Chapter 3

We sat in the car for a long time in silence.

"You're reborn too," Cassian suddenly said.

I turned my head, smirking. "So what if I am? Does it change your feelings for me?"

Cassian was silent for a moment. "I was too angry that day. Nothing was progressing. Father even threatened to give the heir position to my brother. So I locked you in the dungeon, but I never meant to kill you." At least you have some conscience.

But did he always think he was the one who killed me? Did he not know it was Ella who personally injected the poison?

After Cassian threw away our wedding ring and left that day, Ella came to the dungeon.

"Sister," she crouched before me, tears in her eyes. "I begged him to spare you, but..."

I thought she was there to save me.

"Sister, please, help me. I really know nothing."

She pulled a syringe from her pocket and pressed it against my neck.

"I'm sorry, little sister."

The needle pierced my vein, cold liquid entering my body. Poison. Then I began convulsing uncontrollably.

"You were always my shadow. A bastard daughter doesn't deserve any of this." She yanked my wedding ring off my finger and threw it on the ground. "This should have been mine all along."

The toxin spread through my veins, my body convulsing.

In that moment, I suddenly understood.

Mother's death was also Ella's doing.

The me of the past life died, with no chance to avenge Mother. So she used the same method on me.

But she would never expect me to be reborn with the memories of that life.

Cassian suddenly leaned in, kissing me forcefully. "Viola, once we save Ella, I'll let go of my feelings for her completely. We'll be together forever, just like I promised in our wedding vows last life."

I immediately pushed him away and slapped him. "Can't you see Ella is using us?"

Cassian's eyes began to dart away. "H-how could that be?"

No, was he playing dumb? They all saw through her act, but they bowed to their interests.

Inside the warehouse, Ella was tied up in a corner, looking disheveled, her eyes full of "fear."

Leon was anxiously watching her, not noticing our arrival. "Leon? You're here too?" Cassian frowned.

Leon turned, his face grim. "They claim Ella's shipment contained counterfeit goods. They're demanding compensation."

A middle-aged man with a gold chain approached. "Miss Costa's goods caused us significant losses. Not only were they faulty, they damaged our relationship with a major client."

"How much compensation?" Leon asked through gritted teeth.

"Five hundred million dollars. That covers material losses, penalties for delayed delivery, and compensation for our damaged reputation."

Leon's eyes widened in shock. Five hundred million—that was almost the total liquid assets of both families.

Suddenly, Leon snapped, pointing at me. "She's also Costa blood! Viola Costa. She's closed many deals in Greyport these past months. You must have heard of her."

"If you hadn't refused to give up the Greyport contracts, Ella wouldn't have been so desperate to prove herself by securing this big deal!" Leon shoved me forward. "You should bear the consequences for Ella!"

I scoffed. "How is this my fault? She just isn't capable enough."

The middle-aged man looked me over. "She seems more valuable."

"Absolutely not!" Cassian roared angrily.

Just then, Ella began to sob. "I can't die... Cassian, we've known each other since childhood. Can you just watch me die?"

"Please... save me..."

Cassian's resolve began to waver. He looked at me in anguish. "Viola, Ella needs protection. Can't you understand?"

I looked at him calmly. "So I don't need protection?"

Cassian hesitated.

Leon said impatiently, "Viola was always surplus to requirements. Hurry up and decide. We're wasting time."

Several thugs stepped forward and seized my arms. I didn't struggle, just looked coldly at Cassian.

"This is your choice. I'll remember it. Don't regret it!"

"Once I raise the money, I'll come for you, and then we'll get married," Cassian said quickly.

They helped Ella out. The heavy iron door slammed shut.

More empty promises. He was just like before, professing love with words while proving with actions, time and again, that I was only his second choice.

Whenever forced to choose between Ella and me, he would still, without hesitation, stand by Ella's side.

The room fell quiet. The "enemies" suddenly bowed respectfully to me.

"Good work, everyone," I said, standing up. I took off the family necklace from my neck and handed it to the man before me. "Proceed as planned."

It was the necklace Father had placed around my neck when welcoming me home. Now it was the only item that could confirm my identity.

A man in a black suit emerged from the shadows. "Everything is ready, Viola."

I nodded. "Let the Costa family receive the news of my death. Remember, it was an accidental death while trying to save Ella."

He raised a glass of champagne. "To your rebirth."

I took the glass. I would make all who had hurt me pay the price they deserved.