Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 341 - Chapitre 350

That was an embarrassment Claudia had never experienced, the humiliation of a "third party" caught by the wife.Claudia held a noble status and had always taken whatever she wanted. She had never cared about the judgment of secular morality. Yet under Isolde's calm gaze and faint, cold smile, she felt a trace of shame for the first time in her life.The feeling unsettled her. It stirred irritation and deepened her disgust toward Isolde. But she had no choice in this situation.She forced herself to restrain her temper, adjusted her posture, and tried to remain composed."Since you're waiting for me, Ms. Vancrest, that means… this matter is still negotiable, right?" She met Isolde's eyes, offering bait while testing her response. "As long as you don't tell Bruce, whatever compensation you want, whatever demands you have… just say it."'Don't tell Bruce.' Those three words settled into Isolde's thoughts like the final piece of a puzzle.She had not fully believed Ella's one-sided a

Bruce was startled, and a sudden light flickered deep in his eyes. It was an unexpected delight, nearly spilling over, impossible to conceal."You remember my birthday?"Isolde gave a slight nod. "Yes."She had once planned to celebrate it properly. In recent days, she had considered how to give him a different kind of birthday, something prepared with care. She had even imagined a surprise in secret.Now those thoughts had gone cold, like sparks doused in water, leaving only a field of ash.She would still go through with it. This was the duty that came with the title of "Mrs. Princeton." It was something she ought to do. Only now, what had once been a heartfelt intention full of anticipation had become a task to complete.Bruce noticed nothing unusual. Her averted gaze read as nervousness, perhaps unease. It would be the first time she gave him a birthday gift.He was in an exceptionally good mood. His gaze, deep and intent, fixed on her as he spoke, each word deliberate, his

It was romantic and sensual.Isolde walked in. The moment she saw the decorations, her cheeks flushed and her body tensed. She stood still for a few seconds, steadying herself, then slipped off her coat and let it fall.Underneath, she wore a black slip nightdress. The soft, fluid silk clung to her curves. The most striking detail lay at the chest, where a large white bow was tied. It was arranged so that she resembled a gift waiting to be unwrapped.She turned to face Bruce. She tried to remain calm, but her cheeks burned red, and her lashes trembled."This is your birthday present." Her voice was soft, yet each word came out clearly.Bruce stood motionless. His breath stalled for a moment.He looked at her, at the nightdress, at the large bow, and at the way she had wrapped herself and offered herself to him. A sharp, uncontrollable heat surged through his chest."Isolde," he said, his voice rough. "The day before yesterday... I was joking."He had never expected her to take

Isolde began to wonder how much longer she could endure. At this rate, she would never be able to repay her debt of gratitude. What should she do?Late that night…Bruce's phone vibrated softly, waking him. He picked it up with minimal movement and held it to his ear.After a moment, his eyes darkened.He ended the call, rose quietly, put on his coat, and left the room.The door closed almost without a sound. Yet the instant it clicked shut, Isolde opened her eyes.She stared at the dark doorway and felt the empty space beside her. A hollow weight settled in her chest, as if her heart were sinking deeper into the surrounding darkness."He must be going to see Claudia. How considerate, waiting until I fell asleep before leaving." A bitter laugh slipped from her lips as she closed her eyes again. "I don't care. It's as it should be. I agreed to this. I don't care. There's no need to care. Just sleep…"Beneath the covers, however, her fingers tightened around the sheets, betraying

Bruce forced himself to calm down. He could not scare Isolde.Just as he twisted the doorknob and eased the door open a crack, a man's voice came from inside.It was Alan. He was asking Isolde, "Since you know Bruce and Claudia are together, why haven't you left him?"Bruce froze mid-motion. Blood seemed to congeal in his veins, and his grip on the doorknob tightened until his knuckles turned white. He held his breath and strained to listen."It's none of your business. Don't call me again." Isolde's tone was sharp with disgust.She moved her wrist to end the call.Alan's fierce, distorted voice rose at once. "You still won't leave him after he cheats on you? Isolde, are you out of your mind? Do you love him so much that you have no limits and can't let go?"Bruce's heart leapt into his throat.Alan seemed to realize something. "No… that's not right!"His voice filled with manic delight. "With your personality, you can't tolerate even a grain of sand in your eye. You would nev