Renee glanced at Annie, then took two steps forward."Even though we're classmates, are we really that close? Why would I need help from a competitor, especially in a situation like this?"Annie faltered, her expression turning wounded.One of the judges, aware of Annie's unusual background and seeing Carl standing behind her, quickly stood up and scolded Renee. "Renee, you dropped your own work, and Ms. Simmons was just trying to help you. Is this how you respond? Security! Take her out! If you have no work to show, you have no right to be here. Don't waste everyone's time."Annie discreetly wiped her eyes, casting a triumphant glance at Renee.But Renee remained unusually calm. "Who said I don't have any work?"She turned toward Annie and continued, her voice steady and deliberate, "Life is unpredictable. I prepared a second set of samples just in case."Annie's expression stiffened.The next moment, a staff member whom Renee had specifically hired to stand by came onto the s
Only Renee knew that her Sarah was the most wonderful daughter in the world. Since Sarah was old enough to understand, her only birthday wish has been for Renee to be happy.Sarah would always tell her, "Mommy, please don't cry anymore, okay?"She also said, "Mommy, other kids have their daddies help them put on their crowns."Later, when Sarah realized her father didn't care about her, she told Renee that she looked even more beautiful wearing the crown.Thinking of this, Renee's eyes reddened for a moment, but she had promised Sarah that she would never cry again, so she held back the tears.She raised her hand to gently touch the crown on her head, lifting her gaze slightly."Sarah, Mommy made you a crown. Do you like it?"Putting aside the earlier incident, Mandy was genuinely impressed with Renee's skills. Her design and creativity were more innovative than Annie's.Annie's work was good too, but there was one glaring flaw—the overly flashy ring.At that moment, Mandy sud
It wasn't until Mandy said, "Let's continue with the competition," that the tension eased.The host quickly shifted gears. "Thank you, contestants. Please take a moment to rest while we invite the next participant to the stage."Renee descended from the stage with a smile, but Annie quickly followed behind her."Did you know all along?" Annie demanded."Ms. Simmons, what are you talking about? I don't understand. That wasn't your work, so what could I possibly know?" Renee replied, feigning confusion.Annie glanced around to ensure no one was listening and lowered her voice. "Why did the necklace break?"Renee smiled faintly. "You didn't even bother to adjust the specs after copying my design? You can't even plagiarize properly?"With that, she turned to walk away, but after a few steps, she paused and looked back at Annie. "Didn't Uncle Carl warn you not to overdo it when he gave you the design? That ring was truly awful.""Renee Lacey!" Annie was livid, nearly losing her pois
Renee accepted the heavy trophy, her expression blank, as she gazed out at the audience. It felt like an invisible hand was clutching her throat, suffocating her, and reminding her of the challenge of escaping a predetermined fate—especially when facing an opponent with powerful support.But in the next moment, she tightened her grip on the trophy. In her past life, she hadn't even qualified to compete, but now she held a trophy that threatened Annie's victory. Finally, the cursed fate that had haunted her was starting to shift.One day, her desired path would align with her destiny.Renee lifted her head and smiled at the audience, especially at the owner of those dark eyes—Carl Grey.No one could bring her down anymore, unless... she fell on her own.In the audience, Jackson approached Carl and leaned in to report quietly, "Mr. Grey, it's done.""Good."Carl picked up his teacup, locking eyes with Renee, narrowing his gaze to hide his displeasure. Her dazzling smile under the
She might not have intended to target Carl directly, but being photographed next to him would undoubtedly lead to the picture going viral online, giving her the exposure she desperately needed.Lucy understood that people are naturally self-serving, so she wasn't wrong to seize this opportunity.Renee stepped aside and smiled at Lucy. "Go ahead. The ink-wash effect of your dress will complement Mr. Grey in the photo."She even gave Lucy a reason.Lucy hesitated for a moment, then thanked Renee and moved to stand on Carl's other side.Renee positioned herself at the far end.As everyone settled into position for the photo, Carl raised his hand to block the camera.In a low voice, he said, "The contestants should be in the center."With that, he subtly removed Annie's hand from his arm and moved to the far end, right next to Renee.Instinctively, Renee tried to distance herself from Carl, but he suddenly placed his hand on her back.His warmth seeped through the thin fabric, ca
This turn of events was unexpected for Renee. Annie was determined to discredit her and would stop at nothing.Annie knew exactly who had copied whom, yet she was now trying to frame Renee for plagiarism. The word "inspiration" had been cleverly chosen.The reporter reminded everyone that Renee had seen Annie's design drafts before the competition. If Renee confessed to "borrowing," it would imply that Annie was superior and that her own entry needed to draw from Annie's work.If Renee denied it, she would appear stubborn in refusing to admit the truth, casting doubt on the legitimacy of her second-place finish.Annie, attempting to play the peacemaker, chimed in, "Oh, please don't say that. If Renee found inspiration in my work, I'm honored."Then, with feigned sadness, she added, "But the reason I included the sun in my design was because I see the sun as a symbol of Mr. Grey. It's his light that makes everything so wonderful. Knowing that my idea was borrowed is disheartening."
"Don't move," Travis whispered.Renee looked at him, confused. "What's the matter?""You have some confetti in your hair. Let me get it out."As Travis reached out to delicately remove the stray pieces of confetti, his fingers intertwined with her hair, his gaze shifting as he moved in closer to catch a whiff of her hair's fragrance.Realizing their proximity, Renee blushed and quickly shielded her head with her hands."I... I forgot to wash my hair. Does it smell weird?"Travis let out a light chuckle. "No, it smells nice.""Big brother, you're really good at teasing," Renee said, feeling a bit embarrassed."Come on, my car is by the side entrance.""Okay."They walked together, side by side, and Renee instinctively twirled a lock of her hair—a small, shy gesture she did without thinking.Meanwhile, from a distance, Carl observed this with a stern expression, his aura growing increasingly dark and ominous. With a sharp click, he ignited a cigarette, taking a deep drag befor
At the restaurant.After the waiter served the dishes, Renee noticed that all the food on the table was her favorite. She looked across at Travis, her heart filled with warmth and gratitude."Travis, I can't believe you remembered all of this."Travis smiled gently as he ladled a bowl of soup for her. "Of course, I remember. I also know that you have a big appetite, but you hold back at the dinner table at home."Renee looked down at the steaming bowl of soup in front of her, feeling a wave of emotion wash over her. She couldn't help but lift her gaze to the kind and attentive man sitting across from her.She couldn't ignore his fate any longer.In the end, Travis lost everything. He was exiled to a distant country and was never able to return, not even when Linda wished to go back home before she died. Her wish was denied by just one person—Carl.Carl was a ruthless man who showed no mercy. But in her previous life, Renee had been under Carl's tight control and only had fragmen
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