LOGIN"Huh? So this painting actually has that much of a story behind it?" Leia blurted out.As she listened to Renee, her curiosity instantly flared up.She studied the painting carefully. What once seemed ordinary now felt unusually intriguing."I think there must be some kind of secret hidden in this painting. Otherwise, why would your mom play a game like that with you?"Leia rubbed her chin. It looked as if she had turned into a detective who spoke with absolute certainty."I think so too. This painting definitely isn't simple. I was too young back then and didn't think much of it. By the time I actually wanted to study it properly, the Everheart family had already fallen. I guess this painting was sold off during that time."Renee let out a long sigh. Looking at the painting felt like stepping into a time machine. It took her back to the days when the Everheart family was still thriving.Back then, everything had been wonderful. Her parents and grandpa were still alive and well.
Renee and Leia exchanged a glance and swallowed nervously. They wondered what kind of incredible object could be inside that room.Once the door opened, they saw a painting inside a display case."That's it?"Leia was clearly disappointed. She had expected some mysterious rare beast or something more shocking.Instead, it was only an antique painting. The artwork depicted a simple scene of a young woman washing silk. The style was elegant, and it had understated tones for color. It wasn't too different from the antique paintings in museums. It hardly seemed worthy of such tight security."This isn't an ordinary painting," Renee said.Standing in front of it, Renee was instantly captivated. It was as if the entire painting had drawn her in. She stood there for a long time without speaking."As expected, Ms. Everheart has a good eye. This is indeed no ordinary piece. It was painted by a ruler of the Somerian period. There are no authentic works of his left on the market now. The
After the fortune teller finished speaking, he didn't give Renee a chance to ask anything else. He simply lifted his ritual banner and walked away."What was that even supposed to mean? Endings and beginnings? It sounds like he's just being deliberately cryptic. Don't listen to him!"Leia patted Renee on the shoulder and hoped she wouldn't let those words affect her mood.Given how awful Stefan had been, if the two of them really got back together, that would be a complete disaster. As Renee's best friend, Leia definitely didn't want her repeating the same mistakes."Of course I'm not taking it seriously."Renee turned around. Her expression was calm. She chuckled. "What fortune tellers say is basically universal filler. It works on anyone. In the end, mysticism is just psychology.""Exactly! I'm not taking it seriously either. Honestly, I think my breakup was great. I can't even be bothered to care who Xavier is tangled up with anymore. He can do whatever he wants!"Leia took
"What do you think?" The fortune teller asked.He looked at the visibly stirred Leia. His smile carried a deeper meaning. "You and him were a perfect match to begin with. Being together came as naturally as water flowing downstream. There were no real external obstacles, but your inner demons were too strong. That's why you kept pushing him away again and again. It's such a pity.""Does that mean it's really over between us?"Leia swallowed and tried to keep the composure she had been faking all this time. Her voice came out cautious yet urgent."Whether it ends or not isn't up to him. It's up to you. If you want it to end, then it will end. If you don't, you can turn back at any time. He will always be standing where he is and waiting for you," the fortune teller said while stroking his long beard as he gently swayed his head. He was smiling."It's up to me?"Leia pointed at herself. Although she was surprised, the anxiety in her eyes had faded. It was replaced by a barely con
As Renee and Leia walked forward, a voice suddenly called out from behind them."Ladies, since fate has brought us together, how about a fortune reading?"They turned around. To their surprise, there was an elderly man with a graying beard. He was holding a cloth painted with an odd symbol. He had on patched-up clothes, his hair was messy, and he looked like a down-and-out fortune teller."Sir, do we know you?" Renee asked. She studied his face and found it oddly familiar, but she couldn't quite place him.Water Dock was full of all kinds of people. Fortune tellers like him weren't uncommon. Maybe she had run into him before while wandering around, but they'd never really crossed paths."Of course," the fortune teller said before stroking his beard with a mysterious smile. "Not only do we know each other, but I even guided you in life once. And now that I see you again, it seems both of you are entangled in relationships that weigh heavily on your hearts.""Guided me?" Renee thou
Before 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
"That's enough, Stefan!" Renee pushed Stefan away. She could no longer tolerate him. He had grown harsher and colder than when Renee first knew him. He even used such words to harm her closest family. He was inconsiderate toward her feelings, and it broke her heart.Speechless, Quinton stood where he
Stefan might be lacking in other aspects, but he was strong. It was acceptable to make him Renee's supporter who could ease her mind."Forget it. Stop bringing him up!" Leia said.She never anticipated Liam to take Stefan's side one day. Liam had always hated Stefan deeply, so this was preposterous an
"No, they won't!" Renee cried. Renee hurriedly interrupted Joanne's self-denial. She held Joanne's shoulders and began to encourage the latter. "You have no idea how great you were! You were the most popular Cienna teacher in Lone Pine Elementary. You even helped your student to win an essay competi
They carried Renee to their tribe in the dark while singing a war song.There were thatched cottages with many human or animal skulls hanging at the front. The women had thick and heavy ivory bone locks on their mouths. It seemed they were prohibited from speaking casually. It was clear that they wer







