investors, and engineers mingled, their conversations a low hum of ambition and i

in a sharp, tailored suit, my hair cut in a severe, professional

He was more polished than I remembered, his success a well-worn suit. Ashley was beside him,

nfusion crossed Mark's face. He recognized me, but he cou

ed herself from Mark's arm and began walking towards me

god, is that

nough for those nearby to hear. The little c

let her take it. Her skin was soft, her grip surprising

ctim. She was painting a picture for the audience: she was the grace

s welling up with fake tears. "I know you were going throug

rofound sense of cold amusement. In my first life, these

ed my hand fr

aid, my voice quiet but ca

ression of utter and complete indifference. It was a reaction she hadn't

is face a mask of stern disapproval. He place

one low and menacing. "

," I replied, my eyes mee

to you. The least you could do is show some grace. After the wa

e crowd around us grew, their faces a mixture of curiosity and judgment. The whis

d a bre

was in an i

. No wonder he lef

ace, sobbing softly. "Mark, do

to make me look like a cruel bully, kickin

In my first life, this would have been the moment I broke. I would have screamed

ot that wom

ing my lips. Let them stare. Let them whisper. They were

and clear, cutting through Ashley's fa

letting the silence stretch. I watched the triumph i

host of a crime she had no intention of denying. They were humiliating a memor

-