Under Mason Lawson’s relentless teasing, she finally couldn’t hold back. Biting her lip, a single word escaped from between her full lips: "Yes."

That single word acted like the most potent aphrodisiac, giving the man endless drive. Gripping her waist, he thrust down hard.

The man carried a familiar, woody scent. His warm, broad embrace felt like a safe harbor to Eve Vaughn.

His essence invaded her, seeping into every pore.

Gazing at her expression, a mixture of pain and yearning, Mason Lawson felt all the blood in his body pool in one place, roaring for more.

Eve Vaughn’s thoughts began to drift. She arched her head back, her slender, fair neck forming an alluring curve.

’I just want to be closer to this man, to follow his lead, to yield to him.’

’It was as if only in his arms, being claimed by him, could the anxiety and unease in my heart finally quiet down.’

When it was all over, she hung limply on him, like a helpless rag doll.

Mason Lawson kissed the tears from the corners of her eyes and carried her into the bathroom. He felt a pang of regret, thinking he’d been too rough, and his heart ached for her.

He dripped soothing essential oils into the bathwater.

In the end, he managed to restrain the impulse to take her again.

Mason Lawson had just returned from abroad and was still jet-lagged. Now, he was exhausted.

After their bath, he held her in his arms and fell into a deep sleep.

To Eve Vaughn, being in his arms felt like resting on a cloud—incredibly comfortable and safe.

When they woke up, the sky outside was already dark.

"Mr. Lawson, I’m hungry..."

Eve Vaughn murmured, clutching her stomach.

Mason Lawson nibbled on her earlobe, his voice languid. "Then how about you have me for dinner?"

Her face instantly flushed red, terrified he was about to start all over again.

’After all, I’m exhausted and starving. I really can’t take any more.’

Her adorable, pitiful expression made Mason Lawson’s heart itch with desire.

’But there’s no rush.’

He gave her bottom a light pat. "Alright, get up. I’ll take you out for something delicious."

The moment she heard "something delicious," Eve Vaughn shot right up, full of motivation.

Then, something seemed to occur to her, and she looked at Mason Lawson with a very serious expression.

"What is it?"

Mason Lawson booped her on the nose. "Hurry up and get dressed."

Eve Vaughn clutched her behind and said indignantly, "Can you please stop spanking me all the time? It still hurts!"

"That’s what you get for not listening."

Mason Lawson’s gaze hardened. "Next time you dare to pull a stunt like that when I’m not around, you’ll have me to answer to."

Eve Vaughn still felt aggrieved, but she was afraid that if she talked back, he would punish her again.

She looked especially pitiful, holding her tongue despite wanting to argue.

Seeing her like this, Mason’s heart ached for her. He walked over, ruffled her hair, and softened his tone. "Next time, even if you feel the urge to raise hell, at least wait until I’m around. Otherwise, if I’m overseas, how am I supposed to clean up your mess in time? Hmm?"

Those few words made Eve Vaughn’s sense of security soar!

She threw herself into his arms, nuzzling his chest. "Mr. Lawson, you know what? That was peak boyfriend material right there! I love you so much!"

Mason hugged her close, his tone a mixture of fondness and exasperation. "You little thing. So you only love me when I spoil you rotten, is that it?"

"Of course not! I’ve always loved you, Mr. Lawson. Didn’t you know?"

The young woman in his arms tilted her delicate face up to him. Her smile revealed pearly white teeth, and her expression was pure and bright.

His eyes darkened, and his voice grew husky. "If you don’t get dressed right now, we’re not going out."

Meeting his desire-filled gaze, Eve Vaughn’s heart skipped a beat. She scurried from his embrace like a frightened rabbit.

After they were dressed, Mason Lawson took her to a high-end restaurant by the river for dinner.

The owner had already reserved his usual spot—a private room with the best view of the river.

The massive, curved, floor-to-ceiling windows offered an unobstructed view of the beautiful scenery.

"It’s so beautiful."

Under the neon lights, the river’s surface rippled with the gentle breeze, shimmering with the delicate luster of silk.

Just then, Mason Lawson passed her an exquisite velvet box. "Open it."

Eve Vaughn paused, then, filled with anticipation and curiosity, she opened the rectangular box.

Inside, a rose gold diamond bracelet rested quietly. The diamonds weren’t large and the chain wasn’t thick, but it was dazzling all the same.

The bracelet glittered under the private room’s crystal chandelier.

Mason Lawson came up behind her, encircling her in his arms as he gently fastened it around her wrist.

The bracelet fit her fair, slender wrist perfectly, exuding an understated luxury.

"Do you like it?"

His deep, pleasant voice murmured in her ear.

’I can’t believe he remembered to bring me a gift from his business trip.’

She blushed, nodded, and said, "Thank you. I love it."

Mason Lawson kissed her cheek, then returned to his seat across from her and signaled the waiter to begin service.

"The cherry foie gras here is quite good. You should try it."

Mason Lawson said casually.

But Eve Vaughn’s attention was completely captivated by the brilliant bracelet.

’What girl could possibly resist the allure of jewelry?’

She lifted her hand toward the light, and the diamonds on the bracelet cast a dazzling sparkle.

’I absolutely love it!’

’I want to tell him it’s not just the bracelet I love, but the man who gave it to me.’

When she looked back toward Mason Lawson, she suddenly noticed something was wrong with his expression.

His brow was furrowed, his gaze fixed on something outside.

Eve Vaughn followed his line of sight. On the path by the river, a woman was being accosted by two men.

The woman fought back, hitting them with her purse, but the disparity in strength was too great for her to break free.

When Eve Vaughn got a clear look at the woman, she froze.

’It’s Joanna Sullivan!’

’No wonder... Mason, who never meddles in other people’s affairs, is suddenly so tense, his gaze locked on the scene, unmoving.’

A bitter feeling welled up in Eve Vaughn’s heart. "Maybe... we should call the police?" she suggested cautiously.

’After all, it’s a bit cold tonight, and there aren’t many people walking by the river. Joanna Sullivan is in real danger.’

’Calling the police is the smartest thing to do.’

But to her surprise, Mason Lawson abruptly shot to his feet. "I’ll have Neil Kane take you home," he said, dropping the words without another thought.

And with that, he walked out without a backward glance.

Eve Vaughn was stunned, frozen on the spot. Her heart, which had been soaring with sweetness just moments ago, turned completely cold.

Refusing to accept it, she kept her eyes glued to the scene by the river.

Moments later, she saw Mason Lawson exit the restaurant. He approached the two men accosting Joanna Sullivan, and after he said something to them, they finally let her go.

The next second, Joanna Sullivan threw herself into Mason Lawson’s arms.

Then, a black van pulled up, and Mason Lawson helped Joanna Sullivan into it, his arm around her.

The car sped off, and only after it had vanished from sight did Eve Vaughn finally tear her gaze away.

Her eyes burned with unshed tears. Eve Vaughn blinked hard, stood up, and wandered out of the restaurant, completely crestfallen.

It wasn’t far from Rivaster University, so Eve Vaughn walked back along the river, letting the cold wind whip around her.

’Maybe this was the only way to clear my head.’

’I can’t understand it. How could the man who was so tender and gentle with me one second pull his first love into an embrace the next, leaving without a moment’s hesitation and abandoning me here all alone?’

’The thought I hadn’t had in so long resurfaced: Does Mason Lawson actually like me? Or does he just like the shadow of Joanna Sullivan he sees in me?’

She thought about it until her head ached, but no answer came.

’If all this time, Mason’s kindness toward me was just because of another woman... how pathetic would that make me?’

’I tried so hard to deny that suspicion, but the worry and urgency on Mason’s face when he rushed off to save Joanna Sullivan... it was undeniable.’

’I couldn’t lie to myself.’