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, pack your things and report to the CEO's office now!" the HR manager, Alvis, commanded.Phoebe, who had been carefully organizing documents at her desk, immediately stopped what she was doing and responded, "Got it, sir!""I mean NOW! Don't keep boss waiting!" Alvis urged. Phoebe didn't dare hesitate any longer and hurriedly stood up to gather her belongings.Ten minutes later, she was on the top floor, her arms full of items.The company had been doing well, but for some reason, it was mysteriously acquired by an unknown corporation last week, and with that, a new boss had taken over.The news had shocked the entire staff, including Phoebe. But what puzzled her even more was how she had inexplicably become the new CEO's secretary.Was she lucky or unlucky?On one hand, her salary had doubled, but on the other, she had suddenly become the target of envy and hostility from the female employees.As she stepped out of the elevator and arrived at the CEO's office door, she knocke
Five years ago...Outside a dimly lit, intoxicating bar at night, Phoebe stood with her head lowered, nervously watching the men and women who continuously went in and out of the establishment.It was her first time in a place like this, and the unfamiliar environment already made her feel uneasy. The leering gazes of some of the men nearby only heightened her anxiety, causing her to break out in a cold sweat. She was too scared to even take another step forward."Hey, are you...?" A voice suddenly appeared near her ear, making her heart skip a beat. The man didn't say so explicitly, but the leering look up and down his face said it all.Phoebe timidly raised her head, only to regret coming here the moment she saw the disgusting man standing in front of her. But there was no turning back now.A bitter taste spread in her mouth as she lowered her eyes. Did she even have a choice? She didn't.Her father was still lying in a hospital bed, her brother had accumulated a massive debt due to
On a summer night, the city was ablaze with lights, hosting a world-renowned luxurious yacht party.Phoebe stood still by the window like a beautiful statue, not moving an inch.However, her hands at her sides were clenched tightly, her knuckles pale. The sea breeze brushed her face, but all she could feel was a bone-chilling cold. The moonlit night outside was mesmerizing, yet she had no heart to appreciate it.Watching the elite guests move across the yacht's deck, each of them radiated an aura of wealth and prestige. They whispered in low voices, laughing softly, clinking their glasses in elegant toasts.She smiled bitterly. This was the stark difference between the rich and the poor.The world was never fair, and all she could do was use her body to save her family.Raising her eyes to the empty night sky, her heart filled with a deep sadness. She felt utterly lost."Follow me." A deep, magnetic voice came from behind her.Phoebe closed her eyes and took a deep breath, her chest r
Without warning, darkness engulfed the room, plunging her into a pitch-black world.Power outage?Phoebe's heart clenched, fear and panic consuming her.It felt like a suffocating weight was closing in, making her body tremble uncontrollably.Suddenly, a gust of wind swept past her, and before she could react, a strong arm wrapped tightly around her waist.Her bare back pressed against a firm chest. Even through the fabric of his shirt, she could feel the heat emanating from him.Startled, she let out a cry, "NO..."But the man chuckled darkly, his deep, husky voice breaking the silence of the room. "Don't make a fuss..."His voice was intoxicating, but why did it carry such an overwhelming sense of dominance? The aura of this man was formidable!"You...who are you?" Phoebe mustered the courage to ask, her voice trembling.Though the room was pitch dark, the man's sharp eyes could clearly catch every emotion in her wide, clear eyes—those beautiful eyes, like black pearls, pure and flaw
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
Gavin's fury ignited instantly at those words, burning like an unquenchable flame."Move!" he roared, his voice echoing through the empty corridor, laced with unyielding rage and determination.The image of Phoebe lying on the operating table flashed through his mind—her face as pale as a sheet, blood endlessly seeping from her lower body. The sight had nearly driven him mad with fury. He wanted nothing more than to tear Alexander apart.And now, Alexander had the audacity to stand in his way? It was beyond infuriating.That bastard. Gavin clenched his fists, his mind racing. He had no time to settle scores with Alexander right now.He could feel it—Phoebe's life slipping away, her blood staining his hands, its warmth a stark contrast to the chilling fear gripping his heart. If anything happened to her, he swore he would never forgive Alexander."Put her down. She belongs to me!" Alexander's bloodshot eyes burned with an almost feral desperation. He looked like a wild beast, ready to
The hospital corridor was thick with tension, the air charged with hostility as a fierce battle erupted. Gavin's men, highly trained and efficient, moved like predators closing in on their prey, swiftly surrounding Alexander's subordinates.The sounds of fists colliding with flesh, muffled groans of pain, and bodies hitting the ground merged into a chaotic symphony. Alexander's men stood no chance—they were quickly beaten down, collapsing one after another, blood trickling from their lips and foreheads, staining the cold, sterile floor.Wounded and incapacitated, they could do nothing but lie there, unable to even lift a finger as their phones rang incessantly.Gavin's gaze was ice-cold, sharp as a blade cutting through the frigid night. With long, purposeful strides, he marched to the hospital room door and kicked it open with a forceful bang! The door slammed into the wall, reverberating through the silent ward.His eyes locked onto the frail figure on the hospital bed—Phoebe, writh