Chapter 3

Vireon Technologies announced a major breakthrough in its 2nm chip technology, and military-backed investors immediately piled in. Its valuation soared tenfold overnight.

Then After Midnight, the Silvergate Studios series no one had expected much from, blew up online. With its polished production and smart, twist-filled mystery, it caught fire overseas and became an international phenomenon.

The biopharmaceutical company that had been on the verge of bankruptcy was acquired outright by Crawford Group for a staggering sum after developing a groundbreaking targeted cancer drug.

Not long after that, Henry called me back into his study.

He pushed several documents across the desk. "These are the returns from your investments. Rhea, tell me how you knew."

I smiled. "Dad, would you believe me if I said I got lucky?"

Henry fell silent.

Men like him didn't believe in luck. They trusted judgment and information. And the less he understood about how I knew what I knew, the more valuable I became to him.

From that day on, Henry started taking me to Delston's most exclusive business receptions and private dinners.

Hannah, meanwhile, took every opportunity to introduce me to eligible young men from the city's wealthiest families. She was clearly trying to find me a suitable match.

In my first life, I'd felt like merchandise on display, standing stiffly while wealthy young men looked me over and picked me apart. I'd been so intimidated that I could barely get a full sentence out.

This time, I was the one doing the judging.

At one event, a man in gold-rimmed glasses asked with an air of self-importance, "Ms. Lennon, what do you think of NFTs?"

I held my wineglass and answered evenly, "Mostly hype and speculation. Once the hype dies, the people who bought in are the ones left holding the bag."

His expression stiffened.

Another rich heir spoke in a smug, overly casual tone, clearly fishing for details about my background. "I heard you only recently reunited with the Sullivans. What were you doing before that?"

I met his eyes. "What I did before doesn't matter. What matters is that I'm a Sullivan now. But Mr. Palmer, judging by your company's numbers this quarter, I'd say you have more pressing things to worry about."

Their stunned, embarrassed expressions bored me.

Then, at a business reception hosted by Crawford Group, I met Joel Crawford.

As the host, he was speaking with several major business figures.

He wore a perfectly tailored suit, his manner cool and reserved. There was an easy authority in the way he carried himself, as if being in control came naturally to him.

Comments flooded my vision.

"That's him! Joel is Olivia's endgame!"

"Rhea never got invited to events like this in her first life, so of course she never met him."

"Wait, wasn't Alex supposed to be Olivia's guy? Why are they saying Joel is her endgame?"

"Oh, right! Alex is only the early love interest. Olivia dumps him later and tries to land Joel instead, but Joel wants nothing to do with her."

I was still reading when a mocking voice came from behind me.

"Well, look who it is. The one the Sullivans just brought back from the countryside. What, you've already figured out how to come to parties like this and land yourself a rich husband?"

I turned around.

It was Hazel Winkler, whose family owned Winkler Group. She'd taken every opportunity to make my life difficult in my first life too.

I had no interest in dealing with her, so I turned to leave.

Hazel blocked my path and raised her voice.

"What, did I hit a nerve? Then again, with your background, what else do you have going for you besides a pretty face and the Sullivan name?"

Her words immediately drew attention. Several people turned to look, including Joel.

I stopped and smiled at her. "You're right, Ms. Winkler. None of us gets to choose where we come from. But being born rich is no excuse for being stupid.

"Instead of worrying about my past, maybe you should worry about Winkler Group. From what I hear, your company is running out of cash."

Hazel went white. "Y-You're making that up!"

"You know whether I'm making it up."

My smile disappeared, and my gaze turned cold.

"If you want to keep what's left of your dignity, walk away."

Just then, Joel walked over, a wineglass in hand.

Hazel looked shaken, but he didn't even glance at her. His eyes went straight to me.