Inside the slowly moving car, the atmosphere was subtly tense. Gavin focused intently on the steering wheel, driving steadily, while Phoebe sat in the passenger seat, her heart consumed by a growing sense of urgency.
Throughout the ride, she bit her lip several times, hesitating to speak. Her mind was fixated on asking about Alexander's whereabouts.
After all, Gavin had confidently assured her earlier that he had found Alexander. Yet, so much time had passed, and he hadn't said a word about it, as if his promise had been entirely forgotten.
Phoebe grew increasingly restless, worry gnawing at her. Was he lying to her? Had he merely used this as a ploy to coax her into the car?
The thought stoked the flames of anger within her, and her face flushed red with frustration. Unable to suppress her emotions any longer, she burst out.
"Are you going to tell me or not?" Phoebe raised her voice, her tone a mix of urgency and indignation. She fixed her gaze on
The next day, Phoebe arrived at the agreed location on time, following Gavin's instructions from the day before. She had assumed they would head straight to the evening banquet, but what greeted her instead was a high-end fashion studio."Why are we here?" Phoebe asked suspiciously, standing at the entrance without any intention of stepping inside.Her eyes stayed fixed on Gavin, trying to discern his intentions from his expression."As my companion for the evening, you'll need to be appropriately dressed," Gavin replied with an air of calm confidence. After a brief pause, a faint smile tugged at his lips."Phoebe, do you think showing up in your current attire would be appropriate for such a formal occasion?" His gaze swept over her outfit, making his point clear.Phoebe instinctively glanced down at her casual student clothes, then turned to her reflection in the glass panel on the wall.She couldn't deny that her outfit was utterly unsuit
There was an inherent wicked charm and untamed energy about Gavin.As he approached step by step, Phoebe's heart inexplicably began to race.Feeling flustered, she lowered her head.She couldn't deny the man before her possessed an extraordinary allure, both in looks and demeanor. His every move exuded an irresistible charisma.Yet, Phoebe's heart was already filled with someone else, leaving no room for anyone else."Let's go,"Gavin said, his arm slightly bent in an elegant gesture, inviting Phoebe to take it.Phoebe frowned slightly, her heart filled with hesitation and conflict.After a brief pause, she gingerly extended her delicate arm and looped it through his. Wearing these high heels felt like walking on clouds—unsteady and precarious.Clinging to his arm seemed the most practical choice.Still, Phoebe couldn't help but wonder if he had done this on purpose.He knew she rarely wore heels
As night fell, a grand and luxurious banquet unfolded within a palatial villa. The interior was brilliantly lit, filled with the mingling of elegant figures and murmurs of distinguished guests from all walks of life.A sleek black car glided smoothly through the gates of the villa, coming to a halt under the respectful gaze of the waiting servants.The car door opened, revealing Gavin's tall and commanding figure. His steps were steady as he exited the vehicle and circled around to the other side, where he gracefully opened the door for Phoebe with a gentlemanly gesture.Phoebe stepped out lightly, her movements poised and graceful. She naturally linked her arm with Gavin's, but beneath her composed demeanor, her heart raced uncontrollably. A subtle wave of nervousness spread through her body, impossible to suppress.Her eyes darted anxiously through the crowd, searching for the tall figure that haunted her thoughts. Yet after a few moments, a faint glimmer of disappointment crossed h
Alexander entered the grand banquet hall with his date in tow, commanding attention like a storm disturbing a calm lake. In an instant, the event's serene atmosphere was shattered, and a wave of whispers and speculation rippled through the crowd. His presence, as a figure of such significance, was akin to dropping a bombshell amidst the gathering of elites and dignitaries—impossible to ignore."Mr. Davis, welcome! We are honored by your presence," greeted a slightly overweight middle-aged man who rushed forward, his face plastered with an ingratiating smile. Bowing and scraping, he resembled a sycophantic lapdog, eager to curry favor with the powerful Alexander. Not long after, several others followed suit, surrounding Alexander in a small circle of flattery and eager conversation.Alexander's expression remained indifferent, his features as unreadable as the surface of a tranquil lake. He responded with a curt "Hmm," giving no clue to his inner thoughts or emotions."Is this your new
"Alex, what are you looking at so intently?" Samantha's voice was sweet and coquettish, her eyes shimmering as she playfully asked the question.Her tone carried the intimacy of lovers oblivious to their surroundings.A fleeting, complex emotion crossed Alexander's deep eyes—like a shooting star in the night sky, gone in an instant. His thin lips pressed into a stern line, ignoring Samantha's question entirely. He continued to gaze silently in one direction, his expression inscrutable.The faint smile on Phoebe's lips froze, transforming into something stiff and bitter. It was as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over her, chilling her to the bone.Every inch of her body felt the cold seeping in, numbing her.Why was he acting this way? Had he not seen her? Why did his gaze treat her like a stranger—so indifferent, as though they had never shared a connection?It was as if everything between them had been a fleeting dream, now completely erased.Was it because of her impulsive
Samantha's lips curled downward slightly, her eyes brimming with disdain and contempt. She cast a sidelong glance at Phoebe, sprawled on the floor, and let out a derisive snort."Look at you," she sneered. "Absolutely shameless. Exposing yourself like this and not even trying to cover up. Do you even know what dignity means? All this just to grab attention and fame—how utterly despicable. You'd stoop to any low, even desecrating an occasion as solemn as this with your vulgar antics. Absolutely disgraceful."Her gaze flicked momentarily to Alexander standing nearby.Noticing that his eyes, like those of the other men in the room, were locked on Phoebe, a pang of jealousy surged through her.In a coquettish tone, she said, "Alex, you wouldn't be interested in a woman this desperate, would you?"Samantha hadn't even noticed Phoebe until the sound of her fall drew her attention.But the moment her eyes landed on Phoebe's breathtakingly beautiful face, a spark of envy ignited within her, s
The departure of the two caused a stir at the banquet.People whispered among themselves, but the minor episode didn't seem to dampen the festive atmosphere. Laughter and chatter resumed as if nothing had happened.Alexander squinted slightly, his icy gaze fixed on the backs of the departing figures. His handsome face was frosted with cold fury.Damn that woman. She would rather expose herself than look back at him even once. She must be waiting for Gavin.So, this was why she was so desperate to leave him—she wanted to throw herself into Gavin's arms.Damn it. She's already in Gavin's arms so quickly.How long has she been with him? Was it mere moments after he let her go that she ran straight to Gavin?Alexander's fists clenched tightly, his steps heavy as he stormed out, a chilling aura surrounding him."Alex, where are you going?"Samantha called after him anxiously when she saw him leave. They had barely been at
Gavin's face was filled with worry as he gently pressed on her ankle. There didn't seem to be anything abnormal—it looked like a dislocation. "I'll take you to the hospital."The car sped off into the night and soon arrived at the hospital.When the doctor realigned Phoebe's ankle, the excruciating pain overwhelmed her, and she burst into tears. Gavin wrapped her in his arms and, to prevent her from biting herself, put his arm into her mouth.Her scream pierced the air before she collapsed weakly against Gavin's chest. Beads of sweat covered her forehead, and her face turned alarmingly pale.Though her ankle was still swollen, Phoebe could now feel it fully. She forced a bitter smile, realizing just how agonizing bone pain could be.It felt as if she had died and come back to life.After prescribing medication for her injury, the doctor gave them a few instructions and left.Gavin went to fetch the medicine and returned shortly
In the DA Corporation's conference room, the atmosphere was as tense as the moments before a storm.After months of being elusive, Alexander had finally made an appearance.At this moment, the company's top executives were all gathered. The directors and shareholders sat around the long conference table, their expressions varying. Among them was the representative of the mysterious company that had successfully acquired DA Corporation. He surveyed the room with a smug sense of satisfaction."Sir, the paperwork for the company's handover has been prepared. We kindly ask for your signature here." A staff member stepped forward respectfully, presenting the documents and a pen to Alexander.Alexander's gaze swept over the documents, and without a trace of hesitation, he swiftly signed his name. His expression remained calm.Letting go of DA Corporation was nothing more than a minor step in his grand scheme. To him, this was merely another move on the chessboard. More importantly, there we
Laura shuddered violently as the breath drawing near sent chills down her spine. She instantly lowered her gaze, not daring to meet his eyes. Panic surged through her, and she frantically shook her head, her body twisting desperately as she tried to retreat.But before she could escape, Gavin's hand clamped down on her flailing leg, capturing her like a hunter seizing his prey. Any chance of breaking free vanished in an instant.She turned her gaze away, her eyes darting elsewhere in terror. Even catching a glimpse of him from the corner of her eye made her heart pound with fear—she couldn't bear to look at him directly.Gavin's cold gaze bore down on Laura's pale lips, his eyes as frigid as ice, capable of freezing the entire world."Slut." His voice was hoarse with fury. "You've only been gone a few days, and you're already spreading your legs for another man?"Rage churned inside him. She had really left him. She had really gone to another man's bed. The thought gnawed at his pride
Early the next morning.Leroy slowly awakened, feeling a soft, warm weight pressing against his chest.He lowered his gaze and found Laura clinging to him like a cuddly koala, her arms wrapped tightly around him. One of her legs draped lazily over his, her posture exuding a sense of comfort and intimacy. Her small lips parted slightly with each gentle breath, accompanied by a faint, rhythmic snore—she was sound asleep.Leroy watched her in silence, his eyes brimming with tenderness and affection. As he gazed at her peaceful face, his lips curled into a subtle smile. He realized that with her by his side, life seemed to have taken on a whole new warmth, filling his world with an unexplainable sense of joy.She was never a burden—she was a priceless treasure granted to him by fate.Leroy carefully adjusted his position, trying to move without disturbing her. But the moment he shifted, Laura instinctively snuggled closer, tightening her hold on him as if, even in her sleep, she refused t
It was already late. Laura was probably asleep.But Phoebe couldn't wait any longer. Even if she disturbed Laura, she had to see her with her own eyes. Something about Laura felt off, like a thick fog lingering in her mind, making her uneasy.She still remembered the way Wright had looked at her last time—his face grim, his expression heavy, as if he were hiding countless secrets.Standing before Laura's door, Phoebe hesitated only for a moment before raising her hand and knocking.Knock. Knock.The sound echoed through the silent corridor, clear and distinct. But inside the room, there was nothing—no response, no movement. It was eerily quiet.Phoebe frowned. She knocked again, harder this time, repeating the motion several times. Still, silence.Her unease deepened.Taking a slow breath, she reached for the doorknob. With a slight twist, the door creaked open. A wave of cold air rushed out, brushing against her skin, sending a shiver down her spine.The room was pitch black. Careful
Phoebe collided with Gavin's blazing gaze. At that moment, he gracefully lifted his slender fingers and slowly unbuttoned his suit jacket.A flush crept up Phoebe's cheeks. Her eyes involuntarily followed his movements, watching as he unfastened each button with deliberate ease. Then, the impeccably tailored suit jacket was carelessly tossed onto the plush bed.Her heartbeat stuttered, then rapidly accelerated, pounding as if it might burst from her chest.Nervousness gripped her, and the air was filled with his unique scent, surrounding her completely.He gave her no chance to retreat. His long fingers gently lifted her delicate chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. Embarrassment overwhelmed Phoebe, and the moment her eyes landed on his striking features, a fleeting image of another man surfaced in her mind.Her face stiffened instantly, and a flicker of panic flashed in her eyes.Why? Why would she think of him at a time like this?A surge of complex emotions churned within her, and s
Tonight, Phoebe had no intention of going back to her own home. Sitting in the car, she hesitated for a moment before dialing her mother's number. As soon as the call connected, her cheeks flushed, and with a hint of shyness in her voice, she murmured into the receiver, "Mom, I'm not coming home tonight. I'll be staying at Gavin's place." The moment the words left her lips, she felt as if her face had caught fire. Her naturally reserved nature made her incredibly self-conscious, and hearing her mother chuckle on the other end only deepened her embarrassment. A wave of regret surged through her—she wished she could take back what she had just said. But it was too late now. She had already agreed to go with Gavin, and she couldn't bear the thought of disappointing him. Hanging up the call, Phoebe realized her palms were damp with sweat. She took a deep breath to steady herself.I made this decision willingly. There's no reason to be nervous.After all, they were already engaged. Liv
After hanging up the phone, Gavin rushed over, his heart pounding with urgency.From a distance, he spotted Phoebe sitting alone on a bench by the street. Under the shroud of night, her silhouette looked particularly lonely.As if sensing his presence, Phoebe's eyes welled up the moment she saw him.In the very next second, she sprang from the bench like an arrow released from its bow, dashing toward Gavin without hesitation. She threw herself into his arms, as though she had finally found the safe harbor she had been searching for after drifting for so long."Why didn't you answer my calls today? I was so worried about you." Her voice trembled slightly, carrying a trace of suppressed sobs. She had spent the entire day in distress, her heart suspended in midair, unable to settle.Perhaps she had grown too used to his daily calls—so when his voice suddenly vanished from her world, an inexplicable fear crept into her heart.She was afrai
Weekend.Gavin hadn't called in a long time, leaving Phoebe restless with worry.Now, she dialed his number again. Once, twice… several times in a row, but all she got was the monotonous beeping sound—no answer.He used to call her every day without fail, sharing bits and pieces of his daily life. But today's unusual silence filled Phoebe with an unsettling feeling.Overwhelmed by anxiety, she quickly got dressed, determined to go to Gavin's place and find out what was going on.Please, let nothing bad have happened.On the way, Phoebe sat in the back of a taxi, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. Her fingers tapped restlessly on her knee, each tap echoing the urgency in her heart.As if fate was against her, the evening rush hour had turned the city streets into a gridlocked mess. Traffic crawled at a snail's pace, each meter forward feeling like an eternity.Phoebe stared at the endless line of cars in front of her
Leroy watched in shock as the crimson blood spread, feeling as if a sledgehammer had slammed into his chest. A sharp pain shot through him, as if the knife had pierced not Laura's hand but his very heart. She had blocked the knife for him—without hesitation! A flash of ruthlessness flickered in his eyes. Without a second thought, his hand clamped down on the assailant's wrist like an iron vice. With all his strength, he squeezed. A sickeningcrackechoed through the night—the unmistakable sound of bone shattering. The sheer force of it was proof of Leroy's fury reaching its boiling point. The man let out a bloodcurdling scream, his wrist exploding in pain. His grip on the knife instantly loosened, and with a sharpclang, the weapon clattered to the ground. Seizing the opportunity, Leroy, still seething, delivered a vicious kick. Every ounce of his rage powered that single s