Jackson returned to Carl's side and spoke quietly, "Sir, Miss Lacey left on her own."Carl paused for a few seconds. "Have someone watch her.""Yes. And..." Jackson leaned closer to whisper something in his ear.Carl responded with a noncommittal hum.He walked over to Annie, reached up to take her bag from the overhead compartment, and draped his jacket over her shoulders."Brookshire is colder than the capital.""Mm-hmm."Annie looked bashful, her eyes full of warmth.Other passengers watched them enviously....After collecting her luggage, Renee found Mandy.Mandy was alone."Annie isn't coming with us.""I know."Renee had expected this.Just then, a commotion broke out nearby.Carl walked through the airport holding Annie's hand, causing a scene similar to a celebrity sighting.Annie glanced at Renee, pulling Carl's jacket tighter and burying half her face in the collar.Her visible eyes were full of triumph.As for Carl, he hadn't noticed Renee. He was focused
Michael looked up, his eyes saying everything.The butler hesitated briefly before bowing in acknowledgment....Evening.Renee changed into modest attire with minimal makeup, aiming for an understated, clean look.After all, as Mandy's employee, she couldn't outshine others.Before leaving, she noticed a trending topic on her phone."Carl Grey and Annie Simmons: An Afternoon of Romance."The title alone told her everything she needed to know.She swiped past it, clicked "ignore," then calmly put on her heels and left the room.She met Mandy in the elevator.Mandy wore a jumpsuit with layered pearl necklaces at the V-neck, looking both elegant and professional.She glanced at Renee. "You didn't have to dress so plainly."Renee smiled. "I like it this way."Seeing her smile, Mandy seemed startled but held back her questions.Checking the time, Mandy complained, "Where's Annie? She was the most eager before we came, now she's nowhere to be seen."Just then, Annie appeared
The dinner location had been changed to a more upscale restaurant with better privacy.The entrance alone exuded luxury and opulence.Inside the private room, the long table was elegantly decorated.Mandy exchanged cheek kisses with several foreign guests before taking her seat graciously.Renee followed quietly behind. After just a few steps, a tall figure blocked her path."Hello, miss."Renee looked up to find Mark, one of her favorite Italian designers.Mark - a traditional biblical name common in Italy.Though his designs were innovative and striking.He was known for crediting his muse for his inspiration.Presumably a man devoted to love.Renee was honored when he greeted her, but before she could extend her hand, he embraced her.As his hands slid from her shoulders down her back, she tensed uncomfortably.Thinking it was just cultural differences, she didn't resist.But when he leaned in for a cheek kiss, she instinctively raised her hand to stop him.Fortunatel
The sensation inside her body felt like a roller coaster throwing her toward cotton candy clouds.She knew the comparison made no sense, but that's how her mind perceived it.Pleasant yet unsettling.After studying her for a moment, Mark said, "Exciting, isn't it? Feels good? You match my criteria even better than in the photos."Photos?Criteria?What did he mean?Before Renee could think further, she watched Mark contentedly open a bag he'd placed in the room earlier.When Renee saw its contents, she struggled in terror.Mark approached her with a smile, holding something in his hands....In the private room.Carl was being welcomed by Michael's cousins, who currently managed the mining operation.By family hierarchy, Carl had to address them as Uncle Simon and Uncle Sam.So when they entered, the two elders and their families didn't stand.After all, even their youngest sons were old enough to be Carl's father.Far from the capital, this wasn't Carl's territory to c
Renee watched Mark approach and struggled to fall from the chair, but her body wouldn't move an inch.Mark stopped unhurriedly before her, crouched down, and ran his hands over her face and back."Such perfect skin. No wonder your price was so much higher than the others. Don't worry, I'll be careful."Skin?Renee was startled, struggling to speak through stammers: "W-what skin? What p-price?"Those few words drained all her energy, leaving her limp on the floor.Mark's hands twisted excitedly, as if her words had triggered something thrilling.Suddenly, he leaned close to Renee, his breath heavy with alcohol."Someone sold you.""..."Shocked but desperate to save herself, Renee struggled with all her might."No! No! Stop! You'll leave bruises! Ruin the aesthetics!"He stomped on her struggling fingers.The pain was excruciating, but Renee couldn't scream.Finally, Mark lifted her onto the long table.He took out specially made red rope and bound her face-down.Once ev
Through the coat, Renee heard the sound of fists striking flesh and bones cracking.The scalpel clattered to the floor.Before Mark could make a sound, he collapsed.As her restraints were removed, someone lifted her limp body.When they turned, the coat slipped from her face, and she saw who held her.It was Carl.Like the figure in her mind, his face was cold and pale, but his eyes blazed with murderous intent.Renee slowly raised her hand to touch his face, murmuring unconsciously, "You came for me..."Before finishing, her hand fell as she lost consciousness.Something stirred in Carl's heart. His entire being turned glacial as he looked at Mark with deadly eyes."Jackson.""Yes."Jackson, startled by the killing intent radiating from Carl, hesitated before stepping forward to grab Mark's broken arm and slam him against the table....Later, Renee felt a sting in her arm. She opened her eyes to see a stranger injecting medicine into her vein.She struggled in panic,
Renee froze, not understanding Carl's meaning.It almost sounded like he was asking for her to acknowledge him as her lover.But how could there be anything between them?He loved Annie most - she was just someone he used.To him, she was dispensable at any moment.Renee's chest tightened as she said coldly, "I forgot, you're my uncle."Carl's eyes narrowed, emotions churning beneath the surface. Finally, unable to contain himself, he gripped the back of her head and kissed her fiercely.Their breath mingled as he lost control, leaving no room for resistance.When Renee lost all strength and could only yield, a soft sound escaped her throat."Mm..."Carl's breathing grew ragged as he gripped her waist. "Renee, you're going to drive me mad."Renee frowned, about to speak, but winced when her back touched the wall.Carl seemed to sigh in resignation, pulling her to sit. "Turn around. Let me treat your wounds."Renee wanted to refuse but was too weak to resist.Carl dabbed i
To avoid alarming potential suspects, the police avoided using the word "drugs."But everyone understood the implication.Hearing this, Mandy was startled and shook her head repeatedly."Impossible! You must be mistaken."Before the police could explain further, a voice interrupted."What's going on? Why all the commotion?"It was Annie.She entered, feigning surprise at seeing Mandy. "Miss Xander, you're at this restaurant too? Wait, where's Renee? Where is she?"Hearing someone was missing, the police grew concerned about flight risk - drug users were often unpredictable and could endanger others.The officer demanded, "Who else is missing? Where are they now? Withholding information makes you an accomplice."Mandy frowned, glaring at Annie disapprovingly.Annie covered her mouth apologetically. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to, but Miss Xander, I'm thinking of your best interests. If you're caught harboring criminals, how could you ever hold your head up again? How could you
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