Unfortunately, Zoey woke up the next day with no recollection of yesterday’s events. The hangover she had was horrible, and she was only left with pieces of memory here and there. Her head was heavy and throbbing while her stomach ached like she hadn’t thrown everything up yet.Slowly sitting up from the bed, she racked her brains trying to remember what she said to Laurence last night but couldn’t recall anything except for her wailing while hanging on to him for dear life. So, she sat on the bed dejectedly, in a daze. It wasn’t that she regretted drinking so much out of anger but that her body was feeling very uncomfortable. Laurence was gone, and she was wearing a clean silk nightgown. Occasionally, memories of her throwing up on Laurence when they arrived home and clinging to him would return to her. Zoey worried that she accidentally let slip something she shouldn’t have. After all, they did say that drinking makes one spill their guts, and she had no intention of pouring her he
Despite still being at a loss, she nodded in agreement dazedly.“Okay.”She must have said something to offend Lauerence last night, and not to mention, the man hated to see her crying or acting weak. She gave up getting answers and decided to stop bothering him.“I’ll hang up now.”Laurence’s expression remained unchanged as he tossed his phone onto the table and looked at everyone else in the room.“Go on.”The manager, who had been presenting earlier, bit the bullet and continued explaining his plan. He wiped off his sweat, pitying himself for having his turn when the president was in a bad mood.“Regarding the acquisition of ES Corp, we’re still at the evaluation stage. The company’s–”Laurence, who sat at the head of the table, cut the manager off.“I’ve already given you months to conduct the evaluation. Has there been any progress at all?”The manager immediately broke out in cold sweat. This acquisition case was tough, so he explained.“Mr. Scott, the terms the other party is o
Robert took the chance James was offering and got out of the embarrassing situation.“Let’s eat.”While James headed to the dining area, Zoey beamed at her father.“This is the young talent you chose for me?”Robert was able to acknowledge what she said without even changing his expression.“Mr. Lewis isn't too old.”Zoey smiled.“He already has a wife.”Robert snapped.“It’s useless to mention things like that! If he likes you, you better serve him well and not ruin my business.”Zoey doubted she was his biological daughter. After all, what father would do this to their daughter?“Think of your mother. Don’t make me do things you won’t like.”“I know.”“What have you heard about the piece of land on the city outskirts?”“I don’t know. Laurence never tells me things like this.”Zoey’s head dropped, deliberately acting like she was in a pickle. But she couldn’t hold the expression for long before smirking.“But I did overhear his call with his father. The government plans to use that la
James was a frequent offender when it came to using dirty methods like these. Fortunately, the medicine wasn’t working too fast. Zoey nearly hacked up a lung. She knew what James had forced her to take without even asking.Clenching her hands into fists, she asked, “Mr. Lewis, aren’t you afraid your wife will find out?”James was notorious for being afraid of his wife, so even if he did mess around with others, he made sure to hide it from his wife. At Zoey’s words, James’ face immediately twisted.“This is none of your business! I see that you’re still playing tricks on me. Well, I admire your courage, Miss Jenner.”Zoey pretended to be calm.“Mr. Scott will come for me.”In reality, she was bluffing. Laurence hadn’t sent anyone to watch her, so he wouldn’t know where she was. If he doesn’t return home, he won’t even know that she wasn’t home yet. So, she was just saying this to scare James. James tsked.“What is he to you? Is he your boss or your benefactor? Let me remind you that yo
Fortunately, Zoey didn’t sustain any serious injuries. Putting up with the pain, she quickly called for a car while she was still conscious and asked the driver to send her home. By the time she got home, Zoey was barely hanging on to her inhibitions. The drug was so strong it was robbing her of her sanity and switching her submissive instincts on.She staggered out of the car and slurred, “Thanks.”The cold night wind somewhat eased the heat off her face. Zoey patted her face, realizing she had made a dumb decision. She should’ve headed to the hospital straightaway instead. Well, it was too late now. She wouldn’t reach the hospital in time. Right now, all she wanted was to reach her bathroom and soak in some cold water.The lights in the villa were still on, so she wobbled towards them. After she changed into her bedroom slippers, a familiar voice spoke out.“You’re home?”Zoey swallowed, agonized by the changes happening to her body. She lifted her head to look at the man who was spl
Zoey felt as though she was being submerged in a warm tide as the water soaked her feet and wetted her body. Her hands were tied behind her back, and the tie binding her wasn’t very secure, yet she couldn’t seem to escape no matter how she tried. She opened her eyes shakily.Like a spectator, Laurence sat on the bed and watched as Zoey panted, enjoying the look of her flushed face. Laurence was using silence as torture to extract information from her, who was like a fish deprived of water. Tears filled her eyes, and her easily bruised skin was red from her fierce struggle with the tie binding her. Breaking out in cold sweat, Zoey panted and slowly began.“I ran into some trouble tonight.”It was tough to fool Laurence, so she had no intention of lying. However, she wasn’t going to tell him everything either. She didn’t want Laurence to know that Robert was her father because she might be treated as an illegitimate daughter.Robert would never admit his marriage with Zoey’s mother, nor
Hence, when she spoke again, Zoey’s words sounded slightly muffled.“I can go to someone else if you do not wish to help.”Laurence admired her for bearing such wishful thoughts.“Did I say I wouldn't help you?”“Well, then hurry up and loosen the tie!”She was utterly annoyed at being kept hanging. Laurence chuckled softly. His eyes held a hint of youthful vigor when he laughed. He held onto her nape, his breath hot against her skin.“Let’s keep it this way. I prefer you like this.”For the entire night, she was like a small boat caught in a storm. Tossed around in the waves against her will. She had no choice but to cling tightly to the only salvation in sight. By daybreak, she had lost her voice. She sounded as hoarse as could be. Her throat hurt so much that she refused to speak. However, she had to admit that it had been a long time since she last felt so satisfied.When Laurence woke up in the morning, he looked satiated. Zoey glanced at him before she fell asleep again in mere s
Zoey cleared her throat and intentionally ignored his question.“Mr. Scott, could you please go through the schedule and let me know if there are any areas that need to be revised?"Her voice still sounded pretty hoarse. Laurence raised a brow but ignored the fact that she deliberately disregarded his question. His thumb rested casually on the document as he scanned through it.“Postpone the meeting scheduled for the day after tomorrow. Reschedule it for another day."Zoey was quiet for a brief moment.“That meeting…”It was a meeting with the leaders of ES Corporation, a high-end technology company that had made rapid progress domestically over the past two years, which they were in the process of acquiring. The acquisition case was actually in its final stages, with only a few details left to be finalized. Zoey had just started when she was cut off by Laurence.“Postpone it.”“Okay.”She did not continue any further. Laurence must have something much more important to deal with for h
Ryan had a reason for barging into the room. He thought he had seen something he shouldn't have.He had witnessed Zoey's relationship with his brother over the past few years. He hadn't thought so many things would happen between them when they got married.In the end, Laurence fell for her.The high and mighty guy had willingly become the loser for that woman.Zoey could tell from Ryan's reaction that he had misunderstood. Without bothering to explain, she walked straight out of the office.Laurence ignored Ryan, too. He treated Ryan as if he didn't exist and strode out the door after Zoey. Ryan was left alone in the office, dumbfounded.Laurence's assistant greeted him politely. "Are you here for ..."Ryan was still in a daze. He snapped to his senses and said, "I'm here to see my brother!""Mr. Scott just left.""I saw that.""Then, is there anything else I can do for you?"Ryan turned around to leave but returned halfway. He put his arm around the assistant's shoulder as
Zoey could feel the gazes on her as she stepped into the office. There were hardly any familiar faces left in the office.She secretly sighed in relief. She would have felt awkward and at a loss if she had to face the inquisitive gazes of acquaintances.Laurence held Zoey's hand, and she had no choice but to let him do as he pleased. She couldn't resist him.They entered Laurence's office. His office looked cold and plain, just like he was.Zoey noticed he was still grabbing her wrist. She took a deep breath and asked, "Where should I sit?"Perhaps surprised by her sudden cooperative attitude, Laurence raised an eyebrow. After a pause, he kindly reminded her, "The door is locked."Without a key, the door couldn't be opened from the inside.Zoey tried to pull her wrist away. "Got it."Laurence watched her sit on the sofa, and he relaxed slightly. He asked politely, "Would you like something to drink?"Zoey was momentarily lost in thought. She replied, "Warm water will do"Laur
Zoey was composed. She didn't seem worried about Laurence investigating her past in Novarvia. But deep down, she wasn't confident.Laurence had long lost any moral boundaries. Despite knowing she was married, he showed no concern about interfering in her marriage. He would likely become even more audacious and unrestrained if he discovered that her marriage was fake.Just the thought of it gave Zoey a headache. She never thought getting rid of someone would be so difficult, even if they held a certain position of power. Shaking him off became increasingly challenging.Lost in her contemplation, Zoey failed to notice the driver had changed direction. When she finally realized, the car was parked at the entrance of the Scott Group.Zoey pondered briefly. She thought the driver was sending Laurence off. She waited patiently and remained seated in the car.The man beside her calmly looked at her and raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you getting out?"Zoey furrowed her brows. "Why should I?"
Sarah always seemed like she was thriving. Looking radiant, she hooked arms with the man beside her. She no longer looked as worn as she had a few months ago.Laurence was acquainted with the man beside her. His gaze was indifferent, showing neither surprise nor much emotion. Firmly grabbing Zoey's hands, Laurence wouldn't let her leave his side.Laurence had no intention of greeting Sarah or engaging with William. He held Zoey's hand, seemingly aware she didn't want to deal with them either. He turned his face to her and said, "Let's go."Zoey didn't refuse. They left quietly.This time, Sarah didn't stop Zoey. She usually tried provoking her.Once they were far away, Zoey immediately shook off Laurence's hand. He saw her furrowed brows and the undisguised disgust in her eyes. She must have hated Sarah a lot. She didn't even want to see her.Laurence explained, "I didn't know she would be here today."Zoey ignored him and walked ahead. The man behind her suddenly circled he
Zoey had no idea whether she was acting out of spite or being stubborn, but she arrived at the restaurant as promised. The restaurant had a private courtyard that offered great privacy. She didn't want to cause the person she was meeting any trouble. Neil's wife was once Zoey's client. Both parties were pleased with the business transaction. Zoey didn't like socializing, but she was out of alternatives. She forced herself to befriend Neil's wife. She had something to ask of Neil because her passport application had been dragging on without any progress. Zoey didn't want to lose control of her emotions again. She could still keep her cool if she stayed away from Laurence. To her surprise, Laurence had found out what she had been secretly up to. It was like he had installed a bug on her. She was horrified. "I've heard a lot of good things about you, Ms. Jenner." "You're too kind, Mr. Jackson." Neil was nicer than she expected. He didn't act superior or avoid the topic. Inst
Zoey ended the phone call. Without having to ask, Zoey knew what was going on when she saw Laurence. Needless to say, Laurence had taken the liberty to take the morning off for her. She couldn't be bothered to be angry. Instead, she felt numb as it had happened too many times before. Zoey looked down at her changed pajamas and turned to the man by the bed. She asked, "Where are my clothes?" Laurence met her gaze. He didn't feel embarrassed at all. "They were in the wash. They are in the dryer now." Zoey lifted the bed covers and stepped onto the carpet. She made a beeline for the walk-in closet, which was filled with many clothes she hadn't taken with her when she'd left years ago. She picked an outfit and put it on. Laurence was still in the bedroom when she walked out of the walk-in closet. He put on his tie and looked over at her. She glanced at him and said, "You should've woken me up last night." Laurence approached her. He was tall and looked sharp in his suit, with
Zoey was fast asleep. She thought she was dreaming when someone lifted her up. Her body clock over the last few days had been regular. She was going to bed early. Now, she couldn't keep her eyes open. Maybe she went back to sleep because she didn't sense any danger.Laurence hooked his arm behind Zoey's knees in a cradle and pulled her arm over his neck to secure her from falling. She mumbled in her sleep. He guessed that she was dreaming.Laurence couldn't hear what she was saying. He leaned in with his ear near her lips, but her mumbling stopped.The chauffeur, dedicated to his job, was on standby outside. Seeing his employer in the distance, he opened the door respectfully.Laurence carried Zoey into the car. The chauffeur closed the car door and glanced again at the woman in his employer's arms from the rear-view mirror. She looked familiar, but he didn't want to make any assumptions. "Where to, sir?" The chauffeur couldn't read his employer's mind, so he was careful not to
The bar wasn't too far from the restaurant. It was less than a ten-minute drive away. Laurence refused to let go of Zoey's wrist. He was bold to show off their closeness even though it was inappropriate. The others could hardly take their eyes off the couple. It was drama in the flesh. If they remembered correctly, Zoey had denied their relationship online two days before. She had even announced her marriage to someone else to set the record straight. What was going on? They had a hunch about the situation, judging by the resistance on Zoey's face. Maybe her ex-husband wouldn't leave her alone. The man seemed relentless in his pursuit. Nevertheless, it was not their business to get involved. At the end of the day, it was between Zoey and Laurence. Everybody quieted down and sobered up. The group caught a cab to the destination. Laurence shamelessly invited himself to join the group, and no one objected, not even politely. They weren't fools. They wouldn't offend the man for
Zoey felt a tingling sensation along her ear. It felt as if she had been electrocuted. Laurence's tone was half-joking, but there was seriousness behind it. He was ready to tell on her to her husband the moment she nodded. Zoey had lost her patience with him a long time ago. She couldn't help but snap back every time. She looked up. Her face was small. She was about to tell him to get lost when the man took the chance to deepen the kiss. He squeezed her chin, forcing her to part her lips to let him in. Zoey was pinned against the wall. His scorching breath took hers away. She was trapped like prey in a snare. The more she struggled, the tighter his grip became.Laurence didn't stop with a brief kiss. He didn't give Zoey room to breathe, and she could feel her limbs going weak. Her tongue was going numb. The woman opened her mouth, gasping for air. She hung onto his collar to stop herself from going limp. The man was always greedy. He could never get enough of her. Zoey had