Rebirth Into My Second Chance

In that instant, I could almost see the tears Kate was fighting back, her emotions teetering on the edge before she pulled them back in.

Claude, with a thoughtful look, glanced over at Kate and remarked, "Kate, why don't you take her over for a bite?"

Reluctantly, Kate tugged at my hand, saying, "There's an array of delicious cupcakes on the other side, let's go check them out. Don't be mad at me. Pick whatever you like, and it's on me."

Lips pursed, I fished out a sleek black card from my purse: "Claudy handed me the black card."

Kate's face went through a whole range of emotions, like scenes changing fast in a movie.

In a past life, she had feigned an injury from being pushed down the stairs by me, sobbing just to tug at Claude's heartstrings and secure the black card for herself.

This time, perhaps because I had altered my life's trajectory from the get-go, I had beaten her to the punch.

Clutching her champagne glass, it seemed she could crush it with the slightest grip.

Yet, her face remained adorned with an elegant smile. "I always said Claude dotes on you the most. Tonight's your chance to milk Claudy for all he's worth, don't feel bad about his bank account. He's raking in plenty from a single case these days, plus the Goodwin family's backing him up. Taking care of you is no sweat off his back."

I understood her insinuations but shrugged it off without making a fuss.

Soon after, she spotted some friends and sauntered over to greet them, leaving me alone in the lounge area.

up just as a group

the memories of my past life, I instinctively stepped back, bumping

"Isn't that Claude's leech?"

must have made a scene to get invited to the

silent while they pushed me into a

Floyd, you look

blazer off my shoulders. When I raised my hand

"Missed pick up

hotel last time

were c belongs to

partying. Dressed

for a round with

life, Claude's friends always pegged me as a party animal, humiliating me time and

the party dared

your filthy

kick

a stumble, dramatically falling into his arms before bursting into tears: "Don't touch me, Claudy,

of Claude's arrival, got even more reckless: "Oh,