Chapter 7
I have no regrets.
If, three years ago, they had shown me even an ounce of genuine care, maybe I would’ve stayed. Maybe I wouldn’t have given up on them completely.
But now I know the truth.
Everything they did to me was because of some baseless prediction from a so–called “spiritual advisor.”
One careless statement from a stranger, and they decided my life was worth less than my brother’s.
And I can’t help but wonder–if that “advisor” had said just one more word, would they have done worse? Would they have thrown me away completely?
Maybe even worse? The thought alone makes forgiveness impossible.
Once Professor Collins added my name to the classified project team, I went straight into work mode.
I didn’t tell anyone where I was going–only Professor Collins and a few trusted colleagues knew.
Before I left, my lab team threw me a farewell dinner.
We gathered at an upscale restaurant, the kind of place I’d once thought was completely out of reach for someone
like me.
I stared at the sparkling chandeliers and perfectly set tables, my voice soft as I said, “Three years ago, on Christmas
Eve, I followed my parents here.”
“I saw them dining with Jason, laughing like nothing else mattered.”
“Back then, I thought I’d never set foot in a place like this.”
“And now… here I am, sitting at this table with all of you.”
One of my colleagues raised a glass, grinning.
“Emma, don’t sell yourself short. From now on, places like this will be asking you to dine with them. They’d be lucky
to have you.”
Another chimed in, “You’re too good for people like them. Don’t waste your energy on the past–they’re not worth it.”
“And don’t forget,” added my mentor, “you’re one of the most brilliant minds I’ve ever worked with. The future is yours, Emma.”
Hearing their words warmed me in a way I hadn’t felt in years.
For the first time, I realized that my name–Emma Blake–had become something people knew, something respected.
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Reborn, My Family Tried to Bury Me, So I Burned It All Down!
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We toasted to new beginnings, and for the first time in years, I let myself loosen up.
Leven had a few too many drinks, letting the warm buzz of alcohol wash over me.
When we finally left, the cold night air hit me, sobering me up slightly as I pulled my coat tighter around me.
But my breath caught in my throat when I saw who was standing outside the restaurant.
Jason.
He was leaning against a lamppost, his expression sharp and full of fury.
“Well, look who’s living it up,” he sneered, his voice dripping with venom.
“Are you satisfied now? The whole internet is tearing me apart, digging.up every little mistake I’ve ever made.”
They’re calling me a criminal! And it’s all because of you! Why did you have to come back?!”
I stared at him, stunned, as he stalked closer, his voice rising.
You were never supposed to be here,” he spat, his face contorting with rage.
The advisor was right–you’ve been a curse from the start.‘
“You should’ve died! Why didn’t you just disappear?!”
Before I could react, Jason lunged at me, his hand pulling a knife from his pocket.
The world seemed to slow as he charged toward me.
But just as I braced for impact, someone barreled into him from the side, knocking him to the ground.
Chaos erupted.
Several figures emerged from the shadows–security guards, my colleagués–and wrestled Jason to the pavement.
He thrashed and shouted, but they pinned him down with ease.
Then, I felt someone pull me into a tight embrace.
“Emma, are you okay?”
I turned, stunned to see my mom. She was shaking, her face pale as she held me close.
My dad arrived moments later, his face tight with anger as he barked orders to the guards.
Call the police,” he snapped.
Jason struggled against the people holding him, screaming like a madman.
Let me go! You can’t do this to me! I’m the heir–I’m the only one who matters! You said you’d never abandon me!
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You promised!
My dad’s face twisted with fury.
He stormed over, his hand flying out to slap Jason across the face.
Enough! Dad. red.
You don’t deserve anything. Do you hear me? You’re à disgrace.”
Jason froze, his eyes wide with shock as Dad’s words sank in.
“I’ve had enough of you,” Dad continued, his voice like ice.
“You’ve been nothing but a spoiled brat your entire life. It’s time you took responsibility for your actions.”
“If they take you to court, so be it. If you go to jail, so be it. You’ve had your chances, and you blew every single one of
them.”
Jason’s voice cracked.
“You can’t… You can’t do this to me. I’m your son!”
Dad turned his back on him, his voice cold and final.
From now on, everything we have–all the money, all the assets–goes to Emma. You’re on your own.”
Jason’s screams echoed as the police arrived, pulling him off the ground and taking him away in cuffs.
For the first time, I saw my parents look truly defeated.
And yet, I felt nothing.
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