Three days passed before Liliana woke up. She was alone in the room with Sean. He was reading a medical report when she opened her eyes. At the sound, he looked up quickly and saw her eyes flutter open.Liliana had not expected Sean to be there. Her mind was blank for a moment, and it took her a while to remember what had happened. She glanced at Sean but did not know what to say or do, so she just turned her head away from him.Sean squinted, noticing Liliana was awake. He put down the report and walked over. "You're awake? How do you feel?"Sean kept his gaze on Liliana, but she would not look at him. Instead, she turned her head and closed her eyes again."Liliana."She still would not open her eyes.Sean looked a little helpless as he touched his forehead, then reached out to check Liliana's forehead. However, she snapped her eyes open and moved away from his hand like she was avoiding something yucky.That made Sean's heart skip a beat, but he pulled his hand back. "It's ok
"Your old phone was broken, so I got you a new one. It has the same number," Sean said, still watching her.Liliana held the phone tightly, feeling uneasy under his gaze. "Thank you for saving me."She had decided to cut ties with him, but she knew things could have been much worse for her without his help.Sean had put aside their past problems to help her, and she was thankful. He had been very considerate, too.Tania would be so worried if she knew what had happened.Liliana bit her lip. "I really appreciate it." However, that was as far as she would go. She could not expect anything more.Sean looked at Liliana, who seemed so distant, and felt a tightness in his chest that made him uncomfortable. He clenched his fists and said, "You don't need to thank me. You're Charles's sister, so of course I saved you.""Still, I want to thank you," Liliana said softly, her eyes dimming. ‘So,’ she thought, ‘it was only because I’m Charles's sister.’Of course. Sean and Charles were clos
"No!" Liliana shook her head. "I'm okay. It's just that my mom needs me right now, so I can't come back anytime soon.""Alright, I get it. You take care of what you need to. You've lost your job, and there's nothing much for you to do here anyway. You're better off staying busy at home. It was only an internship, after all."After hanging up the phone, Liliana felt a wave of unease.Clutching the latest smartphone, she was reminded of the vast difference between her life and the lives of Sean and Charles.She had felt so powerless that day, like a puppet in someone else's hands. However, Sean and Peter were different. They could snatch away someone's job with the flick of a wrist.When Sean walked in again and found Liliana sitting on the bed, deep in thought, he could not guess what was on her mind."Liliana."She looked up to see Sean offering a lunch box, her forehead creasing with concern.Sean caught the look on her face. He did not like how distant she seemed, even though
Liliana let out a relieved breath. "Thank you!""You know, when you think about it, you were the one who ended up hurt," Sean said. He did not remember that night very well, but he kind of remembered that he was the one who made her do things, even though she was the one who gave him the drug.Liliana hung her head. "I was wrong. I shouldn't have had those thoughts about you, and I definitely shouldn't have drugged you.""Okay. Let's not talk about it anymore. It's all in the past." Sean did not want to lose Liliana as a friend, especially since she was Charles's sister. They used to bump into each other all the time, and he did not want to see her act aloof and distant toward him anymore."Okay."Liliana nodded, and then there was silence.Liliana could only eat a little bit of oatmeal before she could not have any more. Her tongue was hurt, and even eating something as soft as oatmeal still irked it.Sean saw how uncomfortable Liliana was and felt a twinge of concern, but he s
"As long as you're happy, that's what matters!"Liliana asked Tania to make sure Keith was settled in, and then she dashed back to the kitchen to keep busy.Tania snuck up and hugged Liliana from behind, making her jump. "Hey! What's up?""Hehe! It's been ages, and you seem slimmer to me." Tania playfully squeezed Liliana's waist but then looked concerned. "You really have lost weight.""Nope. You're imagining things." Liliana gently pushed Tania's hand away. "Go look after our guest. I've still got things to do here!""Okay, okay. Let's drop the act. You know Keith came here just for you," Tania said as she nudged Liliana aside and started washing the vegetables. "Keith's been missing you for over a month. He's worried. You could've dropped him a line. He's been asking about you, so since you're back, I brought him along."Tania's face turned serious. "Honestly, Keith's liked you for ages. Do you like him back? He's a good guy. If you're single, why not think about it?"Liliana
Compared to Tania and Keith's nervousness, Liliana seemed a bit more relaxed.Worse come to worst, she could always pull some strings or come up with a plan.Liliana really did not want to ask Charles for help unless she had no other choice. She had kept a big secret for so many years—none of her friends or teachers, and not even Tania, knew she was connected to the Hoffman family. She did not want to depend on them.After they finished eating, Tania made Liliana promise to walk Keith out. Liliana could not say no, so she walked with him toward the exit.They took their time going downstairs. Keith walked slowly because he wanted to make the moment last. He wanted to be alone with Liliana for a little while longer.Liliana felt torn. She did not know how to act around Keith. She knew he liked her a lot, and that was why he was always so nice to her.She had thought about being with Keith, but the truth was that she did not like him back. No matter how great he was, her feelings j
Liliana had agreed to give things a try with Keith, but she was not sure what to expect. Keith, on the other hand, was thrilled. Ever since Liliana said she would give it a shot, he was by her side from dawn till dusk, the picture of a devoted boyfriend. Even Tania had to admit that Keith's efforts were impressive.Liliana appreciated his dedication, so she welcomed his affection, except when he tried to spoil her with fancy gifts. Other than that, they enjoyed each other's company a lot.After two months of spending time together, Liliana landed a new job. She and Keith were not super close, but they were not just acquaintances either. She did not mind holding hands from time to time.One day on the weekend, Liliana was getting ready to go out with Keith. He had excitedly told her he got tickets to a big movie release, knowing how much he enjoyed those films.Just as she was about to leave, her phone rang. It was Tania. "Hey Liliana, are you free? Come join me for a drink!"Lilia
Liliana kept to herself who the other woman was. The whole thing with Yasmin and Tania was just too messy, and she did not want to spread the story around, not even to Keith.Keith felt a surge of anger. "That's not right. I thought Jamie treated Tania well!"Since Keith and Liliana became a couple, they had hung out with Tania, Jamie, and a few others a couple of times. Keith had always thought Jamie was a decent guy.Liliana just let out a chilly laugh. Jamie?She did not know Jamie very well, but as Peter's nephew, Jamie was no simple character. She had her doubts about Tania and Jamie from the start. Jamie had seemed sincere back then, and Liliana did not think he would ever betray Tania, but it looked like Jamie was just as bad as his mother now.Liliana took a deep breath to calm herself. "We can't talk about this now. We have to find Tania first. I'm really worried she might do something silly."Tania might not have looked like it, but she was actually super tough. Liliana
Thinking this, Tania looked up at Peter."You're really something. I'm indeed begging you now," she said with a smile, though there was a hint of reluctance in her eyes. She wrapped her legs around his waist, determined not to be passive, even if she was giving herself to him.Peter was surprised by Tania's sudden change in demeanor, but he did not reject her. With one strong motion, he lifted her up. She kissed him fiercely, taking the lead. He welcomed her initiative, his hands igniting sparks that set both of them ablaze.Peter roughly tore off her clothes. As her eyes grew hazy with desire, he placed her on the table and entered her in one swift motion.The encounter was long and intense. At first, Tania thought Peter would only take her once, but she underestimated his stamina. He went again and again until she finally passed out from exhaustion.When Tania woke up, she was lying in bed, and Peter was gone. Her head throbbed, likely from the hangover. She sat up and noticed t
"If I'm a bastard, then what are you?" Peter chuckled, one hand gripping Tania's waist. Tania could not help but let out a soft moan as her body was gently pushed back, leaning against the table.She felt utterly humiliated, but Peter clearly had no intention of letting her go. His rough hand unzipped her pants, and she screamed.Peter merely narrowed his eyes. "Tania, I don't want to force you.""Then what are you doing right now, you jerk?" Tania was truly desperate. "I did embarrass you, but it wasn't entirely my fault. I didn't mean to humiliate you, and I've already apologized. I don't think I deserve this."Peter raised an eyebrow. "I'll make you beg me to touch you!"His lips curled into a smile, sending shivers down Tania's spine."No, that's impossible!"However, Peter pressed down on her, his fingers exploring her body. Tania bit her lower lip to keep from making a sound. She struggled, but Peter showed no signs of stopping.By the end, Tania was drenched in sweat, he
"Don't know?" Peter repeated the words she had just said, then suddenly pulled Tania up.She stumbled right into his warm chest, and before she could react, she found herself lifted up. In just a flash, she was seated on the poker table and spun around so that she was sitting atop it while Peter stood before her.He looked down at her from above. Those deep, unreadable eyes carried something Tania could not quite understand. Her instincts told her to run, but Peter had her cornered.His hands pressed down on either side of her, trapping her in place. He raised one leg to part her knees, stepping between them. That smile on his lips made Tania's heart pound nervously. "You…" She swallowed hard, her head spinning even more.She was still young but not clueless. They had taught biology in school. She knew what that kind of posture and proximity meant. Tania inhaled sharply, unable to understand why someone like Peter—who could have any woman he wanted—would choose her and in such a
Tania felt like the alcohol she thought she had sobered up from suddenly came rushing back to her head. Peter's voice was like aged wine, intoxicating and seductive, making her shudder involuntarily. His tone carried a strange enchantment, and she sensed something was not right.Yet with his warm breath brushing against her ear, her mind went blank. Whatever she had meant to say completely slipped away. Peter did not give her a chance to collect herself."Hmm? So how do you think we should settle this?" he asked."S-Settle… what?" Tania stammered, struggling to keep her thoughts straight.Peter was too close—so close it scrambled her thinking. She tried pushing him back a little. "Didn't you say if I won, it'd be mine?""Oh?" Peter raised a brow and leaned in again, his cool lips grazing her earlobe. Tania flinched. She wanted to push him away, but his slightly rough fingers brushed her chin, sending a shiver through her body. Every nerve felt on edge."Looks like you're drunk.
Tania's face flushed red on the spot, and laughter erupted from the crowd around her. Even Lareal could not help but crack a smile, though Peter acted as if he had not heard anything. He simply tapped his index finger on the table, signaling Sean to continue.Sean raised a brow. Others might not have understood Peter's subtle cue, but Sean certainly did. That look was clearly a warning.He arched a brow, still wearing that ever-present smirk. His charming eyes glinted with amusement, but he did not say anything else. He just looked down, drew a card, and announced, "Flush."Peter narrowed his eyes slightly and cast a glance in Tania's direction. "Still not coming over?"Tania jolted and quickly scampered to stand beside him. "I'm here, Mr. Lennon!"Peter did not even look at her. Sean had won that round, and the next game began. Tania stood there, unsure of Peter's intentions. She just stayed put and quietly watched them play cards.Peter's luck seemed to soar the moment Tania st
"Not enough?" Tania tilted her head. "Then… what else do you want?"Peter shot a glance at Lareal, who immediately walked over, pulled a document from his briefcase, and handed it to Peter.Peter loosened his grip on Tania, but when he saw she was about to stumble, he reached out and wrapped an arm around her waist again.Tania's head spun, and the next thing she knew, she was enveloped in warmth. Her forehead bumped against Peter's chest, and just as she tried to move, Peter firmly held her in place. His steady, cold voice sounded from above her head. "An apology is fine, but sign this and we'll call it even.""What's this?"Her vision was hazy, and her head was spinning, but the bold letters at the top—something about a "contract of servitude"—were clear enough.Tania jolted awake and immediately shoved Peter away. "Bastard! I'm not signing that!"Peter raised a brow. "Oh?"Tania trembled but stood her ground. "No means no. I'm not signing it."Heh.She thought she heard a
Tania downed two bottles in one go, and the previously quiet room instantly came alive with noise because of her bold action.The young men in the room all turned their attention to her, some even whistling with excitement in their eyes. Tania was not just pretty; she was stunning.She had the kind of beauty that made hearts race the moment she entered a room. Watching her chug liquor like that—with the alcohol dripping from the corners of her mouth down her chin, her neck, and onto her clothes—only made their stares burn hotter.Even Peter's deep and unreadable gaze settled on her. Tania already felt the alcohol hitting her, but as long as Peter did not tell her to stop, she would not.She shook her head, trying to stay lucid. She then let out a soft hiccup and rested her head for a moment. Then, tilting her head back, she went for another bottle.Her boldness even drew a flicker of surprise from Peter's eyes.He chuckled lightly just as the door opened and Lareal walked in.Pe
Tania had her own temper. She had been gentle because she knew she was wrong and wanted to apologize sincerely. However, seeing that Peter did not care at all, Tania got angry and looked up at him with fiery eyes.Tania's small hands were balled into fists, her cheeks flushed red from bending over, and her forehead glistened with sweat. She stared at Peter, but he seemed to ignore her completely, which made her blood boil."Just tell me what you want," she said. "I know I messed up. I embarrassed you and hurt your business, so go ahead. Do whatever you want to me."She closed her eyes, bracing herself for the worst.Peter finally looked at her, a playful twinkle in his eye. He swirled his wine glass, a smile playing on his lips.The card players had stopped their game to watch the drama unfold. They were not really interested in cards. They were here for the show.Everyone but Sean inhaled sharply when they heard Tania's bold words to Peter. They remembered that the last person w
Tania had felt uneasy ever since Peter walked in. Even though he had not looked at her once, she felt completely exposed.Peter's eyes were like dark pools, stirring with hidden currents, but he never rested his gaze on Tania. He walked over, casually tossed his coat aside, and sat down, staying perfectly still.Sean squinted and shut the door with a grin, then gave Tania's shoulder a gentle pat. "Tania, there's no need to be scared. Peter's not a tiger. He won't bite."Tania really wanted to give Sean an eye roll at that moment. Why could he not just zip it instead of stirring up trouble?She had thought it would be just Peter or maybe some of his clients or friends around. She had not counted on Sean being such a wild card.As Sean patted her shoulder, he caught a sharp look from someone.Sean pulled his hand back and went to sit by Gerald, laughing. He ran his long fingers over the cards. "Alright, let's get back to the game!"With Sean leading the way, the room buzzed with a