At the Ava family villa, in the living room, Ava Carter lay lazily on the soft sofa, stretching with a satisfied sigh.
"Whew~ I'm exhausted."
She had finally convinced her parents to hand over the Riverdale estate for her to manage. Using the wisdom gained from her previous life, Ava had successfully negotiated control of a key family property.
This was her first major step. Once she proved herself capable of handling the Riverdale industry, she was confident she could gradually take over the other branches as well.
In her past life, her arrogance and recklessness had left her sharing management responsibilities with her cousin Sophia. Eventually, Sophia framed her, leading to devastating losses and their parents' complete disappointment.
Only later did Ava realize the truth—Sophia had been nothing more than a whetstone her parents used to test and refine her. But back then, she hadn't understood.
This time would be different. Reborn with all her past memories, Ava vowed not only to live for herself, but to use those lessons to grow stronger, smarter, and elevate her family's legacy. She would not be defeated again.
By the time the clock ticked past ten, all the other followers had already left. Only her personal bodyguard, Zhulan, remained behind to watch over the villa.
Zhulan entered the room and respectfully placed a warm teacup on the table before Ava. Her voice trembled with guilt.
"I'm sorry, Miss, I—"
Before she could finish, Ava raised a hand and calmly interrupted.
"No need to explain. I know how difficult it must have been for you back then, Zhulan."
Her voice was calm but no longer distant.
"Still, just like Leo said—you chose to follow me. I forgave you once, but remember, there won't be a second time."
Zhulan's eyes welled up. She had been forgiven.
She immediately bowed her head.
"Yes, Miss! Thank you..."
Then she hesitated, glancing uneasily toward the guest wing.
"Only... is it really alright to let that new servant live here? I mean, Leo is a man..."
Ava chuckled softly, Leo's loyal face flashing in her mind.
"Don't worry. I can see that Leo is a loyal follower. He knows boundaries and conducts himself with discipline."
As she spoke, she gently picked up her teacup and took a sip.
Just then, the front door opened.
"Miss, I'm back!" came Leo's cheerful voice from outside.
He entered carrying several items, stepping lightly as he approached Ava.
"Miss, I picked these out for you from the Antique City Club," he said, offering her a gorgeous porcelain vase. "I remembered your taste and thought you'd like this style."
Ava raised an eyebrow with mild amusement.
"Oh? You bought this for me?"
Her lips curved into a pleased smile as she examined the vase. It was indeed beautiful—elegant, detailed, and crafted with such artistry that it captivated her at first glance.
Still, something about it felt familiar…
She frowned slightly, brushing away the vague sense of déjà vu.
Perhaps she had seen it at an auction in her past life?
She took another sip of tea and glanced at Leo again.
Yes, this follower of hers... he was rather charming.
In her previous life, she had been too headstrong and emotionally closed off to even consider romance. But this life? She wasn't in love now—but she wasn't against keeping a handsome, capable follower by her side.
Wasn't that the proper posture for someone reborn with knowledge of the future? Besides, although she had accidentally provoked the Dragon King earlier, that was before her rebirth. She just needed to tread carefully going forward.
Zhulan, standing nearby, was less than pleased.
She eyed the pile of items Leo had brought in, a look of disapproval crossing her face.
"Leo, why did you spend so much money? I know the black card is from the young lady, but you can't waste it on such extravagance."
Her eyes narrowed.
"Two computers? A game console? Are you planning to play video games in the villa?"
Leo sneered.
"Oh? Zhulan, you have the nerve to lecture me? Why didn't you object when Sophia was running wild around here before?"
"Why so submissive to outsiders and harsh to your own household?"
He looked toward Ava.
"Miss, this Zhulan has hidden motives. I suggest you dismiss her."
Zhulan's face flushed with embarrassment.
"You!"
"What? Did I say anything wrong?" Leo shot back with a smirk.
"Miss... I..." Zhulan's voice cracked with guilt. Though Ava had forgiven her, her shame lingered. Leo's harsh words made it worse.
"Enough," Ava said, shaking her head in exasperation.
"Leo, stop stirring trouble. I know Zhulan didn't mean anything by it."
Then she smoothly changed the subject.
"By the way, where exactly did you buy this vase? It's quite exquisite."
Leo immediately perked up.
"I got it from the Antique Merchant Association. Funny story, Miss—you'll love this."
"This vase had already been reserved by Julia Grant, the eldest daughter of the Grant family!"
Ava nearly choked on her tea.
Julia Grant? That name!
Leo continued excitedly, unaware.
"But I remembered your taste and decided I couldn't let this slip. So I went ahead and outbid her."
"I even threw a few insults her way. Made her cry!"
He laughed proudly.
"Want to guess what happened next?"
Ava sat frozen.
Julia Grant. The Poison Saint. One of the most dangerous figures from her previous life.
And now Leo was telling her... he insulted her? At a public auction?
Her hands trembled. Her mind raced.
"W-Wait..." she stuttered. "Julia Grant? You mean her?!"
Leo blinked.
"Uh, yes, that's what I said. Is something wrong?"
Wrong?! Everything was wrong!
Julia had been the one who poisoned Ava in her past life—a terrifying opponent in the late Peak Realm. And she hadn't acted alone.
No... she had a partner.
Leo scratched his chin thoughtfully.
"Oh yeah, she had some stiff bodyguard with her. Big guy. Dr. Victor Hale or something."
Ava dropped her teacup.
Victor Hale. The "King of Hell." Another Peak Realm warrior. The man who teamed up with Julia to end her last life.
She stared blankly, her breath becoming shallow. She felt faint.
Leo, completely oblivious, laughed as he relived the moment.
"Man, that guy was annoying. Kept posturing like he was some grandmaster. So I let him have it too."
"You should've seen him. Quiet as a mouse after I told him off."
Ava clutched her head, vision spinning.
This couldn't be real. She had just offended two of the most terrifying people she ever knew.
Leo was still going.
"Oh, and you know what else? Damian Langford—you know, the President of the Antique Association?—he showed up and tried to smooth things over."
"I gave him a piece of my mind too."
Ava's soul left her body.
"YOU DID WHAT?"
Leo looked proud.
"Well, he was annoying. So I slapped some sense into him."
Ava couldn't take it anymore. Her vision went black.
Thud!
She collapsed on the sofa, unconscious.
"MISS!"
"Miss!"
Leo and Zhulan both rushed over in panic.
One trip. Three disasters. Ava Carter had just offended the Poison Saint, the King of Hell, and the future head of the Langford family... all in one day.