As Kendrick emerges from the bathroom, faint scents of soap and shampoo cloud him. Elodie turns in his direction, her face screaming ready, but as her eyes land on him, her mind goes completely blank. The warm glow from the evening light dances across Kendrick’s chiseled features, emphasizing the sharp lines on his face. His dark hair is messy, still wet from the shower, water droplets clinging to his eyelashes, neck, and shoulder. Clad with only a towel around his waist, the soft fabric clinging to his hips and thighs. Elodie swallows hard, has he always looked so damn arousing? Kendrick's gaze turns to meet Elodie's and her heart explodes, pounding hard against her chest. Kendrick's piercing gaze narrows, and he asks in a low tone, “Why are you staring at me?” Elodie's mind snaps back, her face turning red, “Nothing!” She exclaims loudly, diving under the sheets and pulling it up to her chin like a shield. Kendrick blinks at her, his surprise slowly getting narrower. Watching h
“If there's anything I've learned from my past relationships, it's that men can get bored with partners who are too submissive too quickly,” Avery says, still leaning against her desk with her arms across her chest. “They crave a woman who embodies a balance of vulnerability and strength— someone who can be both timid and dominant. And sweetheart, you’re currently leaning too heavily on the timid side.” Elodie's eyes drift downwards, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and haplessness. She leans back on the sofa, her head tilting to the side as she flashes a helpless smile at Avery. Avery's expression softens, her eyes sparkling with reassurance as she pushes off from the desk, her heels clicking on the floor. “But don't worry, darling,” her lips curl up into a smile that is both confident and sly. “As an expert in the art of seduction, I'll guide you every step of the way. Together we'll unlock your inner siren and transform you into the kind of woman who commands atte
The truth? Ha! Elodie subdues the urge to laugh out dryly, what has she been trying to explain? The fact that Kendrick would still doubt her after all this time makes her want to cry, but Elodie bites hard on her lower lip. She refuses to cry, not for this man, he's not worth a drop of her tears. Elodie snatches her hand away, her face twisting into a scowl. “Fuck it” she storms away, leaving the two. Elodie slams the doors shut once she reaches the bedroom. She sits on the bed, her expression glum. She takes a deep breath, calming her agitated nerves. At least she has prevented whatever it was Camila had planned. But because of Kendrick's intervention, she won't be able to get the substance tested to know what it really is. Elodie chews down on her lower lip, thinking, if Luke was the one, he wouldn't have questioned her like that. Suddenly, the door opens and Kendrick steps in. The moment their eyes meet, Elodie quickly averts her eyes, standing up from the bed. “Elodie,” Ke
Luke stares at Elodie dumbfounded. For the first time, he feels as if his heart will explode from beating too fast, his body aching with an unfamiliar feeling. This woman before him might just succeed in driving him crazy. The tenderness in her eyes, the softness of her voice, the warmth coming from her hand….. is Elodie like this with other men? Is she like this with Kendrick too?The thought of this strikes bitterness within Luke, his insides twisting with inner turmoil. No, Kendrick doesn't deserve this, he doesn't deserve her. Finally, Luke understands the unknown feeling inside of him. It's the longing desire to possess. A strong part of him wants to keep Elodie for himself. Luke holds back the sinister smile trying to form on his face. He declares within himself that once he reclaims the empire back from Kendrick, he'll take Elodie as his wife. But for now, Elodie can't know anything about him. Suddenly, the silence is broken as Luke bursts out in laughter, shocking Elodie
“She wasn't abducted again; she just went to see her father,” says Kendrick to Zoey on the phone. He ends the call with a sigh, throwing a look at Elodie. “Succeeded in making everyone worry again, congratulations,” he says, his tone raw with sarcasm. Elodie ignores him, averting her eyes to the window. Her shoulders slump, weighed down by Kendrick's words. She didn't think her decision would be so worrisome to the extent that Kendrick had to come searching for her. Once they arrive before the door to the mansion, Elodie bites her lower lip, nervously thinking about how the others will react. But as Kendrick opens the door, they're greeted by the presence of three people in the sitting room: Rose and Camila, seated on the sofa, and Zoey, standing with her brows creased. The moment Zoey's eyes land on Elodie, her face lights up, relief clouding her. As Elodie enters, Kendrick following behind, Zoey quickens her pace towards them, enveloping Elodie in a tight hug. Elodie's surprise
“Talking about human sympathy when you have none” Kendrick responds bitterly. Elodie's forehead puckers, her brows furrowing “What is that supposed to mean?” Kendrick admits, “Haven't had a proper meal in days, plus my medications are lacking, and I'm losing sleep.” Elodie watches him half amused. “So?” She asks as if she couldn't care less. Kendrick's gaze locks onto hers with an unwavering intensity. “If you had human sympathy, you wouldn't leave me to suffer.” Kendrick pauses a bit, before saying seriously “You need to apologize” Elodie's eyes widen in disbelief, a sarcastic laugh building up inside of her. “Apologize? For what?” She asks. She doesn't let Kendrick speak as she adds “If anyone should apologize, it's you” Kendrick almost chokes on the water he's drinking. He drops the glass, responding in a tone filled with pride “Apologize? When I've done nothing wrong? Yeah right” Elodie responds in the same manner, her eyes beaming with pride. “Well, I've done nothing wrong,