Chapter 1 Betrayal

"From Urgent News Flash, there was a rear-end collision on Highway 257. A drunk truck driver collided with a taxi in front, causing it to flip over. The extent of injuries is not yet known, but witnesses say a pregnant woman about to give birth was inside."

The sounds of sirens, screams, and traffic were deafening.

The noise battered Kimberly Holden's ears, and the air reeked of blood.

Barely conscious, she managed to grab her phone and dialed a number.

Just as the call was about to drop, someone picked up.

A familiar female voice responded, "Kimberly, Declan is in the shower and can't come to the phone. What's the matter? Is it urgent?"

At that moment, Kimberly's heart sank.

It was Valerie Walsh! Of course!

Always Valerie, the beloved adopted sister Declan Walsh had grown up with, the one who made him neglect her, block her number, even on her due date.

With her eyes closed, Kimberly felt a warm stream beneath her, signaling the life inside her fading. Despite her agony, she begged, "Help me... Highway 257... Save my child..." Her words were hard to speak.

The sudden accident had knocked down the barriers on both sides, completely blocking the highway. Cars couldn't go forward or backward, and rescue vehicles were trapped outside.

The process of deploying a helicopter was too complicated. However, Kimberly knew that the Walsh family owned a private chopper. If Declan could send it over right away, there was still a chance for hope.

"I'm sorry, Kimberly. Declan is busy with my birthday preparations today and can't address this," said the voice, sounding naive yet harsh.

Then the line went dead.

Kimberly fell to the ground, the smell of gasoline urging her to escape before an explosion.

But she felt a sudden acceptance of her fate.

In her last moments, she thought about her twenty-five years, half spent loving a man who didn't love her back.

From the spoiled heiress of the Holden family, she had become a disgraced figure, publicly embarrassed.

She had gambled everything of the Holden family's property, yet failed to gain even a shred of Declan's genuine love.

She was exhausted and had lost the will to love him again.

This life taught her about poor judgments, and she promised herself not to make the same errors in another life.

"Mrs. Walsh, are you really going to wear this pink couture dress to the charity auction tonight? Even though Mr. Walsh..." Maggie, the housekeeper, paused, then gently continued, "This short dress seems too casual. Maybe choose something different?"

After her suggestion, she watched anxiously for the woman's reaction in the mirror.

Having worked for the Walsh family for many years, Maggie understood Kimberly's deep love for Declan. To win his approval, Kimberly carefully matched her lifestyle to his preferences.

Kimberly looked at the familiar reflection, her heart racing.

Wasn't she supposed to be dead? Wasn't the charity auction three years ago? Could it be that... she had been reborn?

"Mrs. Walsh?"

Maggie's pressing voice snapped Kimberly back to reality.

"Mr. Walsh will be here to pick you up in an hour. You should get ready! How about this white dress? It's more elegant..."

Kimberly's eyes sparkled, and a subtle smile appeared on her lips.

This auction was organized by the most mysterious and ancient family in Javille, the Howard family. On the surface, it seemed like a high-society event, but in truth, it was a way for families to showcase themselves to the Howards.

The Howards placed a high value on family unity, which was why Declan needed to bring her.

Previously, she had been jealous of Valerie for capturing all of Declan's attention. To win him over, she had mimicked Valerie in every way.

Her careful efforts to please him only made him resent her more.

At this charity auction, Declan had taken her emerald necklace without her permission to impress Valerie, allowing the latter to flaunt it at the event.

When Kimberly attempted to take back the necklace, Declan accused her of being jealous, turning her into a mockery among the elite.

Given another shot at life, she vowed to recover everything that was hers!

Reflecting on her past experiences, Kimberly stated calmly, "I plan to wear the made-to-order beige dress. It will complement my emerald necklace beautifully."

After years of imitating Valerie, she almost lost sight of her true identity as a dignified lady of the Holden family, brought up with rigid discipline.

It had been foolish of her to vie with an adopted member of a merely affluent family.

Maggie said worriedly, "But Mr. Walsh usually doesn't favor such formal outfits, and the emerald necklace, a gift from your grandmother, wasn't even worn at your wedding. Isn't it a bit too grand for an auction?"

"I'll fetch the necklace. You sort out the dress," Kimberly commanded as she rose, disregarding Maggie's worries. "And clear out all the dresses in the wardrobe. We're replacing them with new ones."

Maggie looked on in astonishment as Kimberly headed towards the inner room, paused briefly, but then carried out the orders.

Instead of waiting for Declan to pick her up, Kimberly took a Lamborghini from the garage and drove directly to the event.

The charity auction was hosted at a private estate by the water.

Under the setting sun, Kimberly looked stunning in her custom-made beige dress.

The tailored fit showcased her elegant figure, and her sleek, modern hairstyle paired with refined makeup enhanced her allure.

As she handed her car keys to the valet, her phone rang. The caller ID displayed "Declan" over and over.

Kimberly scoffed, and upon answering, an angry voice blasted from the other end. "Who authorized you to take the emerald necklace?"