After that day, I never mentioned the name “Miles” in front of him again. But it didn’t change the fact that Miles remained a demon haunting Benedict’s mind.
Before long, the first batch of Page Corporation's products hit the market, and it was a disaster. Over half the buyers demanded refunds. Some even sent the products to quality control agencies, where tests proved they didn’t meet Benedict's claims.
Investors began pressing the Page family for an explanation of where their money had gone. Facing public outrage and media scrutiny, the family wasted no time in pushing Benedict into the spotlight to take the blame.
Benedict had no defense.
He hadn’t managed the product budget properly, but he couldn’t very well admit that he had spent the investors' money trying to fulfill the romantic regrets of his previous life.
When I arrived at the Page family estate, I witnessed the scene firsthand.
Benedict stood outside, watching as the servants tossed his belongings onto the ground with disdain.
"Get lost! Mr. Page said you’re no longer part of this family."
With that, the servant slammed the door shut with force.
Benedict stood there, fists clenched tightly, his face dark and brooding.
He heard footsteps behind him and turned around. When he saw me, a flash of resentment and embarrassment crossed his eyes, his gaze icy.
"Lucia, are you satisfied with what I’ve become?"
I smiled casually.
"How is your stupidity any of my concern? Besides, this is the life of a bastard. What makes you think you’re above it?"
I watched as his face darkened further, and I couldn’t help but laugh, covering my mouth.
"I just wonder, now that you’ve fallen so low, will Yancy still want to stay with you?"
Benedict immediately snapped back, "Yancy isn’t like you, a woman who approaches others with ulterior motives! You’re not even worthy to say her name."
I scoffed, rolling my eyes, and nodded mockingly.
"Ah, yes, of course. Only you’re worthy. Sure."
Seeing me arrive, the servant who had thrown out Benedict’s things quickly ushered me inside and, with a disgusted look, kicked Benedict’s luggage.
"Why are you still here? Get lost already!"
Benedict’s expression was frighteningly dark.
I smiled as I brushed past him, whispering softly, "How does it feel to fall from heaven to hell?"
Without another glance at Benedict’s shocked eyes, I strode into the Page family estate.
In his last life, this was the life he should’ve had.
---
With Benedict out of the picture, I agreed to resume the collaboration with the Page family.
I heard that Benedict had used what little money he had left to start a small company, promising both his customers and investors that he’d pay them back within two months.
The moment I heard that, I knew he was betting everything on the upcoming land auction in North Suburb, scheduled for two weeks from now.
In our previous life, it was this very auction that catapulted Benedict into the top three of the billionaire rankings.
Now, with his back against the wall, I was certain he wouldn’t let this opportunity slip away.
That weekend, I had my usual appointment with the doctor for insomnia. As I approached the office, I heard the sound of a fight coming from the emergency stairwell nearby.
I hesitated for a moment, but eventually opened the door and shouted, "The police are here!"
At the sound of my voice, the group scattered like startled animals, leaving behind a single man lying on the ground, his back turned to me.
Out of courtesy, I asked, "Are you alright?"
The man’s body stiffened, and he staggered to his feet. When he turned around, his eyes were filled with mockery as he looked at me.
"Lucia. I knew it. Just like in our past life, you’re here, pretending to save me with that fake kindness of yours."
