MasukIan raised an eyebrow. “I wasn’t drunk last night. I was completely sober.“Sweetheart, I knew exactly what I was doing. I have been aware of my feelings for you for a long time. I just kept holding them back. But last night, when you hired those male escorts and leaned into that man’s arms, I could
Mia’s expression hardened. “Ian, what kind of thing is that to say? Who I date is none of your business.”“Fine.” Ian gave a short, cold laugh. “None of my business.”His face remained dark as he walked out. From that day on, he never returned to the Quinton estate.Mia did not see him for more than
Mia’s relationship with Ian had changed completely. Somewhere along the way, she had become the one doing the bullying.If she was upset, she would pinch or swat him without hesitation, and Ian would only grin and call her “Little Princess” or “Miss Trouble,” never once fighting back.Later, Mia was
By the time Ian was eighteen and in his senior year, his life was too busy with schoolwork to waste time picking on his stepsister. It had been a long time since he had teased Mia.The high school and middle school buildings were close to each other. That afternoon, he and a few classmates walked to
Lester was often away from home.In the beginning, whenever Mia was bullied by Ian, she would run to her mother, Sharon, in tears. But as a stepmother, Sharon felt she had no authority to discipline Ian. For the sake of keeping the household peaceful, she chose to turn a blind eye and never told Le
The first time Mia met Ian, she was only nine years old.Her mother, Sharon, held her hand and smiled brightly. “Say hello to your new brother.”The little girl tilted her head up at the tall boy in front of her, pressed her lips together, and obediently said, “Hi, brother.”The boy didn’t look the
Sean’s hand slid downward, coming to rest gently on Charlotte’s slender, fair neck.He lowered his head to look at her. They were so close, their breaths mingled. His voice was low and husky. “Don’t what?”“You know exactly what,” she murmured.He gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his deep
Charlotte’s eyes turned icy. “You’re the one with a death wish.”Sensing the tension on Thomas’s face, Scott instinctively stepped in front of her, shielding her with his body.But Charlotte brushed his arm aside. “Step aside. I want to see exactly how he plans to die today.”She walked forward and
The day before Megan’s birthday, Charlotte got a call from her just after lunch.“Hey, Lottie, make sure you come early tomorrow.”Charlotte asked, “Isn’t the party in the evening?”“The party’s at night, but the cruise sets off in the afternoon. We’ll be sailing for two days.”“Got it. What time ar
Sean tilted his head slightly, his gaze as sharp as a blade. “That didn’t sound like a sincere apology.”Tears instantly welled up in Carmen’s eyes. Crying, she turned to Charlotte. “I was wrong, Miss Riley. I’m truly sorry. Please, I’m begging you. Let me make things right. I never should’ve slande







