Tension filled the air. Thoughts of the wine bottle in Carl's hands consumed Violet's mind. She hadn't smelled the rich aroma of the wine, so it should still be intact."Mr. Walker." Violet looked at Carl with hopeful eyes. "This is the perfect time to have a drink. How about we open the red wine?""Open it?" Carl frowned. Perhaps he knew Violet couldn't see him clearly now, so he smiled. "You failed to steal the wine, and now you want me to treat you to a drink?"Violet ignored the wine-stealing incident. "I heard that you treat your employees exceptionally well. Consider this a welcome gift!"Carl glanced at the red wine in his hand, and a gaze flashed across his eyes.He said, "If you can open it without damaging it within half an hour, I'll let you have a drink.""Really?" Since when did Carl become this easygoing?"Wait. Mr. Walker, I know you're an upright guy. I'm sure you won't lie to me." After flattering Carl, Violet felt much better.She pondered briefly before addin
Startled, Violet opened her eyes. Even though the lingering effects of the wine slowed her reactions, she still had enough strength to push Carl away or slap him. She had to warn him that kissing a woman without consent came with responsibility.Her heart raced, and their warm breaths mingled in the air. Her hands, which were clasped before her chest, gradually lowered. She blinked her eyes before closing them as if surrendering to the moment.Their soft lips pressed against each other. Carl was no stranger to such encounters. He continued to savor it after tasting Violet's sweet lips. He was torn between wanting to possess her lips and exploring them slowly. This conflicting sensation both troubled and captivated him.Violet found herself in a half-dazed state, and a vague face suddenly flashed in her mind.It was happening again.The feeling of being devoured by a stranger six years ago returned to her mind.Unable to see clearly, being kissed, touched, and overpowered ...
The next day, Elle went early to the Walker residence, eager to see Carl kick Violet out. Not only would Elle not help, but she would also add fuel to the fire and enrage Carl even more. Yesterday, she had conspired with Whitney. They plotted to frame Violet for stealing the premium wine that Elle had given to Carl. Elle guessed that Vincent must be in a sorry state by now.However, Elle was stunned when she saw Violet standing outside Carl's study. "Carl didn't give you a hard time?""Looks like you're hoping to see me punished, Ms. Murphy," Violet said coldly.Elle frowned, wondering if Whitney's plan had failed. She knocked on the door and asked, "Carl, can I come in?"When Elle entered upon receiving his permission, she saw his gloomy expression. Someone must have gotten on his nerves a moment ago. "Are you not in a good mood?" Elle pondered if he was going to deal with Violet."What brings you here?""I miss you, so here I am.""I'm busy."Elle treated Carl's coldnes
Reed paled as soon as he caught sight of Carl. He rushed to interrupt Violet. "Mr. Cooper …"An icy look from Carl effectively shut him up.Violet continued her rant. "What's so good about Carl anyway? He's just a pretty boy with zero redeemable qualities. I've only known him for a short while, but I already feel his overwhelming sense of superiority. I pity you, Reed, I really do. You must have suffered greatly from being by his side all this while."Reed hardly dared glance at Carl. All he could do was say a fervent prayer in his heart. Perhaps God would be kind enough to allow Violet to escape unharmed this time."He's such a stingy person too!" Violet went on, unaware of the danger that awaited her. "I'm so hungry—I haven't eaten all day and it's all his fault!"Reed could no longer bear this. He reminded her softly, "Mr. Cooper, actually, Mr. Walker treats us all really well.""Are you implying that I'm lying?" Violet retorted. "Have you seen him with Whitney? From the amo
Whitney's gaze stayed on Violet. How she wished her mother could have some feelings for her father!But Violet couldn't seem to come to terms with the fact that she had kissed Carl. She scrambled to change the subject instead. "What's the deal with Elle?" she asked."She was the one who brought the poisoned cakes. It's only fair that she was punished!" Whitney's tone was casual. "But also, Carl knows she was manipulated, so he let her go with the promise that he would never see her again."Whitney's words hardly made sense.As an assassin, Violet was well aware that things could never be as simple as Whitney had put it.Regardless, Elle was still the one who brought in the poison-infused cakes. It was impossible for Carl to let her go this easily.Perhaps he was using Elle as bait to lure out the real mastermind behind the poisoned cakes.While she thought about this, Dr. Howell walked in with Marina.The maid brought along a meal Violet had been craving all this time. Meanwh
Before Maverick could lay a hand on Violet, Carl suddenly stepped in. He pushed Maverick away and pulled Violet over toward himself.Violet found herself slamming into Carl's chest from the force of his movements. Instantly, pain sliced through her breasts. It was so bad that she winced."Quit fooling around." Carl's voice was icy.The smile in Maverick's eyes deepened. He clicked his tongue before realizing that Carl was genuinely angry. He could only keep quiet after that.Violet, on the other hand, gasped for breath. The warmth from Carl's palms made her heart tremble. She took a few steps back.Meanwhile, Reed approached them with Marina's cooking. The scent of the freshly cooked food filled the air, and the expressions of the assassins changed at once.Violet accepted the dishes before placing them so their fragrance could reach the assassins. Even so, she took great care to ensure that it was far enough for them not to grab the food out of desperation.She inhaled deeply.
"What?"Immediately, laughter filled the room."Are you deaf?" Carl raised his voice."You're the one who's deaf!" Violet retorted, her face flushed.Carl egged her on deviously. "Go on, then."Whitney had never seen this side of Carl before. It was exhilarating for her.She switched on the laptop and found the dance video. After hitting play, she showed the video to her mother."You rascal!" Violet screeched.Whitney blinked. She blew a kiss in Violet's direction before pleading, "Come on now, Vin. Do it! I'm dying to see you do the dance.""I don't have that much time for you to waste," Carl interrupted as well. His tone was impatient.Violet clenched her fists. It was just a dance.Besides, she had seen people dance in the square before. None of them had been embarrassed in the slightest.This was all for the truth, she reminded herself."Please … don't tell anyone I ever did this." Violet's voice was almost inaudible.This time, even Carl laughed.Violet had never he
Whitney could only accept the cakes. The moment she did, Carl's expression darkened."A very important visitor is coming over tonight. Get ready." His voice was rough as he spoke. Then, he left for his study.Elle had gone up to the second floor as well. She wasn't there for Carl, however."You must be wondering why I'm back together with Carl," she began airily."I couldn't care less." Violet's tone was lazy.Needless to say, Elle must have baited Carl with crucial information he could not resist."Oh, you're jealous, aren't you?" Elle laughed. "Your reaction when you saw me with Carl just now is proof enough. Unfortunately for you, Carl is not interested in men.""Ms. Murphy." Violet's voice turned icy. "You've been by Mr. Walker's side for quite some time now. Besides money, what else have you gained?"Violet then left for Carl's study while Elle seethed.Her taunts had hit Elle's weakest spots, which made Violet feel triumphant.Whitney tilted her head. The tension betwee