Chapter 14
Emily clapped her hands repeatedly, "Who does she think she is? She's even less qualified to compare with you!"
This was the most satisfying and relaxing evening I'd had since my rebirth.
However, the brief peace was soon shattered.
After Jack stormed off last time, he did indeed go and tattle.
Within two days, Sarah showed up at my door with George.
Sarah hugged Jack's shoulder with a distressed look on her face, while Jack clung tightly to her leg, looking at me with defiance and smugness.
Sarah said, "I know you have issues with me, but you can't take it out on a five-year-old child! He's so young, how could you bear to kick him out? What if he ran into danger outside?"
Jack immediately played along, tilting his little face up to George and saying, "Dad, see? I told you Sarah treats me the best. Marry her already, I want Sarah to be my mom."
George frowned, his tone carrying its usual interrogation, "Grace, don't you think you should explain?"
Explain what?
I couldn't be bothered to say a single word.
Looking at the three of them standing at my door, I just felt it was ridiculous and absurd.
In my past life, how many times had this scene played out?
Each time, I had to exhaust myself explaining, apologizing humbly, only to be met with his increasingly dismissive attitude.
This time, I chose the most direct approach.
I shut the door.
From outside came George's cold voice, "For next week's Stellar Tech Awards Ceremony, prepare well! I'll be there supporting you, don't worry about anyone causing trouble!"
I knew the "anyone" he meant was me.
Sarah responded softly, "I understand, George, but are we really not going to get justice for Jack? It breaks my heart to see the child so wronged."
George was silent for a few seconds, then said, "We will. I'll get that justice back from her."
Over the next few days, George started calling and texting me from different unknown numbers.
I ignored them all. My entire focus was on the upcoming Stellar Tech Awards Ceremony.
Especially the code-breaking challenge, which required a seven-person team to work together.
So I gathered my old team members back.
This was a team I'd formed in college with like-minded friends. We'd pulled countless all-nighters together, tackled many technical challenges, and had unmatched chemistry.
But later, after I left, the team gradually disbanded.
We seized the remaining time to practice and rehearse, preparing thoroughly for the upcoming challenge.
Time flew by, and the day of the Stellar Tech Awards Ceremony arrived.
The ceremony was held at the city center's most luxurious convention center, with tight security and crowds of guests.
I held my team pass and was about to enter the team-only entrance.
Unexpectedly, just as I reached the entrance, several men blocked my way.
They stood there seemingly casually, but subtly formed a circle around me.
They were George's people.
"What do you want?" I stopped and looked at them coldly. "Broad daylight, in a place like this, you dare to pull a gun?"
Terry sneered and waved something black in his hand. "Grace, what are you talking about? This is just a toy water gun, just to scare you. But what are you doing here? You're not qualified to enter a ceremony of this level, are you?"
I was still holding the internal materials I needed to give to my team. They were a bit heavy, so I'd come out for some air and to confirm the location, only to run into them.
Just then, George walked over.
He was formally dressed today, too, in a custom-made black suit that made him look tall and stern.
He glanced at me, his eyes landing on my simple but appropriate outfit, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly.
"Go backstage and change into a proper gown. Don't embarrass the Smith family."
The Smith family's reputation?
I almost laughed in anger.
"Mr. Smith, I've had nothing to do with the Smith family for a long time. Whether they're embarrassed or not is none of your concern."
With that, I ignored their instantly sour expressions and walked straight toward the security checkpoint of the team entrance.
Terry took two steps after me, hissing in frustration, "Look at the occasion, look at George, your presence here embarrasses him!"
I didn't stop, only replied with one word, "Screw off."
Terry stamped his feet behind me, cursing, "Crazy! Absolutely crazy!"
Sarah's soft voice came at just the right moment, as if comforting Terry but also provoking him, "Alright, Terry, don't be angry. Mrs. Smith probably has her own plans."
"George, even if you're really angry, there's no need to cut off all her income, right? She has to take care of Milly, it's not easy. I can help her financially, after all, she did take care of Jack for so long."
Then I heard George's emotionless voice, "Do as you like."
I didn't look back, just passed through security and walked into the convention center.
My heart was beating fast in my chest, but more than that, I felt liberated from breaking free of constraints.
Following the signs, I found the team preparation room.
I pushed open the door, and several familiar faces, marked by the passage of time, immediately turned toward me.
"Grace!"
The long-missed greeting, filled with undisguised joy and excitement.
My nose tingled, and I nodded firmly, "I'm back."
We seized the remaining time for tactical confirmation and mental preparation.
Before long, there was a knock on the preparation room door. Emily and William arrived together.
As soon as Emily entered, she complained, "Just ran into George and Sarah outside, what bad luck!"
"And there's something even more ridiculous. Sarah's actually competing too. With those long nails of hers, I hope she doesn't break the keyboard!"
I smiled and poured her a glass of water. "Why bother with her?"
"I just can't stand it." Emily gulped down some water and continued indignantly, "If it weren't for George, what right would she have to step foot in here? George is such a scumbag! You gave him your youth, bore his children, managed the household. What did he ever give you? He didn't even care when Milly was sick, but for Sarah? He'd pluck the stars and moon from the sky for her. It's disgusting just thinking about it!"
I listened to Emily's words without arguing.
She was right about everything.
After marrying George, every time Milly and I needed him, he was either busy with company matters or helping Sarah solve her problems.
My heart grew cold through these repeated disappointments and comparisons, bit by bit, until it froze completely, and finally shattered completely on that snowy night when Milly died.
Fortunately, I got a chance to start over.
In this life, I would face reality. My heart would only beat for people and things that were worth it.