Renee felt her body go limp. Before her eyes closed, she glimpsed a black helmet.The man pocketed the syringe, chuckling. "You've got more than just me wanting you dead. Farewell, Renee."...Carl returned to the hospital with food, finding the room empty. He turned and knocked down the guard with one punch."This is what you call protection?""I'm sorry, Mr. Grey. I just went to the bathroom," the guard trembled."Who came here?""The mother and son Renee saved. The nurses said they saw her go downstairs to find them..."Before he finished, Carl was gone.Downstairs, the exhausted mother and son jumped at Carl's fierce approach."Where's Renee?" Carl demanded."Isn't she... resting upstairs?" the mother stammered.Jack pulled away from his mother, picking up an insect from the ground."Mom, why is Blackie here? I gave him to Miss Renee for protection!"Carl followed the insect's trail into the stairwell, finding a small bamboo basket at the first-floor corner."That's
Perhaps Renee's words seemed truly naive to them.Uncle Sam planted his polished shoe beside her, ignoring the dust."Renee, you're officially Patrick's stepdaughter. Visiting the Grey family mine seems natural, and if there's a cave-in, well, that's just bad luck. Who would question it?""Patrick? He's nothing. Even if we kill him too, Michael won't dare say a word.""As for the mine incident, you think those poor villagers can cause trouble? We planned to settle quietly, but they refuse to sign the liability papers. Daring to challenge the Grey family! They'll be next! It's just a hundred thousand dollars - hardly worth my attention."Uncle Simon frowned, interrupting seriously. "Why tell her all this? Get on with it!"Renee realized the quieter Uncle Simon was the real threat.When their eyes met, he narrowed his."Wait - knock her out first!"Renee's heart dropped, her bound hands instinctively clenching.Clever old fox.Afraid she'd resist or survive.Despite her painf
But this same rock, when wedged properly, could hold back the others.However, Renee was now trapped too.Their only exit was blocked.Once temporarily safe, Renee didn't relax, turning to glare at the man half-lying on the ground."Why didn't you move? You lied to me! You..."Renee's angry hand stopped mid-strike.She finally noticed Carl's leg crushed by rocks, blood pooling beneath.She lowered her head, too conflicted to speak.Carl expressionlessly lifted her chin, redirecting her gaze."Just a cut. No bone damage."Renee slapped his hand away, eyes blazing. "Why do you always do this? Being nice to me after all that you did! Should I be grateful? I really hate you!"Carl's raised hand hesitated, then dropped. He remained silent.The mine was too dark to read his expression.Renee turned away, moving to examine his leg.He was right - the bone was intact.But the wound looked agonizing, though he hadn't made a sound.Renee pressed her lips together, tearing off her
Carl released her, silently leaning against the rock.Time passed.Adjusting his position, one leg bent for support, he spoke softly: "Renee, what should I do with you?"Before she could respond to his puzzling words, his head dropped.His forehead pressed against her cheek, and she immediately sensed something wrong.His usually strong frame now trembled with cold.Renee felt around in the darkness, checking his wound.The makeshift bandage was soaked with blood.She tore off another sleeve to bind it tighter.But this didn't help - Carl looked worse.His fists clenched, neck veins bulging, face paper-white, damp hair clinging to his temples.Cold sweat rolled down his face, his eyes hazy with an indescribable allure."Uncle Carl?”"..."Carl didn't respond, his whole body tense, fighting something.Watching him, Renee's heart ached.He didn't have to come, but he did.She unbuttoned his shirt, then her own, hesitating before pressing close.Carl stiffened, his clenc
"Well... I don't understand all that. But their evidence is solid - no one's escaping."Susanne muttered, pushing a slice of fruit into Renee's mouth.Renee knew someone must have helped gather that evidence.Only Carl had that kind of power.Chewing the tasteless apple, she asked awkwardly, "Mom, where's Uncle Carl?""He's de- Ah!" Susanne jumped at the knife nearly cutting her. "You trying to kill your mother?""Dead? How could he die? He just hurt his leg!" Renee's voice shook."I meant he's not dying!""Mom, can you speak clearly?" Renee frowned."Why so worried? Coming back, I had to cover your mouth to stop you calling for your uncle...""Mom! I'm hungry. Could you get me something to eat?" Renee interrupted loudly.Susanne clicked her tongue and left to buy food.After sitting a while, Renee got up to find Carl's room.At his door, she hesitated.Just then, Jackson came out.Their eyes met before she could stop him."Miss Lacey!” he announced loudly.Even the nu
Hearing Michael had arrived, Renee immediately pushed Carl away.With his injured leg, Carl swayed before steadying himself, his dark eyes fixed on her."Go back.""Okay."Renee agreed - this situation needed more than her explanation alone.But before she could leave, the door burst open.Michael entered, his eyes blazing at Carl's injury.Spotting Renee, he struck her face with a resounding slap.“The Grey family raised you up, yet this is how you repay us? Disgraceful!"Still weak, Renee slammed into the wall, seeing stars, blood trickling from her lip.Michael raised his hand again, unsatisfied.But Carl caught it mid-air.The sudden movement tore his stitches, blood soaking through the bandage.Michael's eyes turned vicious. "Carl! What are you doing? After what she did to you, I can't even punish her?""Unnecessary."Carl's eyes swept over Renee's swollen cheek, his face darkening terrifyingly, his grip on Michael's hand tightening.Michael winced, staring at Carl
“Nothing, just figured you had something to say to me,” Carl said, casually puffing on his cigarette.Michael’s brows furrowed even deeper as he studied his son. He desperately wanted to figure out what was going through Carl’s mind, but the more he tried, the more it felt like a thick layer of smoke obscured his view. Still, since the conversation had reached this point, there was no need to beat around the bush.“Your uncles, Sam and Simon, botched this mess badly. Find a reason to get them out of custody, and make sure Renee keeps her mouth shut. We can’t let her tarnish Grey family’s reputation.”Carl flicked the ash from his cigarette and let out a cold laugh. “Is it Renee who’s tarnishing the family name, or someone else?”Michael clicked his tongue in annoyance. “What’s that supposed to mean?”Carl didn’t respond. Instead, he pulled out his phone and played a recording of a conversation Renee had saved. The more Michael listened, the darker his expression grew.“They had n
After taking her medication as instructed by the doctor, Renee collapsed onto the bed, her thoughts fuzzy. She vaguely heard Susanne say she was heading back to the hotel. Renee mumbled a response and quickly drifted off to sleep.But something felt off. Even in her haze, she could sense someone watching her from the bedside. Squinting, she cracked an eye open, saw a blurry figure, and instinctively rolled over.Moments later, her eyes snapped wide open, and she bolted upright. Turning her head sharply, she glared at the man by the bed.“Uncle Carl, it’s late. What do you need?” she asked bluntly.“Have you eaten?” Carl’s deep voice carried a hint of restraint.“I—” Renee was about to answer when Jackson, standing behind Carl, raised a bag and started gesturing wildly, eyebrows practically dancing.“Miss Lacey!” Jackson interjected, all smiles. “Brookshire specialties. Mr. Grey hasn’t eaten yet, so he brought some to share with you.”Jackson knew her well enough to anticipate he
The music was replaced by intimate sounds.Renee froze, thinking she was hearing things, until she turned to see explicit footage playing on the screen.The woman was Annie, with... an athletic dark-skinned man.The man wasn't Connor!Or rather, not just Connor.The next clip showed a different man, a blonde model.In the minute-long montage, Renee couldn't keep track of how many different men appeared.In her peripheral vision, she saw Annie collapse in her white dress."Turn it off! Turn it off! It's all fake!" Annie screamed, her voice shaking.But the screen continued playing, revealing more shocking secrets.Annie was a serial plagiarist - her popular online designs were all stolen.The Simmons family had been exploiting their connection to Carl, taking profits while secretly investing in his competitors, with evidence of numerous bribes.The revelations destroyed the family's reputation completely.Yvette, previously so proud, fainted on the spot.On the red carpet
The manager nodded: "Everything was done as you instructed."The man didn't respond, lighting a cigarette before murmuring through the thin smoke: "She looks best in red."...Two days later.Renee put on the champagne-colored bridesmaid dress. To avoid trouble from Annie, she only applied light foundation and lipstick before leaving.She didn't even check herself in a full-length mirror.Renee took a taxi directly to the city's most luxurious hotel.The hotel was filled with reporters and elite families usually only seen in the media.Such was the magnitude of Carl's wedding.Though Renee was a bridesmaid, Annie had excluded her from all wedding preparations.Annie's sole purpose was to torment her.Just before the ceremony, Renee reluctantly entered the preparation room.After all, Michael had ordered her to fulfill her role.The stylists were stunned when they saw Renee.The seemingly ordinary bridesmaid dress enhanced her natural grace and beauty, looking more like a
Renee turned while adjusting her skirt, meeting Annie's shocked expression."Miss Simmons, how could you open the curtain without my permission? What if I was still changing?"Annie stared at Renee in the white dress, too jealous to speak.Though the style was simple, it made Renee look even more stunning.Even the boutique staff, used to seeing beautiful women, couldn't hide their amazement.Annie clutched the curtain, trying to maintain her smile, when she noticed the handprints on the mirror behind Renee.Her smile vanished completely, giving Renee a resentful look before saying sarcastically: "Renee's bridesmaid dress is so long, it could be mistaken for a simple wedding dress."Renee smiled lightly, knowing Annie would criticize whatever she wore.Seeing Michael's disapproving look, she quickly said: "This is my first time as a bridesmaid. I thought something plain would be appropriate. But if you think this looks like a wedding dress, you should choose instead. You're the
Could she really be this kind?The attendant approached Renee: "Miss Lacey, this way please.""Okay."Renee put down her teacup and stood quickly, eager to escape the suffocating room....Inside the smaller fitting room.Through the heavy curtain, the attendant gestured dismissively at the rack: "Miss Lacey, please choose."Renee flipped through the options - all either bright red, purple, or neon colors, each with plunging necklines and open backs.Apparently all the brand's most outrageous designs were here.She asked patiently: "Are there any others?"The attendant turned away, pretending not to hear, rolling her eyes carelessly.Renee laughed inwardly - of course Annie wouldn't let her off easily.She said directly: "I won't wear any of these. If you don't bring different options, I'll show these to Mr. Grey senior and let him judge your taste as a high-end sales professional. What do you think he'll say about you trying to ruin his son's wedding?""You... wait here!"
The bridal shop was the country's only boutique of a top international brand.Just viewing appointments normally required a year's wait.Of course, someone of Carl's status didn't need to wait.Inside the Louvre-like splendor, the manager had already cleared the store for their arrival."Mr. Grey senior, Mr. Grey, Mrs. Grey."The manager, ever perceptive, immediately used the new title seeing Annie on Carl's arm.Annie glanced shyly at Carl, seemingly waiting for him to confirm her status.Carl didn't acknowledge her, saying coldly instead: "I have an international video call tonight."Clearly meaning: don't waste time.The manager hesitated, instinctively looking at Annie.Annie paused briefly, then smiled graciously, reaching to fix his coat collar: "Don't tire yourself. I could have come alone. I'd rather you got some rest.""No need. Let's go."Carl spoke casually, handing his coat to Jackson before walking ahead.Annie's hand barely touched his coat hem before freezin
After two weeks, her dedication and hard work became obvious, and her colleagues realized ignoring her was pointless.Gradually, everyone returned to their normal work routine.Until Annie reappeared.It was just two days before her wedding to Carl.She was dressed every bit the part of the Grey family's third wife, even her car and driver had been replaced with the Grey family's staff.She publicly blocked Renee's path, saying softly: "Renee, I want you to be my bridesmaid."Renee froze for a moment before pushing away her hand: "Sorry, I'm too busy. I can't be your bridesmaid.""Renee, I've explained to my fans that it was an accident. I don't blame you, and I don't want people thinking there's bad blood between us. Besides... your mother is part of the Grey family. Let's not make things difficult for them, okay?"Annie's seemingly understanding words were actually threats.Threatening her with online harassment, threatening her with Susanne.Renee laughed coldly: "No means
Carl stopped responding. Just as Chris was about to put his phone down, a sketch appeared."How about this?"Chris wondered what had gotten into Carl, commissioning artwork in the middle of the night.Still, he patiently opened the image.One glance left him frozen in shock.Standing alone in the empty hospital corridor made it even more unnerving, sending chills down his spine.He quickened his pace while replying."Exactly the same.""I thought it was young Renee at first, but now I see the difference - those eyes are identical to yours!"Chris closed his office door, taking a sip of water to calm himself.He'd always thought dreams were just illusions, but now... he wasn't so sure."I understand."Carl went silent.Chris was too spooked to sleep all night....The sedative helped Renee sleep well, and she felt less exhausted when she woke.Seeing her mother pouring drinks by her bed, she sat up quickly and grabbed Susanne's arm."Mom, I recognize that doctor.""Whi
Chris jumped to his feet."No! Your injuries just healed, and you've barely rested since returning from Brookshire. Your body can't take it!""Go home. I've already switched to night shift. I'll keep watch, and don't you have your own people here anyway?"He gave Carl a gentle push.Carl rubbed his temples, grunted in agreement, and left the office....Late that night.Carl sat in his study, hands on the armrests, letting a cigarette burn down between his fingers. Smoke veiled his expression.The recording from Wendy played repeatedly on his phone."...So you secretly want to marry Mr. Grey! Have a family of three! Would you want a daughter or son?""A daughter.""A daughter...""A daugh..."When he first heard this recording, Carl felt an inexplicable pain in his heart.Even now, after countless replays, the feeling remained.Listening to Renee's clear, cautious voice, he closed his eyes.As he drifted off, he - who rarely dreamed - found himself standing before a hou
As the last of the drug entered the IV line, the doctor's eyes gleamed with satisfaction.But in the next moment, his eyes widened in disbelief. Before he could even turn around, he collapsed like a powerless robot.As the doctor fell, he revealed the man standing behind him.Handsome, with a deadly aura.Carl wiped his hands: "Take him away."Jackson effortlessly dragged the man out with one hand.Finally, the room fell silent.Carl sat by the bed, carefully peeling back the tape on Renee's hand. The needle had never pierced her skin - it was just for show.He caressed her hand, studying her pale, peaceful sleeping face. Something deep flickered in his eyes before he lowered his gaze, hiding all emotion.He only gripped her hand tighter.After a long silence, he left when his phone vibrated.Carl knocked and entered Chris's office.Chris was smoking. Seeing Carl, he smiled bitterly."Sorry, if it weren't for Connor, none of this would have happened. I'm arranging for him