Just then, the client across from Carl raised his glass with a smile."Mr. Grey, you're too kind. I've barely stepped off the plane and you're already throwing such a lavish welcome party.""It's my pleasure. Please, go ahead."Carl extinguished his cigarette and made a welcoming gesture, his eyes cold and distant.Renee froze at these words.She immediately understood these women's purpose - companion drinking, or perhaps more.Her face went pale. She didn't believe Carl hadn't recognized her.Yet he pretended not to see her, even letting others choose first.The client set down his glass and slowly stood up, scanning the line of women before fixing his gaze on Renee.Her breath caught. She bit her lip hard, unconsciously clenching her fists while trying to hide her panic.If the client dared approach her, she'd cause a scene right there, regardless of Carl's business deal!But the man didn't make his choice immediately. Instead, he joked, "Mr. Grey has excellent taste. I'm
Renee found herself trapped on Carl's lap, his large hand pressing against the bare skin where her short top failed to cover.His hot fingertips rubbed harshly against her skin, as if punishing her, quickly leaving a red mark on her waist."Wearing so little? Not afraid of the cold anymore?"Her breath caught as she struggled, whispering, "None of your business. Let go."Remembering how he'd deliberately put her in danger earlier, anger flashed in her eyes.Carl's lips curved slightly as his other hand grabbed her fist, uncurling her fingers to reveal the red marks her nails had left in her palm."If I don't watch over you, I'll be your next target.""You... does Uncle Carl find it amusing to humiliate me again and again? How do you want to shame me this time? Make me bow and scrape to your clients like a bar girl?"Long-suppressed emotions surged within Renee as she yanked her hand away, clenching it again despite the pain.Carl looked down at her, his eyes flickering like sn
Before the burning liquor could reach her throat, the hand on her back guided her body against his chest.He pulled her raised hand around his neck, pressing down with a fierce kiss, greedily drinking the alcohol from her mouth.Even after the alcohol was gone, his kiss continued its aggressive possession.He only released her when she couldn't breathe anymore.His fingertip pressed against her lips, silencing her as he said hoarsely, "See? You can play along just fine."Renee dug her fingers into his shoulder, signaling him to let go.He seemed unfazed, taking her hand and gently massaging it in his.Renee silently cursed him as crazy!He actually dared to do this in front of others...Carl remained unbothered, calmly addressing the client: "Anything else?"The client smiled awkwardly. "No.""Then sign the contract," Carl glanced at Jackson, who stood quietly behind them.Jackson opened the contract and offered a pen.The client glanced at the contract, holding his compan
Nancy was blocked outside the office, causing a commotion.People gathered around to watch the drama.Renee barely caught Carl's shadow as he moved, and when she focused again, he was already heading toward Annie's location.As he walked, he glanced at Jackson, seemingly giving instructions.Given Jackson's fighting skills, Carl must be worried about Annie's safety.Watching him leave, Renee collapsed to the ground, unable to hold herself up any longer.When she heard the commotion growing louder, she wiped her face roughly and got up to see what was happening.Sure enough, Chris's office had an alarm system.As soon as Nancy approached the office, the alarm went off. She decided to charge in anyway but was stopped by security."Get that whore out here! How dare that bitch seduce my man!"Hearing movement inside the office, Nancy became more agitated. The security guards, mindful of her status, hesitated to use force.Renee watched coldly from the edge of the crowd.Frustra
"Miss Lacey took a taxi home. Here's the surveillance footage.""Tomorrow," Carl said coldly."Yes, sir."...When Renee got home, she was exhausted. After showering, she collapsed onto her bed.As soon as she closed her eyes, tears began falling uncontrollably.She buried her face in her pillow, which quickly became soaked.The pain felt like countless needles piercing her heart, forcing her to grip the pillow corner to stop herself from shaking.Suddenly, the room grew cold. She sat up in fear as a dark figure loomed over her."Who's there?""It's me."In the dim night light, Renee made out the man at the foot of her bed.Carl.Still startled, she grabbed her pillow and threw it at him."Get out! How did you get in? This is breaking and entering! I can call the police!"He tossed her phone from the table onto her blanket."Go ahead. Call them."Looking at the lit phone screen, Renee suddenly understood."Uncle Carl, here to delete videos again? So protective of your
Nancy, having spent all evening focused on Chris, only now noticed that Annie was wearing the same outfit as the woman in the video."You..." she frowned at Annie.Annie responded with horror: "You can't suspect me! I was with Carl."Nancy's gaze wavered with uncertainty.Chris stubbed out his cigarette, grinding it with his foot. "Seems someone targeted Miss Simmons and just used Nancy. Miss Simmons, have you offended anyone recently?"Annie pretended to think carefully. "Well... it must be Renee.""Though we've had our disagreements, she shouldn't have used Nancy like this. I wonder if she has more fake videos?""If these get posted online, what will become of us?"Her eyes welled up with tears.Nancy's eyes blazed with anger. "She wouldn't dare!""Don't worry about me," Annie consoled. "I'm just glad you two cleared up your misunderstanding. You should head home."Nancy left without another word.Annie and Chris exchanged knowing smiles."The bar's security footage was
Renee gritted her teeth, trying to stay calm."Fake videos? Did Annie tell you that? No wonder she can fool you so easily - you're so gullible!""You! Think I'm joking? Let me remind you - my father oversees construction safety in this district. One word from me, and Renee Lacey will cease to exist!""So this is how your father runs his office. The Larson family must have quite a history of dirty dealings," Renee sneered.Nancy's face twisted with malice."Throw her in again!"Renee was repeatedly plunged into the foul pool, nearly drowning each time.When they finally pulled her up, her breathing was faint, but her eyes still held their defiant glare.Nancy felt inexplicably irritated. "Where are the videos? This is your last chance!"Renee glanced around, then asked, "I'm curious - why are you the one confronting me? Who sent you?""Shut up! Don't try to create discord!""Discord? I don't know anything," Renee turned away.Nancy scoffed and stepped closer."Renee, are yo
The burly man handed the bag to Nancy.Renee quickly gave her the unlock codes.Nancy checked everything on both phone and computer, finding only work files and casual chats - no videos or photos as claimed.She frowned, still suspicious.While secretly cutting her ropes with the tile underwater, Renee suggested, "Miss Larson, if you think I'm hiding something, you can have an expert search deeper."Nancy took her advice.Watching the progress bars flash on the screens, Renee felt slightly relieved.Her devices were full of four years' worth of design work and drafts - searching through it all would take time.Perfect for cutting through her bonds.But just as she was nearly done, the search finished unexpectedly."Miss, there's nothing."Nancy grabbed Renee's phone in disbelief.Renee felt conflicted. She had Carl to thank for erasing everything so thoroughly."Impossible!" Nancy yanked Renee forward. "You're tricking me again?"Renee stayed calm. "And wait for you to ki