In my past life, the Harding family's poor decisions had dragged my family into bankruptcy. Harding Group only managed to survive because of a piece of land.

In order to save my family's business, I threw myself entirely into work. Oliver lost his temper with me more than once, saying our life together was dull and lifeless. He couldn't understand why I couldn't just set work aside, go out and see the world, and have some fun.

That was when Zara appeared again. She became a famous travel blogger, constantly changing her location across different countries.

Oliver was completely captivated by her videos. Using work as an excuse, he bought a ticket and flew abroad to watch the wildebeest migration with Zara.

One was wild and free, and the other longed for that kind of life. It was only natural that they would be drawn to each other.

After that, Oliver's business trips became more frequent. Sensing that something was off, I booked the same flight as him. That was how I discovered the truth.

When I finally confronted him, his cold gaze made me shrink back. He said life with me was like a stagnant pond—lifeless and boring. Only with Zara did he feel truly alive.

Eventually, he stopped caring altogether.

"Let's get a divorce. I'll give you three-quarters of our assets. You can have the kids, too. All I want is my freedom.

"You're the kind of person who only thinks about money and profit. You'll never understand how happy it feels to be free."

As he spoke, he looked like the reckless, arrogant 18-year-old he once was.

But I only found it laughable. A free-spirited life might seem thrilling and liberating, but without financial security, all that excitement would eventually fade into emptiness. One day, when he finally got his fill of that carefree lifestyle, he would realize he had nothing left.

Anyway, in this lifetime after being reborn, Oliver started his life of traveling with Zara directly. For a long time, I heard nothing about Oliver.

The only glimpses I caught were on Zara's social media, where he occasionally appeared in her videos. It seemed like he was truly living the life he wanted.

But I didn't pay much attention. I had already found someone who shared my values and started a new life of my own.

…

Holding the development plan for the land in Bakeney, I headed to Ross Group for a business meeting. As soon as the elevator doors opened, I locked eyes with Oliver.

"Savannah?"

Zara, standing behind him, looked up as well.

The two of them were dressed in ski gear. It was of Ross Group's brand.

I knew Ross Group's subsidiary was looking for influencers for endorsements, but I didn't expect them to choose these two.

I gave them a brief nod as a greeting and moved to step into the elevator.

But before I could, Oliver blocked my way. "How did you know I was here? Savannah, I just got back to the country, and you're already following me around? Don't you ever get tired of this?"

Zara clung to his arm, her gaze filled with smugness. "Savannah, didn't you say you were walking away with dignity? So, why are you still chasing after Oliver? We're doing great, just so you know.

"But I heard you're not doing so well? I heard the Palmer family's business is tanking."

She eyed me up and down, her face filled with mockery. "Savannah, you're so pathetic. Your family business is failing, you're getting older, and you've never seen the world. Even Oliver doesn't want you anymore. Why don't you just become our assistant? We'll even pay you extra."

I looked at the two of them like they were complete idiots. Did they leave their brains behind while traveling?

The Palmer family had long since rebranded and shifted their focus. The company that bore their name now was nothing more than a training ground for my younger brother.

I replied calmly, "No need. I'm doing just fine."

With that, I moved to press the elevator button.

However, Zara wasn't about to let it go. She waved at the receptionist. "Do you just let anyone walk into Ross Group? You're the receptionist. Does this woman even have an appointment?"

The receptionist quickly walked over. "Ms. Palmer has an appointment—"

Before she could finish, Zara cut her off with a frosty expression, snapping, "So what if he has an appointment? I was personally invited by Mr. Ross for a shoot. If you upset me, I'll have Mr. Ross fire you!"

Oliver chuckled beside her. "Exactly. Besides, Ms. Palmer isn't really here for Mr. Ross. She's just finding excuses to cling to me. I'll save Mr. Ross the trouble and send her away myself."

As he spoke, he even pulled out an old photo of the two of us and showed it to the receptionist like it was evidence.

"Savannah, you really went all out just to track me down, huh? Even went so far as to make an appointment with Mr. Ross? Unbelievable! If you have something to say, take it outside. Stop embarrassing yourself here at Ross Group."

The receptionist hesitated. Her once firm stance wavered as she looked at me. "Ms. Palmer, maybe it's best if you leave."

I felt my breath catch in my chest, stuck somewhere between anger and laughter.

How could these two be so shameless—forcing their own assumptions onto others with such confidence?

I turned to the receptionist. "Please call Mr. Ross' secretary and ask them to unlock the executive elevator for me."

The receptionist looked at me with an uncertain expression. "Ms. Palmer, you only booked a meeting with Mr. Ross. Why would you need to use the executive elevator?"

"Besides, if you really just came here to see Mr. Harding, you wouldn't actually need to meet Mr. Ross," the receptionist said.

Hearing this, Zara rolled her eyes and let out a mocking laugh. "Savannah, drop the act. Your family is practically bankrupt, and you still have the nerve to use the CEO's executive elevator?"

Our commotion had drawn the attention of several clients waiting in the lobby, and all eyes were now on us.

Their murmured discussions reached our ears without a hint of discretion.

"Who is she? Trying to take Mr. Ross' private elevator?"

"Probably another woman trying to climb the social ladder. Mr. Ross may be engaged, but he still attracts plenty of admirers."

The growing crowd only fueled Zara and Oliver's theatrics. Their voices grew louder.

"Savannah, we had a past, but can you stop clinging to me? Even though Zara and I have some connections with Mr. Ross, I can't stand here and watch you make a scene!

"There's a café outside. If you have something to say, we can talk there."

I glanced at my watch. My meeting with Kayden was about to start. Frustration crept in. "Oliver, Zara, I told you. This has nothing to do with you. Move aside. I have business to attend to."

"Nothing to do with us?" Oliver's voice dripped with sarcasm as he raised his voice. "I've been abroad all this time, and today's my first day back. The moment I finish filming, you show up? You expect me to believe that's a coincidence?

"Savannah, you were the one who said you never wanted to see me again. And now, the minute I return, you just happen to be here? Do you really think I don't know what's on your mind?"

I looked at the two people blocking my way, and irritation flared in my chest. "Are you two done? If you're done talking, get out of my way!"

"Savannah, don't get worked up. We're just chatting with you for old times' sake. After all, Oliver chose me in the end.

"He still feels guilty about it. We've been living happily all these years, and sometimes, Oliver even wonders how you've been doing."

At this point, I finally understood. These two could only see the world through their own narrow lens.

I didn't bother responding. Instead, I walked over to the couch, took out my phone, and called Kayden.

"I'm stuck downstairs in your building. Two people claiming to be close to you are blocking me. Can you come down?"

With that, I hung up.

Oliver and Zara exchanged glances and chuckled. "Savannah, did you just call Mr. Ross?"

I ignored her and focused on my proposal.

Zara suddenly snatched the proposal from my hands, flipped through it carelessly, and then tore it into pieces with a sneer. "What's with these useless papers? Do you really think Mr. Ross will waste his time on you? You probably just dialed a random number and made up a story."

As I watched the strategy document my team had worked on all night get shredded into scraps, frustration and anger surged inside me. I swung my hand and slapped Zara across the face.

"Zara, have you never been put in your place before?"

Zara clutched her cheek in shock. "Did you just hit me? Savannah! I was personally invited here by Mr. Ross, and you dare lay your hands on me? Do you even understand the consequences?

"I was actually considering helping you. Maybe if you begged, I could've introduced you to Mr. Ross. He might even help your failing Palmer Group."

Oliver immediately pulled Zara into his arms, gently lowering her hand to check for any injuries. "Savannah, you're unbelievable! You just bit the hand that tried to feed you!

"Apologize to Zara now! If you do, maybe she'll still be willing to introduce you to Mr. Ross for my sake. Otherwise, you'll regret it."

The receptionist looked terrified. "Ms. Palmer! How could you hit Ms. Cox? She was invited by Mr. Ross himself! If this turns into something serious, can you really handle the consequences?"

Oliver scoffed. "Savannah, if you kneel and apologize, I'll speak to Mr. Ross on your behalf."

The commotion had drawn everyone's attention. No one noticed that the elevator doors had already opened.

A pair of warm hands suddenly wrapped around my shoulders.

"Honey, what's got you so worked up?"