Chapter 002

She was back!

She had actually returned!

Ignoring the confused glances around her, Renee pinched herself hard.

The pain that shot through her body instantly brought tears to her eyes!

"Why are you crying? It's as if our Grey family has wronged you!"

A stern voice came from the front of the room.

Renee snapped back to reality and looked up, meeting the disapproving gaze of Carl's father, Michael Grey.

She immediately lowered her head, appearing as humble as ever, but her body trembled with uncontrollable excitement.

Scornful whispers filled the air around her.

"So young, yet so ill-behaved. Bold enough to drug Carl and climb into his bed, causing a scandal throughout the city. Clearly trying to force Carl to take responsibility, but now too scared to admit it. I wonder who raised her."

"She's not really one of us. Our Grey family would never raise such a shameless person. They've even found her diary online, full of her crush on Carl. How embarrassing! We paid for her college education, and this is how she repays us, acting like a seductress."

"I've said before, we shouldn't allow just anyone into the family. She's clearly a wolf in sheep's clothing, latching onto Carl. Who knows if she learned this behavior or... if it's inherited."

With that, several people glanced sideways at Renee's mother, Susanne Landers, standing at the far end.

Susanne's face turned pale. She glanced at Renee before lowering her head, nearly biting her inner lip raw, but not daring to speak in her defense.

All because of Renee's unique position.

She had become part of the Grey family when her mother remarried, to Carl's second older brother.

So according to the family hierarchy, she should refer to Carl as "Uncle."

But she never did.

Because she wasn't worthy.

In her previous life, Renee had nervously apologized amidst these accusations, indirectly admitting to drugging Carl and sneaking into his bed.

Later, her pregnancy forced Carl to marry her, earning not only Carl's hatred but also the disgust of the city.

Everyone saw her as a woman who would stop at nothing to marry into a wealthy family.

This time, she would rewrite her tragedy!

Renee looked around at the formally seated members of the Grey family, with less timidity than in her previous life.

Just as she was about to speak...

Steady footsteps approached from behind. Everyone, except the family patriarch, straightened up respectfully.

A tall figure walked past Renee.

The butler took the coat from his arm and nodded, "Mr. Grey."

"Mm."

Carl acknowledged coldly, giving a slight nod to the patriarch before taking his seat.

He never once glanced at Renee.

As if she were beneath his notice.

But Renee stared at him intently.

Until he sensed it and lowered his gaze to meet hers.

In an instant, memories from Renee's past life flooded back, causing her body to instinctively tremble with fear. A metallic taste filled her mouth, and she felt as if she were clasping Sarah's hands.

She could never forget his face.

He had sharp features, unfathomable dark eyes, and a blood-red diamond thumb ring on his left hand, which gleamed with a hint of danger.

Just like the man himself - seemingly cold, yet dangerously bloodthirsty.

Carl caught Renee's gaze, his hand pausing as he turned the ring.

Then, a pair of delicate white hands draped over his shoulder, and his coldness returned.

It was Annie.

She had been crying, her eyes red-rimmed, and her delicate face full of grievance.

Everyone was finally present!

Michael, seeing Carl's arrival, picked up his teacup and casually glanced at Renee.

His gaze held a chilling threat.

"Enough of this commotion. Haven't we been embarrassed enough?"

"Renee, you and your mother have lived with the Greys for years. We have treated you well. If you have done wrong, you should admit it."

That was it!

He might as well have openly threatened them.

Michael had never liked Susanne.

Frightened by this, the already timid Susanne lost her composure.

She rushed forward, tugging at Renee's arm, sobbing, "Renee, quickly apologize to your grandfather. Once you apologize, everything will be fine. Don't make this worse!"

Apologize?

Hah.

Susanne didn't know that Michael had no intention of letting them off. He was just waiting for her to bow her head and admit fault, becoming the Grey family's scapegoat for public outrage.

Renee no longer kept her head down. She straightened her back, surveyed the room, and finally looked at Carl.

Their eyes met. His gaze was icy, unmoved.

He seemed to have already anticipated her fate.

But this time, he was in for a surprise.

Under Carl's slightly shifting gaze, Renee stood up on her numb legs and let out a soft laugh.

"Why should I apologize?"

"What did you say?" Michael's face turned ashen with anger, spilling tea from his cup.

Renee spoke slowly and clearly: "First, I didn't drug anyone. Why should I apologize? Second, the person in the photo is so blurry. Why should we believe the paparazzi when they say it's me? Did any of you see me sneaking into his bed? Or did... Uncle Carl see that it was me when he sobered up? If he was sober, how could he possibly cross the line with me? If he wasn't sober, who can prove it was me? Isn't that right?"

As long as she didn't admit it!

Unless Carl was willing to acknowledge it, the woman in that photo could be anyone.

But Carl loved Annie so much, how could he possibly admit it?

He must be desperately hoping it wasn't her last night!

However.

Carl's dark eyes deepened, his ringed hand slowly clenching. Instead of answering Renee's question, he asked one of his own.

"What did you call me?"

"Uncle Carl."

Renee gazed at him coldly, burying all her emotions deep inside.

This lifetime, all her mistakes would end with last night.

"Very well," Carl said softly, his eyes dark and unreadable.

He sat with perfect posture, his arm resting casually on the armrest. His slightly lowered hand was long and elegant, yet hinted at hidden strength.

Without effort, he exuded the aura of someone in command.

His gaze seemed to pierce right through Renee.

Renee pressed her lips together. Even in this second chance at life, Carl's intimidating presence still filled her with fear.

She could only look away.

Michael slammed down his teacup, his beard quivering as he demanded, "Then who was it?"

Renee unclenched her fist and pointed.

"Her."

Annie.

The tears that had been about to fall from Annie's eyes froze, and she visibly started.

Renee's lips twisted into a small smile.

In this life, she would step aside for their enviable love story.

She was curious to see how Carl would react if he ever discovered the true nature of the woman he loved so deeply.