Chapter 2

I was gasping for breath, my fingers clumsily fumbling at his shirt collar, all reason long gone.

Virio's arm was locked around my waist, gripping me hard - it felt like he was both trying to stop me and prevent me from sliding down.

I could feel his chest heaving violently, his heartbeat coming through the fabric, heavy and fast.

In the darkness, his lips seemed to brush across my forehead, burning hot, his rough breathing right there.

His kiss carried an aggressive, almost predatory force, and when it came down, the world completely spiraled into chaos.

Just as things were spiraling out of control, about to cross that final line, I suddenly snapped awake. Looking at Virio in front of me, already half-undressed, my mind instantly cleared and I shoved him away.

"I'm sorry... I..." Before I could finish, I turned and stumbled to the bathroom, locking the door behind me. I turned the cold water on full blast, trying to clear my head.

I curled up in the corner, letting the cold water pour over me, but I still felt unbearably hot all over.

My vision gradually blurred until I completely lost consciousness.

When I opened my eyes again, I was lying on a soft bed.

I instinctively threw back the covers to check and found I'd been changed into clean pajamas at some point.

Fragments of last night's memories flooded back.

Didn't I lock myself in the bathroom? When did I come out?

"You're awake?" A deep voice came from beside me.

I turned my head to see Virio sitting on the sofa by the window, wearing a black shirt, looking through some documents.

Morning light streamed through the window onto his face. That cold, stern face had lost some of its danger and gained some softness - he looked surprisingly handsome.

No, now wasn't the time to admire his looks.

I clutched the pajamas tightly, my eyes wary. "What did you do to me?"

"I should be asking you that." Virio chuckled lightly, his eyes playful. "Ms. Lacey, you were very forward last night."

I felt like I'd been struck by lightning, filled with regret.

"Relax, I didn't do anything." Virio saw my embarrassment and said casually.

"Then my clothes..."

"The maid changed them for you." He said, picking up a set of keys from nearby and spinning them around his finger. "Ms. Lacey, next time you hide, pick a different place. This is my house - of course I have a key to the bathroom."

I felt both ashamed and angry. Last night in that state, where would I have had the strength to find another hiding place?

I got out of bed to get my clothes, but found my evening gown was gone. A clean, neat white dress lay by the bed.

"Your evening gown is ruined." Virio gestured with his eyes. "I had the maid buy this for you this morning. Put it on."

The latest Chanel - Virio really spared no expense.

I changed in the bathroom, and when I came out, Virio looked me over with approval. "It suits you."

I scratched my head a bit sheepishly and said quietly, "Thank you for yesterday."

Virio said nothing, his unfathomable eyes watching me.

"If there's nothing else, I'll go now."

I'd just turned to leave when he stopped me. "Ms. Lacey, I think we should work together."

I stopped and waited for him to continue.

"Your uncle drugged you to send you to those politicians - it's a crude tactic. I can help you deal with him." Virio said calmly.

My heart sank. I hadn't expected him to know even this.

From the day my uncle took me in, he'd been making me take blue pills at random times.

Though he said they were just vitamins for my health, I secretly saved one and sent it to a drug testing center, discovering it contained large amounts of hallucinogenic substances.

I didn't dare make a fuss, just secretly made an antidote and quickly took it after each blue pill.

Last night, probably because of the alcohol, the antidote failed, leading to such an awkward situation.

Facing Virio's invitation, I wasn't tempted at all, because I never wanted to get involved with mafia people.

I smiled politely. "Mr. Soren, I think you've misunderstood. My uncle raised me - I'm very grateful to him. Our family's internal matters don't need to trouble you."

Virio didn't seem surprised by my refusal. He just took out a black business card from his pocket and handed it to me. "I'll wait for you to change your mind."

I thought for a moment, then finally took the card and left.

As soon as I got home, the servant told me Killian was waiting for me in his study.

I walked into the study to see Killian with his back to me, standing in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window.

"Where were you last night?" He didn't turn around, his voice cold, filled with suppressed rage.

"At a friend's house."

The moment I finished speaking, he suddenly turned around, grabbed a crystal ashtray from the desk, and threw it hard at my feet.

Shards from the ashtray cut my ankle, drawing blood.

"Still lying?" Killian looked at me furiously. "You dared to offend Hamilton! And left with Virio right in front of him! Don't you know Virio has always wanted to take over the Lacey family?"

I kept my eyes down, my ankle still bleeding, the pain making me break out in cold sweat.

Though my heart was full of anger, reason kept telling me to be patient.

"I'm sorry, Uncle Killian." I said quietly, my voice filled with fake panic and choking. "I wasn't feeling well, and Hamilton... I was scared."

"Scared?" Killian grabbed my wrist, gripping so hard it felt like he'd crush my bones. "I raised you, gave you the best life, so you could help at critical moments! Not so you could be scared!"

"I was wrong." My expression was panicked, but my heart was full of hatred.

If it weren't for investigating my father's death, how could I let him use me to court politicians, doing things only prostitutes would do?

"Dad, don't scare Elvira like that." Just then, a sweet voice came from the doorway.

I turned to see Freya Lacey walk in, wearing a pretty dress, all dolled up.

She was Killian's biological daughter. Killian treated her like a precious jewel, raised her as a proper lady, never made her entertain politicians, but turned me into a socialite for everyone's use.

Freya first gave me a contemptuous look, then when she saw the expensive Chanel I was wearing, her face instantly darkened. "Elvira, you really have skills. Just one night and you got Virio to buy you such an expensive dress."

Everyone in their circle knew Freya had always been in love with Virio, but didn't dare admit it because of the feud between the two families.

When Killian heard the dress was from Virio, he instantly flew into a rage. "You shameless thing! Take that dress off right now!"

Seeing me standing still, Freya affectionately took Killian's arm. "Dad, don't be angry. I actually have an idea."