Chapter 3

Charles lounged in the backseat with that signature confident smirk, his eyes gleaming with possessive certainty. I knew the look all too well—he'd worn it when he proposed last time, as if my yes was already in the bag.

"Sorry, I've got somewhere to go," I said quickly and firmly.

He drew his brows together. "Ms. Winters, it's just dinner. I'd love to talk about jewelry design with you. Everyone says your work is brilliant. Shame you dropped out."

"Appreciate the invite, but I don't have the time," I answered, sidestepping his car and marching toward the taxi stand.

He didn't push it but just watched me go with that same confident smile. "Ms. Winters, we'll meet again soon."

His words echoed in my mind like an alarm. That was exactly how our story began in my previous life—relentless pursuit, inch by inch, until I finally fell into his trap.

Back at my apartment, I locked the door and slumped against the wall, forcing myself to take deep breaths. I wondered how Charles managed to track me down. I pulled out my phone and messaged Emily: [Did you tell Charles where I was?]

Emily replied almost immediately. [Of course not! I only told him you weren't in Flarmings.]

I frowned, mind racing. Then, it suddenly dawned on me. It must've been Tomas from Azure Jewels. In my past life, he played matchmaker between me and Charles. He probably tipped him off again this time.

My phone buzzed with a message from William: [Are you home now?]

That simple check-in made my heart feel warm. I replied: [Yeah, I'm home. Thanks for asking.]

He sent over a photo of a jade pendant from the ancient eras. [Just finished cataloging this piece. The lines are smooth but still full of strength. Might spark some inspiration for your designs.]

I smiled, zooming in on the photo to study the details. William and Charles were worlds apart—one was all genuine passion, the other was pure calculation.

The next day, Emily called me. "Claire, Vanessa's jewelry line is launching. Do you want to watch the livestream together?"

"I'll pass," I replied, my voice ice-cold.

"Oh, stop being difficult. This is the biggest event in the industry. Charles is headlining the whole thing. Everyone's been buzzing about how it might blow up and become the next big trend."

Reluctantly, I caved and clicked the livestream link Emily sent me. On screen, Vanessa floated across the stage in a white gown, showing off her new collection—a series themed around the fleeting bloom of the Queen of the Night.

I froze, my breath caught. Those designs were nearly identical to the ones I'd created in my past life.

"No way," I whispered to myself, disbelief crawling up my spine.

Emily's voice jumped through the phone, total shock written all over her words. "Hold on, this style looks way too familiar. Claire, did someone sneak a look at your old sketches?"

I quickly snatched up my old sketchbook. Sure enough, my original "Blooming Nightshade" designs from my last life were right there—uncannily similar to what Vanessa was parading on stage.

But since I'd dropped out this time around, no one could pin the blame for plagiarism on me.

"She totally ripped off my designs," I said, my words cold.

"Are you serious?" Emily asked, sounding genuinely confused. "How do you know it isn't just some crazy coincidence?"

On the livestream, Charles took center stage and pulled Vanessa into a hug. "Congrats on the massive success of your 'Queen of the Night' collection. As your investor, I'm honestly proud of your vision and talent."

Vanessa flashed him a dazzling smile. "Thank you so much for trusting me, Charles. Actually, the whole idea came from this super rare flower I stumbled on in Deverton last year. Watching it bloom just totally sparked the collection."

"Deverton?" I let out a low, cold laugh. Even her excuse was so lame.

Emily sounded skeptical on the call. "Claire, do you honestly think she copied your designs?"

"Absolutely," I replied, still glued to the screen. "But it's fine. I'm not getting burned by her again."

After I hung up, I pulled out my sketchbook and started sketching ideas for an entirely new line. If Vanessa wants the "Queen of the Night" concept so badly, she can keep it. I would design something that'd leave her work in the dust.

Three days later, the prep meeting for the ancient jewelry exhibit was happening at the National Museum. I got there early and started checking out the gallery setup. William rushed in, arms full of papers, and his face lit right up when he spotted me. "Wow, you're here already."

"Just a habit," I said, grinning.

Once the meeting kicked off, the curator laid out the theme. "This exhibition will showcase precious jewelry from ancient eras. We'll be tracing the evolution of our nation's aesthetics through the jewelry of each era."

As the academic advisor, William said, "I suggest we structure the exhibit chronologically, but also set up special sections—like 'Imperial Jewelry' and 'Folk Adornments'—to really highlight the different styles and cultural contexts."

I suggested, "How about we add some interactive elements? Let visitors try their hand at ancient jewelry-making techniques, so they can really get a feel for the craftsmanship."

The curator nodded eagerly. "Ms. Winters, I love that idea. Would you be up for designing the interactive section?"

After the meeting, William was grinning from ear to ear. "Great working with you. Honestly, your understanding of the exhibition blew me away. It's totally more than I expected."

Just as we were chatting, the museum director walked over. "Professor Shaw, great news. Evans Holdings has decided to sponsor the exhibition. Their CEO, Mr. Evans, is coming today to sign the contract. He'll be here any minute."

I froze, the color draining from my face. "I have to go. Something just came up."

William glanced at me, clearly confused. "What's wrong?"

"I'll explain to you another time," I replied as I rushed to gather my stuff, though I was already too late.

The doors swung open, and Charles walked in with his team. His gaze swept across the conference room, landing on me. "Ms. Winters, fancy seeing you again. Guess fate has a sense of humor."

"Hello, Mr. Evans." I managed a polite smile.

He stepped closer. "Last time, you left in such a hurry. I never got to introduce myself. I've always had an interest in jewelry, and I really admire your design work."

"I appreciate it, but I'm really just a regular designer," I replied.

He smiled, "No need to be so modest. I've seen your work before. You've got real talent. If you're interested, Evans Holdings would love to invest in your personal brand."

William walked over and asked, "Claire, you know Mr. Evans?"

Charles glanced at William and extended his hand. "I'm Charles. And you are?"

William replied, "William Shaw, from the Archaeology Department of Deverton University."

They shook hands, and a subtle tension hung in the air.

"Professor Shaw is actually the academic advisor for this exhibition," I hurried to explain, a bit flustered. "We're just working out the details for the interactive area."

Charles lifted an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Seems my sponsorship couldn't be more timely. Ms. Winters, I'd love to sit down for a proper talk about collaborating."

He handed me his business card with practiced ease. "Reach out whenever you like."

After Charles left, William shot me a puzzled look. "You and Charles..."

"It's nothing. Just a chance encounter," I lied, quickly slipping the business card into my bag.

As we stepped out of the museum, the sunset stretched our shadows down the sidewalk. Every time Charles showed up, my nerves were left in knots. He was like a shadow I just couldn't outrun, no matter how far I tried to get away.

"Want to grab a coffee?" William suggested.

Once we were settled in the café, I couldn't hold back anymore and asked, "What do you know about Charles?"

William shrugged. "He's a rising star in the business world—started out in tech, and now he's moved into investing in the cultural industry. People say he plays hardball, but he definitely knows how to spot talent."

"I don't like him," I said bluntly.

William chuckled. "Yeah, I could tell. But why? Most people would kill to get on his good side."

I stared down at my coffee cup. "Just a gut feeling. There's something about him that just screams trouble."

"Then just keep your distance," William said, sounding laid-back. "Life's too short to deal with people you don't vibe with."

His words warmed me. In my last life, I got swept up in Charles' polished exterior and ignored every warning my instincts screamed at me. But not this time—I'd not fall for the same trick twice.'

Outside the café, night had fallen. William walked me to the bus stop, hesitated, then said, "Next Tuesday is my birthday. I'm having a small gathering at Deverton University. Would you like to come?"

His sincere, hopeful eyes reminded me of a simple happiness I had never known in my past life.

"I'd love to," I replied with a smile.