Chapter 1

The Lloyd residence was especially lively today, with the Miller family arriving early to escort the bride. The entire household was filled with laughter and joy.

All except for the locked room at the far end of the hallway on the third floor.

It was the most concealed room in the residence; not only did one have to climb three flights of stairs to reach it, but there was also a turn in the corridor.

Melissa Lloyd had lived there for a decade. The room was tiny, with just enough space for a bed, desk, and an easel in the corner. There was no room left for a chair, so she had to either sit on the bed or stand to paint.

At that moment, she was quietly painting. The soft sound of brush on paper was the only sound in the room, creating a serene barrier that isolated her from the outside world.

By noon, the Lloyd family began the wedding procession.

Amid the well wishes of friends and family, the bride, Vivian Lloyd, was carried into the wedding car by her groom, Andrew Miller, and they made their way to his residence.

Vivian was Melissa's cousin, the daughter of the eldest Lloyd son. Thus, she was the ideal match for the eldest son of the Millers, a prestigious family in Westmere. It was indeed a distinguished alliance.

When the commotion finally ended, the sound of a door unlocking echoed in the small room.

Melissa quickly flipped the paper before her, securing it before switching hands to hold the brush and painting a few hasty lines.

The door clicked open. The butler, Harry Wilson, respectfully said, "It's time for your lunch, Ms. Melissa."

Melissa put her brush down and headed downstairs.

…

Melissa had lunch alone.

The Lloyds were either at Andrew's residence or busy preparing for the wedding ceremony later that evening. The entire family was occupied with something, except for Melissa and her grandmother.

Melissa sat alone at the long dining table. Her seat was located at the far end of the table. Even when she dined alone, she had no choice but to sit there.

Harry stood beside the table, diligently handing her dishes and clearing them away.

He was precise in his actions—rigid and emotionless. He performed the same tasks every day, year after year. He resembled a machine, showing no emotions or weaknesses.

After finishing her meal in silence, Melissa stood up and headed toward the backyard. The door was locked.

Harry appeared behind her and said, "Ms. Melissa, you can't go to the backyard."

"Mr. Wilson, I just want to go for a walk and see the maple tree."

He simply smiled, repeating, "Ms. Melissa, you can't go to the backyard."

"Alright," uttered Melissa.

She returned to her room, set up her easel, and continued painting.

…

At dinnertime, the hotel lobby was bustling with people coming and going.

Matthias Delaney crossed paths with Ryan Zimmer, who was dressed in formal attire. He stopped and tilted his head slightly, raising an eyebrow questioningly.

Ryan explained, "A distant relative of mine is having their wedding ceremony tonight. Wanna catch some good vibes, Mat?"

Matthias replied, "Sure."

"Okay. I'll wait for you to change."

"What for?"

"Mat…" Ryan looked at Matthias from head to toe, asking, "Are you planning on going in like that—in a bathrobe?"

"Is there an issue?" asked Matthias.

Ryan's gaze shifted to Matthias' hotel slippers. "No…"

Who would dare to dictate what Matthias would wear?

Still, the combination of a bathrobe and slippers was just too striking. Matthias' tall, athletic frame made him stand out, and with that intense, almost menacing look…

He looked like he was ready to cause a scene.

Ryan hesitated at the door. In the end, he backed out at the last moment. He didn't dare take Matthias into the hall.

He wiped the sweat off his forehead. "Mat, how about you head to the private room on the second floor? You can still see the ceremony from there! There's food, drinks, and even a terrace where you can smoke…"

Matthias looked at him, his expression unreadable.

Ryan felt helpless. "Come on, Mat. We're in public! I'm scared to walk beside you when you look like that!"

Matthias raised a brow. "Fine, I'll go to the private room."

Ryan immediately sagged in relief. "Great!"

Matthias made his way to the second floor and found an empty private room. He opened a bottle of wine and leaned against the railing, watching the banquet hall below.

He wasn't particularly interested in the wedding but couldn't resist catching the celebratory vibes. After all, it was said to bring good luck.

By now, the ceremony had begun. The host was lively, and the banquet hall was brightly lit. Matthias scanned the room, his gaze focusing on one spot.

In the corner stood a young woman. It seemed like she didn't have a seat.

She wore a shimmering champagne corset dress, and her dark hair was elegantly pinned up. The dress was slightly too large for her, making her look somewhat awkward.

Still, it didn't take away from her stunning beauty.

She wasn't just conventionally beautiful; her beauty was almost otherworldly—so striking it seemed as though she existed in a realm entirely separate from everyone around her.

People around her were staring, and even those further away stood up to get a better look. She was drawing in more attention than the bride and groom.

Soon after, a bridesmaid approached her and said something to her. The young woman followed her away.

Matthias lost interest. His eyes swept across the hall once more. Finding nothing of note, he grabbed his wine and made his way to the terrace.

What a boring wedding ceremony.

The private room was at a corner of the building, with one side open to the banquet hall below, with a railing overlooking it, and the other leading directly outside.

He walked out to the outdoor terrace, sat down to enjoy the view, and even pulled half of the curtains to block out the harsh lights from the banquet behind him.

The hotel was built in the heart of a wetland, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. Matthias, who was visiting Westmere for the first time, was captivated by the lush, green landscape. Towering trees reached toward the sky, strong and timeless.

As he admired the massive ancient trees in the distance, the door to the private room creaked open.

A voice came at the door, commanding, "I heard you're good at painting. Paint a scene from the wedding."

Then, the door closed with a bang.

Matthias tilted his head and glanced inside the room. The bridesmaid had left, leaving behind the woman in the corset dress.

The curtains blocked Matthias from view, so she didn't notice him on the terrace. She set up her easel and, with a focused look, began to paint.

She stood straight, looking slender and graceful. Her hair was pinned up to reveal her delicate neck—so pale and fragile it seemed as though it could break with a single touch. Even from the back, she looked breathtaking.

She truly was beautiful. And yet so boring.

Matthias closed his eyes and leaned back, taking a short nap.

It was quiet.

He didn't know how much time had passed, but suddenly, the hall erupted into applause. The wedding had reached its most crucial moment—the groom was kissing the bride.

Matthias opened his eyes and scanned the room, a smirk creeping onto his lips.

The woman's painting skills were impressive. She hadn't had enough time to fine-tune the details, but she'd captured the key moments of the wedding, and the color palette evoked a sense of romance.

But it was soulless.

She simply did as she was told—she painted when asked and obediently followed along with whatever was required of her.

Throughout the entire wedding, she hadn't eaten a single bite; she'd just been painting away. She was rigid, obedient, and utterly devoid of life.

It was such a waste of her stunning beauty. Matthias was truly disappointed.

He closed his eyes again, almost as if he were drifting off to sleep.

After a long while, the sound of applause rang out from the hall again. This time, it was for the final segment of the wedding—the grand prize drawing with lavish rewards.

He opened his eyes, preparing to leave. He'd soaked in enough of the celebratory atmosphere.

Drawing the curtains back, he stepped into the room just in time to see the woman toss her paintbrush to the ground with a sharp thud.

Right, he'd almost forgotten. The boring woman was still here, painting away.

Melissa heard the noise and turned around, glancing toward the source.

Her eyes landed on a man in a bathrobe standing there, dressed so casually that he was even wearing hotel slippers. He clearly wasn't from Westmere.

He was tall and imposing, and his half-dried hair was pushed back, revealing every sharp feature and contour of his face. His brows were thick and fierce, and his intense, piercing eyes commanded attention.

Through the gaping collar of the bathrobe, she could see his chest muscles—smooth, defined, and perfectly sculpted. He was like a predator ready to pounce.

What an awe-inspiring physique…

Chapter 2

Matthias and Melissa stood less than six feet apart. His gaze wasn't fixed on her but on the painting instead. The scene of the wedding was perfectly captured—the groom kissing the bride, embracing amidst pink flower petals.

But there was one extra detail...

Against the romantic backdrop of soft pinks and whites, she'd drawn a skull in bold, blood-red strokes. The skull looked almost alive, as if it were about to crawl out of the painting and bite its way through.

It tore through the air with a sense of horror and bloodshed, the force of her strokes so intense it was impossible to look away. The image was impossible to forget—overwhelming, suffocating, destructive.

The paint wasn't dry, and the red streaks were dripping down, spreading like a creeping stain. It ruined the entire wedding backdrop.

Matthias stared, utterly captivated by the painting. His gaze then shifted to the ground beside her—at the red paintbrush she'd just thrown.

He looked back at her and exclaimed, "Stunning!"

It wasn't a compliment of her looks but her soul—outwardly restrained yet secretly ruthless.

Melissa glanced indifferently at him, her cold face showing no signs of panic at being caught in the act. Instead, she sized him up with a side-eye.

"Are you single?" she asked.

Matthias couldn't help but raise a brow. "Yes."

Her gaze then fell to his chest. "Wanna fuck?"

For a moment, he thought he'd misheard her.

Amid the sense of destruction emanating from the blood-red skull, he began to sense the contradiction in front of him. She wore the most ladylike and ill-fitting dress, her posture graceful as she stood there. Her lips curled slightly into a smile. She was perfect in every way.

However, her eyes were razor-sharp. Upon closer inspection, there was a hidden gleam in them, like the edge of a blade tempered in ice, waiting to strike.

"No? Never mind." Melissa turned, preparing to leave.

Matthias watched as she opened the door and left.

He adjusted the collar of his bathrobe and walked out at a leisurely pace, still processing what had just happened. He needed a moment to think it over.

Besides her cryptic words, there was something subtle that had caught his attention.

He clearly remembered that she'd been using her right hand to paint, but when she'd thrown the brush after finishing the skull, she'd used her left hand.

Lost in thought, he walked down the corridor and spotted her making a beeline toward a handsome young waiter.

Noticing that she was about to speak, Matthias suddenly quickened his pace, swiftly closing the distance and pulling her into his arms before she could do anything crazy.

He was strong. Even though he wasn't using much force, her wrist still turned red.

Melissa seemed unperturbed by his actions. She looked up at him, her eyes devoid of emotion or warmth.

Matthias glanced at her face and body before smirking. "Sure. Let's fuck."

Then, he dragged her away. If he had to sleep with someone, he might as well choose the prettiest one here tonight.

…

After some time, a group of people barged into the private room. A shrill scream sounded.

"Who destroyed the painting?"

"What a shame! It was so beautifully done!"

"That skull looks terrifying! Who ruined it?"

"Fuck! Where did that bitch go? She stole the spotlight on my wedding day and even ran away before I could approve of the painting! Now, the painting is ruined!"

"Vivian, didn't you force her into that oversized dress?"

"Shut up!"

"You know, I'm actually curious who she is. She's so pretty—"

"I said shut up!"

…

In the secluded suite, surrounded by trees, Melissa felt a large tugging force.

Matthias lifted her with one arm and pushed her onto the bed. He then began tearing her dress in an urgent, unrestrained manner.

He reached out to switch off the lights but furrowed his brows as a thought struck him. Switching the lights back on, he asked, "Is this your first time?"

"What's wrong?" Melissa chuckled.

He looked down at the stunningly beautiful face right before him. "Are you screwed up in the head?"

She replied, "No."

He knitted his brows. "Then, why aren't you answering me?"

"Why does it matter?"

He thought…

"Isn't it the same anyway?" she asked calmly.

Matthias scrutinized her face, saying, "What's wrong with you? Are you even sane?"

Did pretty women usually have mental health struggles?

Melissa answered, "I'm saner than you think. Are we still doing this?"

He fell silent briefly and avoided eye contact. It was too late to go into specifics now, wasn't it?

He flicked the switch again.

A chuckle escaped from her lips. "Are you usually this gentle in bed? Your looks said otherwise."

His presence was so powerful that it made one hesitate to meet his gaze. His muscular build was enough to overpower anyone with a single punch; he was the epitome of a predator.

Yet, just moments ago, he'd been unexpectedly gentle.

Matthias didn't reply to her until after a long pause.

"This is my first time," he uttered hoarsely.

This time, Melissa was the surprised one.

After some time, he carefully moved her to the side. She was so light that he could lift her with one hand.

"Do you still want to do this?" she asked.

His voice was deep. "Can we switch on the lights? I want to see you."

She didn't speak but simply reached over to turn on the lamp on the nightstand. The soft, warm light filled the room, illuminating her graceful figure.

Matthias closed his eyes for some reason.

Looking at him, Melissa asked, "I thought you wanted to see me."

She also observed him. His physique was undeniably striking, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, long legs, a perfect V-shaped torso, and defined abs.

He turned his head, shifting his gaze away. It took a while before he looked at her again.

This time, he planted a few soft kisses on her, which made her laugh lightly.

Matthias asked gloomily, "What's with you?"

Melissa replied, "What? I'm enjoying this."

"You're enjoying this even though you have no idea who I am?"

"I know you give good kisses," she said.

Her eyes remained distant, still as sharp as always, even though her body was warm.

Matthias kissed her eyes softly. "You truly have no heart."

He trailed his lips onto hers, his breath hot.

…

Later that evening, Matthias listened to the sounds of the shower and then slipped into a bathrobe. He pushed open the glass door and stepped into the courtyard, settling into a wicker chair.

He lit a cigarette, reflecting on how he'd gone mad in his own way by following her into madness.

Soon enough, Melissa walked over, fully clothed. Matthias frowned, not knowing what she meant by this. Before he could ask anything, she pulled out a cigarette from his cigarette pack.

With a snap of the lighter, a flicker of flame appeared, and she lit the cigarette with practiced ease. She didn't look at him, instead gazing into the distance as she exhaled a gentle puff of smoke.

Matthias sized her up and asked, "Do you have split personalities or something?"

Melissa didn't answer. She stubbed out the cigarette, smiled faintly, and commented, "I don't like this."

"With your smooth movements, I thought you were a regular smoker."

She clarified, "I don't like the taste of your cigarettes."

He rose to his feet. "I'll take a shower and buy you some slim cigarettes."

And while he was at it, he would buy something for her to eat. She hadn't grabbed a single bite during the wedding ceremony.

Melissa smiled, headed toward the door, and walked out without hesitation.

When Matthias came out of the shower, he found himself alone in the spacious hotel room.

Chapter 3

The next day, an utterly confused Ryan asked, "What? Who?"

Matthias said, "The woman in that corset dress from the wedding last night! The prettiest one!"

Ryan repeatedly shook his head. "There wasn't a woman like that!"

Matthias was about to throw a punch. "Are you blind? She was prettier than a celebrity. And she only had light makeup on!"

Baffled, Ryan shook his head vigorously. "I'm sure I would've remembered someone like that, but there just wasn't!"

Matthias looked grim as he sneered. "Fine. I guess I slept with a beautiful ghost last night."

Ryan fell silent while Matthias quietly stared at him.

"So…" Ryan was fidgety. "What's her name? Let me ask around."

"I don't know!" Matthias was frustrated, to say the least.

"What? Then how am I going to find her?" Ryan was dumbfounded.

By then, Matthias had had enough of the aimless conversation. She'd just slept with him and left without even a hint of hesitation. She was ruthless and truly lived up to the reputation of someone who would destroy her own artwork.

Sensing something amiss, Ryan asked, "Wait, Mat. You were at my great-uncle's golden wedding anniversary, right?"

Matthias was taken aback. "Golden wedding anniversary?"

When Ryan nodded, Matthias fell silent.

"So, you were at the wrong hall, huh?"

"How many weddings were held at this hotel last night?"

"Five."

Matthias shifted his harsh gaze to Ryan. "You'd better look for her."

Ryan was in a quandary again. "Mat, we're in a foreign city! How am I supposed to find her? She wasn't even a guest at my great-uncle's ceremony!"

"Yeah. Why don't you seek your great-uncle's help?"

Ryan wore a helpless expression. "You know what 'great' in great-uncle means, right? We're distant relatives who only see each other once in a decade!"

Matthias gritted his teeth, asking, "So, you have no connections here. Zero?"

"Mat, this is also my first time in Westmere. We're barely near Harborview!"

He had a point there. Matthias was rendered speechless at that moment. He closed his eyes in frustration. His mind was filled with memories of Melissa's moans and the look in her bewitching eyes the night before.

Ryan observed him briefly and remarked, "You know, Mat, I always thought you had no interest in women."

Matthias' eyes snapped open. He shot a harsh glance at Ryan.

Ryan quickly waved. "That's not what I meant! I mean, the gentle, feminine, and charming type? No way…"

"She's nothing like that!" Matthias' brows were scrunched together.

This time, Ryan was at a loss for words. From Matthias' words and tone, it didn't seem like they had shared a pleasant night. Did she owe him money or something?

He suggested, "Well, it's not like she's vanished from the planet. Shall we call the police?"

Matthias clenched his fist. He felt like punching Ryan.

…

After her wedding, Vivian returned to her family home the next day. Her husband was absent, though.

The dinner table was bustling with activity, with everyone from the Lloyd family present except for her grandmother. Melissa sat quietly at the far end, eating her meal calmly.

Vivian glanced coldly toward her and then exclaimed, "Melissa caused a scene and tried to steal my spotlight at my wedding yesterday!"

Melissa's head remained lowered. "I wasn't in the banquet hall during the wedding; I was painting in the private room. I neither caused a scene nor stole your spotlight."

Her response prompted a glare from Vivian. "Someone added a stupid red skull, and the red paint ruined the whole thing! Why didn't you stay there and wait for me?"

Melissa said, "I got hungry and left."

Vivian scoffed. "Like you would've died from that! I didn't even see Andrew after the ceremony because of that ominous painting! It's such a bad omen! Gosh, you're such a moron!"

Vivian's mother, Winona Durham, turned toward Melissa with a frown. "Melissa! As the daughter of the Lloyds, you should've been more mindful of your actions and image! Everyone's talking about you after the wedding, and people I don't even know are asking about you. What a downer!"

Vivian echoed, "Exactly! Have some shame!"

Her elder brother, Leonard Lloyd, piped up. "Alright, that's enough. She didn't do anything."

Vivian shouted, "Leo, why are you on her side? I told you all to lock her up and stop her from going to my wedding. Why did you have to bring her?"

Two rhythmic thuds interrupted the argument. Their father, William Lloyd, had knocked on the table. "Silence. Have you forgotten your manners?"

The dinner table became quiet immediately.

He turned to Melissa and said, "Melissa, come to my study after dinner."

"Yes," she replied.

…

In the study, William sat behind the desk, wearing gold-rimmed glasses as he flipped through a book. In his other hand, he absentmindedly played with a string of wooden beads, producing soft tap sounds as he rubbed them together.

His demeanor was refined and graceful, the image of a classic wealthy businessman from a prestigious family.

Melissa stood in front of the desk. There was no seat for her to take.

About an hour later, William finally looked up and asked her, "You wish to go to the backyard?"

She asked, "Uncle William, I'm also part of the family. Can't I move freely in my own home?"

"Your grandma isn't in the best condition, so don't bother disturbing her."

Melissa stayed quiet.

He continued, "Once you've figured it out, I'll let you see her. It's entirely up to you whether that'll be in three months or three years."

She remained silent. William's gaze landed on her body as he slowly said, "As long as you agree, I'll let you see her immediately."

At last, she said, "Go to hell."

He lowered his head and flipped through the book, his voice warm. "Recite 'Guidelines for Women'."

…

The next day, a young woman in a beautiful dress arrived at the Lloyd residence. She was the beloved daughter of the Collins family, Susan Collins. The Lloyds were happy to see her and greeted her with enthusiasm.

Leonard was one of them. "Sue, you're back in the country! Is it your semester break?"

Susan said, "No, I've graduated!"

He said, "You still look like a kid to me."

She was upset. "I'm 22! Stop calling me a kid!"

Soon, Melissa appeared in the living room. Susan went forward and grabbed her hand. "Melissa! Let's go hang out and have some fun!"

At that, Melissa looked up to see the Lloyds' reactions.

Leonard approached them and offered, "Why don't I be your chauffeur for the day?"

Susan stomped her feet. "No! Stop being annoying!"

"Alright, alright." He smiled apologetically.

Without giving Melissa a chance to speak, Susan pulled her outside. As soon as they were out, she nervously asked, "What's the plan, Melissa?"

Melissa replied, "Take me to the airport."

Susan's eyes gleamed. "This is so exciting! Let's go!"

She drove the Huracan at full speed, shouting wildly, "I can't believe this, Melissa! You're actually running away from home! Even I've never tried it myself!"

The two had known each other since they'd been 12, and they were the same age. Susan hadn't seen such a wild side of Melissa in years. When she'd received the call last night, she'd been so excited that she couldn't sleep at all.

Melissa looked at her. "You're going to be reprimanded later."

"So what?" Susan raised a brow.

The Collinses and Lloyds had been long-time family friends. With Melissa's grandfather gone and her grandmother's health deteriorating, the Lloyds were on the decline.

On the other hand, the Collinses were the complete opposite—both elders of the family were in good health and held considerable status and influence in Westmere.

Susan was the only daughter in her generation, and her father was the current head of the family. She was extremely pampered. No matter how big her mistakes were, there would always be someone to back her up.

"Anyway, where do you plan to go?" asked Susan.

Melissa answered, "Engell."

Susan was shocked. "What? You're going to Aetheris? You're not just running away from home; you're leaving the continent!"

Melissa laughed. "I'm going to Velmoria to do my postgraduate studies."

Chapter 4

Susan exclaimed, "Damn, Melissa!"

Melissa said, "Please keep it a secret."

"You bet I will! All the Lloyds have a screw loose! Except for you, of course… Anyway, where are you enrolling in?"

"AAA."

"What?"

Melissa explained, "Aureum Academy of Arts—the top-ranked art school globally."

Susan screamed, "Oh my gosh! This is so insane! How did you get in?"

Melissa looked at her excited expression and smiled as well. "You've seen my portfolio."

Susan thought for a moment, then asked, "Top-tier colleges like that must have very high tuition fees, right? I thought your family wasn't giving you any money. How did you manage the asset verification? What about living expenses and accommodation?"

The more she thought about it, it just seemed like a huge financial challenge.

Melissa asked, "Do you remember when you came back during spring break this year?"

Susan pondered briefly. "I do! You said your room was tiny and ended up finishing a big painting in my basement."

"Yup. I mailed that painting to an art gallery in Duskbane and sold it."

After the commission and taxes, she'd made just enough to barely meet the minimum standard required by Aureum Academy of Arts.

The surprises seemed endless to Susan. "You got so much money from that painting alone? Damn, Melissa. You're a genius!"

Melissa said, "The seller was generous. Honestly, I didn't expect it either."

An excited Susan babbled, "But your planning is so thorough and meticulous! You even sought out a gallery all the way in Duskbane! No wonder the Lloyds had zero idea about this; even I was in the dark! And here you are, on the way to fly to Velmoria!"

Melissa was amused, but then she heard Susan ask, "What about your grandma?"

The smile on her face faded. "They've kept me from seeing her for the last three years. There's no point in holding out anymore."

Her room was at the deepest part of the third floor, while her grandmother, Lily Turner, had a room in a small house in the backyard. Though they lived within the same fences, the Lloyd family had never allowed them to meet in three years.

Her grandfather, Albert Lloyd, had passed away early, and the family was controlled by her eldest uncle, William.

Melissa's father, Benson Lloyd, was the second son of the family. He'd given up his inheritance rights years ago and moved to Duskbane with her mother.

Melissa had been born and raised in Duskbane. She'd also gone to elementary school there. The family of three had been very happy.

When she'd been 12, however, her parents had died in a car accident. The Lloyd family had brought her back to Westmere. From that moment on, everything had changed.

Susan cursed. "What? In that case, screw them! You live your life to the fullest! If you ever run out of money, call me. You just focus on studying; I'll be your sugar mommy!"

…

Three months later, a massive cruise ship departed from Amberton Bay, slowly making its way into international waters.

The interior was dazzling with lights, illuminating the world of opulence and excess. The entertainment areas were filled with people.

The elevator slowly descended from the top floor. As the doors opened, several bodyguards immediately stepped forward, blocking the crowd's view.

In the center, a tall man dressed in a black, collarless suit walked confidently. He had a commanding presence and moved so swiftly that by the time the other guests had a chance to look, he'd already passed by.

A young man of similar age walked by his side. His strides matched the other man's pace. Wearing a floral shirt, Percy Heath trailed half a step behind Matthias, chattering non-stop.

"Mat, I want to go to Westmere, too! Can I take Ryan's place once this is over?"

Matthias ignored him. His mood wasn't that good to begin with.

Percy didn't notice his expression and continued, "I've heard from Ryan that Westmere is breathtaking! I want to see the towering ancient trees, and I want to drink at a bar in the woods!"

Matthias gave a strange, almost imperceptible smile as he replied, "Westmere…"

Percy got even more excited. "Yes, Westmere! It really lives up to its name! I can't wait to go! Once we wrap things up in Harborview, you've got to take me with you, Mat! I'd love to see the beautiful women there!"

Matthias' smile vanished, his eyes turning cold as his steps grew longer.

"The beauty of the city and the women, huh?" he thought bitterly. He'd been searching for three months, yet she'd vanished without a trace.

Percy finally noticed the change in Matthias' expression and immediately lowered his head, falling silent. Had he said something wrong? What was going on?

…

In the cruise ship's restaurant, three women and one man sat together at a table. Melissa was quietly eating her meal.

Susan's elder brother, Jayden Collins, glanced at her and asked, "Melissa, don't you want to do anything? It's the last day. How about joining us at the casino?"

She shook her head. "I don't have money."

Jayden generously offered, "It's okay. We'll place the smallest bets—you can put it on my tab."

She still shook her head. "I don't gamble."

He persisted. "You can just take a look inside. You might as well go now that you're here."

Susan shot him a glare. "Dude, are you done? She said she's not going, so leave her alone."

Jayden didn't say another word. His mood soured, but it was nothing compared to Melissa's.

She'd landed at Harborview Airport and, on a whim, decided to visit Amberton Bay to broaden her horizons and gain new inspiration for her artwork.

She'd specifically boarded this cruise because she'd heard that the owner was a collector of fine art, with many original masterpieces hanging around the ship. And just her luck, she'd run into this trio.

When they'd seen each other, they'd been so surprised that they'd just stood there in awkward silence for a while. Susan was completely stunned; she hadn't expected to see Melissa here.

Then it had dawned on her—Aureum Academy of Arts had three semesters, with each one being about three months long. It had already been three months since the start of the semester, so Melissa was probably on her semester break now.

Susan was speechless. It was such a coincidence. Amberton Bay was so far away from Westmere, yet they'd run into each other. If she'd known, she would've made sure to check with Melissa first…

Jayden's girlfriend, Claire Lawson, fell into his embrace, coquettishly saying, "I wanna go."

He wrapped his arm around her, saying, "Sure. We're gonna have a hell of a time!"

Susan chimed in. "I'm going as well, and nobody is stopping me."

"Stop third-wheeling us. Besides, are you even allowed to go in? Only adults can go in."

"I'm 22!" she shouted.

Jayden asked for the bill and laughed. "At 22, you're still considered a child. Be good, or Dad is going to give you a nice lecture when you're home."

Susan became even more upset. "What about Melissa? She's also 22! Why were you pressuring her to go, dumbass?"

"Do you really not know why I'm keeping an eye on her? If it weren't for your recklessness three months ago, Mr. Lloyd wouldn't have lost it!'

She refuted, "Come on. It's just a three-month vacation!"

He chided, "You and Melissa are different! She's a proper lady, not a kid who doesn't grow up. You're really spoiled, you know?"

"Alright, let's stop here. Why are you two arguing?" Claire chimed in.

After paying for the meal, the trio didn't head to the casino but sent Melissa to her room.

Jayden advised, "Don't be reckless like Sue, okay? Running away from home is a serious mistake. Once the ship docks, I'll send you back home."

She nodded. "Sure."

Before the door closed, he added, "Don't wander around. This is international waters, after all, not Westmere. It's not safe."

With a sharp click, the door slammed shut in his face.

Chapter 5

Melissa sat quietly on the bed, unlocking her phone with her right hand.

Her phone had dual SIM cards, and at that moment, the secondary system was flooded with missed calls and unread messages.

As soon as she opened it, a call from Westmere came in. As expected, Jayden had already informed the Lloyd family.

Melissa didn't answer the call or read the messages. She switched to her main SIM and returned the phone to its primary system. Then, she stood up and left.

She didn't have much with her—just a handheld travel bag. She picked it up and walked out.

The cruise ship was vast and luxurious. For the past three days, Jayden had been closely watching her, leaving her no chance to explore the ship.

Melissa wandered into the hall, aimlessly strolling around. There were various expensive artifacts, and the walls were adorned with famous paintings, each one worth a fortune.

She stopped in front of one painting and stood there for ten minutes.

Nearby, a spiral staircase wound down. Matthias' steps faltered halfway down the stairs, forcing the bodyguards behind him to follow suit.

But Percy hadn't been paying attention. He almost bumped into a bodyguard but stopped in time. He curiously turned and asked, "What's wrong, Mat?"

Matthias fixed his gaze on the figure ahead and made a subtle hand gesture. The bodyguards silently stepped back, disappearing around the corner.

Percy pointed to himself, silently asking if he should leave too.

Matthias hadn't lowered his hand yet, but his fingers moved ever so slightly. Percy immediately retreated, moving even more quietly than the bodyguards, and made his way upstairs.

This was the Delaney family's most crucial silent retreat gesture, usually reserved for high-stakes negotiation situations.

Percy quickly became alert. He even reached for his weapon at the small of his back, his eyes brimming with a murderous intent.

He didn't know what was going on, but he was always prepared for action. If Matthias gave the order, he would charge in without hesitation!

In an atmosphere so tense it felt almost suffocating, Matthias adjusted his collar and began descending the stairs, one step at a time.

At that moment, Melissa stood before the painting, marveling at the masterpiece. She was unaware anyone was approaching her.

Matthias stood behind her for a moment, but it wasn't enough to catch her attention. She even shifted her feet, preparing to move on to the next piece.

With a raise of his hand, he snapped his finger. She turned around, shocked.

It was him.

Matthias wasn't wearing a bathrobe today, but he wasn't dressed too formally, either. His collarless suit jacket concealed a T-shirt underneath. His hair was styled neatly into a sharp, stylish, slicked-back look, revealing his full forehead and his chiseled features that gave him an air of superiority.

He was truly confident in his features. He'd never once tried to hide them the two times she'd seen him.

She could sense his nonchalance and boldness. There was something about him… She longed for it but could never have it.

A faint, almost imperceptible smile curved at the corner of Matthias' lips. He hadn't expected to see her here—not in Westmere, but rather on the high seas, on his ship.

Staring at her stunning features, he didn't say a word but simply gazed into her eyes. As for Melissa, she looked at him with a rather peculiar expression.

"Are you single?" she asked.

A flicker of amusement appeared in his eyes. "What do you think?"

He'd been looking for her.

"Wanna fuck again?" she asked.

Matthias frowned. They hadn't seen each other in three months, yet the first thing she spoke about was sleeping with him. What happened to exchanging pleasantries?

He scrutinized her carefully and noticed her travel bag. His mood immediately soured. Then, he suddenly let out a sarcastic laugh.

"Sure." He reached out, grabbing her firmly and dragging her away, just like he had three months ago.

The spiral staircase fell into an eerie silence. Not only was Percy stunned, but even the bodyguards' jaws had dropped. What on earth had just happened?

…

Matthias pulled Melissa into a private elevator. As soon as the doors closed, his lips crashed into hers.

He was aggressive and passionate, so forceful that he could easily hold her in place with a single hand. She didn't even have a chance to glance at which floor they were heading to.

The elevator rang, and the doors slid open. Matthias effortlessly scooped her up in a bridal carry and strode toward the room at the end of the corridor. Once again, he pushed her onto the bed and swiftly unfastened his buttons and belt.

"Do you have protection?" asked Melissa.

His voice oozed with anger. "Yes."

She smiled in return. Suppressing his emotions, he questioned her, "You seem experienced. How many people have you slept with other than me?"

"Zero," she said.

Matthias stared at her for a moment, catching the calmness in her eyes. He lowered his head and kissed her eyes, then her lips. This time, there was something different in the way he touched her.

After a long time, he asked again, "Seriously, no one else?"

Melissa answered casually, "Do I have any reason to lie to you?"

It wasn't like they knew each other outside of hotel rooms.

He suddenly asked, "That night, if I hadn't stopped you, what would you have said to that waiter?"

She was slightly taken aback, then answered, "Where's the washroom?"

Matthias clearly hadn't anticipated that. He then heard her ask, "You actually care?"

He didn't answer her. How could he not care?

…

As the morning light spilled in, Melissa was awakened by Matthias' kiss. His scorching breath fell against her ear, growing heavier with each breath.

"Tell me your name." His voice carried a deep, simmering intensity.

She chuckled lightly. "There are more important things in this world."

"Can you be serious for once?"

Melissa's expression faltered. Mathias lowered his head and kissed the corner of her eye. "Have your eyes always looked like that?"

She chuckled again. His lips grazed hers, and his eyes were half open, gazing at her. Something deeper flashed in his eyes for a moment, and his kisses suddenly became greedy and passionate.

"Did you think about me?" he asked, his lips pressing against the corner of her mouth.

She simply reciprocated the kiss, leaving him unanswered.

After the deed, Melissa pushed him away and went to take a bath. Matthias put on a bathrobe and sat on the couch, waiting.

When she came out again, she was fully clothed.

He fixed his gaze on her and asked, "Are you leaving again?"

There it was. He shouldn't have been surprised. She was heartless, after all.

Melissa nodded as a response before heading toward the door. The ship was about to dock soon.

"Wait!" Matthias called out for her.

She turned around, gazing quizzically at him.

He thought for a while and asked, "Did I satisfy you?"

Her gaze swept across his bathrobe as she let out a faint smile. "Very much."

Despite not having slept much, he still looked full of energy.

A smirk curved at the corner of Matthias' lips as he tore off a sticky note from the desk, quickly scribbled down a string of numbers, and handed it over.

His tone was serious as he said, "If you need anything, contact me. Don't do anything crazy."

By crazy, he meant looking for other men.

Melissa took the note with two fingers and laughed, asking, "You'd be available at any time?"

Matthias nodded. "At your service."

She responded somewhat absentmindedly, "Should I pay you? You've been quite diligent after all."

With that, she tossed the sticky note into the trash can and walked out the door. As a loud thud sounded as the door shut behind her.

Matthias stared silently at the trash can.