Kyle clenched his fists.
An hour ago, he’d received intimate photos of his mother with that pretty boy.
He never would’ve thought that sending Mia away through Charlie would attract an even scarier woman.
Mia wanted her freedom. Since the Jones family couldn’t give it to her, she sold the secret to Denise… One wrong step led to lingering consequences—like a stubborn piece of gum you just couldn’t shake off. Annoying to no end.
He walked over and sat down, face dark and cold. He got straight to the point: “So what does Mrs. Lawrence want? Want me to go save someone? Sorry, I’m not capable. Can’t help.”
“Gabrielle, what do you think—does this big brother look handsome?”
Denise gently turned her daughter’s face away from the window and pointed at Kyle with a soft voice.
Gabrielle blinked at the unfamiliar face in front of her, visibly confused.
Ky
His soft, teasing whispers sent a shiver down her spine.The kiss, laced with the scent of liquor, was intoxicating. The warmth of their tangled bodies and the mingling of their lips left her tipsy. She closed her eyes and melted into his embrace, letting him take control as he wished, obedient and pliant.“I’ll take you upstairs.”Charlie released her lips, cupping her bottom to lift her effortlessly, his hand grabbing the bag of medicine from the pharmacy.Candice wrapped her arms around his neck, her legs clinging to his waist, fearing she might fall.Her face flushed deeply, her skin burning from the proximity.She nestled against his shoulder, her fingers tracing the curve of his long neck, playing with the buttons of his shirt, unfastening them one by one. Her teeth lightly nipped at his collarbone, her chest pressed close to his...But before they could even reach the upstairs room, she was pinned against the
Her body was pulled straight into a tall, solid wall of muscle.The warm, woody scent of a man invaded every pore with overwhelming dominance.The grip around her waist tightened gradually. Cool, slender fingers lifted her chin gently—and she found herself staring into his slightly narrowed eyes, glowing with a dangerous light.“Why were you so eager to pull her back?” he asked, his tone unnervingly gentle.“…To protect me,” Candice replied, her expression pitiful, laced with a pleading undertone.Charlie leaned in, his cheek lowering closer to hers.His breath, carrying the scent of strong liquor, brushed against her face as he murmured, “Why do you need protecting? Is Candice in danger? Should I protect you instead?”His voice was low and warm, dripping with indulgence—but the strength at her waist was anything but gentle.Candice: I’m doomed. He’s really mad
Everyone was confused.At the door, Margaret welcomed a middle-aged woman inside.Ruth Blackwood walked into the house.She immediately spotted Charlie sitting at the dining table. That man was just too eye-catching—impossible to ignore.Her smile faltered slightly.Candice already has a boyfriend?And such a stunning man, no less…Is my son going to be heartbroken again?“Ruth, I’m so sorry—some guests dropped by today and I forgot to tell you,” Margaret said awkwardly, pulling her to the sofa.They had been on the phone frequently these past few days.Ruth was a former colleague and fellow teacher of Margaret’s. They lived in the same neighborhood and their families had frequent contact.Her son was outstanding—now a doctor.After hearing on the phone that her son was asking about Candice, Margaret realized the boy had liked her daughter for years bu
Candice: “...!”Sophia!You traitor! Spy! Useless saboteur!Are you trying to kill me!?At this moment, Charlie was no different from a walking time bomb in her eyes—one that could go off in her house at any second. Even glancing at him filled her with anxiety and dread.But being the skilled actress she was, she quickly returned her widened eyes to normal.Those sly fox-like eyes of hers curved into a smile, radiating an air of "peace and harmony."“Sophia, you’re so thoughtful,” she said with a sugary tone. “Thank you so much, my dearest bestie…”I’m going to kill you!Sophia felt like she’d been turned into a pincushion by the daggers hidden in her best friend’s smile. She waved her hand sheepishly.“ah, no need to thank me~”Spare me, bestie~~But Mr. Clemens gave me so much… a Birkin 20 in white, okay~~~
Even though nearly thirty years had passed,the man before her didn’t look all that different from back then.Older, yes—with some wrinkles—but still dignified, still carrying that refined handsomeness from his youth.The eldest son of the Lawrence family…He was James.She had lived with her mother in the Lawrence household for many years, only leaving when she started university and moved to Vanclyn.Now, James was looking at Margaret up close.His gaze froze.Their expressions made both Candice and Robert feel a flicker of suspicion.“You’re Aunt Smith’s daughter… Maria?”James dug through layers of memory and pulled out the image of a young, innocent face.He was utterly shocked.Margaret’s heart pounded wildly.She’d never dreamed that after all these years, they would meet again—and in this way, no less.But
She knew he was joking.Even if he wasn’t, it still wasn’t realistic.Even if he could make it real, it would come at the cost of winning against his parents. He might be happy—but for her, it could be the start of another nightmare.She had just escaped one den of wolves; she wasn’t about to walk into a tiger’s lair.Better to enjoy the pleasure while it lasted, then quit while she was ahead. No need for any results.Charlie looked at the beautiful face before him, smiling with cool detachment. His expression darkened slightly.His eyes grew deep and unreadable for a moment, but then softened again.“Being single isn’t so bad. But if you ever change your mind, make sure I’m the first one you tell.”Candice neither agreed nor disagreed.It was a false proposition to begin with.She tugged on his tie and kissed him again.Right now, they were burning like