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
Most dinner guests were seeing this kind of test for the first time and watched with curiosity.Only Annie's eyes welled up as she sniffled softly."Officer, please be lenient. Renee is so young - this could ruin her reputation."The officer responded sternly. "The law is the law. No exceptions."At these words, the designers who had been standing near Renee quickly stepped away, afraid of being implicated.Renee looked at Annie coolly. "Miss Simmons, the results aren't even in. How are you so certain I'm guilty? Are you psychic?"Annie stiffened before wiping her tears. "I'm just worried about you. I shouldn't have interfered."The others glanced around, thinking Renee ungrateful.Renee ignored them, calmly watching the test strip.The officer pulled the strip from the glass.One line, two lines...While everyone was shocked, Annie's eyes widened in disbelief."Impossible! How can it be negative? Absolutely impossible!"People froze - negative? Weren't two lines positive?
Another officer opened Mark's bag and flinched at its contents.Using gloves, he pulled out a processed piece of complete human skin, clearly from someone's back.Several designers immediately vomited.The lead officer blocked the view, instructing, "Don't spread this around. You'll all need to give statements."Annie struggled to control her expression, a vein pulsing at her temple as she backed away.But the police noticed."Miss Simmons, please stay.""Me? Why? I don't know anything..."Before she could finish, she backed into someone.Turning, she looked up tearfully. "Carl, I just wanted to help Renee, but somehow I became the villain.""I understand."Carl spoke softly, reassuringly, handing Annie a handkerchief before shielding her behind him.He addressed the police coldly. "She was with me the whole time. She knows nothing about this. You should focus on your suspects."His cold gaze swept over Renee.Renee startled, looking up. Their eyes met for a second before
Seeing Renee's poor condition, Mandy offered some comforting words before suggesting she get some rest.Neither mentioned the day's events, though they both understood.Back in her room, Renee couldn't sleep.Mark had said she was sold.By whom?Annie clearly knew something when she appeared, but she'd been with Carl the whole time.And what were those confusing fragments in her mind?Try as she might, she had no such memories from either life.The more she thought, the more complex it became, until she realized she was hungry.She picked up the room service menu, but everything was over a hundred dollars.Although Patrick had given her a card, she needed to save for her future.After some thought, she got dressed.Online reviews raved about downtown Brookshire's street food market.A quick search yielded countless recommendations.Renee took an Uber to the nearest food district.The aroma of street food lifted her mood as she checked her phone for recommended spots."S
"Handcuffs come in pairs," Renee said without thinking.The vendor caught on immediately and pulled out another bracelet, snapping it onto Carl's wrist."See! A matching pair! Hold hands and you're handcuffed together."Renee suddenly realized Carl had been holding her hand since the shooting game.She tried to pull away unsuccessfully, then snapped, "You said that on purpose?"Carl didn't deny it, just led her away. "These things are ugly."Ugly, yet he'd tricked the vendor into giving him a matching one.The cheap bracelet looked absurd next to his million-dollar watch.Renee turned around - the men who'd been following her had vanished.She looked at Carl. "Who were they? You must know."Carl paused, his voice cold. "Don't worry about it."“I’ve got to know. If I don’t protect myself, who will?” Renee said angrily."I..."Carl's words faded in and out among the bustling crowd.Renee thought she heard him, but wasn't sure.When she came to, they were in front of a nood
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