Julissa raised a glass of champagne and said, "Mr. Howard, this is for you."She tilted her head back and drank the first glass in one go.Mr. Howard laughed heartily. "Miss Hickman is truly generous! I like this kind of girl!"Julissa dabbed at the wine on her lips and glanced carefully at the icy boss beside her.Just in time, she made eye contact with Scott, and she couldn’t help but shudder.Why did his gaze seem even more terrifying now?Could it be that he was worried she wouldn’t be able to handle three glasses?Though she was starting to feel a little dizzy, she could hold her liquor. A few more glasses wouldn’t take her down.Mr. Howard had already handed her the second glass, his smile wide as he said, "Miss Hickman, please."Julissa took a deep breath, accepted the glass, and was about to drink when Scott stopped her by gripping her wrist."Don’t force yourself if you can’t handle it.""I’m fine, CEO Nichols," Julissa reassured him in her mind. Since this was an important b
"Then think it over again." Scott's voice was cold.Mr.Howard frowned, unwillingly glancing at Julissa before leaning in toward Scott. "Mr. Nichols, she's just a small assistant. Is this really necessary? We're talking about a billion-dollar project."Julissa overheard Mr.Howard's words, but once she had alcohol in her system, her brain stopped working properly. The cryptic conversation went over her head, and she couldn't figure it out immediately.She only sensed that Scott was angry."I don’t do business by trading women. Mr.Howard, you must have misunderstood. My apologies."Mr.Howard froze for a moment before laughing heartily. He clasped his hands together in a gesture of apology. "That was my mistake. Let's discuss the contract another time."Julissa stared blankly at Mr.Howard as he walked away, puzzled. "Mr. Nichols, why didn’t you let me sign the contract? It was so close to being finalized."Scott’s face remained dark. "He wanted to take you upstairs to take advantage of yo
Julissa was already drunk, her mind foggy, but she couldn't shake the feeling that Ariana and Cael were up to something sneaky.Are they planning something against Anna?She knocked on her hazy head, trying to stay clear-headed.She stood up, intending to head over to Annabelle.Even if she didn’t know what she could do, at least being by Anna’s side would be better than nothing.But as soon as she got up, the world spun, and her legs felt like they were stepping on cotton. She couldn’t even stand properly.Scott caught her. "Where are you going?"Julissa raised her hand and pointed in Annabelle’s direction.Scott followed her finger, which was aimed toward the banquet hall's exit. Thinking she wanted to leave, he simply said, "Alright," and scooped her up in his arms, carrying her straight out of the hall through the side door.The pressure against her stomach from being carried made Julissa feel sick. She clutched Scott’s shirt tightly, burying her head in his chest, desperately hol
Julissa didn’t quite catch the implication of that "again."She thought Scott had simply seen through the crush she once had on him.But more importantly—how could he say such flirtatious things so casually, without even blinking?!"Mr. Nichols, don’t you feel embarrassed saying things like that?"He smirked lightly, amusement flashing in his eyes. "If you’re not embarrassed, why should I be?"Julissa tilted her head, grinning mischievously as she leaned in closer. "So… does that mean I can flirt with you however I want?"Scott flicked her forehead, shaking his head helplessly. "Julissa, I really should record you right now."Just then, the car arrived. Scott helped her inside, and they both sat in the back seat.The driver asked, "Mr. Nichols, to the office or…?"Scott originally planned to return to the office, but after glancing at Julissa—who had instantly fallen asleep the moment she leaned against the window—he sighed."Take us home."He was the one who got her drunk, so he had
After finishing in the bathroom, Julissa wobbled over to the pristine sink.Through the mirror, she took in her surroundings again—still the same high-end black, white, and gray aesthetic.The faucet, free of even a single water stain, gleamed with a cold metallic sheen. The marble countertop, with its rippling stone patterns, looked just as chilly.Julissa couldn't help but complain, "The designer of this hotel must be emotionally detached."Then, her eyes landed on a white ceramic tray on the counter. Several white and brown bottles sat neatly arranged on it.Probably just some basic skincare products, she guessed.Curious, she picked one up and squinted at the label—a jumble of blurry letters, not a single recognizable word.Looks expensive…She made a mental note to try them out when she took a bath later.Right now, though, she was too lazy even to wash her hands. She just wanted to sleep.She set the bottle back down, but her drunken clumsiness betrayed her—she knocked over the
Julissa flashed a mischievous smile. "Mr. Nichols, taking advantage of you in a dream won’t get my salary docked, right? lol…"Scott’s lips curled up slightly. "You can try and see."Julissa was a woman of action. If she thought about it, she would do it.She hooked her arms around Scott’s neck, tiptoed, and pressed her lips directly against his.His lips were slightly cool, his scent crisp and refreshing—like the air after a snowfall.Most importantly, the sensation felt too real.This dream was so wonderfully vivid that she couldn’t help but close her eyes and savor it.Scott watched her up close, even noticing the slight tremble of her long lashes.After so many days, he was finally kissing her again.The taste of this kiss… was almost identical to that night.Yet, at the same time, it was different.Because this time, Julissa knew who she was kissing.This foolish girl actually thought she was dreaming, so she was acting recklessly.But did that mean… deep inside, she harbored fee
Julissa seriously considered it for a moment.If this really was a dream, she would probably forget everything when she woke up, so there’d be no awkwardness in facing him later.And wasn’t the whole point of dreams to let people experience things they couldn’t do in reality?She dazedly nodded.Scott chuckled. "Do you like me that much?"Julissa grinned cheekily. Who doesn’t like a handsome guy?"Of course! And if you don’t dock my salary, I’ll like you even more!"That simple sentence lit up the deep, brooding darkness in Scott’s eyes.He chose to believe that she meant it—that it wasn’t just drunken nonsense."Alright, I won’t dock your salary."Glancing at the bedside clock, he withdrew his hand from her waist."Wait for me. Don’t fall asleep."Julissa’s face flushed red. She didn’t know whether to nod or shake her head.She thought to herself, But I’m already asleep. Shouldn’t you be saying ‘don’t wake up’ instead?Still, feeling too embarrassed to correct him, she kept quiet.Sc
One hour ago, inside the hotel banquet hall.Ariana and Cael approached Annabelle, raising their glasses to her.Kendrick had just stepped out of the banquet hall to take an important call, leaving Annabelle alone for the moment.She stood up, accepted the drink handed to her by the waiter, and took a sip without much thought. After exchanging a few polite words with Ariana, she downed the drink.However, shortly after drinking it, she realized something was wrong.Her face felt hot, her breathing became short and feverish, and when she caught her reflection in the glass window beside her, she saw her own hazy eyes and flushed, alluring expression.This wasn’t the first time she had been drugged with an aphrodisiac, but this time, the effect was overwhelming. It was as if ants were crawling through her veins, an unbearable itch spreading deep inside her body, making it nearly impossible to maintain control.She could feel her willpower crumbling under the drug’s influence. If a man tr
Scott had already made his selection. He picked up two boxes, placed them into the shopping cart, and then walked toward her.Julissa's lips twitched slightly.Hadn't Mr. Nichols just said at home that there was no rush, that it was fine to take things slow? So why was he now picking out condoms… and taking two boxes at that?Her heart started racing again as her mind wandered to certain unspeakable thoughts. She quickly shook her head, trying to clear away the chaotic images.Scott was already standing in front of her, his expression as calm as ever. He even took the items she had just picked out from her hands and placed them into the cart.“Are we about done with the shopping?”Julissa nodded and silently followed him for a couple of steps before hesitating. She reached out and stopped the shopping cart, causing them both to halt in place.“What is it?” Scott asked.“This… isn’t really necessary, is it?”Her palms were sweating. She pinched the box lightly between her fingers, as i
Being held so tightly by him, Julissa felt flustered. She mumbled, “How can you just say ‘not going hungry’? That’s just the basic survival standard! We need to eat well…”"We," Scott repeated her words, a teasing smile playing at the corners of his lips as he leaned in closer. “So, you’ve thought about living with me?”Julissa blinked at the man so close to her.Inside her mind, a voice was screaming.His voice, his gaze, that dangerously handsome face—it was all shaking her already weak resolve.She wanted to tell him: Not only have I thought about living with you, I’ve even thought about how many kids we’d have…Beep—The fridge let out a loud warning sound, alerting them that the door had been open for too long.The noise snapped Julissa back to her senses. She quickly slipped out of Scott’s arms, shut the fridge door, and felt her face burning.“You… go wait outside. It’ll be ready soon.” She didn’t even dare to look up at him as she spoke.Scott stepped out of the kitchen as she
Scott straightened up, and Julissa, still feeling anxious, sat up as well."Are you… mad?" she asked hesitantly.Scott glanced at her.He wasn’t angry, but he did look disappointed—heartbroken, even.That look made Julissa feel so guilty that she almost wanted to take back her words and let him continue what he was doing…She tugged at his sleeve. "Mr. Nichols, can you give me a little more time?"Scott gently stroked her cheek, his gaze filled with tenderness."Maybe you still don’t believe we’ll last, but that’s okay. I’ll slowly make you believe."His words stunned Julissa for a few seconds.Then, she opened her arms, wrapped them around his neck, and threw herself into his embrace.There was nothing more touching than the promise of a future together.And nothing more considerate than the phrase take your time.Scott’s hand stroked her back, and Julissa felt an overwhelming sense of comfort and security in his arms.He smelled fresh and clean, and right now, he was her boyfriend—s
Although Julissa's mother liked Scott as a person, she still found it hard to believe that such a high-status man would genuinely date Julissa.It felt unrealistic and unstable.Their family wasn’t rich or powerful, and they weren’t the kind of people who would eagerly throw their daughter at a wealthy man just because of his status.In fact, the better Scott’s conditions seemed, the more cautious they became.On this, both Father and Julissa's mother were in full agreement: their precious daughter must be given to someone who sincerely cherished her—someone truly outstanding and driven.Money and status were just illusions. Scott needed further observation.Even though Julissa's mother wasn’t particularly old-fashioned, she still worried that her daughter might suffer losses in certain aspects, which was why she kept reminding her.Hearing this, Julissa immediately covered her face.“Mom! What are you even thinking…? We haven’t! And we won’t do that kind of thing!”Julissa's mother s
Over the years, Kendrick had grown accustomed to living under constant threats. Apart from Ryan, many others wanted him dead.If he lived in fear every day, he wouldn’t have needed an assassin to kill him—he would have scared himself to death long ago.“Go handle your work.”“Yes, Boss.”After Jax left, Kendrick fell into deep thought.It made sense that Ryan would try to assassinate him to fight for Anna.But what puzzled him the most was that Ryan had started planning these assassinations before Anna married him.No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t figure out what grudge existed between them that made Ryan so determined to eliminate him.This mystery had been bothering him for a long time. And solving it might be the key to ending their deadly feud.—Meanwhile, Annabelle was enduring the “devil training” of Teacher Maria.It was tough and painful, but she never once considered giving up.No matter how much it hurt, as long as she wasn’t dead, she would keep training. No room f
Annabelle shot Kendrick a glare.Not only had he just implied that Marvin was idle and carefree, but he had also mocked him for being single.Mr. Gregory, that was too harsh.Marvin, however, merely smiled. “Since my dear brother needs it so much, you should have it. Just be careful not to overdo it—too much of a good thing can be harmful.”With that, he released his chopsticks.Annabelle sighed inwardly.Seems like this one isn’t exactly kind-hearted either.Feeling the need to clear things up, she decided to speak on Kendrick’s behalf.She didn’t want people thinking she was like those imperial concubines who supposedly drained their emperors with excessive indulgence.Besides, Kendrick was not weak…She said earnestly, “I only made this for him because he’s been working so hard lately. I can’t help him with anything else, but at least I can take care of his nutrition. Don’t worry—his health is just fine.”Kendrick smiled and picked up the sea cucumber, chewing it slowly.Good, he t
Marvin took a bite of the food and remarked, “Anna, your cooking is really good.” Annabelle smiled. “I’m actually not very skilled at cooking.” “It’s already very impressive,” Marvin praised sincerely. She glanced at Kendrick and noticed that the sly fox was still smiling, though it was obvious that he was extremely displeased. Well, whose fault is that? You were the one who started talking unnecessarily, Annabelle thought, feeling no sympathy for him. The meal continued in silence. Though everything seemed peaceful, Annabelle felt a little awkward. Looking at Marvin—her ex-fiancé. Then at Kendrick—her current husband. And these two just happened to be brothers. It wasn’t just outsiders who would find their situation intriguing; even those involved couldn’t help but marvel at fate’s sense of humor. Despite their hidden agendas, the two men were sitting down for a meal together. She really didn’t understand the way men’s minds worked. Instead of dwelling on it, she focused
When their eyes met, both Annabelle and Marvin were momentarily stunned.Marvin then stepped closer and glanced at the lunch bag in her hand. “Bringing food for Kendrick?”Since their last meeting in the Maldives, they hadn’t seen each other again.Marvin had heard that she had left for a while and later returned.He had wanted to check in on her but was afraid of bothering her, leaving him conflicted for days.Now, having run into her by chance, his heart felt a small surge of joy.Annabelle smiled at him and nodded. “Are you working from here today?”“Mm.”Marvin stared at her, lost in thought.He liked the way she spoke to him so calmly, but at the same time, he felt a hint of sadness.Is it because she neither dislikes nor likes me that she can greet me so indifferently?He even suspected that she spoke to the company’s security guards with the same level of warmth.Suppressing the tinge of disappointment in his heart, Marvin said, “I need to see him too. Let’s go up together.”Wi
The three senior executives—all men—exchanged glances upon hearing the woman's cry from the president’s private lounge.A woman's voice… coming from the president’s resting area!Who else could it be? It must be the little wife their president cherished so dearly.“Give me a moment,” Kendrick said as he stood up.The three executives immediately responded, “Of course, President, take your time. We’re in no hurry.”As Kendrick entered the lounge, the three men outside kept their expressions neutral, but their ears were perked up, listening intently.Inside, Kendrick asked, “What’s wrong?”A pitiful voice replied, “My legs hurt even more now…”He continued, “Can you get out of bed?”The little woman whined, “Not really… I need a moment…”Outside, the three men exchanged looks—one shaking his head, another stifling a laugh, and the third feeling oddly sentimental.President, you’re too much… You’ve completely worn her out to the point she can’t even get out of bed!Must be nice to have t