Rebirth Into My Second Chance

As I made my way upstairs, I could hear Kate, her voice laced with injustice, pleading, "Claude, it really wasn't me. It was Claire who pulled me, and that's how she ended up burning her hand."

I slowed down, curious to hear Claude's response.

"Kate, Claire's burn is pretty severe; it blistered up. She's studying medicine; she wouldn't hurt herself on purpose. When she comes down, you should really apologize to her."

Looking at the burn on my hand, I wondered how effective this little act of self-sacrifice would be.

At least in this life, I had managed to get Claude to insist Kate apologize to me.

But as I descended the stairs with a pile of laundry in my arms, I caught Kate saying, "Claude, the Goodwin family said if we unite our families through marriage, they would give half of their shares to me. This would be a huge boost for you in the business world. The Goodwin's support could help you achieve your goals sooner."

Always the goals.

Could Claude's ambition be to become Crestview Metropolis' most formidable business titan?

So, his vendetta against Richard, the business prodigy he had thrown into jail and whose assets he tried to seize, was not just about revenge for exposing my orphanage past. He saw Richard as nothing but a stepping stone. Biting my lip, my grip on the laundry tightened.

Claude's ambitions were costing too many people dearly. I deliberately made my footsteps heavier, halting their conversation.

with a smile, I feigned a wince as she "accidentally" touched my

"Ouch..."

as Claude, concerned, took my hand gently. "You need to

kept my head down,

didn't mean

I managed a soft smile. "Can an apology really erase the pain I've

but find her dumbfounded look amusing. "I'm

his voice, "Claire, stop

couldn't find the

room earlier. I remember leaving in a

en

in your room lately. The staff had a few days off and only returned today. They

glanced at Kate. "Kate, you were the only one who went into my room. Did

darkened, "I didn't take

in the same drawer. That bracelet is very important to me and to the Hart family When Mrs. Hart gave it to me, she

means I can marry Claude?!" Kate looked