That night, Chloe had begged him to let her go, but he hadn't relented. And just now, he had disgustingly kissed her and touched her! How revolting! Why was it always her who had to endure such humiliation?The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, her eyes welling up with tears. Chloe raised her other hand, ready to slap him again.This time, the man was prepared. He caught her wrist with a fierce grip.His face twisted into a terrifying expression she had never seen before. "You think you can hit me a second time?"With a violent shove, Chloe's body was thrown aside, her head hitting the door with a loud thud before she slid down to the floor.Pain shot through her head, and her vision began to blur. She tried to shake it off, telling herself she couldn't pass out... But everything went black.Looking down at the unconscious Chloe, Lionel turned away and dialed the intercom. "Come and take her back to her room to rest."Stupid woman! How dare she hit him! Was she out of
In the dimly lit room, with the curtains drawn, the family doctor finished examining Chloe and reported to Lionel, who was seated on the sofa."Ma'am is very weak. She must have gone too long without food, causing her to faint. But she's also suffering from chronic malnutrition, sleep deprivation, and excessive stress, which have led to frequent nightmares, and early signs of depression.""Hmm... You may leave now," Lionel replied, his eyes fixed on the woman lying on the bed, his deep gaze betraying no emotion, leaving his thoughts unreadable.When Chloe woke up again, she immediately noticed that the back of her head had been bandaged.Had they treated her wound? She wouldn't be grateful for it!The room was still dimly lit, and she had no idea what time it was. Groggily, she sat up, only to be startled by a man's deep voice in the darkness."You're awake."Lionel?Recognizing his voice, Chloe quickly grabbed the blanket and wrapped herself up like a cocoon."What are you doing in m
Feeling a rare spark of liveliness, Chloe grabbed her phone and called Mag. "Mag, can you call Cynthia? I'll be visiting tomorrow. Also, just to let you know, I'm rejoining the team tomorrow!""Great, great!" Mag was thrilled on the other end of the line, and the two chatted away for a while.Focused on the conversation, Chloe didn't even notice that Lionel was still standing by the window.Her eyes, usually so guarded, were now shining brightly. Her eyebrows arched in joy, and a wisp of hair fell delicately over her smooth, pale forehead. Though her face looked slightly undernourished, there was a newfound glow about her.She sat cross-legged on the bed as she spoke on the phone, her long eyelashes fluttering, exuding a quiet elegance that was both delicate and refined.It wasn't until she finished the call that she realized Lionel was still there. A flicker of embarrassment crossed her eyes as she quickly composed herself.Without any expression, Lionel dropped a cold remark, "You c
Chloe quickly ran through her mind, trying to recall if she had done anything to upset him. But she couldn't think of anything. She actually thought this week had gone quite well. Her time in the house was limited to coming home after midnight to sleep and leaving by 9 in the morning. Their schedules didn't overlap at all, so how could she have possibly offended him?He must be insane! He's just looking for trouble!Before she could think further, Lionel was already close, reaching out to grab Chloe by the chin."Coming back so late? Were you at Paradiso work again?" The corner of his mouth lifted into a sneer.The only thing that came to his mind was that she had returned to her old ways. That was where he had fallen into her trap.The disdain in his eyes and the mockery on his lips stung Chloe. Her initially panicked eyes quickly filled with coldness."It's none of your business!" Her frail figure was now enveloped in an aura of unapproachable aloofness. He could humiliate her all h
"Hey... mmph... let go..." Chloe struggled to speak as she was suddenly assaulted. She tried to push him away, but Lionel's towering figure was as immovable as a wall. The moment she opened her mouth, he silenced her with a fierce kiss.Lionel, like a beast provoked, clamped down on her, devouring her soft lips with a desperate hunger, his anger manifesting in the harshness of his actions. Her lips, unable to withstand the brutal onslaught, quickly became swollen and tender.Her lips burned painfully, and her body ached from Lionel's relentless grip. No matter how hard she struggled, she couldn't overpower him. The humiliating memory of that night at Paradiso replayed in her mind.Tears welled up and spilled over, tracing a path down her long lashes and dripping into their mouths. Lionel tasted the salty tears and noticed the wetness on her lashes, the streaks on her pale face, and the redness of her nose. She looked helpless and pitiful, her vulnerability tugging at something deep wi
Chloe couldn't hold back her tears any longer.It wasn't just that the man had humiliated her; she also wanted to slap herself.She had completely lost her dignity!She had squandered all her pride!She didn't know how long she sat there on the floor before finally standing up. Her legs felt numb as she stumbled to her room, collapsing onto her bed still fully dressed.Half-asleep, she heard soft voices nearby and opened her eyes to find daylight streaming through the windows.She grabbed her phone—it was already half-past eight!Oh no, she was going to be late!She tried to get up quickly, but a sharp pain in her back made her gasp and collapse back onto the bed.The events of the previous night flooded back, filling her with shame and anger.Whenever she encountered this man, she was the one who got hurt.She looked at herself in the mirror, seeing the clear bite marks on her lips. She unbuttoned her clothes and saw a large bruise spreading across the right side of her back, a mix o
It was 9:00 PM again, and as usual, Chloe arrived at Blues for her shift.The shame she felt was overwhelming. The wound on the corner of her mouth was noticeable, and even lipstick couldn't conceal it. No matter where she went today, people couldn't help but stare at her.Blues had always been a peaceful place, largely because Mag was generous and never made enemies. But it was still a bar, a place where unsavory characters were bound to mix in.Worried about attracting unnecessary trouble, Chloe carefully wrapped a silk scarf around her face.However, today was destined to be anything but peaceful.The regular patrons, accustomed to the aloof and unapproachable pianist, admired her quiet elegance. They didn't mind her unusual behavior today. In fact, the soft blue scarf only added to her mystique, making her seem even more noble and refined. It tempted people to uncover her hidden beauty.The guests continued their revelry while casting intrigued glances at the pianist, all the whil
The gang members froze when they heard that familiar voice. Their hearts skipped a beat as they turned around to see a tall man standing at the entrance. Their faces instantly changed color, and cold sweat began to drip down."Ge... Geoff..." The bald man's face turned ashen, his posture submissive as he wiped his sweat with a trembling hand.Finally freed, Chloe quickly grabbed a tattered cloth to cover her exposed undergarments, her heart pounding wildly. Without time to dwell on her fear, she hurriedly knelt down to cover Mag's body."Mag..." Chloe cried, gently patting Mag's face, desperate to wake her up.Geoffrey walked closer, his gaze briefly resting on Chloe, who was still crying and trying to rouse Mag. Then he shifted his focus back to the bald man."Geoff..." The bald man's voice quivered with fear, the arrogance he had just displayed vanishing as he trembled like a coward.Slap— Slap—The crisp sound of two slaps echoed through the air. Geoffrey blew on his hands, then ki
Florence's expression froze instantly.She quickly forced a bright, blooming smile. "You're funny. It was just a drunken night. Why should you take responsibility? You go on ahead. I want to talk to Joanna for a bit." Without giving him a chance to object, she pulled her shoulder free from his grasp.Joanna's sharp eyes glimmered with awareness. Given her keen mind, she had already sensed that something significant had occurred between them.There was no way she believed Florence's dismissive excuse."Florence, don't be like this. It's my fault..." Alex started to say, but Florence's face darkened immediately. Joanna, noticing the tension, quickly intervened, "Alex, you stayed with Florence all night. Go get some rest. You can talk when she's feeling better."Though reluctant, Alex's heart ached when Florence refused to even glance at him. His voice low with disappointment, he murmured, "Florence, I'll be going for now. I'll come back to check on you...""Mm." Florence turned her head
The next morning, Lionel and Chloe hurried to the hospital, only to find that Florence was still unconscious, much like the previous night.Alex, who had clearly stayed up all night, had red-rimmed eyes from exhaustion. Lionel cast a cold glance at him and then at his sister on the bed before leaving for work.Chloe, worried that Florence might get upset upon waking and seeing Alex, decided to stay and keep watch."Alex, let's talk," Chloe said, pulling a chair up next to Florence's bed."Sure. Go ahead.""Do you really not have any feelings for Florence?""It's not that…" Alex sighed, his voice laden with guilt. "I watched her grow up. She's always been like a sister to me. I never thought of her in any other way. But somehow...I don't even know what happened…"He clenched his fists, frustration written all over his weary but still handsome face. The lines of regret etched deep as he rubbed his temples.Sometimes, he wasn't sure of his own feelings. Whenever Florence chased after him
Florence already had a naturally round and charming face, but now, with alcohol flushing her cheeks, her entire face glowed a deep crimson, making her look as adorable as a rosy red apple.The room was in complete disarray—several glasses lay shattered on the floor. Florence sat amidst the mess, a bottle of red wine in hand. When Lionel entered, she turned her mouth up into a crooked smile."hehe…" she slurred, her words garbled as her tongue tripped over itself. Her glassy eyes were unfocused, and her fingers tugged at her hair as she rocked unsteadily, her delicate brows knitting together in pain."Florence! You're supposed to be sick—why are you drinking?!" Lionel scolded sharply, bending down to snatch the wine bottle from her hand.Thud—Florence collapsed to the floor."Florence!" Chloe rushed in, shoving Joanna aside in her panic.Joanna's face contorted, a flash of malice glimmering in her eyes. However, Lionel and Chloe were too preoccupied lifting Florence to notice.Her bod
During dinner, Florence didn't come downstairs, but Alex did."Well, everyone's here," Alex greeted casually, pulling out a chair and sitting down."Perfect timing, as always," Lionel remarked sarcastically."Of course," Alex replied, unbothered, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Compared to Lionel's cold demeanor, Alex's laid-back attitude was like night and day.The two men were polar opposites—yet both exuded charm, confidence, and undeniable good looks."Where's Florence? Not here?" Alex asked after scanning the room a few times. He waited a while but didn't see any sign of her. Finally, he couldn't help but ask.Lionel glanced up from his bowl, his gaze sharp, as if Alex were a rare creature. "Have you lost your mind?"In the past, Alex had avoided Florence like the plague, scurrying away like a mouse from a cat. But today, he was asking about her? Something wasn't right.Alex choked slightly, letting out an awkward laugh. "Florence is my sister too. It's only natural to care ab
"No! I was wrong! I won't insult you anymore, okay?" She knew she couldn't afford to provoke him now.If it weren't for the baby, honestly... well, she would have been tempted too.Since Lionel had returned after his last trip, it had been quite some time—far too long—for both of them.It wasn't just Lionel who was feeling restless; even she couldn't deny the simmering desire. However, such thoughts were far too embarrassing to voice aloud. Over her dead body would she let her feelings show."That's more like it!" Lionel's voice was hoarse as he struggled to suppress the fire coursing through him. He finally let go of her, sparing both of them further torment.Ten days without touching her. Ten days without even a simple kiss. Just being close enough to breathe in her scent sent him on edge, and now, holding her warm, soft body against his was almost enough to end him.Opening the door, Lionel gestured for the cleaning staff wait
Lionel's OfficeLionel was engrossed in reviewing documents, with Barton standing silently by his side. Just then, Joanna walked in."Lion…"Joanna called softly."Get out!"Lionel said without looking up, his voice cold and devoid of emotion.Joanna froze, caught between retreating and explaining herself. Her face turned red, then pale, a mix of embarrassment and frustration. Her fingers gripped the fabric of her dress tightly.Glancing at Barton for support, she turned back to Lionel. "I just…""Out! Don't you know to knock before entering my office?"Lionel cut her off icily before she could finish. Barton stood still, expressionless, as though oblivious to the tension in the room."You!"Joanna's face contorted with anger. There was only one person in the world who dared to treat her like this—Lionel!Grinding her teeth, she suppressed the urge to lash out. Exhaling sharply, she stepped out, knocked twic
Williams Residence.Lionel checked the time for the tenth time.Could Chloe really have turned into a pig? How could she sleep so much? They had already spent most of the day yesterday in bed, and when he returned from the study last night, she was fast asleep again.What puzzled him more was how she always woke up curled in his arms like a kitten. But this morning, when he opened his eyes, she had her back to him, lying apart from him on the other side of the bed.He didn't like it. Not one bit."Chloe—" Lionel shook her gently. She didn't open her eyes. He placed his hand on her forehead—no fever. She wasn't sick.Suddenly, Lionel noticed her eyelashes trembling. She was awake, pretending to sleep. But why?Frowning, Lionel thought for a moment before swiftly pulling her into a sitting position."What are you doing? Can't I get some sleep?" Chloe grumbled, not even sparing him a glance as she flopped back down to continue sleeping.Lionel's eyes narrowed dangerously. If he couldn't
Pain! Pain! Pain! It hurts so much!Florence clutched her head and turned over. "Ahh..." she gasped in pain, her entire body feeling as if it had been taken apart and put back together wrong. Her waist, hips, and...Wait!Her hips?!Her eyes flew open, and clarity hit her like a cold wave. A realization crashed into her mind, making her breath hitch.Vaguely, she recalled... last night... she and Alex had been drinking...Then Alex kissed her... and after that, there had been dizziness, the world spinning, sensations of movement, aching pain, and strange pleasure!Oh no—She... she had...Her eyes widened to saucer-like proportions. Wrapping her arms around her chest, she glanced down—"Ahh!"She tumbled off the bed in horror.Someone please tell her—what exactly had happened?!She was completely, utterly naked!"Ahh! Ahh!"Florence felt like screaming at the heavens.Her trembling hands grabbed the blanket to cover herself, but—There was a naked man. Right there. Fully exposed in th
That evening, Lionel entered the study just as Chloe had finished tidying up. A knock sounded at the door. When she opened it, Joanna's sweet smile greeted her."Is something the matter?" Chloe asked."Chloe, can we... talk?" Joanna smoothed her hair back, her eyes flicking toward the room behind Chloe.Chloe flashed a grin. "Of course. Come in. Lion isn't here."Oh, isn't she good at pretending? Engaged? So what? Chloe was still Lionel's real wife. She was curious how long Joanna could keep up the act."Oh, no need. How about we go to my room instead? I wouldn't want Lion to get upset again," Joanna responded with a helpless smile.Of course, she knew Lionel wasn't there! Was Chloe trying to show off?After a brief pause, Chloe nodded readily. "That works too. Lion isn't fond of other women entering his room, anyway."Two can play this game. Chloe was perfectly content to act as though she was oblivious to the drama at Astralis.Joanna's smile stiffened at those words, a flicker of c