Chapter 1

The man holding me now was Luther Stone, the CEO of Northstrike Air.

As for how I ended up in his bed, I could only "thank" my incompetent husband for that.

Luther was a well-known figure, respected in the business world and feared in the darker corners of Jaloria. Those who had crossed paths with him couldn't help but whisper about his unusual kinks.

The rumors came from the women who had been involved with him. No one could say for sure if they were true.

One thing that stood out was his unusual penchant for raw and pickled foods. It was often said that those who indulged in such delicacies had a wilder side when it came to intimacy.

A few years ago, a dancer who used to be involved with Luther suffered a severe hemorrhage. She lost so much blood that she required several units of transfusion to survive.

Since then, a hillside villa in Jaloria had been registered in her name. Some even joked that trading a hemorrhage for a villa was a fair exchange.

Now, Luther seemed so different from the charming, refined man he appeared to be in the day. I instantly felt a rush of fear and shock. The terror brought back haunting memories of my husband, Ryan Manning.

Luther's gaze hardened.

"What's on your mind?" he asked.

"Nothing." I tried to deny it, but he saw straight through me.

He once told me my voice reminded him of a docile cat. But that couldn't have been further from the truth. I had always been reserved, quiet, and uncomfortable around people.

My life had been pretty ordinary, moving along the same predictable path as most people.

After graduating from college without any connections or resources, I decided to take a shot and apply to my dream company.

Although I ended up in a receptionist role that didn't bring me fulfillment, I still felt fortunate to have secured a position at Northstrike Air.

That was where I met Ryan since we both started in entry-level positions. After a year of dating, we decided to get married.

Throughout our courtship, Ryan never once pursued intimacy, and I assumed he was simply a conservative, upstanding man.

It wasn't until after we were married that I uncovered the truth. Everything had been a facade. The real reason for Ryan keeping his distance was that he was impotent.

Ryan wasn't just infertile. He couldn't even meet the most basic expectations of marriage. Suddenly, I was trapped in a loveless, empty union.

I demanded a divorce immediately, but Ryan begged me as tears streamed down his face. On top of that, his deeply traditional family viewed divorce as a serious taboo.

In the end, I gave in.

Ryan always reassured me that he understood I was still young. If I had physical needs, he insisted he wouldn't stop me from finding another man. But I never did.

My loyalty only made his guilt grow. To make amends, he gave me every penny of his salary each month.

He refused to let me lift a finger around the house. He was always coming up with new ways to prepare delicious meals for me. Every holiday, he would take me shopping or plan special trips.

He cherished me completely, and that feeling of being adored filled the emptiness left by a childhood of emotional neglect.

One day, Ryan took me to buy lavish clothes and sultry lingerie. We ended up at Jaloria's most luxurious five-star hotel.

I foolishly believed his condition had been cured. But just as we reached the door of the presidential suite, he finally confessed the truth.

He was giving me to the company's CEO, Luther.

Yes, he was handing his own wife over to another man's bed.

His words still haunted me, as clear as day. "Mr. Stone wants a virgin to sleep with him. In exchange, he promised me a promotion to branch manager, and I'd receive an annual salary of 150 thousand dollars. But that's not all…"

He wanted me to have his child.

I couldn't believe those shameless, disgusting words had come from Ryan. Rage consumed me, and my blood surged through my veins as my tears flowed uncontrollably.

I cursed him and struck out in fury, but Ryan confronted me with a cold, harsh reality.

Last month, my family was hit with a devastating crisis. My younger brother ran up a massive debt and fled to another city to escape the creditors, leaving our aging parents to face the ruthless debt collectors on their own.

Ryan had reached out to his connections and tried to gather support, but we were still far from the amount needed to pay off the debt.

The hole was too deep, and without a way out, my family would never know peace again.

Ryan told me that if I pleased Luther, not only would the debt be wiped clean, but he would receive a promotion, and we would finally have a child.

He assured me that if I made this sacrifice, everything would finally fall into place.

In the end, I let him persuade me.

When I walked in, Luther didn't seem all that surprised. He was wearing a white bathrobe, casually tied at the waist. The collar was slightly open, revealing his well-toned chest.

Without realizing it, I nervously clenched my hands at my sides. My body was trembling.

His cold gaze lingered on me, his eyes flickering with a mix of mischief and amusement.

"Would you like some wine to help you relax?"

Before I could respond, he turned, walking toward the coffee table. He bent slightly as he poured the wine, the glass shimmering in his hand.

I watched the deep red liquid swirl inside, leaving delicate trails along the sides of the glass.

"Mr. Stone," I said cautiously.

He gently lifted my chin and brought the glass to my lips, feeding me the wine.

The wine dripped down the corner of my mouth, and he wiped it away with his fingertip. I felt a wave of shivers course through me.

"Are you cold?" he asked.

"No."

"Are you having second thoughts?"

I was, but it was too late to turn back now.

"No," I said again.

"Then stop acting like I'm forcing you. What's your name?"

My gaze dropped. "Sapphire Miller."

"Sapphire," he repeated, nodding slightly.

With that, he guided me into the bedroom and sat at the foot of the bed. He leaned back, hands propped behind him.

"Take it off," he said casually.

I had never imagined standing bare before another man except Ryan. The thought alone made my stomach twist.

Luther noticed my hesitation, and his expression hardened. "If you don't want to, then leave."

My first instinct was to flee, but my body felt heavy like it was rooted to the floor.

If I walked away now, the suffocating weight of my unresolved problems would follow me—haunting me every step I took.

With trembling hands, I reached down and unbuttoned my skirt. The black fabric slid to the floor, pooling at my feet.

Luther's eyebrow arched, a sly sparkle igniting in his eyes.

Ryan had picked this outfit. The sheer gauze clung to my skin in intricate, shadowed patterns, its touch soft and intimate, like silk brushing against my fingertips.

At first, I thought it too revealing, but Ryan had assured me it made me look otherworldly.

Without hesitation, Luther extended his hand. I stepped forward cautiously, placing mine in his, my nerves prickling with discomfort and doubt.

Ryan must have known exactly what he was doing. Luther's gaze on me grew more intense, impossible to ignore. He pulled me into his arms, his eyes softening.

That night, my mind was a whirlwind.

Morning came too quickly. When I woke, Luther was gone. On the bedside table, a bank card lay waiting.

I thought it was over. But as I stepped out of the presidential suite, I found Luther's secretary, Matthew Grady, waiting outside.

He handed me a set of formal clothes and said, "Ms. Miller, Mr. Stone has gone to Stonelark for a meeting this afternoon. He's requested that you accompany him as his assistant."

His assistant?

I was completely caught off guard.

Chapter 2

Luther and I were meant to be nothing more than a fleeting affair. After last night, Ryan was supposed to get his promotion, and my family's crushing debt would disappear. We were supposed to be square.

So why was I suddenly being told to work as Luther's assistant?

I knew it wasn't the right time to question anything, but the words came out anyway. My face was flushed.

"Ryan never mentioned anything about me becoming an assistant. Is it possible Mr. Stone made a mistake?"

Matthew glanced at me, a flicker of disdain in his eyes. "The one who's mistaken isn't Mr. Stone. It's you."

I stared at him in shock. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Last night was just an evaluation. You'll only have leverage if Mr. Stone is satisfied."

Leverage?

At that moment, the truth hit me. I was nothing more than a bargaining chip in someone else's game. And somehow, that realization made me feel even more degraded.

Still, I didn't back down. After everything I had already done, shame had lost its grip on me. At least, it wasn't enough to keep me silent.

I summoned every ounce of courage and said, "Mr. Grady, what happened between Mr. Stone and I was a straightforward transaction.

"I upheld my part last night, so now it's time for him to honor the promise Ryan negotiated. As for me becoming his assistant, that's not happening. If there's nothing else, I'm leaving."

I lifted my chin and stepped into the elevator, holding onto whatever pride I had left. But the moment the doors closed, that fragile facade cracked.

My shoulders slumped as the ache in my body intensified. Just as I got into the taxi, my phone rang. It was Ryan.

"Hey, baby. Where are you?"

"Ryan, I—"

Hearing his voice was too much. The floodgates opened, and I couldn't stop the tears from spilling out. Caught off guard, the driver kept stealing glances at me in the rearview mirror.

Fearing he would misunderstand, I quickly wiped my face and covered the mic with my hand. "I'm currently in a taxi. I'm coming home."

Ryan immediately grew anxious. "What do you mean you're coming home? You need to go with Mr. Stone on the business trip! The plane takes off in an hour. Don't screw this up."

I was speechless. Realizing something was wrong, Ryan's tone shifted as he asked, "Baby… Did you conceive last night?"

My cheeks burned, and I lowered my voice, barely able to speak. "No. He insisted on protection the whole time."

Ryan let out a heavy, regretful sigh. "Damn it… Why can't you just—"

"Ryan," I cut him off, my voice strained with exhaustion. "Are you blaming me?"

"No, no, baby. Don't get the wrong idea."

He quickly tried to calm me down. "Here's what I'm thinking. Since last night didn't go as planned, maybe you could stay with Mr. Stone for a few more days. You'd be his assistant, of course. No one but us would know what's really happening between you two."

"No one would know? You're fooling yourself. We both work at the company. We know exactly what being Mr. Stone's assistant means. Stop pretending like everyone else is blind."

His words made my head pound, and I had to take a moment to breathe. Sweat was starting to bead on my forehead.

"Baby, I'm sorry." Ryan's voice cracked with desperation. "I never expected Mr. Stone to become so taken with you. He insisted you stay with him for a few more days.

"Please, just hold on a little longer. Our situation is too complicated, and you're the only one who can help us get through this.

"Once I become a branch manager and start earning that big salary, I'll take care of your brother's gambling debt. Your parents will finally be able to reunite with him.

"And don't forget, Sapphire. If you could get pregnant now, it would be the perfect way forward."

Ryan was right. In the face of this impossible situation, I had no other option.

"Take me to the airport." I instructed the driver.

Upon arriving, I spotted Luther. He was dressed in a light gray coat, exuding an air of sophistication.

When he saw me standing still, he raised his hand. Like a well-trained cat, I stepped forward without hesitation.

He was on the phone, and I followed quietly behind him.

I couldn't deny it. Luther was strikingly handsome and had a perfect physique. He fit every ideal I had for an intellectual partner.

But I didn't love him, and Luther would never love me. Our relationship was nothing more than a transaction. It was strictly physical without any emotional connection.

We both got what we needed. It was as simple as that.

I followed Luther down the VIP-only corridor to complete the check-in process.

Before this, I had only flown twice—both times with Ryan on our honeymoon.

We had joined a group tour to Nandoria. To cut costs, the agency booked the cheapest tickets on a domestic airline, infamous for its poor service and lack of in-flight meals.

To this day, flying still brought back memories of cramped seats and discomfort.

This was my first time flying first class. Once we landed, a dedicated driver was waiting to take us.

But I never expected it to be Adeline Larkin, the representative for Northstrike Air in Oakspire. I had heard of her. She was well known as the beauty of Northstrike Air.

She wore an ivory Cendara suit that highlighted her flawless, voluptuous figure. Her long, flowing hair framed her beautiful face.

When she smiled, her eyes sparkled with a charm that was both alluring and inviting. She was the type of woman most men couldn't resist.

I remembered at the company's annual gala years ago, Adeline's belly dance had left more than a few executives captivated. But there were whispers that she had left with Luther later that night.

No one knew the full story, but it was clear that everyone understood the unspoken truth.

Adeline greeted me with a sweet smile, but underneath it, I sensed a deep hostility. She glanced at me briefly before deliberately walking beside Luther.

Soon after, she escorted us to the hotel and handed us room keys for separate floors. I could tell it was intentional, but Luther didn't say a thing.

I kept quiet as well. I silently took my key and headed to the other elevator.

I watched as Adeline walked off with Luther. Just before the elevator doors closed, she turned and gave me a smug smile, tilting her chin in a silent challenge. She was clearly trying to mark her territory.

Still, her behavior felt more petty than threatening.

I spent the whole afternoon alone in my room. Shortly before dinner, Luther sent me a message on WhatsApp. "Come down to the lobby."

I waited in the lobby for more than 20 minutes before they finally showed up.

Adeline clung to Luther's arm, radiating the poise of a seasoned hostess as she glanced my way. "Ms. Miller, sorry to keep you waiting."

I returned a polite smile. "I just arrived."

The truth was, I had always been more reserved and was never one to chase the spotlight or play power games. In that way, Adeline and I were total opposites.

She led us to Oakspire's most exclusive private club. In the grand lobby, we ran into a prominent business magnate.

Luther wanted to strike up a conversation, and as luck would have it, Adeline was already well acquainted with him. The three of them laughed and chatted as they moved into the adjoining private room.

Just as the door was about to close, Adeline looked back and said, "Wait for us in The Velvet Room."

I waited for nearly ten minutes before she returned—alone this time.

She sat across from me, a smile playing on her lips as she slowly dabbed her hands with a wet wipe. "You've slept with Luther, haven't you?"

A man like Luther never lacked admirers, but I had never heard him acknowledge any of them openly. I knew better than to let anything slip.

Some flowers only bloom in the shadows, and my relationship with Luther was no different.

"You've misunderstood, Ms. Larkin. Mr. Stone wouldn't be pleased to hear that," I replied.

Adeline's smirk deepened, her eyes gleaming with disdain. She wasn't fooled. My denial had only amused her.

"Looks like you're not as clueless as I thought," she said arrogantly. "But don't ever fool yourself into thinking a fling with Luther means anything more than it really does."

Adeline didn't just look down on me. She hated that I refused to admit the truth. But her bitterness didn't faze me.

"He was just bored," she sneered, her voice dripping with contempt. "Men have needs, and Luther's no different. Instead of finding someone else, he picks an inexperienced woman like you. And when he's done, he'll toss some money your way and move on."

Adeline's so-called "reminder" was anything but that. It was a disguised insult, a way of calling me a whore without saying it outright.

I was irritated. I had put up with her long enough. Unwilling to back down, I shot back, "Ms. Larkin, I'm not your doormat. Don't treat me like one."

Her eyes narrowed in surprise. "You—" she started, clearly not expecting such boldness.

But before she could say more, the door to the private lounge swung open.

She quickly masked her anger with a polite smile and stood up. "Mr. Stone, how did the meeting go?"

When Luther entered, his eyes immediately found mine. Seeing the tension on my face, he likely knew Adeline had been causing trouble.

Instead of giving his jacket to her, he handed it to me. Adeline responded with an awkward smile.

She took the seat I had just left—right next to Luther. Without saying a word, I retrieved my phone from the table and sat down across from him.

He had bitten my lip last night. Most of the dishes we ordered were spicy, but the lingering sting from that bite had muted my appetite. I barely ate anything, merely picking at some mashed potatoes and a salad.

Seeing how little I had eaten, Adeline couldn't resist throwing a few sarcastic remarks my way. She praised how disciplined I was with my diet. She even teased that I must get a lot of attention on the street because of my figure.

After dinner, Adeline insisted on driving us back to the hotel. Just as we stepped outside, she mentioned needing to go over some branch office matters with Luther. Without a moment's hesitation, he followed her into the elevator.

I understood clearly. Luther wouldn't be wanting my company tonight.

With that, I returned to my room. After taking a shower, I started getting ready for bed.

Just as I took off my coat, my phone rang again. It was Ryan. He had been messaging me all day, asking how everything was going.

It felt almost cruelly ironic. What did Ryan expect me to say? That I was safe and comfortable in Luther's arms?

His WhatsApp message lit up the screen. "Baby, please pick up. I miss you."

Even though Ryan was the cause of my affair with Luther, the moments we had shared made it impossible to turn my back on him.

At last, I answered, "Hello."

"Baby, you finally picked up."

"What's going on?"

"Are you on that business trip with Mr. Stone?"

"...Yeah."

"Did he say anything about me getting the branch manager position?"

My heart sank. So the reason he'd been calling me all day wasn't out of concern for me. It was just to check on his own career prospects.

"He didn't say a word about it, Ryan. Is that all?"

Ryan's tone grew sharper as impatience crept in. "What's wrong with you? If he didn't mention it, why didn't you? Did you sleep with him for nothing?"

Just then, someone knocked on my door. Phone still in hand, I walked over and opened it. Luther stood outside.

I froze. I thought for sure he was in bed with Adeline by now.

Without a word, he began undoing his shirt, his hands sliding beneath my clothes. He pinned me against the wall, kissing me passionately.

My phone slipped from my fingers, crashing to the floor.

Chapter 3

By the time night had fallen, Luther's desire had faded into silence.

He stepped out of the bathroom and settled onto the couch before lighting a cigarette nonchalantly.

His sharp features emerged through the swirling smoke. He held my gaze for a moment until his voice broke the silence.

"Divorce him."

"…What?"

I thought I had misheard Luther. When he saw the disbelief in my eyes, he stubbed out his cigarette and stared at me with the confidence of a man in control.

"You're going to leave him eventually. Why drag it out?"

Who was Luther to decide that? To him, I was nothing more than a fleeting distraction, a temporary escape.

I had built a life with Ryan. A future I believed in. Did Luther really think whatever that was happening between us now could replace that?

Luther understood my silence and sneered. "Don't read too much into it. I'm not marrying you. It's just… inconvenient."

Inconvenient?

What exactly was inconvenient?

What we had was nothing but a temporary fling. It was meant to end when the excitement faded. So why was Luther acting like he controlled my life?

"Mr. Stone, my time as your assistant won't last much longer anyway. You don't need to trouble yourself with those details," I said.

With his sharp mind, Luther clearly understood the unspoken meaning behind my words. No matter his position, he had no claim over my personal life.

A smile played at the corners of his lips as he said, "You're right. I do care about the details."

He lifted the glass of red wine to his mouth and took a sip. His neck tensed as he swallowed, his Adam's apple moving distinctly.

"I never said I wanted a divorce," I murmured.

His eyes locked onto mine, calm and commanding. With a slight curl of his finger, he silently summoned me closer.

Though reluctant, I wrapped the robe tighter around me and stepped forward.

Luther slid his hand into mine and drew me onto his lap. Without hesitation, he parted the collar of my robe.

Feeling vulnerable under his intense stare, I instinctively raised my hands to shield myself.

"Do you really believe your husband's devotion has no limits? That your marriage is truly built on faithfulness?" he asked.

His words left me silent. His fingertips lingered on my ear, drawing teasing strokes along my flushed earlobe. I had no strength to resist.

"Don't be so naive. At your age, naivety isn't innocence. It's just foolishness. If he truly loved you, would he send you into another man's bed?"

My lips moved, searching for a reply, but no words came.

Fueled by stubbornness, I said coldly, "You have no right to meddle in my personal life."

"Is that so?" Luther scoffed softly through his nose, the sound tightening around my chest like a vise. At that moment, I was nothing more than a gilded canary trapped in his grasp—his plaything, to be controlled at his whim.

He raised the glass of red wine to my lips, and I tilted my head back, swallowing without resistance.

As he pressed the glass into my hand, his words cut deeper.

"The life you have now exists because of me. When I give you the script, you follow it. But once I close the book, your role is complete."

Luther was right. With Ryan's promotion and my family's debts hanging over us, I had no choice.

He looked at me calmly and asked, "Are you truly certain he's someone you can count on for a lifetime?"

His words stunned me.

After all, Ryan's promotion was tied to Luther's support. And since Ryan depended on him, how could I ever fully trust that Ryan would have my back indefinitely?

With firm resolve, I met Luther's gaze and said, "Honestly, I can't rely on you forever either. But as long as I don't give up on Ryan, he won't give up on me."

Luther shook his head slowly as if ridiculing my faith in Ryan.

Gathering the last ounce of courage, I stood my ground. I was determined to prove Ryan's love and my commitment.

I looked Luther squarely in the eyes and said, "Mr. Stone, I know exactly where I stand with you. I came here by my own choice. Ryan didn't pressure me. I hope you won't misunderstand."

But by the time the words left my mouth, a flicker of doubt had already settled inside me.

All of a sudden, Luther let out a soft, amused chuckle. Quiet as it was, his laugh crashed over me like a thunderclap.

Luther was infuriating. He didn't have to say a word. His silence alone was enough to make me feel ashamed.

He lifted his hand and lightly traced my cheek. His gaze seemed distant as if he were a spectator watching a scene unfold.

"We never really learn from others," he said. "It's only when we crash headfirst into an obstacle that we truly learn."

I blinked, puzzled by his words, a ripple of unease washing over me.

Was something about to happen to Ryan?

"You promised to get Ryan promoted to regional manager," I said, my voice strained with unease.

Luther's hand slid to my neck, his fingers tightening under my chin.

"And I will," he said. "But understand this. When you're with me, there's no room for anyone else in your thoughts."

I felt the weight of his warning beneath his words.

"Noted," I answered.

He glanced at the clock. "Get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be a long day. There's a client meeting in the evening, and afterward, you'll be coming with me to a dinner party."

"Alright."

What I didn't realize then was that the dinner was only part of the night. By the end of it, I had become nothing more than another course laid out on the table.

…

Early the next morning, Adeline was already waiting downstairs.

As Luther and I appeared, she smiled, but the disdain in her eyes was unmistakable—like daggers piercing straight through me.

She quickly sized me up from head to toe. "If you're not feeling well, Ms. Miller, perhaps you should stay in your room. This is serious business. I'm more than capable of handling things with Mr. Stone," she said with an air of arrogance.

When it came to the work, I was indeed only marginally involved. In fact, I didn't have any active projects. My role was mostly to keep Luther company. Still, being called out so bluntly stung more than I expected.

"Thanks for your concern, Ms. Larkin, but I'm perfectly fine."

With that, I slid into the car ahead of Adeline, deliberately claiming the seat she clearly wanted.

She leaned down beside me, but with Luther there, she held her tongue. Instead, she shot me a resentful glare before settling behind him.

"Mr. Stone," she said, resting her hand on the back of the front seat. "Mr. Bennett Calder from Infinia Tech has arranged to meet at the Blue Ember Private Club tonight. He's bringing his wife as well.

"I only just received the update. I've taken the liberty of preparing a small gift on your behalf. It's in my car."

Luther didn't look up from his phone. "Send me the receipt. The finance department will reimburse you."

I was well aware of corporate hospitality customs. When a guest brought his wife, a luxury gift fitting her status was standard.

"There's no need to reimburse me. Mrs. Calder and I were classmates, though we hadn't seen each other recently. She's quite reserved and would only accept a gift if it came from me," Adeline explained.

The implication was unmistakable. Her attendance at the dinner was a given.

Luther gave a slight nod, silently approving.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed the satisfied glint in Adeline's expression. She was already convinced I wouldn't be joining them tonight.

Once the day's work was done, Luther had a sleek black gown and a pair of leather heels sent to me.

The smooth black leather and bold red soles carried a wild, provocative elegance with every step I took.

Standing in front of the mirror, I wiped off my bold lipstick and replaced it with a softer, more inviting shade.

Just as I finished changing, the door opened. Luther had a key to my room.

Before long, we arrived at the Blue Ember Private Club.

When Luther and I entered the private room, Adeline was already there, draped in sparkling jewels and exuding the confidence of a seasoned hostess.

She took Luther's coat and handed me the teapot. Her silent gesture made it clear I was to serve them.

She settled beside Luther, casually discussing Bennett's dinner plans for the evening. Meanwhile, I stood quietly to the side, feeling like nothing more than a glorified server.

Chapter 4

It was clear that Adeline wasn't finished with her little performance. After asking me to pour some tea, she "accidentally" spilled the scalding liquid onto me.

"Ah…" The burning liquid seared my skin. I tried to roll up my sleeve, but Adeline held my wrist firmly. The soaked fabric clung to my arm. I knew it would be enough to cause blisters.

Still, I couldn't afford to lose my temper here. It would only embarrass Luther.

Adeline hurriedly apologized while dabbing at the spill with a tissue. "Oh no, Ms. Miller, I'm so sorry. What a shame about your gown."

She clearly knew the tea had scalded me, yet she chose to sympathize with my clothes instead.

I brushed her hand away, but she pressed on. "Tonight's guests are highly distinguished. Showing up looking so disheveled could come off as disrespectful. Mr. Stone, perhaps Ms. Miller should excuse herself. What do you think?"

I met Luther's cold, indifferent gaze and slowly rolled my sleeve back down. "It's fine… No one will even see my gown under the table."

"Did you get burned?" Luther asked.

Adeline and I both stared at him in disbelief. Without missing a beat, she lifted my arm to examine it closely.

"Oh my, it's already red. I'm terribly sorry, Ms. Miller. Let me arrange for the driver to take you to the hospital. A woman's skin is so delicate. We wouldn't want any scarring."

Adeline was truly skilled at playing both sides to her advantage. But with Luther, I had the upper hand. He was utterly captivated by me, and I wasn't about to let this moment slip without a subtle jab.

"You were really careless, Ms. Larkin," I said pointedly. "Luckily, I was the one who got burned. If it had been one of tonight's guests, it could've been a disaster."

Adeline tensed, clearly caught off guard by my comment.

Luther's gaze met mine—dark and intense. There was a teasing glint in his eyes. He saw right through my act.

I quickly lowered my head and slipped my left hand under the table.

Just then, Bennett entered. Adeline rose instantly, her smile blossoming.

"Mr. Calder, you look incredibly dashing tonight. Who are you trying to charm?"

Bennett laughed, clearly amused. "Come on, Ms. Larkin. I'm an old man. How could I still be dashing?"

"You're hardly old, Mr. Calder," Adeline said teasingly. "They say men age like fine wine at 50. Honestly, you look more like a flower just starting to bloom. By the way, where's Mrs. Calder?"

"My mother fell seriously ill, so she went back home to take care of her."

Adeline's face softened with concern. "I'm sorry to hear that. I'll give her a call after dinner. As our parents grow older, health challenges are bound to happen. My own parents experienced the same.

"Being far from home, I often find myself worrying about them too. But try not to stress too much. Medical advancements have made great strides. She'll be okay."

Adeline's words eased the tension on Bennett's face, brightening his mood. I had to admit, her knack for handling public relations was something I could definitely learn from.

She lifted a luxurious shopping bag. "Mr. Stone knew Mrs. Calder was coming and asked me to prepare a special gift for her. Please be sure to take it home after dinner."

Bennett gestured to his secretary to accept the bag. "That's very thoughtful of you, Mr. Stone."

Luther smiled warmly. "You're welcome, Mr. Calder. It's just a small token."

Bennett's hearty laugh echoed from within the private lounge.

Adeline adopted a formal tone as she made the introductions. "Mr. Calder, this is Mr. Luther Stone from Northstrike Air. And Mr. Stone, this is the senior I've often mentioned—the one I met at the Cyrenia Airshow."

The two men shook hands, exchanging polite pleasantries.

Even after they took their seats, Adeline didn't introduce me. In moments like this, I understood there was no need for someone like me to take up their time. I just needed to remain quietly by their side.

As I poured tea for Bennett, he looked up and asked, "And who might this beautiful lady be?"

Adeline smiled. "She's Mr. Stone's assistant."

Bennett's eyes gleamed as he looked at me. "Mr. Stone, you definitely have great taste."

That's when I realized the earlier spill had dampened my collar. The thin fabric had become slightly sheer, revealing my black bra beneath.

Luther frowned, clearly displeased. I quickly finished pouring the tea and returned to my seat.

Adeline smiled sweetly, her concern perfectly rehearsed. "Ms. Miller, I have a jacket in my car. I'll ask the driver to bring it to you."

My outfit was already borderline inappropriate, so no matter her intentions, I had little choice but to accept. "Thank you."

To my surprise, the jacket Adeline gave me was one she planned to return. It was clearly much too small for her.

When I slipped it on, it pulled tightly around my waist, clinging to every curve snugly. I had to hold my breath just to keep the buttons from popping.

Wearing it felt like a kind of punishment, and I knew I wouldn't be able to eat much at dinner.

Back in the private lounge, I sank into a chair, my hand instinctively clutching my chest. "Thank you, Ms. Larkin."

Adeline smiled knowingly. "Being young sure has its perks. You wear it far better than I ever could."

Bennett's eyes roamed over me, sending a cold shiver down my spine. I sank deeper into the chair, trying to avoid his gaze. But all I did was give him an even clearer view.

He smirked, and my discomfort only grew. I shifted uneasily, tugging at the left side of my collar.

Luther broke the silence. "Mr. Calder."

"Yes?" Bennett turned toward him, his attention snapping back to the conversation.

The three of them settled in, talking, drinking, and eating with ease. I was the only one who hadn't touched my food.

About halfway through, Luther excused himself to the restroom, and Bennett followed soon after.

When they returned, Luther's expression had darkened. His eyes were filled with anger as they met mine.

I had no idea what had happened. I just sat there quietly, unsure of what to say.

Once I stepped out of the private lounge, there was no one in the hallway except for Adeline. She seemed to be waiting for me.

She met my eyes and said, "Mr. Stone would like you to escort Mr. Calder home."

"Me? He's a grown man. Why would he need me to escort him?" I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

Adeline smiled faintly. "Mr. Calder is quite fond of you. You should be aware of that."

She reached out and straightened my collar, her voice thick with contempt. "This is your only real asset, isn't it? Now's your chance. Mr. Calder's been watching you since the moment he arrived. Don't waste it."

Without warning, she slipped a hotel key card into my hand. "Make sure Mr. Calder has a good time. Whether the deal happens or not, it's on you now."

I jerked my hand back like it had been scorched and tried to return the card. "No. I'm not doing this."

But before I could say another word, Adeline grabbed my wrist tightly and shoved the card back into my hand.

"This is Mr. Stone's decision. Don't you get it?" she snapped.

I frowned, unwilling to believe her.

As I reached for my phone, Adeline sneered. "Ms. Miller, don't act so naive. Do you really think Mr. Stone brought you here just to be a pretty face?

"You have no skills or business acumen. The only reason he brought a woman like you is to give the client a pleasant surprise."

What a lovely way to put it. I was just a surprise for his client.

But I wasn't about to accept Adeline's claim without proof. I insisted on calling Luther myself.

She lifted her hand nonchalantly. "If you don't believe me, go ahead and try."

My heart raced as I dialed Luther's number. Each second thickened the knot of dread in my stomach.

The call went straight to voicemail.

Adeline's smirk widened. "So, do you believe me now?"

A lump caught in my throat. The pride I had clung to shattered completely in that moment.

"Mr. Stone was just toying with you. Did you really think it meant anything?" Adeline's words stung sharply, but maybe she was right. I had lost sight of my place.

The truth hit me like a slap, and my anger surged. I met her eyes and said, "Ms. Larkin, go ahead and tell Mr. Stone this affair wasn't one-sided.

"I enjoyed it just as much as he did. And as for Mr. Calder, that 'precious opportunity' is all yours. After all, you seem far more experienced than I am."

Adeline's jaw dropped in stunned silence. Just as I stepped into the elevator, I heard her shout after me, "Sapphire, have you lost your mind?"

Without looking back, I gave her the middle finger.

By the hotel entrance, Luther's car waited patiently. I braced myself for the inevitable—his furious tirade, the crushing weight of my parents' debt, and the bleak future looming over Ryan.

When I reached the car, Luther rolled down the window. Summoning the last fragments of my pride, I asked, "Mr. Stone, did you really want me to escort Mr. Calder?"

He didn't even glance at me, his cold eyes fixed on the street. "Is that a problem?"

At that moment, it all came together. Adeline hadn't lied at all. I was the one who had been fooling myself about how much I mattered.

"No," I said, steadying myself. "I'm done being your assistant."

Chapter 5

"Are you sure about that?" Luther asked, his cold gaze sweeping over me.

Before I could respond, Adeline stepped past me and walked up to Luther's car.

She glanced down at my feet and whispered, "If you've got a problem, take it up in private. It's a bit inappropriate to cause a scene in front of everyone. Are you trying to embarrass Mr. Stone?"

"I didn't mean it like that," I said, my voice faltering. "I just don't want to escort…"

I stopped myself and bit my lip. Was I already a fading memory to Luther? Had the spark burned out so soon?

Men were so effortlessly cruel.

Seizing her moment, Adeline didn't hesitate to twist the knife. Every word from her lips was calculated, meant to drive a wedge between Luther and me.

"You might not mean it like that, but that's exactly what you're doing. Quit being childish and stop putting pressure on Mr. Stone."

"I…" It was obvious I was just a pawn in their game, yet Adeline somehow made me out to be the petty one—too blind to see the bigger picture.

As I stood there, I noticed the sly smile curling at the edge of her lips.

Adeline had never liked me, and now she seemed more determined than ever to push me out of Luther's life.

We were both women. Why did she have to make things so hard?

Only then did I realize how foolish I'd been. I had spent so much time trying to prove I wasn't like Adeline. She had willingly given herself to Luther, but I was the one he preferred. I was the one he insisted on keeping by his side.

But we were never meant to be the same. All I wanted now was to walk away.

"Fine then," I said casually.

But just as I turned to leave, Luther's voice stopped me cold, shattering my fragile pride.

"So, are you really going to abandon your family now?" he asked.

For a moment, I stood rooted to the spot as if my feet were suddenly weighed down by a thousand pounds.

He was right. I couldn't ignore Ryan's promotion or the mounting debt crushing my family.

Even Adeline noticed the hesitation in my eyes. With a sneer, she shoved the contract into my hands.

"Get going," she said sharply. "Mr. Calder's waiting."

I caught my reflection in the window. I was clad in lavish clothes, every detail carefully picked out by Luther, right down to the lingerie beneath.

At that moment, I finally understood how Ryan must have felt when he handed me over to Luther. I was no more than a slab of meat on a butcher's block, waiting to be carved up.

If it only involved Ryan's career, I might have walked away without hesitation. But the burden of my family's troubles still weighed heavily on me, and pride alone wasn't enough to bear it.

As I stepped toward the Bentley, I felt my dignity quietly slip away.

Bennett's driver opened the door without hesitation. As I eased into the seat, I glanced back at Luther, hoping for even a trace of pity. But all I saw was the window slowly sliding closed.

Meanwhile, Adeline shot me a smug smile before slipping into the car.

I knew I had no choice but to comply. I forced myself to maintain a calm exterior, burying the ache of Luther's indifference and Adeline's disdain beneath a carefully constructed mask.

As I settled into the seat, Bennett's hand slid onto my thigh. I flinched away, turning to stare out the window instead.

He leaned in, resting his hands on my shoulders. His voice was soft and coaxing. "Ms. Miller, have you ever been to Stonelark?"

I shook my head and said, "No, I haven't."

"Great," Bennett replied. "I've got some free time over the next few days. Let me show you around."

He leaned in closer, breathing in the scent of my hair.

"You smell amazing," he whispered, his voice low and rough.

A wave of disgust washed over me. I clamped my hand over my mouth, swallowing down the urge to vomit.

His smirk stretched wider as he savored my discomfort. Leaning in, he whispered sweet nothings that sent a flush of heat rushing to my cheeks.

I wanted to slap him right there and then. But I knew I couldn't.

A cold dread settled over me, making every inch of my body tense. I gripped my fingers tightly in my lap as a sharp sting pricked my nose, tears threatening to break free.

I sniffed, pushing the pain down.

Soon, the car pulled up outside the hotel. I trailed behind Bennett, and each step was weighed down by reluctance.

Though I walked through the lobby on my own feet, none of those steps were ones I wanted to take.

Unbeknownst to me, a sleek black sedan had been quietly trailing our car and now pulled up behind us at the hotel entrance.

Just as we reached the elevator, a soft, gentle voice called out from behind. "Bennett?"

He froze immediately, and I stopped beside him. Though I hadn't seen the woman yet, her voice held the warmth and grace of a poised, elegant woman.

I glanced at Bennett and saw the sudden tightness in his expression. He leaned close and whispered, "Tell her you're here to pick up a contract for Mr. Stone."

I understood without hesitation. The woman was his wife.

"Got it," I replied.

With that, Bennett withdrew his hand from my waist and turned to face her, his whole demeanor changing in an instant. A tender smile spread across his face as he moved forward.

"What a surprise," he said warmly.

As I had expected, Bennett's wife was the picture of elegance and composure. Though time had added its traces, she still possessed an undeniable, captivating presence.

Mrs. Calder smiled warmly as she adjusted Bennett's suit collar. "I came over with Mrs. Fairchild and the others for a little stroll… I didn't expect to run into you two."

That offhand "you two" instantly struck a chord, pulling me deeper into their circle.

Bennett quickly shifted to a professional tone and introduced me. "Diana, this is Sapphire Miller, Mr. Luther Stone's assistant from Northstrike Air."

I extended my hand and said, "Hello, Mrs. Calder. Mr. Stone had an urgent matter and asked me to deliver this contract to Mr. Calder. Please take a look."

With that, I casually pulled the contract from my bag.

Bennett paused, clearly surprised by my sudden move. Though hesitant, he accepted the pen. After quickly signing the contract, he passed it back to me.

"Sapphire." He continued with a knowing smile, "Mr. Stone truly has an eye for talent. He's fortunate to have hired someone as capable as you."

I tucked the contract away and responded, "You're too kind, Mr. Calder. With such an elegant and poised lady by your side, it's no surprise your business is thriving."

At first, Diana barely glanced my way. I could feel the weight of her dismissive stare. But after I spoke, something in her shifted. Her eyes softened as if she was seeing me in a new light.

She nodded with approval. "You're not just beautiful. You've got a silver tongue as well. Keep it up, and you're destined for great things."

I returned her nod. "Thank you for your kind words, Mrs. Calder. I truly appreciate them."

I knew that if I didn't speak up now, the opportunity would be gone for good.

Addressing them both, I said, "Mr. and Mrs. Calder, now that the contract is signed, I won't keep you any longer. I'll take my leave."

Bennett's eyes flickered with surprise. He hadn't expected me to take the contract and leave so swiftly, but with Diana nearby, he had no choice but to let me go.

He shot me a sharp glance. "Sapphire, when you see Mr. Stone, please give him my regards."

"Certainly, Mr. Calder. I'll make sure to pass it on. Goodbye, Mrs. Calder."

Diana smiled. "Goodbye."

I spun on my heel and walked away, wishing I had wings to carry me faster.

As soon as I stepped out of the lobby, I hurried down the stairs and hailed a taxi. Only after sinking into the backseat did the knot in my chest begin to loosen.

I pulled the contract from my bag and checked Bennett's signature, a quiet laugh bubbling up inside me.

The thought of Bennett getting caught red-handed by Diana was almost too good to be true.

Still, I had to admit. Without her, slipping away so seamlessly would have been impossible.

When I finally stepped into the hotel room and opened the door, Luther was sprawled on the couch, a cigarette resting between his fingers. His eyes locked onto mine—calm and indifferent.

"You're done?" he asked.

I closed the door behind me, anger bubbling up inside me.

"Judging by your tone, Mr. Stone, I'd say you're pretty disappointed."

I set the contract down on the table and said, "I've done what you asked, Mr. Stone. Now, please go back to your room. I'm going to take a shower."

Luther stood slowly, closing the distance between us step by step. He tilted my chin up, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "You're sharper than I expected. I definitely underestimated you."

I shoved his hand away and rushed toward the bathroom.

Just as I reached to close the door, he slipped inside, and the ground seemed to vanish beneath me.

My eyes burned with frustration as I snapped, "I just gave myself to another man. Aren't you disgusted?"

Without hesitation, Luther began undoing the buttons of his shirt. Silencing any protest, he cupped my face and pressed a kiss to my lips.

"I know you didn't go upstairs with them," he murmured, his voice low and rough. "My car was parked outside."

His words kindled a storm of anger and shame within me. I struck his chest, but his kiss only grew more intense.