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