"Remember, you should not do things that make me bothered."Wolf brought his face close to Zoe's ear as he spoke. He wanted Zoe to truly hear him and imprint his words in her mind.Zoe nodded while pulling her head away due to the ticklish sensation."Who said you could move? I just reminded you about obedience!" Wolf hissed, pulling Zoe's waist closer until it hit his thighs.Wolf brushed away Zoe's hair that hung on his shoulder, gently massaging Zoe's nape. It wasn't an affectionate touch; Zoe didn't feel any love in that touch. It was the touch a wolf gives to its prey before devouring it. Not a soothing touch, just a threat."You're the one who made that agreement... You traded your status as a free human for power. I don't care how you use it, but it will be a problem if you use it to stalk."Zoe lowered her head with folded hands. Her body shivered, alert but cornered. She was indeed careless. She shouldn't have been greedy and approached Max without careful preparation."I'll
Zoe knew she was supposed to be experiencing an extraordinary part of life, but she couldn't enjoy it at all.She had been trembling almost non-stop since the plane she was on took off, even after landing again. Zoe missed her first experience on a private jet because she was too scared.The uncertainty about her fate made Zoe too anxious. The vivid memory of Wolf saying he wanted to make money from her lingered in her mind. Zoe knew she could only make money from one thing because she had no other skills that could generate income—except selling her body. Harsh, but that was the reality she acknowledged.Zoe doubted that Wolf would only sell her for stripping. He wouldn't have brought her this far just for that.Zoe began to consider whether the revenge she wanted to take was worth what she was about to do. She wanted revenge but never intended to stoop to prostitution.What she was about to do to Wolf might be almost similar, but Zoe did it knowing she would get more than money in r
"What's wrong with you? This is just a hospital. I'm not really going to sell your organs!" Wolf exclaimed, puzzled by her fear.[They'll catch me! I ran away with a huge debt! I don't want to be in the hospital!] Zoe typed anxiously.Even though they were in a different state now, a hospital was still a hospital to Zoe. She worried that the hospital she was in before might have connections with the one in front of them. She didn't want to be in that place."I just want you to meet someone. There is no need to register or do anything. Your name won't show up in the hospital system. There's no need to be afraid like this. Nothing will happen to you here."Wolf tried to reassure her while shaking his head. His patience was truly being tested, as was Zoe's. Her emotions were in turmoil, switching between fear, humiliation, relief, and then panic."Come down! Let's go in." Wolf, who had already stepped out and stood by the open door, bowed while waving his hand, urging Zoe to come down.B
Zoe looked down again and gripped Wolf's thigh, urging him to leave the doctor's office.Of course, Wolf didn't budge to fulfill Zoe's request. Instead, he held Zoe's cold hand. Zoe tried to pull her hand away, wanting to convey that she really wanted to leave.However, Wolf's grip was not only firm but also tender. He caressed Zoe's hand, rubbing the back of it and gently stroking the palm. Providing a more soothing touch, coaxing with a touch that was both comforting and persuasive.The ticklish and warm sensation made Zoe's heart race, not out of fear anymore. Zoe might have sighed, if not for the doctor, who was enthusiastically explaining, mentioning his name in full.Zoe pressed her lips tightly afterward, glancing at Wolf. Who, of course, had an impassive expression. Not even a blink when looking at Howard."I remember who you are. Zoe Anderson. I can't forget it. It's been a while, but I still remember because it's too unique. Wait!"Howard shifted to the computer in front of
Zoe quickly wiped away her tears and looked down again, but her movement had caught everyone's attention. She had been relatively still for quite some time.It wasn't just Wolf who noticed; Howard, too, seemed immediately concerned."Oh my! Wait! Don't be sad yet. This is not bad news. It's not something to be mourned."Howard hastily stood up to grab some tissues and hand them to Zoe. Wolf, taking them, handed a few sheets of tissue to Zoe. She regretted it as her tears became uncontrollable. Her emotions were a mix of many things."This is not bad news. I apologize; I should have been clearer." Howard smiled reassuringly.Wolf frowned. He didn't want to be rude, but he wanted to scold the doctor for causing unnecessary worry."Zoe can recover; it just can't be through a neurologist. I can't help anymore because Zoe's issue isn't with the nerves. According to the examination results I read, Zoe's injuries have healed perfectly." Howard explained it in a complete sentence."Does this
"Why am I here if you're not coming?" Wolf hissed. He would be annoyed if someone suddenly cancelled a promise like that, as time was precious.But he could understand why Clay had to cancel the plan all of a sudden. Clay had to cancel the plan all of a sudden because his wife had to go to the doctor or something."Sorry, I'll try to reschedule." Clay sounded regretful."No need. Just take care of your wife." Wolf had already reached his limit.Clay chuckled. "Why do you sound like a jealous wife? I suspect...""Keep your suspicions to yourself!" Wolf snapped, then ended the call.He knew Clay's tongue could be abnormal at times, but he didn't feel like dealing with that abnormality right now.Wolf put down his phone and resumed cutting the steak that was his dinner.[He didn't come?] Zoe handed over her phone as she asked. She had already finished eating, as she didn't have to take any calls from anyone.Wolf glanced at Zoe's message and nodded."If I knew, we should have just gone b
There is no need to ask so menacingly, actually, because Zoe has no intention of resisting. But of course, Zoe curses her obedience again. Naughty thoughts shouldn't have surfaced.But Wolf's low, teasing voice—not to mention his touch—only exacerbates the feelings that currently engulf Zoe.Wolf takes her to the center of the room, and Zoe is about to follow when Wolf sits on the sofa, but then he releases her hand. Zoe frowns, because that is certainly unusual."Are you disappointed? Come on, don't be too predictable." Wolf taunts, looking at the wrinkles on Zoe's forehead. That smug smile clearly annoys Zoe.Zoe finally raises her middle finger. It's very clear that Wolf has been teasing her since earlier. He didn't invite her here to sleep with him.[WHAT DO YOU WANT?!!!!!]Zoe adds as many exclamation marks as possible to show her anger. Wolf just smiles, then pours the brandy that has been prepared according to his order."Sing for me..." Wolf raises his glass, stating his reque
Zoe blinked several times, wanting to see if the figure currently sleeping beside her would yawn and vanish into thin air, becoming a part of her dreams. But Wolf was still there, sleeping soundly with heavy breaths. His arm wrapped around Zoe's waist, preventing her from moving away.This was unusual because Wolf usually never stayed until he fell asleep beside her. Even if he did stay until he slept, Zoe wouldn't know, as she often fell asleep quickly, and by the time she woke up, Wolf was already awake. Whether he had showered or had already gone to work, Zoe couldn't remember.Normally, Wolf rarely sleeps at home. So, apart from the days they "did it," they never slept together in the same bed. Zoe didn't know where Wolf slept on other days, and she didn't care too much. But now, she was wondering if Wolf was with another woman when he wasn't with her."Damn it!" Zoe cursed inwardly. She didn't want to know and didn't need to know.As long as he used a condom when sleeping with he
"LORIA MOREAU!"Zoe froze. She heard her name, but couldn't believe it was hers."Wake up, baby. And smile. It’s yours."Wolf's whisper finally stirred emotions in Zoe. She blushed with emotion, only able to stand when Wolf helped her. Unfortunately, Wolf couldn't escort her to the stage.Luckily, Syanne's hand was there to assist her, followed by Jacob, who was closest to the stage, helping her navigate the stairs to reach the top.Zoe expressed her gratitude several times to the person presenting her award before finally standing in front of the microphone to deliver her speech.Zoe took a few deep breaths, wiping away tears, before finally being able to address the camera and the patiently waiting audience."This is something I never dreamed of, standing here and receiving this." Zoe glanced down at the trophy in her hands once more and smiled."I... I once buried this dream. I no longer hoped to sing, let alone receive this. Not long
Zoe did something that Wolf would not like. She wouldn't lie, but she would inform him later, once the task was complete. Zoe wants to handle this herself without anyone else's interference.Of course, it's not easy. She walks with an anxious heart. Zoe adjusts her sunglasses several times on her nose, while her other hand carries a beautiful pink flower and gift box.Zoe feels anxious, knowing that people will recognize her when she enters later. But she's resigned. It's not possible to hide her identity now, considering the person she's going to meet.Approaching the counter after filling out a form with the prisoner's name and number, Zoe submits it."Please wait over there. We'll call you," says the prison guard behind the counter.He stares at Zoe several times as another guard checks Zoe's belongings—making sure no contraband is smuggled, glancing to confirm—even reading her name on the form but doesn't comment.Relieved—because
"Here." Wolf handed the cup to Zoe.Zoe wanted to take it, but her hands were still busy responding to messages on her phone."Cliff really doesn't have a girlfriend, does he?" Zoe asked."Hm? Why are you asking?" Wolf asked suspiciously."For Sara. She wanted to confirm this because she doesn't believe someone like Cliff is still single.Zoe sighed, showing the message Sara sent to her. Showing that she wasn't lying. She was indeed asking for Sara, not for herself."Not yet. According to Clay, he used to have one—a journalist or an MC, if I'm not mistaken. But they broke up when Cliff was about to move here. Either he moved and then they broke up, or they broke up and then he moved."Wolf just repeated Clay's words, of course. And now Zoe repeated them in the form of a message to Sara and sent it to reassure her."How do you know these details?" After sending the message and taking her cup, Zoe asked in amazement. The knowle
"Should have been in jail..."Max denied reality once again. For him, Loria still couldn't possibly be Zoe because she should have been in jail."You're endlessly foolish!" Billy slammed the table and went berserk.He grabbed Max by the collar with his handcuffs. Of course, chaos ensued immediately, and shouts erupted as the police guarding the area rushed in to subdue Billy, pinning him to the ground.But evidently, Billy was truly furious with Max, as he continued to resist and curse at Max even while being held down."YOUR STUPIDITY KNOWS NO BOUNDS!""SILENCE!"The judge's thundering voice overshadowed Billy's outburst. Not only Billy fell silent, but also the journalists and spectators who were making noise."Once again, if anyone disturbs me, I will reschedule this trial! UNDERSTOOD?!"The silence in the room signified that they all understood."Take him out. Mr. Dacosta, I'll make sure your charges include this incident. Assaul
The prosecutor began with standard questions, asking about Sara's background—education, how long she had been a psychiatrist, and so on. Only after that did she mention Zoe."Since when has Ms. Zoe Anderson been your patient?" the prosecutor asked."For over a year," Sara replied clearly. Gone was the cheerful demeanor she usually wore when facing patients."Can you explain Ms. Anderson's condition at that time?""Zoe came with a desire to heal because she suffered severe trauma that was very visible and prevented her from leading a normal life.""Could you please explain more about that trauma?"Sara nodded calmly because everything matched the expectations given by Cliff."Zoe came in a state where she couldn't speak, but medical examinations showed that Zoe didn't have any physical injuries anymore. The absence of any disturbances in her nerves confirmed that her inability to speak was a result of PTSD. Severe trauma due to a bad incident
"That's... Strange. You must be kidding!" Iris shook her head vigorously while staring at Zoe from head to toe, trying to recognize her as the same person she saw before with Max."Have I ever joked when talking to you?" Wolf replied flatly, pulling a chair for Zoe. The chair is furthest from Iris. She was still at a loss for words and kept staring at Zoe."Are you really Zoe Anderson?" Iris continued to stare at Zoe."Yes, before I changed my name to Loria Moreau, that was also my name." Zoe replied calmly. The apprehension that had plagued her earlier had vanished.The meeting with Iris might have been unexpected and almost annoying, but Zoe felt empowered, knowing that she was currently in control.Seeing Iris's surprise, Zoe felt satisfaction. A victory for successfully showing her new self to Iris. Zoe was no longer the disheveled individual she had encountered, who garnered disdain due to her perceived inferiority."That's impossible! You don't lo
Zoe smoothed her cream-colored skirt and blazer. Darcy's choice, so Zoe wouldn't appear intimidating or grim.She felt nervous, as she could see from a distance how journalists were crowding in front of the courthouse. They were undoubtedly waiting for the enigmatic figure of Zoe Anderson. There were no images of Zoe in the news because there was no documentation of Zoe's case.Due to her prior injuries and hospitalization, Zoe did not attend the trial as a suspect. No one recorded her face or bothered to find out at the hospital because the case clearly made her a suspect.Zoe also ran her fingers through her hair, which was back to being blonde. She wasn't wearing a wig today. It was the first time she would appear without her black hair, and honestly, it made Zoe even more nervous. It felt like she was removing the mask that had protected her. Zoe would be Zoe in front of everyone, no longer Loria.Wolf, who had been observing Zoe's nervousness, said, "Your be
"He's trying to save himself! So cunning!" Wolf hissed irritably.It was clear from Iris's statement that she only wanted to save herself by blaming Max and Billy."She made them look like she was under pressure to hide the truth about Zoe. Iris then used that pressure as an excuse to justify all her strange actions. She hid from her mistakes by using mental health as an excuse." Sara shook her head, looking annoyed. She was obviously upset when someone used mental health as a lie."She managed to escape using a lifeboat before her ship really sank." Cliff looked at Iris, who continued to sob and cry amidst her words."It doesn't matter. Let it be," Zoe said, folding her arms and staring at the television without blinking."What do you mean, let it be? She's lying again!" Wolf also pointed to the television with a disapproving face."At least she has been honest, especially about me. Whatever she said makes things right; just let it be," Zoe repeated.
"Why so fast?" Zoe stared at the summons she had received in panic.When Benson mentioned that she would receive a summons to attend court, Zoe assumed the trial would take place maybe around one or two months later, but it turned out to be only three days later and effective in two days."I think Benson waited until his file was complete before calling you. That's why now he just has to submit it to the court, and the schedule comes down immediately," Cliff explained. He took the letter from her hand to examine it."I only have to come once, right?"Zoe asked to confirm, as she really didn't want to attend the trial multiple times."Yes, that's why I asked to meet with the psychiatrist who treated you. I need to ask them to answer questions about your condition well. They have to give the right answers for the judge to grant the request," Cliff explained today's plan."I think they'll be here soon. She said they still had a patient earlier,