From a distance, Lila watched Kendrick, her face scrunched with worry as she grabbed her aunt Briley's hand. "Aunt, why is my brother-in-law dancing with that woman, laughing and talking? Doesn’t that mean he doesn’t really like my sister, but only dislikes me?" Briley frowned slightly, feeling a bit vexed. She said, "Why worry? Just because he rejected you doesn’t mean he doesn’t like you. He might just not want to get too close to you in front of Annabelle." Lila thought about it and reluctantly agreed. "But if that woman gets her chance, won't I lose mine?" Briley gave her a look of irritation. "Why are you so impatient? You need to leave a good impression on Kendrick. Pushing yourself onto him won’t work. If you want a man’s heart, you have to take your time." Lila understood, but she felt that Kendrick had no real impression of her—or maybe none at all. She was beautiful, yes, but Annabelle was even more stunning. Other women at the banquet were no less attractive e
“You only sweet-talk me when you need something,” Kael teased, glancing at her pretty face, his narrow eyes narrowing in amusement. Lila didn’t bother to argue. She took out the small package of drugs from her handbag and handed it to Kael, whispering, “I’ve booked a room on the fifth floor, 502. Kendrick is in the small lounge right now. You just need to find a way to mix this into his drink, and follow the plan I told you. Once it’s done, you’ll get this.” She held up two fingers. “Two thousand is too little, right?” Kael flicked the package of drugs. “If Kendrick catches me, I might not make it out of here.” Lila smirked. “Twenty thousand.” Kael paused, then grinned. “Deal! You really are generous, Miss Castillo.” He put the drugs in his pocket and stood up to leave, but Lila stopped him. “Not done yet. There are two small packages inside. If you mess up once, there’s still one more chance. Remember, watch him drink it.” “Okay, don’t worry!” After Kael left, Lila
Kael had feelings for Lila, so sending other men to her bed made him uncomfortable.But he figured that after tonight, he would have leverage over Lila—her secrets and weaknesses in his grasp. With that kind of power, he could control her however he pleased.No more work. He could simply hold onto this little rich woman and live the good life.Thinking about how he’d soon have both wealth and beauty, Kael was ecstatic.Meanwhile, Eleanor was also setting a trap for Kendrick.She sipped her wine slowly, sighing. “Watching all of you in your sweet, happy relationships, I can’t help but feel envious. Coming home to a cold, empty house every night… being alone… it’s lonely. I also want someone to keep me warm…”She cast a deep, meaningful glance at Kendrick, thinking that even a fool would understand what she meant.Kendrick looked at her indifferently. “Then why not find someone?”Eleanor smirked. “How about this—I’ll have my driver take Annabelle home first, and we can go somewhere quie
Kendrick knew that Eleanor was a woman of high principles. She was straightforward, and she would never stoop to sabotaging someone else’s marriage. If she really had an interest in him, she wouldn’t have waited until tonight to show it, nor would she have used such a low tactic. Eleanor met his gaze for a moment before suddenly laughing, letting out a long sigh. “Fine, I’ll be blunt with you. I’m just testing you for Annabelle, or rather, I’m testing you for my brother.” Kendrick was taken aback by the mention of Annabelle. Eleanor was testing him for her? Annabelle didn’t even know her—why would Eleanor care about her so much? When she mentioned her brother, Kendrick became even more wary. “Testing me for loyalty, for your brother?” Eleanor, naturally straightforward, had already grown tired of pretending to be a delicate woman for her brother’s sake. After seeing Kendrick’s reaction earlier, she felt her brother was overthinking it. Eleanor went on to explain how her br
Kael’s face turned deathly pale upon hearing those words. Without hesitation, he turned to flee.But Eleanor grabbed him by the collar and dragged him back.“Stand right here.” She then turned to Kendrick. “Are you sure?”Kendrick rubbed his temples, his voice hoarse. “Go check for yourself. I’ll leave it to you.”“Wait a moment.”“What now?”Kendrick’s tone was impatient. Why was Eleanor always so troublesome? Couldn’t she see he was in a hurry?Eleanor took a step closer, lowering her voice. “If I find the person who drugged you, how do you want me to handle them?”“Do whatever you want. Just don’t let them off easy.”With that, Kendrick forced himself to maintain his composure, suppressing the intoxicated feeling overtaking him. He quickly left the banquet hall, heading straight for the lounge where Annabelle had been earlier.Eleanor glanced at Kael and smirked. “That drink—make me another one.”“Ah… Miss Duncan, this…”“Hm?” Eleanor narrowed her eyes.Kael’s legs nearly gave out.
By now, Kendrick was drenched in sweat. He casually tugged at his tie and sank into the sofa, sitting in the dark, quietly waiting for the effects of the drug to subside.He took out his phone to call Annabelle, but the call went unanswered until it was automatically disconnected. He dialed again, and the same thing happened.After countless attempts, frustration, worry, and the burning sensation in his body overwhelmed him. He tossed the phone aside, pressing his fingers to his temple in frustration.As time dragged on, each passing second felt like an eternity. His body felt like it was being crawled over by a thousand ants, an unbearable itch gnawing at his very bones.While Kendrick struggled against his desires, Annabelle had returned to the banquet hall.She had been chatting with Elio earlier, but then Julissa called, and the two ladies met again. At that time, Scott had gone off to talk with some business contacts, and Julissa, feeling a bit out of place by herself, wandered a
Annabelle bit her lip. She did feel uncomfortable, but she wasn’t like some people who couldn’t tell the difference between jealousy and rage.She understood that Kendrick dancing with Eleanor was just a formality, a gesture in the business world to show that the Gregory and Duncan families would soon collaborate. Even though she wasn’t a businessperson, she understood the logic behind it.“I’m not that childish.”Kendrick smirked, nibbling on her lip. Despite being on the brink of losing control, he patiently explained, “Don’t worry. When I danced with her, we were eight feet apart. A third person could have fit between us.”Annabelle imagined the scene and couldn’t help but smile.As they spoke, his hand had already found its way down her smooth spine, inching lower, making Annabelle gasp for air.The dim light filtering in from the window illuminated him, and she noticed he was drenched in sweat, his eyes bloodshot. The sight made her realize something was wrong.“Why are you sweat
Annabelle’s mind was in turmoil.People were coming and going outside. She didn’t need to look to know that they couldn’t leave now. At least not in the state that Kendrick was in—his condition was far too embarrassing to be seen by their friends and business partners. The last thing they needed was for someone to witness this situation.There were also reporters out there, and once they snapped pictures, who knew how they'd spin the story?And as for the drug, if Kendrick tried to fight it off, it would harm his body. Right now, she was his only antidote...Noticing Annabelle biting her lip in hesitation, Kendrick spoke again, "I’ve checked. There are no bugs, no cameras, and no one will interrupt us. Annabelle..."Her face flushed even more as she murmured, "You really thought of everything.""So, are you reassured now?" he chuckled, pushing up the hem of her skirt.Annabelle hesitated a moment before nodding. "Then, keep your voice down..."She wrapped her arms tightly around Kendr
The car’s interior wasn’t small, but for someone as tall and broad as Kendrick, it still felt a little cramped.The only comfortable way was for him to sit on the seat while letting Anna sit on his lap.After another round of intense kissing, both were panting heavily. Kendrick’s hand slid to her waist and moved toward the button of her jeans.Annabelle instantly understood his intention.“Not here…” she pushed against his chest firmly.This was an underground parking lot. Although it was nearly empty at this hour, Annabelle was too shy and timid about such things—there was no way she’d dare do anything here.Kendrick gently caressed the back of her neck, as if trying to ease her wariness. “You don’t want to try it in the car?”Annabelle blushed deeper. “No. What if someone sees us…”Technically, it was just the two of them in the car, and the outside was silent. Still, being curled up in the backseat like this made her instinctively whisper.The big boss's eyes darkened. “You sure?”
Kendrick headed straight to the underground parking lot, met with Jax, and handed over Anna’s car keys.Jax was there to take Anna’s car to have the spare tire replaced with a new one. He popped the hood to check the engine, then inspected the exhaust and the other three tires.“Boss, nothing stands out. You think this accident was man-made?”“Better to be cautious.”A sudden flat on a smooth road with a perfectly fine tire—too suspicious to ignore.If it *was* man-made, Kendrick’s first suspect would be Ryan. But Ryan was also the least likely person to actually hurt Anna.Still, it could be like what happened last time in North City—when Ryan had someone spike his breakfast. It wasn't intended to harm Anna, but maybe a subordinate made a mistake or took action on their own. She almost ended up poisoned.This time might be something similar.And since the car had been parked in an open lot while Anna was away in North City, it wouldn't have been hard for someone to tamper with it.
Forty minutes later, the car smoothly entered the the Murphy Group's underground parking lot.Annabelle thought Kendrick would drive her car and leave right away, but instead, he turned off the engine and got out with her."Aren't you going to your business meeting?""My wife's more important."Annabelle glanced at him amused. "I'm already here. What else could happen?"Besides, Uncle Simon and Gauge were both around—they’d look after her.Kendrick simply smiled and said nothing.Since he insisted on coming along, Annabelle didn’t stop him. After all, it was his own work being delayed. Kendrick wasn’t the type to lack ambition—she doubted he wasn’t anxious about it.They entered the elevator together.As it rose, Annabelle grew more uneasy.Because of her, the entire team’s schedule had been delayed, especially the photographer’s itinerary. Her colleagues were likely displeased with her—some might even think she was pulling a diva stunt.She couldn’t help but glare at Kendrick again—t
Annabelle bit her lip and glared at him. “So can you change the tire now?”Kendrick sighed. “But you're still mad at me.”Annabelle tried to suppress the fire in her chest—but she failed.“Kendrick, if you don’t help, neither of us can go back. You’ll miss your contract meeting too. It’s not just my schedule being messed up—it’s yours too.”Kendrick chuckled. “It’s fine. I’m the client anyway. Being late isn’t a big deal.”Annabelle nearly coughed up blood. How could someone be so shameless?!Unwilling to argue with him anymore, she marched to the back of the car and popped open the trunk.If he wouldn't help, she’d change it herself!Worst case, she’d follow the instructions step by step. She didn’t believe she couldn’t manage without Kendrick.But after a few minutes, she’d made barely any progress.The instructions were clear enough, but trying to figure it out while fumbling around meant it might take her two hours at this pace.During those few minutes, Kendrick stood on the road
Annabelle found her little white car in the outdoor parking lot.The moment she sat down, Kendrick opened the passenger door and got in too.Annabelle frowned. “Kendrick, don’t you have your own car?”Kendrick cleared his throat. “Jax drove off with it. Jaime’s car is full.”“Then get a cab. I’m going to the Murphy Group, and it’s not on your way.”Kendrick sighed. “I was wrong before. I’m apologizing. Are you really planning to ignore me for the rest of your life?”Annabelle looked at him for two seconds. Alright, this guy is being shameless again. There’s no reasoning with him. Fine, she wouldn’t speak to him at all.She started the car.Kendrick fastened his seatbelt and gently reminded her, “Babe, seatbelt.”“...”Annabelle took a deep breath, stomped the brake, fastened her belt, and then stepped hard on the gas, speeding angrily out of the lot.Why was she so mad? Because this old fox had gone too far this time. She had to set some rules with him, or he’d just keep acting howeve
Julissa practically jumped up in relief, quickly getting dressed.The two of them left the sports hall together. As she walked behind Scott, Julissa reflected on her life choices. Why couldn’t she learn to keep her mouth shut? If she weren’t so quick to speak, she wouldn’t end up getting “bullied” by him every time.She suddenly understood why Anna had decided to take self-defense classes. Honestly, it was a necessity—especially when living with such a predatory alpha CEO. One wrong move and you’re flattened like a pancake. Totally defenseless.Yeah, maybe it was time to team up with Anna and sign up for taekwondo or kickboxing classes.Grumbling to herself, Julissa followed Scott into the first-floor restaurant, where they picked a quiet corner to sit.Her stomach had been growling for a while, but when faced with the menu, she froze—everything looked so good, she couldn't decide.She looked helplessly up at Scott.He chuckled. “Want me to choose for you?”She nodded seriously. She l
Scott chuckled and couldn't help but pull her onto his lap. “Aren’t you shy, hmm?”As he spoke, he ruffled her hair.Julissa pouted and smoothed her hair, clearly displeased. “You’re the one who asked, why mess up my hair?”Looking into her eyes, Scott’s gaze softened. “Because you’re adorable.”Julissa pressed her lips together but couldn’t hide her smile. She finally laughed out loud, genuinely happy.Then, Scott asked curiously, “If I had actually gone on a blind date with another woman today behind your back, what would you have done?”Julissa blinked, then raised her fingers in a scissor gesture, eyes sharp with mock fury. “Snip you.”“…You’d really go that far?”“You won’t even sleep with me anymore, what’s left for me to be sentimental about?”Scott rubbed his forehead with a laugh. “Didn’t expect such a feisty little thing.”“Hmph! So you better watch out, Mr. Nichols. When women get ruthless, they don’t care about consequences!”Scott didn’t say anything, but his hand slipped
About ten minutes later, Julissa was weak as a kitten, feeling like her soul had left her body.Scott had no intention of letting her off easy—he only gave her a short breather."Now tell me, how did you sneak in?" he asked.Julissa answered in a broken, breathless voice, "Isn't it because you're so ruthless? Charging five million for a membership card! I just happened to run into Liam, so I asked him to bring me in..."The moment she mentioned Liam's name, Scott bit her lip hard, making her gasp in pain.She knew he hated hearing that name—jealous of her past with Liam."But you were the one who asked...""Next time something happens, come to me," his voice was hoarse but firm.Julissa buried her flushed face in his chest and nodded obediently.The lights in the venue finally came back on.Scott, shirtless, sat lazily on the sofa smoking a cigarette.Julissa draped in his suit jacket, picked up a bowling ball and tossed it down the lane with an elegant stance—only for it to roll stra
As Scott hoisted her over his shoulder, Julissa pounded on his back, yelping and flailing like a startled kitten as they passed a seething Heather in the hallway.Heather stood frozen, jaw clenched so tightly her face twitched. She stomped hard on the marble floor, but even that wasn’t enough. With a guttural growl, she ripped a decorative painting off the wall and smashed it against the ground.A passing male staff member rushed over in alarm. “Miss, please calm—”Before he could finish, Heather slapped him across the face with a resounding smack.“Get lost!” she barked, her eyes bloodshot.The staff member clutched his cheek, stunned and humiliated. “Ma’am, you can’t just—”Just then, three men in black suits briskly approached.“Young Lady,” one of them said respectfully, “we’re here to escort you home.”Heather exhaled sharply, adjusted her outfit, and marched forward. Two of the men flanked her like a high-security VIP. The third paused, walked over to the staff member, patted hi