Late at night, in the hospital."Doctor! Save my wife!"Lionel's roar shattered the silence of the hospital.The on-call doctor rushed over, startled by the urgency in his voice.She examined the woman he was carrying, checking her pulse and breathing, then looked at him. His clothes were torn in several places, a trail of blood followed him, and blood trickled down his forehead, dripping along his cheek."Sir, I think we should check on you first," the doctor suggested, concerned."Save her! Are you deaf?!" Lionel barked, his eyes fierce and predatory, like a leopard, his face dark with an alarming smear of blood. One look was enough to make anyone feel a chill of fear.The seasoned doctor had seen her share of volatile men like him.Assessing him, she noted that, while wounded, he seemed strong enough, so she directed the nurses to tend to Chloe first.Chloe had only a few scrapes on the back of her head and shoulders. Other than that, she was just weak and exhausted, having fainted
Chloe had no idea how long she had been crying. Her sobs gradually softened, turning into quiet sniffles, and eventually, there was complete silence.Lionel gently pulled her face out of his chest and saw Chloe's red, swollen eyes, her flushed nose, and her glossy, crimson lips. Her long, curled lashes were still damp.He brushed his thumb across the corner of her eye and gently caressed her red lips. Lifting her chin, he made her look at him, then slowly lowered his head, kissing her soft, crescent-shaped cheek, her reddened eyes, and her nose.Finally, he planted a light kiss on her soft, pliable lips.She didn't say a word or struggle to pull away. Slowly, her eyelids fluttered shut, and Lionel, encouraged, deepened the kiss.It was a kiss full of tender passion. After a week apart, their hearts drew close once again, as if the reunion made them both exhilarated, their hearts beating wildly.Lionel could feel something different in Chloe. It was as if she had transformed.She no lo
"If you want me to forgive you, that depends on how you behave!" Lionel understood what she meant, deliberately making his words sharp as he spoke. He helped her sit up and handed her a glass of water. "Here, drink some."Her voice—he couldn't stand hearing it like that.Yes, he absolutely hated being deceived. Although, since the seafood incident, he had known she wasn't the Flora, he had been too busy with work to fully investigate. In fact, he was almost relieved that she wasn't the manipulative Flora after all. He never got around to finding out the full story, thinking it wasn't important.As long as she was by his side, he didn't care about anything else.But now, it was time to figure out what was really going on.He couldn't bear to see her in pain anymore—wandering around like a soulless ghost. He just couldn't tolerate it.Now, he was more desperate than ever for her to be herself again, to experience her real emotions—the good and the bad.Seeing the fear in her eyes made h
Chloe was domineeringly kept on a hospital bed by Lionel, who refused to let her leave even though the doctors had long declared she was ready for discharge. Who would dare to challenge Lionel?With just a glance, no one would meddle in his affairs. Even if he intended to settle in the hospital, no one would dare utter a word.Meanwhile, Chloe felt utterly embarrassed by the way the nurses looked at her, making her want to hide away. It was only minor scrapes and bruises, nothing serious. Yet, Lionel had brought in specialists and prescribed all sorts of medications, constantly administering them to her around the clock.She had once been passionate about studying medicine and had read numerous books, but she was by no means proficient. She couldn't discern anything significant from the treatments; the fluids looked just like ordinary medicines. Still, she knew something was different. The nurses' gazes held deep meanings.She wanted to ask, but didn't want to embarrass herself furthe
"Mmm... wait... we... should shower first..." Chloe murmured softly, her voice barely audible, trembling with a mix of emotions as she tried to evade Lionel's lips."Later..." Lionel replied, his voice low and laced with an almost mesmerizing tension. In an instant, he felt like a teenager again, heart pounding with exhilaration, blood rushing through him as if spurred by wild horses, ready to lose control.As he continued to kiss Chloe, he moved, guiding her onto the oversized bed.Feeling the softness of the mattress beneath her, Chloe, a bit dizzy from the kisses, suddenly opened her eyes. Flashes of a memory flickered in her mind. She reached up, gently pushing Lionel away."What's wrong?" Lionel asked, looking down at her with a hint of breathlessness, his gaze on Chloe's flushed face. As she pulled away and turned, her expression revealed a mix of discomfort and awkwardness.In truth, she was thinking of Moira.Although Lionel had completely transformed the room, erasing any tra
Lionel's whole body tensed, his face dark. She really knew how to pick the worst times! He wanted nothing more than to throw this troublesome sister off the planet!Chloe nudged Lionel gently, gesturing toward the door.Lionel couldn't completely ignore Florence, no matter how frustrated he was. It wasn't that he feared she would tattle; the real issue was that Florence had been spoiled from a young age. If she really ran away, his grandfather would be on his back every day.Reluctantly, Lionel got out of bed and cracked the door just enough to prevent Florence from peeking inside."Spit it out!" he demanded, his eyes blazing with frustration. He was furious, yet he couldn't bring himself to be harsh with his sister."Can you tell me where Alex is?"Oh, for crying out loud!Lionel's rage flared as he stared at his sister, who was stifling a laugh as she noticed his shirtless, flustered state.Yet Florence maintained a helpless expression, her face slightly contorted from holding back
Late at night, everything finally came to a standstill.Chloe didn't pass out like she usually did, and Lionel didn't indulge himself as relentlessly as before.She wanted to look at him clearly, and he seemed to pity her delicate frame.Chloe nestled tightly against Lionel's chest, feeling the powerful, steady beat of his heart. The rhythmic thumping filled her with a strange sense of excitement.Lionel gently wiped the sweat from her forehead, brushed away a strand of hair from her lips, and kissed her softly on the cheek, their warmth mingling."Lion..." In the darkness, Chloe's voice was soft and frail, making Lionel's heart instantly soften.He played with Chloe's long hair and held her slender fingers, bringing them to his lips for a gentle kiss."Hmm..." Lionel hummed lazily, adjusting Chloe into a more comfortable position beside him."So... what am I to you now?"Lionel already knew she wasn't Flora, and she was no longer his wife. She was with him as Chloe—did that make her
Finally, satisfied, Lionel broke into a relaxed smile. He gently tapped Chloe's nose, his voice low and seductive, "Chloe, you're so captivating!"Her face flushed with heat, and Chloe instinctively avoided his burning gaze.Was he... flirting with her? The almighty Lionel could actually be this gentle?A smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Whether it was truly flirting or not, she decided it was, and despite once loathing Lionel's sweet talk, she couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed by it now.With a swift motion, Lionel scooped Chloe up in his arms and carried her into the bathroom."What... what are you doing?" Chloe's voice trembled. Could it be that he wanted to shower with her so early in the morning?The thought alone made her feel mortified, even though he had already seen every inch of her before. Her embarrassment now seemed somewhat exaggerated, but still, she couldn't bring herself to be fully open with him."What do you think?" Lionel's lips curled into a misc
For the sake of her child, she didn't want to leave. But… she couldn't let her child be born a bastard, facing the criticism and judgment that came with such a status. She wouldn't let her child live with such a shameful identity. She had to take her child and leave his life behind.Lionel felt a sharp pain in his chest. This time, he had really hurt her."No! I won't agree to this!" He growled fiercely, his cold lips trembling slightly."Heh…" Chloe let out a bitter laugh. "Lionel, even now, you still say no? What right do you have to say that? Will your future wife allow my existence? Even if she does, I won't shamelessly cling to you here. I won't share a man with another woman. Let's part on good terms. You marry Joanna, and I'll find a man who wants only me and get married. Let's wish each other well!"On the surface, her smile was small, but inside, her heart felt like it had been pierced open, bleeding profusely.At this point, Lionel still wanted to command her so arrogantly?
The gaze of both men turned sharply toward Chloe, but they could only see the cold, distant silhouette of her back.Hearing Chloe's hoarse voice, both men seemed frozen, as if struck by lightning. They were momentarily immobilized, like they had been enchanted. By the time they snapped out of it, Chloe had already walked several meters away."Chloe…" Geoffrey quickly turned and chased after her.Lionel's face darkened, his long legs making it easy to overtake Geoffrey, whose injured leg slowed him down. In just a couple of steps, Lionel was already right behind Chloe.Without a word, Lionel reached out and pulled Chloe into his arms."Let go! Lionel, I've become a joke. Are you trying to make it impossible for me to live here anymore?" Chloe said coldly, her eyes never meeting Lionel's. She suppressed the pain in her heart and spoke with an icy detachment."Chloe, please don't be angry. It will hurt you. I can't bear to see you suffer like this. I want to live with you, I want to be w
Chloe instinctively pulled her hand away and reached out to Geoffrey. "Geoffrey, I want to marry you. Will you marry me?""Ah?" Geoffrey was taken aback, but as soon as he caught the murderous look in Lionel's eyes, he smirked. "I've been waiting for this." He grabbed Chloe's hand, pulling her close to him."Chloe..." Lionel's hand reached out to grab air, his heart aching with a sharp pain. "Come home with me. I'll explain everything."Chloe acted as if nothing was wrong, forcing a faint smile. "No need. There's nothing for you to explain. A woman like me doesn't deserve your respect."Turning her head, she looked away. Though her heart ached painfully, her blood rushed, and she longed to throw herself into his arms, to tell him everything—her fears, her sadness, and that they were having a child. But she couldn't. He was already engaged to another woman.Even though she was of low status, she would never share a man with another woman!She clenched her fist, forcing back the bittern
After receiving Lionel's call, Grace deliberately walked over to Chloe's room and listened carefully. There was no sound coming from inside.Hmph, she's really able to sleep through everything!Grace curled her lips into a mocking smile, feeling quite pleased with herself.She went downstairs to direct the servants on their tasks.By the time daylight broke and breakfast was ready, Chloe still hadn't come downstairs. Grace found herself looking back at the stairs over and over, but there was still no sign of her.Eventually, feeling something was off, Grace walked to Chloe's door, knocked, and called out, "Madam, breakfast is ready. If you don't come out soon, it will get cold."Still, silence.She raised her voice and called again, "Madam, Master will be home soon."No response. Could something have happened?Thinking this, Grace lost her composure. She nervously twisted the door handle, opening the door and quickly stepping inside. But the room was empty.Her heart sank.Grace's fac
"Geoffrey, take me to my mom's." Chloe finally looked at Geoffrey for the first time.Since getting into Geoffrey's car, she had been lost in her thoughts, completely unaware of Geoffrey's gaze as he scrutinized her."Did you two argue?" Geoffrey's voice was low and hoarse, filled with a deep, painful concern as he looked at Chloe.Seeing the redness around her eyes made his heart ache, as if thousands of needles were running through his veins, causing him sharp, excruciating pain."No." Chloe took a deep breath and answered calmly."Don't lie to me. Chloe, you don't lie." Geoffrey grabbed Chloe's hand and said, "I've told you before, Lionel isn't the best choice for you. His background is too complicated, he's really not right for you. Chloe, come with me. I promise I'll marry you immediately, and you won't suffer one bit."A passionate man, a passionate gaze, and passionate words, but Chloe's heart remained unmoved.After her heart was broken by the past, giving it to Lionel had bec
AstralisThe Williams estate remained brightly lit through the night.As the last guests departed, the household staff moved efficiently, tidying up the courtyard and clearing away the remnants of the celebration.Earl, filled with joy and having indulged in a few too many drinks, had retired early for the evening.Only his immediate family remained in the grand hall—his sons, daughters, and grandchildren all gathered together."Lion, congratulations on rekindling things with Joanna," Lewis, Lionel's cousin, remarked with a grin.Lionel shot him a frosty glare. "Thank you," he replied curtly, rising from his seat. He turned to address the elders. "I'm feeling a bit tired. If you'll excuse me, I'll head to my room now.""Go get some rest. It's been a long day for you!"His aunt Hannah forced a smile and waved dismissively, hiding her envy behind a facade of politeness. Beneath her outward cheer, her heart burned with jealousy. Earl was clearly playing favorites again. Even though Joann
Just as she sat up in bed, she heard footsteps outside the door. Her heart leaped with excitement. She jumped out of bed, rushed to the door, and flung it open, calling out, "Lion—" But the person standing before her was Grace."Madam, it's me. The Master won't be coming home tonight." Grace stepped inside, carefully balancing a tray of food, a bright smile plastered on her face as if something delightful had happened. "Before he left, he made it clear that I must take good care of you. I wouldn't dare neglect his orders. I saw you were asleep during dinner and didn't want to disturb you, but I figured you'd be awake by now, so I brought your meal upstairs.""Thank you," Chloe murmured, disappointment flashing across her face as she followed Grace back inside.She sat down to eat, but every bite felt like a lump in her throat. The food refused to go down smoothly. She glanced at her flat belly, clenched her teeth, and forced herself to eat a bit more before giving up entirely.When Gr
Joanna's face flushed with a hint of redness. She glanced at Lionel, who was not far away, her eyes flashing with a mischievous, almost mocking glint. She said, "Lion has always been great, and... I'm willing to marry him!""Good! Good!" The guests erupted in applause and cheers.The atmosphere in the room reached its peak, with everyone smiling and congratulating Earl and Samuel.Earl and Samuel, unable to hide their joy, raised their glasses to toast to their friends and relatives, their eyes moist with emotion.Both families were prominent in the business world, and this union was a powerful alliance. Everyone could foresee that the future of the business world would belong to them. Lionel, the head of K International Group, would see his value soar to an unprecedented level.He was like a god standing on a cloud, commanding the world. With a snap of his fingers, he could send financial storms across half the globe.Such a deity, who coul
"You, I...fine, it's my fault. I was wrong. Now that things have come to this point, we must take responsibility for what needs to be handled. An important guest is arriving today. Get yourselves ready and come out quickly. They might already be on their way."Knowing that if he softened his tone, the young man would only grow more defiant, Earl—proud as he had been all his life—was ultimately forced to bow his head before his grandson."Ha…" Lionel let out a cold laugh. "Responsibility? If anyone has to take responsibility, it's you. Every consequence of this mess stems from your decisions. What does any of it have to do with me?""You—you—what nonsense are you spouting?" Earl bristled, his anger making his mustache quiver. "Oh, I see. This must be because of that woman! But let me tell you, your wife can only be Joanna, no one else! If you take a step back and marry Joanna, everything will be negotiable. Love as many women as you