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
Once again, he smeared her reputation to protect Annie.In her previous life, Carl had silenced the rumors by using her after a single night together. He had also used her hard work to pave the way for Annie's success.And now, it was happening again.Renee lost her appetite. She put down her phone, feeling helpless, and turned to look out the window, struggling to catch her breath.Travis, sitting across from her, noticed her change in demeanor and frowned. "What's wrong? You look a bit pale."Renee took a sip of water, trying to steady herself. "It's nothing. I'm just full."This had nothing to do with Travis, and she didn't want to involve him.Travis watched her for a moment, then gently reached out. "You're all grown up, yet you still manage to get food on your lips.""What?" Renee asked, confused.Before she could understand, Travis leaned in and wiped the corner of her mouth with his thumb.Taken aback, Renee instinctively pulled away. "I-I can do it myself.""It's al
When Renee returned to her dorm, her roommates greeted her with a cake and flowers they had prepared in advance."Congratulations! Welcome back!""Thank you."Renee felt touched as she accepted the flowers from her roommates."Renee, I watched the video where you explained your jewelry design. I don't know why, but it almost made me cry.""And when you stood up to Annie, it was so satisfying to watch.""By the way, don't stress about the online drama. We've shared all your past grades, and most people can see the truth. Annie's "accidental" like? I'm sure she regrets it now."Surprised, Renee quickly checked her phone.Although the online discussions hadn't completely turned around, more and more people were starting to see through the situation."Look at her official school record. Are you seriously suggesting Renee slept with every single professor? There are also female professors on that list.""Accidental like? Some people are just incredibly dense. If they had any commo