Crossing Life and Death for You

"Maddie!"

With a livid expression, Nicholas pushed his way through the crowd and shielded Madison behind him. "I said that the video had nothing to do with Maddie. Why are you still pestering her?"

For a moment, the journalists' flashlights were as bright as day.

"Mr. Jennings, you have clarified things several times for Ms. Madison… Is it because you're Astrid's fiancé that you can recognize Astrid as the one in the sex tape? Or is there something else going on?"

Madison was crying so hard that her eyes were red as she gripped Nicholas's sleeve. "Nicholas, what should I do..."

Nicholas gently wiped away her tears before turning around and speaking firmly to them." I believe in Maddie. She would never do such a thing! Not to mention that the Rhode family has already stated that Madison is the true heiress of the Rhode family. Therefore, my fiancée isn't Astrid, but Madison! I hereby warn you that if I ever see someone relating the sex tape to Maddie again, the Jennings family won't spare them!"

The reporters looked at each other. Knowing they could not afford to offend either the Jennings family or the Rhode family, they scattered.

Only I floated in the air, watching as the man I loved held the woman who had killed me and set fire to the orphanage in his arms, gently comforting her.

I was brought back to the Rhode family when I was four. Within two months, the Rhode family, which was burdened with a billion dollars in debt, was resurrected. Not only did they pay off their debts, but they also gradually built the massive Rhode Group. They called me a lucky charm, spoiling me rotten, indulging my arrogant and domineering personality. I jumped around every day, climbing trees and swimming in the sea.

Later, I accidentally fell from a tree, and little Nicholas caught me. I clung to him relentlessly from then on. Even if he disliked me or was annoyed by me, I did everything in my power to marry him.

I knew from a young age that I was not the Rhode family's daughter. Only after meeting Nicholas did I feel incredibly fortunate to be Astrid. However, only now did I understand that what was never meant to be mine would never be mine.

Turning away, I decided to make the most of my remaining time by returning to the old orphanage site. However, Nicholas received a message from the investigator shortly after he escorted Madison back to her room.

"Mr. Jennings, are you sure you want me to investigate Starry Orphanage? That orphanage burned down four years ago. Everything's gone."

As the sky turned dark, Nicholas arrived hurriedly, clutching a stack of photos. "What caused the fire? Was it arson or an accident?"

The person next to him shook his head. "I need more time to investigate."

I drifted over and saw the photos of the fire four years ago. Even though I was dead, seeing these still broke my heart.

The photos showed vast expanses of black ash, desks and chairs in the school building, bunk beds in the dormitory, and the bodies of children who had not been adopted.

Some of them had just been sent to the orphanage, and I had arranged the best educational environment for them.

I thought I would arrange for them to work for Rhode Group when they grew up if no one adopted them, but none of them managed to survive until that happened.

I even died on the same day four years ago.

"No, this isn't right. Maddie has been sponsoring the orphanage. Last month, she happily shared that a child named Winnie got into college," Nicholas muttered to himself before quickly dialing Madison's number.

The moment the call got through, Madison asked, "Is Astrid still nowhere to be found? Several of my collaborations have been canceled, and I've also lost my endorsements!"