Chapter 4
Blake's powerful hand gripped her chin like an iron vise, pulling her closer until their faces were inches apart. The tension between them was palpable, his warm breath caressing her slender neck.
"Play your role well, and I'll treat you right," He said, his voice dangerously soft. "But if you have any hidden agenda, I won't let you off easy. Understand?"
When he noticed the flash of genuine confusion in Ophelia's eyes, Blake let out a low chuckle.
The rumble of his laughter vibrated through his chest, sending an unwelcome tingle through her ears.
Ophelia gripped Blake's hand that was pressing against her upper body. Any more pressure and she'd struggle to breathe, but he was laughing.
But who exactly was this "her" Blake kept referring to?
It sounded like a lover, but something felt off about it.
Could it be... a first love?
Hope slowly kindled in Ophelia's heart. First love would be perfect—no sex required, just companionship and conversation.
And maybe, just maybe, she could save enough to escape.
She glanced around the estate appreciatively, realizing this place was really magnificent. She hoped that she would have something like this someday too.
While Blake assumed she was distracted, Ophelia was already mapping out her future.
A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.
It was Lucas —she recognized his voice from Oak Haven Retreat.
"Mr. Weston, the Hayes Group is calling. Mr. Hayes's family seems to be in trouble. That's why they're so eager to partner with us—they're trying to divert attention from a crisis."
"I knew it. That man seemed unreliable. What happened at their house?" Blake asked, his attention shifting.
"They've lost something valuable. They're keeping details tightly under wraps, but we're investigating. Also, Mr. Weston, Ms. Hayes has requested to meet with you."
At this moment, she wants to meet? Clearly to save her family.
Blake had no interest in handling someone else's crisis.
He raised an eyebrow slightly, and Lucas immediately understood his response. After sharing a few more details, Lucas departed.
From the moment Lucas appeared, Ophelia had been acting strangely.
Blake looked down at her. "What's wrong? Do you know him?"
The question, though casual, made Ophelia's heart race. To hide her reaction, she sat up on the bed, giving Blake her most vacant stare. "What is that? Is it edible?"
Blake's eyes widened before a soft laugh escaped him. He placed his large hand on Ophelia's head, ruffling her hair gently. "Go back to sleep."
After he closed the door behind him, Ophelia slowly turned toward the dressing table mirror. Her expression gradually shifted from vacant to normal, her eyes darkening with intelligence.
She smoothed her disheveled bangs where Blake had messed them up, listening to the sound of his car leaving the estate.
Taking advantage of the servants' inattention, Ophelia slipped through the mansion's blind spots, carefully avoiding all security cameras. She crept toward the main entrance.
She had nearly reached the gates when a familiar voice stopped her cold.
"Going somewhere?"
Ophelia's extended foot hung awkwardly in mid-air, neither advancing nor retreating.
Slowly turning around, she saw Blake leaning against the iron gate, arms crossed, a dangerous smile playing on his lips.
Those eyes were brewing a storm.
Ophelia swallowed hard, trying to calm her racing heart.
In the next moment, Ophelia did something Blake never expected. She threw her arms out wide, mimicking wings, and began prancing around the garden.
After completing a circle, she ran up to Blake and sniffed him like a curious puppy.
"I'm a big bat!" She exclaimed. "I'll suck your blood if you don't leave!"
Lucas, returning from the car, overheard this and froze in his tracks. "Mr. Weston, the car is fixed. We can leave whenever you're ready."
Blake remained silent, his eyes never leaving Ophelia's face.
Without warning, he bent down and scooped her into his arms, striding purposefully back into the mansion. The servants watched in shock as he carried her upstairs.
Inside the bedroom, Ophelia tried to struggle, but Blake restrained her with one hand while pressing her against the bed.
The door slammed shut behind them, making Ophelia flinch involuntarily.
Blake narrowed his eyes—eyes that seemed capable of seeing through any deception—and stared at her silently.
This dangerous man was studying her as if she were prey.
He tilted her chin slightly, his voice low and menacing.
"Try another trick, and I'll send you straight back to Oak Haven Retreat. Understand?"
Blake's fingers slid from her chin to her neck, lingering on the monitoring necklace from the facility.
The necklace was designed for patient tracking and monitoring vital signs, but Ophelia had long ago hacked its programming. To everyone else, it appeared to function normally, but it was essentially just an ordinary necklace now.
"Y-yes. I understand," She replied, trying to sound simple and frightened.
Blake seemed satisfied with her compliance. He ruffled her hair again. "Be good while I'm gone. I expect to see you here when I return."
After he left, Ophelia remained standing by the bed, listening carefully until she was certain Blake had truly departed.
She walked to the second-floor balcony, looking out at the expansive estate grounds.
In her hand, she held a box of matches—special ones used for lighting candles around the mansion.
Ophelia glanced around with a mischievous smile.
Striking a match, she tossed it down.
The shrubbery below caught fire, flames quickly turning orange-yellow. Satisfied, Ophelia smoothed her bangs and cupped her hands around her mouth.
She screamed.
The piercing sound brought servants running from all directions. They didn't have time to look up at the second floor.
When they saw Blake's beloved shrubs ablaze, they panicked, scrambling for fire extinguishers and water from the pool.
Ophelia observed the chaos with cool detachment before returning to her room. She quickly grabbed a small bag she'd prepared with essentials, then headed straight for the main entrance, carefully avoiding the security cameras.
After leaving Pine Ridge Estate, Ophelia made her way to Harold Plaza.
Standing at the base of the towering skyscraper—the second tallest in Silver Bay after Weston Tower—she took in its grandeur. Through the revolving glass doors, she could see the spacious, luxurious lobby.
Ophelia entered through the revolving door and headed straight for the elevators, but several security guards quickly intercepted her.
"Excuse me, miss. Are you an employee? You look unfamiliar," One guard said, eyeing her suspiciously.