"From Urgent News Flash, there was a rear-end collision on Highway 257. A drunk truck driver collided with a taxi in front, causing it to flip over. The extent of injuries is not yet known, but witnesses say a pregnant woman about to give birth was inside." The sounds of sirens, screams, and traffic were deafening. The noise battered Kimberly Holden's ears, and the air reeked of blood. Barely conscious, she managed to grab her phone and dialed a number. Just as the call was about to drop, someone picked up. A familiar female voice responded, "Kimberly, Declan is in the shower and can't come to the phone. What's the matter? Is it urgent?" At that moment, Kimberly's heart sank. It was Valerie Walsh! Of course! Always Valerie, the beloved adopted sister Declan Walsh had grown up with, the one who made him neglect her, block her number, even on her due date. With her eyes closed, Kimberly felt a warm stream beneath her, signaling the life inside her fading. Despite her agony, she begged, "Help me... Highway 257... Save my child..." Her words were hard to speak. The sudden accident had knocked down the barriers on both sides, completely blocking the highway. Cars couldn't go forward or backward, and rescue vehicles were trapped outside. The process of deploying a helicopter was too complicated. However, Kimberly knew that the Walsh family owned a private chopper. If Declan could send it over right away, there was still a chance for hope. "I'm sorry, Kimberly. Declan is busy with my birthday preparations today and can't address this," said the voice, sounding naive yet harsh. Then the line went dead. Kimberly fell to the ground, the smell of gasoline urging her to escape before an explosion. But she felt a sudden acceptance of her fate. In her last moments, she thought about her twenty-five years, half spent loving a man who didn't love her back. From the spoiled heiress of the Holden family, she had become a disgraced figure, publicly embarrassed. She had gambled everything of the Holden family's property, yet failed to gain even a shred of Declan's genuine love. She was exhausted and had lost the will to love him again. This life taught her about poor judgments, and she promised herself not to make the same errors in another life. "Mrs. Walsh, are you really going to wear this pink couture dress to the charity auction tonight? Even though Mr. Walsh..." Maggie, the housekeeper, paused, then gently continued, "This short dress seems too casual. Maybe choose something different?" After her suggestion, she watched anxiously for the woman's reaction in the mirror. Having worked for the Walsh family for many years, Maggie understood Kimberly's deep love for Declan. To win his approval, Kimberly carefully matched her lifestyle to his preferences. Kimberly looked at the familiar reflection, her heart racing. Wasn't she supposed to be dead? Wasn't the charity auction three years ago? Could it be that... she had been reborn? "Mrs. Walsh?" Maggie's pressing voice snapped Kimberly back to reality. "Mr. Walsh will be here to pick you up in an hour. You should get ready! How about this white dress? It's more elegant..." Kimberly's eyes sparkled, and a subtle smile appeared on her lips. This auction was organized by the most mysterious and ancient family in Javille, the Howard family. On the surface, it seemed like a high-society event, but in truth, it was a way for families to showcase themselves to the Howards. The Howards placed a high value on family unity, which was why Declan needed to bring her. Previously, she had been jealous of Valerie for capturing all of Declan's attention. To win him over, she had mimicked Valerie in every way. Her careful efforts to please him only made him resent her more. At this charity auction, Declan had taken her emerald necklace without her permission to impress Valerie, allowing the latter to flaunt it at the event. When Kimberly attempted to take back the necklace, Declan accused her of being jealous, turning her into a mockery among the elite. Given another shot at life, she vowed to recover everything that was hers! Reflecting on her past experiences, Kimberly stated calmly, "I plan to wear the made-to-order beige dress. It will complement my emerald necklace beautifully." After years of imitating Valerie, she almost lost sight of her true identity as a dignified lady of the Holden family, brought up with rigid discipline. It had been foolish of her to vie with an adopted member of a merely affluent family. Maggie said worriedly, "But Mr. Walsh usually doesn't favor such formal outfits, and the emerald necklace, a gift from your grandmother, wasn't even worn at your wedding. Isn't it a bit too grand for an auction?" "I'll fetch the necklace. You sort out the dress," Kimberly commanded as she rose, disregarding Maggie's worries. "And clear out all the dresses in the wardrobe. We're replacing them with new ones." Maggie looked on in astonishment as Kimberly headed towards the inner room, paused briefly, but then carried out the orders. Instead of waiting for Declan to pick her up, Kimberly took a Lamborghini from the garage and drove directly to the event. The charity auction was hosted at a private estate by the water. Under the setting sun, Kimberly looked stunning in her custom-made beige dress. The tailored fit showcased her elegant figure, and her sleek, modern hairstyle paired with refined makeup enhanced her allure. As she handed her car keys to the valet, her phone rang. The caller ID displayed "Declan" over and over. Kimberly scoffed, and upon answering, an angry voice blasted from the other end. "Who authorized you to take the emerald necklace?"

Declan's tone was commanding as if Kimberly had committed a theft. "Where are you? I promised Valerie she could wear that necklace at the auction. Bring it back right now!" While handing her invitation to the event manager at the door, Kimberly retorted over the phone, "This necklace is from my wedding gifts from the Holden family. Since when does anyone else get to dictate its use? Or has the Walsh family fallen so low that they must lean on their wife's wedding gifts?" Declan was stunned. He had never heard Kimberly, who usually bore everything quietly, respond so defiantly. In a stern voice, he said, "Kimberly, I'm telling you one last time. Return the necklace immediately, or you'll regret it when I lose my temper!" In the past, when he spoke in such a cold tone, it meant he had completely run out of patience. What typically followed was her being blocked and ignored, a cold shoulder that lasted at least a month. No matter how much Kimberly tried to humble herself, she could never get him to smile. Thinking back to her previous life, where she had groveled like a dog just to gain a bit of Declan's favor, Kimberly felt nothing but disgust. "So I'll say this one last time as well. Using your wife's wedding gift to impress another woman, Declan, are you a CEO or merely a gigolo?" she scoffed coldly. "Go ahead and be angry if you like. It doesn't bother me." With that, she ended the call, leaving a seething Declan on the line. He had always been the one to hang up first, never her. Next to him, Valerie hesitantly said, "Declan, is Kimberly upset because you wanted to take me to the auction? Is that why she won't lend me the necklace?" This remark only added fuel to Declan's already raging anger. He sneered, "She's just playing games to make me notice her. She's been with us for barely a year and already she's become so manipulative and jealous!" Seeing Kimberly's firm refusal to surrender the necklace, Valerie was worried and annoyed, yet she put on a look of sorrow and grievance. "Forget it, I won't attend the auction. If Kimberly is this upset over a mere necklace, imagine how she'd react if I went as your date!" "If she wants to go crazy, let her be. It's a disgrace to the Holden family, not ours," Declan said angrily. After venting, he tenderly tousled Valerie's hair, murmuring, "Don't worry, you'll wear that emerald necklace and be the star of the auction." Valerie's eyes sparkled, and she embraced Declan. "You're the best, Declan!" As Kimberly walked into the auction venue, a professional manager came up to consult with her. "Mrs. Walsh, may I inquire about the item you're contributing to the auction?" Kimberly paused briefly before responding, "I'd like to donate under my own name instead of the Walsh family's. Is that possible?" The manager was initially surprised but quickly responded, "Absolutely! The auction respects the individual wishes of all donors." Kimberly nodded, her fingers lightly touching the emerald necklace she wore. "I'm donating this necklace." The manager looked astonished. Being professional in the auction industry, he recognized the necklace's significant value. "Mrs. Walsh, while we're grateful for your contribution, this auction primarily supports charity and fosters collaboration among elite families including the Howard family, not functioning as a professional auction house. This necklace, crafted from rare materials by top artisans and with historical importance, might be too valuable for such an occasion. Isn't it somewhat wasteful here?" Kimberly smiled slightly. She knew the necklace's worth, a treasured gift from her grandmother, and never planned to auction it initially. But she vividly recalled how Valerie had once auctioned it off without her permission to make a grand impression. Back then, the necklace had caught Renee Howard's attention, the event's hostess, who bought it at the highest price, facilitating a partnership that greatly elevated the Walsh family's status. As the true owner of the necklace, Kimberly was labeled a madwoman by Declan when she attempted to reclaim it. He forcibly dragged her out and locked her in the car. After that, she never attended any event again. Now, instead of allowing others to benefit from her treasures, she decided to take control. "Charity requires genuine sincerity, which I believe aligns with Mrs. Howard's intentions for hosting this event," she said clearly, earning an admiring glance from the manager. "However, I have a small request," Kimberly continued with a bright smile. "I want to personally present this necklace on stage, as no one has a closer bond to it than I do." The manager was taken aback by such an unusual request, but considering the informal nature of the charity auction and Kimberly's status as the donor, he agreed to accommodate her. "Of course, I'll let you know when it's your turn to take the stage." This exchange was overheard by two individuals in a private room on the second floor. One, a man in a champagne-colored suit with an open shirt showcasing his muscular chest, radiated a striking presence. "Wow, Mrs. Walsh is truly generous, offering such a stunning necklace and even presenting it herself. The winner will definitely view her in a new light!" He then turned to another man seated on the sofa, partially obscured by shadows. "Do you think she realizes your grandmother has always wanted that necklace?" Chris Howard, Renee's grandson, took a sip of his wine, swirling it thoughtfully before replying softly, "Isn't she married? Why is she here by herself?"

When asked about it, Felix White instantly brightened and winked at Chris. Felix said, "You might not have heard, being abroad and all, but it's been juicy gossip here in Javille! Declan has an adopted sister he cherishes like a rare gem. Kimberly was optimistic enough to bring investment into the marriage, rescuing the Walsh family's finances. And what's the payback? A year later, and it's still Declan's sister by his side at every social event. The entire Walsh family adores her, while Kimberly, born a Holden, is treated like she's merely there to serve, without any respect." Felix clicked his tongue. "Declan is really something. In terms of looks and personality, Kimberly, the former top wealthy lady, is much better. How can he overlook such a beauty at home and instead fawn over that adopted sister of unknown background?" After a brief pause and no reply, Felix turned around to find that the man who had been sitting on the sofa had disappeared. "Hey, wait up..." Kimberly had just finished signing her name and was looking for a spot to grab some refreshments when a loud, angry voice caught her attention. "Kimberly, who allowed you to come to this event without my permission?" She turned to see Valerie, glamorous in a beautiful gown, clinging to Declan's arm. Her face was the picture of innocence, but her eyes gleamed with arrogant satisfaction. "Declan, don't be angry at Kimberly. Maybe she's upset that I'm your date and came here early to stir up trouble. Perhaps I should leave," Valerie said, looking up at Declan with a fake sense of hurt, her eyes filling with tears. "I don't want to upset Kimberly." Declan looked at Kimberly with a cold expression, who had changed out of an unsuitable outfit into a dress that flawlessly showcased her poise and elegance. Her elegant figure and confident demeanor seemed to bring back memories of when she was the top wealthy lady in Javille, aloof and confidently pretentious. Declan sneered, "Having a spoiled, arrogant woman by my side would ruin the Walsh family's reputation at such an event." He affectionately patted Valerie's hand, his tone soft. "You've been by my side at every event since we were kids, and you'll always be the one." Their synchronized performance, as always, made Kimberly look small in front of everyone. "Why does Mrs. Walsh even bother coming?" whispered the onlookers. "She knows her husband prefers the adopted sister, yet she keeps trying to compete, only to embarrass herself." However, Kimberly responded with a poised smile, "Yes, with Valerie as your date, I am much more relaxed." Nobody anticipated Kimberly's change from her typical emotional self to a portrayal of a virtuous and considerate wife. Valerie was momentarily taken aback, thinking Kimberly had become docile after Declan's reprimand. She felt pleased until Kimberly finished her sentence. "At least she's more decent than prostitutes." A flash of anger crossed Valerie's eyes. Tears welled up as she faced Kimberly. "Kimberly, I know you've targeted me because Declan shows me affection. I don't mind. Coming from a wealthy family, you might feel entitled to look down on us. But remember, the Walsh family isn't some ordinary family you can insult freely. If you have issues, direct them at me, not at others." Kimberly could barely hide her scoff. When she married Declan, the Walsh family was in decline, and the media portrayed it as "Declan marrying a much richer wife," which always bugged Declan. Any mention of family background would quickly set off his sensitivity, making him believe that Kimberly was looking down on him when in truth, it was his own insecurity. Valerie had perfected this tactic, always escalating their arguments to make it look like Kimberly was showing off her family background, which would inevitably trigger Declan's intense anger towards her. As expected, Declan turned to Kimberly sharply. "You owe her an apology! I used to think you were just a spoiled woman, acting all high and mighty. But now you've turned so wild and rude. Is this how the Holden family raises their daughter? What's so special about your family?" He gave Kimberly a glare, a warning spark in his eyes. "Apologize to Valerie now, and hand over the necklace you're wearing. Be genuine, and maybe I'll forgive you!" His expression was severe, and his tone was authoritative. In the past, Kimberly would have been scared of this attitude, agreeing to any unreasonable demand just to avoid his cold shoulder for months. Now, faced with his harsh words, Kimberly had to decide how to respond... "What? You expect me to kneel to your adopted sister?"