Adrianna hesitates, but Lance's eyes seem to bore into her soul, her face reddens with boiling blood as she imagines the thrilling images that might happen. She takes the dress from him.

She eyes him for a second…. “Can you please turn the other way?? She requests. She doesn't trust herself enough or Lance. And the last thing she didn't want was to be intimate with him.

“Turn?? Like seriously?? A deep and sonorous laugh spread through the room and his voice rumbles in his chest. “ What is the need to hide what I've seen, touched, and felt before??

Adrianna dressed down to her underwear, what was the essence of persisting when the man standing before her wouldn't budge?

He helps her into it, his finger brushing against her skin as he zips it up. As his fingers work magic on her, Adrianna can't resist the knot forming on her stomach.

“ You look beautiful,” he said, his voice low and husky. “But then you always do.” He drags his fingertips across her arm and she gasps feeling completely caged. As he touches her, desire mixed with rage and guilt surges through her veins. She tries to push him away but Lance's hand lingers on her body, his fingers tracing her waist.

“ Let me go!” she warns and glares at him but it seems to arouse Lance more. He leans in, his breath whispering against her ear. “ You betrayed me, Adrianna,” he whispers. “But now you and your family are going to pay— I will start with your father but don't get too jealous, my pet, I will reserve the last death for you.” he kisses her cheek, his mouth smoothly rubs down her neck before stopping at her collarbone.

Lance's last words sent ripples of fear through her. She tries to push him away but he holds her firm. He turns her to face the mirror. Their reflection stares back at them.

She watches as his firm hands hold her shoulder, his dark eyes boring into her soft ones. “The gown hugs your curves well if I were your date, I wouldn't hesitate to take on the table till you cum,”. He tells her in a hoarse voice.

As they stood there, locked in a silent struggle, a knock broke the silence. “ Mr Vallerand” A male voice calls.

Lance sighs and loosens his grip. “Come in” …... The man in question walks into the room, dressed in a sleek black suit. He doesn't spare a single glance at Adrianna but focuses his attention on Lance.

“Go on!” Lance orders still but his eyes remain on Adrianna's confused face.

“Boss……I’m here to remind you of the scheduled meeting you have with the chairman of the Greenville Empire.”

“What time??

“ In an hour, Boss.” He replies.

Lance smirks at her inquisitive face. He was familiar with that look on her face. “ Ready the cars, I will be out in a minute.” He says in a firm voice. The man nods and disappears from the room.

“Greenville?? Adrianna mutters……The conglomerate has the highest share in their company. Why is Lance meeting up with him? What is he up to??

“It’s quite a disappointment that our little moment has come to an end,” Lance says, bringing her back from her reverie. “But we will meet again…..soonest.”

Before she can respond, Lance turns and walks away. She is left speechless and breathless……

Meanwhile, back in the car. Lance could not control his curiosity and desire. After just a moment with her, his anger disappeared. He had to get rid of this desire, this could hinder his revenge plan.

“Robert! Find out who Adrianna's so-called date is.” He orders and suddenly feels possessive. Robert nods in compliance and increases the speed of the car.

**********

The sky is already dark when Adrianna drives into the family mansion. She parks beside her sister's Mercedes SUV. It only means one thing, she was around, and she must be with her husband.

She makes her way into the house, and her maid quickly collects her bag and coat. “Welcome back, Miss Houston.” Adrianna flashes her a swift smile and heads toward the dining table.

She sat on her chair, the warm glow from the chandelier highlighting the opulent decoration and cutleries. Her sister Victoria sits at her right, quietly chatting with her beloved shit of a husband, Wade. Their Father Rhys Houston, sits at the head of the table, his pale face a testament to his ongoing illness.

Adrianna signals to a maid to fill up her glass. She spared a glance at her Father, he was finding it a bit difficult to cut his steaks. She reaches out to help but Wade beats her to it……

“His desperation for attention and power is galling,” Anna thinks. While secretly rolling her eyes. She was the only one able to see through his facade. To Victoria, he is a loving husband. To his father-in-law, he is a caring son-in-law. But to Adrianna, he is nothing but a sneak and ruthless opportunist.

“ Did you hear, Anna? Victoria asks, her voice barely a whisper. “ Lance is back in town.” The name Anna, only her mother and sister called her by that name.

Anna's eyes snap to her sisters, her heart racing with a mix of emotions. “What?”, she asks. Trying to keep her voice neutral.

Victoria nods, uncertain, “Yes, I heard he has been spotted at some of the high-end clubs downtown.”!

Lance was not the nightlife type. What have we turned him to??? “What puzzles me is how he can attend those high places,” Victoria butts in. Confusion was written on her face.

“Uhm, Vicky, eat up fast…..” I got a dress for you, I know you will love it.” Victoria giggles, completely forgetting about Lance. Right from childhood she loves fashion and shimmery things, the complete opposite of Adrianna.

“ I have an important announcement to make” …… Mr Houston says. A chill silence surrounds the table. “Adrianna!—were you able to convince the Japanese client to buy some of our company shares??

“Not yet,” she mumbles, “But I still scheduled another meeting with him,” she tells him but his face remains unimpressed.

“I hope so, Adrianna. The company's future is at stake and my health poses a challenge too,” he raises an eyebrow. “So I've decided to appoint Wade as the overall Supervisor of the Houston Group of companies.

Adrianna's eyes widened in horror. “What??? She exclaims, her voice rising. “Wade is not qualified to run the company.

Wade slams his hand on the table, his face red with anger. “ How dare you!” he shouted. “ I'm perfectly capable of running the company!”

Victoria places a calming on Wade's hand and glares at her sister. But Anna could not wipe off the smirk on her face. He is finally showing his unpretentious side to the family. And when she's done with him, she will reveal his real self.

James takes a deep breath, composing himself. “ I apologize, Mr Houston,” he turns to Adrianna. “To you too Anna, for my outburst.” his voice, tight with anger. “But I assure you, I am more than capable and I won't disappoint the family.”

“This is why I'm fond of you—-Your composure and demeanor are what my company needs—,”

“But Father! Anna whines. “Enough of your tantrums tonight!” He scolds her. “ You will work with him to ensure the company's success.”

Adrianna felt a surge of rebellion, and she opened her mouth to object, but her father's expression brooked no argument. "And don't forget Adrianna," he continued, "that you have a date with the son of the French marquis next week. It's been arranged, and you will attend.

Her eyes flashed with anger, and she felt a wave of resentment wash over her. "I don't want to go!" she exclaimed, her voice rising. "I don't want to be paraded around like some kind of prize!"

Her father's face turned red with anger, and he slammed his fist on the table. "You will do as you're told, Adrianna!" he shouted. "You will attend that date, and you will make a good impression. Do you understand me?"

Adrianna felt a surge of fear, and she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, Father. I understand."

The atmosphere was very uncomfortable for Adrianna. Everybody was in a good relationship with her Father except. From a very young age, she has worked her ass out for the company, betrayed the only man she loved and now her lover is out to take his revenge on her. He might as well quicken his plan, so she could be at peace in her grave.

She quickly excuses herself and walks to her bedroom. As soon as her body touches the soft mattress, she finds herself slowly drifting into darkness. But a silent crack from her pulls her to reality.

She could hear footsteps approaching her bed but those steps didn't belong to her sister, her Father had never entered her bedroom. Who could that be?? She

She felt a thrill run through her…… who could that be??