Alastor extended his long and strong arm, gently picking up the sleeping Eclipse from the couch. He carried her to the bedroom.
It used to be his room, but ever since Eclipse arrived, it became her place to stay.
He gently laid her on the bed, took off her shoes, and covered her with a blanket.
His slender fingers slid over her soft, pale face. His dark eyes showed a hint of something deeper as he whispered in a hoarse voice, "Goodnight."
He needed to give her time. If he scared her away by pushing too fast, all his efforts would be wasted.
The next day, Eclipse drove to the Empire Group as usual, but when she arrived, Robert Jade was waiting at the gate.
She was in a good mood at first, but the moment she saw Robert, her face turned cold. "Move aside!" she snapped.
Robert thought that coming to meet Eclipse would impress her. But instead, her eyes were full of coldness and irritation.
He remembered what his mother, Mrs. Jade, had told him and forced himself to soften his expression and tone.
"Eclipse, let's talk," he said calmly.
Eclipse's lips curled into a mocking smile. "What is there to talk about between you and me, Robert?"
Without waiting for a reply, she walked around him, ready to leave. Robert, feeling panicked, reached out to grab her arm, but Eclipse dodged easily.
She removed her sunglasses, her voice sharp. "This is the Empire Group, not the Jade family. If you disrespect me, Robert, I won't hesitate to call security."
Robert stared at her. There was no hesitation or fear in her eyes, only cold disdain.
His heart felt uneasy, but he managed to say, "Eclipse, don't be foolish. Henry just likes your looks. He's using you to get back at your family."
Eclipse tilted her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "What does Henry's treatment of me have to do with you? Since when do you have the right to interfere in my affairs?"
Robert was momentarily thrown off but quickly regained his composure. He thought of his family's needs and Madam Jade's pressure. "We grew up together. I'm only looking out for you. Eclipse, I'll give you another chance. Marry me, and you can still become Mrs. Jade."
Eclipse's eyes narrowed slightly, her smile growing. "Marry you? Robert, did you forget what you said before? You said you'd never marry me in this lifetime. Now you want me back? Aren't you slapping yourself in the face?"
Robert's face reddened with anger, but he stubbornly continued. "You know your reputation. That's why we can't make the marriage public."
Eclipse just stared at him, unmoving.
Feeling her cold gaze, Robert softened his tone. "But don't worry, I'll treat you well."
This was the most considerate thing Robert had ever said to her, but Eclipse remained unmoved.
After a moment, she smiled sweetly and said sarcastically, "Robert, what makes you think I'd want to marry you? In terms of power, wealth, or courage, you're nowhere close to Henry. And compared to Alastor, you don't even stand a chance."
Robert's face twisted with embarrassment and anger, but he quickly suppressed it, thinking of her 20% stake in the Rocelyn Group. He forced a smile. "I know you're angry about how things ended between us. But with your reputation, no one else in Star City will marry you."
In other words, he was doing her a favor by being willing to marry her, despite everything.
Eclipse tilted her head, her eyes glinting mischievously.
She looked like she was trying not to laugh.
After a moment, she spoke, her voice calm and steady. "If you want me to marry you, it's not impossible. But you'll have to show sincerity."
Robert felt a sense of relief, though there was a flash of arrogance in his eyes. He thought to himself, _She's still the same, easy to control._ He raised his chin and asked, "What do you want?"
Eclipse's smile faded, and her eyes turned cold. "Tomorrow is Mrs. Rocelyn's birthday banquet. I want you to publicly admit that Jessica Rocelyn seduced you and ruined my reputation."
Robert's face paled. "No way!"
If he admitted that publicly, Jessica's reputation would be ruined, and so would his.
Eclipse wasn't surprised. She laughed lightly and turned away. As she walked off, her mocking voice drifted back. "Robert, don't overestimate yourself."
"I, Eclipse Rocelyn, am the rightful heiress of the Rocelyn family. When I get married, the Rocelyn family and the Empire Group will merge, and we'll control all of Star City. As for you and the Jade family… who are you?"
Robert's face went pale as he stared after her. He couldn't believe how cold and ruthless Eclipse had become.
Before, she would have been too scared to speak like this. Now, she mocked him without hesitation.
As he watched her walk away, Robert finally realized just how much trouble he was in. Eclipse wasn't just angry—she wanted revenge.
The thought sent a chill through him. He would have to make a choice soon: sacrifice Jessica or lose Eclipse forever.