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
"Renee..." Quinton moved his fingers as a tear rolled down his cheek. "I've let you down. You must have suffered a lot worrying about me.""Don't say that. I should take care of you since you're my brother. I'm… I'm just glad you're awake!" Renee sobbed as she laid beside him. "I know that I was in a
After Leia spoke, she was overwhelmed with shame. She covered her face and rushed out of the ward. She could not fall in love casually any more. Even with her previous bad experiences, she had never been so hurt in a relationship before! One should never fall in love!Leia had apparently pushed Shirl
"Umm, that..." Renee knew what Quinton meant—he wanted her to get back together with Stefan. She might have considered that in the past, but now, she knew that they had no future together. She couldn't accept a sinister and cunning man who tried to kill her brother, and anyway, Stefan and his family
"Baby?" Quinton's gaze turned cold, and he sneered, "That was my last regret. That baby was a sin, and had no right to come into this world, but she foolishly wanted to deliver it… I would never have let her do such a stupid thing."Quinton's sudden change scared Renee. She swallowed nervously, feeli







