"So what?" Horrace whispered nonchalantly. "In Novarington, I make the rules. Who would dare say anything against me?"

"That might not matter to you, just another scandal," Chloe said, her eyes unexpectedly glistening with unshed tears. "But it matters a lot to me. If people find out that I broke up with James and then got involved with his uncle, they'll think I'm shameless."

Horrace paused, his gaze piercing. "So, what are you saying? You want to cut ties with me?"

Chloe opened her mouth, but before any words came out, Horrace flipped her swiftly on the back seat, like she weighed nothing to him. Then, his lips descended on hers in a fierce, claiming kiss.

It carried a punishing intensity, nothing like before.

She feebly tried to resist, but he had already torn her clothes open, his hand cupping her breast while he teased the nipple with his thumb.

After last night, he already knew her weak spots, and he exploited them expertly, making her body respond despite her mind's protests. His lips trailed down, his warm breath brushing her neck.

Chloe couldn't hold back anymore. "Don't..." Chloe's voice quivered, but her body betrayed her, arching toward him.

That soft, helpless moan did nothing but encourage Horrace. His kisses trailed on her skin, and his hand slipped between her thighs.

A wave of intense pleasure surged through her in response to his touch. Chloe arched her back involuntarily and cried out in agonizing pleasure.

"Little liar,” Horrace whispered against her skin. “Didn't you say you didn't want me?"

Lost in the whirlwind of desire, Chloe couldn't form a coherent thought. In that moment, reason abandoned her, she only wanted to surrender to him completely.

Horrace's lips ventured lower, leaving a path of warmth and possession.

He gazed at her with admiration, his eyes dark with longing. "You're so beautiful, baby," Horrace murmured, slipping her dress from her shoulders. His fiery gaze roamed over her naked body, and he couldn't help but exclaim, absolutely involuntarily, "Stunning."

Chloe blushed, trying to cover herself, but Horrace gently pulled her hands away. "Beautiful things shouldn't be hidden. They should be openly admired."

Her embarrassment only deepened, and Horrace chuckled as he drew her in to kiss her again. His hands moved to unbuckle his belt.

As they were lost in the heat of the moment, teetering on the edge of no return, Horrace was ready to lose himself in her. But a voice from outside shattered the intimate moment.

"Uncle?"

‘James.’ Chloe instantly panicked. She tried to push Horrace away and sit up to fix her clothes.

The thing she feared most, people finding out she'd gone from James to his uncle, was happening. Worse even, it was James himself who’d found it out.

But Horrace was eerily calm, deliberately opposing her. He pinned her back down under him, his lips curled into a wicked smile. He whispered, "Since he's here anyway, why not let him watch? What do you say?"