Renee stood there for who knows how long until Susanne's call came through."Mom.""Renee, why did Carl tell me to meet you at the hospital? What happened?" Susanne's voice was full of worry.Renee stared at the stark white ceiling, understanding Michael's intentions."Mom, it's nothing. Just wait for me there," she said wearily."Okay."After hanging up, she saw Mandy approaching."What are you all doing? Get to the meeting!"Everyone hurried into the conference room, afraid of causing trouble.Renee approached Mandy apologetically: "I'm sorry, Ms. Xander, I need to take leave.""Go ahead, sort things out first." Mandy didn't scold her, but glanced at her neck and offered her silk scarf. "Cover up."Renee looked down, realizing Annie had pulled her scarf loose, exposing the fading bite marks and obvious love marks.No wonder her colleagues had given her such strange looks.But was this her fault?Renee touched her neck, then the cursed scarf.Finally, she yanked it off
Michael stood with his hands behind his back, glancing past Renee before fixing his stern gaze on Susanne."Is this how you raised your child? Her tuition increases every year, and Patrick never denied her anything. Is this how she repays us?""All these years, we hoped you'd learn proper manners and be a good wife. You can't even raise a child properly—what are you good for?"His sharp words made Susanne bow her head lower and lower, her neck flushing red with shame, her nervous hands twisting together.Watching this scene broke Renee's heart.Anger burned through her whole body, making even her breath feel hot. Though she had done nothing wrong, guilt made her eyes sting.She knew exactly who Michael really wanted to scold.Once, Renee had genuinely looked up to Michael as her grandfather.When her mother took care of Michael during his illness, Renee had helped a lot too. But in the end, he only quietly warned her:"Don't be so calculative at such a young age."Michael tho
A moment later, outside the hospital room.Michael and Carl walked out together, father and son side by side, their presence commanding.Michael, hands behind his back, asked calmly, "You were with Annie last night?""Yes," Carl replied simply.Michael nodded. "You're not getting any younger. It's time to settle down and start a family. If Annie resolves the mine situation, don't be too hard on the Simmons family.""Understood.""That's enough, don't escort me. Go stay with Annie, and don't let yourself get distracted."Michael didn't say much, but Carl understood the deeper meaning behind his words.As soon as the elevator doors closed, Jackson emerged from a nearby door."Mr. Grey, the butler did check yesterday's security footage from that road.""Travis."Carl stood by the window and lit a cigarette, his half-closed eyes obscured by wisps of smoke.A dangerous aura emanated from him, his dark eyes burning with intensity that made even Jackson, who had served him for yea
"I'll be home in about half an hour," Renee said.She knew it must be her repaired phone. Earlier, she had paid extra to the repair shop owner to prioritize fixing it, not wanting to wait too long."Alright, I'll deliver it to your door in half an hour," the courier replied.As soon as she hung up, Renee immediately caught a taxi home.She met the courier downstairs, signed for the package, and rushed upstairs to open it.As the phone powered on, she felt unexplainably nervous.She had to get to the bottom of everything.But when she opened the photo gallery, she froze in place.Her eyes darted around, losing focus, everything before her becoming a blur.The phone crashed to the floor.She collapsed alongside it, and after a few rigid seconds, desperately picked up the phone to search again and again for what she needed.But everything had been erased from the phone.It was all gone!Renee's mind went blank. When she finally gathered her thoughts, she quickly dialed the re
Renee had never been to a bar before. To blend in, she carefully studied how to do smokey eye makeup online and bought the most popular "party girl" outfit she could find.A halter top and high-waisted pleated mini skirt.According to online reviews, it was the best-selling, most common club outfit.This look would help her avoid standing out while keeping her identity hidden.After getting dressed, Renee took a taxi to the bar.To her surprise, as soon as she stepped out of the car, she drew everyone's attention.Her first thought was that maybe her outfit was outdated.She'd heard that bar-goers were usually fashion-conscious - was her outfit too basic?It wasn't until she walked toward the entrance, hearing whistles all the way, that she realized why people were staring.Renee had read a first-timer's guide to bars online.The first rule was to never let people know it's your first time, or you'll become a target.Her goal tonight was to stay low-key.So she rolled her e
Whistles and cheers from the crowd were endless.The woman moved through the music toward a man in the audience.Finally, she threw off her mask and fell into the man's arms.The crowd was too dense for Renee to see the couple clearly.But when the man embraced the woman, his watch caught the stage lights.CP.The letters, made of tiny diamonds, sparkled distinctively. Renee recognized it instantly.Chris Percy!Then this woman must be Nancy!Renee never imagined that the prestigious Miss Larson would perform such a sensual dance just to please a man.She pocketed her phone and, drink in hand, used the crowd to inch closer to Chris's VIP booth.As the owner, Chris had the best spot in the bar - perfect views of both the stage and the dance floor.Renee glanced at the booth.Chris wore all black, his shirt casually unbuttoned halfway down his chest.Nancy sat on his lap, tapping his chest with her glass."Jerk, you never reply to my messages.""But I'm here now, aren't I
Chris pushed open a door at the end of the hallway, revealing a small courtyard garden connected to the owner's office.The garden matched the modern style of the main hall, each tree and view carefully designed.Just like Chris's double life - completely contradictory.In his hurry, Chris didn't notice Renee behind him.Renee slipped into the garden, hiding behind a decorative rock formation to spy on them.Annie was already waiting under a tree.When Chris tried to take her hand, she pulled away, dodging him."Why are you here? Shouldn't you be busy feeding your little lover?"Annie turned to leave, but Chris grabbed her waist and forcefully kissed her, holding her face."Mmph..."After a brief struggle against his muscular chest, Annie melted into him.Her hands unconsciously began caressing his body.Chris chuckled. "Jealous? Don't worry, Nancy means nothing to me. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't even bother with her.""Who do you think you are? Why would I be jealou
Just then, the client across from Carl raised his glass with a smile."Mr. Grey, you're too kind. I've barely stepped off the plane and you're already throwing such a lavish welcome party.""It's my pleasure. Please, go ahead."Carl extinguished his cigarette and made a welcoming gesture, his eyes cold and distant.Renee froze at these words.She immediately understood these women's purpose - companion drinking, or perhaps more.Her face went pale. She didn't believe Carl hadn't recognized her.Yet he pretended not to see her, even letting others choose first.The client set down his glass and slowly stood up, scanning the line of women before fixing his gaze on Renee.Her breath caught. She bit her lip hard, unconsciously clenching her fists while trying to hide her panic.If the client dared approach her, she'd cause a scene right there, regardless of Carl's business deal!But the man didn't make his choice immediately. Instead, he joked, "Mr. Grey has excellent taste. I'm