Chapter 2

"Let's see how you manage this time, Benedict, without me pulling strings. How will you, a mere bastard, claw your way to billions? How will you escape that madman, Miles? This life, I'll personally drag you to hell to atone for my past mistakes," I vowed silently.

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Despite all the broken contracts from various parties, Benedict somehow managed to secure two deals, quickly stabilizing his company.

It was just as I expected.

Otherwise, living two lifetimes would have been a waste.

I thought that with this second chance, he wouldn’t have anything more to do with me. Turns out, I underestimated just how shameless he could be.

When Benedict barged into my office with Yancy in tow, I frowned.

"Lucia, I know you’ve recently invested in two of Mr. Thomas’ films and a variety show. Replace the female lead with Yancy."

His entitled attitude made me laugh out of sheer anger.

I tossed my pen aside, stood up, and gave him a mocking look.

"What did you just say?"

There was a flicker of irritation in Benedict's eyes, but he repeated himself.

"Replace the female lead in Mr. Thomas’ films with—"

Before he could finish, I grabbed a handful of dirt from the flowerpot on my desk, yanked him by the hair, and shoved it into his mouth.

"Ah! Benedict!" Yancy screamed in terror, rushing forward to shield him, glaring at me angrily.

"What are you doing, Ms. Howard?! I know you don’t like me, but there’s no need to take it out on Benedict! Hasn’t he tolerated you enough?"

Her eyes welled up with tears, a few drops falling as if I were the one bullying her.

That trick of hers never failed.

Sure enough, Benedict, spitting out dirt and leaning against the wall, looked at me furiously, his face twisted in rage.

"Lucia! You've gone too far! Enough is enough!"

I rolled my eyes and shrugged innocently.

"I thought you were possessed or something, just trying to exorcise the stupidity out of you. How else could you say something so ridiculous?"

"You!" Benedict's face turned red, the veins in his forehead bulging with anger.

The door and curtains of the office were wide open, and with such a commotion, the employees couldn’t help but sneak glances every now and then.

Benedict, whom I had propped up for decades, had never endured such humiliation, much less been embarrassed by me in front of others. His face darkened instantly as he gritted his teeth and warned me.

"Lucia, even if you’re throwing a tantrum, you need to know when to stop! If you keep this up, our engagement really won’t happen!"

I smirked, a mocking curl to my lips.

He still thought I was the same Lucia who once tried to save him.

From the start, he was wrong.

My task wasn’t to save him.

It was to kill him.

In my past life, I was too foolish, pitying him and wanting to help.

I reached into the flowerpot and grabbed another handful of dirt. Benedict’s eyes widened in fear, and he pulled Yancy back a step, watching me warily.

I laughed, tossing the dirt aside, and stepped forward, gently patting his face with an amused expression.

"Benedict, you're nothing but a bastard, hidden in the shadows. What right do you have to be engaged to me? Remember this—you’ll always be a bastard who belongs in the dirt."

With that, I pointed to the door.

"Get out!"

Benedict’s eyes were filled with malice as he glared at me, grinding his teeth.

"Think carefully, Lucia!"

I calmly pulled out my phone.

“Send security up to escort these two out. And next time, make sure there’s a sign at the entrance that says ‘No dogs or bitches allowed.’"

Benedict and Yancy were practically dragged out by security, both looking more humiliated than ever. Benedict had never been so thoroughly disgraced in his life.