Chapter 64
Wendy wanted to ease the awkwardness.
Stanley lowered his striking gaze and looked at her, his lips curving into a teasing smile.
“Help me?”
He was drugged, and now she was offering to help him.
Wendy froze, her small face turning crimson. She quickly waved her hands, flustered. “It’s not what you think! I can help you in another way!”
“Oh?” Stanley raised an eyebrow, watching her flail in a hurry to explain herself. His tone lightened, amused.” And what other way would that be?”
Wendy couldn’t speak.
Was he doing this on purpose? Teasing her on purpose?
The mature man seemed to enjoy the playful torment.
Now, standing right in front of her, Stanley’s long legs were encased in tailored slacks, his lean waist adorned by an expensive black belt.
Wendy dared not look below his waist. She couldn’t look there. But her face was almost level with it, so her eyes wandered nervously, unable to focus on one spot.
Then, she felt her face cupped in his large hand. His lips curved in a smile. “Wendy, what are you staring at?”
Earlier, she had been examining his room, and now she was sneaking peeks at him.
Wendy flushed, stammering, “I–I wasn’t looking!” She stood up, ready to escape.
But Stanley wouldn’t let her go. His hand still held her face. “Why were you sent to the countryside?” he asked, his voice casual.
Wendy froze. She looked up at him, unsure what he meant.
“Did no one want you?” he pressed.
No one wanted her?
The words struck Wendy’s heart like a blow. She felt her eyes well up with tears. It wasn’t just sadness; it was the sting of abandonment, the feeling that she had been discarded by the world.
And the worst part? The man who had once claimed he wanted her around had changed his mind too.
Her eyes locked onto him, a mixture of sorrow and longing. Stanley looked down at her, his posture commanding. If he wished, he could shield any woman in his strong arms.
At this moment, Stanley thought she looked utterly pitiful. From his vantage point, she sat on his bed, her delicate face still carrying a touch of youthful innocence. Now, her clear eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
She was luring him in–tempting him to want her, to claim her, to protect her.
An invisible tension pulled between them, thick with unspoken desire, setting his nerves on edge.
The fire Stanley had been suppressing surged uncontrollably. His fingers tightened around her soft cheeks, forcing her little mouth into an “O” shape, revealing her white teeth and the hint of her crimson tongue.
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Chapter 64
Gulping, Stanley abruptly let go, pulling his hand back. “I need to take a cold shower.”
He turned, heading for the bathroom.
Wendy sat back on the bed. She didn’t need anyone anymore But seeing Stanley, she couldn’t help but feel the overwhelming urge to lean on him–to lean on the man who had once said he wanted her around when the world had cast her aside.
Yet, he didn’t want her around.
He wanted Jessica.
The Crone family villa was a mess. Archer and Natalie had left with Trish, swearing viciously under their breath. Edith, fallen ill from anger, had been rushed to the hospital.
Jessica and Lilian sat on the couch, their once–perfect makeup now ruined, clearly showing they hadn’t been able to defeat the third branch.
The birthday banquet had turned the Crone family into the laughing stock of Hovendale.
Jessica seethed, her teeth clenched. Then, suddenly, she remembered Stanley. The guests had left, but where had Stanley gone?
“Stanley? Stanley!”
