Chapter 1
Gwen was pinned against the dressing room door. Ethan turned her head from behind and kissed her fiercely. Her breath quickened as a wave of desire surged through her body.
“Already feeling it? he teased with a wicked grin, his fingers continuing their mischievous exploration, brushing over every sensitive spol. Gwen trembled, feeling her body burned uncontrollably under his touch.
Footsteps hurried past the door. Her phone buzzed on the floor near his feet, only to be kicked further away by him.
Focus. I’m not done yet, Ethan said.
Gwen tilted her head back, looking at the fireworks blooming outside the window. Her mind went blank as another wave of intense pleasure washed over her.
Ethan tutted, his tone laced with mockery. “Still so weak.”
Gwen quickly picked up her clothes from the floor and slipped out through the storage corridor to return to the main hall.
Since she was late, her tardiness was unhappy. This is Ms. Jasmine Hatfield’s birthday party! I worked hard to get you this gig. One night here is worth a month of your usual pay, so get moving!”
Forcing a smile despite the soreness in her legs and waist, Giren muttered a quick thank–you,
A group of servers dressed as maids pushed open the door, and Gwen was the one who immediately drew all the attention.
She was a natural seductress, her figure curvy and alluring, yet her face was breathtakingly innocent. It was a combination that made people itch to tear off her clothes and push her down onto the coffee table,
Low murmurs spread around the room. As Gwen bent down to serve drinks, her ultra–short maid skirt lifted, revealing her long legs. A little higher. and everything underneath would be exposed, leaving onlookers wondering if she was wearing anything under the skirt at all
The men couldn’t help but stare. “Such a tease,” one muttered.
A few women nearby giggled “Gwen, has your sugar daddy stopped giving you money?”
The other servers glanced at Gwen in mild surprise. But she remained nonchalant, her gaze lifting briefly to the man seated in the center of the room–Ethan Raymond, Rivermoor’s wealthiest rycoon.
Jasmine, the birthday girl, sat triumphantly beside him, radiating the air of a hostess.
“Yeah, money’s tight. He might be going bankrupt soon, Gwen said carelessly before turning to leave. Though she was gone, the men in the room couldn’t stop thinking about her.
Jasmine glanced at Ethan, relieved to see he wasn’t watching Gwen. It didn’t surprise her much she was confident Ethan wouldn’t stoop to being
interested in a woman as cheap as Gwen
“Does anyone know that girl?” someone asked.
“Of course. Back when her father, George, was alive, the Leblanc family was at its peak. Now, any guy with money can have her another replied.
A glass suddenly shattered on the floor, startling Jasmine and the others. Ethan lit a cigarette, stood up, and headed for the door. “Ethan‘” Jasmine called, alarmed.
“It’s too noisy here,” he replied.
But his words did little to lude his anger, which everyone in the room could clearly sense. The atmosphere turned tense, and no one dared to speak.
Gwen staggered into the employee lounge after delivering desserts, only to find Ethan sitting there, looking as if he was with her.
waiting to s
a settle a score
A man like Ethan–powerful, influential, and strikingly handsome–naturally held an allure for women. But after three years of being with him. Gyen found him utterly unappealing tonight. Perhaps she’d grown tired of him
mote control in his hand, pressing it to unleash its full power.
Ethan sat in the shadows, legs crossed, his cold gaze fixed on her. He gripped a remote
Gwen faltered, nearly falling to her knees. The intense stimulation coursing through her body reignited her arousal. She cursed Ethan silently–he was insufferable. Even after having her once, he had to torture her with this device.
1/3
12:37 PM & d
Chapter 1
“Out of money? Who gave you the nerve to wear that skirt for others to see! Ethan said icily.
“No one. I just felt like letting people see, Gwen retorted, enduring the heat building inside her.
Her sudden defiance caught him off guard. She was usually so obedient. Ethan frowned instinctively and released the button.
“Here’s 20 million dollars, and that seaside villa you’ve been eyeing. I’ll have Chris transfer it to your name later. I’m busy, so don’t throw a tantrum with me.” He softened his tone, a rare concession.
It seemed that she had pleased him earlier, and seeing her so disheveled now only heightened his satisfaction.
Everyone knew Gwen loved money. As long as the price was right, she’d play the perfect, obedient songbird.
As Ethan expected her stunning face lit up momentarily when the saw the wealth he was offering her
Is this the final price for three years?” she asked.
“You’ve gone too far today, Gwen Eshan said, his gaze hardening. He didn’t like disobedience
Gwen walked over and plopped onto his lap. Earlier, when she’d stepped into the private room wearing her maid outfit, Ethan had been intrigued. He hadn’t been able to resist her in the dressing room, either.
She knew exactly how to entice him. Her fingers traced lightly along his Adam’s apple, drawing out a deeper intensity in his gaze before she finally looked up, her voice soft and teasing. “Am I not allowed to do that?”
In bed, Ethan tolerated her wildest whims. A woman too submissive was dull, like deadwood. Gwen had mastered the art of toeing the line, wild enough to please but never crossing over.
“What game are you playing now?” Ethan’s breathing grew heavier.
They knew each other too well. Gwen suddenly leaned forward and bit his Adam’s apple. “I want to break up with you”
Ethan froze momentarily. Think it over before you say that”
But Gwen, trembling, held firm. Tve thought it through. I’m still so young. I can’t waste my time like this?”
Ethan abruptly shoved her off his lap. I’ll give you three days to reconsider
Gwen landed on the floor, her hair cascading around her. Her waist looked so delicate it seemed like it could snap with the slightest force.
No need. I’m done. I don’t want to sleep with you anymore,” she said casually,
The air turned tense. Ethan slammed the door on his way out.
Gwen pulled out her phone. The screen was still on the interface from before she’d entered the private room
[Breaking news! Innovion Group’s CEO is engaged to the daughter of the Hatfield family, A billion–dollar wedding alliance is on the horizon!]
Ethan was getting married. She’d been with him for three years, and now he expected her to settle for being the other woman in his marriage.
Fighting back a wave of nausea, Gwen opened every app she could think of and blocked Ethan on all platforms before she could finally breathe again.
Gwen changed out of her uniform, collected her pay for the day, and walked to the street comer, ready to take the subway home. But there it was thar all–too–familar car.
Ethan’s assistant, Chris Sullivan, greeted her with his usual expression and the same line as always. “Ms. Leblanc, Mr. Raymond is waiting for you. inside.
Gwen raised an eyebrow in confusion. Ethan was not one to wait for anyone. If she were even a minute late, he’d make her pay for it twice over in bed. Yet tonigla, he had waited until she finished work
Cluris, noticing her hesitation, added in a calm bgt frin tone, “Ms. Leblanc, getting in the car is your best option.”
The implication was clear if she didn’t get in voluntarily, he’d drag her in, and that would only make things more awkward.
Reluctantly, Gwen opened the door and climbed into the car. Ethan sat in the back seat, his expression thunderous. The moment she got in, he grabbed her and pinned her against the leather seat.
“You blocked met Gwen, have you gotten too hold lately?” His voice was low and dangerous.
2/3
1237 PM c d
Chapter 1
Ethan was even angrier than Gwen had imagined. She toyed with the buttons on his jacket, her tone languid and playful. “What, never seen a canary fire its keeper?”
“Mr. Raymond, just consider me a random woman you’ve grown tired of, and what you just gave me is the breakup fee. Let’s part ways peacefully she spoke with a cheeky grin, completely unfazed by the audacity of her own words.
Ethan suddenly grabbed her chin, pulling her closer until their faces were mere inchies apart. His voice was icy. “Gwen, the rules of the game–bo
starts and how it ends–aren’t up to you”
Gwen swallowed hard. In Rivermoor, crossing Fahan was akin to social suicide. This man could effortlessly destroy
life
He’d kept her for three years, whether out of a whim or lust, and he clearly wasn’t tired of her yet. There was no way he would let her walk away
Ethan thought he had spoiled Gwen too much recently, lening her think she could challenge him without conserpience.
*Ethan, come here,” Gwen said, beckoning him with her finger,
A knowing smile flashed crossed Ethan’s face, followed by mockery. “What’s this? Regretting your little act now?”
“Go to hell” she snapped.
田