After showering, Victoria emerged from the bathroom but could not find Benjamin in the room. She looked around and finally found him in the study.As soon as she opened the door, she caught a whiff of cigarette smoke. It was faint. However, Victoria was sensitive to the smell of cigarettes. Hence, she could detect it instantly.She stood at the doorway, frowning while staring at Benjamin. He had yet to change his clothes."Benjamin, aren't you going to shower? I'm done. Deal with whatever you need to tomorrow."Benjamin merely hummed in response. He got up from his chair and said, "Wait for me in the bedroom."He looked just as he usually was. There were no signs of anything different. Yet, Victoria could not help but feel uneasy.She obediently closed the door before returning to the bedroom. After Benjamin showered, he realized she had already blow-dried her hair and was lying on the bed.He was somewhat displeased at that sight. "Why didn't you wait for me to blow dry your ha
Victoria and Benjamin had left. Hence, even after knocking for a while, no one answered the door.Ethan was furious. Then, he reached into his black backpack filled with phones and grabbed one. After that, he dialed a number with familiarity.At that moment, Victoria had just loaded her luggage into the car. She heard her phone ringing and answered without looking at the caller ID, thinking it was Lena and the others."Speak!" she snapped."You finally answered my call." A familiar voice came through.Victoria immediately looked at Benjamin, who had walked toward the driver's seat. Her hand that was holding the phone trembled."I'll make sure Benjamin will die with me if you have the guts to hang up on me!" Ethan threatened.Nevertheless, Victoria composed herself before answering, "This is not Yrindale. I won't stop you if you want to die."But you should also know what I'm like. Your actions serve no purpose other than making me hate you more."On the other side of the car,
As soon as Benjamin left, Victoria immediately called Silas."What's going on with Ethan?" she asked.Silas answered, "He's been staying at the hotel. I haven't seen him leave.""Benjamin just went out. He's most likely meeting Ethan. Stay vigilant and keep your eyes on Ethan. Let me know his whereabouts."Upon hearing what Victoria said, Silas couldn't help but complain, "Come on, if Mr. Harper lives in the Medieval Monarchy, he'd be a king. Even if not, he'd hold an influential position, like a general."Who knows, maybe he went out to meet a client. Victoria, you're being paranoid.""Do you know them better than I do?" Victoria snapped.Over the past few days, Benjamin had never stepped out of Westshore Manor. Even if his business meetings lasted more than three hours, he would make Victoria sit beside him in the study.So, she was sure that if he were to go out, he would bring her along.Now that Benjamin had gone out alone, Victoria knew something was up. She could not th
Benjamin arrived a few minutes earlier than Ethan. He poured himself a cup of coffee, and shortly after, someone opened the private room's door.Then, Ethan appeared at the doorway. He was tall and had slender legs. Moreover, he wore a well-fitted dark blue suit. He looked remarkably handsome.Unlike Benjamin's cold and dignified demeanor, Ethan exuded a dark and captivating air. It was the kind that could charm many women at first glance.From their appearance, the two men had their unique qualities. So, it was hard to tell who was superior.As the love rivals met, jealousy filled the air. When their gazes locked, the tension intensified. It was as if there were sparks of fire ready to ignite.Ethan smirked, but his expression was icy. He entered the private room and took a seat across from Benjamin.In the next instant, Benjamin picked up the coffee pot and poured a cup for Ethan. The latter did not refuse.He took a few sips before saying provocatively, "You indeed are a gent
Yvette watched as Benjamin's forehead glistened with sweat. His handsome face was slightly bruised, and there were traces of blood at the corner of his lips. However, it did nothing to diminish his beauty and poise.His breathing was slightly rapid, and he appeared somewhat disheveled. His icy gaze now carried an indescribable allure.Benjamin had always been cool and ascetic.Yvette had never seen him like this before.The way he looked at her was so tender and inviting. It was a stark contrast to his previous icy demeanor. Benjamin had this kind of look only when he faced Victoria. It was the side of him Yvette had only dreamed of in her youth.She knew this was the effect of the drug that Ethan had used on him.This version of Benjamin was far too captivating. Not just women but even men would find it impossible not to be moved by him in this state.Yvette stared at Benjamin. Her feelings for him suddenly reignited.If only he could stay like this.He must have fallen i
Wendy was the first to spot Victoria. "Victoria!"Silas turned around and saw Victoria hurrying toward them with a stern expression. She approached her. "They won't say anything!"Victoria rolled her eyes at Silas. "What's the use of you having a brain?"Hotel staff wouldn't disclose guest information. Besides, with Ethan and Yvette's preparations, asking the front desk would be futile. Silas wasn't Yves, after all.Yves followed Victoria into the hotel as she gathered the group together.She asked Yves, "Which floors are generally allocated to high-end hotel guests?""32, 36, 48, and 54. In my case, they usually assign me to those floors.""Get the manager on the phone immediately and have him take these people to the floors you mentioned. Then, trigger the fire alarm and security alert system. Check the rooms one by one."If you find anything, call me immediately. Yves, you're coming with me to the security room. Wait, forget the control room. It'll take too long. Wendy, you
Victoria took a few steps further into the bathroom. She immediately noticed the injuries on Benjamin's face.Due to soaking in the water for too long, his alabaster-like skin had swelled up just like a balloon. There were bloodstains at the corner of his right lip.His face was unnaturally pale and strangely flushed. His breathing was abnormal. His overall appearance exuded a peculiar, vulnerable charm that was almost inviting.Victoria walked up to the side of the bathtub.It was then that she realized that Benjamin was not just bruised on his face. There were several contusions all over his body.There were traces of blood beneath his nose. She couldn't tell if it was from a punch or if he'd been trying to suppress a nosebleed.Victoria's heart ached terribly as she looked at Benjamin. Her eyes welled up with tears, and they began to blur her vision.She regretted not hitting Ethan harder. She should have beaten him mercilessly."Benjamin."Victoria softly called his name a
For Benjamin, Victoria's words were more potent than any aphrodisiac known to humanity. He cast aside his concerns. Without hesitation, Benjamin embraced Victoria as they made their way from the door to the bed.Benjamin's bathrobe and Victoria's clothes ended up scattered all over the floor.Victoria lay on the bed.She looked at Benjamin with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.If they were interrupted again this time, it would leave Benjamin questioning his existence.Benjamin pressed down upon her, and Victoria let out a cry.The room was sealed with closed doors and windows. Their passionate sounds echoed within.Victoria felt as though she was in a small boat on a turbulent sea.She wondered if Benjamin might be venting decades of pent-up frustration.Or perhaps he was seeking retribution for her earlier teasing.Rounds of passion came and went. Victoria felt as though her bones were falling apart. Her throat was sore from the passion-filled cries.She could