Early the next morning, Gina rushed into the magazine office, practically grabbing Cynthia by the shoulders in excitement and she blurted out, "Tell me, you did not interviewed Paul Harris yesterday, didn't you?! Didn't you?!""What's the matter?" Cynthia asked absentmindedly.Her mind was elsewhere, contemplating whether she should actually take Lucien's suggestion seriously—get a gun or hire someone to take him out for good.A permanent solution."I heard you interviewed Lucien Brown! COME ON, that's the Lucien Brown! The number one name in business! My ultimate dream!" Gina groaned in regret. "If I had known it was him, I would never have missed such a golden opportunity! Ugh! I could just die from regret! Tell me, is he even more handsome and imposing in person than in photos?""Didn't notice." Cynthia shrugged off Gina's hands and focused back on her work. Gina looked at her as if she were an alien."Didn't notice? You mean to tell me you felt nothing for Lucien? Are you even a w
The press conference venue was already crowded with journalists and onlookers. Cynthia and Gina stood off to the side, waiting for the event to begin.From the moment they arrived, Gina had been uncharacteristically critical, mercilessly mocking the brand Jacqueline was endorsing.In her opinion, only a no-name company would choose someone like Jacqueline as their ambassador.And as for Jacqueline herself, Gina was convinced she had seduced Lucien purely to boost her fame.Mid-rant, Gina suddenly paused, narrowing her eyes at Cynthia with a thoughtful expression."Sweetie, I just thought of something...Lucien never gives interviews. So why did he agree to yours? What's your relationship with him? Wait—don't tell me he's fallen for your beauty?"Cynthia's heart skipped a beat.She forced herself to remain calm. "It was just a coincidence. Mr. Harris was busy, so they sent him instead. And don't worry, he's not my type. If anything, I think Martin is far more charming.""Martin? Please.
Gina stared after Lucien as he walked away, her expression turning dreamy. "Lucien is really handsome. Even if he's gay, I still can't give up the fantasy. What should I do? Look, isn't he still here for that bitch Jacqueline?"She absentmindedly reached out to pinch Cynthia's cheek. "I'd rather Lucien set his sights on you. You're a hundred times better than that Jacqueline."Cynthia swatted her hand away, adding fuel to the fire. "You really don't care if he's gay? Aren't you worried about Martin?"Gina, as if jolted awake, stared at Cynthia, speechless. "You... you mean...""Martin's so pretty, and Lucien could be bisexual. Honestly, it looks like Lucien's not here for Jacqueline at all. He's probably with Martin. You're his friend, and even though you adore Lucien, you can't just stand by while Martin falls into his hands, can you? Go check on him!" Cynthia added with a dramatic flair, mentally sighing—she could only help Martin so much. Whether he understood his feelings would de
Cynthia stood not far away, her heart pounding violently in her chest, as if it might burst free at any moment.She took a deep breath, trying to steady her erratic breathing, forcing herself to remain composed before finally making her way toward the press conference venue.Thinking back to the words she had just spoken to Frank and Lucien, she couldn't help but sneer inwardly. Every single one had been a lie.She wasn't foolish. Even though Lucien harbored nothing but vengeance toward her, she would never be reckless enough to escape one danger only to throw herself blindly into another.To her, the best strategy was to pit the two men against each other and let them tear each other apart.Cynthia silently calculated—if Frank were intimidated by Lucien and decided to back off, then he was simply lucky. But if he persisted in his delusions, whatever he suffered at Lucien's hands would be entirely his own doing. He would deserve every bit of it.However, the peace she longed for did n
Onstage, Jacqueline basked in the spotlight, but her moment of glory was soon overshadowed by Martin's unexpected appearance.His arrival had been kept under wraps—even the media were caught off guard. When the host announced that Martin would be joining Jacqueline as the brand ambassador for the new cosmetics line, the crowd erupted in excitement.Everyone knew that the entertainment company Martin was signed under belonged to none other than Lucien. Immediately, murmurs spread like wildfire among the press. Speculations ran rampant—Was this Lucien's way of supporting his rumored girlfriend? Had he pulled strings to pair her with the most popular artist under his label, using his influence to push her career to new heights?Standing in the audience, Cynthia watched the scene unfold, her expression unreadable. She hadn't even realized that her brows had furrowed ever so slightly.So, Lucien was really going all out for Jacqueline.Just then, Gina returned and quietly stood beside Cyn
Lucien's response was like a massive stone dropped into a still lake, sending waves rippling in every direction.No one had expected him to be so blunt, so unreserved. In front of countless cameras, he dismissed all speculation without hesitation, showing no regard for Jacqueline's feelings.The rumor mill had been churning with reports of their alleged romance, yet here he was, publicly denying everything with a tone so decisive it was almost ruthless.Even if there truly was nothing between him and Jacqueline, common courtesy dictated that he should at least consider her feelings. A formal statement would have been the more diplomatic approach.But Lucien seemed completely absorbed in his own world, indifferent to the storm his words would unleash—or the trouble they would bring to Jacqueline.As soon as the words left his mouth, Lucien let go of Cynthia with an air of nonchalance, as if the entire exchange had been inconsequential. Then, without sparing another glance, he turned on
While Cynthia was contemplating how to let Thomas know she had returned, two people staggered out from another corner of the bar."Jacqueline, why did you come to such a crowded place? If Nicky finds out, he's going to nag at you for ages," a man muttered as he supported the already heavily intoxicated Jacqueline.Jacqueline's cheeks were flushed, her movements sluggish. She mumbled as she walked, "What does he take me for... I loved him... loved him so sincerely... buthe only sees me as... as a substitute for his ex-wife? How could he do this to me? Lucien, how could you treat me like this!"As she spoke, Jacqueline suddenly grabbed the man's collar, breaking into sobs.Alarmed, the man panicked and tried to shield her from view. "GOD, stop shouting! If people see you like this, your image will be completely ruined!"Jacqueline let out a bitter, self-mocking laugh. "Image? Do I even have an image left? I'm already a joker—a complete jo
Moments later.Cynthia felt as if her head was filled with fog, her body weighed down as though a massive boulder was crushing her. She couldn't move a single inch. In a daze, she slowly opened her eyes, her throat dry and burning like fire. Struggling to form words, she croaked, "Water… water…"She faintly heard the sound of water being poured. Soon after, a pair of strong arms gently helped her up. Cynthia instinctively accepted the glass pressed into her hands and gulped the water down greedily, finally easing the dryness in her throat.Squinting slightly, she murmured, "Erica, where are we?"No response.She continued, "Well, forget it, it doesn't matter where we are. I just don't want to go home right now. If I stay there another minute, Lucien will probably come knocking again. He's a lunatic."Still, there was no reply.The hands supporting her tensed slightly. A strange feeling crept up her spine, making her unea
Upstairs, in the dimly lit bedroom, Cynthia had just finished her shower. Dressed in a white nightgown brought by a maid, the slightly open neckline revealed a hint of delicate skin. She stood quietly by the window, gazing down at the courtyard below.Outside, Jacqueline was being helped away by a man who had rushed in, and she was in complete disarray, her body limp against the man as if all strength had been drained from her. It was clear that she was barely able to walk on her own, more dragged than supported as they left.Cynthia felt a fleeting sense of pity. That sight—utterly wretched—was enough to stir anyone's sympathy.She had experienced Lucien's ruthlessness firsthand. And now, witnessing how cruelly he discarded Jacqueline, a woman who had devoted herself to him, Cynthia felt a cold realization settle over her.To Lucien, women were nothing more than fleeting distractions. Once their novelty wore off, they were cast aside without hesitation.And what about her?Cynthia kn
Lucien's gaze remained fixed on Cynthia until she disappeared behind the closed door. Only then did he slowly retract his eyes, turning his attention to Jacqueline. Though his expression bore no hint of anger, there was an unmistakable pressure in his gaze that made the air feel stifling.Jacqueline's heart clenched violently, her breath quickening. For a brief moment, she felt as if she had been reduced to nothing in Lucien's eyes—like a piece of worthless trash. Her legs trembled involuntarily.She had always known Lucien was a man who stood above all others, someone who could not be manipulated or challenged. His possessiveness ran deep; he lived by his own rules, tolerating no defiance—especially not from the women beside him.Yet, before her very eyes, Cynthia defied him at every turn. Every word she spoke, every action she took, seemed like a deliberate provocation, daring to test the limits of his patience.And what drove Jacqueline mad with jealousy was that Lucien indulged Cy
Lucien had barely taken a few steps into the courtyard with Cynthia in his arms when she spotted Jacqueline standing in the center.Tonight, Jacqueline looked stunning—completely different from her usual sweet and innocent image.She wore a tight-fitting mini dress that accentuated her alluring curves, exuding an irresistible charm with every move. She was sultry, radiant.Cynthia instinctively lowered her gaze to her own disheveled appearance, a faint sense of inferiority creeping into her heart.Jacqueline's face was adorned with an enchanting smile—until her eyes landed on Cynthia in Lucien's arms. In an instant, that smile vanished, replaced by an icy, penetrating stare.Cynthia had expected Jacqueline to throw a fit at the sight of Lucien returning home with a disheveled woman in his arms. She braced herself for an explosive confrontation.But to her surprise, nothing of the sort happened.Just as Lucien set Cynthia down and she barely found her balance, Jacqueline gracefully app
The highway stretched endlessly like a black silk ribbon, winding through the night.The chilly night wind cut against Cynthia's skin as she trudged along the desolate road, her lone figure engulfed by the vast emptiness. Tears streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably, only to be swept away by the relentless wind.Her heart was heavy with sorrow, her steps unsteady. She thought about calling Erica, but her hand froze mid-air, realizing she had nothing on her—not even a phone. She had stormed out of the car with nothing.Occasionally, the headlights of passing cars illuminated her frail figure, making her feel utterly exposed. Fear, helplessness, and despair crawled over her like a suffocating net.She hated Lucien for pushing her to this breaking point. But more than that, she loathed herself—how had she let her life become such a mess, so utterly humiliating?Exhaustion weighed on her, and for a fleeting moment, she thought—perhaps she should just give up. Give up on everything, even
Once again, Cynthia was forcibly shoved into the car by Lucien. Since then, she had remained eerily silent, exuding an oppressive aura of stillness.Her body trembled uncontrollably, lingering in the chilling fear of nearly being strangled to death by Lucien just moments ago. The terror he instilled in her had reached an entirely new level.At that moment, Lucien's phone suddenly rang.He answered the call, listening to the voice on the other end, and his expression grew even darker. His gaze flickered toward Cynthia, who remained motionless beside him. Then, in a deep voice, he said, "Tell her to wait. I'm coming now."As soon as the words left his lips, the car swerved sharply. The vehicle, which had been heading toward Cynthia's home, abruptly changed direction and sped toward another destination.Noticing the shift, Cynthia's eyes widened with fury. Her voice erupted in rage: "Stop the car!"Lucien shot her a sidelong glance, a smirk curling on his lips as he mocked, "I was beginn
Hearing those words, Cynthia felt nothing but disgust. This man was truly a scoundrel!Her voice was filled with fury and resentment as she demanded, "Are you trying to force yourself on me again?"Lucien didn't respond immediately. Instead, his lips brushed against her neck, tracing a slow, feather-light path across her skin—gentle yet scorching, leaving an undeniable heat in their wake.His voice came as a murmur against her ear, teasing yet laced with something deeper. "That night, if I remember correctly, it was me who had my clothes ripped off. You were the one who forced yourself on me."His shameless words sent a shiver down Cynthia's spine, her rage igniting into a blaze. She shoved him away with all her strength, glaring at him as she bit out, "And what about the next morning?"Lucien didn't seem the least bit offended. Instead, amusement flickered across his face as he chuckled softly.In an instant, he grabbed both her wrists, pinning her firmly in place. Then, without warn
In the blink of an eye, the car came to a steady stop in front of a luxury boutique.He brought her here... to buy clothes?Cynthia thought back on the night's events. Lucien had been acting completely out of character—not only helping her out of a tight spot but also leaving Sandy behind to take her away, as if he genuinely cared about her.What exactly was he planning?But now was not the time to dwell on it. Cynthia was drenched, looking utterly disheveled. Even if he suddenly decided to show mercy and let her go, she couldn't possibly go home in this state.So, she stopped resisting and stepped out of the car, still wrapped in Lucien's jacket, and headed straight into the women's clothing store. Lucien followed closely behind her in silence.As they stepped inside, an eager sales associate immediately greeted them. Cynthia browsed through the racks, ignoring everything else, while Lucien stood at a distance, waiting quietly. His tall, commanding presence naturally drew attention,
Cynthia's body stiffened as if frozen, turning around with great difficulty.The moment she saw the person behind her, the tension in her chest slightly eased, and she let out a slow breath—it was Sandy.She had been so anxious that she hadn't even registered that the voice was female.Sandy approached with a glass of red wine in hand, her steps light and effortless. Perhaps due to the alcohol, a faint blush colored her cheeks. "Cynthia, I have something to say to you," she said."Go ahead," Cynthia replied, her tone indifferent.Sandy tilted her head slightly, studying Cynthia as if scrutinizing an object.After a brief pause, she finally spoke, her voice carrying an almost imperceptible hint of accusation. "Just now, Lucien stepped in to help you, but you dismissed him as meddling. Don't you think that was a bit too much?"The words snapped Cynthia's drifting thoughts back into focus.She hadn't expected Sandy to confront her over this. After a brief moment of surprise, she responde
Cynthia felt as if she had been frozen in place. Her mind went completely blank, and for a moment, she found herself unable to react, let alone speak.Sandy, on the other hand, wore an exceptionally warm smile and said softly, "Cynthia, we've met twice before. Do you remember?"From the very first time she had seen Sandy, Cynthia knew this woman was different.As one of Lucien's women, Sandy was treated with a level of importance that far surpassed Jacqueline.Yet, what puzzled Cynthia the most was Sandy's attitude toward her—Lucien's infamous ex-wife. Sandy was always polite, her face ever adorned with that gentle, unshakable smile.Even now, with Lucien approaching her yet again, Sandy showed no signs of jealousy or displeasure. Instead, she had taken the initiative to greet her.This unexpected friendliness made Cynthia feel incredibly uneasy.She couldn't figure out what Sandy's true intentions were, but something deep inside told her that this kindness was nothing more than a fac