Romans de LarxXxeni

A faint, clean scent mixed with the smell of wine drifted over her. In an instant, it threw her heart into chaos.As he moved closer, Estelle didn't know what to do. She shifted toward the car door.But the back seat was too small. She had only moved twice before her back was pressed against the door.Edward braced one hand on the window, trapping her small, thin body against him.His eyes, cold as snow, swept over her face. Then they settled on the diamond necklace around her neck.After a long moment, a soft, mocking laugh sounded beside her ear."Looks like your new sugar daddy treats you pretty well."Edward rarely smiled. Most of the time, his face was cold and expressionless.But this smile was more frightening than any cold look he had ever given her.Estelle wanted to explain.But the words "new sugar daddy" left her silent.From the moment Victor introduced her as his woman, explaining had become pointless.When Edward saw that she didn't say anything, didn't even try to defe

The moment Estelle said she could get him the project, Victor's interest was piqued.Bidding on the West Side development would open next month.The old man, his father, had made him a promise. If Victor landed this project, the position of heir to the Robinson Group would be his.But this time, his rival was the Caldwell Group from Washington, D.C. They were one of the biggest, most powerful companies in the country.Beating the Caldwell Group on skill and experience alone would be almost impossible. That was why Victor had decided to win the project by getting on Edward Strickland's good side.But Edward was impossible to deal with.If Victor hadn't begged Dax for an introduction, he wouldn't have even gotten in the same room with him.Trying to win the project by flattering Edward was like trying to climb into the sky.If Estelle could really get it for him, that would be perfect. But...Victor narrowed his eyes at her."If you've got dirt on Edward Strickland, why didn't you use i

"Edward..."Dax finally snapped out of his shock and called after his cousin.But Edward didn't even turn his head.Victor watched Edward's back disappear through the door. Then he turned to Dax, his tone full of meaning."What's gotten into your cousin tonight?"Dax smiled. "He's the only heir to the Strickland Group. That's a lot of pressure. Every now and then, he gets in a strange mood. I hope you and Miss Holder won't take it personally."After that simple explanation, Dax picked up a glass of wine and raised it toward Victor and Estelle."Let me drink one on his behalf, as an apology."He drained the glass in one go and set it down. His voice stayed warm and polite."You two keep having fun. I'm going to go check on him."He had been gracious, and he had said all the right things. Victor had no reason to keep him."Sure. Let's do this again some other time."Dax nodded. He pulled his shirt back on, grabbed his suit jacket, and hurried out.Scarleth had been looking forward to th

Estelle never expected Victor to lie like that.For a moment, she had no idea what to do.Edward was obsessive about purity. He had told her once, very clearly, that she was never allowed to be with anyone else. Ever.She wanted to explain. To tell him it wasn't true.But their relationship was over. What was the point of explaining anything now?While she was still torn, Edward suddenly tipped his chin toward her."If she's that pure, then let her pour."Victor was thrilled that Edward was giving her another chance. He quickly pushed the bottle back into her hands."Go on."Estelle had expected Edward to be furious.But there wasn't a flicker of emotion on his face. He had simply changed his mind and told her to pour.She didn't understand it at all.Still, with Victor rushing her, she took the bottle again and leaned down to fill his glass.The wine hadn't even touched the glass when his long, defined hand covered it again.He lifted those cool, misty eyes and fixed them on her."On

Estelle's face stiffened.Dax had been wearing a full suit. Even after taking off his jacket, he still had a white dress shirt on.But for her, taking off one piece of clothing meant standing there naked.She looked up at the people around her.Everyone seemed to be waiting for her to undress. Not a single person stepped in to help her.Even Victor was staring at her body, his eyes full of anticipation.Right now, she was like an animal on display, there for these rich and powerful heirs to gawk at.If she obeyed, they might let her off easy.If she resisted, they would never let her walk out of this private suite in one piece.Once she understood that, she slowly unclenched her fists.She was going to die soon anyway. What did dignity matter now?She reached behind her back, her fingers finding the zipper of her gown. She was just about to pull it down when Dax suddenly spoke."I'm the one who can't play. I dragged Miss Holder down with me. This round, I'll take it off for her."With

"Okay, time to draw! Whoever gets the same number is a team. Teammates have to swap seats, so no sitting next to each other~"Scarleth placed the folded slips of paper on the table. The two people who drew the same number would automatically become partners.The first round would have four players. Everyone else had to wait their turn. Whoever drew a one or a two would play first.Unfortunately for Estelle, she drew a two.She looked up across the table. Edward had drawn a one.They were on opposite teams.Scarleth had drawn the other one. She raised an eyebrow at Estelle, her meaning crystal clear.*Just watch what I do to you.*"There's still another two. Who's got it?"Dax hesitated for a moment. Then he opened his hand and unfolded the slip.He smiled at Estelle. "I'm honestly not great at cards. I'll be counting on you."Estelle forced out a smile that looked worse than crying.The truth was, she had always been a good girl.At the children's home, she listened to the director. A