Jessica shattered. She couldn't accept it. She thought she had found the shortcut to wealth, only to realize it was a dead-end road, even more hopeless than her last life. She started blowing up my phone with frantic calls and texts. Carol, can we switch back? Please? I'll give you the Frugal Living system! I'm begging you! I was wrong! The Spend & Earn system is the best one! I'm willing to spend, I'll buy anything! Carol, answer me! Are you just going to watch me die? How can you be so cruel? I didn't reply to a single one. I blocked her on everything. The $160,000 mission was easy. I used the money to rent an office near James's university, a temporary studio for his team, and paid the lease a year in advance. When I handed the keys and the contract to James, he stared at me for a long time without speaking. "Why?" he asked, the same question as before. "I told you," I said, handing him the shopping bags full of new clothes. "I need a way to spend money. And this is to celebrate our partnership." He glanced down at the designer logos on the bags, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly. He didn't take them. "Carol, I want our partnersh- ip to be... professional." "This is professional," I insisted. "I invest in you, you create value for me. Consider this an advance on employee benefits." I pushed the bags into his arms, leaving no room for refusal. "A good first impression will open doors for your project. Trust me, you're worth it." He finally accepted them, though his expression remained guarded and distant. I knew what he was thinking. In his mind, I was probably some reckless, spoiled rich girl with questionable motives. I didn't care. Time would prove him wrong. We had a lifetime ahead of us. The days that followed fell into a pattern. I completed mission after mission. $320,000. I bought top-of-the-line servers and development hardware for James's team. $640,000. I hired the top graduates from the computer science department, signing them on as the company's first employees and paying their salaries six months in advance. $1,280,000. I acquired a small data analytics firm and merged their resources into James's project. My spending targets were growing exponentially, and my "company" was taking shape at a visible, astonishing rate. James and his team no longer had to worry about money. They poured all their energy into development. The first prototype of the app was ready in record time. James named it "Echo." For the idea that every small voice could find its resonance there. On the day of the internal beta test, he sent the first invitation code to me. As I looked at the clean, futuristic interface, I felt a genuine surge of pride for him. Meanwhile, Jessica had completely vanished from my life. I never saw her again. I only heard snippets from the building's security guard. He mentioned that the girl in that unit hadn't been out in a long time. That every day, someone would deliver the cheapest bulk water jugs and cases of instant ramen to her door. That a strange, sour smell had started to emanate from her apartment. I knew what was happening. The system was devouring her, piece by piece. She was hoarding more and more money, and more and more trash. She thought she was saving her money. In reality, she was saving herself to death. In the latest episode titled "ReelTalk EP24-Surviving Bullying & Navigating Mental Health" by CrushReel, a poignant narrative unfolds between Autumn Noel and her confidante Amanda Liguori as they delve into the depths of mental health struggles. Autumn bravely shares her journey of overcoming bullying, shedding light on the impact of online harassment and the resilience needed to navigate such challenges. This raw and authentic conversation not only resonates with those facing similar adversities but also highlights the importance of seeking support during vulnerable times. As the story unfolds in this ongoing romance series, the bond between Autumn and Amanda deepens, showcasing the power of friendship in confronting personal battles. Through their candid exchange, themes of courage, empathy, and self-discovery resonate strongly, adding layers of depth to this heartwarming narrative. The unique blend of vulnerability and strength portrayed by the characters sets this episode apart, offering a refreshing take on mental health awareness within the romance genre. What sets this episode apart is its genuine portrayal of complex emotions and its unwavering commitment to authenticity. Available to read at CrushReel, this compelling exploration of resilience and friendship serves as a beacon of hope for readers navigating their own struggles.