Lionel's sharp gaze swept across the room, but Flora pretended not to notice. She picked up her knife and fork, cutting into her steak while obediently eating all the dishes Lionel placed before her.To her surprise, the food actually suited her palate. She ate with gusto, masking her inner anxiety and avoiding the cold, piercing look Lionel was giving her, as if he were about to tear her apart.What's with her? She had just said she wasn't hungry, yet now she's devouring everything like a wolf.Lionel's eyes remained fixed on the woman beside him, something nagging at him. Something was off, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. His dark, brooding gaze scanned her from head to toe, cold and unreadable.It was still her face, still the same woman. She ate everything he gave her without protest, obedient as ever.How absurd. He actually found himself thinking she seemed like a different person. Could it be that he had gotten so used to her defiance that her sudden compliance felt
Lionel kicked the door open forcefully.She was standing at the sink, splashing water onto her face.Lionel paused, surprised. She had moved quickly. He was sure he had seen her heading towards the exit, but in the blink of an eye, she was here.Had he seen it wrong?As the door flew open with a bang, Chloe, mid-splash, saw Lionel's dark expression through the mirror.Had Flora been discovered?That realization hit Chloe like a bolt of lightning. Her pupils dilated, panic filled her eyes, and her entire body began to tremble uncontrollably. Her heart twisted painfully in her chest, as if all the air had been sucked out of her lungs. She felt like she was suffocating, her face drained of color, pale as paper.Her legs gave way beneath her, and she swayed, about to collapse.Lionel reacted quickly, wrapping an arm around her slender waist.He took in her bloodless face, her eyes wide with fear, and her delicate, icy-cold fingers in his hand. She looked terrified, trembling even in his e
"No... don't... let her go! Don't hurt her! You animals..." Chloe screamed desperately, watching a group of men tear at Flora's clothes.She cried out in anguish, trying to reach Flora, to pull the men off her, but her limbs were weak, powerless. All she could do was watch helplessly as those beasts did as they pleased.Suddenly, someone began to rip Chloe's own clothes. Rip! The sound of fabric tearing filled the air, and she felt the cold air hit her exposed skin. She wrapped her arms around herself, kicking and hitting in a frenzy."Get away! Get away! Please... please, let me go..." She struggled and screamed. Lionel grabbed her and tossed her onto the bed like a ragdoll.Then came the pain—sharp and unmistakable—her face twisted in agony."Dad... Dad... save me..." Chloe cried out, and then, as if pleading for forgiveness, she sobbed, "I'm sorry... I'm sorry, Dad... I couldn't protect her...""Hey, wake up..."Lionel woke up, startled by Chloe's cries and flailing limbs. He turne
Grace shot a sharp glance at Mandy.She had always known that this scheming bitch wasn't to be trusted. Mandy shrank back under Grace's dagger-like gaze, but compared to Lionel's cold stare, Grace's look was far less terrifying.Working here came with benefits—far better pay than anywhere else, generous bonuses at the end of the year, and countless perks.Grace had always run the household, and Lionel rarely interfered. But today, if Mandy spoke up, she'd surely face backlash from the others. Grace might even see to it that she was kicked out, and there went her well-paying job.However, Mandy couldn't help but think of how pitiful madam of the house truly was. No matter what, she had to say something, even if it meant risking her job.“Sir, it's Grace. She wouldn't let us call madam down for meals. She said madam had no right to be our mistress, that she only married you because she crawled into your bed.” Mandy quickly finished, bracing for Lionel's fury.The tension in the room was
Chloe glared back fearlessly before spinning around and rushing outside."Mandy, stop! Don't hit her anymore," Chloe ordered. Normally, Mandy was the most considerate, but today she didn't listen. Shaking her head helplessly, Mandy continued slapping Grace."Stand up! All of you, get up now!" Chloe raised her voice.But the servants kneeling on the floor didn't budge, remaining as still as statues.Chloe was furious. These servants were so terrified—was their master really that ruthless?Who cares if he was a powerful figure? This was a society governed by law. No one had the right to act without consequences or trample on others' dignity."I said, get up!" Chloe shouted, her voice now a mixture of frustration and defiance. She wasn't just yelling at the servants, but making sure Lionel, who was inside, could hear her. "Don't be afraid. He won't dare to hurt you. If he crosses the line, call the police!"The servants' eyes widened in shock, not in gratitude for Chloe's defense, but ra
Chloe felt the world spinning around her.On the other end of the phone, she heard chaotic noises—women screaming curses, men shouting angrily, and her brother Beck's desperate cries for help.They were hitting Beck!Beck was only a high school student, gentle by nature. How could he possibly have killed someone?"Chloe, you can't just sit by and watch. You have to find a way to save your brother. He's still so young, and if he ends up in prison, he'll never get out... I... I can't live with that... sob..."The news hit Chloe like a bolt of lightning, leaving her dizzy and disoriented.Her hand tightened around the phone, trembling slightly."Mom, calm down. Tell them to stop hitting him. I'll be there right away..."No matter what, she couldn't let anything happen to her brother.She couldn't disappoint her father. She and Flora had already caused enough trouble. She couldn't let her only brother go to prison, not when her father had already endured so much!In a daze, she rushed to
Beck and Nelson Ogden, the boy lying in the hospital bed, were classmates. Both of them had feelings for the same girl, Ivy Sharrock, which led to frequent arguments and even fights.Yesterday, Beck witnessed Nelson slipping something into Ivy's drink. Not long after, Ivy started acting strange, and Nelson took her to a secluded area behind the school. When Beck found them, Ivy's clothes were torn, and Nelson was assaulting her. In a fit of rage, Beck grabbed a rock and smashed it against Nelson's head.Nelson turned around, ready to retaliate, but the blow was too severe. He collapsed on top of Ivy. Fortunately, the drug Nelson had given Ivy wasn't too strong. When she saw the blood, she screamed in panic, pulling her clothes together and fleeing the scene. She later reported the incident to a teacher. However, the teacher, fearing the Ogden family's influence, didn't protect Beck, who was soon taken by Nelson's family.The situation was complicated, but the most pressing issue now w
Veins throbbed on his forehead, and in an instant, the blood in his body seemed to rush backward.Was she out of her mind? Had something knocked the sense out of her?Lionel hadn't forgotten how much disdain she had for him—she never had a kind word to say. Since arriving here, all she had shown was resistance and defiance. Her suddenly cozying up to him now? Impossible.There had to be more to it. Despite the fire burning within him, his exterior remained as cold as ice.He gently pried her hands off and turned to face her. Gazing into her eyes, he saw something different—those once bright, starry eyes now shimmered with unshed tears, clouded by confusion. They flickered with fear, betraying her inner turmoil.She was clearly terrified. She didn't want this, but there she was, clinging to him."Why?" Lionel's voice was cold, even though her obvious invitation would be hard for any man to resist. But he needed to understand why s
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