Morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating every corner of the room.Phoebe frowned slightly, her eyes squinting against the bright light as soon as she opened them. A pleasant, masculine scent filled her senses, and when she looked up, she saw a handsome face next to hers.Remembering his gentle touch from the night before, warmth filled her heart.His embrace was comforting, his chest radiating warmth against her.It wasn't until she felt the heat of skin-on-skin contact that she realized, with a sudden shock, that she wasn't wearing anything.Her face flushed with embarrassment, a delicate blush spreading across her cheeks. She wanted to move but didn't dare, afraid to wake him—she'd only feel more awkward if he woke up. So, she let him hold her possessively, feeling the heat of his body against hers.She found herself liking the feeling of being in his arms more and more...As she gazed at his flawlessly handsome sleeping face, Phoebe couldn't hel
By the time it was over, Phoebe was completely exhausted, while the man above her remained as firm as ever.Seeing that he was about to continue, Phoebe hurriedly pressed her hands against his chest. "Don't you have work? You'll be late...""It seems I haven't satisfied you enough... Otherwise, why would you want me to 'leave'?"He deliberately emphasized the last word, making Phoebe want to crawl into a hole from sheer embarrassment. He was being impossible!"Women are all so hypocritical," Alexander's thin lips curled into a wicked smile. He continued, his tone teasing, "Especially when they're beneath a man... Saying 'no' with their mouths, but their bodies? Much more honest."His mocking words made Phoebe's body tremble slightly, her face burning with embarrassment, her ears turning a deep shade of red."I... I...""Are you trying to say... 'Give it to me' or 'I want more?'" He raised an eyebrow, enjoying the array of expressions on her face.Phoebe was mortified! How could he be
That night, Alexander didn't come home. However, he did leave her some instructions—she was to prepare nutritious meals and have them ready for pick-up.For several consecutive days, it was the same routine. Three meals a day, Phoebe would cook, and one of his subordinates would come by to collect the food."Miss. Here's the menu for tomorrow," the subordinate said with a smile, handing her the list while holding the freshly prepared meal."It's ok," Phoebe replied with a light smile. Looking at the varied and elaborate dishes on the menu, she sighed softly. It seemed like she would have to make another trip to the supermarket after school.Many of the dishes were ones she had never heard of before. But to make sure she got them right, she spent hours poring over cookbooks. During the day, she had classes and no time to experiment, so she'd stay up late into the night in the kitchen, practicing how to prepare everything.One afternoon..."Phoebe, you seem so out of it lately. You look
It was the afternoon after school.Phoebe had just parted ways with Alva when she lifted her gaze and locked eyes with a man walking towards her.She instinctively wanted to turn and leave quickly, but he had already stepped up to block her path.With a gentle smile that seemed to radiate warmth, he said, "Phoebe, are you trying to avoid me again?"Phoebe stopped, feeling awkward. "Professor, I... I'm in a hurry... I really have to go..."She had hoped that if she kept avoiding him, he would eventually leave and return to France. Yet, after all this time, he remained persistent, which only made her feel more guilty.Passersby occasionally glanced their way, and Phoebe lowered her head, feeling the weight of their intrigued and curious looks.Thank goodness they had moved a good distance away from the school; otherwise, rumors would surely start flying.Curitis was far more popular at the school than she had imagined.On his first day, he had attracted a large crowd of female students
"What are you standing there for? Get in the car!" Alexander's voice was cold and commanding, his gaze sharp enough to kill.Phoebe bit her lip, the car too conspicuous, making her want to turn and run. But she had no choice; she steeled herself and opened the back door, jumping inside.She knew that if she didn't get in, it would only anger him further and attract more attention from onlookers, making her situation even more awkward."Sit in the front." Another icy command, the air thickening with tension.As soon as she settled in, his sharp shout startled her. Sensing his anger, she quickly jumped out and slid into the front seat.The atmosphere in the car was tense and strange.Phoebe cautiously glanced at him; his tightly pressed lips and furrowed brow told her he was clearly upset. His piercing black eyes radiated a chilling indifference, laced with barely concealed fury.What's wrong with him? Why is he angry?She didn't know. Was it related to her?It had to be! But how had sh
Phoebe glanced at Alexander, confused about what he was trying to achieve.She wanted to ask but didn't dare to, so she turned and followed the stylist into the dressing room.Makeup, hair, clothes, accessories... from head to toe, inside and out, the stylist meticulously handled everything.She stayed inside for a full three hours before the makeup artist finally finished.Phoebe looked in the mirror, stunned by her reflection. Even she couldn't believe how breathtaking she appeared.She recalled a similar moment three years ago when she had been amazed at her own transformation. But the emotions she felt then were completely different from now."You look perfect! You're like a goddess," the stylist praised, clearly pleased with their work. Every little detail was flawless, leaving no room for criticism.Phoebe's cheeks flushed with a hint of shyness. Would Alexander like her like this?Satisfied, the stylist pushed her out of the dressing room."Sir, she's ready. What do you think?"
On a dreamy summer night, a luxurious cruise dinner is held at Valleybrook.In the banquet hall, lights glitter and wine flows, creating an atmosphere of opulence.The entire event is a dazzling display of grandeur, filled with guests from esteemed families, business magnates, and politicians. They raise their glasses and engage in lively conversation, creating a bustling scene.Phoebe lowers her gaze, mechanically linking her arm with Alexander's as they step into the dinner hall.The crystal chandeliers reflect her slender figure. Her long gown trails behind her, requiring her to gently lift it with her fingers, which only adds to her elegance and charm.Yet with each step she takes, her heart tightens. Her palms are slick with nervous sweat, for this is a place she had visited three years ago.Entering again fills her with an unsettling dread, as memories of that night flood back.Phoebe glances at him with suspicion, her long fingers gripping his arm tightly.Why did he bring her
In the corner, Phoebe watched Alexander chatting intimately with another woman, feeling a pang of discomfort.She wanted to leave but hesitated to do so.Turning away dejectedly, she tried to avoid looking at them, perhaps subconsciously trying to escape something. But in that moment, she unexpectedly bumped into someone."I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to..." she hurriedly apologized."Phoebe..."Her heart skipped a beat as she raised her eyes to meet a pair of melancholic blue ones.Curitis... he was here too, which took her by surprise."Professor... you're here too..." Phoebe managed to force a smile, recalling how she had slapped him earlier that day and the harsh words she had spoken. She suddenly felt a bit overwhelmed."Phoebe... you look beautiful tonight.""Thank you. I...""Phoebe, how do you know him?" Curitis asked, noticing her instinctively glance towards Alexander.Anger flashed in his eyes as he tightly grasped her slender arm.His sudden movement attracted the attention
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
That evening, after returning home, Phoebe took a quick shower and collapsed into bed, exhausted. She tried not to dwell on the events of the day. Instead, she picked up her phone and called Alexander. She longed to hear his voice, even if just for a few words."Phoebe, missing me already?"The deep, magnetic voice from the phone instantly eased her tense body."Yes," she answered softly, letting her feelings flow naturally."What did you do today?" Alexander asked in a gentle tone, leaning back on his sofa."I went to the supermarket," Phoebe replied in a soft voice."And?""Uh, slept? Ate? Watched TV?""So, you're still my little lazy pig?""I am not!" she retorted with a pout, her tone turning playful, almost coquettish.Moments like these reminded her that their conversations could be as casual and sweet as any other couple's.They talked for a long time, exchanging simple words that filled her heart with warmth. Eventually, Phoebe hung up reluctantly. She didn't mention the event
Just as the car hurtled toward her, a voice full of panic and fear rang out. "Watch out!" In the next moment, a pair of strong arms pulled Phoebe aside. The car barely missed her by a hair's breadth. The young man who had suddenly appeared held her tightly, his breathing uneven as he stood protectively in front of her. Normally composed and image-conscious, Werner was now furiously yelling at the car. "Are you blind?!" he shouted. Turning back to Phoebe, his tone softened with concern. "Hey, are you okay?" But before she could respond, he scolded her. "Why didn't you dodge? Are you an idiot? Don't you know how dangerous that was?" His voice was sharp, but the lingering fear in his eyes betrayed his worry. "If I hadn't been following you, who knows what could have happened? Just thinking about it scares me." Werner had been visiting his uncle in Meadowville when he spotted her walking alone.Without a second thought, he'd gotten out of the car and trailed behind her,