The Road to Rebirth Her Fresh Start and His Late Sorrow

"Thank you, Ms. Iverson," said the voice, trailing off into a light-hearted laugh that both speakers shared as their eyes met.

The car came to a smooth stop, and the driver turned around respectfully. "Ms. Iverson, we've arrived."

With a nod, Ramona stepped out of the car with Nancy by her side, heading straight into the grand entrance.

All the models for this fashion show were staying together at the largest five-star hotel in Ardenweald, which Ramona had entirely booked for the event.

Unbeknownst to them, in a nearby parking lot, Sarah sat behind the wheel, her face twisted with a mix of disdain and smug satisfaction. She was eager to see how long Nancy could keep up her charade.

On the 36th floor, Ramona raised her hand to knock, but before she could speak, the door creaked open.

Standing there was a woman with a scarred face, barely recognizable. While others might have been startled, Ramona and Nancy remained perfectly composed.

"You... you're here. Please, come in," Ember said timidly, stepping aside to let them enter.

As they walked in, the pungent smell of smoke and alcohol filled the air. A short, rotund man with a face full of freckles lounged arrogantly on the sofa, before whom knelt two little girls, no older than four or five.

Both Ramona and Nancy's expressions darkened at the sight.

"John, Ramona and the designer Lena are here," Ember said, her voice tinged with anxiety.

John barked out a coarse laugh, "So they're here. Do I have to roll out the red carpet for them? You..."

His words trailed off as he finally took a good look at Ramona and Nancy, his gaze locking onto Nancy with a greedy intensity that made his breath come in heavy gasps.

Quickly, he stood up. "Ember, why didn't you tell me they were so stunning? I've never seen women this beautiful before."

Nancy's brow furrowed, and almost simultaneously, Ramona interposed herself between Nancy and John, her smile cold and unyielding.

"Ardenweald has strict laws against child abuse, John. Should I make a call to the authorities?" Ramona said icily.

Ember's face turned ashen with panic. "John, that's not what Ramona meant," she pleaded, fearing for Ramona's safety.

John, surprisingly unperturbed, kicked one of the little girls. "Go fetch some hot water," he ordered.

The girl flinched and cowered, not daring to speak, casting a furtive glance at Nancy and Ramona before

theying off with her sister to fulfill

the command. Swnovel

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence.

"Have a seat, won't you?" John gestured, a grin plastered on his face. "Ramona, I haven't thanked you yet. If it weren't for you, I'd never experience living in such a lavish suite." swnovel

Neither Ramona nor Nancy moved from their spot.

Ramona's smile was laced with sarcasm. "Cut the nonsense, John. You're the one

who told Ember to raise the rates, aren't you?"

Her words sliced through the air like a knife, shattering the fragile calm.

Ember

merely shrugged. "Of course it was

sponon lense, and John

me.

them

, come over here ant

why you raised the price." swnovel

tell

Ember hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly walked over to sit beside John.noveldrama

But before she could settle in, a harsh slap landed on her face.

The sound echoed in the room, and Ramona's expression turned stormy. In the blink of an eye, Nancy was already beside them.

John seemed to relish the moment, raising his hand again. "Ember, tell them who's in charge of this house!" he sneered.

Ember's cheek was swollen, and she instinctively covered her head, but the anticipated blow did not land.

She opened her eyes to see Nancy gripping John's wrist tightly.

"Miss Lena, what do you think you're doing?" John leered at Nancy, unable to tear his eyes away from her striking face.

Nancy's smile was icy as she forcefully pushed John's hand away. "Pathetic," she spat.