I was notorious in our circle: a frail socialite with an unhinged reputation, my delicate constitution supposedly sustained by the mysterious power of blood. I despised the fiancé my father had chosen for me, Julian Vance. So, to spite him, I kept nine male companions at home. Each time Julian, the richest man in the city, whose very being was a living remedy, questioned me, his eyes blazing with fury, I’d merely scoff at him. But then, those nine men poisoned the blood I drank, and absconded with all my assets. As blood streamed from every orifice, Julian, his eyes red-rimmed, tortured them to death. Their screams died out as their blood stained the entire mansion. He then severed a major artery, offering his blood to my lips, tears streaming down his face. “Elara, my love, my blood can cure all ills. Please, live for me, okay?” But I never opened my eyes, even as his lifeblood drained away. It was then I finally understood the depth of his devotion. I reopened my eyes, reborn to the very day my father was choosing my husband. This time, I sent all my male companions away. I wanted only him. I truly believed we would live happily until the very end. But then, to bail out his cousin, Valerie Reed, who’d gambled away everything at the casino, he and my father delivered me straight to the opponent’s poker table. … At the poker table, my body wouldn’t stop trembling. In my last life, Julian would sever a major artery, bleeding himself nearly to death to save me. Just three minutes ago, he willingly subjected himself to drugs, making me drink his sedative-laced blood. He sighed, his warm thumb gently wiping away the tears at the corner of my eye. “Elara, I’ve replaced everyone at the casino with my own people. They won’t hurt you. You just need to act the part, to soothe Valerie’s bruised feelings.” “You ruined her dress yesterday, so consider this your apology.” Even my doting father chimed in, “Consider it character building. If it weren’t for you, Valerie wouldn’t have been so heartbroken she ran off to the casino.” I was shaken, trembling all over, unable to believe these words came from my doting father’s lips. Yesterday, Valerie saw the dress I was wearing at the mall. She came at me, all flailing limbs and furious intent, only to slip, tearing her dress and humiliating herself in front of everyone. She claimed I made her barely clothed, leaving her to be photographed by strangers. Then, heartbroken, she went to the casino and lost everything, utterly ruined. My pupils constricted violently, comparing them to the two men who had loved me so deeply in my previous life. Could it be that they, too, had been reborn? My body stiffened, but my mind was terrifyingly clear. Tears instantly streamed down my face. Julian then arranged me into a pose that seemed to satisfy everyone. The poker chips, heavy with their weight, teetered precariously on my barely covered body. “Young Master Vance, this is the unhinged beauty from the Sterling family; you’re going to get us in trouble… Isn’t the cousin a safer bet?” The playboys eyed me with lust, yet recoiled in fear. Their sticky hands cautiously brushed against my skin. Julian leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the changing room, his expression cold. “Since I brought her, feel free to enjoy yourselves. Her body, cultivated by daily blood, just a touch and she’s ready.” My body shook like a sieve. Julian, who’d painstakingly nursed himself back to health, used to fuss over a mosquito bite for half a day. Now, he was personally offering me up. Seeing me like a fish on a cutting board, ready to be carved, those men rubbed their hands in anticipation. They tore at the few remaining inches of fabric on my body. A wave of intense humiliation washed over me. My heart shattered into a million pieces. From across the room, Valerie emerged, her eyes red. Julian tenderly pulled her into his embrace. His doting tone made her giggle sweetly. Those who’d dared disrespect her instantly fell to their knees, groveling for forgiveness. My heart twisted with a mix of emotions. I remembered. Before, if anyone so much as glanced at me too long, he’d taught them a lesson they’d never forget. Valerie looked at me, her eyes suddenly red, but a vicious glint shone within them. “Sister, even if you’re used to being arrogant and overbearing, you shouldn’t walk around without clothes. So many men, it’s embarrassing. Why don’t you all get close to Elara, so she doesn’t get cold.” The words had barely left her lips when Julian stepped forward, his large hand possessively covering her eyes. “Don’t look. She’s dirty.” My fingertips dug deep into my palms, my heart aching and trembling as large tears fell. It was June; how could Julian not understand what she meant? He was indulging her, backing her up. A man with such severe germophobia, who in my previous life held me, covered in blood, and kissed me gently. Why was he so cruel this time? Seeing Julian leave, the men no longer held back, crowding around the poker table, indulging themselves wildly. Once they were satisfied, they discarded me. Their laughter in the room drowned out my heart-wrenching screams. Even my breaths were tainted with the sickly sweet taste of pain. I stumbled home on trembling legs. But at the doorstep, I froze, my breath hitched. My hands, hanging at my sides, clenched into tight fists. Valerie and I shared the same birthday. At this moment, my father and Julian were at the table, celebrating hers. Countless gifts were piled high in the living room. Everything that should have been mine in my last life, and even now, meant nothing to me. The three of them laughed and chatted around the dining table. That warm and harmonious scene was all I had ever craved, in this life and the last. It turned out Valerie could get it so easily. I averted my eyes, taking the back stairs to the second floor. The moment I closed the door, I couldn’t hold back anymore. I broke down, sobbing. I had clearly changed my temper for him. So why had he and Father acted so strangely? This time, I wanted to love him truly, but he wouldn’t give me a chance. My face was ashen as I pulled out my phone. “Leo, I’m coming to you, I’m not marrying him.” The man on the other end sighed, his voice cold. “Little sister, it’s good you finally understand. Caleb will be very happy when he hears this.” After hanging up, I lay sleepless on the cold floor all night. My phone vibrated, shattering my already frozen heart. It was a SnapChat video from Valerie. My hands trembled as I tapped it open. When I saw the end of the video, my body went rigid. “Sister, did you sleep well last night? I’ve arranged for the baby in your belly to return and repay your kindness. I specifically chose prime genetic material. No need to thank me.” I froze, a bone-deep chill spreading through me. I couldn’t move an inch. Valerie had replaced the casino staff… And then I saw someone injecting something into me. I rushed to the bathroom, retching until blood appeared in my vomit. I scrubbed my skin raw with a steel wool scrubber until blood mingled with the water, tears streaming down my face. In my last life, Valerie, though adopted, had always behaved herself in the Sterling household. But this time, she was like a completely different person. A chilling realization dawned on me: they had all been reborn. I dragged my broken body, frantic, into the hospital, begging the nurse, “Please, I need an abortion.” The words had barely left my lips when I heard the click of heels behind me. I looked up to see Julian, his face darkened ominously, striding towards me. “Sister, you’re pregnant? Why are you asking the nurse for an abortion? Do you really not want Julian’s child?” I rushed forward, clutching Julian’s hand tightly. “I’m not pregnant. This isn’t my child. Valerie replaced the people at the casino. She had someone inject…” Julian, his eyes blazing, pinned me against the wall, gritting his teeth. “You’re still trying to frame Valerie? I thought your temper had improved, but you’re still so inconsiderate of others.” Even my father, who had rushed over at the commotion, slapped me hard across the face. “You demon child! When will you learn to be as obedient as Valerie? This is your own child!” Blood seeped from the corner of my mouth. I swallowed the coppery taste in my throat. I looked at them and laughed, tears streaming down my cheeks. The two men who loved me most had personally sent me to the casino, preferring to trust an outsider over his own daughter. They wouldn’t even ask their own daughter a single question. In my previous life, I distinctly remembered that if I coughed just once, they would have all the doctors on standby at the mansion. Helpless tears, which I could no longer hold back, streamed down my face. Seeing me in such a state, a sharp pang hit his chest, and he stepped forward. But Valerie chose that moment to let out a delicate sob. “I’ve already forgiven Elara, why must you still try to frame me? I’m a victim too, I almost…” Her perfectly timed, dramatic pause fueled Julian’s rage. Her eyes gleamed with triumphant malice as she looked at me. My blood boiled. I glared at her viciously, stumbled to my feet, and lunged towards her. But the moment my fingers brushed her hair, Julian shoved me away violently. I crashed into a cart, and the IV drip shattered all over the floor, pain radiating through my entire body. As blood gushed from beneath me, I saw Julian tenderly blowing on Valerie’s hair. And my usually composed father frantically called for doctors and nurses. I smiled, then blacked out. When I woke up again, I was tightly bound to the hospital bed, unable to move an inch. My hands and feet were bound until my limbs were bruised and swollen. Envious whispers from the nurses drifted into my ears. “When will I meet a man like Mr. Vance? His fiancée pulled out a single strand of his adopted sister’s hair, and he brought in the top hair transplant specialist.” “Right? And to prevent her from harming Miss Reed again, he’s treating her like a mentally ill patient. It’s the first time I’ve seen restraints used like this!” Their voices faded. I looked up, and Julian appeared at the doorway. Was there a hint of heartache in his eyes as he looked at me? I scoffed. He noticed my gaze, loosened the restraints on me, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. “Elara, you’re being so unreasonable. Valerie said you were just having your period and not pregnant at all. Your paltry attempt to gain my sympathy is too clumsy.” My breath hitched. He believed Valerie’s words just like that. “You should apologize to Valerie. As compensation, give her your Four Seasons Estate. You don’t use it anyway.” I gasped, my eyes widening. The Four Seasons Estate was divided into four sections—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—and was my mother’s specifically designed wedding gift for me. Before she passed, she clung to life just to ensure I signed for it myself. Julian once held me, promising that we would let Mother witness our happiness. How could I just hand it over to someone else? “I refuse!” I snapped. Julian’s face twisted, and he stared at me coldly. “Valerie’s health isn’t good. The Four Seasons Estate has special climate control for each season, perfect for nursing her body. Don’t be so petty.” My face drained of all color, but I stood my ground. “You’re a living remedy; if her health isn’t good, use your blood to heal her!” Julian’s expression flickered. “No! Valerie isn’t like you; she can’t stand the smell of blood. It’s settled.” I looked at Julian, a profound sorrow gripping me. Then I suddenly remembered my father. Right! Father and Mother loved each other so deeply; he surely wouldn’t agree! I rushed out of the hospital and went home. But when I approached my father with a glimmer of hope, he slapped me hard across the face, his rage blazing. “Is this how your mother taught you to be so cold-blooded? For a useless relic left by a dead woman, you’re willing to let her be frail and sickly!” My pupils violently constricted, and my entire body trembled. Mother had been so good to Julian. She’d even managed Father’s company until her dying breath. Yet, this same man now only offered a cold back and cruel words. My lips were bitten raw until they bled. Julian flinched, stung by the hatred in my eyes. He was about to say something when Valerie strutted out, holding an authorization form, flaunting it in front of me. “Thank you, Elara, for your apology. Our grievances are now completely erased.” As she spoke, she pulled out two racing tickets from the file. “Sister, I invite you to my race tomorrow. Father and Julian will both be there.” My hand trembled violently when I saw the tickets. I looked at the two men, my face filled with panic. When I was a child, a race car had crashed through the barrier and hit me. I lay in the hospital for two years, the cold machines making it hard to hold on. “I’m not going!” I tried to escape, but Valerie grabbed me, her nails digging into my flesh, as if tearing a piece of me away. Valerie suddenly arched backward uncontrollably, too fast to react. “Ah, don’t push me…” She fell straight into the fireplace behind her, flames leaping up. Julian pulled her out, and she sobbed uncontrollably in his arms. “What if my hair is burned? Sister must resent me. I didn’t mean to take anything from her.” I looked up. “Would you believe me if I said I didn’t?” “Elara Sterling, what are you doing?” Julian’s eyes were crimson, as if he wanted to gouge me out. I merely sneered at him, seeing no need to explain. He knew how terrified I was of cars, yet he still wouldn’t believe me. Seeing this, Valerie ran off crying. Julian raised his hand, ready to deliver a fierce slap. He went after her like a madman. In the dead of night, I curled up in bed, my pillow soaked with tears. “Mom… why didn’t you take me with you?” In a blur, I heard someone push open the door and lead me downstairs. When I reopened my eyes, the screech of tires against the pavement was deafening, and everything blurred before me. I bit my lower lip hard, the sensation of impending death washing over me. My body was covered in vomit mixed with blood. I instantly understood: Julian was getting revenge for Valerie. This time, I couldn’t even shed a single tear. The car door opened, and I rolled out like a dead weight. The smell of burning filled the air, but I no longer had the strength to struggle. I didn’t understand why this life had turned out this way. Julian and Father were like different people. But it didn’t matter anymore. Everything was about to end. I curled my lips into a relieved smile and slowly closed my eyes. ———-此处为截断点———- “What unhinged socialite? I’d say she’s a promiscuous socialite, ha…” “Ah!” The unrestrained laughter came to an abrupt halt.

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My wife, Seraphina, pushed my mother into the path of a speeding car, just to save a dog. My mother ended up in a vegetative state because of her. Afterward, I took the dog to a shelter. Seraphina responded by freezing all my accounts. “That dog belongs to Jaxon! It’s his competition dog! Do you have any idea how important it is for his future?” “You only lost a mother, but *he* lost his entire future!” Seraphina slammed the door behind her, her voice cutting and cold. “Get that dog back, or your mother will starve to death! And you can forget about ever being my husband again!” Later, my mother’s stock transfer matured, making me the new CEO of the company. At the same time, I served Seraphina with divorce papers and proof of her affair. The moment I heard my accounts were frozen, I rushed to the hospital. “Seraphina, you froze my assets for a *dog*?!” “You know Mom needs that money for her brain surgery!” “How could you do this after all the kindness she showed you?” Thinking of my mother, fighting for her life, fury surged through me. But Seraphina just looked at me with cold eyes, like I was some deranged lunatic throwing a tantrum. “Why are you yelling? Do you think you’re the only one who can scream?” “It’s already happened. What good does arguing with me do?” Seraphina’s voice was flat, as if none of this concerned her. I stared at the woman I’d spent ten years building a life with, and my heart turned to ice. “Have you forgotten how your company got its start?” “Have you forgotten how Mom shielded you with her own body when you were attacked by vicious dogs, getting disfigured herself?” “And now, to save a dog, you’ve put her on her deathbed, Seraphina! Are you even human?!” Seraphina was an orphan, and Mom had taken pity on her, sending her money to support her. Later, when we started dating, Seraphina wanted to start a business. Mom didn’t hesitate, she pulled out all her savings, borrowed money from relatives, and even worked herself ragged, picking up every shift she could, just to support Seraphina’s venture. When the company’s profits soared into the billions, Mom never took a single cent. It’s no exaggeration to say that every ounce of its success was built on her sacrifices. But now, Seraphina had pushed her towards death with her own hands. As I finished, a flicker of irritation crossed Seraphina’s eyes. She whipped the dog leash she held, striking my face. A sharp whistle cut through the air, and my left eye burned crimson. She snapped impatiently, “You’re making a mountain out of a molehill. Is it fun to rehash such a tiny thing over and over again?” “This dog is Jaxon’s competition dog. He’s poured years of effort into it. How heartbroken would he be if it was gone?” “Your top priority right now is to find that dog. Otherwise, don’t blame me for freezing all your accounts and letting your mother starve to death!” I looked at the disgusted expression on the woman’s face, a profound desolation in my heart. When we first got together, I loved sweets, so Seraphina would save her lunch money to buy me candy. When I was gravely ill in bed, she’d brave heavy rain to bring me food. She even worked relentlessly to get into a top university, just to be worthy of me, despite only being qualified for a community college. But now, I felt like I was truly seeing her for the first time. Just then, Seraphina’s phone rang. She glanced at me, then walked aside, phone in hand. The moment she answered, her expression softened, and her voice became noticeably gentler: “Don’t worry, Jaxon. I’ll definitely find your dog.” “When the competition starts, I’ll personally take you there.” “I’ve frozen Liam’s accounts, so he won’t dare to defy me… Heh, what if he doesn’t find it? She’s just an old woman. If she dies, she dies. You’re far more important.” … I couldn’t hear the rest of Seraphina’s words. I walked out of the hospital, head bowed, in a daze. The sun was blazing outside, but I felt like I’d plunged into an icy abyss, my heart filled with nothing but numb anger and despair.

To gather money for my mother’s medical bills, I called a few of my closest friends. But those who were usually so enthusiastic now avoided me like the plague. After much prodding, they finally sighed: “Seraphina told us not to lend you any money, Liam. She’s got everyone under her thumb, what can we do?” “If you ask me, you should just swallow your pride and grovel to Seraphina. With her temper, she’ll probably forgive you.” “Seraphina controls everything now. Your mom’s lived for decades, it wouldn’t be a loss if she died. But you’re still young. If you cross her, what will your future be like?” … After talking to them, I received a payment notice from the hospital. The doctor said if I didn’t pay the medical fees soon, they’d cut off my mother’s nutritional support. I stood aimlessly on the street. It was the scorching heat of summer, but my heart felt chillingly suffocated, a coldness flowing through my veins. My phone rang. Seraphina’s voice came through: “Liam, Jaxon is waiting for his competition!” “I’m giving you one day to find the dog, or don’t blame me for cutting off our marriage ties!” “Seraphina, don’t be mean to Liam.” Jaxon’s voice echoed through the phone. “It’s just a competition. If it helps Liam calm down, I don’t mind missing it. It’s just a shame about all the training you’ve given me over the years.” Hearing this, Seraphina’s voice grew even colder: “Liam, bring the dog back before dark tomorrow. This is my final ultimatum!” “Otherwise, expect to see your mother’s corpse!” The call disconnected. I collapsed onto the ground in despair. Cold sweat trickled down my hair. Thinking of my mother in the operating room, I clutched my phone, feeling overwhelmed by confusion and helplessness. Turns out, vows only mean something when love is still in the picture. My phone vibrated again, a text message: [Mr. Davies: Hello, Mr. Turner. Your mother’s shares held with us have matured. As per her instructions, we are now transferring them all to you.]

Seraphina’s power was soaring. At my mother’s milestone birthday celebration, she actually forgot to bring a gift and flaunted hickeys openly at the banquet. Perhaps my mother had already sensed something then, which is why she demanded Seraphina gift her 50% of the company shares as a birthday present. That was two years ago. Even Seraphina herself had probably forgotten about it. My lawyer confirmed that these 50% were core shares, transferred by my mother before my marriage. They were considered pre-marital assets. Even with Seraphina and I married, they were entirely mine. On the other hand, Seraphina. Over the past few years, to keep Jaxon happy, she’d sold off a significant portion of her shares for cash. By now, she probably held less than 10% of the shares. Thinking of my mother, hanging by a thread in the operating room, I clenched my fists. If you treat me unjustly, then don’t blame me for returning the favor!

By the time I got home, it was evening. Pushing open the door, I saw Jaxon and Seraphina in a compromising situation, their clothes disheveled. Jaxon was holding my mother’s favorite cat. I exploded in rage: “Who told you to touch my pet?!” “This is my home! Get out!” “Now! Immediately!” They were startled and quickly got up. Jaxon, especially, his eyes red, hid behind Seraphina, putting on a pitiful, wronged expression: “Seraphina, did I upset Liam again? Maybe I shouldn’t have come here.” “It’s true, I’m just like my dog – no one likes me. Seraphina, I won’t bother you and Liam anymore. I’ll leave now.” He started to walk out. But Seraphina grabbed Jaxon, pulling him behind her, her gaze at me filled with even more disgust: “Liam, I’ve never seen such an overbearing, unreasonable man! What did Jaxon do wrong for you to target him like this?! I can’t stand narrow-minded people like you!” I frowned, disgusted by Seraphina’s twisted logic. “Fine by me. I don’t want someone else’s sloppy seconds anyway,” I said coldly, unwilling to argue further. “We’re getting divorced tomorrow. But Seraphina, remember this: I’m the one who’s leaving you.” Seraphina froze, her eyes reddening. She stepped forward and grabbed my wrist. “What do you mean?” “Can’t you understand?” I sneered. “I find you disgusting.” Seraphina’s eyes were bloodshot, her voice suddenly rising. “Say that again, if you dare!” Jaxon had retreated to the window at some point. Startled by Seraphina’s outburst, his hand jerked, and he threw the cat out the window. I felt myself collapsing. I lunged forward, grabbing Jaxon’s collar. “Why did you do that?!” Jaxon frantically waved his hands. “No, no, I was just scared by you, that’s why I threw it. I didn’t mean to…” But I’d clearly seen him smiling as he threw the cat. He hadn’t been scared at all. And we were on the thirteenth floor; the cat was as good as dead! “Liam, why are you shouting?!” Seraphina blocked Jaxon, pushing me away forcefully. “It’s just a cat! If it dies, it dies! Why are you making such a fuss?!” I looked at Seraphina, and my heart completely died. That cat was bought by my father for my mother before he passed away. It was her only memento of him, her emotional anchor. Seraphina knew this perfectly well, yet she dismissed it so lightly, shielding Jaxon. When Jaxon’s dog went missing, she cut off my mother’s medical funds. But when *my* cat was gone, I wasn’t even allowed to raise my voice. Look at the double standards.

“Seraphina, I’m tired.” I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. “Since you two aren’t leaving, I will.” “Anyway, you’ve been wanting to replace your husband, haven’t you? I might as well clear the spot for you!” *Slap!* A stinging slap landed on my face. Seraphina’s eyes were red. “Liam, what nonsense are you spewing? Jaxon and I are just ordinary brother and sister!” “Don’t use your filthy mind to speculate about us, to tarnish my and Jaxon’s innocence!” I covered my stinging face. My anger faded, replaced by overwhelming disappointment. This was the second time Seraphina had hit me. The first was when I’d impulsively said I wanted to break up. This second time was for Jaxon. “Aren’t you leaving?” Seraphina shoved me hard, pushing me out of the house. Along with me came a pile of my clothes and shoes. “Take your disgusting things with you! Go wherever you want, die for all I care!” “Oh, and by the way, remember to return the dog before you die!” The door slammed shut mercilessly. I stood in the dim hallway, bending down to silently pick up my belongings. Then I went to the institution and retrieved the shares my mother had left me. I looked at the thick stack of documents, my shoulders trembling. These were my mother’s last possessions. They were her final protection, earned through years of frugality and sacrifice. “Mr. Turner, Hayes Industries claims to have made a breakthrough in brain death recovery and can offer your mother free treatment. The condition is that you join their group with your shares.” I knew Hayes Industries. A new pharmaceutical company, a fierce rival of Seraphina’s company. But because of their limited resources, they’d always been suppressed. “Okay.” I pondered for a moment, then signed the contract. That same evening, I transferred my mother to the city’s top hospital. At the same time, I prepared the divorce papers.

The next day, I attended Hayes Industries’ anniversary banquet as planned. And ran straight into Seraphina and Jaxon. “Liam, what are you doing here?” Jaxon gasped, clinging to Seraphina’s arm, covering his mouth. “You’re not… stalking us, are you?” “Liam, I don’t know how you snuck in here,” Seraphina said impatiently. “But this is a major industry event. It’s not appropriate for a small employee like you to be here. Go home before I get angry!” I sneered, staring at Jaxon. “What about him?” “Compared to me, Jaxon isn’t even an employee, is he?” Jaxon’s face changed. But Seraphina shielded him behind her. “Liam, I’m warning you, don’t embarrass me here. I— ” She stopped mid-sentence as Vivian Hayes, the CEO of Hayes Industries, approached and took my arm. “Liam, there you are.” Vivian noticed the shocked expressions on Jaxon and Seraphina’s faces and asked, puzzled, “Do you know Seraphina?” I shook my head. Seraphina’s face turned ashen. Jaxon’s gaze darted between Vivian and me. He suddenly seemed to understand and mocked, “Oh, so *that’s* why you’re here. You’ve hooked up with someone else, huh?” “Shameless! Your mom’s still in the hospital, and you’re out here having a good time?” Jaxon’s voice wasn’t quiet. People around us slowly started to gather. Seraphina tried to explain, but I cut her off. “My business is none of yours,” I said coldly. “None of my business?” Seraphina’s face darkened. “You’re my husband. How can your business be none of mine?” “I get it. You’re throwing a tantrum again.” She frowned, rebuking me. “Now, get your butt home, or don’t blame me for cutting our agreed time short and severing your mother’s medical resources!” I shrugged indifferently. “Whatever makes you happy.” Seraphina froze, then frowned. “Liam, you don’t actually think hooking up with Hayes Industries will save your mother, do you?” “With one word from me, who would dare interfere?” She leaned closer, whispering to me, “Just humble yourself, and I’ll let you stay my husband. Our mom will be fine too.” “No thanks.” I recoiled in disgust. “I don’t want it.” “You— ” Seraphina gritted her teeth and slapped me. I frowned, ready to retaliate. But Jaxon suddenly lunged out from the crowd, kicking me to the ground. He shielded Seraphina and yelled, “It’s your privilege to be slapped by Seraphina! And you dare try to hit back?!” Seraphina backed away with a cold expression, showing no intention of helping me up. “Are you okay?” Vivian helped me up, indignant. “They’re absolutely outrageous.” “Let’s go.” I shook my head, not wanting to get dragged into it any further. “Liam, you stop right there!” Seraphina commanded loudly. I ignored her, so she quickly stepped in front of me, blocking my path. “I told you to stop! Are you deaf?” “I’m telling you, it’s still not too late to beg me for mercy. Otherwise, your mother—” Her words were cut short as Seraphina’s secretary walked into the banquet, looking frantic. “Seraphina, it’s bad! Something terrible has happened!” “What’s the rush?” “That…” Sarah glanced at me, swallowing. “Since this morning, a lot of shareholders have collectively withdrawn their investments, and also…” Seraphina’s face went white. “Also what?”

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To ensure her beloved ex got promoted, the CEO’s wife stole my proposal. Then she had the audacity to accuse me of plagiarism, claiming I copied her ex’s work, and demanded severe disciplinary action. Her ex, Mason Rivers, smirked, looking smug. “Liam Allen, I can’t believe you’d stoop to such scheming and dishonest tactics just to get a promotion. Mr. Harrison despises petty, underhanded people like you. Once he’s back, not only will you be kicked out of the company, but you’ll be blacklisted across the entire industry.” I didn’t get angry. Instead, I just laughed and resigned on the spot. My wife, Isabella Harris, seeing me so compliant, privately offered to put in a good word for me, assuring me that getting back into the company wouldn’t be a problem. What they didn’t know was that Mr. Harrison was my dad, and he’d seen me write that proposal firsthand. Once the truth came out, they wouldn’t just be utterly disgraced; they’d lose everything. “Liam Allen, the company invested so much manpower and resources into training you, and you’re just walking away?” “I can be generous and forgive your plagiarism. However, you’ll have to work as my assistant and learn what real decency and integrity means.” Mason Rivers straightened his suit jacket, his face full of mockery as he stepped on the proposal I’d spent a week burning the midnight oil on. I sneered back. “Mason Rivers, you’re nothing but a kept man, clinging to a woman to get ahead, you shameless cheat. What right do you have to be yapping here? Have me as your assistant? Do you honestly think you’re worthy?” Everyone present gasped, shocked that I, a failed candidate for promotion, dared to talk back. Mason’s face subtly changed. Isabella Harris, sitting firmly in the main chair, suddenly stood up. She grabbed the uncapped pen from beside her and hurled it at me. “Liam Allen, you’re utterly insolent! This is Harrison Corp., not your living room! You plagiarized, and now you’re trying to turn the tables on us?” I didn’t have time to dodge. The pen tip sliced across my cheek, leaving a thin line of crimson blood. The sharp sting made me wince. Isabella’s long lashes fluttered, a flicker of something, maybe regret, in her eyes as she clenched her fists and spoke in a low, tight voice. “Mason is being so kind to forgive you. You should be incredibly grateful. It’s not easy to find a job these days.” I just curled my lips. We’d been married for five years, and Isabella and I had worked tirelessly together at the company for five years. She always said that once I became a Vice President, we’d go public with our marriage. She kept climbing, her position getting higher and higher, but her heart drifted further and further away. Every time a promotion opportunity came up, she ordered me to give it to someone else. Those who joined the company before me needed stability; they deserved promotion. Those who joined after me were ‘talented’; they deserved promotion. Mason Rivers had broken up with her in the past because she was ‘poor.’ Only after his family’s fortunes crashed did he come crawling back. He joined the company a year ago and was fast-tracked for promotion three times. Isabella personally wrote glowing reports, praising him to high heaven. I’d finally gotten to the point where I was about to stand shoulder to shoulder with her, but then she stole my proposal for Mason Rivers and accused me of plagiarism. “Alright, Isabella, don’t be angry. I don’t blame him. After all, getting caught plagiarizing is quite shameful. But I’m kind-hearted. I can’t bear to see him homeless, so I’m willing to share the project results with him so he can make up for his mistake.” Mason Rivers spoke up, feigning reconciliation, a smug look on his face. “Mr. Harrison is still recovering abroad and doesn’t know what’s happened here. Liam Allen, I can put in a good word for you when he gets back.” It was always like this. He’d push me to my breaking point, then hide behind Isabella, playing the victim. It made everyone believe he was bearing immense humiliation and was genuinely kind-hearted, while I was petty and spiteful, unable to tolerate others. Isabella nodded, her eyes full of admiration as she looked at Mason. “Liam Allen, Mason is so excellent and has such good character. You’ll be lucky to work under him.” Lucky? Besides his sweet talk and empty promises, he knew absolutely nothing about corporate work. If you looked at his achievements, they were all projects where Isabella had forcefully added his name, or projects he’d outright stolen from me. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have needed to plagiarize me for a simple proposal. Thinking of this, I scoffed. “Work with him? That flawed, copy-pasted proposal of mine, riddled with holes? If he takes that out, he’ll be lucky if he doesn’t anger our partners to death. I don’t want to get dragged into that mess.” Mason’s eyes reddened. He pulled off his employee badge and cried. “Isabella, I know I’m new to the industry and don’t have Liam’s experience. I’ve tried my best to befriend him, but he still has such a big prejudice against me. I can’t do this anymore. Maybe I should just leave!” If he hadn’t been clutching that badge tightly in his hand, I might have actually believed him. Bang! Isabella slammed her hand on the table, yelling furiously. “Liam Allen, this is workplace bullying! Apologize to Mason right now! Don’t forget what I told you a few days ago!” She winked at me, making a motion with her hand as if putting on a ring. I knew. She was threatening me with our official announcement. Everyone present, watching our dispute, unhesitatingly sided with the CEO. “Liam Allen, you were about to be kicked out of the company. It was our VP Mason who was generous enough to let you stay. You should be grateful! Now apologize!” “VP Mason is so dashing and talented. We’d all fight to be his assistant! You’re shameless enough to plagiarize, and you can’t even apologize? What’s with this ‘integrity’ act?” My gaze swept over all those familiar faces. Isabella had always treated me harshly at the company, exceptionally strict, making it known to everyone that she disliked me. These opportunists usually disobeyed orders and left all the messes for me to clean up. I endured it, waiting for the day I’d be promoted to VP and Isabella would go public with our marriage. All I got was an empty promise. Facing their coercion, I said calmly, “Since VP Rivers is so excellent, why does he need me? I wish him luck in leading the company to greatness.” Isabella saw I wasn’t taking the bait. Her delicate brows furrowed, and she snapped, “Liam Allen, you’re still so stubborn! When Mr. Harrison returns, it will be your downfall!” I chuckled. “More like your downfall.” Only I knew that Mr. Harrison was my dad, and I was his only son, pampered since childhood. When I was burning the midnight oil writing that proposal, he was sick, but he worried about my eyes so much it broke his heart. He even offered to write it for me. I wanted to see who would really be in trouble once my dad came back.

Isabella was shaking with rage, about to yell at me again. But I’d already pushed open the conference room door and walked out of the company. The house decor was minimalist. I collapsed onto the sofa, staring blankly up at the extraordinarily large crystal chandelier. When we decorated, Isabella had said, “Liam Allen, someday I’ll buy you a huge mansion, and this lamp will be exactly where it belongs!” But now, that serious-faced girl gradually faded from my mind. Seven years ago, we met in college. I was drawn to her earnest expression as she worked a part-time job in the cafeteria, wiping tables and washing dishes. She said she’d come from a poor, rural background, and her parents had been killed by unscrupulous corporate types, which was why she hated rich kids the most. So I pretended to be an ordinary person and dated her, falling deeper and deeper in love. After graduation, she said she wanted to work hard and make it on her own. I abandoned my parents’ plans for me to study abroad. I even threatened to cut ties with them, throwing myself headfirst into the trap of love. To punish me, my parents cut off all financial support and blacklisted me from the entire industry. In the beginning, I was busy running errands during the day and, in my free time at night, I delivered food and worked as a designated driver. Isabella and I were crammed into a cramped, windowless basement apartment, and my immune system weakened. I broke out in rashes all over my body. My mom would sneak a look at me then, find me thin and worn out, and just cry. Isabella was just a fresh-faced corporate newbie back then, still very green in business. It was I who taught her how to apply economic principles strategically, guiding her growth with the experience I gained from interning at my family’s company, wanting her to become as skilled as I was. She told me countless times that without me, she wouldn’t have made it. One New Year’s Eve, we huddled together under a blanket, watching a movie on my tiny old phone, listening to the fireworks outside. A bowl of ramen with an egg was our best New Year’s meal. She craved it, her mouth watering, but she kept putting her egg into my bowl, insisting I eat. Finally, my parents realized we were slowly finding our footing even in such difficult circumstances. They relented, secretly lifting the industry blacklisting order and bringing Isabella and me into the company for an internship. I thought a bright future was finally coming. But what came instead was Isabella becoming increasingly cold towards me because of work. A year ago, Mason Rivers suddenly reappeared, begging on his knees for her forgiveness. That was the first time she didn’t come home all night, completely wasted. She told me countless times that she was being good to Mason because, even though he was a disgraced rich kid, he was still a connection, useful for the company. I believed her. Until this time, when she unscrupulously used me as a stepping stone to pave the way for Mason. I finally had enough. I pulled out my phone and asked my mom, “How’s Dad’s condition? When is he coming back?” My mom sensed something was off and replied, “He thinks he’s much better. He’ll be back tomorrow. Has someone at the company been bothering you?” I replied, “No, I just miss you guys.” Just as I was about to close my phone and go to sleep, I scrolled through Mason Rivers’s Ins story. “My beautiful boss is so kind and generous. She approved a company car for me to drive! Thanks, Isabella!” In the photo, Mason stood in front of a luxury sedan worth half a million dollars, while Isabella held a bouquet of flowers, looking gentle. The comment section exploded, praising him and Isabella, saying they looked good together. Isabella, who had claimed our marriage had to be kept secret because office romance was frowned upon, silently approved of everyone shipping her and Mason. She only replied, “The company won’t treat you unfairly. This is the perk of being a VP.” Yet, when I wanted to replace my beat-up sedan, which I’d driven for years, Isabella accused me of not being considerate of the company’s finances and not treating the company like it was my own. She never approved it. Love and indifference were so painfully obvious. Late into the night, Isabella finally came home. She’d had quite a bit to drink, stumbling unsteadily. After collapsing onto the sofa, she winced, covering her eyes, and complained, “Why are the lights so bright? Are you trying to blind me?” Too lazy to argue with a drunk, I turned off the crystal chandelier, leaving only a faint glow from the entryway light. In the darkness, Isabella’s watery eyes were bright. She mumbled, “Liam Allen, you almost made me lose face at the company today, and you didn’t even come to pick me up tonight. You’re really something. Do you actually want to be a kept man? How can I go public with our marriage like this, how can I go back to your family’s place and meet your parents?” She hugged the throw pillow on the sofa. Something seemed to cross her mind, and she suddenly chuckled. “A rich kid like Mason is just different from someone from your small-town background. Look how generous he is, he even urged me to come home early, worried you’d make a fuss. As long as you agree to take some of the burden off him, I might even be able to hire you back as a full-time employee!” Ultimately, it was just about getting me to do Mason Rivers’s work for free. In the darkness, I said, “No need for all that trouble. Let’s get a divorce.”

“What?” She mumbled, half-asleep. I turned around, took out the divorce papers I’d already printed, and repeated, “Let’s get a divorce. Give Mason Rivers an official title.” Isabella’s faint smile froze, and she sobered up in an instant. After a long silence, she got up, poking my chest with her finger, her voice sharp. “Liam Allen, are you crazy? When did you get such a temper? You threw a fit and resigned just because you missed one promotion, and now, just because I had a drink with Mason tonight, you’re threatening divorce? You better think this through. I’m the breadwinner in this family. What right do you have to threaten me?” “I’m already exhausted today. Tomorrow, I have to help Mason with our partners. Coming home just to get yelled at is worse than staying at the office!” With that, she grabbed her coat and stormed out. I didn’t go after her. I simply placed the divorce papers on the coffee table, turned around, and went to bed. The next day, after breakfast, my mom sent me a message: “Liam, Dad and I have already left for the company. Don’t bother coming to the airport. See you at the company. Mom brought you a gift.” I wiped my mouth and headed for the office. As soon as I entered the company, Isabella was chatting with Mason Rivers, laughing heartily. When she saw me, her upward curving lips flattened. She glanced at me sideways. “Oh, look who it is. The person who resigned yesterday. Why are you still here? It’s not payday yet.” Before I could speak, a secretary called Mason away, saying the partners had arrived and wanted to discuss things with him. Mason patted my shoulder and whispered, “Liam, I’m not saying this to be mean, but how can you let Isabella, a woman, wander around outside in the middle of the night? It’s so dangerous. I had to take her to my place. Don’t worry, I’m a gentleman. I slept on the floor.” I knew he was intentionally trying to make me misunderstand. But I wasn’t here at the company to argue today. Isabella, however, smiled smugly. “Mason just submitted his proposal yesterday, and today the partners are already here to meet him. They must be very pleased and want to deepen our cooperation. Liam Allen, you just don’t know what’s good for you. I’d like to see which company would hire someone with no background or talent after you leave Harrison Corp.” I couldn’t help but frown. “That proposal clearly has problems. You actually approved it?” Isabella’s beautiful eyes narrowed, and she scowled, displeased. “Liam Allen, don’t speak such venomous nonsense. Mason’s business acumen is far better than yours. How could there be any problems?!” Suddenly, shouting erupted from the conference room. The next second, the conference room door burst open, and Mason Rivers stormed out. He fixed his gaze on Isabella, clinging to her like a lifeline, hugging her waist and not daring to look up. Isabella simply patted his hand on her waist, soothingly. “What’s wrong? Are the partners not satisfied with your proposal?” Before he could answer, the furious partners emerged. “Harrison Corp.’s proposals are this low quality? As soon as that proposal launched yesterday, not a single one of our products sold, and they’re being boycotted!” “‘A woman’s worth is in her looks; that’s what men truly desire.’ Who wrote that line? Did anyone even think before submitting it?!” The partners were fuming. Isabella frowned, looking troubled. Mason’s eyes darted around, then he immediately pointed at me and yelled, “It was him! He held a grudge after being caught plagiarizing and deliberately swapped my original file! He should be entirely responsible for this!”

I was utterly dumbfounded by this baseless accusation. Isabella’s gaze lingered on me for a second, then she effortlessly shifted the blame onto me. “It’s true, it was him. This person has a history. We’ve already decided to fire him, and we’ll deal with him severely to provide your party with a reasonable explanation!” The partners snorted. After much placating and apologizing, they finally ushered the partner out. Mason Rivers peeked his head out, then finally straightened up and cleared his throat. “Liam Allen, it’s all your fault. This project is completely ruined. Do you know this project had tens of millions in profit? Even if I wanted to speak up for you, you’ll have to compensate us for this project!” I found it laughable. “Mason Rivers, are you delusional?” Isabella shielded Mason, her face arrogant. “Mason just managed to become VP. He can’t have this kind of blemish on his record. Liam Allen, if you admit your mistake, I might grudgingly have a good impression of you.” I sneered. My biggest mistake was letting her waltz into the company and wreak havoc. Just as I was about to turn, Mason Rivers grabbed the back of my shirt and yanked hard. My neck felt strangely bare. I turned back and saw the rare sapphire pendant my parents had commissioned for my eighteenth birthday, now clutched in Mason’s hand as he fiddled with it. He scoffed. “What a cheap, superstitious trinket. So clear, must be cheap glass. Liam Allen, if you admit the project is your responsibility, I can buy you a real one.” My eyes widened. “Give it back!” Isabella, knowing full well this was my cherished possession and that I never took it off, frowned and said, “If you agree to admit to swapping the original file, I’ll have Mason give it back to you.” Rage burned in my chest. I reached out to grab it, yelling again. “Give it back right now!” Seeing my anger, Mason smirked, deliberately letting go. The sapphire pendant dropped to the floor, shattering into several pieces. My pupils contracted. The next second, pure rage consumed me. I kicked Mason square in the chest. He staggered back two steps and fell to the ground. Everyone gasped, seeing my sudden outburst, and rushed to surround me. Isabella quickly helped Mason up, but I wasn’t about to let him off easy. A year’s worth of frustration and resentment exploded. I punched him square on the nose. Immediately, two streams of blood poured down his face. People from behind grabbed me, pinning my arms, but I still tried to kick him with my legs. “Mason Rivers, I’m not letting a worm like you get away with this!” Isabella’s eyes were full of heartache. She shielded the back of Mason’s head and wiped his nosebleed with a tissue. Mason burst into tears, tugging at her sleeve. “Isabella, I accidentally dropped his thing, it wasn’t on purpose.” Isabella suddenly stood up and slapped me across the face, snapping my head to the side. She snapped, “Liam Allen, get on your knees and apologize to Mason! That necklace of yours was just a cheap piece of junk. So what if it broke? How could you hit him? I’ll buy you ten more!” How ridiculous. My parents spent millions to acquire that rare sapphire, and hired a world-renowned jeweler to craft it. The craftsmanship alone cost hundreds of thousands. Most importantly, my parents had it specially blessed for me, spending days seeking good fortune for my life at a spiritual retreat. Its significance was immeasurable. Seeing me silent, everyone pushed me down, forcing me to my knees. “Liam Allen, what’s with the act? We’re not calling the cops on you, that’s charity enough! Now, apologize!” I struggled violently, glaring at everyone. “Mr. Harrison will be here any minute. If you’re so brave, try forcing me to my knees in front of him.” Mason Rivers still thought I was bluffing. He snorted. “Isabella doesn’t even know when Mr. Harrison is coming back. You think you can fool us by saying he’s here and get out of compensating for the project going south?” Isabella said in a low voice, “Even if Mr. Harrison comes, it’s no use if you complain to him. He won’t believe you.” I chuckled, poking the inside of my cheek with my tongue, where my tooth had cut it. “I’m his son. He won’t believe me?” Mason Rivers looked like he’d heard the funniest joke in the world. “Liam Allen, have you lost your mind from fear? Your last name is Allen, his is Harrison. If you’re his son, then I’m his grandpappy!” “Everyone knows Mr. Harrison’s beloved son has been studying abroad. You, a country boy, are quite vain, forgetting your roots!” After I hit him, he could no longer maintain his gentlemanly facade. His face contorted in a sneer. Before his words even finished, a steady male voice rang out. “What is this commotion in the lobby? This is utterly unacceptable!” I turned my head. The middle-aged man who had just stepped into the company was impeccably dressed, exuding authority. It was my dad. I hadn’t even had time to feel happy when Mason Rivers roughly shoved me aside and went to greet him, fawning. “Mr. Harrison, you’re back! How are you feeling? We were just cleaning house. Everyone knows you value character most, but a certain employee not only plagiarized my proposal to get promoted but also deliberately sabotaged my original file out of revenge, angering our partners and causing our company to lose a hundred-million-dollar deal!” He looked up, tears in his eyes, and pulled out the bloody tissue from his nose. “He even deliberately hit me! Such a person is truly disgusting!” My dad’s eyes widened in fury. He looked at Isabella. “Isabella, is what he’s saying true? If there’s such a petty person, notify the legal department to make him pay compensation and issue a public statement to blacklist him from the entire industry. I’ll make sure that person knows the consequences of tarnishing my Harrison Corp.!” Isabella glanced at me imperceptibly, hesitated for a second, then finally nodded her assent. “Mr. Harrison, I’ve already fired him, but he is an old employee of our company…” Saying that, she pulled me from the crowd. “Liam Allen, why aren’t you apologizing to Mr. Harrison? Otherwise, even if I put in a good word for you, Mr. Harrison won’t let you off easy!” The next second, my dad raised his hand. Everyone thought he was going to hit me, their faces full of mockery. Mason Rivers even yelled, “Mr. Harrison, don’t dirty your hands by hitting him. Why don’t I do it?” But my dad only touched the slap mark on my face, his eyes full of concern. “Liam, who hit you? Dad will make them pay!” Everyone present, who had been gloating, couldn’t believe their eyes at this scene. They exchanged stunned glances. I bit my lip, my nose stung, and I barely managed to keep my tears from falling.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “297007”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #浪漫Romance #惊悚Thriller

Two months after my facial reconstruction surgery following a car accident, my husband Jack Young got together with my well-mannered sister Emily. When our parents found out, not only did they not blame them, but they actually persuaded me to step aside voluntarily. Even my own daughter showed nothing but disgust towards me. “I don’t want this ugly freak as my mom. I want Aunt Emily to be my mom,” Lily said coldly. I calmly agreed and chose to leave the Young family, cutting ties with them completely. After years of hard work and struggle, I finally achieved financial freedom. Later, I adopted two children from an orphanage. Under my careful nurturing, they became a rising star in the tech industry and a business tycoon worth billions respectively. Watching them succeed, I decided to go crazy once and take an aimless budget trip around the world. Halfway through my journey, Jack Young and our daughter found me. Looking at my weathered appearance from sleeping rough, their faces were full of mockery. “Looks like we were right. After leaving the Young family, you can only live like a beggar, barely scraping by,” Jack sneered. “Now our parents want to see you. We’re giving you one last chance to come back with us,” he continued. “It’ll also let you experience the wealthy lifestyle our family enjoys now, you beggar,” Lily added with a smirk. 0

Our daughter Lily also looked at me smugly. “You left the Young family so decisively back then. I thought you had some special skills up your sleeve. Turns out you’ve just been wandering around homeless all this time!” “If I were you, I’d find a block of tofu and smash my head against it. Save everyone the oxygen you’re wasting.” I paused for a moment, looking at Lily with a complex gaze. I couldn’t believe that after all these years, she still hadn’t changed her disrespectful ways. But I wasn’t angry. Instead, I looked at them calmly. “What does this have to do with you?” I asked coolly. From the moment they kicked me out of the Young family, I had no connection to them anymore. “Your family may be better off now, even comparable to one of Lucas’s subsidiaries,” I said. “But that’s your own business. No need to brag about it to me.” Seeing that I didn’t react the way they wanted, father and daughter were both stunned for a moment. After a while, Jack looked at me with disdain. “You’ve been reduced to wandering the streets, yet you’re still so stubborn?” he scoffed. “If it wasn’t for Dad wanting to see you for his 80th birthday, we wouldn’t even bother looking at you.” “But since Dad asked, whether you agree or not, you have to come back with us.” Jack’s tone was full of determination, just like years ago. I still shook my head. “Those are your parents!” he insisted. “From the moment I left, I no longer had parents,” I replied firmly. They may have raised me, but when I left empty-handed years ago, leaving all the assets to them, I had already repaid that debt. Seeing me still so stubborn, Lily’s face became even more contemptuous. “You’ve been reduced to wandering the streets. No need to put on an act in front of us,” she sneered. “Us bringing you back is a blessing for you, understand?” “But just because you’re coming back doesn’t mean you can have any ideas about Aunt Emily. We’ll never let that happen.” Looking at her increasingly twisted expression, my heart sank. She had always been cunning, even as a child. At just seven or eight years old, to stay with her aunt forever, she deliberately ran into the middle of the road to lure me over. When a speeding car approached, she suddenly dodged aside. I was so focused on saving her that I was thrown seven or eight meters by the impact. While I was seriously injured in the hospital, she even slandered me, saying I was trying to take her to commit suicide together, just so Emily could smoothly enter the Young family. Later, when I told Jack about this incident, he just scoffed dismissively. “She was only eight years old. How could she have such vicious thoughts?” he had said. “I think you’re the truly vicious one, framing your own daughter for your own benefit.” What he said wasn’t wrong. If I hadn’t experienced it myself, I wouldn’t have believed an eight-year-old could have such malicious intentions either. But that was the reality, no matter how unbelievable. The flesh and blood I once cherished more than my own life turned out to be the one who hurt me the deepest. Looking at Lily before me now, I had completely written her off as a stranger in my heart. Just as I was lost in thought, Jack and Lily kicked aside the dog that had accompanied me for years, roughly dragging me into their car. I struggled desperately, wanting to check on my dog’s condition, but I was no match for the two of them. Lily even took out a fruit knife from the car and waved it in front of my face. “You’d better behave, you ugly freak. Otherwise, I’ll disfigure the other side of your face too!” she threatened.

Even though I had long decided to cut ties with her, seeing her vicious expression still made my heart ache. After all, I was the mother who had given birth to her and raised her. Yet she treated me like this. I obediently stopped struggling and sat quietly in the car. Because I knew Lily wasn’t simply threatening me. If I continued to make a fuss, she would really follow through on her words. After all, in her eyes, her birth mother had long been no different from a beggar on the street. “That’s better. As long as you obey us, we won’t let you wander the streets. We’ll keep you in the Young house like a pet. After all, Grandpa still needs you,” Lily said. “You probably don’t understand our family’s wealth now.” She raised the Cartier watch on her wrist, waving it in front of me to show off. “Aunt Emily gave me this watch. It cost over $70,000. You could never afford it in your lifetime.” “As a pauper, you need to know your place. Don’t put on airs in front of us. It won’t do you any good.” Even though I was Lily’s birth mother, it didn’t stop her from lecturing me with the air of an elder. Listening to her words, I started trembling with anger. I really didn’t know what kind of environment the Young family had raised such a failure like Lily in, to make her so utterly disrespectful. Arriving at the Young family’s gate, I immediately sent a message to my two adopted sons, asking them to come pick me up from the Young house right away. I didn’t want to stay in this place for another second. Just as I sent the message, a familiar figure walked out of the house. “Sister, it’s been so many years. How did you end up in such a sorry state?” Emily said mockingly. “You’re bringing shame to our whole Reed family!” Emily’s eyes were still full of disdain for me, just like before. She even unconsciously raised her chin slightly as she spoke. She seemed to have forgotten that she only got everything she had now because of my generosity. “Emily, let me go. Let yourself go too,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. She had always been strong-willed since childhood, always trying to compete with me on everything. For her sake, I had already given up too much. My education, my family, even half my life I had given to her. But she didn’t seem to appreciate my good intentions at all. She was still as arrogant as before. Emily looked at me mockingly. “Let you go? Do you even deserve to say such things now?” “Know your place. You’re no different from a beggar now. From now on, as long as you behave like a good dog in our Young family, you can still enjoy some of the family’s glory and wealth.” As she spoke, Emily clapped her hands lightly, calling a servant to bring an exquisite gift box and place it in front of me. “This is the birthday gift I prepared for Dad. It cost over $300,000. I’ll let you see it today to broaden your horizons.” Emily took out a jade pendant from the box and held it out in front of me. Just as I was about to reach for it, she suddenly slapped me hard across the face. “Something like this is just for you to look at. Is it something someone of your status can touch? You may not mind the dirt, but I’m afraid Dad will!” I was stunned by her sudden slap, frozen in place. After a long while, I finally held back my tears and looked at her. “If you didn’t want me to touch it, why did you hold it out in front of me?” Emily chuckled. “I just wanted to humiliate you properly. Is that not allowed?” My heart sank as I realized she was simply trying to humiliate me. Jack, who had been watching all this, showed no signs of wanting to intervene. There was even a hint of amusement in his eyes. I seemed to have gotten used to such scenes many years ago. In their eyes, Emily was not only beautiful but also cultured. She could do no wrong. No matter what she did, they would unconditionally shield her. And I would always be the one to swallow my anger and grievances. Most of the time, I didn’t even have the right to argue with her. Just then, the roar of car engines sounded outside. My parents also arrived at the Young house, led by Jack’s driver. Emily and Jack immediately walked over excitedly to help my parents out of the car. “Dad, Mom!” they called out warmly. When they walked up to me, I softly moved my lips and called out to them too. But they just glanced at me coldly before walking into the house with Emily and Jack. It seemed they were too ashamed to even speak a word to their daughter. I stood there watching their receding figures enter the house, feeling as if my whole being was being torn apart in pain.

“Grandpa and Grandma are calling you inside,” Lily finally came out and said to me in an unfriendly tone. I nodded and followed behind Lily into the house, my face pale. “Olivia, after all these years, you still can’t let go of what happened?” my father immediately questioned me sternly as soon as I walked into the living room. I shook my head, looking at him uncomprehendingly. “Do you think this is something easy to let go of?” I asked. Back then, Emily not only took over my family but also guided young Lily to push me into the abyss. Yet they didn’t see any fault with Emily. Instead, they all pointed their fingers at me. How could I possibly let it go so easily? My mother snorted coldly as she looked at me. “Even if Emily hadn’t married Jack, do you think you’d still be worthy of him?” “A woman like you with no education and a disfigured face – Jack would probably be laughed at just for taking you out in public. How did I give birth to such an ungrateful daughter?” Hearing my mother’s words, I once again felt as if my whole being was being torn apart. During my school years, my grades were actually quite good, even better than Emily’s. But at that time, our Reed family wasn’t well-off. It was already a struggle to support one child through college, let alone two. After their constant persuasion, I had no choice but to give up my studies and start working to support Emily through college. Later, with our family’s all-out support, Emily not only went to college but also got into graduate school. Emily naturally became their pride and joy. And I, the sister who had given up everything for her, not only didn’t receive their gratitude but was belittled to the core. In their words, it seemed everything had become my fault. I could no longer control the emotions in my heart and shouted at them. “Put your hand on your heart and ask yourself – is this really my fault?” The room fell into a brief silence. My father finally sighed and spoke again. “Emily is the younger sister. As the older sister, shouldn’t you have given in to her a bit?” “Everything is in the past now. There’s no use dwelling on these things anymore. I just hope you can let go of all grudges and stay by our side to take care of us. Jack’s business is growing bigger now. We can’t let them be distracted.” Hearing his words, I laughed coldly in my heart. Now I finally knew their purpose for calling me back – they needed a housekeeper at home and wanted to call back their obedient daughter to be their caretaker. If it wasn’t for this, they probably wouldn’t have even remembered my existence as their daughter. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and tried hard not to feel too hurt. “I can only stay here for one day. I can’t stay by your side forever,” I said firmly. Even if they had spoken a bit more tactfully, or shown a little more warmth towards me, as their daughter, I would have stayed by their side without hesitation. But their words and actions were too hurtful, completely extinguishing the last bit of hope I had for them in my heart. “You think you still have a choice in this matter? Olivia Reed, let me make this clear to you today – no matter what, you must stay by Mom and Dad’s side to take care of them,” Jack said, his tone full of arrogance, leaving no room for argument. I looked at him in disbelief. “Do I not even have the right to choose my own life anymore?” Jack snorted coldly. “Isn’t staying with our family better than begging everywhere? We’re all doing this for your own good.” Before I could react, Jack waved his hand. Several Young family servants rushed over, roughly tying me up, gagging my mouth, and locking me in a guest room nearby. The guests watching this scene had long become used to it. They all knew that Jack had abandoned a previous wife before. And I didn’t need to guess to know that I was Jack’s ex-wife. My facial features were too distinctive after all. “Olivia Reed, I think you have too many problems now. Today I’ll let someone help you correct this bad attitude first,” Jack said to me before locking the door. Several servants holding clubs were eyeing me menacingly in the room. Before I could react, those servants had already started beating me viciously with their clubs. The intense pain made me curl up and struggle constantly. Soon, my whole body was covered in blood. However, those servants seemed to have received Jack’s instructions and showed no signs of stopping. Gradually, my consciousness became fuzzy, and I felt like I could barely breathe. Only then did Jack walk in again, looking at me with a twisted expression. “If you don’t agree to stay, I’ll beat you like this every day until you agree!” Hearing Jack’s words, my heart was filled with despair. Was I really going to be trapped here like an animal for the rest of my life? Tears mixed with blood kept sliding down my cheeks. I felt like I had fallen into a bottomless abyss once again.

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

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

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

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

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In my previous life, my sister Hazel always encouraged me to skip classes, stay up all night gaming, and sleep during lessons. Whenever I tried to study, she would mock me for being a goody-two-shoes. But behind my back, she was burning the midnight oil and secretly studying with top students during holidays. When the college entrance exam results came out, Hazel successfully got into an Ivy League university. After graduation, she landed a job at a top tech company and married a programmer earning six figures. Meanwhile, I barely scraped by in the exam, disappointing our parents who sent me off to work in a factory. I ended up marrying a good-for-nothing who abused me during pregnancy, leading to my tragic death during childbirth. After I died, Hazel spoke at my funeral, saying I was actually quite smart but didn’t apply myself to studying. She claimed all my misfortunes were self-inflicted, unlike her who knew from a young age to study hard and change her fate through education. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself sitting in a gaming cafe, in the midst of an intense match with my teammates. I shook my foggy head, grabbed my dirty backpack, and ran home. Back at the house, Hazel was diligently writing under a desk lamp. Seeing me return, she quickly hid her papers and asked, “Sis, why are you back so early? You left the team one player short, what about your teammates?” It had always been her who called me to the gaming cafe, while she pretended to be tired and went home to study in secret. I took out my brand new textbooks and pinned my target university on the wall. Hazel immediately flew into a rage: “You want to get into Harvard? How dare you even think about Harvard?” Not only would I get into Harvard, but I would also make her understand that natural talent isn’t something she could catch up to with mere hard work. I looked at the “Pentakill” screen on the computer, smelling the strong odor of cigarettes and sweat, hearing my teammates cursing at our loss. I couldn’t believe my eyes as I looked around. I had been reborn, back to when I was seventeen, a month before the first mock exam in my senior year. I picked up my dirty backpack from the floor and ran out, ignoring my teammates’ anxious questions behind me. I had promised to help them reach the top rank, and my leaving meant certain defeat for them. But my future was far more important than their fleeting victory. Ignoring everyone, I ran home as fast as I could. It was already 1 AM, but the light in Hazel’s room was still on. Her shadow was projected on the window, her hand moving rapidly across paper. I pushed open her bedroom door, startling her. She hurriedly tried to hide the papers under her arm. I had my phone out, recording the whole scene. Faking a yawn, I asked, “Weren’t you tired? Why aren’t you asleep yet?” Trying to appear calm, she said, “I woke up to use the bathroom and realized I hadn’t packed my bag. I’m just packing up and then I’ll go to sleep.” The light in Hazel’s room went out, and I turned on my long-unused desk lamp. I took out my textbooks, which didn’t even have my name written in them yet. In my previous life, I had barely scraped by into high school thanks to last-minute cramming in middle school. Hazel, shocked at my sudden studiousness, told me that being good at studying wasn’t cool – hanging out with the popular kids was what mattered. There was an expensive class at our school, full of students from rich and powerful families who got in through money rather than grades. Believing Hazel’s words, I started skipping classes to game with them every day. We took pride in who was the best gamer. With a little effort, I became the top player among them. But what I didn’t know then was that they were all rich kids who would transfer to international programs in junior year and study abroad for senior year. After returning, they would work in their family businesses. My parents were just ordinary office workers. Without getting into a good university, I could only work in a factory. I was pretty, so as soon as I started at the factory, a guy named Jake took a liking to me. I told Hazel about it, and she encouraged me to pursue true love. She said love couldn’t be measured by money, and as long as Jake loved me, true love could conquer all. I believed her and had a child with Jake before marriage, without even a proper engagement. We hastily got our marriage certificate. But as soon as we were married, Jake started abusing me verbally and physically. Whenever he got drunk, he would say that Hazel and I had the same mother, so why was Hazel so outstanding while I was as dumb as a pig. I cried as I thought back to the past – I used to be the more brilliant one. I could solve any problem at a glance and had a photographic memory. My middle school teachers couldn’t believe how poorly I did in the high school entrance exam. Later, when I was in labor, Jake refused to let me have a C-section, leading to the death of both me and the baby. During labor, I called Hazel countless times, but she always said she was busy. As soon as I died, she showed up immediately. At my funeral, everyone sighed about how the former little genius had ended up like this. Hazel pretended to be heartbroken as she told everyone, “My sister was actually very smart, but she didn’t like studying. Everything that happened to her was her own doing. Unlike her, I knew from a young age to study hard and changed my fate through education.” After everyone left, Hazel gloated and revealed the reason for her deception. It turned out that I had always been smart, and our parents’ attention had always been on me. She was so jealous that she went crazy and used my trust in her to set me up. This time, I absolutely wouldn’t fall for it again. I wanted to show her that talent is talent, and it’s not something she could surpass just by working hard. I took out some paper, wrote down my goal of getting into Harvard, and stuck it on my desk. I took out my freshman textbooks and started reading from the first page. By 3 AM, I had finished two books, the knowledge already taking root in my mind. I slept for two hours, then got up and was the first to enter the classroom to start the morning reading. By the time my classmates arrived one after another, I had already memorized two volumes of freshman and sophomore English vocabulary. “Iris is actually studying, how strange!” “There’s only half a year left until the college entrance exam, no matter how hard she tries now, it’s useless. At most she might get into a community college.” “With her grades, even a public community college would be difficult. She’ll probably have to pay high tuition for a private one.” I ignored others’ idle chatter. When the exam results came out, everything would be clear. Hazel, as usual, entered the classroom just as the bell rang. As soon as she saw me, she asked, “Sis, why didn’t you wake me up this morning?” “From now on, I’ll be at school at 5 AM every day. If you can get up, come with me. If not, set your own alarm.” Hazel asked curiously, “You don’t study, what are you coming so early for?” Lucas, sitting behind me, excitedly told Hazel, “Your sister came early to memorize English vocabulary. She seems to have memorized two books already. I don’t know what’s gotten into her!” Hazel was stunned for a moment, then angrily said, “Sis, we’re just here to get a diploma. After graduation, let’s work in a factory together. I’ve already checked, if you work well in an electronics factory, you can earn over $3,000 a month!” I took out my phone and showed her the video: “If the factory is so good, why are you secretly studying at night?” Hazel’s face immediately turned pale when she saw the video. Lucas snatched my phone and pointed at Hazel, shouting, “You little liar, Hazel! No wonder you always run off in the middle of our gaming sessions. So you’ve been secretly studying at home!” “You study in secret and still only score in the 400s, your brain must not be very good, huh?” Hazel’s face turned red with anger. She opened her textbook and started memorizing vocabulary. She repeated one word over and over more than a dozen times but still couldn’t remember it. After school, I still accompanied the rich kids to the gaming cafe. I wouldn’t cut ties with them – after graduation, they would all be valuable connections for me. In my previous life, all the relationships I had worked hard to maintain ended up benefiting Hazel in the end. After leading them to five consecutive victories, I rushed back home. My parents saw me come home and sarcastically remarked, “Oh, you actually know how to come home early. Didn’t you say you’d rather die in the gaming cafe?” “If you have the guts, stay there every night and don’t come out. Let’s see what you get in the college entrance exam.” In my previous life, my parents had tried everything to get me to study properly. But I believed Hazel’s words and just wouldn’t listen. As a result, my parents gave up on me and, apart from not letting me starve, stopped caring about me. After I died, they were heartbroken for a long time. My mom even stayed in the hospital for an extended period. I suddenly knelt down in front of my parents: “Dad, Mom, I’m sorry. I was foolish before. I will definitely study hard and get into a good university.” My mom looked at me in surprise, turning away to wipe her tears. My dad quickly helped me up: “Good, it’s good that you know to study. Dad always knew you weren’t bad at heart. Although there’s not much time left, just do your best. Worst case, we can always have you repeat a year.” I nodded: “Don’t worry, Mom and Dad. I can get in on the first try. I’m going to get into Harvard.” At this moment, Hazel came out of her room with a textbook: “Sis, why are you back? Didn’t you go to the gaming cafe with Lucas and the others?” She deliberately walked over to me and immediately covered her nose: “Oh my, Sis, the cigarette smell on you is so strong, it’s choking me!” My mom came over to smell me too, then immediately slapped me across the face: “I knew you couldn’t change your ways. You just came back from the gaming cafe and you’re lying to us about studying hard. With your scores barely over 200 in every test, and still skipping class to game, if you could get into Harvard, even a pig could get into Harvard!” Dad sighed in disappointment and went back to the bedroom with Mom. With no one else around, Hazel finally showed her true colors: “Sis, don’t waste your effort. You only have half a year, you can’t surpass me. I’ve been holding back – my real level is definitely not just 400 points.” I gave a cold laugh and went back to my room to study. Actions speak louder than words. I would use my results to show everyone my true ability. We had a small test every week. Although I was improving, I still couldn’t pass. Hazel stopped pretending and showed her true level, directly scoring second in the class and tenth in the grade. The homeroom teacher praised me for improving, saying I had hope of getting into a public vocational college. I looked at Hazel’s test paper – she couldn’t solve the most difficult questions. Her brain really wasn’t up to par. Hazel put her test paper in front of me, deliberately showing me her score: “Sis, look, full marks in English, 129 in math!” “Let me see yours. Tsk tsk, 59 in math. Not bad, not bad. If the full score was 100, you’d be just one point away from passing. Too bad our full score is 150, and you need 90 to pass.” “Oh my, you’re a bit unbalanced. You got 60 in language. Hmm, you’re better at liberal arts than sciences.” Lucas tried to persuade me: “Iris, you’re not cut out for studying. Just give up. You haven’t been pulling all-nighters gaming with us lately. Without you, we keep dropping ranks.” Hazel pretended to scold Lucas: “How can you say that about my sister? My sister is going to get into Harvard.” As soon as Hazel finished speaking, the class erupted in laughter: “A total score of less than 400, getting into Harvard? That’s hilarious!” “Does she think Harvard is run by her family, that she can just go whenever she wants?” I ignored them and took out practice exam papers to work on. Suddenly, our homeroom teacher burst into the classroom like a whirlwind. The teacher put a stack of scratch paper on my desk: “Iris, is this your scratch paper?” I nodded. The teacher excitedly hugged me: “Genius, you’re a genius!” “The principal always said I was mediocre and could only teach regular classes. Who would have thought I could produce a student capable of getting into Harvard!” Hazel looked at the teacher in shock: “Mr. Johnson, my sister has improved in this test, but her total score is only 397. How could she possibly get into Harvard?” The teacher patted my shoulder: “She can, she definitely can. Your sister is the smartest person I’ve ever seen.” Lucas muttered quietly: “Has Mr. Johnson gone crazy?” The first mock exam soon arrived. After the results came out, the school-wide rankings were posted in the corridor. Hazel ranked 20th in the grade, while I ranked 988th. Hazel immediately started mocking me: “Oh, our future Harvard student has made quite an improvement. You’ve reached 988th in the grade.” The students all laughed. The grade director stood nearby and said meaningfully: “Iris should be first in the grade.” Hazel looked at me hatefully: “Even though you’re doing so poorly, why does everyone still believe in you? I don’t believe you can go from barely over 200 to 700 points in half a year.” I leaned close to her ear and said, “Let me tell you why they all believe I can get into Harvard!” I put all my test papers and answer sheets in front of her. Her eyes grew wider and wider. “This is impossible!” “It’s absolutely impossible. You must have cheated. I’m going to report you.” On my answer sheets, I hadn’t done any of the simple, basic questions. But I had solved all the more difficult ones. And of the questions I had solved, Hazel had only gotten half right. Hazel ran to the principal’s office with my answer sheets. She burst in without knocking: “Principal, I want to report Iris from Class 12 for cheating in the mock exam.” Sitting across from the principal were all the subject teachers from our class. Seeing Hazel and me, the principal beckoned me over: “Iris, you’ve come at the right time. We were just analyzing your situation. Can you explain why you didn’t do any of the simple questions, but solved all the difficult ones, and even used simplified methods?” “I just started trying hard, and I didn’t want to discourage the average students by immediately scoring first in the grade.” I deliberately glanced at Hazel and continued, “I wanted to take it slow, so I only did the questions I thought were worth doing. I’ll perform properly in the third mock exam and the college entrance exam.” The homeroom teacher smiled and said, “See? Iris’s approach is exactly as I guessed.” The principal immediately decided to transfer both Hazel and me to the advanced class. We both refused. I felt I could do well anywhere, while Hazel wanted to stick to her plan of leading me astray. After school, Hazel brought Lucas and the others to block my way: “Sis, let’s go to the gaming cafe for an all-nighter tonight. I have a ranking match.” I readily agreed and led them to five consecutive wins. Just as I was about to go home to study, a man who looked clearly seven or eight years older than me stood beside me, bending over to embrace me from behind. “Your operation still has some problems. Let big brother teach you how to play.” I quickly slipped out from under his armpit, the strong body odor almost making me throw up. “Who are you?” Hazel quickly explained: “Sis, this is Jake. He’s the toughest guy in our area. With him protecting you, absolutely no one will dare mess with you.” Jake took out a cheap cigarette, lit it in what he thought was a cool manner, and blew out a smoke ring. “Iris, I’ve taken a liking to you. You’re my girlfriend now. Come on, let’s go home.” Hazel smiled and handed me my backpack: “Sis, it’s your lucky day that Jake likes you. Go with him quickly. I’ll cover for you with Mom and Dad.” Jake reached out to grab me, but I quickly dodged: “Don’t touch me.” Jake grinned, showing a mouthful of yellow teeth, looking very excited: “Why are you pretending? Your sister said you throw yourself at any guy you see.” Lucas grabbed my hand, letting me hide behind him: “I don’t care who you are, Jake. Get lost. If you dare touch a hair on Iris’s head, I’ll kill you.” Everyone was looking at Jake. He might have felt his authority was being challenged and became enraged. Cursing, he lunged at Lucas. In the end, we all ended up at the police station. Lucas was bruised. Jake was worse off, with a broken nose, crying and whining at the police station for the officers to help him. My parents arrived at the police station and immediately started scolding me: “You’re not only ruining yourself, but you’re also dragging your sister down. How many times have I said, you can ruin yourself if you want, but don’t make Hazel become like you.” My mom was about to hit me but was stopped by the police. “Mrs. Summers, please calm down. The situation isn’t what you think.” Afraid that the police would tell my mom the truth, Hazel’s lips quivered and she cried to my mom: “Mom, my sister has improved recently. She even scored over 400 points. I thought as long as she didn’t go gaming, she could keep improving. When I saw her go to the gaming cafe again, I called her to come home. Who knew she had a boyfriend from the streets, and we got into a conflict.” “Mom, I don’t want to watch my sister ruin herself. Why don’t you send her to an internet addiction treatment center? When she’s cured and comes back, she can take the college entrance exam again. I’m sure she can get into Harvard then.” My mom looked at me and sighed: “Ah, I guess that’s the only way. Iris used to be so smart. It’s all because of those games that she’s become like this. I’ll contact the center tomorrow.” Lucas, his head wrapped in bandages, rushed in front of my mom to explain: “Auntie, don’t listen to Hazel’s nonsense. Today it was Hazel who actively called Iris to game. That Jake guy was also brought by Hazel, trying to force Iris to be his girlfriend. Iris didn’t agree, so I got into a fight with Jake.” Hazel looked at Lucas in horror, her eyes darting around before she burst into loud sobs: “Lucas, I know you have a crush on my sister, but you can’t slander me for her sake! How could I possibly know someone like Jake?” If my sister hadn’t been hanging around gaming cafes all the time, how would Jake have targeted her? Maybe my sister already had something going on with him. My mom, without listening to reason, slapped me again: “You’ve disappointed me too much. It’s bad enough that you don’t study well, but now you’re mixing with these unsavory characters. We must send you to the internet addiction treatment center. It’s a good chance to cut ties with that Jake guy too.” Hazel stood behind my mom, looking at me smugly.

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My girlfriend returned from a month-long business trip with her old flame, only to find that I had changed. She helped her old flame steal my project, but instead of quitting in anger, I busied myself helping him write proposals. For the sake of her old flame’s year-end bonus, she ruined the design I had worked so hard on. But rather than trying to prove myself, I took all the blame and accepted her punishment. Even when she wanted to promote her old flame to general manager, breaking company rules, I didn’t get angry. Instead, I voluntarily gave up all my shares for my girlfriend to distribute freely. My girlfriend was puzzled by my sudden obedience. Her old flame was smug. “See? I told you the cold treatment would work. Make him lose you once, and he’ll become docile.” My girlfriend had a moment of realization and smiled, saying I was being good and that she would promote me. She even unexpectedly suggested I propose to her. But she seemed to have forgotten that during our cold war, she had already signed my resignation letter. And I had already broken up with her. From now on, we would have a clean break, with no more entanglements. 0

“This project proposal is urgent. Have it done before you leave work,” Fiona said coldly, dropping a thick stack of documents on my desk before turning to leave. As soon as she disappeared around the corner, my colleagues gathered around, chattering away. “Isn’t this Zack’s project?” “His projects are the hardest, with lots of requirements and difficult research. Forget finishing by tonight, it might not even be done by tomorrow evening.” “The boss is really biased towards him. He doesn’t do his own projects but pawns them off to others.” “…” They clustered around me, speaking without restraint. I knew full well they weren’t really speaking up for me, just stirring up drama. Everyone knew that CEO Fiona was my girlfriend, yet she heavily favored my rival, Zack. Back then, she not only broke protocol to promote Zack to project manager, but she even handed him the million-dollar project I had spent a month securing and over a month of sleepless nights nearly completing. When I protested, Fiona put it to a public vote to decide the project’s ownership. These colleagues who pretended to speak up for me unanimously voted for Zack when it came time to cast ballots. Afterwards, they explained to me that they were pressured by Fiona’s intimidation and asked me to look after the new colleague. This kind of thing happened many times after that. My colleagues were still “sympathizing” with me, but this time I didn’t storm off to Fiona’s office to confront her like before. Instead, I calmly accepted the project brief. Seeing this, my colleagues’ eyes widened. They were about to say something more when Fiona came down from upstairs. They immediately fell silent and hurried back to their desks. Fiona seemed to be in a good mood and ignored their little movements. She reminded me to leave the completed proposal on her desk. Seeing me nod, she turned on her heel and left without looking back. She had put on elaborate makeup and was wearing a skirt that barely reached her knees. It didn’t take much imagination to know she was off to meet Zack. This had been happening frequently over the years. It all started when I discovered Fiona and Zack’s goodnight messages to each other. When I confronted her about it, Fiona thought I was being petty and angrily brought Zack into the company, breaking protocol. To punish me for my suspicions, she deliberately favored Zack, taking him to various social events, and even feeding him and wiping his mouth in front of everyone at company dinners. When I got angry, she gave me the silent treatment. When I apologized, she would use it as an opportunity to team up with colleagues to lecture and criticize me. Everyone said I wasn’t being a big enough man. I often reflected on this, wondering if I wasn’t open-minded enough, which led to our current situation. But later, when I accidentally discovered that Zack was her first love, I finally understood. She was just using the excuse of desensitizing me to my “pettiness” as a cover to openly maintain her connection with her old flame. Even without the incident of me seeing their chat history, Fiona would have found other excuses to be with Zack. After they returned from their recent business trip together, although they still frequently met for meals, drinks, and sports like before, I could sense that their relationship had become more subtle. But fortunately, I no longer cared. Our five-year relationship had come to an end. This farce needed to end too. After finishing the proposal, I was the only one left in the office. I opened my phone to find that Zack had posted several updates on SnapChat. The background was a fancy restaurant, with a romantic candlelit dinner on the table in front of them. Fiona was elegantly cutting Zack’s steak for him. The caption read: “Steak cut by the lady boss herself must taste extra delicious.” In the comments, several colleagues were praising how sweet they looked together. Zack jokingly boasted further that Fiona, who usually doesn’t drink, had half a bottle of red wine to help him celebrate the project’s success. The comments section became increasingly lively with various speculations. Fiona didn’t explain, only saying “It’s what I should do.” Some clueless person asked when they could drink to their wedding. Fiona replied with three dots, while Zack sent a “naughty” emoji. I didn’t get angry and call Fiona like I used to, only to be scolded by her for their ambiguous relationship. Instead, I sent her a message saying I had finished the proposal, then left the file in her office before driving home. When I got home, I saw that Fiona had replied to my message. “Lucas, this is Zack. Thanks for your hard work on the project. I’ll treat you to a meal sometime.” Fiona always kept her phone close and would get angry if I so much as checked the time on it, accusing me of invading her privacy. Now she had handed it to Zack, letting him read our chats and reply to my messages. I let out a scornful laugh. Different status in her heart indeed led to different treatment. However, I felt strangely calm at this moment. Things that used to feel earth-shattering now seemed trivial. Feelings always change, only hard work never betrays you. I pulled up my calendar and checked the date. Not long ago, when Fiona and Zack went on a “business trip” that was really just a vacation, I took the opportunity to submit my resignation. As expected, when Fiona was with Zack, all her attention was on him. She approved it without even looking. Now, I just had to wait three more days for the handover to be completed, and I could leave for good. After some thought, I called my former advisor at the research institute abroad. I had joined the institute as an outstanding graduate, enjoying preferential treatment. But when Fiona said she needed people to start her company, I quit without hesitation. Despite my advisor’s repeated attempts to dissuade me, I resolutely returned to China to help her build the company from scratch. Looking back now, I realize how foolish I was. When the call connected, I explained my intention. I thought I’d be scolded, but to my surprise, my advisor sighed and told me he had known about my situation for a while and had been planning to invite me back. “But this time, have you really thought it through?” he asked. I nodded, “Yes, I’ve thought it through. I’ve already taken care of the resignation process.” “Resignation? What resignation?” A startled cry came from behind me. I turned around to see Fiona pushing open the door. 0

Looking down, I saw that my advisor had already hung up. I naturally turned off my phone. “A friend who’s planning to quit his job,” I said. Fiona frowned, suspicion rising in her mind. “What kind of friend talks about work stuff with you this late?” As I was pondering how to explain, her phone suddenly pinged with a message from Zack, saying he had encountered a stray kitten on his way home and had specially gone to buy a sausage for it. A smile involuntarily lifted the corners of Fiona’s lips. Seeming to realize I was still there, Fiona suppressed her smile and said perfunctorily, “Don’t chat about negative things with your friends. Use that time to learn more about the project instead.” Her cold tone was completely different from how she spoke to Zack. I didn’t argue or complain that the project had already been given to Zack. Fiona didn’t pay me any more attention either, smiling as she replied to the message while heading to her room. Soon after, her hearty laughter could be heard from the room. She had completely forgotten how I had been by her side all these years, working tirelessly day and night, cutting off all contact with my friends. But it was just as well, saving me the trouble of arguing with her. I returned to the small study converted from a storage room and took out the English materials I hadn’t finished reading. After five years, the direction of the research institute had changed. If I wanted to go back, even with my advisor’s help, I needed to have strong skills myself. Fortunately, my foundation was solid, so it wouldn’t take too long to pick things up again. “You’re reading English magazines?” Just as I was engrossed in my studies, Fiona suddenly entered the room. She reached over and took the magazine, flipped through a couple of pages, then tossed it back. With a sneer, she said, “Why are you reading this? Can you even understand it?” “Just browsing,” I replied coldly. I put away the materials and asked, “Did you need something?” In the past, whenever Fiona came to me on her own initiative, I was always very enthusiastic. Perhaps not expecting me to be so cold, she was taken aback for a moment. Her expression became somewhat unnatural. “There is something,” she said. “Zack just completed a big project, and I’m planning to promote him. It’s also a good way to encourage other employees. What do you think?” Fiona looked at me. She asked for my opinion, but I knew this was just a notification, not a real consultation. I still nodded, “I have no objections.” “But there need to be penalties as well as rewards, otherwise the team will be hard to manage,” she continued. “You haven’t completed a project in such a long time, so I’m thinking of temporarily transferring you to an entry-level position. I’ll bring you back later when the time is right.” “Don’t worry, it won’t be for too long. I’m thinking of the overall situation here. You’re my boyfriend, so you should support me, right?” I laughed inwardly. So even now, she didn’t know about my resignation. She could deduce Zack’s mood from the slightest hints and know what he liked from small details. But now, as her boyfriend, my resignation letter had been signed by her own hand, and she was completely unaware. Indeed, care and indifference can be seen in just a few words. Seeing that I didn’t speak, Fiona thought I was going to argue with her like before. Her expression immediately darkened. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t agree. I’ve already sent out the notice, and your office has been given to Zack.” “Either you accept the transfer, or you leave,” she threatened. “But let me advise you, the company is about to go public. You should think carefully before you walk away.” Her tone was confident that I wouldn’t leave. This kind of thing had happened too many times. In just one year, because of a few words from Zack, my position in the company had been lowered again and again. If I could endure it then, Fiona was sure I would be even less willing to leave now. I smiled bitterly. “I didn’t say I disagreed.” “Alright then, that’s settled,” Fiona said, her mood lightening. I didn’t say I disagreed, so that meant I agreed. Just as she was about to leave, she seemed to notice something and came back. “I remember you used to have our photo on your desk. Where is it now?” I finally realized what she meant. Actually, not just on the desk, but on the walls of my room and in my wallet, there were photos of us everywhere. I had been constantly reminding myself that no matter what Fiona did to me, she still loved me. But when I learned about Zack and Fiona’s relationship, I realized how ridiculous I had been. These photos, each one of them, were mocking how much of a clown I was. I didn’t want to explain much, so I said flatly, “The frame broke accidentally, so I put it away.” “Why are you so clumsy with everything?” Fiona frowned in disgust, immediately looking down to check if there was any broken glass on the floor. “Make sure you clean up properly when you have time. Don’t let anyone get hurt.” With that, she stood up and walked out of the study. Watching her back, I couldn’t help but laugh self-mockingly. Of course, she wasn’t concerned about me. Her words clearly meant she didn’t want Zack to get hurt. This was our home, but she had brought Zack here many times. At first, she came secretly. Later, when I questioned her about the strange occurrences, she immediately produced evidence that it was just for work. She then took the opportunity to rebuke me for being jealous and petty, and subsequently began bringing Zack home openly out of spite. As time went on, I fell into self-doubt. Every day I reflected on whether I was wrong. Now that I think about it, if I had used that time to focus on anything else, I could have been successful. The next morning, Fiona announced the good news of Zack’s promotion, as well as my demotion to the lowest level. My colleagues didn’t know I had already resigned. While they congratulated Zack, their eyes were full of sympathy when they looked at me, secretly speculating whether I would throw a tantrum again. To their disappointment, I remained calm, as if nothing had happened. Over the next few days, while Fiona was hosting a celebration party for Zack, I was applying for a visa. When they were relaxing at an amusement park, I was clearing out my things. In the end, the stuff I wanted to take with me didn’t even fill one suitcase. When they were entertaining clients at a club and being urged to drink from the same glass, I was handing over all my work. … Two days later, on my last day at the company, I completed the final procedures at HR. “Go to the CEO’s office before you leave. The boss is looking for you,” the HR person said without looking up. I was about to refuse, but then I thought, I’m leaving tonight. If Fiona goes out with Zack as usual and doesn’t come home, this might be our last meeting. After all, we’ve been together for five years. There should be some kind of farewell ritual, right? Thinking of this, I went upstairs to the CEO’s office. Just as I was about to push open the door, I saw through the glass wall that Fiona was sitting on the sofa wearing a short skirt, while Zack was lying down with his head on her lap. They looked very intimate. 0

I hesitated. I was considering whether I should step back when Zack spotted me first. He cried out in surprise and hurriedly sat up. “Brother Lucas, why are you here?” Fiona’s face also showed a hint of nervousness. She hastily pulled down her slightly disheveled skirt, then angrily said to me, “Lucas, who allowed you to come up?!” “Didn’t I say before that without my permission, you’re not allowed to come upstairs and disturb me?” Fiona had mentioned this rule before. But the original wording was that except for Lucas, no one was allowed to come upstairs and disturb her without permission. Before, I thought Fiona was giving me special treatment, but now I understand what she really meant. However, I’m used to it now. Not wanting to dwell on it, I said flatly, “HR said you were looking for me.” Fiona snorted coldly, strode to her desk, and angrily pressed the intercom. Less than two minutes later, the HR person came upstairs. “Did you tell Lucas I was looking for him?” Fiona asked coldly. Sensing the tense atmosphere, the HR person looked at Fiona’s icy face, then at Zack, and became so nervous they couldn’t speak. After a while, they finally said, “I don’t remember.” “Hmph.” Hearing this, Fiona seemed like a victorious general, coldly glancing at me and speaking sarcastically. “Interesting, isn’t it, Lucas?” “I thought you had really learned your lesson, but I didn’t expect you to still be so scheming. Since you’re so worried about me, why don’t you move upstairs and keep an eye on me all the time?” “Or maybe put a camera on me to satisfy your curiosity?” I was speechless. “Fiona, don’t be angry. I believe Brother Lucas is just concerned and didn’t mean any harm,” Zack gently rubbed Fiona’s back, then looked at me and said, “Brother Lucas, don’t misunderstand. I was just tired earlier, my head was hurting, and the boss wanted to help me feel better so I could continue working.” “Everything we do is for the company, don’t overthink it.” I looked at his smug expression, as if he wanted me to overthink. Even though I didn’t know the whole story, I was sure this was Zack’s mischief. The HR person was shrewd, knowing Zack was Fiona’s favorite. So when they sensed the atmosphere was off, they didn’t dare to tell the truth. But even if they had, Fiona probably wouldn’t have believed it. I remained silent, but Fiona was still fuming. She angrily said, “No need to explain to him.” “Personal matters are personal, company matters are company matters. Since we’re at the company now, let’s follow company rules!” “Lucas didn’t follow company regulations, so all of this month’s bonus will be deducted, and his salary will be cut in half.” The HR person hurriedly said, “Boss, Lucas has already…” They probably wanted to mention my resignation, but before they could finish, Fiona glared at them. “I don’t want to hear any of his excuses. Do as I say!” The HR person didn’t dare say anything more and turned to go downstairs. I thought for a moment and prepared to leave too, but Fiona suddenly called me back. Perhaps because she had vented her anger, she now looked calmer. She spoke earnestly, “Lucas, I’m not deliberately targeting you, but this is the rule I set. If I don’t punish you, it might be hard to convince others in the future.” Zack nodded in agreement, “That’s right, Brother Lucas. Next time when you’re unsure about something, you should ask the boss first. If not, you can always ask me too.” Hearing him say this, Fiona nodded approvingly. “Zack cares about the company. He knows more about company affairs than anyone else.” Then she glared at me again, “Unlike you, what can you do besides being jealous? Can’t you learn from Zack?” Learn what? Learn how to deliberately interfere in other people’s relationships, or learn how to deliberately steal other people’s achievements and set them up? I sneered but couldn’t be bothered to expose them anymore. Seeing that I didn’t speak, Fiona thought I had realized my mistake. She took a couple of steps towards me, straightened my collar that wasn’t even messy, and said earnestly, “I know why you’re doing all this, and I’m really disappointed in you.” “But I have to say, since coming back this time, you’ve indeed become more sensible. To reward you, we’ll go take wedding photos tomorrow and put the wedding on the agenda. But don’t get too excited, marriage is just…” “Marriage?” Before she could finish, I let out a light laugh. I brushed off her hand. I handed her the resignation letter I had prepared. “But we’ve already broken up.” “Also, I’ve resigned. From now on, we have no relationship whatsoever.”

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Suddenly, after I got pregnant, Gabriel became incredibly attentive to me. He canceled all his social engagements and personally cooked for me. Everyone envied me for finding such a devoted husband. Until I accidentally discovered a document in his study – “Agreement for Directed Blood Donation During Pregnancy and Newborn Cord Blood Donation”. My name and ID number were clearly listed! In the beneficiary column was Aria Song, the love of his life he had kept abroad for seven years… From outside the door came his gentle, doting voice. “Don’t worry, Aria. I’m personally overseeing her. Nutrition, rest – everything is according to the highest standards. I guarantee the baby will be born healthy. Your life-saving treatment is absolutely assured!” So all those carefully prepared prenatal meals, the mountains of supplements – none of it was out of love for me. It was to raise me into a qualified “blood bank”! “Aria, don’t worry. When the baby is born, I’ll personally take it to the operating room.” “It’s an honor for her and the baby to contribute to your recovery.” Overhearing Gabriel’s phone conversation through the door, my stomach churned violently. Fighting back nausea, I opened the agreement I had found in his drawer – Agreement for Directed Blood Donation During Pregnancy and Cord Blood Donation. The agreement clearly stated: Party B, Olivia Chen, will provide 200cc of blood every 15 days during pregnancy for Miss Aria Song, who suffers from aplastic anemia. Party B will voluntarily donate the child’s cord blood after delivery for Miss Aria Song’s emergency treatment. … So all that blood the nurses had been drawing wasn’t for tests, but for Aria. And the date on this contract was the day after I found out I was pregnant. I remember Gabriel running back excitedly that day, hugging me and spinning me around. It turns out he wasn’t overjoyed, but had finally found the cure to save his true love’s life. My whole body felt drained of blood, chilled to the bone. I flipped from the first page of the agreement to the last. Supplementary terms were printed in bold black font. “If cord blood typing fails, Party B Olivia Chen must agree that when the child meets surgical conditions, they will undergo bone marrow transplant surgery for Miss Aria Song.” “As compensation, after successful surgery, Mr. Gabriel Gu will pay Miss Olivia Chen a one-time mental anguish fee of $1 million, and immediately terminate their marriage.” “Custody of the child will belong to Mr. Gabriel Gu.” My child. The child I risked my life to conceive. From before they were even born, their own father had put a price tag on them, turning them into a walking blood bag and bone marrow bank! Seven years of love, all that time he was good to me. I thought it was belated happiness. I never imagined it was actually cold-hearted calculation! “Thud.” The agreement slipped from my hands. My whole body went limp, and I had to grip the desk to keep from falling. The study door opened. Gabriel walked in carrying a bowl of bird’s nest soup. Seeing my pale face, he frowned slightly. “Olivia, why are you in the study? The doctor said you need more rest.” His voice was as gentle as ever, but I couldn’t help feeling nauseated. I had originally wanted to confront him about the agreement, but instead overheard that conversation. My heart burned with a thousand questions I wanted to ask him, but I trembled, unable to speak. His gaze followed mine to the agreement on the floor. He froze for an instant. But in just a second, his eyes returned to their usual calm, without even a hint of panic. He calmly walked over, picked up the agreement, put it back in the drawer, and locked it. The whole process was smooth and fluid, as if he was just handling an unimportant document. Then he came to stand in front of me, looking down with a tone of resignation and condescension. “You heard everything?” “Olivia, it’s not good to touch other people’s things without permission. But since you already know, I won’t hide it from you anymore.” “Aria is very ill. The doctors say this is her only chance.” “Olivia, you’ve always been kind-hearted. You’ll help me, won’t you?”

I stared into his eyes, which I once thought held the stars and sea. Now I realized they were a bottomless, icy pool. My kindness meant letting him treat my child like medical waste to save another woman? It felt like a burning coal was lodged in my throat. The searing pain left me unable to speak, only able to stare at him intently. Gabriel grew uncomfortable under my gaze. He looked away, his tone taking on a hint of barely noticeable irritation. “Don’t look at me like that.” “This won’t affect our child. The doctors have assessed it, it’s very safe.” “After it’s done, that million dollars will be enough for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life.” He paused, as if realizing his tone was too harsh, and softened his voice with a hint of coaxing. “Olivia, Aria is a human life too. We can’t stand by and let her die.” “You give birth to the child, get the money, we part ways amicably. It’s good for everyone.” Good for everyone? Using my child, my life, to save Aria – how is that good for everyone? If he really thought that, why did he work so hard to make it up to me all this time? In an instant, all those nights we spent in each other’s arms, him cooking for me, worrying about me – all those sweet memories of the past became carefully calculated schemes. It all became utterly disgusting! “Is that so?” I looked into his eyes, my voice hoarse and unfamiliar. “Then what if… I refuse?” The mask of tenderness Gabriel had worn for nine months shattered completely. He straightened up, looking down at me, his eyes cold as ice. “Olivia, you don’t have a choice in this matter.” “My woman and child should share my burdens.” With that, he turned to leave, stopping at the door without looking back. “Tomorrow at 9 AM, the driver will take you to the hospital. You’d better cooperate!” There is no greater sorrow than the death of one’s heart. My whole body went limp. I slid down the cold desk to the floor, unable to shed even a single tear. My phone vibrated in my pocket. I woodenly took it out. It was a bank deposit notification. $500,000. Sent by Gabriel. A down payment. He was always so thorough in everything he did. I stared at that string of numbers, suddenly laughing. So this was the marriage I had persevered in for seven years… I loved for seven years, was a fool for seven years. From now on, it was all over. From here on out, I would start planning for myself.

Early the next morning, I didn’t wait for the driver. Contrary to my usual style, I put on elaborate makeup and changed into the white dress Gabriel liked best. Seeing me come downstairs, Gabriel looked up and scanned me, his eyes filled with scrutiny and warning. I returned a docile smile, obediently sitting across from him. “Gabriel, I’ve thought it through.” My tone was calm. “You’re right. Helping Miss Aria won’t cost me anything.” “I’ll be good and do as you say.” Gabriel clearly hadn’t expected me to agree so quickly. “It’s good that you see it that way.” “I’ll have the lawyers redraft that agreement. If you cooperate, the compensation can be increased by another $500,000.” He was always so confident about me. I lowered my eyes, hiding the mockery in them. “The money’s not important. What’s important is, I have one condition.” “Go on.” I raised my head, looking straight into his eyes. “I want to meet Miss Aria.” “After all, I’m the child’s mother. I have the right to know who my child is saving.” “And… I want to see for myself what kind of woman is worth you going to such lengths for.” Gabriel’s brow furrowed, as if weighing the pros and cons. I continued to push, my voice tinged with a hint of grievance and trembling. “Don’t worry, I won’t do anything. I just… just want to let myself give up completely.” “Let me see her, and I can let go of all my fantasies about you, and calmly… complete this transaction.” Perhaps the word “transaction” pleased him. Or perhaps my current appearance, sufficiently pitiful and submissive, was enough. He was silent for a moment, then finally nodded. “Fine.” “I’ll arrange it for this afternoon.” The first step of my plan was successful. That afternoon, Gabriel personally drove me to that expensive private hospital. Compared to the ordinary single room where I had my prenatal checkups, Aria’s room was a VIP suite on the top floor, filled with sunlight, as cozy as a princess’s chamber. It seems favoritism is evident in every detail. Hiding my bitterness, I looked up. Aria was wearing pink hospital pajamas, her face pale as she leaned weakly against the headboard. Seeing Gabriel enter, her eyes lit up, her voice sweet and soft. “Gabriel, you’re here.” Her gaze fell on me, especially on my belly. That fragility instantly mixed with a barely noticeable hint of scrutiny and smugness. Gabriel walked over, tucking her blanket with practiced tenderness that could melt ice. “Aria, I brought Olivia to see you.” Only then did Aria turn her full attention to me, giving me an apologetic smile. “Mrs. Gu, hello.” “I’m so sorry that my illness has caused you so much trouble.” As she spoke, she gave a weak cough, her eyes rimming with red. “If there was any other way, I wouldn’t have agreed to Gabriel doing this.” “I hope you don’t blame him, he’s just too worried about me.” What a pitiful white lotus. In a few words, she absolved herself of all responsibility, while highlighting Gabriel’s deep love for her. I stood silently, just quietly looking at her. Then I smiled. I walked to her bedside, leaned down, and whispered so only the two of us could hear. “Miss Song, your acting is truly impressive.” “But you’d better be able to fool Gabriel for the rest of your life, and pray that I never reveal the truth.” Aria’s expression changed instantly!

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Five years ago, I lost my memory in a car accident. Lucas Lin told me he was my lover. He saved me, took care of me, and we naturally got married. For five years, I devoted myself to him, taking care of his every need. I thought I was the happiest wife in the world. But when I was about to tidy up the study, I overheard a conversation between Lucas and his childhood sweetheart. “Lucas, Aria has been so dedicated to you these past five years. She practically waits on you hand and foot! I’m getting jealous~” Lucas fondly stroked her head, “Silly girl, all that menial work is what she’s supposed to do. I’d never let you do such things.” Furious, I pushed open the door and accused Yvette of being a homewrecker. To my shock, she produced a marriage certificate with Lucas, claiming I was the one intruding on their relationship. In the ensuing scuffle, I hit my head on the bookshelf and regained my memory. It turned out I was actually the heiress of the wealthiest family in town! Looking at Lucas, who was still berating me, and the sniffling Yvette in his arms, I turned and dialed my bodyguard’s number: “Ethan, your young miss has been bullied!”

“Miss Ruan! We’ve finally contacted you! We’ve locked onto your location. I’ll be there to bring you home within three hours.” On the phone, Ethan’s voice was as steady and reassuring as ever. “Alright.” After hanging up, I rinsed the bleeding wound on my forehead with cold water. My reflection in the mirror was pale, but my eyes were no longer filled with the docility and confusion of the past five years. Instead, they were ice-cold. My name is Aria Ruan, or rather, I finally remembered that my name is Aria Ruan. The only daughter of the Ruan family. After treating my wound, I came out of the bathroom. Lucas was standing in the upstairs hallway, looking down at me condescendingly, still cradling the sniffling Yvette in his arms. “Hey, Aria, if you’re not dead, stop pretending!” His voice was full of disgust. “You could have dodged just now. Why did you deliberately hit the bookshelf? Don’t you know you scared Yvette? Come here and apologize to her right now!” These outrageously shameless words pierced my heart like a steel needle. I can’t believe I played the role of the submissive “Aria” for five years for a man like this. Countless images flooded my mind like a tidal wave. The life that belonged to “Aria Ruan” was as clear as if it had happened yesterday. Along with it came a surge of hatred. Five years ago, I woke up from a car accident with no memory. It was Lucas who held my hand and gently told me that he was my fiancé of many years, the only person I could rely on in my life. I believed him, clinging to him like a lifeline as I returned home with him. He not only erased my past but gave me a false identity, complete with a fake marriage certificate that now seems laughably absurd. For five years, I cooked and cleaned for him, managed everything at home so he could focus on his career without worry. I even ate nothing but plain noodles for a month straight to save money to buy him a nice watch. I thought my devotion would earn his cherishment. But everything that just happened made me realize that my five years of deep affection were nothing but an exciting game in their eyes. Seeing that I kept staring at him without responding, Lucas’s face flashed with inexplicable panic, but it was quickly replaced by impatience. He tossed out a sentence: “Hurry up and make dinner, Yvette’s hungry.” Then he took Yvette back to the bedroom, no longer paying attention to me. I looked down at my rough hands, hands that should have been playing the piano and painting oil paintings, now covered with calluses and small wounds. With a cold laugh, I returned to my room and locked the door. The time displayed on my phone screen showed two hours and fifteen minutes left until the three-hour deadline. Alright, I’ll play along with you a little longer! Lucas and Yvette came out of the bedroom to find an empty dining room and a cold stove. Their faces instantly darkened. “Aria! Where the hell are you? Where’s dinner?” He angrily kicked open my door. “I’m tired. I don’t feel like cooking,” I said. Lucas looked as if he had heard the biggest joke in the world. “You’re tired? What could a woman who stays at home all day be tired from? Get your ass to the kitchen and make dinner!” “Oh?” I raised an eyebrow. “Why don’t you let your ‘legal wife’ cook?” “After all, I’m just a crazy woman who stole her nest, aren’t I?” I threw Yvette’s words back at them. Lucas’s face alternated between shades of green and white. He probably never expected that I, who had always obeyed his every word, would suddenly become so sharp-tongued. Yvette crossed her arms and emerged from behind him, her voice dripping with sarcasm: “Lucas, darling, look at her attitude! What’s the big deal about asking her to cook? It’s like we owe her something.” “I think you’ve spoiled her rotten these past five years!” She turned to me, chin held high: “Aria, I suggest you remember your place. You eat our food, live in our house – isn’t doing some housework only right? Don’t be so ungrateful.” I laughed, laughed so hard tears nearly came to my eyes. “Your house?” I stood up and walked towards them step by step, my gaze fixed on Lucas. “Lucas Lin, tell me, who does this mansion really belong to?”

Lucas’s eyes darted around, unable to speak. This mansion was bought shortly after I lost my memory, using a bank card he had coaxed me into using. That card, I now realize, must have been from my Ruan family account. He used my money to buy the house, yet had the audacity to make me believe I was dependent on him for survival. “And you,” I turned to Yvette, “That new Chanel dress you’re wearing must have cost quite a bit. I wonder which card it was charged to?” Yvette’s face changed color. I took a step closer, sneering, “It was the supplementary card Lucas gave you, wasn’t it? Do you know who’s been paying off the bills on that main card every month?” Over these five years, Lucas’s career was just starting, and his income was far from enough to support such lavish spending. All the bills were paid by me. I used to think it was proof of Lucas’s love, entrusting me with his money. Now I understand I was nothing more than their human ATM. Yvette was left speechless by my questions, but after just a second, she straightened her back. Far from showing any shame, her face displayed a challenging defiance. “So what?” she shrieked, her voice shrill. “Aria, what are you getting so worked up about? If it weren’t for Lucas kindly taking you in five years ago, who knows which gutter you’d be rotting in right now!” “Every penny you’ve spent, every bite of food you’ve eaten, it’s all thanks to Lucas’s generosity! Without him, you’re nothing!” Lucas also shielded Yvette behind him, glaring at me furiously. “Aria, what’s wrong with you!” “I work my ass off outside, give you a home, let you manage the money – that’s because I trust you! Your money is my money, isn’t it? What’s wrong with using some of it to buy Yvette a dress? What right do you have to make such a fuss? Don’t forget, I’ve supported you for five years!” “Don’t think you can turn the tables just because you got a little hurt. Let me tell you, without me, you’re nothing!” “Is that so?” I looked at his face, flushed red with guilt, the last trace of attachment in my heart disappearing. I forcefully shook off his hand. “Lucas Lin, we’ll soon see who is nothing without whom.” But Lucas kept staring at me intently. “Who said you could leave me?” “So what if the marriage certificate is fake? We’ve lived together for five years, our relationship is real, isn’t it?” “Don’t worry, to the outside world, you’ll always be my wife.” “Lucas darling, sister must be in shock. We should give her some time to accept it,” Yvette interjected, seeing the situation. She curled her lips into a malicious smile, deliberately emphasizing the word “sister”. Then she turned to me, her nose in the air: “By the way, Lucas and I had quite a night yesterday. Go change the sheets and wash them, will you?” “Remember to wash them by hand. They’re silk, don’t ruin them in the washing machine.” As she spoke, she deliberately thrust out her chest, making sure I could see the love bites on her neck. Lucas also glanced at me, as if everything was perfectly normal. “Yvette’s right, you should find more things to do. Then you won’t have time for these silly thoughts.” He flashed Yvette a playful, indulgent smile: “Looks like you’re not tired yet. Let’s continue tonight.”

I watched their little back-and-forth act, feeling like I was watching two clowns putting on a desperate performance. The wall clock pointed to 7:30 PM. Ethan should arrive in about half an hour. Thinking about finally going home, I couldn’t even be bothered to get angry. I just curled my lips into a faint smile. “You want me to wash them? Sure!” With that, I yanked the filthy sheets off the bed and flung them straight into Yvette’s face. Then, taking advantage of her panicked screaming, I dragged her towards the washing machine. My actions caught Lucas off guard. He didn’t react for a moment. The next second, I roughly shoved both Yvette and the sheets into the washing machine. “Dirty things should be washed together!” “Ah! Aria, you bitch! Let go of me!” Yvette shrieked, kicking and flailing. I easily grabbed her wrist. Five years of housework had made me much stronger than this pampered woman. Lucas finally reacted, rushing over and kicking me hard in the abdomen. The force was so great it knocked me to the ground. He then fished Yvette out of the washing machine and held her in his arms. Yvette cried in his arms, looking utterly pitiful. “Lucas, darling, how could she do this to me? My wrist hurts so much…” Lucas glared at me, his eyes full of fury. “Aria, I really underestimated you!” I lay on the ground clutching my stomach, cold sweat beading on my forehead from the pain. His face contorted with rage. “Stop pretending! I just kicked you once.” Then he viciously stomped on my wrist. The bones made an ominous creaking sound under the pressure. “Ah!” The excruciating pain made me cry out involuntarily. Lucas leaned down, his eyes as sharp as knives. “Apologize to Yvette right now. Say you were wrong! Otherwise, I’ll cripple this hand of yours today!” Yvette stood to the side, still wiping her crocodile tears. “Lucas, darling, make her kneel and lick my shoes. Then I’ll forgive her.” “You heard her? Yvette’s giving you a chance.” Lucas said, pressing down even harder with his foot. I gritted my teeth, enduring the intense pain as tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. Not from the pain, but from the utter absurdity of these past five years. Ethan, where are you? Your young miss is about to be bullied to death! Just then, an enraged voice rang out. “Who dares to bully our young miss!” A dozen blinding headlights suddenly illuminated the entire courtyard. A man in a black suit, tall and straight as a pine tree, stepped out of the lead car. Behind him was a row of bodyguards with stern expressions. The ferocity on Lucas’s face instantly froze, turning into shock. Ethan strode over in a few quick steps and kicked Lucas flying. Then he took off his suit jacket and gently draped it over my shoulders, covering my disheveled state. He knelt on one knee, carefully cradling my bruised hand. His eyes, as he looked at me, were filled with the tenderness of someone who had lost and regained a priceless treasure. “Young miss,” his voice trembled slightly with excitement. “I’ve come to take you home.”

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The Curator and all the experts were high-fiving and shaking hands, celebrating a major win. Only Chloe, my junior colleague, the so-called genius who claimed she could commune with the ‘spirits’ of artifacts, was clinging to my leg, her eyes red and glistening. “Harper, I know your methods are outdated, but you can’t just give up like this! The relics need you!” I coldly pulled my leg away. In my past life, every time she ‘appraised’ an artifact, she’d just light a ‘Spirit-Scent Incense’ and accurately state its age, material, and even its hidden stories. But all of that? It was data I’d pulled from sleepless nights in the lab, my own research. In the end, she framed me as a national treasure thief, and I died unjustly in prison. Now, I’ve been reborn to that exact moment: she was holding a fake legendary Dragon’s Seal, just about to light her ‘mystic incense’ to ‘read’ it. Chloe looked at me, her expression wounded. “Harper, I know they don’t understand, but you believe me, right?” The incense stick wavered in her hand, a thin trail of green smoke curling upwards. In my last life, I was completely manipulated by that innocent, pitiful act. “Chloe, are you really going to perform your little occult show in front of all these experts?” My voice was so calm, it even surprised me. She froze for a second, clearly not expecting me to say that. “Harper, I truly can sense the history of artifacts…” “Enough!” The Curator slammed his hand on the table. “What ‘sensing’? This is an artifact appraisal center, not some fortune-telling booth!” Other experts shook their heads, sighing. “Chloe, it’s good for young people to have ideas, but this method…” “It’s just ridiculous!” “We’re here for scientific research, not superstition!” Chloe’s tears finally spilled. She bit her lip, her face stubbornly defiant. “I know you don’t believe me, but I really… I really can sense it!” With that, she lit the incense stick. Pale green smoke slowly rose, filling the room with a strange, heavy scent. I stared at that incense stick, a wave of immense fury swelling inside me. In my past life, it was this very incense stick that made everyone believe in Chloe’s ‘divine power,’ making her famous overnight, while I became her stepping stone. “Experts, please observe!” Chloe closed her eyes, putting on a show of piety. “I can sense the history of this legendary Dragon’s Seal…” She began to babble, talking about emperors’ grievances and tears of blood from history. But soon, her tone shifted. She started rattling off the exact scientific data I’d spent several sleepless nights compiling. The experts in my past life listened, their jaws dropped. They actually ended up believing she could ‘read’ the artifacts. But this time, I wouldn’t let her succeed. “Chloe, are you done with your act?” I suddenly stood up. Everyone looked at me, including Liam, who was sitting next to me. “Harper, you…” Chloe opened her eyes, a flicker of panic in them. “You think lighting an incense stick will fool everyone?” I sneered. “Do you even know what’s been added to this stick?” Chloe’s face instantly went pale. “You’re lying! It’s just regular sandalwood incense!” “Regular sandalwood?” I walked over to her, snatched the still-burning stick from her hand. “Then why does it contain hallucinogenic compounds?” The conference room fell silent. The Curator frowned. “Harper, what do you mean by that?” I turned to the Curator, my voice sharp and clear. “Curator, I suggest we immediately perform a chemical analysis on this incense.” Chloe’s hands began to tremble. “Harper, why are you doing this to me? I just wanted to prove myself…” “Prove yourself?” I scoffed. “Or prove how clever your deception is?” Liam stood up, looking at me with concern. “Harper, aren’t you getting too worked up? Chloe hasn’t done anything. Don’t scare her…” I turned my head to look at him, a wave of profound disappointment washing over me. He was just like this in my past life. Even when he knew Chloe was problematic, he always used that gentle tone to make excuses for her. “Then you tell me, what’s the scientific basis for ‘Spirit-Scent Incense’ appraising artifacts?” “I didn’t… it’s just…” “Just what? Just that you think I’m being unreasonable, that I’m targeting your perfect, innocent little junior sister?” Liam’s face flushed. “Harper, don’t talk like that.” “Alright! Everyone quiet down. We’ll test the incense’s components now. Get someone from the forensics lab down here.” The Curator made the final decision.

The forensics lab colleague came in with the report. “The results are out. It’s just regular sandalwood incense, no additives.” My heart sank. Hard. Chloe immediately looked up, a triumphant glint in her eyes. “Harper, you see? I wasn’t lying. I really don’t know why you have such a prejudice against me…” The Curator cleared his throat. “Harper, your accusation just now was a bit… over the top.” “Wait.” I forced myself to stay calm. “Even if the incense is fine, it doesn’t prove she can actually ‘read’ artifacts.” Chloe bit her lip, looking wronged. “Harper, why won’t you just believe me?” She relit the sandalwood incense, and the green smoke curled up again. “I’ll demonstrate again, to prove I really can sense the history of artifacts.” The experts in the room started whispering among themselves. Some were clearly impatient with this ‘occult’ performance. “Ridiculous!” One expert directly stood up. “I don’t want to waste my time watching this trick.” “Exactly! What era is this, still doing all this superstitious stuff?” another expert echoed. Chloe’s tears streamed down her face. She spoke in a trembling voice. “This ancient jade disc… it’s crying out in pain. It’s not the real legendary Dragon’s Seal…” The conference room erupted in laughter. “She couldn’t even tell that?” “Everyone knows it’s a fake!” “You called us here just to hear this?” A few experts directly stood up, ready to leave. I secretly breathed a sigh of relief. This time, finally, it wouldn’t… “It’s a celadon jade from the ancient lands, hardness 6.5, density 2.95, containing tremolite 87%, actinolite 11%, and other minerals 2%.” Chloe suddenly spoke. The experts who were leaving stopped dead in their tracks. “The craftsmanship uses late ancient polishing techniques, but the carving style is clearly medieval. There’s a clear anachronism.” “The patina on the jade surface is artificially aged, using tea water and smoke treatment…” The laughter died down instantly. These data points? I’d worked until 3 AM last night in the lab to get them! I hadn’t even released them to anyone yet! “There are three tiny air bubbles inside the jade, located at the dragon head, belly, and tail, which are characteristics of modern casting techniques…” No! Impossible! The Curator, shocked, flipped open my detection report on my desk. His face instantly changed. “This… these data points are perfectly consistent! Not a single word off!” Everyone’s gaze snapped to me. “Harper, did you tell Chloe in advance?” an expert questioned. “Impossible!” I quickly defended myself. “My report was just finished last night. I haven’t shown it to anyone!” Liam looked at Chloe in astonishment, his eyes starting to show a mix of curiosity and admiration. “Chloe, you really can sense all this?” Chloe opened her eyes, tears welling up as she looked at me. “I don’t know why either. Harper, you see, it’s really talking to me. Now… do you believe me?” I felt a wave of dizziness, as if the world was spinning. History wasn’t just repeating itself; it was crashing down on me even faster. “This is incredible!” The Curator’s attitude completely shifted. “Chloe, your ability…” “It’s simply a gift!” “Our country’s artifact appraisal field is about to see a prodigy!” Praise erupted from all sides. “No!” I suddenly stood up. “She must have seen my experimental data in advance!” “Harper, what else do you have to say?” The Curator frowned. “She broke into the lab last night!” I was nearly hysterical. “She stole my data!” Chloe cried even harder. “Harper, I was in my dorm all last night. My roommates can prove it…” The Curator’s attitude completely changed. “Harper, this is getting tiresome. Chloe clearly has this talent. If you’re jealous, just say so.” “Harper, that’s enough!” Liam finally exploded. “Why are you pushing Chloe like this? Is it so hard to admit someone else is talented?” “I’m not pushing her! I’m just trying to prove…” “Prove what? Prove that you’re jealous of her talent?” That sentence hit me like a thunderbolt. Everyone looked at me with strange eyes, filled with disdain, disappointment, and the mocking gaze reserved for a clown. And Chloe, she stood there, tears in her eyes, yet unable to hide the triumphant smile playing on her lips. Just like in my past life. I closed my eyes, my fists clenched. Was I truly unable to escape this outcome?

The next day’s appraisal meeting. On the table lay a rare Renaissance landscape painting. I’d once again pulled an all-nighter, working until 3 AM, conducting a detailed age analysis and technique study on this painting. Ink composition, paper fibers, mounting process – I verified every single detail repeatedly. I was like a drowning person, clinging desperately to science as my last straw. Chloe sat across from me, holding that same sandalwood incense stick. “Harper, you didn’t get much sleep last night again, did you?” She looked at me with concern. “Your eyes are so dark.” I ignored her. The Curator pointed to the painting. “Today, we’re appraising this piece. Harper, is your report ready?” “I won’t need a paper report today. I’ve memorized everything.” I looked at Chloe. “Why don’t we let Chloe go first?” Chloe nodded, lighting the incense. Green smoke rose again. She closed her eyes, putting on that pious act. “I hear the painting’s voice…” “It says it was created by the master Leonardo da Vinci, using fine linen canvas and mineral pigments blended with linseed oil…” The pen in my hand snapped. I had just finished analyzing these data points last night! How could she possibly know! “The mountains in the painting use sfumato techniques, the trees employ atmospheric perspective – typical of da Vinci’s style…” The Curator’s eyes widened. “My god! Chloe, you can even sense the painting techniques?” Chloe opened her eyes, triumph sparkling within them. “It also told me that this painting was once cherished by a renowned 19th-century collector. That person loved it so much, they’d look at it every day…” She started fabricating poetic stories, packaging my scientific data into emotional narratives about the artifact’s ‘soul.’ Everyone listened, utterly captivated. “Chloe, your ability is truly miraculous!” Liam’s gaze softened. “I never knew you had such a gift.” I was left on the sidelines, like an irrelevant clown. An expert whispered, “Harper’s technical skills are amazing, of course, but the efficiency difference is just too much…” “Yeah, what Chloe can solve in minutes takes Harper all-nighters.” “Times are changing. We need to keep up.” My fists clenched, my chest ached as if a hole had been torn through it. Chloe, however, smiled humbly. “This is all thanks to Harper’s excellent guidance. I’m just lucky enough to understand what artifacts are saying.” “Chloe, you’re too modest!” Liam praised. “This kind of talent is one in a millennium.” I watched his gaze on Chloe soften more and more, a growing sense of dread rising within me. The scenes from my past life began to replay. The Curator stood up. “I’ve decided that from now on, Chloe will primarily handle the appraisal of important artifacts.” I snapped my head up. “Curator, I don’t think that’s appropriate…”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “297000”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #浪漫Romance #惊悚Thriller