That voice was way too familiar-Grace, Ronald's dream girl.

I shut my mouth instantly and hung up without a word.

Seriously? He brought her home but is still dragging his feet about the divorce? Is the guy out of his mind?

And Grace... she's bold, huh? It's this late and she just strolls into a man's house like it's no big deal? Has she lost it? She might as well have just handed herself over on a silver platter. Giving Ronald a perfect chance, really.

But then again, what does it have to do with me? I'm basically his almost-ex-wife at this point.

I've decided-I'm done. All I need to focus on is living my own life well.

"Isabella, babe~"

Didn't even realize when Emma came back. She was standing there holding a jumbo bag of food.

"Remember that big meal I promised this morning? Here it is!" she grinned and gave the bag a little shake.

Just the sight of it made me perk up. "Wow, that looks delicious. You're the best!"

She plopped down beside me, started unpacking the food, and without raising her head, asked, "Was that idiot Ronald you were just talking to?"

I picked up a slice of pizza, nodded while munching.

Emma paused for a second, then looked up with an expression full of pity.

"Be honest with me, Isabella. Do you still. like Ronald?"

I shook my head firmly. "Nope. Not anymore."

I meant it, too. I really didn't like him anymore. The love was too deep in my past life, so sure, I'm still a bit raw sometimes. Hearing certain things still stings. But hey, I'm human.

Emma wasn't convinced. "Really?" She bit her lip, watching me closely. "So, say Ronald suddenly got his act together and started trying to win you back-what then? Would you give him another shot?"

"Not a chance. There's a higher chance of the sky falling," I chuckled. Nobody knows better than me how into Grace he is. But I got Emma's concern, and I looked her straight in the eye.

"No matter what happens, I'm not going back. I've already been shattered once over him, and once is enough. Never again."

Emma's eyes softened even more. She shoved a chicken drumstick into my hand defiantly.

"Exactly! Zero regrets. Let Ronald wallow in his own damn choices. Losing you, someone who loved him so deeply, that's on him-and he'll feel it forever."

"As for your single-life makeover, leave it to me. I know plenty of quality guys."

"Hot, loaded, and way better than that loser Ronald. Your dad'll finally stop worrying too. This time, we let them chase us, not the other way around."

I laughed at her antics. "Let's talk about that another day. I'm not in a rush."

Emma nodded, then suddenly asked, "Oh right, how did your interview go today?"

Ugh, the interview had been a disaster, honestly. I didn't want her stressing though, so I brushed it off.

"They didn't hire me. It's a big company, and they're looking for folks with experience. I've been a full-time housewife for a year-that didn't exactly help my case."

Emma looked a bit let down but quickly rallied, all bright-eyed again.

"No worries! I know tons of people. I'll help you find a job you'll love, just you wait!"

Watching her pitch me a whole new life, I couldn't help but smile and pull her into a hug.

"Emma, thank you. really. I'm lucky you're still here for me."

In my last life, for Ronald, I'd basically cut ties with everyone. When I died, I literally had no one. But now, I've got my friends back.

Even after a year apart, the moment we reconnected, it was like nothing had changed.

Emma paused halfway through biting into her chicken and gave me a light kick.

"You dummy. We're best friends, duh! Keep being this emotional and I'll eat your portion too!"I held back the sting in my nose and let go of her. "Emma, there's something I need to tell you-I ran into my uncle."

Emma blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Your uncle? Wasn't it like... years since you last talked? How'd that even happen?"

I filled her in, then added, "It was at my mom's grave today. He looked devastated. So much so that he had a heart attack right there. I was the one who took him to the hospital-he barely made it."

She paused, frowning thoughtfully. "You think maybe your dad never told them about the funeral back then? Maybe it wasn't that your mom's family didn't care."

I nodded slowly. "You might be right."

While pushing food into my mouth, she asked, "So, where is he now?"

"Still in the hospital. His heart's in rough shape. He needs surgery, like, ASAP," I said, pressing my lips together for a moment. "I just called Ronald. If I go with him to this family dinner, he'll give me a million as part of the divorce. That would cover my uncle's surgery."

Emma glanced over, eyes filled with sympathy. "Isabella, you really seem... different lately."

I let out a laugh. "Oh? In what way?"

She thought for a second before replying, "You just seem more grounded. Like, before, you were all sunshine and rainbows-even when people wronged you, you'd still smile. But now? You're keeping score and making smart moves. And the fact that you're actually using Ronald against himself? Girl, I'm impressed."

I used to pour everything into Ronald-totally, honestly. Even when splitting, I didn't want anything from him, not even a penny. I just wanted to walk away clean. And now? Here I was, asking for a million from him like it was business.

It didn't feel like anything the old me would've done, honestly.

I chuckled and passed her a drumstick. "Guess I finally started using my brain. Not such a bad deal, huh?"

She burst out laughing. "Fair enough! Smart is sexy, and with brains like this, I'm counting on you to make us both rich!"

We laughed until our cheeks hurt. Looking at Emma's beaming smile, I felt such warmth in my heart.

Coming back really was a blessing. I saw people for who they were, got my mind straight, found real friendship again, and even reconnected with family I thought I'd lost forever.

Everything seemed to be heading in the right direction, and honestly, that felt amazing.

Next morning, at exactly 10 a.m., Ronald called. "The car's waiting downstairs."

I grabbed my bag and headed out, immediately spotting the sleek black car parked by the road.

But once I got in, I noticed something weird-Ronald wasn't there.

"Where's Ronald?" I asked.

Michael, the driver, gave me a cheerful smile. "Mr. Wright had something come up. He'll be there later. Didn't say what exactly, though."

"Oh," I murmured, then leaned back quietly, watching the city blur past the window.

Still, I couldn't ignore Michael's looks in the mirror. Every few seconds, a not-so-subtle glance my way, like he was dying to say something.

I caught his eyes in the mirror and decided to just ask, "Michael, is there something you want to tell me?"

He hesitated, a little embarrassed. "Mrs. Wright, are you and Mr. Wright. having issues?"

My eyes flickered. "What makes you ask?"

He sighed. "Well, ever since you haven't been around, he's been dealing with stomach issues again. He refuses to go to the hospital, just toughs it out... it's painful to watch."

I knew Ronald had stomach problems. That one night, he even called me in the dead of night about where I'd kept the meds. But still.

I frowned. "Didn't he bring a lady doctor last night? Doesn't seem like he was suffering that much."

"Lady doctor?" Michael's eyes lit with recognition as he recalled. "Oh, her. She showed up on her own. Mr. Wright didn't call her. The person he was actually waiting for... wasn't her."

I didn't take his last sentence to heart. My mind was stuck on what Michael had said earlier: Grace went on her own.

That really messed with how I saw her. I always thought she and Ronald weren't that close in the first place-it was all him. Chasing after her hard, trying every trick in the book, took a full five years before he finally won her over.

So I'd always assumed Ronald had asked her to come over. Grace seemed like the sweet kind, too kind to say no.

Maybe Michael didn't know the full story. Or maybe he was just trying to patch things up.

But honestly, I stopped caring a long time ago. They could do whatever they wanted. As long as I stayed out of it, kept myself safe, and didn't repeat the mistakes of my past life, I'd be fine.

Seeing me lost in thought, Michael called me softly, "Ma'am, I've been Mr. Wright's driver for years, and to be honest, it's only when you're around that he seems... normal. Since you've been gone, he's just."

Before he could finish, the passenger door suddenly opened.

Michael instantly shut up. I saw Ronald holding a fancy-looking gift bag, placing it carefully on the front seat.

It looked way too elegant to be for his mom. Honestly, it had "for someone special" written all over it.

My gut told me it was probably for Grace.

Ronald glanced sideways at me, like checking whether I was in the car, then walked to the back seat. One long leg stepped in, then he sat down smoothly.

When he shut the door, a gust of wind followed him in, messing up the hair around my forehead.

With the wind came a faint scent-refreshing and calm.

The car started moving quickly.

I fixed my hair, then turned my head toward where the fragrance was coming from. That face hit me like a punch-absurdly handsome.

Straight nose, sharp jawline, those deep almond-shaped eyes that somehow looked both soft and distant. Tall frame, sitting upright.

His well-fitted suit, paired with a bold plaid tie, wasn't as stylish as the ones I used to pick, but with a face like his? Still looked like trouble in a suit.

Ronald, no doubt still the guy who could make me fall head over heels in my past life. That face? Total cheat code.

Maybe he felt my stare-he frowned and looked straight at me, eyes sweeping up and down with clear disapproval.

"What's with that look?" I raised an eyebrow at him.

He gave a half-smirk, then said casually, "Dressed like this for a family dinner? If someone didn't know better, they might think you're here to beg."

I glanced down at my outfit, then sneered, "Ronald, this is a few hundred bucks. You expecting designer vibes on a budget?"

Sure, it wasn't fancy, but it was clean, well put together-not some ragged mess.

"Change it," he said flatly.

I kept my eyes on the road, face blank. "No money."

He chuckled and gave me a quick look. "Figured. You didn't exactly land on your feet after leaving me."

I clenched my teeth, glaring at him.

"Ronald, that smug, superior attitude of yours? I've had enough.

"You keep mouthing off, I'm not showing up to the dinner."

"Oh really?" Ronald looked amused and shot back. "Like I care if you do."

I ignored his mockery-no point wasting words. The car fell back into silence.

When we pulled up at the Wrights' house, it was already full of guests. All dressed to the nines in designer suits and gowns, chatting and laughing in small groups, all smiles and social masks.

The Wrights were filthy rich, and even a so-called "family dinner" turned into a giant show of status. Everyone was subtly comparing, trying to come out on top. No one wanted to be the one looked down on.

I scanned the crowd. No sign of Grandpa Wright. But I did spot Lisa, dressed to impress, mingling and laughing like the perfect hostess.

Same as last time-just like before. This gathering was clearly her doing again.

When she saw Ronald and me arrive, her perfectly-maintained smile grew wider and she headed straight for us.

Trailing behind her was a teenage boy, maybe eighteen or nineteen. His features bore a clear resemblance to Ronald, but with a cocky grin and an unruly air-nothing like Ronald's calm and composed demeanor.

That was Matthew Wright, Ronald's notorious younger brother.

Lisa lit up the moment she saw Ronald. "Ronald! I've been waiting ages-what took you so long?"

"There was a little hold-up on the way," he replied politely.

She gave his face a once-over, worry instantly blooming in her eyes as she reached out to touch his cheek gently. "You look thinner. I heard from Linda that your stomach's been acting up again. Feeling better now?"

Ronald subtly dodged her hand and replied with a low voice, "No need to worry. It's much better."

Lisa's eyes softened as she nodded, but the next second, that warmth disappeared as she shot a reproachful glance my way.

"As his wife, shouldn't you be taking better care of him? He's sick and you don't even notice?"

Ronald and I were just putting on a front today-mutually beneficial. I had no time or interest in entertaining her accusation.

Seeing that I didn't react, Lisa narrowed her eyes at me before returning to her sweet persona as she looked back at Ronald.

"Your father's waiting in the study. Go on up."

Ronald gave a slight nod and headed upstairs, leaving me behind to face the mother-son duo.

I stayed calm. I'd seen this play before-too many times in the last life. Back then, I'd be anxious and walk on eggshells, terrified of upsetting her. This time? Let it rot. I wasn't playing along.

Lisa spoke again, this time with a graceful smile. "It's a cozy little family dinner tonight. Just our folks around the table."

"Honestly, everyone's probably sick of the cook's dishes by now," she added, glancing sidelong at me with obvious intent. "Why don't you show off your cooking skills a bit for the family?"

The moment she said that, eyes started turning my way. Some of the younger folks, clueless to the undertone, even clapped and cheered.

The older ones? They sensed the hidden tension and stayed quiet, just watching.

I straightened my back, looked calm as ever, and replied lazily, "Sorry, I'm not that great in the kitchen. Don't want to ruin everyone's appetite."

Up until now, Matthew hadn't said a word. He dropped into a chair, kicked up one leg casually, and smirked.

"Come on, Isabella. Didn't you take some cooking classes just for my bro? Rumor has it even he, with his picky taste, was eating like a king. So making dinner for the family should be easy, right?"

"Or. you just don't want to?"

I didn't even sugarcoat it. "Pretty clear, no? Yeah, I just don't feel like it."

His smile froze for half a second before he gave a cold snort.

"So... it's only been a year and your true colors are already showing, huh? This lazy attitude-how are you even good enough for my brother?"

As soon as those words landed, whispers broke out around the room. Lisa shot me a cold glare.

"What are you still standing there for? Get to the kitchen."

I crossed my arms and smiled at her, all relaxed.

"Lisa, isn't that what the maid's for? You asking me to cook now-is that because you see me as a servant, or are you just trying to mess with me?"

Lisa looked stunned for a second, clearly not expecting me to talk back. Her face quickly darkened. "What nonsense are you spouting? I just wanted to see what you could do. How's that messing with you or treating you like a servant?"

Matthew sized me up with a disbelieving look, then his face hardened.

"You've only been married a year and you're already talking back to my mom? What's next-you planning to walk all over her in a couple of years?"

Everyone was staring at me like I'd grown two heads, obvious disdain in their eyes.

Didn't bother me, though-I'd seen those same looks in my past life.

Back then, I did whatever Lisa said, cooked for everyone till I was dead on my feet, and where did that get me? Nowhere good.

She said I made the food taste terrible on purpose, even claimed a dog wouldn't touch it. I tried to explain myself, but that just gave them more reason to laugh me off, say I was disrespectful.

Some people tried to smooth things over, saying I was raised as a pampered princess and it was already impressive that I was trying. But Lisa just sneered, said I wasn't even as good as the maid, and asked what use I was.

All those cruel words-still burned into my memory. This time around, I knew better. No more playing the fool.

Matthew stood and walked over, smirking like he thought he was clever. He circled me twice, cocky as ever.

"Isabella, my brother spoil you too much or what? My mom tells you to cook, and you're seriously just not going?"

My gaze turned icy as I looked straight at him, lips curving with a calm smile.

"Nope. Not going. What, you gonna try and threaten me now?"

His expression twisted. "So what if I do? Who do you even think you are? Ignoring my mom like that? Don't forget you're just some broke nobody. You want things to get worse?"

I narrowed my eyes slightly, my voice cold. "Don't be in such a rush to threaten me. Worst case, I get mocked for not making dinner. But if the sick stuff you've done ever comes out? You've got way bigger problems."

He froze-clearly shaken. "You?"

I met his eyes dead-on. "You think I'm bluffing? Please. I know a lot more than you think."

Every time Matthew got in trouble, he'd hide behind Lisa, expecting her to clean up his mess.In his last life, he raped a female classmate, and it was Lisa who handled it quietly behind the scenes. They settled it privately, and no one else in the Wright family found out. But a few years later, the whole thing blew up. The girl's parents got greedy and wanted more money, and Matthew lost control and beat them so badly one ended up in the hospital. That's when everything came out-no way to cover it up anymore.

I'd never divorced Ronald, so of course I knew all the dirt. It probably hasn't happened yet in this life, but with the way Matthew behaves, there's no way that was the only mess he's made.

He stared at me, then actually stepped back a couple paces, eyes full of suspicion and fear. He quickly scurried over to Lisa and whispered something in her ear.

His voice was low, but I still caught it: "Mom, what's up with her? Did she suddenly grow a spine? Is this still that doormat Isabella, the one anyone could step on?"

Lisa sniffed hard, clearly full of disdain. "Doesn't matter. As long as she's still my daughter-in-law, she does what I say. Matthew, take her to the kitchen. She's cooking dinner today, period."

With his mom backing him up, Matthew puffed out his chest and stomped toward me like he was about to start something. I didn't flinch. Worst case, we throw hands.

Just as he was about to grab me, a deep cough echoed from the stairs. Everyone turned to look-it was Frank Wright and Ronald, already making their way down.

The two looked strikingly alike-both in sharp suits, with that same cold, serious face that made people freeze under their gaze. Frank glanced briefly at Matthew, and he instantly backed off, dropping his hand like it was burning.

Lisa quickly wiped off her scowl and forced a smile. "I was just trying to teach my daughter-in-law something. She can't even get pregnant to carry on the family name, and now she's refusing to cook? No sense of respect at all."

I stood with my arms crossed, expression icy. Clearly, nothing I said to her last time got through. She still thinks me not being able to have kids is the issue.

Frank shot her a sharp look. "If she doesn't want to cook, then don't make her. Isn't that what we pay all the maids for?"

Lisa choked on that, her face shifting awkwardly. "Got it."

I dropped my head a little, hiding the smirk tugging at my lips. Lisa always cared about saving face. In my last life, I kept swallowing everything she threw at me, no matter how over the line, so she never once lost face. Look at her now. Humiliated in front of everyone.

I was trying my hardest not to laugh when I caught Ronald's gaze. He was staring at me with a dark, unreadable look.

I wasn't fazed one bit. I even gave him a smug, slightly provocative glance in return.

Ronald: "..."

The awkward silence only lasted for a moment before Frank took the lead and the atmosphere quickly returned to its usual chatter and clinking of glasses.

Soon, everyone began to take their seats for dinner.

Last time, I not only had to cook, but also serve everyone. This time? Nope. I sat straight down next to Ronald and ignored all of it.

Lisa sat too, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she said, "Looks like we've brought home a queen. Doesn't lift a finger, doesn't know the first thing about taking care of her husband. Want me to build you a throne while I'm at it, Your Majesty?"

I scoffed, "What, is he missing hands or eyes? Why should he need my help?"

The room went dead silent. Everyone stared at me like I'd grown another head. Even Frank looked startled. They were all used to the timid me, so this sudden shift clearly caught them off guard.

Lisa's face darkened when she saw I talked back. Her words got nastier by the minute.

I'd seen it coming, but it still hit hard. Last time around, this kind of humiliation was my daily soundtrack.

Out of habit or some dumb hope, I glanced toward Ronald. He looked as perfect as ever, quiet and distant, like he was carved from marble-beautiful and cold. He didn't even flinch, didn't care at all what was being said.

Even though I no longer held any illusions about him in this life-he was still my husband. Yet even now, when things were clearly ugly, he just sat there like it had nothing to do with him. Honestly? It hurt more than I thought it would.

Meanwhile, Lisa kept going, "Just like your mother, you've got a princess complex but none of the luck. No one on either side gives a damn about your mom-not even after her death."

My face probably looked terrible, and frankly, I wasn't going to hide it anymore. I stared right at her, my voice low and sharp.

"As the wife of the chairman of Wright Corporation, you being petty and harsh to your daughter-in-law is one thing, but to talk like that about someone who's already passed. really?"

Her face twisted. "You better watch your mouth. Is that how you speak to your elders?"

I didn't back down. My expression was icy. "Watch yours, and maybe I'll do the same. Let's leave each other some basic respect."

Lisa clearly wanted to keep lashing out-her lips moved several times, but no words came out. Seeing that no one else was jumping in to support her, she had no choice but to swallow it and changed the subject.

"You know, Ronald's been married over a year, and there's still no sign of a baby. I worry she's like her mother-weak health and all. So yeah, I've nagged a bit."

"But I swear, I care about this girl. I've been taking her to doctors, giving her herbs, doing everything I can. Does she appreciate it? No. Instead, she yelled at me for meddling. I'm telling you, it's tough being a mother-in-law nowadays."