My Daughter Destroyed Me, But I Was Reborn

Chapter 3

The moment I got back to the city, I jumped in a cab and raced to the sales office of the Royal Bay. Without hesitation, I slapped down the payment for the apartment I'd been eyeing forever.

In my last life, I'd white-knuckled my savings like some paranoid dragon hoarding gold, all because I feared that backstabbing brat Hazel wouldn't land a decent job after college.

But this time? Screw worrying about that viper's future. Time to live my best damn life.

Since it was a move-in-ready condo and I paid full cash, the keys were in my hand by sunset.

Soon the decorators swarmed in like ants on sugar, buzzing with design ideas. Leaning against the doorway, I grinned—being the boss who just points and nods? Now that's the life.

What a far cry from last time, when I'd pinched pennies so hard they screamed. No contractors, just me playing handywoman, hiring day laborers, mixing concrete. I practically moved into the construction zone, breathing sawdust and formaldehyde for twenty-four hours.

No surprise I ended up with acute leukemia. By the time doctors caught it? Six months to live.

And that snake Hazel? While I withered away, she trashed my reputation and dragged Jason down with me.

After I died, she turned my "suicide" into some tell-all memoir and cashed in big. Meanwhile, my ghost got dragged through the mud: "Shameless woman abandoned her family to die with some random geezer!"

But guess what? I'm back. This time, let's see how far that little parasite gets without her "dutiful mommy" breaking her back for her.

Hazel pulled her usual vanishing act—three whole days.

Then, at ass o'clock on day four, my phone blared.

"Mom? Some friends and I wanna hit up Ravenshire... but I'm kinda short on flight money..."

Right on cue. The universe really was hitting replay.

I transferred the cash with a smirk. Why not? She wasn't college-bound anymore; no need to save for tuition.

She'd swindled the cash, no sweat. "Later, Mom!" she chirped.

Right before the line died? There it was—Vincent King's sleazebag voice in the background.

Knowing they were together? Just perfect.

In the following weeks, I went full hedonist—dragon fruit, lychees, every luxury I'd denied myself last time.

As for my "precious daughter"? I threw her a bone with the occasional "You okay, sweetie?" text.

Let's see how long her "trip" lasts this time.

No doubt Hazel and Vincent were in the throes of passion, completely forgetting about their "discount mom." For my part, I was relishing the peace and quiet.

I divided my time between perfecting my intricate flower bun craft and supervising the new apartment's renovation. I spared no expense, using only the finest materials for my home, ensuring formaldehyde levels stayed well below safety standards. Honestly, the place was move-in ready immediately.

Memories of Jason, who'd given me warmth in my past life, made me eager to settle into the new place.