"Sir...""Call me by my name."Marcia was overwhelmed by Elijah's predatory gaze, her voice barely a whisper. "This isn't right."Elijah let out a dark chuckle. "Want to switch positions? You prefer being on top?""No, that's not it." Marcia pushed at him, feeling the alarming heat radiating from his body. "Aren't you getting married soon?""And?" Elijah's tone turned cold, a chill creeping into his gaze.Marcia's eyelashes fluttered nervously as his intense gaze closed in on her.The man holding her, with his long frame and refined, almost aloof features, seemed unruffled on the surface, but beneath that calm, his eyes hinted at a dark, inescapable allure.Faced with such a man, Marcia felt her heart sink, a painful tightness building in her chest, and her vision blurred with unbidden tears."Sir, please let me go. I don't want this," she said, her voice thick with emotion. Seeing Elijah's expression darken, she took a shaky breath and continued, "You don't even like me. Please, don'
Elijah's voice was calm, yet with how close they were, Marcia found it hard to believe her ears.She murmured, "What did you just say?"Elijah gave a slight frown. "I don't like repeating myself."Before she could react, he slipped under the blanket beside her, his body radiating heat like a furnace. Marcia instantly stiffened.But Elijah just held her from behind, the two of them quickly breaking into a light sweat.Marcia's heart raced wildly, but he didn't move beyond holding her.Instead, he muttered, "Relax. I'm not some wolf in heat; I can control myself."His words didn't reassure her, though, as she was keenly aware of something pressing against her from behind."Sir...""Call me by my name, at least when we're not at work."His warm breath brushed her ear, the proximity making her heart skip.Marcia hesitated, then began, "Why—""Men don't like it when women talk too much in bed," he interrupted."Does Nicole talk too much?" Marcia blurted out. She felt the tension in his bod
Marcia clutched the bedsheet and hurried back to her room, only to realize she'd left her phone and bag at the police station. Quickly, she changed her clothes and, despite the pain in her foot, rushed to the office.But even Kevin wasn't there.The people at Azure looked surprised to see her, except for Booth, who casually shouted, "Patricia, weren't you on leave?"Marcia grabbed his arm and led him to her office, urgently asking, "How did you know I was on leave? Where's the boss?"Booth chuckled, "Come on, I'm in HR. The boss came in this morning saying you were sick. What are you doing here?"Marcia didn't have time for his chatter and shot him a glare. "He was here this morning? Where is he now?""Oh, just half an hour ago. Someone from the headquarters came, and he was called back for something urgent. Are you alright?" Booth finally noticed her mismatched footwear—a high heel on one foot, a slipper on the other. "Did you just wake up?""Are you sure it was someone from headquar
Marcia had never run so fast in her life.She didn't even glance at Alan's house as she passed it, instead pushing open the front gate and dashing straight into the villa.The relief she felt upon seeing someone sitting in the living room quickly turned into shock and anger."How did you get in here?" Marcia took a couple of instinctive steps back, her face filled with wary disbelief.Alan sat on the couch, his legs crossed, looking drastically thinner, his face gaunt and hollow. He resembled a demon from hell, his eyes cold and venomous, as if he intended to devour her."Patricia, isn't it?"Marcia's voice was icy. "This is a private residence. Leave, or I'll call the police!""Call the police?" Alan sneered, his tone laced with anger. "Ah, I forgot. You're Elijah's fiancée. He does seem to enjoy dealing with the police, doesn't he?"He abruptly stood up and strode toward Marcia. "Well? What are you going to accuse me of this time?"Marcia backed up until she was pressed against the
Marcia clutched her stomach, ceasing her resistance as she laughed bitterly. "So, your mother's dead, is she?"Alan froze at her laughter, his face twisted with rage. "What the hell are you laughing at?""I'm laughing because you're pathetic," Marcia replied coldly, her gaze meeting his without a hint of fear. "You waited until Elijah wasn't home to come here and act tough, didn't you? You're nothing but a coward."Seeing Alan's face darken further, Marcia's voice turned sharper, full of contempt. "You think bullying a woman somehow makes you powerful? YOU'RE A 100% LOSER, Alan. Your mother's death was your fault, not Elijah's! He only gave you a taste of your own medicine. Your mother's death was a result of your own cowardly pride! You weren't willing to humble yourself to save her, and now you blame others? If it were me, I would do anything—even die—if it meant saving my family. You're the one who couldn't swallow his pride. Your mother's life wasn't worth more to you than your fr
Seeing Marcia's disheveled state, Nicole scoffed, "What are you just standing there for? Come over here!"She held her high heel firmly, aiming the pointed heel directly at Alan. His expression shifted from anger to pain as he shouted, "Damn it, you witch!"Marcia quickly scrambled to her feet, clutching her torn clothing around her.Nicole, on the other hand, seemed to get more and more spirited with each hit. Hearing Alan's curses, she spat out angrily, "Coward! Attacking a woman? I've been holding back on you outside, you bastard!"She struck so hard that the heel of her shoe snapped off with a loud crack. Alan seized the chance, grabbing her arm roughly and growling through clenched teeth, "Damn it! I'll teach you a lesson!"Nicole was yanked down, falling to the floor, surprise and panic flashing across her face. "Let go of me, bitch!"Alan's head throbbed from her blows, his vision blurred, and he hadn't even realized that the woman struggling beneath him was the famous actress
Not long after, Nicole pulled the car over and told Marcia to get out. Marcia had no choice—after all, Nicole had saved her, and without hesitation, she followed.However, as soon as they stepped into the room, they were greeted by a group of people, all dressed in trendy, fashionable clothes, gathered around, drinking and playing cards. It was a lively scene.When they appeared, the crowd froze, staring at them in shock."Hey, what's going on here? Halloween already? You look amazing!" one person joked."Nicky, your friend is even more badass than you!" another added."Wait, is that real blood on you, or just ketchup?" someone else asked, eyeing Marcia's appearance.Feeling self-conscious, Marcia tugged at her skirt. Though it was tied in a knot, it was still a few inches shorter than most mini skirts, and she felt utterly embarrassed.Nicole, clearly enjoying the attention, turned her gaze to Marcia and smirked, "You look better than I've ever seen you before."Marcia, aware that sh
Watching Marcia close the door, Chubby asked anxiously, "Nicky, what's going on? Patricia isn't hurt, is she?"Nicole sighed in frustration, "She already said she's fine! Why don't you believe?""How am I supposed to believe it when you two look like that?! Nicky, did you bring her here on purpose? Knowing there'd be a crowd?" Chubby's eyes bulged as he watched Nicole shrug and chuckle, irritated. "Missy, are you out of your mind? You really think Eli's never coming back just because he went to the U.S.?""I saved her! So what if he comes back? He owes me a favor!" Nicole pouted. "Besides, I'm still mad at him! He suddenly went nuts and wanted to break off our engagement. Anyone would think his secretary's better than me, and that's why he dumped me. Hmph!"Chubby laughed, exasperated. "You're still such a child! So immature! But I'll tell you what: saving her today was a good move. Knowing Eli, this'll get you a lot further than your contract marriage ever could!""Ugh... is that wom
Her hand fumbled across the bed, finally reaching the bedside lamp. "You lunatic! It's your fault, not mine. Why do you always blame others? Kate left with someone else—what does that have to do with me? Let go of me!"She rolled her eyes in defiance, but her arms were too weak to resist. Just a little more, and she could grab the lamp...Alan's eyes burned crimson with rage. "It's all your fault! I was fine with Kate before you came along! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have given her to Harold. That bastard said he just wanted her for one night, but now he won't return her! He's no different from Elijah—both beasts! No, fools! Secondhand goods, and yet they enjoy it so much! Is every woman I've been with so desirable? Marcia, tell me—who's better, huh?!"He lost all reason, furiously trying to tear off Marcia's pants. But in his drunken state, he couldn't manage. Frustrated, he pressed against her through her clothes and shouted, "Say it!
Meanwhile, back in his room, Booth snapped out of his daze.Covered in sweat and grime, he had no interest in showering after his conversation with Jane. Instead, he slumped onto the sofa, staring blankly into the distance.It was unclear how long he sat there before irritation drove him to his feet. Booth stormed into the bathroom, peeled off his shirt, and splashed cold water onto his face. Suddenly, something didn't feel right.Jane was staying on the 17th floor—that much he remembered clearly. So why had he seen her waiting for the elevator on the 22nd floor? This was a hotel, not a crowded office building where people often rode the elevator in the wrong direction just to secure a spot.A suspicion crept into Booth's mind—Jane was hiding something from him. He couldn't explain the feeling, but his instincts rarely failed him.Pulling out his phone, he tried calling her, only to find her phone was turned off."Damn it,"
Calvin walked into the hotel lobby and spotted the manager, Charles, speaking on the phone at the front desk.The moment Charles saw Calvin, he hung up immediately and greeted him respectfully. "Sir, would you like me to arrange a car for you?"Calvin raised an eyebrow. "Your efficiency is quite impressive.""My apologies for earlier, sir. I hope you'll forgive us," Charles said with a polite smile.Calvin replied casually, "You were just doing your job, ensuring the guests are taken care of. By the way, she...""Please rest assured, sir. We'll take excellent care of her. Mr. Elijah has already instructed us," Charles responded quickly, knowing exactly who Calvin was referring to.Calvin chuckled. "Seems like he's not too busy in America.""He's just concerned about his wife, that's all. Sir, this way, please. Your car is ready." Charles gestured respectfully. Calvin glanced in the direction Charles indicated, seeing a black Mercedes-Benz van parked at the entrance.Calvin gave Charle
Jane reached out to steady Marcia's back and said softly, "Sir, my name is Jane. May I ask for yours? I joined Sin Corporation the same year as Patricia—quite the coincidence, isn't it?"Calvin frowned slightly at Jane's sudden familiarity but answered curtly, "Calvin."Unbothered by his aloofness, Jane smiled and scanned the room numbers as they walked. "Oh, here it is—2711! Calvin, I almost forgot. Do you have her room card? Without it, we can't get in."After a moment of hesitation, Calvin handed Marcia's bag to Jane. "It should be in her bag. Check inside."Jane accepted the bag cheerfully and rummaged through it. "Found it!"She held up the card and swiped it against the door lock. With a soft beep, the door to 2711 clicked open."Come in, Calvin," Jane said, stepping aside.Calvin nodded and entered quickly, not noticing that Jane discreetly slipped the room card into her own pocket instead of returning it to the bag."Lay her down on the bed," Jane suggested. She glanced at Cal
Calvin didn't drive. Partly because he had been drinking, and partly because it had been a long time since he had been this close to Marcia.Marcia was light as a feather on his back as he slowly carried her toward the hotel.He had grown used to keeping track of Marcia's every move, but her heart had always been out of his reach.As a child, Marcia would cling to his arm with a sweet smile, half-coquettish, half-pleading, as she said, "Calvin, when I grow up, let's get married, okay?"She was just speaking innocent words of a child, but he took them seriously.Her casual remark stayed with him all these years. He had waited for her to grow up, imagining her as his perfect bride. But when she finally did, she showed up holding Alan's hand."Calvin, this is Alan. I...I want to marry him. You're the most important person to me, so you're the first to know," she said.Back then, Alan was a nobody, his humble demeanor barely concealed by his clean, smiling face.Calvin couldn't recall wha
Some people completely lose their memory once they get drunk.After just three glasses of red wine, Marcia had already lost all self-control.Kevin was slightly better off, still holding on to a sliver of rationality as Booth supported him. Kevin managed to exchange a few polite words with Bill and Cliff, ensuring they left the Cote Bistro with the contract in hand.Only after confirming its authenticity did Kevin collapse onto the sofa in the lobby, refusing to move no matter how hard Booth tried.After a chaotic mess, Booth entrusted Kevin to the lobby manager and went back to look for Marcia, only to find Calvin already carrying her. "I'll take her back to the hotel," Calvin said indifferently before striding off.Booth instinctively wanted to follow but was stopped by a waiter. Apparently, someone else had passed out in the private room.Pushing open the door, Booth found Myron slumped awkwardly in a corner, dozing.What's worse than one drunk person? Two drunk people—and worse st
Kevin's eyes were slightly red, but he let out a hearty laugh. "Look at what you're saying. It's an honor for Azure to have you both here today!"With that, he downed another glass of red wine.Marcia hadn't expected him to drink so heavily and looked at him with concern. Just as she was about to intervene, Myron gently shook his head. "Gentlemen, Kevin is like a brother to me. We're mainly here to catch up today, so I won't say too much. Let me also raise a glass to you both! Even though Eli isn't here, I hope you'll consider working with us on my behalf."After speaking, Myron downed his glass in one go. This time, Bill and Cliff clinked glasses with him and took a sip of their own drinks.Bill set his glass down and chuckled. "Myron, I'll toast with you today, but next time, you'd better bring a wife, or marry Nancy already! Otherwise, don't even think about getting me to drink again."Cliff, after finishing his glass, was stopped by Alison, who took over drinking on his behalf.Ma
After laughing, Marcia felt she had been too distant with Calvin, so she smiled at him and said, "Calvin, since you've returned to the country, I haven't properly hosted you. When are you heading back to Liverpool? Let me treat you to a meal before then.""I'll contact you after I get there," Calvin replied with a gentle smile, raising his glass toward her.Marcia nodded firmly and responded enthusiastically, "Alright."Just then, there was a knock at the door.Knock, knock, knock...As they were chatting, Booth pushed the door open and entered."Ma'am, everyone has arrived!" Booth announced.Marcia and Kevin exchanged a glance before quickly heading toward the door. Three individuals entered slowly as introductions were made, and the group exchanged pleasantries before taking their seats with smiles all around.Due to Elijah's influence, the guests were exceptionally polite. Myron also played the perfect mediator, lightening the atmosphere with a few jokes, making everyone laugh.Mar
Calvin looked at Marcia's surprised expression and let a faint smile tug at the corners of his lips. "Are you really that shocked to see me?" he asked softly.Marcia shook her head with a light laugh. "I should be asking you that! You disappeared from the hospital that day without a word. What brings you here?""Elijah personally invited me. It's hard to say no to his invitations, don't you think?" Calvin chuckled. "I'm here representing Shine Glow Group."Kevin, who had been wearing a playful expression, paused for a moment, raising an eyebrow curiously. "SG Group?""The owner of SG, John Linton, is my uncle. He's not feeling well and specifically asked me to attend in his place," Calvin explained, extending a hand toward Kevin. "I'm Calvin, Marcia's childhood friend."Marcia couldn't help but laugh. "We grew up as neighbors. He's closer to me than a real brother. But wait—how did I not know John was your uncle? You don't even share the same last name!""It's through my mother's side