Muffled, yet resounding knocks echoed outside. Zachary stood at the door with a smile. His tone was mischievous as he teasingly asked her, "Ms. Emerson, are you in there?"Silence hung in the study. Not a sound was heard. It was as if no one was there. However, he had his men guarding the staircase, and they had thoroughly searched every room. There was no place for Hannah to hide except the study. The glee in his eyes grew as this realization dawned on him. He could imagine her being frightened in the room, covering her mouth in fear. Her eyes would widen as she stared at the door, shuddering in fear and anticipation. Was she hoping that he couldn't get in? Or was she anticipating someone to suddenly appear and rescue her?It would be naive of her to think that. Even if she called for help, it would take quite some time for help to arrive. He'd have ample time to do whatever he wanted and discipline her to his liking. After all, the Lautner manor was located in a secluded
Although it was clear that she had been cornered with no way to escape, she didn't seem flustered at all. Instead, the smile on her face widened. Grabbing another flower pot, she murmured, "It's too bad that I've lost interest in playing with you, Mr. Lautner."As she spoke, she took two steps back and leaned back against the floor-length window."What do you think this place is? Do you think you can just come and go from the manor as you please?"Zachary sneered and covered his forehead with his hand. His eyes glinted with malice as he snarled, "You'd better stay here today!"It was her fault that Saige, his only son, was being interrogated at the police station. He couldn't even bail him out. Moreover, she caused such a huge ruckus today, making him suffer tremendously. How dare she have the audacity to leave?What a naive woman. His reputation over the years would be in vain if he didn't make her kneel and cry before him, begging for his mercy. He vowed in his heart that
Hannah was still human, after all. She wasn't divine. Though she was adept in fighting with her improved agility and strength after her rebirth, it simply wasn't possible for her to fall to the fourth floor without suffering from any injuries. She did manage to reduce her momentum while she fell, but the most she could do was to make sure she wouldn't die or become severely crippled. It couldn't be helped if she broke her leg. However, the consequences didn't seem to faze her at all. The smile on her face was dazzling. "For goodness sake, Hannah," Darren gasped in her earpiece. She could still hear him catching his breath. In the next instant, she fell into a warm and firm embrace. A familiar pinewood scent wafted through her nose. Darren's attractive voice echoed in the earpiece and beside her, his chest vibrating as he spoke. His voice was to die for. "I've received your parcel. Is the fragile item satisfied now?""Darren," she called, her eyes fluttering open. She was
"Grandma's still waiting for us back home, so we'll get going now," Darren said indifferently.Though he phrased it politely, his tone was commanding. He didn't allow any room for discussion. Zachary looked like someone had just punched the living daylights out of him. How dare Darren, who was much younger than him, treat him this way?"Mr. Winchester, I invited Ms. Emerson over for a meal because I wanted to be on good terms with Winchester Group."He scoffed before quickly changing his way of speech. Now that Darren was here, it wasn't appropriate for him to behave recklessly. Instead, he spoke in a businesslike tone. Though he seemed glum, he managed to look composed as he continued, "But it seems like Ms. Emerson doesn't appreciate it.""Oh?"Darren's gaze swept past him as he replied calmly, "Then forget it if she doesn't appreciate it. Winchester Group doesn't mingle much with the entertainment industry where Starshine Entertainment belongs to. Her attitude speaks for me
Zachary was caught off guard by Darren. It was tough to fathom his thoughts, though he was around Saige's age. They were both in their twenties, yet Saige was only capable of getting in trouble and messing with women. On the contrary, Darren held himself with poise as he drove Zachary into a corner. He began to wonder whether he'd been too soft on Saige. His thoughts wandered despite his current predicament. Finally coming back to his senses, he forced a dry chuckle. Feeling uneasy, he inquired, "Then… what are your thoughts, Mr. Winchester?""We're always easy to reason with, Mr. Lautner. Of course, we'll compensate you."Darren dropped his gaze, and continued matter-of-factly, "How about this? We'll pay for all medical expenses for everyone's injuries, and we'll also offer a thousand dollars to each of you as compensation. As for the damaged assets at your manor, please enlighten me on whether you'd prefer compensation or having them fixed."He spoke confidently, looking lik
Zachary's forehead instinctively throbbed in pain once he saw Hannah's face. His veins throbbed, sending a jolt of pain through his wound. He grimaced and inhaled sharply. "Mr. Lautner," Hannah called out, glancing up at him. Her expression was stoic as she said, "Don't you think it's better to put your efforts into something more worthy of them?"His expression darkened as he glared at her. He snarled, "What do you mean, Ms. Emerson?""Nothing much. It was just a tiny suggestion," she replied, flashing a suggestive smile at him before chirping, "I just thought it would be better for you to do more good deeds and move on, rather than having to wrack your brains to save a piece of trash."The smile on her face was captivating, yet her words weren't quite so. She was harsh. "What comes around goes around, Mr. Lautner. It's best if you heed my advice…"Zachary scowled at her, and she certainly believed that he used to be on the streets judging by his looks. If he could have an
Hannah's heart skipped a beat. It seemed like Darren was genuinely angry. Usually, she didn't even have to wheedle him into forgiving her. He would surrender whenever she softened her tone.Even though he wasn't blaming her, he seemed distant now. She was certain that things would take a worse turn if she allowed him to scrutinize her injuries. "No." She put her hand behind her, shaking her head vigorously. She was determined to not let him see her injuries. They weren't severe, after all. She'd only gotten a few scratches on her arm from sliding down the wall, and she'd barely bled.The most severe injuries she suffered were the two cuts she got from the mounting bracket of the air conditioner's outdoor unit. However, the cuts weren't that deep. She bet the injuries she got from falling off a bike would be more severe than her current wounds. Though she was unfazed, she didn't dare to show how unbothered she was. She turned sideways, resting her forehead against Darren's s
The thrill Darren reveled in sent him into a state of bliss. He couldn't help but become engrossed in it, losing all his restraint as he caressed the small of Hnnah's back. All of a sudden, he tightened his grip. He closed the gap between them, pressing her luscious curves against his chest. She was trapped in his arms as he gained control over her. They locked lips in an intense and fervent kiss, relishing in the passion they had for each other. It felt like ages had passed when the kiss finally ended, and both of them were breathing unsteadily. She leaned against him, her cheeks painted with a shade of red and her eyes tearing up. "Are you satisfied with the reward, Darren?" she asked in glee, yet she was caught off guard by her own voice. She sounded hoarse and coquettish, and the way she spoke was suggestive. Darren ground his jaw the moment he heard her. He tensed instantly, causing her to stifle a laugh."I'm satisfied," he replied, his tone equally hoarse. Despite h