"Boss, long time no see. What do you think of this welcome dinner? Not bad, right?"
"I'm more interested in knowing where you've hidden Gavin's goods," Alexander replied, walking in and sitting beside the man. He casually picked up a glass of wine and clinked it with his companion's.
"Haha." The man laughed heartily. "Well, he asked for it, didn't he? This is just a little lesson for him."
"Merle, do you really think Gavin is that easy to deal with?" Alexander leaned back lazily on the sofa.
"Tsk, tsk, Alex, that's not the tone I expect from you. When have you ever been afraid of anyone?"
"So, what are you planning to do with his goods?"
"Of course, I'll sell them off," Merle said, matter-of-factly.
"Give them back to him."
"Are you serious? You want me to return them to him? That's a joke."
"Since when have I ever joked with you?"
"Then why? I heard he's fearless and is even trying to steal wo
Phoebe nervously scanned the room, but there was no sign of Alexander. A sense of unease settled in her chest. He had been gone for so long—had he really left her here alone? Would he just leave her behind?The more she thought about it, the more anxious she became.Just then, a familiar, magnetic voice called out from behind her. Phoebe instinctively turned around, her eyes locking onto the source of the voice."Phoebe.""Gavin?"Phoebe gasped, recognizing him. It was unbelievable—they had run into each other here of all places."I can't believe I'm seeing you here,"Gavin said, his gaze burning into her with an intensity that made it hard for her to look away.His smile was charming, though it couldn't hide the delight he was feeling inside. From the moment he spotted her in the hall, his eyes had been fixed on her. Every small movement, every subtle expression—he noticed it all.She looked stunning tonig
"Didn't I tell you not to wander off?"Alexander's voice carried a sharp edge of displeasure.His eyes burned with fury, his mind replaying the scene he had just witnessed—her sharing a moment of closeness with Gavin. The image gnawed at him, igniting a surge of jealousy he couldn't suppress.Even he couldn't deny it: they looked perfect together.Tonight, Gavin, dressed impeccably in his tailored suit, exuded a charm that was hard to ignore. Together, they looked like an ideal couple, radiating a sweetness that Alexander found unbearable."I…" Phoebe looked at him with wide, innocent eyes. She hadn't wandered anywhere; she had stayed in the same spot all along. How dare he accuse her? Especially after he was the one who had left her behind earlier?Alexander's domineering stance screamed both a challenge and a declaration of ownership. Gavin, unfazed, offered a casual smile, fully understanding the unspoken tension."You two seem to be enjoying yourselves," Alexander said, his gaze l
In the evening, while Alexander was in the bathroom taking a shower, his phone began to ring.The sound persisted for a long time. Phoebe called out to him several times, but the noise of the running water drowned out her voice, and Alexander didn't hear her.The phone rang multiple times, making it seem like there was something urgent. After hesitating for a while, Phoebe finally answered the call.Before she could say anything, the voice on the other end interrupted her."Alex. Why haven't you come back yet? Do you not want me anymore? Is that it?!" Melissa's heartbroken sobs filled the line.Phoebe froze. Her hand trembled so violently that she nearly dropped the phone."Alex, why won't you come see me? I miss you so much!" Melissa's crying grew more and more pitiful.When there was no response from the other end for a long time, Melissa adjusted her tone, cautiously testing the waters.She wasn't certain, but she gambled that it was Phoebe who had answered the call. However, she c
The night sky was shrouded in dark, oppressive clouds, and even the air seemed heavy with a suffocating tension.This city at night was wild and exhilarating, a kaleidoscope of indulgence and debauchery, revealing humanity's most primal and ugly instincts.For many, the night was their haven of freedom, with bars as their preferred sanctuary.Alexander drove aimlessly before stopping at a random bar.Once inside, he ordered a pile of drinks at the bar and began to drink with reckless abandon. The air was thick with the acrid stench of smoke and alcohol, a smell so pungent it was almost unbearable.The sharp burn of the liquor scorched its way down his throat to his stomach. Yet, the more he drank, the more it seemed to fuel him. Somehow, this chaos brought him a strange sense of release.Tonight, Phoebe had truly infuriated him. When had he ever been so invested in a woman? Only with Phoebe had he shown such care—he had even changed himself for her.No other woman had ever made him al
A faint scent of rain lingered in the early morning air as the man in bed stirred awake. Alexander's hand instinctively reached out to the space beside him, only to find it cold and empty.Alarmed, he bolted upright, shaking off the remnants of sleep. His sharp eyes scanned the room, but Phoebe was nowhere to be seen.His gaze landed on a note resting on the bedside table. He grabbed it, and as he read, his expression darkened to an icy grimace."Left?"Alexander clenched the note, snatched his phone, and leaped out of bed. Dialing swiftly, he simultaneously rummaged through the drawers.Her passport and ID lay untouched.His frown deepened. She didn't take anything. Where could she have gone?A gut instinct whispered one name: Gavin. If she dared to turn to him, she would learn the consequences."Pull up the hotel's surveillance footage," he barked into the phone before ending the call abruptly. His cold gaze turned toward the window, shadowed with menace.If she dares betray me, I'l
The room echoed with the man's arrogant laughter.But in the next second..."Ahhh!"A blood-curdling scream filled the air, as though a pig was being slaughtered. The man clutched his groin in agony, writhing on the floor.Phoebe froze, her body trembling in fear. She had just kicked him with all her strength. Without giving it much thought, she jumped off the bed and ran to the door.The door was locked—it wouldn't budge."You bitch! How dare you!" the man cursed angrily, his face twisted in pain. He struggled to get up, but the injury incapacitated him. The pain was excruciating—he was certain he was ruined. Revenge could wait; right now, he needed a hospital."Bitch, come here!"Phoebe pressed her back against the door, looking at him with terrified eyes. She didn't move an inch, her hands fumbling desperately at the doorknob behind her."Stop trying. You won't get out without the key," the man sneered weakly. The arrogance he had shown earlier had completely vanished."G-Give me t
Alexander glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his gaze deep and unreadable. She had turned her body away from him, presenting only her back.The sight made him uncomfortable, as though she were deliberately distancing herself, avoiding him.His grip on the steering wheel tightened, and without warning, the car accelerated, speeding forward.The sudden burst of speed made Phoebe feel sick, dizziness washing over her. She gritted her teeth and endured it, staying silent. She wasn't sure when it happened, but the car abruptly screeched to a halt.The sudden stop sent her body lurching forward, slamming against the interior of the car. Pain radiated through her, and her stomach churned violently. If she hadn't gone the entire day without eating, she might have vomited right then and there.Her face was pale, and before she could catch her breath, a cold, commanding voice cut through the air."Get out." Alexander's tone was an unfeeling order, devoid of any warmth.She looked up at
Phoebe said nothing as tears streamed uncontrollably down her face."Why are you crying? Don't like me touching you?" Alexander's voice was deceptively calm, the harbinger of a brewing storm.She bit her lip, her eyes brimming with tears. It wasn't that she disliked his touch—it was his coldness and cruelty that she couldn't bear."Speak!" His eyes turned blood-red, emanating an icy chill.Still silent, Phoebe let her crystalline tears fall onto Alexander's palm, making his chest tighten inexplicably.His brows furrowed. Suddenly, he cupped her face and pulled her closer.His kiss was wild and desperate, more punishment than passion. It was biting, rough, and venting frustration. Phoebe couldn't withstand the pain. The sting and metallic taste of blood spread through her mouth."Stop crying. Do you hear me?" he growled, his breath heavy and rough as he pulled away slightly.The more he shouted, the more Phoebe's tears fell. Her sorrow and grievance were etched in every droplet."Damn
"Where are you going?" he asked, his voice husky and magnetic when he noticed her trying to leave his embrace."I need to use the restroom." Phoebe's voice was quiet as she avoided his gaze. Her heart felt heavy from the tears she had shed moments before. She wanted to wash her face—or more truthfully, she needed a moment alone to gather herself.She pushed herself up, but her legs gave out before she could steady her balance. In an instant, she fell back into his arms."Ah, so greedy for my embrace?" His lips curled into a playful smirk, and a mischievous glint sparked in his eyes. The wicked charm in his tone and demeanor was a stark contrast to his cold and silent self from the night before. It was as if he had become a different man."You... go to hell!" Phoebe's face flushed a deep red, both embarrassed and furious. She shoved him away with all her strength, wobbling as she stood. Her lips twisted into a bitter smile. How could any woman resist a man so handsome, so alluring? she
As she exited the bathroom, she collided with a solid wall of muscle. Covering her face, she looked up. She didn't need to guess who it was."Did I say you could leave?" Alexander's grip on her wrist was firm, almost painfully so. Her eyes turned red, tears threatening to spill."Let go of me! I want to go back." She tried to free her wrist, but his grasp was unrelenting. After a few futile attempts, she stopped struggling."Given up already?" Alexander raised an eyebrow when she stilled."Would it make a difference if I didn't?" Her voice was small, her head bowed."What are you doing?" she asked sharply as he scooped her into his arms."Taking you to eat.""I'm not hungry," she replied stubbornly, though her stomach growled loudly, betraying her."Then you've got energy for other things? Fine, let's continue.""No! I'm hungry. I'll eat!"They ate in silence. Phoebe was famished and ate a lot, not caring about appearances. After being tormented by him for two days, she was physically
In a luxurious hotel room, Phoebe seized a brief moment when Alexander was distracted. She pushed him away with all her strength and rolled off the bed.She tried to run, but her legs gave out after only a few steps. A hand clamped down on her waist from behind, causing her to scream.She flailed her arms and legs in a desperate attempt to fend him off, but it was futile."What are you doing? Let me go! Let me go!"Her body was thrown back onto the bed, and Alexander pinned her down with a force that left her breathless. He restrained her hands above her head, his eyes locked onto her face, which was devoid of any vitality."Damn it,"he muttered under his breath. "You're always like this when you're with me."Alexander's composure snapped. He tore at her clothes with brutal force."What are you doing? Stop it!"Phoebe struggled fiercely, disbelief and fear evident in her voice. She hadn't expected Alexander to bring her her
"Let me go… It hurts…"Phoebe's brows knitted tightly, her voice tinged with sobs.She felt like a lone leaf tossed about by a violent storm, battered mercilessly by the raging winds.Moments earlier, Alva had stood frozen in shock, watching Alexander roughly pin Phoebe against the wall.Her mind went blank for an instant. But when she heard her friend's anguished cry, she snapped back to her senses.Alva rushed forward, flipping on the stairwell light with a sharp "click."The dim yellow glow dispelled some of the darkness. Without hesitation, Alva stormed over and tried with all her strength to pry Alexander's arm off Phoebe."Hey! What do you think you're doing to her?"she demanded, her eyes blazing with anger and suspicion as she glared at Alexander's menacing demeanor. She could tell this man was trouble, and her fury flared."Get lost!"Alexander growled, his voice like the roar of a provoked beast.
Meanwhile, at the square, Phoebe's legs felt weak and powerless, making it nearly impossible to stand no matter how hard she tried.Frantically, she looked around for a taxi, but not a single empty one was in sight. Helpless, she dialed Gavin's number.Before long, Gavin arrived at lightning speed. He quickly got out of the car and carefully helped Phoebe and Alva into the vehicle, then drove them straight to the hospital.At the hospital, after a thorough examination, the doctor concluded it was just a cramp and nothing serious. With some rest and a bit of massage, she would recover fully. Relieved by the news, everyone let out a sigh of relief. Gavin then promptly drove both women back to their doorstep.The car came to a gentle stop by the roadside. Alva, being considerate, got out first, leaving Phoebe and Gavin some privacy.Phoebe lowered her gaze slightly and said softly, "Thank you for helping today and for bringing us back. I really apprec
For the past month, if not for being swamped with endless affairs and busy cleaning up a series of troublesome messes, he might have already lost control and rushed off to find her.At this moment, however, a thought unbiddenly surfaced in his mind: Is she with Gavin right now?As soon as the idea emerged, it spread like wildfire through his heart, igniting an uncontrollable jealousy.Anger surged like a violent tide, breaking through the dam of his rationality. He abruptly raised his foot and kicked the chair beside him with all his strength.The chair toppled over with a loud crash, the sharp sound echoing through the silent room.Gone was his usual composure and cold demeanor; now, he resembled nothing more than a jealous husband, consumed by suspicion and rage.The memory of that night replayed in his mind—her dressed in an elegant gown, dazzling and radiant. But the man standing beside her was Gavin, accompanying her to the banque
At this moment, Alexander, the man at the center of the recent scandal, sat inside his car. Although a beautiful woman leaned against him, seemingly basking in his affection, his heart was filled with nothing but disgust."Alex, darling, please… I really want it," the woman cooed, her lips painted a bright, tempting red. She pouted slightly, her sugary-sweet voice dripping with a coy and cloying charm that could make anyone's heart flutter.Her fingers, like serpents, slithered boldly across Alexander's chest, inching downward with shameless audacity."Get out!" Alexander snarled, his fury erupting. The veins on his forehead bulged as his eyes blazed with anger and disdain.Without hesitation, he kicked the woman away, his action as swift as it was ruthless.To him, these women were increasingly revolting, their fake affection akin to a foul, putrid swamp that sickened him to his core. He felt his stomach churn, a wave of nausea rising."Did I… do something wrong? Are you angry with m
Elsewhere, as evening descended, two figures emerged from the campus."Phoebe, there's a movie later. Come with me, okay?" Alva suggested."Huh?" Phoebe's eyes widened, clearly lost in thought moments before."I said, there's a movie tonight. Come with me." Alva rolled her eyes and raised her voice slightly."I…"Before Phoebe could finish, Alva cut her off with a warning. "You've bailed on me so many times already. This time, you're coming.""Alva, my foot…""I'm here, aren't I? Don't worry. Come on, let's go." Alva supported Phoebe as they walked forward slowly.Though Phoebe's injury had mostly healed, her dislocated bone still required more time to fully recover.By 8 PM, the two had arrived at the cinema. Because of Phoebe's foot, they couldn't move quickly and entered after most of the crowd had already gone in. To their surprise, many of the good seats were still vacant.They exchanged a glance and laughed, picking a comfortable spot to settle into.As the lights dimmed, the mo
The restaurant was bathed in soft, warm lighting, casting a gentle glow over each meticulously arranged table and creating an elegant, relaxing atmosphere.Laura sat across from Wright, her hands clasped nervously, her fingers slightly curled.She seemed uneasy, out of her element. This was her first time stepping into such an upscale restaurant.Everything around her felt foreign and fascinating, yet tinged with an inexplicable fear, as if she were an intruder in a world that didn't belong to her—a stranger amidst the refined luxury.Other patrons, dressed in elegant attire, occupied the surrounding tables. Some engaged in hushed conversations, while others laughed heartily. The cheerful sounds interwove, creating an infectious liveliness that floated and echoed through the air.Laura's gaze wandered across the room, quietly observing the people around her. Her eyes betrayed a deep longing.Their faces radiated happiness and contentment—emotions she had never truly experienced. A que