"What do you mean?" Renee's eyes widened."What do you think?" Carl's eyes were as dark as night...In the office, Ms. Johnson glanced at the message from Carl. Indeed, gifts don't come without strings attached.She immediately called the security room. "Turn off the cameras in the elevator.""Yes, ma'am."However, the two in the elevator didn't do anything. Or rather, just as Carl was about to take action, his phone rang.Renee glanced at his screen. It was Annie.She looked up at the man so close to her and reminded him, "Uncle Carl, it's your fiancée."Carl didn't argue or let her go. He simply answered Annie's call.Annie's sweet voice came through the phone. "Carl, the dress you sent is beautiful. I love it. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Ms. Johnson will be wearing my design today, and I want to take some photos with her for promotion. So I'd like to arrive early. When can you pick me up?""Right away," Carl replied, his voice flat and emotionless, yet somehow r
The luxury boutique.After giving her name, Renee was warmly welcomed by the staff. They led her to a seat and served some refreshments."Miss Lacey, please wait a moment. I'll have someone bring your dress for inspection.""Alright."Renee sipped her tea, about to relax when she noticed the screen opposite her broadcasting a live feed of the gala's red carpet.The brand must be sponsoring some celebrity.Renee remembered Carl's words about watching the gala coverage.Why should she?She reached for the remote to turn it off, but a staff member suddenly blocked her view of the screen."Miss Lacey, your dress is here. Please take a look.""Okay."Renee sighed, put down the remote, and approached the dress.Even though she'd worn it once, it still took her breath away.The staff member held up the skirt, smiling. "This dress really suits you, Miss Lacey. Since it's custom-made to your measurements, I doubt anyone else could wear it."Renee's hand, stroking the dress, paused
"Mm."Carl's response made everyone look at Annie enviously.It seemed the mysterious jewelry was Annie's birthday gift.On camera, Annie's cheeks flushed.The reporter moved the microphone closer to her. "Miss Simmons, are you confident about your jewelry design?"Though the question was directed at Annie, she seized the opportunity to express her affection.Her eyes sparkling, she said sweetly, "With Carl's support, of course I'm confident. This piece was carefully designed based on a camellia. Please take lots of photos later."Just as she finished, there was a stir on the red carpet.Someone announced Ms. Johnson's arrival.Annie immediately lifted her chin, ready to receive admiration and praise.Ms. Johnson made a grand entrance in an emerald green satin mermaid gown, perfectly accentuating her alluring figure.But she wasn't wearing Annie's camellia necklace. Instead, she showcased Renee's pearl set, softening her typically aggressive charm.More surprisingly, Ms. Jo
Ms. Johnson stroked her dog's fur and smiled lightly. "What are you thinking? Of course, it's because I use good fertilizer. A little manure water now and then, and they grow wonderfully." "Miss Simmons, your last name is Simmons, not Grey. In this, you're not as clear-headed as Renee." Come back and challenge her when you've truly become Mrs. Grey.With that, Ms. Johnson walked away without even a glance at Annie. Annie couldn't swallow the insult and turned to complain to Carl. But Carl had already left. She could only smile at the cameras, maintaining her goddess image as she hurried after him. "Carl, I..." "I don't listen to time-wasting explanations. You should have known the consequences of designing camellia-themed jewelry," Carl said coldly. "But you could have warned me," Annie stammered, even blaming him. Carl looked at her, his dark eyes narrowing, cold as ice. "If this affects my collaboration with Ms. Johnson, I'll withdraw all investments from the S
Then he can't force me to do anything against my will anymore.She approached the two shop assistants. "Excuse me, who did Mr. Grey have that custom dress made for?"The two assistants looked at her as if they had seen a ghost, letting out a startled yelp."Miss Lacey, you... you haven't left yet?""No, I just happened to overhear...""You must have misheard. We're busy now; please take care."The two quickly ran off.It seemed she wouldn't get any answers.Renee sighed softly and left the store....Originally, Renee had planned to return to the Grey residence and give the dress to Susanne for safekeeping.But just as she got into the car, she received a call from the school's dean."Renee, why haven't you moved out of the dorm yet? You're all out on internships, and we need to renovate the dorms for new students. Come back and move out immediately.""Alright, I understand."Renee suddenly remembered the message in the dorm group chat from a few days ago, reminding her n
It was Carl!His deep voice, wrapped in the coolness of the morning fog, offered her unexpected support.Renee looked up, meeting his intense gaze, momentarily stunned. Wasn't Susanne supposed to be here?Standing barefoot on the cold tiles, she felt a chill jolt her awake."Where's my mom?" she asked."She twisted her back," Carl replied coolly."I can call a cab myself. No need to trouble you, Uncle Carl," Renee said, turning around and hopping on one foot.Behind her, Jackson held up a shoe, pressing a hand to his forehead. "Miss Lacey, your shoe.""Forget it... Whoa!"The morning mist had left a fine layer of moisture on the floor tiles. Renee had only hopped twice before slipping and falling backward.A hand caught her, pulling her back firmly. She crashed into Carl's chest, the impact sending a sharp jolt through her body. His grip on her tightened.He lowered his gaze, his voice hoarse as he leaned in close enough for only her to hear, "Came down without a bra on?"R
Renee's face flushed at the supervisor's comment. She turned, trying to explain. "Ma'am, it's not—"Carl cut her off with a long stride up the stairs, leaving her words trailing behind them.Renee glanced at him suspiciously. For a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of amusement in his eyes, but when she looked closer, they were as cold as ever. It must've been her imagination.Once they reached another flight, Renee began to squirm. "Uncle Carl, put me down. I can walk by myself. I've got shoes now, and I live pretty high up."Carl said nothing, continuing up the stairs.Renee pointed toward the top floor. "I live on the sixth floor. It'll be too much for you.""Third floor."Her eyes widened. "How do you know that?""What do you think?" He paused, his gaze darkening as he looked at her."You've been checking up on me!"Carl narrowed his eyes, exasperated. What exactly was going on in her head?Soon, they reached her dorm room. Reluctantly, Renee unlocked the door and we
Startled by Carl's sudden intensity, Renee's breath quickened as she tried to push him away. But he grabbed her wrist, his fingers brushing over the patch of newly healed skin, a reminder of her recent burn."Is it better now?" His deep voice held a hint of laziness.Renee turned her face away, refusing to speak.Carl reached out and turned her face back toward him, giving her cheek a gentle squeeze. "Are you going to talk properly now?""Uncle Carl, have you forgotten? I'm as stubborn as a mule," she retorted, clearly annoyed.Carl leaned forward, hands resting on the table, suppressing a quiet chuckle. "When I try to speak to you calmly, you don't listen, but you remember everything else I say."His tone was lighter this time, almost playful—a rare occurrence. Renee didn't know how to respond; only moments ago, they were at each other's throats. She lowered her gaze, unwilling to engage further.But Carl wasn't ready to let her off that easily. He leaned in closer, his thumb b