The sun shone brightly through the window, landing on Beth's face. Though uncomfortable, she struggled to get out of bed, rolling from one edge of the mattress to the other.
Suddenly, a knock echoed at the door. Knock, knock, knock.
"Beth, it's time for school! Breakfast is on the dining—"
"Oh no!" Beth's eyes widened. She had completely forgotten it was Monday. The holiday was over. A quick glance at the clock told her it was already 7:01 a.m. She leapt from bed and rushed into the bathroom to freshen up.
***************†
Beth was eighteen years old and lived with her aunt. Her parents had died in a plane crash on their way to Thailand for a business meeting with a partner. Because she was only four at the time, Beth had little to no memory of them.
Droplets of water streamed down her body in the shower while her mind filled with thoughts.
Sometimes I feel like my parents' accident was intentional. They were among the richest people in China—surely they had enemies. Isn't it too suspicious? Both of them dying in a crash… contracts canceled, the company bankrupt…
Knock, knock, knock.
"Little miss, breakfast is ready, please hurry up."
"I'll be on my way, you can go now," Beth replied.
She quickly dried her hair with a blow dryer and slipped into her uniform. One last peek in the mirror brought a smile. Beautiful as always, she thought. Of course, she didn't need anyone to tell her she was breathtaking—her figure and features spoke for themselves.
"Oh no, 7:35 already! I need to eat fast."
She hurried downstairs, where a variety of simple yet mouthwatering dishes had been laid out. Without hesitation, she sat and ate to her heart's content, not caring how she looked. Moments later, the sound of heels clicking drew closer, and a beautiful yet domineering woman appeared.
"Aunt Lotte!" Beth gasped, quickly straightening up and pretending she hadn't just been eating like it was her last meal.
Her aunt, Lotte, was her mother's only sister. Having suffered through painful relationships, she had sworn off marriage and carried a hardened view of men.
"Good morning, Auntie. How are you?" Beth asked with a sweet smile.
"I'm fine. Finish your breakfast so I can drop you off," Lotte replied.
Beth nodded, finishing quickly. While adjusting her bag, she couldn't help but study her aunt—elegant, overdressed, and wearing light makeup. Unlike her usual self, who never wore any.
"Auntie, do you have a special event today?" Beth asked casually.
For the briefest moment, Lotte's cheeks flushed, but her cold expression returned.
"Nothing. Just a business meeting."
"Oh, I see. A business meeting," Beth repeated, though she didn't believe it for a second.
Before she could ask more, her phone alarm went off.
"What? Eight already?" She grabbed her aunt's arm, pulling her toward the car, heels and all.
"Hey! Do you want me to fall?"
"I'm sorry, Auntie—I just don't want to be late. It's the first day of the semester."
They climbed into the car and drove off.
A business meeting, huh? Doesn't seem so to me.
Her aunt had worked nonstop to rebuild her parents' company. Though it would never return to its former glory, it now ranked among the top fifty in China. But never once had her aunt worn makeup to a meeting.
So what makes this one so special? Truly suspicious.
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