Alexander glanced at his expensive diamond watch and said, "It's only 8:30. Your class starts at 9, so even if you're late by half an hour, it's no big deal. It only takes twenty minutes to get to your school, which means we still have forty minutes."It had been too long since he last had her, and his body was yearning for hers. He was a normal man, and going without a woman for so long had built up a desire within him that was impossible to ignore. If he didn't release it soon, he'd only be torturing himself.He was never one to suppress his needs. The last time he'd been drugged, he had somehow managed to resist taking her, which even he found hard to believe.It was the first time he had ever considered a woman's feelings over his own, resorting to using his hand to satisfy himself.Phoebe stared at him in shock. He calculated things pretty accurately, didn't he? She understood what he meant, but she knew that she could never agree to it."I don't want to," she said.What touched h
On the other side, just as Phoebe managed to steady her breathing, Alva walked in.Phoebe suddenly remembered that Noah had been trying to get in touch with her, asking for her help to talk to Alva.Phoebe hadn't wanted to get involved, but as a friend, she could sense that Noah meant something special to Alva. Phoebe knew Alva loved him.She didn't want her friend to lose her happiness over a misunderstanding, so she decided to give it a try."Alva, are you really not going to forgive Noah? Actually, he...""Phoebe, don't you dare mention that jerk to me! I never want to see him again!""Alva, he really regrets it. He..."Seeing that Alva wasn't interested in talking about Noah, Phoebe decided to drop the subject. Recently, Alva seemed determined to ignore Noah. Every time he showed up, Alva would angrily tell him to leave without even looking at him."Phoebe, let's stop talking about him. Tonight, we're going shopping. It's been ages since I've been out shopping since I got out of th
Phoebe's pace quickened unconsciously, her heart racing, and even the capillaries in her body seemed to contract."Sid, I think she's onto us.""You two go that way. You and I will take this side. Remember, cover her mouth. Don't let her make a sound.""Got it!"Fear overtook Phoebe, and she broke into a light jog. The path to the bus stop was slightly off course, adding to her anxiety.Suddenly, two figures appeared ahead of her, and Phoebe panicked. She really was in trouble! Alert, she turned to run back, but an arm reached out toward her from behind."Mmm—" Phoebe struggled, trying to shake off the hand covering her mouth. She was too weak to fight off a man, so she bit down hard on his arm."Ah!" The man screamed, loosening his grip in pain.Given a moment to breathe, her survival instincts kicked in. Phoebe gathered all her strength and viciously kicked the other man between his legs."Ugh!" The second man groaned, clutching himself in agony.Phoebe broke free and sprinted towar
"I'm at the bus stop." Alexander's tone was always harsh, never speaking kindly to her. "Damn it, didn't you say you were at the International Mall?" Was she daring to mess with him?! "You came?" She was surprised he showed up, but he was too late... "I waited for you for forty minutes, and you never came." Her voice trembled with grievance, and tears began to fall uncontrollably. Did he even know she almost encountered danger earlier? If he wasn't coming to pick her up, he could have just said so. If it weren't for him, she would have left with Alva, and maybe none of this would have happened. "I got held up by something," he frowned, noticing her tone was off. It was the first time he'd explained himself to a woman. Normally, his temper would have led to a fierce scolding. "Wait there, I'll be there in five minutes." "You don't have to come, I'll take the bus home myself." "Phoebe, if you dare, you can try." Hanging up, Alexander sharply turned the steering wheel.
Phoebe was panting slightly, her strength completely drained by him, her body soft and limp.If it weren't for his support, she probably would have collapsed into a puddle by now.That strange, electric current coursed through her body from head to toe, making her toes curl involuntarily."No... stop," she murmured weakly, her eyes clouded with a seductive glaze. Her long, loose hair framed her delicate face, making her look even more alluring.Her lips were a deep, rose-red, like a blooming flower he couldn't resist wanting to kiss again.Alexander narrowed his eyes with a mischievous glint, clearly enjoying their game. The less she responded, the more excited he became, teasing her even further.He'd never failed with any woman before, and Phoebe wouldn't be the exception—especially not in this.Again and again, he kissed her lips, his movements tender yet possessive, giving her the softest, most passionate kisses...Phoebe's heart pounded wildly in her chest, her thoughts in a conf
Inside the sports car."Don't... don't do this..." Phoebe’s small hands weakly gripped the steering wheel. Although they had been intimate many times, she still felt shy at his touch. However, this time, her body didn't tense up as much as it did in the hospital.Still, fully accepting him wasn't easy for her.The shadow in her heart remained; she needed more time to heal.She couldn't yet handle his overwhelming...But she believed that if he continued to be as gentle as he had been, she would soon overcome her fears."Call me by my name," he whispered, trying to correct her.Could she really? Could she call him with the affection of a lover? She had never dared to dream of such closeness."Call me Alex...""Alex..." she murmured softly, her lips trembling as she spoke. Her voice was sweet, like cotton candy."Good girl," he praised, kissing her soft red lips as he unzipped his trousers.God knew how much he had been holding back. For a man to exercise such restraint for a woman—it w
A while later, Phoebe finished getting ready and went downstairs, only to find Melissa at the dining table.The moment their eyes met, Phoebe sensed hostility in Melissa's gaze, but it quickly disappeared as Melissa smiled sweetly at her."Good morning, Phoebe," Melissa greeted in a sugary-sweet tone, stepping forward.Phoebe froze for a moment, unsure of how to respond to the sudden friendliness. Had she misread things before? Or was it all in her head?"Morning, Melissa," she replied, offering a warm smile in return.However, standing there in front of Melissa, Phoebe couldn't help but feel like she'd stolen something precious from her, a guilty sensation creeping into her heart.Melissa affectionately grabbed Phoebe's hand and led her to the table."Alex was in a rush this morning and couldn't stay to have breakfast with me. Will you keep me company instead? What would you like to eat? I'll have the staff prepare something for you," Melissa offered, her smile radiant, though her de
Phoebe was mentally planning to visit the hospital soon. If she was really pregnant, what would she do...?Just then, Alva suddenly pointed to a man who had entered the classroom and shouted, "Phoebe, Professor Jones is finally here!"Following her gaze, Phoebe locked eyes with Curitis' piercing blue eyes.Dressed in a royal blue, custom-tailored suit, he exuded elegance and a commanding presence.It had been a while since she last saw him. Ever since she left the hospital, she hadn't gone to see him again. She didn't even know when he had been discharged or how well he had recovered.A wave of guilt washed over her, making her feel heartless. He must be angry. She hadn't intended to avoid visiting him, but after everything that had happened, she ended up in the hospital herself for a few days, and the whole thing had slipped her mind.Seeing Curitis again today stirred complicated feelings in her heart.He had risked his life to save her, and yet…All she felt for him was guilt.Phoe
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