Just as he finished speaking, the doorbell rang.Given his previous experiences of being turned away, Zane didn't immediately open the door. Instead, he looked through the peephole.Outside stood two men in suits.On the phone, his wife, Lily, was still speaking hesitantly, clearly frightened.The doorbell rang again, making Zane jump. He said, "Don't do anything; I have something to deal with here."He hung up and then opened the door."Who are you?"One of the men in suits extended his hand with a smile. "Hello, Mr. Looney. I'm Desmond, the executive assistant of the CEO of DK Group. This is lawyer Charles Dean. We have something we need to discuss with you. Is this a convenient time?"Zane looked at them warily. They weren't the landlords here to evict him, so what did they want?Zane stepped aside. "Come in."Desmond nodded slightly and entered the house with Charles.Seated on the sofa, Charles placed two documents on the coffee table.Zane asked, "What are these?"Desmond smiled
When Aveline returned home, she immediately received a call from Selena."My beautiful Ave, I'm almost back. Is there anything you want to eat? The food here is quite good."Selena's cheerful voice came through.Aveline had been worried about Selena's injury, but hearing her lively voice put her at ease."Just bring whatever you think is good. I'm fine with anything," Aveline replied with a smile.Selena said, "Alright, I'll pick out your favorites.""Okay," Aveline agreed, sitting on the sofa with a water cup, and putting the call on speaker. "Is your injury fully healed?""Mm-hmm," Selena responded. "Of course, I've had my fun and need to get back to you. Otherwise, what if someone else takes my place?"Aveline laughed. "No way, you're my one and only.""Really? Can I tell Lucas that? Will he kill me if I do?" Selena teased.Aveline replied, "He wouldn't dare."Selena continued, "Wow, listen to you. It sounds like you've got him wrapped around your finger. Tell me what happened while
Upon hearing this, Lucas' expression turned icy.She thought he would use others to coerce Zane into compliance?In her mind, was he really that kind of person?Lucas' tone became even colder. "Aveline, you always say I don't trust you. What about you?""What?" Aveline was stunned, but Lucas didn't give her an answer and hung up the phone.Aveline stared at the disconnected call, blinking unconsciously.What did he mean by that?Was he saying she didn't trust him?Aveline pressed her lips together, refusing to believe she was wrong.When had he ever done anything to earn her trust?She smirked sarcastically and decided not to dwell on it any longer.As the sky gradually darkened, the lights in the CEO's office were bright as day, but Lucas' expression was extremely grim.His phone rang, and although he initially didn't want to answer, a thought crossed his mind, making his eyes flicker.However, when he saw the caller ID was Frederick, his expression darkened again."Hello, Dad."Frede
Thinking about how Sophia immediately brought up the car accident from two years ago when she saw Lucas, using it as leverage, made him feel disgusted.Was this how a savior should act?Moreover, the exact details of that car accident were still uncertain.The two men headed straight to the Noble Color bar.On the first floor, people were reveling in the night. Lucas sat by the window, observing the lively scene below. His fingers held a glass of wine, and he drank one after another.Aaron watched his cold demeanor and couldn't help but click his tongue. "Why are you drinking alone? What’s got you so upset?"Lucas glanced at him and suddenly asked, "Why does Aveline insist on divorcing me?"His gaze fell on the glass, his tone growing colder. "What's so bad about being married to me?"He had elevated her status, given her the things she had once desperately pursued, and they were perfectly compatible in bed.He couldn't understand why she wanted a divorce.Aaron saw his love-stricken s
Recalling their unpleasant phone conversation earlier, Aveline was reluctant to open the door. However, it was already late at night, and his demeanor suggested that he would keep knocking until she answered.With a sigh, she opened the door. "What do you want now...?" she began, but her words were cut off as his tall body leaned in, his hot hands cupping her face, and he kissed her fervently.His weight was overwhelming, the intensity of his presence making her involuntarily retreat. Finally, her legs hit the sofa, and her knees buckled, causing her to fall onto it.Lucas never released her the entire time.His kisses were scorching, his breath entangling with hers as if he wanted to consume her completely.Gradually, Aveline began to falter.Her eyes turned red at the corners, and her body softened. She felt her nightgown being pushed up to her waist, which jolted her back to awareness."Lucas..." she murmured his name.He reeked of alcohol, his breath hot and searing against her s
Aveline struggled more fiercely, not wanting to stay in this position or be so close to him.He wasn't Lu!The moment he regained his memories, Lu was gone!Her eyes grew hot, and her voice trembled. "Lucas, get up."Lucas sensed something was off in her tone. He raised his head to look at her, his fingers brushing her tears away gently."Ave, you're crying."His voice was deep and gentle, making Aveline momentarily feel as if they were back six months ago.Just that one sentence shattered the hard walls she had built around her heart, and her emotions surged forth, tears streaming uncontrollably.Lucas visibly panicked, bending down to kiss away each tear with extreme tenderness.Taking advantage of the moment, Aveline shoved him away and dashed to the bedroom!She locked the door, her heartbeat thundering in her ears!Leaning against the door, she panted heavily, tears still falling. She quickly went to the bathroom to splash her face with cold water, trying to calm herself down.She
Feeling thirsty, Aveline got up to get some water. When she opened the door, she noticed the living room light was still on, and Lucas was stretched out on the sofa. His arm was draped over his eyes, covering half his face.Aveline paused. He hadn’t left?The sofa was a small three-seater, and his height made it impossible for him to lie comfortably. He looked like he might roll off if he wasn’t careful.She poured a glass of water, drinking as she watched him.Apparently hearing her, Lucas lowered his arm and looked at her with half-closed eyes.Setting the glass down, Aveline suddenly asked, "Lucas, you've been avoiding our past, but tonight you showed a side of yourself from before. Are you trying to make me give up on the bet and the idea of divorce?"Lucas sat up, his shirt now creased. Adjusting to the light, he stared straight at her.Aveline’s heart sank a little more.Lucas’ lips curled into a faint smile, "You fall for it, don’t you?"So that was it!He would do anything to
Lucas' breathing grew heavier. "Shall we finish what we started?"Aveline's body had already turned weak, yet she glared at him, still resisting.If she was reluctant, it wouldn’t be enjoyable for either of them. This kind of thing required mutual consent for ultimate satisfaction.Feeling displeased, Lucas caressed her face. "Aveline, don’t force me, okay?"Aveline felt a cold shiver envelop her. She lightly bit her lip and turned her head away, her resistance still evident.Seeing the blush on her cheek, Lucas felt a surge of desire. He leaned in and kissed her, releasing her hands and unbuckling his belt.The sound of the belt buckle made Aveline’s breath hitch. He was going to use force!Fear tightened every muscle in her body.But soon, she heard his low breaths in her ear, and he occasionally kissed her earlobe and cheek.His eyes resembled a predator eyeing its prey.Realizing what he was doing, Aveline blushed even more.Women would get aroused too, especially after some forepl
“What gossip?” Aveline's interest was instantly piqued, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Gernard.Gernard leaned in conspiratorially, about to spill the juicy details. “It’s about Brother. You won’t believe what happened today…”“Ahem!”Before he could finish, Gavin appeared, clearing his throat just loud enough to interrupt. He grabbed Gernard’s arm, pulling him away. “Let’s talk about the company,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.Gernard protested, “Brother, wait, I wasn’t finished!”Aveline, her curiosity fully ignited, took a couple of steps forward. “Hey bros, don’t leave me hanging! Finish the story first!”Without slowing down, Gavin replied, “He’s headed to South Africa soon. Work comes first.”“South Africa?” Gernard’s jaw dropped. “Wait, since when am I going to South Africa? I didn’t hear about this! What’s going on?”Aveline stopped in her tracks, equally puzzled. “South Africa? Does the Cooper family even have projects there?”Just then, Wilfried walked
"Got too much free time on your hands?" Gavin’s cold gaze fixed on Gernard.Unbothered, Gernard strolled over and patted his brother's shoulder, grinning. "So, what’s your plan now? I got a little bored and did some digging on the Quin family. Guess what? Turns out they’re Selena’s birth family. She left them ages ago to make it on her own, but the girl you were with? That’s Jolie Quin, the pampered princess of the family."With a knowing smirk, Gernard added, "Brother, I couldn’t help but notice—Jolie and Selena do look a bit alike. Could that be why you…?""Get lost," Gavin cut him off, not in the mood for Gernard’s teasing. He brushed past him, heading downstairs.Of course, that only fueled Gernard’s enthusiasm. "Hey, don’t walk away! I haven’t finished my gossip yet!" he called after him, but the conversation came to an abrupt end as they reached the main floor, where the guests were still gathered for the celebration....Aveline noticed Selena seemed a bit distracted and asked,
One of Jolie’s long, slender legs was exposed to the cool air, and Gavin’s fingers instinctively tightened, as if they could still feel the smoothness of her thigh under his grip. His gaze darkened, though his expression only grew colder. His sharp, chiseled features gave him a distant, unapproachable aura—a man who seldom smiled and whose demeanor warned others to stay away.He was cold, almost like an ice block."Debt’s owed," he said flatly, tossing out the two words before sitting on the sofa and picking up the phone to make a call.Jolie blinked in surprise, processing what he said. Debt owed?Was that something you could even keep on hold?But thinking about it, he probably didn’t need anything right now. So, if he wanted to leave the debt hanging, so be it.Stretching lazily, Jolie sat up and said, "Have someone bring me a change of clothes."With that, she pulled the blanket aside, slowly rising from the bed despite the discomfort between her legs and headed toward the bathro
As the effects of the drug finally began to fade, Jolie lay exhausted on the bed, her body drenched in sweat. Her skin, especially across her delicate shoulder blades, bore faint marks from their encounter and her breath ragged as it brushed against her own back. Her vision was hazy, and she barely had the strength to speak."I... I’m fine now... you can stop," she murmured, her voice weak and broken from the strain of what had just happened.The madness of moments before still pulsed through her, the aftershocks of it lingering in her body. She never expected that grabbing a random man for help would lead to this, nor did she expect him to have such relentless stamina.Yet, the man behind her didn’t stop. He didn’t respond either. His large hands remained firmly gripped around her slender waist as if he were trying to squeeze the very breath from her."Stop... I told you to stop, didn’t you hear me?" Jolie’s anxiety spiked as he continued. What was wrong with him? They’d agreed he was
Gavin said nothing and simply hung up the phone, his expression darkening by the second.Behind him, Jolie’s soft, pained whimpers filled the air. She was writhing on the bed, her delicate skin flushed a faint pink.Gavin clenched his jaw, tugging at his tie. It had already loosened from when she’d pulled on it earlier, and with a rough yank, it came completely undone. Frustration simmered beneath his calm exterior.Where was Selena? She was supposed to be finding help, but she still hadn’t returned.His frown deepened as he reached for the door, ready to leave."Please… help me…"Her desperate voice, laced with a hint of a sob, echoed from behind him. The softness of it hit him like a lit match to his chest, sparking a heat he wasn’t used to feeling. "Please… I’ll pay you… I won’t take it for free…" Jolie’s voice broke as tears streamed down her face. She was sobbing now, her words dripping with helplessness and shame, as if offering him money would somehow make her request more bear
"Stop moving," Gavin growled in a low voice.But Jolie, completely under the control of the drugs, was acting purely on instinct, seeking out what her body craved most. She didn’t register his words at all. Instead of stopping, she slipped her hand inside his shirt, feeling the hard muscles of his chest."Mm..." Jolie let out a soft sound, whether from the satisfying feel of his muscles or because the touch of his skin intensified the drug’s effects, it wasn’t clear.Gavin's breathing became heavier. He couldn’t stay here any longer—this drugged and irrational woman could do anything at this point, and there was no telling what she’d attempt next.Quickly surveying his surroundings, Gavin spotted a quieter route. Without hesitation, he carried Jolie out through the back door, re-entering the villa through another entrance. He headed upstairs and slipped into the nearest empty room, laying her down on the bed.Just as he moved to leave, Jolie, still hazy and half-conscious, sensed his d
"Let… let me go!" Jolie struggled with all her might, but the drugs were quickly sapping her strength, leaving her powerless to break free.The man, too impatient to care, ignored her pleas and began dragging her toward the back exit."Hey! She told you to let her go. Are you deaf?" A sharp voice suddenly cut through the air.The man froze, startled, and looked up to see a girl standing not far away."Who the hell are you? This has nothing to do with you. Get lost!" He snapped, not recognizing Selena, his tone turning nasty.Selena’s expression grew colder as she took in Jolie’s disheveled state. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and slapped the man hard across the face, then yanked Jolie away from him."Letting yourself fall into the hands of this scum? Where’s your fight?" Selena said sharply.Jolie’s blurry consciousness flickered at the sound of her familiar voice. When she realized it was Selena, her tensed body finally relaxed, leaning heavily into her for support."Take me
Jolie watched Selena’s retreating figure and shook her head in frustration. What could she do? Selena’s emotional wounds ran deep, and no matter what Jolie tried, it seemed impossible to bridge the gap between them.Returning to the party, she glanced around at the crowd of men and women mingling with champagne flutes in hand, but her mind wasn’t on the event. She casually picked up a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and sipped it slowly.What she didn’t notice was a man standing across the room, watching her. As she drank, his eyes darkened, and he licked his lips suggestively.After finishing about half the glass, Jolie started feeling strange. Her body was growing weak, her skin hot and feverish, and a strange itchiness spread through her veins.Her brows furrowed in confusion. What was happening? She headed toward the restroom, but as she rounded a corner, her legs gave out, and she had to grab the wall for support to keep from collapsing."Did someone drug me?" she murmu
Maria looked at the two little ones, absolutely delighted, and then turned to Aveline. "I’ve got some happy news to share as well."Selena guessed, "You're pregnant?"Maria nodded. "That’s right."Selena gave her a thumbs-up. "Wow, that was fast! You said it and made it happen."Maria smiled. "I couldn’t fall too far behind. I need to make sure my kid has the best opportunities and chances, right?" With their babies close in age to Ethan and Emma, Maria thought it would be perfect for them to grow up together, maybe even become childhood sweethearts.She looked at Selena and asked, "Weren’t you eager at first too? Why haven’t you made any moves yet?"Selena sighed. "I’m not sure. Honestly, I’m a little scared."Maria reassured her, "Take your time, no rush."Selena got up and left the room, heading outside for some fresh air. Seeing Aveline go through the struggles of pregnancy and the dangers of childbirth genuinely frightened her. On top of that, she worried she wouldn’t be a good m