I arrived at the gala early, determined to make a strong impression. I spotted Professor James Lawson and without hesitation, approached him with my proposal. Though he seemed a bit surprised, our discussion went smoothly.

My project was focused on advanced game development, aiming to create a virtual world where people could connect mentally and experience a high degree of freedom.

I spoke confidently, and we ended up signing the contract right there and then, to ensure everything was secured before any changes could occur.

As I looked around, I noticed Vanessa arriving late. She was scanning the room, clearly searching for something.

I made sure to stand tall and catch her eye. As expected, she made a beeline for me, her high heels clicking sharply on the floor.

"Ella, you rushed off so quickly and didn't wait for me! Look, I've got blisters from running," she complained, showing off a foot covered in a bandage.

Then, as if just noticing James beside me, she exclaimed, "Oh, there's someone else here! I was so focused on you, Ella, I didn't see him!"

She gave me a playful wink before continuing, "Ella, are you really mad at me? Aren't you going to introduce us?"

I met her gaze, my voice calm as I said, "This is my partner, Mr. James Lawson."

Vanessa flashed one of her dazzling smiles at James.

"Ah, Mr. Lawson! Ella has mentioned you so many times. I'm really interested in gaming too. Do you think I could sit in on one of your classes?"

Vanessa was undeniably beautiful, with an exotic allure that could captivate anyone. Coupled with the fortune she'd stolen from me, she usually got whatever she wanted with little effort.

But this time, things wouldn't go as she planned.

"I'm afraid you're out of luck, miss. I only had one spot left, and I've just signed a contract with Ella. We're partners now. If you want a favor, you'd better ask her."

Vanessa's expression faltered. She hadn't expected to be turned down, let alone find out that I had already secured the deal.

Her eyes flashed with frustration as she tried again, only to be met with the same refusal.

Turning to me, she put on her most pitiful look.

"Ella, could you..."

But I cut her off before she could finish.

"No, that spot is reserved for someone else. It's already been decided."

On the way home, Vanessa insisted on dragging me into the Carter family's car, but I avoided her grasp and got into the cab I had arranged earlier, driving away without looking back.

As I glanced in the rearview mirror, I saw her contorted face and felt a fleeting satisfaction.

This was how I was supposed to be.

In the past, whenever I was presented with an opportunity, I would be full of confidence and ideas. Yet, when the moment came, I often felt drained and disoriented.

Every time I was on the brink of a breakthrough, Vanessa would swoop in with her comforting words, which only seemed to cloud my thoughts further, as if something essential was being siphoned from me.

When I went to college and Vanessa was no longer around, it was the happiest time of my life. I launched my own studio and built a development team.

But after being brought back into the Carter Villa, everything changed. My studio floundered. My team was stolen away, and I was left struggling alone. Luckily, a senior and her team came to my aid, giving me a much-needed reprieve.

I had a nagging feeling that something was wrong, but every time I was near Vanessa, it felt like something was slipping away from me, leaving me increasingly confused.

Now it was clear. She had been draining my luck all along.

Instead of heading straight back to the Carter Villa, I took the time to have a pendant made to match the original exactly. When I examined it closely, it was nearly identical, though it carried an unsettling aura, a testament to the craftsmanship.

I wasn't eager to return to the Carter family, but it wasn't the right moment yet.

As I opened the door and was about to step inside, I overheard Vanessa's voice, filled with feigned remorse.

"It's all my fault. I shouldn't have upset Ella. Now she's refusing to come home because of me. Is she blaming me for taking her parents?"

From the living room, I could hear Frank's booming voice, his anger palpable even from a distance. I couldn't help but think how such a volatile temper was unsuitable for managing a company.

"That ungrateful girl. If she doesn't come home, I'll have someone break her legs. Stop crying, Vanessa."

"It's just a spot. I'll make her give it to you. She's my daughter and will do as she's told."