This Life, I Will Be the Protagonist

The news of Rita's departure from S City quickly reached those who had been keeping an eye on her.

For instance, Zoey, who became even more assured of Rita's stance. Just as she had expected, Rita wouldn't take her anger out on her. This relieved Zoey; the biggest risk in this situation was that Rita might hold her responsible or shift the burden onto the Lopez family, perhaps by insisting that Zoey and the Lopez family protect Rick from Black Jade's abuse while Rita was away from S City.

Fortunately, none of the worst-case scenarios had come to pass. Fully aware of Rick's true nature, Zoey felt certain that Rick now harbored resentment toward both her and Rita. Given the chance, he would undoubtedly seek revenge. In a way, she and Rita shared overlapping interests and might even form an alliance in the future.

However, she would never give Rick the opportunity to turn things around.

Since returning home, Zoey had not yet met with Matthew. She could imagine Rick laughing at her situation, but she could also envision Matthew and Mateo laughing even harder. Rumor had it that early on the morning of the 16th, before dawn, Matthew had woken up with a mysteriously crooked mouth, prompting the Lopez family's medical team to rush to the main building to treat him. Zoey could only hope it was a stroke brought on by old age!

Staying at home felt increasingly awkward for her, and every time she went downstairs, the old butler would look at her as if he wanted to say something but held back.

Unable to wait for Shadow.Q to reach out to her, Zoey decided to take the initiative and contacted Shadow.Q herself, even though this might disadvantage her in the negotiations. They arranged to meet at their usual place on the morning of the 18th.

…

Meanwhile, a meeting was underway within the White family.

Primarily, it was Ariana and Josephine discussing matters; Sanchez was not participating, as she was busy training in the practice field.

Missing her right hand didn't matter, and losing three fingers on her left hand was irrelevant too. As long as she could breathe and stand, Sanchez could find a way to slice her enemy's throat.

Her right arm, previously fitted with a prosthetic arm, now sported a claw that replaced it. The engineering modifications securely attached the claw to her arm's stump, allowing it to extend and retract during combat and conceal small doses of poison that could channel to the tips of the claw's nails through a groove.

As for her left hand, which was missing three fingers, Sanchez had it equipped with a customized knuckle blade that fit over her hand and wrist. From now on, except for daily life, that blade would act as an extension of her hand.

The left leg posed the greatest challenge, but Ariana had managed to procure an A-Rank item by trading significant equipment, items, and resources—an altered snowboard that had mutated after the game's invasion, known as **[Skiing Adventure]**.

**[Skiing Adventure] (A-Rank)**

*You will see mist, clouds, and the sun.*

- **Skill 1**: Skiing Adventure - Regardless of whether you're in a desert, swamp, river, lake, or sea, once you wear this snowboard, the ground beneath you becomes your ski slope. You can start a skiing adventure anytime, anywhere. Adjusting the slope consumes 100 mana per adjustment, though there's no mana consumption during use. Cooldown: None. Slope range: 0% to 70% (note: this slope only affects your speed and perception, not the actual terrain).

- **Skill 2**: Winter Olympics - Using this skill compels all non-friendly targets who see you to cheer and applaud you with raised hands for 10 seconds. Cooldown: 5 minutes.

- **Skill 3**: Victory Belongs to the King - Upon activating this skill, you will surpass your limits. In this moment, attributes are no longer a cage; your willpower and fighting spirit alone dictate your true potential. As long as your will remains unbroken, your health won't decrease, and as long as your soul stands firm, you can fight to the very end. Each strike embodies the fire of your resolve! Skill activation conditions: Health below 10%, no healing skills or potions for 5 minutes; cooldown: None.

From both a practical and unique skill perspective, this item was practically made for Sanchez.

Ariana and Josephine had exhausted all possible means, both legitimate and underhanded, to acquire it, ultimately paying a hefty price. But both agreed it was worth it.

At that moment, the two stood at the edge of the training field, watching Sanchez skillfully maneuver between various obstacles on flat ground, moving from frequent crashes to seamless control. They watched her grow step by step, their pride evident.

Josephine asked, "What's the plan now? Do we leave Zoey alone for now, or pressure her to give up the next beast?"

Ariana, her gaze never leaving her daughter, replied, "Zoey is already at her breaking point. We don't want to be the ones to push her over the edge." After a pause, she added, "But we might be able to start with Rick."

Josephine frowned. "The guy who betrayed his own wife?"

Though he was far from a decent person, everyone was wary of those who would betray their own family. People like that… were practically animals.

And if you asked Josephine how he felt about his sister Ariana killing her own husband? Josephine would simply say, "Don't make a fuss; if you have something to say, tell it to my lawyer."

Ariana continued, "Yes, him. Although I don't know why he chose this time to betray them, it shows he has some wits but lacks foresight. He betrayed the Lopez family and is now Black Jade's pet—he's in a position where he needs allies… but our real target isn't him. He's just a bridge. Our true collaboration lies with Black Jade, the Flood Dragon."

She had acquired a video recording of the day Rick made his contract with the Flood Dragon, from the moment Zoey's first contract was rejected to the scene of Nivalis carrying Rita out of the dungeon.

Initially, Ariana couldn't shake a few lingering doubts. The timing of Rita's attack on the Flood Dragon seemed almost too convenient… but it was just an intuition, and she couldn't find any logical proof.

If she were in the same position—if Sanchez were the one contracting with the Flood Dragon—what would she do?

In those first few minutes after the contract, she'd likely remain silent, given that the situation was already settled. But seeing Black Jade nearly kill someone precious to her… wouldn't it make more sense to endure quietly, bide her time, and strike later?

But… perhaps it was a difference in character. Rita's approach wasn't necessarily wrong. If she hadn't struck hard the first time, Rick would likely have suffered even more abuse afterward…

Ariana's doubts only fully dissipated once she confirmed the news circulating within the Special Affairs Bureau—Rita's cost for borrowing Nivalis's power was two attribute points.

From then on, Ariana no longer questioned her motives.

In her view, it wasn't enough to listen to someone's words or even observe their actions. To judge sincerity, one had to see what they were willing to sacrifice for a person or cause.