What do you do when your husband betrays you for another woman and leaves you to face death on a cold, sterile surgery table? Just when all hope seems lost, fate steps in, granting you a miraculous second chance at life. Now buckle up, because it’s payback time and you're on a relentless mission to exact a deliciously sweet revenge on the ones who shattered your world and stirred a fire within you like never before.

Chapter 1"Defibrillator! Now, increase the voltage!""The patient is experiencing severe bleeding, and bags of type A blood were just urgently dispatched!"The intern nurse was covered in blood, her voice trembling as she spoke.The operating room was filled with the stench of blood. She had never seen so much blood before.At that moment, a thought flashed through her mind. Who would suddenly take away all the type A blood from the blood bank?The woman lying on the hospital bed was pale, her lips dry, and her eyes beginning to lose focus. "James...""What?""James..."This time, the intern nurse heard her. The woman was calling for James.James, the most powerful business tycoon in Devonport!The doctor was on the verge of a breakdown. He dialed the wrong number three times before finally getting it right. He urgently spoke into the phone, "Mr. Burke, your wife is bleeding out, and the blood bank's reserves have been taken. Please, come and see her one last time!"The voice on the other end was tinged with cruelty and filled with indifference. "She’s not dead yet? Call me when she's gone."'Beep beep—' The call was mercilessly cut off.Suddenly, all the light faded from the woman's eyes. 'James, do you despise me this much? Even now, you won't come to see me one last time?'The machine emitted a steady, cold 'beep—,' signaling the end of the patient's vital signs.In a daze, Sophie felt her soul leave her body. Her emaciated, pale body lay powerlessly on the hospital bed. At only twenty-seven, she had died of severe hemorrhage due to childbirth complications.In life, she had loved James deeply. As the only daughter of the Russell family, she should have enjoyed the best life possible. But to marry James, she had gambled herself and the Russell family’s fortune. Eventually, this was the tragic end she met.Sophie slowly closed her eyes. If she had another chance to start over, she would never make the same mistakes."Madam, your husband wants to take you to the auction tonight. Which dress would you like to wear?"Marian’s voice echoed in her ears.Sophie’s thoughts snapped back to reality. Everything around her was too familiar. It was her and James’ new home!They had been married for a month, but James had hardly seen her.She distinctly remembered that James was attending a land auction at that time, and he had only brought his wife along because it was customary.But that was all five years ago. How could it be...Could it be that she had been reborn?"Madam, your husband has never stayed overnight before. You must seize this opportunity."Marian picked out a white gown, hesitating, "Maybe this one?"Sophie looked down, mocking herself inwardly.Everyone knew James liked Nichole. In the past, Sophie had often copied Nichole’s style to please James. Nichole liked white dresses, so Sophie wore white dresses too, just to win a bit of James’ favor.On the day of the auction, James had not informed Sophie that he was changing companions and brought Nichole instead. This made Sophie look utterly foolish because she was dressed in the same white dress as Nichole.As she thought about it now, it really was ridiculous."No, I’ll wear this one." Sophie casually picked out a bright red gown. She never liked plain clothes, after all. Nichole was just a poor college gir. Sophie must have been out of her mind to wear cheap street clothes just for a man.Sophie lowered her own status, not just in society but in her own esteem as well.Marian spoke with difficulty, "But he might prefer this white dress..."Ignoring Marian's desperate hints, Sophie remained indifferent."This one," Sophie said coolly. "Throw away all those white dresses. I don't like them.""Well..."Faced with Sophie's command, Marian sighed deeply but eventually complied.Sophie looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was still stunningly beautiful, but she knew that in a few years, James would have worn her down to a shadow of her former self.Before that happened, she was determined to end it all.In the evening, Sophie wore a wine-red mermaid dress with a trailing skirt that perfectly accentuated her curvaceous figure. Her makeup was impeccable, and her hair was styled in soft French curls, adding an air of gentle sophistication. A beauty mark below her eye enhanced her allure, making her appear like a portrait too sacred to be tainted.From a distance, a man in a white shirt and long leather boots watched the scene, a cigarette hanging from his lips. His voice was somber, "Who is she?""Colby, you don't know her? That's Sophie Russell, daughter of the Russell family and James’ new bride!" Adler, the playboy following Colby, exclaimed excitedly. "I just saw that scumbag James walking in with another woman. We might just witness a dramatic showdown between the mistress and the wife! I'm already thrilled!"There was no response from Colby.Adler clicked his tongue. "But really, James’ taste is questionable. He left a bombshell like Sophie for a skinny nobody. Don't you think so, Colby?"Turning around, Adler realized Colby was no longer there."Hey! Colby! Damn it!" Adler cursed as he followed Colby's steps into the auction.Inside, Nichole, in a simple white dress, clung to James’ arm, her voice timid. "I’ve never been to such an event before. Maybe I should go back."James replied indifferently, "You'll have to get used to it. You’ll be attending many of these."Nichole nodded.Just as James was about to lead Nichole into the venue, his assistant Colt couldn't help but interject, "Mr. Burke, aren’t you waiting for your wife?"James frowned, "Didn’t I tell you to inform her not to come today?"Colt glanced at Nichole, who quickly added, "It’s not Colt’s fault. I told him not to inform Sophie. With my current status, being with you might lead to rumors, so I thought it would be better for Sophie to accompany you inside…"Nichole hung her head, the picture of a frightened little girl.James rubbed his temples; he really didn’t want Sophie to appear now."Mr. Burke..." Nichole bit her lip, calling him tentatively."It's alright. It's not your fault."James patted Nichole’s head and instructed Colt, "Go to the entrance, and if you see Sophie, have someone escort her back immediately."Amidst the crowd, a murmur of astonishment spread.Colt looked over, his mouth agape, "I'm afraid it's too late."James followed Colt's gaze.The splash of red stood out in the crowd.Sophie, dressed in a wine-red evening gown, seemed to captivate hearts with every smile and frown. Cameras from the media swept over her, and for a moment, Sophie was like a superstar walking the red carpet.'Is that Sophie?'It took James a moment to recognize her.Sophie had always preferred light makeup and modest dresses. This was the first time he had seen her dressed so strikingly.Nichole looked uncomfortable. This was her first encounter with Sophie.In contrast to Sophie's glamorous allure, Nichole seemed overly plain, like a young student yet to bloom."Sophie looks so beautiful." A hint of barely detectable envy laced Nichole's tone.Sophie had already spotted James and Nichole and walked straight toward them.Nichole had thought that an unaware Sophie would be awkward and surprised to see her and James together, but Sophie seemed to have known all along, her face bearing a composed smile."There’s Mrs. Burke, but who is that lady with Mr. Burke?" whispered some of the media.Sophie approached and took James' arm, extending her hand to Nichole with a smile, "Hello, you must be Nichole, the student James mentioned. I’m Sophie. You can call me Mrs. Burke."Nichole awkwardly withdrew the hand holding James' hand and gently shook Sophie’s. "Hello, Mrs. Burke."The name 'Mrs. Burke' felt like a bone stuck in her throat.Sophie mentioned, "James told me that you've been planning to study abroad these past two years?"Nichole cast a quick glance at James.James said, "Nichole has been excelling in her studies. She's planning to go abroad this year, but she's a bit shy, so I brought her here today to get a feel of what the world is like."Yes, today was just about showing Nichole the world.At this time, James hadn't fully fallen for Nichole. It was after she returned from studying abroad that James truly fell in love with her.Even now, James attended various events with Nichole, and everyone in Devonport knew James favored this college student.But none of that mattered to Sophie now. She was at the auction not to contend with Nichole over James but for a more significant reason."Then James, take good care of Ms. Nichole. I'm going in," said Sophie as she released James' arm.James was stunned. He never expected those words from Sophie.By the time he realized, Sophie had already entered the venue.James frowned. When had Sophie, who was always boisterous, become so agreeable?Sophie sat in an inconspicuous corner, surrounded by the movers and shakers of Devonport.If she remembered correctly, this auction featured a neglected plot of land that a small-time businessman bought, which later became extremely valuable due to upscale developments around it. This transformation turned an obscure businessman into a business mogul.Since she was planning to leave James, she should also secure a fallback for herself.Meanwhile, once seated in the venue, James searched for Sophie's presence while Nichole asked, "Mr. Burke, do you really want me to bid later?"James was brought back to the present by Nichole's voice and replied, "Yes, I trust your judgment."Chapter 2"Defibrillator! Now, increase the voltage!""The patient is experiencing severe bleeding, and bags of type A blood were just urgently dispatched!"The intern nurse was covered in blood, her voice trembling as she spoke.The operating room was filled with the stench of blood. She had never seen so much blood before.At that moment, a thought flashed through her mind. Who would suddenly take away all the type A blood from the blood bank?The woman lying on the hospital bed was pale, her lips dry, and her eyes beginning to lose focus. "James...""What?""James..."This time, the intern nurse heard her. The woman was calling for James.James, the most powerful business tycoon in Devonport!The doctor was on the verge of a breakdown. He dialed the wrong number three times before finally getting it right. He urgently spoke into the phone, "Mr. Burke, your wife is bleeding out, and the blood bank's reserves have been taken. Please, come and see her one last time!"The voice on the other end was tinged with cruelty and filled with indifference. "She’s not dead yet? Call me when she's gone."'Beep beep—' The call was mercilessly cut off.Suddenly, all the light faded from the woman's eyes. 'James, do you despise me this much? Even now, you won't come to see me one last time?'The machine emitted a steady, cold 'beep—,' signaling the end of the patient's vital signs.In a daze, Sophie felt her soul leave her body. Her emaciated, pale body lay powerlessly on the hospital bed. At only twenty-seven, she had died of severe hemorrhage due to childbirth complications.In life, she had loved James deeply. As the only daughter of the Russell family, she should have enjoyed the best life possible. But to marry James, she had gambled herself and the Russell family’s fortune. Eventually, this was the tragic end she met.Sophie slowly closed her eyes. If she had another chance to start over, she would never make the same mistakes."Madam, your husband wants to take you to the auction tonight. Which dress would you like to wear?"Marian’s voice echoed in her ears.Sophie’s thoughts snapped back to reality. Everything around her was too familiar. It was her and James’ new home!They had been married for a month, but James had hardly seen her.She distinctly remembered that James was attending a land auction at that time, and he had only brought his wife along because it was customary.But that was all five years ago. How could it be...Could it be that she had been reborn?"Madam, your husband has never stayed overnight before. You must seize this opportunity."Marian picked out a white gown, hesitating, "Maybe this one?"Sophie looked down, mocking herself inwardly.Everyone knew James liked Nichole. In the past, Sophie had often copied Nichole’s style to please James. Nichole liked white dresses, so Sophie wore white dresses too, just to win a bit of James’ favor.On the day of the auction, James had not informed Sophie that he was changing companions and brought Nichole instead. This made Sophie look utterly foolish because she was dressed in the same white dress as Nichole.As she thought about it now, it really was ridiculous."No, I’ll wear this one." Sophie casually picked out a bright red gown. She never liked plain clothes, after all. Nichole was just a poor college gir. Sophie must have been out of her mind to wear cheap street clothes just for a man.Sophie lowered her own status, not just in society but in her own esteem as well.Marian spoke with difficulty, "But he might prefer this white dress..."Ignoring Marian's desperate hints, Sophie remained indifferent."This one," Sophie said coolly. "Throw away all those white dresses. I don't like them.""Well..."Faced with Sophie's command, Marian sighed deeply but eventually complied.Sophie looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was still stunningly beautiful, but she knew that in a few years, James would have worn her down to a shadow of her former self.Before that happened, she was determined to end it all.In the evening, Sophie wore a wine-red mermaid dress with a trailing skirt that perfectly accentuated her curvaceous figure. Her makeup was impeccable, and her hair was styled in soft French curls, adding an air of gentle sophistication. A beauty mark below her eye enhanced her allure, making her appear like a portrait too sacred to be tainted.From a distance, a man in a white shirt and long leather boots watched the scene, a cigarette hanging from his lips. His voice was somber, "Who is she?""Colby, you don't know her? That's Sophie Russell, daughter of the Russell family and James’ new bride!" Adler, the playboy following Colby, exclaimed excitedly. "I just saw that scumbag James walking in with another woman. We might just witness a dramatic showdown between the mistress and the wife! I'm already thrilled!"There was no response from Colby.Adler clicked his tongue. "But really, James’ taste is questionable. He left a bombshell like Sophie for a skinny nobody. Don't you think so, Colby?"Turning around, Adler realized Colby was no longer there."Hey! Colby! Damn it!" Adler cursed as he followed Colby's steps into the auction.Inside, Nichole, in a simple white dress, clung to James’ arm, her voice timid. "I’ve never been to such an event before. Maybe I should go back."James replied indifferently, "You'll have to get used to it. You’ll be attending many of these."Nichole nodded.Just as James was about to lead Nichole into the venue, his assistant Colt couldn't help but interject, "Mr. Burke, aren’t you waiting for your wife?"James frowned, "Didn’t I tell you to inform her not to come today?"Colt glanced at Nichole, who quickly added, "It’s not Colt’s fault. I told him not to inform Sophie. With my current status, being with you might lead to rumors, so I thought it would be better for Sophie to accompany you inside…"Nichole hung her head, the picture of a frightened little girl.James rubbed his temples; he really didn’t want Sophie to appear now."Mr. Burke..." Nichole bit her lip, calling him tentatively."It's alright. It's not your fault."James patted Nichole’s head and instructed Colt, "Go to the entrance, and if you see Sophie, have someone escort her back immediately."Amidst the crowd, a murmur of astonishment spread.Colt looked over, his mouth agape, "I'm afraid it's too late."James followed Colt's gaze.The splash of red stood out in the crowd.Sophie, dressed in a wine-red evening gown, seemed to captivate hearts with every smile and frown. Cameras from the media swept over her, and for a moment, Sophie was like a superstar walking the red carpet.'Is that Sophie?'It took James a moment to recognize her.Sophie had always preferred light makeup and modest dresses. This was the first time he had seen her dressed so strikingly.Nichole looked uncomfortable. This was her first encounter with Sophie.In contrast to Sophie's glamorous allure, Nichole seemed overly plain, like a young student yet to bloom."Sophie looks so beautiful." A hint of barely detectable envy laced Nichole's tone.Sophie had already spotted James and Nichole and walked straight toward them.Nichole had thought that an unaware Sophie would be awkward and surprised to see her and James together, but Sophie seemed to have known all along, her face bearing a composed smile."There’s Mrs. Burke, but who is that lady with Mr. Burke?" whispered some of the media.Sophie approached and took James' arm, extending her hand to Nichole with a smile, "Hello, you must be Nichole, the student James mentioned. I’m Sophie. You can call me Mrs. Burke."Nichole awkwardly withdrew the hand holding James' hand and gently shook Sophie’s. "Hello, Mrs. Burke."The name 'Mrs. Burke' felt like a bone stuck in her throat.Sophie mentioned, "James told me that you've been planning to study abroad these past two years?"Nichole cast a quick glance at James.James said, "Nichole has been excelling in her studies. She's planning to go abroad this year, but she's a bit shy, so I brought her here today to get a feel of what the world is like."Yes, today was just about showing Nichole the world.At this time, James hadn't fully fallen for Nichole. It was after she returned from studying abroad that James truly fell in love with her.Even now, James attended various events with Nichole, and everyone in Devonport knew James favored this college student.But none of that mattered to Sophie now. She was at the auction not to contend with Nichole over James but for a more significant reason."Then James, take good care of Ms. Nichole. I'm going in," said Sophie as she released James' arm.James was stunned. He never expected those words from Sophie.By the time he realized, Sophie had already entered the venue.James frowned. When had Sophie, who was always boisterous, become so agreeable?Sophie sat in an inconspicuous corner, surrounded by the movers and shakers of Devonport.If she remembered correctly, this auction featured a neglected plot of land that a small-time businessman bought, which later became extremely valuable due to upscale developments around it. This transformation turned an obscure businessman into a business mogul.Since she was planning to leave James, she should also secure a fallback for herself.Meanwhile, once seated in the venue, James searched for Sophie's presence while Nichole asked, "Mr. Burke, do you really want me to bid later?"James was brought back to the present by Nichole's voice and replied, "Yes, I trust your judgment."Chapter 3"Defibrillator! Now, increase the voltage!""The patient is experiencing severe bleeding, and bags of type A blood were just urgently dispatched!"The intern nurse was covered in blood, her voice trembling as she spoke.The operating room was filled with the stench of blood. She had never seen so much blood before.At that moment, a thought flashed through her mind. Who would suddenly take away all the type A blood from the blood bank?The woman lying on the hospital bed was pale, her lips dry, and her eyes beginning to lose focus. "James...""What?""James..."This time, the intern nurse heard her. The woman was calling for James.James, the most powerful business tycoon in Devonport!The doctor was on the verge of a breakdown. He dialed the wrong number three times before finally getting it right. He urgently spoke into the phone, "Mr. Burke, your wife is bleeding out, and the blood bank's reserves have been taken. Please, come and see her one last time!"The voice on the other end was tinged with cruelty and filled with indifference. "She’s not dead yet? Call me when she's gone."'Beep beep—' The call was mercilessly cut off.Suddenly, all the light faded from the woman's eyes. 'James, do you despise me this much? Even now, you won't come to see me one last time?'The machine emitted a steady, cold 'beep—,' signaling the end of the patient's vital signs.In a daze, Sophie felt her soul leave her body. Her emaciated, pale body lay powerlessly on the hospital bed. At only twenty-seven, she had died of severe hemorrhage due to childbirth complications.In life, she had loved James deeply. As the only daughter of the Russell family, she should have enjoyed the best life possible. But to marry James, she had gambled herself and the Russell family’s fortune. Eventually, this was the tragic end she met.Sophie slowly closed her eyes. If she had another chance to start over, she would never make the same mistakes."Madam, your husband wants to take you to the auction tonight. Which dress would you like to wear?"Marian’s voice echoed in her ears.Sophie’s thoughts snapped back to reality. Everything around her was too familiar. It was her and James’ new home!They had been married for a month, but James had hardly seen her.She distinctly remembered that James was attending a land auction at that time, and he had only brought his wife along because it was customary.But that was all five years ago. How could it be...Could it be that she had been reborn?"Madam, your husband has never stayed overnight before. You must seize this opportunity."Marian picked out a white gown, hesitating, "Maybe this one?"Sophie looked down, mocking herself inwardly.Everyone knew James liked Nichole. In the past, Sophie had often copied Nichole’s style to please James. Nichole liked white dresses, so Sophie wore white dresses too, just to win a bit of James’ favor.On the day of the auction, James had not informed Sophie that he was changing companions and brought Nichole instead. This made Sophie look utterly foolish because she was dressed in the same white dress as Nichole.As she thought about it now, it really was ridiculous."No, I’ll wear this one." Sophie casually picked out a bright red gown. She never liked plain clothes, after all. Nichole was just a poor college gir. Sophie must have been out of her mind to wear cheap street clothes just for a man.Sophie lowered her own status, not just in society but in her own esteem as well.Marian spoke with difficulty, "But he might prefer this white dress..."Ignoring Marian's desperate hints, Sophie remained indifferent."This one," Sophie said coolly. "Throw away all those white dresses. I don't like them.""Well..."Faced with Sophie's command, Marian sighed deeply but eventually complied.Sophie looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was still stunningly beautiful, but she knew that in a few years, James would have worn her down to a shadow of her former self.Before that happened, she was determined to end it all.In the evening, Sophie wore a wine-red mermaid dress with a trailing skirt that perfectly accentuated her curvaceous figure. Her makeup was impeccable, and her hair was styled in soft French curls, adding an air of gentle sophistication. A beauty mark below her eye enhanced her allure, making her appear like a portrait too sacred to be tainted.From a distance, a man in a white shirt and long leather boots watched the scene, a cigarette hanging from his lips. His voice was somber, "Who is she?""Colby, you don't know her? That's Sophie Russell, daughter of the Russell family and James’ new bride!" Adler, the playboy following Colby, exclaimed excitedly. "I just saw that scumbag James walking in with another woman. We might just witness a dramatic showdown between the mistress and the wife! I'm already thrilled!"There was no response from Colby.Adler clicked his tongue. "But really, James’ taste is questionable. He left a bombshell like Sophie for a skinny nobody. Don't you think so, Colby?"Turning around, Adler realized Colby was no longer there."Hey! Colby! Damn it!" Adler cursed as he followed Colby's steps into the auction.Inside, Nichole, in a simple white dress, clung to James’ arm, her voice timid. "I’ve never been to such an event before. Maybe I should go back."James replied indifferently, "You'll have to get used to it. You’ll be attending many of these."Nichole nodded.Just as James was about to lead Nichole into the venue, his assistant Colt couldn't help but interject, "Mr. Burke, aren’t you waiting for your wife?"James frowned, "Didn’t I tell you to inform her not to come today?"Colt glanced at Nichole, who quickly added, "It’s not Colt’s fault. I told him not to inform Sophie. With my current status, being with you might lead to rumors, so I thought it would be better for Sophie to accompany you inside…"Nichole hung her head, the picture of a frightened little girl.James rubbed his temples; he really didn’t want Sophie to appear now."Mr. Burke..." Nichole bit her lip, calling him tentatively."It's alright. It's not your fault."James patted Nichole’s head and instructed Colt, "Go to the entrance, and if you see Sophie, have someone escort her back immediately."Amidst the crowd, a murmur of astonishment spread.Colt looked over, his mouth agape, "I'm afraid it's too late."James followed Colt's gaze.The splash of red stood out in the crowd.Sophie, dressed in a wine-red evening gown, seemed to captivate hearts with every smile and frown. Cameras from the media swept over her, and for a moment, Sophie was like a superstar walking the red carpet.'Is that Sophie?'It took James a moment to recognize her.Sophie had always preferred light makeup and modest dresses. This was the first time he had seen her dressed so strikingly.Nichole looked uncomfortable. This was her first encounter with Sophie.In contrast to Sophie's glamorous allure, Nichole seemed overly plain, like a young student yet to bloom."Sophie looks so beautiful." A hint of barely detectable envy laced Nichole's tone.Sophie had already spotted James and Nichole and walked straight toward them.Nichole had thought that an unaware Sophie would be awkward and surprised to see her and James together, but Sophie seemed to have known all along, her face bearing a composed smile."There’s Mrs. Burke, but who is that lady with Mr. Burke?" whispered some of the media.Sophie approached and took James' arm, extending her hand to Nichole with a smile, "Hello, you must be Nichole, the student James mentioned. I’m Sophie. You can call me Mrs. Burke."Nichole awkwardly withdrew the hand holding James' hand and gently shook Sophie’s. "Hello, Mrs. Burke."The name 'Mrs. Burke' felt like a bone stuck in her throat.Sophie mentioned, "James told me that you've been planning to study abroad these past two years?"Nichole cast a quick glance at James.James said, "Nichole has been excelling in her studies. She's planning to go abroad this year, but she's a bit shy, so I brought her here today to get a feel of what the world is like."Yes, today was just about showing Nichole the world.At this time, James hadn't fully fallen for Nichole. It was after she returned from studying abroad that James truly fell in love with her.Even now, James attended various events with Nichole, and everyone in Devonport knew James favored this college student.But none of that mattered to Sophie now. She was at the auction not to contend with Nichole over James but for a more significant reason."Then James, take good care of Ms. Nichole. I'm going in," said Sophie as she released James' arm.James was stunned. He never expected those words from Sophie.By the time he realized, Sophie had already entered the venue.James frowned. When had Sophie, who was always boisterous, become so agreeable?Sophie sat in an inconspicuous corner, surrounded by the movers and shakers of Devonport.If she remembered correctly, this auction featured a neglected plot of land that a small-time businessman bought, which later became extremely valuable due to upscale developments around it. This transformation turned an obscure businessman into a business mogul.Since she was planning to leave James, she should also secure a fallback for herself.Meanwhile, once seated in the venue, James searched for Sophie's presence while Nichole asked, "Mr. Burke, do you really want me to bid later?"James was brought back to the present by Nichole's voice and replied, "Yes, I trust your judgment."