Without thinking, I jumped into the water to search for it.

Before I went under, I heard Elena guiltily say, "Sorry, Ryan. It's my fault for not holding it properly. I've upset your sweetheart."

Ryan sneered, "Sweetheart? She was just some toy I raised on a whim after you got mad at me."

By the time I found the charm and climbed ashore, the place was already empty. I couldn't tell if the wetness on my face was from my tears or the pool water.

That night, I kneeled outside Ryan's door the entire time before he finally agreed to let me attend the company's manager selection.

I couldn't rely on Ryan's charity forever. I had worked hard for a year to prepare for this manager position and wasn't about to give up. But as soon as I arrived at the office, whispers followed me everywhere.

"Is she really the daughter of that murderer? How does she even have the nerve to apply for manager?"

"She's just clinging to Mr. Carter! Now that Ms. Jones is here, there's no room for her."

"Yeah! Didn't you notice? Mr. Carter couldn't take his eyes off Ms. Jones today."

"I feel sorry for Ms. Jones. She lost her parents because of her. What a tragic fate."

I returned to my desk in a daze and glanced over at Elena's spot.

Elena simply sat at her desk as she listened to the whispers. She was quietly wiping away her tears.

The others only grew more resentful upon seeing her cry.

"She has the killer's blood. We'd better stay away from her."

As everyone dispersed, Elena walked over with a triumphant look.

"Nat, you've worked hard for the manager role, but with Ryan supporting you, you don't really need it. I'm different. I never take money from men, so I really need this job."

I scoffed. How could she act so self-righteous when she was living off a job handed to her by Ryan?

Elena leaned close and whispered in my ear, "It's just a job, but you still owe me two lives."

I stared at her and said, "I apologize for the death of your parents on behalf of my father. I'm withdrawing from the selection. Good luck."

As I packed up to leave, Elena slapped me across the face. I was about to fight back when Ryan arrived.

Elena tearfully complained, "Ryan, the coworkers found out about Nat's father. I tried to defend her, but she called me a busybody and said my parents deserved to die. I lost control and hit her."

Without a word, Ryan grabbed my throat in front of everyone.

As I struggled for air, a vague memory flashed. Years ago, a debt collector had done the same to force me to repay money.

Back then, Ryan had torn that man's arm off, swearing no one would ever lay a finger on me again.

Now, everything had changed. After Elena's relentless pleading, Ryan finally loosened his grip as if granting a favor. He gave me a cold look and said, "Kneel and apologize to El right now. Don't forget who's been supporting you all these years."

I kneeled quietly outside the manager's office until late into the night.

Before leaving, I propped up my stiff legs and placed my resignation letter on Ryan's desk.

Ryan invited me into his car as we headed to the party the next day.

After a moment of silence, he said, "I've approved your resignation. Don't try to compete with Elena. As long as you behave, the Carters can support you for life."

I nodded calmly and asked, "What's Mr. Daniel's room number? Take me to see him."

Ryan said sarcastically, "Is that all you want? To climb the social ladder?"

I met his gaze calmly. "I just want to repay what I owe you as soon as possible."

He avoided my gaze and, with a complicated look, told me the room number before closing his eyes to rest.

He didn't say another word for the rest of the journey. When we arrived, I went straight to the penthouse suite to find Daniel Carter.

The room was pitch dark. Just as I reached to turn on the light, a deep voice came from the shadows, carrying a hint of amusement. "Who sent you?"

I thought about the debt I owed Ryan over the years and pushed aside my urge to run. I took two steps forward and stood my ground.

After a long, appraising silence, he said coldly, "Get out. Tell your boss not to get any ideas."

Before he finished, he grabbed me and dragged me toward the door. Just as I was about to be thrown out, I blurted, "Wait, hold on!"

His grip faltered, and he switched on the lights. When he saw my face, his voice trembled slightly. "Natalie, why are you here? Has Ryan mistreated you?"

His eyes held a tenderness I had never seen before.

For the first time, Daniel didn't send me away. After hearing the full story, he ordered his men, "Tell Ryan that the girl he sent is mine."

When Ryan heard this, he destroyed the priceless collectibles he had spent a fortune on. He wanted to take me back, but he dared not defy his uncle's authority.

All he could do was rage helplessly among the ruins of his collection.

After spending the night at Daniel's, he had his men send me home.

As soon as I arrived, I found Elena waiting by the lounge door, holding a birthday cake. She sneered coldly when she saw that Daniel's men had brought me back. "You're really something else."

I didn't respond. I simply stared at the cake and murmured, "Is this from Ryan?"

Without waiting for an answer, she walked away and lit the candles with a mocking smile. "Dream on. It's from me."

When she noticed my confusion, she smirked and said, "My parents died instantly in that crash. Do you know what your father said? He said that Nat's birthday cake had not yet been bought. Your birthday date is etched into my memory, and I have never forgotten it."

Before I could react, she threw the lit candles onto the curtains.

Within seconds, smoke filled the room.

Before I lost consciousness, I saw Ryan rushing in. He grabbed Elena and ran away without looking back.

Before leaving, he glanced at me and said, "Wait for me. I'll be back soon."

…

By the time Ryan returned, the fire had died down.

He searched the entire area, but he couldn't find me. He kneeled beside the ruins, looking lost and broken.

Just then, Daniel arrived, holding a woman in his arms.

Whispers spread through the crowd. Though her face was hidden behind a veil, her figure was unmistakably stunning.

After all, Daniel was known to keep his distance from women.

Panicked, Ryan stepped forward and reached to lift the veil, but Daniel's icy glare stopped him.

His hand froze mid-air before he nervously asked, "Uncle Daniel, who is this?"