Rebirth Into My Second Chance

Hannah laughed, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "You're such a good girl, Claire. You and Richard are going to be my right-hand helpers. We're not just taking down the Hiltons or those old money families in Crestview Heights. Our world is much bigger. I never thought you'd take Kate out, too. But the moment she came to me, I never intended for her to leave alive. It's fine if she's burned to ashes now." My fists clenched, words failing me. I hoped Kate could really lead them away.

The cries had stopped by now. Maybe they had escaped?

Watching the roaring flames brought back memories of my death in a past life. The difference was, back then I was on the inside; this time, I was on the outside.

If it wasn't for Kate leading them away, then I was the murderer.

"Claire, come back with me. Let's see how Richard plans to take down the Hiltons," Hannah pulled at my hand. Her icy touch made me resist, but I needed time for Kate to get them further away, out of Hannah's reach.

Seeing my reluctance, she pulled out a tablet. "The detective bureau's caught fire. Ronald's trapped inside. If the firefighters don't arrive soon, he'll die in there, charred beyond recognition."

The sight of the detective bureau engulfed in flames turned the sky orange, making my skin prickle with grief.

My legs weakened, unable to move.

"Why this ruthlessness? Many of them are innocent," I looked at Hannah in despair, underestimating her capabilities.

"Because they always stand in my way," Hannah spoke as if she was the puppeteer in control, never giving anyone a chance to breathe.

As she led me to the car, I looked back at the now ruined wooden house, hoping Kate had truly led them to safety.

While glancing back at the foot of the hill, preparing to get in the car with Hannah, I spotted the bodyguard Claude mentioned, standing with Kate and the two girls.

A wave of relief washed over me.

But suddenly, Claude's bodyguards charged towards us. Hannah also noticed: "Looks like we've got unexpected backup."

The bodyguards were armed, facing off against Hannah's four with Claude having sent six on my behalf.

Just when I thought we had won, Kate and the two girls were suddenly dragged out from a hiding spot.

Unphased by the danger, Hannah pointed at them, "Claire, I was willing to turn a blind eye, but if you're thinking of escaping, there's no point in pretending anymore. I was going to take you with me before dealing with them, but they seem in a rush to die."

"No! Hannah, I'll go with you, just don't hurt them."

I was scared. I couldn't beat Hannah, not even in this second life. I was still no match for her.

"It's too late. I'm angry now." Hannah's aged finger touched my lips, sending a chill down my spine.

"No!" With a bang-

A bullet pierced through one of the orphanage girls, her body kneeling before collapsing to the ground,

beer abdomen.

"Hannah, you're a maniac, a complete maniac!"

"How am I a maniac? I always gave you a choice, never wanting you truly dead!"

What did she mean? Didn't she want me dead in my past life?

"Hannah, let's go. I won't run. Please,

let

go; they're innocent and e

I

her harmed you," I p her, pulling on her armat