I was wearing a red mermaid-style dress, my long black hair flowing around me like seaweed. The summer breeze caressed me as I walked, the skirt of my dress fluttering, bringing a refreshing touch to the air.
Even with sunglasses shading half my face, my plump cherry lips seemed as alluring as ripe peaches, radiating an irresistible glow that instantly made me a beautiful sight at the airport.
'Mommy, is this the city you used to live in?' A little boy, no more than five or six years old, walked beside me, his amber eyes sparkling with curiosity, already hinting at the charm he would possess later in life.
'Yes,' I replied, my eyes carrying a hint of cruelty, like eternal unmelting snow, chilling to the core.
Six years ago, the Wilder family's business was among the leading ones in City A. Little did I expect to be betrayed by the two people closest to me.
My best friend Rosalyn and my boyfriend Roger conspired to ruin my family, framing the Wilder family with massive tax evasion charges. Even my parents died because of them. They spread the news of my death, forcing me to become a fugitive.
Back then, I was on the run from Roger, but inevitably fell into his clutches. However, I encountered a man who had been drugged and ended up accidentally sleeping with him, resulting in my pregnancy.
That man was George.
Unexpectedly, George came looking for me. Eventually, we reached an agreement – I would give birth to the child, and in return, he would use his influence to protect me from Roger and his men.
After ten months of pregnancy, I gave birth to triplets. But in the end, I couldn't bear to part with one of them, the eldest – now known as Jason Wilder. I secretly took him away, leaving the other boy and girl with George.
I went abroad and was fortunate enough to find a mentor, mastering the art of makeup to the point of being able to change faces completely.
One identity is that of designer Holly, who owns a studio but rarely appears in public. The other is Naomi, a celebrity in the entertainment industry with a high public profile who often makes public appearances.
'Mommy, look—' Jason's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. In the distance, at the exclusive VIP exit, a group of people was approaching, causing my pupils to constrict.
At the front was a tall, imposing figure dressed in black – a bodyguard. In the center stood a man in a deep-colored suit, not a single crease visible. His expression was blank, but his amber eyes occasionally flickered with a glimmer, like stars twinkling in the dark night sky.
His chiseled features seemed meticulously sculpted, as if he had stepped out of the Middle Ages, an aristocrat exuding an extraordinary aura.
'Isn't that Dad—' Jason started to say, but I quickly grabbed his hand and hurried away in the opposite direction.
George seemed to have some feeling and glanced towards the side, only catching a glimpse of a red shadow, like a blooming rose, giving him a feeling that he had seen this figure somewhere before.
'Mommy, why won't you let me meet Dad?' Jason Wilder asked in confusion.
I sighed, 'It's not the right time yet.'
If George knew that I had secretly taken one of the children away, it would undoubtedly cause a lot of trouble. For now, I only have one goal: revenge. As for other matters, we'll deal with them later.
This time I'm back, I'm determined to make Roger and Rosalyn pay a painful price!
I'll get back what they owe me, a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and make these scumbags receive their due punishment.
My gaze fell on a news article pushed on my phone's home screen.
'Talented Designer Rosalyn's Exchange Session Held Today—'
...
At the exchange session, the flashing lights were pointed at Rosalyn on stage. She was wearing a white dress, her makeup exquisite, and the heart-shaped necklace around her neck shone brilliantly under the crystal chandelier lights.
'Rosalyn, is the necklace you're wearing your first piece when you entered the industry?'
Rosalyn showed a sweet smile and nodded, 'Yes, I can't believe how quickly time has passed. I still remember the feeling when I designed this piece—'
Before she could finish, a crisp female voice interrupted her, 'Then what was the reason you created this piece in the first place?'
Everyone followed the voice and saw a strange woman wearing a mask, covering most of her face, only revealing a delicate jawline and full cherry lips, exuding an air of mystery that made people itch to unveil her true appearance.
This question was completely out of Rosalyn's expectations. She frowned and was about to speak when the woman continued, 'Do you know why it was designed in the shape of a heart?'
The successive questions left Rosalyn flustered. She nervously touched the necklace on her neck, 'Who are you?'
I curved my lips into a devilish smile and spoke domineeringly, 'Who I am doesn't matter. The important thing is, are you really the designer of this necklace?'
These words caused an uproar in the venue.
Rosalyn stammered in panic, 'I'm not, are you perhaps?'
'Rosalyn's behavior is really unconvincing. Why don't you give us a demonstration right here and now?'
Seeing Rosalyn's pale face, the whole audience was whispering in private.
As the situation seemed to be getting out of control, Rosalyn was both shocked and angry. She unconsciously looked towards Roger beside her, but Roger just made a gesture, implying that she should go up and give her design.
Otherwise, today's event would definitely not end well.
Rosalyn reluctantly picked up her pen, but her mind went blank, and she couldn't come up with any thoughts.
The discussion voices around her kept rushing into her ears, making her even more flustered. In the end, the design she drew was simply indescribable.
Rosalyn knew that this work would definitely not please the audience, so she could only say, "Sorry, I'm not feeling well."
She left those words behind and hurriedly left, leaving everyone stunned.
I watched her retreating figure in disarray, the coldness in my eyes only intensifying, like a rose sculpted from ice and snow - blooming passionately, yet the chill within chilled one's heart.
This is just the beginning.
Standing on the second floor, George had a full view of the scene in the hall. Seeing the chaos, what was supposed to be a communication meeting was even livelier than a vegetable market.
And the one who started it all was that woman wearing a mask, with a hint of ripples in her pale eyes.
He frowned, feeling that she was somewhat similar to the woman from six years ago.
"Go and look into her identity."
