I had harbored a secret, aching love for my stepsister, Aria Valentine, for ten long years. Before finally putting an end to this twisted, impossible obsession, I begged her to spend one last Valentine’s Day with me. The night we checked into the hotel, her childhood sweetheart, Leo Wilder, saw his family’s empire crumble. He knelt for a day and a night at the Valentine family’s doorstep, begging for help. The next morning, news broke that Leo, hounded by creditors, had jumped to his death. She didn’t utter a single word. She quietly handled his funeral. She quietly agreed to marry me. The wedding hall erupted in flames, everything consumed by the inferno. She fought, with every fiber of her being, to save my life. In her dying breath, she tore our wedding photo to shreds. “Meeting you… it was the most repulsive thing I’ve ever done in this life.” It was then, in that horrific moment, that I finally understood. She hated me. Branded with the curse of a man who doomed those he loved, I was beaten and kicked by her relatives at the funeral. Mr. and Mrs. Valentine, who had always loved me like their own, now looked at me with chilling indifference. “If it weren’t for you, Aria wouldn’t have died. Your existence, Ethan, was always a burden to her!” Lost and adrift, I stumbled through the streets, only to be struck by a passing truck, flung from the bridge, and killed instantly. When I opened my eyes again, I was back. One week before the wedding. This time, I would let her go. … The bridal salon was hushed, opulent. Aria Valentine sat regally on the sofa, clad in a custom-designed wedding gown. There wasn’t a flicker of impending bridal joy in her eyes, only a cold, chilling disdain. “Ethan Miller, are you satisfied now? I truly can’t believe it. The Valentines kindly adopted you, and yet you harbor this delusional fantasy of marrying me? Do you actually think a wedding will make me love you? Dream on!” I lowered my head, glancing at the time on my phone. It was exactly one week before the wedding. The Wilder family hadn’t collapsed yet. Leo hadn’t been driven to suicide by creditors. Everything was still salvageable. The memories of my past life, a torrent of regrets and suffering, flooded my mind. I swallowed down the bitter ache of injustice, forcing a smile. “I know,” I said, my voice soft. “You love someone else. This time, I’ll help you.” A flicker of surprise crossed her face, as if she’d just heard the most absurd joke. A harsh, derisive scoff escaped her lips. “You’ll help me? Help me with what? The invitations have already been sent out. What’s the point of saying all this now?” Her voice sharpened, laced with accusation. “I always thought of you as my brother, treated you with endless care, even let you in on company matters. But you? Two-faced, manipulative… you sicken me! If you hadn’t poisoned my parents’ minds against Leo, why would they have such a huge bias against him? Now you’ve gotten your way. Why pretend to be so magnanimous?” With that, she turned and strode out of the salon. I lowered my head, my hand lingering for a moment on the fabric of the groom’s tuxedo. Then, I gave the attendant Leo Wilder’s measurements. Next, I contacted the wedding planner, instructing them to change the groom’s name on all wedding documents to Leo Wilder. My phone wallpaper was still a photo of Aria and me from ten years ago. Back then, my parents had died, and my schooling was abruptly cut short. Her arrival… she became my salvation. The Valentines and my parents had been close family friends, their bond deep and enduring. At Aria’s urging, I was adopted into the Valentine family. To protect me from bullies at school, she kept me by her side every single day. Classmates would tease that I was her little shadow. She would just smile, a fond, indulgent curve of her lips. When I was cornered by bullies, it was Aria who stepped forward. She fought those street thugs until their faces were bloody and bruised. I stood by, terrified, my eyes wide and vacant. She pulled me close, covering my ears with her hands. “It’s okay, Ethan. From now on, Aria will protect her brother.” She never broke her word. She always protected me fiercely. After we joined the company, every event, every gala, I was always her only male escort. Everyone whispered that Aria Valentine was poised and distant, aloof and proud, but when it came to me, her ‘brother,’ she doted on me immensely. The rumors of romance spread, swirling until even I began to believe them. My secret diary, filled with my unspoken adoration, was discovered by Mr. and Mrs. Valentine. They began to actively push Aria and me together, hoping for a match. But it wasn’t until the fire at the wedding that I truly knew. Her heart belonged to someone else. And my very existence, to her, was nothing but a burden. Having completed all the arrangements, I changed into my own clothes. Forcing a brave smile, I stepped out. The suit was sized. All that was left were the wedding rings. “Aria,” I called out, feigning indifference, “I’m going to pick out wedding rings. Will you come with me?” She knew Leo Wilder’s tastes best. Aria was busy texting on her phone, a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing on her lips. At my words, she looked up, her gaze chilling. “Tried on the suit, and now you want to buy wedding rings? Ethan Miller, do you really want to marry me that badly?” Her voice was laced with impatience. “I’m busy. Something happened with Leo’s family. I need to go see him.” I swallowed the bitter taste of my own sorrow, opening the car door for her. “Alright, you go. I’ll tell your parents you have company business. Just don’t let it slip.” A flicker of suspicion crossed Aria’s face. She cast a sharp glance at me. “Did you take the wrong medicine today? Usually, you’d glare whenever Leo’s name came up. I guess you’re finally getting married, so you think he’s no longer a threat?” A wry, sad smile touched my lips. Before I could speak, Aria flung the words over her shoulder and left, not even looking back. I walked the streets for a long time in the cold wind. The moment I arrived home, Mr. and Mrs. Valentine saw the expression on my face and understood. They quickly rushed to comfort me. “Don’t overthink it, Ethan. Aria is just childish. It’ll be fine after you two get married.” Mrs. Valentine said, her voice gentle. “Look, she says she doesn’t want to bother with you, but she personally sent over several wedding ring designs. Pick one you like. Don’t worry about the cost, we’ll pay for it.” Mr. Valentine added, his voice firm. “We’ll make sure your wedding is spectacular.” They believed Aria was simply putting on a tough front. But only I knew that everything she did was merely to maintain appearances. Without that fire, our marriage would have been one of polite distance, a life of convenience. Everything would be fine, except for love. I picked the most expensive ring from the selection. When the news reached Aria, she immediately called. “What, are you dropping the act? You certainly picked the most expensive ring. Let me make myself clear: after we’re married, you can spend the Valentine family’s money however you like, but don’t even think about interfering in my affairs!” I tilted my head back, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall. “Okay. I promise.” The call ended. The chauffeur sent Mr. Valentine a location from his Maybach. Mr. Valentine looked at it and instantly blew up. “That brat! She went to see Leo Wilder again?” “Don’t worry, Ethan, your aunt and I will handle this!” Mrs. Valentine assured me, her voice trembling. “When she gets back, I’ll break her legs!” Before Aria returned home, the company lawyer already sent a message: she had breached ten contracts to save the Wilder family’s company. Her favoritism was painfully clear. Mr. Valentine’s face was livid, and he smashed the teacup on the table. Mrs. Valentine looked utterly defeated, but still tried to compose herself and comfort me. Seeing them constantly looking out for me, my eyes welled up. After my parents died, they had loved me as if I were their own son. Knowing my feelings, they had tirelessly tried to bring Aria and me together. But alas, love was never a multiple-choice question. And it couldn’t be cultivated. I knelt before Mrs. Valentine, holding her arm, shaking it gently, feigning a childish plea. “Auntie, I don’t want to get married anymore.” My voice was soft, laced with a plea of my own. “You’ve always been so kind to me, ever since I was little. This is my only wish.” I continued, my voice steady. “I know Aria loves Leo Wilder. Even if we marry, she’d be forcing herself. I don’t want to force her.” I then added, “I’ve already applied to study abroad. This time, please let me make my own decision.” Mrs. Valentine’s eyes welled with tears. She hugged me close, her heart aching. “Is that brat angry with you again? When she gets back, we’ll talk to her together. Marriage isn’t child’s play. She’s good to you, we see it. She’s just temporarily blinded by Leo Wilder; she’ll come to her senses.” Mr. Valentine sighed, nodding. “Indeed. The Wilder family company has too many illegal dealings. Bankruptcy is only a matter of time. Aria might not see it now, but she’ll realize it eventually. You’re our child. We watched you grow up. You’ve never left home. How can we possibly be at ease with you suddenly going abroad?” They thought I was just acting out of spite. They kept insisting they would stand by me and make things right. In my previous life, I listened to them, but the result was a brutal, heartbreaking fall. I couldn’t even preserve the last vestiges of family affection. I led them both to Aria’s bedroom. Pointing to the pile of clutter by the door, I said softly, “These are the gifts I’ve given her over the past ten years. She’s always kept them tucked away in a corner.” My voice tightened. “But the cheap trinkets Leo Wilder bought from a street vendor? Those she keeps by her bedside, cherishing them like treasures.” I met their gaze, a bitter smile on my face. “I’m not a child anymore. Whether there’s love or not, I know best.” “Thank you for taking care of me all these years. Even abroad, I’ll remember your kindness. But kindness shouldn’t be forced. She loves Leo Wilder. I’m willing to help her.” Mrs. Valentine wept, shaking her head, her heart aching. Mr. Valentine still wanted to persuade me, but I quickly interjected, “What if, after marrying me, Aria would be miserable for the rest of her life? This is our only chance to choose. I don’t want to ruin her life.” I looked at them both, my voice firm. “Uncle, Auntie, I know you care for me, but the bond of siblings… perhaps it lasts longer than a marriage.” I met their gaze, hoping they would understand. “I’ve let go. I see her only as my sister now. Please, just grant me this.” Seeing my stubborn resolve, they finally gave up trying to persuade me. Mrs. Valentine slipped a black card into my hand, repeatedly urging me to take good care of myself abroad. Tears streamed down my face as I nodded. “Auntie, please don’t tell Aria about this yet. Let’s give her a surprise at the wedding.” Back in my room, I tucked the bank card into my cabinet. I packed away all the things Aria had given me over the past ten years into a box. I carried it downstairs, intending to set it all ablaze, to burn it clean. The moment the flames flickered to life, Leo Wilder suddenly appeared before me. With a swift kick of his leather shoe, he sent the box tumbling. Glass photo frames shattered with a sickening crash. Before I could react, he casually picked up a shard and savagely slashed his own wrist. A shriek tore through the air. Aria Valentine rushed to my side, her hand flying, connecting with a sharp slap across my face. “What are you doing? Have you lost your mind?!” she demanded, her voice laced with fury. “Leo came here today to discuss business. What are you doing acting like this?” I stood frozen, stunned by the blow. Leo, seizing the moment, collapsed into Aria’s arms, sobbing dramatically. “I’m so sorry, Aria. I just thought, since you two are getting married soon, I’d come by to offer my blessings. Who knew Ethan would suddenly attack…” He sniffled. “I know he hates me. Maybe I shouldn’t come to the Valentine home anymore… I don’t want to cause you trouble.” Aria’s face hardened. She turned her icy gaze to me, her eyes blazing with fury. “What, getting married and you can’t keep up the act anymore? Sowing discord in front of my parents wasn’t enough, now you’re attacking people? Ethan Miller, ten years of knowing you, and I never saw you for who you truly are!” Her voice dropped, low and dangerous. “Just one question: Is the Wilder family’s bankruptcy your doing?”

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1 After graduating from The Elite Grooming Academy, my brother, Liam, swore he would marry into wealth. To orchestrate a ‘chance’ encounter, he took my brand-new car, intending to deliberately rear-end Victoria Thorne, the formidable heiress of the city’s old money. I slammed on the brakes in time, telling him the Thornes weren’t fools, and that car would bankrupt us even if we sold everything. Later, Victoria Thorne held a luxurious wedding that made headlines nationwide. My brother was consumed by insane jealousy. He railed that if I hadn’t stopped him, he would have been the groom. In his bitter resentment, he ran me over with his car, killing me. I opened my eyes again, sitting in the passenger seat. Liam’s lips curved into a confident smirk, his eyes fixated on the luxury car ahead. “Once she sees me, Victoria Thorne will be absolutely smitten.” He adjusted his tie, his gaze lingering on the sleek vehicle. “And when that happens, I won’t be caught dead driving this piece of junk.” This time, I didn’t stop him. He floored the accelerator. Our car slammed violently into the fifty-million-dollar supercar in front of us. Under the fierce impact, the supercar slid a short distance before finally coming to a halt. The colossal crunch echoed through the street, drawing numerous onlookers to a standstill. The supercar was severely damaged; its rear spoiler had crumpled off, and the body itself was deeply dented. My brother, Liam, paid no mind to any of it. He quickly recovered from the jolt, primping his appearance in the rearview mirror. His dark fringe was artfully mussed, his eyes rubbed just enough to glisten with a hint of tears, creating a perfectly subtle, vulnerable gaze. If I hadn’t witnessed his deliberate actions, I too would have believed he was a startled little rabbit. After pulling his gaze from the mirror, Liam darted a glance at me. Seeing my composure, sitting still and unperturbed, he looked visibly surprised. Earlier, he had strategically placed two thick cushions in front of himself for impact absorption and had intentionally accelerated when he thought I wasn’t looking. If I hadn’t been prepared, gripping the grab handle tightly, I would have slammed into the dashboard, nursing a bloody nose and bruised face by now. He’d been like this since childhood, always contriving situations to embarrass or diminish me, just to make his own serene perfection shine brighter. “Victoria Thorne rarely makes public appearances. Just follow my lead, don’t screw this up for me,” he hissed, dipping a finger into some foundation. Without asking, he smeared it over my lips, leaving them a ghastly white. “Once I’m the young master, I’ll have you work as a servant at the Thorne estate. The pay will be much better than what you earn now.” With that, Liam tugged down the collar of his tight knit sweater, revealing more of his chest, and pushed open the car door. In my previous life, Liam believed I had derailed his path to wealth, so he blamed me for every miserable turn his life took thereafter. This time, I was keen to see if his machinations would truly alter his destiny. Liam’s emergence caused a ripple of commotion; several women on the sidewalk raised their phones, snapping pictures. He had always been immensely proud of his physique, and with the tight-fitting top accentuating his chest muscles, he naturally drew plenty of admiring glances. Victoria Thorne didn’t get out of the car. Only a sharply dressed chauffeur circled the supercar once. He walked to the driver’s side window, bent down, and spoke a few words to Victoria. Liam, however, bypassed the driver who was about to approach him, and knocked directly on Victoria’s window. As he spoke, he dabbed at his eyes with a finger, his dark hair ruffled by the wind, giving him a perfectly ‘broken’ appearance. A moment later, Victoria Thorne pushed open her car door and glanced in my direction. Then, her gaze settled on Liam. The legendary Thorne heiress was rumored to be mysterious and low-key; countless male models and aspiring celebrities had tried to get close to her, but opportunities were rare. Liam lowered his head, his exquisitely manicured hands twisting together. Then, as if making a momentous decision, he pulled out his phone, ready to dial the police. I saw Victoria Thorne wave a dismissive hand, signaling Liam to put his phone away. She stepped out, her long legs carrying her towards my car. With the ghastly white foundation Liam had smeared on my lips, and a week of non-stop overtime, I must have looked utterly pale and bloodless. Through the car window, I saw Victoria Thorne up close for the first time. It was August, yet she still wore a silk scarf around her neck. A scar snaked upwards from beneath the scarf, reaching her left cheekbone. Despite meticulous reconstructive work, the skin remained uneven and pitted, a stark testament to the original wound’s depth. Liam hurried over, his voice laced with feigned concern: “My brother suddenly had a terrible stomachache, and I was rushing him to the hospital. I accidentally mixed up the gas and brake pedals, so…” He wrung his hands. “Regardless, it’s all my fault. I promise I’ll compensate you for all damages.” This scenario seemed to touch Victoria Thorne. Her cold expression softened slightly, and she calmly said there was no rush. “Take your brother to the hospital first,” she instructed. “My driver, Mr. Hayes, will handle the rest.” As Victoria Thorne turned to leave, Liam nervously stepped in front of her, offering a business card. “This is my contact information. I won’t shirk responsibility.” Victoria Thorne’s gaze fell to the white card in Liam’s hand. It stated Liam was a partner at a pet clinic and a visiting lecturer at the Southern Coast Hospitality College. She surveyed Liam from head to toe, her gaze unwavering, then pulled out her phone. “No need for all that. Let’s just exchange numbers.” 2 Victoria Thorne departed in a waiting Maybach, while a tow truck hauled away the supercar. My car’s hood was mangled, and one headlight was shattered. “This was my new car, just picked it up yesterday. What are we going to do now that you’ve wrecked it?” I demanded as we drove home. Liam ignored me the entire ride. The moment we walked in, he immediately linked arms with Mom, telling her I was giving him a hard time. My mother, Brenda, dotingly patted Liam and then told me to deal with it myself. “Bickering with your brother over something so trivial? You’re hardly acting like an elder brother.” Liam had insisted on driving this morning. He didn’t even have a license; he’d failed his driving test five times. Brenda, worried about his safety, had practically forced me to go with him. My stepfather, Gary, emerged from the kitchen carrying a fruit platter. There were only three forks on it. They were all happily munching on melon and berries, acting as if I wasn’t even in the room. “Victoria Thorne stared at me, didn’t even blink,” Liam boasted, eyes gleaming. “I thought the Thorne heiress would be so hard to win over. Turns out she’s no different from any other woman.” He finished, then smugly pulled out his phone, displaying Victoria Thorne’s contact. “When Liam marries Victoria Thorne, we’ll be family with the Thornes!” Gary clapped his hands, and Brenda likewise drifted into a daydream. Then Liam’s tone shifted. He picked a piece of durian and offered it to Brenda. “Mom, I still owe 300,000 for my Academy tuition.” Brenda’s brow furrowed slightly; she didn’t immediately agree. Our family relied on the small business downtown. In recent years, urban development had bypassed our street, leaving business dismal. That so-called Elite Grooming Academy charged 500,000 per person, guaranteeing a cross-class marriage into wealth. Liam, three years out of college, had been too busy with cosmetic procedures, photo shoots to cultivate his ‘gentleman’ persona, and hadn’t worked a day. The previous 200,000 tuition fee had already drained Brenda’s savings. “Brenda, Liam joined that Academy for your sake, so you could have a better life,” Gary said bluntly, pushing up the chunky gold chain on his wrist. “If you won’t even fork out this much, don’t expect to bask in Liam’s glory later. Besides, isn’t someone else still working? Family should help each other out.” He was hinting that I should pay. In my past life, because of Liam’s wealthy aspirations, our family accumulated endless debt. Collectors showed up at my office, causing a scene and costing me my job. Furthermore, they seemed utterly oblivious to Victoria Thorne’s supercar, convinced she wouldn’t make Liam pay for the damages. I wouldn’t be like them, pinning my hopes on a flimsy dream of wealth. So, before they could even ask, I preemptively announced I was moving out. “I’ve already found a place, and I’ll transfer my registration out of this address when I move.” Gary scoffed, saying I was jealous, unable to stand Liam becoming a ‘kept man of wealth’. “The most important thing for a man is a handsome face, to marry a rich woman. Ethan, your jealousy won’t change a thing. With your paltry salary, trying to move out? That’s hilarious.” My phone vibrated; a colleague informed me of an urgent meeting. I went back to my room to gather documents, preparing to head back to the office. Liam casually remarked that I was worrying for nothing, earning barely three thousand a month, working myself to death wouldn’t compare to his little finger. Brenda, in an even more condescending tone, added: “Ethan, you need to start buttering up Liam now. If Liam’s happy, he might just gift you an apartment. Then you wouldn’t have to rent.” Liam flashed a magnanimous smile, waiting for me to bow and submit. I tightened my grip on the documents, my gaze sweeping over the three of them one by one. “The Thorne family’s money isn’t Liam’s. And the money I earn will always be mine,” I stated, my voice firm. “Good looks are indeed an advantage, but if you have nothing else, it’s a disaster waiting to happen. You might want to look up what kind of car Victoria Thorne drives first.” 3 The urgent company meeting was about the Clearwater Resort project, a collaboration with the Thorne family. The Thornes were responsible for development and construction, while Ambiance Media handled marketing and promotion. Five years ago, I joined Ambiance Media through campus recruitment. As a global leading media and advertising firm, Ambiance Media’s work was indeed demanding, but the compensation was top-tier. However, what I told my family was that I was just a low-level grunt at Ambiance Media, earning a mere 3,000 a month. Gary and Liam already looked down on me, so they readily believed my 3,000-a-month salary. After introducing the progress, the director stated solemnly: “The Thorne family’s representative for this project has changed to Victoria Thorne. This is the first project she’s personally handled as the Thorne heiress.” He then added that Victoria Thorne was not satisfied with the current proposals. We needed to prepare two alternative proposals for a review meeting with her in two weeks. “The Thorne heiress is very particular about details and has cut down on a significant portion of the budget. Everyone, perk up!” After the meeting adjourned, colleagues gathered in the breakroom, gossiping about the Thorne family. “I heard Victoria Thorne was disfigured as a child, which is why she rarely appears in public.” “Disfigured? Who would dare disfigure her?” “Don’t know. My mom was a journalist back then; she secretly took pictures of her going to the hospital, but her editor made her delete them all.” “There’s no telling what kind of things happen in elite family feuds. Victoria Thorne’s sister’s death was also suspicious. A little girl playing by the ocean in the middle of the night?” “The elder Mr. Thorne had three wives and four daughters. Victoria Thorne is the youngest, yet she’s become the successor. Her methods must be extraordinary.” “Let’s just focus on our own work. Didn’t you hear the director say Victoria Thorne is extremely demanding?” I recalled the face I saw through the car window; even with the scar, she was undeniably striking. But the profound aura emanating from her was like a vortex, impossible to decipher. She was certainly not the easily swayed, infatuated woman Liam claimed her to be. Sipping my coffee, I instinctively opened my social media, only to find Liam had updated with a new set of photos. He was wearing a designer suit, sipping red wine on a hotel balcony, surrounded by lavish bouquets of flowers. Also in the frame were two foreigners with distinctly aristocratic bearing. The caption read: “Another rare vintage from the Italian vineyard has arrived. The aroma fills the palate, coating the entire mouth and nasal cavity with a truly romantic essence. Gents, you really ought to stock up on some high-end wines.” Outside the frame, there were probably a dozen more finely made-up young men waiting. The Elite Grooming Academy provided its students with standard photo props: luxury cars, designer goods, jewelry, ocean-view villas, and so on. The goal was to create an image of a privileged background and refined taste. Wealthy individuals, unaware of the deception, were inevitably drawn in by these images. Furthermore, to avoid being looked down upon, they also pretended to be successful businessmen. Liam’s purported partnership and professorship were merely fabrications concocted by the training agency. The real estate agent had sent me two more listings to choose from. My savings from these past few years were enough for me to buy a two-bedroom apartment near the office. I needed to sever ties with my family as quickly as possible, lest I get dragged into their mess. Three days later, the video of Liam’s car crash had gone viral. Comments beneath hailed him as a once-in-a-millennium natural heartthrob, and simultaneously disparaged current popular idols, claiming that if he entered entertainment, half the young stars would be out of a job. Immediately after, someone pulled out Liam’s social media photos, effusively praising his family background and refined taste. This way, it would be hard for Victoria Thorne not to notice him, and his burgeoning fame was the perfect stepping stone into the elite circles. I had to admit, the Academy’s efficiency was truly impressive. After signing the apartment purchase contract, I returned home to pack my belongings. Gary opened the door, giving me a dismissive glance, and asked which ‘slum’ I’d managed to rent a place in. Brenda didn’t even look at me. She was excitedly hovering around Liam, as if she’d just won the lottery. “It’s Victoria Thorne! Victoria Thorne messaged me first!” Liam exclaimed, eyes wide. “Madame Celeste said, once you get the woman to make the first move, I’m practically there!” Liam closed his eyes, held the phone to his chest, and only after a few seconds did he tap to open it. The three of them stared at the phone, silent for a long time. I put down my suitcase and walked over for a look. Victoria Thorne’s message read: “The car needs to be sent back to Sweden for repairs. The cost is $1,570,000.”

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The holiday season was in full swing, and tickets were impossible to get. My colleague, Winston, had somehow managed to snag an overpriced train ticket from a scalper for me. But when we both finally boarded the train, he simply settled into my seat, refusing to budge. “My leg’s injured, and I can’t stand for over twenty hours,” he pleaded, his voice laced with an exaggerated whine. “So, can you please let me have the seat?” His brazen attempt to commandeer my berth left me standing for thirty-eight agonizing hours on a train that eventually stalled. The moment we finally disembarked, his injured leg gave out, and he stumbled onto the platform, nearly trampled by the surging crowd. As he scrambled back to his feet, his eyes burned with a malevolent glare. “Why didn’t you just spend an extra four hundred to buy a sleeper berth for me, Luca?” he snarled, rage contorting his face. “You’re such a tight-fisted cheapskate, you almost got me killed!” Then, with a furious shove, he sent me sprawling onto the train tracks just as an oncoming train roared into view, its massive steel frame bearing down on me. I gasped, my eyes snapping open. I was back. Back to the very moment I’d bought that standing ticket. 1 “Luca, I’ll introduce you to my ticket broker. You can pay an extra two hundred for a seat. Standing for over twenty hours is just ridiculous,” Winston said, his voice dripping with false concern, after realizing I’d only managed to get a standing ticket. “Who can stand for twenty hours? That’s too grueling. I’d hate to see you suffer like that.” “Just an extra two hundred, and you’ll have a proper seat. Send me your ID. Don’t hesitate.” Tickets for the peak holiday season were notoriously scarce. I’d spent days desperately trying to secure one, only to end up with a standing ticket. Even that had required an army of friends and relatives to help me snatch it. Seeing my hesitation, Winston, with his usual presumption, reached for my backpack, which was slung over my office chair. He was about to pull open the zipper when I snatched it back, a sharp reprimand escaping my lips. “That’s my bag! Don’t touch it.” Reborn into this moment, my mind cleared instantly, every detail of what was about to unfold rushing back to me. This seemingly warm and generous colleague, Winston, was, in reality, petty and cunning. I spoke, my voice unnaturally cold. “But even a seat for twenty-plus hours… that’s still uncomfortable.” At my words, he practically jumped with excitement, his mouth flapping incessantly. “Then spend an extra four hundred for a sleeper! The broker can get sleeper berths. If you’re willing to pay, you can lie down all the way home.” His eyes gleamed like welding sparks, a sight that left me utterly stunned. Even after my rebirth, his brazenness still made me cringe. In my previous life, he’d successfully conned me out of my seat. Now, merely a casual comment about the discomfort of a regular seat was enough for him to try and manipulate me into paying for a sleeper berth for his comfort? He wanted to reap all the benefits without lifting a finger. If that was his game, I certainly wouldn’t play by his rules. I was going to ruin him. “You can get a sleeper berth too?” I feigned shock, my mouth slightly agape. Winston reached out, his hand imperiously demanding. “Give me your phone, quick. I’ll personally handle it right now. I’m confident he can get a sleeper. I just met this broker; he’s incredibly resourceful.” I simply smiled, observing his every move with a keen eye, and unhesitatingly handed him my phone. He grabbed it and scurried off towards the restroom, clearly intending some underhanded dealings. I wasn’t worried; I had one-click pay enabled. He could easily control my phone. But if I didn’t utterly ruin him this time, I’d be doing a disservice to the self he’d betrayed in my past life. Half an hour later, Winston returned, a smug grin plastered across his face, and tossed my phone back to me. “Luca, I spent an extra four hundred to get you a lower sleeper berth. You’ll be much more comfortable on the way home, no need to worry about swollen, aching legs.” Winston’s apparent consideration earned him praise from our surrounding colleagues, especially a woman named Chloe. She gushed about him, praising him to the heavens. “Winston, you’re so incredibly kind and generous! Tickets are impossible to get these days, yet you managed to buy one for Luca. Luca, how are you going to thank Winston?” Chloe, ostensibly just a colleague, was actually secretly involved with Winston. He’d recently injured his leg participating in a company sports event, leaving him with a persistent limp. Chloe had been diligently caring for him during that time, her devotion seemingly boundless. But deep down, they were both utterly fake, penny-pinching cheapskates. A truly despicable pair. Chloe would concoct the schemes, and Winston would shamelessly execute them. The reason was simple: they wanted to inflate my travel costs to save money for themselves. They’d unapologetically stoop to any level to squeeze even a dollar out of me. These particular trains traveled from south to north, and a regular seat or standing ticket cost two hundred and sixty. In my previous life, I’d let Winston spend an extra two hundred to buy me a seat ticket from the scalper. But Winston had then brazenly occupied my seat for nearly forty hours. That time, a snowstorm had damaged the tracks, causing the train to halt for over ten hours. I had stood for nearly forty hours, almost squeezed into a pancake by the crowd, suffering immensely. The moment we disembarked, Winston, with his limp, was jostled onto the platform and trampled a few times. I was so startled, I just stood there, watching him, unsure what to do. He turned his misery into anger, screaming at me, “It’s all your fault! You made me stand for nearly forty hours! My legs gave out, that’s why I fell. Why didn’t you buy a sleeper berth? If you had bought a sleeper, I wouldn’t have suffered like this. I could have used your sleeper!” I quickly tried to explain, “I didn’t… it wasn’t me.” I wanted to say more, but then Chloe emerged from the sleeper car. The two of them glared at me, a unified front of hostility. “Luca, you almost got me killed! You almost got me trampled to death!” It was Winston who had occupied my seat for nearly forty hours. He himself was exhausted and fell after being shoved, yet he blamed me for his misfortune. His audacity was truly boundless. Shamelessness, it seemed, was indeed an unstoppable force. Taking advantage of my momentary shock, Winston shoved me hard onto the tracks, right into the path of an oncoming train… Now, seeing Winston and Chloe’s duplicitous faces before me, I found it utterly ridiculous. I had been reborn at this crucial juncture, and they were simply asking for trouble. I turned to Chloe, a playful taunt in my voice. “Excuse me, did you buy a ticket?” Chloe faltered for a moment. “I bought a ticket home. You guys are going home, and I’m planning to go home too.” Her demeanor was unnatural, and she kept glancing nervously at a bewildered Winston while she spoke. They were truly something, each more selfish than the other. Chloe had secretly bought her own ticket, intending to visit Winston’s home. Yet, she didn’t want to share her sleeper berth with her limping boyfriend, so she kept it quiet. She wanted to be comfortable, leaving Winston, the poor cripple, to fight with me for a spot. Chloe refused to inconvenience herself in the slightest, even though Winston was her man and should have been her responsibility to care for. I calmly complimented them. “Right, so we should get ready to go home. Let’s pack our bags now.” I gave them a friendly smile, not forgetting to remind them. Both Winston and Chloe nodded. Back home, I opened my phone to check the ticketing system. Winston had indeed spent an extra four hundred with the scalper, who in turn had provided me with a three hundred and ninety lower sleeper berth ticket. My sleeper ticket cost a whopping seven hundred and ninety in total, incredibly expensive. Clearly, when it wasn’t his own money, he felt no pain. “But it’s okay,” I muttered. “I’ll get it back with interest. Tomorrow, the long-haul game officially begins, and I’ll play along to the very end.” I finished packing my luggage. The next morning, I rushed to the train station, laden with bags. Winston was shivering uncontrollably in the cold wind, his leg still limping. He looked… genuinely pathetic. The moment he spotted me, his eyes lit up, and he hurried over to exchange pleasantries. “Luca, can I talk to you about something?” I feigned ignorance. “What is it?” “Can I come with you? Can I sit in your sleeper berth for a bit? I’ll go back to my original spot soon, I promise I won’t bother you.” He tried desperately to appear honest. But his transparency was like waving a flag; I could see through his thinly veiled plot. I asked, feigning curiosity, “You, a standing ticket holder, trying to squeeze into my sleeper? Do you really think you can get in?” “What era do you think this is? Your carriage and seat are checked thoroughly. You can’t get into my sleeper carriage, understand?” Of course, he knew. And I knew he had a way. All he had to do was flash his injured leg, play the victim, and whine about not getting a sleeper ticket, and the conductor would likely make an exception. Conductors these days were generally understanding. Winston sighed dramatically. “I have a way to get in. Just let me follow you.” “Nonsense! You want to come in and take over my sleeper, then use your injury as emotional blackmail to force me into your standing-room-only carriage for dozens of hours? Winston, your calculations are far too precise.” I didn’t use my harshest tone to expose his lie. Instead, I wore a knowing smirk, making it seem almost like a joke. He froze for a moment, a hint of guilt flickering in his eyes. But a truly contemptible person is utterly shameless at their core. He quickly changed his tone, adopting a reproaching voice. “Luca, I didn’t mean that. I just want to sit in your spot for a bit. If you won’t let me, I can just sit by the window. Anything’s better than being crammed with people. There are too many, I can’t stand it. Please, I’m begging you.” In my past life, my constant softheartedness had led him to push me into my death. But this time, I found it hilarious. I jutted my chin towards Carriage 18. “Why don’t you go check out who’s in Carriage 18? Instead of begging me, you might as well beg that person.” Chloe was probably lounging comfortably in Carriage 18 right now, probably glued to her phone, head propped on a pillow, scrolling through pictures of guys with six-packs. She’d kept it a secret from him that she’d bought a train ticket to his hometown for the holidays, and here he was, shamelessly clinging to me. Winston looked confused, glancing in that direction for a moment before frowning. “What do you mean?” Everything was implied. For this entire charade, I had spent a considerable amount of money, but if it meant a good show, I was more than happy. “Nothing. I need to board the train. Time’s running out.” I made my way to Carriage 17. The moment I stepped inside, Winston hurried in after me. A conductor immediately stopped him. “Passenger, please show your ID.” Winston quickly pointed at me. “My ID is in his backpack! But he went ahead, so I’m just following him to get it. I’ll show it to you in a moment.” Oh, that bastard! I hadn’t anticipated such a low trick. He swiftly darted in, right behind me. The conductor, having to deal with other passengers first, was forced to let him slip into my carriage based on his audacity. “Lower Berth 22, this is it! Luca, my leg hurts, this spot is mine!” He rushed to claim my berth, even placing his carry-on luggage on the floor, making it clear he had no intention of letting me sit. I laughed, a humorless huff. This man was truly brazen, determined to bleed me dry. I crossed my arms, standing over him, looking down at Winston like he was a dog. Winston lay there for a moment, then met my gaze. “Why are you staring at me? I want to sleep for a bit; don’t disturb me.” I spoke, my voice cold. “Are you sure you want to usurp this spot? Are you sure you’ll just lie in my lower berth and not move?” Winston’s expression darkened, clearly annoyed. “Don’t say it like that. I have a limp, remember?” Without another word, I swiftly headed towards Carriage 18. Winston, if I let you lie there for another ten minutes, then I lose… I easily found a short-tempered male conductor. “Excuse me, my lower berth has been taken by a standing ticket passenger. He’s occupying my berth and refusing to move. Can standing ticket passengers really go into the sleeper carriage these days?” I deliberately spoke loudly in this carriage, hoping to pinpoint Chloe’s location. Soon enough, I saw her quickly pull a blanket over her head, as if trying to hide from me. I smiled inwardly, making a mental note of her spot. In a moment, I’d drag her out and add fuel to the fire. Hearing my words, the conductor rushed over. “A standing ticket passenger in the sleeper carriage? I’ll go check.” I triumphantly led the conductor to Winston, who was still lounging in my lower berth. Indeed, he’d been there for less than ten minutes. I wouldn’t let him be that comfortable. The conductor, a man with a fiery temper, looked at my ticket, then yanked Winston to his feet. “Sir, this is not your spot. You are in Carriage 8. Please leave immediately.” The conductor was clearly annoyed. The holiday travel season was already more difficult than usual, and many staff members harbored some resentment. Winston was creating unnecessary trouble, increasing the workload for this hardworking man, and the conductor was in no mood to indulge this idiot. Seeing the conductor’s irritation, Winston pointed to his leg. “No, wait. I know I have a standing ticket, but Luca is my colleague and from my hometown. I bought the ticket for him. Can’t I just stay in his spot?” “Besides, I’m injured. I’m practically disabled. Here’s my medical report; I had a fracture. Though the severe injury has healed quite a bit, I can’t stand over there.” “And it’s not that I didn’t want a sleeper ticket, but I couldn’t get one! I could only grab a standing ticket.” He was just as manipulative as he’d been in my past life. Even after everything, his brazenness still shocked me. I watched, curious, to see how the conductor would handle this.

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It was New Year’s Eve, and I was on a live broadcast when my sister called. I spoke first. “Wishing you peace, joy, and a long life.” My sister scoffed. “But I wish you no joy and no longevity at all. I hope you suffer for a lifetime.” I had severed ties with her the year she was at her lowest. Now, having achieved immense success, her first order of business was to exact her revenge. My voice remained steady. “Peace, joy, and a long life.” My sister’s patience wore thin. “Enough. I could never bless you. If I must, then I wish you eternal pain.” The host hesitated, then reminded her. “Ms. Quinn, that was just a recording of Mr. Quinn’s call. When he left, he was indeed, as you said, in a lot of pain.” 1 “When he left?” Scarlett Quinn froze, then sneered. “I hope you mean when he died.” The host paused, then gestured behind her. On the large screen behind Scarlett, my face appeared. In the video, I slapped the camera lens. Rain plastered my hair and shirt to my skin, making me look utterly wretched. My voice was laced with impatience. “Stop filming. I don’t agree.” Then, a sweet, clear voice, brimming with sincerity, replied, “I’m really not a fraud. I’m a vlogger documenting the human condition. I can help you.” I turned from the overflowing trash can, leaning closer to the lens. “Oh, really? Can you cure my cancer?” The girl faltered. I quirked a smile. “Don’t waste your breath. Find someone else.” “Wait… I can try!” She reached out, grasping my arm as I turned to leave. I appraised her, from head to toe, then chuckled, pointing to her T-shirt, belt, pants, and shoes in succession. “Twenty bucks, sixty, forty, fifty. Oh, and that camera, a second-hand find, right? Do you know how much this illness of mine costs?” I held up five fingers to the lens. “Half a million.” The girl’s breath hitched. I smiled, turning to walk back into the rain, bending over each trash bin. “Little Black? Little Black, where are you?” She followed. “What are you looking for?” “A dog.” “Is he yours?” “No. I passed out earlier from a flare-up, and he licked me awake.” The girl remained silent. I looked up. “If you have nothing to do, don’t linger. There are many people in this world you can help. Don’t waste your time on me.” My hand covered the lens. The screen went dark. 2 [Rebirth – 2023.10.11, 9:32 AM – A Quinn Never Needs Pity] “You’re Jack Quinn, Scarlett Quinn’s brother, right?” I was sweeping the back kitchen of the coffee shop when I heard her, and I frowned. “Why are you here again?” The girl’s voice came from behind the camera. “Everyone online is saying you’re disloyal, but they don’t know you have cancer. I want to film a series documenting your story. Can I?” I shook my head. “Let them say I’m disloyal. I’ve worked hard to cultivate this persona. Are you going to ruin it for me?” “Wait!” She quickly grabbed my arm. “But you’re penniless now. Where will the medical fees come from? Let me help you. I have some savings.” I turned, a wry smile on my face. “Guess why I cut ties with my sister?” She paused. I pulled my arm free, waving her away. “I have a job. I don’t need your help. You should go.” “I asked around. You only make two thousand a month here.” “Still don’t need it.” I turned my back, then glanced over my shoulder, smiling. “A Quinn never needs pity.” No sooner had the words left my lips than I suddenly collapsed to my knees. “Mr. Quinn!” The camera shook violently. On the ground, a growing pool of blood spread. “You!” Luna’s voice trembled. The camera was tossed aside, and a slender girl was rushing to help me. “Come on, I’m taking you to the hospital!” I pushed her away with a raised hand, grabbed a rag, and wiped the floor clean, then used the back of my hand to wipe a smear of blood from the corner of my mouth. “No need.” Then I walked to the sink and washed the blood from my face. Luna’s voice was shaky. “Please, let me help, okay?” I finished cleaning the last trace of blood, turned, and looked at her earnestly. “A Quinn never needs help from anyone.” With that, I walked out of frame. 3 [Rebirth – 2023.11.15, 3:21 PM – Little Black Doesn’t Know He’s Dying, Only That He Has a Home] “What do you mean?” In the pet hospital, I stared at the vet, stunned. The vet sighed, shaking his head. “The original owner probably abandoned him because they knew he wouldn’t last much longer. This little dog was starving every day, and bullied by other strays… he’s already…” I smiled. “I know. Are you going to say he doesn’t have much time left?” The vet hesitated, then nodded, just like my own doctor. Luna frowned. “Is there really nothing that can be done?” “…Just give him good food and make him comfortable.” Silence filled the room. I stroked Little Black’s head. “No wonder we found each other.” Little Black’s tail wagged furiously, and he constantly nudged against me, tongue lolling, bright black eyes wide. Luna gave a bitter smile. “He thinks you’re his owner.” I paused. “Is that so worth celebrating?” Luna nodded, stroking the dog’s head. “Little Black doesn’t know he’s dying. He only knows he has a home again.” I was silent for a moment. I patted the dog’s head. “Then I’ll call you Little Black.” Little Black barked a joyful “Woof!” Cradling Little Black, I walked out of the pet hospital. I turned to face the camera. “You found Little Black and brought him to me. In return, I’ll let you film your series about me.” 4 [Rebirth – 2023.12.31, 9:00 PM – Wishing You a Long Life, Part One] “Where did you get this?” I frowned, looking at the videotape Luna brought. She shook the tape, smiling. “A good vlogger thoroughly understands their partner.” She put the tape into the player, and on the old TV left by the previous tenant, a boy in a tailored suit appeared, bending down to look at the camera. In that moment, my eyes still held a glimmer of hope. “Hello, hello! Happy New Year 2015! Wishing everyone peace, joy, and that all your wishes come true!” “You were so lively back then.” Luna sat beside me, a smile in her eyes as she watched the video. I leaned back on the shabby sofa in my rental apartment. “Did you dig up every video from my social media accounts?” “I found them interesting, so I watched them.” I didn’t speak, just watched my past self sitting amidst a pile of gifts. A familiar voice sounded. “Don’t rush, big sis will help you open them.” Scarlett walked into frame, sitting beside me. I raised my hand, making a “Stop!” gesture. “No! Sis. Quinns always stand on their own two feet!” The scene shifted. My sister fastened a watch to my wrist. “Happy New Year, Jack.” Click! The video captured my wide, beaming smile. Then, boisterous laughter erupted, and I smeared a little cream on my sister’s face. She froze, then laughed, raising her hand. “Freeze! Don’t think I won’t hit you just because it’s your birthday!” The video was filled with my joyous laughter. And here, watching it, I suddenly laughed too. I wiped the corner of my eye, my sigh laced with a tremor. “After Mom and Dad passed away, everyone thought I was pathetic. But actually, I wasn’t pathetic at all. I still had my sister, and my friends…” The wind howled through the drafty rental. I pulled the blanket tighter around me, tears silently tracing paths down my cheeks. My reddened hand was enveloped by two small, warm ones. Luna looked at me earnestly. “I’ve saved some money. Let’s go to the hospital for treatment tomorrow.” I sniffled, then chuckled. “Your account doesn’t even have a hundred followers, and you eat instant noodles with me every day. How much money could you possibly have?” Her fair hands clenched on her faded denim jeans. “It’ll… help a little.” “No need. I have good news for you. I’ve saved two thousand dollars. I can get one chemotherapy session now.” Luna paused, then smiled. “Is that enough? I can give you more.” I stubbornly shook my head. “No. A Quinn never needs help from anyone else.” I lifted my chin at her, proudly. “Don’t worry. My current income can cover my medication. Look, these are what I bought with my wages.” With that, I grabbed a handful of colorful pills, tipped my head back, and swallowed them all. Then I frowned, silent for a long time, before finally rubbing my chest and exhaling a long breath. I looked up. Luna was watching me, her eyes a little red at the corners. I chuckled. “Taking a handful of pills in one go, pretty impressive, right?” Luna lowered her gaze, a bitter smile on her lips. “Yeah.” 5 [Rebirth – 2023.12.31, 11:45 PM – Wishing You a Long Life, Part Two] In the video, two people, content after a good meal, leaned back on the sofa, waiting for the New Year’s chime. Luna looked at me. “Is that all you’re eating?” I was a little tired. “Stomach aches. Any more, and I’ll throw up.” Luna was silent for a moment, then finally spoke. “Ms. Quinn… she succeeded. Her new project’s revenue exceeded a hundred million.” My eyes were closed. “I know.” “Go back to her. She’ll cure you.” I shook my head. “Why? Do you want to die like this?” “Did you think I imagined myself living when I cut ties with her?” Luna choked. Then she spoke, her voice trembling slightly. “Why did you cut ties with her? Wouldn’t it have been better to face it together?” I chuckled. “Mom and Dad always said, a Quinn never needs help from anyone, yet the Quinns helped a whole lot of relatives. But you know what? When my sister went bankrupt, not a single one of those relatives offered to help. Do you know how I felt, watching my sister humble herself, begging those relatives to pay my tuition?” My breath hitched, and I clenched my teeth. “My sister never begged anyone. After all those relatives rejected her, she took me to a tiny rental, less than twenty square meters, about the same size as this one. She said that she alone could get us, a brother and sister, back to our old life. That’s the sister I admired – even when she had nothing, her ambition soared. But…” I smiled, looking at Luna. “What do you think she’d do if she knew I was sick?” Luna stared at me, speechless. “She’d kneel before those relatives.” As I said this, my heart trembled. “Actually, when she was trying to get my tuition, she almost knelt down. Thankfully, I stopped her, haha…” I wiped away tears from the corners of my eyes. “When I left, she and her partners were gradually building things up. Guess whether her partners would still invest if she had a family member who was a financial black hole?” Luna’s voice wavered. “Jack…” I raised my hand, stopping her. “Cancer will kill me, but half a million dollars will kill her.” Luna clenched her fists. I sighed, smiling. “The day I left, I flayed her with words. She finally grabbed my arm, crying, begging me, saying things would get better soon, that she’d definitely get us back to our old life. The glamorous and successful woman you see now – you can’t imagine how pathetic she looked then, haha…” Luna spoke softly. “How did she finally let you leave?” I recalled. “I told her she was useless, that her past achievements were only thanks to Mom and Dad. And that her current wretchedness was disgracing our parents’ memory. I told her if she still cared about family at all, she should let me go find my own happiness. And then, she slowly let me go.” The New Year’s chime rang. Fireworks exploded outside the window. I raised my hand and wiped the tears from my face.

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“Tomorrow,” Eleanor Vance declared, her voice laced with casual indifference, “you’re quitting the company. Go find a woman and get married.” She nestled against me, her fingers tracing idle patterns on my chest as if I were nothing more than a plaything. “I’ve fallen for a handsome young man, and he’s taking your place. He’s too innocent; I don’t want him getting any ideas because of you.” I swallowed the bitter tang of jealousy, my gaze fixed on Eleanor. “Is this for real, this time?” Eleanor smiled, a soft, chilling curve of her lips. “Absolutely. I’m going to marry him. He’s pristine, unlike you.” … My body felt like shattered glass, my eyelids heavy as lead. Eleanor kicked me. Caught off guard, I tumbled from the bed, my lower back slamming into the dresser with a sharp, involuntary grunt. She watched me with that same casual indifference. “Don’t sleep. You’re resigning from the company today. I’ve fallen for a handsome young man, and he’s taking your place as my Chief of Staff. He’s too innocent; I don’t want him getting any ideas because of you.” I stared at Eleanor, unblinking. “Is this for real, this time?” Her smile was gentle, almost affectionate. “It is. He’s the one I want to marry. He’s pristine, unlike you.” A bitter laugh escaped me. Five years, and I still hadn’t melted Eleanor Vance’s heart. I’d known about this man for six months, but I’d always assumed he’d be cast aside, just like all the others before him. I never imagined it would be me who got discarded this time. “Clean out the villa. Take your things, or I’ll toss them. Don’t want him to be unhappy seeing them around. Move out today, then head to the company to process your resignation.” I lifted my head, meeting her gaze. When did she become so utterly ruthless with me? “I’ll move out, but I’m not resigning. I earned that position. Why should I give it up for him?” It was the first time I’d ever questioned her. “Earned it? The ‘skill’ of warming my bed, perhaps?” Eleanor always knew how to hit where it hurt. “You? An art student, becoming Chief of Staff? Do you honestly believe that was through your own merit? Julian Blackwood, that position was a gift from me.” Her dismissive words negated five years of my tireless effort. My palms clenched into painful fists as I listened, struggling to control my emotions. Finally, I managed a calm, even tone. “Fine. I’ll resign.” Eleanor leisurely rose from the bed and dressed. With a sneer, she pulled a card from her pocket and tossed it onto the floor. “There’s a hundred thousand dollars in there. Call it compensation for the past five years.” The card skittered to a halt at my feet. I lowered my gaze, then bent to pick it up. Eleanor scoffed. “Still the same gold-digger, I see.” “Money’s great,” I countered, forcing a lightness I didn’t feel, trying to keep my emotions from bleeding through. “More reliable than a sugar mommy.” “Go make breakfast,” she ordered. “We’re done. Eleanor, my dear patroness, why don’t you have your new pretty boy make it?” Her brow furrowed in displeasure. “Already giving me attitude after taking my money?” “Hm. You can pay, but I might not make it.” “Fine. Be that way.” With a final, dismissive glance, Eleanor stalked out of the room. After she left, I finally sank to the floor, all strength drained from me. It was truly over. … The first time I saw Eleanor Vance was at an art exhibition. The gallery buzzed with renowned figures and influential titans, and Eleanor was there, seeking a partnership. That day, I witnessed someone push their proposal with such unwavering determination. Rejected time and again, yet never deterred. That version of Eleanor made me fall in love at first sight. A passion ignited, deepening with every beat of my heart. I defied my family’s arrangements for a strategic marriage alliance, resolutely leaving my hometown to apply for a position at her company. Slowly, through conversations with employees, I learned her preferences. From then on, I hit the gym, meticulously cared for my skin, honed my cooking skills, and devoured every book on her industry. I wanted to become the person she’d most desire, even before she truly noticed me. To ensure she did notice me, I worked tirelessly to secure new clients for the company. Out of pure devotion, I wanted her company to thrive. Before every business dinner, I’d pop hangover pills, then drink as if my life depended on it. Within a month of working for Eleanor, I’d landed myself in the hospital multiple times. Alone in this sprawling city, I’d lie there, hooked up to an IV drip, but I was elated because I’d closed the deal. She would be pleased, I thought. Step by painstaking step, I finally made it to Eleanor’s inner circle. When my manager informed me I could join a project Eleanor was personally overseeing, my heart swelled with joy. I stayed by her side, watching her meticulously refine proposals, and I felt my affection for her deepen even further. The day we secured the project, Eleanor took me and the client out to dinner. At the table, just as I was about to intercept a drink meant for Eleanor, she pressed her hand over my glass. “Even men shouldn’t drink themselves to death like this. You’ll ruin your stomach.” The table erupted in teasing. “Since when does Ms. Vance care so much about her subordinates?” My face flushed, and I stole a glance at her, only to find her eyes on me. I quickly looked away. The dinner dragged on until past midnight, and Eleanor was visibly tipsy. I tried to ask where she lived, but she was too far gone. Reluctantly, I took her back to my place. I gave her my only bed, grabbing a blanket and settling onto the sofa. In the middle of the night, I felt a sudden shift in the room, a light tread. Half-asleep, I wondered if it was an intruder, my eyes snapping open. It was Eleanor. She stood before me. “You’re sleeping on the sofa?” “Yeah, I’m a guy. Tough as nails. The sofa’s fine.” “Hmm. Or we could just… sleep together?” The words tumbled out of her lips, a startling invitation. A strange impulse made me agree, and we simply fell into bed together. I was too desperate to be close to her. After we got together, Eleanor was good to me. She’d spend time with me, doing many things. If it weren’t for the parade of other men in her life, I might have actually believed I was her only one. But I was different from them; no one else had ever lasted this long by her side. I believed that if I stayed long enough, one day, she’d settle down. But I was wrong. … After packing up the villa, I realized how few of my own possessions were actually there. Most of what filled the house were relics of my time with Eleanor: the iridescent purple conch shell we’d found on the beach during our first trip together; the clay figurines we’d molded side-by-side, one for her, one for me; the portrait sketched for us by a street artist under a bridge. These were the things that had once convinced me Eleanor felt something for me, too. Looking at them, I knew Eleanor wouldn’t want them anymore. So, I decided to discard them all—these shared memories that were, perhaps, only my own. Once everything was gone, the house felt unnervingly empty. It struck me then that my five years of devotion had been just as hollow. Leaving the villa, I headed straight for the company. If I was resigning, there was no reason to stay in this city. When I reached the executive assistant suite, I found a crowd of people gathered around a strikingly handsome young man. He had a bright smile, impeccably dressed, with the naive air of a college student, clearly fresh-faced and inexperienced. Secretaries giggled as they accepted bubble tea from his hands. “Thanks, Ethan, you’re too kind! So thoughtful on your first day.” He beamed even wider. “It’s the least I can do, on behalf of Eleanor. It’s my pleasure.” He picked up another cup of bubble tea. “I’ll take this one to Eleanor.” Just then, Eleanor herself walked in through the door. She completely ignored me, walking straight to Ethan, a warm smile gracing her lips. “Did I hear you call my name?” Ethan’s clean, clear eyes fixed on Eleanor, an undeniable tenderness brimming within them. “This is for you.” I expected Eleanor to refuse. Six months ago, she’d somehow heard that bubble tea was full of artificial sweeteners and had ordered me to stop drinking it. Whenever I craved one, she’d unceremoniously snatch it from my hand and toss it in the trash. Yet now, Eleanor took the cup and drank, a picture of pure contentment. “Mm, Ethan’s bubble tea is delicious.” “Of course! It’s pure milk. I’d never let you drink that artificial stuff, Eleanor.” A bitter pang struck me. So, he was the one who told her about the sweeteners. It wasn’t that she disliked bubble tea; she just disliked my bubble tea. After a long moment, she finally noticed me standing to the side. “Oh, this one’s for you. You must be Julian, right? Eleanor mentioned you. I told her I wanted to start from the bottom, but she insisted I take your position directly. I’m so sorry about that. This is my apology.” I froze, and the bubble tea Ethan handed me clattered to the floor with a sudden thud. Ethan looked at me, his face a picture of confusion. “Julian, you… Are you upset I took your job?” His eyes were already glistening with unshed tears. Eleanor frowned. “If you don’t like it, don’t drink it, but why throw Ethan’s bubble tea on the floor? Go process your resignation, now.” I hadn’t even touched the cup, and it was still my fault. I swallowed the bitter lump in my throat, walking slowly to my desk. “I’ll resign once I’ve packed my things, Ms. Vance. No need for you to worry.” “Eleanor, don’t be like this to Julian. He couldn’t have meant it. Besides, I’m new. I don’t know anything. Maybe you could keep Julian on for a while longer, to help me out?” Part of me did want to stay, because this position was something I’d earned. Eleanor could dismiss it with a flick of her wrist, but I knew the effort I’d poured into it. Yet, at this moment, it all felt absurd. This position was merely Eleanor’s to give and take. I looked up. “Thank you for the thought, but I’ve decided to resign.” I quickly packed my desk into a cardboard box. “Eleanor, please try to convince him!” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the look Ethan gave Eleanor, and a familiar ache tightened in my chest. My hands moved faster; I truly wanted to leave. Suddenly, a figure blocked my vision. “Ethan asked you to stay. Didn’t you hear?” “Ms. Vance, you’re the one who told me to resign. Have you forgotten?” Eleanor’s patience wore thin. “A hundred thousand. Stay and familiarize Ethan for a month.” I shook my head. “Two hundred thousand.” I looked up, forcing a smile. “Deal.” Eleanor’s eyes held an unreadable flicker of emotion, but she merely uttered, light as air, “Still a gold-digger, aren’t you?” It was only a month. I needed to hand over all my responsibilities. After all, I had poured my heart into this work. Once she left, Ethan approached me. “Julian, this is my desk now. Why don’t you sit over there?” Ethan pointed to a desk near the restroom door. I caught the mischievous glint in his eyes; he was clearly not as innocent as he seemed. I shrugged, unfazed, and carried my box to the designated spot. At noon, Ethan treated the entire company to lunch. Everyone fawned over him, gathering around and trying to curry favor. No one even called me to join them. I didn’t care; these petty tactics meant nothing to me. But when we returned, Ethan suddenly cried out, “My ring! It’s gone!” A swarm of secretaries immediately surrounded him. “What ring?” Ethan’s gaze swept over me. “It’s Eleanor’s and my engagement ring. It’s very expensive.” “What?!” Everyone’s eyes turned to me. Someone spoke up. “Whoever took Ethan’s ring, hand it over now.” Their gazes were filled with suspicion and disdain as they swept over me. I ignored them, continuing to pack my things. But someone couldn’t stand it any longer and walked directly to my desk. “Are you still going to pretend?” I looked up. It was the secretary closest to Ethan. I glanced at Ethan; he was watching me too, a flicker of triumph in his eyes. “What do you mean?” “What do I mean?” The secretary sneered. “We were all out just now. You know what you did.” “Some people are just shameless. No talent, so they get jealous of Ethan.” “Exactly! Still trying to cling to Ms. Vance, as if he’s even worthy!” Everyone began to close in on me. Ethan, meanwhile, put on his most innocent, pure expression. “Everyone, don’t make it difficult for Julian. He might just have made a mistake, maybe it wasn’t intentional. Julian, just hand it over, and I’ll pretend this never happened.” “I didn’t take it. I told you, if you don’t believe me, call the police.” I pulled out my phone, but in the next second, a secretary slapped it to the floor. “Who knows what you’re planning? Calling the police is too much trouble. Let’s just search him directly!” With that, he lunged at me. “You wouldn’t dare!” I pushed him away. He grew even more arrogant. “Afraid to be searched? I bet you’re guilty! Everyone, come on! Let’s help Ethan find his ring!” The others exchanged glances, probably considering Ethan’s position. Then, they all charged. I was outnumbered. I couldn’t fight off so many people alone, and soon I was pinned to the ground. I couldn’t believe this was happening. These were the colleagues I’d worked with for five years. Clearly, in the face of self-interest, everything else was false. A secretary ripped open my bag, spilling its contents onto the floor. After a quick rummage, finding nothing, he demanded, “Where did you hide the ring?” “Could it be on him? After all, that ring is so valuable, isn’t it?” Ethan’s vague suggestion prompted someone to start tearing at my clothes. “You wouldn’t dare! This is illegal!” I roared, pushing her away. “This company is not above the law. Today, anyone who dares to lay a hand on me will regret it bitterly.” Perhaps it was my ferocity, but for a moment, no one dared to advance further. “What are you all doing?” A voice cut through the tension. It was Eleanor Vance. Everyone fell silent, Ethan included, though he quickly ran to her. “Eleanor, it’s all my fault. I lost your engagement ring. Everyone was just trying to help Julian return the ring, but he…” Ethan was practically sobbing, playing the victim. Eleanor’s gaze fell on me. “Did you take it? If you did, just return it. It’s just a ring. When did you become so petty?” Her words were a final, damning verdict. Even though I knew what to expect, a chill still seeped into my heart. “I didn’t take it!” I stood there, resolute. Perhaps I had never defied her so openly, for Eleanor’s brow furrowed slightly. Then Ethan spoke again. “If Julian really doesn’t want to return it, then forget about it. Even though it means a lot to me, Julian has been with the company for so many years after all.” His face looked even more aggrieved as he leaned into Eleanor. Perhaps out of sympathy, Eleanor’s expression grew even darker. “I told you to return it!” Her eyes, sharp as knives, cut into my face. My heart clenched. Five years of devotion, Eleanor. What did I ever mean to you? “I think we should just search him! Won’t we know for sure then?” someone suggested. Eleanor’s frown deepened. However, the next second, Ethan looked at her with feigned adoration. “That’s a good idea. If he doesn’t have it, it will prove Julian’s innocence. Don’t you think so, Eleanor?” He maintained his clean, innocent tone, but a hint of triumph and malice laced his words. I instinctively shook my head. Eleanor seemed to hesitate for a moment, then she looked at me. “Since you say you’re innocent, you shouldn’t be afraid of a search, should you?” My eyes widened in disbelief. In the next instant, I heard something inside me irrevocably break. This was the woman I had loved for five years. I looked at her. “Eleanor Vance, do you truly want to search me?” “Will you strip yourself, or shall I have them do it?” Her voice was cold, decisive, sealing my fate. Perhaps she wasn’t unaware of Ethan’s petty schemes. She was simply willing to indulge him, willing to play along, even if it meant trampling my dignity underfoot. “Fine. I’ll strip.” I removed my jacket, then my shirt. Only my underwear remained. Everyone watched me, their gazes mocking and assessing. Eleanor Vance, from this day forward, let mountains and rivers separate us. We will never meet again. I raised my hands to finish stripping. “Enough!” Eleanor suddenly bellowed. I paused, but then continued. Eleanor suddenly rushed forward, grabbing my hands. “I said enough! I said strip, and you strip! Julian Blackwood, have you no shame?!” I looked up at the woman before me. Shame? “Oh, yes. For so many years, when have I ever had any shame?” I yanked my hand free. She seemed momentarily stunned. I laughed, a harsh, bitter sound. “Ms. Vance, is that enough? Or should I take off more?” Eleanor snapped back to reality, then erupted in fury. “Get out! All of you, get out!” A vein throbbed on her temple, but I didn’t spare her another glance. Walking out of the company building, I wiped away the tears stinging my eyes. I pulled out my phone and dialed a number. “Mom, I agree. I’ll come back and inherit the company.” …

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1 My parents’ treasured heirloom lockets – matching pieces that had been passed down for generations – suddenly appeared at the May Day charity auction. No matter how high I bid, my wife’s childhood friend always outbid me by precisely a hundred dollars. It was the hundredth time he’d brazenly tried to snatch everything I valued. But my wife, Victoria, merely shrugged. “They’re just two worthless pieces of old metal. It’s Andy’s birthday today. If he likes them, just let him have them.” I laughed, a bitter, furious sound, then firmly declared my “All-In” bid. When the auction ended, my parents’ lockets were back in my possession, just as I’d intended. Victoria, surprisingly, didn’t seem angry. If anything, our relationship grew even closer, more affectionate. I indulged her every whim and fantasy in the year that followed. Then came our first wedding anniversary. I meticulously prepared an extravagant gift for my wife. Simultaneously, I received an invitation to an exclusive private auction. The sole item on offer: “999 intimate videos of the Blackwood heir.” Victoria appeared, arm-in-arm with Andy Wick, her eyes alight with a cruel amusement. “It’s Andy’s birthday. He wanted something a little more exciting. Since you love competing with him for things, I thought I’d let you bid to your heart’s content this time.” My laugh was bleak, hollow. So be it. Her wish was my command. Pixelated videos began to play on the giant screen. The scenes were painfully familiar: our wedding suite, the home I had meticulously built and cherished for her. “The Blackwood heir always seemed so proper and reserved. Never thought he’d be such a wild one in bed!” “Now that’s what you call a prize possession. I heard he pursued Victoria Vance for three years. She’s really lucky, isn’t she?” A group of older women whispered and winked, their comments laced with lewd delight. My fists clenched, nails digging into my palms, as I turned to Victoria, trembling. “Why?” Even though ours was an arranged marriage, we’d had three years of shared history, three years of building a life together. Despite Andy’s relentless provocations, nothing had seemed to disrupt the affection we’d shared over the past year. We’d even started planning for a child, hoping to conceive soon. Victoria nestled deeper into Andy’s embrace, her gaze scornful, utterly cold. “Because you always love to compete with Andy, and it upsets him.” Her smile widened. “You like your ‘All-In’ bids, don’t you? Well, here are 999 videos. Take your time, bid to your heart’s content.” Andy chuckled, planting a kiss on Victoria’s lips, his triumphant smile a painful stab to my heart. “Sweetheart, you really do care about me. But the Blackwood family is practically ruined. Julian, a mere house-husband, wouldn’t have enough money, even if he sold himself, would he?” The room erupted in derisive laughter. Malicious, assessing stares fell upon me. “The Blackwood parents are long dead, and the Blackwood Corporation is now in Victoria Vance’s hands. At this auction, the only ones with the funds to buy all those videos are Ms. Vance and Mr. Wick.” Victoria glanced at me, her indifference palpable. “I wouldn’t want such filthy videos to sully Andy’s eyes. I won’t be participating in this auction. Ladies, feel free to bid as you wish.” “Victoria, you’re so generous!” The women cheered. Andy embraced Victoria, teasing her. “Sweetheart, you helped our Wick family crush Blackwood, and you absorbed the Blackwood Corporation. Julian must be penniless now. Should we help him out?” Victoria’s eyes were full of adoration as she kissed Andy’s cheek. “Why bother with him? He owes you everything.” I stared at my wife, utterly disbelieving. She was a stranger. I stammered, “The Blackwood Corporation’s troubles… was that your doing?” Victoria scoffed, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “Blackwood was an eyesore to Andy. I merely helped him get some satisfaction.” My fists clenched tighter, my heart feeling like it was being brutally squeezed. So, it was all a premeditated act of revenge, simply because a year ago, I’d reclaimed my parents’ heirlooms from Andy’s grasp? Victoria looked down at me, her tone imperious. “Julian Blackwood, I can give you a chance. Bid ‘All-In,’ or… kneel and apologize to Andy, a thousand times.” I took a deep breath, my voice firm. “I won’t kneel to him.” A flicker of surprise crossed Victoria’s face, followed by a mocking laugh. “Julian Blackwood, do you even have a choice? Or do you want to see the Blackwood name utterly disgraced?” I looked at the auctioneer, my eyes resolute. “Begin.” On the large screen, my humiliating moments were displayed in full. The auctioneer, hammer in hand, smiled meaningfully. “Lot number one: the kitchen video! Starting bid: one million dollars!” A collective gasp swept through the room. “The kitchen! Ms. Vance certainly knows how to pick a place.” “Never thought the esteemed Blackwood heir would be so… compliant! I bid two million!” I trembled, watching the scene on the screen. It was my birthday. Victoria had personally baked me a cake, and I, deeply touched, had been pulled by her into a night of passion in that very kitchen. She had a particular fetish, and I had gritted my teeth and indulged her, even agreeing to certain… props. 2 Now, I was the one on display, the very item being auctioned. Victoria sat calmly on the raised platform, her eyes filled with open mockery. That gaze, sharp as a blade, sliced into my already fragile heart. All eyes were on me, the mocking laughter echoing in my ears, threatening to drown me. I slumped back into my seat, my voice weak. “All-In bid.” The attendant didn’t light the ‘Sky Lantern’ above my head. Instead, he reminded me, a taunting edge to his voice, “Mr. Blackwood, your account has just been frozen.” “What?!” My face registered utter disbelief. After the Blackwood Corporation’s liquidation, there was still a ten-million-dollar deposit left – the last assets my parents had saved for me before their passing. “His assets are frozen? What’s he going to bid with now?!” “I thought he could at least buy one or two videos. Didn’t realize he couldn’t even produce a single cent.” I shot up from my chair, glaring at Victoria on the second-floor platform. “You did this!” Victoria’s tone was dismissive. “The Blackwood Corporation is in my hands. Isn’t it perfectly normal for an outsider’s assets to be frozen?” Andy Wick sneered. “If Mr. Blackwood is short on cash, perhaps he should humble himself and beg the wealthy ladies present. If he sweet-talks them, they’d surely be delighted to sponsor such a handsome young man.” The crowd burst into boisterous laughter, endorsing his suggestion. Some lecherous older women even tried to drag me directly to their private rooms. The auctioneer urged, “Mr. Blackwood, if you can’t produce the funds for your ‘All-In’ bid, this video lot will proceed with bidding.” I slapped away their malicious hands, my voice trembling as I dialed a loan number. “I need a hundred million dollars.” The predatory expressions on their faces faltered, replaced by bored smirks. The auction continued. The auctioneer smiled, bringing down his hammer. “Lot number one has successfully been claimed by Bidder 13. Congratulations on acquiring the kitchen video, Mr. Blackwood!” “Ah, what a shame! I wanted to see the Blackwood heir’s graceful moves in the kitchen!” “What’s to be afraid of? He’s taken out a loan shark’s deal – pay back thirteen for every nine you borrow. A hundred million won’t last long.” “Exactly. There are 999 videos in total. Let’s see how much more he can borrow.” I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. The second video set appeared on the big screen. “Lot number two: the balcony video! Starting bid: one million dollars!” The auctioneer’s voice was full of glee as he described the video. The entire room erupted once more. “First the kitchen, now the balcony! They’re really having fun!” “I bid three million!” Even some perverted men next to me started closing in, reaching out. “Mr. Blackwood, why don’t you entertain me?” “Yeah, Victoria doesn’t want you, but I do. Serve me well, and I’ll buy this video for you.” “Get out!” I snapped, my voice ice-cold, driving them away. The men who had approached me looked disgusted. “He acts so pure, but he was wild as can be in the video.” “I bid five million!” “I bid ten million! When I get that video, I’ll have it played on loop at the Blackwood family gravesite!” A cold shiver ran through me. Trembling, I raised my bidding paddle. “All… All-In bid.” The auctioneer brought down his hammer, his smile profoundly meaningful. “Bidder 13 takes the ‘All-In’ bid again! Congratulations, Mr. Blackwood, on acquiring the balcony video!” The auctioneer’s hammer fell. Lot number three, lot number four… the intimate videos continued to be auctioned. I could only raise my paddle, trembling, again and again. Declaring “All-In” bids, time after time. Until I had purchased 99 video sets. “Lot number 100: the rooftop video! Starting bid: one million dollars!” “All…” “Mr. Blackwood, your remaining funds are insufficient to continue with ‘All-In’ bids,” the auctioneer reminded me, his smile taunting. The women in the room began to whistle. “No more money, huh? I’m looking forward to seeing how a family with such a scholarly lineage like the Blackwoods produced someone who would engage in such behavior in the wild!” “Entertain me, and I’ll buy this video for you.” I ignored the vulgar insults around me and dialed the loan company again. “Apologies, Mr. Blackwood, your current collateral is insufficient for further loans.” Despairingly, I lowered the phone, my gaze instinctively drawn to Victoria on the second-floor platform. Victoria was being fed by Andy Wick, and as if sensing my gaze, the adoration in her eyes instantly turned to contempt. All eyes in the room swiveled to Victoria. After all, she was the only one present who could help me buy the remaining 899 videos. Victoria merely looked down at me from her vantage point. “Julian Blackwood, what I said before still stands.” Kneel and apologize? A cold laugh twisted in my heart. Andy Wick, feigning generosity, said, “Given how long you’ve served Victoria, even if there’s no credit, there’s been hard work. How about I help you buy the remaining ones?” The other women’s smiles were knowing. “Mr. Wick is so kind-hearted! Even now, he’s willing to help his love rival.” “Yes, no wonder Victoria loves Mr. Wick. Julian Blackwood is just a low-class plaything. What could he possibly compare to Mr. Wick?” 3 I squeezed my eyes shut, vowing never to forget the humiliation they inflicted upon me. Andy Wick rose and walked over to my side. He lowered his voice, a triumphant smirk on his face. “Poor boy. Just divorce Victoria and walk away with nothing. I’ll give you a billion dollars to buy all the remaining videos. How about it?” “Get lost.” My voice was cold as ice. Andy deliberately stumbled backward, as if I’d shoved him hard, landing on the ground with a pained expression. “I… I was just trying to help you. How dare you intentionally hurt me?!” Victoria rushed over, helping Andy up from the floor, and then slapped me across the face. “Who gave you the nerve to hurt Andy?!” I wiped the blood oozing from the corner of my mouth, my gaze fixed on my wife, cold and distant. In all our years of marriage, this was the first time I’d seen her so enraged, and it was all for another man. “Continue the auction! Don’t leave a single one! Let the whole world see the true, despicable face of the Blackwood heir!” Victoria snapped at the auctioneer. Andy, however, pulled Victoria back, his voice gentle and soothing. “Sweetheart, I’m fine. He probably just can’t accept it right now. After all, he can’t stand seeing your favoritism towards me. It’s only natural for him to hate me.” Victoria shielded Andy behind her, her eyes turning even colder as she looked at me. “Andy is still defending you, and yet you are so malicious.” I found it utterly ridiculous. This was the woman I had poured my heart into for four years. “Victoria, let’s get a divorce.” “What did you say?” “We’re getting a divorce.” My gaze was earnest as I looked at Victoria. This marriage was always a scheme to get revenge on me. Now that Victoria had gotten what she wanted, it was time for it to end. Victoria seemed to falter for a moment, then a cold laugh escaped her lips. “Julian Blackwood, what cunning game are you playing now? Do you think I’ll pity you like this?” “I don’t need your pity. We’re over.” I signed the divorce papers without hesitation. Seeing my signature, Victoria’s eyes immediately darkened. Andy’s eyes held an unconcealed ecstasy as he looked down at me with disdain, as if I were a stray dog. A few minutes later, exactly one billion dollars appeared in my account. I looked at the auctioneer on the platform. “Continue the auction.” Andy put his arm around Victoria, sighing. “Sweetheart, I’m sorry. It’s all my fault…” “It’s not your fault.” Victoria didn’t comfort him as she usually would; her eyes were fixed on me. “I want to see what Julian Blackwood will use to buy the remaining videos, now that he’s left me.” The 101st video appeared on the big screen. “Lot number 101: the group video… starting bid: two million dollars!” The entire room erupted in an unprecedented frenzy. The mocking laughter from the women around me grew even louder. “The Blackwood family is a family of intellectuals, yet the Blackwood heir is playing such wild games! If old Mr. Blackwood knew, he’d probably crawl out of his coffin!” “Mr. Blackwood, if your needs are so great, just contact me!” “Five million!” “Ten million!” “I bid twenty million!” Listening to the escalating bids from everyone eagerly competing, the price soared higher and higher. The auctioneer smiled subtly at me. “Mr. Blackwood, do you wish to continue with your ‘All-In’ bid?” Victoria looked down from above, a triumphant gleam in her eyes. She seemed certain that I had no more money to continue, and would definitely return to her for help. “Julian Blackwood, my terms haven’t changed…” “No need.” I rejected her expressionlessly, calmly looking at the auctioneer. “Highest bidder wins. I withdraw from all remaining bids.” The entire room erupted in a commotion. Victoria instinctively frowned. The auctioneer, somewhat surprised, reminded me, “Mr. Blackwood, if you choose to withdraw from the bidding, we will remove the pixelation from the videos.” “Remove it.” My voice remained calm. The crowd became utterly ecstatic, everyone growing excited. “Quick! Remove the pixels! I can’t wait to see the Blackwood heir’s expression!” A countdown appeared on the screen. Three! Two! Everyone’s eyes were glued to the large screen, wanting to see the expression on that shameless man in the video. Andy Wick reminded me, with malicious intent, “Once the pixels are gone, the Blackwood family’s reputation will be completely ruined.” Victoria’s face turned utterly cold, her eyes filled with nothing but disgust as she looked at me. “He brought it on himself!” One! A flash of white light appeared on the large screen, and then the pixelation on the video completely vanished. Everyone stared at the big screen, utterly bewildered. Victoria’s pupils constricted sharply. “How is this possible? The man in the video… it’s not Julian Blackwood!”

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Only when the men saw the village women and children slaughtered by raiders did they believe my warnings. Staring at the mutilated bodies, they erupted in rage. “Captain!” one shouted hoarsely. “You said Olivia was lying—that we should guard you and Sienna for her birthday! Now my son is dead! Where’s my wife?!” Miles turned deathly pale. I watched the bloodshed, tears falling. In my past life, when raiders attacked, my husband—the Island Guard Captain—took all the men to celebrate Sienna’s birthday. Pregnant, I crawled through storm drains to bring them back. But Sienna was killed by a stray raider. After hunting them down, Miles said nothing—until my childbirth. Then he brutalized me and threw me into the sea. “You,” he hissed, “lured the raiders out of jealousy. Since you wanted her fate, I’ll make sure you die like her.” When I woke again, I was back at the raid’s beginning. This time, if he wanted to protect her… let him. … Reborn, I watched the speedboats approach the shore, filled with marauders. A cold shiver ran through me, but I didn’t hesitate. I pulled the alarm. The blaring alarm sirens swiftly echoed across the entire island. But the island’s sole transport vessel, large enough to evacuate all the women and children, was gone. My closest friend stumbled towards me, her voice choked with tears. “Olivia, the raiders are attacking! Where are all the men? The ferry’s gone too. What are we going to do?!” Before I could answer, other women and children swarmed around me, their eyes, wide with helplessness and terror, fixed on me. As the only one who truly knew, I had to tell them. Miles had taken every man and every weapon, sailing the transport vessel out to international waters to celebrate Sienna’s birthday. My mother-in-law cursed wildly, enraged. “Has he gone mad?! He knows raiders could attack Havenport at any moment, and he dared to take every man?!” She spat Sienna’s name like venom. “That manipulative vixen! I always said she was no good! Always feigning weakness, luring men. And now look! Is she trying to get us all killed?!” Her breakdown triggered a switch, and the other women instantly erupted, screaming insults at Sienna for her shamelessness, for luring away their men. As they spoke, the marauders’ speedboats neared the shore, and panic intensified. I struggled to maintain control, telling everyone not to panic, to head for the shelter tunnels. Our island, isolated from the mainland, was frequently targeted by raiders. To protect ourselves, we had built a network of underground bunkers to withstand their assaults. The cramped shelter tunnels were packed with women and children, listening to the marauders’ cruel laughter echoing from above as they searched the island for women. A chilling wave of terror spread through everyone. To save everyone, the only option was to risk crawling through the storm drains that connected to the tunnels, then take a jet ski to get reinforcements. My mother-in-law grabbed my hand, her calloused hand slick with cold sweat. “Olivia, the safety of all the women and children rests on you. You must bring back help!” I managed a bitter smile, my face etched with reluctance. I told her I feared even if I went, Miles wouldn’t come back with me. At my words, a heavy silence fell over everyone. Ever since Miles rescued Sienna and brought her to the island three months ago, he had clung to her like a shadow. Under the guise of ‘caring for her,’ Miles was inseparable from her daily: fishing together, training together. Even the islanders whispered amongst themselves that he and Sienna seemed more like a couple. Yet, far from avoiding suspicion, Miles only grew more overtly intimate with her when faced with their teasing. I had argued with him countless times over this, demanding to know who his wife truly was. But he remained indifferent, instead accusing me of being petty and jealous. Our love had long since evaporated with Sienna’s arrival. Just when everyone was at a loss, Lily, my sister-in-law, stepped forward. “Let me go. I know everyone in the Island Guard, and besides, Olivia’s pregnant. If anything happened to her, I wouldn’t know how to explain it to my brother.” With that, she eagerly plunged into the storm drain, crawling through the damp, filthy pipes to the outside. We huddled in the shelter tunnels, praying in our hearts not to be discovered. But then, a sharp-eyed raider spotted the entrance to the tunnels. “There’s an iron door here! I bet the women are all hiding inside!” “I knew it! How could an island this big not have a single woman?!” “I’ve been adrift at sea for half a year, dreaming of women! This time, I’m going to have my fill!” The thought of the women hidden inside spurred the raiders to frantically smash against the iron door. Listening to the frantic, booming crashes against the door, the women’s faces went ashen. Their hearts pounded with terror, and they could only pray for the men to return quickly and save them. About half an hour later, Lily, my sister-in-law, crawled back up from the storm drain, covered in grime. Seeing her, everyone immediately cheered, believing she had brought the men back. But to their dismay, Lily only began to wipe away her tears, her face etched with distress. “I’m sorry… they wouldn’t come back with me.” My mother-in-law frantically pressed her, “Why wouldn’t they come back? Their wives and children are in here!” At this, Lily’s tears flowed even faster. She bit her lip. “My brother said I was lying. He said there’s no way raiders would suddenly attack our fishing village… He even said Olivia and I conspired to trick him, and he slapped me.” Seeing the red mark on Lily’s face, everyone began to condemn Sienna as a manipulative vixen. They also cursed Miles for dereliction of duty, for abandoning everyone’s safety for the sake of one woman! Just then, a thunderous boom echoed! The raiders had begun using explosives! The iron door to the shelter tunnel could hold for another hour at most. I comforted the women, telling them that the nearest island, Stonewater Isle, was only twenty minutes away, and I could go there for reinforcements. My mother-in-law clutched my arm, her calloused hand slick with cold sweat. “Olivia, the safety of all the women and children rests on you. You must bring back help!” I nodded, then, pushing past the nauseating stench, I crawled through the storm drain, my pregnant belly cumbersome, until I reached the surface. I mounted a spare jet ski and sped towards the nearest island, Stonewater Isle. When my jet ski hit the beach of Stonewater Isle, I found several armed men already waiting. Recognizing them, my eyes widened. It was Deputy Commander Ethan Reed of our Island Guard. Hadn’t he gone out to sea with Miles? Why was he here? I couldn’t dwell on it. I stumbled towards him, just as I was about to inform him about the raiders’ attack. He suddenly grabbed my arm, yanking me from the jet ski, his gaze filled with utter disgust. “Olivia Vance, how can there be a woman as repulsive as you in this world?!” I stared at him, bewildered, unable to comprehend his meaning. “The Captain specifically ordered me to wait for you here. He said that to stir up jealousy, you’d conspire with Lily to spread rumors on other islands about a raider attack on our village, all to sabotage Sienna’s birthday celebration.” Listening to Ethan, I began to tremble with rage. Miles’ heart was utterly ruthless! To prevent me from reaching him, he had sent men to block the very path I would take to get reinforcements! I urgently told Ethan that the marauders had already begun their assault on Havenport. I wasn’t here to spread rumors; I was here for help! If reinforcements weren’t found within the hour to repel the raiders, everyone would be lost! Perhaps seeing my unyielding expression, a flicker of hesitation crossed his eyes. After all, his wife, child, and mother were all still on the island. Just as Ethan was about to contact Miles on his comms, a team member leaned in and whispered, “If there really was a raider attack, how could the Captain not know?” His face held a nearly devout trust in Miles. Miles had served in the military, possessing an exceptional tactical instinct and organizational skills. He had led the islanders in repelling dozens of raider assaults. After less than a second of silence, Ethan burst into loud laughter. “Olivia, you truly are an actress. You almost had me believing you.” “I know the Captain better than anyone. He’s so responsible, the leader of the Island Guard. How could he possibly lack this level of vigilance?” His mockery twisted my heart into a bitter knot, tears stinging my eyes. Every wasted moment meant more danger for the women. Ignoring everything, I tried to rush back towards the island. But in the next second, Ethan moved faster, pressing me down. He then produced rope and bound me tightly. “As long as I’m here, you’re not going anywhere today.” Ethan’s face was grim. After ensuring I was securely tied, he tossed me directly into a speedboat. As the boat sliced through the waves, I watched Stonewater Isle, so close yet growing smaller with every passing moment, and I closed my eyes in despair.

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In my past life, my elder sister, Naomi, whom I trusted implicitly, plunged me into ruin. When her lover’s financial fraud was exposed, she meticulously laid every piece of blame at my feet. I became a pariah, a public enemy vilified by all, even abandoned by my own father. “We have no son who would betray our company like this!” he had bellowed. That rainy night, with despair as my only companion, I chose to end it all. Now, reborn, I awaken to find myself back on the eve of a major project launch. This time, I will not let anyone dictate my life again! In the office, I stared at the computer screen, deaf to my colleagues’ sneers, and drafted my resignation letter. 1 The business proposal trembled slightly in my hands. This seemingly golden opportunity, in my previous life, had been the very document that plunged me into an abyss from which there was no return. “My capabilities are limited; I fear I’m not up to such a significant task,” I said, my voice calm, as I pushed the proposal back across the desk to my sister, Naomi. The smile on her face instantly froze. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Ethan. Do you know how much effort I put into securing it for you?” I looked at my sister, her expression feigning concern, with a cold, assessing gaze. In my past life, it was she who had neatly placed every single piece of blame onto me, transforming me from a Wall Street golden boy into a reviled pariah. “Ethan, when did you become such a coward?” My fiancée, Sophia, immediately reprimanded me. “How can you expect to make any progress in your career if you’re so timid and hesitant?” A cold laugh bubbled in my chest. These two women, outwardly pretending to have my best interests at heart, were in reality only concerned with Marcus. “Marcus is an Ivy League graduate; he’s stronger than me in every aspect. This project would be a much better fit for him,” I stated, looking directly at them. In my previous life, when Marcus and I co-managed the project, he fabricated financial records for performance. Ultimately, it was I who bore all the legal accusations. This time, I swore I wouldn’t repeat that mistake. “You really should take Marcus as your role model,” Sophia suddenly cooed, her eyes shimmering with adoration when she spoke his name. The irony wasn’t lost on me. This woman, who claimed to love me deeply, carried another man in her heart. I suppressed the rising annoyance and continued my refusal. “I’ve already committed to attending the Silicon Valley Venture Summit. I simply can’t free up my schedule this month.” Their relentless push for me to partner with Marcus on this project was driven by a single, stark reality: without the extensive financial network I’d cultivated on Wall Street, Marcus wouldn’t be able to pull off this billion-dollar multinational acquisition. If this M&A deal succeeded, it would be Marcus’s express ticket directly to the board of directors. I opened my laptop and pulled up my email. “Would you like me to forward you the invitation from the organizers?” 2 Sophia stared at the screen, her expression instantly sharpening. “You didn’t breathe a single word of this international summit to Marcus? What, do you think you finally have a chance to show off?” My sister Naomi’s voice also turned cold. “In business, it’s about sharing resources. Your autocratic style is truly eye-opening.” I scoffed. “The investment banking world is a small place. Marcus usually can’t even be bothered to say hello. And now it’s my fault?” Although we both worked at headquarters, Marcus had never shown me anything but disdain since I joined. In the past six months, aside from mandatory meetings, we hadn’t exchanged more than three words privately. Sophia grew even more agitated. “Do you have any idea how busy Marcus is? As his subordinate, shouldn’t you have proactively reported this?” As she spoke, she already had her phone out, dialing the summit organizing committee. My sister Naomi, meanwhile, simply rose and left the conference room, clearly off to find Marcus. Watching them, a wave of bitter sarcasm washed over me. In their eyes, I was nothing more than a pawn to be sacrificed at will. Before long, Sophia hung up, her face grim. The summit’s attendance list was full; the committee had politely declined her request. “This is a direct opportunity to meet top global investors. If Marcus misses it…” She bit her lip anxiously, then her eyes suddenly lit up. “Ethan, how about this? You transfer your spot to Marcus. I promise, the next good opportunity, you’ll be the first person I think of.” Hearing her words, I clenched my fists, my nails digging deep into my palms. “Just because he’s Marcus, I should sacrifice my own opportunity?” For years, I had considered her the most important person in my life, yet in her heart, I was less than Marcus’s substitute. Sophia suddenly adopted a wheedling tone. “You’re so much younger than Marcus. What’s wrong with letting a senior go first? You have plenty of other opportunities. Don’t be so petty!” Looking at her sickeningly sweet act, a wave of disgust washed over me. This woman, usually a fierce and decisive force in the investment banking world, could demean herself like this for Marcus. Unfortunately, after being reborn, I had long since seen through her true colors. No longer would I be fooled by such pretense. 3 “Ethan, you’re being utterly unreasonable! This opportunity should be given to Marcus!” As I pondered, Naomi had already ushered Marcus into the conference room. My gaze met Marcus’s, and the undisguised contempt in his eyes was palpable. I gave a cold chuckle. “Business is a battlefield. Everyone relies on their own abilities. No one has the right to make decisions for others.” I stood up, not even bothering to glance at them again as I left. Surprisingly, the summit proceeded without incident. It wasn’t until I opened the company’s internal network that I saw Marcus had fully taken over the M&A project. I thought the matter was closed, but no sooner had I returned from the conference than Naomi and Sophia burst into my office. Their faces were ashen, their expressions panicked. “It’s a disaster! The SEC is investigating the acquisition! Marcus is truly finished this time, you have to help!” I scoffed. “What does the SEC investigation have to do with me? I’ve been in the U.S. this whole time. How do you plan to frame me?” Naomi’s next words, however, left me dumbfounded. “I’ve prepared all the materials. You just need to sign a few documents. You’ve only been with the company for a short while, so even if they find problems, it won’t be too serious.” Hearing this, a chill ran through me. A vice president, my own elder sister, was willing to condemn her younger brother to fraud charges just to protect an outsider. If I took this fall, my career would be ruined, and I would even face jail time. The nightmare of my past life flashed before my eyes. Without a second thought, I refused: “Corporate fraud is a serious crime. Since he was the one leading the project, he should bear the consequences himself.” Sophia was frantic, stomping her foot. “Wall Street is all about connections and favors! If you help with this, the entire industry will remember your good deed!” Listening to this blatant emotional blackmail, I could no longer suppress my fury: “You two only see Marcus! Have you ever considered my situation? One is my own sister, the other my fiancée—you two are pushing me into a fiery pit!” My voice was trembling; the tragedy of my past life made it impossible to stay calm. Naomi, however, was unwavering. “This isn’t a discussion, it’s a notification. The materials are ready. You have to take the fall for this.” She slammed a folder heavily onto my desk. I opened it and gasped – they had actually forged an entire chain of evidence implicating me in the fraud. Such a meticulous setup; if I weren’t the insider, anyone would believe these fabricated proofs. It seemed I had still underestimated their obsession with Marcus. But a mocking smile spread across my face. “Forging evidence, manipulating the market – those are serious felonies. Aren’t you afraid I’ll hand the evidence over to the FBI?” 4 “Are you threatening me? Don’t forget, I’m your sister. If you dare to make a fuss, Mom and Dad will be the first ones to disown you.” Naomi stared at me coldly, attempting to use our family ties to suppress me. In her mind, I had always been the meek, compliant younger brother who never dared to defy her. I scoffed dismissively. “Now you remember I’m your brother? For Marcus, you’re willing to destroy your own brother’s life. What right do you have to talk about family affection? From today on, we’re cutting all ties. You two had better not bother me again.” In that moment, I was utterly, completely disappointed in them. Sophia, seeing the turn of events, hastily tried to smooth things over. “Why are you being so difficult? This could be good for you too! JPMorgan Chase has promised that if you help us, they’ll give you a Vice President position immediately. That’s an executive role at a top Wall Street investment bank. You wouldn’t be able to get it on your own for at least a decade.” I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. JPMorgan Chase? Ludicrous. Marcus’s reputation in the industry was already in tatters; even mid-tier investment banks wouldn’t touch him, let alone a top-tier one. This was clearly another one of their fabricated lies. And the consequences of this matter were far more severe than just a job title. I looked at them coldly. “You expect me to take on such a massive crime just for an empty promise? The SEC investigation is no joke.” With that, I lowered my head to my documents, no longer bothering to acknowledge them. Sophia and Naomi’s eyes instantly turned venomous. I glanced at them dismissively. Long before our conversation began, I had already activated a voice recorder. If they dared to make a move, this evidence would be more than enough to completely ruin their reputations. Suddenly, the office door was violently pushed open. Marcus stormed in, grabbing my collar. “Where the hell did you get those internal files?” A cold smirk played on my lips. “Guilty conscience? These files were all obtained through legal channels.” Reborn into this life, how could I not leave myself a way out? Long before any of this began, I had arranged for someone to collect all the evidence of Marcus’s illicit dealings. Naomi, seeing Marcus’s fury, snapped, “Destroy those files immediately, or I’ll fire you right now!” I merely smiled wider. “Perfectly fine by me.” At the summit, I had already received offers from several top hedge funds, with salaries three times my current one. I pulled a document from my drawer and tossed it onto Naomi’s desk. “Here’s my resignation letter. Please approve it quickly.”

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During a video call with shareholders, my long-dormant high school group chat suddenly blew up. Someone kept tagging me: “Audrey Vance! Lana’s getting married today—why aren’t you there?” Scrolling through the messages, I realized it was Lana Hayes, our former queen bee. Our entire class had gathered for her wedding. “Sorry, my company’s been swamped,” I replied professionally. The group instantly attacked: “Too busy? You never post online—must be failing!” “Just admit you’re embarrassed!” Lana tagged me: “Remember our bet? That my husband would outshine yours?” “I don’t recall,” I answered honestly. The others mocked: “Lana’s husband is a Fortune 500 CEO! He sent 100 luxury cars to her hometown!” “Too ashamed to compare? Or too broke to afford a gift?” Lana then posted a wedding photo—and my blood ran cold. Her groom was Brandon Hayes. My husband. “I’ll be there,” I typed, my fingers steady. “Wouldn’t miss your ‘happy moment’ for the world.” 1 No sooner had I replied to Lana than I received a text from Brandon: “Wife, I’m going back to my hometown to see my parents today. I’ve already made your food and put it in the fridge. Just heat it up when you’re ready to eat.” It ended with: “Darling, I’ll love you forever.” Brandon had been my husband for three years, a man who had moved into my home with nothing to his name. He always took care of my every need, anticipating everything. Even when he left, he never forgot to prepare for my daily necessities. I used to be touched by these thoughtful gestures. But now, they only struck me as laughable. I abruptly ended my video conference and, following the wedding location Lana had shared in the group, drove toward her hometown. From a distance, I could see a colossal red banner hanging above Lana’s family home: “A Warm Welcome to Mr. Brandon Hayes, CEO of Evergreen Group, for the Wedding Procession!” Beneath the banner, Lana stood in a pristine, custom-designed wedding gown, eagerly awaiting her groom. Around her clustered our old high school classmates. “Lana, you kept this so quiet! To think your man is the CEO of the Evergreen Group, and you only let us know on your wedding day!” “Seriously! Mr. Hayes is a renowned entrepreneur. You’re so clever, Lana, to marry such an outstanding, high-caliber man!” “Lana, you’re about to become a wealthy socialite. Don’t forget us old classmates when you’re rich and famous!” Even our old high school teacher fawned over Lana: “Lana, the moment I first saw you, I knew you’d achieve great things. That’s why I never scolded you, even when your grades weren’t great. I knew you were destined for wealth, you didn’t need grades to speak for you!” Amidst the chorus of praise, Lana’s lips curved into a triumphant smile, her eyes gleaming with pride and satisfaction. Brandon, who had moved into my home years ago, had always seemed somewhat idle. To give him purpose and experience, I had entrusted him with the management of Evergreen Group, my smallest company. It never occurred to me that this would become the very source of Lana’s inflated ego. As I arrived, the classmates, who had been so eager to flatter, instantly frowned, their gazes filled with disdain. One of Lana’s closest sidekicks, spotting the car behind me, immediately rushed over, sneering: “Audrey Vance, you are so vain! You actually rented a Bentley just to come to Lana’s wedding and put on airs?” Hearing this, others joined in, their voices dripping with contempt: “No wonder she dared to show up. So, she just wanted to show off? That car rental must cost at least three months of your salary!” “Some people just love to live beyond their means. No matter how much you pretend to be rich, can you really be richer than Lana’s husband?!” “Exactly! Is it so hard to admit someone’s better than you? Why go to all the trouble of renting a car just to show off your petty jealousy?” Facing their denigration, my expression remained unchanged. “This is my car.” No sooner had the words left my lips than Lana suddenly walked up to me. She lashed out, a stinging slap across my face. “Your car? This is clearly my husband’s car! I’ve suspected for a while that my husband was keeping a mistress, and I can’t believe it’s you, you cheap tramp! You shameless wretch, how dare you drive my husband’s car to my wedding to provoke me, his rightful wife?” 2 Lana’s outburst made our classmates’ eyes widen in shock. “Lana, this is your husband’s car? Seriously?” Lana’s face was full of haughty pride. “Of course it is! How could it be fake?” She then pulled out her phone and displayed several photos of her and Brandon. Some showed them intimately close in the car, others lounging on the hood, leaning against each other. The car’s interior details and license plate were clearly visible in the pictures. It was identical to my car. At this, the crowd buzzed with confirmation. “It really is Lana’s husband’s car. So, Audrey is definitely the mistress!” Lana’s eyebrows shot up in fury, and she spat, her voice sharp and cold: “No wonder you haven’t posted on social media in years. Turns out you’ve been busy playing mistress.” Hearing this, others glared at me. “I never would’ve thought it! Audrey Vance looks so respectable on the surface, but she’s actually engaging in such despicable affairs.” “Seriously! I even thought she was some cool, aloof scholar in high school and wrote her a love letter. Thinking about it now makes me sick!” “Some people act so high and mighty and innocent, but behind closed doors, who knows how loose they are? The moment they see a rich man, they go wild, practically begging for attention!” “And she even dares to drive her sugar daddy’s car right in front of the rightful wife to provoke her! I think she’s just jealous that Lana married well and came here deliberately to ruin the wedding!” Even our high school teacher looked at me with disdain, declaring, “Audrey Vance, from now on, when you’re out there, never say you were my student. I certainly never taught a student with such moral depravity!” The crowd’s incessant chatter and condemnation drew many onlookers, who pointed and whispered about me. Some even pulled out their phones to take pictures and videos, and a few even spat in my direction. I calmly removed my jacket, worth tens of thousands, and tossed it into a nearby trash can. Then, I faced Lana directly. “I advise you to ask Brandon Hayes very clearly: who exactly is the mistress, and who is the rightful wife?” No sooner had the words left my lips than Lana swung again, slapping me across the face. “You need to ask? Can’t you see it’s Brandon and my wedding day?” She then looked at the car behind me, angrily cursing, “I detest mistresses! Every mistress in the world deserves to die!” With that, she pulled out a key and savagely scratched several large letters onto the side of my car: “Mistress Dies!” I glanced at the stark, ugly words, my voice chillingly clear. “You’ll realize very soon just how ironic those four words are.” My words only enraged Lana further. “You wretched tramp! You steal my man and then you have the nerve to mock me with your sneering sarcasm? The thought of my husband’s car being driven by a filthy hussy like you makes me sick!” With that, she picked up a brick from the roadside and began to violently smash my car. The windows, the headlights, the hood – nothing was spared. “Lana is going to be the CEO’s wife of the Evergreen Group! We can’t let her be bullied by a low-class mistress like Audrey!” someone in the crowd of classmates yelled. Instantly, everyone else began grabbing whatever they could find – rocks, sticks, bottles – and threw themselves into smashing my car. After they shattered the windows, they even climbed inside, wildly slashing at the car seats and interior. The once pristine luxury car was transformed into a pile of mangled scrap metal in mere moments. I watched these frenzied people, my gaze icy. “I hope you’ll be just as happy and enthusiastic when it comes time for compensation.” No one paid any attention to my warning; they treated me as if I were invisible. Just then, one of Lana’s cronies smashed open the trunk and gasped, “Everyone, look! She’s got a lot of good stuff hidden in her trunk!” Lana walked over, pulled out a painting, and scoffed. “A cheap woman who sells her body for money, pretending to be a collector, putting on airs of elegance?” Seeing this, I couldn’t help but warn them. “These things are worth far more than my car, especially that painting and calligraphy. I advise you not to mess with them.” The items in the trunk were collectibles I had acquired from auctions but hadn’t yet found a place for. Lana’s fury only intensified at my words. “This painting is a desecration being collected by a wretch like you! Trash like you only deserves trash!” With that, she tore the painting to shreds right in front of me. After ripping it, she threw it on the ground and stomped on it with her foot. Our high school teacher, upon closer inspection of the painting, gasped: “This painting… it looks like a genuine Qi Baishi! I heard the starting bid at auction was over three hundred million!” Lana retorted indignantly, “So what if it’s three hundred million? It’s all my husband’s money anyway! My husband’s money is my money. What’s wrong with me smashing my own property?” Her words left me speechless. Not only was Brandon a man who had married into my family with nothing, but even after I put him in charge of Evergreen Group, his incompetence had caused the company’s market value to drop by nearly half. If he weren’t my husband, I would have fired him long ago. Yet, Lana and these old classmates saw him as a formidable CEO, idolizing him. With Lana leading the charge in tearing up the painting, the other classmates, unwilling to be outdone, also began smashing and ripping apart the collectibles in my trunk. Good advice falls on deaf ears when dealing with those bent on self-destruction. Since they were consumed by their frenzy, I saw no point in saying anything further. I simply pulled out my phone, intending to call the police. Just as my finger touched the dial screen, Lana rushed over, snatched my phone, and slammed it to the ground. “Still trying to call the police? You’re just a mistress who only knows how to seduce men. What nerve do you have?” As she spoke, her gaze suddenly fell upon my neck, and her eyes lit up. “That jade pendant necklace you’re wearing doesn’t look cheap. Did you buy it with my husband’s money too?” With that, she yanked hard, tearing the necklace from my neck. Lana’s movements were so swift and violent, I had no time to react. The necklace was in her hand in an instant. Seeing this, my face paled. “Give me back my necklace!” 3 Seeing my sudden panic, Lana sneered at me. “So agitated? Looks like this necklace is worth a fortune, huh?” I panicked even more. “It’s not valuable in terms of money, but it’s incredibly important to me! Give it back!” As I spoke, I reached out to snatch it back. This jade pendant necklace was a protective charm my mother had risked her life to obtain for me. I had been frail and sickly since childhood. At four years old, I was hospitalized, critically ill and unconscious. Even the doctors told my parents to prepare for the worst. My mother couldn’t accept it, so she went to a temple to pray for me. To show her sincerity, she walked barefoot, kowtowing every step of the way, from the foot of the mountain to the summit, in the scorching heat of a 40-degree Celsius summer. She knelt until her knees bled and bone showed through, until her head was broken and bleeding, her consciousness fading, before finally obtaining this jade pendant necklace. Perhaps heaven itself was moved by my mother’s devotion. I, who had been in a coma, miraculously awoke. But my mother fell ill from that day and never recovered. Before she died, she placed the necklace in my hand, strictly instructing me to keep it safe. I cherished this necklace immensely, carrying it with me everywhere since childhood. It was something my mother had given her life for, and it was my absolute untouchable line. I would never allow anyone to damage it! “The more you want it, the more I’ll destroy it!” Before I could even touch it, Lana threw the necklace forcefully to the ground. With a sharp crack, the jade pendant shattered, breaking into countless fragments, scattering everywhere. “No!” Watching the only thing my mother had given her life for shatter like that, my heart twisted in agony. I couldn’t breathe. “You’re an animal!” I couldn’t take it anymore. I slapped Lana across the face. “You filthy tramp, you dare hit me?” Lana clutched her face, screaming hysterically. “Teach this wretch a lesson, a severe one! Whoever satisfies me the most, I’ll give them a million dollars!” At her words, the classmates, who already disliked me, immediately started punching and kicking me. “How dare you hit Lana? She’s the future wife of the CEO of Evergreen Group! Do you even deserve to breathe the same air as her?!” “Exactly! So what if she broke your necklace? You probably earned it by sleeping around anyway. Just go serve a few more men, problem solved! Why are you so dramatic?” “Shameless mistress! Seducing other people’s husbands is bad enough, but daring to hit the legitimate wife? Do you really think us old classmates are pushovers?” Even the teacher couldn’t resist sneaking in a few kicks. I was beaten to the ground, trembling with rage, gritting my teeth. “You’ll regret this!” At my words, the group of classmates erupted in laughter, as if they’d heard the funniest joke imaginable. “Laughing my ass off! Do you still think this is high school? Still think you’re superior because you were a straight-A student?” “Exactly! You’re nothing but trash discarded by society now! You’re already making money by sleeping around, and you still dare to threaten us?” “A mistress should know her place! When you get hit, you stand at attention!” “You shameless hussy! You’re so desperate to steal another woman’s man, even from an old classmate. Aren’t you embarrassed? If I were you, I’d just smash my head into a wall and die!” They held me down, relentlessly mocking and humiliating me. The onlookers also freely criticized me, spitting at me repeatedly. Lana, emboldened by the crowd’s support, stepped forward and placed her foot on my face. “Regret?” she crowed wildly. “I’ve never regretted anything in my life! I’m just waiting to see how you, you wretched mistress, could possibly make me regret this!” No sooner had the words left her lips than a hundred luxury cars roared into view, screeching to a halt before the crowd. Then, Brandon Hayes emerged from one of them, accompanied by a retinue of men in sharp suits… 4 The sudden, grand, and overwhelming display brought the chaotic scene to an abrupt, deafening silence. All eyes were drawn to the arriving procession. Those who had been holding me down immediately released me, straightened up, and stared. Lana, too, quickly removed her foot, adopting an air of gentle, demure grace. Brandon, with his handsome features and impeccable tailored suit, exuded an extraordinary presence. His arrival instantly commanded the attention of everyone present. “Is that Mr. Hayes from Evergreen Group?” “Yes, that’s him! He truly is a CEO, isn’t he? What an extravagant display for a wedding pickup!” “It’s so magnificent! I wouldn’t even dare to dream of so many luxury cars!” “And he’s so handsome too! Rich and attractive, no wonder that wretched Ms. Vance would stoop to being his mistress.” “Lana is truly blessed, marrying so well. I’m dying of envy!” Amidst everyone’s envious praises, Lana beamed, proudly stepping forward to link her arm through Brandon’s. “Darling, you’re finally here! I couldn’t wait to marry you.” Brandon gave Lana a doting smile and pulled her into a warm embrace. “My clingy little thing. I just love how you can’t be without me, my sweet bride.” Seeing this, the old classmates swarmed forward, their faces twisted into fawning smiles. “Mr. Hayes, it’s an honor. I own a small advertising company. If Evergreen Group ever has advertising needs, could you perhaps consider us first? Here’s my business card.” “Mr. Hayes, this is a new product our company developed. It’s complimentary for you to try. If you like it, please give us some feedback!” “Mr. Hayes, it’s a pleasure. I was Lana’s classmate for three years in high school. I’ve long admired your reputation. Do you think Evergreen Group has any suitable open positions? I’m willing to learn anything!” “Mr. Hayes…” In an instant, all the former classmates jostled and squeezed around Brandon, vying for his attention, using every conceivable method to promote themselves. Watching my former peers grovel and fawn over Brandon, Lana’s smile widened even further. She reveled in this feeling of superiority. Brandon, meanwhile, merely instructed his assistant to take all the business cards and samples, seemingly accustomed to such displays. Just then, Lana’s mother stepped forward, smiling at Brandon. “My dear son-in-law, we’ve specially prepared some fine tea for you. Please come inside and have a rest.” Brandon glanced at his watch. “Perhaps not. It’s getting late. I’ve already booked the hotel and banquet hall. With all these cars, there should be enough room for everyone to go together.” “Yes, yes, of course, let’s head over then.” The crowd nodded eagerly, heading towards the gleaming luxury cars. The thought of riding in such opulent vehicles to attend the wedding of the Evergreen Group CEO ignited sparks of excitement in their eyes. It was as if they had already reached the pinnacle of their lives. However, just as everyone was about to get into the cars, the piercing wail of police sirens rapidly approached from the distance. Immediately after, a group of police officers quickly disembarked from their vehicles, their voices stern: “Freeze! We’ve received a report of a public disturbance and assault here!”

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1 Sister Lydia, in her deep devotion to Master Elias who had long since taken solemn monastic vows, had herself forsaken the world and joined the secluded Stonehaven Monastery. All in the village and beyond spoke in hushed admiration of their bond, deeming it a love that transcended mere mortal affection. For over a decade, she had remained by his side, and though no marital intimacy ever passed between them, their companionship was as steadfast as any lifelong union. Yet, when both were past fifty, Master Elias shattered that serene existence. He brought a woman from the village, a seller of perfumes and herbal remedies, into the monastery as his bride. He commanded us to call this woman our new Mistress, declaring it a wondrous thing to have a child in his twilight years – a venerable elder blossoming anew with a vibrant, youthful bride. Everyone whispered of his heartless betrayal, their indignation rising for Sister Lydia, who had toiled tirelessly for half a lifetime within the monastery’s ancient walls. But Sister Lydia herself seemed utterly unmoved, her demeanor as serene and unchanging as ever. We attributed this to her decades of spiritual discipline, believing she had achieved a detached, otherworldly tranquility. Yet, that day, as Master Elias and his new “spring bloom” walked hand-in-hand, radiating sickening sweetness, I unexpectedly heard Sister Lydia’s thoughts: “Ungrateful wretch! I’ll flay the hide off both of you, eventually!” … Sister Lydia had stood by Master Elias for half a lifetime within the venerable walls of Stonehaven Monastery. Though they never spoke of worldly affections, everyone regarded their bond as something far beyond ordinary love. Even Sister Lydia herself, it seemed, believed it to be so. After all, within Stonehaven, she had always borne the quiet responsibilities of a mother figure. Washing, cooking, mending our simple woolen tunics – these were her daily duties, performed without complaint. We had always imagined this tranquil life would simply continue, yet Master Elias chose to shatter that peace. He was set to marry a woman from the village below. Brother Alistair, our eldest, claimed she was a perfumer from the market, with an ample figure that swayed provocatively as she walked. We, his youngest disciples, were the very last to hear the news. We rushed frantically, distraught, to find Sister Lydia. She, however, merely sighed, her voice laced with a profound, almost poetic melancholy. “Oh, if only life could ever remain as pure as a first glance,” she murmured. “What use then, for the autumn wind to mourn a faded painting?” We six disciples listened, bewildered, but Sister Lydia said no more. Master Elias ultimately welcomed the woman into the monastery with a grand and flamboyant procession. We gnashed our teeth in silent fury; anyone with eyes could see that Sister Lydia had always been the one who truly cared for us, who looked after our every need! Yet, Master Elias had abandoned his sacred vows for this woman, even bringing her to the monastery in a lavish, celebrated arrival. Immediately, the villagers below scoffed at our monastery. “A monastic elder nearing fifty, and so scandalous!” they jeered. “There was already a woman residing in the monastery, tending to it, and now he brings another from the village? How utterly amusing… or disgraceful!” As disciples of the monastery, we were even more perplexed. Why would our Master become such a heartless cad, casting aside one for another? Sister Lydia, though never formally wedded to him, had certainly been devoted. She had willingly followed Master Elias up the mountain, forsaking her own life, dedicating decades of her youth to this very place. For as long as we could remember, it was always Sister Lydia who tirelessly looked after us, seeing to every chore. In spring, she sharpened our training blades until they gleamed, ready for our drills. In summer, she prepared refreshing slices of melon, chilled in the cool stream. In autumn, she meticulously stored provisions for the long, harsh winter. In winter, she painstakingly mended our heavy cloaks and tunics, ensuring we were warm. Though rarely outwardly jovial, she always met us with a gentle, smiling countenance, seldom speaking harshly. Decades of selfless devotion had weathered her once delicate skin, etching deep lines around her eyes and at the corners of her mouth. Now, Master Elias’s callous betrayal wounded Sister Lydia to the core. It rendered her decades of sacrifice utterly absurd, almost a cruel joke. One side of the monastery hung with vibrant, celebratory banners, while the other remained in desolate silence. That night, Sister Lydia never received an explanation from Master Elias. The next morning, during our daily drills, a woman with a voluptuous figure stood boldly beside Master Elias. 2 She truly was as Brother Alistair had described, yet her features were jarringly grotesque. Her face seemed a squeezed cluster of misplaced features, dominated by a prominent, wart-like growth that gave her a strangely gnarled appearance. The more I looked, the more ridiculous she seemed, and I nearly burst out laughing. It was only Brother Owen, beside me, who pinched my arm hard, stifling my mirth. Otherwise, I’d have been running laps around the monastery for a grueling hour. “Careful, you idiot! You’ll be feeling the sting of the rod again!” Brother Owen hissed, his voice barely a whisper. “But Brother, she looks truly… monstrous. Like that hideous creature we saw up the mountain the other day!” The memory almost made me giggle again. Master Elias stroked his goatee, his face flushed with satisfaction, and admonished us. “Silence! No more chatter!” It was clear to anyone that the Master had enjoyed a rather… fulfilling night. A man of the cloth, nearing fifty, yet still remarkably virile. Then, oblivious to our discomfort, he casually linked arms with the woman and declared in a formal tone, “From this day forward, she is your Mistress.” The woman feigned shyness, which only made her already unappealing face even more grotesque. We six disciples gaped, our jaws nearly dropping to the floor, shaking our heads in unison. Master Elias roared, “It is decided! You will refer to your former Mistress as Sister Lydia from now on!” Perhaps it was my imagination, but I sensed a mournful resignation from Sister Lydia. It was understandable; to be so casually cast aside by a man – who could truly accept such a fate? Master Elias noticed my gaze and deliberately turned to her. “Lydia, you have no objections, do you?” Lydia. That was Sister Lydia’s name. Sister Lydia forced a bitter smile. “No, Master,” she replied softly. “Whatever name you choose is acceptable.” Only we, her loyal disciples, understood that her heart was utterly shattered. Master Elias nodded, satisfied, and specifically instructed us, “Did you hear? From now on, she is Sister Lydia.” We, however, silently refused to accept this new arrangement. We bit our tongues, saying nothing. Master Elias, displeased, reached for his bamboo cane, ready to discipline us. The woman gently restrained his hand, feigning concern. “It’s alright, my love. Children always need time to adapt.” Her pretense was so sickeningly sweet, it made me want to vomit. At that moment, I heard two sharp, cutting thoughts. “Ungrateful wretch!” “Flaunt your affections all you want, I’ll flay you both alive!” Though venomous, the thoughts brought a strange warmth to my chest. I almost complimented Brother Owen beside me, assuming he had muttered them, but then I noticed his mouth was tightly shut! As I stood there, bewildered, I heard the familiar voice again. “And I have to call that monstrous hag our Mistress? Everyone in the village will laugh us out of the valley!” Then, a light, almost mocking chuckle. “That old fool truly is… robust. Lucky for that grotesque aberration.” This sounded exactly like Sister Lydia’s voice! And the “hideous creature” story was something we had shared with Sister Lydia during dinner! I could hear Sister Lydia’s thoughts! I tried to listen intently, but it seemed I could only hear her voice. “Once I find that thing, I’ll cripple both of you dogs!” That thing? What thing? Brother Owen, seeing my furrowed brow, nudged me. “What are you thinking about?” “Nothing, nothing at all,” I mumbled. Master Elias tried to compel us to accept the new Mistress, but we made our excuses, claiming urgency for our training, and quickly ran off. As I passed Sister Lydia, I clearly heard her joyous, unbridled laughter. “Those little rascals, they didn’t disappoint me! Let that old fool rage, it’ll do him good!” Hearing that, I nearly lost control of my grin and sped up, running faster than ever. 3 As the sun dipped below the western peaks, our attention was caught by a heated argument echoing from the woodshed. First, Master Elias’s booming voice, full of indignant rage, pierced the evening air. “Lydia, I never imagined you could be so petty!” When we rushed into the woodshed, we found Sister Lydia by the hearth, calmly splitting wood and tending the fire. Master Elias stood beside her, his face livid with fury, while the new Mistress, Eliza, stood nearby, sobbing dramatically. Master Elias didn’t notice our presence and continued to bellow at Sister Lydia. “Today, I specifically instructed the disciples to change their address. Why do you insist on defying me?” His voice hardened. “Lydia, for them to even call you ‘Sister Lydia’ is a courtesy; why must you demand more?” His words clearly referred to our refusal to call Eliza our Mistress. But these cold, cutting words surely pierced Sister Lydia’s heart like daggers. Sister Lydia’s brow furrowed, and she replied calmly, “Master, you misunderstand me.” Master Elias, consumed by anger, shot back, “Am I accusing you without cause, then?” He puffed out his chest. “If you still call me ‘Master,’ then you should show me some respect! And even more so for your… elder brother’s wife!” His words were sharp, and the atmosphere instantly dropped to an icy chill. “Is this old fool daring to push his luck? Asking me to call that grotesque hag his wife? It’s a courtesy I even acknowledge her as a person!” Sister Lydia’s derisive thoughts crashed into my mind, leaving me utterly dumbfounded. Yet, on her face, only profound sorrow was visible, making her seem pitiful and heartbreaking. Master Elias sighed at her apparent sadness, then conceded slightly. “Alright, alright. The children are ignorant, but as long as you understand the proper order of things, that is enough.” He then turned, brushing off his robes, and patted Eliza’s shoulder in a show of comfort. But his words were directed at Sister Lydia: “Call her.” This was worse than a slap to the face; at least that would have been quick and clean. From the corner of my eye, I saw Sister Lydia’s fingers, gripping the kindling, turn bone-white, and her carefully constructed smile threatened to shatter. When she didn’t immediately move, Master Elias grew impatient. “Lydia, don’t dally. Call her!” Just then, Brother Alistair, who had been standing beside us, charged into the woodshed like a mad dog, roaring at Sister Lydia, “Mistress, no! You mustn’t!” He was right. Even as children, we understood what that title, “elder brother’s wife,” truly signified. It meant Sister Lydia’s decades of companionship and sacrifice would be snatched away by this new woman. Hearing Brother Alistair’s defiance, Master Elias was the first to react with fury, while Eliza let out a theatrical sob, tears welling in her eyes. Master Elias bellowed, “Insolent boy! Do you have leave to speak here?” He then pointed angrily at Sister Lydia, raging, “This is what comes of your guidance!” Then, in three quick strides, he seized Brother Alistair by the collar and roared, “Call her Mistress!” Brother Alistair was held fast by his collar, but he merely gritted his teeth and shook his head. “I won’t!” Master Elias raised his hand, ready to strike Brother Alistair, but Sister Lydia intervened, blocking his blow. Then I heard Sister Lydia’s thoughts: “To think this quiet, eldest one has such fire in him. You mustn’t blame me, little leader, but I’m doing this for your own good.” She then swung the kindling stick, striking Brother Alistair’s thigh without hesitation. It was the first time we had ever seen Sister Lydia truly angry, and we watched, stunned. “If I don’t strike him now, that old fool will hit him harder, and he’ll be out of commission for a hundred days, broken bones and all.” Though the sound was loud, her blow was clearly not heavy. Brother Alistair, vexed by Sister Lydia’s unexpected strike, stood there sullenly. Sister Lydia, however, played her part perfectly, her feigned anger completely intimidating Brother Alistair. “Don’t hate me, little leader. It’s just that after I’m gone, only that old fool will be left to protect you.” Gone? Where was Sister Lydia going?

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