LOGINBefore long, Renee and Leia arrived at Water Dock.This place was once a lawless gray zone filled with instability. It had become relatively peaceful and orderly after the true owner of Carmine Pawnshop returned."Wow, this place looks completely different from what I remember! All the vendors are well-behaved, and the people coming and going look pretty decent too. It honestly feels like one of those touristy historic towns!" Leia exclaimed the moment she stepped into Water Dock.At first glance, the streets were filled with dazzling rows of goods. The crowds moved in neat order, and quite a few people were even taking photos and checking in for social media. The only thing missing was a big sign by the dock that read 'Greetings from Water Dock! Wish you were here!'And yet, who would know that this place used to be a completely different world?Back then, killings and robberies happened frequently. The people who came and went were all dangerous figures. Ordinary folks wouldn't
"Why not?" Renee asked.She looked at Jovan and thought that he was a little too stubborn.He had already agreed with what she said, yet he still insisted on talking tough."I don't think love needs to be a game. Take right now for example. I'm the one who likes you. You think that means you've got the upper hand over me. But the truth is, having feelings for you is my main motivation. Even if I have to swallow my pride and act like a simp, and even if you never give me any response, I'd still feel happy just being close to you."He continued talking seriously. "Love itself is only about the person who feels it. Your joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness are all decided by you. So there's really no such thing as winning or losing."Renee froze.Jovan's perspective was interesting. For a moment, she couldn't even argue with it.In the end, she could only smile helplessly. "No wonder you always bounce back no matter how many times you get knocked down. Turns out my attitude doesn'
Stefan didn't argue after hearing that. He simply smiled bitterly."You're right. I'm a coward. I'm used to calculating risks and consequences down to the smallest detail. The dynamic Renee and I have right now is the optimal solution after all my calculations. I just don't dare take another risk."More than anyone else, he knew he had never truly let go of Renee. That was why his pain felt a hundred times clearer than anyone else's.When his emotions surged, he sometimes had the reckless thought that nothing else mattered as long as he could be with her. But that thought usually only lasted for a moment. The instant he lowered his head, logic would take over.Even he didn't know whether that kind of restraint meant he didn't love her or that he loved her too much."Fine. Keep messing things up then. One day when she really runs off with someone else, I won't feel the slightest bit sorry for you. I'll be beating drums and setting off fireworks to celebrate that she finally found s
Stefan sat by the campfire. He nudged a small cluster of flames with a stick. His gaze grew distant as he fell into thought. "Letting her misunderstand me isn't such a bad thing. I'm not exactly a good man anyway. It's much easier for her to hate me than to love me."Although the two of them could now set the past aside and get along peacefully, he knew very well that some feelings were like the sparks flickering in front of him. Give them the slightest chance, and they would flare back into a raging fire.When they burned, the ending would only be destruction.He had worked hard to play the role of the villain perfectly. If he stopped now, all of that effort would be wasted."I don't get you. I seriously don't get you. Sometimes you make me so mad."Xavier plopped down beside Stefan. He grabbed a burning stick from the fire and waved it around irritably."You obviously love her. So why do you keep hurting her? Are you mentally unstable or something?""I never wanted to hurt h
Stefan avoided Renee's gaze. He clenched his fists a little. "I'm not obligated to answer that question."There was nothing going on between him and Briar, but it was true that he had once used Briar to make Renee give up on him.If he explained things too clearly now, all the lies he had told before would fall apart.Given the situation, he had no desire to see the carefully constructed lies he built get exposed. It wouldn't benefit either of them."Well, there you go." Renee spread her hands. "You're not obligated to tell me, and I'm not obligated to tell you."Stefan fell silent.She was right. He no longer had any standing to demand honesty from Renee. Otherwise, it would make him look like a complete hypocrite."I lost. I'll drink."After saying that, Renee picked up a glass and poured the alcohol straight down her throat. Her eyes were full of bitterness.Leia understood Renee's relationship situation better than anyone. She knew Renee shouldn't have to drink that glass,
Leia didn't even need to explain. Everyone present knew that the only man Renee had ever truly been in a relationship with was Stefan.That meant she was technically a winner in this round too.What no one understood was why she'd deliberately claimed she had more than one relationship. Why did she want to turn herself into a loser instead?"You have no idea. I've had more than one relationship. Quite a few, actually. They were just never made known to the public."Even when Leia was trying to defend her, Renee still emphasized that she had more than one relationship.The men exchanged glances. They all seemed very intrigued.Xavier and Steve were fully in spectator mode. Clearly, they hoped Renee would elaborate.Jovan had an amused expression. He was absolutely certain Renee couldn't possibly have had quite a few relationships.If she truly had, he would've been one of them already.Only Stefan seemed to take it seriously. His expression turned cold, and he frowned hard."I
"Pfft!" Renee burst out laughing despite herself.If anyone else had said that, she would not have felt that there was anything wrong with those words, but coming from the giant iceberg, it felt like a big fat joke."Hahahaha! Mr. CEO, did a ghost possess you or something? How could those words come o
Stefan lowered his gaze, staring at the hands around his arm with narrowed eyes. "What's wrong?""People! There are so many people!" Renee looked around anxiously, then tried pulling Stefan into the backseat of the car. As she continued to squeeze in, she mumbled under her breath, "There's so many of
"Sorry to keep you all waiting." Stefan wore a faint smile as he sat down beside Renee, as if they hadn't just argued. Renee glared at him, but could not do anything else since they were both guests there. Finally, she just sighed in annoyance and started eating. The atmosphere at the dining table w
As the two headed to a safer area, Christopher sat her down gently and whispered, "Sorry if I overstepped. I was acting out of panic as well. I hope you understand.""It's alright. I should be thanking you, actually. I was being too rash," Renee replied, calming down and realizing she had momentarily







