"Isn't 80 million just a drop in the bucket for the Lu family?" Luo's mother chattered on, her voice full of accusation. "Are you going to be like your sister—ungrateful and unconcerned about your family's survival? You're fine with seeing us go bankrupt, with us eating scraps, and your brother having no money for school?"
Emily shook her head, her grip tightening around the phone. "Mom, I never said that." She could feel the weight of her mother's words, the accusation cutting deep.
It was like being stabbed with a knife.
"If you don't have it, then go to Alexander. Ask him for the 80 million!" Luo's mother pushed relentlessly.
Emily remained silent, her mind whirling. The idea of asking Alexander for such a large sum made her stomach twist.
"Hello? Emily, are you there?" Luo's mother's voice was sharp, tinged with irritation. She sounded as if she might throw the phone in frustration.
"I understand," Emily replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Hmph." Luo's mother snatched the phone from Emily's hand and returned it to her husband.
"Alice, thank you," Mr. Luo said, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and expectation.
"Dad, it's the least I can do," Emily forced a smile, but the tears welled up as she spoke. Just like you gave birth to me, I should repay you... but that's all.
The truth was, she had never felt the kind of bond with them that a daughter should. They had never asked her how life was at the Lu family estate or whether she was being treated well. Whenever they spoke of the Lu family, it was always about money.
"Yeah." Mr. Luo ended the call, his tone final. Emily held the phone to her ear for a moment, the words hanging in the air. Then she put the phone down and walked into the bathroom.
She didn't bother with a bath. She just washed quickly, then collapsed onto the bed. The moment she switched off the bedside lamp, sleep claimed her.
She had wanted to wait up for Alexander, but exhaustion overwhelmed her, and she fell asleep anyway.
Late Night.
In the deep silence of the night, Emily heard faint rustling sounds. They lasted for about ten seconds. When the noise didn't fade, she groggily reached out from under the blanket, turning on the bedside lamp with sleepy eyes.
In the soft light of the cozy room, she saw that she was no longer alone.
Alexander was there, standing beside the bed. His presence filled the room, intoxicating and overwhelming.
"Go back..." Emily tried to speak, but before she could finish, her lips were suddenly covered by Alexander's. His kiss was rough, urgent.
His cold hand brushed across her skin, sending a chill down her spine.
She knew what was happening. She knew what he wanted to do. She wanted to push him away, to stop him—but he didn't give her the chance. His hands locked around hers, pinning her to the bed.
A sharp hiss escaped her lips as his grip tightened.
He paused, his eyes flicking to her hands. His gaze darkened.
Emily was confused. Why had he stopped? Her eyes met his, and for a moment, everything seemed to freeze.
"How did you do that to your hand?" His voice was colder than usual.
Emily hesitated. She wanted to tell him the truth, but then, in an effort to avoid any conflict with him and his mother, she lied. "I... I accidentally burned myself."
Even if he found out the truth—that it had been his mother's doing—he would never stand up for her. She knew that.
Alexander stared at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. A strange glimmer passed through his eyes before he climbed off her, walking out of the room without a word.
Emily let out a sigh of relief. She had been expecting the worst, but he had let it go.
After a quick shower, Alexander returned wearing a black bathrobe, the collar loosely open to reveal his toned chest. He lay down beside her in bed, his breathing steady as he seemed to drift off to sleep.
Emily lay there in the dark, her eyes wide open as she stared at him. Her mind raced, wondering why he had agreed to help her. She had expected him to refuse, to get angry.
But he didn't. He had simply agreed, as if it were nothing.
After a long pause, she finally whispered, "Are you asleep?"
"No," he answered, his voice quiet and calm.
"Could you... do me a favor?" Emily's hands were clammy, her palms slick with sweat. The room wasn't warm enough for her to be this nervous.
"Speak," Alexander said, his tone flat, his patience endless.
"My father—he was swindled in an investment. The company's in trouble, and we need 80 million to stay afloat. If we don't get it, the company will go bankrupt. Can you help?" She trailed off at the end, her voice barely audible. She was afraid he would get angry, that he would shut her down.
"Hmm," was his only reply.
Emily blinked, her heart pounding in her chest. Had he agreed?
"Did you... agree?" she asked, her voice shaky.
"Yeah."
Her heart surged with a mix of relief and disbelief. She had expected rejection, but instead, he had agreed so easily. A smile crept onto her face, and for a moment, she forgot all her worries. She was so happy, she could've danced in the bed—but then, in an instant, Alexander turned over and pinned her beneath him.
His eyes, usually cold, now burned with an intensity she hadn't expected. The room felt charged with something else—something dangerous and electric. She blinked, meeting his gaze, and this time, she didn't pull away.
Maybe this was the only way she could truly thank him.
The Next Morning.
"Ding-ling-ling!"
The alarm clock pierced the silence, dragging Emily out of sleep. She quickly reached for it, pressing the buttons to silence the sound. She didn't want to disturb Alexander, who was still lying nearby.
When she sat up, her hand instinctively reached for the space where he had been. A cold chill met her fingertips, and she recoiled in surprise. He was gone.
When had he left?
She couldn't remember exactly when he had left. She had been so exhausted from the night's events that she had fallen asleep almost immediately. Had he stayed in bed all night? Or had he left while she slept?
After lying there for a moment longer, she threw off the blankets and stood up. She slipped into her clothes and made her way downstairs to prepare breakfast.
As she passed the study, she paused. The door was closed, but she could sense something. Curious, she pushed it open and stepped inside.
There, sprawled on the office chair, was Alexander, sound asleep.
She smiled softly, her heart swelling with a quiet admiration. He was so dedicated to his work, even at this hour. The computer screen was still glowing with financial reports—work he must've done after their... encounter.
Her gaze softened as she admired his face, still peaceful in sleep. She didn't want to disturb him, but she couldn't help herself. She went back to the bedroom, grabbed a blanket, and carefully draped it over him, making sure he was warm.
With a contented sigh, she went downstairs to prepare breakfast.
When Alexander woke up, he found the blanket draped over him. His brow furrowed slightly as he lifted it off and got up, returning to the bedroom to tidy himself before heading downstairs.
He didn't need to guess who had put the blanket on him. It was... unnecessary. But he didn't say anything.
When he entered the dining room, he found Emily bustling around with his mother and sister at the table. Butler Ma stood next to his mother.
"Alexander, are you awake? Come join us for breakfast," Lu's mother called out.
"Yeah," Alexander replied, nodding slightly. He pulled out a chair and sat down.
As soon as Emily heard him come in, she glanced over at him. Her eyes brightened with joy, though she quickly turned back to finish preparing the meal.
After setting the breakfast on the table, she began to leave the room to clean up, but then Alexander's hand shot out, grabbing her wrist.
She froze. What was going on?