Novels by Wang Gu

Preston’sPOVThe door to my office swung open, and my assistant walked in—the same guy who'd greeted Scarlett at the front desk earlier.He had this stupid grin on his face, like he knew something I didn't."Boss, you should've seen her," he said, practically bouncing on his heels. "She was trying so hard to act cool, but I could tell she was nervous. Asked for you by name and everything."I leaned back in my chair, unable to suppress a slight smile. "Did she now?""Yeah, and when I told her you weren't available, she looked genuinely disappointed. I'm happy for you, man. You've been waiting for this moment for so long."I waved off his congratulations. "Get me a suit. The formal one—the navy blue with the silver tie."My assistant's smile faded, replaced by confusion. "A suit? But you're already dressed for work. Why do you need—" His ey

Scarlett’s POVThe kiss caught me completely off guard. I shoved him away hard."What the hell are you doing?" I demanded."Just collecting interest on my investment."Before I could even process that, he pulled me back in. This time it was a full French kiss, his tongue sliding past my lips.He was blocking all my air. My lungs started burning. I couldn't breathe. Just when I thought I might actually pass out, he finally let me go.That's when I noticed it. Something hard pressing up against my ass where I was sitting on his lap. Heat flooded my face.I stared at him, mortified. Preston just looked back at me with this totally innocent expression."My legs don't work right," he said casually. "Everything else functions just fine though."I opened my mouth but nothing came out."Besides," he continued, "we're engaged now. Fiancés. So you should probably help me take care of this.""Preston, I don't think..."My phone started buzzing before I could finish. I grabbed it from my pocket.

Scarlett’s POVMy mind went blank. I couldn't have heard him correctly."What did you just say?"Preston's expression didn't change. His voice remained calm, measured. "I said you'll be my wife. That's my condition."I stared at him, searching for any sign that this was a joke. There was none."Why?" The word came out sharper than I intended. "What could you possibly get out of this?"He tilted his head slightly, studying me. "Isn't it obvious?""No, actually. It's not obvious at all. You're Preston Beaumont. You could have anyone.""Could I?" Something flickered in his eyes. "I've been in this wheelchair for five years, Scarlett. Do you know how many wealthy socialites have suddenly lost interest in me since then?"I shook my head. "I don't believe that.""It's true.""You're successful. You're intelligent. You run one of the most profitable companies in the city." I gestured around his office. "And you're not exactly hard to look at. There have to be plenty of women who'd jump at th

Scarlett’s POVThe silence that followed my words was deafening. Preston's eyes widened, genuine shock flickering across his usually composed face."What... what did you just say?" His voice came out strangled, disbelieving. "Scarlett, how can you say something like that?"Before I could respond, Madison's sweet voice cut through the tension like a knife wrapped in silk."Preston, please don't be upset with her." She placed a delicate hand on his arm, her eyes glistening with fake concern. "Scarlett's been through so much. She's just confused right now."She paused, letting her words sink in before delivering her poison. "I mean, it's natural for feelings to develop when a man saves a woman's life. Maybe... maybe she's feeling things she shouldn't be feeling."The implication hung heavy in the air.Pierce's head snapped toward me, his jaw clenched tight. "What the hell is she talking about?""Pierce, I didn't mean—" Madison started, but the damage was done."No." Pierce's voice was ic

Scarlett’s POVWhen I opened my eyes again, I was lying in a hospital bed.My eyes opened to white sheets and white walls.The antiseptic smell filled my nostrils.The steady beep of a heart monitor echoed in my ears.Pierce sat beside me, holding my hand. His face was creased with worry.The moment he saw my eyes open, relief flooded his features."Thank God! You're awake!" He jumped to his feet. "I'll get the doctor!"For just a second, my cold heart flickered with warmth. Maybe he did care. Maybe I'd been wrong about him.Then I remembered Madison collapsing into his arms. Remembered him carrying her away while I lay trapped under that board.I turned my head away, my voice coming out rough and hoarse. "What do you want?"He immediately reached for a water bottle on the bedside table. "Here, drink this first. Your throat must be killing you."I took small sips while he hovered anxiously. The water soothed the raw burning in my throat."You've been unconscious for sixteen hours," Pi

Scarlett’s POVThe arena fell silent after my announcement. Then chaos erupted."What the hell, Scarlett?" Pierce's voice cut through the noise. "Have you lost your mind? What kind of crazy talk is that?"Madison stepped forward, her eyes wide with perfectly performed innocence. "Look, if you don't want to compete against me, just forfeit. You don't need to make up lies to save face."But I noticed her hand. It was clenched tight at her side, knuckles white. Her jaw was tense. She was nervous.I'd bet right."Why are you so desperate for this match, Madison?" I kept my voice loud enough for the crowd to hear. "It's just an exhibition game. What are you trying to prove?"She blinked, thrown off balance."And why do you keep looking at that guy in the stands?" I pointed toward the hooded figure I'd noticed earlier. "The one skulking around up there. Did you plant him here? Is he working for you?"Madison's mouth opened and closed. No words came out."Scarlett, stop!" Pierce grabbed my a