LOGINFive years have passed, and I've become a more renowned painter and a successful businesswoman.
I was busy typing on my laptop when the door at my office suddenly opened. It was my best friend and also my secretary, Aeun Tsui, who arrived. She gave me a playful smile before speaking, "I have good news, Eli." Then she placed a folder on my desk, which caught my attention. "What is this for?" I confusedly asked. "Those are the documents provided by the owner of the museum you purchased. Now, it will be easier for you to relocate to the areas where you plan to display your new collections." She paused, taking a deep breath. "Isn't it surprising?" She then grinned. I paused for a moment, taken aback by her words. Was I hearing this right? Documents? Does this mean that the stubborn old businessman finally gave in and accepted my offer? No way! I quickly snatched the folder Aeun had placed on my table and opened it, grinning. She wasn’t joking! That old man actually handed over the property to me! "Hey, Eli? Are you listening?" I came to my senses and gazed at her again, "You're spacing out." She asked, frowning and confused. "Ah, I’m just surprised," I said with a smile, "I didn’t expect the old man to accept my offer after all," I added, leaning back into my swivel chair. "Actually, that's what I thought too. Well, maybe he really needs money, that's why he agreed to your offer. Good for you, Eli; you've wanted that for a long time, right?" She shrugged after uttering those words. I didn’t respond; instead, I studied the documents in my hands again, a flutter of excitement rising uncontrollably. Geez. ‘You've finally nailed it, Felicity Rose Lee! Keep up the good work!’ I muttered to myself. I sprang up from my chair so suddenly that Aeun nearly stepped back in surprise. "Now that I’ve gotten what I wanted, we need to celebrate! What do you think, Ae?" I asked with a grin. She raised an eyebrow, puzzled by my sudden invitation. "No. You’re crazy when you're drunk." "Come on, Ae! Don’t be a killjoy! We need to celebrate!" I pressed on. She studied me for a moment, as if weighing whether she should join me or not. "Fine! Just don’t get wasted, got it?" She gave me a stern look. "Of course!" "Okay, then. It’s settled," she concluded our discussion. I almost jumped with excitement—finally! I could go out and have a night out again. I grinned at myself. Time for some alcoholic drinks! As Aeun and I arrived at the clubhouse, the loud buzz of the crowd immediately hit us. "Cheers!!" I heard a group of men shout from across the room. I glanced over, a bunch of guys in business attire, probably just off from work. "Babe! Wow! Good to see you here!" My attention shifted from them to Haze Trevor Duke, the clubhouse owner and one of our circle of friends, standing in front of me. He’s a staggering man—a model, actor, and owner of five clubhouses across the country. "Hey, Duke, what’s up?" Aeun greeted him. "I'm cool. Lots of blessings coming in," he said smilingly. "Wait, what brings you two here? You’re both workaholics, what’s the occasion?" he asked curiously. "Take a guess," I said with a grin. His eyes narrowed as he studied me, then snapped his fingers. "I’d say there are only two reasons you’re here," he scanned us up and down, "One, you’ve got work trouble. Two, something amazing happened, and you want to celebrate." I chuckled—he really knows me. He led us to the clubhouse's VIP area, our usual spot whenever Aeun and I came here. "So, what’s the occasion?" Haze asked. Aeun and I exchanged a brief look before I spoke up. "No big deal, just wanted a drink." My grin prompted him to raise an eyebrow. "I don’t buy that, spill the truth." I chuckled, giving him a playful look. "Something good happened," I said, flipping my hair with confidence, "But of course, I’m still the highlight." Haze just smirked and shook his head. "Anyway, when are you releasing a new collection? People have been asking me about your paintings," Haze said, steering the conversation. I leaned back in my seat, crossing my arms. "No plans for a new collection yet, I’m focusing on a new museum project," I smirked. Haze blinked in surprise. "Are you serious?! You’re opening a new museum?" He sounded incredulous. I nodded, and he immediately turned to Aeun for confirmation. Aeun just gave him a playful smile. "Wow! Congrats to both of you ladies," he said, snapping his fingers. "If that's the case, all drinks and food are free tonight!" he added a grin. I just laughed at that. I wasn’t exactly hurting for cash, but since he said that, fine, we’d let him treat. He ordered five whiskeys and three vodkas for our table. I was having a blast, couldn’t help but let loose until I got tipsy. I felt like I needed the restroom, so I quickly excused myself and left them. I weaved through the dancers, my steps a bit wanky. The world was spinning, making it hard to walk straight. I stopped short when my face suddenly collided with the chest of some guy—I couldn’t make out his face. He smelled amazing, urging me to bite him, "Are you okay? You're drunk." His voice was smooth enough to melt panties—mine probably would’ve dropped already. I swallowed, resting a hand on his chest. Wow, muscular, looks delicious, "Hey! Where would you like to go? I'll accompany you," he offered, seriously. But pride kicked in, so I quickly let go of his chest and stepped back a little. "I'm fine," I smirked and glanced at him briefly. I couldn't see his face clearly, but it was obvious that he was handsome. "Are you sure?" he asked again. I raised my hand, giving a thumbs-up. "Yeah, I’ve got this… Just heading to the restroom." I grinned and kept walking, still a bit unsteady. I made it to the restroom, slipped into a cubicle, and after a few minutes, came out to wash my hands at the sink. I checked myself out in the mirror and grinned—even with the dizziness, why do I still look so good? Ah... Yes... nothing new. I’m perfect! Right? I exited the restroom again, but before I could leave, I stumbled at the edge of the door. I was expecting to fall on the floor, but to my surprise... Someone grabbed my waist and pulled me closer to him. I caught a whiff of a familiar fragrance, the guy earlier... "Watch your step." He whispered. Every hair on my body stood on its end as his low, smooth voice coursed through me. Who is this man? We locked eyes again. His gaze was intense, like he was about to devour me… I felt like I’d been scorched when I realized I was trapped in his arms. I glanced at his lips, which he just licked. Before I knew it, I grabbed his cheeks and kissed him hard. He responded quickly, pushing me gently into the restroom. Oh, gad! This man was intoxicating! Who is he? He lifted me onto the sink, his kisses trailing down my neck, sparking something raw inside me. Without thinking, I caught his hands, which were gripping the sink, and guided them to my chest. He paused, lips hovering, and whispered, "Do you want me to satisfy you?" I swallowed hard. His words were hypnotic, his voice like an electric spark running through my system. I didn’t know why he had this effect on me—was it the alcohol, or something deeper? "Ughh…" I moaned as he caressed my breasts, his tongue tracing my neck, one hand sliding up my thigh. “Sshh…” he hushed and quickly put his hand under my skirt. I gasped as I felt his soft touches on my panties. “Don’t moan yet, I’m just getting started,” he ordered, which I just obediently followed. I started to breathe heavily as he continuously kissed and licked my neck while his hands were busy fondling my boobs and brushing my panties. I felt him slip a finger into my panties and quickly find my sensitive spot, then he teased my clit. I let out a gasp and involuntarily moaned. "Ughh.. Gosh.." I moaned and glared at him, "What the heck are you doi----ughh…" I couldn't finish my sentence as he began to slide a finger into my pussy, moving it in and out of my entrance. I could definitely feel how wet I am. My body likes it. It responds unconsciously to whatever he does, but wait—people might see us! What is he thinking?! This is a Clubhouse, not a hotel! I was about to protest when he suddenly spoke, "Do you want me to speed up?" I haven’t answered him yet, but his fingers started to move faster inside my hole. I couldn’t help but bite my lips at how breathtaking this is to me. My eyes shot up straight at the ceiling. He’s too good— Oh my freaking gracious! I feel I’m about to cum any moment with the way he pleases me… "Move." He commanded. I didn’t understand him, so he removed his one hand from my tits, which he’s been caressing for a while now, then put it on my waist, guiding me to the rhythm he wanted. From what he did, I started to understand what he wanted me to do—ride his fingers. My movements matched each thrust of his finger. I wanted to moan in pleasure, but I didn't want anyone to hear me. He moved closer to me again and kissed me deeply, to which I quickly responded. This man… who is he to make my body move according to his desires? "I-I'm gonna cum.." I whispered between our kisses. I saw him smirk, then gently bit my lower lip even before I felt the hot liquid running down my thighs. "Ughh..." A soft moan coming out of me. I looked at him, just staring at me, and not long enough, he put his fingers to his mouth and licked my juices. “I knew it… You’re a pervert…” There’s a hint of teasing in his tone, but I feel like he’s seducing me. Just by his voice, it made my throat tighten. Hearing him made me swallow as I was still catching my breath from the act we just did. But wait... Why did I suddenly feel irritable with his face? Why do I feel he’s familiar?Bryle’s POVItaly had always carried a different kind of silence—one that felt earned rather than empty. After everything that had happened, returning here felt less like escape and more like reclaiming control.The scandal stirred by Jacob Blood had been nothing short of calculated sabotage. Twisting narratives, discrediting Felicity, and attempting to paint her as nothing more than a decorative figure in Lee Corp—it was a bold move. Reckless, even.But not irreversible.With the help of the HGS Clan, we dismantled every fabricated claim piece by piece. Evidence was brought to light, connections exposed, and by the time we were done, the narrative had shifted entirely. Felicity’s name was no longer under scrutiny—it was protected, reinforced, and untouchable.And now, things are calm.Or at least, as calm as they could be.I sat behind my desk inside my office at Cava Corp, eyes scanning through reports while the faint
Bryle’s POVThe invitation from the Chen family was not something the Lee family could simply turn down—especially when it involved a potential business partnership that could redefine the future of both clans. Declining would have been disrespectful, and perhaps even foolish. So here we were, standing within the vast and breathtaking hacienda owned by the Chens.Calling it a hacienda almost felt like an understatement.The estate stretched endlessly, its landscape resembling a private luxury resort more than a simple countryside property. Rolling green fields extended as far as the eye could see, perfectly trimmed like a world-class golf course. Towering trees swayed gently with the wind, their leaves whispering soft melodies that blended seamlessly with the distant chirping of birds.Beyond it all, mountains stood tall and proud, as if guarding the land itself.It was peaceful and yet, beneath that serenity, something felt fra
Bryle’s POVTwo days had passed since everything had settled at least, on the surface.For the first time in a while, there were no confrontations, no unspoken tensions lingering in every corner of the mansion. The silence had changed. It was no longer suffocating, but calm… almost gentle.Perhaps that was why Felicity and I decided to go out. To breathe, to forget, if only for a moment.We spent the day wandering through different parts of Chengdu, moving without a strict plan, allowing ourselves to be guided by curiosity rather than obligation. It felt… liberating.For hours, we walked side by side, occasionally exchanging quiet laughter, sometimes falling into comfortable silence. And in those moments, it felt as though the world had narrowed down to just the two of us. No expectations, no burdens... Just us.At some point, we found ourselves stopping in front of a small ice cream shop. Without much thought, we went
Bryle’s POVEven now, I could not shake off the words Madame Mathilda had said to me.They lingered in my mind like an unspoken warning. Something heavy, and deliberate. I did not fully understand what she meant, nor could I piece together the exact truth behind her words. And yet, I was certain of one thing: She had been pointing far deeper.Something I had yet to uncover.Exhaling quietly, I ran a hand through my hair before making my way toward Felicity’s room.The mansion remained as silent as it had been earlier, its stillness almost unnatural. It felt as though the entire household was holding its breath, waiting for something inevitable to happen.I stopped in front of her door for a brief moment before gently knocking. No response. Carefully, I opened it.The sight that greeted me was enough to soften the tension in my chest.Felicity stood near the window, a brush in her hand, completely absor
BRYLE’S POVI did not know where to take her.For the first time in my life, I felt directionless—not because I lacked options, but because none of them felt right. No place in this world seemed capable of holding the weight of what she was feeling. No destination could promise comfort after everything that had happened.So I drove.I drove past unfamiliar streets, past glowing city lights that blurred into meaningless streaks against the windshield. I drove without a plan, without a destination—only with the intention of putting distance between us and that place.That suffocating place.Silence filled the car, thick and heavy, pressing against my chest like something alive, and beside me, Felicity sat still.Her hands rested limply on her lap, her gaze fixed somewhere beyond the glass, as if she had already left this world and taken her thoughts somewhere far away—somewhere I could not reach.I
BRYLE’S POVI once knew a girl when I was still young. Her name was Rose, and she used to give me a croissant every time classes ended.One day, I was alone at the playground, watching the sunset. It was something I often did while waiting for my ride. Our driver was always late, and so I would remain there long after my classmates had gone home.A girl sat beside me, and when I turned to look, it was Rose. Without a word, she handed me a croissant.“You’re waiting here again? Your driver is late, isn’t he?” she said with a gentle smile.I simply returned a small smile and accepted the pastry, just as I always did whenever she offered me one.“Why are you still here? You should’ve gone home earlier,” I asked. My words made her smile even wider.“I met with a friend. I was supposed to borrow a book from her, but she never showed up…”I could see the disappointment on her face, so I asked what book she had intende
I rarely step foot into my grandfather's office, the chairman of the Lee Clan. He also rarely speaks to us, and when he does, it's usually about business, so I'm certain that he called me in to discuss the Lee Corp operations I'm handling in Italy."Why is Mathilda not with you?" The cha
Problems are piling up one after another with the companies I manage; am I having a streak of bad luck?I collapsed onto my bed and stared at the ceiling. It's been two days since I decided to return to Italy due to the problems I'd heard about. I managed to handle the issue at Lee Corp,
Chapter 44My problems were mounting, but amidst the chaos, I found myself prioritizing someone else's issues over my own. Bryle and I took a flight to the US. It was sudden, so I didn't get a chance to inform Aeun that I'd be leaving and wouldn't be able to attend work for a few days.
I get irritated just hearing her voice. Even if she greeted me warmly, I couldn't shake off the discomfort I felt whenever she was around. "I was invited by Ms. Elena to this house, so I think I'm a guest and not an outsider," I defended myself with a smile, turning to Brianna. "Good evening, Bri







