Rebirth: What to do if you fall into a wolf's den

In the ancient and solemn castle, Helian Minxiao's footsteps echoed in the empty corridor, with a hint of unwillingness and helplessness.

He had just come out of his study room, ready to find a moment of peace, when his thoughts were interrupted by a servant who suddenly came in: "Master, Miss Anne has arrived and is waiting for you to meet her."

Helian Minxiao sighed softly, knowing that he could no longer escape this long-destined meeting. He sorted out his emotions, followed the servant's instructions, and walked towards the reception room.

There, Duke O'Reilly was waiting for his arrival to greet "Anne" who would change his destiny.

The door slowly opened, and a woman in a gorgeous long dress walked into the reception room. That was Zhao Jiayu, now standing here as Annie.

Her eyes quickly swept across every corner of the room, and she secretly vowed in her heart that she would become the real mistress of this castle.

If Lin Wei was present, she would be able to see through this scam that they had carefully planned together, but at this moment, only Helian Minxiao and Duke O'Reilly were kept in the dark.

"Grandma, Anne is late, please forgive me." Zhao Jiayu's voice was gentle and sweet. She imitated Anne's manners and saluted elegantly to Duke O'Reilly.

Duke O'Reilly's face was full of smiles, as if she had really seen her beloved granddaughter. She took Zhao Jiayu's hand affectionately and said repeatedly: "It's not too late, it's not too late, Annie, grandma is very happy that you can come."

Under the guidance of Duke O'Reilly, Zhao Jiayu and Helian Minxiao formally met. Helian Minxiao's eyes flashed with a hint of doubt, but more of it was coldness and alienation.

He did not like this arranged marriage. Moreover, he always felt that the Anne in front of him was different from before, but he could not tell what was wrong.

"Master Helian, long time no see." Zhao Jiayu tried to make her smile more natural, trying to get closer to Helian Minxiao. But Helian Minxiao just nodded slightly and responded very briefly.

Upon seeing this, Duke O'Reilly began to bring the two of them together: "Minxiao, Anne is getting better and better. You two played together when you were little, remember?" Her words were full of anticipation, as if she had already seen a bright future for the two of them.

Helian Minxiao was silent for a moment, and finally chose to perfunctorily: "Yes, I remember." But his eyes never stayed on Zhao Jiayu for too long, and it was obvious that he was not very enthusiastic about this marriage.

Although Zhao Jiayu was dissatisfied in her heart, she still maintained a decent smile on the surface.

She knew that the marriage between the O'Reilly family and the Wilson family was of great importance, and that this engagement would never be easily dissolved.

Therefore, she was not in a hurry, but planned to take it slow, use time to prove her worth and win Helian Minxiao's heart.

So, in the following time, Zhao Jiayu focused more on the conversation with Duke O'Reilly, sharing her life under the identity of "Annie", while also cleverly avoiding topics that might expose her identity.

Helian Minxiao listened quietly on the side, occasionally interjecting a few words, but most of the time he remained indifferent.

This seemingly harmonious meeting actually had undercurrents, and everyone was carefully calculating for their own purposes.

In this game of power and love, it remains to be seen who will have the last laugh.

……

In the twilight of the castle, Anne gently adjusted the hem of her skirt, her eyes sweeping across the old clock on the wall. Time had quietly slipped to the edge of the night.

She turned around, facing Duke O'Reilly who was looking at her lovingly, and said softly, "Grandma, it's getting late. I should go home."

Upon hearing this, Duke O'Reilly frowned slightly, his worry evident in his words: "Annie, it's getting late, how can I feel at ease letting you go back alone? Let Minxiao take you there, he is a reliable kid." Her words were full of love and reluctance for Anne.

Helian Minxiao stood aside with an indifferent expression, seeming quite unhappy with this sudden "task".

He was about to refuse, but Annie took the lead, with a gentle smile on her lips, and a tone of apology and understanding: "Grandma, I appreciate your kindness. But there is really no need to trouble Master Helian, I will be careful."

However, Duke O'Reilly insisted on her own opinion. She held Anne's hand and said earnestly: "Annie, be obedient. Your safety is more important than anything else. Minxiao, just go." There was both command and pleading in her eyes.

Helian Minxiao sighed helplessly, but finally nodded and agreed to Duke O'Reilly's request.

He turned and gestured to Anne, and they walked towards the garage together.

Inside the car, the atmosphere was a little awkward. Helian Minxiao was driving the car, his eyes focused and indifferent.

Annie sat in the passenger seat, her eyes occasionally sweeping across his resolute profile, feeling mixed emotions.

"Annie," Helian Minxiao suddenly spoke, breaking the silence in the car, "I think we need to talk openly. I won't marry you because I already have someone I love."

His tone was direct and frank, without any hesitation.

Annie's heart was in turmoil when she heard this, but she remained calm on the surface. She recalled the willful self in the past - Zhao Jiayu, and compared it with the present, she couldn't help but feel a lot of emotion.

She thought of Lin Wei's "methods". Although she was disdainful in her heart, she admitted that they did work at times.

So, she took a deep breath and tried to make her voice sound sensible and sincere: "Master Helian, I understand how you feel. This marriage contract is indeed made by the two families, and it is not something I can easily change. But please rest assured, I will respect your decision and will do my best to cooperate with you to handle all this."

Helian Minxiao didn't expect Annie to respond like this. He was slightly stunned, and then a complex emotion flashed in his eyes.

He looked at Anne beside him again and found that she seemed to no longer be the person who only threw tantrums like a spoiled little girl.

Her maturity and understanding surprised him and changed his opinion of her.

"Thank you, Annie." Helian Minxiao said softly, "Don't worry about the other things, I will take care of them. When the time comes, you just need to nod your agreement."

The car slowly drove into Annie's residence. Helian Minxiao stopped the car but did not get out. He glanced at Annie, then started the engine and prepared to leave.

Annie smiled slightly and nodded to him to express her gratitude. The car door closed gently, and Helian Minxiao drove away without even entering the door, leaving only a string of car taillights that gradually faded away.

Anne stood at the door of her house, looking at the car gradually disappearing into the night. She felt both relieved and expectant, but most of all she was looking forward to what was to come.