Chapter 9

Holden’s pupils contracted. “Remember this—this is the price for making me say it a third time.”

He quickly retrieved the medical kit and dabbed her wound with alcohol.

“Domestic violence, Mr. Lu?” Elena asked, gaze lingering on his firm jaw.

“You dared to come in even knowing I was about to lose control,” Holden replied while applying the bandage. “Are you really that brave?”

“People may fear you, Mr. Lu, but I don’t.” Elena smiled sweetly.

“Go out. Leave me alone.”

Holden’s fingers paused slightly as he looked at her small, pitiful face under the band-aid.

He then helped her stand.

But Elena reached out with her pale, delicate hand and wrapped her arms tightly around his trim waist.

At once, Holden’s rigid body tensed. She felt as soft as a boneless kitten pressed against him, her small face nestled against his chest like a timid little cat.

Her faint scent filled his lungs, soothing the storm inside him.

“Mr. Lu… don’t be alone,” Elena murmured. “Let me stay with you.”

The blue veins on his forehead slowly receded, and the suffocating darkness in his eyes faded. He lifted a hand and gently embraced her back.

Her scent… it felt strangely familiar. Sweet, warm—perhaps from the strawberry jam dessert she’d just eaten.

Elena stroked his tense back, fingertips brushing his shoulder blades. “If you’re still uncomfortable… you can bite.”

She smiled. “Don’t be afraid to try.”

“You want me to bite you? Aren’t you afraid it’ll hurt?”

“I meant it figuratively…” she whispered, leaning up on her toes—

Then suddenly bit him. Hard.

Blood immediately seeped through his white shirt.

She had bitten deep—nearly drawing a mouthful of flesh.

Holden’s muscles jumped from the sharp pain. He instinctively stepped back, pulling her with him. Elena’s leg caught on the sofa edge, and the two of them tumbled into the cushions.

“Are you taking revenge now, Mrs. Lu?” Holden braced himself over her, the haze in his eyes slowly clearing.

“You pushed me earlier. I bit you. Now we’re even,” she said, brows raised in challenge.

She tried to get up, but Holden placed a hand on her shoulder, pinning her lightly against the wall beside the sofa.

Their position was… ambiguous.

Elena looked up, straight into his burning gaze—two crimson sparks igniting under those deep eyes as if she were a tempting prey.

“What are you doing, Mr. Lu?”

“You smell good,” he murmured. “Did you tell me what perfume you used last time?”

“I said I don’t use perfume.” Elena blinked playfully. “You’ve been hung up on that question for so long. Should I assume you’re flirting with me?”

Holden had always found her eyes beautiful—now, when she challenged him, they were even more irresistible. He leaned closer, lowering his voice.

“Does it hurt?”

He closed his eyes and kissed the bandage on her forehead. “Here? Does it hurt? I’m sorry… I’m sorry…”

Hearing this domineering man whisper apologies made Elena’s scalp tingle.

This devil of a man!

“It’s fine, Mr. Lu. We’re even. Now let me go first.” She pushed lightly against his chest.

Holden didn’t move. Instead, he cupped her little face with one hand.

His lips brushed from her forehead downward, and his fingers slid through her hair.

Elena’s long lashes trembled. She didn’t dare move.

What is he trying to do…?

Their breaths mingled as he leaned in—

Just as his lips were about to touch hers, Elena swiftly pressed a silver acupuncture needle into one of his meridian points.

Holden collapsed to his knees beside her, eyes shutting at once.

Elena stared up at the crystal chandelier, heart pounding.

Idiot. He had actually intended to… kiss her.

He didn’t admit it, but his actions spoke clearly enough.

Elena scowled. “No way.”

Whatever he meant by that moment, they were only bound by a peace-agreement marriage. She had no time or energy to be distracted by him.

She tried to stand, but a strong arm tightened around her shoulders.

Holden, even unconscious, refused to let her go.

She attempted to pry his hand off, but his grip was unyielding. She didn’t dare wake him forcefully, so she had no choice but to lie down again.

The study’s sofa was small; with both of them on it, there was barely any room. Elena curled sideways, trying not to take up space.

After some time, a melodic ringtone chimed.

Elena reached over quickly. She didn’t want to answer—

but the caller ID showed Zander.

Her father.

Still lying in Holden’s arms, she whispered, “Hello, Dad.”

“Elena, what happened today?” Zander demanded. “Mr. Wang agreed to fund Xia’s medical treatment, but I heard you offended him. He left the negotiation table. You must apologize tomorrow, or everything will fall apart.”

“Dad, did Yuna not tell you what happened?” Elena asked coldly. “Should I inform you that Mr. Wang agreed to invest only if your daughter slept with him?”

Yuna immediately interjected, “Zander, yes, I was preparing to send Elena to Mr. Wang today. Xia’s treatment fund is short—we urgently need money. Elena is part of the Xia family. She should contribute.”

“Auntie,” Elena hissed, “you have two daughters. Jasmine and Yoselin are also daughters of the Xia family. Why don’t you send them?”

Yuna stiffened. Jasmine was her pride.

The Xia family had academics and medicine in their bloodlines. Zander respected Jasmine greatly—she had a natural medical talent, elegance, beauty, and charm. She was praised as Darenvil’s first lady of grace and intellect.

People admired Yuna for having such a daughter.

Elena and Jasmine had been close once. Elena used to be equally gifted—until she was exiled to the countryside for ten years.

“What’s the point of comparing them now?” Yuna sniffed. “Stop degrading Jasmine.”

Zander’s tone turned severe.

“Elena, tomorrow night, you will go to Bar 1949 and apologize to Mr. Wang!”