Autumn had arrived, and the cool morning breeze brought a refreshing chill. Despite the season, the villa's garden remained vibrant with colorful flowers in full bloom.Early in the morning, Florence sat on the swing, lost in thought.Yesterday, she had witnessed firsthand how her brother doted on Chloe, and it made her feel incredibly uneasy. Why should a woman like Chloe receive her brother's affection? She just couldn't stand it!Her brother was the closest person to her, and she couldn't blame him. Instead, she resented that woman for being so good at charming and deceiving her usually sharp brother.Clutching her phone tightly, she nearly scratched the screen. She had called that number a thousand times, yet it still wouldn't connect. He really had the heart to ignore her calls. Was she really that unlikable?In truth, when Florence wasn't being unreasonable or domineering, she could be quite lovable. Perhaps it was growing up spoiled by her brother that turned her into the perso
Lionel had set a strict rule for Chloe: she was only allowed to work at the bar for two weeks. Just like that, the first week had flown by, and she had already missed a couple of days.She really couldn't bear to leave Mag or the high salary at the bar, but Lionel's domineering attitude left her speechless.After dinner, with Lionel's approval, Barton drove her to the bar.For some reason, Chloe felt that Lionel had looked at her strangely today, giving her an urge to run away.Normally, she wouldn't care about asking for his permission, but thinking of how he'd helped her release so much pent-up frustration yesterday, she figured it was only polite to let him know.Who knew what secret Lionel and Barton were discussing? When she knocked and entered the study, Lionel instinctively grabbed a newspaper and covered the papers on his desk.Chloe wasn't interested in prying into other people's secrets, so she didn't care. She just assumed this cold and cunning businessman was plotting his
After a brief pause, Chloe stood up and walked over to sit next to Geoffrey. She had never liked being threatened, and she sat down with a huff, glaring at him."What exactly do you want by tricking me into coming here? This is a public place!" she growled lowly, her face stern.She wasn't foolish enough to admit she had any secrets. Besides, she was pretty sure this jerk, as sleazy as he could be, wouldn't try to kiss her here again. That gave her some confidence to be bold.Geoffrey smirked, the stubble on his jaw making him look even more rugged and sexy."Relax," he said smoothly. "Have some wine and calm your nerves. You seem a bit off today—your piano playing was all over the place."Ignoring her glares, Geoffrey leaned in closer, whispering playfully in her ear. "Got something on your mind, do you?""Can't a woman have emotions when it's that time of the month?" Chloe snapped, getting up to leave.Geoffrey was quick to grab her arm. "Feeling guilty, are we? I know more than you
Chloe really didn't want things to escalate like this, but Geoffrey had an uncanny ability to drive people mad!It was the second time she slapped him!No matter how patient a man might be, getting slapped twice by a woman he liked would make anyone furious.The moment her hand connected with his face, Geoffrey's anger flared. He grabbed Chloe's wrists and pinned them above her head."Don't think that just because I'm interested in you, you can keep provoking me," he growled in a low, dangerous voice, the kind that made Chloe feel like a beast was about to strike.Panic surged in her, and she started to struggle, kicking out in a desperate attempt to push him away. But Geoffrey's large frame loomed over her, trapping her.He leaned in closer, his breath hot against her ear, speaking through gritted teeth. "Why? Why do you let Lionel treat you like this, but I'm not allowed? Why do you stay by his side so obediently, but I can't even touch you?"Chloe froze, her mind racing to process
The moment Chloe saw Lionel's tall figure, she was stunned.His sudden appearance shocked her! Was he here to pick her up?!That night, he had also come to get her, after Geoffrey deliberately returned one of her crystal earrings right in front of Lionel, making him suspicious and furious. Although he didn't say anything in the end, she knew there was a thorn in his heart.A man with such possessiveness could never tolerate anything close to infidelity! Anyone connected to him was expected to show absolute loyalty, especially the woman who slept in his arms every night.Now, he suddenly descended from the sky, clearly seeing Geoffrey tightly holding her. Even though it wasn't her choice, she hadn't struggled either.Thinking this, a shiver ran down Chloe's spine. The two tall figures in front of her were throwing punches at each other; it wasn't just a fight—it was as if they were pounding on a human punching bag.This intensity felt like it was either one of them would die!The sound
"Barton, stand down!" Lionel ordered in a low voice, stopping Barton from joining the fight. The score between him and Geoffrey was something he had to settle himself."You step back too!" Geoffrey barked at his men. He was never one to back down from a fight.Both sides' assistants retreated, and the two men launched into another round of combat."Stop, all of you!" Chloe suddenly screamed, her voice booming across the scene.Everyone turned to look at her.Geoffrey's voice softened as he comforted her, "Don't be afraid, baby."Lionel, however, just shot her a cold glance, his lips tightening even more.Geoffrey turned back immediately and launched a fierce kick toward Lionel.She's not his baby!Chloe seethed at Geoffrey's sickeningly sweet words, wanting nothing more than to rip his mouth apart. She couldn't care less about cold, heartless Lionel either! His arrogant, icy fury made her head ache.Chloe's beautiful eyes blazed with anger, her chest heaving. The conflicting thoughts
In the early autumn midnight, the temperature had begun to drop. A cold breeze blew through the car window, making Chloe instinctively shrink into herself.The atmosphere in the car was even colder, like the depth of autumn or even winter. This chill wasn't something you could see or touch, but it seeped into your bones, spreading through every part of your body. Chloe hugged herself, curling up in the corner of the seat.Lionel, tall and imposing, sat next to her, his lips pressed into a tight line, brows furrowed deeply as if they could crush a fly. His sharp eyes stared out the window, giving away nothing of his emotions.From the rearview mirror, Barton observed the scene in the backseat and let out a long sigh. Lionel was clearly bothered, but even he, Barton, felt suffocated by the tension.This was the first time Lionel had cared so much about a woman.He'd irrationally thrown a ridiculous amount of money at her, and it was already causing ripples within the company. Who knows
As another dawn broke, Lionel awoke with Chloe curled up on his chest like a kitten, fast asleep.Her little face was flushed, her rosy lips soft and pink, and her eyes slightly arched with a faint smile playing on her lips. Lionel felt his heart stir at the sight.His large hand gently caressed her face as he whispered almost inaudibly, "Chloe, as long as you behave, I'll make you the happiest woman in the world."As if in response, Chloe smacked her lips and continued to sleep soundly. The red marks he left on her pale neck stood out vividly.Lionel's lips curled into a faint smile as his fingers brushed over the marks. He lifted the edge of the blanket, got up, pulled the slipping cover back over Chloe, and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.By the time he returned, he was already dressed and ready for work. Just like every other morning, Chloe had not yet woken up. Standing by the bed, he bent down and placed a gentle kiss on her smooth forehead before walking out of the bedroo
"You!" Chloe wanted nothing more than to punch him, but she couldn't!Usually, he was the one who dominated their kisses; today, he was forcing her into this—was this his condition for releasing Marcus?Her heart ached, and Chloe's expression darkened, yet she still wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his, as if fulfilling a task.In truth, Lionel was deliberately pushing her like this! He wanted her to become accustomed to taking the initiative because he had savored the sweetness of her doing so before.However, he was still surprised by her obedient submission.He gazed down at Chloe, her eyes tightly shut, her long lashes fluttering. Her body was tense, her movements awkward; he could feel her underlying anger, yet she was trying hard to please him.Suddenly, he felt a surge of irritation. For that man, she was suppressing her anger? She was making such an effort to appease him for the sake of another!A
Chloe dialed the number, watching "husband" flash on the screen, a smirk curling at the corners of her mouth."Hello..." The call was answered quickly, and Lionel's deep, cello-like voice came through. Even though Chloe was all too familiar with his voice, she felt a slight shiver run through her.After a brief moment of blankness, her tone turned icy. "Did you do something about Marcus?" It sounded like a question, but she was already certain of the answer.Lionel hadn't expected her to call about this. After a brief pause, he answered honestly, "Yes, I did. So what?""You're unreasonable!" Chloe snapped, exasperated. She had never seen anyone so shameless—committing a wrong and then boasting about it.Lionel felt a pang in his chest. It had been so long since she had scolded him. Suppressing his irritation, he raised an eyebrow and replied, his voice devoid of emotion, as if her anger didn't bother him at all. "What do you want?""Le
"Ah! I'll notify the guards right away..." The secretary exclaimed, her face pale with fear, fumbling to make a call until Amos barked at her to stop."Get out! Close the door! I can handle this myself." Amos said sternly, and the secretary, trembling, shot him a glance before quickly exiting and shutting the door.Although Chloe had plunged the broken bottle into Amos's chest with fury, she was terrified herself, her face as pale as a sheet.She couldn't understand what had given her such courage. Trembling, she withdrew her hand, nervously twisting her fingers together."How could you be so cruel to me..." Amos gazed at her, pain flashing in his eyes.He ripped the broken bottle from his chest and tossed it into the trash. The wound wasn't deep, but the blood that splattered out was alarming. He felt pain, not just from the injury, but from a deeper heartache, as if the bottle had pierced countless wounds within him, making it hard to breathe.
Chloe rushed out of the villa, heading toward the Latham residence.As she reached the entrance, she saw several servants gathered outside. Lisa was being led by one servant, crying, while the others could not hold back their tears either.When Lisa saw Chloe, she immediately threw herself into Chloe's arms, sobbing uncontrollably. "Chloe... Waaa... My dad was taken away... I want my dad... Can you take me to see him?"Lisa's big eyes were red and swollen, her fair cheeks streaked with tears. Chloe hugged Lisa tightly, gently wiping her tears and soothing her. "Lisa, don't cry. Your dad will be okay. He'll be back soon."Though she tried to comfort her, Chloe understood that politics were complicated—who could say for sure?Having worked as a tutor for three years without incident, she had only limited interactions with Marcus but knew he wasn't the type to be corrupt.Once, she had witnessed someone claim Marcus had given him signific
(Flashback)That day, after Marcus and Chloe left Paradiso, Amos quickly followed suit.On the way back, he noticed something was off with his body. A chilling realization hit him: he had been slipped an aphrodisiac!No! Not just him—Marcus and Chloe had both been drugged! The red wine they drank had all come from the same bottle.Chloe had left with the drugged Marcus! His heart raced in panic. He ordered the driver to chase after Marcus; the amount he had drunk was excessive, and the effects of the drug were hitting hard and fast.It felt as if his body was about to explode, drenched in sweat. If he didn't find a woman soon, he might not survive!Just then, Flora's call came through."Amos, have you finished talking to your beloved? She's still waiting for you!" Flora's sugary voice made Amos wish he could reach through the phone and strangle her.This venomous woman must have orchestrated the whole thing!Amos gripped the phone tightly, growling through clenched teeth, "Where are y
After freshening up, food had been brought into the room, and the two sat in silence, as if nothing had happened, quietly eating.Chloe sat across from Lionel in revealing pajamas, boldly eating as if it were the most natural thing.In the past, she would have never dared to do this, rushing to hide under the covers after changing into her pajamas. But now, she was calm and collected in front of him, not a hint of embarrassment on her face.Her mind must be poisoned by the drugs!That was the only explanation Lionel could come up with.Strangely enough, he used to yearn for Chloe to wear such clothes and flaunt them in front of him, but now, seeing her sitting there made his eyes ache."Give me three million more, I need the money, and I'll pay you back however you want!" Chloe suddenly said, setting down her spoon. Her face remained cold, showing no shame despite asking for money.In the past, she would have scoffed at the idea of asking him for anything, yet now, her words flowed ou
As Chloe's awareness returned, shameful images flashed through her mind like scenes from a movie.She had thrown herself at Marcus, torn his clothes, and bitten his neck. They had held each other tightly on the bathroom floor...Oh God, how could she ever face anyone again?Despite her hazy consciousness, she vaguely remembered Lionel arriving just in time. It was he who had rescued her from the agony, not Marcus! Thankfully! Otherwise, she would have no choice but to die today.Relieved, yet the memories of her wild behavior started coming back.She had acted more disgracefully than a prostitute, and that thought broke her. Tears of frustration and sorrow streamed down her face.The proud woman she once was couldn't bear this version of herself. She was disgusted with herself to the point of wanting to disappear.Her tears flowed like a river, but they couldn't wash away her shame.“Shh, don't cry,” Lionel said softly, gently patting Chloe's back as she regained her clarity.His voic
"Lion…" Even in her dazed state, Chloe managed to call out Lionel's name. The moment she saw him, all the pain and frustration she'd been holding in exploded to the surface. Tears flowed uncontrollably, like a dam breaking. She began to sob, "Help me… please… I'm in so much pain… I feel like I'm dying...""Lionel?" Lionel's arrival clearly startled him.As Lionel looked into the bathroom, the sight of the two people clinging to each other made his blood boil. Every muscle in his body screamed with rage, and he was ready to kill!The terrified doctor at the door stammered, "They've… been drugged."If Lionel hadn't been aware of this beforehand, he would've killed Marcus on the spot—mayor or not, it wouldn't have mattered.In a flash, Lionel stormed into the room, but thankfully, the worst hadn't happened yet. He felt a wave of relief, though Chloe's sobbing and the pitiful state she was in broke his heart.Bending down, he roughly shoved Marcus aside, took off his coat, and covered Chl
Screech—The tires of the Bentley screeched sharply against the ground as it came to a stop. The Latham family had been waiting outside, and the doctor was already prepared.Marcus leaped out of the car in haste. He knew that if Chloe reached for him again or if he gave in, he wouldn't have the strength to resist. His self-control was already hanging by a thread.A group of people quickly rushed to support him."Hurry, give her the medication!" He roared at the doctor, drenched in sweat.The group hurriedly helped both of them into the house, administering the medication separately.After a moment, the doctor reported, "This isn't just a regular aphrodisiac. It's a rare and potent toxin, and the dosage is incredibly high. Prolonged exposure could seriously harm the body, especially for the woman.""What are we supposed to do, then?" Marcus was on the verge of losing his mind. He could feel it—despite the IV drip, the burning sensation inside him hadn't lessened one bit."The best solu