Endless Elegance 29

Posted by ADMINHMADMIN, ? Views, Released on October 20, 2025

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Chapter 29 Between Trust and Resentment

+8 Pearls

Jesse was overwhelmed with thoughts on her way home. Once inside, she finally handed Lyman a small USB drive. “You’ll need this.”

In her last life, an insider had bypassed the firewall, creating a hidden backdoor. Hackers exploited this weakness, causing the network to be offline for three hours. Despite Lyman’s efforts to minimize the impact, the company still incurred a loss approaching one billion.

Back then, she didn’t care. She was a Spencer, and his misfortune was none of her concern. Yet, this time was different. He had stood by her without hesitation, and she knew all of it.

Her stomach tightened, unease churning inside her. What if he brushes me off? What if he doesn’t want my help at all?

Even if he calls me his sister, I’m still not really one of them. A firewall isn’t child’s play–one wrong move and the whole system could crash, dragging Houston Inc.’s secrets out for everyone to see.

She passed the USB drive, nervously twisting her fingers. “Take a look at it first, and then…”

“Thanks, Jesse.” Lyman glanced at the label. “A firewall patch?”

His eyes

lit

up as he looked back at her. “You can code?”

Jesse gave a slight nod. The Spencer boys had always brushed off her skills as nothing important, so seeing Lyman’s genuine excitement left her awkward.

He didn’t waste a second. He brought her into the study, fired up his system, and scanned through the files.

The change in him was instant. His laid–back vibe was gone, replaced by a sharp focus that made the air heavy.

Seeing his profile, Jesse suddenly recalled the nickname people in the business world used for him—the Iron Tyrant. Whenever he walked into a room, he commanded the space. He was not only talented but also an intimidating force.

In Jesse’s heart, Lyman stood far above the Spencer boys. The difference between them wasn’t just a gap–it was a chasm that no one could ever bridge.

“Jesse.” His voice carried the weight of command. “Do you think there’s a flaw in the firewall of Houston Inc.?”

Her hands curled into fists. In her last life, she had seen the same bug and told her brother about it. He brushed her off, telling her to stop meddling and focus on helping Taylor prepare for competitions instead.

1/3

9:59 Mon, Oct 20

Chapter 29 Between Trust and Resentment

+8 Frenria

Now here she was, facing Lyman–someone who had been her family’s enemy only a month

ago.

“It’s fine if you don’t believe me,” she whispered. “At least have someone recheck it-”

She didn’t even get to finish before he was already running the patch.

“You trust me?” she asked.

He ruffled her hair with a smile. “You’re my sister. Of course, I trust you. Focus on exams, and if you’re bored during break, I’ll give you a project. Now let’s eat.”

Warmth spread through her chest, filling places she hadn’t realized were empty. She nodded softly. “Okay.”

Next door, at the Spencer Residence.

Night settled over the halls, shadows thick and heavy outside Taylor’s room.

She rested on her bed, her face streaked with dried tears, appearing fragile like delicate porcelain that might crack if touched.

Corey eased the door shut, shutting out the noise from the rest of the house.

He shot a glance at Mike, who was leaning against the wall and clearly agitated. His tone was firm. “Adopted or not, she’s still your sister. Saying otherwise was too much.”

Mike sneered, irritation leaking into his tone. “Blood’s different. You can scold your real family all you want. Adopted? That’s another story, and you know it.”

Corey stayed quiet. Deep down, he did.

Mike’s fist slammed into the wall, the thud echoing through the hall. “That ungrateful brat bailed just to make us look bad. After all we’ve sacrificed for Taylor, she couldn’t care less!”

“Keep your voice down,” Corey snapped, tilting his head toward the door. It was silent inside, so

he let out a breath.

Mike raised his fist again, then let it swing through the air without landing.

Corey went on, “Taylor’s not the type to stay angry. Even if she’s hurt, she’ll forgive. Still, tomorrow you’d better clear things up and fix this.”

“Fine,” Mike muttered.

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9:59 Mon, Oct 20

Chapter 29 Between Trust and Resentment

+8 Pearls

Corey’s stare was unyielding. “And Jesse–make it right. Hitting her was wrong, and you know it. You owe her an apology.”

“You expect me to say sorry?” Mike’s eyes snapped wide. Apologize? To her? That’s ridiculous. Brothers don’t bow their heads to sisters, and I’ve never once done it in my life. Why should I start now?

Corey’s look was hard. “What, you planning to throw away the quarterfinals with your team?”

The fight drained right out of Mike. “Fine.”

They assumed Taylor was asleep, so they didn’t lower their voices.

Lying in bed, she caught every word.

Her eyes slid open, resentment smoldering inside. So that’s what it comes down to, huh? Always about the ‘real sister.‘ Always her.

She smirked. Exams, huh? Not on my watch, Jesse.

The classroom during finals felt suffocating, the air heavy with tension.

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Endless Elegance

Status: Ongoing

1) The Awakening

Jesse Spencer wakes to a sharp, icy voice—her brother Corey shouting. Her head spins, fever burning through her skull. Instinct takes over: the reflex of someone broken by years in prison. She drops to her knees and apologizes automatically. But the floor beneath her isn’t concrete. It’s soft—carpeted. Panic flares. She’s not in her cell. She’s back in her room, surrounded by familiar furniture she thought she’d never see again. She’s been reborn—twelve years into the past.

2) The Day That Ruined Her

Memories rush back in fragments. It’s that day—the day Taylor Holman accused her of ruining her contest project, locked her in the bathroom, and made her freeze through the night as punishment. Back then, Jesse refused to take the blame. That same night, Corey drenched her in ice water and turned off the heat, forcing her to “reflect.” Her fever had nearly killed her. While she suffered, Taylor basked in sympathy. Corey, blind with guilt, lashed out at Jesse just to see Taylor smile.

3) A Family Turned Against Her

Each brother had chosen Taylor over Jesse. Andrew, the doctor, brought medicine and comforted her gently, convinced she was in the wrong. Mike hovered over Taylor, offering warm water and towels. Kaleb, the youngest, even gave away Jesse’s hard-won spot in an international design competition—handing Taylor her future as if it meant nothing. Jesse had been branded a villain in her own home, a sinner forced to repay a debt she never owed.

4) The Debt That Wasn’t Hers

“Do you think Philip would forgive you? He died saving you!” Corey’s voice echoes again. The name pierces her chest. Philip Holman, Taylor’s brother, had died in a fire rescuing Jesse—or so everyone believed. The guilt consumed the Spencers, and they took Taylor in as family. Every day after that, they reminded Jesse: You owe her your brother. You owe her his life. Her brothers, her chances, her future—all handed to Taylor, the eternal victim.

5) The Truth Behind the Flames

But now, with her memories restored, Jesse finally knows the truth. Philip hadn’t died heroically—he had started the fire himself. He wanted to play savior, to make himself look noble in Taylor’s eyes, and Jesse was the collateral damage. Worse, Taylor had locked the door after them, intending to let the flames take them both. When the Spencers arrived, Taylor wept for the cameras, mourning her “only family,” while Jesse stumbled from the blaze branded a murderer.

6) The Accusation Reborn

Jesse’s fists tighten. Rage surges. But Corey mistakes it for defiance. “Still stubborn, huh? No apology, no school. You’ll stay grounded until you learn!” He glares, confident she’ll cave like before—especially with the design competition only three days away. Fevered and weak, Jesse still meets his eyes. “Fine,” she rasps. “I’ll apologize later. Now get out. I need to change.” Her tone chills him—cold, unfamiliar, unyielding. He leaves, thinking she’s finally obeying.

7) The Price of Survival

As soon as the door shuts, Jesse collapses. Pain sears through every bone. Her fever burns hotter; her limbs feel like lead. Somehow, she drags herself to the closet, pulling on dry clothes before sinking into bed. The warmth of the blanket breaks her. Three years in prison—three years of starvation, torture, and despair—flash through her mind. Her brothers had even paid guards to punish her for Taylor’s sake. Starved. Beaten. Forgotten. Cancer had finished what they started.

8) The Promise of Vengeance

Not this time. She won’t die quietly again. Curling into the blanket, Jesse whispers to herself, “I’ve got time. I’ll rest now. Then I’ll plan.” The warmth feels foreign, almost sinful after years of cold concrete. Her eyes close slowly. For the first time in forever, she lets herself sleep—safe, for the moment. This rebirth isn’t mercy. It’s a second chance to make them pay.

9) The Wake-Up Call

“Jesse!” The roar yanks her awake. Harsh light floods the room as someone rips away the blanket. Cold air slaps her burning skin. Rough hands drag her upright—it’s Mike, furious. “You told Corey you’d apologize, and you’re sleeping? Taylor’s been defending you, and this is how you repay her? Get up!” Jesse’s stomach churns; her body convulses. She doubles over, gagging—but there’s nothing in her stomach to give. Mike sneers. “Still pretending? Think playing sick will save you?”

10) The Beginning of Payback

Her voice comes out hoarse and broken. “Let go. I can stand myself.” He does, grudgingly. His frown deepens—she’s burning up—but he dismisses it. After all, Taylor’s the one “who’s really been through hell.” He orders coldly, “Quit wasting time. Taylor’s waiting.”
Jesse steadies herself, eyes icy despite the fever. Once, she begged for their understanding. Now, she only needs their ignorance. Let them believe she’s weak. Soon enough, they’ll learn what true strength looks like. Rebirth has given her purpose—and this time, she won’t bow to anyone.