Rebecca wanted to throw away her old phone once she got it back. Her hatred for David was very much real. Yet, she spent the four years with him after waking up in the hospital happy most of the time.Seardale was a chaotic and lawless city. Still, David never put her through harsh or unbearable conditions. Rebecca felt her life was way better than most people's once her basic needs were fulfilled. Plus, her friends treated her with the utmost respect or would take her out to have fun like Ellen.If Rebecca had to complain about something, it would likely be that she lived like a mindless baby. Rebecca got everything she wanted. However, she felt uncomfortable demanding things from people. Yet, her uneasiness vanished as the days went by. Her friends won over her trust with their sincerity. They never seemed to hate her for her special treatment. Or perhaps those treatments they gave her weren't as special as she thought.Then again, maybe David and Ellen had already dealt wit
The baby seemed to like Rebecca a lot. She'd always giggle whenever she saw her. It was as though she was close with Rebecca way before being born.Rebecca was happy to play with the baby, too. At two months old, the baby was adorable and no longer looked like the wrinkled prune from when she was at the hospital. She now had fair but also rosy skin, chubby cheeks, and a small mouth with no teeth. Only her gums showed whenever she smiled, which was adorable enough to melt everyone's hearts.Rebecca stopped disliking babies. She spent all afternoon sitting beside the cradle while gazing at the baby. She wanted to keep watching the baby even when the baby was asleep.It was only when the baby needed to eat or poop that Rebecca couldn't help out much. If she tried, it would only cause more trouble. So, she stepped back and sat down for a bit. Later, Sam and Penny returned their baby girl to the cradle and were busy again. That was when Rebecca headed back to gaze in awe at the bab
Rebecca stayed at Sam's place for almost a week.During that time, she also paid attention to online news. Under Daniel's strategic planning, the Winston Group regained its former reputation and status. Its various work departments proceeded smoothly.Apart from the slight stir caused by Darren's death, netizens' heated comments soon died down. As for the eldest son and heir of the Winston family, who was also guilty of many crimes, he had vanished completely.Rebecca last received text messages from David a few days ago. He didn't send anything more after bidding her farewell.Sometimes, she'd cruelly think that he had died somewhere out in the world. There wasn't much discussion about it online. Yet, Rebecca learned from Sam that David and Daniel suffered severe injuries on the day Darren died.Nobody else knew the concealed parts of what happened save for the involved parties. The unknown details included Darren's death. Not many people knew whether he had died from natu
Daniel had gotten used to traveling at any time in his many years of staying in Fairport.Plus, David would be stupid to show his face since he was heavily injured and wanted throughout the country.Daniel was 80% sure Rebecca would be safe if he invited her for a meal. Yet, Rebecca's refusal snapped him to reality like a bucket of cold water. Indeed, Rebecca's safety wasn't 100% confirmed, so he couldn't risk meeting her outside.She didn't directly tell him the reason for refusing him, but he knew why when she mentioned a "rain check."Daniel replied with a simple "Okay" and didn't bother her anymore. Anyone could see the spark of joy in his initially sapped expression. There was a chance they could remain friends since Rebecca was willing to meet him later. Daniel didn't have to spend the rest of his life in regret for his actions from the past years. He'd be satisfied even if he could only see her from afar. He would willingly become nothing more than an unacknowledged sh
A chill struck the company's employees when they heard Rachel's psychotic words. Their sympathetic gazes shifted toward Daniel, their boss.They had long heard about how Daniel narrowly escaped death's clutches. He had inhaled so much smoke and was barely breathing when he got rescued from the fire back then. Daniel had been at death's door.Yet, his mother now spewed such cruel words. She even defended her older son, who had committed countless crimes. Meanwhile, she wished for Daniel to die with all her might.That left a bitter taste in the employees' mouths. Despite being the person who got cursed at, Daniel was much calmer than his employees. He kept his frosty grin while appearing unbothered by Rachel's words.A low chuckle left his lips. Perhaps he had been bored these days. He suddenly felt like chatting with Rachel for a little more. He didn't mind subjecting himself to torture by hearing her cuss him out."Indeed, I've sorely disappointed you by still being alive. On t
Rebecca knew she couldn't avoid these issues after the proposal.Plus, Penny was with them. She was a new female director in the industry and had just won the Best Director Award.The spotlight was inevitably on them.Fortunately, the crowd was respectful and friendly. The people would at most approach to politely ask for a photo or autograph. They didn't do anything extreme.Still, there were too many people in the restaurant. Penny could only take photos with a few before apologizing to everyone and entering the restaurant. The attention didn't last long, but it undoubtedly made the women happy.The family soon entered a private room in the restaurant, and its walls separated them from the excitement outside. Even so, the women's smiles remained. Anyone would like to receive the public's adoration, after all. Penny was no exception. She had accepted this as a slightly tedious but pleasant situation.The family naturally enjoyed their meal.Because Fairport was full of li
Rebecca raised both hands and assured Rachel at once. "Okay, Mrs. Winston. I'll keep quiet and not speak again."She calmly leaned against the backseat and tried to avoid the knife Rachel swung around. Paul hadn't interacted much with Rebecca in the past, but he had several encounters with her. So, he offered her advice out of kindness. "Ms. Rebecca, you're now aware of Mrs. Winston's current state. Regardless of what has happened, she watched you grow up. I hope you can be more understanding and consider her emotions."Rebecca pursed her lips and didn't speak. She only glanced up at the rearview mirror to meet Paul's gaze. Then, she remained obediently seated in the back.She cussed Rachel out in her mind as she felt the sharp pain in her neck. Even so, she didn't voice her thoughts because it was unnecessary, and she valued her life.The car soon arrived at a secluded villa. Judging from the surroundings and the villa's furnishings, this was likely where the Winston family resided
Rebecca fell into a dazed stupor and couldn't respond to Rachel's words immediately. Instead, she refuted the latter in her mind, "What do you mean your son can't return home. What do you mean you don't know if he's alive? Isn't Daniel alive and well at the Winston group?"It took her a moment to realize Rachel was referring to the lunatic, David, and not Daniel. Rebecca felt inexplicably sad at that thought. She and Daniel had grown up together. So, she had witnessed first-hand how Rachel had treated Daniel. Back then, she assumed Rachel was merely being strict. After all, many parents hoped for their children to thrive in life. Rebecca had encountered many parents and teachers like this in school, too.Despite those stern expectations, Rachel had to have space for Daniel in her heart. After all, he was her biological son.Yet, Rachel's current words disappointed Rebecca. A parent may not always treat their children fairly. Still, they shouldn't exclude one of their children
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