My name is Emily Thorn. Today, as the morning fog has yet to fully dissipate, I am dressed in a simple yet elegant white dress, slowly making my way down the main street of Rosehill. The shops along the roadside are gradually opening for a new day, and the owners greet me with genuine warmth. To them, I might just be an ordinary visitor who hasn’t returned in a long time. However, they would never guess that beneath my seemingly calm exterior lies a heart ablaze with the fire of hatred, each beat silently screaming a vow of revenge.

　　“Emily, you’re finally back!” My friend Charlotte bounds over like a joyful deer, excitedly wrapping her arms around me with all her strength. Her embrace feels so real, filled with the warmth I’ve missed.

　　“Charlotte, I’ve really missed you.” A smile tugs at the corners of my lips, but a fleeting, complex emotion flickers in my eyes, too quick to grasp.

　　“It’s been so long since you left. Rosehill isn’t the same as it used to be. But Emily, you still look as beautiful as ever, as if time has paused for you.” After releasing me, Charlotte looks me over with delight and nostalgia.

　　We step into a quaint café, filled with the rich aroma of coffee, and choose a window seat. Before long, the server brings us two steaming cups, and the strong scent fills the air.

　　“How long are you planning to stay this time?” Charlotte cradles her coffee cup, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

　　“I can’t say for sure; maybe I’ll stay for a long while.” I gently stir my coffee, my gaze drifting through the window to the distant, hazy streets.

　　“That would be wonderful! You know, so much has happened here since you left.” Charlotte launches into a flurry of gossip about the town, from new shop owners to recent friendships.

　　I listen quietly, responding only briefly. My thoughts, however, drift back to a distant and painful past. I once was so innocent, filled with dreams of a beautiful world, wholeheartedly believing in the eternity of love and cherishing pure friendships—until that nightmare of a day came, when everything was ruthlessly destroyed, leaving only ruins and a shattered heart.

　　“By the way, do you remember the Grayson family?” Charlotte’s question jolts me back to reality like an invisible hand pulling me from the depths of my memories.

　　At the mention of that name, my hand trembles slightly; if I weren’t trying so hard to control myself, the coffee might have spilled. “Of course I remember. What about them?” I strive to keep my voice steady, though my heart races.

　　“It seems they’re planning something big lately; the whole town is buzzing about it. Everyone’s guessing what sort of major event it might be.” Charlotte remains blissfully unaware of my inner turmoil, continuing her chatter.

　　“Oh? Is that so?” I lower my head slightly, stirring my coffee again to hide the flash of hatred in my eyes, while pondering whether this could be an entry point for my revenge plan.

　　Just then, a familiar figure walks into the café, one that pierces my heart with pain. It’s Victoria Grayson, the matriarch of the Grayson family. She’s dressed in her usual extravagant attire, exuding an innate nobility, yet her eyes are perpetually cold and chilling.

　　“Emily, long time no see.” Victoria strides directly to our table, wearing her trademark fake smile, her voice devoid of sincerity.

　　“Victoria, what a coincidence.” I slowly rise, straightening my back to meet her gaze with unwavering resolve.

　　“I heard you’re back in Rosehill. I was just thinking about when we could catch up.” Her tone drips with feigned warmth, as if we were long-lost friends.

　　“That sounds great; I’m looking forward to it.” I suppress my inner disgust, forcing a similarly false smile in response.

　　Victoria’s gaze lingers on me for a moment before shifting to Charlotte, and then she says, “I won’t interrupt your sisterly chat any longer. Do remember to visit us sometime.” With that, she turns and elegantly walks away.

　　“She’s just as annoying as ever,” Charlotte mutters, frowning as she watches Victoria leave.

　　“It’s fine; we don’t need to pay her any mind.” I sit back down, appearing calm, but my mind races with plans on how to cleverly use this opportunity to approach the Grayson family and set my revenge in motion.

　　Later that evening, I find myself alone by the sea. The ocean breeze brushes against my face, carrying a salty scent unique to the sea. I gaze out at the endless waters, my mind swirling with thoughts, painful memories crashing over me like waves.

　　“Why did you come back?” A deep, familiar voice suddenly breaks the silence behind me.

　　I turn to see Nolan, my once most trusted companion and the only person who knows about my revenge plan. His eyes reflect concern and resignation.

　　“You know the reason, Nolan. I’ve waited too long for this day. The pain they caused me clings to me like a nightmare; how could I easily forget? I must make them pay dearly for their actions.” I clench my fists, my tone resolute, as if each word is forced from the depths of my heart.

　　“I know you’ve suffered greatly, Emily. But the path of revenge is fraught with peril. The Grayson family’s influence in Rosehill is deeply rooted and vast. Once you embark on this path, there’s no turning back. Are you truly prepared?” Nolan steps closer, his face etched with worry.

　　“I have no way back, Nolan. From the moment they betrayed me, my fate has been intertwined with revenge. No matter the obstacles ahead, I will not back down.” I lift my head, gazing at the orange-red clouds painted by the setting sun, my eyes shining with a fierce determination for revenge.

　　“So, what do you plan to do? You can’t act recklessly without a plan; that will only lead you to ruin.” Nolan sighs in resignation. He understands my determination, yet knows he cannot dissuade me.

　　“I will start by observing those around them, patiently searching for their weaknesses, just like a hunter looking for a fatal flaw in its prey. Then, at the right moment, I will strike a decisive blow, leaving them defenseless.” I narrow my eyes slightly, already envisioning the initial framework of my revenge plan.

　　“Alright, Emily. Since you’ve made up your mind, I will support you. But you must be extremely careful; every step must be precise. The Grayson family members are not to be trifled with; they are ruthless and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.” Nolan looks at me, his gaze filled with trust and support, despite his lingering worry.

　　After parting ways with Nolan, I return home. This is the residence I carefully selected in Rosehill. It’s not just a place for rest; it’s the secret headquarters for my revenge plan. I enter my study, gently close the door, and turn on my computer, focusing intently on gathering information about the Grayson family. The screen’s glow casts a stern expression on my face.

　　“Emily, are you in there?” Suddenly, Charlotte’s voice from outside interrupts my thoughts.

　　I quickly shut off the computer screen, compose myself, and step out of the study. “Charlotte, what brings you here?” I open the door to find her standing there, slightly out of breath.

　　“I just remembered something and felt I had to tell you immediately.” Charlotte steps inside, her urgency palpable.

　　“What is it?” I ask, puzzled.

　　“I heard that Daniel Grayson, the family’s heir, has been getting close to a mysterious woman lately. It seems she has some close ties to their business, but I’m not sure of the details.” Charlotte explains.

　　“Oh? A mysterious woman?” My heart stirs; this could be an unexpected opportunity to delve deeper into the Grayson family.

　　“That’s all I know. Just promise me you won’t tell anyone I said anything. If the Grayson family finds out, I’d be in trouble.” Charlotte urges.

　　“Don’t worry, Charlotte. I won’t tell a soul. I truly appreciate you sharing this with me.” I look at her sincerely, feeling a warmth from her trust and concern.

　　After Charlotte leaves, I sit on the sofa, lost in deep thought. Daniel Grayson, as the heir to the Grayson family, holds a crucial position in my revenge plan. I must find a way to get close to him, uncover the relationship he has with that mysterious woman, and extract information I can use to strike a heavy blow against the Grayson family.

　　This is merely the beginning of my path to revenge. Rosehill, the place that once shattered my heart and crushed my dreams, will now become the stage for my grand act of vengeance. I, Emily Thorn, return filled with hatred, vowing to make those who betrayed and harmed me pay dearly for their sins on this stage. No matter how long and arduous this path of revenge may be, I will walk it unwaveringly until I achieve ultimate victory.