Brian reclined the seat and pressed his body against hers. “Good girl, just relax.”

He lowered his head and kissed her moist eyes.

His gentle tone and actions made it seem as if she were his beloved, held tenderly in his heart.

Ashley, feeling aggrieved, clung to his shoulder, and her tears flew uncontrollably.

Brian easily pulled down her pants, his fingers gently stroking the scar on her upper abdomen.

Ashley trembled, unable to suppress a soft moan.

He touched her face with satisfaction, “Took your medicine?”

Ashley nodded.

Brian smiled, “Good girl, save a condom.”

With that, he lifted one of her legs.

Ashley obediently relaxed her body, cooperating as he removed her pants.

Her skin, exposed to the cool air, shivered in response. Her overused body could no longer endure his intensity.

Just as Ashley was bracing herself with a pale face, Brian produced a bottle of lubricant from nowhere.

Seeing her surprise, Brian leaned in, kissing her eyes with a smile, “See, I’m good to you.”

The cold, sticky substance was applied, making Ashley’s fingers curl and the corners of her eyes turn pink with grievance.

Brian kissed her, undoing his belt with one hand.

Just as he was about to proceed, both of their phones vibrated simultaneously.

They exchanged glances and picked up their phones.

Ashley saw it was a call from John and quickly hung up, switching her phone to airplane mode.

Then she looked at Brian. Unlike her, Brian answered his call.

Ashley felt a sense of relief, thinking this might be the end for now.

But to her surprise, Brian didn’t stop. He held the phone with one hand and lifted her leg with the other, leaning in—

Ashley’s eyes widened, “No—”

Brian raised an eyebrow, chuckling softly, “Hello.”

Ashley immediately raised her hand and bit her finger.

“Brian, it’s me.” Olivia’s timid voice came through the phone.

“I know.” Ashley didn’t dare breathe, biting her finger harder to avoid making any inappropriate sounds.

Brian started to move slowly, his breathing still steady, “You got home?”

“Yes,” Olivia sighed, “My brother scolded you, saying that you took me out but didn’t bring me back home.”

Brian chuckled lowly, and his movements became more vigorous, “Sorry, something urgent came up.”

Ashley’s vision went black from the overwhelming pleasure. And her body tensed up.

Her intense reaction greatly pleased Brian. His abdomen tightened, and he stopped moving, switching to caressing her lips with his fingers.

His voice was hoarse, “Apologize to your brother for me, tell him I’ll come by tonight to make amends. And tell him to have the contract ready for signing.”

“Got it, your business won’t be forgotten,” Olivia replied casually, “I was just thinking, that neighbor Robert, is he planning to propose to Ashley?”

Brian paused, “Hmm?”

Hearing her name, Ashley instinctively perked up.

“You left me on the roadside earlier, did you go back to find Ashley? Are you afraid she might be deceived? Or...” Olivia trailed off.

Brian grabbed Ashley with one hand, turning her over.

Ashley let out a surprised “ah,” now lying on top of Brian.

The sudden change in position made her miss Olivia’s last words. Her low cry wasn’t quiet, and Olivia naturally heard it on the other end.

Olivia paused, puzzled, “Brian, is someone with you?”

“Hmm.” Brian’s voice grew even lower.

Olivia, “Sounds like a woman?”

“Hmm.” Brian didn’t deny it.

Olivia fell silent.

Brian pinched Ashley’s lower abdomen, the soft yet tight feeling pleasing him immensely, “I have something to do, bye.”

Ashley finally withdrew her fingers, one hand bracing against the car roof, the other holding onto the handle, speaking cautiously, “Miss James suspects something.”

Brian propped one hand behind his head, looking at her, “Good girl...”

Ashley bit her lip, grabbing the front handle to adjust her position.

Amid the physical collision, Ashley felt like she was forgetting something, not noticing the figure in the bushes at the northwest corner of the parking lot.

After a heated sex, Ashley lay on the seat, regaining her strength, while Brian changed into spare clothes.

Due to the position, his clothes were also messy this time.

...

Brian dropped Ashley off at the bus stop nearest to the Quinn Family.

He drove off first, and she took the bus home afterward.

Melissa saw her looking exhausted, with her clothes sweaty and wrinkled, assuming she was tired from dance practice.

He brought her some snacks and milk from the kitchen, telling Ashley to rest in her room.

Ashley took a bath and lay down.

Half asleep, her phone rang. “Hello.”

“Ashley , I need to go on a business trip and has no money. Can you give me some?”

Ashley instantly opened her eyes, “How much?”

“Come on, just a few tens of thousands for now, so that I can get through this week.” Jack Evans paused, then tentatively asked, “Ashley , how much money do you have?”

Ashley closed her eyes in the darkness, recalling Brian’s words in the car.

Her dad’s in debt again, and he’s coming to her again.

“All these years, our family couldn’t afford a house, making you and your mom live with the Quinn Family. I feel guilty.”

Jack sighed, “I saw a house recently. If we can buy it, our family won’t have to live apart! Ashley , daddy also wants to reunite with you and your mom. It’s just two million, do you have it? Or could you borrow it from Brian? Our family—”

Ashley calmly interrupted him, “First, I don’t have money. Second, buying a house is your business, not mine. Third, I don’t even have ten thousand, let alone two million!”

Jack became furious, “Ashley, I’m your father! Don’t talk that kind of bullshit, and just give me the money!”

“No!” Ashley hung up without hesitation.

...

When she woke up again, it was daylight outside. Stretching in bed, Ashley glanced at her phone, seeing it was just past six.

The master bedroom upstairs was still quiet, but there were footsteps in the first-floor hallway.

Feeling uncomfortable, Ashley took some ointment from the medicine box, applying it despite the discomfort.

Brian was rough with her, and she often got hurt. Over time, she learned to handle minor issues herself.

Ashley changed her clothes and came out, seeing Melissa busy in the kitchen. “Mom, why are you in the kitchen?” Ashley frowned, approaching.

The piano teacher cherished her hands and, in Ashley’s memory, her mother disliked the kitchen.

Melissa smiled sweetly, her gestures full of undeniable charm, “Mr. Quinn came back and wanted some soup I made.”

Ashley’s heart skipped a beat. Mr. Quinn...no wonder.

Not Brian, but the senior.

Upon closer inspection, she noticed that the usually round-collared cheongsam wearer had chosen a high-neck one today.

Melissa’s exquisite shoulder and neck lines were accentuated, appearing especially alluring in the morning light. Like a well-watered flower.

Seeing Ashley staring, Melissa thought something was wrong, quickly checking herself and adjusting her updo, “What’s wrong? Is something off?”

Ashley’s gaze followed her hand, passing over her ear. As Melissa lowered her head, a red mark appeared on her fair neck.