Chapter 1

According to regulations, crematoriums did not allow family members to watch the cremation process.

Giselle Larson paid a sum of money to be there. She was holding onto the cold metal stretcher as she walked into the cremation room.

The air felt hot as if it were burning, and ashes filled the room. It was probably ashes of bones.

Soon, her baby would become the same.

Giselle was dressed in a black long dress. Even though it was the smallest size, the dress still couldn't hide her emaciated figure.

Her eyes were red and swollen from crying, but her gaze was exceptionally calm at that moment.

She reached out and touched the pale, stiff small hand under the white cloth. She placed two pink origami stars in her daughter's palm.

"Stella, wait for me."

It was time for the cremation. A staff member stepped forward and pulled Giselle away. Then, he took away the white cloth, revealing Stella's face.

She was already eight years old, but she was still skinny and small. Her ribs were obviously protruding. Below her ribs, there was a sunken spot.

Giselle's eyes welled up with tears again as she stared at the sunken spot.

She failed to protect Stella!

The staff member then gently consoled her, "My condolences. Even though your daughter has passed away, her kidney saved another child. That child will live happily on behalf of your daughter."

A cold glint flashed through Giselle's eyes as she laughed mockingly.

"Yes, that child is my husband's illegitimate child. Right now, they're throwing a grand birthday party for him. Do you know? Today is also my daughter's birthday."

The staff member was stunned. He was completely at a loss for how to comfort the woman in despair.

Giselle looked at Stella and smiled faintly. "Please go ahead and cremate her. I hope my daughter is happier in the afterlife."

The staff member sighed lightly, shook his head, and sent the body to the cremation furnace.

Perhaps out of sympathy, he shielded the process a little.

On the other hand, Giselle wasn't afraid at all. This was because Stella was finally free. Stella wouldn't have to face the scorn of her own father every day anymore.

"Mommy, why doesn't Daddy like me?

"Mommy, why does Daddy like Wendy's son?

"Mommy, does Daddy not like you because of me? I'm sorry, Mommy."

Stella was such a good daughter! And she was killed by her own father, Christopher Grant!

He had promised to take Stella to the largest amusement park the day before her birthday to fulfill her wish and spend some father-daughter time.

Instead, he pushed her into the operating room and forced her to donate a kidney to his son. Then, he left her to die from an infection in her hospital bed.

Giselle, as the mother, was the last to find out about it!

She still couldn't forget the moment she rushed into the hospital room, just to see her daughter's stiff corpse.

Stella's smartwatch on the bedside was covered in blood, and it was ironically calling Christopher. When the call connected, Giselle could only hear one sentence from the other end. "Stop being so crazy like your mother."

After hearing the busy signal, Giselle held her daughter tightly. She held back, afraid of frightening her beloved daughter with her cry.

Ever since Wendy Sutton returned to the country with her son and accused Giselle of harming them, Christopher had driven Giselle to madness. Just like that, she became known as a madwoman.

Christopher's gaze toward Giselle and Stella was exceptionally cold, especially when he heard Wendy's recount about giving birth to a premature baby with kidney problems while wandering abroad.

He was elegant yet ruthless at the same time. He wouldn't listen to Giselle's explanations as he said icily, "Giselle, you harmed Wendy and my son. I'll make you pay double the price."

He did just as he said. Everything should end now.

When Giselle snapped out of her reverie, she found a pink urn in her hands.

Stella liked pink. Giselle hugged the urn tightly and said, "Stella, let's go home."

The breeze lifted the hem of her dress, but even under the sunlight, she felt so desolate and cold.

…

Giselle returned to Aurora Villa, the house she shared with Christopher. She tidied up her daughter's belongings and sat silently with the urn until dusk.

Then, she heard the sound of a car coming from outside.

Soon, a tall figure dressed in black entered. It was Christopher.

Eight years had passed, but he was still as dashing and mysterious as when they first met. And he still ignored her.

Christopher didn't look at her as he walked upstairs.

A few minutes later, he came down wearing a suit that he had cherished for years. It was the one Wendy had specially designed for him when they got engaged. He still didn't look at Giselle.

He had always treated her with such cold violence for the past eight years. When he wanted to torment her, he would push her onto the bed, vent his frustrations, and leave without a word.

As for their daughter, he had forbidden Stella from calling him "Daddy".

Christopher paused but didn't turn around, perhaps noticing Giselle's quietness today.

"I won't be back tonight. Tell Stella not to call me randomly."

"Okay."

Giselle touched the urn in her arms, which seemed to still carry Stella's warmth.

If he would just look at her for a second, even just a glance, he might notice the urn.

Christopher adjusted his cufflinks and said coldly, "Think about what you want in the divorce. We'll finalize it in a couple of days. I don't want Stella."

"Okay." Giselle remained calm. Finally, Stella would now only belong to her.

Christopher hesitated a little, but he still didn't pay attention to Giselle.

"Since Stella saved Steven, I'll cover all the medical and recovery expenses. But I don't want to see either of you again. This will be your final redemption."

"Okay." Giselle thought that indeed, they wouldn't see each other again very soon.

Christopher felt inexplicably irritated and was about to turn around when Wendy's call came in. When he answered, the cheerful and excited voice of a child came from the other end. "Daddy! Come quickly! Mommy and I are waiting for you."

"I'm coming." Christopher's voice lifted, and he quickened his pace unconsciously.

He didn't notice the woman behind him who was clutching to the urn, her body stiffening.

As the moonlight shone outside, Giselle took out the cake she had ordered for Stella's birthday from the fridge. Then, she lit the birthday candles and started singing, "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…"

As she sang, she poured gasoline around her and around the villa, from upstairs to downstairs. That was because she had never intended to spare herself as well.

If she had just been a little stronger and refused to marry Christopher back then, none of this would have happened.

After everything was done, she returned to the dining table and held the urn tightly.

"Stella, happy birthday. Wait for me, okay?"

Giselle then threw the birthday candles onto the curtains.

…

At the birthday party, Christopher made a grand entrance with Wendy and her son.

Amidst the toasts and cheers, everyone praised the family of three. Some even spoke ill of Giselle.

Only a friend of Christopher, Andrew Brown, had a frown on his face as he quickly approached him.

"Christopher, I'm sorry for your loss."

"What do you mean?"

"Your daughter… She died from an infection after the surgery. Mrs. Grant took her body to the funeral parlor today."

"How much did she pay you?" Christopher's expression remained unchanged as he raised his glass to drink.

"Didn't I send you the death certificate earlier? You even said you got it."

Wendy nervously squeezed her son's hand when she heard that.

At that moment, Christopher's phone rang.

"Mr. Christopher, the villa is on fire."

The wine glass fell to the ground with a crash, and Christopher turned to leave.

He didn't know how fast he drove to get to the villa. As he looked at the blazing house, something seemed to pierce his heart.

When the curtains fell, he saw Giselle sitting in front of the birthday cake while holding an urn. She smiled at him, just like when they first met.

"Goodbye. I hate you. If everything could start over again—"

Before she could finish her words, the entire house collapsed.

Perhaps it was a delusion before death, Giselle seemed to see Christopher kneel down.

Forget it. Her Stella had come to take her away.

"Mommy, Mommy…"

…

It was the afternoon, and the sun was scorching hot outside.

The mood in the main hall of Grant Manor was so tense as if it were on fire.

A shattered teacup was on the ground, and the pain from the shards cutting into her skin jolted Giselle awake.

She was kneeling in the center of the hall, dazedly looking at everyone around her.

This was…

Chapter 2

She came back!

She actually came back!

Ignoring the astonished expressions of everyone around, Giselle pinched herself hard. The pain surged through her whole body, and tears instantly filled her eyes.

"Why are you crying? Did we do something to you?" A stern voice came from the front.

Giselle looked up, meeting the disapproving look of the patriarch of the Grants, Michael.

She immediately lowered her head, trying to appear as small as she possibly could. However, her body was actually trembling uncontrollably with excitement.

There were murmurs and sneers all around the hall.

"She's still so young, but she dares to drug Chris and climb into his bed. What a scandal! She clearly wants to force Chris to take responsibility. Now, she's just too scared to admit it. She's such a disgrace."

"Well, she's not really family. We couldn't possibly have raised someone so shameless. Netizens have even dug up her diary entries. They're full of her unrequited feelings for Chris, and they're embarrassingly explicit!

"Our family paid for her tuition fees, but all she learned was how to become a vixen."

"I've said this before. Don't just bring anyone home. She's clearly set out to seduce Chris. We don't know if she learned this or if it's… inherited."

As they spoke, several people glanced disdainfully at Giselle's mother who was standing at the back of the hall, Helen Moore.

Her face was ashen. She took a quick glance at Giselle before lowering her head and biting her lip. She bit it so hard that it nearly bled, but she dared not say anything to refute it.

That was because of Giselle's awkward status in the family.

She was brought into the Grants through Helen's second marriage to Christopher's second elder brother, Calvin Grant.

So, by family hierarchy, Giselle should be addressing Christopher as "Uncle Chris".

But she had never done so. And it was because she was deemed unqualified.

In her previous life, Giselle was deeply apologetic amid all the criticisms. Her silence was an indirect admittance to drugging and sleeping with Christopher.

Later, when she became pregnant, Christopher was forced to marry her. This not only made him hate her, but the entire city despised her as well.

They believed she was a woman who would do anything to marry into a wealthy family.

In this life, she was determined to rewrite her tragic story!

Giselle looked around, noting the stern faces of the family members of the Grants. But she didn't feel as much fear as her previous life.

Just as she was about to speak, she heard the steady footsteps of someone approaching from behind. Everyone, except Michael, became quiet.

A tall figure moved past her and walked to the front. The family butler, Moses, took the man's coat and lowered his head. "Mr. Christopher."

"Mm," Christopher replied indifferently. He nodded at Michael before taking his seat, never once glancing at Giselle. It was as if she didn't matter to him at all.

But she was staring at him intently.

When he finally became aware of her gaze and looked down at her, Giselle felt an inexplicably fear and could taste blood in her mouth. She recalled what had happened in her previous life. She clasped her hands as though she was holding Stella's hand.

She could never forget this face.

The deep and instructable dark eyes and the red emerald ring on his left thumb seemed as dangerous and bloodthirsty as he was.

Christopher noticed Giselle's gaze and paused his hand that was turning the ring on his finger momentarily. Then, a delicate hand touched his shoulder, making him return to his indifferent demeanor.

It was Wendy.

It was clear she had cried as her eyes were red and her delicate face was full of grievances.

Everyone was finally here!

Seeing that Christopher had arrived, Michael picked up his teacup and glanced at the tea leaves before casually looking over at Giselle. His gaze held a hint of coldness that was intimidating.

"Enough. What's with all the noise? Aren't you embarrassed?

"Giselle, you and your mother have been with us for so many years, and we've treated you well. You should admit it if you've done something wrong."

It was exactly these words! He was basically threatening Giselle and Helen.

Michael had never liked Helen, and this made the already timid Helen even more anxious.

She quickly stepped forward and grabbed Giselle's arm. Then, she cried and persuaded, "Gigi, apologize to Grandpa quickly. Everything will be fine after you apologize. Don't make things worse!"

Apologize? Haha…

Helen didn't realize that Michael had no intention of letting Giselle off so easily. He was just waiting for her to bow and admit to everything. He wanted to use her as a shield against online criticisms.

Giselle straightened up, no longer bowing her head as she scanned the crowd before finally looking at Christopher.

When their eyes met, his gaze was still cold and unmoving. It seemed he had anticipated her ending.

But this time, he might be disappointed.

Under Christopher's slightly shifting gaze, Giselle stood up while supporting her numb knees. Then, she let out a light laugh after steadying herself.

"Why should I apologize?"

"What did you say?" Michael's expression turned dark with anger, and he spilled tea from his cup.

Giselle then enunciated, "First, I didn't drug anyone, so why should I apologize? Second, the person in the photos is so blurry. Why should I admit it was me just because the paparazzi said so? Did you see me in bed?

"Or… was Uncle Chris actually sober and knew it was me? If he was sober, how could he act so inappropriately with me? If he wasn't, who can prove it was me?"

She would deny everything!

Unless Christopher acknowledged it willingly, the woman in the photos could be anyone.

But he would never admit it because he loved Wendy so much. How he wished that it wasn't Giselle last night!

However, Christopher's dark eyes grew colder, the hand with the emerald ring clenching slowly. He didn't respond to her words but instead asked, "What did you call me?"

"Uncle Chris." Giselle looked at him coldly, pushing all her emotions away.

In this current life, she made her last mistake last night. From today onward, she wouldn't stumble anymore.

"Fine." Christopher's voice was low, his expression unreadable.

He was sitting elegantly with his slender and powerful arms casually draped over the armrest.

He looked at Giselle with a gaze that seemed to see through her, as if he was trying to penetrate her very being.

She pressed her lips together. Despite starting over a new life, Christopher's oppressive presence still terrified her deeply.

She had no choice but to turn her face away.

Michael slammed his cup down and demanded, "Then, tell me who it is!"

Giselle loosened her clenched fist and pointed at someone.

"It was her."

Wendy.

Wendy's tears, which were about to fall, froze at the corners of her eyes. She was clearly stunned.

Giselle tugged at the corner of her mouth.

In this life, she would make this couple's enviable love come true. She also wanted to see what Christopher would think if he ever learned the true nature of the woman he loved so much.

Chapter 3

Wendy was the daughter of a rich family who had become bankrupt.

Three years ago, Christopher suddenly announced his relationship with Wendy. He even went as far as holding an engagement party despite Michael's opposition.

This made Wendy the most envied woman in Kingham.

She was seen as a beautiful, kind, and elegant woman by everyone. Only Giselle knew her true colors. If she weren't a fashion designer, she would definitely be an award-winning actress!

With Wendy's cunning nature, she had to know why Giselle was pointing fingers at her.

Her wedding with Christopher was postponed for three years. She was probably eager to marry into the Grants.

So, as expected, Wendy immediately stepped forward and knelt in Giselle's original position.

"Mr. Michael, it was me. I have a similar build and appearance to Gigi, so I was mistaken for her."

As soon as she was done, a voice of doubt came from the side of the hall.

"But the online revelation of Giselle's unrequited love shows it's been five or six years. You have only known Mr. Christopher for three years, right?"

Wendy was best at displaying emotions that seemed genuine.

"I'm the one who has a crush on Mr. Christopher. Those are just my own feelings. I don't know who discovered them."

Tears streamed down her face after she said that. Coupled with her eyes that were full of emotions and the blush on her face, who wouldn't believe her?

Giselle felt completely defeated in this life and in her previous one.

Then, she said calmly, "Uncle Chris and Wendy have been engaged for years. It's only natural for her to help him when he's in a situation like that. The paparazzi are just fabricating scandals for attention!"

Hearing this, everyone in the hall lost interest and even found things boring.

Giselle realized how worthless her previous struggles were. No matter how hard she tried to live, she was just a source of entertainment for these people.

Each moment in this manor felt like a year to her.

Giselle took a step back and said bitterly, "Since the matter has been clarified, I won't disturb your family's further discussions. Mr. Michael, everyone, I'll take my leave now."

As she turned to leave, she felt a sharp gaze on her. But she was no longer concerned about any of that.

…

Giselle didn't know what happened in the main hall after that. She only knew that when Helen returned to their chalet, she looked terrible. Helen had obviously been pressed by the other members of the Grants.

Calvin, Michael's second son, had no talent for running a business. So, Michael had long given up on him. That was why both Calvin and Helen were always looked down upon in the family.

Although they were addressed politely, those who fawned over power did not take them seriously.

Helen pinched Giselle's arm roughly. "Have you gone mad? That was such a great opportunity!"

"What are you talking about?" Giselle asked in return.

"You came home in such a sorry state last night. Do you think I don't understand what happened? Isn't it just an apology? Why couldn't you do that?

"With the current public opinion, Christopher must treat you well if he wants to secure his position as the heir. Don't you want to live a comfortable life? Why are you giving the chance to Wendy? She seems like a scheming woman to me," Helen said angrily.

"Stealing someone's fiancé, drugging and sleeping with someone who's supposed to be my uncle—do you really think I'll have a good life in the future?"

Giselle withdrew her hand, not wanting to argue more with her mother.

In fact, Helen didn't do anything wrong as a mother. After her father, Alexander Larson, went missing, Helen didn't abandon her.

Even when she remarried, she insisted on bringing Giselle along.

But Helen relied on men too much.

In a family such as the Grants, her act of relying on Calvin was bound to be looked down upon.

Then, Helen said chokingly, "That's better than being subjected to others' disdain! Your father died young, and your stepfather is not as capable as Christopher in business.

"The entire Grants will eventually become Christopher's. If you can—"

"Mom, please stop." Giselle interrupted coldly.

"Why can't you understand my intentions? Your stepfather is an honest man, and I can't have children for him. Everyone in the family looks down on me. So, I can only rely on you in the future." Helen wiped her tears after saying that.

Giselle replied, "Then you should go tell Mr. Christopher to marry me! Go now!"

Helen was taken aback and dared not say another word. Nobody dared to provoke Christopher. How would she?

After a moment of silence, Giselle suddenly thought of something and grabbed Helen's arm.

"Mom, do you… Do you have any medicine?"

"What medicine?"

"Morning-after pills," Giselle said helplessly.

"You… How old do you think I am? How can I have those pills? Your stepfather has always been considerate of me and always uses protection."

"Mom, the Grants must still be watching me. Can you buy the medicine for me? I was ovulating yesterday."

Giselle opened an app on her phone and looked at the red numbers on the calendar. She started to panic.

She loved Stella, but she couldn't give birth to her in this life. Her Stella should be born into a happy family and should not suffer with her.

Helen frowned and sighed. "I'll go."

"Okay." Giselle sighed in relief.

But Helen didn't get the medicine herself. Instead, she asked a maid she trusted to get it. After the maid left, Helen didn't think much of the whole matter anymore as everyone's attention was still on what happened in the hall.

Little did she know, someone overheard everything she told the maid.

Half an hour later, Helen entered Giselle's room with a medicine bag.

"Hurry up and take it. It'll be useless if you delay."

Giselle nodded and glanced at the label on the medicine box. It said 48-hour morning-after pills.

After opening the package, she didn't take the pill immediately but instinctively touched her belly.

Her beloved daughter was there once. She was so clever and lovely. But Giselle couldn't let Stella go through another life of suffering that ended with her dying alone in a hospital bed.

She could only imagine how scared Stella must have been at that time.

"Stella, please don't blame me. You must find loving parents and grow up happily in this life," Giselle thought to herself.

Giselle was pale when she put the pill in her mouth with trembling hands. But she found she couldn't swallow it. She had to tilt her head back and gulp it down with water so that she wouldn't have any regret.

Even though she was drinking warm water, she felt cold all over. Tears streamed down her face as she swallowed the pill.

"Christopher Grant, you've finally rid yourself of the two people you hate the most," Giselle thought.

He had finally gotten rid of her and Stella.

After a moment of sadness, Giselle took a deep breath and quickly got up to destroy the medicine box.

Suddenly, the door was forcefully pushed open, making it slam against the wall. It caused the entire room to shake.

Before Giselle and Helen could react, the maids from Michael's house had grabbed their arms.

Soon, Giselle was brought back to the main hall. She was pushed so hard that she fell to the ground.

Her body was still exhausted from last night. She could only grit her teeth as she barely supported herself.

When she looked up, she met even more disgusted gazes from everyone in the hall. Especially Christopher's dark eyes, which looked dangerously icy.

The air was tense. Only Wendy's occasional sobs broke the silence.

Giselle looked over and saw Wendy's teary eyes looking at her meaningfully.

A box of medicine was thrown at Giselle's feet the next second, causing pills to be scattered everywhere.

Michael then slammed the table. "What is this? Explain it to me!"

Giselle trembled as she answered honestly, "Contraceptive pills."

Christopher glanced at her sideways and asked icily, "Contraceptive pills, huh?" The extended tone carried mockery.

Giselle lowered her eyes and became stunned after clearly seeing the name on the medicine box. The box showed 48-hour morning-after pills, but the foil wrapper of the medicine indicated it was fertility pills.

Chapter 4

Under Christopher's cold gaze, Giselle pressed her lips together tightly, trying to stay calm.

The eight years of suffering from her previous life made her fingers tremble uncontrollably. She had to forcefully turn her face away.

Christopher looked away and asked with disdain, "Are you secretly trying to get pregnant?"

Giselle furrowed her brows deeply and glanced sideways at Helen. She bought the medicine. Did she still not give up on the idea of having her marry Christopher?

But Helen was trembling like a leaf. She seemed to be more afraid of Christopher than Michael. That meant she didn't have the courage to act against Christopher's wishes.

What was going on?

Giselle raised her eyes. She was surrounded by scrutinizing gazes from all sides.

But one gaze was particularly striking among them. It was Wendy. There was half a smile on her face, making Giselle think of the unpleasant past.

As expected, in the next moment, Wendy turned her back to the crowd and took Giselle's hand. Then, she said in a sincere tone, "Gigi, I'm sorry. I couldn't help you deceive Mr. Christopher and Mr. Michael, so I confessed.

"I didn't expect you to use me to stop the public criticism while secretly trying to get pregnant. If I hadn't gone to comfort you and heard your plan, wouldn't you have succeeded?

"If you got pregnant, what would happen to Mr. Christopher and me?"

As soon as she finished her words, tears flowed down her face as she started to sob with grievance.

Everyone in the hall was furious. They rallied around Wendy and denounced Giselle.

"Isn't it clear what she's trying to do? Of course, she wants to replace Wendy! If she really got pregnant, Christopher would have to marry her. Then, our family would be totally disgraced!"

Someone clenched their fists and said angrily, "I've never seen such a despicable scheme in my life. It's fortunate that Wendy didn't fall for it. Otherwise, a loving couple would've been separated because of her."

"Chris, Giselle can't stay here any longer. Who knows what other troubles she might cause in the future!"

Every word was a sharp stab to Giselle's heart. Just like in her previous life, everyone protected Wendy and looked down on her. She was used to it after having heard such words many times before.

She looked up, meeting Wendy's eyes, which had a hint of cunningness despite their sparkling appearance.

Giselle was stunned for a moment as she saw Wendy wipe her tears and flash a mocking smile at her with her back to the crowd.

It was a provocation as well as a sneer.

Wendy was the one who swapped the medication!

Then, she continued softly, her voice still gentle and pleading, "Mr. Christopher, please spare Gigi. I'm sure she didn't do this on purpose. You can take it as all my fault. I'm willing to do anything to help the Grants and you recover from this scandal, even if it means sacrificing my own reputation."

If Giselle hadn't seen her smug expression, anyone listening to her right now would think she was a kind and selfless person.

At that moment, Giselle realized she had underestimated Wendy.

Even though she had managed to get a second shot, she had no special powers and couldn't alter her opponent's intelligence.

Wendy enjoyed seeing Giselle's anxiety. She wasn't so foolish as to admit that the woman in the photo was herself.

Christopher was a ruthless businessman. He had probably discussed the matters from last night with Michael. Did they really not know who that woman in the photo was?

If Wendy admitted it, Christopher would think she was scheming and Michael would doubt her intentions.

So, she chose to be understanding. This virtue would not only win Christopher's trust but would also make Michael view her more favorably.

And the most important point was no one would believe in Giselle anymore. So what if Christopher slept with her? She would still be regarded as a bitch!

Giselle was indeed anxious. However, she was no longer the Giselle Larson from her previous life.

She calmed down after understanding Wendy's intention.

Even Wendy was momentarily stunned. She stared at Giselle as if she was trying to find a flaw in her.

But Giselle ignored her and walked straight to Christopher.

His eyes met hers, but his were cold and tinged with mockery. He was lazily playing with the ring on his finger, exuding a dangerous air that made Giselle feel like a mere toy in his hands.

His demeanor was intimidating, as it had been in her previous life. He was always cold and full of disdain. If he decided that she was a scheming woman, all her explanations would just be seen as excuses. Hence, she didn't bother to explain anymore.

Giselle smiled bitterly. "I've said it before, the woman in the photo isn't me. Since Wendy won't admit it, we'll have to ask Uncle Chris.

"But isn't it strange? Wendy, you're engaged to Uncle Chris. There's nothing wrong even if you sleep together. Uncle Chris hasn't said a word, so why are you so eager to explain? You're making me think that you don't love Uncle Chris at all."

She could play the dirty game too. This was a skill she learned from Wendy in her previous life.

Wendy's expression stiffened. She quickly turned around before she could even adjust her expression and shook her head repeatedly. "No, I love Mr. Christopher. I just don't want to deceive anyone."

"Even if you don't want to deceive anyone, why would you slander me? Besides…" Giselle fixed her gaze on Christopher and said slowly, "Besides, is Uncle Chris the only man left in this world? Am I not allowed to be pregnant with another man's baby?"

She continued in her thoughts, "Christopher Grant, in this life, I'd rather have a relationship with a stranger than get involved with you!"

Christopher tightened his fist after hearing what Giselle said. His cold deep eyes were unreadable. Then, he asked in a deep voice, "What did you say?"

Giselle raised her voice. "I said, there are other men in this world besides you. I would rather get pregnant with anyone's baby but yours. Did I say something wrong?"

He narrowed his eyes, his imposing presence almost making Giselle lose her footing.

She quickly averted her gaze and looked at the others. "Is there anything else? If not, I'm going to rest now. I'm very tired."

Giselle turned to leave as soon as she finished her sentence.

"Stop!" Christopher's voice grew colder and more menacing. "Who did you sleep with?"

Everyone was taken aback. Nobody was expecting Christopher to ask such a question.

Giselle could only lower her eyes, hiding all her emotions. At this point, did he still not know who was behind everything?

But she knew what he wanted.

She took out her phone and glanced at it before looking at him. Then, she said in a calm tone, "Uncle Chris, don't worry. Everything will be over soon."

Christopher frowned slightly. Irritation was showing in his eyes despite his belief that he had everything under control.

At that moment, Moses arrived with a security guard. "Someone's looking for Ms. Larson."

After seeing the crowd, the guard said respectfully, "Ms. Larson, your delivery has arrived. As we don't allow outsiders in, I brought it to you."

Giselle stepped forward to take the paper bag and thanked the guard. After he left, she poured out the contents of the bag in front of everyone.

It was contraceptive pills.

She had secretly placed another order for the same medication to ensure nothing went wrong after instructing Helen.

She never expected it to be of use.

Giselle opened the box in front of everyone and showed each of them. She lingered for several seconds in front of Christopher.

"Uncle Chris, you've seen it, right? This time, it's indeed contraceptive pills. So, you don't have to worry. I'll absolutely never be pregnant with a baby that shouldn't be mine.

"Haven't you been waiting for this?"

She smiled mockingly and quickly took out the pills.

Then, she swiftly put one into her mouth. "Is one pill enough? No? I'll have more, then. How about two? Three? Four..."

Everyone was stunned. Some of them were shocked as they watched her.

As Giselle was about to take the fifth pill, Calvin, who had always followed Michael's orders, went up and smacked the pills away.

"Christopher, what are you doing? Gigi already said it wasn't her. Why are you making things difficult for her? Isn't this going to sound bad if it gets out?"

Helen hugged Giselle as she cried. "Enough! That's enough! She hasn't even married! Taking so many pills will harm her!"

At this point, Giselle was already sweating from the abdominal pain.

Even so, she still forced herself to keep a steady breath and showed Christopher the pills in her palm.

"Uncle Chris, will this be enough?"

Chapter 5

In the spacious main hall of Grant Manor, the air around Christopher was freezing cold. It pressed on everyone there, making it hard to breathe.

Although he was silent, everyone could tell he was angry.

He took out a cigarette, lit it, and exhaled the white smoke that shrouded his face. He was staring at Giselle through the hazy smoke with an unreadable expression.

"Get out of here."

Michael also waved his hand in displeasure.

Helen helped Giselle up, but she withdrew her hand from Helen's grasp and stood straight in the hall. She said firmly, "Since my presence here is so inconvenient, I'll move out immediately. Mr. Michael, thank you for taking care of me over the years."

She wanted to leave with dignity and decisiveness. She didn't want to always be cautious and fearful like she had been in her previous life.

As soon as she finished her words, Giselle turned and left. The gaze on her back was cold and dangerous.

…

As soon as she stepped out of the hall, Giselle felt dizzy and nauseated from all the pills she took. She had barely walked a few steps before she fainted.

When she regained consciousness, she saw Helen sitting by the bed with reddened eyes. Seeing her awake, Helen immediately gave her a light slap. It was almost playful.

"Are you trying to scare me to death? How could you just take the pills like that?"

"Mom, if I didn't, I'd never be able to leave this manor," Giselle said weakly.

"You have such a hard life! I've told you to get to know some rich young men. If you marry into a well-to-do family, you can have a stable life," Helen said.

"And become like you?" What kind of stable life was that?

Helen hesitated.

At that moment, her bedroom door opened, and Calvin entered with a bowl of oatmeal.

"Gigi, you're awake. Come, have some oatmeal. It'll make your stomach feel better."

Giselle was about to thank him when she noticed Calvin's wounded ear. It looked like his ear had been cut by a sharp object.

It must have been Michael. He had always looked down on his second son, saying he was foolish for marrying a woman with a daughter.

Giselle said apologetically, "Calvin, I'm sorry to have caused you trouble. I'll leave as soon as possible."

"That's nonsense!" Helen said with displeasure.

Calvin patted her shoulder gently. "The doctor said Gigi needs to take some medicine after waking up. Go get a glass of warm water for her."

Helen immediately got up and left.

Calvin sat by the bed, sighing slightly. "Gigi, do you really have to leave?"

"Calvin, if I stay here, I'll only cause trouble for you and Mom. I'm a grown-up now and can take care of myself."

"This is all my fault. I'm not capable of protecting you." Calvin took out a card and slipped it under Giselle's pillow.

"Don't refuse it. You'll need to spend money when you live alone out there. The PIN for the card is your birthday. You have to be careful out there. If you need anything, just call me or your mom."

Giselle could only thank him gratefully, "Thank you, Calvin."

He then looked at Giselle and said, "Christopher was a little weird today. It was very out of character for him to act like that."

Giselle asked in confusion, "What happened?"

"Your mom screamed when you fainted. Christopher actually rushed out and carried you away. If my dad hadn't sent someone to bring you back, you'd still be lying in his quarters."

"What?" Giselle clutched the blanket in shock.

"Don't worry about it. Christopher said he was afraid you'd die and bring disgrace to the family."

"Okay."

That sounded like what Christopher would say. Giselle smiled bitterly.

Everything from last night felt like a dream.

After taking the medicine and resting for a while, Giselle got up and packed a bag. She purposely avoided Helen when she left. She knew Helen would cry if she knew.

As she walked out of Grant Manor, all the maids she passed by lowered their heads. It was as if they were afraid to be associated with her.

She watched the sky turn dark under the porch. This day was finally coming to an end.

Fall came early in Kingham. The evening wind felt chilling.

Giselle tightened the backpack in her hands and quickened her pace.

Grant Manor was a standalone estate with gardens surrounding the buildings. Although it was in the best area of the city, the Grants had long since bought the surrounding land to avoid disturbances from the neighborhood.

They built a private park on the land and would only open it to the public occasionally for events.

So, there was no subway nor buses that would pass by. Even cabs were rare.

Giselle would have to walk 20 minutes to reach the nearest bus stop.

As she walked under the streetlights, a car honked behind her. She instinctively moved to the side, but the car stopped next to her unexpectedly.

"Ms. Larson, please get in the car."

The window rolled down, and a familiar face appeared. It was Christopher's assistant, John Carter.

Giselle was taken aback and glanced at the back seat. She saw a hand with a red emerald ring that was drumming impatiently on the knee. It was Christopher.

She didn't want any further entanglement with him, so she declined, "I'll be fine. So long, Uncle Chris."

She adjusted her backpack and continued walking down the street.

Behind her, John quickly got out of the car and blocked Giselle's path. He maintained a polite and appropriate smile as he said calmly, "Ms. Larson, please get in the car. This is for your own good.

"Mr. Christopher said it wouldn't be good if someone were to see you leaving with a bag. If you refuse, I'll have to use my own ways to get you into the car."

Giselle tightened her grip on her backpack and looked at the darkened back seat. She knew Christopher was watching her.

She knew how notoriously ruthless Christopher could be. He was famous for it in the city. And she had seen his ruthless ways herself in her previous life.

She knew what he would do if it became a confrontation.

Giselle felt a chill suddenly, as if there was no more warmth in her body. She had just started a new life, and she didn't want to provoke Christopher.

So, she nodded and walked toward the front passenger seat. But John pushed her into the back seat. She could smell the alcohol in the car as soon as she got in.

Giselle looked over cautiously and saw Christopher leaning back against the seat with his eyes half-closed. Most of his face was hidden in the shadows, making him look dangerous and stern.

Christopher then opened his eyes and asked calmly, "Leaving already?"

His voice sounded emotionless, but it made Giselle feel as if something was lodged in her throat.

She recalled where she got this feeling after a long pause. His tone was the same as in her previous life when he had threatened her, "You want to leave? It's not that easy."

Giselle could only suppress her resentment and shifted her position a little. Just when she was about to respond, her phone rang. It was Helen.

She didn't want to answer, fearing that Helen would cry about missing the opportunity to send her off. But Christopher had looked down with furrowed brows.

She had no choice but to pick up the call.

"Giselle Larson! Why are you making me mad again? Have I ever mistreated you? Why do you have to leave home?" Helen's voice choked, each word tinged with helplessness.

Helen knew she couldn't protect her daughter.

"Mom, I'll take care of myself."

"You have to be careful, okay?" Helen sighed and conceded reluctantly.

"Gigi, what if I ask your stepfather to find you a blind date? It's better to have a man to rely on when you're staying alone outside. Your stepfather will definitely find someone suitable for you."

Helen started her lecture again.

Giselle glanced at Christopher, unable to see his expression clearly. However, she felt increasingly uneasy as she hurriedly said goodbye.

Helen, for the first time, was firm. "Don't brush me off. I'm doing this for your own good. This matter is settled. You'll go on a blind date in a few days."

"Mom, I'm hanging up."

Giselle ended the call quickly.

Helen had also arranged blind dates for her in her previous life. But after everything that happened with Christopher, the matter was put aside.

Giselle was hoping that Christopher didn't hear that. But even if he did, it didn't matter. He wouldn't care anyway.

But the air in the car felt so still that every sound seemed to magnify.

The streetlights were shining into the car through the branches of trees around it, casting dappled light through the car window over Christopher's shadowed profile.

Giselle felt as if she were sitting on pins and needles while clenching her hands.

Then, she heard a light scoff. "Blind dates? Giselle, was there any truth in what you said last night?"

Chapter 6

Last night?

Giselle had indeed said a lot last night. She couldn't bear to see Christopher in so much pain, so she gave in.

In the midst of intense emotions, she endured the man's torturous seduction and earnestly shared her feelings with him. At that time, she thought that perhaps he would forget everything by the next day. But she would remember everything. At least, she had been that close to him once.

"Mr. Christopher, I like you. I've liked you for a long time. Since the day I moved into Grant Manor and you helped me out, I've been secretly watching you.

"I know you don't care about me, but I… um… really… love you."

Giselle was 16 when she moved in with the Grants. Helen had dressed her up like a doll.

At that time, Helen didn't understand the minimalist fashion of a lady from a rich family. Helen only wanted her daughter to look pretty when she moved in.

But this made Giselle a laughingstock among the Grants. They said she looked like someone who was trying too hard to look like a lady.

Helen, timid and afraid of trouble, didn't even dare to argue with the maids.

It was at this time that Christopher appeared. He stood tall and was clad in a long black coat. He was under the porch with a cigarette in hand, exhaling white smoke that shrouded his face. Snow was gently falling behind him.

He looked dangerous and aloof, yet strikingly handsome.

With just a glance from him, the maids no longer dared to speak.

That year, he was 23. He had just graduated from university, but he was already a feared figure in the city.

He looked at her and said solemnly, "Not bad."

Those words stayed with her for a long time. So long that even after many years, she could still remember his scent from that day.

Later, she would also encounter him by chance.

In the garden during spring, when she fell behind in her studies and was on the verge of tears, he was leaning against the pavilion, smoking. When he glanced at her exam papers, he said, "You're stupid. Hand me the pen."

In the pool during summer, when she was learning to swim and had a cramp, he jumped into the pool to save her before scolding her.

In the streets during fall, when she was harassed and couldn't outrun the person, he got out of the car, put his arm around her shoulder, and walked away with her.

Her feelings for him accumulated through these sparse encounters.

However, she had said the same words too in her previous life. She was sincere and passionate when she gave herself to his desires.

In the end, all she got in return was slander and disdain. And the tragic death of her daughter.

Since Christopher never cared about her love for him, why should she care?

Giselle lowered her eyes, too afraid to look at him. "You heard it wrong. I didn't say anything."

"You're not calling me uncle anymore?"

"Uncle Chris."

At that moment, the air in the car seemed to have frozen.

Giselle looked at Christopher beside her, who was playing with a cigarette between his fingers. When their eyes met, he snapped the cigarette in two, letting the tobacco fall. It was a clear warning.

Giselle's heart tightened. She felt a sense of bone-chilling dread.

"Pull over," Christopher said coldly.

John immediately pulled the car to the side. It was still within the grounds of Grant Manor, so Christopher could stop wherever he wanted.

After turning off the engine, Christopher glanced at John, who promptly got out of the car.

Giselle also tried to get out, but Christopher grabbed her by the waist and pulled her over to him.

"Are you trying to deny everything? Giselle, I was drugged, not dead." His voice was low, but there was no anger. It was more of a sarcastic tone.

Giselle was overwhelmed and tried to struggle with gritted teeth.

Unfortunately, she was no match for him. Her hand, which she had just raised, was caught from behind. It was pressed onto the leather seat, tightly restrained.

Their position made her feel quite humiliated. But every time she moved, Christopher tightened the restraint.

"Let me go!"

She was both ashamed and angry. Both of her wrists were restrained by him with one hand, and he pushed her hair aside with the other. It revealed the marks left by him last night, which she had deliberately covered up.

Christopher's fingers traced the marks. "Since you provoked me, you can't expect it to end just like that."

He pressed harder while slowly moving down her neck.

Giselle bit her lip in humiliation, recalling the torture Christopher inflicted on her in bed over the eight years of her previous life.

He was a businessman. He didn't love her, but that didn't stop him from controlling and possessing her like a personal item. He didn't love her, but he refused to let go.

At that point, Giselle's body trembled uncontrollably as it would in her previous life.

Christopher's hand paused, his eyes darkening. He lost interest and pushed her away.

Giselle curled up, trying to suppress her fear.

He lowered the window and started smoking leisurely. The red emerald ring on his finger glowed ominously in the dark night. There was a hint of a smile on his lips under the streetlight, but his gaze was lazy. It was like a blunt knife cutting into Giselle's skin.

As the smell of tobacco filled the car, she gradually calmed down. Then, she adjusted her clothes and sat up.

"What can I do to make you let me go?"

Christopher tilted his head slightly while exhaling the smoke. He was looking at her like a beast awakening in the darkness.

His hand, which was holding the cigarette, brushed her cheek as his fingers traced down from her forehead to her eyes. They stopped when he touched the mole beneath her eye.

The delicate touch was supposed to be comforting, but at that moment, it felt like a snake licking her skin. This made Giselle take a deep breath.

Christopher looked down at her. He thought that her eyes were so deceptive. They were full of affection last night. When he was harsh with her, tears flowed down the mole, making her look pitiful and drawing his sympathy.

But today, she denied everything.

It didn't matter. He wasn't a good person either.

The next moment, Christopher grasped Giselle's chin, forcing her to look up at him. He touched her dry lips with his fingers while the burning cigarette got dangerously close to her neck. There was an irresistible wickedness in his eyes.

"Let you go? Giselle, when you drugged me, you should know that we wouldn't be done."

Giselle choked up. She knew whatever she said now, Christopher would never believe her. Instead, he would only intensify her punishment.

At that moment, she felt as if the gears of fate were starting to turn again. But she had already tried her utmost best to escape.

…

Half an hour later, Christopher's car stopped outside his private residence.

Giselle got out of the car and started feeling nauseous again. She didn't know if it was due to all the medication she took or the emotional roller coaster she just went through. She pressed on her stomach and turned to leave.

But Christopher pulled her toward the house.

Giselle was stunned for a moment, but she immediately started to struggle. "Let go of me! What are you trying to do?"

Christopher blocked her and sneered, "Although you took the contraceptive pills, they aren't foolproof. You'll stay here for a month. You can only leave when it's confirmed that you're not pregnant. If you're pregnant…"

His gaze was chilling, showing no trace of compassion.

Giselle felt a sharp pain in her lower belly. It made her recall the image of her daughter, Stella, dying on the hospital bed.

She trembled when she asked, "If I'm pregnant, what then?"

"Abort it." Christopher's tone was indifferent. It was as if they were discussing something very simple.

Giselle realized how foolish she had been in her previous life. She thought that he married her because of their daughter. But in fact, it was because of her that Christopher disliked Stella.

In reality, he had wanted to kill the baby from the beginning.

Giselle felt her stomach churn.

"Ugh…"

Chapter 7

Giselle vomited on Christopher's brand-new suit, causing him to frown.

After her vomit subsided to just bile, she slumped weakly against the car. John quickly stepped forward and offered, "Mr. Christopher, let me help Ms. Larson."

Christopher took off his coat and said, "No need."

He looked at Giselle with disgust but still carried her into the house. She was directly taken into the bathroom and placed on the countertop. After that, he started removing her clothes, which were dirty from vomit.

"No! Don't!" Giselle resisted and pushed him away. But she was weak at the moment, so she was no match for him.

Christopher just undressed her expressionlessly. The marks he left on her body last night were exposed under the lights. Giselle felt deeply ashamed and tried to cover herself, but he held her wrist firmly. His palm felt terrifyingly hot.

Giselle looked up and met his increasingly deep gaze. He gave her no chance to resist when he quickly pushed her knees apart and pressed close to her body. She instinctively trembled as her body tried to reject him.

Christopher frowned and grabbed a towel from the sink. Then, he wiped his hands and said nonchalantly, "I'm not interested in women who have just vomited."

Giselle felt a fleeting sense of relief after hearing that, and somehow, her body collapsed into his arms as if all strength had left her.

Christopher looked down at her pale face with cold sweat forming on her forehead.

"Still feeling sick?"

Giselle could only nod. She was too weak to speak.

Christopher's voice became harsh. "So useless."

Giselle couldn't speak. She was feeling dizzy and nauseous, and she had no strength at all. She didn't expect Christopher to be kind to her. At this moment, she was just so tired and unwell.

Suddenly, she felt warmth on her cheek as a warm towel brushed over her face and then her body. It was comforting, so she instinctively nuzzled it.

The movement of the towel paused before a dangerous voice came from above her head. "I'll let you off today."

Giselle immediately felt lighter as Christopher carried her to the bed.

When she regained her senses, he had a bowl of oatmeal in his hand that the maids had prepared. His long fingers were holding a spoon, stirring the oatmeal. He looked handsome but instructable.

The seemingly tender gesture had an air of dominant aggression.

Giselle knew Christopher didn't truly care about her. He just couldn't let her die yet.

When she regained a little of her strength, a spoonful of oatmeal was brought to her lips. Giselle pursed her lips but eventually opened her mouth. However, before she could eat, Christopher's phone rang.

It was Wendy.

When the call connected, Wendy's crying voice could be heard.

"Mr. Christopher, help me! Some netizens are saying I'm the one who drugged you last night. They say I'm… I'm shameless and a vixen… What should I do? I think I'm being followed. I'm so scared."

Christopher listened to Wendy's words while fixing his cold gaze on Giselle. His brows were furrowed slightly, and his entire demeanor was menacing.

Yes, he believed it was Giselle's doing.

"Wait for me." Christopher's voice softened. It was the tone he would only use for Wendy.

As soon as the call ended, his demeanor reverted to the aloof Mr. Christopher.

Even the way he adjusted his ring seemed mocking to Giselle.

In the next moment, he forcefully placed the hot bowl into Giselle's hands, causing her to feel intense pain. He pressed her hands down and looked at her coldly.

"You'd better pray she's alright."

Giselle watched his figure as he left.

It was exactly like her previous life. He would always rush to Wendy whenever she called. As soon as the door closed, Giselle clenched her fists tightly. It was as if only this pain could remind her to stay away from Christopher.

She stopped blaming herself and finished the oatmeal. Then, she took a shower and went to bed. Although the surroundings were quiet and she was exhausted, she found it hard to fall asleep.

Time passed slowly, but Christopher didn't return until the early morning. He must have stayed with Wendy.

In her previous life, Christopher also stayed with Wendy on this day, which led to the birth of their son, Steven.

Giselle clutched her blanket, thinking that without her, this family of three would be happy. It was just her Stella…

She touched her stomach and gradually fell asleep. In her dreams, Stella was on her lap, asking her to tell her stories. It was so nice.

…

When Giselle woke up again, the sun was already high. But the house was empty. Christopher hadn't returned.

Giselle sat in a daze. She wasn't feeling sad because her heart had already become numb.

She knew that in the future, she would see Christopher spending lavishly at auctions for Wendy. She would also see the grand birthday parties organized for their son. He would even take all of Giselle's designs to help Wendy's career.

As she was thinking about everything, the ringing of her phone startled her. Looking at the caller ID, Giselle quickly answered the call.

"Professor Wade."

"Giselle, although you're about to graduate, I still hope that you won't give up on such a good opportunity. With your talent, you still have a good chance of winning the jewelry design competition," her professor, Bruce Wade, said earnestly.

In her previous life, Giselle lost the opportunity to compete because of issues with Christopher. The person who replaced her was none other than Wendy.

Wendy's submission for the competition was also hers. It was Christopher who took her design from her, claiming that it was what she owed to Wendy.

This time, Giselle would fight for herself.

She immediately replied, "Professor Wade, I'll participate."

Bruce heaved a sigh of relief. "I'm glad that I called you and haven't sent in Wendy's registration form. We actually hope that you'll represent the university in the competition."

"Don't worry, I'll do my best."

"That's good. Fill out the registration form quickly and send it over to me," Bruce urged.

"Sure."

After hanging up, Giselle opened the blank registration form and quickly filled it out. Her hand was trembling involuntarily when she clicked the send button.

This time, she would control her own destiny.

Looking at the sent confirmation, she gripped her phone tightly and pressed it against her chest.

"Stella, in our previous life, I promised you I'd become a great designer. I'll definitely make it in this life. I will live for myself!"

After calming down her emotions, Giselle got up and tidied up the guest room. She cleaned up all her traces. Then, she grabbed her backpack and left.

She planned to stay in the university dorms for a few days as the university allowed graduating students to stay back in their dorms. This was to give them ample time to find a job.

…

As soon as Giselle came out of the subway station at the university, she saw a crowd gathering around a Maybach at the gate.

It was impossible to hide the luxuriousness of the ten-million-dollar car.

It was Christopher's car.

The car door opened, and Wendy, who was dressed in a long green dress, got out while exhibiting every movement with near perfection.

Before this, everyone would be full of envy whenever Wendy made an appearance. But today, the crowd's expressions were oddly complex. Some paparazzi suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

"Ms. Sutton, is that you in the photo? Mr. Christopher has proposed to you. Why did you drug him? Are the Grants opposing your marriage? Is that why you took such measures?"

"Ms. Sutton, you've been engaged for years. Now that you've graduated, are you trying to use a pregnancy to secure your position?"

"Ms. Sutton, has your relationship with Mr. Christopher changed?"

Wendy, looking delicate and frightened, shook her head vigorously. "Please don't do this to me. I… I…"

"Nothing has changed."

Christopher got out of the car and put his arm around Wendy, showing his support. Under the flash of the cameras, there was warmth in his deep eyes. It was something he rarely showed to anyone.

Seeing this, Giselle pressed her lips together and left the scene.

This was how it should be.

Christopher could finally be with the one he loved.

Giselle didn't notice Christopher's gaze in her direction. His dark eyes were deep, harboring a strong and domineering possessiveness.

Chapter 8

Giselle had just reached the dormitory when somebody tapped her shoulder from behind.

When she turned around, a classmate of hers pointed toward the school building while panting hard.

"Giselle, Professor Wade wants you to go to the director's office right away."

"Alright." Giselle turned and walked toward the school building.

On her way there, many people stared at her as they pointed and whispered. They shot her unfriendly gazes.

It seemed that this would be another trap.

. . .

Right after Giselle entered the director's office, she realized that there were others apart from Bruce in the room. Christopher and Wendy were there.

Her eyes met Christopher's. Like a black mamba, his eyes seemed as if they could poison Giselle to death.

For a second, she could not help but hold her breath. Clenching her fists together, she steadied herself. But Christopher's gaze was still on her.

Right then, a slender figure walked in gracefully. It was an ex-friend of hers who had backstabbed her in her previous life, Sandy Todd.

When Giselle fainted from low blood sugar during her part-time shift, Sandy had helped her out before. That was why Giselle had always trusted Sandy. She would almost always do whatever Sandy told her to.

But who would have thought that Sandy and Wendy had actually been secretly colluding for a long time? Sandy had been a wolf in sheep's clothing whenever she was around Giselle.

When Sandy saw Giselle, she took Giselle's hand with concern as usual. Without waiting for Giselle to speak, she quickly said, "Giselle, hurry and apologize to Wendy now. I know you couldn't possibly have slandered Wendy just for the competition spot."

So, this was what it was all about.

Giselle stared at Sandy calmly. Perhaps it was because of how direct Giselle's gaze was, a hint of guilt flashed in Sandy's eyes, which were normally timid.

"What's wrong, Giselle? I'm just looking out for you. If you pass the spot back to Wendy, Mr. Christopher and Mr. Potts certainly wouldn't pursue the matter."

If this had happened in her previous lifetime, Giselle would have really thought that Sandy was looking out for her for fear that she might offend powerful people.

But the truth was, Sandy just wanted Giselle to admit that she had slandered Wendy online. It was about Giselle's claim that Wendy had slept with Christopher just so that she could force him to marry her.

Giselle pulled her hand out subtly. She asked, "If you believe me, why are you asking me to apologize? How would apologizing be any different from admitting guilt?"

Stunned, Sandy did not say a word for a long while. She was even ogling at Giselle in disbelief.

Harry had been exchanging pleasantries with Christopher. When he heard Giselle's words, he turned around with an angry face.

"Giselle Larson, you're at the university now! Wendy was the candidate chosen by the university. I've mentioned this before. But you were jealous enough to first hype your 'love story' with Mr. Christopher online and then spread rumors about Wendy.

"There is no way we would agree to have someone with such poor moral character like you to represent our university in the competition!"

Bruce, who had always taken good care of Giselle, could not bear to hear this. "Mr. Potts, Giselle is not that kind of person. She—"

Before he could finish, someone started sobbing on the couch. Leaning on Christopher's shoulder, tears streamed down Wendy's cheeks pitifully.

Taking a deep breath, Wendy said, "Mr. Potts, Mr. Wade, please don't argue because of me anymore. Just let Giselle have the spot. Now that my reputation has been tarnished, I'll only bring shame to the university if I participate in the competition."

After saying that, she looked up at Christopher as if she had many things to say. But she swallowed them back with eyes full of grievance.

"Mr. Christopher, I'm sorry for embarrassing you."

Seeing that, even Bruce, who had wanted to help Giselle, felt bad. That was what Wendy was the most talented at. She would always have a way for others to feel sorry for her.

As expected, Christopher put his arm around Wendy's shoulder as he gently rubbed with his fingers. His action was intimate and loving.

The red emerald ring on his finger reminded everyone how powerful he was.

Glancing at Giselle, his dark eyes were full of danger and iciness. They were cold yet unfathomable. Beckoning her over with his finger, his voice was deep and cold.

"Giselle, come here. Or you'll regret it." Memories of Christopher defending Wendy with all his might in Giselle's previous life came flooding back.

His schemes were never just physical actions. They were always mentally terrifying. He would destroy all her hope slowly and tear her life apart just to make Wendy smile again.

This time, she would definitely not compromise! Gritting her teeth, she met Christopher's gaze.

"Mr. Christopher, where's your evidence?"

Christopher said nothing, but there seemed to be mockery on his lips. Giselle did not understand his expression until Sandy stepped forward.

"Giselle, I can't stand seeing you making more mistakes anymore. You can't ruin Mr. Christopher and Wendy's relationship just for your selfish reasons."

She then looked at Christopher with teary eyes. "Mr. Christopher, I've tried to persuade Giselle, but I couldn't stop her. She was indeed the one who spread rumors about Wendy online. You guys can check the social media account on her phone.

"That was the account that leaked the information to the paparazzi.

"Actually, she didn't do it just to have a spot for the competition. She… was also jealous about you and Wendy getting together. She's had a crush on you for a long time. She even carries a diary about her crush for you with her everywhere she goes.

"You can check her bag if you don't believe me."

After that, a single teardrop slid down Sandy's lips, which made her look shy and scared. Her pitiful eyes were fixated on Christopher.

If Wendy had not shot Sandy a glance, Sandy's eyes would have remained glued on Christopher. Without waiting for Giselle to defend herself, Harry snatched her bag over and poured out all its contents forcefully.

A pink diary appeared in front of everyone. Pretending to be shocked, Wendy asked, "Giselle, do you have anything else to say about this?"

Expressionless, Giselle picked up the diary and threw it in front of Wendy. "Take a proper look at it!"

Wendy could not wait to open the diary. But instead of entries about Giselle's crush on Christopher, it was full of study notes. Frowning, she looked at Sandy instinctively.

Sandy snatched the diary and flipped through it thrice. She was dumbfounded.

"How could this be? I clearly saw—"

"Sandy, have you been possessed? The person who has a crush on Mr. Christopher is not me. How could I possibly have feelings for him?"

Chuckling, Giselle's eyes darted between Sandy and Christopher. Seeing that, a flash of viciousness appeared in Wendy's gaze on Sandy.

It would be more fun to watch them turn on each other. But right after Giselle had set her trap, Christopher stared at Giselle with cold and quiet eyes.

Perhaps it was just her imagination, but she seemed to have noticed that Christopher had been looking at the diary on the ground the whole time just now.

What was he looking for? Her secret love confessions for him? He did not deserve it.

Being glared at by Harry, Sandy tried to save the situation. She said, "I don't know when Giselle switched her diary. But she can't have possibly changed her social media account."

After that, Wendy picked up the phone on the ground and checked. Sandy readily provided her with Giselle's password. Before tapping to unlock Giselle's phone, Wendy did not forget to show some generosity.

Acting as if she felt bad, she said, "Giselle, I really don't want to see this happening to you. We'll forget about this if you just admit your mistake."

"Do you not dare to look at my phone?"

"Don't blame me for this, then."

Wendy unlocked Giselle's phone right in front of Christopher. But when she logged into Giselle's social media account, she was dumbstruck.

Bending down to pack her bag, Giselle explained, "Unfortunately, my account was hacked into yesterday. Thankfully, I contacted the customer service and made a complaint. The time and location of the hacking incident are clearly shown on the feedback form.

"It was logged in at our university. But I was not at the university at that time."

She pretended to glance at Sandy casually. Sandy immediately lowered her head and put on her insecure persona, which had always been her trick.

Without exposing Sandy, Giselle looked at Christopher without arrogance or humility.

"Mr. Christopher, is there anything else you'd like to question me about? If not, I have to prepare for the competition. I'll be taking my leave now."

Eyes on Christopher, she emphasized the word "question". But there was no change of emotions on her face.

Christopher's eyes darkened. The expression on his face was something she had never seen before.