"Ms. Lacey, it's bad news. The private room is empty. The waiter said they left over two hours ago.""Who arranged this dinner?" Renee asked urgently."It was... Mrs. Simmons, Ms. Simmons' mother. She said she wanted to introduce a big client and apologize to you.""Apologize to me? Without inviting me? What kind of apology is that?" Renee stood up, ignoring her foot pain. "Go to the manager right now. Tell them to save the security footage. Do you know any other drivers in the Grey household who are on good terms with you?""Yes.""Please ask one of them to drive me there.""No problem, Ms. Lacey."Hanging up, Renee threw on a coat and limped quickly to the mansion's entrance.The driver was already waiting.As soon as she got in, they sped towards the restaurant.Jackson, who was about to leave the Grey estate, saw Renee getting into the car and quickly dialed Carl's number.Carl was changing clothes, his shirt unbuttoned as he answered the phone."What is it?""Ms. Lace
Renee followed the signs to the private rooms, with David by her side, scanning their surroundings. "Ms. Lacey, what if the manager doesn't cooperate?" David asked. Renee halted outside a room, her face hardening with determination."Whether he cooperates or not, I'll make him cooperate today!" she declared. With that, she strode toward the hotel's fire alarm and forcefully pressed it.Instantly, alarms blared throughout the hotel, and everyone rushed toward the exits.Renee and David, however, headed in the opposite direction, searching inward. Even after checking the innermost rooms, they found no trace of Susanne and Patrick, not even a familiar face."Ms. Lacey, we still can't find them," David reported. Renee's palms grew sweaty, her body weakening.Could her rebirth not prevent the accident that had befallen Susanne and Patrick?As panic set in, a waiter burst out from a nearby door.Renee grabbed her, pointing at the door. "What's in there?""It connects to the k
It was Jackson.He lowered his leg and stepped aside.A man in all black approached, seemingly restraining something under the harsh fluorescent light, exuding danger.He glanced at Renee on the ground, then pulled her up.Renee winced in pain; her palms had been scraped raw from the fall.The man's eyes swept over her wounds, his deep voice resonating, "Don't move.""But my mom and Uncle Patrick..."Renee tried to pull away to rescue them from the garbage room.Carl signaled to David and Jackson, who rushed in.He forcefully pulled Renee behind him and said, "How can you save anyone like this? Wait here."Then, turning his signet ring, he approached the manager. His deep eyes gleamed with menace.Seeing who had arrived, the manager didn't dare make a sound despite his pain. "M-Mr. Grey."Carl looked down at the manager's sycophantic behavior and placed his polished Oxford shoe on the manager's twisted ankle."Ah!" The manager couldn't hold back his scream."Lies come wit
On the other end of the line, Annie laughed dismissively."What do I want? No wonder you're clueless. How could a woman from the gutter like your mother raise a decent daughter? She's turned you into nothing but a gold-digging tramp. As the future Mrs. Grey, shouldn't I clean up this mess?""You love taking what isn't yours? Well, I'll make you spit it all back out, just the way you took it!""Feeling bad now? You little witch! You deserve every bit of this!"Annie burst into laughter, as if wishing her words could turn into daggers to cut Renee to pieces.Where was the gentle, elegant image the public knew?Renee lowered her eyes, her voice cold. "After all that, you still haven't said what exactly you want.""It's simple. Give up your spot at Mandy's studio. If you do, I promise I'll treat you well from now on, and... your mother too."Annie's freshly manicured nails tapped against her phone screen, making a clicking sound.Contempt mixed with threat in her voice."Annie, I
Renee turned around, meeting Carl's cold eyes."No calling the police."His voice carried an undeniable authority.Under the harsh fluorescent light, his dark eyes accentuated his dangerously handsome face, piercing and severe.Renee clenched her fists, her shoulders trembling. Her face was pale and ashen as she struggled to ask, "Why? Just because they're from the Simmons family? Do we deserve this?""Why am I always the one sacrificed when something goes wrong?""EVERY SINGLE TIME..."Carl remained silent, his expression unnervingly calm.Renee, however, was like a hysterical madwoman. She lowered her gaze, staring at their shoes.A pair of sneakers and a pair of handcrafted leather oxfords - a stark reminder that they were never meant to intersect.She laughed bitterly at herself, mocking her own futile efforts."Fine. No police. I hope you never regret this decision, Uncle Carl."She snatched back her phone and stormed into the hospital room, slamming the door shut.Ja
Renee dismissed Chris's question and went straight to the purpose of her visit.Chris was stunned into silence.After a moment, he hesitantly asked, "Are you certain?""Yes.""Okay."Having achieved her objective, Renee left.Chris closed the door and immediately called Carl."Carl, Renee came to see me.""I know," Carl responded quietly.Chris paused, "You already suspected?""Mm.""Huh." Chris leaned back in his chair, twirling a pen. "Your niece can't outsmart you, but aren't you concerned she might do something reckless?""It's fine."Carl's tone was calm, almost as if he was prepared to support her.Chris grimaced, "Fine, fine. Your niece, your problem. But you didn't have to reveal my name, did you?""Reveal your name how?""Did you tell her I go by Christina? It's driving me crazy!""I didn't say anything," Carl said, his voice dropping.Chris's pen fell to the floor. Suddenly, the room felt cold.He glanced around nervously, "To be honest, I'm considering goi
Carl glanced up casually, but his gaze was intense and possessive.Renee looked stunning in a crimson cocktail dress with a brown leather belt. Her porcelain skin and elegant figure caught everyone's attention. She wore a delicate platinum chain around her slender neck, its subtle sparkle seeming to emanate from her skin, captivating everyone.Mrs. Simmons, Yvette Williams, noticed Carl's gaze and set down her teacup with unnecessary force, causing a clink that drew everyone's attention. Adjusting her branded silk shawl, Yvette turned to Susanne with a polished smile, her narrow eyes betraying a hint of mockery."Susanne, you've gone to such trouble. Your formal welcome is quite impressive. I hope we didn't disturb your rest last night?" Yvette's mention of the previous night caused Susanne to tremble slightly, but Renee squeezed her hand to offer support.Renee met Yvette's malicious gaze with a beaming smile. "Mrs. Simmons and Annie are dressed so formally, so naturally we at th
Yvette's hesitation piqued everyone's curiosity, and all eyes turned to Patrick and Susanne.Susanne's face turned pale, making her lipstick seem unnaturally bright.Patrick gripped her hand, his usually kind face showing discomfort.He wanted to say something, but he had been too drunk yesterday to remember anything. All he knew was what Susanne had told him.Without proof, no one would believe them.At that moment, Renee caught his eye, giving him a subtle signal.Patrick nodded imperceptibly, "It's nothing.""That's good. I'd feel terrible otherwise," Yvette said, patting her chest dramatically.Hearing this, Michael. frowned, "What happened?"Yvette put on a troubled expression. "I heard Patrick had a potential business partner he wanted to impress, so I arranged a dinner for them. Who knew Patrick and Susanne would drink so much? I had to apologetically send the client away.""Then I heard they fell into the dumpster area behind the restaurant. I hear it's full of flies
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