Seeing the two greasy, ugly men standing there, Susanne couldn't even begin to imagine the fate of any young woman who might fall into their hands."Officer," Susanne said firmly, "we demand a thorough investigation!"The faces of the two men turned pale when they heard this. The bruises and swelling on their faces made them look even more sinister and frightening. Though they had some notoriety, they were nothing compared to the power of the Grey family. How could they possibly fight back?The two exchanged glances, then decided to throw caution to the wind. With a hint of desperation, they said, "Mrs. Grey, we're men, and after drinking, we couldn't resist when we were tempted. We made a mistake, but for the sake of everyone's reputation, we hope you can be lenient."Susanne's eyes widened in disbelief, her voice rising sharply. "Tempted? Are you trying to say that my daughter seduced the three of you?"The men hesitated, then nodded awkwardly. "Yes, it was Ms. Lacey's intention
"Not a big deal?"Renee let out a cold laugh, her gaze dropping as she spoke. "Officer, you've heard it yourselves. They're denying everything. Ms. Simmons here has even vouched for them. As the accuser, I demand that these three produce evidence to refute the evidence I will provide.""And especially," she added, "I want to see the evidence they claim proves I was 'seducing' or 'tempting' them.""And let's not forget. Ms. Simmons was so sure in her accusations that I was trying to climb the ladder by taking shortcuts. Where is her proof?""You're all law enforcement. I trust your body cams are recording everything they're saying. They can't change their story now, can they?Her words left the three men dumbfounded, their faces paling as they grasped the gravity of the situation. Annie, who had been sitting smugly just moments ago, now looked utterly shocked. What was once a safe position suddenly felt perilous, and it was clear that none of them would escape unscathed.The offic
As Annie wiped away her tears, she inched closer to Carl, her gaze warning the two men to remember whose woman she was.The two men felt their breath catch in their throats and a chill run down their spines as they recalled their companion lying unconscious in a hospital bed. They would rather die than cross Carl Grey, as their lives would be worse than death.With no other choice, they bowed their heads and apologized, "We're sorry, Ms. Lacey. We were drunk and let our desires get the better of us. Please forgive us.""Forgive you?" Renee scoffed coldly. "If I forgive you today, you'll just think you can get away with it. And who knows who your next victim will be? What happened today is your own doing. You chose to believe the wrong words, and now you're paying the price."Her words were laced with sarcasm, causing Annie's face to tighten in barely concealed anger, though she didn't dare speak out. The two desperate men, realizing their careers were on the line, ignored the polic
Annie's cheeks reddened further, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. She didn't dare show her anger, instead forcing a look of hurt as she reached out to grab Carl's hand.Carl casually adjusted his sleeve, avoiding her touch."Carl, I'm your fiancée," Annie pleaded, her eyes glistening.Carl glanced at her coldly. "Yes, fiancée. Not wife."Annie's expression froze, and she stood there stunned.He leaned in slightly. "You're still an outsider. Renee, however, is legally the Grey family's second daughter. At the very least, she's not to be bullied by outsiders. As for our arrangement, we both know the truth."With that, Carl stuffed the number slip into Annie's hand and turned to leave.Annie looked on in disbelief. Unwilling to give up, she stood to follow Carl but was blocked by Jackson's outstretched arm."Ms. Simmons, please sit down.""Carl... Carl..."Unable to push past Jackson, Annie could only grit her teeth and sit back down.Looking at the slip, she realized it wa
She didn't blame Linda for her concerns."Travis, the weather has been quite unpredictable lately. Linda hasn't been feeling well. You should go check on her," Renee suggested, having already thought up an excuse.Travis looked at her with a wry smile. "Alright, I'll head out then.""Take care."After Travis left, Renee became aware of an unpleasant taste in her mouth. The lingering alcohol mixed with the rice pudding nearly made her gag. Despite changing into a hospital gown, the smell of spilled food and drink from earlier was becoming unbearable.Fortunately, she was familiar with the layout of this hospital from previous visits. Renee carefully got out of bed, took a couple of steps forward until she felt the wardrobe door, and opened it to find the clothes Susanne had brought her. She then made her way to the adjoining bathroom.Turning on the shower, she smoothed her hair and bent down, intending to wash it first. But due to her condition, it proved difficult.As she reach
Renee's disheveled hair fell across her forehead and back, making her appear vulnerable. Her face, wet from water, looked pale. Her pink lips, coated in moisture, resembled freshly washed grapes. Water droplets dripped down, soaking her hospital gown.The blue and white striped gown clung to her skin, revealing her elegant collarbone and the fullness beneath her light-colored undergarment in places she couldn't see.Unaware of the situation, Renee only noticed the man's heavy breathing. As he advanced, she stepped back until she had nowhere else to go.He stood before her, his domineering gaze undisguised, like a predator eyeing its prey. Renee held her breath, clutching the signet ring tightly as he raised his hand.Suddenly, a dry towel dropped onto her head."I'm leaving," he said hoarsely."Uncle Carl, your ring," Renee said, extending her hand with the signet ring.Carl grasped her hand, using it to slip the ring back onto his thumb. Renee couldn't understand his gesture. S
Renee wasn't surprised by this turn of events. After all, she had lived through it before in her past life. But going through it again brought her pain and sorrow.She had always tried to choose different paths, yet fate and power still seemed to haunt her like ghosts, controlling her every move.Renee pulled the comforter over herself, not wanting to deal with Carl any longer.Carl left the hospital room and made his way to the designated smoking area, his face expressionless. He took out a cigarette and tapped it thoughtfully against the pack.Before he could light it, Jackson approached."Mr. Grey, we've made progress on your request to investigate Ms. Lacey and Ms. Simmons," Jackson said, handing over a file.Holding the cigarette between his fingers, Carl opened the file.Jackson reported,"These are Ms. Simmons' competition designs submitted to the university, and behind are her previous designs."The styles were completely different.Jackson pointed to the submission dat
Tears welled up in Renee's eyes as she finished speaking.Her roommates, who had been indignant just moments ago, instantly fell into character and began to act in accordance with Renee's acting.Sandy choked up, "Renee, please don't be like this. We will actively cooperate with the treatment. You will get better soon, I'm sure.""That's right, the doctors here are excellent. You have to believe in them and in yourself," Dahlia added, covering her face, unable to bear the sight.Jenny remained silent, quietly wiping away tears, her emotions evident without words.Seeing how pessimistic they all appeared, Wendy realized that Renee's eyes were unlikely to recover. She sniffled, her slender frame trembling slightly, tears streaming down her face as she hugged Renee tightly."Renee, I don't believe it! You will be fine..."To anyone watching, it would seem that Wendy cared deeply for Renee.But Renee knew better. Wendy was only hugging her to hide the gleeful smile on her face.In
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