Chapter 1

"Don't you know the rules, Jennifer McQuinn? Mr. Paulson is traveling a long way back to the country to pay his respects to his ancestors. What's wrong with setting up a few more candles for the ceremony?

"We have to ensure that this event is as grand as possible! Don't even bother trying to stop me by bringing up how we're not supposed to start fires now. You're just ruining the mood for everyone!"

Valerie York's booming voice echoed around the cemetery. She was hauling two huge candles with her as she shot a disdainful glare at me.

A violent shiver coursed through me when I heard her familiar voice.

I hadn't died in the deep sea with the dark reefs. Instead, I had been reborn.

I had returned to the day when Valerie insisted on illegally starting a fire on the mountain.

The other employees stopped what they were doing and shot strange looks at me.

From their perspective, I was the CEO's wife, but I was also an evil control freak. I was always finding reasons to target and harass their boss' carefree best friend.

My husband, Shane Carlton, pushed through the crowd and approached us with a frown. When he realized that Valerie and I were arguing, he didn't hesitate before taking Valerie's side. He shielded her behind him and began impatiently criticizing me.

"Are you causing trouble again, Jennifer? Valerie's just doing what she thinks is the best for the company. She wants to help me secure the business deal with Mr. Paulson.

"Mr. Paulson is a man of culture. He's lived abroad for most of his life, so he places great priority in returning to his roots and paying his respects to his ancestors. Are you intentionally trying to humiliate Valerie by getting in her way?"

A strong gust of wind billowed past, sending the dry leaves on the ground dancing in the air.

I clenched my fists tightly as I stared at Shane and Valerie, using the pain to suppress my overwhelming loathing for them.

I definitely wasn't going to lift a single finger to save their lives in this life. I took a deep breath before letting a frosty smile stretch across my lips. I then took a few steps backward.

"You're right, Mr. Carlton. I was too narrow-minded. Since you approve of Valerie's plan, feel free to do as you please."

Valerie was momentarily stunned when I suddenly conceded to her. On top of that, I had referred to Shane as "Mr. Carlton" instead of "honey".

A smug glint flickered in her eyes as she bumped her shoulder against Shane's arm, looking immensely pleased with herself.

She laughed boisterously and exclaimed, "Look, Shane. Jennifer has finally come to her senses! I already told her that nothing will go wrong when we're working together!

"I'm prepared to pull out all the stops to ensure that Mr. Paulson acknowledges our sincerity. That way, you can secure that ten-million dollar contract!

"Also, not to criticize you, Jennifer, but women like you are too shortsighted. You'll never achieve any success if you keep worrying about the rules. After all, interpersonal relationships are crucial when it comes to doing business."

The other employees began chiming in to support Valerie. Some even changed their tune when they realized that things were turning in her favor.

"Ms. York is right. She spent many sleepless nights preparing for this event. She even personally ordered the candles from the factory."

"Mrs. Carlton is too conservative. A big shot like Mr. Paulson has seen everything. He won't remember our company if we don't do something memorable."

Shane looked at Valerie adoringly as the others continued to shower her with praise. But when he turned to look at me, his affectionate expression morphed into one of impatience.

"You should have gone along with Valerie's plan from the start. The only thing you're good at is being jealous and flaunting your temper at work. You should take a leaf out of Valerie's book and learn how to conduct yourself in society. Stop acting like everyone in the world owes you."

I didn't defend myself. Instead, I quietly unlocked my phone and started recording.

Pretending that I was checking my messages, I aimed the camera at Shane and Valerie. I then raised my voice and said, "Shane, Valerie, as the nominal supervisor of this event, I need your confirmation one last time.

"Today is the death anniversary of Mr. Paulson's ancestors. We're currently in fire prevention season. Look at your surroundings. There are dry, flammable leaves everywhere.

"There are candles everywhere, including the two extra-large ones. Today's wind speed is at least 24 mph. If the leaves catch fire, I'm 100% sure that a massive wildfire will spread across the mountain."