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Professor in Daylight, s*x Freak in Nighttime

After splitting up with her cheating ex-husband, Anna had a wild and passionate night with a handsome guy and it was just perfect! Anna decided to keep this man by paying him, but the guy was so mysterious and only met her in dark rooms. "Room 3303. You know what I mean." At the same time, an amazin...

https://www.dreame.com/story/646012160-professor-in-daylight--s-x-freak-in-nighttime?utm_source=facebook_ads_wapofficial&utm_campaign=Double-dreame-en-winnie-newtest-facebook-0-cpc-6117846-stfcy-241125周-1129-yw-01-6117846

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PERSON_PROFILE

Chapter 1 Next One

Rosa Everly and Elijah Sterling's divorce sent shockwaves through their circle.

After all, Rosa had seemed utterly captivated by Elijah, chasing him with an almost obsessive devotion for years.

But Rosa wasn't bothered by public opinion. Free from that cheating scumbag, she had a slew of admirers eager for their shot with her.

Took today, for instance.

Rosa arched her back, her cheeks flushed with excitement as she wrapped her legs around a man's waist, directing his every move.

With each subtle tightening of her legs, his responses grew more fervent, each thrust feeling like it might tear her apart.

She'd never known such raw, passionate intensity before.

Elijah had always belittled her, dismissing her advances with scorn and mocking her as if she were some kind of bimbo, demanding that she behave like a dutiful little girl.

Now, she was free to indulge her deepest desires and captivate with her full allure.

The tipping point for the divorce came two weeks ago.

Elijah had the nerve to parade his mistress around the office, and to add insult to injury; he stole Rosa's project to present it to her as a gift!

Anyone who saw that project would know the blood, sweat, and tears Rosa poured into it. She'd spent a month burning the midnight oil, working late every single night.

Rosa was incandescent with rage. Elijah's brazen infidelity and the betrayal at work pushed her to the edge. She was so furious that she started hurling things around.

It was the last straw. Elijah had exploited her love, treating her unwavering dedication as nothing more than a chore she owed him.

So, Rosa decided enough was enough.

She'd been blinded by her one-sided affection, failing to see Elijah's true colors.

Even when she brought up divorce, Elijah dismissed it as a bluff, never taking her seriously.

But Rosa was done playing games. She swiftly signed the divorce papers, divided their assets, and walked away, leaving Elijah with no chance to change her mind.

She had dealt with similar messes before and knew exactly how to handle them now.

After her father's death, Rosa found herself the heir to a substantial fortune. The relatives who once adored her-and whom she had generously supported - revealed their true colors, turning into vultures circling around her and her mother.

They used vile words to curse them, hoping to drive them to despair and seize control of the family's assets.

But Rosa didn't crumble under the pressure. Instead, she stepped up, taking on the immense responsibility of managing the family business and keeping her father's company afloat.

The relatives who had betrayed her soon came crawling back, their previously hostile faces now plastered with insincere smiles as they sought to win her favor.

Rosa made sure they paid dearly for their treachery.

"Aah..." Rosa's thoughts swirled with ecstasy as waves of pleasure washed over her. As she neared the peak of her c****x, her mind drifted to the idea of teaching her partner a few new tricks to make their next s*x even more exhilarating.

The following afternoon, her phone's abrupt ringing pulled her from her dreams.

As Rosa reached for it, the man beside her tightened his embrace around her waist, holding her as if she were a precious treasure he was determined to protect.

Rosa pushed gently at his arm, feeling the hard, defined muscles beneath her fingers.

Her mind wandered back to their passionate night.

She recalled the intensity of their s*x, with her legs wrapped around his arms, her hips cradled by his powerful hands as they transitioned from the couch to the floor and finally to the bed.

It wasn't just his strength that impressed her.

Rosa brushed her lips, remembering how his touch-like that of a skilled magician-had left her tingling with every caress.

Her hand wandered down, pleased to find his number two still standing strong, a testament to the pleasure he had given her.

Rosa smiled, satisfied with his stamina and the energy he brought to their shared moments.

The relentless buzz of her phone cut through the morning haze, prompting Rosa to gently disengage from the entangled sheets and the man's arms.

"What's all the fuss about?" Rosa mumbled, her voice a breathless whisper, roughened by the night's c****l delights.

Her gaze swept over him, taking in the evidence of the tumultuous night that had brought her to this point.

His face was buried in the pillow, only his regal brows and sculpted nose betraying his presence.

Rosa's eyes traced the lines of perfection carved into his features, a fleeting thought crossing her mind about perhaps not letting last night's plaything slip through her fingers.

But as she was about to resign herself to this whim, her assistant's voice broke the silence.

Her assistant said, his words tiptoeing over the line, "Sorry to disturb, Ms. Everly, but Mr. Sterling mentioned something about the company not running as smoothly as it should. He's waiting for you at home. I know he's your ex-husband, but privacy issues aside, it's just a business call..."

"I understand. I'll handle it," Rosa said with a cold laugh, her tone dripping with disdain.

Their families were still tangled in a web of shared interests.

She was more than ready to deal with that piece of trash.

With a decisive click, she ended the call and headed to the bathroom.

The mirror reflected her image back at her-a vision of delicate beauty, like a flower in bloom. Yet, the soft radiance was marred by the lingering h*****s of last night's passion, each traced a vivid reminder of their intense desire.

When she emerged, her hair wrapped in a towel, the man had already stirred.

He stood by the window, a towel slung low on his hips, smoking nonchalantly with his back turned.

Rosa let her eyes roam over his physique with unabashed admiration.

His broad shoulders and narrow waist sculpted a perfect V, muscles rippling under his skin with every slight movement.

He resembled a satiated lion, leisurely surveying his territory.

She wondered, 'How a man with such allure ends up working at Neon Mirage?'

But the thought was quickly brushed aside.

Neon Mirage was Phenara City's most prestigious nightclub, renowned for pairing clients with their perfect bedmates. The place was a playground of indulgence and fantasy, where everyone was a star in their own right.

"Your name's Samuel, right?" Rosa called out, her tone brisk.

The man didn't turn around, still gazing out the window.

Rosa, eager to make her exit, didn't let his rudeness bother her.

Rosa said, placing a check on the nightstand with a decisive slap. "Last night was quite an experience. I'd give your service a five-star review. And a little tip - next time, keep the smoke away from me."

With that, she walked out the door.

Once the door clicked shut behind her, the man finally turned.

He picked up the check, examining it with a flick of his fingers, his eyes catching sight of the number on the paper.

A smirk appeared on his face. "Next time, huh?"

Just as he was pondering this, a sharply dressed man entered the room.

"Mr. Madox, Mr. Thomas Madox is adamant about throwing a grand party to celebrate your return. He's insisting on inviting all the bigwigs."

The so-called Mr. Madox's expression hardened as he dismissed the subordinate. "I have some personal matters to attend to. We'll deal with the party arrangements later."

His gaze drifted back to the check with a smirk.

He mused, 'Rosa, when we meet again, I'm sure you won't be mistaken about my name, right?'

Chapter 2 Wrong Guy

Before Rosa went to see her ex-husband, she made a stop at Neon Mirage.

She knew the rules—if she wanted to keep that man around, she couldn’t bypass their manager. She had to clear it with the club.

But something felt off.

Sitting in the VIP lounge, arms crossed tightly, she frowned at the tall, skinny boy in front of her.

He looked barely twenty, dressed in a white shirt and jeans, the quintessential image of a well-behaved student. He kept his eyes locked on his sneakers, clearly avoiding her gaze.

A headache began to throb at Rosa's temples.

"So, you're Samuel?" Rosa asked, her eyes narrowing with skepticism.

"Yes," Samuel answered, glancing up momentarily before quickly lowering his head again.

Rosa's frustration grew.

This was all wrong.

She'd been so drunk the previous night that she hadn't paid much attention to the man's appearance. This morning's hasty departure had left her with only a blurry memory of his face.

Samuel might have had a similar hair color and profile, but his build and demeanor were entirely different.

The man she recalled was a commanding presence - more lion than a kitten.

"You're not him," Rosa said decisively.

Both Samuel and her assistant were taken aback.

The assistant's face went pale, his anxiety palpable. "Ms. Everly, he's the only Samuel listed in Neon Mirage."

Surprisingly, the timid Samuel found a sudden surge of courage. He grabbed her hand. "Please, I really need this money. My dad's in the hospital with lung cancer, and I'm still in school, drowning in student loans..."

Rosa turned her head, studying the boy's unexpected outburst.

Samuel hesitated, like a gun with a jammed barrel, but then pressed on with growing desperation. "Please, don't send me away! I'll be whoever you need me to be. I'll give it my all. I just need the money..."

Rosa sighed, her heart twitching with sympathy for the boy's plight.

She remembered her own struggles after losing her father, watching her mother fall ill, and feeling utterly powerless.

At least the boy's father was still alive.

Rosa pulled out her checkbook and lifted the boy’s chin with her finger, making him look at her.

His eyes were wide and innocent, like a helpless deer.

Rosa scratched his chin playfully, like she was teasing a kitten. “Please me, and I’ll help treat your father.”

Gratitude filled the boy’s eyes as he kissed the back of her hand.

Rosa was tempted to tease him a little longer, but her ex-husband was already pushing her to meet up.

With some regret, she left Neon Mirage. As she pulled out of the parking lot, a sleek black SUV passed by her car.

The man in the backseat looked out the window calmly, his hawk-like eyes observing the scene outside.

“Sorry, boss, I was driving too slow,” the driver said, feeling a chill run down his spine but still doing his duty. “Should we follow Ms. Everly and tell her that you’re the one she’s spending the night with?”

“No need,” the man waved it off.

Last night, he had told her a fake name for personal reasons to get into Neon Mirage, and unexpectedly met an interesting woman.

They had a wonderful night together, and today he had planned to keep playing the part.

Unfortunately, he was late, and this pleasant misunderstanding couldn’t continue.

But they would have another chance to meet.

He unlocked his phone and looked at an auction catalog, where one of the items up for bid was an estate bearing the name Everly.

His voice took on a dangerous edge. "I may have missed my chance this time, but Ms. Everly will be the one begging to see me soon."

In the wealthy district of Phenara City, a red sports car pulled up in front of a beautiful villa.

Rosa stepped out, looking at her former home with disgust.

She hated Elijah’s pretense.

When they were still married, no matter how much she cried or yelled, Elijah never came home, always busy playing around outside.

Now, after the divorce, Elijah wanted to meet at the house!?

“What do you want?” Rosa walked through the door, and asked Elijah bluntly, who was waiting in the living room.

To her surprise, the moment he saw her, Elijah suddenly lost it.

He jumped up from the couch and shouted, “Rosa, where were you last night? Why didn’t you come home?”

Rosa was stunned by her ex-husband’s shamelessness.

They were divorced! The house was hers! Not only had he failed to move out on time, but now he dared to accuse her, trying to shift the blame once again!?

Furious, Rosa let out a cold laugh. “If you’ve got something to say, just say it already. Just stop this pathetic game.”

Elijah was taken aback.

He had expected her to explain herself, to apologize, so he could move on to his real request.

But there was no going back now, so Elijah forced down his discomfort and explained his reason for calling her. “There’s an issue with the Kayla’s project. I need you to take care of it. You know it’s a very important deal for both our families…”

“Me? Take care of it? Have you lost your mind, Elijah?” Rosa was so furious at his audacity that she couldn't help but laugh. “Your girlfriend is the one in charge of the project—I’m just your ex-wife!”

“Have you gone crazy?” Rosa pointed a finger at Elijah’s face, shouting. “You stole the project from me and handed it to your sweetheart like a gift!”

Elijah frowned, wanting to say something, but before he could, several people in business attire walked through the door, followed by an unfamiliar couple.

Shocked by the sudden intrusion, Elijah shifted focus. “Who are you people?”

Rosa sneered, brushing her hair back, regaining her composure and elegance.

She stood across from Elijah, her tone cool with disgust. “They’re the realtor and buyers here to check out the house. The court awarded me this property, and I’m free to sell it.”

“Rosa, you’re selling our lovely home?” Elijah’s disbelief was clear.

“What did you expect? We’re divorced. What am I supposed to do, keep it around just to disgust myself?” Rosa raised an eyebrow, pointing to the door. “Now, get out of my house!”

Her final warning was sharp. “Now.”

Elijah’s face flushed with anger and humiliation, but he had no choice. He handed over the keys and left in a hurry.

After dealing with Elijah and wrapping up the sale of the house, Rosa finally felt a bit of relief.

But no sooner had she relaxed when her personal cellphone buzzed.

The number wasn’t one she recognized.

A message popped up from the unfamiliar digits: “How did you enjoy last night?”

Rosa couldn’t help but smile, thinking about the fun she had and the mix-up that followed today.

“Interesting,” she replied.

But in the next moment, she froze. She would never have given a hookup her personal number!

That phone number was for family and close friends only.

And she was sure this person wasn’t from either group.

So who was he, and how had he gotten her private number?

A chill crept up Rosa’s spine as she realized this man’s background might be far more complicated than she had thought.

Chapter 3 Can't Wait to See the Look

The Madox family, Phenara City's most influential clan, was hosting this year's charity auction. They seemed to be in high spirits, throwing an extravagant event and offering several priceless items for bid.

The city's elite turned out in droves.

Rosa, dazzling in a glamorous evening gown, reveled in the attention she commanded.

She'd left her nominal lover, Samuel, at home, choosing instead to bring her assistant, Sebastian Moore.

From her second-floor private box, Rosa flipped through the auction catalog.

A breathtaking emerald necklace caught her eye.

''That could make a lovely birthday gift for Mom,' Rosa thought, mentally noting it for her shopping list.

As she continued flipping through the pages, her finger stopped on the penultimate entry.

There it was - Vintage-style Everly Estate, built a century ago by the family's viscount himself.

This was the crown jewel of her evening's pursuit.

Memories of carefree days spent there before her father's death came flooding back.

She could almost feel the lush green lawns underfoot and see the vibrant red roses blooming in the garden.

In the adjacent Box 9, a man in a tuxedo turned to the final page of the catalog.

The auction house owner hovered nearby, bowing and scraping. "Mr. Madox, as per your instructions, we've replaced the final lot."

"Well done." The man nodded in approval.

Then, the auction house owner backed out of the box, his face beaming with satisfaction.

The bidding for the emerald necklace kicked off at 300 thousand dollars.

Rosa, fixated on securing the Everly Estate, decided to expedite the process. She jumped straight to the estimated value of the emerald necklace, hoping to wrap things up quickly. "500 thousand!"

Her voice had barely faded when someone raised their paddle again.

The auctioneer declared, "One million dollars. Mr. Sterling bids one million."

Rosa thought, smirking to herself, 'dayum Elijah!'

Without hesitation, she doubled the bid. "Two million."

"Two and a half million." Elijah countered swiftly.

"Five million." Rosa shot back without hesitation.

"Five point five million," Elijah immediately responded.

The bids flew back and forth, quickly rocketing well beyond the necklace's estimated value.

Sebastian cautiously interjected, "Ms. Everly... You don't need to do this because of a scumbag..."

Rosa flashed her assistant a reassuring smile. "I know. But if he's holding a grudge, I don't mind giving him another reason to hate me."

The auctioneer's gavel crashed down with a thunderous boom. "Sold! To Mr. Sterling for this exquisite emerald necklace!"

Far from crestfallen, Rosa wore a sly smirk as she glanced in Elijah's direction.

Her scheme had unfolded flawlessly. The elites of Phenara City had just witnessed Elijah, scion of the Sterling family, tumble headlong into his ex-wife's glaringly obvious snare. He'd paid through the nose - eleven times over - for what amounted to little more than a glittering bauble.

The socialites would be tittering behind their hands about this empty-headed fool for weeks to come.

As the auction marched on, Rosa nonchalantly lifted her paddle for items that caught her fancy, more for appearances than any genuine desire to win.

But when the Everly Estate materialized on the screen, she snapped to attention, her body coiled like a panther ready to pounce.

This wasn't just any property.

Nestled in one of Phenara City's most iconic parks, the historic Everly Estate was a crown jewel being reluctantly relinquished by its struggling caretakers to keep the wolves from the door.

The starting bid flashed up: a cool 88 million.

Without missing a beat, Rosa's voice rang out clear and strong. "200 million." Her paddle shot up, a flag of unwavering determination.

She thought, 'Come hell or high water, I'll reclaim what is rightfully mine!'

A hush fell over the opulent ballroom.

The assembled glitterati held their collective breath, not daring to challenge Rosa, the indomitable head of the Everly Group.

But then, from the shadows, a familiar voice piped up. It was none other than Elijah, the man Rosa had so ruthlessly cast aside and humiliated.

"250 million," Elijah retorted, his tone oozing self-satisfaction.

Rosa rolled her eyes.

Sure, the Sterling family was swimming in cash, and Elijah was their prized heir.

But he was still just a pampered trust-fund kid, barely calling his own shots.

Rosa thought, 'How can his pocket change even compete with me, the head of the Everly family?'

"500 million." Rosa fired back, unfazed.

This was her own money, after all.

"550." Elijah countered smoothly, his gaze unflinching.

Rosa's instincts were on high alert.

Something wasn't right.

She thought, 'The Sterling family isn't exactly known for being reckless with their wealth, especially not with their bumbling heir at the helm. Unless... they are really determined to secure this estate?'

No way was she letting them edge her out.

"560 million," Rosa replied, her voice steady despite the adrenaline surging through her. She was pushing the limits, testing their resolve.

Her ceiling was 843.67 million - every last cent she had at her disposal.

"561 million." Elijah drawled, nudging the bid up by the smallest increment.

Rosa's mind raced. She thought, 'Is the Sterling family stretching their limits too?'

"600 million," Rosa declared, hoping to cut through the tension and bring this nerve-wracking game to an end. Every second spent locked in this twisted bidding war with Elijah made her skin crawl.

"601 million," Elijah said, inching up the bid by the smallest increment possible.

"Go to hell!" Rosa shot back, her patience evaporating.

That jerk was playing her like a fool!

"850 million!" In a last-ditch effort, Rosa threw everything she had into the pot, including some borrowed funds.

She couldn't believe the Sterling family had deeper pockets.

"One billion," Elijah said, his tone icy and composed. He knew he had Rosa on the ropes.

He silently congratulated himself for his family's foresight in investing in tourism.

Elijah was grinning from ear to ear. If he won, Rosa would be left with nothing but embarrassment.

A billion-dollar bid made for a far juicier story than a mere five million.

Rosa fumed internally, thinking, 'dayum it! At one billion, I'll be forced to sell off shares in my own company - my very leverage within the organization.'

She daydreamed of using a baseball bat to smash Elijah's arrogant face.

The auctioneer began his countdown. "Going once, one billion."

This was her only chance to secure the family estate!

If Elijah won, he'd never let it go.

It was do or die.

Rosa clenched her jaw, preparing to say, "One billion and..."

But before she could finish, the auctioneer's voice cut through the tension. "Two billion! The bidder in Box 9 offers two billion."

A hush fell over the room.

Rosa's heart plummeted.

She thought, 'Two billion... There is no way I can scrape together that kind of cash before the auction ends.'

She instinctively glanced over at Box 9.

Rosa wondered, 'Who is this enigmatic new bidder next to me? As long as it isn't Elijah, there is still a sliver of hope.'

"Two billion, going once. Twice. Three times."

The auctioneer's gavel came down with finality. "Sold!"

Then, the staff brought the deed to Box 9.

The man inside accepted it, but instead of sealing the deal immediately, he turned his gaze towards Rosa's box.

He murmured with a smirk, "Rosa Everly, I can't wait to see the look on your face when you find out who I am."

Rosa, meanwhile, was locked onto the neighboring box.

For a brief, charged moment, their eyes locked across the space.

Chapter 4 The Invatation

Rosa was practically buzzing with impatience as the auction dragged on.

Without a moment to spare, she sprinted to the neighboring box, her heart pounding in her chest. She took a steadying breath, plastered on her brightest smile, and knocked on the opulent mahogany door.

"Hello, I'm..." Rosa started, but the door swung open silently, revealing a waiter in a tuxedo.

Unfazed, Rosa continued, "I'm Rosa Everly from the adjacent box. I happen to share a surname with the estate you just acquired."

The waiter gave a courteous bow. "Ms. Everly, I'm sorry, but the occupant has already left."

"Oh?" Rosa's smile wavered for a heartbeat before it snapped back into place. She leaned into the box, hoping for a glimpse of any useful details.

With practiced ease, she removed her Bulgari bracelet and subtly extended it towards the waiter. "My AC is acting up in my box. Any chance we could switch to this one?"

“Sorry.” the attendant said. “I’m here to pass on a message from the owner of this private room. He added the final auction item at the last minute.”

Rosa’s eyes brightened, and she turned around, giving the waiter a warm smile. “Thank you!” she replied sincerely.

While Rosa was busy talking with the attendant, the owner of room nine had already left the auction house.

In the back seat of his car, Julian Madox held his phone at arm’s length, clearly annoyed by the shouting coming from the other end.

“Julian Madox! If I don’t see you tonight, don’t bother coming back any more!” The furious voice of an older man rang out before abruptly hanging up.

“Turn around,” Julian instructed the driver as he ended the call. His gaze was sharp and intense.

After a moment, he leaned back and let out a slow breath. “I forgive you.”

If it hadn’t been for his father’s call, he would have been in that room, reconnecting with her.

He would’ve brought up that night and playfully teased her about the mix-up.

But Rosa Everly—why did you have to be Elijah’s ex-wife?

With the complicated relationships between the Madox, Sterling, and Everly families, everything he was planning for this reunion could easily turn into a weapon against them in the future.

Back in her private room, Rosa was lost in thought with the new clue she’d just received. Before she could process it all, her phone rang—it was her mother.

“Rosa, the Madoxs are hosting a banquet this weekend, and Julian will be there,” her mother’s voice was so gentle. “Even though we’re not in-laws with the Madoxs anymore since your divorce, it’s still important to show up out of respect.”

“Sure, Mom, I’ll go,” Rosa replied absentmindedly, still thinking about the auction. Then her mother’s emphasis on the name caught her attention. “Wait, Julian?”

“He’s your Grandpa Thomas’ youngest son. You should call him Uncle Julian,” her mother said with a hint of a smile in her voice. “He’s been abroad for years, and now that he’s finally back home, Thomas is thrilled. He sent invitations to everyone in Phenara City.”

Her mother continued, “You know, Grandpa Thomas was so good to you all these years isn’t just because you were married into the family.”

Rosa understood that. Her relationship with Thomas Madox—and even with the Madox family—was something she had built herself.

When she was 17, she’d snuck out with friends and stopped to help someone whose car had broken down.

She found the driver unconscious and rushed him to the hospital. It was only when a crowd gathered at the hospital that she realized the man she’d saved was the head of the Madox family, one of the most influential families in Phenara City.

Thomas was incredibly grateful, and years later, when Rosa’s father passed away and her relatives from the Everly side tried to take their assets, it was Thomas who stepped in, protecting their wealth with a trust fund and keeping the vultures at bay.

“Don’t forget what I said,” her mother reminded her again.

Rosa was about to brush it off when the auctioneer’s voice caught her attention.

“And now, for our final auction item—a private collection from one of our distinguished guests.”

Rosa quickly hung up the phone, straightening up in her seat.

But was this person for real?

Though the little rabbit was crafted from high-quality rosewood, the craftsmanship left much to be desired.

It was a wooden rabbit sculpture that looked like something a child could have carved, yet the starting bid was set at a staggering one million dollars.

The crowd murmured in confusion, unsure of the auction house's intentions.

However, Rosa stayed sharp.

She recognized that the rabbit was a clue from the occupant of Box 9 and couldn't afford to let anyone else snap it up.

But, she didn't make a move, wary of provoking Elijah and a few other bored individuals who might create unnecessary trouble for her.

As the seconds ticked by with no bids, she raised her paddle just as the auctioneer was about to declare it unsold.

"One million," Rosa declared firmly.

"Sold!" The gavel came down decisively.

The rabbit was quickly delivered to Rosa, who examined it closely.

There was something oddly familiar about it, but she pushed that thought aside.

Instead, her attention was drawn to the accompanying note: Bach Hotel, Room 3303.

Rosa's heart skipped a beat. That room was where she had spent that unforgettable night with the imposing man she could never forget.

Rosa's mind was in overdrive.

She thought, 'Could the man in Box 9 be the same one I've crossed paths with before? He seems to know all about the Everly Estate and the Sterling family's scheming. Why would he help me? If he has two billion, why was he masquerading as a waiter in Neon Mirage? And if he is so keen to continue our connection, why didn't he come face to face with me when we were just a room apart?'

She rubbed her temples, trying to piece it all together.

Rosa's thoughts churned as she pondered the situation. 'Is the owner of Room 9 trying to use the night to blackmail me? But why would he? I'm divorced, not involved in any scandalous affair. My reputation and my company are intact. Does he have another reason to keep me away? Was there something more between us?'

Her mind was a jumble of confusion.

Then, Rosa called out to her assistant, handing over the rabbit and the note, "Sebastian, I need you to dig into this trinket and find out who stayed in that hotel room. Also, keep an eye on my relatives! The Everly Estate isn't up for grabs."

Meanwhile, in the parking lot, a sleek black sedan smoothly cruised past Rosa's red sports car.

In the backseat, a man held his phone at arm's length, grimacing at the booming voice on the other end.

"You ungrateful brat! Get your bottom back here! You've been back for days and haven't even seen your old man!"

In stark contrast, Rosa's mother, Alice Everly, spoke with soothing warmth, "The Madox family is throwing a banquet this weekend. Julian will be there, too. Even though you're no longer tied to them after your divorce from Elijah, it's still important to show up."

Rosa replied absentmindedly, her thoughts still tangled in the auction, "Sure, Mom. I'll be there." Then, she registered her mother's emphasis. "Julian?"

Alice said with a chuckle, "That's right, Thomas' favorite youngest son. He's been overseas for years, but now he's finally back for good. Thomas is ecstatic, throwing a big party and inviting everyone in Phenara City. You know, Rosa, Thomas' kindness to you all these years isn't just because you were married to his adopted daughter's son."

Rosa knew her favorable standing with Thomas and the Madox family was entirely her own doing.

At seventeen, she'd snuck out to meet friends and stumbled upon a broken-down car.

When she stopped to help, she found the driver unconscious.

Without a second thought, she rushed him to the hospital, her heart racing. It wasn't until later, amidst a whirlwind of well-wishers, that she realized she had saved none other than Thomas Madox, the patriarch of Phenara City's oldest and most prestigious family.

Thomas never forgot her act of heroism. When Rosa's father passed away and unscrupulous relatives tried to plunder the Everly family's fortune, Thomas stepped in. He ensured the assets were placed in a trust fund, protecting them from greedy hands.

"Remember that, dear," Alice said gently.

"Don't worry, Mom. Love you."

On the other side, however, the atmosphere was far less warm.

"If I don't see you tonight, don't even think about coming back!" The old man's voice crackled through the phone before he slammed it down.

"Turn around," the man in the backseat said coldly to his driver, closing the call screen.

The driver responded with a curt nod, "Yes, sir."

As they drove beneath a streetlamp, the driver's face was briefly illuminated.

Had Rosa been there, she would have recognized him as the waiter from Box 9.

The driver ventured, "Mr. Madox, I'm sorry, but I told Ms. Everly that you added the final auction item."

The man's eyes narrowed, his gaze intense.

After a protracted silence, he reclined, shut his eyes, and let out a deep breath. "I forgive you."

Every step he'd taken to arrange this reunion might potentially be used against them in the future.

He realized his folly - he shouldn't have pursued a deeper connection with Rosa beyond their familial ties.

Chapter 5 Nightmare

The Madox family had spared no expense for Julian's welcome party. Thomas had gone to extremes, wishing he could polish every single leaf on the estate until they gleamed.

Rosa, trying to steer clear of the Sterling family, timed her arrival at the Madox Mansion to perfection.

But her attempt at a discreet entrance was abruptly interrupted when a splash of vibrant yellow swooped in from behind.

Hannah Madox's exuberant voice rang out as she pulled Rosa aside. "Rosa! Sweetie, I need a huge favor. You've got to tell everyone we've been inseparable lately, got it?"

Rosa immediately understood.

Hannah's tardiness meant she'd been out partying rather than helping with the setup.

"Come on, spill it. Where have you been? I need the whole story to cover for you," Rosa urged.

Hannah tossed her hair with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Maldiva Islands... Met a few... no, an incredibly charming guy."

Rosa said with resignation, "Your family must be used to your lifestyle by now. What are you afraid of?"

Hannah's tone shifted to one of dread mixed with admiration. "But Uncle Julian is back! He's the ultimate nightmare for all us kids in the Madox family."

"That bad, huh?" Rosa's curiosity was piqued.

Hannah looked as though she might explode. "Nightmare doesn't even begin to cover it! He's barely older than me, but I have to call him 'uncle'. At school, his name is practically legendary. Everyone's always comparing me to this perfect Julian, Mr. Untouchable."

She ran her fingers through her hair anxiously. "And get this - he's a ruthless tyrant at home and work, but to the outside world, he's practically Prince Charming! The whole school adores him, and he's never even had a scandal. He's been the boogeyman for all us, a nightmare we'd rather forget. You dodged a bullet by not going to our school, Rosa. Otherwise, you'd have been hearing 'Julian this, Julian that' day in, day out. We finally caught a break when he went abroad, but now he's back! I've got to be on my best behavior, or I'll never hear the end of it from my friends about letting Uncle Julian down."

“An orange Hermès Kelly in lizard texture,” Rosa said, naming her price.

“Done!” Hannah agreed without hesitation. “As long as we can keep it a secret!”

“Keep what a secret?” Rosa and Hannah turned to see Grandpa Thomas approaching with a man beside him. Thomas was all smiles. “I heard Hannah got into some trouble, so I rushed right over!”

“Grandpa!” Hannah said, clinging to Thomas’s arm and putting on a sweet act. “Your granddaughter has been such a good girl this month, spending all her time with Rosa learning about business.”

Rosa didn’t hear what Hannah just had said; all her attention was fixed on the man Thomas had brought over.

He looked to be in his thirties, with sharp, defined features and an air of calm authority that made him seem like a god from Greek mythology.

When he caught sight of her, surprise flickered in his deep-set eyes, which glimmered with a cold intensity.

Rosa's heart started racing for no apparent reason.

It wasn’t attraction or admiration; it felt more like being prey in the sights of a predator.

Julian Madox.

In that instant, Rosa recognized him—the youngest son of Thomas Madox, the most enigmatic second-generation member of the Madox family.

Just as Rosa was about to say something, his gaze slid past her.

His profile was striking, reminiscent of an ancient Greek sculpture, which felt oddly familiar.

Before she could place him, an annoying voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Rosa, you finally made it! Elijah and I are getting engaged—hope you’re not upset!”

Rosa turned to face the speaker.

Kayla, Elijah's lover.

With a cold smile, Rosa replied, “You don’t get to call me Rosa.”

She knew Kayla’s friendliness was just a way to manipulate her.

Kayla, a mistress, was in a tricky position here, and her greeting was meant to show everyone that she and Rosa were on good terms, as if she had earned Rosa’s forgiveness. That way, when she married Elijah, she wouldn’t look too bad in the headlines in Phenara City.

Rosa scoffed, “You slept with my husband and now you're pretending like nothing happened? Are you serious?”

Kayla’s expression soured as Rosa spoke nothing but the truth.

Kayla always claimed that she started pursuing Elijah only after Rosa and Elijah divorced, but Rosa knew they had been an item long before that! In fact, on the night of Rosa’s wedding, Elijah had reached out to Kayla to comfort her!

“I didn’t!” Kayla put on her usual facade, feigning innocent. “You can’t just slander us because you have issues with me!”

“Really?” Julian chuckled lightly. “Weren’t you two already acquainted long before? In high school, Elijah even had a Sterling family crest ring he wanted to give you.”

“How do you know that?” Kayla gasped, taken aback.

That was her secret with Elijah!

“You shameless bast3rds,” Hannah chimed in, defending her friend. “We don’t want you here!”

Julian waved his hand, and a Madox family servant politely escorted Kayla out.

“Thank you,” Rosa said to the three Madoxs. “Sorry for causing you trouble.”

“Speaking of trouble,” Julian turned to Hannah, “what exactly are you trying to hide from Rosa?”

“Don’t mention it” Hannah said.

“Let me take a guess,” the man said, smiling and showing off his handsome features. “Is it about drunken nights in Phantasm or couples’ diving in the Maldives?”

Bingo.

In that moment, Rosa understood why Hannah viewed her uncle as a nightmare.

To him, they were practically transparent.

Chapter 6 Unknown Shadows

Rosa gaped, thinking, 'How could he possibly be so informed? Didn't he just return today?'

With a clever feign of ignorance, she smoothly replied, "Oh, it was merely some crucial networking. Phenara City is really pushing to expand its tertiary sector, so we went out to conduct some market research."

Julian looked at her with amused disbelief but chose not to press further.

Thomas, who was well aware of the younger generation's penchant for fun and games, chuckled indulgently. "As long as you're taking the initiative, that's the main thing."

Rosa flashed Thomas a grateful smile, about to respond, when Clara, Thomas' adopted daughter, approached with her son Elijah in tow.

"Dad, Julian!" Clara cooed, latching onto Thomas' arm. Her gaze then fell on Rosa, and her voice turned syrupy sweet. "Oh, isn't this Elijah's ex-wife? Elijah, honey, say hello to Rosa."

But Elijah seemed oblivious to his mother's urging. His eyes were locked on Rosa and Julian, a storm brewing in his expression.

He thought, 'My ex-wife shacking up with that college boy Samuel wasn't enough? Now she's eyeing other men too? Was everything she ever told me a lie?'

A cocktail of anger and jealousy roiled in Elijah's gut.

Thomas, ever the diplomat, stepped in to defuse the tension. "Rosa, let me make a proper introduction. This is Julian, my youngest son. Since you're a close friend of Hannah's, treat him a family, just like she does." Thomas stepped in to defuse the tension with the Sterling family, making it clear that Rosa's presence at the gala had nothing to do with them. He aimed to prevent the Sterling family from making a fuss or using the situation against her.

Rosa said with poise, extending her hand to Julian, "Rosa Everly. Pleasure to meet you, Julian."

He shook her hand firmly yet gently. "Julian Madox. The pleasure's all mine, Rosa."

To everyone's surprise, Julian then drew Rosa into a light, warm embrace.

"It's truly a delight to meet you," Julian murmured, his deep, velvety voice sending a pleasant shiver down Rosa's spine.

"May I have this dance?" Julian asked, bowing slightly with one hand extended, the other tucked behind his back in a charming gesture.

"I'd be honored," Rosa replied, placing her hand in his.

She sensed Julian was offering her a graceful escape from the Sterling family's pettiness.

As they floated onto the dance floor, neither of them noticed the fury burning in Elijah's eyes.

He thought, 'She was the one who pursued me first! She practically begged for our marriage! And now she can't even look at me?'

Elijah's fists clenched in barely contained rage.

Rosa whispered as they swayed to the music, "Thank you, Julian. For rescuing me just in time."

Julian's rich voice rumbled above her. "My pleasure. Happy to be of service."

As the song drew to a close, Julian followed etiquette with a kiss on her hand and gently released her from his embrace.

Rosa gracefully stepped back, only to be met by Sebastian, who approached with urgency etched into his features. "Ms. Everly, Samuel just called. There's been a break-in at your villa. The place has been ransacked."

Her eyes turned to cold steel as she absently reached for a cocktail from a passing tray. "Is Samuel hurt?"

Sebastian shook his head. "No, he said he's fine - just some minor injuries he can manage. But he did mention... it was the Sterling family's people who did it."

Rosa barked, downing her cocktail in a single gulp before rattling off the address, "Get a doctor over to Emerald Villa, I'm heading there myself."

Sebastian's expression turned worried. "What about today's gala?"

Rosa's gaze was steely as she looked towards the grand hall. "It's just a party. Samuel's life could be on the line."

She added with a glance towards the cheerful Sterling family, "I'll tell Thomas later. They're going to pay for this."

At Emerald Villa, Rosa found Samuel battered and bruised, with a broken finger among his injuries. Her personal physician was already at work, tending to his wounds.

"I'm staying the night," Rosa declared firmly.

She continued, settling beside him, "They won't dare show up again with me here. You need to rest."

Samuel's voice was barely audible, tinged with guilt. "I'm so sorry for causing trouble. They told me if I valued my life, I should get as far away from you as possible. They're out to hurt you."

Rosa's mind flashed back to the confrontation at the Madox Mansion. "I know. This is on me; they're targeting me. The Sterling family is nothing but bullies who prey on the weak. Once you're healed, there's a job waiting for you at my company." Samuel's eyes widened in disbelief.

Rosa said with a playful smirk, "A finance prodigy from Crestwood University, aren't you? You didn't think I'd keep someone around without checking their background, did you? How would you like a chance to get even?"

Samuel was overwhelmed by emotion.

This woman had not only helped save his father and allowed him to continue his studies but now offered to help him reclaim his dignity.

He looked at her as if she were a goddess sent from the heavens.

Samuel thought to himself, 'Oh, goddess, please shower me with your mercy.'

Rosa, with a phone in one hand and her other gently ruffling his hair, said softly, "Get some rest."

Samuel asked, his disappointment palpable, "You're leaving? I thought you said you'd stay."

Rosa shook her head, regret in her eyes. "I'm sorry, but I have to break that promise. Sebastian will stay with you; he's just as good as me being here."

Changing into a business suit, Rosa left.

She couldn't reveal the real reason for her departure to Samuel.

Just now, as she prepared to stay, she received a new message from the unknown number.

It contained two images: one of the Everly Estate deed and another of a familiar room number.

Standing in front of room 3303 at the Bach Hotel, Rosa knocked softly.

The door wasn't locked, swinging open a crack at her touch.

The room beyond was shrouded in darkness.

Taking a deep breath, Rosa gripped the handle, pushed the door open, and stepped into the unknown shadows that awaited her.
...
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