As Cynthia watched Georgia leave, she turned back and walked calmly to the sofa. Sitting down gracefully, she fixed her gaze on Marius and said, "Marius, if you have something to say, just say it. There's no need for pretenses."Marius, however, was in no hurry. He stood leisurely, walked over to the liquor cabinet, and retrieved a bottle of well-aged red wine.Skillfully, he uncorked the bottle and poured three glasses. He handed one to Sean first, then gently placed another on the coffee table in front of Cynthia. Wearing his usual warm smile, he said, "No rush. Let's have a drink first and chat at ease."With that, he raised his glass, clinking it lightly against Cynthia's, producing a crisp sound.Seeing this, Sean quickly stepped forward and clinked glasses with both of them before tilting his head back and downing his wine in one gulp. He smacked his lips and praised, "Good wine!"Marius smiled, politely raising his glass to Cynthia once more before also downing his wine in a si
Sean watched from the side, and an inexplicable sense of pity surged in his heart. Unable to hold back, he hurriedly said, "Why don't you give her to me instead?" As he spoke, he looked at Marius with hopeful eyes, wishing he would change his mind. Bard paused his actions upon hearing this, turning to Marius for instructions. Marius still wore that signature, carefree smirk. He glanced at Sean before slowly saying, "This isn't as simple as spending a single night." Sean instantly understood Marius' meaning—he was determined to ruin Cynthia. Sean sighed inwardly. He knew that his father's influence was nowhere near Marius' father's, nor did he have Marius' wealth and power. In this situation, he was utterly powerless. Cynthia had only herself to blame for provoking Marius, the devil incarnate. Anyone who ended up on Marius' bad side rarely met a good end. Seeing that Sean had fallen silent, Bard signaled his men to continue taking Cynthia away. They were well aware that s
Lucien bent slightly, locking eyes with Cynthia inside the car. In that instant, the icy coldness in his gaze seemed to freeze the very air around them. Meanwhile, Chase was still curled up on the ground outside, trembling in terror, his shrill screams cutting through the silent night like a knife. Ignoring him, Lucien parted his thin lips and commanded in a deep, authoritative voice, "Open the door."Cynthia nodded slightly and reached out to slowly unlock the back door. Seeing this, Lucien swiftly and effortlessly pulled her out of the car, half-lifting, half-supporting her. Her legs felt weak, her entire body drained of strength. Instinctively, she collapsed against Lucien's solid chest. At that moment, the anxious weight in her heart finally settled. A strange sense of security washed over her, as if she had finally found a safe harbor. At the same time, Simon strode forward and grabbed Chase, who was sti
Cynthia's steps were unsteady, her body still weak. She tilted her head slightly, leaned closer to Lucien, and whispered, "Why are you here?"Lucien lowered his head slightly, locking eyes with Cynthia. A smirk played at the corners of his lips as he said, "You took my money and then ran off to a place like this—how could I not come see for myself? I was thinking, if you dared to spend my money on another man, I'd break one of your legs."His tone was calm, not too light nor too heavy, but it sent a sharp jolt through Cynthia's heart. She opened her mouth, wanting to refute him, but the words seemed stuck in her throat. After a brief hesitation, she spoke softly, "Everything I told you just now was true. I didn't lie."She wasn't sure why she felt the need to explain herself to Lucien. Perhaps it was the lingering effects of the drug still in her system, making not only her body weak but also lowering her e
(Flashback)"This is yours." Cynthia's voice was soft, tinged with a hint of nervousness and shyness. She had finally managed to dig out the boy's workbook from the towering pile of slightly disorganized books and gently handed it over.Opposite her, a strikingly handsome boy slowly lifted his head. His eyes were bright and deep, as if holding a galaxy of stars.He reached out, took the workbook, and smiled slightly. "Thanks," he said in a low, warm voice.His smile pierced straight through Cynthia's defenses. She felt her heartbeat accelerate uncontrollably, pounding wildly as if it would burst out of her chest."Your name is Edric? I'm Cynthia," she mustered her courage, trying to sound composed as she looked at him.The boy responded with a simple, indifferent, "I know."His voice was deep and magnetic—just two words, yet they sent a ripple through Cynthia's heart."You're outstanding. Everyone knows you. It's you who
Cynthia was completely unprepared when she was yanked into the water. Her face plunged straight into the freezing pool, the icy coldness piercing through her skin.Panicked, she struggled frantically, but a strong hand coiled around her waist like a serpent. The force was overwhelming—unyielding like iron chains—as it pulled her deeper and deeper into the water.The sound of water roared in her ears, deafening and relentless. Her vision blurred in the dim light, and all she could make out was the vague outline of a face and the powerful figure beside her, radiating an aura of dominance.Her body collided against the other person's chest, and in her desperation, she instinctively wrapped her arms around him. The water surrounding them was cold and slick, but the body she clung to felt solid and warm—her only lifeline in this chaotic abyss.As they sank further, Cynthia's breathing became more labored. Her lungs burned, as if a massive sto
After stepping out of the pool, the two headed straight for the bathroom.Freshly showered, Cynthia reached for the nightwear Lucien had tossed her way. But the moment she unfolded it, she froze.A white, silky slip dress—thin, short, and barely covering anything.There was no doubt in her mind—Lucien had done this on purpose.Her previous clothes, drenched from the pool, lay in a soaked heap on the side, completely unwearable. Left with no other choice, she went to find Vicky and asked if there were any other options.Vicky's answer was straightforward: her new clothes wouldn't arrive until tomorrow. And as for women's nightwear—this was the only one available.Cynthia frowned in suspicion.Given Lucien's notorious reputation, with women constantly coming and going from his life, how was it possible that he didn't have a few spare sets of female clothing lying around?She didn't believe it for a second.But the thought of wearing something left behind by another woman made her stomac
The second half of the night felt like an endless and torturous nightmare for Cynthia. She lay in bed, her eyes fixed on the dark ceiling, her thoughts tangled like a chaotic web. She drifted in and out of restless sleep until the first rays of dawn quietly seeped into the room. When Cynthia finally opened her eyes, a single word stabbed into her heart like a sharp dagger—mistress.Yes, today was the first day she had agreed to become Lucien's mistress. She slowly got up, allowing the maid, Vicky, to dress her in the luxurious clothes Lucien had prepared and apply delicate makeup—everything was flawless, down to the finest detail. Yet, in Cynthia's eyes, the reflection in the mirror was unbearable to look at. No matter how she viewed it, she felt like a heavily adorned woman waiting for a client—no different from a prostitute. Or perhaps, like a meticulously groomed bird in a gilded cage—granted beautiful feathers but stripped of the freedom to soar, trapped within these wal
"Daddy, you must've made Mommy mad," Harley crossed his arms and sighed like a little adult. "She's ignoring you." He added with a worried look, "Gerald never dares to upset Mommy. The last time he did, she didn't let him through our front door for a whole month. Do you think she'll kick you out too?"Lucien crouched down to meet his son's eyes, catching a key word with razor-sharp precision: "Gerald… Daddy?" His voice sank, and his knuckles unconsciously tightened. That title pierced his chest like a thorn."He's been around since Mommy was pregnant with me!" Harley blinked, then leaned in mysteriously, curling a finger for Lucien to come closer. When Lucien obliged, the little boy's warm breath brushed against his ear. "He really likes Mommy, but she says he always brings around ugly weirdos." Then, tugging seriously on Lucien's tie, he warned, "If you act like him, Mommy won't want you either—and then I won't have a daddy again."Lucien's pupils constricted. He gently cupped the ba
The sound of the door closing finally faded, and Cynthia opened her eyes in the darkness. Her lashes trembled, her gaze full of conflict and struggle piercing through the night.She knew Lucien's history with Jessica came before their reunion—but the sudden appearance of a child, that line about "peaceful coexistence," and his proposal for Jessica to get an abortion all pierced her heart like thorns. In the dark, she clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms.Twenty hours of being confined to the bed had left her legs numb. As she propped herself up against the headboard, she spotted a neatly folded dress nearby—its fabric carrying an unfamiliar warmth. The night outside was ink-dark, and then a child's voice suddenly pierced the silence:"Mommy! Mommy!"Staggering, Cynthia gripped the cold metal doorframe. Harley's voice, thick with sobs, crashed through the quiet. She fumbled the door open—and his small figure flung itself into her arms with such force they both tum
Lucien nearly crushed the steering wheel when he got Vicky's call. By the time he arrived, the scene in front of him made his blood run cold—Erica gripping a kitchen knife, dragging Cynthia behind her, Harley charging ahead with a broom, and Vicky chasing them in a panic. It looked like a total madhouse.Just as he got out of the car, he heard Harley's sharp little voice shout, "You big meanie!"A piercing screech of brakes tore through the air.A scooter came speeding from the side. Harley stood frozen in the bike lane, the broom falling from his hands with a clatter as he squeezed his eyes shut in fear."Harley!" several voices screamed in unison.Lucien moved on pure instinct. He lunged forward and scooped the child into his arms at the last possible second. They both crashed into the roadside bushes, dry branches tearing jagged scratches into his skin.Cynthia rushed over and grabbed Harley, her fingers trembling as she checked him all over. "Tell Mommy—does anything hurt?"Harley
Cynthia raised her hand to hail a taxi to Erica's place, but before she could, a strong hand clamped around her wrist. Lucien was suddenly there behind her, his eyes a storm barely contained."You hate me that much?" he said hoarsely. "You can't even stand to stay one more minute?""Stay?" She let out a cold laugh. "What, to talk about how many mistresses you have? How many illegitimate children? Maybe we should count now, just so your grandfather won't have to bring them home one by one. That way, I'll know how many people I'm supposed to share you with!"Lucien's temple twitched with rage. "I told you, no one but you is worthy of having my child! You're the one who wanted her to keep it!""Oh, so now it's all my fault?" Cynthia's eyes turned red with unshed tears. "Should I thank you for giving me the exclusive privilege of bearing your children?"Her voice trembled. "You think an abortion makes it go away? And when the next one comes along, you'll have her abort it too, all for me?
Back at the apartment, Cynthia walked straight to the bedroom without so much as glancing at Hogan."I'll find you some clean clothes,"she said."Um…"Hogan rubbed his nose, a sheepish smile spreading across his face. "If you've got any... new underwear..."Cynthia paused. "Take a shower first. I'll bring it over when I find some."Throughout the exchange, neither of them acknowledged Lucien, even though his shirtfront was just as soaked.Sensing the tension radiating from Lucien, Hogan raised his voice deliberately. "Lucien, I'm going to shower now~ Where are the slippers?""Let Stephen bring the underwear,"Lucien said coldly. "The only ones I have are ones I've worn."Hogan blinked. "There's a supermarket downstairs. They probably sell them—"Before he could finish, someone grabbed the back of his collar. Lucien was already dragging him toward the door."Go dry off outside.""She's
Lucien's expression shifted subtly as he stepped toward her. "We do have a son. His name is Harley."His gaze never left Cynthia's face, but she wouldn't spare him even a glance."Impossible!"Janet shrieked, springing to her feet. "You've been divorced for six years! That bastard could be anyone's—""Janet."Cynthia's glare was sharper than any knife. "You'll regret saying that."She turned to Lucien, her tone calm as if speaking of someone else's life. "I found out I was pregnant after the divorce. I gave birth to him alone… raised him alone..."Her voice finally trembled. "I never planned to let you know."Lucien recalled the strange sense of closeness he'd felt when he first met Harley. His heart was struck like a gong. She had borne all of this—alone."I know."He pulled her into his arms, his voice hoarse. "Harley is my son."Mandy approached slowly. Cynthia immediately noticed the brui
Cynthia had just stepped out of the kitchen when she nearly collided with Marcus, who stood at the doorway with a frail-looking girl. The girl kept her head down, her steps hesitant."Come in,"Marcus said, stepping aside. But when he looked up and saw Cynthia, his expression shifted dramatically.The girl slowly lifted her head, and the moment their eyes met, both she and Cynthia froze in place.That face—it looked so much like hers. Even more than Jacqueline ever had. Put them side by side, and no one would doubt they were sisters."Dinner's ready..."Lucien's voice came from behind, but at this moment, it sounded sharp and jarring."Lucien..."Tears welled up in the girl's eyes as she stared longingly at the man behind Cynthia, yet she didn't dare take a step closer.Cynthia turned and saw Lucien's face clouded with dark fury. She said softly, "She's here for you."His pupils contracted. He reached out for her,
Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains. Cynthia carefully helped Lucien slip into a T-shirt, her fingers pausing for a moment when they brushed against the bruises on his back."You should really get checked out at the hospital," she said softly."You'll come with me?" Lucien pulled her into his arms like a child asking for candy."Mm-hmm." She agreed without hesitation, lifting her gaze to meet his deep, intense eyes. On impulse, she rose onto her toes and brushed a light kiss against the corner of his mouth. "Good morning."The sudden kiss lit up Lucien's entire face, so radiant it was almost blinding. Cynthia's ears burned red as she hurriedly pushed him away."We should get going."He caught her hand and pressed a kiss to her fingertips. "Okay."Every small act of tenderness from her was a priceless gift to him. He had all the patience in the world to wait—until she opened her heart completely.When they stepp
"Mommy can't come home tonight, okay? Be good and listen to your auntie,"Cynthia said gently into the phone.From the other end came Harley's exaggerated wail, "That uncle tricked you again! I'm never talking to him again! Hmph!"Erica took the phone from Harley. "You're staying at the Brown estate tonight? They accepted you back this fast?"Cynthia looked out at the night sky, her voice tinged with fatigue. "Not exactly. Lucien got beaten half to death by his grandfather just to bring me back. If you had seen it…""What?!"Erica shrieked. "And you? Are you okay? I swear, what kind of century are we living in where people still solve things with violence? Should I call the police?"Cynthia instinctively rubbed the red marks on her arm. "I'm fine. He took all the hits for me.""That's a relief,"Erica muttered, then lowered her voice, "That scumbag didn't give you any trouble, did he? If he so much as touches you, just