---- Chapter 7 I learned my lesson after the incident. Now, bodyguards followed me everywhere on campus. Ihad planned to make Albert's life hell, but he vanished before I even got the chance. Until our graduation, not once did he appear again. Rumor swirled that his dad sold him to pay off gambling debts. Others claimed that he had been trafficked to some uncivilized area. Good riddance. I felt much at ease without him. Five years after graduation, I climbed up the corporate ladder and became Dad's assistant. To celebrate, I decided to treat myself to a designer purse. As I entered the boutique, I froze at the doorway. What bad luck. Albert, who disappeared for more than five years, stood beside a wealthy middle-aged woman in the boutique. ---- "This color complements your fair skin better, baby," he purred, nuzzling her face. The woman couldn't take it and slid a hand under his shirt. They kissed passionately right there. As she tried to grope him, Albert chuckled. Patience, baby. Tonight, I'm all yours." The woman laughed in satisfaction and tossed a black card at the sales assistant. "Wrap up every men's purse you have. They're for my Albert." His smug smirk died when he spotted me. He walked toward me. "Small world, huh?" I glanced at the woman, who kept looking in our direction. I couldn't see her face at first, but now that Ihad seen it, it felt familiar. She looked almost exactly like the maid who worked for Liam York, my dad's friend. Liam had complained countless times about how their maid kept trying on his wife's jewelry and dresses when she thought no one was looking. But he couldn't ---- bring himself to fire her, as she had worked in the York estate for decades. If this woman was really the same maid, things were about to get interesting. I gave Albert a curt nod. "Small world indeed." "Back then, you went all out to ruin me. Not only did you have me expelled, but no hospital would admit my mother because of you. My father even lost his job. You must've thought I would fall apart after losing your support, didn't you? "Too bad, Eve. With this face of mine, it's not hard to get rich. You're not that important at all. That woman's funding my startup now. Soon, I'll be CEO again, just like my last life. I'll get to marry the woman I love. "Sure, the process was harder in this life than the last, but the ending would still stay the same." Albert stared at me with a deadly gleam lit his eyes. "You would absolutely die in my hands." My eyes widened in horror at his words. "What?" ---- He let out a cold laugh and stepped closer. "I was reborn, of course." He continued, "No matter how hard you try, your fate is set in stone. No matter how I choose my path, I will have the last laugh. And you? You are destined to die in my hands, and the Roosevelt family's fortune will be mine." Looking at his expression, I clenched my fists behind my back until my knuckles turned white. Everything made sense now. No wonder he was more arrogant in this life than the last. He had been reborn too. Title: ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance Status: ongoing Embark on an exhilarating journey alongside Luke Charles Stafford as he navigates from the heartland of the Midwest to the glitzy realm of Hollywood in "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" by CrushReel. This ongoing romantic tale delves into the intertwined lives of characters amidst contrasting backdrops, promising a narrative rich in depth and emotion. Within this captivating episode, Luke's transition from a quaint Midwestern setting to the bustling streets of Hollywood unveils layers of personal growth and unforeseen encounters. As he grapples with newfound challenges and connections, themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery intertwine to create a tapestry of emotions that resonate with readers on a profound level. "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" stands out through its nuanced portrayal of relationships and the pursuit of dreams against a backdrop of contrasting landscapes. CrushReel's expertise in crafting authentic characters and evocative settings ensures a reading experience that transcends traditional romance narratives. Immerse yourself in this spellbinding story, available to read at CrushReel, and witness firsthand the magnetic pull of fate as it weaves its intricate web through the lives of Luke and those around him. Experience the magic of "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" as it unfolds online at CrushReel, inviting you to explore the depths of love and ambition in a world where paths cross and destinies collide.