Quentin furrowed his brows. Even though he was beginning to suspect that Xyla might have orchestrated the incident that day, he still didn't want Janet to speak ill of her without the facts."Mom...""Shut up!"Janet cut him off as she knew exactly what he was going to say.Quentin was dissatisfied but didn't dare to say anything more. He was determined to get to the bottom of this matter. If Xyla was innocent, he would clear her name. But if she had indeed staged it all…Quentin's chest heaved with emotion. If the latter was true, he would completely cut ties with her. He had already done more than enough for her.After staying at the hospital for a while, Janet left. But she didn't return home. Instead, she followed the address provided by the bodyguards to Xyla's residence. She needed to confront that scheming woman to vent her anger.All that talk of being forced to drink and being bullied was a lie. Only Quentin would believe it with his poor judgment.Janet was convinced
In the cramped and dimly lit living room, Xyla was startled when Janet entered with her bodyguards. She nearly fell off the couch, her nightgown strap slipping down her arm, making her half-reclining position look quite provocative.Janet saw her immediately and laughed. "Xyla, this is your true self, isn't it? After all, how does an unknown actress become the leading lady in a major director's film overnight without some tricks? A bit of seduction is probably necessary!"There had been rumors that Xyla secured her first leading role by sleeping with the director, though she never admitted it. Later, she became Quentin's "hidden treasure", and those rumors gradually disappeared.Xyla pulled her strap up and watched Janet warily. "What do you want?"Janet smiled. "Nothing much. I just find you an eyesore and want you gone!"She ordered the bodyguards, "Don't just stand there! Get this slut as far away as possible! Make sure she can't crawl back here!"After giving the order, Janet
'"Need a ride? Hop in!'" the driver said kindly.Ava quickly opened the back door and ushered Xyla inside before getting in herself.Xyla was draped in Ava's jacket, with the silk nightgown clinging to her body underneath. Having given Xyla her jacket, Ava was left wearing only a tank top.The minibus driver glanced at Xyla without a word. She was thin, but not unattractive.The driver took them to his village, where the houses were all made of stone, and poverty was evident everywhere.At his doorstep, he opened the back door, and Ava and Xyla got out one after the other.An elderly woman in the courtyard called out, '"Eugene, you're back!'"Eugene Linton grunted in response.'"Come in,'" he said to Xyla and Ava while sizing Xyla up.She was a bit scrawny, but she would do.At 40, Eugene still had no experience with women.His mother, Amy Scott, thought after seeing him bring two women in, '"One is so old. The other looks too frail to bear children.'" But given their circum
Thinking about her current situation made Xyla's hatred for Janet grow even stronger. One day, she would make Janet taste the life of a mountain villager.That night, Xyla went to Eugene's room.Eugene was undressing, seemingly expecting her. His narrow eyes fixated on Xyla as if stripping her with his gaze.Xyla thought he was just a poor, rural man who had never experienced a woman's touch."Remember our deal. One time, and you give me your phone," she said.Eugene nodded, thinking how smooth and tender her skin must feel, though he hoped she wouldn't break from the experience.The activities in that room continued all night.At dawn, Xyla walked out while supporting her waist. She finally understood why women who were repeatedly domestically abused stayed in their marriages. It was probably because the man was good in bed.Amy saw him come out of the room and asked, "How was it?""Fine," Eugene replied nonchalantly.Amy smiled with satisfaction. "Looks like I'll have a gra
She would make Janet and Noelle lie under Eugene one day. The thought of them being tormented by Eugene brought a satisfied smile to her lips.Eugene was convinced and handed her his phone. Unfortunately, Quentin didn't answer. He probably ignored the call since it was from an unknown number.By morning, Xyla tried again, but there was no signal. Frustrated with the outdated phone, she went to the gate, hoping for better reception.She saw Ava coming out of a house across the street followed by an old man."Come back tonight," the old man said and was unwilling to part.Xyla was furious and almost threw the phone at Ava.Teaching an old dog new tricks was impossible.On the fifth day of Noelle's hospitalization, Quentin's men finally uncovered the truth about the incident in the private room. The men who harassed Xyla were hired. The company's boss hadn't asked her to entertain clients. The mastermind behind the setup was still unknown.Quentin's handsome face darkened. Xyla ha
Noelle was reading in the study on the first floor. During her stay in the hospital, Quentin had already had her bedroom and study materials moved downstairs.Quentin came home but didn't go to her immediately. Instead, he headed to the kitchen. During these past few days in the hospital, he had watched videos and learned to cook. The videos were custom-made, featuring their mansion's chef, so he had picked up some skills.When Noelle wheeled herself over, she saw his tall figure standing at the kitchen counter getting busy. He wore a brown shirt, dark trousers, and an apron around his waist, looking both elegant and handsome. He was a man born to privilege, yet here he was, cooking for her.Noelle felt a moment of disorientation. Seeing him like this always made her feel like he loved her. But she knew better."Are you hungry? Don't worry, the food is almost ready!" Quentin said gently.He finished the last step and then brought the dish to the dining table. After setting the tab
Quentin's voice was still low as he asked, "Where are you?"Xyla was sobbing uncontrollably after finally reaching Quentin."Quint, I've been thrown into the mountains near Creekville by Janet. She was furious and threw me far away. Quint, I'm in such a sorry state. I don't have a penny, and not even a piece of clothing to cover myself. Can you send someone to bring me back? I promise I won't cause you any more trouble."Creekville was nearly a thousand miles from Dragfort. She imagined that Quentin would feel sorry for her and come to get her immediately.But instead, Quentin felt a sudden sense of relief. She wasn't kidnapped by criminals after all."In that case, just stay there," Quentin said and hung up.Xyla was stunned.Why wasn't he worried at all? Why didn't he care about her?"Quint…" She tried to speak again, wanting to say something more poignant. After all, every time she did that, he would become visibly conflicted and then treat her even better.But the call had already
There was a popular iced tea shop with many couples in line in front of them. Quentin asked, "Wait here, I'll get you a cup of iced tea. What flavor would you like?""Lemon," Noelle replied.She watched as Quentin, tall and imposing, joined the end of the queue. Dressed in expensive casual clothes, his distinguished demeanor made him stand out among the crowd.He had never done something like this for her before. It seemed like he had truly changed. Noelle began to feel a bit lost.Quentin returned with the iced tea. His handsome face glowed like the sun, and his eyes were filled with a gentle smile as he handed it to her.Noelle took a few sips and then looked up with bright eyes. "Do you want to try it?""Sure," Quentin said, surprised by her question. He had never tasted iced tea before. He always thought it was unhealthy, but now he wanted to try it.Noelle handed him the cup, and instead of taking it, Quentin bent down and took a sip from the same straw she had used. It was