Rebecca was so lazy that she didn't even bother to open the videos and see what comments were written about them. Just watching these videos and the mismatched captions on the thumbnails made her feel suffocated. After locking her phone, she rested in silence. Inside the car, silence prevailed, with only the mechanical hum of the engine breaking the quiet. Occasionally, when Rebecca opened her eyes, all she saw were the passing streetlights. It wasn't until the surroundings became vaguely familiar that Rebecca's inner restlessness began to settle. She felt like a lost child finally finding her way home. As the car approached the familiar breakfast shop not far from her home, her anxious heart finally settled. Home was all that mattered. "Just a little more until I'm home," she thought. She was determined not to close her tired eyes. She feared that if she closed and opened her eyes again, she would not see anything familiar. A few minutes later, the car reached a narr
Rebecca didn't actually think that David would physically harm Susan. Even back in Seardale, when he occasionally encountered women with hidden intentions, he simply had them taken care of. Acts of violence were usually reserved for men. Besides, Susan was just an innocent ordinary person. If not for this coincidence, she might never have crossed paths with David in her life. In the end, it was Rebecca who got innocent people involved. Now, seeing Susan in this state, Rebecca couldn't help but suspect that something had happened to her. After all, it wasn't easy to predict what actions that mad dog might have taken. "I-I'm fine ..." Susan shook her head. Her voice was dry and strained. Despite having a drink downstairs, she couldn't seem to calm down. She was even trembling a little. Susan tried to explain, and it sounded like she was about to cry. "I just haven't calmed down yet. I was too scared. I'm sorry ..." Susan held onto Rebecca's hand and burst into tears.
After conversing with the frightened Susan for a while, Rebecca left the guest room. The room had been set up with fresh clothes, and the bath was ready. Given that Susan was an adult, there was no need for excessive concern. Once she exited the guest room, Rebecca made her way directly to Albert's study. Inside the study, along with Albert, her cousin, Jimmy, was also present. Jimmy appeared to have arrived not too long ago. He was still carrying the chill of a winter night. Upon Rebecca's entrance, Jimmy asked anxiously, "Becca, what's happening? Why did you agree to that lunatic's proposal?" When he stumbled upon the trending topic after work, he was momentarily stunned. Though the video only showed the side profile of the person involved, those familiar with her could easily identify Rebecca. Alongside onlooker-captured videos, two short clips were posted on the official account of the Winston Group. Winston Group—aside from that lunatic, who else would dare to use
"Do you need help?" A straightforward question prompted Rebecca to delete all the words she had typed and hesitate once again. She kept typing and deleting repeatedly. After a while, a voice call popped up along with Maxwell's profile picture. Startled for a moment, Rebecca hesitated briefly, then pressed the answer button. "Mr. Jenkins," she greeted him politely. On the other end, Maxwell seemed to pause for a moment, and after a while, he chuckled softly. He appeared to understand Rebecca's troubles, and without probing into her concerns, he went straight to the point. "I saw what happened online and guessed you might need some help, so I came to ask. "If you need that information, I can send it to your email. Of course, it may not be very useful. I'm also looking into some other things here. If there's new information, I'll send you a copy." Rebecca felt a complex mix of emotions upon listening to his straightforward words. "Mr. Jenkins, thank you." She liste
Everyone's expression darkened upon hearing that; Rebecca wasn't the only one. Susan, seated beside Rebecca, displayed a complexion so unpleasant that it could almost be described as ashen. The mere mention of that name invoked fear in Susan and underscored just how unwelcome the person outside the courtyard was. "What did he say he came for?" Rebecca asked. Claude truthfully replied, "He said he came to see you. He didn't specify further, and I couldn't extract any more information." Rebecca responded coldly, "Don't bother with him. If he's willing to wait outside, let him wait." "But ..." "Claude, if he has anything else to say, tell him that we're only halfway through our meal, and it's inconvenient to add another person midway. We didn't prepare extra food, and it's not a good time for him to join us. "If he's willing to wait until we finish, I'll go out and meet him. If not, ask him to leave, and we can arrange another time and place to meet." Rebecca, perhaps awar
Rebecca clenched her fingers and suppressed her impatience as she responded, "At the moment, I don't have any plans. So, I'll probably stay at home." On a cold winter day, there wasn't any compelling reason for her to go out. David nodded understandingly. "Oh, I see. Since you don't have any plans, might I have the honor of inviting you to go out with me this afternoon?" he asked while turning toward Rebecca. Without hesitation, Rebecca declined. "It's too cold. I don't want to go out." David chuckled lightly and twirled a strand of her hair. In a voice only they could hear, he inquired, "Becca, is it that you don't want to go out, or is it that you don't want to go out with me?" It seemed as if they were an engaged couple deeply in love. Yet, both of them were acutely aware of their situation. Especially in the presence of her older brothers, Rebecca felt a persistent sense of embarrassment. She shot a cold glance at David, pursed her lips, and remained silent. David l
As Albert had expected, David's behavior was reckless. He displayed little regard for rules. In response to Albert's concerns, David remained indifferent. "Albert, you don't have to worry about the Winston family's stance. My mother never disciplined me, and her interference in my marriage now seems unnecessary. As for Mr. Winston Senior ..." A sneer crossed David's face as he recalled the image of Mr. Winston Senior at the hospital—a cunning old fox who relied on others to push his wheelchair. Yet, he still attempted to control his life. It was laughable. He lazily continued, "It's unclear if he'll make it through the winter. This incident has not only fueled resentment from all of you, but even my little affection for him has eroded. What opinions could he possibly offer?" He shrugged while openly expressing his dissatisfaction with Mr. Winston Senior. Despite the fact that Mr. Winston Senior was bedridden and that he had raised David, David treated him like a stranger
Rebecca ignored him and walked forward.David followed behind and walked into the bedroom that had the best position.David was a little surprised by the princess-like decor in the room. No matter how he looked at it, he could hardly relate the style to Rebecca."Is this your room?" David asked in disbelief. He stood at the door instead of rushing into the room.Although he was a carefree person, he wouldn't randomly check out a girl's room.Well, it was better to have boundaries, and it was better not to cross them with people whom he wasn't very close with.Rebecca didn't think too much about it, and she just simply answered, "Yeah. Do you think I have sisters?"David walked in with a smile. "No, but there are other women in your family. I wouldn't know if you'd prank me and bring me to another woman's room."Rebecca almost rolled her eyes at him. "Do you think I'm crazy?"If she was crazy, then she might bring him to another girl's room.That was such a disrespectful thing
Penny didn't have much free time over the past three years.As she had envisioned, during the first year, she honed her acting skills amidst criticism while also working as a translator.Later on, she felt that acting didn't hold much appeal anymore. Moreover, realizing that there weren't any roles left for her, she gradually gave up and moved toward working behind the scenes.She had some work during this period.It seemed that a daring reality show, not caring about potential risks, decided to capitalize on her controversial popularity and invited her to participate in one of their programs.The reason Penny agreed to participate was because the show's first season had a good reputation, and the payment offered was reasonable.Continuously doing translations could be quite tiring. After discussing with Cecilia and weighing the pros and cons, she eventually signed up for this TV show.Unfortunately, she had underestimated the darker side of human nature.The show's production
"Really?" Zane blurted out, staring incredulously at Sam, who nodded calmly. His unruly and carefree demeanor was restrained, and his composed attitude showed that he wasn't joking.Zane fell silent again, furrowing his brow as he intently observed Sam.It was as if he thought everything through in an instant, giving up without hesitation. He didn't even remind Zane of the request from years ago to take care of Penny. Instead, he said this would be the last time he would help out.Logically speaking, this should be a satisfactory outcome for Zane. After all, from any perspective, the Lowe family's scion would only be a burden to Sam.Looking again at Sam's attitude, it seemed he didn't want Penny to know he was the one quietly spending money to handle things behind the scenes.Since there was no plan to meet her, he didn't need to worry about anything after that. If that was the case, it would be better to just end it early.That way, if Sam saw Penny falling in love, getting mar
All those old scoundrels from the Lowe family undoubtedly ranked the highest. Then there was Jessica, the entertainment industry's national goddess, who also played a significant role.Besides them, there were a few minor celebrities who didn't really make the cut.However, as Sam's partner and someone who watched him grow up, Zane privately hoped Sam could find a better girl.So, he advised, "There are plenty of socialites in Riverwood, and Amdale has no shortage of beautiful young ladies, either, and Rookfort isn't much different."You and the Lowe family's daughter haven't even officially met…""Who said I haven't met her?" Sam interrupted him without a second thought.He had even seen her twice. How could Zane say they hadn't even met yet?The first time, she gave him all the money she had. The second time, he spoke up to help her get that role.After these interactions, they could be considered acquaintances.Zane choked up and couldn't find the words to refute.He was s
Because Penny declined his offer, Zane didn't insist. After a bit of small talk, he ended the call.He politely mentioned that if she needed any help, she could call this number again. If he could assist in any way, he certainly would.However, Zanw knew very well that, given Penny's temperament, she would rather give up what she had than actively seek help from a stranger.Yes, to Penny, Zane was just a stranger. He was a person she had met once but didn't really know.This time, Penny didn't respond as coldly as she did when she was 18. Instead, she exchanged a couple of polite pleasantries, mentioned that she would reach out if needed, and then hung up the phone.After that, she let out a long sigh of relief and lay on the lounge chair on the balcony, gazing at the view outside the window.There were fluffy white clouds in the azure sky and the greenery visible in the neighborhood. Sparrows were chirping persistently as they darted through the forest, and the cicadas loudly bu
Although the other person said only one word, Penny could still tell he didn't have any ill intentions.Because of that faint sense of familiarity, Penny didn't hang up the phone immediately. "Hello? May I ask what this is about?"The unfamiliar and distant tone probably made the man on the other end of the phone pause for a moment. It was only after a brief silence that he responded."Young lady, don't you remember me? It's Zane Moran."His voice carried a laugh, with a hint of teasing.Only then did Penny remember who he was, but she wasn't happy at all.Zane meant no harm when that incident happened back then. But despite that, over the years that had passed, he became one of the people and things Penny would rather not recall.Whether it was the exam she missed, the incident where Spencer took her to the hotel against her will, or Zane, who gave her 30 dollars for a taxi ride.She just wanted to hide all of them deep in her memories.The recent events had particularly made
"I'm fine. You all don't have to look so worried. You're making it seem as if something bad is going to happen to me."Penny looked at the two people at the door who were showing a range of expressions, feeling speechless.Cecilia was provoked by her words, and her eyes turned red."We're worried about you. You have no idea what you look like right now. You're almost like one of those disheartened protagonists in novels who hated the world."Penny clicked her tongue twice and said, "Aren't you exaggerating?"She didn't believe it. She was just worried about money. It wasn't like she had become disillusioned with life.Besides, she didn't dislike this world at all. On the contrary, she really liked it.Whenever Penny came across posts online suggesting that all humans should just die, she always felt like rolling her eyes. If they wanted to die, they shouldn't drag others with them.When searching for her own role in movies, TV dramas, and novels, Penny particularly preferred re
Penny's way of clarifying things was to simply tell the truth.Sometimes, trying to cover things up would just lead to needing 100 more lies to continue the cover-up. That would often end up making things worse and more ridiculous.It was better to tell the truth about the situation.To answer the question of why she lashed out at the Lowe family, she briefly explained her experiences over the years.Why didn't she attend the final paper of the college entrance examinations? She personally reopened that old wound.As for that man in the hotel, Penny didn't have much of an impression of him anymore. She only remembered not taking his business card and accepting 30 dollars from him.Why did she show up at that man's hotel room? She wrote it down truthfully—it was her father who personally took her and left her at the hotel, wanting to trade her like a commodity.Every single word was carefully considered and written by Penny.She didn't share much of these things with Cecilia. Th
Once the official statements were released, Penny's career being ruined became a certainty.The only surprising thing was probably that after the film crew issued their statement, the largest investor also requested to withdraw.The film crew was completely shocked, but there was nothing they could do. The scion was willing to lose money just to withdraw his investment, so what could they do?The amount of money in the compensation was nothing compared to the amount that the scion planned to invest. The production team would incur a significant loss.With one less investor, the project's status was essentially downgraded. They had much less room to manipulate their gains now, too.One would understand why the scion was doing this if they used their brain a little.However, the protests from the audience couldn't be ignored, and compared to the investors, it was clearly more important to keep the show going.After all, they could always attract more sponsors, even if the amount o
In addition to the widespread backlash caused by the phone recording, Penny's academic credentials were also scrutinized and exposed.Before the college entrance exam, she had always been the top student in her school and had never ranked anything else.However, in the college entrance exam, she barely passed the minimum mark for key institutions, far below her usual performance.Some people speculated that she had been cheating during regular exams and that her actual abilities were much worse.However, the exam results could be checked online, and the fact that Penny scored zero on the last exam was surprising.It was even more shocking that she was admitted to a top-tier university despite missing an exam. It was truly exceptional.But few people paid attention to this information.After all, the achievements attained through hard work couldn't be faked. Even if the results weren't as expected, it was undeniable that she was stronger than many others.Regarding this topic, t