Zoe quickly said, "Aiden, you're being modest." Her compliment was not just flattery. Aiden was highly respected in the industry, internationally renowned, and held a prestigious status.Aiden had always liked her. He smiled at David and said, "I enjoy hearing her praises."David poured tea for him, adding, "You should take this chance to relax. There's no need to be so restrained. You seemed so tense the last time you met… Ms. Lilith, was it? I knew you were holding back your disdain."Aiden patted David's back. "Let's not dwell on that. Why bring her up?"David, with a look of sudden realization, kept apologizing to Zoe. "My bad, I wasn't really thinking. I'm sorry, Zoe."Zoe was not foolish. They were trying to dig into Lilith's affairs, and she guessed it was because Mason brought Lilith to meet Aiden. Aiden might not have liked her, but he saw the potential in Mason's deep pockets.She smiled faintly. "I understand."Then, Aiden began to vent. After sipping some tea, he
Zoe allowed him to touch her. Compared to the past, she appeared more compliant, but Mason still felt she was different now. He could not figure out what had changed. Perhaps it was because Zoe now treated her role as Mrs. Lockwood as a job, fulfilling his needs and taking care of household matters, but without love. Men could actually sense love and the absence of it. Mason thought he did not mind. It was just slightly discomfiting.Zoe did not speak up, so he spoke instead. "I saw Cecil earlier. Is he the reason you seem so unsettled?"Zoe looked up. Their eyes met, conveying a sense of mutual scrutiny. After a while, Zoe spoke softly, "Mason, you don't need to doubt me all the time. That wasn't a secret rendezvous. It was just a coincidence."Mason's gaze turned analytical. After a while, he lightly touched her face and said, "I believe you, Mrs. Lockwood. Now, can you come home with me and have dinner?"Before Zoe could nod, he had already lifted her into his arms.She did
Mason tilted his head back, exhaling a slow stream of gray smoke. He glanced at Leslie, saying, "I'm not a comedian."Leslie choked on the smoke. He was about to ask about Zoe when Gabriela approached with a glass of red wine.She had dressed up meticulously for the occasion. She wore a dress that exuded femininity, and every move deliberately showcased her womanly charm.Seating herself next to Mason, she spoke in a familiar tone, "Mason, why didn't you bring Zoe along? Since you two got married, it seems like you haven't taken her out much. Is it because you don't see me as being worthy of meeting her, or is it that you don't find your wife attractive?"This remark contained a hint of flirtation and a dash of curiousity.While she spoke, her body was almost leaning against Mason's shoulder, the soft, fair skin rubbing against his crisp white shirt. Gabriela believed that no man could resist such subtle temptation.Leslie pretended not to hear, taking a sip of his drink.Mason
Zoe could not be oblivious to what was happening. However, she chose not to argue and left the decision in Mason's hands. After all, intelligent women did not need to steal the spotlight in such situations.Everyone assumed Mason would not agree. To their surprise, Mason extinguished his cigarette, his tone nonchalant as he said, "Let's play."In the past, Mason was not keen on such childish games during social events. Yet, today marked his unprecedented entry into the game.Zoe sat by his side, gently embraced by him. They resembled an affectionate couple. When Zoe was occasionally penalized, Mason would draw her close. His warm palm lightly touched her delicate face, blatantly displaying their affection.Zoe understood that he was doing it on purpose, and she played along.While everyone in the room bantered, the expressions of the Waldolf siblings, especially Gregory, grew increasingly unpleasant. This time, Zoe lost again.This round was for Truth, with Gregory as the winne
Mason was a scion of a wealthy family. He rarely engaged in physical altercations, especially not over a woman. However, today was different. He got into a heated brawl with Gregory, and it was quite intense. Neither backed down, and both ended up with some bruises.In the end, Mason delivered a harsh kick to Gregory. Turning to Zoe, he said, "Let's go."Despite the pain, Gregory grabbed Zoe's arm, his face bruised but intense. He stared into her eyes and said, "The last time you told me, I only make things difficult for women. You said besides Mason, no one could help you. "Zoe, now I'm telling you, I can too. I promise to give you everything Mason can, and even what he can't. Zoe, why go back to him? Why chain yourself to this loveless marriage? You admitted you don't love him anymore."Zoe watched him calmly. After a while, she gently pushed away Gregory's hand, smiling faintly. "Gregory, I think you've misunderstood. I chose to go back to Mason willingly. Our relationship is
Zoe continued to caress his handsome face. After a moment, Mason caught her delicate fingers, preventing her from touching him further. He firmly pinned her wrist to the pillow. Just as he was about to fully indulge in the moment, Mason noticed some faint pink scars on Zoe's fair wrist. It was remnants of the cuts she had inflicted the last time he forced her.Mason's black eyes narrowed slightly. However, he chose to be gentle, pressing against her without being rough. He kissed the delicate scars tenderly, his voice husky and uncharacteristically soft. "Does it still hurt?"Unable to bear the memories, Zoe turned her face away. That night in the hotel, Mason had treated her like a prostitute, and she could not forget or let go of it. She could endure his roughness, but his tenderness was unbearable. It reminded her of the times when she had begged him for affection and pity, like a stray dog desperate for love.With moist eyes, Zoe suddenly cupped Mason's handsome face. Her
Ella felt her heart ache to the point of tears. She tightly held Zoe's hand. "Why is he so fickle? Is he going through an early mid-life crisis or something?"The atmosphere, initially heavy, lightened up when Ella made that remark. Zoe even chuckled. "It's quite possible!"The two chatted for a while. Ella looked at Zoe with a complex expression. "Last night, Gregory ended up in the hospital. He broke a rib, and it was Leslie who sent him there. Gabriela couldn't stand Gregory's feelings for you. The siblings had a big fight at the hospital, and it was Mrs. Margaret who eventually came to resolve it. I guess the Waldolf family is in chaos right now."Zoe stirred her coffee with her head down. In a low voice, she said, "I didn't provoke him."Ella naturally understood that she was worried about Gregory not giving up. In simple terms, Gregory only had some fear of Zoe because she was Mason's wife. If that were to change someday…Ella did not dare to think about it. She refraine
It seemed that Mason had come directly from the office. Dressed in a sharp three-piece suit, he looked incredibly handsome. He was youthful and charming yet exuding the typical allure of a successful man. Many young girls could not help stealing glances at him. It was something he was accustomed to. Mason walked directly to Zoe and looked at the gigantic movie poster."Do you want to watch this?" he asked.Zoe discreetly clenched the movie ticket, smiling lightly as she denied, "I just thought of grabbing a soda."Mason's deep eyes focused on her for a moment. He then personally bought her a drink, saying casually when paying, "You used to dislike this, didn't you?"Zoe smiled faintly. "People change."Mason handed her the soda, smiling. "How about watching a movie together?"It was the first time Mason had invited her on a date. In the past, Zoe would probably have been overwhelmed with gratitude and felt so thrilled that she would not be able to sleep for three nights. No