Left with nowhere to hide, Rebecca could only shut her eyes in defeat. She had experienced many close brushes with death, so she wasn't too fazed at this crucial moment. Rebecca merely grieved her doomed fate. God kept subjecting her to the same situation, even after she survived every time.It was a pity that she couldn't spend more quality time with her family. She was about to make her parents go through the pain of losing a child again.If Rebecca had known this sooner, she would've lived like an average person instead of returning to her parents. It would have been better if they had accepted her disappearance sooner instead of reuniting with her only to lose her again.Similarly, Rebecca wouldn't be as emotionally attached if she had never felt the warmth of a family. The situation was pure torture. Yet, the pain she expected never came.For a brief second, Rebecca wondered if she was having a nightmare. She only realized what had happened was crueler than her nightma
Rebecca eyed him warily.There was also slight confusion in her eyes. She wondered why David would be so kind and consider those things on her behalf. Yet, her empty stomach growled now that he mentioned it. She hesitated for a second but eventually walked over to sit opposite David.As Rebecca's arm was injured, she could only lean forward to eat off the small coffee table. She initially kept peering at David while eating. After some time, Rebecca felt like she was being too paranoid and just sat on the carpet to eat heartily.When she finished the bowl of chicken noodle soup, she looked up and immediately noticed David's intense gaze.He studied her every move like a predator stalking its prey. It was unclear how long he had been looking at her like that.Rebecca only realized the dangers later on. Her eyes narrowed to slivers with vigilance at David.Once their eyes met, David chuckled. He made himself comfortable on the couch and spoke. "Isn't it too late for you to reali
"Does that mean you're worried about me, Becca?" David perceptively analyzed the meaning behind her words. Then, his smile broadened, and he asked, "Are you that worried that I'll die?"Rebecca was speechless. She didn't say those things because she still had feelings for him. She only stated a logical conclusion after weighing the pros and cons like a regular person. After all, any criminal would flee the country to enjoy life abroad.Meanwhile, David had escaped abroad but returned. It was impossible to understand why he did so. It was impossible to talk to a brick wall. Rebecca finally understood that. Even if David knew what others meant, he would only interpret their words based on his preference. Her head and arm hurt at that moment. Plus, seeing David only frustrated her more. So, she decided to shut her eyes and rest.That was when David chuckled again. "You've slept all day and night. Yet, you're sleeping again after waking up and having a meal? Are you a hibernatin
Rebecca wasn't surprised by this outcome. Either way, she refused to believe anything David said. He wouldn't have dawdled on for so long if he had genuinely wanted to let her go. He would've allowed her to get changed and leave as soon as she awoke. After all, Rachel's level of insanity proved she only cared about her eldest son. Even an idiot could tell Rachel would do anything David asked of her. Since she regained consciousness, David had not once mentioned sparing her. Now, he uttered such vile things to her. To her, David was a liar. He was evidently about to do something wrong, yet still wanted to justify his intentions."David, you can admit everything like you did four years ago. You can come clean about committing arson because you were bored and not because anyone picked on you. I'd still somewhat respect you and think you're honest if you did that."But now? You're behaving like a piece of shit. How could you rationalize your malicious intentions? That's insane! Y
David had just said that when the man outside the door brought some rope.The man had seen Rebecca in Seardale before and knew everyone was respectful toward her.Perhaps he hadn't adjusted to the current situation. So, he stepped forward and politely greeted Rebecca. Then, he motioned ahead and made it clear he wanted Rebecca to get up. Rebecca remained seated, turned, and smirked at David. "Weren't you going to bring me downstairs after your meal? Isn't it too troublesome to do it now?""It'll only trouble you, not me." David's grim, impatient expression had eased up by then. He lazily glanced at her and stated, "I'd stare at you every second of the day if I could, Becca."After saying that, he shot a look at the man in black beside him, opened the door, and exited the room."You know how Mr. Winston's temper is, Ms. Becca. Please don't make things difficult for me." The man hadn't moved once after he motioned her to stand.Rebecca peered at him while her lips curved into a s
David had just unbuttoned all the buttons on his shirt when he heard that. Lips curving slightly, he gazed down at the woman before him. His Adam's apple bobbed, and he ultimately let out a low chuckle. He sat on the couch beside Rebecca, removed his shirt, and tossed it aside. "With your first aid skills? I must be a masochist if I ask you to apply my medication."That was when Rebecca got a clear view of his injury.It went past his ribs and trailed down his firm abdominal muscles like a centipede. The dried blood and scabs were mushed together. It was a horrifying sight. Because the wound was severely torn, David's forehead broke out in cold sweat. He no longer spoke to Rebecca. Instead, he picked up the medicated cream from the coffee table and began dealing with his wound. A wrinkle formed between his eyebrows soon enough. "God, this sucks!"Rachel approached with caution. Her gaze settled on the bloodied gauze David had tossed aside and how he changed out his dressings.
Rebecca indifferently watched as David dealt with the injury on her left arm, bandaged it, and tied a neat knot at the end. Throughout that, she never spoke and only narrowed her eyes at David, who knelt on one knee before her.There was a scar on the latest wound of David's abdomen. However, it looked aged, like faint words carved on a tree years ago.Rachel watched her son kneel from behind. After wiping the tears from her eyes, she couldn't help saying, "David, you're injured, and your wound has just ripped open. Doesn't it hurt to kneel like that?" David couldn't be bothered to respond. He gave a satisfied nod at Rebecca's arm before using his arms to hoist himself up. When he noticed that Rebecca's gaze was on his abdomen, he let out a light chuckle. "Are you reminiscing about the past, Becca?"That snapped Rebecca out of her thoughts. She glanced up at David with a smirk. "Yeah, I was wondering why I was so merciful and didn't let you die on that mountain."David didn't s
After going through so many things, Rebecca had actually learned to let go of a lot of things these days.She even felt that although fate could be predetermined, it was up to individuals to change the course of their lives.The situation right now was nothing more than a gamble.She could be taken by David, and from then on, she would be trapped in Seardale. She'd fight with him day and night while trying to figure out how to escape.Or he would be defeated and captured by the police. Then, she no longer had to be haunted by nightmares and could finally have some peaceful sleep.Rebecca had already said what needed to be said. It was fine if her good intentions went to waste. After all, she was not the one to make the decision.As she said, she had already eaten, and she was not hungry.As for the others, if they preferred to follow David's lead and wait for his instructions before eating, that was on them.At this moment, the only thought in Rebecca's mind was how she could k
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