The dungeon was cloaked in near total darkness, with only a few faint rays of light struggling to seep through the cracks, casting mottled shadows on the ground.The damp air was thick with a nauseating stench, the foul smell a blend of age and sin.Rats scurried in the corners, their incessant squeaks adding to the eerie, terrifying atmosphere.Dana strode into the terrifying dungeon with several men in tow. His eyes searched the dark corners, quickly settling on Melissa, curled up in one of them."Drag her out!" Dana commanded coldly, his voice echoing through the empty dungeon.The men immediately stepped forward, roughly pulling Melissa from her corner.Upon seeing her, Dana exaggeratedly slapped his chest and feigned a look of terror. "My God, that's terrifying," he mocked, his face twisted in disdain and loathing despite his words."What do you want?" Melissa screamed in terror, her eyes wide with fear. Her face, twisted in horror from the extreme fear, looked almost monstrous.
The air was heavy with an unbearable cold, as if even breathing could freeze into frost. Melissa's desperate cries for mercy echoed throughout the dead silence of the room. Alexander's expression remained dark as he slowly turned around.Seated in a wheelchair, a thin blanket draped over his legs, the dim, yellow light cast a sickly glow, highlighting his profile in a haunting manner.His face was unreadable, but a terrifying aura radiated from him, like a messenger from hell, emitting an unmistakable scent of death.His gaze, sharp as a dagger, pierced through Melissa. His voice was as cold as the ice of eternity. "What makes you think you have the right to beg for mercy?"His words were laced with boundless anger and disgust, each one landing like a hammer blow to Melissa's heart.Her body shook violently, her voice cracking from fear, her face streaked with the tangled tracks of her tears, a mixture of regret and the desperate desire to live."I know I shouldn't have done those thi
"No… no… please…" Melissa shook her head frantically, her body jerking in fear and despair. Her hands flailed in the air, grasping at the fleeting chance for survival that had already vanished.But Alexander didn't give her any more chances for mercy. He suddenly reached out, grabbing her by the hair with irresistible force, lifting her up by the roots.Melissa let out a pained groan, the sharp pain in her scalp making her feel as though she might pass out. Then, the cold blade pressed against her cheek, as if an icy line was drawn, freezing her blood in an instant."Ah!" A sharp, blood-curdling scream followed, and a gash appeared on Melissa's face, dark red blood slowly seeping from the wound and trailing down her pale face, like a terrifying red snake.Tears of pain flowed from her eyes, mixing with the blood, and it was impossible to tell which was which.But this was just the beginning. Alexander's gaze held no mercy, only endless fury and hatred. His hand tightened on the knife
Phoebe had been back in her home country for a full week now, spending her days peacefully at her parents' house. Every day, they would casually mention the children, their eyes filled with concern and anticipation.Phoebe always wore a gentle smile, patiently and attentively responding, "Mom, Dad, the kids are doing fine. When they're a little older, I'll bring them back." As she spoke, her eyes sparkled with the love of a mother, reflecting her deep affection for her children.Before returning home, Phoebe had taken some pictures of the kids. She sat down next to her parents, handing them her phone and softly saying, "Mom, Dad, here, these are the kids."Her parents' eyes widened in surprise, filled with joy as if they had just seen the world's most precious treasure.Her father leaned in slightly, moving closer to the screen, his lips curving into an uncontrollable smile, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes glowing with delight. "They're so adorable," he murmured.Her mother ge
The next morning, Phoebe woke up early, carefully preparing herself in front of the mirror, her expression a mixture of anticipation and unease. After a simple breakfast, she hurried out the door—today, she was determined to find Laura.Phoebe's first stop was Laura's school. The campus was lively, filled with energetic students coming and going, but Phoebe's focus was solely on one goal—Laura.She found a quiet spot in a corner of the campus, her eyes glued to the entrance, watching for any signs of Laura.One hour passed, then two… Time slowly slipped away, and by midday, Laura had not appeared. Phoebe's gaze dimmed, disappointment washing over her like a wave. She reluctantly stood up, ready to leave the place that had filled her with both hope and frustration.Just then, a boy's urgent voice called out to her from behind, as if he was calling her name.Phoebe froze mid-step and slowly turned around to see Wright rushing toward her, sweat beading on his forehead, his hair messy, hi
"I'm sorry, I don't know you, I have to go," Phoebe's voice trembled as she tried to stay calm. She took a deep breath, her fingers shaking as she fumbled for her phone, desperately trying to dial Gavin's number.At that moment, only one thought occupied her mind: Quick, quickly, ask Gavin for help."I'm sorry, but I have no other choice," Dana's face flickered with a brief look of apology before his expression hardened. When he saw Phoebe reaching for her phone, he acted quickly, snatching it from her hands. "Your phone stays with me. After you meet the boss, I'll give it back to you." His tone was firm and unquestionable, as if this was the only option."What are you going to do?" Phoebe's eyes widened in terror, her voice rising in a fearful shout. She instinctively stepped back, panic gripping her chest."Sorry," Dana murmured with a slight frown, his eyes showing a flicker of guilt. Still, he signaled to the burly men around him. Without hesitation, one of them crouched down and
"Miss, please eat something." The maid stood outside the closed door, her voice soft with a mix of caution and helplessness as she gently coaxed.In response, there was only the sharp crash of objects being violently knocked over, the sound of them smashing onto the floor, sharp and piercing."I won't eat! Let me out! Do you hear me?" Phoebe screamed, her voice raw with anger and despair.As she yelled, the food tray and its contents were sent flying across the room, followed by rapid, angry pounding on the door, each blow seeming to try and shatter the door that kept her trapped.The maid sighed softly, shaking her head in resignation. She turned and walked slowly back to the kitchen. This was the third time she had brought food, but each time it had ended up on the floor. It seemed she would have to keep doing this, keep bringing food, until Phoebe's mood improved and she would finally eat."Let me out! Let me out!" Phoebe's hoarse cries filled the room, but all she got in return wa
The car slowly came to a stop. Phoebe looked at the familiar door of her home, and the tension in her body finally loosened a little as she let out a deep breath.But that breath was still filled with unease and anxiety. Her mind couldn't settle.She couldn't make sense of everything that had happened. The confusion left her feeling unsettled.Since Alexander had sent people to force her back, why had he never shown up? She had been certain that he would appear before her, wearing his usual smug expression, ready to mock her with cruel, biting words or do something else to make her suffer like he always did.But reality had caught her off guard.She had been inexplicably released, and Alexander hadn't shown his face at all.It felt like some bizarre dream, leaving her feeling completely bewildered.The more she thought about it, the more her mind spun, like a thousand ants were gnawing away inside her. Trying to calm herself, she step
As they stepped into the grand banquet hall, a sea of elegantly dressed guests filled the space—powerful elites from various industries, all mingling and exchanging pleasantries.The moment Phoebe entered, she felt countless gazes land on her. Instinctively, she shrank back slightly, tightening her grip around Alexander's arm.Alexander's expression remained cold and unreadable as his sharp eyes swept across the room, catching the way certain men eyed Phoebe with curiosity. Without a word, he subtly withdrew his arm from hers, only to move behind her and slide an arm around her waist—a gesture both possessive and intimate.Phoebe let him lead her through the crowd, their presence drawing attention wherever they passed.She had always found these social events tedious, despising the superficial interactions and empty flattery. But tonight, she was surprised to realize that she no longer minded. With Alexander by her side, his promise still ling
Inside the car, the atmosphere was suffocating.Phoebe sat sideways in the passenger seat, her vacant eyes staring out the window. Yet, her mind was far from the passing scenery. Alexander's cold gaze and piercing words haunted her, swirling through her thoughts like ghosts refusing to fade.Alexander gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning slightly white from the pressure. Though his eyes remained fixed on the road ahead, his mind was elsewhere. Phoebe's earlier words were like a sharp thorn lodged deep in his heart—every time he recalled them, a stabbing pain followed.A heavy silence engulfed them. No words were exchanged, no glances met—only the low rumble of the engine and the whooshing wind outside filled the void.Before long, they arrived at the hotel where the banquet was being held.Alexander glanced sideways and uttered two cold words: "Get out."Phoebe slowly turned her head, her eyes filled with grie
Phoebe was still lost in the dizzying heat of the kiss, her mind blank, unable to fully recover from the intoxicating sensation.Without warning, Alexander scooped her up once more, striding purposefully toward the private lounge attached to his office.The heavy door shut behind them with a muffled thud. Alexander carried her straight to the large, plush bed, leaning down slightly as he gently placed her onto the soft mattress.Phoebe's body sank into the luxurious bedding, her eyes widening in alarm as she looked up at him. "What… what are you doing?""I want you." His voice was deep and husky, laced with raw desire."No, you can't." Phoebe's breath came in uneven pants. Her emotions were in turmoil—fear and confusion tangled together, yet at the same time, her body betrayed her, reacting instinctively to his closeness. This only unsettled her more."Can't?" Alexander's lips curled into a faint smirk, his gaze dark and unreadable. Slowly, his eyes drifted downward, lingering at her
Phoebe stood in the secluded corner, her hands trembling slightly as they reached for the buttons of her blouse. Her gaze remained locked on Alexander's back, not daring to blink. Only after watching him remain completely still for a long while did she finally exhale softly and lower her head to begin changing.When she opened the gift box and saw the delicate black lingerie inside, she froze.Lifting the sheer fabric between her fingers, she muttered under her breath, "This is lingerie?"The material was nearly transparent—she could already imagine how revealing it would be once worn. For a moment, she weighed her options: should she stick with her own undergarments, or wear this?Her eyes drifted back to the black evening gown. Its design was exquisite and unique, seemingly crafted to pair perfectly with the lingerie, enhancing its elegance with a touch of allure.Biting her lower lip, Phoebe struggled internally before finally giving in. Slowly, she unhooked her own lingerie, her m
Phoebe dragged her exhausted body home, moving quietly to avoid disturbing her family. She didn't turn on the lights but relied on her familiarity with the house to navigate her way carefully to the bedroom in the dark.Stepping inside, she saw her children sleeping soundly in bed. Her heart instantly softened, overflowing with warmth as she unconsciously sat down beside them."Kids, Mommy saw your daddy today," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Reaching out, she gently brushed her fingers over their cheeks, her touch unbearably tender. A soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips.That night, Phoebe slept more peacefully than she had in a long time.In her dreams, she saw the bright, happy faces of her children, playing and laughing together. She saw herself joining in, their joyous laughter filling the air. And Alexander… he was there too. The four of them stood in a beautiful garden, basking in the warm sunlight. It was a dream so wonderful, so perfect, that she wis
On most afternoons, as soon as lunch was over, Phoebe would return to her desk without delay, diving right back into work. But today, she was different. Instead of heading straight back, she wandered aimlessly around the company's surroundings, unwilling to return. It wasn't until 2:30 PM that she finally, and reluctantly, made her way back to the office.As she walked, her mind kept replaying the moment she had shaken off Alexander's grip earlier. His darkened expression told her everything—he was furious. She was almost certain he would take his revenge in the afternoon, assigning her a slew of unreasonable tasks just to make things difficult for her. With this uneasy thought lingering in her mind, Phoebe stepped into the office.Strangely enough, the entire afternoon passed without any sign of Alexander. It was as if he had vanished into thin air. There were no assignments, no sudden calls to his office—nothing.Sitting at her desk, Phoebe felt restless. Every now and then, she gla
Phoebe covered her lips, tears streaming down her face as she ran toward the restroom. She kept her head low, afraid of letting anyone see her in such a disheveled state. Once inside, she hurried into a stall, locked the door tightly, and slowly crouched down, wrapping her arms around her knees as she broke into uncontrollable sobs.Her cries echoed within the small cubicle, filled with sorrow and despair, as if trying to release all the grievances she had suppressed over the years. She cried for what felt like an eternity until her eyes were so swollen she could barely keep them open.Standing up shakily, Phoebe walked to the mirror and stared at her reflection—her puffy, distorted eyes a stark reminder of her breakdown. She turned on the faucet, cupped her hands under the icy water, and splashed it onto her face repeatedly. The coldness stung her skin, but it also helped her regain a bit of clarity. Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself and made a firm decision in her heart.Ba
Upon reaching it, he freed one hand and, with a swift motion, swept everything off the surface.A loud crash echoed through the office as papers, stationery, and files scattered across the floor.The next second, Alexander carefully laid Phoebe down on the now-empty desk. She instinctively tried to sit up and escape, but before she could make a move, his towering frame loomed over her, pinning her beneath him.Phoebe's hands immediately pushed against him, her voice trembling with near desperation. "No, don't."But Alexander was far too strong. In an instant, he seized her wrists and forced them above her head, rendering her completely immobile."Isn't this the reason you came back?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.Phoebe's eyes welled up with tears. "I didn't… The public records never indicated you were the owner of this company. If I had known, I—"Before she could finish her sentence, Alexander abruptly leaned down, capturing her lips in a fierce, stormy kiss that swallowed her wor
Phoebe's fingers hovered over the cold doorknob for a second, her knuckles whitening. She drew a sharp breath and pushed open the heavy black door.The CEO's office was more expansive than she had imagined. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the glittering cityscape beyond, while at the center of the room, a large black executive chair sat with its high back turned toward her—tall enough to nearly obscure the figure seated in it."Sir, I'm the new secretary, Phoebe Garcia." Her voice cut through the silence, so clear she could hear the faint tremor in her own words.No response.The chair rotated slowly, and Phoebe's gaze traveled upward—over polished leather shoes, long legs, an immaculately tailored suit—until it landed on that face.Alexander Knight.Her breath hitched. Her pupils constricted. It was as if every drop of blood in her veins had frozen solid.Thud. The cardboard box in her arms crashed to the floor, the small potted succulent inside shattering, soil streaking her skirt.