The other side
In the dimly lit room, the atmosphere was hazy and suggestive. The sound of fabric tearing sharply cut through the air as the woman's long dress was ripped by the man's hands, scattering in tatters across the floor.
"Let... let me go..." Chloe's pleas were filled with fear as the man's sudden ferocity and the unbearable heat from his body made her tender skin burn painfully.
Despite knowing she couldn't escape his clutches, she continued to beg, "Please... let me go..." Her voice trembled, and her tear-streaked face was a heart-wrenching sight.
Lionel hesitated for a moment. The woman's delicate, white neck seemed to carry a subtle fragrance, and her trembling, bloodied lips were even more enticing.
Her hands, crossed defensively over her chest, only drew more attention to her seductive allure. Her bare skin was pale and incredibly soft, like that of a fairy.
After a brief hesitation, Lionel lost the last remnants of his rationality to the seductive woman. Like a predator, he swiftly overpowered her.
Never one to kiss women, he found her lips irresistibly tender and sweet, capturing them with precision and taking complete control of her.
Chloe kept her eyes tightly shut, tears streaming down her face. She stubbornly clenched her lips, even as they bled, trying to withstand the physical and emotional humiliation.
The man, wild and bloodthirsty, was drenched in sweat, which streamed from his face down his solid chest and further down.
***
As dawn broke, the room finally fell silent.
Chloe lay curled up, her eyes still shedding unfallen tears, while a thin blanket lay haphazardly over her. Her exposed neck and long, pale legs bore vivid marks—red and purple bruises.
Lionel, his long frame twisted, lay beside her, seemingly cradling her in his arms. His handsome face relaxed into a satisfied expression. The room was littered with clothes, pants, and torn fabric, a chaotic scene revealing the intensity of the previous night's events.
BANG--
Suddenly, footsteps echoed in the corridor, followed by a loud voice as the door was kicked open.
Click, click!
Cameras and phones flashed continuously as a large group of men and women, energized and excited, snapped photos of the chaotic scene.
"How dare you!" The man roared in fury, gripping the sheets tightly.
Startled awake by the commotion, the woman's already pale face turned ghostly white. In a panic, she instinctively pulled the blanket over her head.
But it was too late.
The sudden roar from Lionel made everyone freeze, their shock and amazement palpable. The murderous look in his eyes was unmistakable!
As the crowd snapped out of their stupor and tried to flee, Lionel, moving with lightning speed, blocked their escape route. The group was left stunned, their fear increasing as they realized Lionel's rage.
Just moments ago, the man had been in bed, but now, fully dressed in a bathrobe, he was behind them. No one had seen how he managed it.
"Smash everything!" Lionel, embodying his innate authority, had a face full of murderous intent. His cold, ruthless gaze and the command that followed left no room for disobedience.
Smash—
Smash—
The sound of shattering phones and cameras filled the room, as Lionel's orders were carried out with relentless precision.
"Get out!" His voice, like that of a vengeful demon, made the intruders tremble as they hurriedly fled.
It was clear that these people were not professional journalists.
No one in the media would dare to be so bold as to invade his private space and photograph him in such a compromising situation.
Even if it was just a simple photo or scandalous news about him, no one dared to leak it without his permission.
These intruders were clearly reckless, emerging from the depths of obscurity.
Lionel's attention turned back to the woman on the bed. His sharp eyes locked onto her. The woman, who had been curled up in a ball, had now quickly donned a bathrobe. She stared at him with a cold, proud, and defiant gaze.
Still pretending?
Lionel couldn't help but smile in disdain. This woman had some nerve to challenge him!
He advanced towards the bed, clearly seeing her shoulders tremble. Yet she stood straight, maintaining her composure.
Good, she had guts!
As he neared her, before he could make any move, the woman threw a wad of cash at him. "No need to look for me. Consider this a reward for your efforts last night."
Chloe, who had always held herself with pride, was not one to beg. Last night, she had felt humiliated begging him, only for this beastly man to still take advantage of her.
Men, besides her father, were all the same!
If that was the case, why should she show weakness in front of him? She treated him as if he were merely a paid escort for a wild night!
Lionel stood stunned for a moment, his usually sharp intellect momentarily short-circuited. It dawned on him—had he been hired for a night of service? His face turned a deep shade of anger.
The white-clad figure had already darted toward the door. All he saw was her slender back, which seemed to carry the fragrance of flowers..
"Ha…" Lionel's lips curled into a twisted smile. Looking at the few bills scattered at his feet, his smile widened.
The president of K International Group, a figure at the pinnacle of power, had his night reduced to mere pieces of paper?
The woman had some nerve!
A sinister, bloodthirsty look crossed Lionel's handsome face. Though he had been unconscious of his actions last night, he had sensed that she was still a virgin.
But now… Lionel, the heir of the Williams, had his nearly 30-year-old pride destroyed by this woman.
To add insult to injury, she had treated him like a gigolo!
Well, well. Very well!
He would wait for this audacious woman to come to her senses and face the consequences!
"Barton, find out about the escort at Paradiso…" Lionel made a call, his eyes chillingly cold. This matter was far from over.
With his keen insight, he could sense that someone was out to get him, and they seemed unable to hold back any longer!
Chloe's legs trembled as she returned home, grateful that her mother and brother had already left, sparing them from witnessing her disheveled state. She filled the bathtub with steaming hot water and sank into it, allowing herself a moment of weakness in the small, confined space.As she stared at the bruises on her body, memories of last night's chaotic events flooded back, and scalding tears fell, mingling with the warm water. She couldn't understand why her life had taken such a disastrous turn. It must have started when she caused her father's death. She killed him, and now even the heavens were punishing her. Betrayed by both her boyfriend and her sister, as if that weren't enough, she had inexplicably ended up in bed with a stranger.She felt too ashamed to face anyone."Chloe..." Her father's bloodstained hand had grasped hers as he stroked her face with his dying breath. "My darling... I'm leaving... This family... depends on you now... Take care of your mother... take care o
Chloe was overwhelmed with worry about raising money, unaware that the internet and media were already in a frenzy.Shortly after noon, headlines like "Lionel Williams, CEO of K International Group, Spotted with Flora Miler at Paradiso" along with a series of photos started appearing online. Although Flora's face was blurred out, the news spread like wildfire.The public was in an uproar.Lionel Williams was the dream man of millions, admired for his near-godlike perfection. The sudden revelation of such a scandal involving him was shocking and unacceptable to many.Some sympathetic fans tried to defend Lionel, but the majority were relentless in their condemnation, hurling insults like "hypocrite," "shameless," and "disgusting."Posts and comments spread rapidly, intensifying the controversy. The internet was nearly brought to a standstill, and K International Group's stock took a significant hit.Lionel, caught completely off guard, was furious.He had personally witnessed his men d
Flora's surgery was over, and she woke up on the third day.Her eyes were vacant, her face paler than paper, and her lips were cracked and peeling. She clutched the blanket tightly around her, leaving only her face exposed, staring blankly at the ceiling, saying nothing. She didn't even drink when offered water, as if she had completely lost her mind.Blood transfusions and IV drips kept flowing into her, but no matter how much Donna coaxed her, Flora remained silent.Chloe and their mother were beside themselves with worry and went to ask the doctor what was going on. But the doctor was evasive, unwilling to say much. He only mentioned that Flora's illness was severe, affecting her nerves, and urged them to prepare the money for treatment and keep her calm. Any shock could be fatal.In the evening, a girl in the same hospital room was browsing the internet on her tablet when she suddenly exclaimed, "Oh my god! Lionel is getting married!"At the mention of Lionel's name, Flora's vacan
Hasn't she already slept with her man? Isn't she still standing here just fine? If Flora wanted her life, Chloe would probably let her take it without resistance, Chloe thought. It's what she owe... let it be... whatever comes, she'll take it.There was no sound from Flora, only the chilling sound of her laughter, tears streaming down her face as she laughed, her entire body shaking.Chloe watched her silently, waiting for her to release her emotions. Words of comfort wouldn't come out; since their father passed away, Chloe found herself becoming more cold-hearted."Chloe... I hate you!" Flora finally screamed.She knew it! She had always known!Chloe remained silent, waiting for her to continue."Lionel Williams, the president of K International Group, publicly announced that he wants to marry me... haha..." Flora trembled violently, her face as pale as a sheet, twisted in a grotesque expression."Congratulations!" Chloe said calmly, though her heart was in turmoil. Marrying into wea
"I want YOU to marry him!" Flora repeated, her gaze shifting from the ceiling to Chloe, filled with resentment and bitterness."No, that's impossible!" Chloe shot to her feet. Yes, she feared Flora's death, but she wouldn't allow herself to be manipulated. "Flora, are you out of your mind? Isn't he the man you've always wanted to marry?"Something about Chloe's words set Flora off. The moment she finished speaking, Flora burst into another round of loud, heart-wrenching sobs.Chloe was stunned. Could an illness really change someone's personality so drastically? In her memory, Flora had always been a tough, calculating character, not someone who would cry so easily."I want you to marry him. Will you do it or not?" Flora demanded between sobs, her eyes fixed on Chloe."I won't!"What new trick was Flora trying to pull? Wasn't Chloe already suffering enough? Did she really need to force her to marry the man who had destroyed her life?Chloe made up her mind—she would rather die than ma
Cold. Chloe's entire body felt as if it were enduring the chill of a midwinter night. She was like a solitary leaf trembling in the wind, on the brink of falling.Chloe knew very well that taking Flora's place in this marriage would mean the end of her own life.From that moment on, she would have to live under Flora's name, and the person known as Chloe—both in name and in existence—would disappear completely.So be it. This was the tragedy of being Chloe.The ivy crawled up the walls, its leaves so densely packed and vibrantly green that they almost glistened in the light, their life force palpable as they swayed in the breeze. Such was the brilliant life of the ivy. And her life? It was all shades of gray."Miss Flora!" A low male voice called from behind her.Chloe tensed, her hand gripping the ivy frozen in midair.Was he calling her? No, it couldn't be. She was Chloe! The thought flashed through her mind instinctively."Miss Flora!" The man called again.Yes, he was indeed calli
Chloe slowly turned around. Amos stood a short distance behind her.Flora's expression remained cold and detached as her gaze briefly swept over Amos. She then continued walking forward as if he didn't exist.Amos's eyes were filled with anger. How dare this woman ignore him! He vividly remembered the time when she clung to him like a delicate bird.Recalling the scene he just witnessed, his fists clenched, and his eyes reddened with fury. Watching her walk away, he shouted at her retreating figure, "You'd rather sell yourself than look at me! How could you be so cheap?"Chloe froze, biting her lip as she stopped in her tracks. She didn't turn around, gripping the fabric of her sleeve tightly. Treating his words like the barking of a stray dog, she resumed walking.Amos was utterly enraged by her indifference. "Is money all you care about? Fine! If you're selling, then sell yourself to me! I'll pay you double what you asked for!"This damned woman! He loved her so much, but she tossed
Inside the house, the luxurious decor and grand setting were immediately apparent. The large curtains of the massive glass windows were drawn back, revealing the shimmering pool outside and a vast front garden filled with exotic flowers. The servants seemed to have been specially trained, moving with identical grace and rhythm.A woman in her fifties, dressed in a sharp blue suit, approached Chloe. Her eyes were full of shrewdness and efficiency. The other maids and servants bowed respectfully as she passed, then went back to their duties of cleaning and polishing."Madam, I'm the housekeeper here. You can call me Grace," the woman said, her sharp gaze assessing Chloe. Although she addressed her as "Madam," there was no respect in her eyes—only a cold, detached indifference."Grace," Chloe replied casually, not bothered by Grace's frosty demeanor. She hadn't expected to be respected upon entering this house anyway.The moment she stepped into the house, Chloe felt a deep chill creepin
As Chloe left the art center with Lisa at the end of the workday, they lingered at the entrance for a moment before Marcus arrived."Chloe, thank you so much…" Marcus said warmly as he stepped out of his car, his gratitude evident in his smile."It was nothing," Chloe replied, her lips curving into a faint smile. She couldn't help but take a moment to observe Marcus. Despite the time that had passed, he was still the same man she once knew—handsome, charming, and exuding an aura that made him an ideal partner in the eyes of many women.Yet, behind that polished exterior lay a man who had endured the pain of losing his beloved wife at such a young age. It took extraordinary strength to bury that grief and carry on with his responsibilities."I truly don't know how to thank you," Marcus said, his voice touched with emotion."There's no need," Chloe replied, waving her hands dismissively. "I enjoy spending time with Lisa.""Lisa, i
Florence was shopping at the mall. Joanna had returned, and she wanted to pick out an outfit as a gift for her.Having grown up together, they shared similar tastes in brands and styles. Their clothing was always high-end, limited edition pieces that highlighted the elegance and prestige of their upbringing. The kind of outfits that, when worn, exuded sophistication and grace, ensuring they became the center of attention wherever they went.A group of sales assistants hovered around Florence, their golden customer, tirelessly recommending items and gesturing enthusiastically. But Florence was someone with her own strong opinions. No matter how sweetly the saleswomen smiled or how honeyed their words were, Florence remained unmoved unless she truly liked what she saw."Well, shopping for clothes, are we?" A tall figure suddenly appeared, blocking Florence's view.Florence looked up and was greeted by Alex's radiant, sunshine-like smile.Alex?! What
Before Chloe found herself in Orchard Village, Flora had already shown signs of mental instability. Due to Chloe's disappearance and Donna's failure to secure a reputable hospital in time, Flora was admitted to a psychiatric institution.That afternoon, Chloe and Donna visited Flora at the hospital. Flora looked significantly thinner and was still in the same state as before—vacant, with a silly grin on her face.Clutching a pillow tightly, she repeatedly called it "baby." When she saw Chloe, her gaze turned dark and menacing. Pointing a trembling finger at Chloe, she lunged forward, screaming, "You evil woman! You killed my child! I'll strangle you!"Several doctors rushed in and restrained her just in time, preventing her nails from scratching Chloe's face.Did Flora still recognize her?Chloe studied Flora's pale face as the doctors held her down. Flora's constant struggling twisted her features grotesquely. Only after being administered a
In the morning, Lionel opened the car door as usual and stepped into his Maybach, ready to head to work."Lion, wait for me."Joanna called out, striding over in a chic plaid winter dress paired with a pure white cashmere vest and knee-high boots. Her wavy hair swayed in the crisp morning breeze with every step.Lionel paused. Joanna met his cold gaze as she confidently slid into the Maybach."Starting today, I'll be working at K Group,"Joanna declared, brushing her hair back casually. Her delicate features, perfectly complemented by just the right amount of makeup, exuded sophistication, elegance, and allure—a vision of beauty capable of capturing any man's attention."Are you joking?"Lionel frowned, his gaze brushing over her charming face without betraying any emotion."I'm serious! With my dual doctorates, do you really think I'm not qualified? Or would you rather I consult Grandfather about this?"Joanna replied con
Chloe's body stiffened, her shy smile frozen on her face. It had been about ten minutes since Joanna had called for them, and Chloe had assumed she had already gone downstairs. Who would have thought Joanna was still waiting here!Chloe wasn't used to being affectionate with Lionel in front of others.She immediately tried to pry Lionel's hands off her waist, but he tightened his grip instead, his hold becoming even more possessive as if to show off."Lion, Chloe, I thought you didn't hear me," Joanna said with a radiant smile as she gazed at the two of them. The blush on Chloe's cheeks, her slightly swollen lips, and Lionel's brooding, unsatisfied expression were all captured in her perceptive gaze. "Did I... interrupt something?" She stepped back awkwardly, giving way at the door."Oh, no, not at all," Chloe quickly responded, her face flushing even more as Lionel kept his silence, his darkened expression betraying his mood. Unlike him, Chloe wasn't rud
"Come on, let's get back inside. You're practically turning into an icicle!" Lionel wrapped Chloe in his arms, clasping her delicate hands in his large, warm ones. Holding each other close, they headed into the house, completely ignoring Florence and Joanna standing behind them."Joanna, did you see that? He's not the man he used to be anymore! Even with you here, it's like you don't exist," Florence murmured."How could this happen?" Joanna muttered in disbelief, watching the pair walk away. Shaking her head, she tried to process what she was seeing.Lionel's reaction was not what she had expected. Back when she returned to the country, she had braced herself for his anger, ready to endure his scolding no matter how harsh it was—because she knew she was in the wrong. Yet, all he did was utter a faint grunt, barely glancing at her face before walking away with Chloe in his arms.She wasn't just anyone; she was Joanna! At the very least, he should've
In the hall, two people chatted idly, while Chloe sat alone on the second-floor terrace. She could hear Grace constantly instructing the servants—preparing this, tidying that—and specifically reminding them to make the room on the third floor as comfortable as possible for Joanna.Joanna isn't just a guest here? She has her own room? Chloe frowned slightly, recalling a memory. Once, she had tried to go up to the third floor to sleep, but the moment her hand touched the doorknob, Grace had slapped it away, snapping at her, "That room isn't for you!"So that room belongs to Joanna, Chloe thought wryly.As she sat idly on the terrace, a sudden sound of piano music floated down from the third floor. Startled, Chloe stood up. It wasn't surprising that the Williams family had a piano, but what did surprise her was that she hadn't noticed it until now.The piano notes were crisp and clear, melodious and captivating, played by someone who was clearly a master. Chloe, who hadn't touched a pian
When Lionel came out, he saw Chloe smiling foolishly in the direction of the hall entrance. He looked around but couldn't spot Alex anywhere, so he turned to Chloe and asked, "Where's Alex?""He's gone," Chloe replied with a soft smile, maintaining her earlier posture.Lionel immediately pulled Chloe into his arms. His dark, obsidian-like eyes locked onto her face. "What exactly are you and Florence plotting?"With his sharp instincts, he was certain there was a secret between Chloe and Florence. And the mastermind behind it all might very well be this woman with the smile that concealed a blade."Nothing!" Chloe flatly denied."Really nothing?" Lionel gritted his teeth as his eyes darkened. "I have plenty of ways to make you talk." Bending down, he scooped Chloe into his arms and carried her upstairs.The days had been so blissful that Chloe hadn't noticed how quickly time passed. Before she knew it, winter had arrived.One morning, as Chloe stepped out of the hall, she came face-to-
Lionel was fuming as he returned to the hospital room. Without a word, he tucked Chloe back into the blankets. Though his expression was grim, his movements remained gentle."Lion, I just—""Don't talk. Close your eyes and rest!"Chloe wanted to explain, but Lionel cut her off domineeringly before she could finish.Fine, she knew he was just worried about her.Chloe didn't protest further. She obediently lay back, reaching out to grab Lionel's hand, her fingers playfully tracing over his palm. Truthfully, she was trying to placate him, hoping to ease his anger.Lionel was furious that Chloe had left her bed when she was supposed to be resting, but even more so that she'd gone to see the man who had nearly caused her death.She was truly thoughtless, completely ignoring his feelings.Fine, he'd just bring her home where she'd be safe!As he thought this, her soft, delicate fingers wrapped around his hand, instantly softening his mood. Sitting beside her bed, Lionel's face relaxed as he