It was only natural for Zoey to feel out of her element when she bumbled her way into becoming a worker at a nightclub. She had been desperate for money then, so whenever a customer wanted her to drink with them, she did so. She would keep going even if she threw up from the sheer amount of alcohol as it would get the customers to buy drinks from her. Whatever obstacles were thrown her way, she gritted her teeth and put up with them.Zoey had always felt that she had terrible luck, especially when she ran into Shawn at Nightbloom. She had been rather debauched that night, her skirt stained with wine and hair hanging messily over her shoulder. Other than lipstick, she didn’t have any other makeup on.Zoey had just finished puking her guts out at the washroom then. Her face was pale from her ordeal, so she quietly covered her cheeks with some blush. Her gait was shaky when she left, and that was how she accidentally bumped into someone. The man had two rows of bodyguards lined up behind
“Oh, that’s right. I completely forgot about that,” Zoey whispered.Getting that medical checkup had been a beneficial thing for them both. Zoey felt embarrassed. All that worry about her past and Nightbloom, and Laurence didn’t care. She didn’t say anything after that. Laurence seemed to have become tired as well, for he was quiet as well.The silence in the car was terrifying. Zoey was exhausted, so she peeled off her high heels without any regard for Laurence next to her, laying her bare feet on the mat. She lazily stared out of the window before closing her eyes and drifting off. They soon arrived back at the house. Laurence didn’t wake Zoey, instead quietly spending a few minutes with her. Then, he turned to look at her, his gaze boring into her face. Laurence had squashed down his anger earlier, even if he didn’t know where this anger came from. He didn’t like how familiar Shawn had been with Zoey, as though he knew every bit of her past. High school classmates, huh?If Laurence
Zoey had forgotten that they didn’t use protection. She never seemed to be able to remember that. She was quiet for a moment before she lifted her head to look at him.“You don’t need to feed me. I can do it myself.”The look in Laurence’s eyes was indiscernible.A moment later, he gripped her jaw, his voice chilly as he said, “Open your mouth.”Zoey wanted to laugh. He had never fed her before, but now, Laurence was insisting on feeding that morning-after pill to her. He was probably worried that there would be a repeat of the past, so he wanted to see her take the pill with his own eyes. At the end of the day, Laurence didn’t trust her.Zoey turned her head away. Now that she had twisted free from his grip, Laurence wordlessly pressed his lips together. They ended up in a silent standoff. Zoey didn’t look at him as her fingers dug into the covers below her. Her lips were pale.“I’ll take it later.”Laurence stared at her quietly, his gaze as inscrutable as ever. His gaze felt oppress
Zoey wasn’t sure either; she had never taken a morning-after pill before. Her face and neck itched, and she couldn’t stop herself from reaching up to scratch them. Laurence grabbed her hand and held it in a firm grip.“Don’t scratch. You’ll break the skin.”Zoey felt uncomfortable as she frowned.“But it itches.”Laurence carried her downstairs, one hand gripping her wrists tightly to stop her from scratching.“You have to put up with it no matter how badly it itches.”There was allergy medication inside the first aid kit in the living room. After Laurence placed Zoey down on the couch, she instinctively reached up to scratch her face now that she had regained her freedom. Laurence was once again forced to stop her, pinning her arms behind her. He then pulled his necktie off to tie her hands. As he looked for the first aid kit, he gave her a warning.“Stay.”Zoey wondered if Laurence had learned how to tie up others from a professional. The bonds on her hands were tight. Struggling to
She quietly watched his eyes and movements as she asked, “Mr. Scott, have you ever had feelings for Yvette?”That woman had been willing to die for him not long ago.Laurence answered coldly, “No.”It was a clear and straightforward answer that left no room for doubt, but Zoey could not make sense of it. How was it possible? She witnessed it herself. Yvette’s arms were hooked around his neck. It was undeniable that they were young and in love, like in the movies. Laurence lifted her chin with a faint smile. It did not seem like nothing.Zoey did not ask further. He had already answered her questions long before. Laurence had only truly loved Sarah in his lifetime. It was a tranquil night, so she was probably just too bored.Zoey continued to ask casually, “If we did not have an agreement, would you like someone like me?”Laurence lifted his dark eyes and bored deep into hers. His gaze was profound, and he looked as though he could read her every thought. Zoey managed to hide her love f
Robert had long wanted to gain connections with the Scott family. It was not an overstatement to say he would do anything for power. However, Zoey was very curious about how Sarah and Laurence would get married. Laurence had not planned on getting a divorce anytime soon when she raised the issue in the past.Robert had used all his might to slap her, leaving a numbing sensation on her face. When she was younger, she was used to enduring his violence, but now she no longer had to. He had never paid for the medical fees, so she no longer had to fear him.Zoey smirked.“Isn’t Laurence deeply in love with Sarah? If that’s the case, nothing I do will change a thing.”Robert’s face darkened at her words. He thought the same at first. He assumed Laurence and Sarah would have a smooth marriage after she recovered and returned home. However, so much time had passed, yet Laurence had not indicated that he intended to marry Sarah. He had never even visited the Jenner family more than twice.After
Zoey already knew this. But, it somehow felt and sounded different coming out of his mouth. “Sarah is special to me.”It was such a short statement, yet it held so much weight. Zoey felt that it was a warning. Laurence was warning her to stay in line and not test Sarah’s place in his heart. He held her tightly in his arms, and they were as close as can be. However, their hearts were universes apart.…Before she was discharged, Laurence took her for another allergy test and had the report rushed. As Zoey was waiting for him outside, she received a text message from the girl she helped with the design before. “Zoey, I’ve recommended you to my cousin. He has a villa that needs renovating, and the commission is quite high. Would you like to meet up?”She had no intention of returning to work. As long as Laurence doesn’t urge her to return, she would not go back.She replied, “Okay.” Just as she replied to the message, Laurence walked toward her and handed her the report. Zoey skimmed t
It was even more mentally exhausting to deal with his scandals.Zoey asked, "Mr. Scott, didn't you promise me three months of leave to rest at home?"Laurence remembered that he had indeed said so. He wouldn't go back on his word, but he also wasn't someone to mess with. He caressed her face absentmindedly and smiled mischievously, "I did allow it, but didn't you reject it?" Laurence had an excellent memory.He added, "I remember changing it to a month."Zoey could not refute him. Laurence pushed on and said, "It's been almost a month and a half. As an evil capitalist, I've been kind enough to you, right?"Zoey was never as eloquent as he was. Her face turned red, but she couldn't come up with anything clever to say."I still want to take a break."His expression immediately darkened, and his smile disappeared. He pinched her cheek with his thumb and retorted, "Are you going to hold your surgery over me for my entire life?"She was stunned. That was not her intention. Laurence thought
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