The man’s fiery kiss moved to her earlobe, sending a slight shiver through her.

But in the end, Eve Vaughn couldn’t overcome her reservations. She pushed against him, frowning. "Mr. Lawson, can you please show me some respect?"

Mason Lawson finally restrained himself and stopped. He looked down at the serious girl beneath him and asked in a hoarse voice, "How am I being disrespectful?"

Eve Vaughn said in frustration, "I told you last time. I don’t like being intimate anywhere but the bedroom. I’m not into that kind of thrill."

Mason Lawson didn’t say anything. He caressed her smooth cheek, then got up to straighten his clothes before helping her adjust hers as well.

He decided not to tease her any further in the car.

The car fell quiet. The girl’s face was flushed and hot.

She stole a cautious glance at Mason Lawson. "Mr. Lawson, are you angry?"

The corner of Mason Lawson’s mouth curved into a smirk. He gave her a pointed look. "You don’t like thrills, but I do. So, what should we do about that?"

Eve Vaughn froze. ’How was she supposed to answer that?’

Mason Lawson’s smile deepened. He couldn’t bring himself to force her to go along with his whims. "I’m kidding. Since you don’t like it, I’ll be more mindful from now on, alright?"

Eve Vaughn finally let out a sigh of relief. She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Thank you."

Mason Lawson pulled her back into his arms and tweaked her nose. "We haven’t seen each other for a few days, and now you’re getting all formal with me?"

"This isn’t me being formal, it’s a heartfelt thank you!" the girl said earnestly, her bright eyes fixed on him.

Mason Lawson’s throat tightened. ’He didn’t know why he lost all control around this girl.’

’He’d never thought of himself as a man with particularly strong desires before.’

’But now, a single glance from Eve Vaughn was enough to make him ache with desire.’

’He even had a twisted urge to torment her, to do thrilling things in thrilling places, just to see her face turn so red it looked ready to bleed.’

Eve Vaughn felt a little unsettled by his intense gaze and quickly turned to look out the window.

Mason Lawson snapped out of his reverie and had the driver get in the car.

For dinner, Mason Lawson chose a private kitchen.

Eve Vaughn had wanted to go to a trendy restaurant that Aria had visited. Aria said the ambiance was great and perfect for couples to take pictures.

So she’d wanted to go there with Mason Lawson.

But she noticed that whenever they ate out now, Mason Lawson always chose restaurants with a high degree of privacy.

’Eve Vaughn knew Mason Lawson was compromising for the sake of Old Mr. Lawson’s authority.’

’But she didn’t blame him. In fact, she didn’t want Mason to get into another fight with his grandfather over her.’

So, she didn’t mention her wish to visit the trendy restaurant, instead following him to the upscale, expensive private kitchen.

"Eat up. I haven’t been around to make sure you’re eating, and you’ve gotten thinner."

Mason Lawson ordered many of her favorite dishes and kept putting more food in her bowl.

Eve Vaughn felt warmed by his concern. She said sweetly, "That’s because I was missing you, wasn’t it? What’s that poem... something about withering away from longing for your love!"

Mason was thoroughly pleased by her flattery, and it sent his mind racing.

He knew she was just buttering him up, but he still smiled and asked, "Really? You lost weight just from missing me?"

"It’s true!" Eve Vaughn said, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "From now on, if I want to lose weight, I’ll just think about you really hard. The pounds will just melt away!"

Mason Lawson’s eyes narrowed, a dangerous edge to his voice. "You little thing. Are you making fun of me? Who gave you the nerve?"

With that, he reached out to tickle her waist. Eve Vaughn yelped and jumped to her feet, as that was her most ticklish spot.

"Mason Lawson, you’re the worst!"

she whined playfully, laughing all the while.

But Mason Lawson just pulled her into his arms. "Say it again."

"M-Mr. Lawson..."

The girl thought he was angry that she’d used his full name. After all, it was a bit disrespectful.

But to her surprise, Mason simply held her by the waist, his handsome face drawing near. "Evie, say my name again."

’So that’s it,’ Eve Vaughn realized. ’Mason Lawson has a quirk... he likes being called by his full name?’

’Could it be because everyone outside calls him ’Mr. Lawson’ or ’President Lawson,’ and he’s sick of it?’

...

Meanwhile, outside the private room, The Third Madam and Joanna Sullivan heard Mason Lawson’s name and stopped in their tracks.

They asked the owner and learned that Mason Lawson was, in fact, dining at the private kitchen tonight.

Not only that, but he had brought a young woman with him.

Even without looking, they knew that young woman had to be Eve Vaughn.

Joanna Sullivan’s expression instantly darkened, her face sullen.

The Third Madam was grinding her teeth in frustration. She was about to push the door open when Joanna Sullivan stopped her.

"Aunt, don’t!"

Joanna Sullivan sighed. "If you go in there now, Mason will think I put you up to it."

The Third Madam said angrily, "I don’t care what he thinks! I refuse to stand by and watch that shameless hussy ruin him!"

Joanna Sullivan continued to block her. "Some time ago, because of that video incident with Julian Lawson and Eve Vaughn, he realized he’d misunderstood me. He apologized and even said he’d treat me to dinner sometime. I’ve finally managed to smooth things over with him. If you go in there now and make him angry with me again, all that progress will be for nothing, won’t it?"

Only then did The Third Madam back down. "Mason said he’d treat you to dinner?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Yes." A blissful smile touched Joanna Sullivan’s lips. "After all, we have years of history. We were even close to getting married back then. Now that he feels guilty for misunderstanding me, I have to seize this opportunity. I refuse to believe that his two-month fling with Eve Vaughn can outweigh the years we shared."

Although The Third Madam wanted her niece to marry Mason Lawson, she couldn’t help but offer a word of caution. "Don’t get too optimistic. Old Mr. Lawson is trying to arrange a marriage for Mason again—with that same Shaw Family from before."

Joanna Sullivan’s eyes widened. "But I heard that Miss Shaw was so arrogant she wouldn’t even give Mason the time of day."

"Who knows? Apparently, Miss Shaw has agreed now. After all, the Shaw Family is a prominent household in Calypsos, so of course Old Mr. Lawson wants to make that connection. I heard he’s having Mason take her to the Crimson Spring Resort this weekend, saying it will help them bond."

At The Third Madam’s words, Joanna Sullivan’s hands clenched into tight fists, her expression turning grim.

She muttered, "Back then, I was so determined to make a name for myself just so Old Mr. Lawson would look at me with respect. I can’t believe that now that I’ve finally succeeded, I’m still not good enough for the Lawson Family. Even Mason... doesn’t want me anymore."

The Third Madam quickly comforted her. "Don’t think like that. This Miss Shaw doesn’t seem like the easy-going type. If Old Mr. Lawson insists on forcing them together, we’ll just wait for the right moment and leak the story about Eve Vaughn and Mason. What major family would tolerate their future son-in-law keeping a mistress before the wedding? Besides, I heard that Eve Vaughn and this Miss Shaw are roommates."

Joanna Sullivan felt a little more at ease after hearing her aunt’s words.

’In any case, whether it was Eve Vaughn or some Miss Shaw, she wouldn’t allow anyone to steal Mason Lawson from her.’

They cast one last, long look at the closed door of the private room before leaving together.

Inside the room, the couple remained oblivious to the fact that Joanna Sullivan and The Third Madam had just been standing right outside their door.

After teasing Eve Vaughn in his arms for a little longer, Mason said, "Hurry up and eat. If you keep provoking me, I can’t guarantee I won’t do something to you."

Properly intimidated, the girl finally started eating obediently.

’Mason felt that being with a girl like her was like returning to his college days.’

’Back in college, thanks to The Third Madam’s matchmaking, he and Joanna Sullivan had also shared a period of playful bliss, where she would cause mischief and he would just smile.’

’After Joanna Sullivan left, his world had fallen silent, leaving only endless struggle and the thirst for power.’

’He hadn’t felt this young in a very long time.’

’Eve Vaughn’s arrival had reawakened his desire for love. He wanted to tease her, but he also wanted to cherish her.’

’He wanted to be the reason for all her tears and all her laughter.’

After dinner, Eve Vaughn said she didn’t want to head back to campus so early. She’d rather just walk along the road with Mason Lawson than ride in the car.

Though it was freezing outside, as long as Mason was by her side, Eve Vaughn didn’t feel the cold at all.

As they neared the campus, Eve Vaughn felt a pang of reluctance. "Mr. Lawson," she whispered, "tomorrow’s the weekend. Do you... have any plans?"

Mason Lawson hesitated. He thought about his grandfather’s order to take Miss Shaw to the Crimson Spring Resort for the weekend.

He certainly wasn’t going to tell Eve that, lest her imagination run wild.

So he asked, "Why? Do you have plans for the weekend?"

Eve Vaughn pouted, a hint of dissatisfaction in her voice. "Ever since you went back to the Lawson estate, I feel like we’re sneaking around again. I can understand it on weekdays, but can’t we even spend the weekend together?"

In the end, she couldn’t help but say what was on her mind.

’She hadn’t wanted to cause him any trouble.’

But when you love someone, reason often flies out the window, and you can’t stop yourself from pouring out your heart.

Mason felt a bit helpless. He leaned down to kiss her, comforting her, "I have plans this weekend, so I can’t be with you. How about next week? I don’t have many social obligations next week, so I’ll have more free time."

Eve Vaughn forced a smile and nodded. "You can’t go back on your word next week, okay?"

"Deal."

Mason agreed, but he felt a pang of guilt over her simple, earnest trust.

’He could only hope that he could make things clear with Regina Shaw at the Crimson Spring Resort this weekend and convince her to back down.’

Eve Vaughn wished the walk back was longer so she could spend more time with Mason.

But unfortunately, they reached the campus gate before she knew it.

She couldn’t bear to say goodbye. ’Women in love are really something else,’ she even thought to herself.

The thought of not seeing him for the entire weekend made her heart feel hollow.

Mason hugged her, murmuring, "Take care of yourself. Call me if you need anything, understand?"

"Mhm."

His words always made her feel so secure.

After agreeing, Eve stood on her tiptoes to press a quick kiss to his lips before hurrying onto campus.

Mason watched her retreating figure, fighting the urge to pull her back and kiss her properly.

’But they were at the campus entrance. Even though there weren’t many people around at night, he still had to be discreet.’

...

When Eve Vaughn got back to her dorm room, Aria was gone. She now spent every weekend with Todd Hayes, from Friday until Sunday night.

Nina Steele was out working her part-time job again.

Only Regina Shaw was there, sitting in her chair and talking on the phone. She sounded extremely impatient. "I know, Mom! How many times are you going to say it? I get it, I get it! I absolutely will not mess this up, and I won’t be difficult. Happy now?"

Eve had no interest in prying into other people’s private lives, but listening to Regina’s conversation, she couldn’t help but think to herself, ’Even a pampered heiress like Regina Shaw seems to have her own share of troubles.’

’I wonder what she promised her mother. She sounds so reluctant.’

Just then, Eve Vaughn’s phone rang.

She answered, and Mia Kendall’s voice came through. "Evie, let’s go to Crimson Spring Resort together tomorrow! You know, the one Eric Kendall opened."

Eve rolled her eyes. "You still dare to go there? Have you forgotten what happened last time? We were sneaking around like rats! Besides, he can’t stand the sight of you. Why would you go looking for trouble?"

Mia paused for a moment before explaining, "Things are different between us now. Besides, that resort is getting super popular, and it’s getting cold out. It would be so nice to go soak in the hot springs! Unless... you have other plans with Mason Lawson for the weekend?"

"No, I don’t." Eve thought for a moment. If she stayed in the dorm all weekend, she’d just be stuck in an awkward staring contest with Regina Shaw.

Especially since Regina had a spoiled princess’s temper. Eve was genuinely afraid of starting a fight with her, so it was better to keep her distance.

So, she agreed to Mia’s plan.

Mia said, "Then it’s a date! Wait for me at the campus gate at seven tomorrow morning. I’ll come get you!"

"Okay. Get some rest."

Eve hung up, and Regina was still on the phone with her mother.

Eve could hear her saying irritably, "Six? No way! I told you, I can’t get up that early. How about this: have him pick me up at eight. I’m not driving that far myself!"

’What a coincidence,’ Eve thought. ’Looks like Regina is going out tomorrow, too.’

Early the next morning, Mia came to pick her up.

Eve packed a couple of changes of clothes. When she left the room, Regina was still fast asleep with her head under the covers.

It was a little over an hour’s drive to Crimson Spring Resort.

They arrived just in time for the breakfast buffet.

By the time they finished eating, it was already past nine.

The two of them had just stepped out of the buffet restaurant when they abruptly stopped in their tracks.

Mason Lawson and Regina Shaw were walking past not far away. The path was narrow, making them appear to be standing quite close.

Mia couldn’t help but gasp. "Is... is that... isn’t that Mason Lawson? But who is that woman with him?"