Chapter 2

"I understand what it means to be the heir of Frank Corporation," Garrett said firmly, "but I believe running this company takes skill and strength, not the influence of a spouse. I'll earn the position I want using my own abilities, not by relying on anyone else."

The entire ballroom went silent.

Walter's face darkened, and the veins on his temple twitched in fury.

I lowered my gaze, rubbing my fingers together, but the corner of my mouth lifted ever so slightly.

Classic Garrett. Cold, proud, and ruthless to the core.

Too bad he'd forgotten that when Walter pulled the company out of crisis years ago, it was only because my family, the Wheelers, had stepped in to help.

Back then, Walter had even made a verbal agreement with my father to unite our families through marriage.

"Very well!"

Walter's anger finally snapped. He slammed the table so hard that the glasses rattled.

"If you think you're so damn capable, I'll let you prove it. Let's see how long you last on your own!"

With that, he stormed out. Michelle hurried after him.

Garrett reached out and pulled Loretta into his arms, his tone soft and serious.

"Don't worry," he said gently. "You'll always be Mrs. Frank. No one will ever take that from you."

I watched the two of them cling to each other, all teary-eyed and devoted, and turned to leave.

However, Garrett's voice stopped me.

"Wait."

He brushed off Loretta's helping hand and, still unsteady, caught up to me.

Leaning close to my ear, he whispered so only the two of us could hear.

"Rosie, you're reborn, too, aren't you? At least you're smart enough not to get in Loretta's way this time. In our last life, if you hadn't interfered and ruined everything, I would've never treated you so cruelly. Now that we're here again, as long as you stay in your place, I'll spare you and the Wheelers. If you still want to stay by my side, fine. But let's be clear: you'll never have a title."

I arched a brow, pretending not to understand.

"What are you talking about, Mr. Frank? I might not come from the most powerful family, but I still have my dignity. Why on earth would I agree to be someone's mistress?"

I met his gaze directly.

There was no way I'd let him know the truth. I didn't want the hatred and bloodshed of our past to come back and destroy the Wheelers all over again.

When I glanced down and saw the dark tint still creeping up his arm, I almost laughed.

Did he really think a few nice words could erase what he had done last time? If so, he had no idea who he was dealing with.

Once the poison in his right hand spread, he wouldn't even live long enough to regret it.

I sneered and yanked my hand free.

"Looks like you need to get a brain scan, Mr. Frank. You might find a screw loose in there."

Without waiting for a response, I brushed past him and walked away.

Garrett tried to grab me, but his legs gave out. He stumbled forward and hit the floor hard.

"Garrett!" Loretta screamed, her voice trembling with panic.

I calmly straightened my sleeve, never looking back.

God had given me a second chance. This time, no one was going to hurt me or my family.

Early the next morning, I heard the housekeeper shouting downstairs that someone had barged in.

Moments later, Loretta stormed into my room, eyes red and furious.

"Rosie! You're a rich girl with everything you could want. Why do you have to take Garrett from me? Don't you get it? He was supposed to be mine!"

I sat up slowly, my hair still messy from sleep. "Are you sure you're not mistaken? When exactly did I ever compete with you for anything?"

"You little…"

Loretta bit her lip. Her eyes were glistening with tears, her voice sharp with resentment.

"Then what were you two talking about yesterday? After Garrett passed out, he kept calling your name!"

I raised a brow, my tone almost playful.

"Oh, he didn't tell you?" I said lightly. "He's begging to marry me now."