In an instant, the tiny space between them felt as though all the air had been sucked out. Lily, with her unsteady breathing, tried to move away from Julian, but he suddenly pinned her firmly to the sofa. Those who knew Julian were aware that the calmer he appeared, the more dangerous he was. Perhaps he was genuinely angered by Lily. Lily, in her growing fear, squirmed, trying to break free. Little did she realize that such actions could easily provoke a man's excitement. Julian restrained her restless hands above her head, leaning down abruptly to kiss her lips. He nibbled on her lips, sometimes gentle, sometimes harsh. She felt utterly repulsed, her distaste for him intensifying. Acting impulsively, she bit him, the metallic taste of blood quickly mingling between their intertwined lips. Yet, to her surprise, Julian didn't recoil. Instead, he deepened the kiss, as if intending to devour her soul. He drew back slightly, his voice dripping with seduction, "Now, this is shamelessness

But later, Ethan Hart did break his promise. He got caught up with the subsidiary company's various issues and couldn't free himself. He had no choice but to call Lily Parker to apologize. Although she was a bit disappointed, she understood and told him to handle his business first and not to rush back. Ethan, fearing she might be upset, hesitated to hang up the phone. She reassured him with many comforting words before letting him go, and then she continued to stare blankly at her computer.How long had it been since she received that anonymous email in the morning? She hugged her knees and buried her face in them, feeling as if a heavy stone was lodged in her chest, making it hard for her to breathe. Days had passed, and she thought she could move on and act normal around Isabella de Valois, but someone seemed determined to deny her that peace.The email contained just one line: "Leave, or I will release the photos."Was the threat for her to leave Ethan or to leave the school? If t

By the time Julian Sterling rushed to the hospital, Ethan Hart had already been moved from the operating room to the intensive care unit. Julian caught a glimpse of Lucas Hartley, who stood dazed by the door. Hurrying over, Julian pulled Lucas aside to a quieter part of the corridor, asking, "How is he? Is he okay?"Lucas raked his fingers through his hair, shaking his head. "He's not out of danger yet," he began, pointing to his head, his voice rough with emotion, "Apparently, there's a hematoma inside his skull. He's also suffered multiple severe fractures. The doctors are really worried about complications setting in. They're not optimistic." The man who was jesting with him over the phone just days ago was now at death's door – the suddenness of it all was hard for Lucas to digest.A look of shock registered on Julian's face. "I've seen Ethan drive. He's always been steady on the wheel. How could this have happened?"Lucas sighed heavily, his voice tinged with bitterness, "I don't

By the time Lily awoke the next day, it was still dark outside. Her mind was still hazy post-fever, and it took her a while to recall the previous events. As the unfamiliarity of her surroundings came into focus, she jolted in realization.Perhaps alerted by the noise, the ever-dutiful butler entered after a light knock, "Miss Parker, Mr. Sterling mentioned that you're unwell. He suggests you have breakfast and then take your medication, or if you prefer, a driver can take you wherever you wish.""Mr. Sterling? You mean Julian Sterling?" Lily replied instinctively, only then noticing the soreness of her throat and her overall weakness.The butler raised an eyebrow, seeming somewhat hesitant. "Yes, it was Mr. Sterling," he confirmed.Lily Parker fell silent, recalling the warmth of the arms that had held her. It felt so comforting, so safe. She had thought it was all a dream, never expecting it was Julian Sterling who had been there for her.She didn't stay long, feeling awkward about

Serena offered a perfunctory hand to steady her, saying insincerely, "Sorry, I didn't see you there. Are you alright?" The tone held no hint of genuine remorse; instead, it sounded almost gleeful. Lily glanced at the application form in Serena's hand, and oddly, she felt an unusual calm. She took a deep breath and replied slowly, "I'm fine." Serena smirked. "Good to hear. I'm in a hurry, so I'll be going. Bye!" With that, she confidently strutted toward a Lotus sports car parked nearby in her high heels. Lily squinted, and when she recognized the man in the driver's seat, she couldn't hide her shock. It was Preston Harrow. When had Serena become involved with him? Memories of that night and Preston's inappropriate advances came flooding back, along with everything she'd lost because of it. Rage bubbled up in her, making her breath quicken. As Preston drove past her, he had the audacity to stop the car. Leaning out, he taunted with a smirk, "Oh, Miss Parker, why the lost look? Did J