Chapter 3

People always took advantage of indulgence. Once they were spoiled, they developed the illusion that they could do anything.

As time passed, Eloise's appetite grew larger, and her behavior became increasingly reckless. I had always watched it all with cold eyes.

That was until the afternoon she swaggered into my office with Micah, acting as if she belonged there.

"Drake, Micah hasn't been feeling well lately. He needs some peace and quiet. That villa halfway up the mountain is just sitting empty anyway. Transfer the ownership to me today," she said, lounging on my leather sofa with her legs crossed.

Her tone was as self-righteous as if she were asking for some worthless little ornament.

My hand froze over the document I was reviewing.

I slowly looked up.

The temperature in my gaze dropped to freezing.

What she didn't know was that the villa had been custom-built for Nina.

I'd hired some of the world's finest designers and spent an entire year creating a sterile, tranquil environment where she could recover in peace.

That place belonged to Nina, and it was the one thing no one was allowed to touch.

"No," I rejected her firmly.

Eloise blinked in surprise.

In three years, it was the first time I had ever refused one of her demands.

"What did you say?"

Her frown deepened, and her expression turned cold.

"Drake, don't be ridiculous. It's just a run-down house. Why are you being so petty? Is this about Micah? Are you trying to punish him?"

Beside her, Micah tugged lightly at her sleeve and put on a pitiful expression.

"Forget it, El. If Mr. Becker can't bear to part with it, I won't stay there..."

"Shut up," Eloise said, cutting him off.

She then pulled him into her arms and glared at me viciously.

"You're giving me that villa whether you want to or not."

I slowly stood up and walked over to her, looking down at her from above.

The weight of my authority filled the room, intensifying the atmosphere. For just a moment, panic flickered across Eloise's face, and she caught herself sitting up straighter, almost against her will.

"Eloise, my indulgence has its limits," I said, enunciating every syllable. "Don't reach for things that aren't yours. Now get out."

Humiliated in front of Micah, Eloise flew into a rage and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

From that day on, she stepped up her efforts to force my hand. She threw herself into every seedy nightclub she could find, and worse, she started picking fights with the big players in our circle.

Eventually, her arrogance caught the attention of Madison Leroy.

Madison came from real old money. She was powerful, decisive, and ruthless when the occasion demanded it.

She had once pursued me romantically, but after I told her the truth about Nina and the promise I'd devoted my life to keeping, she chose to let go.

After that, we became best friends who held nothing back from each other.

That night, Eloise had too much to drink at an exclusive private club. She publicly humiliated one of Madison's male companions and even went so far as to point her finger at Madison's face and curse her out.

Madison stayed in the shadows of her booth, turning her custom perfume bottle over in her hands. She watched Eloise with cold eyes, like a clown performing just for her.

"Drake, that stray cat of yours is lacking some basic manners."

Madison's voice came through the phone like a blade.

"Do you need me to take care of her for you? I can make sure she never puts her hands on anyone again."

At that moment, I was sitting beside Nina's hospital bed.

I gently held her hand and watched her peaceful sleeping face.

She looked so pale and fragile.

"Don't touch her, Maddie," I said softly. "The fruit isn't ripe yet. We can't afford to damage the skin. Teach her a lesson if you want. Just don't do any real harm."

Madison caught on immediately. A low chuckle came through the receiver.

"I see. So, she's a little incubator. Alright, I'll just enjoy the circus tonight."