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
With tears in her eyes, Annie looked at Renee. "I'm sorry, Renee. You go first. I can wait."She bit her lip hard, tears streaming down her face as she repeatedly glanced at Carl.Renee pressed her lips together and started to move forward, but a hand suddenly gripped her shoulder firmly, a blood-red ring glinting with a dangerous, predatory gleam.Carl's voice was cold. "Annie goes in first."Renee spun around, glaring at Carl.Annie looked at Carl affectionately. "Thank you, Carl. I... I can't move very well right now. Can you help me, please?"Without hesitation, Carl stepped forward, scooped Annie into his arms, and carried her into the examination room.Renee watched as the door slowly closed. Just before it shut, Annie turned her head and gave Renee a triumphant smile.Always, always, Annie came first.Renee crumpled up her examination slip and tossed it into the trash, then turned and walked away.Her hand had healed a long time ago; the bandages were just a ruse to mi
"Why don't you give it a squeeze and see for yourself?" Renee suggested, her cheeks puffed out as she chewed on the rib.One of the roommates reached out to touch her, but another quickly pulled her hand back."Renee, thank you for coming. Our dorm was never complete before. We always envied the other dorms.""Yeah, and we never understood why you were always hanging out with Wendy. After all, she... Ow!""Nothing, let's just enjoy the meal," another roommate quickly intervened, trying to lighten the mood with a smile.Renee looked at them and smiled. "I know what you're trying to say. Honestly, I should be the one thanking you.""Why?" the more naive roommate asked, genuinely puzzled."I trusted the wrong person for so long, and yet you still invited me to this dinner. Thank you."And thank you for helping me in my past life."We're just glad you see it now. Wendy had a copy of your key and would often come to our dorm when you weren't around. She said you were okay with it,
Renee shifted her attention to the final roommate, who appeared to be in a state of panic. "I... I'm not in trouble too, am I?" they stammered.Renee, feeling slightly dizzy from the alcohol, waved her hand dismissively. "No, you're fine."With a soft thud, she rested her head on the table, succumbing to the effects of the drinks.Her three roommates burst into laughter."I had no idea Renee was not only beautiful but also kind of cute.""If Wendy hadn't spread rumors, Annie would never have become the campus queen instead of Renee.""Oh, it's already 8:30! We should head back to the dorm."The three of them cheerfully helped Renee up, and together, they made their way back.Renee leaned on her roommates, not completely drunk but feeling an unexpected sense of comfort.The four of them, slightly tipsy and carefree, enjoyed the evening, with a surprising warmth in the autumn breeze.Suddenly, one roommate looked up and exclaimed, "Wow, what a beautiful night sky!"The other t
Renee quickly grasped Wendy's hand, saying, "Of course, I forgive you. I know you didn't have a choice, and I trust you." Renee's smile was warm and genuine, despite the lingering scent of alcohol.Wendy nodded vigorously, but inwardly, she scoffed. How naive. She's still holding onto those small favors I did for her. No wonder she's so easily fooled!Putting on a concerned expression, Wendy asked, "Renee, I heard you're planning to withdraw from the competition? Honestly, it's fine. We can just focus on finding a stable job. No need to push yourself too hard.""Wendy, as my best friend, shouldn't you be encouraging me instead?""I... I'm just worried you're taking on too much, that's all. I didn't mean anything else," Wendy stammered."Speaking of the competition, I noticed someone tampered with my design drafts. You have a key to my dorm room, don't you?" Renee asked, probing her.Wendy immediately started to cry, looking aggrieved. "You think it was me? We've been friends for so man
Susanne and Patrick weren't the type to keep secrets, but Renee had deliberately not told them the competition date because she didn't want them to make a big fuss. That left only one person: Travis. Just yesterday, he had called to wish her good luck. She hadn't expected him to surprise her today.Her roommates eagerly opened the box, revealing a long, silken gown in a shade of smoky lavender. The dress featured hand-sewn beads on the bodice, with pearls of varying sizes that shimmered gently under the light. The waistline flowed into two layers of ultra-thin silk, one darker, one lighter, creating a dreamy, ethereal effect."Wow, this dress is glowing even under our dorm lights! Imagine how it'll sparkle on stage!" One of her roommates mimicked an excited voice, making Renee laugh. "Stop laughing and get dressed! We need to do your makeup too."...An hour later, Renee stood like a doll as her roommates admired her. "You look stunning, Renee. If I weren't a woman, I'd probably fa
As Wendy watched Renee pick up the milk carton, she clinked her own carton against it eagerly."Cheers," Wendy said.Just as Wendy was about to take a sip, Renee quickly snatched the carton from her hand."This brand has several flavors. Let me see which one I like," Renee said, examining the carton. "Oh, Wendy, you bought the same flavor as mine?"Wendy immediately became flustered, her eyes fixed on Renee's hand. With a forced smile, she replied, "We have similar tastes, so I just bought the same one."She then grabbed the carton from Renee's left hand and took a quick sip, as if afraid Renee might want to switch.Renee raised her own carton and took a sip as well. "Thanks for the treat."Wendy watched intently as the liquid traveled up the straw and into Renee's mouth. Afterward, she smiled widely."You're welcome. I'm glad you like it.""Well, I'll head inside now," Renee said, walking into the waiting room with a neutral expression.As the door slowly closed behind Renee