Despite that, Renee had no choice but to meet with Briar, all for Leia's sake."I was actually pretty shocked at the state she was in. Her hair was a mess, and she looked malnourished. And I felt sorry for her…" Renee balled her fists up, a lump rising in her throat. She was inexplicably upset."That's nothing but a facade. That woman is used to acting fragile to gain sympathy. She's actually an evil sociopath deep down. I thought I could fix her if I showed her some genuine love, but… she dragged me down to her level instead!""Hah, you sure are quick to shift all the blame to her. You men are the same. You're just mad because you couldn't handle her.""Looks like Briar is a pitiful woman after all. To think the man who claimed to love her with everything he's got abandoned her in the end regardless." Renee shook her head, sighing.Due to their similar experiences with men, Renee somehow empathized with Briar at some point in time, despite being rivals."She used my tape with Le
Renee returned to the Carmine Pawnshop after destroying the tape thoroughly. She headed to bed with a heavy heart.She was especially restless for the entire night, with several dreams popping in her head during her slumber.In her dreams, Briar crawled out of the sea with messy hair, with her limbs dislocated and her bones penetrating through her flesh. She then cackled eerily, her face completely drenched in blood."Hahaha, Renee Everheart, your days are numbered… I may not have been able to compete against you when I was alive, but I can drag you down to hell with me as a ghost!" Briar screeched as her bloodied face inched closer to Renee, to the point she seemed to be hovering right above her.The suffocating pain consumed the woman's chest. She flung her arms around in panic, screaming, "No! Don't come near me!""Ms. Ren! Ms. Ren! Wake up! The sun is up!" Margaret worriedly held her hand, sitting by her bed. "Argh!" Renee felt like she was pulled out of an abyss as her eyes
Quinton was reading the newspapers at the time, and as he lowered his hands, a sharp glare was revealed."I… I'm just going to tend to some work in the company. There's going to be a lot of new projects coming in, so I figured I should head back to work after such a long vacation.""You're my sister. As long as I'm here to provide for you, you can have a lifelong vacation if you so, please. Besides, it's been quite dangerous lately, so I'd say you should rest a little longer before returning to your work."Quinton was considered the current head of the Everheart family, hence somehow taking up the father figure role. He couldn't help but wish he could place Renee under lockdown forever just to ensure her safety. After all, Beach City was currently in an ever-changing state. Moreover, he had made many enemies in the past and was very worried that his sister would be dragged into his mess."Oh, now you're just being dramatic. I'm not a weakling! If anyone dares to try something on
"Haha, why else? It's because Shirley is practically your clone!" The manager slapped the woman on the back excitedly. "You just look so alike! Everyone in our industry is saying how Shirley is your stand-in too." "Shirley's debut film was the one that starred the famous Mr. Hunt and was inspired by the trending short story 'Hunt my Everheart.' People absolutely loved it, and that was Shirley's big break…"Renee brushed her hair out of her face and continued replying awkwardly. "Yeah, I've kind of heard of it.""It's a shame that Mr. Hunt is currently going out with Ms. Murphy. Looks like everyone's ship sank…" The manager let out a long sigh, her eyes filled with regret and sympathy.Renee watched as Shirley worked from afar, unable to contain her curiosity. "Is Ms. White still single?""Oh her?" The manager turned to look at Shirley as well, smiling. "She has someone rich, but you can't tell anyone this, okay?""Who is it? Is it Xavier Stuart?" "No, no, think bigger.""Bigg
"Does that mean you like Xavier?""That's not the only relationship a man and a woman could have, you know…" Not intending to stall any longer, Renee told her everything."Basically, my friend likes him, and I think he's fallen for her too. But he's just acting so weird! He likes her, but he doesn't dare to make a move.""So I was wondering if he has some kind of unresolved issues and if it has anything to do with you.""Fell for your friend?" A glimpse of jealousy flashed within Shirley's gorgeous eyes for a split second. She then let out a cold chuckle. "I think your friend must have been assuming things. Xavier loves me very much, and he'd never move on so easily."I did reject him in the past, but something happened later on, and it helped me confirm my feelings towards him. That's why I've decided to be with him. So I'm guessing he rejected your friend because of this.""R… Really?" Renee was dejected after hearing this. After all, everyone knew just how head over heels Xa
As Renee headed towards the parking lot, she found her head heavy, and she was feeling more disoriented the more she walked."Alright, everyone, get in position! And… action!" Behind her was the director giving orders, followed by the sound of the clapperboard.Shirley had already left the waiting area by then, and she now stood by the cliff for yet another shoot.Amongst her dizziness, she noticed Shirley's long hair and white dress. It was rather odd, but she found her looking quite similar to Briar, who she accidentally pushed down this cliff three months ago.Shirley and Briar's faces started merging into one, passing through the group of staff with an eerie smile. She was staring straight at her as blood started dripping out of the corners of her eyes and mouth…"Ah! No! Don't come near me!" Renee screamed as she blacked out, falling straight to the ground.After some time, as she regained consciousness slightly, she felt a bucket of ice-cold water poured onto her face.S
Francine stayed silent, not denying these allegations. Renee had always been a smart woman, which was why she admired her to begin with."Hah, well, I can't blame anyone but myself for this. I was fooled by Star Actress Shirley's innocent demeanor. As expected from her, I suppose, her acting skills are immaculate." Renee gave a thumbs up as she shook her head, smiling sadly."Does that mean you're admitting to all the crimes you have committed?" Francine asked as she tightened her grasp on the railing, her entire body trembling."What crimes?" Renee lifted her head and stared straight at Francine with her usual thorny attitude."What do you think? Do you feel no regret for what your demented brother has done to Stef and Seraphina? He ruined their lives!""You can insult me, but don't you dare insult my brother. I was the one who made the decision to lure Stefan Hunt into the trap. So I'll take full responsibility for what happened."Renee could guess that her brother had definite
There wasn't even the slightest hint of fear shown on Renee's face. She even burst out laughing, as though she wasn't being held captive."You bitch. How could you laugh in the face of death?!" Seraphina fumed, slapping Renee across the face as hard as she could. "What's so funny, huh? Are you not scared?!"A red slap mark slowly appeared on Renee's fair skin, with blood dripping from the corner of her mouth. It seemed quite painful, yet she didn't even furrow her brows. Instead, the woman continued laughing loudly. "Hahaha, I'm laughing because of your stupidity. You're the one staring in the face of death, yet you still act like you have the upper hand! Isn't that hilarious?""You… What do you mean by that?! I'm doing just fine! How dare you curse me?!" Seraphina was actually feeling quite guilty from the start, and hearing Renee's words took her aback. Despite this, she still intended to slap Renee once more, but it was no match for the woman's great reflexes. She kicked her
The three of them rolled their eyes in unison and looked speechless."Look, Liam. She's the top love-struck idiot. She'll never learn though she'd suffered much." Leia shook her head and sighed. She felt sorry for Renee's bad luck and disappointing actions.Although Leia was a love-struck fool herself, she was better than Renee. She would quickly retreat if she found anything wrong unless the guy shamelessly pestered her. Also, he had to show his sincerity. Only then would she forgive him. Renee was way worse. She suffered countless times because of one single man, but she didn't even hate him. She even wanted to ask him if they could start over.No one could be as "humble" as her.Renee used to be a bright and awesome figure, and it seemed like there was nothing she could not resolve. Yet, she lost herself several times because of a man. It infuriated Leia. Leia was not alone in feeling that way. Liam shared her sentiments and gnashed his teeth furiously. "Seriously, I wonde
Silence washed over everyone instantly. It seemed they were waiting for Renee's answer.Mateo, who was unrelated, was all ears too. He wanted to listen to a spicy story before he got killed. After all, it was related to Stefan, the mighty president of Hunt Enterprise. Of course, it would be amazing. However, Renee remained silent after a long while."Hey, silly. Of course, Renee wants to meet Adie and Abby the most!" Leia glared at Liam because the latter had asked the obvious. She also helped to get Renee out of the awkwardness. "Of course." Liam didn't let it go, and kept pressing Renee. "Is there anyone else you want to meet other than Adie and Abby?" "Certainly. Both Quinton and Margaret are very important to Ren. I know Ren can't bear to let them go," Leia casually mentioned other people except Stefan. She knew Stefan's name was too special to Renee. If she mentioned Stefan, Renee might break down. Hence, she could never mention Stefan."No, you're wrong!" Mateo finall
Previously, Amber cared very much about Liam. Later, she wanted nothing but to stay away from him.She had happily planned their wedding and imagined how to lead their married lives. Later, she planned her wedding with another man…and wanted to learn sewing from Liam to sew their wedding suits. It was heartbreaking!Hence, Liam chose a noble excuse to try and ruin the wedding between Amber and Mateo. He kept using pessimistic wedding opinions to influence Amber's thoughts as a traditional woman.True, he hadn't influenced Amber's mind solely out of his selfishness. Women would have more freedom if they stayed single. He dissuaded Amber from getting married mainly for the sake of her happiness, but it didn't cover up his despicable thoughts. Hence, he chose to keep quiet."Wow, Liam! I didn't expect you to fall for her. I thought you were forced to be with her!" While enjoying the fun, Leia forgot about her sadness and fear. Her eyes went wide as she teased Liam. "Hey, you kno
Liam found Leia unlucky and disappointing. He simply stopped talking.A brief silence overcame them. It seemed like they had accepted their fate to get killed as they quietly waited for their death.Macsen had returned to the shop to treat his wound. After struggling for a long while, Mateo failed to struggle free. Macsen's subordinate whipped him several times. "Motherfucker! Just wait. I'll make you pay!" Mateo furiously cursed Macsen's subordinate. Macsen's subordinate sneered. "Hmph. You want to make me pay? I think my boss will skin you alive. It's been a long time since I've seen a lamp made of human skin. We're waiting for a good show!"Leia had closed her eyes, but when she heard that, she shuddered and reopened them abruptly. Her voice was shaky as she asked, "Liam, what's that?" "Uh…" Liam found it too cruel and couldn't bring himself to explain it to Leia. He hated his incapabilities. "It's my fault. I got you guys into this mess. Damn it all!""No, we can't blam
Renee was well aware of the situation and was calm in the face of death. "If Macsen wants to kill us, Benjamin will feign ignorance. I think we're doomed here today.""Whatever. I'm not afraid!" Leia didn't take it too seriously, grinning. "You and Liam are the most important people to me. Although we weren't born on the same day, it's great that we can die on the same day. I want us to be siblings in our next lives!""Silly, you're so optimistic. We're going to get killed, not attending a party! Why are you this happy?" Liam's gloominess and tenseness gradually relaxed because of Leia's optimistic and happy tone. "Yeah, it isn't a big deal. I have no regrets since I can die with you guys.""You guys have no regrets, but I'm unlucky!"Mateo kept sighing. "If I knew, I wouldn't have meddled in this or caught you guys. At most, I'd be suppressed by another guy. But now, I'm about to get killed. I regret it! You have big supporters, don't you? Is there any way to contact either of
When the fight reached an intense moment, Macsen's subordinates managed to surround Liam and Mateo. They were disappointing.Macsen's most loyal subordinate aimed a gun at Liam's head and screamed at Renee, who had gone mad. He tried to threaten her. "Let our boss go, or I'll make you pay a price!" Renee regained her wits and turned to look at Liam. Her mouth was bloody. A helpless sigh escaped her. "Why are you this useless? How could they get you?"Helpless, she slowly got up and let Macsen go temporarily. "Motherfucker! Go to hell!"When Macsen regained freedom, he was no longer a gentleman. He slapped Renee twice with one hand and held his neck with the other. Then, he ordered his subordinates, "Tie them up with the woman on that ship!""Okay!" Macsen's subordinates were obedient. They quickly grabbed a thick and heavy rope to tie up Renee, Liam, Leia, and Mateo together, tying the rope around them thrice."Liam, why are you caught too? You're so useless. We even wanted
Everyone looked at each other in dismay before raising their weapons to attack Renee.Liam ordered his subordinates to fight Macsen's men when he noticed the danger. "Don't hurt her, or I'll fight you!"There were more than ten people from both sides. When they started fighting, the whole jetty was filled with the sounds of weapons and bullets. It was a mess.That battle sacrificed a lot of Liam's subordinates. Gradually, he failed to hold on."Mateo, where are your men? Get them into the fight. If anything happens to Boss, you'll suffer too. That crazy Stefan will kill everyone!"While fighting Macsen's subordinates, Liam wanted to involve Mateo in the fight since the latter was merely watching. Besides, he knew what a man like Mateo, who was good at weighing the pros and cons, cared about the most.As expected, Mateo chose to side with Liam when he heard that this mess would affect his relationship with Stefan.After all, Macsen was the most powerful person in the fort. It wou
"What do you want? I'm warning you! Stay away from me, or I won't go easy on you!"For an unknown reason, a chill ran down Macsen's spine when he saw how fierce Renee looked. He wondered why she was that fierce. She could walk fast even when dragging a sandbag over 110 pounds—she wasn't ordinary.Holding a gun, Macsen flexed his fingers as his knuckles turned white. "I don't care about people's lives! I can kill them if I'm happy, including you!""Is that so?" Renee stubbornly faced the gun and walked forward. She glared at him coldly. "A demon like you should never live. I'll kill you, even if I have to die for it!"She swiftly pounced on and pushed him down despite the heavy sandbag.Everything happened so fast, Macsen was dumbstruck. Renee even managed to knock on his gun. The gun went off, firing a bullet at a nearby stone pillar. It nearly hurt one of Macsen's subordinates. "Oh, you don't care about people's lives, do you? You can just kill them, huh? I'll make you suffer t
Macsen clenched his fists, agitated. For many years, he was mainly responsible for the armed forces of the fort. On the other hand, Benjamin instructed his adopted sons to take care of his business. Previously, Hunt Enterprise promised the Jenkins family many profits under the condition that Renee and Joanne could leave the fort safely. Hence, Benjamin let them go at that critical point despite the humiliation he faced. Afterward, Stefan continued his close cooperation with the Jenkins family. While this happened, the relationship between Macsen and Benjamin grew tenser. Gradually, Macsen kept gathering power to surpass Benjamin one day and take revenge on Stefan.Renee and Leia's sudden arrival at the fort was beyond Macsen's expectations. Although he was getting stronger, he wasn't powerful enough to fight Benjamin and the Hunts. Despite this, he naturally wouldn't give up such a good chance easily. Macsen's revenge was the result of his impulsiveness. He had been reckless,