Chapter 1

Pearl Sullivan slipped her arm through mine and said in a sweet voice, “Mindy, who are you going to choose? I think Daniel is a great option.”

I was confused. It took me a moment to return to my senses. I put two and two together before realizing that I had returned to the past.

I turned to look at Pearl. A chill ran through me.

She was my father’s illegitimate daughter. After her mother died, my father brought her home. He said she could keep me company.

In my past life, Pearl had married Max Lawrence and lived in luxury.

On the other hand, I was beaten to death.

When I heard her words, I clenched my fists.

“Max and I grew up together. When my mother was still alive, she said she wanted me to marry into the Lawrence family.”

Pearl said from the side, “But Max has no mind of his own. I’ve already asked around for you. His mother is very controlling. Didn’t you say before that Mrs. Lawrence was very strict with you? She’s probably afraid you’d take him away.”

“That’s right, Mindy. If you marry into that family and she gives you a hard time, what will you do?”

My father also tried to persuade me. They exchanged a brief glance and quickly looked away as if nothing had happened.

The chat in front of me blew up.

[If you don’t listen to their advice, you’ll regret it! Girl, you have to listen, or you’ll suffer!]

[Hurry up and decide. Max is already on his way. He’s even bringing his mother along!]

[Daniel is right outside. If you call his name now, he would give you everything, even his life!]

Something did not quite add up.

In my past life, Daniel Quinn and Max had walked in at the same time. I had chosen Daniel. Max’s face had turned grim while his mother, Rachel Walter, flew into a rage.

Later, Pearl married Max, and the two families made peace again. Even then, Rachel often found fault with Pearl.

I took a deep breath. “Dad, if I choose Daniel, he can’t help the family right now. We would have to spend money to support him. Isn’t that too risky?”

My father glanced at me. His expression was complicated. “Why would it be? The Sullivan family’s resources will remain untouched. You can use the resources from your mother’s side.

“That way, our family would retain its strength.”

I looked at my father. His gaze was sharp and calculative.

How had I missed it in my past life? He had been planning this out since the beginning.

I was far wiser this time.

I frowned. The chat started flooding again.

[Girl, getting married is like being born a second time. Your father and your sister won’t ever harm you!]

[Daniel even brought all his assets today. That shows real sincerity!]

I could not help but sneer. How much could an illegitimate son possibly have?

At that moment, the doorbell rang. They had arrived.

Max and Daniel walked in at the same time. Rachel carried a quiet but commanding presence.

I looked at them and made up my mind.

“I choose Max. This way, I can fulfill my mother’s wish.”

I made my choice in front of Rachel.

Pearl immediately tightened her grip on my arm. A sharp pain shot through my arm. I pulled my arm away and looked at the nail marks on my skin. My face turned cold. “Pearl, what are you doing?

“You hurt me!”

Pearl’s eyes filled with tears. “Mindy, I didn’t mean to. You said you liked Daniel. You even gave him a love token. How could you go back on your word?”

“What are you talking about? When did I ever give him anything?”

I turned and saw the ring on Daniel’s finger. I froze in shock.

That was a pair of rings I designed myself. One of them went missing after it was finished. I never expected to see it on his finger.

I looked at Pearl. She was the only one who could have entered my room. My dear sister had been plotting against me all along.