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
“He’s Mr. Duncan’s second son, Elio. You’ve probably never met him before?” Annabelle asked, with an innocent look on her face.Kendrick nodded thoughtfully, understanding now. “So he’s the one eyeing my wife.”“I heard he only just came back to the country. I’ve never met him before.” Kendrick admitted.Annabelle smiled slyly, adding, “So, do you know who else he is?”Kendrick smiled knowingly, as he was already aware of the story. Eleanor had told him everything.Elio had once been in danger, and it was the 14-year-old Annabelle who saved him. After recovering, he left Springvale Temple, but he never forgot the angel who had helped him. Years later, he was intent on marrying the girl who had saved him.Fortunately, half a year ago, at the engagement party, Kendrick had been incredibly perceptive and quick to act. He had spotted the little angel, Annabelle, and without hesitation, he had seized the opportunity to sweep her off her feet. He had worked tirelessly and with unwavering de
“Nothing. Keep going,” Kendrick said, his thoughts drifting. He figured that Ryan might have played a role at the critical moment—perhaps he didn’t want Annabelle to have any more contact with Elio?As he thought further, Kendrick realized that Ryan had just taken over the Whitney family business and was still finding his footing. So, when Mr. Duncan invited Ryan to attend the banquet, it was likely an effort to help him out. Given their relationship, Kendrick wasn’t particularly fond of Mr. Duncan, but he understood the connection. It seemed that Ryan had once saved Elio, and that was why they had become friends.After that, Kendrick didn’t question anything else Annabelle said.When she finished, he asked, “How did you know Elio was the beggar from back then? Wasn’t his face injured? And you didn’t know his name or identity.”Annabelle smiled, “I saw the tattoo on his chest. It’s the one I…”She paused mid-sentence, realizing she had said too much.Kendrick immediately picked up on
At this moment, a big scene was unfolding in the suite on the fifth floor...An hour earlier, Eleanor had knocked on the door of Lila's suite, where she was staying. When Lila opened the door, she was filled with excitement, thinking it was Kendrick. Before she could fully say "Brother-in-law," Eleanor and her people had already entered the room. "What are you doing?" When Lila saw Kael among the group, and his pale face, she realized that the situation had probably been exposed. She immediately became alert and secretly reached for her phone, intending to call her aunt, Briley, to come and save her. But Eleanor quickly took the phone from her and tossed it into a nearby fish tank. Eleanor then sat on the sofa and lit a cigarette. "Miss Castillo, have a seat." Lila sat uneasily across from Eleanor. She had heard about Eleanor's temper. She knew that being in her territory and doing something like this meant it was over for her. She couldn't help but think that maybe
“How could they have seen through it? Wasn’t it because you were acting too fake?” Lila asked Kael while reaching into the fish tank to grab her phone.“I wasn’t acting wrongly,” he replied absentmindedly, his squinting eyes greedily roaming over Lila’s body.Through the silk robe, the pink lace was faintly visible. Kael took a deep breath, his eyes drifting over her in a way that made Lila, absorbed in her panic, not even notice. She was trembling, her hands shaking as she wiped the wet phone, still wondering how her plan had been exposed.Did Kendrick drink the spiked wine? And did he know she had drugged him?She hoped that Eleanor hadn’t told Kendrick yet. If Kendrick found out she had drugged him, not only would he hate her more, but he might even tell her aunt, Briley. Once her aunt knew that she had ruined the plan, she would be terribly disappointed. If her parents found out, Lila’s life would be over. Her father was strict and conservative; if he found out what she had done,
Meanwhile, downstairs in the 207 meeting room, Assistant Jaime had delivered the new dress and was standing by the door speaking to Kendrick. “President, Mr. Duncan was looking for you earlier. Should we go see him?”Kendrick glanced at the little woman resting on the sofa, a slight smile curling his lips. “See him? Why not?”Jaime knew about the drugging incident and felt uneasy. Kendrick couldn’t possibly be in the right state to meet anyone right now. His hair was still damp with sweat, and it was obvious he had just finished… well, whatever had happened earlier.What would people think if they saw him like this? What would happen to his image as president? Plus, the madam must be exhausted after everything, and now she still had to accompany him to social events…Jaime was worried, but since the president had given the order, he didn’t dare to speak up. He just informed him that Mr. Duncan was in Mr. Duncan’s meeting room and that Kendrick could head over as soon as he was ready.
Annabelle’s face turned red. “I can do it myself.”“Alright,” Kendrick replied with a smile.Once she finished changing, Annabelle found she couldn’t recreate the same hairstyle from earlier. Instead, she simply let her hair fall loose. Her soft, long locks, having been previously styled, now had natural waves at the ends.She glanced at Kendrick, who was already dressed neatly, though his hair was a bit tousled. He hadn’t bothered with his tie and had unbuttoned two of his shirt buttons, giving him a charming, rakish look.He raised his gaze and looked at her with a half-smile, a mischievous glint in his eyes that was enough to captivate anyone.Annabelle’s face flushed again, and she lowered her head, but she couldn’t help but smile slightly. Her cheeks were still flushed, and with her crimson-red dress, she looked like a little siren.Kendrick’s eyes darkened as he gazed at her. He had intended to bring her along to meet Elio, but seeing her like this made him reconsider. He didn’t
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