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
She pressed her lips together without waiting for him to kiss her. Instead, she stood on her tiptoes and bit him first, sinking her teeth into the same spot where her previous bite mark was still faintly visible.Carl barely felt any pain, only letting out a slight click of his tongue, annoyed at being interrupted. Even as the healing wound started to bleed a little again, he seemed unfazed.It wasn't until Renee stopped biting and began to suck on the wound that his eyes darkened with intensity.So that's what she's planning.Renee released his neck and whispered angrily, "Uncle Carl, you should be more worried about explaining this to Annie."Carl tilted his head slightly, catching a glimpse of the fresh bite mark with a fresh hickey in the mirror. He raised an eyebrow."Are you part dog or something?"Renee turned her face away, tears welling up in her eyes and clinging to her lashes. Her stubborn gaze, now tinged with moisture, made her look vulnerable. It was hard to want t
She couldn't hold back any longer and blurted out, "Carl, your neck..."Hearing this, Renee's curiosity piqued. She was eager to see how Carl would react when confronted by the woman he loved.She snuck a glance and found herself staring straight into his deep, dark eyes, a gaze that made her feel an inexplicable sense of danger and intimidation.Carl looked at her, casually brushing his fingers over the mark on his neck. "I bumped into something."Renee's back heated up as she quickly closed the door, leaning against it, struggling to catch her breath.Outside the door, Annie was stunned. This was the first time Carl had ever dismissed her so casually."Is there a problem?" Carl asked, his eyes slightly downcast, his slightly tousled hair falling over his forehead, adding a hint of devilish charm."No," Annie replied, forcing a smile before turning and leaving the bedroom.Her hurried footsteps betrayed her anxiety. She knew for certain that the sounds she had heard through the door c
As soon as Renee returned to school, she received a message from the director about submitting her project. She headed straight to the director's office and was surprised to find Annie already there, along with some other contestants from different grades.Originally, each grade was supposed to have one representative in the competition, but in their graduating class, there were two spots. After all, Carl had a lot of influence and power.Renee approached, but before she could say anything, the director began to scold her."Renee, you're the only one who hasn't submitted your work yet. Stop holding everyone back. Miss Simmons was the first to submit hers."Annie smiled modestly, and Renee knew exactly how Annie operated. If she argued, Annie would just start putting on an act. Renee didn't want to give Annie the satisfaction of putting on a show for everyone.So, she calmly said, "Sorry. I'll show it to you now."She opened her bag and took out her drawing board, but when she ope
On her way back to the dormitory, Renee was stopped by someone.Jackson approached her politely and said, "Ms. Lacey, Mr. Grey is waiting for you in the car. It's time for your follow-up appointment for your hand."Renee let out a cold laugh. "My hand is useless now, isn't it? This way, Uncle Carl doesn't even need to go to such lengths to make me withdraw from the competition."Confused, Jackson responded softly, "Ms. Lacey, Mr. Grey, he...""Uncle Carl should spend more time with his girlfriend instead. It would be better for their relationship. I have other things to do."Renee tried to walk around Jackson, but he quickly blocked her path."Ms. Lacey, Mr. Grey is waiting for you," he reminded her, his tone firm.Realizing that Jackson would continue to remind her until she went, Renee took a deep breath. "Let's go."Jackson nodded and gestured for her to follow. Renee got into the car without noticing the excited figure approaching from a distance, who suddenly stopped upon
Carl walked over to the window, opened it, and tossed a cigarette to his friend. He lit his own cigarette with one hand while his friend accepted the cigarette but didn't light it.His friend watched Carl through the swirling smoke and asked, puzzled, "Who exactly is this woman? She's important enough for you to personally accompany her? When Annie was hurt, you didn't even stay with her for one night. That morning, I saw you coming out of a different room. Was it hers?""Yeah," Carl replied bluntly.His friend nearly stumbled in surprise.He quickly walked over to face Carl and noticed the marks on Carl's collar. At first, he couldn't believe it, but upon closer inspection, he was stunned.Carl? With hickeys? Impossible!Carl had been with Annie for three years, and in all that time, there had never been any sign of physical affection between them—not even holding hands.His friend had known Carl since high school. While Carl went into finance, he pursued medicine, only to disc
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