Evadne was completely dumbfounded. She had never anticipated that Linchy would be able to decipher her entire scheme.A malevolent glint flickered in Linchy’s eyes. He lunged forward, seizing Evadne’s chin with a force that felt as if he intended to shatter her jawbone.Evadne’s face turned ashen. A soft, pained moan escaped from her lips, which were pressed tightly together.“Eva, it’s been four years. Are you still blind to who Percival really is?” Linchy sneered. “He only has room in his heart for Eulalia. Even if she were to die, he’d never marry you.”“You’re spouting nonsense!” Evadne retorted, her voice tinged with hysteria. “He promised to marry me, and he will!”“Do you really believe the words of a man?” Linchy scoffed, loosening his grip and lightly patting Evadne’s cheek. The gesture seemed gentle, but the mockery in his eyes made it feel as if he was treating her like a pauper.Disgusted, Evadne shoved his hand away and picked up her clothes from the floor. “Why can’t you
Stepping out of the office, the evening sun still radiated warmth, but a refreshing breeze quickly cleared Eulalia’s muddled mind. However, her stomach started to act up. She needed to sit down somewhere, and fast. Spotting Percival’s car, she hurried over.Percival stubbed out his cigarette, opened the car door, and slid into the driver’s seat. After watching Eulalia buckle her seatbelt, he tossed a bag from the backseat to her.Clutching the bag, still warm to the touch, Eulalia asked, “What’s this?”“Open it and see.”Eulalia pulled the bag open. Inside was a cup of porridge, tightly sealed. Even with Percival’s rough toss, it hadn’t spilled.“I heard from Oliver that you didn’t eat much at lunch,” Percival paused before continuing, “You’ve got a sensitive stomach. There’s a new medicinal porridge place nearby. I’ve tried it; it’s pretty g
The next morning was like a scene from a domestic drama. Percival and Eulalia woke up together, went through their morning routines, and sat down for breakfast. Percival’s plate was an Instagram-worthy spread of a Western breakfast—eggs, bacon, toast, the works. Eulalia, on the other hand, had a bowl of plain rice porridge, the kind of meal you’d eat when your stomach’s acting up.Percival, who was multitasking between bites, sipped his coffee and skimmed through the newspaper. “I’ll drop you off at work later,” he said, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.Eulalia looked up, her spoon halfway to her mouth. “I’m heading straight to Blackwell Corp today,” she replied, her tone neutral.Percival put down his newspaper, locking eyes with her. “I can take you there; it’s on my way.”Eulalia felt a twinge of suspicion. ‘On his way?’ she thought. Blackwell Corp was in the north, and Dunraven Corp was in the south. The two were as connected as oil and water. Was he planning to m
Eulalia knew that her ties with the Blackwell family were now completely severed. The only thing left between them was business cooperation, devoid of any emotional attachment.Percival had driven away everyone who loved her, leaving her isolated and vulnerable. He seemed intent on taming her into a tufted vetch, a plant that could only cling to him for support.The Blackwell family’s business had been suffering for the past few months, incurring heavy losses. Rumor had it that they’d offended Percival. Now, with Percival taking the initiative to collaborate, the rumors were dispelled. It wouldn’t be long before the Blackwell family bounced back.Eulalia felt relieved. Signing the contract lifted a weight off her chest.---Days passed in an orderly fashion. In the blink of an eye, half a month had gone by. Eulalia was working at the Dunraven Corporation. Percival, usually swamped with work, somehow found the time to keep an eye on her. They ate meals together, went home together, sle
Eulalia got into the car, the windows sealed tight. Even though it was autumn and not particularly cold, she broke out in a cold sweat.The driver glanced at her through the rearview mirror. “You hot? Want me to turn on the AC?”“No,” Eulalia shook her head, her fingers clenched tightly. “I’m cold.”Cold from fear, yeah. How could she not be? She knew Benedict was shady, but she never expected him to be in debt for ten million.Ten million might be chump change for Percival, but for Eulalia, it was the straw that could break the camel’s back.She stared out the window, her face as if covered by a thin layer of ice, ready to shatter at a touch.Checking the time, it was just past two. She’d make it by three.Maybe she was too anxious. When she arrived at her destination, she paid the fare and got out. This was a notorious underground gambling den. She had passed by it before but never entered.People who came here were of two types: the rich and the poor, two extremes.Eulalia didn’t g
Eulalia spoke her mind, and before Cassius could even respond, Benedict, who was trampled on the ground, couldn’t help but curse at Eulalia.“Eulalia, you wretched woman! If I’m going down, I’m taking you with me, you damn witch!” More and more vulgar words spewed from his mouth.Eulalia’s eyes gradually darkened, and a disdainful sneer appeared at the corner of her mouth. “Keep talking, and I swear I’ll cut off your tongue.”Benedict felt a shiver run down his tongue, like a fishbone stuck in his throat, and he instantly shut up.People who dabble in the underworld naturally exude a sense of malice. However, the malice that burst forth from Eulalia just now was even more intense than theirs.Cassius sat not far away, his gaze shifting from Benedict on the ground to Eulalia’s face. He squinted slightly, scrutinizing her.Eulalia, what can I say? Facing such nasty curses from her own brother, her face remained as calm as water, not a ripple in sight.Almost too calm.It’s safe to say s
Warning: The following chapter contains violence.“Your time will come,” Cassius said with a smirk, pouring more wine into his glass. “Take her to the room,” he ordered his men.Eulalia remained silent, her eyes downcast, hiding the emotions within. Subconsciously, she touched the pocket of her coat.As she was lifted off her feet, Eulalia couldn’t focus on her surroundings anymore. Calling for help was out of the question; this was Cassius’s turf, and his people were everywhere.If she cried out, not only would she fail to escape, but she’d also anger Cassius.Thrown onto the bed, her bag searched and removed, Eulalia felt a wave of pain wash over her. She opened her mouth and vomited; her stomach filled with nothing but alcohol and blood.The pain... it wasn’t just physical. The deeper wound was emotional, a pain that couldn’t be healed.“It’s not the first time I’ve been betrayed,” Eulalia comforted herself. Now she could finally cut ties with Benedict. Without him as a burden, she
Warning: The following chapter contains graphic description of violence.Cassius was tied to a pillar, his voice already hoarse from crying. The slow torture was worse than a quick death, and Percival, like him, was naturally inclined to take pleasure in tormenting others.The knife was heated until it glowed red, branding one burn mark after another onto his body. Then the tip of the knife was used to slice off the burnt skin.“I was wrong. Can you let me go just this once?” Cassius begged.“Did you let Eulalia go when she begged you?” Percival retorted.Eulalia had never begged, but even if she had, he wouldn’t have spared her at the time.“Take off his pants,” Percival ordered.The henchman who was administering the torture immediately put down the knife and removed Cassius’s pants. Cassius was so scared that he had urinated, and the room was filled with a foul smell. The man holding the pants wrinkled his nose in disgust.Cassius didn’t know what Percival was planning, but the rem
#Barry AnimalAbuse#This trending topic suddenly appeared at the top of social media.Barry rubbed her eyes, wondering if she was hallucinating from stress or if there was an issue with her phone. Hadn't Evette just told her on the call that #Eulalia AnimalAbuse# was trending? Why was she seeing something different?Barry's heart pounded, and a growing sense of unease filled her. She carefully opened her eyes again and looked at her phone. Nothing had changed from what she saw earlier, except the trending topic kept rising in popularity.Barry's face went pale, and her breath grew cold. Though autumn hadn't arrived yet, she felt a winter chill. The air entering her nose felt like icy vapor, freezing her heart. The cold sensation spread down her spine.How could this be happening?Why was it completely different from what Evette had said?Didn't Evette say Eulalia was trending? Why was she herself the top trend instead?Though animal abuse wasn't technically illegal, and what's done wa
Victor's large, warm hands enveloped Eulalia's cold ones completely.Victor was the golden boy, a perfect specimen in the entertainment world. This perfection wasn't just about his looks, but also his voice and his very soul.They say that pretty faces are a dime a dozen, while fascinating souls are one in a million. Victor had both.Those who knew him well were aware of his quirks - he could be a total dork sometimes, clueless about romance despite being overly narcissistic. His face would betray his Evettery emotion, and his ears would wiggle when he got cocky. For all his self-admiration, he'd turn beet red whenEvetter his crush was near.With Eulalia, he was gentle, wanting to get close but afraid of scaring her off. When she was in trouble, he stood firmly by her side, even if she didn't spare him a glance.Victor's affection for Eulalia was obvious, but his approach was cautious.Eulalia watched his lips move, his soft voice reaching her ears like a gentle breeze, slowly soothin
Eulalia gently stroked the singed fur of the ragdoll cat, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably. Her gray eyes were filled with moisture, stinging painfully.Her eyes were either unable to cry or unable to stop once they started. Now they seemed almost blind with grief. She tilted her head back, veins bulging in her neck, mouth slightly open and eyes tightly shut as she let out a hoarse, anguished cry.Her choked, raspy voice was broken, like a rusty knife scraping against a whetstone - so harsh and painful to hear that it made one's heart clench.Victor's eyes were red too, but he turned away silently. He couldn't show any weakness, afraid he wouldn't be able to support Eulalia if he did.Kneeling on the ground, Eulalia slowly scattered dirt over Misty's body, burying her until she was no longer visible. Eulalia's thin frame shook violently, her fragmented sobs growing from quiet to loud as her grief reached its peak.Eulalia had never imagined she could feel heartbreak like t
As much as she wanted to block out the world, cruel voices kept invading Eulalia's ears. Misty wasn't just a cat; she had saved Eulalia's life. They had promised to be together forever. Misty was family, a lifeline in her darkest moments, a light in the shadows.Eulalia's voice was hoarse, her tear-choked words barely intelligible as she called out "Misty" over and over. The pain in her chest was unbearable, desperately needing something to fill the void. Her grip on Victor's shirt loosened as she clutched Misty's collar tightly to her heart."Eulalia," Victor whispered. The girl in his arms was ice-cold, shivering uncontrollably. Her anguished sobs had faded to quiet whimpers.Even after crying her heart out, Eulalia wasn't feeling any better. Her veins were bulging, her temples throbbing. Her body alternated between freezing shivers and feverish heat, her back burning and itching.Victor's heart clenched. He opened his mouth, but no words of comfort came out.Kneeling down, Victor g
Eulalia's hands trembled as she reached out to touch Misty's wounded body. Her hands came away bloody. Ropes had cut deeply into Misty's limbs, and blood covered the cat's body, tail, paws, and head."Misty..." Eulalia's eyes were terrifyingly red, dry from the intensity of her grief. The pain was so extreme she couldn't even cry.In a daze, Eulalia somehow managed to untie the ropes binding Misty. All she could see were the burn wounds on Misty's skin and the blood oozing from four small punctures in the cat's mouth. Misty's sharpest fangs had been viciously pulled out. How much agony had Misty endured?"Misty, I'm here now. Look at me. Didn't we promise to always be together?" Eulalia's body shook as she cradled the bloodied cat. "I'll cancel all my work... I'll stay by your side from now on. I'll never leave you with anyone else again. Please, just hang on a little longer..."Misty lay in Eulalia's arms, struggling to open her eyes at the sound of Eulalia's voice.It's Eulalia... E
Barry noticed the collar around the cat's neck and tried to cut it off with a knife, but it wouldn't budge. Frustrated, she gave up—she couldn’t waste time on a collar.Gripping the cat's jaw, she forced its mouth open, grabbing its sharp teeth with pliers. "You want to bite me? I’ll pull out every last tooth and see if you try that again."Misty trembled, lying helpless on the ground, bound and unable to move. After all, it was just a cat—no way to beg for mercy.Barry's eyes darkened, and with a sharp tug, a sickening crack rang out, like bones being torn from flesh. Misty's scream filled the air."Meow..." Blood spilled from the cat's mouth, staining its once-pristine fur. Misty lay there, defeated, and in that moment, all it could think about was Eulalia."I just wanted to spend more time with you... I wanted to see you again…"...After dinner, Eulalia was told to get ready for the next scene. She glanced at the door, feeling uneasy—Jane hadn't returned yet. Eulalia called her, a
Eulalia took the phone Jane handed her and attached the tracking device to Misty’s collar. “Misty's well-behaved; she won't run off.” “I know, but just in case… too many people dislike me. If they can’t get to me, they might target Misty. A tracker at least adds some safety.” Eulalia focused on the device, missing the brief flicker in Jane’s expression. Jane pressed her lips together, hesitating like she wanted to say something, but held back. “All done,” Eulalia returned the phone, noticing Jane still looked tense. She ruffled her hair. “If something’s on your mind, tell me, don’t bottle it up.” “I…” Jane started, then glanced at Misty in her arms, “I’m fine, really.” “Alright, if you say so.” Eulalia could sense something off, but couldn’t quite place it. Maybe Jane had issues at home these past few days. It wasn’t her place to pry if Jane didn’t want to talk.Just then, Reid called, telling Eulalia to get ready for her scenes. The day was packed with her shoot, and wrap
Percival’s heart felt like it was being pierced by a thousand arrows at the thought of Eulalia in bed with Victor. It was only 1 a.m. when he glanced at the clock, and he reached under his pillow for the wedding photo of him and Eulalia. In the picture, she smiled cautiously, her dimples soft, eyes gentle. The photo wasn’t big, but he pressed it to his chest alongside the well-worn journal he often read, then lay back down.That night, he didn’t dream. But when he woke, his eyes were damp, his face sticky with tears that left his skin stinging.As a cancer patient, Percival's body was weak, and he often caught colds easily. The open window and a night of cold wind, combined with the emotional breakdown after seeing the picture Victor posted, left him feverish.The housekeeper was the first to notice and rushed to inform Mr. Lee, who promptly called for a doctor. The doctor came, measured Percival's temperature, and set up an IV. But as the doctor tried to insert the needle, he noticed
Eulalia had never seen a post about herself deleted so quickly before.She sat cradling Misty in one arm, absently fingering the tag on the cat's collar. After a few minutes, her phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number:"Eulalia, I don't want you as a replacement anymore. Stay by my side and I can protect you. Percival is ruthless - if you want a better life, stay far away from that madman."Eulalia frowned as she read the message. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard to reply "Go to hell," but she thought better of it and deleted the draft. There was nothing worth saying to someone like Trent. She blocked the number and set up a custom auto-reply instead.Meanwhile, Trent was anxiously awaiting Eulalia's response. He thought he had made himself clear - surely the small-town girl would get the hint. But after half an hour of silence, doubt crept in. Had she not seen the message? Or was she too afraid to reply?He sent another text:"If you come back to me obediently, I'm will