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
"Swing by?"Carl was a busy man—there was no way he just happened to be passing by. He clearly came to accompany Annie. Annie said this deliberately to show everyone how close she and Carl were, expecting everyone to respect her because of it.And it worked."Mr. Grey and Miss Simmons make such a lovely couple.""Indeed, a perfect match. It's enough to make anyone envious."Just then, Renee pushed open the door and entered the room.As soon as she stepped in, the eyes of the industry professionals, who had long graduated from the school, were immediately drawn to her. Their gazes lingered on her face before traveling down her figure, some more subtly than others, but all with obvious interest.Renee knew she couldn't afford to offend these influential people in the industry, so she nodded politely and walked straight to the principal.The principal smiled and gestured for everyone to take their seats. "Now that everyone's here, let's all sit down. Mr. Grey, please take this sea
Unfortunately, the last person Renee wanted to ask for help in this life was Carl.She pulled her gaze away, looked at the glass of liquor in front of her, and without hesitation, tilted her head back and drank it all.Carl's hand froze on his teacup, his presence radiating a cold, forbidding aura.However, the three men in front of Renee didn't notice the shift in atmosphere and instead burst into laughter."Renee, you sure can hold your liquor! Here, have another!""If you drank theirs, you must drink mine too! Otherwise, it's like you're disrespecting me!"And so, Renee was forced to down three large glasses of strong liquor in quick succession. The burning sensation in her throat left her speechless, her hands trembling from the effort of trying to maintain control.Her cheeks flushed a deep red, making her already beautiful face resemble a ripe cherry, glistening with a tempting sheen. The men around her stared at her with predatory eyes, like wolves circling their prey.T
After what felt like an eternity, Carl finally released Renee. She slumped against the wall, breathing heavily. Her flushed lips trembled with each breath, pushing Carl's self-control to its limits. He leaned in again, but Renee turned her face away forcefully."Uncle Carl, what are you trying to do? "Uncle Carl, what exactly are you trying to do? Slap me with one hand and offer candy with the other?""What do you mean?"Carl lifted his hand slowly to wipe the blood from his lips, clearly feeling the sting from her bite. It was obvious that she was genuinely angry.Furious at his indifferent tone, Renee glared at him. "Uncle Carl, how can you ask that? Do I really need to spell out everything you've done for Annie? If you love her so much, why do you treat me like this? Am I so worthless in your eyes that you can use and trample on me whenever you want?""Can you two please leave me out of your love story? I have absolutely no interest in it!""Thanks for the hangover remedy, Unc