The simplest tomato pasta, both appetizing and easy on the stomach, paired with a cup of hangover tea. A long time ago, Serena also used this combination to take care of a drunken James. But things were different back then. She wasn’t polite at all; she’d slam the pasta on the table in a huff, hands on her hips, scolding him for not taking care of himself.

James would eat the pasta while enduring her scolding, occasionally teasing her back, never getting angry.

But now... James lifted two strands of pasta, and with disdain, he said, “Is this how Stellar Delight’s chief secretary treats her boss?”

“Mr. Forrest, it’s after hours,” Serena replied, crossing her arms over her chest. “I didn’t apply for overtime.”

The subtext was clear: you’re lucky to have something to eat at all—take it or leave it.

James’s lips curled up ever so slightly, and he wisely continued eating.

Only then did Serena take the time to observe him. His black shirt was buttoned carelessly, with the collar open. Despite using hair gel, his hair rebelliously fell over his forehead, making his deep-set eyes and prominent nose even more striking. He exuded the air of a mature man—someone who wore leather jackets and rode motorcycles.

Thanks to good genes, James had a handsome exterior.

His father, Derek, was once famously handsome in Capital City, known for his charm. His mother, Nancy, was the leading star of a state theater before she got married; her performance in Oedipus still holds legendary status.

A child born of such parents was naturally a favored son of the heavens. His father valued him, his brother adored him, and his mother was the powerful Mrs. Forrest. Before she came into his life, his world was bright and full of glory.

Even William said he envied James for living so freely.

“Did Shirley reach out to you again?”

This time, Serena was smart enough to keep her mouth shut. After finishing his meal and wiping his mouth with a napkin, James asked again.

“My private life isn’t something I need to report to you, Mr. Forrest.” Serena said.

James stood up and strolled over to her. “Mr. Forrest was just curious—’perfect body’? Secretary Winter has a rather picky taste in men.”

So he had overheard after all. Serena silently cursed Shirley for her loose tongue but remained composed on the surface. “That’s how married women are—practical. Mr. Forrest can ask Miss Cole after your engagement.”

As soon as she said it, Serena regretted it; it sounded like she was jealous.

James raised an eyebrow. “Looks like it’s my fault for not satisfying Secretary Winter.”

As he spoke, he tucked a strand of Serena’s hair behind her ear and, in the process, gently pinched her earlobe.

Serena knew this was a sensitive spot, and it was clear that James was in the mood.

She tried to move away immediately, but her attempt only pushed her closer into James’s arms. The smell of alcohol mixed with a sweet fragrance filled her nostrils, and his hands roamed up her spine, sending shivers through her body. Serena pressed against him, her voice urgent. “James, we’re done!”

“You don’t get to decide that,” he replied, his hands still exploring. Serena, suppressing her emotions, said, “Go to Vera!”

“I can’t,” James said darkly, his hand gripping the back of her neck.

“Why not?” she asked.

“Too drunk. I don’t know my own strength, so I have to come to you,” he said.

A heavy weight settled in Serena’s chest. So, he hadn’t come looking for her out of jealousy over her going out or concern for her safety in the dark alley.

He came because he had drunk too much while protecting someone else and didn’t want to risk hurting Vera, so he turned to her, his free bed partner.

She didn’t know James could be so thoughtful and considerate. Or maybe he always was—just never for her.

James’s kiss descended on her, fierce and consuming like a wildfire.

Serena’s heart sank to the bottom. Without hesitation, she bit down hard.

“Ah!”

James opened his eyes in surprise. His lip was bleeding, and he touched it with his hand, feeling the blood. He rubbed the blood between his fingers and slowly smiled.

“Darling sister-in-law, you’ve got quite the bite. Last time you bit yourself; now you bite me. Fair enough.”

“Get out!” Serena pointed to the door. “Get out!!!”

James’s response was to pull her back in for another kiss. He didn’t slow down despite the injury; instead, he became more aggressive. The taste of blood filled their mouths, and Serena was forced to swallow his blood. It was scalding hot, burning through her insides. She no longer had the courage to bite him again.

When the kiss finally ended, both their lips were crimson.

Serena’s legs gave out, and she sank to the floor. James didn’t stop her, letting her collapse where she stood.

His cold gaze bore down on her. “Since it’s after work hours, I won’t make a fuss. But Secretary Winter, before you tell me to get out next time, remember that I’m your boss now. You need me to keep your job.”

Serena said nothing, only focusing on catching her breath.

It wasn’t until the door was opened and slammed shut that she snapped back to reality.

She stared blankly at the door, then at the empty bowl on the table, before finally touching her lips, rubbing off a trace of crimson.

What a madman.

Ever since William died, no one could stop James anymore. She should have known that.

Serena slowly got up and put the dishes away in the kitchen. Her phone suddenly chimed, and she mechanically picked it up. James’s solid black profile picture was glaringly obvious on the notification.

She opened the message, and there was a transfer money inside.

The amount was two hundred, with a note: “Overtime pay.”

James had a special talent for humiliation.

Serena tossed the phone back on the sofa and continued tidying up in the kitchen. Three minutes later, she came back, picked up the phone, and decisively accepted the money.

Two hundred is still money, so why not take it?

—[Thanks, Mr. Forrest!]

After sending the message, Serena collapsed onto the sofa. A luxurious fake crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling of the old apartment. Most of the bulbs had burned out, leaving only two struggling to stay lit, casting a dim glow.

After counting the chandelier’s crystals for a while, Serena decided it was time to move out.

Tonight was a close call, but if things continued like this, something was bound to go wrong. Even the hallway lights were out, as if the universe was warning her.

James was right about one thing: there’s no point in being picky about money. She had used William’s money, so why not use James’s?

She was in desperate need of money. This old, shabby apartment cost 2,800 dollars a month. If she could save that, she could accumulate a few thousand a year. Pride wouldn’t wake her mother from a coma, resurrect her father, or turn back time to change anything.

So, she might as well let it go.

When Henry arrived, James was still on the second floor, leaning against the peeling white wall, rubbing his temple. There was blood on his hand and at the corner of his mouth. Henry knew his boss had come to see Serena, so he didn’t dare ask any questions.

“It should be around here somewhere.”

James pointed casually, and Henry bent down to start searching. Before long, he found the Bugatti key on a rusty railing.

James had been into cars since his school days, owning many that he rotated between. He usually drove a Maybach to work but preferred the Bugatti in his private time. Tonight, he had left Silk Garden in the Bugatti, leaving Miss Cole pouting and whining, unable to stop him.

Henry couldn’t guess what had happened to make James toss his car key into such an odd place, but it certainly wasn’t anything good.

“Mr. Forrest, should we head back now or...?”

James glanced upstairs before replying, “Let’s go back.”

Henry responded and followed him. The neighborhood was too small for the driver to bring the car in. James remained silent as they walked through the dark night, only speaking when they reached the gate.

“Henry, look into why that alley up ahead doesn’t have any lights, and also check on the sensor lights in that building.”

Which building? Henry only hesitated for a moment before understanding, “Got it.”

Just before getting into the car, James paused and looked back at the dimly lit neighborhood. He suddenly remembered that when he first met Serena, her home was in a similar old building.