Before Lionel ended the call, Chloe had clearly heard a woman's voice. However, Lionel told her it was nothing.
Was he really trying to lie to her so blatantly?
Furrowing her brow, Chloe didn't even bother to dry her hair as she lay back on the bed, holding the phone to her ear. Her thoughts ran uncontrollably, replaying the woman's voice she had heard during the call.
Is it really a habit for men to lie so casually?
One moment, he could speak to her with such tenderness, showering her with sweet words as if she were the only one he cared about. And in the next, he could lie to her without even blinking.
Hah!
How had she forgotten that a man's sweet talk was often the most unreliable? She had been hurt by it before, and yet here she was, once again swept away by his smooth words.
Chloe, when will you ever learn?
All you need to do is stay by his side. You know by now that his position isn't ordinary, and that there might be oth
After running out of Lionel's room in tears, Madge shoved the tray of food into the hands of a passing servant and hurried back to her own quarters, covering her mouth to stifle her sobs.In the darkness of her room, she didn't bother to turn on the light, wiping her tears over and over.In the end, Lionel despised her. Not just despised—he regarded her as worse than garbage.Yes, she was Jacob's woman, but who in this household truly acknowledged her status? Jacob himself only showed her fleeting affection when he needed her; the moment she was of no use, he treated her with the same disdain as Lionel.She realized she held even less sway than Jacob's mistresses outside of this house, unable to win favor or affection from the men here.Once, she had chosen to follow Jacob, drawn by his status, wealth, and charm. Ten years ago, Jacob had indeed been handsome, domineering, and captivating—a man like Lionel today.Now, Jacob was ag
In the past few days, Lionel had been away from home, leaving Chloe to shuttle between the house, the hospital, and the art center daily.Cynthia's emotions had stabilized somewhat, but she still refused to speak to Chloe. Even when Chloe brought her food, she wouldn't eat it. The situation left Chloe feeling deeply troubled.Despite this, Chloe kept visiting Cynthia every day, always wearing a cheerful smile in hopes of lifting her spirits.That afternoon, Chloe hurried to the hospital as usual. When she pushed open the door to Cynthia's hospital room, she was shocked to find the bed neatly made, the belongings gone, and Cynthia and her mother nowhere to be seen."Cynthia!" Chloe shouted, her voice trembling as a stinging ache spread through her chest. Tears welled up in her eyes.She blames me after all, Chloe thought bitterly. She's abandoned me. She doesn't want me anymore.Her heart clenched in pain as she rushed to the front desk to inquire about Cynthia's whereabouts. Only then
"Lion..." Chloe glanced at the man beside her, then looked at Heather walking away. When she turned back, she noticed Lionel's gaze hadn't shifted. She gently shook his arm.Seeing the proud and cold expressions on both men, though Chloe didn't know what had happened between them, it was clear it was something serious.Lionel tore his gaze away and, when he looked back at Chloe, his expression softened again.Suddenly, his handsome face darkened.Just now, Heather had said he almost hit her! His heart tightened in silence."Do you walk around without looking?""Uh..." Chloe wasn't used to Lionel's sudden change of mood. Her lips twitched as she realized he was angry because she had almost been in an accident. She said softly, "Actually, I was far away from his car. Nothing happened, I just got a little scared. Really, look, I'm fine!"As she spoke, Chloe, afraid Lionel wouldn't believe her, rolled up her sleeves to show him.Lionel sighed in relief and gently stroked her hair, pulling
As Chloe nestled into Lionel's arms, she suddenly felt a chill run down her spine. She shivered instinctively and turned her head, but saw nothing."Lionel… I'm a little cold." She tried to calm the uneasy feeling stirring in her chest and pressed herself closer to him.Lionel tightened his arm around her, sharing his warmth.Suddenly, he seemed to remember something. He stopped, looking at her and said slowly, "Don't call me that again, call me Lion."Chloe's face flushed as she recalled the incident. Now that she thought about it, she felt like she had been possessed at that moment.Lionel, ever dominant, wouldn't let Chloe avoid him. He locked eyes with her, forcing her to respond.Although Chloe felt awkward, she nodded slightly. Lionel immediately smiled, his face softening as if coated with honey. "Good girl!"In the past, he had been cold, detached, and proud to the point of arrogance. He had looked down on her, dismissing her every move. Now, though, he was so gentle, showerin
Lionel's relatives gathered at the Williams family villa, filling the grand estate with an air of tension.Earl was visibly surprised. It wasn't a holiday, nor had he summoned his children. Yet here they were, all showing up unannounced. To make matters worse, Flora—the last person he wanted to see—had also appeared.Was this mere coincidence? Or was it someone's deliberate scheme? Earl's sharp eyes narrowed with suspicion.She had promised him she would leave Lionel, vowing not to take a single cent in compensation. It had been a long time since their last meeting, during which he had grudgingly admired her pride and resolve.But now, not only had she failed to keep her promise to stay away from his grandson, she had the audacity to show up here. What exactly was her game?As these thoughts swirled in his mind, Earl's gaze turned icy, piercing through Flora as if trying to read her soul. Something about her had changed since their last encounter. Despite her attempts to maintain an
"What?"Earl and Jacob shouted in unison, springing to their feet.They stared at Flora, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. Although their eyes betrayed their uncertainty, they were sure they hadn't misheard."I'm pregnant," Flora replied, feigning a timid tone as she lightly rested her hand on her still-flat stomach. Her quick glance took in the shifting emotions on Earl and Jacob's faces.They were stunned, but beneath the initial shock, she could clearly see fleeting traces of delight.With a touch of melancholy, she added, "I know that no matter what I say now, it won't matter. I'm not worthy of giving birth to Lionel's child. But all I'm asking is…"Thud!To everyone's surprise, Flora dropped to her knees at Earl's feet, sobbing. "Grandpa, I beg you—please spare my child! I may be worthless, but the child is innocent. I thought about hiding this and giving birth in secret, but I know with your influence, no matter where I run, you'd find out eventually…"Flora's grie
Chloe really didn't expect Lionel to actually get so worked up over a child, her lips twitching as she tried to explain, "Actually, I was just trying to pacify him…""Pacify?" Lionel couldn't stop himself from nitpicking, "Seems like you've forgotten your place. Do you want me to remind you? Is your back still sore?"Chloe's face flushed, and she hit his chest with her fist, "You jerk! How dare you say that!"She pouted, turning her head away in a huff.Lionel's gaze softened, and his voice became gentler, "You're mine, and no one else is allowed to have you!" He still spoke possessively, turning Chloe's face to face him before lowering his head and capturing her lips in a kiss."Mmm... you... jerk..." Chloe's muffled protests were swallowed up by Lionel's kiss.At first, she struggled a little, but soon she lost herself in the kiss, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck, her body hanging against him."Chloe... you're mine..." After the kiss ended, Lionel, his voice rough, s
Lionel sped home and found not only his grandfather but also his father, Jacob, and Madge standing in the yard.What the hell was going on? Lionel's lips curled into a mocking smile. What could be so important that they had to come together like this?His estranged father was here too—what a miracle!His face darkened, and Lionel got out of the car, giving Barton a few orders before he left.Walking up behind the group, Lionel coldly sneered, "What's going on here? What brings you all here?"Hearing this, everyone turned around to face him.It was then that Lionel saw, to his surprise, a face that looked exactly like hers. At first, he only saw her back and thought she was his father's latest mistress.It was Flora Miller. She had the audacity to come to his house!He hadn't yet gotten around to confronting her for the things she did, drugging his drink and all the filthy things that followed, but now she had the nerve to show up at his door!She must have a death wish!His face darke
Lionel's Office"Sir..."Barton handed a file to Lionel. "This is the information you requested. It's all been thoroughly investigated."Lionel took the file and photographs, glancing at them briefly before his expression darkened.Amos?!How could it be Amos?"Damn it!"Who gave him the nerve to do this? Doesn't he know that the Lumina Group depends entirely on K Group?If it weren't for him handing Lumina that order, this new general manager wouldn't have had any achievements to speak of."Withdraw all investments from Lumina immediately! As for the new project, change to another media company.""Yes, Sir."Barton turned to leave."Wait!"Lionel called, stopping Barton just before he reached the door. "I want you to investigate Amos thoroughly!"She shouldn't have had any involvement with him, so how did he get obsessed with her?Suddenly, Lionel remembered an odd encounter at a banq
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
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