After brewing the tea, Renee carried it into the living room. It was a rare occasion to have so many people gathered together, and even the usually stern face of Michael had softened with a few smiles.Once she had served the tea, Renee quietly stood behind Susanne and Patrick, blending into the background, almost invisible.Just then, Carl walked in, his collar still damp from the spilled tea.Linda noticed and asked, "Carl, you're usually so meticulous. How did you get your clothes dirty?"Carl sat down, picked up his tea cup, and glanced at Renee before replying indifferently, "The cat brushed against me."Linda sipped her tea and chuckled, "That's an interesting cat. Did it manage to hit your lips too?"Carl blew on his tea and casually responded, "Mm. It's quite strong."Upon hearing this, Renee immediately lowered her head, feeling her face grow hotter by the second.After some casual conversation, Mr. Grey mentioned that he was going to take a nap, and the others began t
Michael had always been dissatisfied with Annie's family background, but he valued her image and reputation. Compared to other random women from outside, having Annie by Carl's side seemed a better choice. However, after the recent press conference, Annie proved to be a deep disappointment.Carl remained unruffled as ever, responding with chilling indifference."Mm."Their conversation ended, and they walked away together.Moments later, Annie emerged from behind a rockery, her hands trembling with anxiety as she twisted her dress's hem almost to the point of tearing. She knew she had to win!...Susanne suggested that Renee stay the night, but Renee declined. The Grey family home held no good memories for her. Being there only reminded her of the scorn she faced in her past life and her poor daughter. As dusk approached, she left.However, she hadn't gone far when a sudden gust of wind blew through, darkening the sky ominously. The rain poured down heavily, soaking her to the s
On the way back, Travis received a call from home informing him that his mom Linda was experiencing a flare-up of her rheumatism. The rainy weather always worsened her condition, causing her sleepless nights.Ever since her husband's passing, Linda had spent nearly every day at the church praying, seeking solace, but the constant kneeling had taken a toll on her knees.Renee pointed to the intersection up ahead. "Travis, you can drop me off there. I'll take the subway back to school. I just need to borrow your jacket for a bit.""Renee..." Travis said, feeling a bit guilty."I'm in my twenties now, I'll be fine. But Linda must be in pain right now. You should go back and be with her.""Alright."Travis pulled the car over and adjusted the jacket on her shoulders, reminding her to be careful. Renee nodded and got out of the car.After watching the car drive away, she took the subway back to school. However, the subway station was still a distance from the school, so she had to wa
She touched the jacket she had just put on and, with a slight squeeze, water actually dripped out.How could it be so wet when she had just put it on?Renee turned to look at Carl and saw that his entire left side was soaked, his shirt clinging to his body, outlining an enviable physique.What had happened?As they drove, Carl instructed the driver to turn up the heat and tapped the back screen twice with his fingers. The previously cold Renee felt warmth emanating from all directions, even the seat beneath her was warm.She kept her head down, completely puzzled by Carl's intentions.After a few twists and turns, Carl brought her back to the same apartment as before."Take a shower," Carl said, pulling out a pair of women's slippers from the closet and handing them to Renee.Renee glanced at the slippers and was instantly reminded of the personal items she had seen in Annie's apartment. These were undoubtedly Annie's slippers."I won't wear them."Renee walked barefoot inside
Renee froze, her face flushing involuntarily. She didn't realize that the narrow crack in the door perfectly reflected her image in the mirror. Her long hair draped over her bare back, partially covering her chest, which she was trying to shield with her arms. With each slight movement, it seemed as if she might be exposed at any moment.Carl clenched the ring on his thumb, struggling to suppress the surge of desires within him.Unable to argue further, Renee shut the door with force. Staring at the men's shirt and pants in her hands, she had no choice but to put them on.When she finally emerged from the bathroom, Carl was sitting on the sofa, sipping tea. The fragrance of the tea filled the room, creating a sense of calm.Renee walked over, and as Carl glanced at her, he accidentally spilled half of his tea, perhaps because it was too hot. Yet, he remained composed, merely saying, "Have some tea."He put down his cup and went to take a shower, not saying much else.Renee picked
After speaking, Renee went straight to the guest room.Carl, still smoking, poured himself another cup of tea. He took a sip and frowned at the taste. Lost in thought, he picked up the tea canister from the side table....In the middle of the night, Renee woke up coughing, feeling her throat dry and scratchy. When she tried to sit up, the room spun around her. She had to brace herself against the wall as she searched for some water.After what felt like an eternity, she finally found some water, but her dizziness worsened. Taking a few steps, her legs gave way, and she started to collapse towards the floor.Fortunately, she never hit the ground—Carl caught her and lifted her into his arms."How is your body so weak?" he muttered.Hearing his familiar voice, Renee's body began to tremble uncontrollably, burdened by memories from her past life."No... don't touch me... No, don't touch me..." she mumbled, desperately clutching at Carl's collar.Carl could hear her knuckles crack
Renee broke into a cold sweat, gasping out, "My... my hand..."Carl paused suddenly, taking a few deep breaths as the veins in his neck pulsed. He lifted himself slightly and gently took her hand.But before he could do anything else, Renee swiftly rolled over and wrapped herself tightly in the blanket.A manipulative move.Carl paused for a moment, but instead of getting angry, he simply lay down beside the "cocoon" she had made of herself, wrapping both her and the blanket tightly in his arms. He propped his head on one hand and leaned close to her ear, his voice hoarse and teasing, "How long do you think you can keep this up?"Renee wanted to retort, but her body betrayed her—she had used the last of her strength in that brief escape. Now, as Carl's voice seemed to drift farther and farther away, she slipped into unconsciousness, sinking into darkness.Later that night, Renee's fever spiked again, leaving her in a dazed, feverish state. If Carl had intended to do anything, she
"Carl? Carl!" Annie's voice grew closer from outside the door.Renee's entire body went rigid, cold sweat breaking out across her forehead. The mere thought of Annie walking in on them like this filled her with panic. Annie was cunning and skilled at manipulation—she would never let this go easily. And Carl always protected Annie, leaving Renee with no chance at winning.Renee grabbed Carl's hand, which was still roaming over her body, and pleaded, "Please, don't do this. You love Annie."She tried to remind Carl of his feelings, hoping it would snap him out of it.But to her shock, instead of stopping, Carl slid his hand further under her clothes, his fingertips gliding over her skin, making her shiver uncontrollably. He leaned in closer, his voice a deep, rough whisper in her ear, "It's quite kinky when you call me 'Uncle Carl' in moments like this."Renee was mortified.In her desperation, she decided to go all out and kicked the door with her foot.The loud bang echoed throu
Renee grabbed Jack's hand just as he began to sink.His little face had turned ghostly white with fear."Don't be scared, I've got you."Renee soothed him while supporting his chin.Though only six or seven, he felt heavy, especially with his water-logged clothes. Even as an adult, she struggled.Fortunately, her light dress allowed her arms to move freely.Despite the cold, she gritted her teeth and pushed through.Renee finally managed to swim to the bank with the child, where his mother reached out tearfully."Miss, give me your hand!""Take the child first."Renee felt her strength failing, unsure how much longer she could hold him.His mother thanked her repeatedly while pulling her frozen child to safety.As she reached back for Renee, a thick branch suddenly floated downstream, striking Renee's shoulder.She grunted in pain, her numbed arm releasing the mother's hand as the branch swept her into the current."Miss! Help!" the mother screamed from the bank.Renee s
As Chris said, most people her age operated at 90% energy levels.She barely managed half.He'd even warned her to preserve what little she had.Perhaps this was the cost of her second chance at life.Renee composed herself, trying to stay focused.Carl gestured forward. "Let's move ahead.""Excellent choice, Mr. Grey. Our rare gemstone collection is there," Mr. Declan said eagerly.Carl nodded, walking past Renee.Suddenly, something warm pressed into her palm, startling her.When the others passed, she opened her hand.A pink hand warmer, about the size of her palm.Why would Carl carry something like this?"Renee." Mr. Declan called from ahead."Coming."Renee clutched the warmer and hurried to catch up.The gemstone gallery was dimly lit, with only display spotlights illuminating the cases, leaving everyone in shadows.Renee stood at the edge, politely applauding Mr. Declan's presentation.Through the shifting crowd, a cool presence approached, warm breath at her
Meanwhile.Mandy stood with Mr. Declan waiting for VIP guests, checking her phone three times without reaching Renee."Miss Xander, where's Renee? Wasn't she joining us?" Mr. Declan asked.Mandy smiled awkwardly. "She..."Suddenly, Annie appeared, positioning herself beside Mr. Declan."Renee said she wasn't feeling well and won't come."Mr. Declan frowned but said nothing, tacitly accepting Annie's presence.Though being stood up by a newcomer clearly displeased him.Annie smirked triumphantly.Just then, Renee's voice came from behind."Who said I wasn't coming?"The crowd parted as Renee appeared in a red high-slit gown, like a flame burning into everyone's vision.The shimmering fabric made her skin look like snow.Uniquely adorned with wide mesh overlay and scattered crystals.Her eyes peeked through, utterly enchanting.Annie's smile twitched.Renee smiled at her. "Miss Simmons, you must have misheard. I said I was coming right over."She edged Annie aside and tu
Luckily, Renee spotted Annie's movement in the mirror and dodged just in time.But Annie grabbed her shoulder strap and slashed.Click, click...Pearls scattered across the floor.The dress, held up by the straps, began to slip.Renee clutched her chest and stumbled backward.Annie lifted her chin proudly, smirking as she tossed the razor in the trash, then switched to a shocked expression."Oh my! Renee, how clumsy! You can't be seen like this. Better rest - don't embarrass Miss Xander. I'll take your place with Mr. Declan."With a raised eyebrow, she walked out smiling.Clutching her dress, Renee realized Annie hadn't meant to hurt her - just ruin her dress to humiliate her.She quickly crouched to gather the pearls, hoping to salvage the situation.But the building was historic, with original stone flooring - many pearls had disappeared into the cracks.She found barely a dozen, not enough for one strap.Hearing footsteps, Renee hurried out, holding her dress.She need
During the drive, Renee noticeably relaxed, feeling those watchful eyes no longer on her.The jewelry exhibition was held in a century-old cultural center on the outskirts of town, perfectly preserved inside and out.To maintain the building's historic charm, they'd skipped the red carpet. Even the press conference was held in an open courtyard.Everyone shivered in the cold while maintaining elegant smiles.Mandy joked it was "suffering for art," though everyone had secretly plastered heat packs under their formal wear.After the press conference, they moved into the warm interior.The theme was "Culture and Nature."Creative pieces lined the entrance.Beyond the standard luxury display cases, jewelry took various artistic forms.Gradient gemstone leaves and flowers, a spectacular diamond necklace designed like fireworks, and jewelry butterflies suspended on fishing lines.As Renee admired the displays, Mandy's voice brought her back.Mandy introduced a man to her and Annie
"Renee, the street food market's near the hotel. You should try the local dishes.”Renee completely lost her appetite.So Carl had gone out late at night to gather food for Annie?And stayed in her room to avoid giving his cold to delicate Annie?Renee found it laughable, yet this was exactly what Carl would do for Annie in her past life.She put down her half-eaten toast and gulped down milk."Miss Xander, I'm full. I'll go prepare for later.""Yes. I should go too - the stylist will arrive soon."Mandy also didn't want to hear Annie's chatter.As they left, Annie smiled behind her coffee cup.At the restaurant entrance, Renee ran into Carl entering with two middle-aged men.They briefly locked eyes before Renee turned away without a second glance.Annie's sweet voice drifted after them."Carl, you're here. I'm not very hungry, but I'll keep you company?""Mm."Carl put his arm around Annie and left with the men....Back in her room.Renee found the AC fixed, the ro
Carl gazed at Renee with dark eyes, like a predator ready to strike.Her breath caught. Her fair skin, flushed from the hot shower, had a rosy tint.Her misty eyes held an alluring gleam.He leaned down slowly, less demanding than usual, almost cautious.Renee stared back, mind blank, forgetting to resist.But just as Carl drew near, her nose twitched, and clarity returned.She pushed him away and turned, sneezing."Achoo!"After sneezing, Renee grabbed a tissue to wipe her nose.When she discarded it, she felt warmth - Carl had covered her with a blanket.Carl lay back, eyes closed, his voice husky. "Sleep."Renee rubbed her nose, curling up carefully at the edge of the bed.She'd make do for now - after such an eventful day, she had no energy left.Renee fell asleep almost instantly, but it was too cold.Especially with the warmth radiating from behind her while her side of the bed remained chilly.The contrast made for restless sleep.As she drifted uncomfortably, a
Warm water cascaded over his broad shoulders, droplets spraying, his body wrapped in a misty sheen.Water dripped from his tousled hair and clung to his long lashes. His half-closed eyes held a dangerous glint.Water traced the defined lines of his abs before disappearing below the towel, which seemed to conceal as much as it revealed.Renee instinctively backed away, but there was nowhere to go.She pressed her cool palm against his chest through the water.The contact burned, and when she tried to pull back, he caught her hand."Why are you so cold?""The AC outside seems broken," Renee said flatly.Annie had arranged the room. Renee had noticed issues when she arrived.On the shaded side, the AC fluctuated between hot and cold.The front desk claimed no other rooms were available, offering only a $200 voucher as compensation.Brookshire was colder than the capital - she'd need a thick coat to sleep without heating.Obviously Annie had done this deliberately, but who'd be
Renee hesitated for a moment, but before she could close the door, Carl had already stepped inside.As the door clicked shut, she came to her senses and blocked his path."This is just a standard room with one bed. There's nowhere for you to sleep.""It wouldn't be the first time we've shared a bed."Carl casually moved her arm aside and walked into the room.Renee blushed, suddenly remembering her clothes scattered on the bed. She rushed over to hastily cover them with the blanket.Sitting on the covered clothes, she gestured around. "Uncle, as you can see, it's quite basic here. You should go back - your romantic rendezvous awaits.""My romantic rendezvous? How thoughtful of you."Carl leaned against the TV cabinet, hands in pockets, his tone neutral.Renee gripped the blanket beneath her and pointed to the door. "Uncle Carl, please leave."The room fell silent for a moment. Then the bed dipped, making a soft rustling sound.Renee looked up to find his warm breath on her f