One night of passion with Carl Grey, her supposed uncle, led Renee Lacey down a path of eight years of misery. On the day she decided to end it all, holding her daughter's ashes, Carl was throwing a big party for his ex-girlfriend's son. Talk about adding insult to injury. But life had a surprise in store. Renee got a do-over, and this time, she's not pulling any punches. Carl's going to learn that karma's a real piece of work. Last time around, when Renee tried to explain things, Carl shut her down, accusing her of drugging him for a hookup. Well, not anymore. This time, she's cutting him loose in front of everyone. Remember when Carl's ex stole Renee's work and he called Renee a green-eyed monster? Now, Renee's going to leave them both in the dust and grab that award herself. And let's not forget how Carl always took his ex's side when Renee was blamed for stuff she didn't do. This time, Renee's giving as good as she gets. Poor Carl. He always thought Renee would stick around, no matter what. But when she finally walks out without so much as a "see ya," his world falls apart. Now look at Mr. High-and-Mighty, all teary-eyed and desperate: "Renee, don't go. Can't I come with you?"
View MoreWhen Renee woke again, someone was standing by her bed, watching her with dark, sinister eyes.She scrambled up in alarm when she recognized who it was.Linda Clark.She looked nothing like the elegant, dignified Mrs. Grey she remembered.The Clark family's downfall had clearly taken its toll - her hair was streaked with silver, dark circles under her eyes.Once she'd merely seemed frail; now she radiated an aura of death.Renee got off the bed, stepping back: "Mrs. Grey, what do you want?"Linda remained silent, smoothing her hair before gracefully taking the chair opposite, her movements still those of a society woman.Once settled, she looked up disdainfully at Renee."We were so close that night. You and Carl could have been ruined forever."Renee froze, suddenly understanding."It was you that night."Looking at the face before her, the events of that night became clearer.Fall was crab season.Linda had arranged a crab feast at one of the Grey family hotels.The Gr
"I know it's hard for you to believe all this now. That's fine - we'll have plenty of time ahead.""Renee, don't hate me. I didn't want to become like this, but I had no choice."Renee frowned, sensing something behind his words: "Who gave you that choice?"Travis didn't answer. Instead, he approached her and replaced her steak with his pre-cut one."Eat. Stop being stubborn. Uncle Carl might let you have your way, but I won't. What I want, I must get it regardless… And what I can't have... I'll destroy rather than let others have it, especially Uncle Carl."He said this with a smile, but his tone was ruthless.His love for her was real, but so was his hatred for Carl.Renee glanced at the hand on her shoulder: "How can I eat? I'm already here - it's not like I can escape."Travis waved at the guard, who released her.He pushed the plate toward her with a warning: "Renee, don't try anything. No one knows where you are, not even Uncle Carl. No one can save you."He patted her
Renee jerked her face away from Travis's touch.His hand hung in the air before lowering with a light laugh: "Still mad?”He spoke as if soothing an upset lover.But his tone made cold sweat break out all over Renee's body.She struggled: "What do you really want?"Travis studied her for a few seconds, ignoring her anger, speaking gently: "You must be hungry. Sit down and eat something."He sat down gracefully, signaling the flight attendant.When Renee refused to sit, the guard behind her forced her down by her shoulders.The attendant poured champagne and served freshly cooked steak.Travis raised his glass to Renee, inviting a toast.Renee sat with clenched fists, refusing to participate."Renee, at this point, fighting me won't do you any good."Travis watched her through his champagne glass.Renee felt chilled to her core, suffocating as if being stalked.But he was right.What could she do at 30,000 feet?She didn't even know where they were going.Renee took a d
Dr. Percy startled: "Why did she drop it here? Why not just call out to me?""Someone was watching her."Carl had already reviewed all security footage on his way over. The cameras showed Renee looking around nervously, clearly being watched.Opening the crumpled paper - the same two sheets Dr. Percy had seen earlier.Dr. Percy quickly put it together: "Earlier she was staring at these papers, asking if I was dating someone named Joey. Who's Joey?""I know who." Carl turned to Jackson, "Call Renee's neighbor."Jackson nodded and made the call.Carl waved the papers at Dr. Percy: "Explain this."Dr. Percy's face darkened in frustration: "It's Connor. He knew my mother was urging me to find a girlfriend. He forged my handwriting to date Joey - Renee's neighbor. But why would he go this far just for Annie?""Chris, have you considered this isn't just about Annie? He's targeting you too. You've always been his cover for wrongdoing." Carl hit the nail on the head."..."Dr. Percy
Renee bent to pick up the paper and froze in place.Dr. Percy looked confused: "Why are you just standing there?"Renee showed him both papers: "Look at this."Dr. Percy glanced casually at first, then froze himself."Whose number is this? Why is the handwriting exactly like mine?"The 9s, 6s, and 1s had distinctive tails - his personal signature style.No wonder Renee had found Joey's note familiar.She'd seen the same writing on Dr. Percy's medical records.Suddenly, Renee remembered Joey mentioning her date was a doctor.She looked up at Dr. Percy: "Are you dating? Someone named Joey?"Dr. Percy started: "How did you know? I matched someone on tinder but I haven't had time to meet her yet, I..."They locked eyes, both realizing something.Dr. Percy spoke angrily: "When Connor did poorly in school as a kid, after my dad punished him, he started forging my parents' signatures. Eventually, he could copy anyone's handwriting perfectly."He moved to make a call.Renee grabb
"How do you know my mom's symptoms?" Renee pressed.Dr. Percy hesitated, then quickly turned away: "I scheduled a CT scan. We need to hurry."Seeing this, Renee immediately took the wheelchair from the driver and pushed Susanne forward.Susanne turned her head slightly: "It was Carl. He noticed something wasn't right when he saw me at the ceremony, so he made an excuse to let me leave. He also asked Dr. Percy to arrange this. Don't get all angry just because I mentioned him.""I'm not." Renee protested."Hmph."Susanne gave her a 'stop being stubborn' look.Outside the CT room, Dr. Percy wrote a number on a card and handed it to Renee."I can't go in with you. This is your number - you're next. Just show it when you go in.""Okay."Renee glanced at the card.The numbers looked familiar, but she couldn't place why.Just then, the door opened, and without looking closely, Renee quickly wheeled Susanne inside.After the CT scan, Dr. Percy took them to see the department head.
Carl seemed truly angry, and Renee could barely catch her breath.After they separated, she angrily ran to her room and slammed the door.Carl received a work call, and before leaving, knocked on her door."Stay away from him."Renee threw a pillow at the door.Carl frowned, surprised - her temper was really getting worse.Just then, Jackson knocked.Carl opened the main door, and Jackson handed him something."What's this?" Carl looked at Jackson suspiciously."Mr. Grey, I apologize for this morning's oversight. I bought this for you to give to Miss Lacey.”Jackson eagerly offered up a cute little box.Carl glanced at it disapprovingly: "Not needed."Jackson's eye twitched: "Mr. Grey, I specifically asked my female colleagues. They say this is the trendiest gift box right now."Hearing this, Carl took the box and placed it on the coffee table.Then they both left.After hearing no more movement, Renee came out of her room and noticed the box on the coffee table.What w
"Joey, he never drinks tea, give it to me."But before she could touch the cup, Carl took it."Who says I don't drink tea?""..."Renee stared at Carl in surprise as he took a sip.She felt he was acting strangely.Not thinking much of it, she nibbled on a couple of cookies for politeness.Finally, when Joey finished eating, Renee wanted her to leave. As she stood to help clean up, Joey's briefly rested tongue started gossiping again."Really broke up?" she asked while wiping the table."Mm." Renee glanced at Carl and nodded.They were never together anyway.Joey's eyes lit up, dropping a bombshell: "I can set you up!""What?"Renee was startled.Joey looked up at Carl, assuring him: "Mr. Grey, don't worry. I'll thoroughly screen their character, won't let your niece get hurt.""What do you think, dear niece?" Carl fixed his gaze on Renee, his voice cold and frosty.Renee felt a chill down her spine, quickly shaking her head: "No need."Joey's good nature showed here -
Renee stared wide-eyed at the man beside her and quickly said: "He's my uncle. A distant relative.""Even distant relatives are family. Mr. Grey is... your uncle?"Joey nearly dropped her jar of cookies.Renee quickly took the jar: "Yes, he was just passing by. He's leaving now."She nudged Carl with her elbow, signaling him to leave.Carl stood firm as a mountain, looking down at the cookies.Sharp-eyed Joey carefully asked: "Mr. Grey, would you like some? I made plenty."Renee jumped in again: "He doesn't want any! He's already eaten with someone! I'll eat with you.""You haven't eaten with someone?" Carl glanced coolly at Renee.The air suddenly went still.Joey's eyes darted between them - they were uncle and niece, right?Why did this conversation sound so childish?Seeing the atmosphere grow tenser, Joey said brightly: "Let's all sit and eat. You two go in, I'll go get some more."Before Renee could stop her, Joey efficiently returned to bring over more cookies.She
As per regulations, family members are not allowed to observe the cremation process.Renee Lacey had paid extra to enter the cremation room, her hand tightly gripping the cold metal frame of the gurney.The air felt scorching, with specks of ash floating in the sunlight.Perhaps they were the remains of previous cremations.Soon, her precious child would become just like those specks.Renee wore a black dress, the smallest size barely concealing her emaciated frame.Her eyes, red and swollen from crying, now held an eerie calmness.She reached out to touch the pale, stiff little hand beneath the white sheet, placing two pink origami stars in Sarah's palm."Sarah, wait for mommy."It was time.The staff member gently pulled Renee away and lifted the sheet, revealing Sarah's face.Eight years old, yet still so small and thin, with visible ribs and a sunken area below them.Staring at her daughter's frail body, Renee's tears welled up once again.She had failed to protect Sar
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