Chapter 1 Chapter 1

As I exited the study, Jeffrey Zachary caught my eye. He was seated in the crowd wearing a stylish suit, occasionally glancing towards the door. His friend nudged him and joked, "Looks like your simp... I mean, your loyal fan has arrived." Jeffrey looked at me and sighed, "Why is it you? What are you doing here?" If it were in my previous life, I would have gone to him and comforted him. However, the memory of the truck charging straight toward me was still vivid in my mind. I only replied indifferently, "Why can't I come to my birthday party?" Noticing my stiff tone, Jeffrey instantly flew into a rage. "Hannah, what's your deal? Did you come here to cause trouble? I made time for your party. Don't think our marriage is a done deal just because you visited your grandpa!" When Jeffrey's friend saw us arguing, he immediately chimed in, "Seriously, Hannah? That's how you talk to him? You should be apologizing! If you hadn't been throwing yourself at Jeffrey for years, he wouldn't have paid any attention to you!" I was speechless. "If you're not enjoying the party, feel free to leave. My wedding will be announced at my grandpa's 80th birthday next month. It doesn't concern you, so there's no need to be bothered by it." Although I had the intention of marrying Matthew Zachary, I had not asked him yet. So, I could not announce it hastily. "Wedding?" A guest asked in surprise, "Looks like Mr. Zachary Sr. and Mr. Larson Sr. are getting ready to step down. The successor to Zachary Group has finally been decided." Hector and George were close friends and should have retired a long time ago. I was the Larson family's only legitimate daughter and they agreed that whoever I wed would receive Hector's 20% share. Combined with his original 15% stake, Jeffrey became true head of the Zachary Group in my past life after marrying me. Zachary Group was about to change. After hearing this, Jeffrey's friends said happily, "Jeffrey, you're going to become the CEO!" Jeffrey, with a smug expression, warned me, "Don't assume marrying me will bring you success. Your arrogance annoys me. I've learned from my past mistakes. I'll marry you, but not into your family. Also, ensure a good position for Rosalie before our marriage." Before I could clarify that my wedding plans had nothing to do with him, I was surprised to discover that he, too, was reborn. In my previous life, it was a Zachary family servant's reminder that revealed their affair. With a fresh start, he seemed no different. Just as I was about to confront him, I heard a timid voice behind me calling out, "Hannah." Looking frail, Rosalie walked over with scars on her face, attracting everyone's attention. Seeing her, Jeffrey immediately greeted her with pity. "What happened? How did you become like this? Who hurt you?" Before Rosalie could answer, Jeffrey immediately turned around and glared at me, "Hannah, you really like playing dirty, don't you?" I was about to explain, but Rosalie interjected, "It's nothing serious. I accidentally bumped into something on my way here. Today is Hannah's birthday. Although she has never liked me, I still wanted to wish her a happy birthday." Hearing this, Jeffrey shot me a disdainful look. "Hannah, if only you were as compassionate as her..." Before Jeffrey could finish his sentence, Rosalie gently pulled his arm. "Don't be upset, Jeffrey. I believe that Hannah will eventually let go of her grudge against me." Jeffrey pitied Rosalie even more. He escorted her, saying, "Let's go see a doctor together. We shouldn't ignore any injuries." As they left, Jeffrey gave me a cold, threatening glare. "Hannah, keep yourself in check! If you bully Rosalie again, I can't guarantee that our engagement will go smoothly." He then took Rosalie away.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

The birthday party officially kicked off in the evening, but Rosalie and Jeffrey were nowhere to be seen. It was not until the party was nearly over, with only the younger guests chatting and some business folks networking, that Rosalie and Jeffrey finally arrived. Rosalie had her outfit changed. Her face was flushed, and her lips were slightly swollen. Jeffrey appeared smug with faint red marks visible through the opening of his shirt. Everyone could immediately tell what had transpired between the two of them. Their mischievous gazes were directed at me. Only a few of my close friends shook their heads but stayed quiet. If it were in my previous life, I would have hurried over and slapped Rosalie. Now, I just picked up a cup of coffee from the table and sipped it calmly. Jeffrey cautiously shielded Rosalie behind him, anticipating my reaction. However, he became annoyed when I paid them no attention. Rosalie pulled Jeffrey over and kissed him as if no one else were around. Jeffrey did not resist and let her sit on his lap. Their behavior was no concern of mine, even though they seemed determined to degrade themselves. However, my best friend, Julia Lewis, could not bear it any longer. She pulled Jeffrey and Rosalie apart. "Rosalie, Jeffrey is about to become Hannah's fiance. Do you have no shame?" Before Rosalie could refute, Jeffrey shouted. "Julia? I recall several Lewis family projects receiving investments from the Zachary family. On what grounds do you speak? Let me remind you, Hannah hasn't said anything. Who are you to lecture me?""Jeffrey, watch your tone." Julia treated me sincerely. I would never allow Jeffrey to disrespect Julia. "Mr. Zachary Sr. hasn't retired yet. Are you so certain I chose you and you'll get that 20% stake?" Upon hearing Julia's words, Jeffrey paused briefly before bursting into laughter. "Are you saying this out of spite? Everyone in this circle knows that you're in love with me and won't marry anyone else." Then, as if remembering something, Jeffrey continued, "Whatever the reason is, Hannah, I hope you can forget the ancient hatreds. No matter how much you care about it, your mother won't come back alive, so everyone should get along. Rosalie is innocent." 'Innocent?' I thought, stifling a laugh. When my mother was pregnant, Rosalie's mother came over with Rosalie and made a fuss. Rosalie's mother insisted that my father was forced to abandon her and aggressively accused my mother of being the mistress. As they argued, my mother was thrown down the stairs, and two lives were lost. Later, I found out that Rosalie was not my father's illegitimate daughter at all. She was instead the child of my uncle, who died early. Her mother was revealed to be a hostess, not the woman she claimed to be. 'Innocent? My mother and unborn sister are also innocent.' I fell into deep thought as I recalled the past. Jeffrey thought I agreed with him and cheerfully remarked, "By the way, it's your birthday today." He untied his tie and tossed it to me, saying, "Here, this is for you." Rosalie immediately said, "Jeffrey, do you think Hannah will like it? She won't blame me for taking her original gift, will she?" She then adjusted her collar, revealing a necklace around her neck. Jeffrey reassured her, "Don't worry. Hannah only appreciates items I've handled. And what do you mean by 'original gift'? If I have given it to you, it's yours." The two of them chuckled mischievously. The tie hit my face hard—it felt as if I was slapped. I found it meaningless. In my previous life, I cherished items that Jeffrey had used. The pinky ring he wore when we first met, the tie he wore when we got married, and the watch he wore at the successor press conference. I asked for them one by one and put them in an exquisite box as treasures and evidence of our relationship. Jeffrey mocked me, saying that these were junk that would be thrown away after being worn once, and I was the only one who treasured them. Things were precious because of the emotions we attached to them. He did not love me, so he did not understand that. I sighed, picked up the tie that had fallen from me, and threw it into the trash can next to me. "Trash should go in the trash can." Jeffrey was furious. "Okay, okay, okay. Hannah, just wait for our wedding to be postponed!"

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

In the evening, Rosalie and I returned home together. She wore a smug expression. "Hannah, so what if you can marry Jeffrey? You can get him, but not his heart. Oh, perhaps he doesn't even let you touch him." Without Jeffrey around, she finally stopped pretending to be innocent. "I can kill your mother and steal your beloved Jeffrey. Hannah, just wait and see. Everything that belongs to you will eventually be mine!" Rosalie thought she could provoke me, but I just glanced briefly at her. "I'm waiting for your show," I remarked casually before entering the house without another word. Later, Grandpa informed me that Matthew needed time to consider about the engagement. Jeffrey might have almost forgotten that he had a cousin named Matthew. Hector had a daughter who gave up her inheritance rights and became a police officer after falling in love with a policeman. Later, both of them died in battle on a mission, leaving only one son behind. Hector and his daughter had argued over her marriage. After his daughter's death, Hector was filled with remorse. However, Matthew grew up alone since childhood and rarely returned to Zachary Residence. Upon my suggestion, Hector felt a sense of obligation towards Matthew. Even if Matthew did not marry me, Hector intended to leave him a portion of his estate. Jeffrey was determined to seize control of the Zachary Group, unaware of the impossibility of his ambition. I was looking forward to seeing how Jeffrey would be doing in this life. On my grandfather's 80th birthday, esteemed guests from our social circle gathered for the celebration. To ensure the party proceeded smoothly, I called Grandpa's doctor to asked for his physical condition. Upon spotting me, Rosalie made a beeline towards me. Jeffrey had taken Rosalie on a spree to various luxury stores, evident from her glamorous social media posts showcasing their intimacy. Approaching me with a smile, Rosalie exclaimed, "Hannah, Jeffrey is so thoughtful. He treated me to a shopping spree at luxury boutiques. Not only that, but he also personally took my measurements and promised to have a gown custom-made for me." Seeing that I ignored her, she added, "Jeffrey also said that I shouldn't be a stranger with him after you two get married. We're all family—It's only natural for us to help each other." My conversation with the doctor was frequently interrupted. I turned around to ask her to get lost. However, I paused when I saw the brooch on her chest. The brooch was a birthday gift from my parents when I was a child. My parents loved each other very much. My mother designed the brooch herself, and my father found the best craftsman to make it. It represents their wish for me to have a happy life. After my mother's tragic passing and my father's subsequent withdrawal from the world, I never received another birthday gift from them. The brooch was a unique and precious reminder of their love. Even I was reluctant to wear it. I grabbed Rosalie by the collar, pushed her into a corner, and demanded, "Where did you get this brooch?" Rosalie suddenly sobbed, "Hannah, although you've always resented me, I've always considered you as my cousin. Jeffrey bought me a few clothes out of pity for me. Even if you're upset, you shouldn't attack me!" Unconvinced, I persisted harshly, "Tell me where you got the brooch. Who gave it to you?" Rosalie only stared at me with shock in her eyes. Disgusted, I tried to grab it, but my wrist was firmly held by another pair of hands. An icy voice rang behind me. "Hannah, what are you doing? Planning to strike someone in broad daylight?"

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

Jeffrey stepped in to shield Rosalie and gave me a stern look. "Is this how the Larson family cultivate their heiress?" Jeffrey had come to console me after the incident at the birthday party. However, Rosalie's deliberate actions caused new trouble between us. I chose to disengage from the conversation. In order not to waste time with them, I pushed Jeffrey aside and locked eyes with Rosalie. "Hand over the brooch!" A flicker of guilt crossed Rosalie's face, but with Jeffrey by her side, she regained her confidence. "Jeffrey bought it for me. Hannah, you're being petty. You have plenty of nice things. Why do you want to take mine?""Oh, really? Where was it purchased? What brand is it? Can you provide details? Someone, restrain her and retrieve the brooch!" I commanded the bodyguards to act, but Jeffrey immediately shielded Rosalie. "Who dares to do so! I'm Jeffrey Zachary from the Zachary family! Hurting me would insult the Zachary family! Hannah, let me tell you. I bought her the brooch. You're causing a scene in public. Do you think I won't involve the police?" After hearing his words and seeing Rosalie hiding behind him, I flew into a rage. Jeffrey had seen that brooch before. Even if he had forgotten, with Jeffrey's refined taste, it was impossible for him not to tell that its workmanship could not be bought in ordinary stores. Yet, he chose to support Rosalie despite this knowledge. With a smile, I said, "Fine. Call the police." Let them investigate thoroughly. Who is the real wrongdoer, me or a thief within the Larson family?" Jeffrey was stunned to see my ruthlessness. Jeffrey glanced at Rosalie, recalling the purpose of his visit. "Hannah, I may have overstepped before, and I understand your anger, but aren't we still planning to get married..." Before Jeffrey could finish, Rosalie removed the brooch with trembling hands. "The gifts Jeffrey gave me are precious, but I don't want to infuriate Hannah because of it. Hannah, take it if you like it. I will give you whatever you want." Jeffrey's expression softened, but he snatched the brooch when he heard this. "You can't give it to her. You can't let her get what she wants every time!" Suddenly, the brooch hit the ground and broke. Unable to bear it anymore, I grabbed Jeffrey's neck and asked sternly. "Do you know what you just broke?" Jeffrey was a little out of breath and shouted for help from the people around us. The guests were shocked and criticized me. "What's going on? The rich don't even bother to conceal their evil secrets anymore?" "Help him. Don't let her kill him!" With the assistance of the onlookers, Rosalie seized the chance to push me into a corner. "Hannah, I can handle your animosity, but how could you treat Jeffrey this way?" Rosalie asked, looking to Jeffrey for support. "I never anticipated this side of Ms. Hannah in private." "Looks like Ms. Rosalie is a good person. Although she doesn't show her face often, she seems upright." "Has Ms. Hannah's love gone bitter after failing to win Jeffrey's heart after pursuing him for so many years? She's resentful." "Tsk tsk, she can only keep the man she likes in this way. Even I find her pitiful!" As the crowd's criticisms grew louder, I remained fixated on the shattered brooch. Gathering my strength, I attempted to retrieve it, but Rosalie stepped on my hand. "Oh, I'm sorry, Hannah." I clenched my fists, but a male voice suddenly interrupted, "What are you doing?" Looking at the person, I suddenly smiled. He came—It meant he chose me, too.

Chapter 5 Chapter 5

The party commenced, and the guests took their seats. They offered their blessings to Grandpa, who responded politely with small talk. As I gazed at Matthew seated across from me, Jeffrey interrupted me. Dismissing his cousin, who seldom visited, he murmured to me, "I can make it up to you for what happened earlier, but you must announce today that Rosalie will join Larson Group. Otherwise, our engagement won't proceed smoothly." I said nothing and just watched some of the people around me compliment Jeffrey. Suddenly, Grandpa said solemnly, "My granddaughter isn't little anymore. It's time for her to get married." Grandpa looked at Hector as he spoke. Jeffrey casually fixed his hair in response. "Since Hannah and Matthew are in love with each other, I decide to arrange the engagement for them. I'll transfer the shares at the same time. Larson Group will be handed over to Hannah from now on." After Grandpa finished speaking, the guests applauded enthusiastically. Everyone suddenly came to their senses after a long while. 'No. Isn't it supposed to be Jeffrey?' Jeffrey appeared momentarily shocked. Upon realizing Matthew was being mentioned, he lifted his head and inquired, "Mr. Larson Sr., is there a misunderstanding?" Hector glanced at him sternly. "Nonsense! Marriage is no joke." Grandpa clarified that the one to wed into the Larson family was Matthew. A hush fell over the room—no one dared to speak. To lighten the mood, I stood up and expressed gratitude to Hector. "I've always wished for the union of our families. Thank you for your blessing, Mr. Zachary Sr." Hector regarded me warmly, visibly pleased. To everyone's surprise, Jeffrey suddenly exclaimed, "This can't be! Matthew? How is that possible? There must be a mix-up!" He sprang to his feet, hurried over to Hector, and incredulously questioned, "Grandpa, this can't be right. You must have made a mistake, didn't you say I was going to marry Hannah?" Hector sadly shook his head. "Forcing a union won't lead to happiness. Hannah has chosen Matthew." Hearing this, Jeffrey immediately turned back to me, hopeful. "Hannah, you must have misunderstood, right? You chose me that day. Our grandfathers must have misheard, right?" I could not help but chuckle and replied coldly, "No, I have always chosen Matthew. Jeffrey, why did you assume I would pick you?" Jeffrey's expression turned to shock as he processed my response. He gazed at me in disbelief, taking a step back and accidentally bumping into a table. Suddenly, as if awakening from a trance, he exclaimed, "Ridiculous! You love me. It's well-known that you have feelings for me. How could you choose him—a bastard whose mother was disowned by the family!" Hector's demeanor swiftly shifted upon hearing this. Feeling remorseful towards his youngest daughter over the years, he wouldn't tolerate Jeffrey's disrespectful words. He promptly scolded the butler next to him. "What are you waiting for? Take Jeffrey home at once!" The Zachary family members regained their composure and had the bodyguards to pull Jeffrey out. Realizing the situation was escalating, Jeffrey cried out, "Grandpa, this can't be right! Hannah and I have loved each other for a long time and secretly agreed to be together! Grandpa, are you going to stand by and watch Hannah marry someone else against her wishes?" Jeffrey pleaded desperately, as if grasping at straws. All the guests turned their heads, and Matthew furrowed his brow upon hearing Jeffrey's outburst. I stepped forward graciously. "Mr. Zachary Sr., I'm not sure why Jeffrey made that claim. I have always regarded him as a brother. I have never crossed any boundaries or harbored romantic feelings. The individual who reciprocates Jeffrey's love may be my cousin, Rosalie."