She just doesn’t know boundaries” “You’re both girls.” But she never pulled Lisa’s clothes. Never pulled Rachel’s either. She only pulled mine. Because I was quiet, easy to bully, got good grades, never argued, never fought back. The easiest target. But this time, I won’t stay silent. I opened my phone and saved that video, then exported screenshots of the chat logs. I was slowly realizing: She wasn’t clueless about boundaries. She was testing mine. Today was the first test. Next time, she’d smile as she destroyed me.

“Is that the same shirt from yesterday?” The professor frowned at me, then looked down and typed on her laptop. “Yes.” I answered quietly. I’d washed that white shirt, but the look in her eyes made it seem like I’d worn it deliberately to provoke someone. “Do you know how widely that video has spread?” she said. “Several professors in the department have seen it. They say it reflects poorly on us.” I pressed my lips together and didn’t respond. “Plus, you need to consider the setting. That was during an open lecture. When the professor called on you to speak, you got emotional and hit someone. Do you think that behavior is appropriate?” I froze and looked up: “I didn’t just hit her—I was—” “You got emotional.” She cut me off. “No matter what the other person did, hitting someone in public is wrong.” I tried to calm myself: “Then what about her pulling my clothes off in public? The whole class was there. It wasn’t the first time she did this. She keeps saying it’s a joke, but if I were a guy doing this, would the school still say ‘it’s just a joke’?” Her eyebrow twitched, as if I’d hit a nerve, but she quickly recovered: “We certainly don’t support any form of physical violation, but… she didn’t mean any harm.” “Whether she meant harm isn’t for her to decide.” I kept my voice low. “It’s for me to decide.” She was silent for a few seconds, then said calmly: “The school is looking into the situation. But I suggest you don’t escalate this conflict. You know, once these things get bigger, it won’t be good for you either.” I understood what she was implying. Exactly like my previous life. “Don’t let this become harder to resolve.” “Minor friction between girls doesn’t need to escalate to disciplinary action.” “You need to be more tolerant. Don’t throw away your own future over a little misunderstanding.” Every sentence cut like a knife. She stood by the office window, flipping through that “Incident Handling Record.” Under “Cause of Incident,” it just said: “Claire’s inappropriate attire led to classroom disruption.” I almost laughed. She pulled my clothes, the video went viral, and it got written as “my inappropriate attire.” “So what you’re saying, Professor, is that I’m at fault for wearing this shirt?” She glanced up at me but didn’t answer directly. She just said gently: “You’re an excellent student. We all have high hopes for you. It’s your junior year now—honors selection is coming up. Don’t leave a stain on your record over an emotional impulse.” I finally understood. This wasn’t a “misunderstanding”—it was “willful ignorance.” She wasn’t blind to right and wrong. She just didn’t want to deal with someone troublesome. I walked out of the office. The sunlight was beautiful, but my back felt cold. On the campus path, people stared at me secretly, whispering. I looked down and opened my phone, clicking on that video. The system had auto-collapsed the comments section, but the comment count had soared to over 800. The top-liked comment read: 【If you dressed more appropriately, nobody would pull at you.】 I stared at those words, my fingertips ice-cold. In that moment, I realized— Not all “sexual harassment” gets recognized as such. Especially when you’re a girl, and your abuser is also a girl.

The next morning in early class, the moment I walked into the classroom, I felt something was off. Several people glanced at me and whispered something, then quickly looked away. She sat in the third row, eyes red and puffy, looking like she hadn’t slept all night. Tissues were piled on her desk. Her open notebook showed the first page: 【To Claire: I’m Sorry】 I intended to ignore her and walk to the back row, but she suddenly grabbed my sleeve, her voice trembling: “Claire… I really didn’t mean it.” I shook off her hand without saying anything. Her eyes immediately reddened: “I really didn’t know you’d mind that much… I thought we were good friends.” People around us started whispering. “She apologized though…” “She looks pretty pitiful…” “You think maybe that girl in the video dressed a bit too…you know?” I gritted my teeth and sat in the back row. My phone buzzed— The class group chat was blowing up: 【Jenny’s really not a bad person, she’s always nice to everyone】 【She cried all night, she hasn’t even dared to eat】 【Don’t you think Claire is overreacting a bit?】 I clicked in and saw screenshots from Ins posted by her roommate: 【Some people act all cold on the surface but have worse tempers than anyone.】 【We ordinary girls deserve to be humiliated? Say two words and get reported with recordings?】 Below were pictures of her crying with tears all over her face, holding a stack of “apology letters” in draft form. This stirred up a massive response. Someone wrote in the comments: 【Is a joke between girls really that serious?】 Others said: 【You really can’t touch people nowadays. Make one little mistake and they report you. Makes us all walk on eggshells】 Others shared the post with a hashtag: 【#City Girls Are Too Sensitive#】 I looked at that line “say two words and get reported with recordings,” my fingers trembling uncontrollably. She was performing. And she was better at it than anyone. This wasn’t the first time she’d pulled my clothes. She was just testing whether public opinion would forgive her again. And sure enough, people believed her. In my previous life, she cried like this too, saying she was just “trying to get close to me.” Teachers, classmates, even my mom all said: “She already apologized. Why won’t you forgive her?” Forgive? Next time she could brazenly push me down the stairs and tell everyone: “She was careless.” I took a deep breath and saved the Ins screenshots, the videos she’d liked last night, and those group chat logs. You want to cry?

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I’ve been married to Lucas for seven years, and I’ve lost count of how many women he’s slept with. The reason I never made a fuss is simple—he always throws money at me to shut me up. When he cheated with an online influencer, he bought me a penthouse in the city center. When he partied on a yacht with models, he gave me an identical yacht. He used money to buy my silence, to purchase my breakdowns, my questions, and my tears. Until I was eight months pregnant, and my baby died in my womb. I had to go through induced labor. The nanny helped me out of my hospital room, weak and barely able to stand. That’s when I saw Lucas in the room next door, carefully tending to a woman who had just given birth. Our eyes met. Panic flashed across his face for a moment before his usual cold indifference returned. He walked over and handed me a blank check. “Fill in whatever amount you want.” I tore the check to pieces. I looked at him and smiled. “Lucas, I don’t want your money this time…” I raised my trembling hand and pointed toward the room behind him, where a baby’s weak crying could be heard. “I want that child.” 0

“Nina, have you lost your mind?!” Disbelief was written all over Lucas’s face. I repeated myself. “I want that child.” “Stop this nonsense!” He lowered his voice. “That’s not your child!” Right. My child is gone. Dead… “Your child is my child, isn’t it?” I asked softly. “Or would you prefer your child to be born with the stigma of being illegitimate?” Lucas was instantly speechless. He and I grew up together. Our families had been friends for generations. Both the Knight family and the Sanders family were elite, prestigious families that valued reputation above all else. Rules mattered. The woman in the hospital bed, Emily, finally understood what was happening. She struggled to sit up, her voice shrill. “Lucas! You can’t give my child to her! This is my only…” This was her only weapon to climb the social ladder. I watched Lucas’s conflicted expression and suddenly found it all so ironic. I used the last of my strength to push him aside and walked step by step into the room. Emily’s body shrank back, and she clutched the baby in her arms even tighter. “Hello, mistress. I’m Lucas’s wife, Nina. From today on, I’m this child’s mother.” Emily broke down into hysterical screaming and grabbed the pillow from the headboard, throwing it at me. “You’re lying! This is my child! Mine!” Lucas followed me in, looking troubled. “Lucas, you can’t let her take our child!” Emily cried, begging him for help. Lucas looked at me, clearly torn. “Nina…” I leaned close to his ear and whispered: “That property on the west side… Grandpa really values it. And it just happens to be in my brother’s hands.” Lucas’s body went rigid. The west side property was crucial to the Knight family’s strategic plans for the next decade. It was also key to proving his competence to his grandfather. He spun around to look at me—anger, resentment, and a hint of fear in his eyes. He took a deep breath and said to Emily: “Listen to me. Let Nina raise this child.” I turned to my nanny and ordered: “Go bring that child to my room.” I walked out of the room and called my assistant. “Make arrangements with the hospital. I don’t want anyone except us to know about this. On the birth certificate, the mother’s name can only be mine.” Soon, louder arguments erupted from next door—the sound of things being thrown and Emily’s heart-wrenching sobs. I looked down at the baby boy in the bassinet. He was sleeping soundly, his little mouth opening and closing. A cold smile curved my lips.

Lucas came to my room every day, but while his body was present, his heart was next door. His phone screen was always lit up with messages from Emily. [Lucas, I miss the baby so much. Please ask her to give him back to me, okay?] [I don’t want anything else anymore. I just want my child.] [Lucas, I’m bleeding so much. The doctor said I have postpartum hemorrhaging. Am I going to die?] Emily knew exactly how to manipulate Lucas. She never attacked me directly. She just repeatedly emphasized her pain and longing for the child. This way, she could paint me as “cruel” and “heartless.” Every time Lucas read her messages, his frown deepened. Then he’d find an excuse to leave in a hurry. Early one morning, Lucas wasn’t there. The baby had been taken by the nurse and nanny for checkups. Emily appeared beside my bed like a ghost, her eyes full of hatred. “Nina, don’t think you’ve won.” “Your unlucky child—Lucas killed him because I told him to.” “That night, Lucas got drunk and kept calling me.” “I just acted cute on the phone and said your baby would be an obstacle to me…” “I told him to spend more time with me instead of always hovering around you.” “I didn’t expect him to actually hang up and go back to you. What happened after…” “You couldn’t keep your own child. That’s your own failure. Don’t blame others.” “You’re just raising my child for me. Don’t get too happy!” She turned and walked away. Every word was like a red-hot iron, burning into my heart. So that’s how it was… I closed my eyes. My hands under the blanket were shaking violently. Blood quickly flowed back into the IV tube, staining a section of the transparent tubing red. I bit my lip hard until my mouth filled with the thick taste of blood. I didn’t cry or make a scene. I just silently pulled the needle from my hand. Blood dripped down the back of my hand onto the pure white sheets, like a tragic plum blossom. Just then, the door opened. Lucas walked in. He saw the blood on my hand, froze for a moment, then quickly stepped forward and grabbed my wrist. “Why did you pull out the needle? Are you crazy?!” He grabbed a cotton swab from the bedside and pressed hard on my wound, his brow furrowed with what seemed like genuine concern. My whole body was shaking. I wanted to scream, to demand answers, to tear him apart. But I had no strength. “Just go. Go be with Emily. The nanny will be back soon. You’re not needed here.” Crying came from next door. Emily was throwing another fit. Lucas didn’t hesitate. He ran over to her. I called my assistant and told her to arrange for my early discharge immediately. When I appeared at the Knight family estate holding the baby, the entire family was in an uproar. Everyone gathered around. “Oh my, what a good baby!” Grandma carefully took the baby from my arms, beaming with joy. Grandpa was so excited his hands were trembling. He looked at me with approval in his eyes. “Nina, well done! You’ve finally given us an heir!” No one knew that my heart had already died in that cold hospital, along with my unborn child. Lucas’s father, Jack, saw the nanny’s car drive straight to the garage and asked in confusion: “Where’s Lucas?” “Busy, I guess. I didn’t see him at the hospital either.”

The rewards the elders gave me were almost shocking. Grandpa gave me an oceanfront villa. Grandma brought out all her treasured jewelry, set after set. Jack directly transferred five percent of Knight Group’s shares to my name, making me the youngest member of the board overnight. Lucas’s mother was even more thoughtful—she gave me a private island in the Maldives and said I could go there to relax once I recovered. I smiled and accepted everything. These were what I deserved. They were what I’d traded for my child’s life. No one knew that in the deepest corner of that luxurious walk-in closet, I had a small hidden space. There were no expensive bags or designer clothes there. Inside were the tiny wool shoes I’d knitted by hand but could never give away, and a few pitifully small baby clothes. Every night when it was quiet, I would lock myself in that closet. “Baby, Grandpa and Grandma bought so many toys today. If you were here, you’d have them too.” I never cried loudly. I just let the tears fall silently. Lucas also returned to the estate, but he didn’t dare come near me. In front of everyone, Grandpa pointed his cane at him and called him an asshole, saying I had just “given birth” and instead of being with me, he was making me angry. He probably couldn’t understand how I—who once loved him desperately, whom he controlled completely—could suddenly change like this. He occasionally came to the bedroom to keep me company, but more often, he went to see the child. He would clumsily hold him, feed him, his eyes showing something unfamiliar—something called “fatherly love.” He stood behind me, silent for a long time, then suddenly spoke. “Nina, about that night, I was wrong. I was drunk.” “Emily… she just depends on me too much. Don’t hold it against her,” he added. I slowly raised my head and looked at our reflection in the mirror. He was tall and handsome. I was thin and haggard. “Hold it against her?” I let out a soft laugh. “What right do I have to hold it against anyone? I couldn’t even protect my own child.” His face instantly darkened, as if my words had wounded him. “That was an accident!” He raised his voice. “Why do you keep bringing it up! I’ve tried my best to compensate you!” Compensate? I was born into wealth. Money was the most useless thing to me. I didn’t want to argue with him anymore. I pushed him toward the door. “Nina, what exactly do you want?” “What do I want?” I looked at him, my tone mocking. “I want you to stay away from me.” In the end, he let go. From that day on, he rarely entered my room.

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New Year’s Eve. The train was hijacked by armed gunmen. The lead hijacker shouted: “Whoever pays the highest ransom gets released first! The rest of you get blown to bits!” I immediately transferred 50 million, desperate to buy two lives—mine and my daughter’s. But my husband, the train conductor, publicly crossed my name off the first release list to avoid suspicion. He turned to me with feigned righteousness: “I’m the conductor, you’re my family. Have some dignity! Give this spot to that boy with asthma medication!” In my past life, I agreed through tears. My daughter was killed in the explosion. This time, when my husband tried to cross off my daughter’s name and replaced her with his illegitimate son again… I screamed like a lunatic: “Give me back that spot!” He had me gagged and dragged to the vestibule. For that bastard child, he was willing to sacrifice his own daughter’s life! Just as the boy was being released in the first group, his mistress—completely unaware—grabbed a megaphone on the platform and screamed hysterically: “Hey, hijackers! The first kid has a bomb on him! The conductor planted it to blow you all up!” She thought the first person released would still be my daughter. “BANG!” A gunshot echoed through the station.

New Year’s Eve. Cold wind howled against the train windows. The heating had cut out. The air reeked of gunpowder and sweat. “No one calls the police!” “Anyone tries to call the cops, I’ll blow this whole car sky-high right now!” The lead hijacker was bald, clutching a red remote in one hand and a hunting rifle in the other, sweeping the barrel across the passengers’ heads. “Listen up! Within ten minutes, whoever pays the highest ransom gets released first!” “Every ten minutes after that, I’ll execute one hostage!” The car filled with sobs and pleas. I hugged my five-year-old daughter Lily, huddled in the corner, my heart racing. I’m Madison Monroe, only daughter of the Monroe Group. My hands shook as I pulled out my phone and frantically made the transfer. “I’ll pay! Fifty million dollars!” I held up my phone and yelled. “I just want two spots—me and my daughter!” The car fell silent. All eyes turned to me. The lead hijacker paused, stared at my phone screen, then burst into manic laughter. “Now that’s what I’m talking about! That’s how the 1% handles things!” “This mother and daughter—put ’em on the first release list!” I let out a shaky breath, squeezing Lily tighter. “Don’t be scared, Lily. Mommy’s taking you home.” Just then, a uniformed hand snatched my phone away. “Crack!” The phone shattered on the floor. I looked up into the eyes of my husband, Conductor Derek Vaughn. He wore his uniform, cap pulled low. “Madison, have you no sense of decency?” Derek’s voice echoed through the silent car. “People are fighting for their lives, and you’re flashing your cash?” “Trying to buy special treatment? Want everyone to watch you escape first?” “Derek, that’s fifty million! I’m trying to save our daughter!” “Shut your mouth!” Derek raised his hand and struck me hard across the face. My ears rang. “I’m the conductor. I’m in charge of negotiations on this train!” “Your money can’t buy special treatment!” He turned and pointed to a boy in the crowd, raising his voice. “This child is Cameron. He has severe asthma.” “His inhaler ran out. He needs medical help immediately!” “I’m changing the first release list!” “Madison and her daughter are off. This asthmatic boy takes their place!” The crowd erupted in applause. Passengers gave Derek thumbs up. “Conductor Vaughn is such a hero!” “Exactly! Who does she think she is, throwing money around? Why should she get to leave first?” “That woman is so selfish. Her husband’s a conductor and she still doesn’t get it.” I ignored the stinging in my cheek and grabbed Derek’s sleeve. “No! Lily is a child too! She’s only five!” “I paid that fifty million! Why should someone else take our spot?” “Derek, are you out of your mind?” Derek wrenched his hand free from mine, his face twisted with disgust. I crashed hard against the handrail, a searing pain shooting through my lower back. “Officer Chen!” he barked. His colleague Officer Chen rushed over, pinning my arms behind my back and pressing a knee into my spine. He leaned down, speaking coldly in my ear. “Stop causing trouble!” “Derek is doing this for everyone’s good. You need to understand!” I struggled frantically. My cheek scraped raw, blood stinging my eyes. Through the blood haze, I saw the boy named Cameron hiding behind Derek. His face was flushed—no sign of asthma at all. Right then, he was smirking at me, making a malicious face. His eyes didn’t look like a child’s—they were full of triumphant malice. Cameron… Memories from my past life flooded back with the pain. Same train, same New Year’s Eve. Derek had forced me to give our spot to Cameron. I’d agreed, thinking my husband was truly that noble. Then the hijackers detonated the bomb. I watched Lily die in the explosion. And Derek, holding Cameron on the platform, became everyone’s hero. Only after death did I learn—Cameron was his illegitimate son! To save his bastard child, he’d personally pushed his wife and daughter into hell! “Derek! That’s your bastard son!” “You’re trading my daughter’s life for that bastard!” Derek’s expression changed instantly, panic and murderous intent flashing in his eyes. “Gag her! She’s hysterical!” “Take her to the vestibule until she calms down!” Officer Chen immediately pulled out a dirty rag and stuffed it in my mouth. “Mmph! Mmm!” I couldn’t make a sound. I kicked wildly, watching Lily burst into terrified tears. “Mommy! Don’t hurt Mommy! Daddy, you’re mean! I want Mommy!” Lily tried to run over, but Derek roughly pushed her away. “Get lost, you little brat!” “Cry again and I’ll hand you over to the hijackers!” That was his own daughter! Lily fell to the floor, a bump swelling on her forehead. Her sobs grew quieter. My eyes nearly bulged with rage. My heart ached, but Officer Chen held me down. “Drag her out! Don’t let her spread lies in here!” Derek straightened his collar, putting his heroic face back on, and called out to the hijackers. “Boss, the money’s been transferred. I’m sending the boy over now.” “This woman’s delusional. I’ll take care of her!” The hijacker nodded in approval. “Smart man. Make it quick!” Officer Chen dragged me toward the utility closet in the vestibule. I stared desperately at Lily in the corner. She was curled up. Less than six feet away sat a ticking time bomb. That was my child! Derek Vaughn, you monster!

The utility closet door slammed shut. No windows. Just one emergency light flickering on and off. The space was crammed with mops and buckets, reeking of mildew. Officer Chen threw me on the floor and stood guard at the door. Derek walked in, locked the door, and turned off his body camera. His heroic expression disappeared, replaced by something sinister. He stood over me, looking down. “Madison, what were you yelling about? Bastard son? Illegitimate child?” He squatted down, grabbed my hair, and forced my head up. “You’re pretty damn clever, aren’t you? When did you figure it out? Huh?” The rag was yanked from my mouth. I gasped for air, staring at him. “Derek Vaughn, you’ll burn in hell!” “Lily is your own daughter. How could you do this?” “Own daughter?” Derek sneered and backhanded me again. “Crack!” My lip split. Blood dripped onto my collar. “That little money-waster is the one I hate most!” “Just like you—stuck-up rich girl with an attitude!” He grabbed my chin. “You think I wanted to be your family’s trophy son-in-law?” “Dealing with your parents’ stuck-up faces every day—I’ve had enough!” “For seven years I’ve been their doormat in your house, treated worse than a servant!” “Has your family ever shown me an ounce of respect?” His face contorted, eyes full of venom. “As long as Cameron gets out safely, you and your little money-waster can die for all I care!” “An accident. Clean and simple!” “Then the Monroe fortune will all be mine!” “Cameron and I can spend it however we want!” So that’s it… He was planning to eliminate the whole family and take the assets! He wanted to use the hijackers to get rid of us and take the Monroe fortune! I trembled with rage and spat blood in his face. “Dream on! My parents are still alive. You’ll never get your hands on it!” Derek wiped the blood from his face, eyes turning vicious. “You won’t play along? Then you’ll pay the price!” He pulled out his baton and jabbed it hard into my ribs. Searing pain shot through me. I curled up, cold sweat soaking my back. He didn’t stop. Again and again. “So high and mighty! So stuck-up!” “On this train, I’m in charge! If I say you’re crazy, you’re crazy!” “If I say you die, you die!” I clenched my teeth, refusing to beg, my nails digging into the floorboards. Just then, his walkie-talkie crackled to life. “Hey! Cop! What’s taking so long?” “Three minutes! If the kid ain’t out by then, I start shooting hostages!” Derek paused, checked his watch, panic flashing in his eyes. “Right away! Right away! The kid’s getting ready!” He shouted into the walkie-talkie, then glared at me viciously. “No time to deal with you now.” He pulled out handcuffs and cuffed my hands behind me to a water pipe. The cuffs dug painfully into my wrists. “You just stay put.” “When that little money-waster gets blown up, your turn comes next.” He grabbed the dirty rag to stuff it back in my mouth. “Derek Vaughn! You’ll regret this!” “That bastard Cameron won’t get away with it either!” I twisted my head frantically to avoid it. “Shut your mouth!” He punched me in the stomach. As I gasped, he forced the gag back in. “Mmm! Mmm!” A child’s voice came from outside the door. “Daddy, are you done yet? I’m scared. Is that mean lady dead?” It was Cameron! Derek’s expression softened immediately. Through the door, he spoke gently. “Don’t worry. Daddy’s taking care of the problem.” “That mean lady will never bother Cameron again.” This double standard made my blood boil. My Lily was out there with a bomb, while his bastard was asking if I was dead! Derek stood up and adjusted his uniform in front of the cracked mirror on the wall. He straightened his cap and practiced a determined smile in the mirror. “Madison, next time you’re reborn, remember to choose better.” He gave me one last cold look, pulled open the door, and walked out. The door closed and locked. I was left in darkness. But I didn’t cry. I couldn’t afford to despair. In my past life, all I did was cry and beg. That got my daughter killed. This life, I’d crawl out if I had to—even if I had to bite my way through! I had to save my daughter! I’d make those bastards pay with their blood! By the emergency light, I looked at that cracked mirror. In it, I saw my disheveled hair, bloodied face, and eyes full of rage. Kill them! Make them pay!

Through the metal door, I heard Derek’s voice. “Attention passengers! This is Derek Vaughn, your train marshal!” “The $50 million ransom that woman offered has been transferred!” “For everyone’s safety, I’ve decided to use this money” “to free the most vulnerable child first!” “That’s young Cameron here! He has severe asthma!” “And as law enforcement family, my own family will naturally go last!” “It’s our duty and our honor!” Cheers and applause erupted in the car. “Way to go, Marshal Vaughn!!” “So inspiring! Thank God we have Marshal Vaughn!” “This needs to go viral!” Some influencer even pulled out a phone and started livestreaming Derek. “Guys! You won’t believe this! The train marshal is giving up his own family’s spot!” “To save a sick kid he doesn’t even know! So touching!” Comments flooded in with “salute” and “tears.” Listening to this, I dug my nails into my palms until they bled. Derek Vaughn—you’re using my money to buy your bastard son’s life, and building your hero image on my daughter’s grave! “Cameron, hurry, put these on.” Sounds of clothing rustling came from outside. My heart dropped. Changing clothes? He was dressing up that bastard? “Daddy, these clothes are too tight. I hate pink.” Cameron whined. “Be good! This will keep you warm.” “And… only if you wear this will that lady’s money work.” Derek coaxed patiently. Those were Lily’s clothes! That pink puffer jacket was Lily’s favorite birthday gift! My heart ached hollowly. But I had to save myself first! I twisted my body,enduring the searing pain inching toward the damaged storage rack nearby. The rack had a sharp, broken edge. This might be my only chance! I struggled to lift my cuffed hands, pressing the zip tie against the sharp edge. “Scratch—scratch—” I didn’t dare use too much force. I could only saw back and forth slowly. My wrists started bleeding. Piercing pain shot through me. I kept sawing. Faster! Hurry! Lily was still waiting for me! Through the small window above the utility closet, I could see part of the platform. Spotlights lit it up. SWAT officers with riot shields formed a line, countless gun barrels aimed at the train door. Suddenly, a familiar figure came into view. A woman in a red coat, hiding just beyond the police line, holding a megaphone. Vanessa! Derek’s mistress of seven years! What was she doing here? She clutched a photo, staring fixedly at the train door, body trembling slightly. I squinted to make out the photo in her hand. It was a photo of my daughter Lily! I realized immediately. Derek hadn’t told Vanessa the whole plan! She thought Lily would be the one coming out. She was here to… finish the job herself! “Snap.” My wrists came free. The zip tie had snapped! I didn’t rush out right away. I lay by the window, watching Vanessa outside, a bitter laugh escaping me. “Heh… heh…” Derek Vaughn—you planned everything except that your own lover would be the one to destroy it all. You wanted to play the hero sacrificing his family. But your precious “cousin” was outside waiting to send your “daughter” to hell! The train door slowly slid open. Cold wind rushed in. The car fell completely silent. Everyone held their breath, watching the figure in the pink puffer jacket walk toward the door.

The door opened. Cold wind carried snowflakes inside. Through the gap, I saw Derek standing by the door, sweating bullets. He gave Cameron—wearing the pink jacket—a hard push, whispering urgently. “Go! Don’t look back! Just run straight ahead!” Cameron pulled his cap down low, covering most of his face, and stepped through the door. SWAT snipers locked onto the figure. “Report! Hostage exiting. Child. Description doesn’t match the list.” “Confirmed as first release subject.” The command center’s voice came over the radio. “Clear to proceed. Prepare for receive.” I saw Derek standing in the shadows, a smirk playing on his lips. But just as Cameron was halfway out of the car— “Hey! You there!” A woman’s voice cut through the silence over the megaphone. Vanessa stood in the cold wind, face contorted, eyes wild. The distance was too far, and with Cameron wearing Lily’s clothes, cap pulled low and head down Vanessa lifted the megaphone. “Kidnappers! Don’t fall for it! Derek Vaughn’s tricking you!” “The first kid they’re releasing has a bomb on him!” “That dirty marshal planted a remote-controlled bomb!” “He wants to take all of you out!” Passengers in the car recoiled in terror. Derek’s smile froze. He stood rooted to the spot. His pupils shrank as he stared in disbelief at Vanessa in the distance. “No! That’s not true! Shut up! Just shut the hell up!” Derek rushed to the door waving his arms, but his voice was drowned out by the megaphone. Across from him, the lead kidnapper’s face turned feral. “Son of a bitch! You double-crossing bastard?!” “Die then, you dirty cop!” The kidnapper roared, raised his hunting rifle, and aimed at the child who’d just stepped out. “BANG—!” A deafening shot rang out. Cameron’s chest exploded in blood. His body was thrown backward, tumbling heavily off the platform. Blood stained the pink jacket red, and the white snow too. Vanessa’s hand froze mid-air, still gripping the megaphone. She stared at the body that had rolled to the platform’s edge. That short hair, that face… even in girl’s clothes, that was her son! “Cameron…?” She whispered, voice shaking. And in the utility closet, watching all this, I bit my lip until blood filled my mouth. I felt no fear. A rush of satisfaction shot from my feet to the top of my head! Derek Vaughn, Vanessa. See that? This is exactly the ending you plotted! This is your—comeuppance!

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The second I came to, I grabbed the box cutter off the shelf and pressed it to the convenience store cashier’s throat. Amid the chaos of screams, I calmly told the clerk to call the cops and insisted they handcuff me, demanding a mandatory 24-hour hold. Everyone thought I’d snapped or was having some kind of psychotic episode. Only I knew I was trembling with sheer relief. In my past life, on this exact night, my scheming stepsister Tiffany—the fake heiress—pushed my adoptive mom down the stairs, killing her instantly from brain death. I was asleep in my room when the police hauled me out. They showed me security footage, claiming I’d murdered my mother. I was totally helpless, begging my adoptive dad and brother to uncover the truth. But they just lashed out, calling me an ungrateful snake they’d raised for eighteen years, always plotting to steal their family’s money. Internet trolls doxxed me, cornered me in an alley, and beat me to death. “Oh my God, Chloe’s totally lost it!” “Officer! Arrest me! I’m a dangerous criminal!” “I told you that girl had a dark streak since she was a kid. Now she’s finally gone off the deep end!” The convenience store entrance was packed with people—some filming on their phones, others just gawking and pointing. The reason was simple: I’d just barged into the convenience store, held a box cutter to an innocent clerk’s neck, yet all I forced him to give me was a soda. Then I turned to the arriving cops, sticking out my hands and practically begging to be cuffed and hauled away. The clerk’s legs shook with terror. The more scared he got, the more relieved I felt. Two officers pinned me to the ground, then stuffed me into a squad car with sirens blaring down the street. At the station, they wanted my statement, trying to figure out if it was a real robbery or just a stunt. I sat in the interrogation chair, acting completely uncooperative. “I did try to rob the place. I want to go to jail, and you have to hold me for 24 hours!” Officer Davis frowned, jotting down notes. “I’ve seen plenty of thrill-seekers like you. A night in lockup should straighten you out!” “Not just detention—we’re calling your family. Let them see the mess you’ve made!” The second he mentioned family, I shook my head frantically. “No family! I’m an adult. I’ll take the rap myself!” “And you have to put me in a cell with cameras and bars! No less than 24 hours!” Officer Davis probably thought I was nuts, but with the weapon threat, he followed procedure and booked me. The second the station’s iron gates clanged shut, I wanted to dance for joy. Last time around, on this exact night, my “sweet” stepsister Tiffany pushed my adoptive mom down the stairs during a fight over a necklace. Mom hit the back of her head, bleeding badly, and died instantly. I was in my room, listening to an English podcast with headphones, when the cops kicked down my door. Tiffany was sobbing dramatically, putting on a show of grief, pointing at me and claiming I’d pushed her. She even showed them the hallway security footage. The monitor clearly showed me in my pajamas, with a crazy look on my face, shoving my adoptive mother down. I was confused, but I knew it couldn’t be real. I’d been in my room studying—never even left. How could I have pushed her? But my adoptive dad Richard and brother looked devastated, pointing and yelling, “We raised you for 18 years, and you’re just an ungrateful snake…” I wondered if I was dreaming. How could the family who’d always loved me turn on me like this? Internet trolls were furious, doxxed my address, and jumped me on my way home. Sticks hit me, bricks smashed my head, and blood poured into my eyes. “This monster who killed her own mom doesn’t deserve to live!” When I woke up again, the hard cot in lockup felt like a five-star hotel bed.

I ate and slept fine in detention, even helped the woman in the next cell with her divorce case. Life was weirdly comfortable. A little over twelve hours later, the female guard said someone was there to see me and told me to get ready. I did the math—Tiffany must’ve pushed Mom by now. I straightened my jail uniform, cuffed, and was led to the visiting room. Before I could even sit down, Richard and Tiffany burst in with a lawyer, reporters, and crying relatives. The second Richard saw me, he tried to lunge through the glass to attack me. “You monster! You killed your mother! And now you’re hiding here like nothing happened!” Tiffany sobbed, “Chloe, just confess! Mom’s gone, but if you admit what you did, Dad and your brother might forgive you!” An influencer in the crowd was live-streaming: “Folks, the mom-killer’s been found! Hiding right here at the station! This monster deserves the death penalty!” I was shocked. I’d hidden in the station, and they were still trying to frame me. I opened my mouth, but before I could speak, Richard’s lawyer pulled out a document. The lawyer declared self-righteously, “Chloe, for the heinous murder of your adoptive mother, Richard is filing to strip you of inheritance rights and demands maximum punishment!” Cops tried to keep order, but the family had brought cameras and mics—total chaos. I tried to explain, but no one would listen. Cameras flashed nonstop, everyone screaming for my blood, demanding I pay for Mom’s death. A hysterical relative threw a water bottle that hit my forehead, leaving a red mark. The station lobby was a circus—other inmates pressed against the bars, watching the show. Soon, the Captain emerged with a larger group of officers. “What’s going on here? This isn’t your living room! Quiet!” Richard pointed furiously, jaw tight. “We’re pressing charges! This animal killed someone at home last night and hid here!” I immediately spotted Officer Davis, the one who’d taken my statement, standing behind the Captain. “Officer Davis! My dad’s nuts—they’re saying I killed someone! You have to help me!” Officer Davis frowned and stepped up. “Sir, the suspect Chloe has been in custody since last night. How could she have gone home to commit murder?” Richard’s face turned red with rage. He shoved his phone at Officer Davis. “I’ve seen plenty like her—ungrateful brats doing evil and faking alibis!” “I have security footage! The cameras clearly show it was her!” The live stream comments exploded: [Alibi won’t matter—video evidence is solid!] [Lock her up for life!] [She deserves the death penalty!] I was livid and confused. I’d turned myself in—how could they still pin this on me? “I don’t get it! How could security footage show me?” Richard yelled, “You pushed your mother down the stairs! You’re the best actor I’ve ever seen!” Unlike last time, I stayed calm. “I pushed Mom? When? I have no clue what you’re talking about!” Tiffany tried to grab my hand, but a correctional officer blocked her. Tiffany sobbed harder, “Chloe, don’t lie! I saw you last night in your pajamas, pushing Mom!” The captain’s expression turned grim. “Ma’am, you need evidence. Our entire station was on duty. Are you saying we couldn’t keep one prisoner from escaping, murdering someone, and returning?”

Officer Davis, who’d processed me, looked equally angry. “Sir, you can’t call us incompetent just to frame someone!” “Good thing our station’s covered in cameras. Look—isn’t this Chloe?” On the big screen, there I was in my jail uniform, cross-legged on the cot, explaining legal stuff to the woman next door. The timestamp in the corner matched exactly when Tiffany claimed Mom was killed. Richard’s video showed me in pink pajamas, looking crazy, shoving Mom at the top of the stairs. Side by side, the two videos couldn’t have been more different. One me was talking law in a cell; the other was murdering someone at home. It was nuts, but it proved I couldn’t be in two places at once. The crowd went silent, everyone staring at each other confused. The live stream comments were equally confused: [Same person in two places?] [Twins? One in jail, one killing?] [If not twins, this is straight-up supernatural!] [But even twins don’t match exactly—look at that birthmark behind the ear!] Reading the comments, cops started wondering if I had a twin.

Officer Davis asked Richard, “When you adopted Chloe, did the orphanage mention a twin?” Richard snapped, “I only adopted one brat like her!” “I’m her father! I know her best. She must’ve used some trick, but she’s the killer!” “Officer, lock her up! Make her pay for my wife’s death!” Officer Davis frowned. “Is that how a father talks? Even if she’s adopted, she’s still human. You can’t just throw her life away.” Richard sized up Officer Davis, then scoffed. “Oh, I get it! No wonder she snuck out—she’s sleeping with you!” “You helped her escape to kill my wife!” Officer Davis was a straight-arrow guy. Richard’s accusation made his face burn with anger. The captain slammed his hand on the table. “Richard, watch your mouth! This is a police station—we won’t stand for false accusations!” Richard shrugged. “A murderer’s a murderer. Locked up or not, she did it!” Cops were getting suspicious. Richard didn’t act like a grieving husband—more like a guilty man trying to pin blame. They sent someone to check Tiffany’s relationship with Mom. Richard exploded. “What are you doing? There’s nothing to investigate!” “I’m the victim’s husband! Don’t I get to know who killed my wife?” Everyone there was confused. Richard kept ranting, trying to rile up the reporters. But the reporters could tell something was off and decided to wait for police updates. I was waiting too. Soon a forensics tech rushed in: “We found something in the Wu family’s video! After enhancement, the ‘Chloe’ pushing her has a faint neck seam.” All eyes turned to me in shock. Everyone gasped, trying to process what that meant. The room turned hostile. Tiffany glared at me. “Chloe, did you get someone to wear a realistic mask to frame me?” Richard’s eyes blazed. “I knew it! You manipulative witch!” Just then, a helicopter roared overhead. I panicked. “Julian, cut the drama! They’re gonna kill me!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “352003”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #惊悚Thriller #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #浪漫Romance #狼人Werewolf

When my wife Diana fell ill, it was the first time I’d ever set foot in her company. The receptionist looked utterly shocked: “You can’t be serious. The Diana you’re asking about is our CEO. And she’s already married…” The next moment, my wife—who should have been in a hospital bed—stepped out of the elevator, linked arm-in-arm with her first love. Our eyes met, and her smile froze instantly. I stared at her, who dressed head to toe in designer labels, and demanded: “You told me your startup failed. I sold the only house my parents left me to pay your debts. I coded by day and delivered takeout by night. I had a bleeding ulcer but couldn’t afford to see a doctor! Tell me—why did you string me along like this?!” Diana remained silent. Her first love smirked and clapped me on the shoulder. “Buddy, don’t blame her. When she married you, she promised me everything, so her body, her money, everything…would always be mine.” I shrugged off his hand and laughed bitterly. Did he honestly think he could take everything?

“Shut your mouth—you’re not part of this! Diana, tell me yourself—is this true?!” I cut off Lucas West’s gloating and demanded, my eyes burning. Diana sighed. “Adrian, please understand. I was scared that if you knew who I really was, you’d lose your ambition. I worried about hurting your pride. Besides, didn’t you promise to take care of me no matter what?” “Diana, we’ve been married seven years! Was that not enough time to figure out who I really am?!” My voice cracked with emotion. “Or did you think I was dumb enough to fall for this forever?” She let go of Lucas’s hand and reached for mine. “It’s not like that, Adrian.” I stepped back, my balance unsteady—my shoes were so worn through I could barely walk, but I’d never been able to afford new ones. My gaze drifted to Lucas. Italian leather shoes, custom-tailored suit, and a Rolex Submariner glinting on his wrist. Diana once joked, “When I make it big, I’ll get you a Rolex too—so you can flex it on Instagram.” Turns out she did buy one. Just not for me. I swallowed the lump in my throat and met her eyes. “Then what is it like? And what about him?” Diana shot him a quick glance. “Lucas is just a friend.” Lucas’s face dropped. “Diana!” Diana grabbed his arm, shot him a warning look, then turned back to me. “Lucas was my first love, but now we’re just business partners. He’s interested in investing in the company.” I ground my teeth. “Then what the hell did he mean by that?!” Diana darted a nervous look at Lucas, then waved it off. “Oh, he’s always joking around. He was just messing with you…” Before she could finish, Lucas cut in. “It wasn’t a joke. Didn’t you say those exact words to me on video chat your wedding night? Adrian was passed out right next to you…” Diana snapped, “Lucas!” Lucas clamped his mouth shut. But my heart had already hit rock bottom. So it was all true. Diana couldn’t meet my eyes, her voice tight with guilt and frustration. “Don’t listen to Lucas—he’s just being an idiot. None of that’s true. Just go home, okay? I’ve got clients to meet, but I’ll explain everything tonight when I get back.” I took a deep breath. “Save it. I want a divorce, Diana.”

“Adrian, please calm down. We should talk about this at the apartment.” I cut her off. “You mean that $700-a-month dump with the peeling wallpaper?” I almost laughed. Her face tightened as office workers in the lobby started staring. She tried to grab my arm. “Don’t do this here—it’s embarrassing.” “Let go.” My jaw ached from clenching. She wouldn’t release me. “You’re just mad I didn’t spend money on you? Must you play the victim in front of everyone? I’ve been with you for seven years and never asked for anything! You should be grateful! The more you act like this, the less you’ll get in the divorce!” I stared at her in shock. I never thought I’d hear those words from my own wife. Lucas watched our struggle with an amused smirk. “Come on, Di. This is getting ridiculous. Didn’t you promise to pick out that new watch before our meeting?” “Absolutely. We’ll get you that watch—and a new car too! Can’t have my business partner driving around in that old thing, right?” Lucas shot me a triumphant look. “You heard her. Her money’s my money. You think you’ll get $800k in the divorce? Keep dreaming, loser.” “But hey, you did take care of Diana for me all these years. Even if you didn’t do a great job, you tried. If you beg me nicely, I might convince her to buy you some new shoes—you know, ones without holes.” That stung worse than a slap. I thought about all those years pinching pennies. The five-year-old winter coat I couldn’t replace. The video game skins I never bought. The customers who called me a loser while I delivered their food, saying I wasn’t worth the $5 tip. Rage and humiliation boiled up inside me. When Lucas leaned in, sneering in my face, I snapped. My fist connected with his perfect, arrogant jaw. Lucas stumbled back, clutching his face. The lobby went silent. After a beat, Lucas’s face turned crimson with rage. “You son of a bitch! Diana! He hit me!” Diana was instantly at his side, cupping his face. “Adrian, have you lost your mind?!” She grabbed her designer bag and started swinging it at me. The bag’s metal clasp caught my cheek. I tasted blood. I grit my teeth. “Don’t make me hit you back.” Diana shrieked. “Hit me? Go ahead! You don’t have the balls! You never did!” “You’re nothing but a deadbeat! Seven years of marriage and you’re still just a code monkey! If you had any talent, would you still be delivering takeout after all these years?!” “You’re the one who can’t cut it! Stop taking it out on everyone else! If you want to blame someone, blame your own sorry ass!” “You know what? I’m ashamed to even mention I’m married to you!” Blood trickled down my cheek, warm and sticky, then turned cold. So cold. I felt it all the way to my bones. I thought about my boss walking all over me—dumping extra work on me, making me pull all-nighters while paying me the same as everyone else. He knew I was stuck paying her debts, so he could treat me like garbage. I never told her about any of it. I didn’t want her to worry. Now all that pain had become weapons she used to stab me in the heart. I stared at them, my voice raw. “Diana, we’re done.” She blinked. “What?” “You think $800k is too much? Fine. Every cent you owe me, every drop of blood I spilled—I’ll get it all back in court.” And I meant everything—the company she started with my money, all those years of profits, the house, the car, that watch she bought Lucas. Half of it was mine, and I was going to take it. Lucas’s head shot up. “You wish!” I didn’t say a word. I just turned and walked toward the door. My cheek throbbed with every step. Blood kept dripping onto my shirt. But I held my head high. A man can fall, but he doesn’t have to crawl. As for whether I was dreaming—my lawyer would handle that.

By the time I left the lawyer’s office, night had fallen. I grit my teeth through the pain and headed home. The second I walked in, I spotted an open suitcase in the middle of the living room. Diana was shoving dresses into it. Lucas was sprawled on the couch like he owned the place. “Oh, you’re back.” Diana glanced up, her voice casual—as if we hadn’t just torn each other apart. “Perfect timing. There’s something you need to know.” “Lucas has a heart condition. That punch you threw today really messed him up.” “The doctors say he needs round-the-clock care. I’m staying with him for a few days.” I picked up a box of condoms from the corner of her suitcase. “Doctor’s orders, huh?” She snatched them out of my hand, cheeks flushing. “It must have fallen in by accident. You’re so immature, making a big deal out of nothing.” “I know you’re upset, so I’ll let this go. Lucas needs me right now. We can talk when I get back.” I was always there when she needed me. But when I needed her? She was with him. Was that fair? Marriage was never about fairness. It was about choosing each other. I’d chosen her for seven years. Now my heart was empty. No more. “Fine.” I turned toward the bedroom. I opened her closet and started pulling out her stuff. Then I saw the photo. My hand froze. Our wedding picture. In its frame on the shelf. She was beaming. I was grinning like an idiot, like I had the whole world. “Adrian, what the hell are you doing?” She followed me in, panic finally creeping into her voice. “You’re kicking me out?” I didn’t look at her. I grabbed the frame and tossed it in the trash. “Just helping you pack faster. One less trip for you.” “I said it’s only for a few days—” “Then don’t bother coming back. Take your stuff and your ‘sick’ friend and get out.” Diana fished the frame out of the trash and set it carefully on the shelf. “Quit being so dramatic. I’ll be back once Lucas is better.” Lucas appeared in the doorway, like he’d been waiting for his cue. “Babe, I sent you that new startup idea. It’s gonna be huge. Check your email.” Diana barely glanced at her phone before nodding. “No need. I’ll have accounting wire you $10 million tomorrow.” I caught a glimpse of the business plan title before her screen went dark. His tenth startup. Ten times he’d failed before. Ten million. How many delivery runs? How many all-nighters coding? Would I even live long enough to earn that? Probably drop dead first, like that 32-year-old developer in the news who worked himself to death. That could’ve been me—if I’d kept working myself ragged to pay her “debts.” Lucas noticed me staring and smirked. “What, Adrian? You wanna start a business too? Need some tips from a pro?” He saw right through me. Diana rolled her eyes. “Please. He can’t even tell a bull market from a bear market. Let him manage something? He’d probably lose his shirt day trading. He’s always gonna be a corporate drone.” I cut her off. “You done?” She stopped short. I pointed at the door. “Then get out. Get the hell out of my apartment.” “Adrian, this is our—” “No. It’s mine. I pay the rent, the utilities, bought the furniture. What’ve you contributed besides mooching off me for seven years?” She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Because it was the truth. For seven years, I’d sent her $10k monthly for her ‘debts’ on top of covering every bill. I’d skipped meals to buy her designer bags and fancy makeup—afraid she’d get made fun of at work. And this is what I got? She’s loaded—filthy rich—while I slaved away. She played me for a fool, showered another guy with cash, and had the nerve to call him a ‘friend.’ Diana’s voice turned icy. “Fine. I’m leaving. But don’t come crawling back when you regret this.” “Get out!” The door slammed shut. The apartment went quiet. Too quiet. I could hear the fridge humming, my own heartbeat thudding in my ears. I dropped to my knees. Tears hit the floor. One, two, more. A grown man, sobbing like a kid. I don’t know how long I knelt there before my phone buzzed. I grabbed it. A photo from an unknown number. Diana’s head on Lucas’s chest, both in a hotel bed. Message below: “Thanks for freeing her up.” I stared at that photo for what felt like hours. Then I typed back: “Thanks for taking out the trash.” Delivered. The PI I hired had struggled to get proof of physical cheating—Diana was always careful. Now they had it.

The next morning, I stood outside HR clutching a termination letter. The accusations on it made me laugh. Embezzlement? $3.2 million? Ridiculous. I was just a backend team lead. The biggest budget I handled was for new monitors. How the hell could I steal $3.2 million? I marched into HR. “I want to see the audit logs and system records.” The HR director adjusted her glasses, looking almost sorry for me. “The company was acquired yesterday. You’ll need to ask the new owner for those records.” “Who the hell is that?!” “Lucas West.” I barged into the CEO’s office. There they were—Lucas behind the desk, Diana beside him shuffling papers like nothing was wrong. “Well, if it isn’t our coding whiz!” Lucas grinned, all teeth. “Team lead—sorry, former team lead.” My vision went red. But I forced myself to stay calm, taking slow breaths. “Diana, that audit report is fake. Purchases need three approvals. I only had advisory power, not signing authority. The system logs will prove it.” Diana finally looked up. “The system was hacked. All those records are gone. Funny how it was only the ones related to your purchases, right?” I laughed out loud. “I built this company’s security system. I wrote the firewall code myself. You expect me to believe it got hacked that easily?” Lucas kicked back in the leather chair, smirking. “That’s why we’re怀疑你. Insiders always make the best hackers, right? Faking logs, altering purchase orders—piece of cake for a hotshot like you.” My hands balled into fists. “You rigged the database!” Lucas stood up. “You need proof to make accusations. Right now, every log points to you. Enjoy the lawsuit—and maybe a jail cell.” He leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper. “Or… you could beg. Get on your knees and maybe I’ll have Diana ask the lawyers to go easy.” I felt sick to my stomach. “Diana, say something! Don’t you have any humanity left?!” Diana met my eyes, voice flat. “You did this to yourself. We’re giving you an out. Take it.” I exploded. “An out?! You lied to me for seven years, and now you frame me for embezzlement? You want to destroy my life? Is that what this is about?!” Her face paled. Lucas lunged forward and grabbed my arm. “Who the hell do you think you’re yelling at?!” “Let go! You want me on my knees begging? Crawling like a dog? Dream on!” I turned to Diana. “I’m not paying a cent. I’m not admitting to shit. Go ahead—call the cops. I’ll see you in court.” Diana’s lips quivered. She started to speak, but Lucas cut her off. “Diana, go grab some coffee. Clear your head.” She hesitated, then walked out. The door clicked shut, and Lucas’s fake smile vanished. “Let’s cut the crap, Adrian. You’re just bitter. Bitter she chose me, bitter you’ll get nothing in the divorce.” My muscles tensed. “Hit a nerve, did I?” “That hotel photo turned out nice, huh? Diana’s skin’s so soft… like silk.” Blood rushed in my ears. “What’s your point?” My voice came out gravelly. “My point? You lost. Diana’s mine—body, heart, everything. This company, her money, her future. All mine.” “And you? You’re just trash. Waiting to be thrown out.” I balled my fist. The punch grazed his cheek. Lucas touched his face, eyes flashing, but then he smiled again. “Getting desperate? Here’s your last chance. Walk away with nothing, disappear, and I’ll make the charges go away. You can start over.” “$3.2 million, Adrian. How many delivery orders to pay that off? A lifetime?” That did it. Something snapped inside me. I launched at him, tackling him to the floor. My fist was raised when the door opened. Diana stood there. Lucas wiped his cheek, like there was blood. “Babe, he attacked me! I was trying to talk sense into him, and he snapped!” “I didn’t—” “Enough!” Diana cut me off. She spoke into her walkie-talkie, and two security guards appeared, grabbing my arms. A guard kicked the back of my knee, forcing me down. My face smashed into the carpet. Diana’s voice was ice. “Lucas, he hit you? Hit him back.” Lucas stepped closer, then planted his shoe on my face. He ground his loafers into my cheek, then kicked me square in the jaw. My nose exploded in pain. Blood poured out. Then the pain faded. All I felt was absurdity. Seven years of marriage, seven years of devotion. This was my reward. Diana’s voice cut through. “Adrian, you never learn. I’m calling the police. We’ll see how tough you are in a cell.” Her phone rang mid-sentence. She answered, frowning. Her face went white as she listened. When she hung up, she stared at me. “You… you filed for divorce?”

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My fiancée, Scarlett, was throwing a birthday party for her childhood best friend, Dylan, and I went along. After a few too many drinks, Dylan grinned and spilled a secret: “One time, I went to the clinic to donate sperm, but I was so nervous I couldn’t get it done. Scarlett happened to be passing by and just…helped me out. Don’t get the wrong idea, we didn’t actually do anything.” The air in the bar froze for a few seconds, then erupted into shouts. “Whoa!” A guy in a floral shirt slammed his hand on the table. “Dylan, that’s a creative alibi! Was it a VIP suite at the clinic, with a bed and everything?” “Screw off!” Dylan laughed, punching the floral shirt guy. “You guys just have dirty minds!” “We have dirty minds?” Another girl with short hair, Chloe, jumped in. “Then tell us, how exactly did Scarlett ‘help’ you?” Dylan pretended to cover her mouth, and they burst into laughter, playfully wrestling. Everyone else chimed in, their voices a chaotic chorus. “Scarlett, you’re such a good friend! To help with that! Wanna help me out next time?” I gripped my glass, my knuckles turning white. I glanced over at Scarlett. She wasn’t embarrassed at all. She was even smiling. She lifted a hand and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “What are you guys even talking about? I just happened to be going to the building next door to drop off some paperwork. How was I supposed to know Dylan was so useless?” The atmosphere in the private room reached a new peak of hilarity. Amidst the teasing, Dylan dramatically covered his face and wailed. I abruptly stood up. All the laughing and talking stopped. A dozen pairs of eyes turned to me, dead silent. Scarlett finally looked up at me, her brow slightly furrowed. “Alex, what’s wrong now?”

I stared at her. I’d spent seven years pursuing her. Now, I had no idea what to say. I turned and walked out of the private room. Whispers started behind me. “Oh, here we go again.” “Alex is always making a scene about jealousy. Can you imagine what marriage would be like with him?” “Seriously, if he can’t handle a joke, he shouldn’t show up. Total buzzkill…” When I stepped out of the bar, the night wind hit me hard. “Alex! Stop right there!” Scarlett chased after me, finally grabbing my arm. “What do you mean, just walking off without a word? You just made me look like an idiot in front of all my friends.” I slowly turned around. She was slightly out of breath, her cheeks flushed from the alcohol and anger. “What else was I supposed to do?” My voice was dry and hoarse. “Was I supposed to just keep sitting there, listening to them ask for every gory detail of how you ‘helped’ Dylan donate sperm, and then laugh along with everyone else?” Scarlett paused, then yanked her arm away. “I knew it! It’s always the same with you!” “Alex, when are you going to lighten up?” “Dylan is just my friend. It’s his birthday, we had a few drinks, what’s wrong with a little joking around?” “Did you really need to storm out and make a face like that? Do you have any idea how much of a downer that is, and how much you embarrass me?” “Joking around?” I tried to find even a flicker of empathy in her beautiful eyes. But there was nothing. “Scarlett, that wasn’t a joke.” “For any man, that’s not a joke.” “It’s a red line!” She looked at me as if I’d said something completely unbelievable, her eyebrows knitting together. “A red line? What’s the big deal? I just helped him out in the past!” “It’s a perfectly normal thing, and you’re making it sound so disgusting. People with dirty minds think everything’s dirty.” Her matter-of-fact tone hit me like a bucket of ice water. “And I already explained, it was just a coincidence, and I was just wearing a black dress. I left right after helping him, we didn’t even touch hands. What are you even fixating on?” That black dress. Hearing that, my stomach churned again. She’d never understand, or maybe she simply didn’t care. What those symbols, so meaningful to me, meant when she so casually tossed them into such a foul joke. Seeing my silence, the anger on her face softened a little. She reached out and ruffled my hair. Like she was trying to soothe a pouting child, her voice softened. “Okay, okay, I said the wrong thing, alright? I promise there won’t be a next time, no more jokes like that, okay? Don’t make that face. Come back inside with me, we’re about to cut the cake.” I pressed my lips together, my Adam’s apple bobbing. I struggled to suppress my swirling emotions: “Promise me one thing, and I’ll go back.” She immediately responded, her tone clearly impatient. “What is it? Just say it!” “Limit your attendance at Dylan’s gatherings and keep your distance from him.” I spoke each word clearly and slowly. Scarlett didn’t hesitate for a second, as if she’d already anticipated this kind of request, and quickly agreed: “Fine, fine, I promise.” “Is that good enough? Let’s go, don’t keep everyone waiting.” She reached out to link her arm through mine. Back in the private room, they indeed stopped teasing about the incident. But the unspoken understanding in the air became even thicker. Exchanged glances, subtle suppressed smiles. I sat in the corner, the surrounding merriment feeling entirely disconnected from me. Soon, a server wheeled in an exquisite birthday cake, its candles flickering. Everyone cheered, urging Dylan to make a wish. His eyes swept around the room, finally landing on Scarlett beside him. Dylan put an arm around her and said, “My wish is… to stay with my best friend, forever!” “To friendship!”

Cheers and applause instantly erupted, almost lifting the roof off. In the candlelight, Dylan looked smug and satisfied, tightening his arm around Scarlett. And Scarlett, my fiancée, the woman I’d pursued for seven years and was about to marry. She leaned into his embrace, turned her head to look at him, her eyes curving, smiling brightly and radiantly. I felt completely numb. Back home, Scarlett kicked off her heels and habitually stretched her legs towards me. “So tired… Alex, rub my legs.” She waited a few seconds, but I didn’t move. Her beautiful brows furrowed, showing her annoyance at being ignored: “Alex? I’m talking to you! Did you hear me?” Seeing me still sitting silently, just smoking, her displeasure deepened. “Ugh, you’re not starting again, are you? Are you ever going to be done with this? If you don’t want to, then don’t!” She pulled back her legs, walked barefoot across the floor, and headed towards the bathroom without a backward glance. I held the cigarette between my fingers, its glow flickering in the dim living room. Smoke swirled, blurring her retreating figure, and blurring the future that had once been so clear to me. My first meeting with Scarlett was seven years ago. She wore a white dress and white sneakers, looking lost in the heavy rain outside the library. I offered to walk her back to her dorm, and when she blushed and softly nodded, my heart skipped a beat. From that day on, I began my long pursuit. She was the undisputed campus queen, brilliant, and from a well-off family, never lacking admirers. And I, apart from a desperate courage and a genuine heart, had almost nothing. Thinking back on those clumsy yet passionate efforts now, even I find them incredible. My friends all called me an idiot, a simp, and told me to just give up. I wasn’t without frustration, I’d thought about giving up too. But every time I saw her give me a faint smile, or a simple “thank you.” All the grievances and exhaustion would instantly vanish. Finally, the year she graduated college, she said yes. The early days were sweet and warm. We decorated our little place together. She would lean into my arms, planning our future. She talked about getting a cat, having two kids, and traveling every year… I thought we would always be this happy, that she was the entire meaning of my efforts. But everything changed when Dylan came back from abroad. Their families were equally well-off, they were childhood friends, attending the same schools from kindergarten all the way through high school. As Scarlett’s best friend, it was natural for him to frequently appear in our lives. At first, I didn’t mind. But gradually, things started to feel wrong. Scarlett began setting a password on her phone, and she changed it frequently. When I asked, she casually said the internet wasn’t safe these days, and she needed to guard against harassment. She used to come home from work and chatter away about her day’s interesting events or complain about work frustrations. Now, she was working overtime more and more, coming home later and later. Even when she was home, she wasn’t as affectionate, cuddling up on the sofa to watch shows with me. Instead, she’d be engrossed in her phone, typing furiously, a sweet and shy smile occasionally playing on her lips. When I asked what she was laughing at, she’d quickly lock the screen. “Nothing, just saw a funny video.” And I, afraid of losing her, chose to believe. I even felt ashamed for my suspicions. Until tonight. Seeing her nestled in Dylan’s arms… I knew then that I’d been wrong. The next morning, Scarlett woke up uncharacteristically early. When I walked out of the bedroom, she was already coming out of the kitchen with milk and breakfast. A rare, almost gentle smile on her face. She even leaned in and kissed my cheek. “Hurry and eat, you’ll be late for work.”

I was stunned. For the next few days, she seemed to genuinely listen to my requests. Her phone didn’t ring as frequently, she came home from work on time, and she even asked what I wanted for dinner. Though her tone still carried a hint of habitual nonchalance, compared to her previous coldness and neglect, it was a world of difference. My heart, which she had trampled into the mud, began to tragically, carefully, sprout a tiny bud again. Perhaps I was just too sensitive? Perhaps that night was just a drunken misstep? She did care about me after all, and she was willing to change for our future. The gloom that had shrouded my heart slowly began to dissipate. It was time for the wedding dress fitting. This was one of the most anticipated parts before the wedding. Just before quitting time, an urgent meeting suddenly came up, so I texted her. “Sorry, I have a last-minute meeting. I’ll get there as soon as I can, you go ahead and start picking.” She texted back an “okay.” The meeting ended sooner than expected, and I practically grabbed my jacket and bolted out. I imagined how breathtakingly beautiful she would look trying on her wedding dress. Seven years of waiting, and finally, I’d see the girl I loved walk down the aisle for me in a white gown. Pushing open the glass door of the bridal shop, soothing music flowed through the air, mingled with the unique scent of wedding dresses. A sales associate smiled and greeted me. I was about to ask about Scarlett, but my gaze was abruptly drawn to a scene not far away. Scarlett was wearing an incredibly lavish, floor-length wedding gown. However, standing beside her was Dylan, dressed in a formal suit. The photographer adjusted the lighting, giving directions: “Alright, groom, get a little closer to the bride. Yes, gently put your arm around her waist.” Scarlett’s face was beaming with a happy, radiant smile. She tilted her head slightly, leaning against Dylan’s shoulder. The sales associate noticed the look on my face and quickly whispered, “Mr. Davies, please don’t misunderstand. Ms. Miller said you might be late and was eager to see the effect on, so she said Mr. Dylan here had a similar build to you, so… so she just had the photographer help take a few sample shots to see…” The sales associate’s words pierced through the last shred of my self-deception. I saw Dylan’s fingers gently stroking Scarlett’s waist. I saw her not only not flinching, but smiling even sweeter. Their eyes met, that kind of unspoken understanding and intimacy left no room for a third person. I didn’t step forward, I didn’t confront them. I just watched quietly, from a distance. When Scarlett, at the photographer’s request, somewhat reluctantly but acceptingly, kissed Dylan. I turned and walked away, pulling out my phone and dialing a number. The phone rang for a long time. Just when I thought no one would answer, it connected. A soft voice came through. “…Alex?” I took a deep breath. “I’m getting married in two days. Just need a bride. Will you be there?”

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For the sake of Adrian’s business empire, I played his perfect wife for five years. Then he locked me in the basement for his new lover. I used a micro transmitter to erase all records of our son. But at his celebration banquet, he saw the child he had ordered “burned to ashes”, a perfect copy of himself. Adrian broke. Clutching a charred child’s backpack, eyes wild, he roared, “Find my wife and son! Now!” Later, I graduated, my new husband beside me. A thousand miles away in a garage, oil stained fingers traced a child’s smiling face on a phone screen. Aria’s POV Adrian locked me up for five days. The first thing he did upon returning was to deny my request for a divorce. He reached out to touch my face. “I locked you up to protect you.” An hour before he locked me away, I had seen him at the hospital with my own eyes, supporting Rosalie through her prenatal appointment. The usually icy Mr. Hale was attentively holding a pink handbag for her. In that moment, I finally understood how utterly convincing his “performance” could be. “You followed me?” Adrian narrowed his eyes, his tone dangerous. “Adrian, let’s get divorced.” Adrian kicked the door with his foot and locked it with his other hand. He strode over in a few steps and gripped my wrist tightly. I didn’t struggle. “Adrian, have you lost your mind?” Adrian’s sinister face pressed down close, forcing me to meet his gaze. “Divorce? Impossible. Unless I’m dead.” “Rosalie Sterling is a representative sent by the Commerce Association. If I want to swallow up the South District land, she’s a key piece.” “If I don’t play along with her, how can I get the shares she’s holding?” He irritably unbuttoned his cuffs, speaking with dissatisfaction. “I work so hard out there, and you still make trouble for me at home?” I smiled bitterly. “Hard enough to go to obstetrics?” “That was for show!” Adrian impatiently cut me off. “Once I secure the South District land, Rosalie will be useless. Then you can do whatever you want with her. Isn’t that enough?” He took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and switched to a gentler tone. “Aria, you’re the lady of the Hale family. No one can replace your position, as long as you don’t make a scene.” He pinned me against the wall, his eyes filled with twisted possessiveness. “Don’t let me hear the word ‘divorce’ again. You’re mine for life.” To compensate me, Adrian brought me to the family banquet. In the banquet hall’s lounge, Rosalie clutched her stomach and collapsed on the sofa, her face pale. “Mr. Hale, I fell on my own. It has nothing to do with Aria pushing me. But this child…” All around us were the Hale family’s branch members and business partners, and everyone’s eyes fell on me. The Commerce Association representative behind Rosalie was even more sarcastic. “Mr. Hale, is this the Hale family’s attitude? How can we feel confident entrusting our project to you?” I stood there. No one listened to my explanation. I hadn’t even touched the hem of her dress. Adrian never looked at me once throughout the entire ordeal. He strode to the sofa, pulled Rosalie into his arms, comforted her in a low voice, then turned to look at me coldly. “Someone.” Two bodyguards immediately stepped forward. “Take Mrs. Hale to the dungeon to sober up.” Adrian said indifferently. “When she realizes her mistake, she can come out.” The iron door of the dungeon was pulled open, and a damp, cold air mixed with mold and rust hit my face. I was roughly shoved inside, stumbling and falling onto the slippery floor. Complete silence surrounded me. I leaned against the wall and sat down, pulling out a micro-communicator from my clothing. This was my backup device. Adrian didn’t know it existed. The screen lit up with a faint blue glow. I entered a string of code to contact an overseas dark web organization. “Destroy all birth and medical records for Wesley.” “Initiate evacuation protocol.” Message sent. Watching the “Executed” notification flash on screen, I finally exhaled. Adrian never knew that I never cared about being Mrs. Hale. All I cared about was the child I had hidden in the shadows. With Wesley’s traces erased, I had no more weaknesses. I don’t know how long passed before the iron door opened again. The light made me squint. Adrian walked in against the light, holding a coat. The hostility on his face had dissipated. “Aria, you’ve suffered.” He came over and gently draped the coat over me, as if he wasn’t the one who’d imprisoned me. “In that kind of situation just now, if I didn’t do that, I couldn’t explain to the board.” He picked me up, his tone full of helplessness. “You have to understand my difficulties.” “Rosalie’s side is making a big fuss. The forces behind her won’t let go.” As Adrian walked out, he whispered in my ear, “To completely stabilize them, I have to make a commitment.” “What commitment?” I asked. “Let her carry the Hale family’s child.” Adrian said it as if it were perfectly justified. “After the child is born, we’ll keep the child and get rid of the mother, or handle it however we want. Don’t worry, the position of Mrs. Hale will always be yours.” Lying in his arms, I just felt sick. For profit, he could let his mistress bear a child. To appease me, he promised to keep only the child and discard the mother. I closed my eyes, hiding the mockery in them. “Alright, I understand your difficulties.” Adrian’s steps faltered, as if he hadn’t expected me to be so compliant. Then his arms tightened, and he kissed my forehead. “I knew it. You’re the most understanding one.”

Aria’s POV Back at the villa, Adrian went to his study to handle business. I sat at the vanity in the bedroom, looking at myself in the mirror. Three years ago, when Adrian had just taken power, his enemies retaliated viciously. His most trusted subordinate’s entire family was brutally murdered. That night, he came back covered in blood, gripping my hand tightly, his eyes vicious. “Aria, remember this. We absolutely cannot have weaknesses. I’ll never have children in this lifetime.” I believed him. Until later, I saw him at a family gathering, staring at someone else’s child in a daze. That longing and loneliness couldn’t be faked. So I took the risk and secretly gave birth to Wesley‌. To protect Wesley‌, I sent the child overseas right after birth. My child was born in secrecy, couldn’t even call out “Dad.” And Adrian, to consolidate his position, actually wanted to have a child with that woman who schemed against me. If that’s the case, then you’ll never know about Wesley‌’s existence. An encrypted window notification popped up on my phone screen. “New identity ID generated. Exit channel will open in 7 days.” Seven days. The anticipation of impending freedom surged through me. The door was pushed open, and Adrian walked in. Behind him, two assistants carried large and small packages. “These are all this season’s haute couture, and a few jewelry sets. I thought they’d suit you.” The assistants piled everything on the sofa and quickly retreated. Adrian walked over, crouched beside my chair, and held my hand. “Aria, I’m sorry for the trouble these past few days.” He pulled out a document from his pocket and placed it in my hand. “This is the transfer agreement for those two shops in the Wesley‌t district.” Those were two prime commercial properties with substantial rent income. “Thank you, honey.” I accepted the document and casually picked up the crocodile leather bag to examine it. “Nice color.” Adrian visibly relaxed. In his view, women just needed a little coaxing. Before, when I wouldn’t accept his gifts, it was either because he didn’t give enough or I was too pretentious. Now that I accepted, it meant I’d come to my senses, that he still had complete control. “Glad you like it.” Adrian stood up, glanced at his watch, his expression shifting slightly. “I have to go over there tonight. Rosalie just got out of the hospital. I need to put on a show.” Even his excuse for spending the night elsewhere sounded so proper. I laughed to myself. “Go ahead, don’t keep her waiting.” I toyed with the ring in my hand, not even looking up. Adrian seemed to sense something off about my compliance, but he was too confident to care. “Get some rest early.” He perfunctorily brushed his lips against my cheek, then turned and strode away. The sound of the engine starting came from downstairs. I walked to the window and watched the taillights disappear into the night. The transfer agreement worth millions in my hand was casually tossed into my suitcase.

Aria’s POV To appease those shareholders, Adrian insisted on bringing me to the charity gala. He picked up the priceless diamond necklace and fastened it around my neck. The cold diamonds pressed against my skin, and his tone was even colder. “Tonight, just smile. Talk less. If Mr. Warner asks about Rosalie, just say you’re not feeling well and specifically asked her to help share the burden.” I pulled at the corner of my mouth. “Don’t worry, I know.” I entered the venue on Adrian’s arm. Rosalie was already standing in the inner circle, acting like the true lady of the house, deflecting drinks for Adrian. “Mr. Hale, your wife doesn’t look well. Let me accompany Mr. Warner for this drink instead.” Rosalie naturally inserted herself between us, glancing at me provocatively. Adrian showed no displeasure. Instead, he released my hand and smoothly put his arm around Rosalie’s waist. I was pushed to the periphery. Watching them toast and chat, I could only laugh. Suddenly, a loud crash came from the entrance of the banquet hall. “Heartless capitalist! Give us back our blood money!” A group of rioters broke through security, wielding clubs and charging straight toward the core area. The scene instantly descended into chaos. The crowd shoved and screamed. Someone bumped into a massive decorative column, and the crystal chandelier overhead made a teeth-grinding cracking sound. “Watch out!” The chandelier was falling directly toward Adrian and Rosalie. In that second, the world seemed to freeze. I was only half a step away from Adrian. But I saw him, without any hesitation, turn around and grab my shoulder. Not to protect me. He was using me for leverage. He viciously yanked me backward, using that momentum to push Rosalie in his arms toward safety. Crash. The chandelier fell. Shards flew everywhere. His violent pull sent me crashing heavily onto the glass-covered floor. Sharp glass shards pierced my palms and knees, blood instantly gushing out. And the man who should have protected his wife was desperately shielding another woman, not even looking back. In fact, because of the chaos just now, his leather shoe heavily stepped on my bleeding hand. I broke out in a cold sweat from the pain but bit back any sound. Only after security controlled the situation did Adrian seem to finally remember something. He comforted the frightened Rosalie, then turned to see me covered in blood, his brow furrowing deeply. “Why are you so clueless?” He strode over, his tone containing no concern, only reproach. “Rosalie is carrying the Hale family’s bargaining chip. If that fall had harmed the fetus, ten of you couldn’t compensate for it.” I sat slumped on the ground, looking at the bruise on my hand from where he’d stepped on it, and at the blood mixed with glass shards. So in his eyes, I was just a meat shield for blocking disasters. “Fine, you’re right.” I looked up at him and smiled. “Mr. Hale did the right thing.” Adrian irritably took off his coat and threw it over my head, covering my face. “Don’t look at me with those sarcastic eyes. Have the driver take you to the hospital.”

Aria’s POV Late at night in the study, Adrian was in a remote meeting. I lay on the bed in the guest room when the communicator suddenly vibrated wildly. A highest-level alert came through. The safe house had been exposed, and unknown individuals were breaking down the door! My heart stopped. That was Wesley‌’s hiding place! Before I could respond, Rosalie’s saccharine voice drifted through the slightly open door from outside. “Mr. Hale, we found it. Those old fogies trying to bring you down have hidden core secrets in a villa in the Wesley‌tern suburbs. Oh, and apparently there’s a child hidden inside too.” My entire body went cold. That wasn’t some core secret. That was my son! “A child?” Adrian’s voice instantly turned ice-cold. “I hate it most when people do things behind my back.” I suddenly remembered two years ago when he’d thrown a mistress who tried to use her illegitimate child to climb the ranks into the ocean, right in front of me. Those were his exact drunken words. “Aria, remember this. Anyone who dares to have a bastard behind my back, I’ll strangle that spawn with my own hands.” Now, that spawn was Wesley‌. “Blake.” Adrian gave the order over the phone. “Take people there. Even if you have to burn the house down, clean it out. Adults, children-leave no one alive.” My hands started trembling violently. He was going to kill his own son. Once Blake broke in, Wesley‌ would certainly die. I couldn’t plead for him. Pleading would expose everything, and Wesley‌ would die even more horribly. I had to create an accident. I rushed into the kitchen and filled a bowl with scalding soup. No time to find a tray-I just grabbed the bowl and charged toward the study. The moment I pushed the door open, I heard Adrian urging, “Hurry up!” I stumbled, and along with the bowl of boiling soup, I threw myself straight at Adrian. “Ah!” The scalding soup spilled all over his keyboard and right hand, splashing across my chest too. The searing pain of the burn hit me, but I couldn’t care about that. “How can you be so careless?” Adrian hissed in pain and shot to his feet. “I’m sorry… I didn’t hold it steady…” I frantically lunged at the desk, pretending to grab tissues to wipe for him, but deliberately knocked over the water glass on the table. Water instantly seeped into the keyboard. The computer screen flickered several times, then went black. “Get away! How can there be such a stupid woman!” Adrian flew into a rage, grabbed my throat and flung me aside. I crashed into the bookshelf, my back screaming in pain. Taking advantage of the moment he turned to check his injuries, I locked my eyes on the backup tablet beside him. Only these few seconds. Ignoring the burning pain across my chest, my fingers flew across the tablet. I unlocked and hacked into the security system, located the Wesley‌tern suburbs villa. Then clicked the button triggering the district-wide fire alarm. The entire process took less than three seconds. The next second, piercing alarm sounds rang through the Wesley‌tern suburbs villa district’s monitoring terminal. Adrian turned back, just in time to see the red light flashing on the tablet. “What’s going on?” He frowned and picked up the tablet. “Why is the fire alarm going off now?” Once the fire alarm sounded, fire trucks and police would immediately seal off the scene. Blake and his crew, carrying weapons, definitely wouldn’t dare make a move at that time. “Damn it!” Adrian slammed his fist on the desk and roared into his earpiece. “Blake, pull back! There’s a fire there. The police will arrive any minute!” I collapsed on the floor, breathing heavily. The skin on my chest burned painfully, but I wanted to laugh. I’d won the gamble. Adrian never suspected I’d tampered with anything. In his eyes, how could I possibly know hacking techniques? “What are you still doing on the floor? Get out!” Adrian looked at me with disgust. I lowered my head and retreated from the room in disarray. Back in the bathroom, I immediately messaged the nanny: Take Wesley‌ and evacuate during the chaos. Now! Five minutes later, the nanny replied that they were in the car and had safely evacuated. Looking at the screen, I slid down onto the cold tile floor. Wesley‌ was safe. But this emergency transfer had exhausted all my hidden funds. That was my life-saving money, scraped together penny by penny over the years. I had no money now. Not even enough for plane tickets to escape with Wesley‌. Five more days. I had to sell myself for a good price before Adrian could kill my son.

Aria’s POV I told Adrian I was going to the beauty salon for skincare. Adrian didn’t even look up. He just said “come back early” and continued reading documents. I left with my handbag. Inside were all the gifts Adrian had given me over the years. The car circled half the city before finally stopping in an alley in the old district. Outside an antique shop. On the surface it repaired watches and sold antiques, but actually it was an entrance to the underground black market, specializing in acquiring all kinds of illicit valuables. I pushed the door open. A wind chime rang crisply. The owner had only one eye. He scanned the items I’d dumped on the table with a magnifying glass and curled his lip. “Quality’s not bad, but these designer goods all have serial numbers. Difficult to move. Thirty percent discount.” “Twenty percent.” I opened my mouth. “These are clean goods. No record.” “Mrs. Hale, you jest. Hale family goods-who dares say they’re clean?” The owner looked at me with a half-smile. My heart jumped. He’d recognized me. Just as I was about to speak, the curtain to the back room was suddenly pulled aside. A man walked out. He wore a dark gray shirt with rolled-up sleeves, revealing a stretch of smoothly lined forearm. It was the kind of lethal aura that came only from years of licking blood from blade edges, meticulously concealed beneath a polished veneer. “Adrian’s things-you dare sell it?” The man walked to the counter and picked up the most valuable pink diamond. It was Adrian’s fifth anniversary gift to me. Slender fingers held the stone up to the light, his mouth curving into an arc of cold amusement. “Mr. Blackwood.” The shop owner bowed immediately, his respect palpable. Damon Blackwood. In this city, not many dared call Adrian by his first name. Damon was one of them. Rumor had it he was the real controller behind this underground network, with methods even more ruthless than Adrian’s. I hadn’t expected to run into him here. “Stole them.” I met his gaze and lied. “He’s keeping a woman on the side. I need to leave myself an escape route.” Damon raised an eyebrow. He seemed very interested in this reason. Or rather, he seemed very interested in this matter concerning Adrian. “Interesting.” Damon put down the diamond, his fingers lightly tapping the counter twice. “I’ll take it all. Market price.” The owner froze. “Mr. Blackwood, this…” “Write a receipt.” Damon wasted no time. He withdrew a checkbook, wrote a figure, tore off the check, and handed it to me. It was twice what I had asked for. A bearer check. Cash on demand. Untraceable. “Thank you.” I took it, turned, and walked away. “Wait.” Damon called after me. He held a black business card between two fingers and extended it toward me. The card had only a number on it, not even a name. “If you need to sell more troublesome things, or encounter any other trouble…” He looked at me meaningfully, his voice low. “Contact me directly.” I took the card, didn’t even look at it, just stuffed it in my bag and disappeared into the rain. Through the glass window, I could feel Damon’s gaze stuck to my back. When I returned to the Hale residence, Adrian was actually home. He sat on the sofa, noticed my bare neck, and casually asked, “Where’s that pink diamond I gave you last time? Why aren’t you wearing it?” My movements as I changed shoes didn’t stop, but my heartbeat skipped a beat. “Sent it for maintenance. The setting was a bit loose. I was afraid of losing it.” Adrian nodded, completely unconcerned. He pulled a velvet box from his pocket and casually tossed it to me. “Just passed a mall earlier and picked up something random. Here, play with it.” I caught the box and opened it. A crystal brooch. Crude workmanship, cheap rhinestones, not even a brand name. Probably a freebie from the counter when he bought jewelry for Rosalie, or something he’d grabbed on impulse to meet a purchase minimum. I looked at that cheap brooch and smiled. “Thank you, I love it.” Adrian looked at my compliant appearance and smiled with satisfaction. “Glad you like it. There’s a social event in a couple days. Wear it there.” He thought I was so easy to fool. One piece of candy and I’d wag my tail and beg. He didn’t know that this obedient canary was sharpening her teeth, preparing to bite through the final chain. At the auction cocktail party, the lights were dizzying. Rosalie, holding champagne and wearing sky-high heels, walked up to me, her voice loud enough for the entire venue to hear. “Oh my, that brooch you’re wearing today is really… unique.” She bent down, exaggeratedly staring at the few-dollar crystal brooch on my chest as if she’d discovered a new world. “This material doesn’t look like diamonds or crystal, but more like… glass? Adrian really is something, letting you wear this kind of thing out. Isn’t he afraid of embarrassing the Hale family?” The surrounding society ladies immediately gathered around, whispering. The triumph in Rosalie’s eyes was about to overflow. She did it on purpose, wanting to embarrass me in this social arena, to confirm the rumors that I’d fallen out of favor. I didn’t defend myself. I just instinctively covered my chest and glanced at Adrian in the distance. “This is… a gift from Adrian.” My voice was soft, with a trace of trembling.

Aria’s POV Adrian was being surrounded by a group of people when he heard the commotion and strode over. He glanced at Rosalie, then at the cheap goods on my chest, his brow slightly raised. Rosalie immediately stirred the pot. “Mr. Hale, look at her. How can she wear cheap stuff to this kind of event…” “Shut up.” Adrian coldly cut her off. He walked to my side, put his arm around my shoulder, his gaze sweeping the entire venue, his tone supremely arrogant. “This is last year’s one-of-a-kind piece from an independent European designer. In this circle, taste matters more than price. Some things aren’t fashionable just because you’re covered in logos.” The tide turned. The society ladies who’d been covering their mouths and laughing moments ago immediately changed their tune. “I knew it! That cut is obviously extraordinary, so clear and transparent.” “Mr. Hale’s taste is truly impeccable. The design is so strong.” Rosalie’s face turned red. The hand holding her wine glass froze in mid-air, so embarrassed she wanted to find a hole to crawl into. Adrian glanced at her coldly. “Aren’t you going to apologize?” Rosalie bit her lip, her eyes reddening, reluctantly lowering her head to me. “I’m sorry. My mistake.” My fingers gently stroked that crude fake crystal, suppressing the urge to laugh. “It’s fine.” Adrian was satisfied with my magnanimity, even more satisfied with the face he’d just gained from that protective display. He didn’t know that his arrogance was the best medicine. He’d personally stamped that fake with his approval. From now on, no one would ever suspect I’d sold the real diamond. In the stretch limousine on the way back. Adrian was in a good mood, unusually holding my hand. “You performed well tonight.” He probably thought that recently I hadn’t made a fuss, had obediently put away the multi-million dollar pink diamond, wore cheap junk without complaint, and even helped him save face in front of outsiders. This was the result of domestication he wanted. The car stopped at the villa entrance. Adrian instructed the head bodyguard. “Lower tomorrow’s security level. Mrs. Hale is going to the private hospital for a checkup. No need to follow into the examination room, just wait downstairs.” The head bodyguard nodded. “Yes, sir.” I sat in the shadows, my heart racing wildly, yet I still nodded. “Thank you, honey.” He’d personally unlocked the cage door. At home, Adrian went to the office for a meeting. Only a few cleaning servants remained in the house. I opened the deepest hidden compartment of the safe and took out a divorce agreement. I’d signed it three months ago. I placed it on the bedside table, under the velvet box containing the fake crystal brooch. Anyone lifting the box would find it. Next, I took out my phone. I deleted every cloud backup and wiped all message histories with the nanny. Finally, from the inner pocket of my wallet, I drew out a single photograph. A blurred silhouette, taken in secret on the day Wesley was born. I kept the photo close to my body. I looked around the room I’d lived in for five years. No trace of Aria remained. The wardrobe was filled with haute couture that belonged to Mrs. Hale. The vanity was crowded with luxury skincare that belonged to Mrs. Hale. None of this had anything to do with me anymore. Because I was leaving.

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Before I stepped into Dubois pack territory, my grandmother gave me her final warning. “You have one year. You must marry your fated mate, Alpha Caleb, and let him mark you!” But I waited from age eighteen to nineteen, and he still refused to mark me. After my ninety-ninth plea, his patience finally snapped. He unchained a death row prisoner and said, “You want me to mark you? Fight him. If you win, I’ll mark you!” I glanced at the prisoner, a rogue twice my size. I didn’t hesitate. I charged. Caleb’s expression darkened instantly. In the end, he stared at my blood-soaked body, his voice a roar of pure fury. “Mia, you’re pathetic! Would you truly die just to be Luna?” I couldn’t tell him the truth. He didn’t know that if he didn’t mark me before my nineteenth birthday, I would die! And now…I only had three days left! When the rogue snapped my arm, every wolf warrior watching held their breath. “No one is allowed to help her!” Caleb blocked a warrior who tried to rescue me. “She asked for this!” But when the rogue’s claws were about to tear open my throat, Caleb’s own hand shot out and tore the beast’s heart out in one brutal motion. Then he took off his jacket and threw it at me. “Put this on.” Only then did I realize my clothes had been completely shredded by the prisoner. My bleeding breasts stung in the cold wind. Caleb frowned in disgust. “Crazy! That prisoner killed three wolf warriors! Just to force me to mark you, you don’t even care about your own life?” I laughed bitterly. I was only doing this to survive-I had no choice. The wolves around me mocked me too. “She’ll do anything to become Luna!” “But with that flat body, even if she strips naked, Alpha Caleb wouldn’t be interested, right?” Caleb’s face looked terrible. His Beta stepped forward, eyeing me lewdly. “Mia, I don’t mind your flat body. Come with me instead. I may be just a Beta, but my bedroom skills are amazing. I’ll make you feel so good.” I put on the jacket. These insults made my wounds hurt even more. I said, trembling, “No, only Alpha Caleb can mark me. Otherwise…” But before I could finish, Caleb interrupted impatiently. “You want to bring up that curse again? You think I’d believe such lies? An Omega like you who doesn’t even have a wolf has no right to be my Luna. I love Elizabeth! Once you’re healed, we’re doing the rejection ceremony!” Everyone thought I was lusting after Caleb’s good looks and Alpha status, but I truly just wanted to survive. Grandma said that if he didn’t mark me before my nineteenth birthday, I would die. Now I only had three days left. My survival instinct made me swallow my pride. I grabbed Caleb’s arm and continued begging. “Alpha Caleb, you said if I beat the prisoner, you would mark me. You can’t go back on your word.” Caleb shook off my arm and sneered. “But you didn’t win! If I hadn’t pitied you and helped you, you’d be dead right now.” I wanted to argue more, but Caleb ignored me completely and turned to his men. “So annoying! Didn’t you guys want to go to the bar for drinks? There are lots of hot girls there lately. Are we going or not?” Several wolf warriors answered eagerly. “Yes, let’s go!” In moments, everyone was gone, leaving me sitting there in defeat. Because I had no wolf, my healing ability was slower than even the lowest-ranking werewolf. By the time darkness fell, I finally had enough strength to drag myself step by step toward Caleb’s estate. After I confirmed Caleb was my mate, I’d been living there. But he didn’t like me. If it weren’t for our mate bond, he would have kicked me out long ago. He’d suggested rejection multiple times, but I refused every time. I used to think that as long as I gave him my heart within that one year, I could eventually win his love. Now it seemed there was no hope. The twenty-minute walk took me a full hour today. When I got back to my room, I finally collapsed and passed out. When I woke up, it was already afternoon the next day. I’d been unconscious for over ten hours, and Caleb never once came to check on me.

The next morning, I had a fever. Because Caleb didn’t like me, none of the servants at the estate respected me either. I could only drag myself up and go to the fridge for ice water. The burning in my throat eased slightly. Just as I was about to crawl back to bed for a nap, the door was kicked open violently. Caleb stormed in with a group of people and yanked me off the bed. “Mia, hand it over!” I was confused. “Hand what over?” Caleb looked at me with disgust. “Give back Elizabeth’s ring. It’s a keepsake from her mother. You’re crazy to even steal that!” Elizabeth stood beside him, her eyes red. “Mia, I know you’re jealous that Alpha Caleb loves me, but that ring is very important to me. Please give it back.” I found this absurd. “I don’t know anything about any ring. I didn’t steal it.” Seeing me deny it, Caleb’s face turned completely dark. “You kept staring at that ring at the dinner party. It must have been you who stole it!” I recalled last week’s banquet. I thought it was an engagement ring Caleb had given Elizabeth, so I couldn’t help glancing at it a few times. Just because of that, he was certain I stole it? I drew a sharp breath, swallowing the sting behind my nose. “I’ll say it one more time. I didn’t take it.” Caleb’s friend let out a derisive snort. “Why waste words on a wolfless Omega? Just search her.” Caleb’s glare bore into me, cold and final. “You brought this on yourself. Search her.” I was still feverish and couldn’t stop them. Soon my room was turned upside down. I didn’t have much-just a few changes of clothes and the wedding dress Grandma had sewn for me before she died. Before I came to Dubois pack, she’d held my hand and said, “You’ll be the most beautiful bride in the world in this dress. But I probably won’t live to see you wear it.” When they pulled out my wedding dress, they immediately started mocking it. “Typical low-class Omega. She hasn’t even been on a date with Alpha Caleb and she’s already prepared a wedding dress.” “This sloppy handiwork looks like my maid’s apron. How embarrassing to treasure something like this.” I wouldn’t let them insult what Grandma made for me! I lunged forward to grab it. “Give it back!” But they tossed the dress back and forth, toying with me like a cat. Just as I was about to touch the hem, Caleb grabbed my arm roughly and stopped me. “If you want the dress, hand over the ring!” I trembled with rage and slapped him across the face. “I told you I didn’t take it! Why won’t you believe me?” Meeting my reddened eyes, Caleb’s movements paused, and a flicker of doubt crossed his expression. At that moment, Elizabeth suddenly began sobbing softly. “It’s all my fault for being useless and losing Mom’s keepsake. Mom in heaven must be blaming me too.” The doubt in Caleb’s eyes vanished instantly. He held up the wedding dress and threatened me. “Hand over the ring, or I’ll tear this dress to shreds! And I’ll kick you out of Dubois pack and make you a rogue!” “Dubois pack won’t shelter a thief.” I knew he meant every word. But I’d never even seen that ring. Where could I possibly find one to give him?

I was nearly in tears from desperation. “Alpha Caleb, I won’t force you to marry me or mark me anymore. But please give me back the wedding dress!” They were doing all this to force me to give up on Caleb. I’d satisfy them. But Caleb’s face only grew darker. “Still won’t hand over the ring? Looks like you need to learn a lesson.” I instantly understood what he intended to do. My face went pale. “No! Caleb, please don’t do this!” Caleb just stared at me coldly and tore the wedding dress to shreds with force. Pain made my whole body shake. I lunged forward trying to salvage the dress, but Caleb’s men pinned me down. The wedding dress became complete tatters. My heart shattered with it, and tears fell silently. Caleb looked down at me. “That’s your punishment. Hand over the ring!” I gritted my teeth and glared at him. Elizabeth looked at me smugly, then spoke up. “We’ve searched everywhere… Could it be on her body?” My heart sank. Caleb narrowed his eyes, agreeing with Elizabeth’s suggestion. “Mia, hand it over yourself. Don’t make me search your body.” I couldn’t suppress my rage any longer and shouted, “I’ve never even seen any ring! Kill me if you dare!” Elizabeth pretended to persuade Caleb. “Forget it. I know Mia is your mate. If you really strip her and search her body, you’ll definitely feel bad for her.” Caleb’s men were unhappy hearing this. “But that’s your mother’s keepsake! She chases after Alpha Caleb every day. She’s already so shameless-does she care about dignity?” Elizabeth gave me a triumphant smile. I glared at her furiously. “Bitch! You’re framing me!” My insult toward Elizabeth enraged Caleb. “Mia, you asked for this.” Then he told his men, “Strip her clothes off and search thoroughly. Don’t miss a single spot!” The moment he finished speaking, several hands reached toward me. I could only hug myself helplessly. “Get away! Don’t touch me!” But Caleb’s Beta pinned me firmly to the bed so I couldn’t move. Those wolf warriors tore at my clothes while groping my body, even roughly squeezing my breasts. I felt sick with nausea. Just as their hands were about to reach my private area, I started screaming. Caleb, who’d been standing aside, suddenly shouted, “Stop!” I held back tears and grabbed the torn fabric from the floor to cover myself, glaring at Caleb. “Are you satisfied now? Get out! All of you get out!” Caleb moved his lips as if to say something, but swallowed it back in the end. His Beta shrugged and said, “Maybe she’s hiding it in her most private place…” Caleb glared at him. “Enough! Shut up!” Elizabeth noticed Caleb softening toward me slightly and shot me a vicious glare. Then she took Caleb’s arm and said, “Forget it. If she really likes that ring that much, I’ll just give it to her as a gift.” They finally left. The moment the door closed, I finally broke down sobbing. To survive, I’d tried everything to marry Caleb and get him to mark me before turning nineteen. But he humiliated me like this. I didn’t want to continue anymore. In the two days I had left, I would live for myself. I gathered up the wedding dress fragments and stuffed them into my suitcase. It only took half an hour to pack all my belongings. As I passed Caleb’s study with my suitcase, I heard Elizabeth’s fake apology inside. “Alpha Caleb, I just remembered-I had the maid put the ring away a couple days ago.”

“It’s my fault. I’ll go apologize to Mia now so she doesn’t get angry with you.” The fire in my chest flared up instantly. I clenched my fists, ready to burst in and demand an explanation. Caleb’s cold voice came out first. “It’s not your fault. She shouldn’t covet things that don’t belong to her.” That fire deflated like a punctured balloon. I quickly blinked back the tears in my eyes. Caleb was right-I was the fool. I shouldn’t have come looking for him. The conversation continued. Caleb’s friends mocked me as usual. “Caleb’s right. She keeps pushing Caleb to mark her, but we all know Caleb loves you.” “Mia is so annoying. Caleb’s tried to reject her several times, but she never agrees. She brought this on herself.” “She loves Caleb so much that even if we wronged her, she wouldn’t bear to leave.” I knew that in their eyes, a wolfless Omega like me was completely unworthy of Caleb. At first, when Caleb learned I was his mate, we’d shared one passionate night. The way he’d looked at me then-like I was a goddess, like I was prey-was full of desire. He’d pinned me to the bed and taken me all night long. But when he woke the next morning, he was like a different person. “Get dressed and get out! Elizabeth is coming soon. Don’t let her see you!” Later I learned that before meeting me, Caleb had always had a childhood sweetheart. That wild night between Caleb and me was just the physical attraction between mates-there were no feelings involved. But I refused to give up. I shamelessly insisted on staying at his estate, even if only as a maid. Now, with two days left until my nineteenth birthday, I didn’t want to force it anymore. I’d let him be with his true love. When I left Dubois pack, I was penniless. I found an abandoned hunter’s cabin in the forest. That night, I had the same dream from my childhood again. When I was little, I wandered into a witch’s territory and stumbled upon her just after her werewolf lover had abandoned her. She hated all werewolves, so she cursed me. I had to complete a marking ceremony with my mate before turning nineteen or I would die. Two agonizing days passed. On the morning of my nineteenth birthday, I still clung to a sliver of hope: maybe the witch had lied. That night, I didn’t dare sleep. I waited until dawn. Just when I believed I was safe, a violent pain seized my heart. My vision blackened. I collapsed onto the bed. I coughed up blood, great choking mouthfuls of it. I was dying after all. Just before consciousness slipped away completely, the cabin door swung open. There stood a massive silver wolf. Those green eyes stared at me unblinking. “Mia, I’ve finally found you.”

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My VP office was handed over to the new intern, Owen Miller, by my wife. Owen posted a photo of my office on SnapChat, with a caption: “So grateful for Ms. Sterling’s trust! I’ll work hard and live up to expectations!” I immediately called Sophia. “Why is my private office being occupied by an intern?!” Sophia’s voice was slurred, clearly a little drunk. “Honey, it’s just an office. You’re not even using it right now, are you?” I didn’t back down. “Get Owen out of my office. Ten minutes. That’s all you’ve got!” Sophia didn’t reply. Two minutes later, Sterling Group’s most critical contract was abruptly terminated. If someone wants to challenge my authority, I won’t hesitate to let Sterling Group go bankrupt. Sophia’s calls started hammering my phone, one after another. I let them ring, waiting until the fifth before I finally hit ‘answer.’ Her enraged yell practically tore through the receiver. “Liam Blackwood, are you insane?! That was a two-hundred-million-dollar project! You know the product launch is next week—calling it off now will ruin the company! All this… for one office?!” Five years of marriage, and this was the first time she’d ever blown up at me, all because of some other man. I took a slow sip of my whiskey, feeling the burn as it slid down my throat, a cold dread seeping into my core. “This isn’t about the office.” “Sophia, I want that office back to exactly how it was, down to every single one of my awards and trophies. Don’t even dare move a single thing. Otherwise, Sterling Group will lose even more.” Silence on Sophia’s end for a few agonizing seconds. “You have five minutes left,” I said, my voice ice-cold, and hung up. Two minutes later, she sent me photos. The office was pristine, every single item returned to its exact spot. I immediately called the project lead and rescinded the termination order. But then, I sent Sophia a photo of my own. It was a shot of her home office. Everything cleared out. Gone. Including her most prized possession, that priceless antique she’d just won at auction. The next photo? A close-up of that very antique, smashed to smithereens on the floor. “Sophia, this is your punishment. You know my temper. Don’t test me again.” No reply from her. I knew she was furious, but I was even angrier. Our marriage began as a strategic alliance between our two corporations. Five years ago, she needed Blackwood Industries’ overseas network; I needed Sterling Group’s domestic manufacturing. A corporate marriage of convenience, naturally. It just made sense. No grand, passionate romance. Just a rational, mutually beneficial partnership. “Liam,” Sophia had said before our wedding, her hand in mine, her eyes firm and sincere, “we won’t just support each other in business. After we marry, I’ll trust you, and I’ll respect you.” “I appreciate your honesty, Sophia. I hope for a productive partnership,” I’d replied with a smile. Over five years, we’d gone from strangers to partners, from respect to reliance, and then, a gentle warmth, a nascent love. We’d shared countless nights, wrapped in each other’s arms after draining business dinners. This year, we’d finally had a baby. The perfect testament to our love, and I’d truly believed our bond was unbreakable. But now, Owen’s arrival had shattered every bit of understanding and trust we’d painstakingly built.

Sophia didn’t come home that night. I knew she was using it to express her anger and resentment. The next morning, I took off my leg bandage and went straight to the office. Employees glanced up, surprise flashing in their eyes, then quickly offered polite greetings. “Mr. Blackwood, aren’t you still recovering from your injury? Why are you in today?” a young receptionist asked, her concern clear. “Some things need my personal attention.” With a curt nod, I headed straight for the executive floor. But the moment the elevator doors opened, I heard laughter spilling from Sophia’s office. Through the half-open door, I saw Owen. He was sitting right next to her. Sophia’s eyes were sparkling with laughter, a stark contrast to the icy demeanor she usually reserved for other assistants. Normally, she never allowed anyone but me to linger in her office, let alone see such a tender expression on her face. Yet here she was, practically pressed against Owen, both of them chatting away like old friends. Owen was wearing a designer suit. The exact style I’d admired months ago, the one Sophia had mentioned getting for me. It wasn’t just expensive; it was a limited edition, only five pieces ever made, worldwide. And now, it was on an intern. I pushed the door open. Their laughter died an abrupt, unnatural death. Sophia’s smile froze on her face. “What are you doing here?” Owen scrambled to his feet, pasting on a respectful expression. His voice, syrupy soft, addressed me. “I heard you just had surgery, Mr. Blackwood. Shouldn’t you be resting at home? Why the sudden visit?” I scoffed. “Who gave you permission to meddle in my affairs? And which idiot hired this disrespectful waste of space?!” Owen’s fake smile shattered, his mouth gaping uselessly. “Take that suit off. Now.” The temperature in the room dropped to absolute zero. Owen’s eyes widened, his lips trembling in disbelief. He looked at Sophia, his gaze openly pleading. I turned to Sophia, my eyes like chips of ice. “Explain why my suit is on him.” Sophia’s brow furrowed, her voice sharp with impatience. “Owen was being talked about by a lot of colleagues after the office incident yesterday, so I gave him a small compensation.” She then looked at me, dismissively, “It’s just a suit, Liam. I’ll get you a better one later.” “Compensation?” I scoffed. “This suit might not be a fortune to us, but it’s still one of only five haute couture pieces in the world. What rank does Owen have to deserve wearing something like this? Besides, yesterday’s mess was his own fault for not knowing his place. Sophia, have you forgotten your place? Have you forgotten who I am? Who gave you the right to just hand out my possessions like they’re nothing?” Owen’s face went ghost-white at my outburst. He stammered, “I’m… I’m sorry, Mr. Blackwood. I didn’t know it was yours…” “Now you know. Take it off. Right now.” Sophia, seeing me cut Owen off and still relentless, finally snapped. “Liam! That’s enough! We have a project to discuss. Don’t make a scene here!” My heart sank. She never, ever raised her voice at me in the office. Yet now, she was breaking that rule for Owen. And Owen? Seeing Sophia stand up for him, he subtly let out a relieved breath. “Project? What project?” “The Thompson Group partnership. Owen and I were just about to leave.” Sophia tugged at her cuff, her tone even more impatient. “Assistant Miller has been a huge help on this, so I’m bringing him along to the meeting.” I raised an eyebrow, a sardonic smile playing on my lips. “Oh? I didn’t realize an intern had so much pull he could influence decisions at a publicly traded company?” Sophia’s face was thunderous. She grabbed her bag and motioned for Owen to follow. “Let’s go. Don’t waste any more time.” As they brushed past me, Owen shot me a smug, triumphant smirk, his eyes glinting with pure provocation. Sophia, you asked for this. If you insist on defending Owen, then don’t expect me to hold back. After they left, I pulled out my phone and dialed Mr. Thompson’s private number. “Mr. Thompson, it’s Liam Blackwood. Regarding the partnership Sophia Sterling was scheduled to discuss today…”

An hour later, I got a call from Sophia. She was furious, her voice practically roaring. “Liam, what the hell are you trying to do?! Mr. Thompson not only publicly humiliated Owen, calling him a kept man, a boy toy who slept his way to the top! He also said Sterling Group owes its existence to you, claiming I’m taking advantage of your recovery to run off with other men, that I’m ungrateful and disloyal! You put him up to this, didn’t you?!” I chuckled softly. “Sophia, I can’t control what people think or say. If there’s truth to it, others will see it for themselves.” “Owen was too humiliated to stay, and the deal fell through. Happy now?” “Ecstatic. You both got exactly what you deserved!” After hanging up, the rage in my chest finally began to cool. Shortly after, Mark, my assistant, texted me with an update. Owen’s humiliation had spread through the entire company. When he returned, colleagues openly pointed and whispered about him. Some even confronted him, calling him arrogant, manipulative, and talentless, claiming he’d only gotten ahead through dirty tricks. Everything on his desk had been dumped in the trash. He screamed, hoarsely protesting that he wasn’t that kind of person, begging them not to treat him like this. But no one in the company was listening. Who would stick their neck out for an intern against the Vice President? Everyone was ready to kick him while he was down. I’d seen this kind of thing countless times. Owen was just getting what he deserved. A mere intern with no background, no real talent, thinking he could skyrocket to the top just because Sophia gave him a little attention? What a joke! Humiliated and enraged, Owen submitted his resignation. Since he hadn’t even been officially onboarded, HR approved it without a second thought, practically instantly. Owen had brought this entirely upon himself. Who told him to be so arrogant, coveting a position—and a woman—that weren’t his? Sophia finally managed to appease the Thompson Group after their disastrous meeting. But when she returned to the office, only to find Owen gone for good, her face went utterly black. When she finally came home that evening, I was putting Leo to bed. The little guy’s face was so chubby, his nose and eyes exactly like Sophia’s. She stood in the nursery doorway, her expression terrifyingly grim, yet she deliberately kept her voice low. “Owen did nothing wrong! He’s just a hardworking kid, and now, because of you, he’s lost his job and his reputation is ruined!” Her voice was a hiss. “Liam, you need to rein in your spoiled brat tantrums!” I silenced her with a look, gently placing my sleeping son back in his crib. After closing the door behind us, I finally spoke. “Sophia, I’ll say this one last time: I did not instigate Owen’s humiliation or his resignation.” Even though I told myself it didn’t matter, the fire and distrust in Sophia’s eyes still made my heart ache. “Honestly, Sophia, ask yourself: how many rules have you broken for Owen? Your tacit approval, your indulgence, that’s what made him think he could get away with anything.” “Owen and I are completely innocent!” Sophia shot back, agitated. “Innocent? Would you give him something that originally belonged to me? Would you let him move into your office? Don’t forget, the last assistant wasn’t even allowed to bring a temporary chair into your office for a meeting! But now, for Owen, you’re constantly breaking your own rules, even glaring at your own husband for him!” I stepped closer to Sophia, towering over her, my voice low and deliberate. “Sophia, I admit, I did love you. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have married you, wouldn’t have given you my child. But you also know, I, Liam Blackwood, don’t tolerate a single speck of dust in my eye. I won’t stand for even a hint of betrayal or deceit.” My gaze hardened. “If you dare cross that line, even if it’s just emotional wandering or ambiguity, I won’t hesitate to find a new mother for my son!” Sophia’s face was ashen. She spun around and stalked off to the guest bedroom. But I knew. This argument, for all its heat, was over. She’d go to the guest room, calm down, and by tomorrow, we’d make up and move on. That was the unspoken agreement we’d had for five years, the way we handled our marriage. Except, all our previous arguments had been about business or family. This—this quarrel over romantic feelings—this was a first. And it would be the last.

The next morning, Sophia’s phone rang bright and early. Owen’s name flashed on the screen. She hesitated for a moment, then answered. Owen’s voice, choked with sobs, spilled from the phone. “I… I really don’t know what to do…” “Slow down. What happened?” Sophia asked, her brows furrowed, her voice unexpectedly gentle. “I’m being cyberbullied! My photos are all over the internet, and everyone’s calling me names, saying I’m a kept man, that I slept my way to the top! I’m so scared, I can’t even leave the house…” Owen’s voice trembled, filled with terror and helplessness, faint sobs punctuating his words. Sophia’s face contorted, a literal fire burning in her eyes as she glared at me. “Don’t panic. Stay home, don’t move. I’ll handle it right away.” The news of Owen crossing me had already spread like wildfire through our industry circles. Even without my explicit instruction, our partners would actively jump to do things like this just to curry favor with me. I’d checked the online situation that morning; it wasn’t nearly as severe as Owen claimed. But I had to admit, his vulnerable, pitiful act had perfectly triggered Sophia’s protective instincts. Sophia’s fury erupted the moment she hung up. She slammed her phone onto the table, her eyes red, demanding, “Liam, what the hell do you want?! Owen is gone from the company, gone from us. Why are you still targeting him?! You’ve become so malicious! Abusing your power and influence as the CEO’s husband, just to wreak havoc!” I slammed my own coffee cup down, not backing down an inch. “Sophia, I told you, I did nothing.” “Who in this entire company doesn’t know he crossed you? Who else but you would do something like this?” I scoffed. “Sophia, in all these years, have you ever known me to do something and not own up to it? You’re repeatedly questioning me, over and over, all for some intern. I think he’s completely blinded you!” Sophia’s face was livid. She spun around and stormed out, the door slamming shut behind her. I slowly, methodically, wiped my mouth. Watching her retreating back, a flicker of profound disappointment ignited in my eyes. That afternoon, I was scrolling through social media. To my surprise, the overwhelming deluge of negative posts about Owen had vanished. In their place was an official statement from Sterling Group. It claimed Owen possessed exceptional talent and had joined Sterling Group solely on his merit. The statement sternly declared that Sterling Group would not tolerate malicious rumors about its employees and would pursue legal action against anyone spreading false information online. My phone screen lit up with a new message notification. It was Mark. “Mr. Blackwood, Mrs. Sterling just did more than have the legal department issue a statement. She publicly announced that Owen is returning to the company immediately as her Chief Secretary. Anyone caught spreading rumors, gossiping, or badmouthing him will be fired on the spot!” Mark continued. “Now the whole company is buzzing that Mrs. Sterling and Owen have an ‘unusual’ relationship.” Immediately after, Mark sent another screenshot. It was from Owen’s SnapChat. “The storms of the workplace are behind me! True talent always shines through the fire, and my hard work has been recognized! Thank you, Ms. Sterling, for believing in my abilities!” The post included a photo of an official offer letter. He was being rehired as Sterling Group’s Chief Secretary, with a salary on par with a Vice President. I stared at that sickening SnapChat post, then slammed my phone onto the table, pure murder flashing in my eyes. Not long after, Sophia came home to retrieve some documents. She didn’t even spare me a glance. She walked straight upstairs, grabbed something from her office, and was about to leave. I tapped my fingers lightly on the coffee table, stopping her. “Sophia, what is the meaning of this?” She paused, turning a cold gaze on me. “Owen is just a diligent, hardworking employee. Yet, for no good reason, you targeted him, drove him out of the company, and even cyberbullied him!” Her voice hardened. “I’m simply rectifying your mistake, Liam. This is what Owen deserves.” “What if I demand you fire him?” “Then go ahead and try! I’ve tolerated your every whim and let you abuse your power to hurt others all these years, out of respect for you as my husband! But I’m utterly fed up with your behavior now. This time, I won’t sacrifice Owen, and I won’t let you run wild anymore!” Sophia turned and left, the slamming door echoing through the entire villa. In that moment, I was utterly, irrevocably disappointed in her. Five years of marriage, of knowing and supporting each other, fractured like this, all because of a man who’d only been in our lives for two weeks. I sat on the couch, anger and disappointment a bitter knot in my chest. The glass in my hand shattered, shards digging into my palm, blood trickling down. I forced myself to calm down. Sophia, you will absolutely pay for what you’ve done today!

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Ryan Miller broke his leg in a car accident while picking up my new car. By the time I rushed to the hospital, Chloe, the owner of the car dealership, was already yelling at me. “How could you make Ryan pick up your car? If you weren’t so lazy, he wouldn’t be hurt!” Her voice was sharp, laced with an arrogant dismissal, as if she were scolding a subordinate. Not just me, but all our friends and family who came to visit Ryan were stunned. Ryan looked at her with a fond indulgence, then turned to soothe me. “She’s just very direct, don’t take it to heart.” I scoffed, turning to the woman who owned the dealership. “This is the second time your dealership has made such a basic mistake. If I don’t get a satisfactory explanation within three days, just wait for it to go out of business!” The girl’s face went pale. She looked at the man on the hospital bed, silently pleading for help. Ryan’s expression shifted slightly. “Evelyn, it was my operational error. It has nothing to do with her. I’ve already handled the accident.” I raised an eyebrow, looking directly at Ryan. “What about my car now?” Chloe winced at my coldness, her voice suddenly rising. “Ryan’s in the hospital, and all you care about is the car? Do you even have a heart?!” “You must be Chloe, right?” I looked at her with a blank expression. “First, that car is worth eighteen million dollars. It’s a global limited edition.” “Second, Ryan is my legal husband. Is there a problem with him picking up my car?” “Lastly…” I paused, my gaze falling on her hand, tightly clutching Ryan’s hospital gown. “You’re just a university student Ryan sponsored. By what right are you standing here questioning me?” Chloe’s face flushed red. She instinctively loosened her grip but still tried to argue. “I, I’m just worried about Ryan! You could have picked up the car yourself, but you had to make him go. Now that something’s happened, you haven’t even shown an ounce of concern…” I glanced at a message from my assistant on my phone and sneered. “You should worry about yourself more. The car damage estimate is in. The initial repair cost is estimated at three million dollars. Credit card or cash?” Chloe’s legs buckled, and she swayed. She glared at me, stubborn and furious. “Three million? This is extortion!” Then she looked pitifully at Ryan. “Ryan…” Ryan propped himself up, wincing as he aggravated his wound, pressing his fingers to his temple. “Evelyn, she just graduated. How could she have that much money? It was my mistake in the first place. I’ll pay for it.” I looked at him, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Ryan, you always being the protector of delicate women, huh? Isn’t gifting her a whole car dealership enough?” Ryan clearly hadn’t expected me to know about that. His expression froze. Chloe lost her earlier bravado, biting her lip as she explained. “Evelyn, take it out on me. Don’t blame Ryan. He just took pity on me, that’s all.” Ryan sighed, waving Chloe away. “This has nothing to do with you. You should go home first.” Chloe lowered her head, walking towards the door, glancing back repeatedly with reluctant steps. Just as she reached the exit, she quickly turned back. She pressed a beautifully decorated glass jar into Ryan’s hand. She looked up, her eyes wide and shimmering, holding a soft, pleading vulnerability that could melt anyone. Anyone watching would have believed these two were more than just friends. Chloe pursed her lips, leaving with lingering reluctance. As she passed me, she murmured. “Evelyn, it was my work mistake. The car wasn’t properly inspected before I let Ryan drive it away, and then the accident happened. Please don’t misunderstand, that jar contains paper stars I folded myself, wishing for Ryan’s leg to get better quickly.” The car wasn’t properly inspected? But the dealership had explicitly called me to pick up the car. That last time the brakes failed, was that also because it wasn’t properly inspected?

“Evelyn, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about the dealership.” Ryan’s voice pulled me back to reality. Only the two of us were left in the hospital room. He smiled, carefully placed the glass jar, and reached out to take my hand. “She just graduated, and it was her birthday. It was just a little gift. My CEO wife isn’t jealous, is she?” He spoke nonchalantly, as if the car dealership he’d given away was a mere insignificant plush toy. I turned my body, avoiding his touch. “You like women like that?” The atmosphere suddenly fell silent. Ryan’s face shifted slightly. He rubbed his temple. “I didn’t tell you because I was worried you’d overthink things.” “Chloe and I are innocent, we…” “I don’t care.” I interrupted him indifferently. “I may not have caught you red-handed in the act, but I, Evelyn, don’t tolerate any dirt in my eye. Ryan, you’d better put away any inappropriate thoughts, don’t force me to tear things apart.” Ryan looked up, staring at me in disbelief. “You don’t trust me?” I looked down at him, my eyes calm and still. My silence was the most direct answer. He was about to say more when his phone by the bed rang at just the right moment. The name “Chloe” on the screen was particularly jarring. Ryan hesitated before answering the call. Chloe’s soft, frail voice immediately floated through the speaker. “Ryan, is Evelyn giving you a hard time? Even if she’s angry, don’t argue with her, okay?” “I made some soup, but I’m afraid Evelyn will misunderstand, so I won’t bring it to you myself.” In two sentences, she managed to appear well-behaved and considerate, while subtly hinting at her closeness to Ryan. I stood still. Ryan glanced at my expression and hung up the phone. I sneered inwardly, too tired to continue this charade with him, and turned to walk out of the hospital room. “Evelyn!” Ryan quickly called out to me. “Are you really mad?” “I promise I’ll stay far away from her, and never contact her again. Please don’t be so cold to me, okay?” “My leg hurts…” I tilted my head slightly, my voice devoid of any warmth. “If your leg hurts, call a doctor. I have things to do at the company. Get some rest.” Walking out of the hospital, the cold wind on my face slightly quelled the anger simmering within me. I pulled out my phone and called my assistant. “Look into Chloe thoroughly. I suspect she was involved in the previous brake failure incident.” After my last car maintenance, the brakes failed midway, and I swerved into a median strip, narrowly avoiding a major accident. That evening, the regional manager of a high-end jewelry store, sent by Ryan, personally delivered dozens of priceless jewelry pieces for me to choose from. “Ryan is truly good to you, Ms. Harper. Such doting affection, it’s truly enviable.” I scanned the jewelry, finding it only ironic. “Don’t you know that on the night a man cheats, he’ll repeatedly tell his wife ‘I love you’ to alleviate his guilt?” Ryan thought I was just throwing a tantrum, like those socialite wives who, upon discovering their husband’s infidelity, would cry, make a scene, and finally accept jewelry and designer bags to smooth things over. But he forgot who I was. Evelyn Harper. The sole heir of the Harper family. I took over the family business at eighteen and dominated on Wall Street by twenty-two. At twenty-five, I returned home and entered a business marriage with him, not because I couldn’t live without him, but because of our families’ long-standing friendship, And because he promised me lifelong devotion and fidelity. How ridiculous. In just five short years, he had completely forgotten those vows.

The next day, I received a SnapChat friend request from Chloe. The message read: “Evelyn, I wanted to explain about your car maintenance.” That day was incredibly busy. I had meetings all day and then rushed to catch a flight for my uncle’s birthday dinner in the evening. It wasn’t until I landed that I found time to accept the request. Chloe immediately sent a voice message, essentially saying that the temporary worker who serviced my car had gone missing without explanation and couldn’t be contacted. I didn’t reply to her. When I returned, I accidentally swiped into her Ins feed. Her latest post was from half an hour ago. The photo showed Ryan sitting on the sofa in our villa, drinking soup. In the background, I could see the high-priced oil painting I had acquired at auction, and the custom Italian handmade rug. Even more jarring was Chloe wearing my favorite pajamas and slippers. She was smiling brightly, leaning close to him, holding up her phone with one hand and making a peace sign with the other. The caption read: “Finally able to take care of you when you’re sick, even though I’m misunderstood. But the innocent will always be proven innocent. Homemade bone broth, hope you get better soon.” I took a screenshot and sent it to Ryan. “Living in my house, wearing my clothes, getting intimate with my husband–is this your idea of ‘innocent’?!” Ryan instantly replied. “Evelyn, Chloe got her clothes dirty making soup for me, so she just borrowed yours temporarily. She was only being kind, don’t overthink it.” I scoffed. “Only being kind?” “I bet making soup was fake, and secretly moving in to steal my man was real. Wearing my clothes to play innocent, what, do you think squatting in my home will make you the official lady of the house?” “Can you stop being so harsh?” Ryan’s tone changed. “You’re never around, and she specifically came to take care of me. Can’t you show a little understanding?” “Evelyn, you weren’t like this before. Why have you become so bossy and unreasonable now?” I looked at the screen and laughed in anger. Bossy? Unreasonable? When Miller Group’s funding chain broke, it was my assertiveness that led my team to work overtime for a month straight, helping him secure crucial investments. When his father was gravely ill, it was I, the “unreasonable” one, who put aside several hundred-million-dollar merger cases to stay by his bedside in the hospital for half a month. He used to say he admired my power and decisiveness in the workplace. Now, with a gentle and thoughtful “little angel” by his side, he found me bossy and harsh? Because my aunt insisted I stay longer, it wasn’t until the third day that I caught the earliest flight home. The fingerprint lock hadn’t been changed, but my fingerprint had been deleted. I stood at the door and rang the doorbell. It was Chloe who opened the door. This time, she was wearing Ryan’s shirt, the hem just covering her thighs. Her hair was wet, as if she had just showered. “Evelyn?” Her voice was surprised. “Why are you back? Ryan is still sleeping…” I cut her off. “Can’t I come back to my own home?” “Move!” “I didn’t mean that.” She stubbornly blocked the doorway. “But Ryan is still resting, and Evelyn seems upset. I’m afraid you’ll disturb him…” I couldn’t be bothered with her nonsense. I simply pushed her aside. “Get lost!” Ryan was woken by the commotion and emerged from the bedroom, leaning on his crutches. Seeing the tense atmosphere, he frowned. “What’s going on?”

Before Chloe could speak, tears streamed down her face. “Ryan, I’m so sorry. You were so tired last night, I just wanted you to sleep longer, I didn’t mean to offend Evelyn.” She sobbed, trembling, like a helpless little rabbit that had been horribly bullied. Yet, her earlobes were conspicuously red. Ryan cleared his throat, then spoke. “Evelyn, you’ve really misunderstood Chloe. Apologize to her.” I ignored him and sat on the sofa. I looked up and noticed that the photo frame with my and Ryan’s picture on the display shelf was gone. In its place was the glass jar filled with paper stars Chloe had folded by hand. On the coffee table were scattered pieces of underwear that weren’t mine. “No wonder you tried to stop me from coming in. Ryan, you two really know how to have fun.” Chloe cried as she bent to pick up the underwear. “These are mine, I, I just washed them, and was just drying them here…” “Drying them in the living room?” I scoffed. “Can Ryan, with one broken leg, still satisfy you so well?” Chloe’s face instantly flushed crimson. She stammered. “Evelyn, you, you really misunderstood. I, Ryan and I, didn’t do anything.” “Enough!” Ryan glared at me impatiently. “Evelyn, do you really have to say such vulgar things to humiliate her?” “She’s just an innocent young girl, not like you, with a mind full of schemes!” I looked up at him. “What have I schemed?” “You scheme to embarrass her, to ruin her reputation, to make me obey you, and revolve around you forever!” Ryan grew more agitated as he spoke. “Yes, I let her stay, but nothing happened between us!” “She took care of me, and I’m grateful to her, it’s that simple! Why do you always think the worst of people?” “Whether people are dirty or not, I’m not interested.” I pulled out a document. “But what I am interested in is that six months ago, you used Miller Group’s funds and resources to open a car dealership for her, investing twenty million dollars, yet you marked it as ‘public welfare investment’.” “Ryan, did you get board approval? Embezzling company funds to support a mistress, how does that charge sound?” Ryan’s face turned ashen. “You investigated me? She’s not a mistress!” “Then what is she?” I stood up and walked over to Chloe. “Miss Chloe, tell us, what are you?” Chloe bit her lip. “I, I just admire Ryan and appreciate his help, so I came to take care of him for a couple of days…” “Admire him so much that you wear my clothes and sleep in my bed?” I pointed to the slightly ajar master bedroom door. “Ryan, I saw with my own eyes both of you coming out of the master bedroom. How do you explain that?” Ryan gritted his teeth. “Believe it or not, Chloe slept on the floor to take care of me. We didn’t do anything!” “I don’t care if you slept together or not.” I put away the document and placed a divorce agreement on the coffee table, my tone leaving no room for negotiation. “Ryan, sign the divorce agreement, and transfer the ownership of the car dealership back to the company. Property will be divided according to our prenuptial agreement, and we can end this gracefully.” “Otherwise, I will sue you for embezzlement and marital infidelity, and report you to the board. Do you think those old sharks will miss the chance to kick you out?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “351486”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #惊悚Thriller #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #浪漫Romance #狼人Werewolf