The wide road was bustling with traffic, cars flowing in an endless stream, the noise overwhelming.Alexander paid no heed to the danger around him, a wild beast on the loose, weaving through the cars and aggressively overtaking one after another.His injured right leg seemed to have lost all feeling, mechanically pressing the accelerator to the floor as the engine roared with a dull growl.The car shot forward like an arrow released from its bow, the sharp blasts of horns piercing the air, one after another, as if warning him of his reckless actions."Beep, beep, beep."Alexander's eyes seemed to burn with flames, fixated on the road ahead, veins bulging on his temples, his face an awful shade of deep blue.Every vein in his body appeared to pulse with furious energy.Over and over in his mind, he told himself that he had to catch up to Gavin, that he absolutely could not let him escape. That resolve burned within him like the only light in the dark.He was almost there, ready to ove
The luxurious VIP room exuded an air of decadence, with dim lighting and an atmosphere thick with opulence. Soft couches, expensive drinks, and priceless artworks adorning the walls all showcased the wealth of the place.But the mood inside the room was now shattered by a vulgar, overweight man."Bitch, did I tell you to come over here? Are you deaf?" The man's bloated face trembled with rage, spitting as he yelled, his voice grating and coarse.This was the second week he had specifically requested this mute woman, but she still ignored him, which had bruised his ego deeply.He had thought that spending more money would make it easy to get her into bed, but her lack of cooperation infuriated him.With a clenched fist, he slammed it on the table, making the wine glasses rattle. If it weren't for the bar's policy against forcing the staff, he would have already thrown her down on the table.If she kept rejecting him, wouldn't all this money be wasted? He refused to accept that, at the
The moment Laura's gaze met that of the handsome man, his expression momentarily froze, as if startled by the panicked girl before him.But just as quickly, he regained his composure. A flicker of disdain passed through his eyes—like a cold blade sweeping across Laura—before he frowned slightly, straightened his long legs, and left without looking back.After the man left, Laura stood rooted to the spot, lingering in a daze for a long while before finally snapping out of it.She instinctively touched her chest, trying to calm the rapid beating of her heart, silently berating herself for losing focus. Why had I been staring at him like that? How rude...Before she could recover, she suddenly heard hurried footsteps and heavy breathing behind her.Laura turned in fear, and there he was—the grotesque, snarling man. Panic gripped her heart, and she couldn't afford to hesitate. Without a second thought, she turned and fled.In her haste, her head was lowered, and she collided once again wi
Throughout the journey, Laura sat on edge, her body tense, her hands awkwardly clasped in her lap, her eyes occasionally glancing out the window, trying to ease her anxiety. Leroy, on the other hand, kept his gaze fixed ahead, his deep eyes emotionless, focused on driving as if nothing around him mattered.The car slowly stopped in front of a luxurious, high-end hotel. Leroy led Laura into a suite, where the room was decorated opulently, with plush carpets that felt soft beneath the feet.Leroy walked straight to the wardrobe, grabbed a bathrobe, and tossed it at Laura. His voice was cold, each word deliberate: "Take a shower."Instinctively, Laura reached out to catch the robe. Her fingers brushed the soft fabric, but her heart was filled with shock and humiliation. She bit her lip, frozen in place, her eyes filled with inner struggle and helplessness. She longed to tell him that she wasn't the person he thought she was.Leroy frowned, his expression growing impatient. He pointed to
For the past few months, a heavy gloom has hung over Valleybrook. Beneath the calm surface, undercurrents of turmoil churn. First, a sudden and devastating car accident left Alexander severely injured and unconscious, lying in a hospital bed, fighting for his life. His fate hung by a thread, and everyone around him was gripped with anxiety.Then, like a stone thrown into a still pond, a bombshell dropped—DA Group declared bankruptcy, only to be quietly acquired by a mysterious company.This monumental business change rippled out like a butterfly effect, triggering a chain reaction across the global economy. Stock markets faltered, chaos spread across industries, and countless lives and careers were swept up in the economic storm.Thankfully, Alexander clung to life with tenacity, pulling himself back from the brink of death.However, the accident left him with severe nerve damage in both legs, leaving him paralyzed. In his hospital room, his eyes appeared hollow and dazed, lost in a d
The moment Hermosa's gaze met Alexander's, her pupils shrank in disbelief. She covered her mouth, tears welling in her eyes, her heart aching with shock and sorrow. The man before her was a far cry from the vibrant image she had in her memories.He was thin, with protruding cheekbones that made him seem fragile, as if a gust of wind could knock him over. His thick stubble grew wildly, covering the once-defined jawline, and his deep-set eyes had sunk, as though swallowed by darkness, no longer reflecting the vitality he once had.Hermosa's gaze slowly dropped to his lifeless legs, and the tears she had fought so hard to suppress spilled uncontrollably. Her body trembled as she stumbled to his side. Her knees gave way, and she collapsed to the floor."Alex, how did you end up like this?" she cried, her voice breaking as she tightly grasped his hand, full of sorrow and pity. "Please, get better. Go for treatment, okay? You can't keep living like this."Her eyes were filled with concern a
The next day, Hermosa packed her things and left. The villa suddenly felt even more silent.Alexander didn't go to see her off. Leaning against the large sofa, he silently drank his alcohol, his eyes slightly narrowed, as the frustration within him lingered, refusing to fade.He didn't know how much he had drunk. Bottles were scattered all over the floor. As he drank, his mind slowly started to unravel, but sadly, his consciousness remained sharp. Why couldn't this alcohol make him forget the pain?He had no interest in dealing with work—the company was already in complete disarray. He spent his days in the darkness, wallowing in despair.One disappointment after another. One discouragement after another.In his dreams, the same scene repeated over and over.His Phoebe had come back. He held her tightly in his arms, kissed her, and kept whispering apologies."Please, please, don't hurt my child… Don't..." In her sleep, Phoebe furrowed her brow, her face pale, her body uncontrollably t
Phoebe slowly closed her eyes, and before long, soft and even breathing filled the room.Gavin quietly watched her, her peaceful and serene sleeping face making his lips curve into an involuntary smile. He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, moving slowly as if afraid to disturb her. Afterward, he straightened up, turned off the light, and silently left the room.As the door softly clicked shut, Phoebe's eyes slowly opened.She gently turned over, instinctively pulling the blanket tighter around her, as if doing so could keep all her fears at bay. Gavin had always been like a guardian angel, constantly by her side, unwavering in his support.Whenever she found herself in a hopeless situation, surrounded by darkness, Gavin was always the first to break through the gloom, shining light into her world, bringing warmth and hope.How could such a thoughtful, gentle, and caring man not make her heart flutter? The happiness she longed fo
Alexander poured out all the pent-up emotions and desire he had been holding back for so long, only releasing Phoebe when he finally felt a sliver of satisfaction.He lifted his head slightly, his gaze lingering with a hint of hunger as he warned in a low voice, "You'd better behave. Or else, you know exactly what I'll do."Truthfully, if it weren't for the fact that guests would soon be leaving the banquet and coming to retrieve their cars, he wouldn't have hesitated to take her right then and there in the cramped backseat. After years of deprivation, the craving for her was like a tidal wave—how could a few short hours possibly quench it?"You—" Phoebe was both furious and flustered. Anger and humiliation tangled inside her, but no matter how fiercely her temper burned, she didn't dare provoke him further.She turned her face away, refusing to look at him as he fastened her seatbelt again.The memory of what had just happened—Al
As soon as they left the hotel, Alexander caught up with Phoebe in a few strides. He reached out, gripping her arm firmly, and spun her around to face him. "Damn it, why are you running?""Let go of me, you jerk!"Phoebe’s eyes were red-rimmed, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face. She sobbed as she pounded her fists against his chest with all her strength."What’s all this crying for?"Alexander’s gaze was a mix of heartache and helplessness as he held the distraught Phoebe in his arms. He couldn’t fathom what he’d done to upset her so deeply."None of your business!"Phoebe’s voice was hoarse from crying. "Aren’t you busy with another woman? Why are you even bothering with me?!"Hearing the unmistakable jealousy in her words, Alexander’s irritation suddenly lifted, as though sunlight had broken through the clouds. The corner of his mouth quirked into a faint, almost imperceptible smi
Ten minutes passed quickly before a stunning woman, dressed seductively, hurried over. Spotting Alexander from afar, she quickened her pace, moving as if the wind carried her forward.Just as she was about to introduce herself, Alexander didn’t spare her a single glance. Instead, he flicked his burning cigarette to the ground and crushed it underfoot with a cold expression. Then, he said curtly, "Follow me."Alexander strode ahead with firm, purposeful steps. The woman, struggling in her ten-centimeter heels, had to jog to keep up, calling out in a sweet, coquettish voice, "Alex, wait for me!"But Alexander acted as though he hadn’t heard her. His pace remained steady and unyielding.The moment he reentered the banquet hall, his gaze swept across the crowd like a sharp hawk, searching keenly. Soon, his eyes locked onto the center of the dance floor—where Gavin held Phoebe in his arms, dancing intimately to the elegant melody.Alex
Phoebe stood frozen in place, her eyes welling up with tears that threatened to spill over. In that moment, she looked like a helpless little puppy cruelly abandoned by its owner—full of grievance and sadness, with no one to confide in.For so many years, Gavin had been a great help to her, someone she regarded as family. Did she really not even have the right to greet him? Alexander was being so petty. Why couldn't he ever say something that would put her at ease? Why did he always jump to conclusions and misunderstand her so easily?Just then, Gavin approached her, raising an eyebrow as he spoke. "He left?""Yeah… he left me behind again."Phoebe's voice was soft, tinged with disappointment."He was jealous, wasn't he?"A playful glint flashed in Gavin's eyes as he recalled the sharp, icy glare Alexander had given him earlier. "I almost thought he was going to charge at me and start a fight.""I wish he had,"Phoebe mu
As they stepped into the grand banquet hall, a sea of elegantly dressed guests filled the space—powerful elites from various industries, all mingling and exchanging pleasantries.The moment Phoebe entered, she felt countless gazes land on her. Instinctively, she shrank back slightly, tightening her grip around Alexander's arm.Alexander's expression remained cold and unreadable as his sharp eyes swept across the room, catching the way certain men eyed Phoebe with curiosity. Without a word, he subtly withdrew his arm from hers, only to move behind her and slide an arm around her waist—a gesture both possessive and intimate.Phoebe let him lead her through the crowd, their presence drawing attention wherever they passed.She had always found these social events tedious, despising the superficial interactions and empty flattery. But tonight, she was surprised to realize that she no longer minded. With Alexander by her side, his promise still ling
Inside the car, the atmosphere was suffocating.Phoebe sat sideways in the passenger seat, her vacant eyes staring out the window. Yet, her mind was far from the passing scenery. Alexander's cold gaze and piercing words haunted her, swirling through her thoughts like ghosts refusing to fade.Alexander gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning slightly white from the pressure. Though his eyes remained fixed on the road ahead, his mind was elsewhere. Phoebe's earlier words were like a sharp thorn lodged deep in his heart—every time he recalled them, a stabbing pain followed.A heavy silence engulfed them. No words were exchanged, no glances met—only the low rumble of the engine and the whooshing wind outside filled the void.Before long, they arrived at the hotel where the banquet was being held.Alexander glanced sideways and uttered two cold words: "Get out."Phoebe slowly turned her head, her eyes filled with grie
Phoebe was still lost in the dizzying heat of the kiss, her mind blank, unable to fully recover from the intoxicating sensation.Without warning, Alexander scooped her up once more, striding purposefully toward the private lounge attached to his office.The heavy door shut behind them with a muffled thud. Alexander carried her straight to the large, plush bed, leaning down slightly as he gently placed her onto the soft mattress.Phoebe's body sank into the luxurious bedding, her eyes widening in alarm as she looked up at him. "What… what are you doing?""I want you." His voice was deep and husky, laced with raw desire."No, you can't." Phoebe's breath came in uneven pants. Her emotions were in turmoil—fear and confusion tangled together, yet at the same time, her body betrayed her, reacting instinctively to his closeness. This only unsettled her more."Can't?" Alexander's lips curled into a faint smirk, his gaze dark and unreadable. Slowly, his eyes drifted downward, lingering at her
Phoebe stood in the secluded corner, her hands trembling slightly as they reached for the buttons of her blouse. Her gaze remained locked on Alexander's back, not daring to blink. Only after watching him remain completely still for a long while did she finally exhale softly and lower her head to begin changing.When she opened the gift box and saw the delicate black lingerie inside, she froze.Lifting the sheer fabric between her fingers, she muttered under her breath, "This is lingerie?"The material was nearly transparent—she could already imagine how revealing it would be once worn. For a moment, she weighed her options: should she stick with her own undergarments, or wear this?Her eyes drifted back to the black evening gown. Its design was exquisite and unique, seemingly crafted to pair perfectly with the lingerie, enhancing its elegance with a touch of allure.Biting her lower lip, Phoebe struggled internally before finally giving in. Slowly, she unhooked her own lingerie, her m
Phoebe dragged her exhausted body home, moving quietly to avoid disturbing her family. She didn't turn on the lights but relied on her familiarity with the house to navigate her way carefully to the bedroom in the dark.Stepping inside, she saw her children sleeping soundly in bed. Her heart instantly softened, overflowing with warmth as she unconsciously sat down beside them."Kids, Mommy saw your daddy today," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Reaching out, she gently brushed her fingers over their cheeks, her touch unbearably tender. A soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips.That night, Phoebe slept more peacefully than she had in a long time.In her dreams, she saw the bright, happy faces of her children, playing and laughing together. She saw herself joining in, their joyous laughter filling the air. And Alexander… he was there too. The four of them stood in a beautiful garden, basking in the warm sunlight. It was a dream so wonderful, so perfect, that she wis