She raised her voice slightly. "I've also been accepted for an internship at Mandy Xander's studio," she said.Renee was momentarily stunned.Dahlia jumped up. "How is that possible? At least Renee and Annie got into Mandy's studio through the competition. How did you manage to get in?"Wendy shrank back, appearing hurt and scared, fidgeting with her skirt."I... I just happened to have this opportunity. I thought I'd give it a try, and surprisingly, I succeeded.""Renee, please don't be angry, okay?"Wendy cried softly, like a delicate white flower in the rain.Sandy glared at her. "Wendy! Stop talking! Didn't you hear what the doctor just said? Renee can't get emotionally worked up. Are you deliberately trying to upset her by saying these things now?"Wendy whimpered. "I really just got lucky, so I didn't have to work as hard as Renee. When Renee's eyes get better, we can work together. Isn't that great?"Got lucky? Didn't have to work as hard as Renee? When Renee's eyes get
When Renee first woke up, her vision was completely black. Gradually, though, white spots started to appear, followed by blurry silhouettes. By the time Wendy arrived, Renee could see people clearly.Her earlier behavior was just meant to tease Wendy, payback for drugging her milk.Renee lowered her finger and took a bite of the sesame ball. "You all should go about your day. I'm fine now.""But Wendy..." Jenny pointed silently at the door, looking concerned."This is a hospital. She won't dare try anything.""Alright then."The three of them tidied up and left the room.As soon as they were gone, Wendy returned. Her face had returned to normal, but she had an eerie smile.Renee continued pretending to be blind."Renee, the weather outside is lovely. Why don't I help you go for a walk? It might help you relax. Who knows, you might recover faster."Wendy approached the bed, yanked off Renee's blanket, and pulled her out of bed, ignoring her supposed blindness.Renee didn't re
She couldn't accept it!Wendy acted as though she was trying to stand up, but halfway through, she swayed unsteadily and fell towards Carl.Carl took a step back, still holding Renee.Wendy ended up sprawled at their feet, looking disheveled.At this point, most people wouldn't dare to push their luck further, even if they fainted.But Wendy wasn't like most people. She tremblingly reached out and grabbed Carl's pant leg.Her upper body was tilted just enough to reveal what lay beneath her soaked clothes.She made no attempt to cover herself as she looked up at Carl pitifully. "Mr. Grey, I was halfway back when I got worried about Renee's safety, so I returned. I saw her standing by the lake and didn't want to startle her with my voice, so I approached quietly. Who knew that just as I was about to grab her, I would lose my balance and fall into the lake?""Mr. Grey, blame me if you must. It's my fault. I nearly frightened Renee."She gazed at Carl with tear-filled eyes, comple
When Renee heard Carl's voice, she instinctively turned to look.The man before her wore a black shirt. The autumn breeze pressed the fabric against his chest, outlining his perfect physique.Renee's pupils contracted for three seconds before she quickly raised her hand, pretending to be blind."Who's there?" she asked, feigning ignorance and even a touch of panic.As she tried to escape, Carl grabbed her wrist and pulled her onto a secluded path."Let go—"In the cool breeze, Carl leaned down and kissed Renee's parted lips, then casually stared at her wide eyes.With both hands restrained by him, Renee couldn't struggle. She felt his lips punishing hers.As she gradually weakened, Carl released her hands, one arm supporting her waist, the other cradling her head.A moment later, their lips barely touching, he asked huskily, "Who am I?"Renee pushed against his chest, trying to create some distance."I don't know you. Let me go! Or I'll scream for help!""Go ahead. Let's see how loud y
"What happened? Your eyes just healed, and now your foot and hand are injured?" Renee looked at him suspiciously. "How do you know my eyes are better?"The doctor paused, silently examining her ankle. Her throat tightened as Renee slowly said, "Mr. Grey told you." His lack of response confirmed her suspicion.Renee gripped the bed sheet tightly, allowing him to tend to her injuries. She felt like a bird with broken wings, trapped under Carl's control. He did whatever he wanted, then discarded her.A sudden pain in her ankle brought Renee back to the miseries of her past life. The all-encompassing pain, the helpless agony of losing her daughter – she was always in pain, even now. Why did it hurt so much, even without love? Why was it so difficult to break free from this man who toyed with her?The doctor glanced at her, trying to offer comfort. "If it hurts, you don't have to hold it in. It's okay to cry out."Renee remained silent, gritting her teeth through the pain, beads of swe
Emergency Room.Annie had been shaken but had sustained no serious injuries.Wendy, wearing Carl's jacket, stood at the foot of the bed with tears in her eyes, looking even more pitiful than Annie, who had fallen into the water.Annie leaned against the soft pillows and began to cry silently before Wendy could explain."Carl, it's my fault. I thought Wendy was trying to seduce you, so I took your jacket. I... I slapped her.""I never expected she would suddenly go crazy and push me into the lake. If you hadn't arrived in time, I can't imagine what might have happened."Unlike Wendy, who seemed desperate to portray herself as a pitiful innocent flower, Annie wiped her tears with grace, appearing like a well-bred young lady.Both were crying, but it was clear who cried more beautifully.A man like Carl would never pay attention to a woman who only played the victim.Annie glanced at Wendy with a hint of superiority.You'll be begging soon enough!But to Annie's surprise, Wendy
Wendy bit her lip, trembling as she removed Carl's jacket and then struggled to stand up.Annie glanced at her and sneered, saying, "That unattractive figure? No one wants to see it. Get out."Pale-faced and clutching her chest, Wendy left the emergency room. All eyes turned toward her.Instead of fleeing, she hunched over, sobbing as if she were about to collapse.A kind-hearted nurse caught her and asked, "What's wrong?"Wendy curled up and replied, "I... I fell in the water. How can I leave like this?"The nurse quickly embraced her, saying, "I'll get you a jacket. Don't cry." Wendy wept profusely, repeatedly thanking the nurse.The nurse felt embarrassed seeing Wendy in such a pitiful state.Wendy always knew her greatest asset was her ability to appear miserable, and she knew how to use it to her advantage. A few minutes later, wearing someone else's jacket, Wendy calmly walked out of the emergency building.She turned to look at the entrance, touching her sore face.Renee, Annie,
At the Grey Mansion,Upon Renee's return, she immediately fell into a deep sleep. Eventually, hunger roused her, and with limited mobility, she called out towards the door."Mom?""Uncle Patrick?"There was no response. Thinking her voice might not have carried, she reached for her phone but noticed a note on the bedside table instead."Mom's out with your uncle for a business dinner. I've left some snacks for you if you get hungry."Opening the tray, she found three small pastries.Susanne seemed to think she had a bird's appetite.Renee finished the pastries in two bites, but her stomach still rumbled.Reluctantly, she picked up the intercom and called the kitchen."Auntie, is there anything else to eat?""The chef's off duty," the maid replied airily, followed by a yawn, hinting at her impending sleep."I see."Hanging up, Renee chided herself for the futile effort.The Grey family's servants never took her seriously. Why would they prepare food for her in the middle of the night?L
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