Chapter 20: Into the Devil's Hands
Liang Xiaoluo had no choice. Her father's life depended on the five million yuan she desperately needed. She gritted her teeth, knowing there was no turning back.
As Ye Tianlin made his way to the door, she mustered all her courage, stepping in front of him to block his path. She lowered her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "Wait."
Ye Tianlin's dark eyes flicked down to her, a faint smirk curling his lips. "Liang Xiaoluo, I told you—I don't have much patience."
His gaze bore into her, challenging her, waiting for her next move.
"I… I understand." She spoke in a trembling voice, the weight of her decision pressing heavily on her.
Taking a deep breath, she began unbuttoning her blouse. Her fingers trembled as she exposed her pale, delicate skin, standing vulnerably before him.
Ye Tianlin raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable, though his eyes glinted with a predatory satisfaction. Memories of their previous encounters flitted through his mind. This woman was unlike the others—her innocence, her defiance, her fragility. She intrigued him in a way he couldn't quite explain.
Liang Xiaoluo's hands moved hesitantly toward his shirt, unfastening the buttons one by one. She forced herself to look into his eyes, her face flushed red, her heart pounding erratically. She tried to mask her inexperience, but it was painfully obvious.
"Amateur," Ye Tianlin muttered under his breath, unable to suppress a smirk.
Her fingers fumbled as she leaned in, attempting to press her lips to his, but her awkward movements made him chuckle. Suddenly, he grabbed her shoulders and pushed her away, startling her.
Liang Xiaoluo stumbled back, her face falling. She was certain she had angered him again. Her throat tightened as shame and fear swirled inside her.
Before she could fully process his actions, Ye Tianlin scooped her up effortlessly and carried her to the bed. His voice was low and teasing. "Let me teach you the proper way to kiss."
He leaned down, his lips brushing hers with unexpected gentleness. Liang Xiaoluo froze, her mind blank. She closed her eyes, surrendering to the moment, her body trembling as she fought the overwhelming mixture of emotions.
The air grew heavy with tension, the silence between them filled with their ragged breaths. Hours later, the room finally fell still.
Ye Tianlin lay beside her, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. Liang Xiaoluo remained quiet, staring blankly at the bed's canopy. A sudden knock on the door shattered the fragile silence, making her flinch.
Ye Tianlin sat up abruptly, wrapping a towel around his waist. He glanced at her briefly before heading to the door.
"Five million," Liang Xiaoluo said, her voice breaking the tension. "You promised me."
Ye Tianlin paused, his hand on the doorknob. He didn't respond immediately, his expression unreadable. Finally, he opened the door to reveal his secretary, who was visibly nervous.
"Sir," the secretary stammered, "Old Master Ye and Madam are waiting for you in the main hall."
Ye Tianlin's face darkened. "What are they doing here?" he muttered under his breath. With a curt nod, he dismissed the secretary and shut the door.
Turning back to Liang Xiaoluo, his lips curled into a sardonic smile. "The money? Hmm, I don't feel like it right now."
Liang Xiaoluo's chest tightened in frustration. "You're playing games with me," she accused, her voice shaking with anger.
Ye Tianlin approached her with leisurely steps, his imposing presence making her shrink back. "Maybe," he admitted with a smirk. "But I'm willing to reconsider if you entertain me again."
Her face flushed with humiliation and fury. She turned away, hastily dressing herself. She didn't want to engage with this devil any longer. But as she reached the door, his arm shot out, pulling her back against him.
"Let go!" she shouted, struggling against his iron grip. "I won't be your plaything!"
Ye Tianlin chuckled softly, his voice laced with mockery. "You're fiery. I like that."
He pressed the intercom button and called for the housekeeper. Moments later, Liu Jie entered the room with a fresh maid's uniform.
"Get dressed," Ye Tianlin ordered Liang Xiaoluo, his tone commanding.
Confused and wary, she complied under his watchful gaze. Once she was dressed, he grabbed her wrist and led her downstairs. The intensity in his grip made her uneasy.
As they approached the main hall, Liang Xiaoluo spotted a group of people standing there. Her heart sank at the sight of their dignified postures and regal demeanor. It was clear they were no ordinary guests.
Among them, an elderly man with a commanding presence stood beside a woman of breathtaking beauty. Her poised and elegant demeanor exuded authority.
Ye Tianlin's grip on Liang Xiaoluo's wrist tightened as his eyes locked onto the woman. His body radiated an icy rage that sent shivers down Liang Xiaoluo's spine.
"Ye Tianlin," the elderly man's voice boomed, reverberating through the hall. "How dare you neglect to greet your mother and brother upon their return?"
"Father, please," the woman interjected softly, her voice as serene as her appearance. "Tianlin must be busy. Let's not scold him."
Liang Xiaoluo's breath caught as the woman turned around. Her beauty was almost otherworldly, her presence commanding yet gentle. She couldn't tear her eyes away.
"Come," Ye Tianlin's grandfather ordered. "Introduce the girl."
Liang Xiaoluo stiffened, feeling the weight of Ye Tianlin's rage and his family's scrutiny. She realized she was caught in a web far more dangerous than she had imagined.