The entire James Family supported Olivia getting pregnant with Brian’s child first.

Although the James Family was not lacking, they were still inferior compared to the Quinn Family. To gain more benefits from the marriage alliance, the James Family couldn’t afford to be too weak.

With a less prestigious background, they had to secure Brian’s bloodline first.

Thomas had the kitchen bring out some nourishing soup. “You’ve been out for two days, must be tired? Have some soup to replenish yourself.”

Olivia sat on the sofa, feeling both embarrassed and annoyed. “Brian is so inconsiderate, that he never sends me home.”

Every morning when she woke up, Brian was always impeccably dressed.

They would exchange a few words before he would head to the office, leaving her alone in the hotel.

If it weren’t for their impending engagement, Olivia would suspect he treated her like a call girl.

“Men are busy,” her mother said, handing her the spoon. “You’ve been out overnight this whole week... four days, right?”

She looked proudly at her husband. “My daughter is truly charming!”

Olivia touched her lower abdomen. “I hope the plan goes smoothly.”

...

When Ashley opened her eyes again, she felt disoriented.

She looked around and confirmed she was in a hotel. But why was she here?

The hangover was excruciating, and she struggled to prop herself up.

The cool air hit her, raising goosebumps on her skin.

She looked down and saw she was wearing a black fishnet outfit.

The memories from last night surged back, and she let out a whimper, quickly diving back under the covers.

Brian came out from the bathroom, and saw Ashley curled up under the blanket. He walked over and yanked the covers off her.

“Ah—”

Ashley hugged herself in fright, forgetting the outfit had no fabric. Her movement only made her exposed skin press against the mesh.

Brian’s gaze darkened as he untied his robe. “Awake?”

Ashley didn’t dare lift her head. “Mr, I was wrong. I won’t do it again...”

Last night, in her drunken state, she had hit and cursed Brian. The more exhilarating it was then, the more regret she felt now.

“Won’t do what?” Brian grabbed her ankle and dragged her to him.

Ashley kept her eyes tightly shut. “Everything, everything. I won’t dare anymore.”

Brian pinched her chin. “Not coming home all night, staying overnight at a bar with lingerie, you seem pretty daring.”

He hooked a finger under her collar string and tugged. “You cursed me all night. Now, it’s my turn.”

Brian’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he leaned in. “Open your mouth.”

Ashley curled her toes and opened her lips slightly.

Brian hooked his fingers under the netting at her thighs and tugged hard. The snapping sound of the strings breaking echoed in the quiet room, leaving her fully exposed.

Brian grabbed her hair, forcing her to look up. “Don’t want me to get engaged?”

Ashley opened her eyes. She remembered the madness she had displayed last night. Initially, she had cursed recklessly, but it turned into desperate pleading.

She didn’t remember exactly what she said, but she recalled Brian’s complex expression and the words she uttered before passing out.

“Don’t marry Olivia, please?”

Brian patted her face. “Speak.”

Ashley’s ears burned. She wrapped her arms around Brian’s neck and flipped him onto his back.

“Ah—”

She straddled him, causing Brian uneasy. So he tapped her thigh. “Good girl, get down slowly...you still need to use this.”

Ashley was also uncomfortable, trembling as she slowly moved.

Brian placed his hands behind his head, watching her with interest and giving pointers to her awkward movements.

“Mm, go harder.”

“Not bad, yes...”

“Ah... straighten up.”

“Good, yes...”

Ashley gritted her teeth in frustration.

She had initiated to avoid answering Brian’s question, but now felt she had made a huge loss.

When Ashley was exhausted and couldn’t move anymore, Brian flipped her onto the bed. He hooked his finger around the strap on her chest and tore it off.

In the silent room, even the slightest sound was amplified, and the ripping of fabric was loud.

It was a silent war; they didn’t speak but fought fiercely as if exchanging a thousand words.

Ashley was pressed into the pillow, tears flowing in waves, absorbed instantly, giving no one a chance to notice.

When Ashley was utterly drained and immobile, Brian lifted the last piece of fabric off her.

His voice was hoarse, almost amused. “Next time, just try pink.”

Ashley closed her eyes, falling into a deep sleep.

...

In the afternoon, when Ashley woke up, it was almost nine o’clock.

The room still carried the scent of their intimacy. Seeing the used condoms on the floor, Ashley felt her eyelids burn with embarrassment.

Brian had already left. Ashley got up and tidied herself. She saw a note on the bedside table.

Underneath it was a cheque, and she opened the note.

“Olivia’s ‘fitting’ fee.”

Ashley didn’t expect Olivia to actually give her money. She looked at the cheque; it was for a hundred thousand.

She changed into the clothes Brian had prepared and left the hotel before lunch.

On her way to school, she turned on her phone. As soon as it was on, it buzzed nonstop with dozens of messages and notifications, taking a while to load.

Ashley started reading through the messages.

Anna had sent many, asking where she was, urging her to come back to school, and sending a notice about meeting the boss of Vee.

Ashley replied with “Let’s talk at school” and exited the chat.

Next, she read Melissa’s messages.

Melissa had sent many messages, apologizing and explaining that Jack was in trouble and that they, as his wife and daughter, had to help.

She mentioned that she had asked Mrs Quinn to send bodyguards to pick her up, but she was refused.

Ashley read the messages without responding and locked her phone.

...

At school, Ashley went to find Anna.

“Where have you been, my dear? You scared me to death!” Anna looked her over.

“Sorry, something came up. I got a bit emotional...”

“Alright, alright, I could tell from your expression it wasn’t good news. Is everything resolved now?”

Ashley nodded.

Anna sighed in relief. “Shall we go to Vee Bar tomorrow? The boss is supposed to be there.”

“Okay.”

Returning home that night, Ashley went straight to her room.

Melissa knocked for a long time, but Ashley ignored her.

She slept well.

The next morning, she washed up and ignored Melissa.

She grabbed a milk carton from the kitchen and headed to school.

All morning, Ashley was distracted.

Anna noticed and asked, “What’s up? Something on your mind?”

“No,” Ashley put her phone aside. “Just thinking about Vee.”

“Come on, just deal with it as it comes.” Anna seemed more relaxed.

After their elective class, they left together.

At Vee Bar, as soon as Ashley entered, she felt the atmosphere was off.

“Huh, you are here.”