Coincidentally, Victoria was wearing a tailored suit with a high collar that morning, so the executives at Sterling Enterprises didn’t notice the marks hidden beneath her collar.
They did notice the tiny bite mark at the corner of her lip, but no one in the company entertained the thought that their boss had a man. In their eyes, President Sterling taking a lover was as likely as pigs flying—it was simply an absolute impossibility.
However...
During the morning executive meeting...
A faint, pleasant smile kept appearing at the corners of Victoria’s lips. Even more shocking was her disposition: her usual icy temper was nowhere to be seen, and the entire meeting proceeded in a light, almost pleasant atmosphere from start to finish.
This was the first time anyone had ever encountered President Sterling looking so approachable!
There was definitely something fishy going on.
"Meeting adjourned," Victoria announced, standing up and sweeping out of the conference room.
The moment she was gone, an executive turned to Evelyn, his face full of curiosity. "Evelyn, what’s the story here?"
"I don’t know either," Evelyn replied, equally bewildered. She was just as baffled by why President Sterling was acting so entirely out of character today.
"Tell us the truth, Evelyn," a male executive pressed. "Is President Sterling in a relationship? That look on her face... it’s the exact same look my daughter gets when she’s head over heels in love."
Another executive immediately shot him down. "In love? What are you talking about?! President Sterling is a total workaholic and hates men. Does she look like the type to fall in love?"
Evelyn stroked her chin thoughtfully. In love?
For some reason, Julian Vance’s face popped into her mind. Could President Sterling actually like Julian?
As soon as the thought emerged, Evelyn shook her head vigorously. How could that be possible?! It was far more likely that President Sterling felt immensely satisfied after personally punishing the guy who had dared to cross her.
"Alright, stop gossiping about President Sterling’s private life," Evelyn warned sternly. "If she catches wind of this, you’re all finished."
The executives quickly shut their mouths and scattered.
A short while later, Evelyn walked into the CEO’s top-floor corner office holding a folder.
"President Sterling," she said, setting it on the glass desk. "This report needs your signature."
"Mhm."
Victoria picked up the document, scanned it thoroughly, and signed her name with a fluid flourish.
As Victoria sat in her high-backed leather chair and Evelyn stood beside the desk, Evelyn caught a glimpse from her higher vantage point—the high collar had shifted slightly, revealing fresh, dark red passion marks scattered across Victoria’s neck. They were identical to the ones from that night at the hotel!
Evelyn stood frozen, completely stunned.
Those marks were definitely brand new. Could it be that President Sterling and Julian had... slept together again?!
Victoria handed the signed folder back to Evelyn, her voice calm and commanding. "I need you to do something for me."
"Yes, President Sterling?"
"Run a deep background check. I want a comprehensive file on Julian Vance—especially his complete relationship history."
Evelyn looked as if she had been struck by lightning. Investigate his relationship history?! Why on earth does President Sterling care about his exes?!
Evelyn couldn’t stop herself from asking, "President Sterling... what do you actually think of Mr. Vance?"
A rare flash of soft tenderness crossed Victoria’s cold eyes. The corners of her red lips curled into a slow, intoxicating smile.
"Julian..." she purred softly. "He is very delicious."
Evelyn: ???
Julian?! Delicious?! What kind of bizarre descriptor is that for a person?!
Evelyn stared in absolute disbelief. Has President Sterling actually fallen in love with him?!
Back at Rose Manor, Julian slept in until one in the afternoon. When he finally woke up, his limbs still felt weak and thoroughly drained.
Still, looking around, he was glad there were no chains binding him to the bed anymore. His sacrifices last night had at least bought him his freedom.
Julian walked into the master bathroom, washed his face, and looked at his reflection in the mirror. He shook his head.
If I’m going to live off a wealthy heiress long-term, I need to keep her completely hooked—and keeping up my appearance is key.
He tossed the original host’s outdated, thick-rimmed glasses straight into the trash can. Raking a hand through his hair to style it, he slipped one hand into his pocket and headed downstairs.
When the estate servants saw him walking down the grand staircase, their eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. He walked with total ease, looking completely unharmed!
So Miss Sterling locking him in her bedroom wasn’t to torture him after all...
A young maid suddenly squealed with excitement. "I won! I won the bet! Pay up! Pay up right now!"
"You owe me two hundred!"
"You, three hundred!"
"And you, five hundred!"
"That’s a thousand dollars total! Hand it over!"
The losing servants muttered in disbelief as they pulled out their wallets. "How is this possible? How could Miss Sterling actually bring a man back just to keep him in her bed?!"
With Miss Sterling’s icy, untouchable personality, the idea of her falling for a man was mind-boggling. Yet the evidence was right in front of them—the man was walking around freely, looking completely fine.
Sighing, the servants reluctantly handed over their lost cash.
Looking at the thick stack of hundred-dollar bills in her hand, the winning maid was practically beaming. "I’ve never won a bet in my life! Master Vance, you’re literally my God of Wealth!"
She made a mental note right then and there: Treat Master Vance with absolute respect from now on. Believing in Master Vance brings good fortune!
Butler Chen stepped forward, greeting him with a warm, respectful bow. "Master Vance, I am the head butler of Rose Manor. My surname is Chen; you may call me Butler Chen. We have lunch prepared for you. Please follow me to the dining room."
"Sure. Thanks, Butler Chen," Julian nodded politely.
As he walked through the sprawling mansion, Julian couldn’t help but feel impressed. As expected of one of the top elite families in the country, the level of luxury here was something a mid-tier wealthy family like the Vances couldn’t even dream of competing with.
While Julian was enjoying his meal, Butler Chen stood nearby and asked hesitantly, "Master Vance... were you alright last night?"
Julian paused, giving Butler Chen a flat, unreadable look.
Could he really tell the old man the truth? That he had been thoroughly squeezed dry by his young mistress? Last night was the first time Julian realized a woman could possess such terrifying, relentless stamina.
Julian remained silent, but his tired expression said everything.
Butler Chen cleared his throat awkwardly. "Master Vance, our Young Mistress can be a bit... overly enthusiastic. Please be patient with her."
Julian buried his face in his bowl, refusing to comment. This is mortifying. There is literally nothing to say.
"Don’t worry, Master Vance," Butler Chen added cheerfully, leaning in slightly. "Starting today, I will have the kitchen staff prepare herbal tonic soups and research physical training regimens to help improve your... vitality."
As a loyal butler, he had to do everything in his power to support the intimate affairs of Master Vance and Miss Sterling. That way, Rose Manor might welcome a young master or mistress even sooner!