Rebirth Into My Second Chance

There I was, nestled in Claude's arms, casting a sly grin at Carl's fuming demeanor.

In my past life, Claude had watched on as Carl and his crew bullied me, indifferent to my plight.

All because I'd climbed into his bed and pushed away his beloved Kate. He labeled me as a cunning and terrifying woman.

This time around, none of those things had happened yet, so he still harbored a faint affection for me.

Perhaps this affection stemmed from my parents saving his life.

It was an advantage I intended to fully exploit in this life.

"Claire, you must be terrified, I'm so sorry. It's my fault for running off to meet friends. That's why Carl and his friends targeted you," she said, pulling me into her embrace, away from Claude's arms, trying to comfort me. But I clung to Claude's sleeve, terrified. He sighed: "Kate, she's not used to these grand events. Let her stay with me; the auction is about to start. Let's head over together." Claude glanced at me, his eyes conveying something I couldn't decipher.

But I'd achieved my goal, making him witness Carl's bullying, not my seduction.

"Claudy, will Carl be at the auction too?" I asked, locking eyes with Claude.

"Stay by my side, and

I nodded obediently.

in the distance, lifting his champagne in a toast to me

did he start

me intentionally fall into Carl's arms

looked again in his direction, he

he probably wouldn't bring it up with Claude, so I decided to stop worrying about it. Just as we entered the auction venue, I noticed several staff members ushering Carl and his group out. "Sorry, the organizing committee found that

Fake invitations?

but still of a wealthy household,

staff's insistence on ejecting them, seemingly unafraid of offending them,

Call your boss here. This invitation was personally delivered

mine. I

and whispered, "I'll go

fiercely loyal, especially to his childhood friends, so much so that in my previous life, he

I come with you,

Claude had no choice but to take me along. When Kate attempted to follow, Claude said 'Stay