After shouting at Alexander, Phoebe immediately turned off her phone.Moments later, she was stunned, not even sure where she found the courage to yell at him, let alone insult him. Perhaps the pressure of the past few days had built up, and she just needed to vent.Meeting him had sucked the color out of her life. Was he really planning to trap her? To make her his secret lover forever, living there like his pet?Although he had changed a lot recently, showing more patience and even being gentle with her, it wasn't what she wanted.She didn't want this life anymore. Without love, no matter how good he was to her, she didn't want it.Wrapping the blanket tightly around herself, she tried to think things through. What should she do? How could she break free from him? How could she get him to stop bothering her and give her space, so her life could go back to the peaceful state it once had?She was so absorbed in her thoughts, her headache growing worse, that she didn't even hear the do
As soon as the door clicked shut, the living room was left with only the two of them.Alexander gave Phoebe a cold look and patted the spot beside him."Come here.""What... what do you want?" Phoebe said, her guard up.Was he really going to do something here, in her house? He was just too infuriating. She didn't pick up his calls, and yet here he was, showing up at her doorstep.Boyfriend? He looked more like the Big Bad Wolf waiting to devour Little Red Riding Hood."Phoebe, you'd better come here before I lose my temper," Alexander said, glaring at her with increasing impatience.He couldn't understand why she was acting this way today. His patience, which had been stretched thin with her, was starting to wear out. He could tolerate her occasional tantrums, but not when she crossed the line."This is my house. You wouldn't dare," she retorted, meeting his gaze boldly.Her parents were here—she didn't believe he would actually lose control. But even so, a tiny spark of fear still l
Phoebe stared at him, incredulous. "There's no room for you here. What are you even talking about?""It's fine," he said casually, his eyes glinting with a mischievous light. "I don't mind sharing a bed with you. I'll make do." He leaned in close to her ear, his voice low and seductive, his gaze drifting to her curves in a way that made Phoebe feel completely exposed.Damn it, she hadn't even put on a bra when she came out."You—" Phoebe gasped, her hands instinctively covering her chest.What was wrong with him? Just moments ago, he was furious, and now he was being this way. Was he schizophrenic?Alexander straightened his back and pointed to the room across the hall. "Is that your room?"Without waiting for her response, he started walking toward it."Hey! What are you doing?" Phoebe exclaimed, a trace of panic in her voice."Obviously, I'm going to sleep," he replied casually.In truth, he was doing it on purpose to get a reaction from her.She was too clueless to appreciate his
"The design of your windows is quite convenient," Alexander chuckled softly, his gaze falling on her.He had already started approaching her bed."Get out!" Phoebe yelled, her voice tinged with panic. She had expected he wouldn't let her go so easily."Don't even think about it. Tonight, I'm sleeping here with you," Alexander replied with a smirk, his tone unapologetically teasing.As he walked, his eyes caught sight of the clothes rack beside him.His fingers curled around a delicate piece of lingerie, her lingerie, lifting it playfully.It was something he had bought for her, and just the thought of how stunning she looked in it was enough to make his pulse quicken."You!" Phoebe gasped, her face turning crimson.She hurriedly jumped off the bed, reaching out to snatch it back. She usually hung her lingerie on the rack before going to bed, but she hadn't anticipated he would casually pick it up and examine it with such a wicked glint in his eyes.His gaze, filled with mischief, was
"Ugh, no!" Phoebe's voice was fractured, her entire body trembling in fear from his forceful actions.Her breathing was erratic, completely out of control, and her body shook uncontrollably."Baby, you're so sensitive," Alexander murmured.Phoebe snapped back to her senses and instinctively tried to push him off her. They couldn't do such a thing here.Summoning an unknown surge of strength, she shoved him forcefully. Alexander, caught off guard in the heat of the moment, lost his balance. With a yelp, he tumbled sideways and hit the floor with a thud.Phoebe froze, wide-eyed, her hands flying to cover her flushed lips. Guilt welled up as she looked at the man sprawled awkwardly on the floor.Did she hurt him? She didn't mean to push him off the bed, just wanted him to keep his distance.But in the next second, her guilt faded, replaced by a sense of justice. Serves him right! She wouldn't go soft on him.Seconds passed, and she expected him to get up. But he remained completely still
The next morning.Ryan left for work early; he was a high school teacher and always rose by 5 a.m. to supervise morning classes. Meanwhile, Hermosa headed to the market to buy groceries.After they left, Alexander lingered in bed, holding her for a while before finally getting up, dressing, and stepping out. He made a phone call and left shortly afterward.By the time he returned, it was already noon.Phoebe didn't wake up until midday. When she opened her eyes, Alexander was no longer beside her. A sigh of relief escaped her lips.Later at lunch."This is delicious, Alexander. You should try it," Hermosa said with a cheerful smile."Mom, he can serve himself. You don't have to do that for him," Phoebe muttered, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.Why was Alexander still here for lunch? She had thought he had left earlier in the morning, yet he came back.It was Saturday, and Phoebe had no classes. She had originally planned to come home the previous day to clear her mind and retur
That evening, Phoebe had just returned home when her phone rang. It was Alva calling."Phoebe, something strange happened! Those posts slandering you on the school website have suddenly disappeared," Alva said, her voice filled with surprise. "Really?" Phoebe asked, equally startled. "It's true! I even went to the school today, and all the nasty rumors have vanished." "What's going on?" "I went to find Noah yesterday, but his parents are out of the country and won't be back for a while. It probably wasn't him. Phoebe, did you ask someone for help?" "Alva, I didn't tell anyone about this!" "That's really strange! But at least this whole mess seems to be resolving," Alva said with relief. They chatted for a while before Phoebe hung up the phone. Sitting in silence, she felt her calm unravel once again. What was happening? Could it have been Gavin? Or Alexander? ***Somewhere on the dark, in a shadowy alley: "Madam, we've done as you instructed. Gordon has been fed drug
Just as the car hurtled toward her, a voice full of panic and fear rang out. "Watch out!" In the next moment, a pair of strong arms pulled Phoebe aside. The car barely missed her by a hair's breadth. The young man who had suddenly appeared held her tightly, his breathing uneven as he stood protectively in front of her. Normally composed and image-conscious, Werner was now furiously yelling at the car. "Are you blind?!" he shouted. Turning back to Phoebe, his tone softened with concern. "Hey, are you okay?" But before she could respond, he scolded her. "Why didn't you dodge? Are you an idiot? Don't you know how dangerous that was?" His voice was sharp, but the lingering fear in his eyes betrayed his worry. "If I hadn't been following you, who knows what could have happened? Just thinking about it scares me." Werner had been visiting his uncle in Meadowville when he spotted her walking alone.Without a second thought, he'd gotten out of the car and trailed behind her,
On the white hospital bed, Phoebe lay quietly, having just woken from a nightmare. In her dream, she had seen Gordon lying in a pool of blood. She was terrified, heartbroken.Slowly opening her eyes, she saw the pale ceiling above her, and the sharp scent of disinfectant filled her nostrils. Looking around, she realized she was in a hospital."You're awake?"A male voice above her caught her attention. She squinted, then opened her eyes wider.Gavin?For some reason, the name kept repeating in her mind.Her memory began to piece itself together, and she recalled the bloody scenes before she passed out.Her eyes turned red instantly, and with a trembling voice, she stared at him, "Where... Where's my brother?"The room was silent except for the sound of their breathing.For the first time, Gavin felt as though his voice had been caught in his throat. He didn't know how to answer. He was afraid of what would happen once she knew the truth, afraid of her reaction.The tightness in his ch
"Sir, Miss Laura is here!" The butler said respectfully, standing behind the timid Laura.She kept her head lowered, afraid to raise it because the butler had said she was being brought to see her brother. The memory of his cruelty the night before made her body tremble uncontrollably."Mm, you may leave."The butler bowed and left, leaving Laura alone. She was terrified, and for a moment, she almost ran after him.She truly didn't want to be alone with her brother. The cruel images from last night haunted her, and she could still feel the lingering pain in her wrist."Come here!" His cold voice commanded, filled with authority.Laura's heart skipped a beat, and her feet felt unusually heavy, but she gathered all her courage and slowly walked over."What is it?" she asked in a shaky voice, barely audible."Take good care of her over the next few days, understood?" He didn't even look at Laura, his voice commanding. He seemed to care about her, wanted her here, just so that when she wo
The next morning, at Phoebe's home."Hello! Is this the residence of Miss Phoebe Garcia?""Yes, it is. And you are?" Hermosa asked, confused by the unexpected visitor so early in the morning."Mr. Alexander Davis, our boss, assigned me to drive your daughter to school. I've been waiting outside for an hour, but she hasn't come out. Is she not attending school today?" the driver replied politely."Alex? You mean my daughter's boyfriend?" Hermosa paused for a moment before smiling, seemingly realizing something. He's very considerate of her."That's correct. Is she not ready yet?" the driver asked, his gaze briefly sweeping inside the house."Apologies, but Phoebe rushed out after receiving a phone call yesterday. She said a friend was looking for her and didn't even stay for dinner," Hermosa explained with a hint of concern.The driver froze for a moment. "She didn't come home last night?""That's right! We were worried all night. She didn't answer any of our calls either. We were just
"What... what did you say?" Her voice trembled, and her breathing grew uneven."Take it off!" he ordered, his eyes narrowing dangerously. His fingers gripped her pale wrist, his strength threatening to snap it.Laura followed his gaze to her own arm, her heart pounding in panic. "But... this..."Wasn't this a gift from him? Why would he ask her to take it off? And why did his expression look so terrifying? Had she done something wrong?"It hurts!" she whimpered softly as his grip tightened, pain shooting through her wrist. Instinctively, she tried to break free from his hold, but this side of her brother made her shiver uncontrollably.The pain was excruciating. Laura furrowed her brows tightly, tears brimming in the corners of her eyes.With a forceful shove, Gavin pushed her down, his movements rough and unrelenting. He yanked her pajama pants, leapt from the water, and pinned her beneath him."Ugh!" Laura gasped as her head slammed against the hard floor, a sharp crack echoing in t
"Did you know? He really likes Phoebe," she murmured softly.Titan, lying silently like a loyal listener, rested his head on his paws."I'm so jealous of Phoebe," she whispered to herself. "If only he could like me, even just a little."But deep down, she knew Gavin would never look at her the way he did Phoebe. She tried to console herself: As long as he doesn't hate me, that's enough.Is he back now?What does he do out there every day?She had only overheard bits and pieces from the butler—her brother seemed to be involved in something akin to the mafia. But what exactly was the mafia? She wasn't entirely sure.Brushing off the grass from her clothes, she stood up. "I should head back now, Titan. I'll come visit you again when I can!"She coaxed Titan back into his cage. He whimpered in protest, reluctantly stepping into the enclosure and laying down, his sorrowful gaze fixed on Laura. He wished she wouldn't leave."Goodbye," Laura said, waving reluctantly. She gave Titan one last
After Gavin left, Astor didn't follow him. Instead, he walked toward the group of arrogant men who had been causing trouble moments before, raising his gun without hesitation."We're sorry! We're sorry! We were wrong!" they knelt, pleading desperately for their lives."Yes! We were wrong! We didn't want to hurt her! Someone made us do it!"Hearing this, Astor's hand paused. His voice was cold as ice."Speak. Who was it?"The men, thinking they might have a chance to live, scrambled to respond."She's called Sheridan!""Yes! We just overheard it, but that's the name we caught!"Astor's eyes darkened.A moment later, piercing screams shattered the stillness of the night, one after another, painting the air with an eerie tension.***At the hospital."Save her!" A frantic male voice echoed through the hallway.Blood streamed down Phoebe's legs in an alarming volume, staining Gavin's clothes entirely red.Doctors rushed out, quickly placing her on a stretcher and pushing her into the oper
On the other side, a burly man grabbed Phoebe from the ground and barked an order to the others, "Take the body back.""Let me go!""Do you want to die too?!" the man snapped harshly. Ignoring Phoebe's struggles, he began dragging her away, but a man suddenly stepped in front of him."Get out of the way!" the burly man roared at the stranger.The dim lighting in the bar obscured the stranger's face, but not the bloodthirsty glint in his eyes."Let her go." The cold, commanding voice cut through the air like a knife.Gavin lowered his gaze to the disheveled Phoebe, his entire presence radiating lethal intent."Mind your own business!" the man growled impatiently."Boss, this guy doesn't look easy to deal with... Look, he's got a whole group of bodyguards with him," one of the lackeys murmured nervously, his eyes darting toward the stoic men standing behind Gavin."Useless fool! What's there to be scared of?!" the burly man bellowed, though his expression darkened.Years in the underwo
"Gordon, what's going on?""Don't ask questions now. I need to get you out of here!"Before Gordon could finish speaking, a group of burly men suddenly appeared, surrounding both him and Phoebe, leaving no escape."What do you want?" Gordon positioned himself protectively in front of Phoebe, his gaze fixed on the men with a wary intensity.He had to shield his sister. It was his fault she was in danger, and he wouldn't allow anything to happen to her."Escape? You think it's that easy? The five million we gave you wasn't charity!""Keep the money. Just let her go!" Gordon shouted desperately at the men."Hahaha," the leader of the group laughed mockingly, as if Gordon had just told the best joke. "Do you think this is a place you can walk in and out of as you please?""If any of you dare touch her, I'll fight you to the death!" Gordon roared, his voice like a feral animal's, his desperation evident."Save your breath. You can't even save yourself, let alone someone else."Fueled by ra
As soon as Phoebe stepped through the front door, she heard the phone ringing in the living room."Phoebe, answer the phone! I'm busy in the kitchen!" Hermosa called out, poking her head out briefly."Okay, Mom, I'll get it..." Phoebe replied, quickly swapping her shoes and hurrying to the phone. The moment she picked up, her brother's voice came through the line.Phoebe froze, thinking she must have heard wrong."Hello, Gordon?" she asked, puzzled. He was supposed to be in rehab. Why would he be calling her out of the blue?"Phoebe, you have to come help me!" Gordon's voice was strained, filled with pain."What's going on?" Phoebe asked, worry creeping into her tone."I'm trapped at a bar, surrounded by some..."Phoebe gripped the phone tightly, her heart racing. "How did this happen? Aren't you supposed to be in drug rehabilitation center? Why are you at a bar?""Phoebe, there's no time to explain! Just come and help me!"Gordon quickly rattled off the location—a seedy underground b