Rebirth Into My Second Chance

Then, out of nowhere, Max nipped at the palm of my hand and pulled me in closer. "Sleep," he murmured.

With not much choice left, I gave in to sleep.

By the break of dawn, Max had vanished, and my room was locked tight.

Sitting up in bed, I gazed out at the sky, feeling a tad helpless. That's when Helen knocked and announced, "Ms. Claire, Miss Kate has come to visit."

I spun around, surprised. Max, always a mix of sharp words and a soft heart.

Kate stood at the doorway, eyeing my 'cage' with disdain. "Doesn't seem like you're any better off than I am."

I shrugged, turning away. "At least you have your freedom."

Kate crossed her arms and leaned against the doorframe with a scoff. "Out with it. Why am I here? You don't seem like you're in the mood for jokes."

"I just wanted someone to humiliate, to keep the loneliness at bay," I replied with a smirk.

Kate's temper flared instantly. "What's that supposed to mean?"

I glanced around at the servants, trying to spot if any were Richard's spies.

But they all seemed unfazed, except for Helen, who frowned. "Ms. Claire, didn't you invite Miss Kate to help?"

I raised an eyebrow. "What help could she possibly offer? No, I wanted her here for my entertainment. Helen, let her in. I'm way too bored, I need some rivals for entertainment." Helen sighed, reluctantly unlocking the door, but Kate refused to step inside. "Why should I entertain you?"

"Because of your little kidnapping stunt. I have enough evidence to send you to jail," I threatened effectively, prompting Kate to reluctantly enter as the servants nudged her in.

Then, turning to Helen, I said, "Helen, fetch some ice cubes. It's rather warm in here, and I reckon the air conditioning might not be cool enough for Kate. She likes munching on ice cubes."

Kate exploded, "How did you know I'm on my period today, making me eat ice cubes on purpose!"

In my past life, I knew her too well, always aware of how she acted out in front of Claude, especially about her discomfort during her periods. This life was no different.

"What, you think I wouldn't do my homework if I wanted to torment you? Helen, why haven't you brought the ice yet?"

Helen quickly went off with a servant to fetch the ice, and I promptly shut the door behind Kate.

She yelled, "Claire Floyd, are you out of your mind?"

I shook my head, whispering, "I was just putting on a show. I actually need your help."

"This is how you ask for help?" she retorted.

"But you did kidnap me. That's a fact," I pointed out.

She fell silent, unable to argue.

Seizing the moment, I continued, "I seriously need your help. Did you hear about those pregnant ladies showing up as burnt corpses in Crestview Metropolis recently? When you kidnapped me, I

10번 아니

suspected you, but I couldn't fathom your motive."

"You think I'm crazy? Sure, I

154

kidnapped you, but I never intended for them to harm you, just to scare you. didn't expect them to go that far For that, I apologize."

Her apology came with a hint of defiance.

If it weren't for my second chance at life, I would have never guessed she could be so sincere.

But who was on the other end of that phone call, pretending to be me at the bar that day?

And who took my wedding ring? Who had the power to alter my DNA?

Somehow, all signs pointed to Richard, who was still locked up at the time.