1 To save on rent, I took on two roommates. By the third month of our shared apartment, Amber had ballooned, as if someone had inflated her with an air pump. At first, I just chalked it up to stress eating and kindly urged her to see a doctor. Instead, she tore into me, a blistering torrent of insults. Two weeks later, she vanished without a trace. Valerie, however, dismissed it with a shrug: “Oh, she just moved out!” But then, Valerie started insisting on cooking for me. It was strange. When I refused, she’d follow me to work, shoving a thermos of food into my hands, her eyes holding an unsettling, almost feverish intensity. Later, chatting with a colleague, she remarked, “Olivia, you’ve put on a lot of weight lately. Are you, like, totally in love?” “Yeah,” another chimed in, “you’ve been bringing lunch from home constantly. I bet your boyfriend’s cooking for you.” Suddenly, a chill snaked down my spine. The pieces clicked. I watched Valerie in the kitchen, a ghost of a smile on my lips as she hummed, absorbed in her cooking. Who, I wondered, would be next to disappear? I slammed the thermos onto the dining table with a sharp CRACK. My voice trembled, a thin wire of anger. “Explain this, Valerie. Why have I gained fifteen pounds in a month from eating your food?” Valerie was stirring a rich broth in a clay pot, not even lifting her head. “You were dieting too strictly before,” she murmured, her tone maddeningly calm. “It’s perfectly normal for your weight to rebound once you start eating normally.” In a furious gesture, I unbuttoned my jeans, revealing my distended stomach. “Normal? This isn’t normal at all! My colleagues at the agency told me I’m huge today! I’m a model, Valerie. How am I supposed to work like this?” Finally, Valerie turned to scrutinize me. She reached out, her fingers pinching my cheek. “You look so much better now. Before, you were like a skeleton.” I rolled my eyes, swatting her hand away. “From today on, don’t prepare any more food for me.” Valerie’s composure shattered. She let out a sudden, ear-splitting shriek, slamming the ladle against the wall. “No! You have to eat! You have to eat my food!” She was completely unhinged, I thought, a wild spark in her eyes. What right did she have to dictate my life? Valerie’s chest heaved with agitated breaths. The doorbell chimed just then, breaking the tension. We stared at each other for a few tense seconds before I walked over to open the door. A man’s unfamiliar voice asked, “Does an Amber Peterson live here?” I quickly stepped forward, seeing two police officers standing outside. One of them held up his badge. “Her family reported her missing two weeks ago.” I frowned. “How can that be? She just moved out.” I pulled out my phone, scrolling through my messages. “See? On May 5th, she texted me saying she found a new place and wouldn’t be renewing her lease with us.” The officer meticulously examined the message. “Could we take a look at her room?” Valerie suddenly interjected, her voice sharp and grating. “She already moved out and returned the key to the landlord. You can’t open the door.” But I noticed her left hand clamped tight around her right wrist, where a familiar silver bracelet glinted, catching the light. I remembered seeing Amber wearing it in her selfies on social media. The police asked a few more questions, then left. After seeing them off, I stopped Valerie as she turned back to the kitchen. “That bracelet,” I said, my voice low. “It belongs to Amber, doesn’t it?” Valerie’s pupils constricted, black pools shrinking to pinpricks. “No! It’s mine! I just let her borrow it sometimes.” “You two were best friends. You wouldn’t know where she is?” Valerie fell silent for a moment. “We haven’t been for a long time. The police already asked me. Why are you still asking?” She then ignored me and returned to the kitchen. I stood there, and my gaze caught on a small sliver of blue fabric caught in the crack of the refrigerator door. Amber had a shirt, exactly that shade of blue. 2 At five in the morning, before dawn truly broke, I quietly slipped out of the apartment. Valerie’s door was tightly shut, her breathing even and deep from within. I tiptoed, not even daring to put on my shoes until I was out the front door, where I finally allowed myself to breathe. I hadn’t been at the office long before my phone began to vibrate wildly. “Olivia, where are you? I left breakfast on the table for you.” “Why aren’t you answering? You forgot your lunch box. Should I bring it to you at noon?” “Pick up the phone!” I powered it off, my heart pounding against my ribs like a trapped bird. She was completely unhinged, I thought. We’d just talked yesterday about her not making me food anymore. I figured if I just ignored her, she’d eventually give up. But at lunchtime, the front desk called. “Olivia, a Ms. Valerie Huang is here for you. She says she’s delivering your lunch.” My fingers dug into the edge of my desk. “I don’t know her,” I said, my voice tight. “Please tell her to leave.” But moments later, my phone lit up again. It was a photo from Valerie. She was standing outside my office building, holding a thermos. I sighed, skipping lunch to continue my work. Finally, quitting time arrived. I deliberately lingered, waiting to be the last one out, dreading that she might still be waiting by the entrance. But as soon as I stepped out of the office building, I froze. Valerie stood under a streetlamp, still holding that thermos, her eyes locked onto mine. A smile stretched across her face as she walked towards me. “Olivia, why are you hiding from me?” I took two steps back, my heart fluttering. “I’m really busy today. And I told you, I’m on a diet. You don’t need to make me breakfast or lunch.” She tilted her head, her voice eerily soft. “But you’ll get sick if you don’t eat.” I instinctively reached for my phone, trying to think of an excuse to escape, but she suddenly closed the distance, her eyes turning cold and dark. Her voice, squeezed from between clenched teeth, was barely a whisper. “Are you afraid of me? Why? Haven’t I been good to you?” My back hit the cold brick wall. There was nowhere to go. Just then, a colleague’s voice broke through the tension. “Olivia? You’re still here?” I practically lunged, grabbing her arm. “Didn’t we say we’d grab dinner together?” My colleague blinked, startled, but quickly sensed my distress and nodded. “Oh, right! Yeah, let’s go! I already made reservations.” Valerie stood motionless, the smile slowly draining from her face. Even as we walked far away, I could feel her gaze fixed on my back, like a cold blade. My colleague listened to my story, her chopsticks clattering to the table in terror. “You need to move out, immediately,” she urged. “She sounds terrifying.” I nodded, my fingers unconsciously tapping the table. “Tomorrow, while she’s out, I’ll go back and pack my things.” The next day, around noon, I received a text from my colleague. “She came to deliver your lunch! Hurry, go pack your bags!” I immediately hailed a cab and rushed back to the apartment. I burst into my room, frantically stuffing clothes into my suitcase, and quickly moved to a new place. I spent the entire day off from work holed up in my new apartment. I even ordered takeout for dinner. The doorbell rang. I assumed it was my delivery and opened the door without a thought. But the person holding my takeout wasn’t the delivery driver. Valerie stood there, a chilling smile playing on her lips, taking a step closer. “So, you’re hungry? Then why won’t you eat my food?” As I tried to slam the door shut, her foot jammed firmly against it. She forced her way inside, pushing me back step by step. “Valerie, calm down…” 3 Valerie’s fingers clamped onto my hair, pulling fiercely. Tears stung my eyes from the pain, but I forced myself to speak with a strained calmness. “I moved out because your cooking makes me gain weight. I’m a model; I have to maintain my figure.” My voice trembled, but I tried to keep it steady. “And you’re… your intensity is a little overwhelming. I can’t handle it.” Her grip loosened slightly, but her eyes remained shadowed with anger. “You’re lying,” she hissed. “You’re afraid of me.” I shoved her away, stumbling back to the wall, my hands shaking as I pulled out my phone. “If you don’t leave, I’m calling the police.” Her expression froze, her lips twitching, a strange mixture of a smile and a snarl. Just then, my phone rang. An unfamiliar landline number flashed on the screen. I hesitated for a second, then pressed answer. A low, grave voice came through the line. “Hello, is this Olivia Hayes? This is Detective Davis from the city’s Criminal Investigations Unit. We met a few days ago, regarding Amber Peterson’s disappearance. We’ve reviewed the surveillance footage and found that Amber never actually left your apartment building. We need your further cooperation in this investigation.” My blood ran cold. “How is that possible? She moved out!” I instinctively looked at Valerie, whose face had also gone stark white. Detective Davis stated gravely, “The footage shows her last seen entering your apartment. She was never seen leaving it. Are you available to come down to the station now?” My throat tightened. “Yes, I’ll be right there.” After hanging up, the room was terrifyingly silent. Valerie’s phone rang then too. She glanced down at it, her eyes flickering. “Is that the police?” I asked. She didn’t answer, just stared at me, a cold, mocking smirk finally twisting her lips. “Let’s go,” she said. “Together.” In the police station’s interrogation room, the air conditioning was cranked high, yet I was drenched in a cold sweat. Detective Davis’s gaze was sharp, like it could pierce through any lie. He asked me a few simple questions. “When did you last see Amber? Did she seem unusual? What was your relationship with her?” I answered truthfully. “We weren’t close. I was busy with work, so we rarely talked.” Detective Davis nodded, making a few notes. Then, he suddenly asked, “What’s your relationship like with Valerie?” My hand twitched. “Just regular roommates.” “Did she ever display any unusual behavior towards Amber?” I hesitated, then lowered my voice. “Officer, are you suspicious of her? Have you investigated her?” His pen paused, and he looked up at me for two seconds before stating calmly, “The case is still under investigation. We cannot disclose any details at this time.” Just then, another officer knocked and entered, whispering something to him. His expression instantly turned grim. He stood up. “Ladies, we need you both to accompany us back to the apartment.” When we returned, a police cordon had already been set up around the entrance. Several officers were sifting through Amber’s room, while Valerie and I were instructed to wait in the living room. I secretly glanced at Valerie. Her fingernails were digging deep into her palms, yet her face remained impassive. An officer emerged from Amber’s room, holding a notebook. “All her IDs, wallet, and phone are still here. Even her suitcase hasn’t been touched.” Detective Davis frowned. “This doesn’t look like she moved out voluntarily.” My heart pounded faster and faster. I couldn’t help but look at Valerie. She was staring back at me, a chilling, uncanny smile playing on her lips. Suddenly, Detective Davis’s phone rang. He answered it, and his face instantly paled. “Are you sure it’s Amber Peterson?” My breath hitched. After hanging up, Detective Davis took a deep breath, looking at us. “A female body has been found in a reservoir in the suburbs. Preliminary identification confirms it’s Amber Peterson.”

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1 My sister disappeared, and a huge monkey appeared in the basement. It was as tall as a person, and it even seemed to understand human speech. Dad had warned me, adamantly, that under no circumstances was I to go near it, except when bringing its food. Otherwise, he swore, it would eat you alive! I’d been so careful, always keeping my distance, until that day I walked past its iron cage and spotted my sister’s necklace on its neck. Through the iron bars, I clearly saw a thin necklace around its neck, with a small, familiar stone hanging from the center. That necklace was a birthday gift I had made for my sister with my own hands. I couldn’t possibly be mistaken. But my sister had been gone for half a month. How could that necklace be on this… thing? In the dim light, its eyes suddenly snapped open. The moment our gazes met, its eyes widened, and its entire body lunged against the iron cage. Its mouth opened and closed frantically, as if trying to speak, but with its tongue clearly severed, it could only emit a hoarse, guttural whimper. Even I, used to being around all sorts of animals daily, was startled. This wasn’t a normal animal’s reaction. Animals, when first brought in, would resist and recoil from humans, eventually becoming submissive and fearful. They certainly wouldn’t approach in such a pleading, desperate posture. I stood far away, watching it cautiously. “What… what do you want?” Its face was pressed against the cage’s bars, its two eyes watery and sorrowful, as if begging to convey something. Sensing no malice, I tentatively stepped closer. Just as I was about a foot away, Dad suddenly appeared. “Olivia! What are you still doing here? Didn’t I tell you to go upstairs immediately after feeding it and not linger?” My heart lurched. I quickly retreated, putting distance between myself and the cage. His face was dark, and he strode over, swinging a leather whip. Before I could explain, he struck me with it. “Next time you disobey, it won’t be just one whip!” “I’m sorry, Dad. I’m going now.” I clutched my bleeding arm and retreated to the doorway. Dad approached the iron cage, but the monkey suddenly shrank back, cowering in the furthest corner, its eyes wide with terror as it watched him. Dad seemed pleased with its reaction. “Hmph, you little brute, you think you can defy me?” “Starting next week, he’ll be performing. You’re responsible for teaching him during this time. No mistakes whatsoever.” “I’m counting on this creature to make money!” he muttered, lighting a cigarette. In the dark basement, the flickering firelight cast his face in monstrous, sinister shadows. I hunched my shoulders, glanced at the trembling monkey, and ultimately, said nothing, turning to leave. My room was directly above the basement. I could hear every sound from below with chilling clarity. Ever since that monkey arrived, I’d heard its cries every night, and tonight was no exception. Muffled, pained sounds, exceptionally loud in the dead of night. I clamped my hands over my ears, trying to ignore the noise, but then my gaze fell on the stone necklace on my bedside table—the matching one to my sister’s. Images of the monkey, desperate and pitiful, clinging to the cage, flashed through my mind. My sister and I had grown up with Dad, following him from one circus to another. Our family survived on the money our animals brought in. But a month ago, the little monkey my sister had nurtured suddenly died from food poisoning. That performance had to be canceled, and Dad lost tens of thousands of dollars. He was furious, stringing my sister up by her feet and whipping her all night. When morning came, Dad took my bruised and bleeding sister away, claiming he was selling her off to our rural homestead. There was no use keeping her, he said. I pleaded and begged, but all I got was a brutal beating. My sister was still sold. A month later, Dad returned alone, bringing with him a monkey as tall as a person. This monkey, he said, was remarkably intelligent. Indeed, the first time it saw me, it struggled to get to me, as if I were an old friend. It never ate food offered by others, only when I personally gave it to him. Each time it looked at me, its eyes seemed to hold a thousand unspoken words, but I always avoided its gaze, afraid to get too close. Because an animal with a human’s consciousness, a human’s reactions – that was a terrifying thing. But then I saw that familiar necklace, and all its previous bizarre actions clicked into place. A wild, horrifying thought bloomed in my mind. Could it be… could my sister be hidden beneath that monkey’s skin? 2 A muffled clap of thunder rattled the windowpane. Rain began to fall, a steady drum against the glass. My heart began to pound, a frantic rhythm against my ribs. Such a terrifying thought, a monstrous boulder, had landed squarely on my chest, crushing the air from my lungs. I slapped my throbbing head, shaking it, trying to dislodge the absurd suspicion. How could that be? How could a person be turned into a monkey? I must be overthinking things, I told myself. Monkeys were naturally intelligent. This one was so large, wasn’t it normal for it to be a little more special than the others? With that thought, my mind eased slightly, and I drifted off, clutching my pillow. At dawn, Dad and I took the monkey to the training grounds. After being trapped in the sunless basement, it finally saw daylight and squinted, raising a hand to shield its eyes from the harsh glare. In the sunlight, its fur looked soft and smooth, thick and luxuriant, unlike the coarse coats of other wild monkeys. I reached out, wanting to touch it, but Dad’s whip lashed out, striking my hand. “What are you pawing at? Don’t be clumsy and mess him up. Are you going to perform then?” I clenched my hand, where the red welt bloomed. “I’m sorry.” Dad shoved me away in disgust, spitting on the ground. “Always looking like a funeral. Just like your sister. Bad luck.” Though I was accustomed to his insults, each word still pricked my heart, making my nose ache. My sister and I had followed him since we were children, never knowing a single good day. While other kids happily went to school in groups, Dad pulled us out after elementary school, forcing us to follow him on the circus circuit, earning money to support the family. We endured his beatings and curses without a murmur, living this stifled life for so long, yet never earning a single word of praise. Was it just because we were girls? Why? A knot of resentment and fury twisted in my chest, but I had no right to express it. It was useless, and would only invite harsher punishment. I lowered my head, swallowing my anger, but caught an unintentional glimpse of the monkey beside me. Its hands were clenched tight, and the side of its body closest to me trembled uncontrollably, as if enduring immense rage. I looked at it, puzzled. What was it so angry about? Before I could ponder further, Dad barked another order. “Go start the charcoal fire. It’s time to brand him!” I suppressed my questions, heading to the corner to light the charcoal, then placing the palm-sized branding iron inside to heat. Soon, the iron glowed red-hot. I carefully removed it and carried it to the monkey. All the animals here had to be marked. He could have used paint, but Dad was a twisted psychopath. He loved using sadistic methods for fleeting excitement. The closer I got to the monkey, the more terrified it became. Its eyes were wide with horror, fixed on the branding iron in my hand, as it backed away frantically. Cornered against the wall, knowing there was no escape, it actually knelt, clasping its hands together as if begging me. But I had no say. I truly couldn’t bear it, so I turned to look at Dad. He flung his cigarette butt to the ground, glaring at me. He strode over, furious, snatching the branding iron from my hand. “Damn it, stop playing the merciful saint in front of me!” With that, he raised the branding iron and slammed it hard onto the monkey’s thigh. In an instant, thick smoke billowed from beneath the iron, and the acrid smell of burning fur permeated the air. The flesh on its leg sizzled and hissed. The monkey writhed on the ground in agony. It couldn’t make a sound, only gasping whimpers, its eyes red from the intense pain. Dad watched, a sickening smile on his face. “See? Wasn’t that easy? Doesn’t that feel just great, huh?” “If you don’t listen, this is what your daily life will be like. Understand?” The monkey lay weakly on the ground, even breathing with difficulty, its body still trembling uncontrollably. Dad seemed displeased by its silence and pressed harder. “I asked if you understood!” It seemed to comprehend his words, for it actually nodded its head several times. 3 Dad finally looked satisfied. He ripped the branding iron from its flesh with a sickening tearing sound. “That’s better. From now on, you’ll behave during training and make me good money. My life will be easier, and everyone’s life will be easier. If my life is hard, no one gets an easy day.” He tossed the branding iron at my feet and commanded, “Let him rest for a bit, then prepare for the next training session. Give him the most difficult routines. That’s what people want to see.” I looked at the large, raw, bloody patch on its upper thigh, and my heart clenched. An unspeakable pain spread through my body. I tenderly helped it to sit against the wall, using the gauze I had prepared beforehand to bandage its wound and prevent excessive blood loss. “I know it hurts, but all the animals here have to go through it. Just bear with it. It’ll be better in a few days.” It didn’t respond, its hands clenched so tight they trembled. I looked up in surprise, seeing it turns its head to stare at Dad, who lay leisurely on a chair nearby. The fury in its eyes was like a volcano about to erupt, impossible to ignore. Such intense hatred, yearning to flay him alive, poured from its gaze, unmasked. These eyes, such a look, it truly wasn’t like a monkey. I stared at it blankly, and that absurd thought from last night resurfaced. Was it really a person? And could it be my sister? I instinctively looked at the necklace around its neck, and the pressure of my hand on its wound tightened unconsciously. It whimpered in pain, looking down at me, the lingering anger in its eyes still somewhat terrifying. I quickly apologized. “I’m sorry, did I hurt you?” It watched me quietly, not moving its gaze for a long time, as if deep in thought, until break time was over and Dad urged us to begin. It swayed as it stood, its back hunched, and limped towards the tightrope. Dad had taught us that when training animals, they would sometimes hesitate. At such times, you just needed to drive them forward with a whip from behind. When they felt the pain, they would obediently move forward, and over time, they would learn to go on their own. But facing it, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I tried several times to soothe it, telling it not to be afraid. I even tried to scare it with Dad’s name, but it was useless. It just huddled there, trembling, unwilling to move forward. Dad couldn’t stand it. He cursed again, walked over, grabbed the whip, and lashed at it repeatedly. It was beaten until its body was streaked with blood, and finally, it took its first step. Dad watched its trembling progress, a triumphant smirk on his face. “You little bitch,” he chuckled, “you think I don’t know how to handle you?” “No matter what you become, I’ll still bring you to heel!” I stood frozen, my heart giving a sharp lurch. In the past, he often used those very words to scold my sister and me. After my sister was sent away, they were aimed at me. But now he was using those words on a monkey! “No matter what you become?” What did that mean? What had it been like before? The more I thought about it, the more chilling it became. What if my sister hadn’t been sold at all, but had been turned into a monkey by him?

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Ever since my older brother’s unexpected death three months ago, I was the only son left in our family. My father had poured all his hopes of continuing the family line onto me, even laying down a stern ultimatum: “If you can’t give me a grandchild, I’ll donate every last penny of the family fortune to charity.” Skylar Reid and I had been married for five years. We’d both been checked out at the clinic; there was nothing physically wrong with either of us, yet for some reason, she’d never gotten pregnant. One evening, as I carried the ancestral remedy my mother had carefully brewed, on my way to give it to Skylar, I overheard her conversation with Jake Hayes. “I got you this gardening job at the Stone estate precisely so we could spend more time together. And I’m still on birth control, so there’s no way I’m having Caleb’s baby.” “Once I get that family formula from Caleb, the one that can fix your… condition, we’ll disappear. My child’s father can only be you.” The truth hit me like a physical blow, my heart clenching in a sharp, twisting pain. I called my father, my voice steady despite the tremor in my soul. “Dad, I’ve made up my decision. The greatest failure is to let the family line die out. Since Skylar can’t give us a child, I’ll divorce her and marry someone else.” My father sounded relieved, but his relief quickly turned to concern when I told him who I planned to marry. “Elara Quinn might be the sole heiress to Quinn Industries, but she’s… plain-looking, and she’s been frail since childhood. Last year, doctors even gave her only three years to live. Are you really sure about this?” 1 “Dad, I’m sure,” I said, a confident edge to my voice. “Quinn Industries is a powerful name. A powerhouse alliance like ours could truly be formidable.” “But if you marry an invalid, how can you guarantee a healthy grandchild? And I don’t want my grandchild to grow up without a mother; that would leave a profound mark.” My father’s voice, a rising tide of worry, washed over me from the other end of the line. Suddenly, I remembered the two ancient formulas my grandfather had left behind. One was for fertility, and the other, a true marvel, could supposedly bring someone back from the brink. To ease my father’s fears, I couldn’t help but remind him. “Dad, you remember Grandpa was a renowned herbalist. He left us two formulas. We could use one of them to help Elara.” My father said nothing, simply hanging up the phone. I knew he hadn’t been in good spirits lately, not after just enduring the agonizing loss of his son. That’s why I hadn’t wanted to tell him about Skylar’s deceit; I wanted to spare him further heartache. As a man, I’d shared a bed with Skylar maybe once a month, and each time felt like an act of pleading on my part. She’d always seemed so exasperated. “Is that all you ever think about? Don’t you feel disgusting?” Now, I understood. Her heart belonged to someone else, and that’s why she’d looked at me with such disdain. When I got home, Skylar was lounging on the sofa, one leg casually draped over the other, engrossed in the TV. Her sister, Summer, was beside her. Summer shot me a resentful glare, her stance a clear defense of Skylar. “What took you so long? My sister’s been waiting forever!” In the past, I would have apologized immediately, then instinctively retreated to the couch for the night. But this time, I ignored them both, walking straight to the bedroom, ready to wash up and sleep. Seeing that I hadn’t acknowledged her, Skylar stormed into the bedroom, her face alight with fury. “My sister was talking to you! Didn’t you hear her? Summer is the only family I have left in this world. Disrespecting her is crossing my line!” I didn’t answer. Instead, I headed to the bathroom for a shower, feeling utterly drained. When I emerged, both Skylar and Summer were sitting on the bed, staring at me as if I were a criminal under interrogation. “You and my sister have been together for years without a child. It must be you, you’re not even a man. If my sister wasn’t so kind-hearted, what woman would ever marry you?” Summer finished, her eyes raking over me, stripping away the last shred of my male dignity. I stared at Skylar. A flicker of panic crossed her eyes. If she hadn’t been on birth control all these years, I wouldn’t have been childless for five. “Summer, please, go to your room. You have your finals soon, you need your rest. Your brother-in-law and I will sort things out.” Skylar ushered her sister out. As the door was about to close, Summer pointed at my nose. “If you ever disrespect my sister again, I’ll tell Jake to finish what you started and make you a real eunuch!” Skylar pushed her out, and the moment the door clicked shut, I demanded, “Why did she call Jake her brother-in-law?” “Caleb, Summer’s still young. She was just calling Jake ‘brother-in-law’ for fun. You know, kids say the darndest things.” She tried to sound calm, but her inability to meet my gaze betrayed her. That night, as we lay in bed, she surprisingly nudged me with her foot—an unmistakable invitation. But it had been so long since she’d done that, not since Jake came into the picture. I ignored her. She couldn’t hold back any longer. “Caleb, please, just give me that family formula.” So that was it. She wasn’t interested in me at all. She was just using her charm to help Jake get his hands on the formula. I wouldn’t be fooled again. I simply said, my voice flat, “Let’s get a divorce.” She didn’t believe me, letting out a dismissive snort. “You think threatening me with divorce will scare me?” She swung her legs off the bed, clicked on the lamp, and stood before me, hands on her hips, looking down. “Let me tell you, if you don’t give me that formula, I won’t let this go.” I couldn’t stand her overbearing manner. I picked up my pillow and silently went to sleep on the sofa. On the sofa, I tossed and turned, unable to sleep. My mind kept replaying fragments of how Skylar and I had met. I was in my rebellious phase then, yearning to pursue art, but my father was adamant that I work in the family business. In a fit of anger, I ran away, to a place no one would find me. I’d left in such a hurry, without a dime. As night fell, I was alone under an underpass, cold and hungry. Skylar and her sister were there. She handed me a steaming cup of instant ramen, and it felt like she saved my life. Later, against my parents’ wishes, I married her, solely to repay her kindness. After Skylar married me, I treated her well. I wouldn’t let her lift a finger, and I ensured her sister had the best education money could buy. But even with all that, she remained ungrateful, giving all her affection to that gardener, Jake Hayes. First thing the next morning, a frantic pounding on the door jolted me awake. I opened it to find Jake. Before I could speak, he fell to his knees, clutching my leg, muttering endless apologies. Skylar and Summer were also woken by the commotion. Summer rushed forward to help Jake up. Skylar hurried to my side, her eyes blazing red. “Caleb Stone, why are you doing this to Jake? Whatever it is, come at me!” Jake, feigning remorse, said, “I was pruning the trees, and I accidentally ruined the shape of that century-old pine near the entrance.” Skylar let out a sigh of relief, bending down to gently cup Jake’s face. “I thought it was something serious! It’s just a stupid tree, right? I’ll buy another one and have it planted later.” Anger surged. I stepped forward and grabbed his collar. “Didn’t I tell you not to touch that tree? Why would you deliberately ruin it for me?” Summer seized my wrist, biting down hard. A sharp pain shot through me, and I bit back a hiss, forced to release him. Skylar pushed me back. “Don’t you know Jake saved Summer’s life? If it weren’t for him in that car accident, Summer would be crippled right now, do you understand?” I touched the faintly aching scar on the back of my head. Both sisters looked at me with pure hatred. Clearly, Skylar had no idea I was the one who had saved her sister all those years ago. At the time, I’d received the call that my grandmother had passed away, so I’d simply asked a passerby to take Summer to the hospital. That passerby was Jake Hayes. Summer had been so terrified she’d blacked out. And I’d rushed in so fast, in her extreme fear, she must not have realized it was me who saved her. I looked at Skylar’s face, my brows furrowed. “That tree was blessed by a master when Grandma was alive. It represents the Stone family’s lineage. If it’s damaged, our family line will be broken.” I looked at Skylar, hoping she would finally stand with me. But I was wrong. Her eyes were filled with impatience. “You’re just looking for an excuse to get rid of Jake. I’m not falling for it.” At that moment, a triumphant smirk played on Jake’s lips. Then I noticed it—the protective charm I’d lost, hanging around his neck. My hands balled into fists, knuckles white, as I stared at Skylar. “Why is my charm on him?” My brother and I had gotten that charm from a monastery. He was always good to me, and we were inseparable, sharing everything. We’d even swapped charms. It had to be because of that my brother… had gotten hurt. Skylar casually tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Jake said it looked nice on you. He liked it, so I gave it to him.” Rage bubbled up inside me at the sight of Skylar. Before, whenever I’d asked about the charm, she’d always said she hadn’t seen it. “That was my brother’s charm. You killed him!” I lunged forward, grabbing Jake. Surprisingly, he didn’t resist. Instead, he played the victim. “Mr. Stone, I’m already… crippled in that way. I’m not a real man anymore. If you kill me, you’d just be doing me a favor.” “Caleb Stone, what do you want? Jake’s already so pathetic, working here under your watchful eye.”

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1 May 20th. My boyfriend and I headed to Prospect Park Lake to take some instant photos. When the pictures developed, I noticed a faint, unsettling detail: a woman in a pink dress, barely visible, standing behind my boyfriend in the shot. I asked him if he saw anything unusual, and he flatly denied it. As I described her features – her long, dark hair, the delicate lace on her dress – a cold sweat broke out on his brow. I thought that was the end of it. But then, it wasn’t just that one photo. Our wedding portraits at home, even selfies on my phone… they all started to show the same woman in pink. My boyfriend, Alex Stone, finally admitted it. It was Kiera Vance, his ex-girlfriend. But he swore they’d broken up three years ago. He tried to contact Kiera’s parents. Over the phone, they insisted they didn’t know him at all. And they’d never had a daughter named Kiera Vance… “Alex Stone, what else are you hiding from me?!” The phone clicked dead, and in that instant, the man standing before me felt like a complete stranger. What secret was he keeping from me? Just before taking that instant photo, he’d pulled out a ring and proposed. We’d even set a wedding date. But now, with this unfolding horror, my mind was a chaotic mess. After a tense silence, Alex suggested we take the photo directly to the police. At the precinct, I handed the officer the sketch I’d drawn of the woman in pink. “Officer, could you please look into this young woman’s information?” The officer searched for a long time, but found nothing. “There’s no record of a person matching this description.” “That’s impossible, Officer! I even lived with her for a year. Old photos, right!” Alex fumbled for his phone, scrolling furiously through his gallery. He paused, letting out a frustrated sigh. “I got a new phone two years ago, and all the old pictures are gone.” “Can they be recovered?” “You’d need your old phone for that. And the police department can’t recover them. You’ll have to take it to a specialized shop.” Back home, Alex began frantically searching for his old phone while I looked for our old shared photos. Before we left, I checked: every single photo I had with him seemed to include Kiera Vance. But now, as I pulled them out again, Kiera was gone. And on that instant photo… her original sorrowful expression had twisted into a faint smile. I gasped, dropping the photo to the floor in sheer terror. “Found it!” Alex’s old phone was ancient, its camera pixelated, at least eight years old. He’d lost it once before, taking a picture of me by Prospect Park Lake, when it slipped from his grasp and plunged into the water. Out of guilt, I’d bought him a new one. We found a phone repair shop. The owner was a surprisingly young, clear-faced guy. Alex leaned in, whispering to me, “He’s so young. Can he really fix it?” To our surprise, the owner overheard him. He looked up, a sharp glint in his eyes. “If you don’t trust me, the door’s to your left.” I tugged on Alex’s arm, then handed the phone over. “How long will it take to recover the photos?” The owner didn’t even lift his gaze. “Five minutes,” he mumbled. Seeing his swift movements and the reasonable price, Alex and I waited anxiously. Ring! Ring! Ring! Alex’s phone rang. It was his parents. His face grew darker with each passing second. “Avery, stay here. There’s a drawing of Kiera Vance on my parents’ front door!” His words sent a chill down my spine. I nodded. After Alex left, the owner handed me the phone. When he looked up, I froze. The boy before me bore a striking resemblance to Kiera—almost a spitting image. He lowered his voice. “Sis, it’s Kyle.” My body stiffened, but I quickly regained my composure. “The photos are recovered, but there’s a hidden album that needs a password.” Taking the phone, I eagerly opened the album. Most of them were everyday shots, with only a few solo pictures of Alex. It seemed Kiera’s photos were indeed in the hidden album. I tentatively entered Alex’s birthday. Incorrect password. I had no choice but to take the phone to Alex’s parents’ house. The moment I stepped through the door, Mrs. Stone flung a dirty rag at my face. “Was it you?! Trying to scare two old people like us?!” I was stunned by the sudden accusation. Alex stepped in front of me, shielding me. “Mom, can you just stop? Avery has nothing to do with this!” “Impossible! You’re the only one who saw Kiera Vance’s photos! That drawing on our door must be your doing!” I retreated to the hallway, examining the drawing on the door. It was an exact replica of Kiera from the instant photo. The paint wasn’t even completely dry; it must have been drawn just hours ago. “Mrs. Stone, I know you’ve never liked me, but Alex and I have been together this whole time. How could I have had time to come here and draw this?” “She’s right, Mom. Your mental state hasn’t been stable lately. Let me handle this. You just stay out of it.” Mrs. Stone wept, hitting her legs, muttering. “Arthur, look at your son. He’s taking a stranger’s side now. He doesn’t even trust his own mother anymore.” Annoyed, I left the Stone house. Alex had proposed to me a year into our relationship, but I couldn’t stand his mother’s temper; she was incredibly peculiar. Alex explained that she’d suffered a trauma once, which had affected her mentally. 2 I asked him what kind of trauma, and he just said it was because his father, Arthur Stone, had died, but he never really explained the specifics. As I walked downstairs, Alex caught up to me, trying to coax me. I ignored him, but then he simply dropped to his knees. “Baby, this is a time when we need to face things together. Please don’t be mad at me, or at my mom. How much longer does she have? Our future is just for us.” I nodded, then handed Alex the phone and asked if he remembered Kiera’s birthday. Alex tried the password three more times, but it still wouldn’t unlock. “That’s odd. I’m sure Kiera’s birthday was this.” Alex was about to try a fifth time. But the system flashed a message: Too many incorrect attempts. Next attempt available in three days. Frustrated, this lead was dead too. “Alex, do you really know how Kiera died?” I gazed at the instant photo. Kiera’s expression hadn’t changed. I hadn’t noticed it before, but her clothes were wet, the pink dress clinging to her thin shoulders. After telling Alex my theory, his expression grew uneasy. “Are you still hiding something from me?” I stared directly into Alex’s eyes. “Given how things are now, if you hide anything else from me, we’re through!” After a long silence, Alex finally spoke. “Kiera might have drowned.” Alex said that whenever Kiera and he argued, she would threaten to jump into the river. And on the day they broke up, she’d said the same thing. “Then why didn’t you tell me this before?” This was a crucial clue, and Alex had kept it from me. “Because… because Kiera cheated on me! That time I took Mom to Prospect Park Lake, I accidentally saw Kiera with another man… I was too embarrassed to tell you.” A sudden realization struck me: Alex’s head was glowing green with deceit. “What did that man look like? He might be the key to finding Kiera!” “I only remember he was carrying a dirty duffel bag, and he was covered in grime. He must have just arrived in the city.” Alex wracked his brain but couldn’t recall any specific facial features. “Maybe we can check the surveillance footage around Prospect Park Lake from that day.” Alex and I went to the precinct again. But to our disappointment, that particular spot was a blind area for the cameras. Nothing could be seen. The police said it was common for many girls from rural backgrounds not to have birth certificates, so it was normal not to find them in the system. But Alex said, “No, that’s not right. Kiera came from a good family. Her demeanor was nothing like someone from the countryside.” “Oh, right, Avery, give me my old phone!” He opened the notes app. There was an address listed. Alex said Kiera had given it to him before. Following that address might lead us somewhere. When Alex and I arrived at Kiera’s supposed address, I was shocked. It was a sprawling estate in a gated community. Alex sighed. “Now do you believe Kiera wasn’t some unregistered girl from the countryside?” A security guard stopped us at the gate. “Hello, we’re looking for Kiera Vance. Does she live here?” The guard claimed not to know anyone by that name. I handed him Kiera’s sketch. He looked at it for a long time, then said, “I remember this person. She applied for a housekeeper position five years ago!” “You remember someone you met five years ago, just once?” Neither Alex nor I believed the guard. “Heh heh, because she was so beautiful, that’s why I remember her…” The guard’s face flushed as he spoke, making it seem like he wasn’t making it up. “Did she go somewhere after that? Do you remember?” The guard thought for a long time, then shook his head. “Are there any surveillance archives from back then?” “Our security footage is only archived for one year. Anything from five years ago would definitely be gone.” On the way back, Alex stared out the window, motionless. “At least we can confirm now that Kiera Vance really existed. All we can do now is wait.” I placed my hand on Alex’s, trying to comfort him. Seeing his low spirits, I changed the subject. “Alex, perhaps you could tell me about your father?”

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1 On the day of my sister’s College Boards, I successfully framed her for cheating. She became a notorious cheat, her exam scores invalidated, even sentenced to three years in prison. When the truth came out, everyone believed it was me, her sickly younger sister, jealous that my sister could go to college. They thought I’d stopped at nothing to frame her, destroying our family’s only hope. Even Skylar, my sister, saw me as her sworn enemy. But no one knew I did it to save her. … “I didn’t cheat! Please, just let me finish the exam!” My sister, Skylar Greene, had been reported for cheating on her College Boards. When she stubbornly insisted on continuing the test, security personnel dragged her out of the examination hall. Her eyes rimmed with angry red, she dropped to her knees on the ground, bowing low to the two proctors. “Please, let me go back to the exam room! I’m only one big math problem away!” The proctors weren’t swayed. They sternly rebuked her. “You little liar, not even a blush on your face! The supervisor found a cheat sheet in your pocket. What more do you have to say?” “Exactly! Caught red-handed and still trying to play innocent, trying to fool us? Pulling such a dirty trick at your age, you’ll probably turn out to be nothing good when you grow up!” Skylar defiantly lifted her head, still vehemently denying it. “No, that cheat sheet isn’t mine! I’m being framed!” A proctor grabbed her arm, his voice firm. “Enough talk. If you don’t cooperate, we’ll call the police and charge you with disturbing the peace of the exam!” “Go home and reflect on your actions! Don’t disrupt the other students!” At the mention of “police,” Skylar finally gave up struggling. I watched it all unfold from behind the barbed wire fence of the exam center, a cold observer, silently deleting the anonymous report call from my phone. Ten minutes earlier, I had anonymously reported my sister for cheating on her College Boards. As expected, her exam scores were canceled, and she was expelled from the hall. Of course, I knew Skylar was innocent. Because that cheat sheet, found in her pocket, was one I had written, mimicking her handwriting, then slipped in when she wasn’t looking. The bell signaling the end of the exam rang, and Skylar was pushed out of the school gate by the surging crowd. She looked utterly lost, staggering towards me. I pretended to know nothing, pushing my wheelchair towards her with a cheerful smile, ready to embrace her. “Hey, Sis, how’d that subject go?” The moment she heard my voice, tears welled up in her eyes. “Piper, it’s all my fault. I didn’t check my clothes properly beforehand. The supervisor found a paper in my pocket, and they ruled it cheating and canceled my score.” I struggled to lift my arm, patting her back in comfort. “It’s okay, Sis. So what if we don’t take the exam? We can just stay with Mom and Dad in our small mountain town our whole lives. Rearing sheep, tending the fields… wouldn’t that be free?” “No, I have to keep going!” Skylar shook her head with fierce determination, her voice choked. “Even if my math score is canceled, there are still two exams tomorrow. If I perform normally, I still have a chance to get into a top-tier university!” She wiped her tears and pushed my wheelchair back to the hotel. “Piper, when I make something of myself, I’ll bring you and Mom and Dad to the city. I’ll definitely cure your illness!” She spoke with bubbling excitement, completely unaware of the growing darkness on my face. Skylar, I tried to warn you. You insisted on continuing the College Boards. In that case, don’t blame me for what comes next. 2 The next day, two police cruisers sat parked outside the exam center. “Officer, I genuinely don’t know anything about this phone! You have to find out the truth, or my whole life is over!” My sister, now in police custody, was sobbing uncontrollably. Parents waiting at the entrance for their own children whispered amongst themselves. “Which misguided kid is this? Doesn’t she know that cheating on the College Boards is against the law?” A sharp-eyed parent recognized Skylar, gasping. “Oh my God, isn’t that Skylar Greene, the top scorer in the statewide practice exams?” The parents erupted in a clamor at the mention of Skylar’s name. “That’s odd. Skylar Greene is a star student from the city’s magnet high school. Her teachers praise her as Ivy League material. Her grades are so good, why would she cheat on the College Boards? Isn’t she just ruining her own future?” “I heard she brought a cheat sheet yesterday, and today they found a phone on her. She seemed like an honest kid, but she’s got some nerve!” “Maybe her good grades in the past were all from cheating too! She just got lucky and slid by, but when it came to the College Boards, her true colors showed!” Under the condemning stares and whispers, Skylar’s face burned crimson. She wished the earth would swallow her whole. “You’re Skylar Greene’s sister, Piper Greene, right?” The officer directed the question at me, sitting in my wheelchair. I feigned confusion. “What happened to my sister?” “Skylar Greene was caught using an unauthorized communication device to cheat on her College Boards. Are you aware of this?” Hearing this, I acted even more shocked. “What? Sis, you brought a phone to cheat?” Skylar’s face instantly went ashen, her voice trembling. “Piper… you saw me bring my phone to the exam? I distinctly remember putting it under the hotel pillow!” I nodded, speaking slowly and deliberately. “Yes, you were in such a hurry when you left. After packing your pencil case, you just tucked your phone into your pocket without thinking.” “I didn’t know you couldn’t bring a phone to the College Boards, so I didn’t remind you, I even thought you wanted to call Mom and Dad right away after the exam was over.” I finished, my face still innocently asking, “Officer, will my sister be okay?” The officer gravely informed me, “She has already violated the law. If the circumstances are severe, she could be facing jail time.” “What? Jail time?” I pretended to be frightened, but secretly, I couldn’t wait for my sister to be imprisoned. Skylar clutched my hand, her eyes filled with frantic anxiety. “Piper, think hard. Are you sure you didn’t remember it wrong? Now, only you can prove my innocence!” Silence hung in the air. Then, I spoke with feigned reluctance. “Sis, I know you desperately wanted to get out of our small town, hoping that one day you could bring Mom and Dad and me to live in the city.” “I also know that only by leaving this town can my illness be cured, and our family can escape poverty and stop being bullied by the villagers.” “But you, of all people, shouldn’t have gambled your future away, using such a dirty trick as cheating to take the College Boards. Is that fair to Mom and Dad? Is it fair to the teachers and friends who helped you?” Skylar trembled all over, her voice distorted with desperation. “I didn’t cheat! You know I wouldn’t do something like that! We grew up together, you should know me better than anyone!” I, who had orchestrated her downfall, knew precisely how wronged she felt at that moment. Yet, I shook my head, sighing, my gaze filled with feigned disappointment. “Yes, Sis, I really didn’t expect you to be this kind of person.” Skylar looked as if she’d been struck. She released my hand, her legs gave way, and she collapsed onto the ground. “Why… why is this happening?” 3 Soon, a swarm of media reporters arrived to interview my sister. “From a celebrated prodigy, you’ve fallen to a publicly condemned cheat. How do you feel about this?” “As a repeated example of cheating on the College Boards, do you have any regrets?” “Do you feel you were always a ‘whiz kid’ persona created through cheating? Will you have another chance to take the College Boards in the future? Do you plan to cheat again next time?” Skylar, still in handcuffs, hung her head in shame before a battery of cameras. “I…” For dramatic effect, they even brought her homeroom teacher to the scene. “Skylar Greene, I had such high hopes for you. How could you do something so foolish?” He looked at my silent sister, speaking with deep anguish. “Have you forgotten studying until two in the morning, hiding in the bathroom to read in the middle of the night?” “Have you forgotten the hardship of having a high fever and refusing to go home, taking an IV drip with one hand while solving problems with the other?” “Have you forgotten the foot-high stacks of scratch paper, and the dozens of empty pen casings you accumulated?” Skylar finally looked up, tears glistening in her eyes. “Teacher, I haven’t forgotten. I wouldn’t dare forget…” Yes, I had witnessed my sister’s dedication to the College Boards for years. Precisely because of that, I had to frame her for cheating. “I built an illustrious career, guiding countless students into top-tier schools. I thought you, too, had a boundless future. But look now, you’ve become the first student under my wing caught cheating!” The teacher grew more agitated, delivering his harsh words before storming off. “From now on, don’t say you were my student. I’d be a disgrace!” The camera zoomed in on Skylar, capturing the light in her eyes slowly dimming. Even Mom and Dad were brought from our rural home to the interview site. “Skylar, tell Mom and Dad the truth. Did you really cheat on the College Boards?” “Yes, if there’s some misunderstanding, explain it to everyone. We can always try again next year!” Skylar’s eyes were lifeless. She spoke weakly. “If I say I didn’t cheat, will you believe me? Will the police believe me? Will everyone watching on TV believe me?” Before a national audience, I declared with conviction, “Mom and Dad, the supervisor found the paper in Sis’s pocket, and I did see her bring her phone into the exam hall.” Mom and Dad completely broke down, wailing hysterically. “You ungrateful brat, who taught you to cheat and lie? Don’t you know our family’s situation? Are you trying to drive your mother and me to our graves?” “It’s over. Our family is completely ruined now!” Yes, our family was indeed ruined. My mom suffered from heart disease, my dad had a lame leg, and I had been diagnosed with ALS. My sister was the only able-bodied person in our family. In other words, Skylar was our family’s only hope of escaping hardship. Even so, I had to destroy my sister’s college dream, to stop her from reaching a better future. Skylar offered a bleak smile, shaking her head resignedly. “I knew it. No one believes me anymore. No one…” She was being escorted into the police car. I bid her a reluctant farewell. “Sis, don’t worry. I’ll take good care of myself and Mom and Dad while we wait for you to come home.” Skylar merely gave me a fleeting glance, saying nothing more. Watching the police car drive away, a heavy weight finally lifted from my chest. I had finally achieved my goal: I had sent my sister, who had such a promising future, to prison.

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1 I got accepted into Juilliard, the world’s number one music conservatory. But my father burned my acceptance letter to ashes. My eyes wide with disbelief, I asked him in a trembling voice why he’d done it. He clamped his hands around my throat, veins bulging on his forehead. “You damned wretch don’t deserve to go to such a good school!” Mom rushed over, not to help me, but to bind me with a thick rope. Tears streamed down my face as I looked at her. “Mom, didn’t you always dream of me getting into a good school?” Mom didn’t respond. She took a pair of scissors and stabbed me repeatedly. Blood painted my pants crimson. I was in agony beyond measure. When I was barely clinging to life, Dad dragged me to the edge of a septic tank. He threw me in, discarding me like refuse. The blackness consumed me, stealing my last breath. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day I received my acceptance letter. … Dad’s gaze was fixed on the letter in my hand. “Hand over that acceptance letter, now!” he demanded. “What if you go abroad and never come back? What about your mother and me, if we miss you?” His urgent voice pulled me back to reality. I glanced at the calendar on my phone, confirming it: I had truly been reborn. And it was the very day I’d received that acceptance letter. In my previous life, from the moment I’d set my mind on getting into Juilliard, Dad had begun to dote on me, meticulously taking care of my every need. From dawn till dusk, he’d prepare four nutritious meals for me. No matter how busy he was at work, he’d personally drive me to and from school. For Dad, my acceptance into Juilliard was more important than his own life. But after I was accepted, Dad’s demeanor abruptly shifted. He snatched my acceptance letter, holding a lighter to it until it turned to ash. My eyes, wide with disbelief, locked onto his. My voice trembled uncontrollably. “Why?!” “This is a top-tier institution with an acceptance rate of only 6.0%!” Dad’s hands clamped around my throat, veins bulging on his forehead. He roared, his voice laced with fury. “You damned wretch don’t deserve to go to such a good school!” “The biggest regret of my life is spending money on your music lessons!” I gasped for air, my face growing paler and paler. Just then, Mom returned from buying groceries. I cast a desperate glance her way, pleading silently, “Mom…” To my horror, she didn’t help. Instead, she retrieved a thick rope from the cabinet. Mom bound me tightly, leaving me unable to move. Tears of despair fell, one by one. I couldn’t help but ask her, “Mom, didn’t you always hope I’d get into a good school?” “Now that I’ve been accepted, why would you…” Before I could finish, Mom plunged a pair of scissors towards my private parts. I screamed in agony. Mom only pressed harder, continuing until a crimson tide stained my entire pants. Only then did she stop. By now, I was barely clinging to life. Mom turned to Dad, her voice chillingly calm. “Throw her in the septic tank!” “That way, the police won’t be able to trace it back to us!” My body went numb with terror. Mom knew about my claustrophobia, how I’d been locked in an elevator as a child and was terrified of the dark. Yet, she chose to use the very thing I feared most to end my life. I mustered every ounce of strength, clutching at the hem of Mom’s clothes. “I’m the child you carried for nine months!” Mom flung my hand away, her face contorted in a grotesque, triumphant smile. Dad dragged me to a septic tank on the outskirts of town. It was a secluded spot, far from any prying eyes. Indeed, a perfect place for someone to vanish without a trace. Dad’s eyes held a chilling, sinister gleam. “After you’re gone, I’ll visit your grave and offer prayers.” With that, he lifted me with both hands and threw me into the septic tank. I thrashed desperately in the suffocating darkness. Soon, my breath gave out. To my dying moment, I couldn’t comprehend why my parents, who had always urged me to study hard, would want me dead after I got into the most prestigious music conservatory. The suffocating sensation from my previous life swept over me again. I clenched my fists, my gaze resolute. This time, I had to uncover the full truth! 2 Seeing me hesitate, unwilling to hand over the acceptance letter, Dad’s tone softened. “Nora, if you go to school so far away, Mom and I will miss you too much!” he said, trying to sound genuinely concerned. “I was thoughtless before, pushing you to pursue music. I overlooked the fact that even if you’re good, you might not become a star.” “Everyone online says only the children of the rich and powerful become celebrities. We ordinary folks shouldn’t dream of such things!” “You should be more practical. Just find a community college nearby, learn a trade. You won’t have trouble finding a job after graduation!” I nearly scoffed. While our family wasn’t incredibly wealthy, we certainly had enough money to send me to school abroad. Dad was an executive at a publicly traded company, earning hundreds of thousands a year. Mom ran a bustling café, with hundreds of customers daily. Besides, Dad had repeatedly told me that I should just pursue my dreams and not worry about anything else. Why was he now so earnestly pushing me to attend a community college? His sudden change was utterly wrong. I clutched the acceptance letter tightly, glaring at Dad with simmering resentment. “Fine. You can have it.” The gloom on Dad’s face instantly transformed into excitement, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. Just as he let his guard down, I grabbed the vase beside me and smashed it over his head. Blood flowed freely as Dad screamed in agony. I turned and ran. I ran towards Ashley’s apartment, planning to ask her for help. In my previous life, after I died, my soul lingered, unwilling to leave the mortal realm due to the overwhelming resentment in my heart. My spirit watched as Mom and Dad went about their daily lives, their faces calm, devoid of any sadness. Only Ashley cried for me every night, holding my photo, and even put up missing person posters all over the city. Just as I was about to reach the entrance to Ashley’s building, a slender hand grabbed me. “You ungrateful wretch! How dare you hit your father!” It was Mom. Her eyes blazed with hatred, her breathing ragged. “Come with me to the hospital, now, to see your dad!” I forcefully pulled my hand away. “No! I can’t go with you!” “Because you’ll try to kill me!” Mom slapped me across the face. “We are your parents, who gave birth to you and raised you! How could we possibly try to kill you?” “You made your father’s head bleed, and you show no remorse. Instead, you slander us!” “Even a wild animal isn’t as malicious as you are!” If she wanted a scene, I’d give her a spectacle. I plopped down on the ground, wailing uncontrollably. “Waaah, I’m so miserable!” “I got into the best music conservatory in the world, but my parents don’t want me to go there!” “They even destroyed my acceptance letter, waaah!” Instantly, passersby gathered, taking my side. “Are they crazy? Their child worked so hard to get into a top school, and they won’t let her go!” “My daughter got into community college, and I threw her a celebration party! This girl got into such a good school, and her mother looks utterly miserable!” “Her mother’s diamond ring is worth tens of thousands, yet she won’t spend money to send her daughter to school. How cheap!” Mom was a businesswoman, always meticulous about her public image. Seeing everyone criticize her, she didn’t dare retort. But she shot me a chilling smile, then quickly sent a message to Ashley. Soon, Ashley arrived. She embraced me, her face beaming. “My little Nora, you haven’t come to see me in ages!” I leaned in and whispered everything Mom and Dad had done to me. Ashley turned to Mom, her face alight with anger. “Nora getting into a prestigious university isn’t a good thing? How could you and Dad—” “But she got into Juilliard!” Ashley’s face instantly went ashen. She moved to snatch the acceptance letter from my hand. “Give it to me!” My eyes wide with shock, I quickly hid the letter behind my back. Ashley slapped me hard across the face, her eyes bulging with rage. “Tear up that letter!” “Otherwise, our sisterly bond is over!” 3 In my previous life, Ashley didn’t know I got into Juilliard. Mom and Dad told her I had run off with some random guy. They even forged a letter from me for her to read. In the letter, I said I would never come back. Ashley wept uncontrollably, vowing to find me. That’s why she put up missing person posters all over the city. This time, Ashley knew I got into Juilliard. And just like Mom and Dad, she hated me to the bone. My eyes filled with despair, I looked at Ashley. “Sis, you used to love hearing me sing!” “You even said that if I worked hard on my vocals, I’d be the next Taylor Swift!” Ashley’s face contorted into a grimace. “Wake up! You’re not even fit to tie Taylor Swift’s shoelaces!” “I never liked hearing you sing. Your singing was awful!” Mom grabbed my hand, urging Ashley. “Stop wasting time with her!” “Let’s drag her back home and teach her a lesson!” Ashley immediately grabbed my other hand. Both Mom and Ashley used all their strength, pulling me towards our house. “Don’t you dare take her!” The voice belonged to a tall, burly middle-aged man. He stopped Mom and Ashley with one hand. “It’s a rare and wonderful thing for a young woman to bravely pursue her dreams! Yet you two want to destroy her dreams!” Mom looked at him with disdain. “I’m handling my own child, what business is it of yours?!” “Get out of my way, now!” “Otherwise, I’ll call my people to come and deal with you!” Mom wasn’t just bluffing. Because she ran a hair salon, she had connections in the shadier parts of town, with all sorts of dubious characters. Indeed, she had friends in the underworld. The middle-aged man, however, wasn’t afraid of Mom’s threats. He clenched his fists, gritting his teeth. “You scum don’t deserve to be a mother!” “If you dare take this young woman today, I’ll call the police!” Others also began to criticize Mom. “You’re not short on money, and you’re not suffering from a serious illness. Supporting your daughter’s music education should be no problem at all!” “If a family is so poor they can’t afford food, I could understand not letting their daughter go to an art school! But you’re draped in gold and silver, all your clothes are designer brands, clearly a middle-class family!” “Your older daughter lives in a mansion and drives a sports car worth millions. Even if you can’t afford to send your daughter to music school, you could ask your older daughter to help out!” Mom was speechless again. Ashley, however, looked even more furious. She glared at the crowd with simmering hatred. “You’re just jealous of what we have!” “Our money doesn’t grow on trees! Why should this brat waste it away overseas?” The middle-aged man retorted angrily, “My nephew tried to get into Juilliard three times and failed! That shows how incredibly difficult that school is to get into!” “But your sister got in on her first try, which proves how dedicated she is to her vocal training!” “Such a disciplined child, I don’t believe she would recklessly squander her tuition money!” Many people nodded in agreement with the man. Faced with the surrounding crowd, Mom and Ashley were momentarily at a loss. But just as I thought they wouldn’t be able to take me, Dad arrived. “You brute! Get home, now!” Dad’s eyes burned with fury, his expression one of wanting to tear me apart. Behind him stood Mom’s shady contacts. They wielded machetes, their presence menacing. 4 Ashley flashed Dad a smirk. “Good thing Mom’s so sharp; she messaged you right away.” So, Mom had called Dad to bring these men. Mom walked up to a burly man, her face full of feigned grievance. “Big Tony, he was blocking my way just now.” Mom pointed at the middle-aged man who had helped me. Big Tony swung his machete at the man’s throat. “Dare to mess with Boss Lana! You got a death wish?!” My entire body went limp with fear. But I still rushed forward, blocking Big Tony. “Don’t touch him!” “I’ll go back with my parents!” The crowd dared not utter a sound. They could only watch as my family led me away. But we hadn’t walked more than a few steps when several police officers arrived. “In broad daylight, you dare to commit assault? All of you want to do time, huh?!” Big Tony immediately released the middle-aged man. Underworld figures feared the police most of all. In less than a second, they all vanished. Mom and Dad instantly became docile, standing motionless. Ashley, however, wouldn’t give up. She quickly explained, “Officer, my sister here is stubborn; she insists on going to school abroad!” “We were at our wits’ end, that’s why we resorted to finding people to help!” I immediately countered, “Officer, I got into Juilliard, the world’s number one music conservatory! It’s a dream school for anyone who loves music!” “But my parents and my sister not only won’t let me go, they want to destroy my acceptance letter!” The crowd also chimed in, supporting me. “She’s right! Her family is acting as if they’re possessed, forcing her to tear up the letter!” “They even wanted to drag the young woman back home and torture her severely!” “Her mother and sister both hit her, and they were quite violent!” “There’s a surveillance camera right here on the street, Officer. You can check the video to see how ugly their family’s true faces are!” The police immediately retrieved the surveillance footage. After watching the video, the officer sternly said to Dad, “You, as the head of the household, how could you lead such a reckless act?” “By any sane person’s logic, if their own daughter gets into a good school, they’d happily throw a celebration!” “But your family is desperately trying to ruin your child’s future. This is completely abnormal!” Dad remained silent. His eyes, however, were fixed on the acceptance letter in my hand, filled with resentment. “If you don’t explain the situation, I won’t let you take the young woman away.” Faced with the officer’s renewed interrogation, Dad frowned deeply and let out a long sigh. He pulled out his phone and searched online for a photo. Dad handed the photo to the officer. I secretly glanced at the picture, and a sharp intake of breath escaped me. I finally understood why they wouldn’t let me go to Juilliard!

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1 My mother gave birth to four children. I have three older sisters; I was the youngest, her only son. Everyone in the family treated me like a treasure, except for Mom. She doted on my sisters, but for me, I was treated like an enemy from childhood, singled out, even beaten with a riding crop. I questioned my lineage, secretly taking a lock of Mom’s hair for a paternity test. The results, however, clearly stated that I was her biological son. Mom was deeply religious, always carrying a spiritual book with her. Strangely, whenever she beat me, if anyone tried to intervene, she would open that book and show them its contents. The book seemed to possess a sinister magic; whoever read it would instantly understand Mom, urging her to beat me mercilessly, encouraging her to kill me. First it was my loving Grandma, then my three sisters, and eventually, even Dad, who cherished me most, stopped protecting me. I couldn’t bear it anymore. One night, I secretly read Mom’s book. My eyes fixated on the words, tears silently streaming down my face. In that moment, I finally understood them. It turned out, I truly didn’t deserve to live… “Crack! Crack! Crack!” Just for eating one extra bite of food, Mom made me kneel by the door, the leather belt whipping my back, again and again. My back was already a crisscross of old scars, and with each new lash, the wounds tore open afresh. Grandma, who adored me most, tightly embraced Mom. “Eva, what’s gotten into you?” she cried. “The boy just ate an extra bite. Is this really necessary?” “Mom, get out of the way! I have to beat him thoroughly today!” Mom gasped, out of breath. Grandma stood firm in front of me, her face resolute. “What kind of mother are you? Rowan is your own son!” she declared. “If you insist on hurting my grandson today, then you’ll have to beat me too!” Grandma’s defiance seemed to bring Mom back to her senses slightly. Mom pulled out the well-worn book she always carried, gasping for air. “Mom, since you insist, I’ll tell you the secret I’ve kept all these years.” With that, Mom beckoned Grandma to look at the book’s contents. Grandma’s body suddenly stiffened, a tremor running through her. When her eyes fell upon me again, her gaze had turned cold and ruthless. She even snatched the leather belt from Mom’s hand, lashing me violently a few times. Grandma’s blows were powerful, and I gasped in sharp pain. I looked at her, utterly bewildered, unable to fathom why Grandma, who had always favored me, had undergone such a drastic change of heart. “Eva, hit him hard! It’d be best if you killed him today!” Grandma spat, handing the belt back to Mom, then trudged into the room, breathing heavily. My three sisters watched me with anguish, but Grandma blocked them, trapping them inside the room. “Did you hear that?” Mom sneered. “Your grandmother herself wants me to kill you. Now, kneel properly!” After a harsh rebuke, Mom took a deep breath, and once again, the leather belt descended upon my back, blow after agonizing blow. The riding crop was made of thick leather; every strike opened a new crimson line on my skin. Blood streamed down my back. After years of relentless abuse, my body was already at its breaking point. Finally, just like always, I passed out from the pain. Mom looked at my unconscious form, not with a flicker of tenderness, but with a wicked smile. “Your existence is a mistake,” she whispered. “As long as you live, you must endure this baptism!” 2 When I woke up again, I was in a hospital bed. I had lost count of how many times Mom’s cruel hand had landed me here since childhood. Dad sat before me, his face etched with concern. Seeing me conscious, he asked with a sigh, “Son, it’s Dad’s fault for being useless, for not protecting you.” “From now on, try not to anger your mom so much, to avoid getting beaten.” I stifled a groan of pain. “Dad,” I managed to ask, “why does Mom treat me, her own son, with such cruelty?” “You used to say I was too young, that you’d tell me when I grew up. Can you tell me now?” Dad slowly walked to the window, his back to me, looking utterly worn. “Rowan, honestly, Dad doesn’t know why.” “But your mom is still your mom. She gave birth to you four siblings; she’s the backbone of our family. Dad can’t just call the police and have her arrested, can he?” Just then, Mom entered the hospital room with my three sisters. Mom’s eyes were filled with cold indifference, though my three sisters cast me concerned glances. “He eats so much every day, yet he can’t take a beating.” Dad quickly stepped in front of me. “Eva, we’re in a hospital. Don’t cause a scene!” My body clearly bore marks of abuse. When I was brought in, the hospital, as usual, had already alerted the police. When the police arrived and examined my injuries, a seasoned officer approached Mom. “Ms. Hayes, did you inflict these injuries on the child?” Mom’s expression was serene, her reply delivered with chilling nonchalance. “Yes.” “As the child’s biological mother, you’ve beaten him like this. You’re now implicated in domestic abuse. You’ll have to come with us!” “Officer, there’s no need to rush. Let me show you something.” As Mom’s words hung in the air, everyone in the room was gripped by curiosity. Only I felt my hairs stand on end, my body instinctively trembling. Sure enough, Mom pulled out the book. The lead officer approached cautiously. As he gazed at the book’s contents, he reacted just like Grandma had, trembling uncontrollably. “Stand down. There’s no domestic abuse case here.” My attending physician wouldn’t back down, quickly blocking the officer’s path. “Officer, the patient clearly has signs of abuse. You just said you were going to open a case. How could you suddenly—” Before the doctor could say more, the officer’s gaze turned incredibly stern. “Are you questioning our police procedure?” he snapped. “I’ll say it again: there’s no domestic abuse case. It’s just a mother and son roughhousing, and the mother was a little heavy-handed!” “This matter ends here.” With that, the officer led the accompanying enforcement officers away, and they packed up. Cold sweat streamed down my forehead. I had no idea what was in that book, but even the police had such a strong reaction to it. Mom evicted the doctor from the room, then flashed me a wicked smile. “Rowan Miller, you’ll never escape my grasp.” “This is how you’ll live your entire life.” My oldest sister, Anna, who had always doted on me, couldn’t take it anymore. She frowned, stepping in front of me. “Mom, while our family is all here today, please tell us why you’ve always targeted Rowan.” “I was already a teenager when you gave birth to him. He’s your biological son. How can you treat him like an enemy?” Mom’s face once again broke into that wicked smile. Looking at my three sisters, she said, “I’ve already told your Grandma. It’s time some things were told to you too.” “You three sisters, come here. Once you see what’s in this book, you’ll understand.” I dared not risk it again. I quickly grabbed Anna’s hand. “Anna, don’t—” Anna turned back to me, a gentle smile on her face. “Rowan, don’t be afraid.” “It’s time the mystery of all these years was finally revealed.” “No matter what, you’ll always be your sister’s good brother.” 3 Looking at Anna’s determined eyes, I finally let go of her hand, but my heart continued to pound. After my three sisters read the book’s contents, they were all shocked by what they saw. Immediately, they reacted just like Grandma and the police, trembling all over. Chloe and Isabella’s gazes turned icy cold. “Mom, I think you’ve been too soft on him. Next time, let us help you!” “His arrival in this world was a mistake.” With that, they both left. Anna, too, ultimately failed to keep her promise to me. In her eyes now, I was no longer a good brother. “Mom, why didn’t you just strangle him at birth? People like him don’t deserve to exist in this world!” Anna’s words sent a shiver down my spine. I was only twenty years old. What terrible mistake had I made to make them hate me so profoundly? Mom looked at me with a cold sneer. “Strangling him at birth would have been too easy on him, wouldn’t it?” “I want him to suffer endless torment, until he is finally tormented to death!” I was utterly helpless, and terrified beyond measure. If even the police couldn’t help me now, what hope did I have? In that moment, my emotions erupted. I knelt before Mom, sobbing. “Mom, what have I done? You want to torment me to death!” “I’m your biological son! I want to have a loving relationship with my mother, just like other sons do! Every time I see my friends and their moms laughing and talking, I feel so envious…” Before I could say another word, Mom rushed forward, slapping me repeatedly across the face without a second thought. “What are you? Do you think you deserve love from me?” “Just keep envying others. You’ll never get that kind of treatment in this life!” Dad quickly stepped in front of Mom, pulling her away forcefully, but she struggled like a madwoman, trying to break free from Dad. “Get out of the way! I’m not done yet! Let me hit him a little longer!” … Listening to Mom’s words, it felt as though my birth was solely for her to vent her frustrations. Remembering all the suffering I had endured over the years, I could no longer bear it. Tears streamed down my face like broken pearls. “Eva, this is a hospital. Whatever it is, we can talk about it at home!” Mom finally calmed down a bit, then walked out of the room with Anna. Dad stood with his back to me, unable to turn around, saying guiltily, “Rowan, it’s all Dad’s fault for being useless, for not protecting you…” I choked out, “Dad, no matter what, can you promise me one thing?” Dad turned his head, looking at me with heartache. “Tell me, Son. Dad will do his best to fulfill it.” “Dad, no matter what, please don’t read Mom’s book.” “There’s absolutely some unknown secret in that book. Right now, you’re the only one in the whole world on my side. I don’t want you to become like my sisters and Grandma.” “If that really happens, I’m afraid I won’t have the courage to live anymore…” I pleaded, almost begging. Dad nodded, his voice firm. “Son, Dad promises you. No matter what, I won’t read the contents of that book.” … Dad ultimately broke his promise. Curiosity, in the end, outweighed his vow. That night, while Mom was asleep, he secretly opened the book. After reading its contents, Dad’s affection and remorse for me vanished instantly. His face turned terrifyingly cold, and he muttered to his reflection in the mirror, “Rowan Miller, you shouldn’t have come into this world!” “Since you’re here, you must accept this baptism!” And I, lying in the hospital bed, remained completely oblivious to it all. 4 The next morning, before my body had even fully recovered, Dad, his face grim, brought me home. The concern that had been on his face had vanished, replaced by seething resentment. I knew clearly: he must have read Mom’s book. This time, there was no one left in the family to defend me. Back home, I dragged my weakened body to kneel by the door. Dad smoked idly, his eyes cold as he stared at me, muttering continuously, “Why did you have to come into this world?” “You deserve to be beaten. Why didn’t your mom just kill you?” If they all wanted me dead, then what was the point of living? After twenty years, I finally retaliated. I slowly rose, took a kitchen knife from the counter, and slammed it onto the coffee table, addressing my inhumane family. “You all say I shouldn’t have come into this world, but then I truly don’t understand why you wanted me in the first place!” “I’m helpless against you, and I refuse to endure this inhuman treatment any longer. I can end my own life!” My gaze flickered to Mom. “Mom, you’ve had the most prejudice against me since I was little. Do you want to kill me yourself?” “You little brat, are you threatening me?” Mom tossed the kitchen knife aside, then pulled out that riding crop. “You want to die? Not that easily!” “I won’t let you die painlessly. You must die in fear and torment!” “Your existence has brought misfortune to too many people!” I was about to demand what wrong I had committed, but Mom impatiently lashed out with the whip. This time, I resisted, catching the whip with one hand. A woman in her fifties was no match for a young man in his prime. The whip was locked in my grip, unable to break free. Just then, Dad kicked me in the lower back from behind. “You animal, daring to fight back?” I stumbled forward, sprawling onto the ground. My three sisters and Grandma joined the fray, and I was surrounded, beaten by my own family. My body, already weak, quickly succumbed, and I lay on the floor, unable to resist. After they dispersed, Mom walked towards me, whip in hand, a crazy smile on her face. “So, you’re growing stronger, huh? Think you can defy me now?” “You still haven’t learned how to be a dog!” With that, her hand rose and fell, lashing me again and again. Mom’s fury was intense this time, her strength much greater than usual. The entire family watched coldly, no one left to plead for me. This time, I was unyielding. Even as my body endured immense pain, I didn’t make a sound. I hoped that this time, she would truly beat me to death, so I wouldn’t have to suffer this torment anymore. My body was raw with wounds, even my cheeks were crisscrossed with lash marks. When I lost consciousness, they all thought I was dead. They dragged me like a dead dog and threw me into the basement storage room. As she closed the door, Mom clasped her hands together, a mix of tears and laughter on her face. “Everything, it’s finally over.” … I awoke in the darkness, my head pounding, my body utterly weak. Using my memory, I found the light switch in the storage room. There, beside me, lay the book Mom always carried. Instantly, I became fully alert. The truth of twenty years was right before my eyes, yet I couldn’t muster the courage to open the book. The confined space and endless darkness magnified the fear in my heart. Enduring the pain in my body, I finally opened the book that held the secret of my past two decades. The book naturally opened to page eighty-nine. However, the content there was not original to the book itself. I was deeply drawn to the text, my hairs stood on end, and cold sweat streamed down my back. After closing the book, my eyes became hollow, and I finally understood why Mom had treated me this way all these years. Tears streamed from my eyes, and I whispered, “They’re right. I shouldn’t have come into this world.” “My arrival will bring disaster to many.”

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1 Early release. A reward for good behavior, they said. As the gates swung open, the first thought that truly solidified in my mind wasn’t freedom, but Ivy’s upcoming birthday. My little sister. I needed to find her the perfect gift. So, hiding my true identity, I slipped into a high-stakes charity auction, a glittering facade for the city’s elite. But the very first item on display, plastered across the massive screen, was a collection of hundreds of intimate photos of my sister. Her eyes, hazy with a vulnerability I’d never seen, her body contorted into a dizzying array of poses—all of it paraded as a grotesque exhibit for sale. My jaw clenched, a knot tightening in my stomach. Then, from the crowd below, I heard my brother-in-law, Brandon, his voice dripping with venomous mockery: “Ivy Anderson, you loved being in the spotlight, didn’t you? Well, these hundreds of photos should give you all the illumination you could ever want.” “If you’re so bothered, buy them all back. After being ‘illuminated’ hundreds of times, why pretend to be pure?” Ivy’s face was chalk-white. She stood rigid, her fists clenched at her sides. My eyes locked onto Brandon, his arm wrapped possessively around a young college girl. So, this is what they’d done in my absence. They’d dared to push my sister to this breaking point. I looked at the leering, depraved faces around me, the hunger in their eyes. Tonight, I would make them remember my name. Tonight, they would remember who I was. “Ugh, this chick’s got fire!” “What a body. Wonder what the starting bid is?” Below, Brandon’s arrogant voice sliced through the murmuring crowd, each word a fresh wound to my ears. He had a young college girl draped over his arm, a triumphant smirk plastered across his face. “Heard you loved being in the spotlight, Ivy, back when your brother was around? These hundreds of photos—enough light for you now?” A wave of raucous laughter erupted from the crowd, a chorus of crude jeers echoing through the hall. “Brandon’s really showing off! Sharing a prime piece like this!” “Damn, that figure, that expression… looks like a wild ride!” My sister, Ivy, stood a short distance from the raucous crowd. Her face was ashen, her body trembling, her hands clamped tight onto the fabric of her dress. She wanted to explode, to lash out, but she held it all in, tears brimming in her eyes. The humiliation threatened to drown her. My heart twisted with a pain sharper than any blade. This was my little sister, the one I had raised with tenderness, cherished like a fragile porcelain doll. Before I went away, she was a carefree princess, a ray of sunshine. Now, she stood exposed, enduring this public, exquisite torment. Brandon continued his performance. “If you’re so ashamed, go ahead and buy them back yourself!” He paused, his voice rising, laced with deliberate insult. “Oh, right, you probably don’t have the cash, do you? Your company? That’s mine now!” “After being in the spotlight hundreds of times, what’s with the innocent act, sweetie?” Ivy’s body convulsed, her legs threatening to give out. I forced myself to remain calm. Rushing out now would only tip my hand, accomplish nothing. My gaze swept over Brandon and his new trophy, then to the pompous auctioneer, and finally, to every leering face in the audience, every one of them reveling in her pain. Good. All of you. Very good. The auctioneer picked up his gavel, his voice booming. “Ladies and gentlemen, Ms. Ivy Anderson’s precious private collection! Starting bid, one million dollars! Minimum increment, one hundred thousand!” “One point one million!” A bidder’s paddle shot up instantly. “One point two million!” “I bid one point five million!” The room ignited. These so-called philanthropists and esteemed socialites, their true, ugly faces now laid bare. Ivy closed her eyes, a gesture of utter despair. Silently, I pressed the earpiece hidden beneath my hair. “Move. Dig up everything on Brandon from the past few years. And the dirt on this auction house. Leave no stone unturned.” I squeezed out the words, my voice tight, devoid of any discernible emotion. But I knew, in the core of my being, that my rage was about to burn through the very heavens. Brandon. And all you other pieces of trash. I would make you understand the true meaning of regret. I would make you remember: I, The Dragon, am back. And this? This is just the beginning. 2 The auction roared on, prices climbing relentlessly. “Two million!” “I bid two point one million!” Ivy suddenly opened her eyes, and with a trembling hand, she raised her bid paddle. “I… I bid two point two million.” Her voice was choked with tears, filled with utter helplessness. Brandon, seeing this, a cruel smirk twisted his lips. He signaled to a slick, greasy-haired man beside him. The man immediately raised his paddle. “Three million!” Ivy’s face instantly drained of all color. She looked at Brandon, despair in her eyes, her body swaying precariously. Brandon tightened his arm around the college girl, kissing her cheek triumphantly. “See, babe? That’s what happens when you don’t know your place.” “Back when her brother, The Dragon, was around, I used to give him some respect.” “Now? The Dragon’s just a broken man, fresh out of prison! He can barely protect himself, let alone his sister!” He turned to Ivy, his voice cold. “Ivy Anderson, do you honestly think you’re still that high-and-mighty princess?” “Truth be told, these past few years your brother was locked up? I systematically dismantled your company, piece by piece.” “And these photos? I made you take them. If you didn’t obey, I had plenty of ways to make you comply!” Ivy’s voice rose in a heartbroken accusation. “Brandon! You ungrateful animal!” “If it wasn’t for my brother, his money and his efforts, you wouldn’t be where you are today!” ” My brother treated you like good friend, and I treated you like family! Is this how you repay us?” Every word she uttered was steeped in blood-soaked grief. Brandon scoffed, a sneer twisting his lips. “Brother? Family? Don’t make me laugh!” “Business is war. There’s only eternal profit, no eternal brothers.” “Your brother, The Dragon, was big stuff back then. But what is he now? Just a common prisoner!” “Ivy Anderson, I advise you to face reality. Right now, no one can save you.” With every word he spoke, Ivy’s face grew paler. My subordinate’s voice crackled through my discreet earpiece. “Dragon, we’ve got some intel on Brandon. He’s hooked up with an offshore outfit these past few years. Nasty reputation.” “The auction house owner’s name is Big Mike. He’s in deep with Brandon, running all sorts of dirty deals. We’ve got some key evidence coming in.” I stated flatly, “Keep digging. I want every single piece of dirt they have.” Ivy was backed against the wall by Brandon, tears blurring her vision, on the verge of collapsing. But she gritted her teeth, holding on, refusing to fall. I knew she was waiting. Waiting for me. An indescribable ache twisted in my chest. Brandon continued to babble, boasting about his “victories,” and the crowd around him egged him on. “Brandon’s right! Smart people know when to give in!” “Miss Anderson, just agree to Brandon’s terms. You’ll live a life of luxury. Isn’t that better than this?” The sheer ugliness of these people’s faces made me sick to my stomach. I looked at Brandon’s smug, self-satisfied face, and murderous intent boiled in my chest. The auction price had already soared to five million. Ivy was utterly defeated. She lowered her paddle, silent tears streaming down her cheeks. Brandon grew even more triumphant, his arm around his new girl, as if she were a trophy. “Ivy Anderson, see that? That’s what happens when you defy me.” “Don’t worry, these photos are just an appetizer. If you keep acting up, I’ve got even more ‘exciting’ videos.” Ivy’s body began to tremble violently. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. Brandon, you have successfully infuriated me. Now, it’s my turn. I whispered into the earpiece. “Prepare for action. Seal all exits.” “Tonight, no one leaves this place.” 3 Inside the venue, some of Brandon’s usual associates, or those who feared the power behind him, began to openly chime in. “Miss Anderson, Brandon’s doing this for your own good. Don’t be stubborn.” “That’s right. Just cooperate. Everyone saves face, and you’ll suffer less.” These words were like dull knives, slicing into Ivy’s heart, and into mine. Big Mike, the auction house manager, stepped forward. He sported a beer belly, a forced smile plastered on his face, and spoke with feigned concern. “Brandon, Miss Anderson, let’s keep the peace here.” “Auctions are about fairness and integrity. Since Miss Anderson has withdrawn her bid, then these photos go to…” He hadn’t even finished his sentence when Ivy suddenly exploded with emotion. She shrieked, “Those are my things! You can’t do this!” She lunged, like a wild woman, attempting to rush the auction stage, desperate to reclaim those photos. Two burly security guards immediately stepped forward, roughly restraining her. One even gripped her arm so hard that angry red marks appeared on her fair skin. My eyes widened in terror. I could barely suppress the violent surge within me. “Let her go!” The words almost escaped my lips. Brandon, seeing this, smiled even more cruelly. He stepped forward, shoved the security guard aside, and grabbed Ivy by the hair, forcing her to look up at him. “Ivy Anderson, looks like you haven’t learned your lesson.” He lowered his voice, speaking just loud enough for only the two of them to hear. “I’ll warn you one more time: behave yourself.” “Otherwise, after these photos, there are even more ‘exciting’ videos. When that time comes, I’ll invite ‘friends’ to my private party to ‘enjoy’ them.” Ivy’s body stiffened, her eyes filled with terror and despair. “Private party.” Those two words coiled like venomous snakes around my heart. The intent to kill, in that moment, solidified into a tangible presence. Just then, my trusted subordinate’s voice crackled through my earpiece. “Dragon, we’ve got it! Brandon’s linked to a notorious offshore organization called ‘Black Scorpion.’ Big Mike’s auction house has been laundering a lot of their dirty money. We’ve got some crucial evidence.” A cold smirk touched my lips. Good. You had a path to heaven, but you chose to storm the gates of hell. Brandon, and Big Mike, your time is up. I subtly signaled to my men. Several of my brothers, already infiltrated in the venue, nodded imperceptibly, moving discreetly towards the key exits and the surveillance room. The atmosphere in the hall grew increasingly oppressive. Ivy, terrified by Brandon’s threats, slumped weakly to the floor, muffled sobs escaping her lips. The people watching this scene, some showed expressions of discomfort, but most reveled in schadenfreude. Some even began to whisper, discussing how “exciting” Brandon’s “private party” would be. The ugliness of humanity was laid bare. Brandon seemed quite pleased with the chilling effect he had created. He released Ivy’s hair, straightened his collar, and nodded towards the auctioneer. “Continue.” The auctioneer snapped out of his trance, quickly picking up his gavel. “Ahem. Since there are no further bids, then this valuable collection of photographs shall go to…” The storm was about to break. Silently, I put on the mask I had prepared. Tonight, I would make this city remember the name “The Dragon” once more.

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1 My parents, with their overzealous compassion, broke tradition and adopted a grimy stray dog. This dog, a snarling menace, would routinely snatch food from the other rescue animals, even biting them. But my parents, as if blind, showered it with boundless affection… Driven by desperation, I finally confined the dog to a cage. Dad saw. His hand lashed out, a brutal slap across my face. Then, a sickening kick sent me sprawling into the cage. The vicious dog lunged, its fangs tearing into my lower leg. Agony ripped through me, and I collapsed, trembling, as my blood pulsed onto the concrete. The next day, a twisted, doctored video of me ‘abusing’ the dog, edited by my own parents, exploded online. Instantly, I was a pariah, universally reviled. A throng of reporters descended, and the other dogs, spooked by the frenzied crowd, suddenly snapped. They charged at me, a snarling tide of teeth and fur! My parents simply stood by, their gazes cold, allowing the pack to tear into me. “You beast! You torment animals every day! Now they’re taking their revenge!” “Tear her apart! I’ll pretend you were never my daughter!” I died, a choked gasp of pure hatred. How could my own parents betray me so utterly, all for a dog? When my eyes next snapped open, I was back. Back to the day they adopted that stray. … “Nonsense! Look how obedient and gentle he is! How could he be dangerous? We have so many dogs here, one more won’t make a difference.” “This child, she has no compassion at all! How have we been teaching you all these years?” My parents’ voices echoed in my ears. I snapped my eyes open, frantically checking my body. A moment ago, I was a bloody mess, torn apart by a pack of dogs. Now, I was perfectly intact. Could it be… I’d been reborn? As I reeled in confusion, Mom had already led that vicious dog inside, preparing to give it a bath. In my previous life, I had been killed by a dog? Unbelievable! My parents were overflowing with kindness, always teaching me to love and care for animals. Ten years ago, after our family home was redeveloped, they insisted on selling three houses to establish this stray animal rescue. I became a popular animal blogger, boasting millions of followers. When that vicious dog first appeared, it was stinking and filthy, its eyes gleaming with a sinister malice. We worried its large size might pose a danger, but then it suddenly sat down obediently, tongue lolling, emitting a series of appeasing whines. My parents, blinded by their bleeding hearts, ignored my objections and adopted it on the spot. Later, they repeatedly spoiled it, allowing it to bully the other animals, and it often bit me. Mom not only ignored my wounds but would sharply scold me: “What are you being so dramatic about? Why doesn’t he bite us, only you?” “If you dare to touch him, I’ll break your legs!” They even maliciously edited videos of me disciplining the dog and posted them online, leading to a relentless wave of online bullying. A throng of reporters and a gawking crowd descended, blindly cursing me out. I was utterly defenseless, my reputation destroyed… The usually gentle rescue dogs, frightened by the mob, became agitated. Fearing they might hurt the people, I darted forward to block them, but the pack turned on me, attacking me en masse. I died with my last breath, unable to comprehend how my once loving parents could stand by and watch me being savagely torn apart by a pack of dogs… “Such a good boy! From now on, you’ll be Chaos.” Mom’s familiar, doting voice brought me back to reality. Watching that vicious dog wag its hindquarters, trotting beside her, made my teeth grind in frustration! Fine, let them keep it. It’s just a stupid dog. Knowing the outcome now, I wouldn’t fall twice! I’d find out what spell this brute had cast on my parents, to make them turn so heartlessly against me. 2 From the moment Chaos arrived, it became their absolute favorite. While the other dogs and cats were confined to the yard, this one was allowed indoors. Mom even cradled it to sleep at night. To keep it from snatching food, I’d deliberately give it extra portions each day. In my spare time, I’d even approach it, offer a gentle pet, and talk to it. But even so, that brute would still sneak around, terrorizing the other animals. One tiny kitten nearly died from its bites! This time, with my parents out, I took the opportunity to give it a thorough beating. It learned its place, alright. I had foolishly believed its aggression stemmed from past trauma, a lingering shadow from its time on the streets. But no. It was a rotten seed, through and through. The next day, I found a box of rat poison on the shoe rack by the door. With all the cats around, where would we have mice? And Dad had always been so adamant: never leave toxic substances where animals could get to them. Lost in a swirl of questions, I saw Mom approaching, a plate of steamed buns in her hands. A chill ran down my spine. Rat poison buns? The thought was grotesque, but in my past life, they had wanted me dead. I took the buns, feigning an appetite, and retreated to my bedroom. I hastily texted my childhood best friend, Autumn: “Check in every half-hour. If I don’t reply, call the police for me!” No sooner had I sent the message than Mom’s urgent knocking rattled my door. She demanded to know if I’d eaten. My heart leaped into my throat. I feigned innocence, calling out, “Yep! They were delicious!” After what felt like an eternity, I began to think I’d overreacted. I was about to step out. The moment I opened the door, I froze. Chaos sat squarely in front of the door, its eyes locked on me. Behind it, Mom stood, a chilling, uncanny smile playing on her lips. “You lied, darling~ Why aren’t you eating?” My scalp prickled. My gut instinct had been right! But I feigned composure. “Oh, not hungry,” I mumbled. I tried to step past, but that brute blocked my path, barking furiously, occasionally lunging towards me. Was it… challenging me to a fight? I immediately rushed back inside, grabbed a baseball bat, and held it ready. Mom’s brow furrowed at the sight. She reached out, attempting to snatch the bat from my grasp. “Put that down, you brat! Don’t you dare hurt Chaos!” I clung to the bat, unwilling to let go. As Mom and I struggled, that monstrous dog suddenly lunged. Before I could react, I was on the floor, tangled with Chaos in a desperate struggle. It clamped its jaws onto my arm, shaking its head violently. Adrenaline surged through me. I barely felt the pain, just hammered at it with desperate force! Perhaps the commotion was too great, drawing Dad to the scene. He rushed forward, seeming to intervene. “Stop! Don’t fight! Both of you, stop!” I thought he’d come to pull the dog off me, seeing my blood. Instead, he helped the dog pin me down… My hands were clamped tight, utterly helpless. “Bitch! That’s what you get for messing with Chaos!” “You little brute! You hit Chaos so hard! He’s hurt!” SMACK! SMACK! SMACK! He lashed out, striking my face as he yelled. The blows left me dazed, disoriented. Chaos took the opportunity, tearing savagely at my lower leg. Blinding pain surged, and when I looked down, I saw bone gleaming through the gushing blood! I screamed for help, but Mom just stood by, her face impassive, her gaze distant. What was happening? This time, I’d been nothing but kind to the dog in front of them. And when I disciplined it, they weren’t even home. They couldn’t possibly have known. I couldn’t fathom it. How could the parents who once loved me so fiercely, doted on me, now beat me for a dog? They used to cherish me, protecting me like a fragile treasure. The slightest discomfort, and they’d rush to my side, asking anxiously, “Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” But now, this dog arrives, and I’m a “bitch”? 3 When I next opened my eyes, I was tied up, lying in the dog kennel. The wound on my lower leg, crudely wrapped in a dirty rag, was still seeping blood. I shook my head violently, forcing myself into a state of clarity. Before me were the familiar stray dogs and cats I usually cared for. They circled me curiously, and one dog even came over to lick me. It twisted my stomach to remember how, in my previous life, these very same gentle creatures had torn me to shreds. I instinctively shooed them away, keeping my distance. My hands and feet were bound, immobile, my body numb and aching. Suddenly, a cat leaped onto my chest. I looked closer. It was the same cat I had rescued two years ago. It seemed incredibly agitated, meowing frantically. It must sense I’m in danger. “Well, well, awake are we?” My parents slowly walked in, that vile creature Chaos trailing behind them. Their eyes gleamed with triumphant malice. I quickly nudged the cat, urging it to slip away. The next second, Dad pulled a butcher knife from behind his back, raising it, gesturing menacingly towards me. “Dad! Clear your head!” “Look at me! It’s me, Willow! Your daughter!” I was terrified, pleading desperately with them. Mom stood by, hands on her hips, a cold, mocking smile on her face. “That’s right, you’re our Willow.” “And we’re going to kill you.” My blood ran cold. No! Why? I couldn’t believe this was real. Terror mixed with utter bewilderment. What had this dog done to them? I meticulously replayed every detail in my mind, terrified of missing anything. But I couldn’t come up with anything! This time, everything was different. There was no reason for them to kill me. “Dad! Mom! I truly don’t understand! Why? All for a dog?” “Are you insane? Please, calm down! Look at what you’re doing!” Dad completely ignored my tearful pleas. He still held the butcher knife, a twisted smirk on his face, his eyes filled with murderous intent. “I’m perfectly clear-headed! And you’re my daughter!” I was crying so hard I could barely breathe, shaking my head in despair. “Dad! No! Don’t kill me! You’ll regret this! How can a dog bewitch you like this?” “Mom! Please, talk to Dad! Please, I beg you!” Mom, seeing Dad hesitate, stepped forward and snatched the knife from his hand. “Oh, for heaven’s sake! Why are you wasting time with her? Give it to me! I’ll do it!” With that, she strode purposefully towards me. My eyes widened, and I screamed, “AAH! AAH!” pushing backward with my feet, desperate to retreat. But she showed no sign of stopping, swinging the knife down, her eyes unblinking. I mustered all my strength, kicking out squarely at her chest. She stumbled, losing her balance, and fell heavily to the ground. Chaos, seeing this, began to bark furiously, and the other dogs in the yard, hearing it, joined in. “Woof! Woof! Woof!” In that moment, I felt like I was in hell, never having known such terror… Dad, in a frenzy, picked up the knife and lunged at me. I squeezed my eyes shut in despair, awaiting death. Suddenly, a thunderous shout echoed from a distance. “Stop!” “Mr. Miller! What are you doing?!”

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1 My younger sister, blessed with a naturally prolific constitution, severed all ties with our family to marry her DINK hybrid husband. A year later, I was invited to a hybrid auction, only to find my sister on the stage, being put up for bid. My sister, heavily pregnant, sobbed as she clutched Rhys Thorne’s pant leg. “Husband, I haven’t betrayed you. This really is our child.” Rhys, arm wrapped around a delicate woman, sneered, kicking her down. “How the hell could I, a sterile hybrid, get you pregnant? Being poor is bad enough, but don’t you dare try to make me a cuckold!” My sister knelt on the stage, her body trembling uncontrollably. I sat in the VIP box, idly turning the freshly acquired glowing pearl in my hand, and instructed my butler. “The young madam has had enough playtime outside. It’s time to bring her home.” No one who dared to trifle with the Lockwood family would escape. The butler was about to turn and retrieve my sister when I narrowed my eyes, raising a hand to stop him. “Let’s wait a moment. The young madam needs to see that scumbag for who he truly is.” Mr. Davies, the auction house president, sitting nearby, overheard my conversation with the butler and his eyes widened in shock. I sighed. “Mr. Davies, your invitation to this hybrid auction has certainly opened my eyes.” Mr. Davies immediately stood, wiping sweat from his brow, not daring to meet my gaze. “Madam Lockwood, it’s my failure. To think the young madam…” I impatiently clicked my tongue. The next second, Mr. Davies was escorted away. I looked out at the crowd in the hall. Many of the men stared at my sister with a leering, possessive gaze. “Tsk, tsk, a pregnant woman truly has a certain allure.” “Wonder how many months along she is? The feel must be incredibly soft and supple.” Filthy whispers filled the air, making my sister’s knuckles turn white. Rhys, arm around Amy Vance, laughed from below the stage. “Auction’s open! Once you buy her, she’s yours to do with as you please.” Laughter erupted from the crowd. “Alright! I can’t wait.” My sister looked at Rhys in disbelief, her lips pale. “You’re going to auction me? I’m leaving!” Rhys brandished a document. “Open your eyes and look. This is a bondage contract. Your ownership now belongs to me. I can dispose of you however I wish.” My sister picked up the agreement, her eyes growing wider with horror as she read. “You said these were all promises of your love for me? Why is this a bondage contract?” Rhys shrugged, putting on an innocent expression. “You were too busy having fun in bed to even read the words. I told you to sign, and you signed.” My sister collapsed onto the ground, a picture of utter hopelessness. My heart clenched, and I traced the patterns on the glowing pearl in my hand. Hybrid bondage contracts held legal weight; there was no way to dissolve them except by mutual agreement. Rhys continued, “This is what happens when you dare to accuse Amy. But don’t worry, my hybrid brothers are far more… robust than I am.” My sister suddenly looked at Amy Vance. “I didn’t accuse her! She’s the one colluding with outsiders to steal our company!” Amy leaned against Rhys’s shoulder, a provocative smile gracing her lips as she looked at my sister. “Oh, dear, little sister, how could you cheat on Rhys? He’s been so good to you, and yet you secretly got pregnant. How shameless. It’s a good thing his company grew so large without a woman like you meddling. Otherwise, what if you’d stabbed him in the back again?” I rested my chin on my hand, my eyes churning with dark thoughts. If it weren’t for wanting my sister’s life with Rhys to be better, why would I have secretly invested in his company? And my sister, dressed in plain, threadbare clothes, was so gaunt. She barely looked like a Lockwood heiress. Clearly, Rhys hadn’t spent a dime on her. “Butler, contact the company I invested in over there. Withdraw all funds immediately. I want Rhys Thorne to be penniless and buried under a mountain of debt.” It seemed my sister’s past year had been truly terrible. My sister clutched the hem of her worn shirt, stubbornly explaining, “I didn’t cheat! This is Rhys’s and my child!” She softened her voice, turning back to Rhys. “I told you I have a highly fertile constitution. You never said anything against it back then.” Rhys raised the wine glass in his hand and smashed it towards my sister. “You’re fertile, so why did you come to me? Didn’t you know I’m DINK? You’re disgusting!” Rhys’s eyes suddenly darted, and he burst out laughing. “A highly fertile constitution! I’m raising the starting bid!” 2 The laughter of the men around her felt like ropes tightening, threatening to choke my sister. The spotlight shone on her, leaving her nowhere to hide. “That figure, whoa, quite appealing.” “Want to get pregnant? I can help with that.” “I can too. I’m a snake hybrid; I’ll definitely satisfy you.” My sister’s face flashed from white to red, utterly lost for a retort. Faced with the surging emotions of the crowd, she instinctively stepped back. Her foot slipped, and she fell off the stage. I immediately rose, my heart pounding, watching her. Thankfully, she quickly stood up, stumbling back to the corner of the stage. This prevented the surrounding men from taking advantage. Amy Vance stretched her lips into a smirk. “Little sister, you truly are shameless. Even pregnant, you’re so eager to throw yourself into other men’s arms?” Rhys’s mocking expression froze, his eyes fixed on my sister on stage. My sister, frantic, screamed back, “I am not your sister, you worthless hag! My real sister is a thousand times better than you!” I was touched. Seeing my sister like this reminded me of her when we were children. Whenever anyone spoke ill of me, she would retort like that, always putting me first. But ever since that smooth-talking Rhys had fooled my innocent sister, our arguments grew more frequent. In the end, she even severed ties with my family, the Lockwoods, for that man. Rhys laughed. “Oh, you have a sister? She’s probably just as loose as you are. Why didn’t you ever mention her?” My sister’s chest heaved rapidly. “You impotent fool, shut up! Don’t you dare speak about my sister like that!” Rhys roared, enraged. “Start the auction now! I’d like to see whose bed you’ll die in!” The moment my sister’s shirt was ripped open, revealing her swollen, pregnant belly, the atmosphere in the hall reached a fever pitch. Men’s greedy gazes clung to her, drooling with desire. The host’s booming voice cut through the noisy hall. “Starting bid: two million dollars!” “Ha! Fifty thousand, and a fertile woman makes it four times that!” “I’ll bid! All I need is a woman to bear me pups!” “Four million!” “I’ll offer five million!” “I’ll offer seven million!” As the bids climbed higher and higher, the joy on Rhys’s face became impossible to suppress. “I never thought this woman would be worth so much money.” “Seven million, going once! Any more?” The host’s voice sounded like a sentence of endless torment for my sister. I was about to signal the butler to bid when my sister spoke. “I offer fifty million to buy myself back.” The entire hall fell silent for a few seconds, then erupted in deafening laughter. “Fifty million? This woman must be crazy. How could a destitute woman get fifty million?” “Rhys, you didn’t give her money, did you?” “Looks like she hooked up with another man who gave her money, isn’t he the father of that child?” “Rhys, you didn’t get ripped off. After all, no matter whose money she used, you’re still making a profit off her.” The mocking laughter of Rhys’s cronies left him humiliated. His gaze turned sinister. “Where did you get so much money?” Amy Vance also sat up straight, covering her mouth. “Fifty million. If you can’t come up with it, you’re going to jail.” My sister bit her lip, then removed a pair of earrings from her ears. She carefully placed them before the host. “These earrings should be enough.” It was then I realized these were the earrings I had given my sister as a gift. These earrings were worth far more than fifty million. But my sister only knew they were priceless, not their exact value, which is why she offered them as a fifty-million-dollar bid. The people in the hall looked disdainful. “These things are worth fifty million?” However, after the staff verified them, everyone was stunned. “The auction bid is valid.” Rhys was even more shocked. “How do you have something so valuable?” Amy Vance’s face also turned ashen. “Did you steal this from me?” I pursed my lips, looking at Amy Vance’s face with disgust. Steal? She spoke with such self-righteousness. My sister stood on the stage, lightly sweeping her gaze over them both below. “Fifty million. Does anyone want to raise the bid?” Instantly, no one dared to make another move. Fifty million was no small sum for them. I sat back down, leaning against the sofa in the VIP box, filled with admiration for my sister’s sudden courage. This was the aura my sister, a Lockwood heiress, should possess. “Fifty million, going once. Fifty million, going twice.” Just as the host called out the third time, a man suddenly raised his paddle and stood up. “Seventy million. This woman, she’s mine.” 3 The people in the auction hall gasped, a collective sharp intake of breath. “Who is that? So arrogant!” “Hiss, that looks like the young master of the Sterling family.” “The Sterling family! The Sterlings who practically control Newport City?” Jaxon Sterling leaned back on the couch in his private box, one leg crossed over the other, casually chewing gum. My sister’s face instantly drained of color. Those around who didn’t know Jaxon Sterling’s background, seeing his arrogance, scoffed. “Who’s this brat, so desperate for this woman? I bet he’s got a low sperm count, hahahahaha.” Some of the hybrids around them laughed along, while those in the know quietly retreated, fearing they might be implicated. Jaxon Sterling’s expression remained unchanged, his smile deepening. The next second, the hybrid who had scoffed was struck by a tranquilizer dart and fell straight to the ground. He was immediately dragged out by a group of large, burly men, and a moment later, agonizing screams echoed from outside. Everyone present was terrified. Jaxon Sterling stood up, casually spitting out his gum. “This is human territory. You animals should kneel and let me butcher you.” I rubbed my fingers together, immediately instructing the butler to investigate this Jaxon Sterling. Soon, the butler handed me a file. Jaxon Sterling, young master of the Sterling family. And this Sterling family had grown powerful through the charity of the Lockwood family. A few years ago, this Jaxon Sterling was convicted of abusing hybrids and sentenced to prison, only to be bailed out a few days later and sent abroad. He had only been brought back by the Sterling family after the scandal had died down. Jaxon Sterling, having been abroad, likely didn’t know my sister’s true identity. “Looks like he’s still a brutal one.” If my sister fell into his hands, she certainly wouldn’t live past tomorrow. The butler saw where my gaze was directed and immediately understood my thoughts. He bowed and said, “Madam, I will deal with him immediately.” I was furious, but I managed to suppress my anger, my voice cold. “Wait. I want these few thrown into the Hybrid Arena for auction together.” As I was thinking, I suddenly saw Jaxon Sterling had already descended from his box and stepped onto the stage. “Tsk, tsk, a belly this big… if you gently slice it open with a small knife, it would be incredibly satisfying.” “The embryo inside should be mature by now.” Jaxon Sterling’s finger lightly brushed my sister’s belly. My sister recoiled in terror. “No! I don’t want it!” Jaxon Sterling smiled cruelly. “You’re mine now. What don’t you want? Hmm?” Just as he was about to make a move, I signaled the management to announce a mid-auction break. Jaxon Sterling, satisfied, roughly pulled my sister and tried to leave, but was stopped by the staff. Jaxon Sterling was impatient. “You want to stop me?” The staff bowed deeply. “We certainly don’t want to stop you, sir. It’s just that this young lady isn’t yours yet. You can’t take her.” Jaxon Sterling frowned. “I bid seventy million. Is someone else raising the bid? Then I’ll follow.” The staff quickly waved their hands. “No one has raised the bid, sir. It’s simply a mid-auction break. Your bid hasn’t been finalized yet, and the auction hasn’t concluded.” Jaxon Sterling flung my sister aside, then grabbed the manager’s collar, about to curse him, but stopped. He didn’t get angry; instead, he laughed. “Fine. I’ll wait. Let’s see who dares to raise the bid.” He turned to my sister. “My seventy million. You’d better wait obediently.” I tightly clutched my phone, dialing a number. “If you don’t want your youngest son anymore, I can help you take care of him.”

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