Renee's words triggered a realization in Mandy, and they exchanged a knowing look, both considering the same possibility. But Mandy had her doubts.“What you’re saying makes sense, but without evidence, it doesn’t mean anything. A gemstone worth millions disappearing under our noses—it would ruin my reputation. Who would trust me to design jewelry after that?”Mandy’s gaze was steady, focused on Renee. “Even if I wanted to protect you, others wouldn’t agree. After all, you signed the handover form, confirming the sapphire’s quality. You understand what that means?”Renee nodded solemnly. Mandy was preparing her for the worst: if they couldn’t find proof, Renee could end up as the scapegoat, bearing all the consequences.Taking a deep breath, Renee said, “I understand.”Just then, Renee’s phone rang. She glanced at the number, and a hint of excitement flashed in her eyes. She showed Mandy the screen. “Seems I guessed right.”Renee answered the call, hearing Leon’s voice on the oth
"Renee, I've been good to you all these years. Can't you show some gratitude? I've invested millions in this project for you." Leon lunged forward, grabbing her blazer.Renee slipped out of it to break free. Leon tossed it aside and chased her around the room until he caught her arm. In the struggle, he ripped her sleeve, exposing her pale skin. Taking a deep breath, he sneered, "You smell so sweet, Renee. Let me have a taste.""Get off me! This isn't why I came here!" Renee fought back, driving her knee into Leon's groin. Unlike Carl, Leon wasn't trained for combat, and he couldn't dodge in time. His face contorted in pain as he shoved her away violently."You little bitch!" he spat through gritted teeth.Renee stumbled backward, hitting a table and falling to the floor. Shaking, she grabbed a broken wine glass shard, pointing it at Leon."Stay back! Or you'll regret it!"Leon, clutching his injured groin, sneered through clenched teeth. “Regret it? And what are you going to do
As Renee recognized the familiar presence, she began to struggle.But the arm around her waist only tightened, pulling her firmly against his chest until her entire back burned with his heat.She could feel every rise and fall of his chest as he breathed.Each breath filled her with an inexplicable fear.Suddenly, his commanding voice whispered in her ear: "Who said you could come alone? Did you really think you could walk out of here?"Renee pulled at the arm around her waist, protesting, "Uncle Carl, since when did you become such a control freak? Let me go!"Behind her, his breathing deepened, but he didn't argue.In the next moment, he released her. She tried to run but wasn't fast enough.He grabbed her and tossed her onto the couch.Before she could react, he pinned her down.Under his crisp suit, every muscle in his body was taut and hard, pressing down on her until she could barely breathe.His warm breaths fell on her face, making her skin burn.She tried to push h
As he spoke, he glanced at Renee, his words full of threat.Carl placed the soup bowl in front of Renee, wiped his hands with a warm towel, and finally turned to Leon."You're right, Mr. Clark. A hungry man might do anything, but eating the wrong thing can be deadly."Leon's face darkened, understanding that Carl wouldn't let him have his way.Not wanting to clash with Carl directly, he backed down."Thank you for the advice, Mr. Grey. I'll leave you two to your meal."With that, he left the private room.Renee let out a relieved breath, clutching her spoon as she snuck a glance at Carl."Uncle Carl, why are you here?""Was in the area for dinner," Carl replied expressionlessly.Renee noticed two place settings on the table, realizing he must have been meeting someone.She put down her silverware and stood quickly. "I won't intrude on your dinner. I'll ask the server for fresh settings."Carl frowned, clearly displeased.At that moment, Renee started removing his jacket.
Renee knocked and entered Mandy's office, finding Bella already there.She glanced at Bella but remained silent."You can leave now," Mandy told Bella.Bella hesitated, then politely said "okay" before leaving.After the door closed, Renee was about to explain the situation.But Mandy suddenly slammed her folder on the desk."Renee! Let me be clear - you must take full responsibility for this. The studio won't bear any of the consequences!"Startled by the loud noise, Renee stared at Mandy for a few seconds before regaining her composure. "I'll handle everything," she quickly assured."You'd better," Mandy said loudly.Outside, Bella finished eavesdropping with a smile before walking away.If even Mandy wouldn't help Renee, she must be truly cornered.—At the Clark family's celebration gala...Escorted by security, Renee carried a security box as she followed Mandy into Leon's private room.Besides Renee, Bella and Wendy were also part of the group.Wendy was there on B
Renee glanced at her and nodded.They went to the lobby's lounge area and ordered two fruit juices from a server.Renee stirred her juice with a straw while Wendy rattled on with advice."Renee, just accept it. We can't fight against rich people.""If you run, the Clark family's influence will track you to the ends of the earth. Even selling yourself wouldn't cover those millions.""If... you can fix this yourself, it might not be such a bad thing."In her past life, this was exactly how Wendy had manipulated her, claiming to have her best interests at heart while slowly destroying her self-esteem, making an already introverted person even more insecure.But now...Renee stopped stirring and looked directly at Wendy."Wendy, you really think it's okay to sacrifice yourself and give in?""Of course! We need to know our place. Do you think you're worth more than that sapphire? Mr. Clark is so wealthy - if he's willing to compromise, that's a fantastic opportunity. Others would
Inside the towel was a hotel key card!Wendy took a deep breath, but no amount of breathing could control her raging jealousy.Why did every man seem bewitched by Renee?Even someone like Carl wanted her.How was this fair!Renee held the key card, feigning distress. "Mr. Grey seems to know about my situation. His assistant said if I go to his room, he'll help resolve everything. What should I choose? I suppose most people would pick Mr. Grey?""Choose Mr. Clark, of course!"You cheap woman only deserve someone like that toad Clark!Wendy's voice rose sharply, as grating as a burst balloon.Pretending not to notice her tone, Renee asked, "Wendy, why can I only choose Mr. Clark?"Wendy froze for a moment before starting her manipulation again."Renee, I'm saying this for your own good. Remember, Mr. Clark is our client. If you don't appease him, who knows what he might say about you? It could destroy your career.""Besides, Mr. Grey doesn't really like you. He loves Miss Sim
Renee felt a chill and quickly looked away. He couldn't know anything, could he?No, impossible.Just then, Leon’s voice echoed from the center of the hall.“Thank you all for coming to the Clark family’s celebration. I believe our future will be even more glorious.”Everyone turned to see Leon standing on a stepladder, looking down over the crowd. The real purpose of the champagne tower was suddenly clear.This wasn’t about hospitality—it was a display of power.Most guests were seasoned business people who kept their composure, silently watching Leon laugh from above.At the foot of the ladder stood Travis, the Clark family’s strategist. His usual gentleness was now replaced by a raw, ambitious edge.Maybe this was his true face—a businessman willing to do anything to get what he wanted.Across the room, Travis’s gaze suddenly met Renee’s. She quickly looked away, refusing to engage.When the champagne tower was filled, everyone raised their glasses. After two drinks, Leo