Cynthia felt as if she had been frozen in place. Her mind went completely blank, and for a moment, she found herself unable to react, let alone speak.Sandy, on the other hand, wore an exceptionally warm smile and said softly, "Cynthia, we've met twice before. Do you remember?"From the very first time she had seen Sandy, Cynthia knew this woman was different.As one of Lucien's women, Sandy was treated with a level of importance that far surpassed Jacqueline.Yet, what puzzled Cynthia the most was Sandy's attitude toward her—Lucien's infamous ex-wife. Sandy was always polite, her face ever adorned with that gentle, unshakable smile.Even now, with Lucien approaching her yet again, Sandy showed no signs of jealousy or displeasure. Instead, she had taken the initiative to greet her.This unexpected friendliness made Cynthia feel incredibly uneasy.She couldn't figure out what Sandy's true intentions were, but something deep inside told her that this kindness was nothing more than a fac
Cynthia's body stiffened as if frozen, turning around with great difficulty.The moment she saw the person behind her, the tension in her chest slightly eased, and she let out a slow breath—it was Sandy.She had been so anxious that she hadn't even registered that the voice was female.Sandy approached with a glass of red wine in hand, her steps light and effortless. Perhaps due to the alcohol, a faint blush colored her cheeks. "Cynthia, I have something to say to you," she said."Go ahead," Cynthia replied, her tone indifferent.Sandy tilted her head slightly, studying Cynthia as if scrutinizing an object.After a brief pause, she finally spoke, her voice carrying an almost imperceptible hint of accusation. "Just now, Lucien stepped in to help you, but you dismissed him as meddling. Don't you think that was a bit too much?"The words snapped Cynthia's drifting thoughts back into focus.She hadn't expected Sandy to confront her over this. After a brief moment of surprise, she responde
In the blink of an eye, the car came to a steady stop in front of a luxury boutique.He brought her here... to buy clothes?Cynthia thought back on the night's events. Lucien had been acting completely out of character—not only helping her out of a tight spot but also leaving Sandy behind to take her away, as if he genuinely cared about her.What exactly was he planning?But now was not the time to dwell on it. Cynthia was drenched, looking utterly disheveled. Even if he suddenly decided to show mercy and let her go, she couldn't possibly go home in this state.So, she stopped resisting and stepped out of the car, still wrapped in Lucien's jacket, and headed straight into the women's clothing store. Lucien followed closely behind her in silence.As they stepped inside, an eager sales associate immediately greeted them. Cynthia browsed through the racks, ignoring everything else, while Lucien stood at a distance, waiting quietly. His tall, commanding presence naturally drew attention,
Hearing those words, Cynthia felt nothing but disgust. This man was truly a scoundrel!Her voice was filled with fury and resentment as she demanded, "Are you trying to force yourself on me again?"Lucien didn't respond immediately. Instead, his lips brushed against her neck, tracing a slow, feather-light path across her skin—gentle yet scorching, leaving an undeniable heat in their wake.His voice came as a murmur against her ear, teasing yet laced with something deeper. "That night, if I remember correctly, it was me who had my clothes ripped off. You were the one who forced yourself on me."His shameless words sent a shiver down Cynthia's spine, her rage igniting into a blaze. She shoved him away with all her strength, glaring at him as she bit out, "And what about the next morning?"Lucien didn't seem the least bit offended. Instead, amusement flickered across his face as he chuckled softly.In an instant, he grabbed both her wrists, pinning her firmly in place. Then, without warn
Once again, Cynthia was forcibly shoved into the car by Lucien. Since then, she had remained eerily silent, exuding an oppressive aura of stillness.Her body trembled uncontrollably, lingering in the chilling fear of nearly being strangled to death by Lucien just moments ago. The terror he instilled in her had reached an entirely new level.At that moment, Lucien's phone suddenly rang.He answered the call, listening to the voice on the other end, and his expression grew even darker. His gaze flickered toward Cynthia, who remained motionless beside him. Then, in a deep voice, he said, "Tell her to wait. I'm coming now."As soon as the words left his lips, the car swerved sharply. The vehicle, which had been heading toward Cynthia's home, abruptly changed direction and sped toward another destination.Noticing the shift, Cynthia's eyes widened with fury. Her voice erupted in rage: "Stop the car!"Lucien shot her a sidelong glance, a smirk curling on his lips as he mocked, "I was beginn
The highway stretched endlessly like a black silk ribbon, winding through the night.The chilly night wind cut against Cynthia's skin as she trudged along the desolate road, her lone figure engulfed by the vast emptiness. Tears streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably, only to be swept away by the relentless wind.Her heart was heavy with sorrow, her steps unsteady. She thought about calling Erica, but her hand froze mid-air, realizing she had nothing on her—not even a phone. She had stormed out of the car with nothing.Occasionally, the headlights of passing cars illuminated her frail figure, making her feel utterly exposed. Fear, helplessness, and despair crawled over her like a suffocating net.She hated Lucien for pushing her to this breaking point. But more than that, she loathed herself—how had she let her life become such a mess, so utterly humiliating?Exhaustion weighed on her, and for a fleeting moment, she thought—perhaps she should just give up. Give up on everything, even
Lucien had barely taken a few steps into the courtyard with Cynthia in his arms when she spotted Jacqueline standing in the center.Tonight, Jacqueline looked stunning—completely different from her usual sweet and innocent image.She wore a tight-fitting mini dress that accentuated her alluring curves, exuding an irresistible charm with every move. She was sultry, radiant.Cynthia instinctively lowered her gaze to her own disheveled appearance, a faint sense of inferiority creeping into her heart.Jacqueline's face was adorned with an enchanting smile—until her eyes landed on Cynthia in Lucien's arms. In an instant, that smile vanished, replaced by an icy, penetrating stare.Cynthia had expected Jacqueline to throw a fit at the sight of Lucien returning home with a disheveled woman in his arms. She braced herself for an explosive confrontation.But to her surprise, nothing of the sort happened.Just as Lucien set Cynthia down and she barely found her balance, Jacqueline gracefully app
Lucien's gaze remained fixed on Cynthia until she disappeared behind the closed door. Only then did he slowly retract his eyes, turning his attention to Jacqueline. Though his expression bore no hint of anger, there was an unmistakable pressure in his gaze that made the air feel stifling.Jacqueline's heart clenched violently, her breath quickening. For a brief moment, she felt as if she had been reduced to nothing in Lucien's eyes—like a piece of worthless trash. Her legs trembled involuntarily.She had always known Lucien was a man who stood above all others, someone who could not be manipulated or challenged. His possessiveness ran deep; he lived by his own rules, tolerating no defiance—especially not from the women beside him.Yet, before her very eyes, Cynthia defied him at every turn. Every word she spoke, every action she took, seemed like a deliberate provocation, daring to test the limits of his patience.And what drove Jacqueline mad with jealousy was that Lucien indulged Cy
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
Cynthia's face flushed with sudden heat.This room held too many sordid memories—countless nights of skin on skin, countless moments of surrender. Back then, she'd been nothing more than a doll locked in a glass case for his amusement. The way he had devoured her, night after night, still made her fingertips tremble at the memory. And even now, she couldn't seem to resist the pleasures of his bed. It was as if the marks he'd left on her body and soul had never truly faded.Back then, her world had revolved entirely around Edric. Her memories with Lucien had slipped through her fingers like water, forgotten as quickly as they'd formed. Maybe she'd blocked them out on purpose. Or maybe she had never cared enough to remember them. Now, only a few fragments remained—chief among them, the murderous rage in his eyes when he discovered her betrayal. That expression clung to her like a parasite. Everything else was a hazy blur, too shattered to piece together.
The heavy silence in the study was broken only by the occasional crackle from the fireplace.Brady tucked away his blood pressure monitor, glancing at the numbers. "Your blood pressure is holding steady, but at your age, sir, you shouldn't let yourself get so worked up."Thomas gripped the arms of his chair, knuckles whitening. "Stay calm?" he rasped, voice shaking with rage. "Those little bastards are tearing the house down!"Suddenly, he slammed his palm onto the rosewood desk, rattling the teacups. "They won't stop until they've broken every last bone in my old body!"Brady quietly packed his medical bag, preparing to leave, but Thomas barked, "Wait. That bastard's injuries...""Eight contusions," Brady said, shooting a glance at Marcus, who stood silent and motionless nearby. "No broken bones, but he should get X-rays to be safe. As for the young lady's arm—""Enough!" Thomas snapped, cutting him off. His white beard trembled with
Thomas violently shook Mandy's hand off and slammed his cane against the floor, advancing on Lucien step by step. His cloudy eyes, sharp as a hawk's, locked onto Lucien."Remarry? Look me in the eye and say it!"Lucien shielded Cynthia behind him, his back straight as a blade. His voice was calm and unwavering."Yes. We've remarried."Smack!A sharp, piercing slap shattered the silence of the living room. Lucien's cheek instantly swelled, a vivid red mark blooming across his face. Stacey shrieked and rushed forward, but froze under the weight of Thomas's icy glare."Useless!" Thomas roared, his whole body trembling with fury. He raised his cane high, his voice hoarse with rage."Throwing away your dignity for a cheap woman!"The heavy rosewood cane came crashing down. In that split second, Cynthia thrust herself forward to block it—Crack!The sickening snap of bone meeting wood echoed through the room. Cynt
Janet clutched her cheek, her voice shrill enough to pierce glass."How dare you hit me!"Cynthia took a step forward, her heels clicking crisply against the marble floor."I hit exactly who I meant to.""Lucien!" Janet whirled toward him, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You're just going to stand there and let her bully me?"Another sharp slap cracked through the air, louder, crueler. Janet stumbled backward, her face draining of all color.Cynthia turned to Stacey, her voice softening into something almost tender."You should understand by now... it was never me clinging to Lucien." She trailed her fingers across the wedding band on her hand. "It's just that he's a man worth coming back for. And as for that two million dollars I never touched—" her lips curved slightly, "—imagine how Lucien would react if he found out where it really came from."Stacey's face went deathly pale. The threat was razor sharp—if L